By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW):Sri Lanka tops the list of nations that may host a Chinese naval base in the coming years as Beijing seeks to expand its maritime capabilities, according to a new report.

The South Asian nation’s Hambantota port is the most likely spot for a base given the US$2.19 billion China has already invested there, according to an assessment by the AidData research project at William & Mary university in Virginia.

Sites in Equatorial Guinea, Pakistan and Cameroon were listed as the next possibilities over the next two to five years.

“China’s single largest port investment anywhere is at Hambantota, and Beijing exercises direct control over the facility,” said AidData, which released the report on Thursday (July 27).

“Coupled with its strategic location, the popularity of China among elites and the population, and Sri Lanka’s alignment with China in UNGA voting, Hambantota is our top candidate for a future base.”

For years, observers have tried to parse the extent that China uses its economic clout to advance its military ambitions.

The Asian nation has the world’s largest navy by number of warships, and its construction and engineering companies are busy building port facilities around the world.

It provided loans and grants worth nearly US$30 billion from 2000-2021 to build or expand 78 ports in 46 countries, the AidData report said.

Despite frequent speculation about Chinese bases in the works, Beijing has established just one overseas military facility, in the East African nation of Djibouti. AidData said China invested $466 million in the Djibouti facility from 2000-2021, placing it No. 12 on its list.

Still, the Pentagon has raised concern that it was considering more overseas military logistics facilities in locations including Thailand, Indonesia and Pakistan.

The US also identified a military facility in Cambodia that it says will be China’s first overseas base in the Indo-Pacific region, something the government in Phnom Penh has repeatedly denied.

The Defense Ministry in Beijing didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment about the AidData report.

Commercial imagery company BlackSky, said this week that recent photos showed a China-funded naval base in Cambodia has neared completion. The facility includes new piers able to support aircraft carriers.

Leaders in Colombo have said they won’t allow the Hambantota port to host any foreign armed forces. A Chinese entity took over the facility in 2017 when Sri Lanka couldn’t repay the loans that helped build it.

AidData also said that China could pursue a base in Gwadar, Pakistan, citing the two nations’ close ties. The report also found a high concentration of Chinese port investments in Africa, ranking Bata, Equatorial Guinea, as the second most likely spot for a naval base after Beijing committed $659 million to a port there.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) anticipates a significant milestone in July 2023, with the highest number of tourist arrivals reported so far this year. As of the 27th of July, a total of 123,503 tourist arrivals have been recorded, with three more days to go before the month concludes.

Notably, the highest number of arrivals for the year was previously reported in March, reaching 125,495 tourists. However, July is set to surpass that figure, signaling a promising trend for the country’s tourism industry.

Analyzing the source markets, India leads the way with 20,779 tourist arrivals, followed by the United Kingdom with 15,126 arrivals, China with 8,446 arrivals, Germany with 6,842 arrivals, and Russia with 6,374 arrivals, forming the top five countries contributing to the July 2023 influx of visitors.

Other nations, including France, the Maldives, the Netherlands, Canada, and Australia, have also contributed to the robust number of tourist arrivals for the month.

Cumulatively, Sri Lanka has welcomed a total of 748,377 tourists in 2023, showcasing a notable increase from the 719,978 tourist arrivals recorded in the previous year of 2022. This growth reflects the country’s continuous efforts in promoting its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and tourist attractions to a global audience.

In a significant diplomatic encounter, Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa paid a courtesy call on President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo just a short while ago. The President’s Media Division (PMD) confirmed the meeting, underscoring its importance in fostering bilateral relations between Japan and Sri Lanka.

Minister Hayashi’s official visit to Sri Lanka commenced on Friday night (28 July) and is slated to span two days. During this visit, he is set to engage in crucial talks with President Wickremesinghe, as well as with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and his Sri Lankan counterpart, Ali Sabry, with a focus on bolstering bilateral ties.

Accompanying the Japanese Foreign Minister on this momentous occasion are esteemed officials from the Japanese Foreign Ministry. The delegation includes Murakami Manabu, the Senior Foreign Policy Coordinator; Arima Yutaka, the Director General of Southeast and Southwest Asian Affairs; Endo Kazuya, the Director General of International Cooperation; and Okano Yukiko, the Deputy Press Secretary. Alongside them are 22 other officials representing various departments within the Japanese Foreign Ministry.

This diplomatic meeting between Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and President Ranil Wickremesinghe holds the promise of further enhancing cooperation and understanding between Japan and Sri Lanka, forging a path towards mutual prosperity and regional stability.

In an unprecedented move, French President Emmanuel Macron embarked on a brief yet momentous visit to Sri Lanka on Friday night, July 28. This marked the first time a French President set foot on the island nation, following his tour of the South Pacific Region.

During his stopover in Sri Lanka, President Macron engaged in friendly and productive bilateral discussions with President Ranil Wickremesinghe. The talks lasted for an hour and fifteen minutes and were aimed at elevating the existing relations between the two countries, especially in light of the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties being celebrated this year, as stated by the President’s Media Division (PMD).

