In Waskaduwa, an early morning collision between a bus carrying foreign tourists and a train at an unsafe level crossing has resulted in minor injuries to two foreign nationals. The bus was en route to pick up additional tourists from a hotel after already collecting a group from another location. These tourists, bound for the Czech Republic, were scheduled for a 9 p.m. flight from the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake.

The incident occurred as the train was traveling from Aluthgama to Chilaw and collided with the bus. The bus driver, who sustained an eye injury, has been admitted to the hospital for treatment. The injured tourists received initial medical care in a Suwa Seriya ambulance.

Passengers from the train involved in the accident were transferred to another Maradana-bound train to continue their journey to their destination.

The recent joint military exercise between India and Sri Lanka reached its conclusion at the Southern Command Foreign Training Node in Pune. These joint army drills play a pivotal role in fostering military diplomacy between nations globally. They serve as a cornerstone for cultivating rapport, confidence, and trust within the armies, crucial elements for potential collaborative military operations such as UN peacekeeping missions.

During the closing ceremony, Brigadier S Taluja from the Aundh Military Station and Major General PGPS Rathnayaka RWP, RSP, NDC, representing the Sri Lankan Army, commended the participating contingents for their impeccable drills and procedures. The enthusiasm and professionalism displayed by both nations’ contingents throughout the joint exercises were highly noted.

The bonds forged between the contingents during this exercise are expected to significantly bolster confidence between the armies, especially if deployed together for future operations, as highlighted in an official release. Upholding values of peace, prosperity, international brotherhood, and trust remains a central tenet of such joint military engagements, aligning with the vision for security and growth across the region.

With 120 personnel from India, predominantly from the Maratha Light Infantry regiment, and representation from the Sri Lankan 53 Infantry Division, the exercise witnessed participation from 15 personnel from the Indian Air Force and five from the Sri Lankan Air Force, as per the Ministry of Defence (MoD) release.

The exercise focused on jointly rehearsing subconventional operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, encompassing coordinated responses during counter-terrorist operations. Tactical maneuvers including raids, search and destroy missions, heliborne operations, and specialized training such as Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR), combat reflex shooting, and yoga were integral parts of the exercise curriculum.

Showery weather condition is expected to enhance over the island due to an atmospheric disturbance over Southeast Bay of Bengal Sea area and North-East monsoon is gradually getting established over the island.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Northern, Eastern, Southern, North-central and Uva provinces.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in other provinces of the island after 01.00 p.m.

Heavy showers about 100 mm are likely at some places in Eastern, Central, Uva and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Colombo (LNW): Ambassador Prof. Janitha A. Liyanage, representing Sri Lanka in Russia, recently visited the Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States Affairs, Compatriots Living Abroad, and International Humanitarian Cooperation (Rossotridnichestvo), engaging in discussions with its Head, Yevgeny Alexandrovich Primakov, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Moscow said in a statement.

During the meeting, the two diplomats explored avenues of collaboration in education, culture, and humanitarian efforts between their respective nations.

A key focus was on expanding Russian Government scholarships for Sri Lankan students, establishing Russian cultural and language centers in Sri Lanka, and other initiatives aimed at bolstering the bilateral relationship.

Yevgeny Alexandrovich Primakov, the Head of Rossotridnichestvo, acknowledged the commendable performances and dedication of Sri Lankan students in Russian universities.

He expressed Russia’s willingness to further support Sri Lanka in providing higher education opportunities to its citizens.

Ambassador Prof. Liyanage conveyed her gratitude for Russia’s support and underscored the strategic importance of such initiatives in advancing the development goals of Sri Lanka.

The meeting reflected a shared commitment to strengthening ties and fostering educational, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries.

Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka High Commission, in collaboration with Sri Lankan Hindu devotees and representatives of Sri Lankan Associations in Canberra, joyously observed Diwali, the Festival of Lights, within the premises of the Sri Lanka High Commission, the Sri Lankan High Commission in Canberra said in a statement.

The event took place on November 24, 2023, and the High Commission was adorned with Kolam and other vibrant festive decorations, setting the stage for a cultural celebration.

Swamy Arjun led the auspicious religious rituals associated with the Diwali festival, invoking blessings upon the gathered participants.

Welcoming the guests, Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Australia, Chitranganee Wagiswara, underscored the significance of Diwali. She highlighted that, as Sri Lankans, the celebration serves as a testament to the multicultural, multi-religious, and multilingual essence of Sri Lankan society.

Maniwannan, the President of Sri Lanka Senior’s Tamil Association in Canberra, further emphasised the cultural richness of the Diwali festival and its profound relevance to the people’s way of life.

