01. President Ranil Wickremesinghe together with a Sri Lankan delegation leaves the country to attend an international conference in Singapore and Japan: The President accompanied by first lady Maithri Wickremesinghe, Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayake, Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva, the President’s Private Secretary Sandra Perera and others; set to attend the “Future of Asia-28” conference in Tokyo from May 25 to 26.

02. The NCPI reveals the overall headline inflation drops to 33.6% in April 2023: The inflation recorded for April 2023 dropped in comparison to the 49.2% recorded in March 2023: Food inflation drops to 27.1% in April from the 42.3% recorded in March.

03. Kushani Rohanadheera assumes duties as the new Secretary General of Parliament, following the retirement of predecessor Dhammika Dasanayake.

04. Executive Director of the People’s action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) Rohana Hettiarachchi appointed as the new Chairperson of the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL): The appointment taken place at the 8th General Assembly of the ANFREL in Bangkok.

05. The prices of laboratory tests for dengue, including dengue antigen testing and full blood count soar: The price of a dengue antigen test soars up to about Rs. 1,200, and the price of a full blood count test, Rs. 400: Health officials warn the situation may end up in people being reluctant to go for blood tests amidst the growing dengue crisis in the country.

06. Tourism Minister Harin Fernando issues a gazette notification soaring the entrance fees to Botanical gardens, effective from July 2023: The entrance fee for local visitors will rise to Rs. 200 from Rs. 100, and for foreign visitors, to Rs. 3,000 from Rs. 2,000, per head.

07. Sri Lanka inks a contract agreement with Sinopec, a leading petroleum company, for the importation, storage and sale of petroleum products in Sri Lanka: The signing of the agreement takes place at the President’s Office: The move said to be marking a crucial step in ensuring a steady and uninterrupted fuel supply for the nation.

08. Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Lak Kumar Fernando warns Sri Lanka is heading to a hyper or major epidemic wreaking havoc with the dengue outbreak; adds the epidemic can be the “the worst since 2017 and 2019”; stresses if preventive measures are not in place, the current situation may end up in “a more devastating state reaching the number of cases in 2017.”

09. Cabinet approval and permission was granted to publish a Gazette notification mentioning the ‘Kompanna Veediya’ Grama Niladhari division in all three languages: The Prime Minister on a previous occasion had stated that the English name ‘Slave Island’ should be changed to ‘Kompanna Veediya’ immediately.

10. The Examinations Department announces that tuition classes for the GCE OL Examination 2022 will be prohibited from midnight today: The conduction of tuition classes, seminars, lectures and workshops targeting the candidates will be prohibited: Commissioner General Amith Jayasundara says it would be a violation to print and distribute model question papers, as well as to promote such action via banners, handbills, or by electronic or print media.

After three years of virtual celebrations, the Permanent Missions of Sri Lanka and Thailand to the United Nations in New York co-hosted an in-person commemoration of the International Day of Vesak on Thursday, 18 May 2023, at the Trusteeship Councilof the United Nations Head Quarters in New York.

Sponsored by Sri Lanka and Thailand, in 1999, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 54/115, which internationally recognized the Day of Vesak at the United Nations.

The Commemoration commenced with the opening remarks by the co-hosts. Ambassador Suriya Chindawongse of Thailand emphasized the significance of the Vesak Day and the ways in which the teachings of the Lord Buddha can enrich the common ethos to tackle the multiple crisis the world is currently undergoing.

Ambassador Csaba Kőrösi, the President of the 77^th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, delivered the opening statement at the event. The UN Secretary General António Guterres, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand Don. Pramudwinai and, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka Ali Sabry addressed the celebration through virtual messages. All dignitaries referred to the relevance of Buddhism to meet contemporary challenges and the ways the teaching can be applied to usher peace and sustainable living to the world.

Ven. Phramaha Thawin Puhkao, Ven. Pharama Kamsun Kangmun and Ven.  Phra Gasana Kochaphatn of Thailand invoked blessings.Ven. Heenbunne Kondanna thero, Chief Incumbent of the Staten Island Buddhist Vihara conducted the sermon representing the Theravada Tradition. The Chief Incumbent, delivering his sermon, mentioned that the principles of the Buddhist teachings of universal loving kindness were at the crux of the UN Charter.

Buddhist clergy from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Viet Nam and the Republic of Korea participated at the event.

The Permanent Representatives of India, Nepal, China, Japan, Pakistan, Viet Nam, Lao PDR, Mongolia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, Bangladesh and the Deputy Permanent Representatives from Singapore, Russian Federation, Republic of Korea and Malaysia also delivered statements at this event. While underlining the necessity of adhering to the teachings of Lord Buddha at turbulent times like the present, they congratulated both Sri Lanka and Thailand for co-organizing the UN Vesak Day.

Ambassador Mohan Pieris, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the UN, delivered the closing remarks and thanked all the venerable clergy and the other dignitaries for their participation at the event.

Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka

New York

22 May 2023

The 14^th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Inter-Sessional Meeting on Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (ISM on NPD) was held in Colombo from 16-17 May 2023, hosted by Sri Lanka and co-chaired with Thailand and the United States of America.

The ARF meeting brought together officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade of 17 ARF Participant countries, in person with 5 ARF Participant countries taking part virtually. The meeting was chaired by Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Sri Lanka) Satya Rodrigo, who also chaired discussions on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The Co-Chairs Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Ann K. Ganver (United States) and Deputy Director General Bolbongse Vangphaen (Thailand) chaired discussions on Non-Proliferation and Disarmament, respectively.

During the opening, Director General Rodrigo noted Sri Lanka’s role in making the first calls for a special session on disarmament in 1975 and Sri Lanka’s continued contribution to disarmament in regional and international fora. Director of the National Centre for Non-Destructive Testing of the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board Anura Jayatilaka gave a presentation on the role of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), and its applications for manufacturing and construction industries.

Sri Lanka has been a member of the ARF since 2007. The ARF is an important ASEAN-led mechanism for security dialogue in the Asia-Pacific region and provides a forum to foster constructive dialogue and consultation towards promoting confidence building measures and preventive diplomacy in the region.

The Sri Lanka delegation comprised senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including ARF SOM Leader, Addl. Secretary / Bilateral (East)Yasoja Gunasekera, Director General / Southeast Asia & Central Asia  Waruna Wilpatha, and other senior officials of the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Colombo

22 May 2023

President Ranil Wickremesinghe will visit Japan from 24 to 27 May 2023 to address the 28th Nikkei Future of Asia Conference held in Tokyo.

During the visit, President Wickremesinghe will hold bilateral discussions with Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Minister of Finance Suzuki Shunichi, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hayashi Yoshimasa and Minister for Digital Transformation Taro Kono.

The President will also meet the officials of the Japan-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship League, which is engaged in strengthening relations between the two countries, while promoting mutually beneficial cultural ties. During the visit, President Wickremesinghe also plans to engage with the Business Community during a Business Forum organized by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Tokyo, in collaboration with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and Japan-Sri Lanka Business Cooperation Council (JSLBCC), followed by a discussion with the Sri Lanka Business Council in Japan, to identify ways of enhancing trade and investment between Sri Lanka and Japan.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Colombo

22 May 2023

During the 8th General Assembly of the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL), which took place in Bangkok following the recent Thai General Election, Mr. Rohana Hettiarachchi, the Executive Director of PAFFREL (People’s action for Free and Fair Elections), was appointed as the Chairperson of the Asian Network for Free Elections. The announcement was made in the presence of representatives from 18 countries and twenty-nine organisations affiliated with the ANFREL network.

In addition to his role as Chairperson, Mr. Hettiarachchi will also serve as the Director of the Asian Network for Free Elections. The assembly also elected Mrs. Pili Cora from Philippines as the Secretary General and Mr. P. Sakul from Thailand as the Treasurer. Furthermore, representatives from Indonesia, Myanmar, Mongolia, Maldives, and Nepal were elected to the Board of Directors.

Mr. Hettiarachchi’s term as Chairman will extend until May 2026, providing him with a significant opportunity to contribute to the network’s mission of promoting transparency, fairness, and integrity in elections across Asia. Notably, prior to assuming the position of Chairman, Mr. Hettiarachchi had served as the Secretary General of the Asian Network for Free Elections for thirteen years, demonstrating his extensive experience and dedication to the organisation’s goals.

Under Mr. Hettiarachchi’s leadership, the Asian Network for Free Elections aims to further strengthen its presence and influence in the region, fostering collaboration among member countries and organisations to enhance electoral processes and ensure democratic principles are upheld.

By: Isuru Parakrama

Colombo (LNW): The Exchange Rates of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) today (22) reveal a slight appreciation in the Sri Lankan Rupee against the US Dollar in comparison to last week (19).

Accordingly, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 299.71 from Rs. 300.65, and the selling price, to Rs. 313.82 from Rs. 314.08.

The Sri Lankan Rupee, however, indicates a slight depreciation against several other foreign currencies, according to the CBSL Exchange Rates.

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan government has recently introduced regulations to address the ill effects and illicit practices in sea cucumber cultivations involving Chinese companies exerting a threat for the survival of local fishermen, who depend on the sea for their livelihoods, fisheries ministry sources divulged. 

According to new regulations, it has restricted the areas where sea cucumber farms can be established and set minimum distances from the shore. The government has also imposed fines and other penalties for those who violate regulations.

Sea cucumber farming is a relatively new industry in Sri Lanka, but it has quickly gained popularity due to its potential for high profits.

However, the rapid expansion of sea cucumber farms operated by Chinese companies in Sri Lanka has caused concerns among local fishermen, who depend on the sea for their livelihoods.

Some local fishermen have reported that the sea cucumber farms are affecting their catch, as the farms are taking up large areas of the seabed, which reduces the available space for fish to breed and feed.

 In addition, some fishermen have claimed that the use of chemicals and antibiotics in sea cucumber farming is having a negative impact on the marine environment and the health of fish in the area.

Moreover, the Chinese companies operating the sea cucumber farms are accused of employing mainly Chinese workers and not hiring local people, which has added to the resentment of local communities towards the industry.

However, critics argue that the regulations are not enough, as they do not address the fundamental issues of the environmental impact and the exclusion of local people from the industry.

Therefore, there is a need for the government and the companies involved in sea cucumber farming to work with local communities to address these concerns and find solutions that are beneficial for all parties involved.

Sea cucumber farming, like any aquaculture activity, can have environmental impacts, including potential damage to marine life and ecosystems.

One of the main concerns associated with sea cucumber farming is the use of antibiotics and other chemicals to control disease and promote growth in the farmed animals.

These chemicals can potentially leach into the surrounding water and affect the health of other marine organisms.

Additionally, the waste generated by the sea cucumbers can contribute to water pollution and eutrophication, which can negatively impact marine ecosystems.

Sea cucumber farming can also lead to habitat destruction and alteration, particularly if farms are located in sensitive or ecologically important areas.

The installation of sea cucumber farm structures on the seafloor can impact sedimentation and disturb benthic habitats. The removal of wild sea cucumbers to stock the farms can also reduce populations and impact biodiversity in the area.

In addition, in 2016, China and Sri Lanka signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the “Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road” initiative, which includes cooperation in fisheries and aquatic product processing.

In 2020, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development announced that it had signed an agreement with a Chinese company to set up a sea cucumber farm in the eastern province of Batticaloa.

The project is now operating at full scale creating jobs for local residents and boost the country’s export earnings.

By: Isuru Parakrama

Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has signed a contract agreement with Sinopec Fuel Oil parent company in China and Singapore, aiming a long-term importation, storage, distribution and sale of petroleum products.

Accordingly, the agreement was inked between Sinopec Fuel Oil Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. and its parent company at the President’s Office today (22).

A statement by the President’s Media Division (PMD) confirmed that negotiations have been completed with Sinopec Fuel Oil Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. and its parent company in China and Singapore in this regard.

The announcement comes in as per the recommendations given by the Special Committee appointed by the Cabinet and after the negotiations with the said company.