Colombo (LNW): The Driving Licence Printing Unit of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) in Verahera which was operating under the control of Sri Lanka Army for more than two and a half years will be reacquired by the Department from September 01, 2023, announced Commissioner General of Motor Traffic Nishantha Anuruddha Weerasinghe.
The reacquisition will take place in compliance with the conditions of the contract entered when the Unit was handed over to the Army, he added, revealing that officers of the Dept are currently being trained on the affairs of the Unit and later will be attached to it.
The Driving Licence Printing Unit of the DMT was acquired by the Army in January 2021 following a Cabinet decision based on a proposal by then President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
During the meeting between BIMSTEC Secretary-General, Tenzin Lekphell, and President Ranil Wickremesinghe, they discussed the need for continued cooperation among member states and emphasised the importance of further developing the public health sector in the region.
The Secretary-General praised Sri Lanka for its commitment to public health and urged the country to take a leading role in this field within the region.
President Wickremesinghe highlighted the necessity of holding regular Ministerial level meetings among BIMSTEC members to ensure the organisation’s success and effective collaboration.
BIMSTEC stands for the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, comprising seven South and Southeast Asian nations: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The alliance’s primary goal is to foster collaboration in technical and economic realms among the countries located along the Bay of Bengal, bridging the regions of South Asia and Southeast Asia.
In addition to the two leaders, the President’s Director of International Affairs, Dinouk Colombage, participated in the meeting as well.
Colombo (LNW): The Attorney General has requested the Supreme Court to dismiss the petitions filed by two parties claiming that their fundamental rights (FR) were violated by the non-holding of the Local Government Election on March 09, 2023 without hearing.
This was when the petitions, filed by the National People’s Power (NPP) and the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL), were taken up before the Court yesterday (26).
Additional Solicitor General Priyantha Navana appearing for the AG told the Court that the said petitions were filed without having an understanding about the country’s economic crisis and other issues that follow and therefore, should be dismissed without hearing.
The Supreme Court ordered that the petitions be called again on October 02, 2023.
PMD: During the All-Party Conference at the Presidential Secretariat today (26), President Ranil Wickremesinghe stressed the significance of discussing the 13th Amendment to the Constitution with all parties, as it is a matter that affects the entire country. He highlighted that a decision on this matter should involve input from all relevant parties.
The conference was organized to update the Parliament’s party leaders on the National Reconciliation Program and the North-East Development Plan.
President Wickremesinghe recalled that neither he nor the previous seven Executive Presidents had the authority to pass new laws to address existing problems; that power rested solely with the Parliament. He asserted that he was bringing forth relevant proposals for the betterment of the country, but the responsibility of implementing them lay with all the representatives in the Parliament, as he alone couldn’t achieve it with his single vote.
The President noted that seven out of the nine provincial councils were located in areas with a majority of Sinhalese. If the provincial council system were to be maintained, he emphasized the need to address the shortcomings that had already been experienced. He suggested granting provincial councils powers over subjects currently under the central government, including grassroots activities like agriculture and tourism.
According to President Wickremesinghe, the central government should formulate policies for the country, while provincial councils should provide the necessary facilities for the successful implementation of development activities in all fields. Collaboration between all parties and levels of government was crucial for progress and development.
In addition, President Ranil Wickremesinghe called for collective discussions among all parties to decide on granting police powers to the Provincial Councils as outlined in the 13th Amendment of the Constitution.
Furthermore, President Wickremesinghe proposed arrangements that would allow members of the Provincial Councils to concurrently hold positions and be appointed as Members of Parliament, while members of Parliament could also serve as members of the Provincial Councils.
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Former President Maithripala Sirisena, Tamil National Alliance Leader and Member of Parliament R. Samppanthan, M. A. Sumanthiran, General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna and Member of Parliament Sagara Kariyawasam, as well as other Members of Parliament such as Dallas Alahapperuma, Wimal Weerawansa, Gevidu Kumaratunga, Vasudeva Nanayakkara, Udaya Gammanpila, Sarath Weerasekera, Venerable Athuraliye Rathana Thero, Weerasumana Weerasinghe, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, C.V. Vigneswaran, and Lakshman Kiriella, participated and expressed their views during the event. Numerous party leaders and representatives from various parties were also present at the occasion.
Sri Lanka’s Economic Challenge: A stark contrast between Tamil Nadu’s expected growth of 14% and Sri Lanka’s negative 3.5% this year.