President Wickremesinghe expressed his admiration for France’s significant role in global affairs, particularly in areas such as climate mitigation, global debt restructuring, and matters concerning the Indo-Pacific region. On the other hand, President Macron recalled his recent conversations with his Sri Lankan counterpart in Paris during the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact. He reaffirmed France’s willingness and commitment to supporting Sri Lanka in its economic recovery.

As the fourth-largest creditor to Sri Lanka, France pledged its assistance in the debt restructuring process, aiming to contribute positively to the country’s economic situation.

Following the discussions, President Macron took to Twitter to express the shared vision between Sri Lanka and France for an open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. He emphasized the strength of their 75 years of diplomatic relations and declared the beginning of a new era in their partnership.

The talks between the two leaders focused on strengthening cooperation in various sectors, including politics, economics, tourism, climate change, sustainable development, and maritime activities. To commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, specific areas for further collaboration were identified.

These areas of cooperation encompassed the establishment of a school for maritime safety and security, the opening of a permanent office for the French Agency for Development (AFD) in Sri Lanka, the initiation of high-level diplomatic dialogues, cooperation in the education sector, and intensified efforts to combat human trafficking in the maritime safety and security sector.

The leaders also exchanged views on regional and multilateral issues in the current global context. President Macron expressed keen interest in collaborating with Sri Lanka during its upcoming chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), of which France is a member. In response, President Wickremesinghe showed interest in the Indian Ocean Commission, where France actively participates.

President Wickremesinghe lauded President Macron’s timely initiative in organizing the event held in Paris from June 22-23, 2023, which he attended. He also confirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to join the Paris Agenda for the People and the Planet, demonstrating the country’s dedication to global efforts for a sustainable future.

Accompanying President Emmanuel Macron for the bilateral discussions were esteemed members of the French delegation, including Mrs. Catherine Colonna, the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs; Mr. Jean-Francoise Pactet, Ambassador of France in Sri Lanka and Maldives; Mr. Fabien Mandon, Mr. Walid Fouque, and Mr. Josue Serres, Advisors to the French President; Mr. Benoit Guidee, Head of Asia Department of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Jonas Bayard, the Press Counsellor of the President of France; Philippe Vigier, State Minister for overseas territories; and Florian Cardinaux, Advisor of the French Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The Sri Lankan delegation accompanying President Ranil Wickremesinghe comprised Mr. Ali Sabri, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka, the Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff; Mr. Saman Ekanayake, Secretary to the President; Ms. Aruni Wijewardane, Foreign Secretary; Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Central Bank Governor; Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunge, Economic Advisor to the President; Ms. Shobini Gunasekera and Mr. Randula Abeyweera, Director-General/Europe & North America at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, and Mr. Director Youth and Sustainable Development to the President.

As part of a crucial diplomatic mission, Japanese legislator Minister Hayashi arrives in Sri Lanka for a significant two-day official visit. During his stay, Minister Hayashi is set to hold pivotal discussions on bolstering bilateral relations with prominent Sri Lankan figures, including President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, and his counterpart, Ali Sabry.

Accompanying Minister Hayashi on this high-profile journey are several distinguished officials from the Japanese Foreign Ministry. Among them are Murakami Manabu, the Senior Foreign Policy Coordinator; Arima Yutaka, the Director General of Southeast and Southwest Asian Affairs; Endo Kazuya, the Director General of International Cooperation; and Okano Yukiko, the Deputy Press Secretary. The Japanese delegation, totaling 22 members, comprises other esteemed officials from the Japanese Foreign Ministry.

Beyond the crucial talks, the delegation will also seize the opportunity to visit one of the Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) sites in Sri Lanka. This visit underscores Japan’s commitment to exploring avenues of development cooperation between the two nations.

The visit holds the promise of fostering stronger ties and facilitating future collaborations between Japan and Sri Lanka in various realms of mutual interest.

