By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka was looking to explore new areas of cooperation with Egypt as the countries sought to take bilateral relations to ‘the next level,’ a top foreign ministry official said on Thursday.

To prepare the ground for revisiting existing agreements and consolidating ties, the two nations held consultations in Colombo last week, with Sri Lanka’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya and Egypt’s Assistant Minister for Asian Affairs Ayman Kamel co-chairing the sessions.

Mohammed Jauhar, additional secretary for Africa at the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said there were “many unexplored areas of cooperation” between the countries and those discussed during the consultations included judicial and legal matters, maritime transport, youth and sports, defense, and cooperation in the apparel industry.

“We have a longstanding bilateral relationship between the two countries, and we could take them to new heights if we are able to implement the proposals made at the recent bilateral talks in Colombo,” he said.

“Relations are to be elevated to the next level in all areas, including in economic and trade cooperation.”

Sri Lanka and Egypt have also discussed working together on global issues such as climate change, food security, and debt restructuring.

“State minister Balasuriya emphasized the importance of deepening the engagement in political and economic cooperation and in the cultural sphere,” the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

Egypt was the first Arab country to open an embassy in Sri Lanka in 1957, and relations between the two nations flourished in the 1950s and 1960s, when both were involved in the Non-Aligned Movement.

The second session of bilateral consultations between the Foreign Ministries of Sri Lanka and Egypt concluded successfully in Colombo on 19 July 2023.

The consultations focused on a range of areas of bilateral cooperation including economic and trade cooperation, the current economic recovery process, investment and tourism promotion, people-to-people exchanges, and multilateral cooperation.

The two sides agreed to enter into agreements in new areas of cooperation and to revisit the existing agreements with a view to consolidating collaboration in the respective areas.

State Minister Balasuriya emphasized the importance of deepening the engagement in political and economic cooperation and in the cultural sphere.

Assistant Minister Ayman Kamel also stressed the importance of business to business contact and revitalizing the business council. The Egyptian side acknowledged the growing investments by Sri Lankan companies in Egypt.

The two sides reaffirmed mutual interest in continuing to work closely in multilateral fora including on global issues such as climate change issues, food security and debt restructuring.

Underscoring the significance of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Egypt and Sri Lanka, both countries expressed interest in celebrating the occasion.

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): The Colombo stock market achieved a sharp rebound yesterday with foreign investors stepping up buying, boosting the year to date net inflow to Rs. 3 billion.

The active S&P SL20 shot up by nearly 4% and the active ASPI by 2.5%. Turnover gained to Rs. 3.3 billion involving 95.5 million shares.

Net foreign buying amounted to Rs. 696 million boosting the inflow to Rs. 2 billion in July and year to date to Rs. 3 billion.

Asia Securities said following three sessions of subdued momentum, the indices returned to upward trajectory mainly led by banking sector counters while JKH (+5.2%) recorded sharp price increases during the session on the back of increased foreign buying.

The ASPI reclaimed the 11,000 mark at market-open and subsequently breached the 11,200 levels to close at 11,257 (+273 points)..

Foreigners recorded a five-month high net inflow boosted by net buying in JKH (Rs. 207mn), SAMP (Rs. 114mn), EXPO (Rs. 86mn), and SPEN (Rs. 59mn). Foreign selling topped in RCL at Rs. 8.8mn.

First Capital said the market picked up after continuous sessions of profit-taking as interest emerged on blue-chip and banking counters. Investor interest continued on JKH, while retail participation was observed on small and mid-cap shares.

Treasury sector shares enticed investor interest as T-bill rates slightly reduced from yesterday’s T-bill auction. The ASPI ended in the green zone at 11,258, gaining 273 points, nearly a month after it gained over 600 points following the DDO clarification.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Nations Trust Bank, John Keells Holdings, and Hatton National Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Sampath Bank, LOLC Holdings and National Development Bank, whilst retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, Dialog Axiata and Shaw Wallace Investments.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Nations Trust Bank, Sampath Bank and Hatton National Bank) whilst the sector index gained 4.73%.

The share price of Nations Trust Bank gained Rs 4.20 (4.45%) to Rs 98.60. The share price of Sampath Bank moved up by Rs 3.50 to Rs 77. The share price of Hatton National Bank appreciated by Rs 10.25 to close at Rs 186.25.

The Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index increased by 3.40%.

The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by Rs 8.25 (5.20%) to Rs 167.00. LOLC Holdings was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of LOLC Holdings recorded a gain of Rs 9 to close at Rs 493.25.

The President’s decision on the 13th constitutional amendment is a positive and optimistic step for the future of the country

– State Minister for Higher Education Mr. Suren Raghavan

State Minister of Higher Education, Mr Suren Raghavan, stated that President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s proposal to implement the 13th Amendment of the Constitution without police powers as a measure to foster national harmony may not be popular, but it is a forward-looking decision for the future of the country.

Additionally, Minister Raghavan, highlighted that this decision was taken despite the considerable risk involved, in order to pave the way for a new political journey anticipated by the young people who have been actively engaged in the ‘Aragalaya’. 

He conveyed these perspectives while addressing a Press briefing themed ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country’ at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) yesterday(28). 

During his remarks, the State Minister asserted that a national dialogue has once again emerged regarding the 13th Amendment of the Constitution. He clarified misconceptions about the current president’s approach to this matter, emphasizing that all former presidents have previously discussed the issue. He pointed out that the country is now transitioning into a post-war phase.

Mr. Suren Raghavan made it clear that while he does not consider himself a participant in any on-going struggle, the essence of the struggle is evident. He stressed the significance of renewing the agreement between the citizens and the state, a sentiment echoed by the people of the country and the younger generation poised to shape its future. Emphasizing the state’s responsibility, he underscored the need to address the aspirations and social needs of all citizens in order to revitalize the nation.

“At present, President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s actions may not be widely supported, as it is a known fact that elections are on the horizon. Typically, popular decisions are made during such times to garner public favour.” State Minister of Higher Education, Mr. Suren Raghavan, suggested that providing essential necessities like free bread, dal, gas, and electricity, or making promises to do so, could be a favourable approach during this period. 

Despite the potential risks involved, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has shown boldness in initiating this discourse during his political tenure. It is evident that the President holds a deep belief in democracy and firmly believes that even if a decision is not popular, it must be the right thing to do. The President embarked on this task with the hope of resolving the issue without burdening future generations.

During a discussion with party leaders and opposition ministers in parliament, President Ranil Wickremesinghe raised the question of whether they support the 13th Constitutional Amendment. It was pointed out that this amendment has been a part of the constitution for several decades, and significant funds, around Rs. 300 billion per year, are allocated to the Northern Provincial Council alone. This has led to a crucial question regarding the meaningfulness of maintaining the provincial council at such a substantial financial cost.

Furthermore, the President made it clear that if the 13th Amendment is not accepted politically, Parliament should step in and take action to abolish it. The Tamil political elite also face internal disunity, with varying opinions and stances on the matter. Some members are abstaining from the discussion and refuse to accept any solution that does not involve federalism. On the other hand, when others request a solution, they do not actively work towards finding one. This lack of consensus and commitment from certain factions within the Tamil political elite poses a challenge to the nation’s progress on this issue.

In light of the situation, adopting a dialogical democracy appears to be the most suitable approach. The enforcement of the 13th Constitutional Amendment, as proposed, should not be further delayed. Moreover, some parties advocate for 13+, as discussed with Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa, and given the prolonged postponement of provincial council elections for nearly seven years, resolving the underlying issues is essential before holding the election.

One critical matter raised is whether all the powers outlined in the 13th Constitutional Amendment will be granted. Specifically, there is an on-going discussion regarding the granting of police powers. While the amendment mentions police powers, it has not been implemented due to mutual suspicions. Hence, there is a pressing need for a constructive dialogue to establish a new consensus between the state and its citizens, particularly concerning the Tamil people.

