February 04, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Navy, in its ongoing efforts to safeguard Sri Lankan waters from illegal fishing activities, apprehended 23 Indian fishermen aboard two Indian trawlers off the Delft Island in Jaffna.
The operation, conducted by the Northern Naval Command, utilised Fast Attack Craft of the Navy and Sri Lanka Coast Guard to intercept and address the issue of illegal fishing by foreign vessels.
The naval patrols, aimed at curbing unauthorised fishing practices, are integral to preserving the livelihoods of local fishermen and ensuring the sustainable use of Sri Lanka’s marine resources.
In this specific incident on February 3, the Navy detected a group of Indian poaching trawlers engaged in unauthorised fishing within Sri Lankan waters.
Subsequently, the naval personnel successfully chased away and detained two Indian poaching trawlers, apprehending 23 Indian fishermen in the process.
The captured vessels, along with the arrested individuals, were escorted to the Kankesanthurai Harbour.
Following standard protocol, the apprehended Indian fishermen and the impounded trawlers will be handed over to the Mailadi Fisheries Inspector for further legal proceedings.
February 04, Colombo (LNW): In recognition of Sri Lanka’s 76th Independence Day, Google marked the occasion with a commemorative Google Doodle prominently featuring the national flag of Sri Lanka, adorned with the word ‘Google’ beneath it.
The Google Doodle, a modification of the company’s logo, is a periodic feature that Google uses to celebrate significant events and milestones around the world.
On this momentous day for Sri Lanka, Google’s gesture serves as a visual tribute to the nation’s historical journey towards independence.
The special doodle, depicting the Sri Lankan flag, is designed to be visible across the region, ensuring that users within Sri Lanka and beyond can join in the celebration of the country’s Independence Day.
The use of distinctive symbols and national colors in the doodle reflects Google’s commitment to acknowledging and participating in global cultural and historical observances.
As a widely recognised and utilised platform, Google’s commemorative doodles often serve as a means to engage users, foster awareness of cultural significance, and pay homage to noteworthy events in various countries worldwide.
February 04, Colombo (LNW): In a recent statement, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike emphasised the critical need for the Sri Lankan government to reconsider and retract both the Online Safety Act and the Anti-Terrorism Bill.
Citing concerns over the potential for government abuse, the former president highlighted the risk of these laws infringing upon fundamental rights.
Former President Bandaranaike’s call for a review of these legislative measures stems from her apprehensions about the potential negative impact on citizens’ rights and freedoms.
Expressing her concern, she emphasised the importance of maintaining a delicate balance between national security imperatives and safeguarding individual liberties.
The Online Safety Act and the Anti-Terrorism Bill have garnered attention and generated discussions across various segments of society.
Critics argue that these legislations may have unintended consequences, leading to government overreach and potential violations of citizens’ privacy and freedom of expression.
February 04, Colombo (LNW): In his Independence Day message, President Ranil Wickremesinghe extended an invitation to all Sri Lankans, both within the country and abroad, urging them to channel their collective efforts towards the noble mission of national rebuilding.
Acknowledging the nation’s progressive achievements, President Wickremesinghe attributed these successes to the unwavering support of the citizens who endured challenges as part of a comprehensive, long-term national rebuilding programme.
In his address, the President expressed optimism that challenges faced on this journey would gradually dissipate, leading to a lighter burden on citizens, a fortified economy, and a renaissance for Mother Sri Lanka.
Reflecting on the country’s journey since gaining independence in 1948, President Wickremesinghe noted that global expectations had envisioned Sri Lanka as a developed nation in the East, given its favorable background.
However, acknowledging past deviations and economic challenges, he emphasised the need to learn from past mistakes and collectively commit to the current growth trajectory.
As Sri Lanka is globally acknowledged for its current growth trajectory, President Wickremesinghe called upon the nation to use Independence Day as a platform for a collective resolution to persist on the path of progress and restore prosperity.
Full Statement:
As we commemorated the 75th year of our nation’s independence, we encountered the indignity of being labeled a financially bankrupt country. Nevertheless, upon the advent of the 76th Independence Day, we have effectively navigated through these challenges, steering the economy toward stability despite numerous impediments and challenges.
Achievements were realised progressively, owing to the steadfast support of our citizens who endured hardships in keeping with a comprehensive, long-term national rebuilding programme. Throughout this journey, challenges will gradually dissipate, life’s burdens will lighten, the economy will fortify and Mother Sri Lanka will undergo a renaissance.
Upon gaining independence in 1948, global expectations envisioned Sri Lanka evolving into a developed nation in the East, given our favourable background. Regrettably, we deviated from this course and found ourselves grappling with economic difficulties.
