Sri Lankan Ambassador in Italy, Jagath Wellawatte, who is also concurrently accredited to the Hellenic Republic presented his Letters of Credence to President of the Hellenic Republic (Greece) Katerina Sakellaropoulou on 30 October 2023, at the Presidential palace in Athens, Greece.
At the Credential Ceremony, Ambassador conveyed the greetings of President Ranil Wickremesinghe to President Sakellaropoulou.
Following the Credential Ceremony, the Ambassador and Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Greece Michael Xynos called on the Minister of Labour & Social Security of the Hellenic Republic and discussed on entering into a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of Migration Mobility Partnership between the two countries.
Further, the Ambassador and the Honorary Consul had a meeting with the President of the Athens Chamber of Commerce & Industry Sofia Kounenaki and discussed the investment opportunities in Sri Lanka. During his visit to Athens, the Ambassador visited the Athens Buddhist Centre, the Honorary Consulate Office in Athens and met the representatives of the Sri Lankan community in Greece.
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Brussels organized a tourism promotion workshop titled “Sri Lanka Odyssey: An Ultimate Experience of Lifetime”, in Luxembourg on 08 November 2023. This event aimed to introduce Sri Lanka as a must-visit destination to Luxembourg’s travel operators and tour agencies. The Emirates’ Belgium Office and the agent of Basilur Premium Tea, a Ceylon tea brand in Belgium, also joined the Embassy to promote Sri Lanka tourism in Luxembourg.
The workshop drew over 70 participants, comprising a diverse group of travel industry professionals, including tour operators, travel agents, bloggers, social media influencers, travel journalists, and TV professionals.
Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg Grace Asirwatham provided a comprehensive overview of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, showcasing pristine beaches, wildlife, nature reserves, tea gardens, cultural heritage, UNESCO sites, wellness tourism, and cultural activities.
Sales Manager at Emirates Airlines in Belgium Yuves Vanhaack emphasized the robust international connectivity that supports Sri Lanka’s tourism and highlighted the convenience of flying to Sri Lanka with Emirates, underscoring their premium facilities and seamless travel experiences.
Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Antwerp Monique De Decker highlighted adventure tourism and shopping opportunities in Sri Lanka, praising the warmth and hospitality of the Sri Lankan people.
Second Secretary of the Embassy Dulmini Dahanayake discussed diverse accommodation options, ranging from luxury to eco-friendly, all offering excellent value for money.
Luxembourg’s affluent tourists are evolving towards eco-friendly and sustainable tourism products, aligning with Sri Lanka’s commitment to responsible travel practices and environmental conservation. This shift positions Sri Lanka as an attractive destination for those seeking enriching, eco-conscious experiences. The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Brussels is following these evolving interests and fostering a strong partnership with tour operators in Luxembourg, with the aim of showcasing Sri Lanka as a top-tier holiday destination for their clients in Luxembourg.
Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Embassy in Jakarta facilitated a Business to Business (B2B) Travel Agents Gathering in collaboration with Jetwing Travel and Sri Lankan Airlines to promote tourism in cooperation with Indonesian tourism entrepreneurs, a statement by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Jakarta said.
The gathering was held at the Embassy premises on 3 November 2023 and was attended by around 30 leading travel agent companies in Indonesia.
Sri Lanka Ambassador to Indonesia and ASEAN Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage expressed his hope that Sri Lanka – Indonesia cooperation in the tourism sector will be a long-term, sustainable collaboration and mutually beneficial for both countries.
The delegation from Jetwing Travel made a presentation regarding tourism packages to Sri Lanka with three options; general tour, umrah tour, and Buddhist pilgrims tour with different types of tour packages. The Sri Lankan Airline Deputy Manager in Indonesia discussed continued collaboration with Indonesia in tourism sector, presenting daily direct flights from Jakarta to Sri Lanka with many connectivity options.
Travel agents in Indonesia expressed keen interest to hold collective consortium meetings to further discuss the on-going collaboration in tourism sector.
Three individuals, including the Chairman of the Central Environment Authority (CEA), Supun Shashendra Pathirage, have been apprehended. Officers from the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) carried out the arrests, alleging that the suspects had solicited a bribe amounting to Rs. 10 million.
According to sources, the alleged solicitation took place within the premises of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, and it was related to a project undertaken by the CEA. The arrests highlight a significant development in the ongoing efforts to curb corruption within government agencies, particularly in projects involving environmental and natural resource management.
In the aftermath of heavy rains persisting for nearly one-and-a-half months, more than 11,750 acres of paddy fields, ready to be harvested in the last Yala Season, have been obliterated by destructive floods.
Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, overseeing the Agriculture and Plantation Industry, has directed the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board to compile information on the extensive damage incurred by the fields during the prolonged and severe drought of the previous Yala Season.
The assessment reveals a staggering 64,088 acres of paddy fields damaged due to drought, affecting 11,460 farmers who have suffered losses from crop damage caused by the subsequent heavy rains.
Responding to the crisis, Minister Amaraweera has instructed the Chairman of the Agriculture and Agrarian Insurance Board, W. M. M. B. Weerasekara, to expedite the process of providing compensation for crop damage attributed to the drought. The Minister emphasized the urgency of disbursing these compensations within the current year. In the event of delays in government funds, Minister Amaraweera urged the board to utilize its resources to ensure timely relief for the affected farmers.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by farmers in resuming cultivation activities, particularly in the high season, the Minister underscored the importance of swift and comprehensive support to mitigate the impact of crop damage caused by the drought.
In a keynote address at the Annual Graduation ceremony of the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo,Nov-(10), President Ranil Wickremesinghe outlined Sri Lanka’s strategic focus on expanding economic cooperation with key international partners.
President Wickremesinghe highlighted the country’s intent to foster economic collaboration with India and member nations of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Cooperation (RCEP), along with efforts to enhance ties with the European Union (EU). He underscored the historical significance of Sri Lanka’s foreign policy, citing the era from the late Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake to Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike as a golden period.
At the ceremony, a total of 390 students who successfully completed their studies across various academic levels, including international relations certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, and post-graduate courses, were conferred with certificates. Additionally, commendable students who demonstrated outstanding academic performance during the years 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 were honoured with both certificates and gifts. The awards ceremony was conducted at the aforementioned venue, marking a significant recognition of academic achievements within this period.
Special honours were bestowed upon the late Jayantha Dhanapala and Mr. H. M. G. S. Palihakkara, prestigious diplomats by the President. In a touching moment, Mr. Sivanka Dhanapala, the son of the late Mr. Jayantha Dhanapala, received the award on behalf of his father.
The President addressed the challenges posed by the post-COVID 19 era, including the debt crisis, delays in achieving sustainable development goals (SGDs) and climate change issues. He acknowledged the complexities arising from the U.S.-China rivalry and its impact on global geopolitics, characterizing the current state as a ” geopolitics of the global poly-crisis.”
President Wickremesinghe highlighted that Sri Lanka is in the same line along with the ASEAN outlook for Indo-Pacific region and stressed the unique identities of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. He noted China’s preference for the Asia-Pacific concept and the Belt and Road Initiative has established a connection between the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean. In light of these developments, President Wickremesinghe underscored the crucial importance of preserving the Indian Ocean as a region free from great power rivalry. This emphasis reflects Sri Lanka’s commitment to maintaining the Indian Ocean as a zone of cooperation and stability, irrespective of broader geopolitical dynamics.
The President expressed Sri Lanka’s support for debt relief for low-income countries in African region and proposed a focus on the tropical belt for climate change mitigation. He called for global cooperation on these matters and emphasized the significance of maintaining the global trade system.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscored the vital importance of maintaining the global trade system. He emphasized the need for consensus among nations before implementing significant changes, highlighting the necessity for collaborative decision-making.
Expressing concern over the on-going conflict in the Gaza Strip, the President stated that resolving the situation cannot be achieved by targeting the leadership of the Hamas organization alone. He advocated for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further escalation, emphasizing the urgency of diplomatic efforts to address the complex issues surrounding the conflict.
The President also expressed optimism regarding a positive outcome in resolving the current global situation. He anticipates progress to be made during the upcoming meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the APEC Summit in San Francisco. The expectation is that this high-level diplomatic engagement will contribute to addressing key international concerns and fostering constructive dialogue between the United States and China. The President concluded by emphasizing the need for collective efforts to overcome global complexities.
The event was graced by the presence of notable dignitaries, including Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya, Members of Parliament Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Dr. Harsha de Silva, and Eran Wickramaratne were in attendance. The distinguished gathering also included Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aruni Wijewardene, New Zealand High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Michael Appleton, French Ambassador to Sri Lanka Jean-François Pactet, and Japanese Deputy Ambassador Katsuki Kataro, among other esteemed foreign diplomats and former ambassadors.
Furthermore, the event was attended by Professor Gamini Keeravella, the Executive Director of the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies, members of the Management Council of the centre and academic staff. Their presence added to the significance of the occasion, reflecting a collective commitment to scholarly engagement and diplomatic discourse.
Representatives of Sports Federations appear before Parliamentary Committee on Sports Ministries- State Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Rohana Dissanayake.
