Colombo (LNW): There is an urgent requirement for inventive, outside-the-box approaches in the engineering and technological fields, emphasised Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, attending the Techno 2023 – Engineering and Technology Exhibition at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) yesterday (20).

The Sri Lankan Premier pointed out that engineers and technologists should not merely stick to the theories within their course curricula but should devise imaginative solutions to the numerous economic challenges the nation faces.

He commended the Institute of Engineers of Sri Lanka (IESL) for staging Techno 2023 under the banner, ‘Engineering for Economic Recovery’, showcasing how engineering technologies can aid the nation in economic rejuvenation.

Their aim to surmount the unprecedented economic turmoil by fostering entrepreneurship, inspiring new business initiatives, generating employment, and enhancing economic growth is commendable.

He recollected supporting the then Minister P. Dayaratna in 1985, during his early days as an MP, to secure parliamentary endorsement of the IESL Bill.

“I commend IESL’s role as a premier professional engineering and technological institution for harnessing Sri Lanka’s diverse engineering prowess in steering our nation towards technological distinction and in enhancing the living standards of our citizenry,” Gunawardena remarked.

Highlighting that the economy has been hit with a downturn, soaring unemployment, inflation, and an escalating trade imbalance, alongside difficulties in debt repayments due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent global economic slump, the Prime Minister asserted that engineers have a pivotal role.

Engineering solutions can address some major economic challenges, he went on, adding that infrastructure upgrades, for instance, can enhance transport, power production, and telecommunications, thereby promoting trade, enticing foreign investment, and generating employment.

Acting Technology Minister Kanaka Herath called on engineering and tech professionals to offer digital solutions to current obstacles, with the aim of increasing the digital sector’s contribution to GDP from the present Rs 3.8 billion to 5 billion.

He noted that engineering solutions possess the capacity to elevate education and skills, fostering a proficient workforce which can draw in foreign investment, spawn local and international job openings, and stimulate innovation.

Prof. Ranjith Dissanayake, President of the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka, Eng. R B M Gunawardena, Deputy Executive Secretary, along with past IESL presidents and members, were in attendance at the Techno 2023 launch.

PMD: State Minister for Finance Shehan Semasinghe stated that the Agreement entered with the IMF and the staff-level agreement reached following the First Review of Sri Lanka’s Extended Fund Facility Arrangement will support to settle arrears owed to multilateral creditors while expediting the debt restructuring process.

The State Minister further said that Sri Lanka is poised to receive the second tranche of US$ 330 million subsequent to the approval of this Staff-Level Agreement by the IMF Executive Board.

State Minister Shehan Semasinghe made these remarks at a press conference held at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC), yesterday (20) under the theme ‘Collective Path to a stable country’.

In his further remarks, Minister Semasinghe elaborated on the journey to reach this pivotal Staff-Level Agreement:

“Last night, we successfully reached the staff-level Agreement, a crucial step in securing the second tranche under our agreement with the IMF through the Extended Fund Facility. Prior to this achievement, a team from the International Monetary Fund conducted an extensive two-week review in Sri Lanka, engaging in detailed discussions on various topics. Given the complexity and scope of the discussions, it was not feasible to reach an agreement instantly.

Subsequently, we continued our deliberations during the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, held in Morocco. There, we engaged in in-depth discussions to clarify various aspects. Even then, we found it necessary to seek further clarifications on various matters, leading to continued discussions through online platform once we returned to Sri Lanka. The agreement, as it stands today, is the result of concerted efforts and dialogues involving officials from the International Monetary Fund, the Central Bank, and the Ministry of Finance.”

Despite the favourable position Sri Lanka held with the International Monetary Fund in March 2023, subsequent disruptions and misinterpretations arose in recent weeks. State Minister Semasinghe emphasized, “We categorically stated within and outside of Parliament that there is no reason to fear the approval of the executive committee or the release of the second instalment. As a government, we maintained our confidence.”

The State Minister underscored that the staff-level agreement, marking the completion of the first review of the program with the International Monetary Fund, plays a pivotal role in facilitating the payment of arrears to multilateral creditors and expediting the process of debt restructuring. He reiterated that Sri Lanka is set to receive the second tranche of US$ 330 million following the approval of the IMF’s Executive Board.

Additionally, State Minister Semasinghe acknowledged the leadership and the guidance of President Ranil Wickremesinghe in these endeavours, as well as the contributions of officials, including the Governor of the Central Bank and the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, in making these achievements possible.

He noted that the Staff-Level Agreement will enable the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and other multilateral financial institutions to make the remaining payments, further expediting debt restructuring efforts with international partners.

The State Minister expressed optimism that agreements related to debt restructuring may soon be finalized, aligning with the government’s objectives of reducing corruption and increasing transparency. He cited the IMF’s praise for Sri Lanka’s economic progress and noted that this reflects international confidence in the country’s economic prospects.

Colombo (LNW): The Committee on High Posts has granted its approval for the appointments of two new High Commissioners and an Ambassador.

