Colombo (LNW): Coincided with the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearance (August 30), families and loved ones of the missing persons in Sri Lanka today (31) held a number of events in Colombo.
These events were organised by the ‘Families of the Disappeared’ collective, under the theme, ‘What happened to the surrendees at the end of the war? Why is the OMP not investigating these?‘
Events of this nature were held with the contribution of the family members of those disappeared during various politically-driven events in the history of Sri Lanka. This afternoon, a silent protest was held in front of the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Justice Ministry and subsequently a petition was also handed over to the two ministries.
The official commemoration event for the missing persons in Sri Lanka in celebration of the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearance is due to be held at the Bandaranaike Memorial Internatioal Conference Hall (BMICH) this evening, demanding ‘not to disappear the Day of the Enforced Disappeared and the Office of Missing Persons (OMP) too.‘
Colombo (LNW): There is a possibility of enhancing the prevailing showery condition in south-western part of the island on September 01, 2023 considering the active south west monsoon conditions over the island, the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology said in a statement today (31).
Heavy showers above 100 mm are likely to occur at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces and in Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts, the statement added.
The general public is kindly urged to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
In a resolute countermove, the Attorney representing the Director General of the State Intelligence Service (SIS) issues a stringent demand to Father Rohan Silva, the Executive Director of the Center for Society & Religion (CSR), in light of groundless accusations raised during a recent press conference.
Sri Lanka Guardian: The Attorney of the Director General of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), Major General Suresh Sallay, has unleashed a blistering counterattack against Father Rohan Silva, Executive Director of the Center for Society & Religion (CSR). This comes after Father Silva made shocking and unfounded allegations against Major General Sallay during a recent press conference.
In a letter of demand, the attorney representing Major General Suresh Sallay, requested a staggering sum of Fifty Million Rupees to compensate for the damage inflicted by Father Rohan Silva’s defamatory remarks.
The letter, which a copy has been obtained by the Sri Lanka Guardian, categorically refutes Father Silva’s allegations. It states, “I am instructed to vehemently deny your allegation that my client has in any capacity communicated or met the individual named Mohamed Cassim Mohamed Zahran at any given point of time.”
Furthermore, the letter emphatically denies any claims of financial aid or support provided by Major General Sallay to Mohamed Cassim Mohamed Zaharan or any of his associates or organizations. It firmly declares, “I am instructed to vehemently deny your allegation that my client has at some point provided financial aid or any other form of support to the individual named Mohamed Cassim Mohamed Zaharan and/or any one of his followers and/or any such organization he was involved in.”
Major General Suresh Sallay while addressing the UN High-Level Conference on Counter-Terrorism in his capacity as the Director of the State Intelligence Service in Sri Lanka. [Photo Credit: Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations]
Major General Suresh Sallay’s attorney is uncompromising in her stance, describing Father Silva’s statements as “absolutely False, Malicious, and outright Defamatory.” She further asserts that these allegations are based on “unsubstantiated, distorted, and manipulated facts” that aim to tarnish Major General Sallay’s reputation.
The letter debunks Father Silva’s attempts to link Major General Sallay to individuals and incidents in Sri Lanka, emphasizing that Sallay was either based overseas or employed elsewhere during those times. These malicious allegations have harmed Major General Sallay’s reputation and caused him considerable distress, leading to an estimated damage claim of Rs. 50,000,000/- (Fifty Million Rupees).
Fr. Rohan Silva (CSR)
The Attorney’s letter concludes, stating, “Should you fail to comply with this demand, please take note that I have further instructions to institute legal proceedings against you in an appropriate Court of Law for the recovery of the said damages with the legal interest and the cost of litigation without any further notice to you.”
Meanwhile, insiders from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Attorney General Department have raised concerns about a sophisticated plot aimed at tarnishing Sri Lanka’s reputation and defaming individuals in high-ranking positions. It is believed that a group of individuals, seeking asylum in Western countries, is actively engaged in propagating falsehoods, ignoring facts and figures, and spreading unproven allegations to further their own hidden agendas.