1. The President of France, Emmanuel Macron on Friday night (July 28) undertook a brief ‘historic’ visit to Sri Lanka. Macron’s stopover at the island nation, a first by a French President, came after his visit to the South Pacific Region. President Ranil Wickremesinghe and President Macron have held friendly and productive bilateral discussions which lasted for an hour and fifteen minutes.
2. Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has given directives to finalize the bank account opening process for the payment of ‘Aswesuma’ social welfare benefits by this weekend and take immediate action thereafter to disburse the payments to the beneficiaries. Issues regarding the ‘Aswasuma’ program and the problems related to particular areas were discussed at the Maharagama Divisional Coordination Committee meeting.
3. Sri Lanka has recorded over 120,000 tourist arrivals from 01 – 27 July , Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando revealed. A total of 123,503 tourist arrivals have been recorded for the month of July, he said, of which a majority has been identified as Indian nationals.
4. Two petitions were filed before the Supreme Court, seeking an order deeming the decision to reduce the interest rates paid when investing the funds of Employees Provident Fund (EPF) in treasury bills and bonds to 9% a violation of fundamental rights.
5. The Sri Lanka Japan Business Council expressed hope that with stability and economic recovery more Japanese trade and investments will take place new President Mahen Kariyawasan said. Expressed gratitude to Japan for extending support in bringing stability and supporting recovery with its active participation in Sri Lanka’s external debt restructuring
6. Investigations have found Rs. 12.2 billion worth of transactions related to bank accounts held by Sri Lankan Pastor Jerome Fernando. Additional Solicitor General Priyantha Nawana informed the court that the transactions were found following the examination of 11 bank accounts held by the controversial pastor.
7. A group of 62 Sri Lankan nationals have been deported from Kuwait, for working illegally without the required valid visas. The group was deported from Kuwait using temporary passports prepared by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Kuwait, a spokesman for the Embassy stated.
8. Minister of Education Susil Premajayantha has announced the date to commence the new school term for the academic year 2024. The new school term is scheduled to begin on February 21, 2024.
9. Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said an investigation will be carried out to find out why the Veterinarian Research Institute which earns a lot of income and falls under the Department of Animal Production and Health had not been subject to an audit for many years. The comment was made in response to an inquiry raised regarding what action will be taken in connection with the financial fraud of Rs.15 million at the Veterinarian Research Institute.
10. Galle Titans, one of the prominent franchises in the Lanka Premier League has officially appointed the renowned actor Ranjan Ramanayake as their brand ambassador.

Reliable sources state that 30% of the revenue earned from Gold route and Silk route services are being given to the immigration welfare fund.

The fees for these services are exorbitant and not inline or competitive with other international “fast track” services. The reason is clear if our sources are correct, it is to do with this profit share.

This is an appalling situation,as that means these government servants are being paid to do their job for which they are already getting paid . The crucial question remains ,if this is the case is this payment legal ? What if other government servants also want to be paid profit shares to do their job ? Who has negotiated this ? Is the finance ministry aware of this? and does it not contravene the finance ministry circulars? If it is the case, is it not a misappropriation of public funds ? How much have they paid thus far ? Where else in the world are such payments made? These questions must be answered by someone.

The silk route and Gold Route are essential tools for sri lanka to attract high end tourism and business travelers. While this may not be very important for some officers it is definitely an important first impression for the country’s tourism and FDI sectors.

The immigration are the first impression of our country and they should be willing to even take customer service lessons if necessary . It is part of their job.

It was reported before that the CCTV cameras are not directly on the arrival and departure immigration desks, and the view is from a distance . Hopefully someone with authority is looking into these matters and verifying these facts to rectify these issues .

Several spells of light showers will occur in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Ampara and Batticaloa districts during the evening or night.

Mainly fair weather will prevail elsewhere over the Island.

Fairly strong winds about 40 kmph can be expected at times in western slopes of the central hills, Northern and North-Central provinces, and in Hambantota and Trincomalee districts.

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Japan Business Council expressed hope that with stability and economic recovery more Japanese trade and investments will take place new President Mahen Kariyawasan said.

He expressed gratitude to Japan for extending support in bringing stability and supporting recovery with its active participation in Sri Lanka’s external debt restructuring

He was speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka-Japan Business Council under the aegis of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce was held recently.The Chief Guest was Japanese Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki..

“Japan has been a true friend for Sri Lanka,” said Kariyawasan and expressed appreciation to Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki, Deputy Katsuki Kotaro as well as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador in Japan Rodney Perera and Sri Lanka Japan Chamber of Commerce’s H. Tanaka.

Kariyawasam recalled that during President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s visit to Tokyo, the Council had a very informative business session organised by counterpart Japan Sri Lanka Economic Cooperation Committee.

He said the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry showed keen interest to further develop bilateral cooperation.

“They have assured no sooner the agreements are in place they will arrange a mission to Colombo. This is very encouraging for us,” said Kariyawasan who is the Managing Director of Andrew The Travel Company.

It was emphasized that the Expo 2025 in Osaka will be a good opportunity for Sri Lankan companies to showcase their products and services. “The Sri Lanka Japan Business Council will be working very closely with the authorities to make this event a success,” Kariyawasan added.

Apart from Kariyawasan who was elected as President, the AGM saw the election of Vice Presidents Ruwan Waidyaratne, Managing Director, Hayleys Advantis Ltd., Athulla R F Edirisinghe – Director, Hirohama Ceylon Ltd., Rohitha Mendis – Chairman, Prudential Shipping Lines Ltd., Chanaka Kariyapperuma – Proprietor, ASOL Traders, and Sarath De Costa – Chairman and Managing Director – Amano Lanka Engineering Ltd.

Committee Members are Brandix Apparel Ltd., (Muthukumaraswamy Raghuraman, Consultant), Dentsu Grant Ltd., (Neela Marikkar, Chairperson/MD), Heritage Teas Ltd., (Revanke De Silva, Director), Lanka Harness Ltd., (Rohan Pallewatta, Executive Chairman), Venora International Projects Ltd., (Sagara Gunawardena, Chairman and Managing Director), Spear International Ltd., (Shamil Mendis, Chairman and Managing Director) and Vidullanka PLC (Mohamed Amr, Manager – Finance and Administration).