February 11, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Navy has responded to recent allegations originating from Tamil Nadu, India, concerning attacks on Indian fishermen and damage to their vessels in the Palk Strait, emphasising that it distances itself from these allegations.
In a clarification, the Navy suggested that the reported incidents might involve altercations between local fishermen and poachers operating within Sri Lankan territorial waters.
In recent times, there have been reports of clashes between Sri Lankan fishermen and unidentified individuals within the Palk Strait region. However, the Sri Lanka Navy has clarified that these incidents are likely conflicts between local fish workers and trespassing poachers rather than targeted attacks on Indian fishermen.
The Navy’s statement aims to dispel any misconceptions and assure neighboring India of its commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region.
By providing this clarification, Sri Lanka seeks to foster mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries regarding maritime issues in the Palk Strait.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe expresses optimism of contesting the upcoming Presidential election: also says SL will not allow anything that would jeopardize India’s security.
Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe says many countries which have raised concerns about SL’s Online Safety Bill have similar statutes in their own countries: asserts there are over 5,000 complaints regarding abuse of the online system: also says those who are concerned about the new law must say they will take responsibility to control all such incidents and look after the grievances of the victims.
Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera says SL is in talks with India to establish a multi-product oil pipeline connecting Nagapattnam, Trincomalee Tank Farm and Colombo.
Ceylon Electricity Board General Manager Narendra de Silva says CEB is planning to reduce its workforce to just 18,000: also says the problems in the energy sector were a key reason for the economic crisis in the country.
Cabinet approval is being sought to enable India to select a supplier to develop the IT system for the Indian-funded digital ID project after the disqualification of the two initial bidders.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s NPP delegation returns after a 5-day official visit to India: says comprehensive details about the visit would be made public at a press conference in the coming days.
Reports emerge that the Inland Revenue Dept and Bribery Commission have so far failed to start any investigation into the Sri Lankans mentioned in the “Pandora Papers” published in October’21 by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists.
A man whose family was crippled in a drunk driving incident involving a 44-year old businessman Mallawa Kumara last year, allegedly shoots and wounds the businessman near the Thattewa Cemetery, Anamaduwa.
Navy distances itself from allegations made in Tamil Nadu that unidentified persons were attacking Indian fishermen on the Palk Strait and damaging their fishing vessels: says irate local fish workers could be brawling with poachers within the territorial waters of Sri Lanka.
SL’s best two white ball bowlers Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva and Mahesh Theekshana due to take lessons from Australia’s Craig Howard who never played for his country and most followers in the island have never heard of: SL Cricket has contracted Howard as the Spin-bowling coach for a 2-year period from 1st Feb’24.
February 11, Colombo (LNW): The first press conference called in by the National People’s Power (NPP) following the conclusion of its official Indian tour will be held at the Party Headquarters in Pelawatta today (11) at 10.30 am.
The Party delegate that visited India based on an invitation by the Indian government included NPP/JVP Leader MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake, MP Vijitha Herath, Party Secretary General Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe, and National Executive Member Prof. Anil Jayantha.
The NPP’s first press conference after its official Indian tour will be broadcast live on our YouTube Channel. Subscribe to our YouTube to watch the briefing live.
February 11, Colombo (LNW): Adani Group is negotiating with Sri Lankan authorities to manage three airports in the island nation, including its premier international gateway, Bandarnaike International Airport in Colombo.
Sri Lanka’s minister for tourism, land, sports, and youth affairs, Harin Fernando, said on Friday that modalities are being discussed between the two sides and could involve management contracts as well.
Other airports being offered are Ratmalana Airport in Colombo and Mattala Airport, the latter earning the tag of the world’s emptiest international airport seven years ago.
“There are plans to work with Adani Group for the management of airports,” Fernando told businessline on the sidelines of the OTM travel show in Mumbai.
The plan to rope in a private partner to manage airports comes amid a resurgence in tourism. Foreign tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka doubled to 1.48 million in 2023 on a year-on-year basis.
This, however, has put a strain on the country’s airport infrastructure. It is hoped that a private partner would help in expanding the facilities and improving the passenger experience.