A senior official from the Attorney General Department commented, “These individuals are weaving conspiracy theories reminiscent of the East bombings, aiming to achieve several ulterior motives.” As a response to this, it has become the responsibility of Sri Lankan missions abroad to disseminate accurate information based on facts and figures to counter these baseless allegations and protect the nation’s image.
It is worth mentioning that a similar type of litigation is currently in progress in a court of law against Reverend Father Cyril Gamini Fernando for his defamatory remarks against Major General Sallay. It has been reported that Father Fernando claimed his remarks were based on reports published on a website, but he lacks any evidence to support his claims. Nevertheless, due process is ongoing.
SriLankan Airlines, the country’s national carrier, launched ‘The Colours of Jaffna’ in a prestigious move to promote the beauty of the Northern parts of the island nation in tourism.
Considering the potential of the country’s vibrant north, rich with striking architecture, vibrant cultural characteristics, and the quintessential flavours of its unique culinary features, the National Carrier, in its campaign, has aptly captured the beauty of each of these aspects, thereby inviting the traveller to embark on an immersive experience.
Centring it around the historic Nallur Kandaswamy Festival, the national festival that spans the longest duration of 20-25 days which is currently underway, this is an invitation to visit Jaffna and experience the city in its most glorious and vibrant form.
Accordingly, the Airline launched the campaign with a spectacular video that unveils the fascinating facets of Jaffna, which will be followed by a series of posts and a fun quiz, raising awareness on Jaffna’s various attractions.
Complementing the promotional drive, the Airlines’ leisure arm, SriLankan Holidays has introduced a series of holiday packages covering the best of Jaffna, with Jetwing Hotels as the exclusive hospitality partner.
The next phase of the campaign will see content creators and social influencers, getting aboard SriLankan to experience the destination and inspire their fans to follow in their trail.
This attractive invitation to experience Jaffna is carried across the Airlines’ vast network, including its single largest market, India, which is connected to the island with over 80 flights a week out of 9 Indian cities.
The Airline simultaneously executes a range of promotional activities focussing on the Asia Cup and the historic Kandy Esala Perahera, two other phenomenal events taking place in the country, where a traveller, arriving to witness one can easily extend his/her stay to experience the other spectacles.
Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka and the Netherlands have a shared past and it will help to build together a common future with close cooperation in the fields of museums, collection management, research and exchange of knowledge and expertise, said Dutch State Secretary for Culture and Media Gunay Uslu during her meeting with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at Temple trees two days ago (Aug 29).
On august 28, the visiting Dutch Minister and Cultural Minister Vidura Wickremanayake signed a Transfer Acknowledge Agreement to transfer valuable artefacts taken from Sri Lanka during the Dutch rule two and a half centuries ago. The objects include the famous cannon of freedom fighter Lewke Disawe, two gold kastanes (ceremonial sword), Sinhalese knives, silver kastane, and two guns.
The Prime Minister thanked the visiting Minister Gunay Uslu for the transfer of artefacts and said the two countries should undertake collaboration on research on Dutch architecture, canal system, forts and other monuments for prosperity. Referring to the cannon of Lewke Disawe, the Prime Minister said that he was happy that Sri Lanka will get back this valuable treasure and told the Dutch delegation that Lewke was a place close to his home town Sithawaka and the entire country pay homage to the National Hero Lewke Disawa.
Minister Gunay Uslu said a grant will be extended by the Netherlands to will facilitate the work undertaken by the Ministry of Culture and the Department of National Museums to preserve the artefacts in a newly renovated chamber at the National Museum. She presented an ancient map of Ceylon by Baltus Jaquaez Van Lier drawn in 1751 to Prime Minister Gunawardena.
Ambassador of Netherlands Bonnie Horbach, Director General, Culture and Media in the Netherlands Barbera Wolfensberger, Chairperson, Dutch Colonial Collections Committee Lilian Gonçalves-Ho Kang You and Committee Member Dr. Alicia Schrikker, MP Yadamini Gunawardena and Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake were also present on this occasion.