The cultural segment featured traditional performances, including a mesmerising Bharatanatyam dance, instrumental music, and devotional songs.

Following the formal program, guests were treated to a sampling of traditional food prepared by the dedicated staff of the High Commission, adding a delightful culinary touch to the festive occasion.

Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickramasinghe is set to introduce three groundbreaking proposals at the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP 28, scheduled to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30 to December 12, 2023.

The primary proposal involves the establishment of the International Climate Change University (ICCU) in Sri Lanka, a move aimed at fostering global collaboration in addressing climate change challenges.

In addition to the ICCU initiative, President Ranil Wickramasinghe will advocate for the creation of a Climate Justice Forum. This forum is intended to address the concerns of vulnerable and developing nations adversely affected by the actions of developed countries.

Furthermore, another proposal seeks to establish a Tropical Belt Forum specifically dedicated to addressing issues related to tropical rainforests.

The COP 28 conference, featuring leaders from 54 states, will be hosted in Dubai, where extensive discussions on climate change and debt stabilisation are planned.

The high-level segment for the delivery of national statements by Heads of State and Government is scheduled to occur during the World Climate Action Summit on December 1 and 2.

Amidst the participants, 20 young Sri Lankans sponsored by various non-governmental organizations will actively engage in the COP 28 conference and related forums.

Heading the 15-member government delegation is President Ranil Wickramasinghe, accompanied by key figures such as Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera, Environment Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, MP Patali Champika Ranawaka, Environment Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Presidential Adviser on Climate Change Ruwan Wijewardena, and Director of International Affairs to the President Dinouk Colombage.

Additionally, a private sector contingent, motivated by the ‘Aragalaya’ (struggle) Movement, will independently participate in the conference, emphasising the movement’s call to provide international exposure to young individuals passionate about combating climate change.

According to Ruwan Wijewardena, the President’s Senior Adviser on Climate Change, this initiative reflects a broader commitment to empowering the youth and fostering a global perspective on environmental challenges.

Colombo (LNW): The government expresses readiness to conduct overdue Provincial Council elections contingent upon opposition consensus on the electoral system, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena told Parliament.

Addressing concerns raised by opposition members advocating different systems, he emphasised the need for a unified agreement, citing proposals for elections under both old and new systems, as well as a constituency-based approach.

“Opposition MPs are making a different proposal on the system under which the Provincial Council elections are to be held. We can hold the elections if they agree on the system under which the Provincial Council elections are to be held,” Gunawardena told the Chambers today (28).

He added: “Some Opposition members say the Provincial Council elections should be held under the old system and others under the new system. A constituency system is also important. No party has come to an agreement at the select committee on the Provincial Council elections.”

Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella and SJB MP J.C. Alawathuwela expressed their party’s preference for the old system and willingness to support an amendment aligning with that approach.

Colombo (LNW): Minister Bandula Gunawardena has announced plans to convert the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) and the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) into a public company due to continuous losses incurred by both entities.

The decision was disclosed during a meeting of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Mass Media, where Minister Gunawardena presented financial statistics from 2015, revealing losses of Rs. 277 million for SLRC and Rs. 457 million for SLBC in 2023.

Considering the financial challenges and the difficulty of obtaining funds from the Treasury, the government plans to appoint a committee to oversee the conversion.

Additionally, concerns were raised about inadequate publicity for government development projects in state media, prompting Minister Gunawardena to emphasise the need for public media to highlight public inconveniences and project-related facilities.

The Sri Lanka Press Council has been instructed to prepare a report on regulating media propaganda that may negatively impact social culture and personal health.

Colombo (LNW): The people of Sri Lanka should base their decisions on proper data and facts and not on noise, lies and propaganda, and Sri Lanka cannot afford another political mistake like that of January 2015, said former President and Leader of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Mahinda Rajapaksa, in his official response to the recent Supreme Court ruling on the 2019 – 2021 administration being held accountable for the current economic crisis in the country.

In a statement, the former President emphasised that during his nine years as President, the economy showed robust growth, averaging 6 per cent annually, leading to a threefold increase in Sri Lanka’s per capita GDP from US $ 1,242 in 2005 to US $ 3,819 in 2014.

He highlighted that the debt to GDP ratio was a healthy 69 per cent in 2014, a significant improvement from 90 per cent in 2005. Rajapaksa noted that after he left office, economic growth declined, reaching negative levels in 2019.

He pointed out that Sri Lanka’s debt increased substantially, with total outstanding external debt rising to US $ 54,811 million by the end of 2019.

