The fifth Asia Pacific Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities, the largest regional environmental event in the Asia Pacific region will convene in Colombo from October 3rd to October 6th. This forum is jointly organized by the Ministry of Environment and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
During an awareness press briefing held today (25) at the President’s Media Centre (PMC), Mr. Nazeer Ahamed, Minister of Environment, announced that this significant international event will witness the participation of 41 member countries of UNEP Asia Pacific, with 25 countries and 16 ministers already confirming their attendance, so far. Organizers expect more than 300 foreign delegates and 100 professionals to engage in discussions alongside stakeholders from Sri Lanka.
The primary objective of this ministerial forum is to provide regional inputs for the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), scheduled for February 24th to March 1st, 2024, in Nairobi.
Minister Ahamed also said that the opening of the forum on October 5th will be officiated by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, with the chairmanship being handed over to Sri Lanka during the event.
Throughout its duration, the forum will cover a wide range of topics, including side events and excursions for the delegates. Sri Lanka intends to propose the establishment of a Climate Justice Forum to address the debt burden faced by climate-vulnerable developing countries, a proposal expected to garner attention at COP28 in December 2023.
Hosting an event of this magnitude will strengthen international relations, facilitate access to foreign grants and allow Sri Lanka to showcase its environmental best practices. The United Nations Environment Programme has generously supported the event, recognizing Sri Lanka’s economic challenges, the Minister added.
Meanwhile speaking at the briefing Dr. Anil Jasinghe, the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment also said that in addition to the main forum, there will be several related events, including the Asia-Pacific Youth Environment Forum, Asia Pacific Major Groups and Stakeholder forum and Asia Pacific Science Policy Business Forum on the Environment.
This forum comes as part of the on-going efforts to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution with a focus on sustainable multilateral actions. The event will provide a platform for governments, intergovernmental organizations and stakeholders to discuss and prioritize environmental issues in the Asia-Pacific region, contributing to the global effort to combat these challenges.
Colombo (LNW): India and Sri Lanka recently agreed to promote and popularize the Buddhist circuit, Ramayana trail and ancient places of Buddhist, Hindu and other religious worship places in Sri Lanka.
The bilateral document released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) read, “To promote awareness and popularize India’s Buddhist circuit, and Ramayana trail as well as ancient places of Buddhist, Hindu and other religious worship in Sri Lanka for enhancing tourism.”
The bilateral document was released as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe held bilateral and delegation-level talks in Delhi recently..
The two sides agreed to explore cooperation between educational institutions on both sides including through the establishment of new higher education and skilling campuses in Sri Lanka as per the requirements and priorities of Sri Lanka.
Telangana Tourism Minister V Srinivas Goud called on Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and briefed him about initiatives being taken by the Telangana government in promoting temple and medical tourism and discussed the advent of Buddhism and the Buddhist roots found in Telangana.
“Paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Sri Dinesh Gunawardena & discussed over the advent of Buddhism traced back during the 5th century B.C. and the Buddhism roots found in the Telangana State,” the Telangana Minister for Excise and Prohibition wrote on ‘X’ on Friday.
Briefed the Sri Lankan Prime Minister on the various initiatives of State Government under the able leadership of Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao Garu in promoting Temple & Medical Tourism, Industrial Policy and on the revolutionary agricultural reforms” Goud posted on X.
The Sri Lankan Prime Minister was briefed on the various initiatives of the Telangana government under Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao’s leadership. This includes promoting temple and medical tourism, industrial policy and revolutionary agricultural reforms.
“Sri Lankan MP Yadamini Gunawardena, Sri Lankan Govt Secretary Sugeshwar, Sri Lankan Parliament Secretary Kuruppu, Chairman Light of Asia Foundation and Radiance films International (Pvt) Ltd., Navin Gunaratna, Actor Gagan Malik & other dignitaries were also present,”.
India and Sri Lanka agreed to expand cooperation between research and academic institutes in areas of mutual interests such as agriculture, aquaculture, IT, business, finance and management, health and medicine, earth and marine sciences, oceanography, space applications, as well as history, culture, languages, literature, religious studies and other humanities.
The bilateral document released by MEA read, “To establish land connectivity between Sri Lanka and India for developing land access to the ports of Trincomalee and Colombo, propelling economic growth and prosperity in both Sri Lanka and India, and further consolidating the millennia-old relationship between the two countries. A feasibility study for such connectivity will be conducted at an early date.”