If the deal goes through, it could be Adani Group’s first overseas aviation foray. In Sri Lanka, it is already present in ports and the renewable energy sector.
Last November, the group secured $553 million funding from the US International Development Finance Corporation for its west container terminal project in Colombo. The US backing was widely viewed as a move to curb Chinese influence in the region.
The Adani Group currently has a portfolio of eight airports (including the upcoming Navi Mumbai airport) in the country, serving 23 per cent of India’s passenger base.
“We are happy with tourism growth. In January, we received 208,000 tourists, and in the first seven days of February, we had 60,000 tourists.
Our numbers are trending well, and forward bookings are looking great,” Fernando said. India is the largest source market for the country, accounting for 37 per cent of all arrivals in CY 2023. The Sri Lankan government is also targeting wealthy Indians to park their yachts at their marinas as a part of its marine tourism policy.
“We are targeting 2.3 million tourists in 2024, and we are quite hopeful we will reach the target. By 2030, we hope to attract four million visitors. That’s why we have to go for massive development projects,” he remarked.
Fernando said new investments are being made in the hospitality sector, and the government is also framing a homestay policy. While ITC is launching its maiden international hotel in Colombo, international brands such as IHG and Ritz Carlton are also developing properties in Sri Lanka.
February 11, Colombo (LNW): Mainly fair weather will prevail over the island, with fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph being expected at times in eastern slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-Central, Southern,North-western, Uva and Eastern provinces, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (11).
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Mainly fair weather will prevail in the sea areas around the island.
Winds:
Winds will be north-easterly and wind speed will be (25-35)kmph. Wind speed may increase up to (55-60) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota, And from Colombo to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coasts from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota and from Colombo to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam, can be rough at times. Other sea areas around the island will be slight to moderate.
CSO – NGO Collective is a network consisting of organisations and individual activists, formed to address challenges faced by civil society organizations and NGOs and to promote and protect fundamental freedoms of association, assembly and expression. Previously, in being made aware of the State’s intention to introduce a legislation governing diverse civil society, the Collective had discussions with the Secretariat for Non Governmental Organizations and presented proposals with a clear position that there must be protection of fundamental freedoms and civic space in Sri Lanka.
On 30th January 2024, 12 representatives from 6 districts of the core group of the Collective, met the Director General (DG) of the Secretariat for Non Governmental Organizations, on invitation from the Secretariat, an institution functioning under the Ministry of Public Security. The DG had stated the objective of this meeting was to share with us the proposed draft of the proposed Non-governmental Organizations (Registration and Supervision) Act.
Despite our request, the draft was not shared with us before the meeting. During the meeting, hard copies of the proposed draft law in English were shared with us and is available here….
The DG explained that this process was initiated in 2005 and that there were several discussions between the Collective and the present subject Minister and him since 2022 September on the subject of a new legislation. He also referred to a previous draft that was withdrawn and updated the group about next steps. These would include incorating feedback and finalizing draft, seeking opinion of the Attorney General about constitutionality, cabinet approval and publishing as a gazette.
We highlighted the process we had engaged in since about 2018 which included engaging in countrywide consultations leading to submitting a draft law and guiding principles for a legal framework for not-for-profit sector to previous and present government. We emphasized this process was initiated at the request of the present President and then Prime Minister, and that the draft law and guidelines were also submitted to the present Minister one year ago, in January 2023.
Whilst we submitted our recommendations considering the process undertaken by the State, given the present environment and context, the Collective has continuously stood by position that diverse civil society organizations must not be coerced to come within a single law when the present legal framework provides for civil society to legally register under diverse mechanisms in accordance with the fundamental freedoms enshrined in our constitution.
We emphasized that consultations of the state on the draft law should not be limited to our Collective alone, as we do not represent all of civil society and NGOs in Sri Lanka. But we committed to share the draft that has been given to us with our network and make it publicly available. As there were no clear commitment to translate the present draft, we also committed to do informal translations of the draft law and make them publicly available to enable more engagement.