Accordingly, the nomination of Admiral (Retd.) Ravindra Chandrasiri Wijegunaratne as the new High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and that of Admiral (Retd.) Damith Nishantha Sirisoma Ulugetenne as the new High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the Republic of Cuba have received the nod from the Committee on High Posts.

Furthermore, Air Chief Marshal (Retd.) Sudarshan Karagoda Pathirana has been approved as the new Sri Lankan Ambassador to Nepal by the Committee on High Posts of the Parliament.

The Committee on High Posts convened in Parliament on Thursday (19) with Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena presiding.

Minister Vidura Wickramanayaka, MPs Thalatha Athukorala, Udaya Gammanpila, and Dr. Sudarshani Fernandopulle attended the session.

Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong expressed Vietnam’s willingness to serve as a bridge for enhancing relations between Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka.

He emphasized that Vietnam is committed to taking the initiative in strengthening economic, social and cultural ties between Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe engaged in bilateral talks with President Vo Van Thuong during the “Belt and Road Initiative” (BRI) international forum in Beijing yesterday (18).

During the meeting, President Vo Van Thuong underlined this commitment in strengthening ties between the two countries. The discussions between the leaders covered various critical issues impacting both nations.

To bolster the relationship between Sri Lanka and Vietnam, it was agreed to formulate a comprehensive action plan, with the foreign ministers of both countries taking the lead.

Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, the Governor of the Central Bank, provided insights into Sri Lanka’s current economic situation and future prospects. The Vietnamese President also shared Vietnam’s experiences in rebuilding its own economy and the challenges encountered during the process.

The leaders engaged in extensive discussions on establishing economic and trade links between the two nations, as well as Sri Lanka’s agricultural modernization program. This dialogue was underscored as a fresh approach to charting a path forward together.

The event was attended by Foreign Minister Mr Ali Sabry, the President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and President’s Chief of Staff Mr Sagala Ratnayaka and the Sri Lankan delegation.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that the world’s most biodiverse regions are found in tropical countries and he proposed the launch of a dedicated program to support these nations in addressing future climate change challenges.

He highlighted that 80% of the world’s endemic plants, as well as 50% of all coral reefs and mangroves are located in tropical regions. Sri Lanka, he noted, is actively working towards the establishment of an international university focused on climate change, capitalizing on this unique ecological context.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these remarks during his address at the high-level conference “Green silk road for harmony with nature” held at the China International Conference Hall  Oct- (18), in conjunction with the 3rd “Belt and Road Initiative” International forum.

The conference was chaired by Mr. Han Zheng, Vice President of the People’s Republic of China. The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres and leaders from other participating countries also shared their insights.

Furthermore, President Ranil Wickremesinghe elaborated on the establishment of an international university dedicated to climate change which aims to lay the groundwork for conducting relevant research and implementing protective measures to address the pressing global crises of climate change, environmental pollution and biodiversity destruction. President Wickremesinghe strongly advocated for immediate action in these areas.

Expressing his views further, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said;

“Through this university, we have set three primary objectives. First and foremost, our focus is on researching measures for collective security and the common good. Secondly, we aim to foster knowledge sharing among the global community. Lastly, we are committed to providing practical education.

To mitigate the impacts of climate change, this institution delves into a comprehensive array of strategies across diverse fields, encompassing rigorous research, structural reforms within relevant organizations, international cooperation, community engagement and more. It serves as a valuable source of knowledge, research and solutions aimed at limiting global warming to a level of 1.5 degrees C. In this endeavour, the university assumes a pivotal role in the battle against climate change.

One significant challenge impeding global efforts to combat climate change is the widespread economic crises afflicting many countries. These crises have rendered participation in climate change mitigation an exceedingly intricate and daunting task.

The most effective approach is for the entire global community to unite and collaboratively seek solutions to this pressing issue. In this context, I would like to propose three key suggestions.

Firstly, offering debt relief to low-income countries can significantly alleviate their economic burdens and enable them to actively participate in climate change mitigation efforts. Secondly, providing access to concessional loans for high-income countries can facilitate their engagement in sustainable practices. Lastly, we should consider channelling additional funding through multilateral organizations, including the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, to support climate-related initiatives.

It’s worth noting that there are 150 tropical countries, with 88 of them participating in the Belt and Road initiative. This tropical region encompasses 40% of the world’s total land area and is home to 40% of the global population. In light of this, I would like to express my gratitude to the Republic of China, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, for organizing this conference, recognizing environmental concerns as a fundamental aspect of sustainable development.

During the Asia-Pacific Belt and Road High-Level Summit in 2021, Sri Lanka wholeheartedly endorsed the Green Silk Road initiative and our commitment to supporting this initiative remains steadfast.”

The 3rd Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) forum commenced yesterday (18) under the auspices of Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking a significant milestone in international cooperation.

During the conference, President Xi Jinping unveiled a set of comprehensive policies, aligned with the Belt and Road Initiative, reflecting its commitment to fostering global partnerships.