Colombo (LNW):The World Bank has said that it will continue to support the Aswesuma social welfare benefit program to protect Sri Lanka’s poor and vulnerable.
Faris H. Hadad-Zervos, the World Bank Country Director for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he met with State Minister Shehan Semasinghe and the Chairman of the Welfare Benefits Board on the progress of the Aswesuma payment scheme, and commitment to reach the 2 million families target.
On the 9th of May 2023, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe gave out directions for the initiation of “Aswesuma” welfare benefit payments, which are scheduled to commence from July 1st.
Accordingly, these payments will be distributed among four social categories, namely transitional, vulnerable, poor, and extremely poor.
Additionally, the usual allowances for the differently-abled, elderly, and kidney patients will also be provided
According to the President’s Media Division, the distribution of funding is as– 400,000 transitional beneficiaries will receive Rs.2,500per month until December 31, 2023,– 400,000 vulnerable beneficiaries will receive Rs.5,000 per month until March 31, 2024,– 800,000 poor beneficiaries will receive Rs.8,500 per month
– Extremely poor beneficiaries will receive Rs.15,000 per month for three years beginning July 1, 2023.
Effective from July, the Welfare Benefits Board implemented a direct crediting system, ensuring that beneficiaries’ bank accounts are directly credited with the necessary welfare benefits.
This encompasses the correction of any previous errors in social welfare benefits and the continuation of existing Government assistance programs such as Samurdhi and Elderly Assistance, said the President’s Media Division.
The ‘Aswesuma’ welfare benefit program, initiated by the President as part of the social safety net to alleviate the ongoing economic crisis, is being overseen by Minister of State for Finance Shehan Semasinghe, with involvement from various Government agencies, including the Ministry of Finance.
President Wickremesinghe highlights the need for historical reassessment and preservation of Sri Lanka’s rich heritage.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe, speaking at the “Sitawaka – Sisu Arunalu” program held at Rajasingha Central College Hanwella this morning (25), called for a fresh analysis of the life and character of King Sitawaka Rajasingha, a courageous and patriotic king of historical significance. The event, which distributed school equipment and uniforms to 12,000 schoolchildren, was made possible through the support of the Chinese government.
The President emphasized that King Rajasingha, has been overshadowed by history due to a reference in Chulavansa made two centuries after his reign. President Wickremesinghe urged a reconsideration of the historical approach that has favoured victorious figures while neglecting those who faced defeat.
Symbolizing the distribution of school equipment and uniforms, the President presented school equipment to several students during the event. It is worth mentioning that this assistance is a direct outcome of the Prime Minister’s visit to China. Hanwella, Avissawella, situated in the Western Province, boasts an advanced education system. The Prime Minister is making a substantial commitment towards its further development.
Highlighting the significance of preserving historical and cultural heritage, President Wickremesinghe revealed that he has instructed the Department of Archaeology to explore the archaeological treasures of Sitawaka Kingdom. This effort aims to shed light on the historical significance of the region and pave the way for the construction of a museum dedicated to Sitawaka’s history.
President Wickremesinghe emphasized the need for the country’s children to receive both modern education and knowledge about Sri Lanka’s rich cultural history. He expressed his commitment to ensuring that Sri Lankan youth are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to shape the nation’s future.
Furthermore, President Wickremesinghe called for a re-evaluation of the character and history of King Sitawaka Rajasingha, suggesting that the narrative surrounding those who lost battles in history should be reconsidered. In an effort to encourage knowledge-sharing, President Wickremesinghe invited local school students to submit facts about the Kingdom of Sitawaka and King Sitawaka Rajasingha. He pledged to reward the school that submits the most compelling information.
Despite recent economic challenges, President Wickremesinghe assured that the government remains committed to allocating more resources for free education and healthcare. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the current education system and his determination to transform Sri Lanka into a vocational training centre while providing children with an education system that empowers them for the future.
Regarding the General Certificate of Education (GCE) at both Ordinary and Advanced Levels, there is a coexistence of the public school education system and private tuition services. This situation entails significant parental investment in education. The government is actively seeking input from educators and students to develop a new education system that addresses these aspects.
Additionally, efforts are underway to create an environment conducive to providing professional education to children. The government aims to transform Sri Lanka into a hub for vocational training through the reorganization of vocational education programs. This initiative aims to equip citizens with the necessary professional knowledge for the nation’s future development, following models adopted by countries like Australia.