It is imperative that we obtain insights from past mistakes and avoid their repetition. With the current growth trajectory acknowledged globally, let us collectively resolve on this Independence Day to persist on this path and reinstate prosperity.
I invite all Sri Lankans, at home and abroad, to contribute their utmost energy to the noble mission of rebuilding our nation.
SL celebrates its 76th anniversary of its Independence after 453 years of foreign rule: in 1948, when SL gained independence, SL had only 1 university, 98% of roads were clay, 90% of people were below the poverty line, only 1% had electricity, less than 1% had water on tap, and only a handful of people had telephones: literacy was 35% and average life expectancy was 45 years.
Most Ven Tibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Mahanayaka Thera of the Malwatte Chapter welcomes the Online Safety Act: says the new law meets the requirements of the changing society: recollects that he too underwent an experience where social media published distorted news & views regarding him.
Former President Chandrika Kumaratunge urges the Govt to withdraw the Online Safety Act and the Anti-Terrorism Bill: claims those are dangerous acts which could be used by the Govt at any time to violate people’s fundamental rights: calls upon youth and people to act democratically against these laws.
Thailand’s PM Srettha Thavisin arrives in SL for a 2-day official visit: witnesses the signing of the Free Trade Agreement between Thailand & SL: the FTA is said to be aimed at enhancing market opportunities covering various aspects including Trade in Goods, Investment, Customs Procedure, & Intellectual Property Rights.
An IMF team is due to undertake a 2-week study to determine modalities for introducing a Property tax: also expected to engage with stakeholders.
Indian Navy submarine “INS Karanj” arrives at the Colombo Port ahead of SL’s 76th Independence Day celebrations: the submarine is 67.5 metres long with a crew of 53: Navy says the docking symbolises strengthened maritime relations between India & SL.
Investigators say that Ajith Indrasiri, one of the alleged gunmen in the shooting at Beliatta last week that left 5 persons dead, had fled to Dubai the day after the killings: assert that Indrasiri’s wife was also involved in the planning of the killings: arrest the gunman’s wife.
Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella produced before the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court over the issue of the import of substandard human Immunoglobulin injections and remanded till 15th February: thereafter admitted to the Prisons Hospital on medical recommendation.
Analysts say the successful bidder for SLTelecom will gain more than 500 lands (lots) extending to hundreds of acres around the island and worth billions: India’s Jio Platforms and China’s Gotune International Investment Holdings are the pre-qualified bidders for 50.23% of shares owned by the Govt.
SL gain upper hand at the end of the 2nd day’s play in the Cricket Test match between SL & Afghanistan: SL 410/6 at close of play: Angela Mathews 141, Dinesh Chandimal 107, Dimuth Karunaratne 77: AFG was all out for 198 on the previous day.
February 04, Colombo (LNW): Showers will occur at times in Eastern and Uva provinces and in Polonnaruwa and Matale districts, and several spells of showers may occur in Anuradhapura and Hambantota districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (04).
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 p.m., the statement added.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts 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 will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Trincomalee to Hambantota via Pottuvil. Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Matara to Puttalam via Galle and Colombo during the evening or night.
Winds:
Winds will be north-easterly and wind speed will be (20-30)kmph. Wind speed may increase up to 45 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Colombo to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coasts from Colombo to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota can be fairly rough at times. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
February 03, Colombo (LNW): The Prime Minister of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin, arrived in Sri Lanka this (03) afternoon for a two-day official visit.
Welcomed at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake by his Sri Lankan counterpart, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, PM Thavisin’s visit holds strategic significance.
During his stay from 03 – 04 February 2024, Prime Minister Thavisin is an esteemed guest of honour at the national ceremony marking the 76th Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence.
A highlight of his agenda includes witnessing the historic signing of the Sri Lanka – Thailand Free Trade Agreement (SLTFTA) during official discussions with President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
In addition to diplomatic discussions, a Sri Lanka-Thailand Business Forum, organised by relevant departments from both nations, is scheduled at the Kingsbury Hotel.
The forum aims to facilitate strategic economic collaborations and is expected to be attended by top-level business delegates from Thailand.
Accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, and Jakkapong Sangmanee, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, this visit underscores the commitment to fostering bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and Thailand.
February 03, Colombo (LNW): In commemoration of the 76th National Independence Day, President Ranil Wickremsinghe has exercised the powers vested in the office by Article 34 of the Constitution to grant a special state amnesty to a group of prisoners.
A total of 754 prisoners, comprising 729 male prisoners and 25 female prisoners, have been identified as eligible for this presidential pardon.
The amnesty will result in the release of these individuals from various prisons across the island.
This initiative aligns with the longstanding tradition of extending clemency on significant national occasions and reflects the President’s authority to grant special state amnesty in accordance with constitutional provisions.