Ambitious Goal of High-Income Country: President’s vision to achieve high-income status by 2048, requiring 6.5% annual growth from now onwards.
Bridging the Skill Gap: Concerns over the volume of skilled labor produced in India, highlighting Sri Lanka’s need for educational reforms.
Embracing Trade Agreements: Unlocking the potential of bilateral and regional trade deals to boost exports and attract foreign exchange.
The Power of Social Market Economy: Proposing a new mindset to achieve social and economic justice in Sri Lanka’s growth journey.
Focus on Sustainable Development: Emphasizing continuity in policies and a unified approach, beyond party affiliations, for lasting change.
Seizing Opportunities with India: Leveraging South India’s growth, as exemplified by Tamil Nadu’s success, to benefit Sri Lanka’s economy.
In a recent press conference, MP Harsha de Silva from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) addressed critical issues hindering Sri Lanka’s economic progress and outlined a vision for sustainable growth through a social market economy model. The press conference shed light on several factors contributing to the country’s economic challenges and proposed solutions to pave the way for a prosperous future.
Comparing Tamil Nadu’s Expected Growth to Sri Lanka’s Reality:
One of the key concerns raised was the significant disparity between Tamil Nadu’s projected growth of 14% and Sri Lanka’s negative 3.5% growth. MP Harsha de Silva emphasized the need to understand the obstacles preventing Sri Lanka from achieving higher growth rates, especially if the country is to attain its goal of becoming a high-income nation by 2048.
Growth Targets and Production-Based Economy:
To realize the ambitious goal of high-income status, Sri Lanka must grow at a minimum of 6.5% annually until 2048. The MP questioned the feasibility of a production-based economy and emphasized the importance of identifying the right high-tech products or components and target markets to stimulate demand.
Overcoming Skill and Knowledge Gaps:
The MP acknowledged the presence of over 800 higher education institutes in India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, and their role in nurturing skilled labor. However, he also noted that the volume of skilled labor produced in India far exceeds Sri Lanka’s output, which raises significant questions about the country’s ability to compete effectively on the international stage. To achieve sustainable economic growth and development, Sri Lanka must address the disparity in skilled labor and invest in educational reforms to bridge the gap.
Building Bridges through Regional Trade Agreements:
MP Harsha de Silva stressed the utmost significance of engaging in bilateral and regional trade agreements, which would facilitate the free flow of goods and further promote international trade for Sri Lanka. Emphasizing the need to embrace technological advancements in production, he pointed out the immense potential for exports, especially in sectors such as electronic vehicles, auto components, and telecommunications equipment, where Tamil Nadu in India has already established a strong presence. By tapping into these sectors and leveraging modern production methods, Sri Lanka can enhance its position in the global value chains and stimulate economic growth.
A Change in Mindset:
The MP called for a fundamental shift in the country’s mindset and highlighted the necessity of a social market economy model to achieve social and economic justice. He underscored the importance of transparency and the avoidance of false promises, urging a focus on the core issues.
The Role of Elections and Continuity in Development:
In the pursuit of a sustainable development agenda with expansive reforms, MP Harsha de Silva emphasized the importance of elections and people’s mandate. He dismissed the idea of focusing on personalities and emphasized the need for a consistent development roadmap, independent of the ruling party.
Leveraging Opportunities with India:
The MP rejected the notion that building bridges with India would be disadvantageous to Sri Lanka and pointed to the opportunities arising from South India’s rapid growth. He cited Tamil Nadu’s success in becoming the ‘Detroit of Asia’ and highlighted the potential for energy export from Mannar to India, similar to Bhutan’s hydro-dam exports.
MP Harsha de Silva’s press conference provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Sri Lanka’s economy. Emphasizing the significance of a social market economy model, regional trade agreements, and continuity in development policies, he advocated for an inclusive and sustainable path to economic growth. By understanding the core problems and making educated decisions, Sri Lanka can achieve its goal of becoming an advanced economy by 2048.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, HAYASHI Yoshimasa will undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka from 28-29 July 2023.