During the event, a poem was recited in honour of King Rajasingha, highlighting his historic significance. King Rajasingha’s actions are recognized for preventing Sri Lanka from facing a fate similar to Mozambique or Angola and for being the only South Asian king to successfully defeat the Portuguese.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed the importance of preserving the historical legacy of Kingdom of Sitawaka, emphasizing its role in safeguarding Sri Lanka’s independence. To ensure this heritage is passed down to future generations, he announced plans to establish a museum in the Sitawaka area.
Furthermore, the President instructed Chief of Defence Staff Mr. Shavendra Silva to oversee the construction of memorials at key historical battle sites, such as Mulleriyawa and Danthurei. These efforts aim to commemorate the bravery and sacrifices of those who contributed to Sri Lanka’s history.
President Wickremesinghe emphasized the need to revisit the legacy of King Sitawaka Rajasingha, a courageous and patriotic leader who has been overlooked by history. He pointed out that historical accounts, like Chulavansa, have often favoured winners over losers, neglecting those who lost battles. As a result, he called for a re-evaluation of King Sitawaka Rajasingha’s character and contributions.
In addition, President Wickremesinghe instructed the Department of Archaeology to commence work on preserving the archaeological significance of the Sitawaka region, which is expected to undergo rapid urbanization in the coming years. This proactive approach aims to safeguard the historical heritage of Sitawaka from potential loss, similar to what occurred in the city of Kotte.
President Wickremesinghe stressed the importance of understanding the past while building the future. To encourage this, he invited students from Sitawaka schools to submit essays detailing the history of Kingdom of Sitawaka. A prize will be awarded to the school with the most outstanding submission, promoting a deeper appreciation of Sri Lanka’s historical heritage among the youth.
Meanwhile Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena underscored the significance of education as a vital investment in the country’s future. He emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to the educational sector and acknowledged the importance of providing essential school equipment, generously provided by the Chinese government, to students.
The Prime Minister also paid tribute to the historical role of Rajasingha Central College Hanwella as the first Central College in the Kelani Valley, which has educated numerous students who have gone on to contribute significantly to the nation’s development. He emphasized the collective efforts of various governments that have made substantial contributions to the growth and advancement of Rajasingha Central College, Hanwella.
Mr. Qi Zhenhong, the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka also highlighted the strong and friendly partnership between China and Sri Lanka, characterized by mutual respect and trust. He emphasized the collaborative nature of the relationship, where both nations consistently support and assist each other.
Acknowledging the temporary difficulties faced by the Sri Lankan people, Ambassador Qi expressed confidence that, under the leadership of President Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Mr. Dinesh Gunawardena, the country would overcome these challenges and pave the way for a brighter future.
Ambassador Qi reiterated China’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka in achieving sustainable development and addressing prevailing economic issues.
The event was attended by Justice Minister Dr. Wijayadasa Rajapaksa, Public Security Minister Tiran Alas, Members of Parliament Jagath Kumara and Yadamini Gunawardena, Western Province Governor Marshal of the Air Force Roshan Gunathilake, Jagath Surasena Principal, Rajasingha Central College as well as teachers, parents, students and other dignitaries.
Colombo (LNW): In a historic milestone, Sri Lanka witnessed the grand unveiling of its very first centrally-monitored, fully-automated, women-operated Lanka IOC Filling Station, recently.
This event symbolizes empowerment, inclusivity, and technological advancement. Situated in the heart of Colombo, at Hospital Square.
It is the first new filling station inaugurated within the city limits in the last two decades and will serve its customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The close proximity to the hospital ensures that doctors, patients, and all visitors have easy access to essential services, LIOC officials said.
More than just a fuel station, this initiative represents a leap forward in the realm of women’s empowerment and the diversification of professional roles.
Behind this visionary project is Ninewells Hospitals, renowned as the largest specialized hospital in Sri Lanka and a champion of women’s and children’s health.
Ninewells Hospitals is also a participant in the UN Global Compact’s women’s equality programme, underscoring its commitment to advancing gender equality on a global scale.
The Lanka IOC filling station, embracing cutting-edge technology, redefines the refuelling experience.
At its core is the revolutionary NPND system, short for ‘No Print, No Delivery’, a marvel of automation that streamlines transactions, enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction.
This system ensures that the next customer is served only when the receipt for the previous transaction has been successfully delivered.
A number of distinguished guests were present at the inauguration ceremony, including the. DV Chanaka – State Minister for Power and Energy, Dr. Satyanjal Pandey – India’s Deputy High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Mr Sumal Perera – Chairman of the Access Group of Companies and Mr Dipak Das – Managing Director of Lanka IOC PLC.
The new filling station also features automated pricing, guaranteeing accurate and up-to-date rates, across a wide range of available fuels, including LP 92, LP 95, Lanka Auto Diesel, Lanka Super Diesel, Extra Premium Euro 3, and Extra Mile Diesel, along with lubricants and Laugfs LP Gas cylinders.
Beyond fuel, the station offers comprehensive vehicle services, from detailing to tyre and wheel alignment, Café 9, a delightful cafeteria is a special feature awaiting for customers.
The Absolute Detailing and Tyre Shop by Access Motors, specializing in interior and exterior cleaning services, provides your vehicle with the utmost care and attention, all while offering exceptional value for money.
The Sri Lankan Rupee continues to maintain its stability against the US Dollar at commercial banks in Sri Lanka on September 26, showing consistency compared to the rates observed on Monday.
At Peoples Bank, the exchange rates for the US Dollar remain unaltered, with the buying rate at Rs. 316.91 and the selling rate at Rs. 330.13.
According to the Commercial Bank, the buying rate for the US Dollar has seen a slight decrease from Rs. 318.18 to Rs. 317.20, while the selling rate remains steady at Rs. 328.50.
Similarly, at Sampath Bank, the buying and selling rates for the US Dollar remain unchanged at Rs. 318 and Rs. 328, respectively.
Opposition groups in Sri Lanka held discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation, currently in the country to conduct the first review of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement for Sri Lanka. The meeting took place at the office of the Opposition Leader in Colombo and was led by Peter Breuer, Senior Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, representing the IMF.
During the discussions, the agreements previously established between the government and the IMF were thoroughly examined. Opposition groups conveyed their concerns to the IMF regarding the potential impacts of the domestic debt restructuring program on the employees’ provident fund.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa informed the IMF delegation that, under their government, the existing agreement would be subject to review, with the aim of formulating a more people-friendly agreement that prioritizes strategies for the nation’s development.
Sri Lanka is facing multiple crises – economic, political and cultural. How the government deals with these is crucial to the future of the country. The failed unitary form of government, in particular, the excessive powers of the executive presidency need to be curtailed. Devolution of power and a more equal balance between the executive, judiciary, parliament, bureaucracy and regions need to be renegotiated if we are to come out of the crises.
It is in this macro light that this paper should be viewed. However, this paper will not focus on the class based issues underpinning the national question, except to note that under neo-liberalism, differences in plural societies are utilised to prop up authoritarian capitalist governance systems that are beset with crises.
Nation-Building
Nation building is an evolutionary and long-term course of action, rather than a revolutionary and overnight process. It needs to develop and grow through an internal process, not via an external intervention or by an imposed agenda. It also needs economic, social, and political development as well as institutions that protect the fundamental rights of the people and communities. In addition, the nation-building effort needs to ensure equal access to jobs, education, and health for all among other things.
For long-term democratic nation-building to be successful, we need to recognise the importance of democratic values, within the civic sphere that will develop and sustain them; rather than just emphasising economic development or state-building. Currently we have only received rhetorical banalities from the political elite shorn of any real meaning of this crucial issue.
Political decentralization can empower citizens or their representatives engaging in decision-making processes. Greater participation is assumed to lead to better informed decision making that are more relevant to the plural societies like Sri Lanka. With political decentralisation, citizens will come to better know their representatives and in turn they will be more cognisant of the needs and desires of their electorates. For decentralisation transfers responsibility for planning, financing and managing certain public duties from the centre and its agencies to regional ones, thus making it more local and accountable. This can be achieved by de-concentration, delegation, and devolution of authority with each of these having their own characteristics.
It should be noted that centralization and decentralization do not need to be an “either-or” scenario. Practical examples around the globe have demonstrated that an appropriate balance of centralization and decentralization can ensure effective and efficient government service delivery. Centres can play a crucial role in promoting and sustaining decentralization efforts. This can be done by developing proper and effective national policies and regulations needed for decentralization, thus creating or maintaining the necessary enabling environments that allow regional, provincial, and local units to take on more responsibilities for undertaking new functions.
The two uprisings in the south and the three decade long armed conflict in the north are examples that reflect the fact that if people are excluded from sharing any political power, they are more likely to challenge the legitimacy of the existing system. Federalism or devolution is a means of sharing power among diverse political entities irrespective of their ethnic or regional ties. Democracy will survive better if successes and burdens are shared fairly and equitably.
The current political system is based on ‘winner-take-all’ system, where one political party or group monopolise all the privileges and economic benefits. Devolution in contrast allows different ethnic and regional groups an ability to determine their own affairs, thus making them feel more secure. They may gain more confidence in and commitment to the existing system, and a general sense that the system is fair and inclusive.
In the UK devolution became a major political issue in the early 1970s, as Scotland and Wales demanded greater control over their own affairs. A referendum was held in 1979, to determine the people’s will for devolution. The electorate was needed to approve it with a two-fifths majority, but voters in Wales and Scotland rejected it. However, in 1999 under Tony Blair’s regime, power was devolved, Scotland had a parliament and later, Wales a Welsh Assembly. The Good Friday Agreement of 1998 provided Northern Ireland with its own parliament.[ii]
In Sri Lanka, proponents of devolution have been demanding clearly defined powers the Provinces can wield. During the Constitutional reform process under the previous regime led by President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe, the Chief Ministers of the seven ‘southern’ provinces asked for proper devolution as envisaged under the 13th Amendment. However, nothing came to fruition.
[i] Reiter R, Grohs S, Ebinger F, Kuhlmann S and Bogumil J 2010, Impacts of decentralization: The French experience in a comparative perspective, Ruhr-Universität; Published in French Politics 8(2010), 2, 166-189, Available at: https://d-nb.info/1078649812/34
US Under Secretary Victoria Nuland meets Foreign Minister Ali Sabry: reportedly raises concerns about the upcoming visit of Chinese research vessel Shi Yan 6: Minister Sabry reportedly says Sri Lanka can’t exclude China from docking in a Sri Lankan Port according to the SPO in place for foreign vessels.
Former CB Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal says SJB MP Harsha Silva’s attacks on his testimony before the “PSC on Causes for SL declaring Bankruptcy” is an attempt to browbeat him from giving an accurate account of the events surrounding the bankruptcy announcement: also says the announcement was a part of a conspiracy: asserts he would expose those who engineered the organised bankruptcy.
State Defence Minister Pramitha Bandara Tennekoon says SL risks facing more Easter Sunday style attacks: urges the legislature not to undermine intelligence services as their services were required to prevent the next attack.
Ratnapura High Court sentences former Senior DIG of the Sabaragamuwa Province Lalith Jayasinghe to 5 years imprisonment for influencing the Kahawatte Police OIC to refrain from arresting MP Premalal Jayasekera in connection with a shooting incident in the lead-up to the 2015 Presidential Election.
Education Minister Susil Premajayantha says arrangements have been made to ensure that school textbooks for next year will be distributed among the students, before the commencement of the 2024 school year.
Police say there have been 77 incidents of shooting so far this year whereby 46 persons, including a 6-year-old, were killed and 35 persons were injured.
A group of Tamil asylum seekers on a tiny British territory of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean win their fight against being forcibly returned to SL.
Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella says only 13% of the Pfizer vaccines imported to the country to immunize against Corona virus had been used and the rest destroyed after their expiry dates.
Kandy Diocese Bishop and Chilaw Apostolic Administrator Bishop Valence Mendis says it is ludicrous that the Govt has chosen to appoint more Committees to probe the Easter Sunday terror attacks, instead of implementing the recommendations of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry which probed the carnage.
Sri Lanka wins the Asian Games Women’s Cricket Silver Medal: lose to India by 19 runs in the Final: India – 116/7 (20 overs), Udeshika Prabodhani – 16/2: SL – 97/8 (20 overs), Hasini Perera – 25.
A minor tremor measuring 2.4 on the Richter Scale was reported in the Buttala area, as confirmed by the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau. The tremor was recorded at approximately 11:20 p.m. yesterday (25).
All four seismic stations in the country detected the minor tremor, which originated from a depth of approximately one kilometer beneath the earth’s surface.