We highlighted translating the document to Sinhalese and Tamil, doing careful study, holding consultations with our large network and drafting feedback will take time and requested three months to provide feedback. But the DG requested feedback in three weeks.
We hope to share with DG our observations on the draft law based on our constitution and international standards related to human rights and fundamental freedoms, particularly on freedoms of association and expression. We will be doing this considering also the broader political-legal context of repressive laws and reprisals against civil society activists, lawyers, journalists and others.
On behalf of CSO Collective Maithreyi Rajasingam Philip Dissanayake, Rohana Hettiarachchie N. Harsha Jayarathna
In a significant diplomatic move, Sri Lanka’s first Ambassador to Senegal, Kana Kananathan, engaged in bilateral discussions with Senegalese President Macky Sall, receiving a warm welcome at the Presidential Palace. The primary objective of the meeting was to strengthen diplomatic ties and explore avenues for mutual benefits between the two nations.
The discussions between Ambassador Kananathan and President Macky Sall covered various areas of cooperation, with a particular focus on trade and bilateral relations. The meeting, held at the Presidential Palace, aimed to foster collaboration and identify opportunities for mutual growth.
A pivotal aspect of the discussions centered around potential business ventures for Sri Lankan entrepreneurs in Senegal. Ambassador Kananathan highlighted the capabilities and expertise of Sri Lankan businesses, expressing a keen interest in contributing to Senegal’s economic development.
Infrastructure development and collaboration in the thriving fish processing and export industry in Senegal were highlighted as key areas for potential cooperation. The President welcomed the prospect of Sri Lankan businessmen participating in Senegal’s economic landscape, acknowledging the potential for shared success and prosperity.
Ambassador Kananathan conveyed the eagerness of Sri Lankan entrepreneurs to invest and partner with their Senegalese counterparts, emphasizing the potential for mutually beneficial ventures.
It’s worth noting that in 2021, Ambassador Kananathan actively collaborated with President Macky Sall during his dedicated advocacy mission for Sri Lanka. The Republic of Senegal demonstrated unwavering support for Sri Lanka during this pivotal diplomatic exchange.
Senegal’s economic landscape is recognized as one of the fastest-growing in sub-Saharan Africa, with dynamic sectors such as mining, construction, fishing, and agriculture driving its growth.
In a related political development, Senegal’s parliament recently voted to delay the presidential election until December 15, postponing the originally planned February 25 vote. This extension effectively extends President Macky Sall’s 12-year tenure, marking a significant political development in the country.
February 10, Colombo (LNW): In response to the rising interest of the country’s youth in agriculture driven by smart technology, Minister of Irrigation, Wildlife, and Forest Conservation Pavithra Wanniarachchi has sought financial and technical support from the World Bank. The Minister made this request during discussions with World Bank representatives about the progress of a multi-phase climate mitigation program aimed at reducing climate impacts.
The special discussion, held at the Irrigation Ministry, involved Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Irrigation State Minister Shasheendra Rajapaksa, and representatives from the World Bank, including South Asia Regional Director for Sustainable Development Dina Umali-Deininger and Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management Practice Manager Abhas Jha.
Minister Wanniarachchi highlighted the increasing trend of young people leaving the country for foreign jobs and emphasized the need for basic capital and proper guidance to channel the youth toward agriculture, particularly in areas like polytunnel greenhouses and smart technology-driven farming.
Cultivation in polytunnel greenhouses has gained popularity among the youth in the Mahaweli region, and efforts are underway to enhance and expand this practice. The Minister requested World Bank support for the establishment of smart technical agriculture alongside irrigation development.
During the discussion, World Bank representatives urged the acceleration of the multi-phase climate mitigation program and emphasized the need for a strategic plan to swiftly achieve project objectives. Both parties agreed to award and complete contracts for projects worth up to US$ 51 million before May 31, prioritizing economically effective initiatives.
The discussion also focused on the implementation and timely completion of the climate mitigation program within specified target dates. Irrigation Ministry Secretary Saman Darshana Padikorala, Project Director Bandula Sirimal, and other officials were present during the meeting.