Whilst avoiding the 4/5 Supreme Court majority’s view on paying attention as to whether ‘the conduct of the respondents‘ of the Fundamental Rights (FR) petition filed against the Gotabaya Rajapaksa Administration ‘during the relevant period directly contributed to the crisis,‘ the former President went on attributing the economic decline to mismanagement and criticising the accumulation of foreign commercial debt, particularly International Sovereign Bonds (ISBs), during the post-2015 period.

Rajapaksa urged the public to base decisions on accurate data and facts, emphasising the need to avoid political mistakes like those in January 2015.

Full Statement:

The origins of Sri Lanka’s economic crisis

A heated discussion is now taking place about those responsible for the present economic crisis. Central Bank reports will show that during my nine years as President, economic growth averaged 6% a year during the four war years from 2006 to 2009. This increased to 6.8% in the five post-war years from 2010 to 2014. Hence Sri Lanka’s per capita GDP increased threefold from USD 1,242 at the end of 2005 to USD 3,819 by the end of 2014. The contribution that my government made to Sri Lanka’s per capita GDP was well over twice that of all other post-independence governments from 1948 to 2005 put together. Though the per capita GDP came down to USD 3,474 in 2022 as the pandemic caused the economy to contract, that statement remains valid to this day.

The debt to GDP ratio was a very healthy 69% at the end of 2014 having being brought down from 90% at the end of 2005. The All Share Price Index rose from 1,922 at the end of 2005 to 7,299 by the end of 2014. This economic boom was achieved despite the war, the global food crisis of 2007, the global financial crisis of 2008-2009 and the highest crude oil prices in world history. Crude oil cost an average of USD 74 per barrel throughout the entire period from 2006 to 2009 and an average of USD 103 from 2010 to 2014. The IMF Country Report No. 14/285 of September 2014 stated firstly that Sri Lanka’s “Macroeconomic performance has generally exceeded expectations”. Secondly that “Sri Lanka has made notable advances in recent years, and appears to be on its way to joining the ranks of upper middle income countries”. Thirdly that “Sri Lanka’s economic growth has been among the fastest in Asia’s frontier and developing economies in recent years”.

Hence the fact that I left behind a very robust economy in January 2015 is well documented. After I was voted out, the economic growth rate dropped to 4.2% in 2015 and ended up in the negative range at 0.2% below zero by 2019. Sri Lanka’s total outstanding external debt had increased by nearly 28% from USD 42,914 million at the end of 2014, to USD 54,811 million by the end of 2019. The debt to GDP ratio which had been brought down to 69% by the end of 2014, had increased to nearly 82% by the end of 2019. The All Share Price Index declined from 7,299 at the end of 2014 to 5,990 by the end of October 2019. Yet during the entire five year period from 2015 to 2019 the average price of crude oil was USD 60 per barrel – the lowest in recent history.

There were no external reasons for Sri Lanka’s economic decline between 2015 and 2019. India and Bangladesh experienced average growth rates in excess of 7% and the Maldives over 6% during this period. Even developed countries like the USA and Germany experienced robust economic performance during those years. However, Sri Lanka’s average growth rate between 2015 and 2019 was just 3.5%, equal to the growth rate recorded in 2021 at the height of the pandemic. The accumulation of foreign commercial debt between 2015 and 2019 particularly in the form of International Sovereign Bonds (ISBs) was by far the worst disaster to befall us during that period.  

When I was defeated in January 2015, outstanding ISBs amounted to USD 5,000 million and it was amply covered by our foreign reserves of USD 8,208 million. However, between 2015 and 2019 outstanding ISBs increased threefold to USD 15,050 with borrowings of USD 2,150 million in 2015, USD 1,500 million in 2016, USD 1,500 million in 2017, 2,500 million USD in 2018 and USD 4,400 million in 2019. Of this, USD 2,000 million was used to rollover ISB’s taken during my tenure, thus the total amount in new ISB’s issued between 2015 and 2019 is USD 10,050 million. Despite the build-up of the stock of outstanding ISBs to USD 15,050, Sri Lanka’s total foreign reserves was just USD 7,642 million at the end of 2019.

Thus, when I became Prime Minister again in November 2019, our government inherited an economy that was already on its last legs. It was in this weak and vulnerable situation that the Covid-19 pandemic hit Sri Lanka in early 2020 – the consequences of which needs further discussion. In any discussion of the economy, it is vital to note that the per capita GDP is the most fundamental economic indicator used to judge the economic situation of a country and the contribution of my 2006-2014 government to increasing Sri Lanka’s per capita GDP is more than double that of all other post- independence governments put together. The people of this country should base their decisions on proper data and facts and not on noise, lies and propaganda. Sri Lanka cannot afford another political mistake like that of January 2015. 

Mahinda Rajapaksa M.P.
Leader
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna