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.

Kalinga De Silva, the Founder and Managing Director of Centrum Marine Consultancy, revealed ambitious projections for Sri Lanka’s seafarers’ remittances, stating that the current USD 400 million generated annually could triple by 2026 with more opportunities in the maritime sector. Speaking at the inauguration of the company’s new headquarters, “Centrum Haus” in Colombo 03, De Silva emphasized the need to capitalize on the global demand for seafarers.

Despite a worldwide shortage of approximately 147,000 seafarers over the next two years, