At a recent discussion in Colombo, Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda pledged dedicated efforts to safeguard fishermen’s rights as the Draft regulations related to the ILO C188- Work in Fishing Convention, 2007, were presented. Alongside Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara, State Fisheries Minister Piyal Nishantha De Silva, Australian High Commissioner Paul Stephens, and Director of ILO Country Office for Sri Lanka and the Maldives Simrin Singh, Minister Devananda emphasized the significant benefits of ratifying C188.

The Minister highlighted that ratifying and complying with C188 would not only enhance working conditions and create employment but would also bolster the sector’s global competitiveness, offering substantial economic returns and fostering long-term growth and sustainability in Sri Lanka’s vital fisheries sector. Given its role in food security, nutrition, trade, employment, and export earnings, the fisheries sector’s development is pivotal, especially amid the ongoing economic challenges.

Emphasizing the government’s commitment to fortify the fisheries sector and ensure decent work conditions, the draft regulations will contribute to a joint Cabinet Paper by the Labour and Foreign Employment Ministry and the Fisheries Ministry, advancing Sri Lanka’s ratification of C188.

Minister Devananda introduced the Draft Act, incorporating new rules and regulations into the existing Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act of 1996. Drawing inspiration from his family’s involvement in the Trade Union movement, he stressed his earnest dedication to this cause, citing his father and uncle’s pioneering work with the International Labour Organisation.

Expressing confidence in Sri Lanka’s efforts to finalize and ratify the convention with the support of all stakeholders, Minister Devananda underlined the necessity of granting fishers the rights and protections they deserve, aligning the Ministry with the decent work agenda for the Fisheries Sector.

Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara echoed strong support for Sri Lanka’s ratification of C188, considering it a legal and moral obligation to provide dignity of work to fishers and an integral part of broader efforts to fortify social-security systems for private sector workers.

Australian High Commissioner Paul Stephens emphasized Australia’s commitment to enhancing economic opportunities for Sri Lankans, particularly in the fisheries sector, through investments in various value chains. He expressed hope for the government’s progression in ratifying C188.

Simrin Singh, Director of ILO Country Office for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, highlighted the convention’s significance in providing dignity and protection for workers, showcasing promising prospects for industry growth. The ILO pledged unwavering support for Sri Lanka’s strides toward the earliest ratification of C188.

The presence of Fisheries Ministry Secretary Indu Rathnayake and senior officials underscored the collective commitment towards advancing Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector and ensuring the welfare of its workers.

Gathering in Guangzhou and Kunming for the fifth World Media Summit, attendees from diverse global regions praised China’s modernization efforts, citing it as an inspiration for the world. They highlighted the summit as an opportunity to witness firsthand China’s approach to modernization, rooted in a people-centered philosophy and a strong emphasis on innovation.

Mohamad Malli from the Lebanese Ministry of Information expressed a transformative shift in perception, acknowledging China’s cleanliness, natural beauty, and the politeness and education of its people, contrary to previous impressions of poverty.

Guillermo Franco Gallegos from Grupo Multimedios in Mexico echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the necessity of experiencing China firsthand to dispel misconceptions perpetuated by media portrayals.

Participants, including Peter Tata Mabu from Cameroon News, stressed that physically experiencing China reshaped their understanding, revealing the nation’s rich civilization beyond preconceived notions.

Janna Tolstikova, CEO of TV BRICS, highlighted the significance of events like the World Media Summit in enabling participants to witness the reality of China’s development.

A recurring theme among experts was China’s commitment to people-centered modernization, prioritizing citizens’ well-being and quality of life. Mark Levine, an American professor at the Minzu University of China, emphasized this focus on improving lives and living conditions as the foundation of China’s development.

Renowned British scholar Martin Jacques praised China’s people-oriented modernization, focusing on humanizing modernity and prioritizing spiritual needs over consumerism.

Zafar Uddin Mahmood from the Understanding China Forum in Pakistan emphasized that a society’s prosperity is intricately linked to the well-being of its people, lauding China’s achievement in lifting nearly 800 million rural individuals out of poverty.