During the visit, the Japanese Foreign Minister is scheduled to have official discussions with Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry at the Ministry and pay courtesy calls on President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan HAYASHI Yoshimasa will be accompanied by Senior Foreign Policy Coordinator MURAKAMI Manabu, Director General Southeast and Southwest Asian Affairs ARIMA Yutaka, Director General International Cooperation ENDO Kazuya, Deputy Press Secretary OKANO Yukiko from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan and a 22 – member delegation consisting of officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
The delegation will also visit one of the Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) sites in Sri Lanka.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs unreservedly rejects the reference to a Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day in the statement issued on 23 July 2023 by the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Canada’s continued reference to a false, distorted narrative of the past conflict in Sri Lanka is aimed solely at achieving local vote-bank electoral gains, and is not conducive to broader goals of communal harmony.
Sri Lanka urges Canada and its leaders to support Sri Lanka in its efforts to ensure stability, progress, peace and reconciliation among all communities in all parts of Sri Lanka, as well as among communities of Sri Lankan heritage overseas.
COLOMBO, 24TH JULY 2023: Newly appointed United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, Mr. Marc-André Franche, presented his Letter of Credence to H.E. President Ranil Wickremesinghe on the afternoon of Monday, 24 July.
Mr. Franche expressed his appreciation to President Wickremesinghe for the longstanding partnership between the United Nations and Sri Lanka. He also reaffirmed the commitment of the UN Country Team to continue working together with the Government and people of Sri Lanka towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Recognizing the challenges of the current situation and pressures on the Sri Lankan people, Mr. Franche welcomed the progress that has been made towards stabilizing the economy. Further to the United Nations and its partners supporting the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic and humanitarian assistance reaching over 3.1 million people during the height of the crisis, he assured that the UN would remain committed to working alongside the Government for an inclusive and sustainable economic recovery, with a particular emphasis on the most vulnerable.
Mr. Franche and President Wickremasinghe further discussed the national commitments of Sri Lanka on the climate agenda as well as the continued efforts aimed at reconciliation, human rights and development initiatives that help improve the livelihoods and wellbeing of communities, including in the Northern and Eastern provinces.
The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointed Mr. Franche as the United Nations Resident Coordinator, with the concurrence from the Government of Sri Lanka, on 8 July, 2023.
Following the United Nations Development System Reform in 2019, the Resident Coordinator serves as the representative of the UN Secretary-General for development activities and the highest-ranking official of the UN system at the country level.
Mr. Franche leads a UN Country Team of 21 resident and non-resident entities dedicated to supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The contributions of the UN in Sri Lanka are guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023-2027, signed with the Government in August 2022. It is mutually owned and anchored in national development priorities, the 2030 Agenda and the principles of human rights.
Mr. Franche brings to the position over 24 years of experience in international cooperation with the United Nations. Prior to his appointment as the UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, he was the Resident Representative of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Libya promoting better governance, local peacebuilding and sustainable growth and Chief of the UN Secretary General’s Peacebuilding Fund, supporting over 45 countries worldwide investing in innovative solutions to sustaining peace. He has also served as the Country Director for UNDP in Pakistan between from 2013 to 2016, Deputy Director of UNDP in Haiti from 2008 to 2012, and has prior to that worked for the United Nations in New York, Colombia, and Bolivia.
Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts, and a few showers may occur in North-Western province, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (27).
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts during the evening or night, and mainly fair weather will prevail elsewhere over the Island, the statement added.
Fairly strong winds of about 40 kmph can be expected at times in western slopes of the central hills, Northern and North-Central provinces, and in Monaragala, Hambantota and Trincomalee districts.
General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Matara via Colombo and Galle.
Winds:
Winds will be south-westerly and speed will be (30-40) kmph. Wind speed may increase up to (50-60)kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Hambantota to Pottuvil and in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Trincomalee via Mannar and Kankasanthurai.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Hambantota to Pottuvil and in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Trincomalee via Mannar and Kankasanthurai will be rough at times. The other sea areas around the island may be moderate. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
Today (26th) afternoon, the protest movement – ‘සිරගත කොට දින 200 ඉක්මවයි!කැලුම් -දිල්ශාන් වහා නිදහස් කරනු!’ held at Lipton Circle in Colombo was dispersed by the police using water cannons. The protest was conducted under the leadership of the Inter-University Student Union.
When the protestors were preparing to march from Lipton Circle to the University Grants Commission, they were dispersed by water-cannons.
It has been more than 200 days since Calum and Dilshan, two student activists of the Kelaniya University Students Union, were imprisoned and this protest movement and march was organized demanding the government to release them immediately.
