February 20, Colombo (LNW): The United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, has articulated significant apprehensions regarding the recently enacted Online Safety Bill, delineating three principal areas of concern.
The US Ambassador to Sri Lanka raised concerns on procedural shortcomings, underlying intentions, and the potential ramifications on freedom of expression against the enactment of the said Act.
Chung underscored the perceived deficiencies in the bill’s formulation process, noting a lack of comprehensive engagement with stakeholders, a factor contributing to widespread perception of its flawed nature.
Expressing reservations about the bill’s expansive scope and definitions, ostensibly designed to combat online offenses such as the dissemination of harmful content and gender-based violence, Ambassador Chung cautioned against the possibility of its misuse to curtail lawful expression.
Furthermore, she raised doubts about the bill’s implementation process, notwithstanding ongoing amendment initiatives.
Chung called into question the effectiveness of these amendments in mitigating the anticipated chilling effect on online discourse.
The US Ambassador further stressed that the concerns voiced by Sri Lankan citizens, technical experts, civil society organisations, legal professionals, the private sector, and journalists are paramount.
She urged the Sri Lankan government to prioritise attentiveness to the apprehensions expressed domestically, underscoring the significance of indigenous perspectives alongside international considerations.
February 20, Canada (LNW): The Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE) extended its appreciation to Canada’s Conservative Party leader, Pierre Poilievre, for his commitment to pursue legal action against Sri Lanka through international avenues, including the International Court of Justice (ICJ), regarding alleged war crimes.
Poilievre has articulated his intention to utilise Magnitsky sanctions to target individuals within the Rajapaksa regime implicated in genocide, several Tamil media outlets reported.
Poilievre’s advocacy extends to seeking accountability at the United Nations and other global platforms, aiming to highlight Sri Lanka’s alleged abuses and recognise the plight of Tamils as genocide.
Furthermore, he has expressed plans to direct legal efforts through Canada’s foreign affairs apparatus to prosecute members of the Sri Lankan regime in international criminal courts for their alleged role in genocide.
In acknowledging Poilievre’s stance, Mr. Visuvanathan Rudrakumaran, Prime Minister of TGTE, commended the alignment of his actions with Canadian values and the pursuit of justice worldwide.
Drawing parallels to international precedents, Rudrakumaran likened the situation to South Africa’s petition against Israel for genocide against Palestinians, emphasising the gravity of the allegations concerning the final stages of the conflict between Tamils and the Sri Lankan state.
Citing the 2012 UN Internal Review Report (Petrie Report), which highlighted significant civilian casualties during the conflict’s culmination, along with calls from UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mr. Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein for criminalising genocide, TGTE underscored the urgency for international scrutiny.
Notably, TGTE points to a signature campaign garnering over 16 million supporters, urging an investigation into alleged international crimes in Sri Lanka.
Rudrakumaran emphasised the consistency of Poilievre’s position with a unanimous resolution passed in the Canadian Parliament in 2019, advocating for an independent international investigation into alleged Tamil genocide in Sri Lanka.
He underscored the imperative for accountability, given the absence of a statute of limitations for genocide charges and the continued lack of resolution in addressing past atrocities.
Highlighting a history of racial violence against Tamils in Sri Lanka, Rudrakumaran reiterated the need for accountability, citing former High Commissioner Al Hussein’s characterisation of crimes as systemic.
The available evidence points to the Sri Lankan state’s culpability and calls for corresponding accountability measures, TGTE asserted.
As an elected body representing Tamils globally, TGTE reiterated its commitment to peaceful, democratic, and diplomatic means in pursuing the political aspirations of Tamils.
Emphasising principles of nationhood, homeland, and self-determination, TGTE advocates for international recognition and support in holding perpetrators of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide accountable.
The organisation further advocates for a peaceful resolution to determine the political future of Tamils through a referendum.
February 20, Colombo (LNW): A few showers may occur in Eastern and Uva provinces in the morning, and showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Sabaragamuwa province and in Galle and Matara districts in the evening or night, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (20),
Mainly fair weather will prevail elsewhere, the statement added.
Fairly strong winds about (30-35) kmph can be expected at times in eastern slopes of the central hills and in North-central, North-western, Uva, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Matale and Kandy districts.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces during the morning.
The public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota.
Winds:
Winds will be north-easterly and wind speed will be (25-30) kmph. Wind speed may increase up to (40-45) 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 extending from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota and from Colombo to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam can be fairly rough at times.
February 19, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) indicates appreciation against the US Dollar today (19) in comparison to last week’s Friday, as per the official exchange rates released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).
Accordingly, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 307.47 from Rs. 307.70, and the selling price to Rs. 317.29 from Rs. 317.76.