Participants marveled at China’s rapid modernization, citing advancements in train systems, construction, autonomous vehicles, and technological innovation. Chun Wai Wong from the Malaysian National News Agency praised China’s consistent progress, remarking on the country’s innovation-driven strategy.

Visits to technological hubs like Huawei village and Tencent headquarters organized by Xinhua left a lasting impact, impressing attendees with China’s technological advancements and robust support for talent development.

Jose Juan Sanchez from Brazil’s CMA Group and Khalid Mubarak SH S Al-Shafi from The Peninsula Newspaper in Qatar commended China’s technological prowess, emphasizing their amazement at the pace of development during their visits.

Roy Iwan Lie-Atjam from the Netherlands’ Diplomat Magazine reflected on the eye-opening experience, vowing to rectify misconceptions about China through honest reporting.

The collective consensus among participants underscored the significance of firsthand experiences in reshaping perceptions of China’s modernization and technological advancements.

The recent 5th World Media Summit in Guangzhou, China, saw the participation of Prof. Harendra Kariyawasam, Chairman of the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (ANCL), representing Sri Lanka. In his address, Prof. Kariyawasam emphasized the historical ties between China and Sri Lanka, citing the ancient Silk Road and Maritime Silk Route as conduits for the exchange of ideas, art, and philosophy.

Highlighting the profound historical connections between the two nations, Prof. Kariyawasam mentioned the discovery of Chinese artifacts in Sri Lanka and vice versa, underscoring a deep appreciation for each other’s heritage. He stressed the importance of international cultural communication and cooperation in the 21st century, asserting that both nations are actively seeking growth through global media cooperation.

Addressing the rapid development of new media, Prof. Kariyawasam acknowledged its role in accelerating globalization and reshaping societal connections. He highlighted the impact of digital communication, breaking down barriers of space and emphasizing that control over the creation and spread of messages is no longer confined to specific entities but is now a responsibility shared by all.

Moreover, he emphasized that new media, coupled with globalization, leads to a shrinking world, compresses time and space, fosters global connectivity, and accelerates local and global competition or cooperation. This integration reshapes societal boundaries and intensifies social exchanges at both micro and macro levels.

Prof. Kariyawasam stressed the enduring role of literature, cinema, and journalism in fostering understanding among diverse cultures throughout history and in the contemporary era. He highlighted the importance of this cultural exchange in bridging societal gaps, even amid advancements in artificial intelligence reshaping the media landscape.

Expressing gratitude to China for preserving the invaluable connection between the two nations, Prof. Kariyawasam conveyed hopes for the continued growth of the friendship between China and Sri Lanka. He concluded by urging collaborative efforts to ensure that the spirit of cooperation and harmony endures for future generations.

The 5th World Media Summit focused on various themes such as bolstering confidence, embracing changes in media technology, pioneering innovation in digital age markets, and seeking growth through global media cooperation. The summit’s joint statement highlighted the need for ethical journalism, objective reporting, and global media cooperation in addressing the challenges posed by technological advancements and globalization. Established in 2009, the WMS continues to serve as a crucial forum for global media entities to collaborate and shape the trajectory of media discourse worldwide.

A committee spearheaded by the Secretary of the Wildlife and Forest Conservation Ministry, advised by Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, PC, the Minister of Justice, Prison Affairs, and Constitutional Reforms, has been established to tackle the challenges faced by Sri Lanka’s Adivasi (indigenous) people. Following discussions with relevant stakeholders, the committee compiled a report addressing the community’s issues. Recently, a special session at the Parliament Complex chaired by the Minister of Justice focused on deliberating the report’s recommendations and proposals.

Comprising representatives from various governmental bodies such as the Wildlife and Forestry Ministry, Directorate General of Wildlife, Department of Wildlife, Department of Irrigation, Justice Ministry, Attorney General’s Department, Police, Alternative Policy Centre, and the Mahaweli Authority, the committee collaborated extensively to comprehend the multifaceted problems experienced by the Adivasi people.