President Xi Jinping emphasized that the Belt and Road Initiative, founded on principles of peace, mutual support and friendship, serves as a contemporary rendition of the ancient Silk Road. He highlighted that the initiative’s benefits extend beyond a single nation, benefiting many countries.

The opening ceremony of the 3rd Belt and Road Initiative forum took place at the esteemed Great Hall of the People in Beijing. It witnessed the participation of heads of state from approximately 20 nations and representatives from over 130 countries.

In a show of solidarity, President Ranil Wickremesinghe attended the opening ceremony, where leaders from various states were accorded military honours and gathered for a group photograph alongside the Chinese President.

President Xi Jinping further stressed that cooperation, rather than competition or suppression, is the bedrock of the “Belt and Road” concept. He reiterated that goodwill and mutual support among nations lead to positive outcomes for all.

Notably, since the inception of the “Belt and Road” program a decade ago, all participating nations have achieved remarkable milestones and forged new avenues for strengthening economic ties.

President Xi Jinping introduced a series of eight key policies that will shape the future of the ” Belt and Road” initiative. These policies include creating an international multilateral network, supporting a global open economy, practical cooperation strategies, promoting green development, fostering opportunities for science and technology innovation, enhancing interpersonal relations and encouraging unbreakable ties among member countries.

President Xi Jinping called upon delegates, including state leaders at the summit, to join together in creating a symphony of friendship in line with the ” Belt and Road” concept.

Notable speakers from various continents included Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Argentine President Alberto Fernandez and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

United Nation Secretary-General António Guterres stressed that adequate infrastructure and information facilities are essential for future world development and noted the invaluable role of the “Belt and Road” initiative in meeting these needs. He further highlighted its potential in addressing debt relief challenges faced by developing countries.

Accompanying President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the event were Foreign Minister Mr. Ali Sabry, Presidential Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Presidential Advisor Mr. Saman Athavudahetti, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Chief Alliance Officer Mr. Senarath Dissanayake, Head of the Sri Lankan Embassy in Beijing Mr. K.K. Yoganandan, Ministry of External Affairs East Asia Director General Mr. Pujitha Perera, Presidential Private Secretary Ms. Sandra Perera and Presidential Director of International Affairs Mr. Rishan de Silva.

Former Sri Lanka Rugby star Sumanthiran (Summa) Navaratnam passed away today, (19) aged 98.

Having come through the ranks of Royal College, Navaratnam went on to represent the Ceylon rugby team in the 1940s and 1950s.

He was also one of the three local native Sri Lankans to represent the Sri Lankan national team which had then been dubbed ‘All-White Sri Lanka.’

Born in Jaffna, Navaratnam was a super star for CR and FC during the 1950s where most notably he led the Red Shirts to Clifford Cup Victory in 1954.

At the end of his playing career, he took up coaching. He gave away Royal College his services for free for many years.

Former Royal College sportsman and Sri Lanka rugby star Summa Navaratnam even at the age of 97 was involved in the Rugby Academy he formed in 2009.He made it a point to visit the academy and used to go there on most days, after lunch, around 2.30 pm.

The Royal College, Colombo teams from 1970-79 recalled that their tenure was the golden decade of Rugby at Royal, as the results of their matches and the style of Rugby they played gave ample credence, to them being bestowed with this honour.

They produced many great players and teams under the tutelage of two of the greatest Royal coaches Mahes Rodrigo (1970-72) and Summa Navaratnam (1973-79); winning the Blue Riband of Schools Rugby, the Bradby Shield in six of these years and also establishing the series record for the highest score in 1976 that stood for more than 25 years

Navaratnam married twice and as he recalled he met both his wives within the rugby community. He was first married to Rosemary Rogers, the bestselling author, with whom he raised two children. His second marriage was to Romaine de Zilwa.

When his playing days came to an end he took to rugby administration. He became the president of the Ceylon Rugby Football Union and was also the first president of Sri Lanka’s rugby controlling body when this sports body was renamed as the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU).

Navaratnam was also a top athlete for Sri Lanka having won number of medals breaking several records. In fact, he was called ‘the fastest man in Asia’ after clocking 10.04s in the Men’s 100m at the India States Olympic Meet.

Apart from his heroics on the field, Navaratnam also pursued his mercantile career as a Junior Trading Executive of Dodwell & Company in Colombo.

After the closure of Dodwell’s company, he joined the Stores & Sales Department of Colombo Commercial Company. On his return to Sri Lanka in around 1989, he became General Manager of Consolexpo Corporation where he served in the relevant position for a period of three years.

He became General Manager at the Ceylon and Foreign Trades PLC in 1993 and served in the position for about 16 years before his retirement in 2009.

He was also appointed on the board of Ceylon and Foreign Trades and its subsidiaries.

The remains of late Summa Navaratnam will lie at the A. F. Raymond Parlour today (20) from 8.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. and the last rites will be done at the Borella Cemetery.