The Sri Lankan Rupee, meanwhile, indicates fluctuation against several other foreign currencies.
February 19, Colombo (LNW): Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has decided not to increase the Power Purchasing Agreements (PPAs) signed with Private Power Plants (PPPs) last September to procure 120 MW of emergency power, to meet electricity shortfall during the drought in the southern part of the country due to prevailing dry weather conditions
The PPAs are set to expire at the end of this month.Instead of extending the emergency PPAs, the board is currently in the process of procuring supplementary power.
In response to immediate electricity supply gaps, the CEB has obtained 120 MW of emergency power from Ace Power Embilipitiya (100 MW) and Matara (20 MW).
The urgency arose due to the depletion of the Samanalawewa reservoir, linked to the Udawalawe reservoir, which had dried up last year, necessitating Cabinet approval to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the Southern Province.
Sri Lanka’s electricity demand, sales and investment needs are growing rapidly compelling the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to increase end user tariff making it cost effective, and expedite the implementation of power plants.This was highlighted in the Asian Development Bank funded power sector assessment report.
The peak demand was forecasted to cross 3,000 MW by 2020 and reach 4,800 MW by 2030, the report disclosed.
According to findings and forecasts of the ADB funded report, the CEB will have to incur a massive loss of Rs.436 billion for the period 2021 to 2023 for emergency power purchasing from independent power producers (IPPs).
A proposal has already been made to purchase 800 megawatts of power from these private power producers this year without calling for tenders.
The CEB System Control is deciding on the most feasible option to purchase power using the available data manually.
This method of power purchasing has opened the flood gates for corruption and irregularities as identifying the least cost method and viable option based on the available data cannot be cannot be carried out manually and it requires relevant software, it was stated
The CEB plans indicate the investment requirements for power generation to be US $2400 million from 2020–2025 to meet the growing demand at the lowest cost, the report added.
The capacity shortage has to be resolved by building larger power plants. The CEB has proposed that the two cancelled coal-fired power plants be revived and built using the latest technology.
Additionally, two combined cycle power plants are required to be built to cater to seasonal shortages of hydro power.
“All IPPs are diesel-fired, operating on 10- to 20-year power purchase agreements; all SPPs are renewable energy-based, with 15- or 20-year contracts.
In order to offset this massive loss, the Ministry of Power has no alternative other than increasing electricity tariff by at least Rs.2.50 per unit for this period, the report recommended.Emergency power purchasing at higher rates from IPPs has now become a significant burden to the economy. Annual purchases of power average from Rs. 160 billion to Rs. 200 billion.
February 19, Colombo (LNW): US Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Elizabeth Allen met with Sri Lanka’s Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane on Saturday (17 Feb.), and discussed several recent positive developments between Sri Lanka and the US in the 75th anniversary year of diplomatic relations.
During their meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Under Secretary assured the continuous US assistance to the Government of Sri Lanka towards realizing economic stability, and discussed ways to strengthen people-to-people ties and Diaspora outreach.
US has provided emergency assistance to address the needs of marginalized and vulnerable communities impacted by Sri Lanka’s economic crisis.
This new funding will also provide technical assistance to the Government of Sri Lanka as it implements economic and financial reform measures to stabilize the economy, in line with an anticipated International Monetary Fund (IMF) package.
This emergency funding through the U.S. government’s development arm, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), responds to emerging or unforeseen complex crises overseas.
Part of this funding will go to USAID’s social cohesion and reconciliation project (SCORE) to support small-scale agricultural productivity and microenterprises in communities that traditionally experience high poverty rates and are especially impacted by the crisis.
This funding will also support public sector efficiency and resource management through USAID’s project to accelerate results in trade, national expenditure, and revenue (PARTNER).
Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Wijewardane welcomed the development assistance extended by the US International Development Finance Corporation in November 2023 to the Colombo West International Terminal Private Limited and appreciated the humanitarian and emergency aid extended to Sri Lanka to overcome the economic challenges of the country.
She also welcomed the US assistance in securing the Extended Fund Facility Programme (EFF) under IMF. Foreign Secretary Wijewardane apprised Under Secretary Allen on the developments in the economic and reconciliation fronts, and Sri Lanka’s priorities as Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association.
US Under Secretary Allen was accompanied by the Ambassador of the US to Sri Lanka Julie Chung, officials from the Department of State, and the US Embassy in Colombo. Senior officials of the Foreign Ministry were associated with the Foreign Secretary at the meeting.
She arrived in Sri Lanka earlier today, and was cordially welcomed by the US Ambassador.
During her stay here, Allen will meet with government officials, media representatives, digital content creators and youth leaders to discuss the partnership between the two nations and the safeguarding of Sri Lanka’s information and media space, and to explore ways to work together to promote prosperity on the island nation, Chung said further.