Colombo (LNW): Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena has endorsed the certificate on several bills recently passed in Parliament.
Accordingly, the Speaker endorsed the certificate to the Betting and Gaming Levy (Amendment) Bill, the Appropriation (Amendment) Bill and the Sri Lanka Institute of Taxation (Incorporation) (Amendment) Bill on the 21 st.
These Bills as the Betting and Gaming Levy (Amendment) Act No. 11 of 2023, the Appropriation (Amendment) Act No. 12 of 2023 and the Sri Lanka Institute of Taxation (Incorporation) (Amendment) Act No. 13 of 2023, accordingly, came into enactment from 21 August 2023.
Colombo (LNW): SINOPEC the Chinese energy solution company partnered with Sri Lanka for the supply of fuel opened its first fuel station in Kottawa, Mattegoda yesterday (30).
The fuel station previously operated by a local manager under the state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO), accordingly, has been acquired by the SINOPEC management.
SINOPEC intends to acquire 150 fuel stations across the country whilst establishing 50 more new fuel stations.
Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee happens to have appreciated against the US Dollar today (31) in comparison to Tuesday, as revealed by leading commercial banks in Sri Lanka.
Accordingly, Peoples Bank reveals that the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 312.88 from Rs. 315.56, and the selling price to Rs. 327.58 from Rs. 330.38.
At Commercial Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 313.72 from Rs. 315.70, and the selling price to Rs. 326 from Rs. 328.
At Sampath Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 314 from Rs. 317, and the selling price to Rs. 325 from Rs. 328.
PMD: President Ranil Wickremesinghe, addressing the Forum on Sri Lanka Sustainable Development Trajectories & Pathways, expressed unwavering confidence in Sri Lanka’s potential to develop independently and alleviate the burden on external assistance.
“I think we in Sri Lanka should no longer think of asking others for help. But let’s make it on our own as many countries have done,” President Wickremesinghe asserted, underlining the nation’s determination to forge its path.
The President underscored the importance of diversifying financial resources beyond traditional channels. President Wickremesinghe emphasized that Sri Lanka’s reliance extends beyond financing solely from multilateral development banks. The engagement of the private sector, along with encouraging investments, has been identified as a crucial factor in generating the necessary funds to drive the country’s sustainable development initiatives.
In a bid to foster competitiveness and navigate economic challenges, President Wickremesinghe highlighted Sri Lanka’s proactive efforts to overhaul its economy. Drawing inspiration from successful models such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, the nation seeks to attract foreign investments and capitalize on emerging markets.
President Wickremesinghe’s address at the Sustainable Development Forum conveyed an unwavering commitment to self-reliance, economic transformation, and sustainable growth, positioning Sri Lanka on a trajectory of progress and resilience.
Following is the full speech delivered by President Ranil Wickremesinghe;
“When the speakers before me were explaining the Sustainable Development Goals and what we have achieved so far, the question that arose in my mind was: what is the future?
I will be one of those participating in the discussions at the United Nations, which have been called for by the Secretary General. While discussing these issues with some of them and with some of my officials here, I had to raise a few questions that I thought I would also place before you. Where do we go from here? We have the Sustainable Development Goals that you all accepted, and now we are evaluating the results halfway through. But the world has changed a lot since then. In addition to the Sustainable Development Goals, we had the Paris Climate Summit and the Glasgow Summit, and thus the whole issue of climate change.
Furthermore, we are also meeting in the aftermath of the adverse impact of COVID-19 worldwide. Sri Lanka is one of the worst-affected because COVID itself resulted in Sri Lanka becoming bankrupt. However, every country has suffered. There has been a significant setback to the global economy. Even if we look at the situation today, what progress do we see? In Europe, it is still stagnant. The US has been luckier with growth taking place and the on-and-off rise and fall of economic performance. China is still in the process of recovery. So the engines of world growth have come to a halt.