R.M.C.M. Herath, the Wildlife and Forestry Ministry Secretary, highlighted that the report’s formulation involved consultations with 15 organizations. Emphasizing the uniqueness of the Adivasi community and the absence of a comprehensive data system, Herath underscored the need for joint efforts between governmental and non-governmental entities to address issues ranging from agriculture, fishing, forestry to dairy cattle farming, which constitute the livelihoods of the Adivasi people. She also noted challenges in updating the MoU concerning this community.

During the discussion, Minister of Justice Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe emphasized the necessity for permanent solutions rather than temporary measures. He advocated for the development of a new bill tailored to address the longstanding issues of the indigenous community. Stressing on the protection of Adivasi rights and livelihood activities like fishing, agriculture, and wildlife, the Minister proposed the formation of a specialized committee vested with legal authority to coordinate and oversee institutions involved in the daily lives of the Adivasi people.

Expressing optimism in finding a lasting resolution, Adivasi leader Uruvarige Vannilattan highlighted the historical persistence of the community’s problems despite previous agreements and expressed hope for a definitive solution this time.

Key stakeholders including R.M.C.M. Herath, Chandana Suriya Bandara (Wildlife Director General), representatives from the Attorney General’s Department, Police Department, Wildlife Department, and the Centre for Alternative Policy actively participated in the discussion, reflecting the comprehensive approach taken to address the Adivasi community’s challenges.

Today (Dec 13), the Sri Lankan Rupee has shown a marginal appreciation against the US Dollar compared to Tuesday at commercial banks in Sri Lanka.

Peoples Bank reported a decrease in the buying and selling rates of the US Dollar, dropping from Rs. 321.43 to Rs. 321.18 for buying and from Rs. 332.63 to Rs. 332.38 for selling.

Commercial Bank indicated a decline in the buying rate of the US Dollar from Rs. 320.86 to Rs. 320.37 and a reduction in the selling rate from Rs. 331 to Rs. 330.50.

Meanwhile, at Sampath Bank, the buying rate of the US Dollar shifted from Rs. 323 to Rs. 322, and the selling rate dropped from Rs. 332 to Rs. 331.

Pastor Jerome Fernando, embroiled in controversy over his contentious remarks on multiple religions, faces extended remand until December 27 following his appearance before the Colombo Fort Magistrate.

The self-proclaimed ‘prophet’ underwent questioning by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) after arriving to provide a statement for a second consecutive day. His initial arrest on December 1, directly after this questioning, led to his remand.

This legal turmoil began after a video of one of Fernando’s sermons circulated widely on social media, sparking allegations of derogatory comments concerning Lord Buddha and other religious figures.

Previously, Fernando departed for Singapore on May 14, just before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court imposed travel restrictions. After months abroad, he returned to Sri Lanka on November 29, flying in via Qatar Airlines. He navigated the Gold Route at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) upon his arrival.

Upon his return, the CID’s Cyber Crime Investigation Division promptly obtained a statement from Fernando in compliance with a court directive. A previous Court of Appeal ruling ordered the CID not to arrest Fernando upon his return and stipulated that he record a statement within 48 hours of arriving, as per a petition he filed seeking protection from arrest by the CID.

Sri Lanka, a country heavily reliant on energy imports, has set its sights on sourcing 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, aiming to alleviate its economic strain.

A recent media report highlighted Russia’s prominent position as a top contender in the bid to construct nuclear power plants in Sri Lanka. Notably, a high-level delegation from Russia engaged in discussions with Sri Lankan authorities, exploring potential collaboration within the nuclear energy sector.

Chairman of the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Authority (SLAEA), Prof. S.R.D. Rosa, shared insights with the Russian delegation, outlining the status of Moscow’s proposal to establish nuclear power facilities. While the SLAEA has provisionally approved nuclear power to bolster Sri Lanka’s energy landscape, the initiative awaits final authorization through the signing of an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the two nations.

Several countries, including the US, Denmark, and China, have shown interest in investing in Sri Lanka’s nuclear power ventures following the SLAEA’s endorsement.

Russia’s strong candidacy is underlined by its track record in constructing nuclear power plants across South Asian nations, demonstrating expertise and efficiency in Bangladesh, China, and India. Moreover, a recent memorandum with Burkina Faso in West Africa solidifies Russia’s global standing in nuclear power plant construction.