Following her Sri Lanka tour, Allen will embark on a visit to India.
February 19, Colombo (LNW): The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) will hold its 37th Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific (APRC37) in Colombo..
The overarching goal of FAO’s programme in Sri Lanka continues to be the reduction of food insecurity, malnutrition and vulnerabilities, and the sustainable management and use of the country’s natural resources.
The Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Dr QU Dongyu, arrived on Sunday in Sri Lanka for a three-day visit to participate in the 37th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific (APRC37).
The event, hosted by Sri Lanka from 19 – 22 February, will see the participation of Government Ministers and Heads of Delegations from as many as 46 Member Nations gathering in Colombo.
The Director-General was received at the airport by Janaka Dharmakeerthi, Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture in Sri Lanka, Jong-Jin Kim, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative, and Vimlendra Sharan, the FAO Representative for Sri Lanka.
During his stay, the Director-General will also visit agricultural sites, and is scheduled to hold a series of bilateral discussions with Sri Lankan leadership and Ministers from other Asia-Pacific countries.
The APRC37, convened by FAO’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific and hosted by the Government of Sri Lanka, marks a major international, multilateral milestone in an effort to reform agrifood systems across the Asia-Pacific region.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Director-General are expected to inaugurate the Ministerial session of the conference on Tuesday, 20 February, with delegates from across the Asia-Pacific region participating.
The objective is to outline a pathway toward a full recovery from the pandemic and other converging crises, and reinforce ways to rebuild and transform the region’s agrifood systems, delivered through better production, better nutrition, a better environment and leading to a better life for all – leaving no one behind.
The Asia Pacific Regional Conference will facilitate discussions among agriculture ministers and officials from 46 member countries to address food and agriculture challenges and priorities, promoting regional coherence.
The Ministerial session, scheduled for February 19 to 22, 2024, will be preceded by a Virtual Senior Officers Meeting, chaired by the Secretary, Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries Janaka Dharmakeerthi and presented for adoption,
FAO has supported Sri Lanka for over 40 years, implementing Good Agricultural Practices and developing the fisheries sector for growth and climate resilience, highlighting innovative partnerships with the government, said Vimlendra Sharan.
Sri Lanka’s hosting of the 37th APRC showcases its commitment to sustainable agriculture growth, demonstrating its commitment to regional development and partnership with other countries.
The APRC agenda will feature a forum on agritourism, aimed at recognizing Sri Lanka’s potential as an agritourism destination and generating foreign exchange.
February 19, Colombo (LNW): The High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, has expressed confidence regarding earliest recommencement of Nagapattinam – Kankesanthurai (KKS) ferry service in the coming weeks, adding that efforts are also underway to resume the ferry services between Talaimannar and Rameswaram.
The Indian High Commissioner made these remarks during his visit to the KKS Port and the Talaimannar Pier, where he spoke of the need for expeditious resumption of ferry services between the two countries.
High Commissioner Jha undertook his first official visit to Sri Lanka’s Northern Province from 15 to 17 February, during which the diverse engagements he participated in attested to the deep-rooted nature of the bilateral partnership and India’s firm commitment to deepening socio-economic and cultural ties with Northern Province, the High Commission said in a statement.
The High Commissioner paid special emphasis to furthering connectivity initiatives – the central theme of the bilateral economic partnership vision document issued in July 2023 – and explored means to strengthen air connectivity through infrastructure development at the Palaly Airport.
A statement issued by the Indian High Commission of India in Colombo further read:
Underscoring the rich and shared cultural heritage between India and Sri Lanka, High Commissioner offered prayers at the historic Ram Sethu (Adam’s Bridge). He also visited the ancient Thiruketheeswaram temple, which was renovated with grant assistance from Government of India.
He prayed for well-being and prosperity of the people of India and Sri Lanka as he paid respects at the Nagapooshani Amman Temple and Nagavihara in Nainativu island; revered Madhu Church in Mannar; and Nallur Kandaswamy temple.
Further, he attended Thyagaraja Aradhana at the iconic Jaffna Cultural Centre, a gift from the people of India.
Reaffirming India’s commitment to diverse sections of the society, High Commissioner distributed deep freezers to fishermen communities in Mannar towards enhancing their livelihood opportunities. He also distributed dry rations to hundreds of needy families in Jaffna and Kilinochchi, with special focus on those headed by women.
In India’s endeavour to contribute towards addressing energy needs of islands off Jaffna, he assessed the readiness for early roll out of the Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems Project in Nainativu Island. It may be recalled that this project is being implemented in Delft, Nainativu and Analaitivu Islands through grant assistance from India.