The multi-phase climate mitigation program, initiated in 2021 and implemented in three phases, aims to address climate impacts. The total cost of the project is US$ 434 million, with the World Bank contributing US$ 92 million for the first phase, set to be completed in 2026. The primary goal of the first phase is to increase the number of people benefiting from improved weather and flood early warning systems.
February 10, Colombo (LNW): In a significant stride towards stabilizing the country’s energy finances, Sri Lanka’s Power and Energy State Minister, D. V. Chanaka, announced the successful revenue generation of US$ 3 million through the sale of 5,200 MT of fuel via the revived bunkering system for vessels. This accomplishment marks a positive development in Sri Lanka’s efforts to ensure energy security and navigate global oil price fluctuations.
State Minister Chanaka highlighted the establishment of a US$ 200 million buffer stock as a proactive measure to mitigate future economic fluctuations and secure energy resources. This strategic move demonstrates the government’s commitment to long-term energy security and financial stability.
Reflecting on past challenges, State Minister Chanaka recalled a time when Sri Lanka faced fuel shortages and long queues. However, he commended the collective efforts that have led to the nation’s gradual progress and stability in oil supply. He expressed gratitude to all involved parties for their dedication and collaboration.
The State Minister proudly announced that Sri Lanka currently holds the largest oil reserves in its recent history, indicating a substantial improvement in fuel security and preparedness. He reassured the public about the maintenance of a balanced petroleum legal corporation dollar system, highlighting responsible financial management within the sector.
To further enhance energy security, the government is building a US$ 200 million buffer stock to safeguard against potential economic shocks. Additionally, they maintain a weekly supply of dollars to meet immediate needs, showcasing responsible financial management.
State Minister Chanaka detailed the current fuel stock, exceeding 75,410 tons and comprising various types of fuel for vehicles, aviation, and power generation. This achievement results from securing long-term contracts through tender procedures, ensuring a steady supply for the next six months.
He acknowledged the seasonal rise in global oil prices due to winter in Europe but expressed optimism for a decrease after March. The government plans to leverage this anticipated price drop to benefit consumers. State Minister Chanaka also highlighted the elimination of late payment fees since 2023, achieved through strategic storage of ships upon arrival and timely purchases using available dollars.
In a bid to optimize pricing and reduce costs, Sri Lanka is transitioning from the traditional tender method to an auction system for oil procurement. This initiative, almost 95 percent implemented, leverages expertise from the oil storage terminal for effective execution.
The revival of the bunkering system, allowing ships to refuel, generated US$ 3 million in revenue in 2024. Plans are underway to expand this service by providing diesel to vessels soon, further contributing to Sri Lanka’s thriving energy sector.
February 10, Colombo (LNW): In a remarkable discovery, a priceless gemstone containing a pure water bubble, known as an enhydro crystal, has been found in a gem mine in the Eheliyagoda area. The National Gem and Jewellery Authority estimates the ancient gem’s size to be an astounding 110,000 carats, making it an extraordinary historical artifact.
The gem’s owner expressed the belief that studying this unique gemstone could unveil significant historical facts about Sri Lanka. Enhydro crystals, cherished for their water bubble inclusion, have a long history of being sought after by the wealthy for their purported health benefits.
Traditionally, individuals interested in these gemstones choose to exhibit them in museums or antique showcases, allowing a global audience to appreciate their rarity rather than using them personally. Many believe that enhydro crystals reflect, amplify, and focus beneficial rays, transmitting energy that can positively impact the human body.
Throughout history, people have held the belief that gazing at an enhydro crystal can enhance emotional and mental well-being and even aid in the recovery from illness. The crystals are also thought to act as catalysts for maintaining bright and healthy relationships, purifying emotional thoughts, and promoting wisdom and truthfulness.
Given these perceived attributes, enhydro crystals are considered ideal charms to be displayed in public places, contributing to the prosperity, love, and health of society. The discovery of this rare enhydro crystal in Eheliyagoda is not only a geological marvel but also a potential key to unlocking historical mysteries embedded in Sri Lanka’s rich past.