In a significant development, State Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Mr. Rohana Dissanayake, has disclosed the government’s ambitious plan to inaugurate a new sports university in 2024. This initiative is under the visionary guidance of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
During a press conference at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) yesterday (10), under the theme ‘Collective path to a stable country,’State Minister Dissanayake emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing challenges within sports federations. To facilitate this, the Parliamentary Committee on Sports Ministries has been summoned to engage in proactive discussions and find resolutions.
State Minister Dissanayake highlighted the on-going efforts to streamline the operations of the country’s 72 sports federations. A notable aspect of this approach involves the negotiation for the merger of 66 active sports federations before the year 2024. The objective is to consolidate their responsibilities, duties and policies, promoting efficiency and unity within the sports sector.
The State Minister also announced the allocation of Rs.125 million to the Sports Development Department for proposed programs in the current year. Despite financial constraints, the government is determined to execute these initiatives effectively.
Furthermore, Minister Dissanayake detailed plans for the establishment of the sports university, projected to cost approximately one billion US dollars. The envisioned institution, set to commence operations in the first quarter of 2024 pending approvals from institutions such as the University Grants Commission, will offer programs in Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Science, Compound Annual Growth Rate and Environmental Impact Assessment.
In addition to academic pursuits, the government is fostering international collaboration through a motorbike rally involving India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, scheduled to commence on December 29 and conclude on January 14. Then on Thai Pongal day (15) this rally will start from Kankasanturai, Jaffna and will end at Galle Face, where a cultural show will also be held.
Moreover, arrangements have been made to involve members of the youth parliament in regional coordination committees, providing them with insights into local-level activities and responsibilities. This initiative aims to empower young leaders and contribute to effective governance at the grassroots level.
A formal presentation of the annual dividends from five esteemed institutions under the purview of the State Ministry of Primary Industries took place at the Presidential Secretariat, yesterday morning (10). The ceremony, presided over by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, marked the remittance of a total sum of Rs. 925 million to the Treasury.
Accordingly, National Gems and Jewellery Authority contributed Rs. 350 million, while Lanka Phosphate Company Limited: Rs. 300 million, B.C.C. Company Rs. 100 million, National Salt Company Rs. 100 million and Sri Lanka Cement Corporation Rs. 75 million has been remitted to the treasury, exemplifying a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors in bolstering the nation’s financial stability.
The event was attended by Minister of State for Primary Industries, Mr. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake, Chairmen and officials representing the contributing institutions.
Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s key inflation rate rose to 1.5% in October from 1.3% a month ago, the statistics department said.
The Colombo Consumer Price Index (LKCCPI=ECI), a leading indicator for broader national prices, tracks inflation in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s biggest city.
Food prices fell 5.2% in October after declining 5.2% in September, from a year earlier, the Department of Census and Statistics said in a statement. Prices for non-food items, however, climbed slightly to 4.9% in October after rising 4.7% in September.
The Trade, Commerce and Food Security Ministry this week said food inflation in the country is expected to contract further in 2024, with efforts also being taken to trim the food prices wherever possible.
The government has called for the relevant departments to assess how much food prices can be controlled next year, Minister Nalin Fernando said, addressing a press conference on ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country’, at the Presidential Media Centre, this week.
“Food prices and safety are top priorities for our government. We have taken several steps to strengthen the economy and collect the required amount of taxes,” he said.
The most recent move in this regard is increasing the sugar tax from 25 cents to Rs.50.
“We believe that by successfully implementing these measures, we can further reduce food inflation in the coming year,” added Fernando.
Efforts are also underway to understand food production and security in the country, so that the price controls can take place.
Fernando noted that the information from the relevant departments would help to ensure the availability of essential goods at affordable prices for consumers next year; it will also help to understand the country’s import needs.
Sri Lanka at present imports about 30 million eggs per month, to help meet the domestic demand and ensure that there is no shortage of eggs during the festive season.
The government plans to continue egg imports, until December 31, 2023 or until the local production has recovered.
The price of chicken meat has also been reduced from Rs.1700 per kilogramme to Rs.1150 per kilogramme, after the government negotiated with producers.
The government is committed to maintaining this lower price until the end of the year and has informed the producers that it is ready to import chicken meat if necessary.
Fernando added that to protect consumers, the government has also introduced a control price of Rs.275 for one kilogramme of sugar.
Further, the sugar stocks of 12 of the 14 sugar importers are monitored daily, to ensure that there is no shortage.
The officials have been instructed to raid the traders who sell sugar above the control price.
In September 2023, the food prices continued to deflate, registering a decline of 5.2 percent on a year-on-year (YoY) basis, from 5.4 percent in August.