Sergey Pikin, Director of the Energy Development Fund, emphasized Russia’s capability in offering technological support, construction assistance, financial aid, and overall guidance, underscoring it as an ideal partner for Sri Lanka’s nuclear ambitions.

The move toward nuclear energy aligns with Sri Lanka’s strategy to diversify its energy portfolio, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, which accounted for a substantial portion of its electricity generation in 2020. The country’s long-term energy plans foresee integrating nuclear power starting from 2030, as part of an effort to secure its energy future.

A significant step in assessing Sri Lanka’s readiness for a nuclear power program was marked in 2022 when a team of experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conducted a comprehensive review. This evaluation, conducted under the IAEA’s Milestones Approach, aimed to gauge Sri Lanka’s preparedness in adopting nuclear energy, signaling the country’s evolving energy landscape

The United Nations Member States overwhelmingly supported a resolution calling for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire,” emphasizing the urgent need for the unconditional release of all hostages and ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access.

The resolution received significant backing, with 153 votes in favor and 10 against, while 23 countries chose to abstain.

Furthermore, the resolution reiterated the General Assembly’s strong demand for all involved parties to adhere to their responsibilities under international law, particularly stressing compliance with international humanitarian law.

1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe says the newly imposed VAT of up to 18% on the IT sector will not pose a burden on the industry: Cabinet also grants approval to reduce the VAT registration threshold from present Rs.80mn per annum to Rs.60mn with effect from 1st Jan’24.
2. IMF completes SL’s 1st review under the 48-month EFF arrangement, allowing the disbursement of about USD 337 mn, bringing the total IMF disbursements since April’22 to about USD 670 mn: in comparison, in the 18-month period before reaching out to the IMF, SL had received USD 4,950 mn from bilateral creditors: IMF also says SL has met all but one performance criteria, all but one indicative target, and met (or implemented with a delay), most structural benchmarks due by end-Oct’23.
3. IMF warns SL’s bailout program carries serious risks of implementation due to SL’s track record of reform implementation and the challenging political & social situation: even in March’23, the IMF had warned of Financial risks as a result of SL’s weak capacity to repay, Operational risks from social unrest, and IMF’s Reputational risk if the SL public perceives the program as being too tight.
4. IMF Deputy MD Kenji Okamura says SL’s “agreements-in-principle” with Official Creditors Committee & EXIM Bank of China on debt treatments are consistent with EFF targets: also lists key programme priorities as – (a) advancing revenue mobilisation, (b) aligning energy pricing with costs, (c) strengthening social safety nets, (d) rebuilding external buffers, (e) safeguarding financial stability, (f) eradicating corruption, and (g) enhancing governance.
5. Engineer Athula Galketiya appointed as the new Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services, succeeding General G A Chandrasiri.
6. Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara says Cabinet has granted approval for a Power Purchase Agreement with United Solar Group of Australia to invest in a 700 MW Solar Power Project with a 1500 MWh of Battery Energy Storage System: project to be installed on the surface of Poonakary Tank in Kilinochchi, with an investment of USD 1,727 mn.
7. President Ranil Wickremasinghe appoints a 3-Member Committee headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Anil Gooneratne to look into the execution of Edward Henry Pedris, 27, in 1915, based on a decision given by a court martial during British Colonial rule: Pedris was charged of rioting & treason against the Colonial administration, convicted of treason, & executed on 7 July 1915, without any appeal hearing.
8. Poet & teacher from Mannar, Ahnaf Jazeem, 27, who was arrested and detained by the Terrorism Investigations Division in May 2020 under the Prevention of Terrorism Act acquitted by the Puttalam High Court due to lack of evidence.
9. SL joins 97 other nations in calling the UN Security Council to declare an immediate ceasefire in the Palestinian territory of Gaza: however, the US vetoes the move despite an overwhelming 13 of the 15 Security Council members voting ‘for’ the resolution with UK abstaining.
10. Sports Minister Harin Fernando revokes the appointment of an Interim Committee for SL Cricket: also writes to the International Cricket Council seeking observations on the Auditor General’s report on SLC.