‘As a former governor, I have observed that 95% of the Tamil-speaking population faces daily struggles for survival, encompassing essential aspects like access to clean drinking water, healthcare, education, transportation, security, and economic opportunities. It is imperative to address these challenges promptly’.

It is equally important not to exploit the existing differences among Tamil leaders for political gains. Instead, we must focus on genuine efforts to win the hearts of the Tamil people and foster a unified approach towards building a prosperous and inclusive future for all citizens.

The Sri Lankan Scouts participating in the 25th World Scout Jamboree in South Korea had the privilege of meeting President  Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat July (28). On this occasion, the Chief Scout, President Ranil Wickremesinghe officially presented the national flag to the Sri Lankan scout team, symbolizing their representation in the global event.

During the gathering, the official logo for the upcoming 10th National Scout Jamboree, scheduled for 2024, was unveiled, adding to the sense of excitement and anticipation among the scouts.

The 25th World Scout Jamboree, taking place from 1st to 12th August 2023 in Saemangeum, South Korea, will witness the participation of 50,000 Girl Scouts from various countries, with approximately 177 Girl Scouts and Leaders representing Sri Lanka.

Addressing the scouts, President Wickremesinghe extended his congratulations and emphasized the government’s vision of transforming Sri Lanka into a developed country similar to South Korea by the year 2048. He encouraged all participants to use their experiences gained from this event to contribute meaningfully to the future progress of the nation.

Recognizing the valuable role of the scouting movement in shaping a confident and resilient future generation, the President urged the girl scouts to utilize their training effectively for the betterment of the country.

Mr. Janaprith Fernando, the Chief Scout Commissioner, shared that under President Wickremesinghe’s guidance to expand the scouting movement in Sri Lanka, the commendable milestone of achieving 100,000 members had recently been accomplished.

The event witnessed the presentation of the national flag by the leader of the Sri Lanka Scout Team to International Commissioner Dr. Rajeev Peiris, in the presence of distinguished commissioners and officials of the Association, including Mr. Srinath Gunaratne, President of the Sri Lanka Scout Association, and Mr. Ratnasiri Perera, Chairman of the Executive Committee. Additionally, Mr. Sagala Ratnayake, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff also graced the occasion.

 (PMD)

As part of another Naval Social Responsibility initiative of the Sri Lanka Navy, a dental clinic and an awareness programme were held for school children at Daranagama Primary School, Biyagama (27th July 2023).

The event which was conducted under the supervision of Director Naval Dental Services, Surgeon Commodore Nandani Wijedoru was graced by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera.

The magnanimous event conducted at the directives of the Commander of the Navy, aimed to create awareness about the significance of dental hygiene and provide essential dental care services.

A team of six naval dental surgeons and medical staff spearheaded the programme, ensuring that the children received expert attention and guidance. During the programme 200 school children, their parents and teaching staff were made aware of good oral health and a dental clinic was also held for school children.

In the meantime, the Navy will persist in organizing comparable Naval Social Responsibility endeavours with a focus on enhancing the well-being of the wider community.

 SLNavy

Renowned threat specialist Prof. Rohan Gunaratne has made a compelling call for the implementation of a rehabilitation programme for individuals arrested in connection with the devastating 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks. Speaking at a conference in Colombo, Prof. Gunaratne stressed the crucial need for subjecting the suspects involved in the bombings to a comprehensive rehabilitation initiative before their eventual release.

The eminent expert emphasized that failing to provide appropriate rehabilitation measures could potentially lead to the occurrence of another attack of similar or even greater magnitude to the tragic events that unfolded in 2019. With four years having elapsed since the series of bombings, the absence of such a rehabilitation programme deeply concerns the Professor.

His urgent appeal comes as a critical reminder of the importance of addressing the underlying factors and potential radicalization threats posed by those involved in the Easter Sunday attacks. Implementing a well-designed rehabilitation program could serve as a preventive measure, aiding in the reintegration of former suspects into society while mitigating the risk of any potential recurrence of violent extremism.

The call to action by Prof. Rohan Gunaratne underscores the imperative for proactive efforts in countering terrorism and fostering long-term stability and security within the region.