So, what is the cost of all this for us? How do we find the financial resources for the Sustainable Development Goals? How do we find the financial resources for climate change mitigation? How do we find the financial resources for the global debt financing crisis? The engine itself, the engine of growth, has still not reached its fullest potential. It is in crisis. And with this engine of growth in crisis, we have also got to find the resources both for the Sustainable Development Goals and for climate change.
I am not speaking against these goals; these are goals that we have to fulfil. We have our commitment from the SDGs of 2030 to the climate change goals of 2050. Recently, the Secretary General called for an accelerated agenda. But all this requires the ability to find the resources.
Some thought that the developer would be good enough to fund it. However, they are not. They certainly haven’t come up with the resources. And at the moment, I don’t think they have the resources, given the problems they are facing. So where do we find it? Is the world still ready for a period of fast growth? No. So we are in the middle of another crisis. So, first, we have to look at how to find the resources, what resources are available. We rely not only on financing from the multilateral development banks, but also from the private sector. The private sector needs to invest, and the private sector needs to issue bonds. Will that succeed in the case of many countries? Some may not be prepared to accept it, and the private sector may find that other countries are not suitable for investment. So, we are leaving about one third to 40% out of that.
Then how does the rest grow? This is an issue we have to address. Where do we find the funding? Look at Sri Lanka. In 2019, we required an annual investment of 9% of GDP just to achieve the SDGs. In addition to this, we now have the climate change goals, and we are a country that’s bankrupt. So, where do we find the resources? This is a question that all of us have. As far as Sri Lanka is concerned, we will make the best effort. As a result of the debt crisis we’ve had, we are now taking measures to completely restructure the economy. We are following the path that Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam have taken, so that we become a highly competitive economy and learn to find our markets. We can no longer be the sheltered small economy that we were earlier. I hope that we will succeed, but it means reworking, starting from the beginning. We have to invest in new technologies and bring in foreign investment and capital. This is what we want to do because if we can develop on our own, then fewer resources will be needed for Sri Lanka, and more resources will be available elsewhere.
So let’s not be a burden. I think we in Sri Lanka should no longer think of asking others for help, but let’s make it on our own, just like many other countries have done. Take Vietnam, a country completely destroyed by war, which was still able to become a world power. There are many growing economies like Vietnam. There are numerous instances, and we are situated in the area of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. We are in East Asia, Southeast Asia.
We are observing growth taking place. India holds potential for growth, and the Indian Ocean region is anticipated to be the next area of growth. So, we will strive to succeed on our own. However, can the whole world be supportive? They are after you. While Sri Lanka has its share of the Sri Lankan coast, it doesn’t necessarily mean that there will be ample resources available for others. With three distinct programs needing attention, it is prudent for us to consider an integrated approach to resolving this. We need to determine the areas that deserve immediate emphasis and those that can be addressed later.
I believe it’s time for all of us to review this situation. We should review the SDGs, assess climate change mitigation efforts, and examine the global debt crisis. The objective is not to abandon any of these but to bring them together and then find a way to regroup for the next phase. I intentionally use the term “regroup” because, in battle, after some time when your forces are scattered, you gather them all and regroup for the next assault. Similarly, we need to regroup, strategize, and move ahead. This is what I believe. This is what we have been contemplating, and I think it’s a serious option for us to consider.”
Meanwhile, addressing the forum, Treasury Secretary & Sustainable Development Council Chairman Mr. Mahinda Siriwardane said,
The midpoint of Sri Lanka’s pursuit of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) prompts contemplation on progress, challenges, and commitments.
He said the forum’s significance lies in its potential to address fiscal constraints and debt issues that impede development aspirations. Globally, an extra $500 billion annually is essential for sustainable development. Sri Lanka, too, requires substantial resources for recovery and long-term progress, he added.
Mr. Siriwardane noted that fiscal stability and resilience are pivotal, accompanied by reshaping financial structures to bolster SDGs. Revenue-based fiscal consolidation efforts aim to restore fiscal and debt sustainability. Critical to this are fiscal institutions, institutional reforms in tax administration, expenditure management, and energy pricing.