February 03, Colombo (LNW): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) could hold back the next tranche of funding for Sri Lanka under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) if the government fails to show good faith and hold constructive talks with private creditors.
Several private creditors said that while the Government has been having extensive talks with bilateral creditors, including China, similar discissions have not been held with the private creditors.
“The size of private creditors is very significant and Sri Lanka cannot rely only on IMF or China money,” sources said.
Senior Mission Chief of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Peter Breuer had said recently that the IMF anticipates that Sri Lanka will secure an agreement with its commercial creditors, including bondholders and the China Development Bank, ahead of the next review.
The Government has gained momentous progress on the debt restructuring process with the successful completion of the Domestic Debt Optimisation (DDO) which is expected to extend the maturity of domestic debt and reduce the stress on government finances, Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe disclosed recently
However several private creditors rejected this claim stating that they will do “everything they can” to block the next IMF review and tranche for Sri Lanka if the Government does not actively engage with them.
“The private creditors believe it is the only way to get the Sri Lankan authorities to talk to them,”
Sources said there is dissatisfaction at Sri Lanka’s approach towards private creditors, and that Sri Lanka’s credibility with international capital markets will “disintegrate”.
One source noted that Sri Lanka has debt obligations that are under contract and are in default and so litigation cannot be ruled out
Nevertheless Sri Lanka has entered into an agreement in principle (AIP) with both the Official Creditors Committee (OCC) and the Export-Import Bank of China (EXIM Bank) for debt restructuring., Weerasinghe said.
The CB Governor also noted that negotiations with other external and commercial creditors are continuing expressing expectations that agreements will be reached with them soon.
However, it is still to reach consensus on the debt restructuring with sovereign bond holders, who had lent over US $25 billion before the Sri Lanka declared debt repayment stand still or preemptive default in April 2022.
The government will conclude the MOUs with them and striking a deal on plans of the issuance of new bonds with longer maturity by cancelling previous ones and differ interest rates, he disclosed.
The private creditor noted that there have been “too polite” in the process to give Sri Lanka plenty of space for good faith engagement but if there is no such engagement then other alternatives will need to be looked at.
“Everybody started the process hopeful that the new President (Ranil Wickremesinghe) could do things better than the previous regime. There was so much hope but now it is turning into so much disappointment,” sources said.
The private creditors fear that Sri Lanka is moving at a very slow pace in dealing with private creditors owing to domestic politics and the upcoming elections.
State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe said that Sri Lanka wants to finalise the debt resolution as early as possible which will be beneficial to all creditors, including the bond holders and commercial creditors.
February 03, Colombo (LNW): The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is helping Sri Lanka strengthen border governance and ensure the safe, orderly, and dignified return and readmission of migrants.
The IOM, in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) training arm and the Sri Lanka Airport and Aviation Academy (SLAAA), facilitated training of 15 Immigration Officers attached to the Border Surveillance Unit (BSU) on ICAO Traveller Identification Programme (TRIP) Strategy.
The primary objective of this training was to deliver an ICAO accredited training course for Immigration Officers on the Traveller Identification Programme Strategy. Through the standardized curriculum delivered as part of the Sri Lanka Readmission Project,
IOM aimed to enhance the department’s traveller identity management capabilities, better aligning them with international standards. By providing internationally recognized training, the programme sought to strengthen border governance and contribute towards the safe, orderly, and dignified return and readmission of migrants.
The Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, I. S. H. J. Ilukpitiya in acknowledging the significance of this training initiative stated,“This programme, made possible through the generous support of the European Union and the efforts of the International Organization for Migration, marks a significant step forward in fortifying our border governance measures.
The enhanced skills and knowledge acquired by our officers will undoubtedly contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations, ensuring the safe and secure movement of travellers in line with international standards.
He said “we appreciate the collaborative spirit that has made this achievement possible and look forward to continued partnerships in advancing our capabilities.”
The successful completion of the capacity building programme was commemorated with a certificate award ceremony held at the Department of Immigration and Emigration last week.
The event was graced by the presence of the Controller General, Senior Executive Staff of the Department, SLAAA staff, and the IOM project team.
“This milestone not only acknowledges the dedication of the Department of Immigration and Emigration officials, but also highlights IOM’s commitment towards strengthening strategic partnerships and enhancing capacities to combat irregular migration while facilitating regular pathways” IOM Sri Lanka Chief of Mission Sarat Dash shared.
The collaboration between IOM, ICAO, and SLAAA stands as a testament to the collective efforts in building a robust framework for immigration and border governance.
The project was delivered under the European Readmission Capacity Building Facility (EURCAP) funded by the European Union.