High Commissioner paid homage to the brave sons of India who made the supreme sacrifice at the Indian Peace Keeping Forces (IPKF)
High Commissioner had engaging discussions with a wide cross section of stakeholders in the region including elected representatives, academics, and businessmen, among several others on avenues for further collaboration and development.
With grant assistance of more than SLR 70 billion, Northern Province has been a region of focus in India’s multi-dimensional development cooperation partnership with Sri Lanka and the visit was an opportunity to reiterate India’s unwavering commitment to the people of the region.
Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha expresses optimism about the prompt resumption of the Nagapattinam – Kankesanthurai (KKS) ferry service and aims to revive ferry services between Talaimannar and Rameswaram: emphasises enhancing bilateral connectivity and strengthening cultural ties: reiterates India’s commitment to Northern Province’s development, engaging with various stakeholders to explore further collaboration.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa distinguishes his approach from others, asserting a commitment to practical solutions over false promises: emphasizes the importance of generating revenue through export-focused development to address the country’s significant debt, which amounts to US$ 90 billion.
Finance State Minister responds to criticism involving the Central Bank’s conduct of increasing the institutional heads’ salaries in extraordinary amounts, stating that according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act, the Central Bank ‘independently determines’ its employees’ salaries: asserts the importance of attracting and retaining exceptional talent for the critical role of the Central Bank.
Sri Lanka aims to finalise negotiations on the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) with India in the coming months, following the recent Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Thailand.
US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu praises Sri Lanka’s recent progress from crisis to stability in a recent address: highlights the nation’s improved economy, stable food and fuel prices, and successful debt restructuring: appreciates international cooperation.
The Port Access Elevated Highway (PAEH) Project, linking Colombo Harbour, Colombo Port City, and Katunayake Airport, nears completion, with over 85% of the work finished: Expected to open in October 2024.
Tamil Nadu Police arrest three individuals from Nagapattinam district for attempting to smuggle over 364 kg of ganja to Sri Lanka: The suspects were caught planning to transport the contraband via sea route using a seized fiberglass boat: A case has been filed against them under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act by Vettaikaraniruppu Police.
A Verité Research report exposes critical weaknesses in Sri Lanka’s procurement system, citing the absence of provisions to blacklist contractors engaged in corrupt activities: highlights non-compliance with regulations, such as failing to blacklist defaulting contractors.
The Central Bank calls for legal reforms to streamline credit recovery processes, particularly for the MSME sector: Governor Weerasinghe highlights the need for expedited credit recovery cycles, advocating for a 3-6 month period for economic efficiency and SME support: Despite SME pressures, the Central Bank remains firm on maintaining banks’ Parate execution rights.
CR and FC claim victory in the Nippon Paint Super Round League Rugby Tournament final after 26 years, defeating defending champions Kandy Sports Club 33-25: Despite trailing 6-13 at halftime, CR and FC staged a remarkable comeback: Mursheed Doray and Gemunu Chethiya played pivotal roles in the win.
February 19, Colombo (LNW): Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Lu, delivered a comprehensive analysis of Sri Lanka’s notable resurgence during a recent address, highlighting the nation’s remarkable transition from a period of crisis to stability, facilitated by collaborative efforts on the international stage.
Reflecting on Sri Lanka’s trajectory, Lu articulated the substantial progress witnessed over the past eighteen months, contrasting the previous climate of unrest, shortages, and political instability with the current landscape characterised by a stable economy, consistent food and fuel prices, and successful debt restructuring initiatives.
Emphasising the pivotal role of international cooperation in Sri Lanka’s revitalisation, Lu acknowledged the pivotal contributions made by key partners.
Notably, he commended India for its initial humanitarian aid and USAID’s critical agricultural support.
Additionally, Lu underscored the significance of debt restructuring efforts spearheaded by Japan, France, and India, which exerted pressure on other stakeholders, including China, ultimately facilitating access to IMF funding and fostering economic stability.
Furthermore, Lu elucidated on non-traditional avenues of support, citing the US Development Finance Corporation’s substantial investment of $553 million in the Colombo Port West Container Terminal.
This private sector initiative, he noted, not only directly benefits the Sri Lankan populace but also catalyses sustainable economic development.
Addressing broader strategic imperatives, Lu emphasised the importance of safeguarding Sri Lanka’s sovereignty, highlighting US assistance in the form of patrol boats for the Sri Lankan military and the forthcoming delivery of a King Air aircraft to bolster coastal surveillance capabilities.
In conclusion, Lu reiterated Sri Lanka’s remarkable turnaround as a testament to the collective efforts of the international community.
He underscored the Indo-Pacific strategy’s ethos of partnership and collaboration, emphasising its role in offering a more promising future for nations in the region.