“Environmental and social goals are aligned with government policies. Poverty reduction to 8% and unemployment to 5% by 2030 is targeted. The nation’s commitment to renewable energy is evident, aiming for 70% and 100% electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and 2050, respectively.”
He focussed on inclusive and equitable development, with the aim of leaving no one behind, adding that social safety nets, including the Welfare Benefits Program, support the vulnerable. Initiatives like the Roadmap for Sustainable Finance, Green Finance Taxonomy, SDG Investor Map and Green Bond Framework enhance SDG integration into the financial system.
Governance reforms and public financial management will continue, he said, adding that the new Public Financial Management Act with binding fiscal rules is being drafted. Enhanced powers and resources to investigate bribery and corruption have been enacted and a new Central Bank Act supports independent inflation targeting.
He also noted that efforts to align SDGs with the national budget process aim for targeted resource allocation. Reforms for economic stabilization and sustainable growth are pursued, alongside digitalization of public services and climate resilience investments.
Siriwardane appreciated collaboration and anticipates fruitful deliberations fostering partnerships and insights towards a sustainable Sri Lanka by 2030.
Ms. Chamindry Saparamadu, Director-General of the Sustainable Development Council, Mr. Arman Bidarbakht Nia, Head of the Statistical Data Management Unit of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Ms. Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Mr. Marc-André Franche, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations (UN) in Sri Lanka, also spoke at this occasion. H.E Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General of the UN and Executive Secretary of UNESCAP, and Kanni Wignaraja, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, also joined and delivered their messages via Zoom technology.
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, along with Ministers Ali Sabry, Pavithra Vanniarachchi, Mahinda Amaraweera, Keheliya Rambukwella, and State Ministers Shehan Semasinghe, Geetha Kumarasinghe, as well as President’s Senior Advisor on Climate Change Mr. Ruwan Wijewardena, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Environment Dr. Anil Jasinghe, and Secretary to the Ministry of Energy U. K. Mapa Pathirana, along with Country Director of the Sri Lanka Resident Mission of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Mr. Takafumi Kadono, and Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Sri Lanka, University Vice Chancellors, Heads of Private and Public sectors, and officials of the National Council of Sustainable Development were present at this occasion.
Colombo (LNW): The New Zealand (NZ) government has agreed to provide support and necessary funds for the establishment of an Immigration Resource Centre in Sri Lanka, the Labour and Foreign Employment Ministry said.
A crucial discussion in this regard was held between the Minister and the Deputy High Commissioner of New Zealand Andrew Traveller yesterday.
The Deputy High Commissioner told Labour Minister Manusha Nanayakkara that they will provide support and necessary funds for the establishment of an Immigration Resource Centre in Sri Lanka.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is to be signed between the two countries and it is to be reviewed by the Foreign Affairs Ministry as well as the Cabinet.
New Zealand will provide assistance for a period of three years after the establishment of the centre.
Through this project, programmes are to be implemented to raise awareness among vulnerable people regarding safe migration and foreign employment and it will also play a crucial role in preventing human trafficking and irregular migration.
New Zealand is to fund the establishment of an immigration resource centre in Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment said today.
The High Commission of New Zealand has informed the Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara that it will provide support and necessary funds for the establishment of an immigration resource centre in Sri Lanka.
A crucial discussion regarding this was held between the Minister and the Deputy High Commissioner of New Zealand Andrew Traveller.
A memorandum of understanding is to be signed between the two countries and the relevant MoU is to be reviewed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Cabinet of Ministers.
The centre, if approved, will be established at an appropriate location chosen by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE). New Zealand will provide assistance for a period of three years after the establishment of the centre.
Through this project, programmes are to be implemented to create awareness among vulnerable people regarding safe migration and foreign employment and it will also play a crucial role in preventing human trafficking and irregular migration.
The Deputy High Commissioner of New Zealand emphasized during the meeting that this project will pave way for further strengthening the relations between Sri Lanka and New Zealand and contribute to the improvement of people’s understanding on matters related to foreign employment.
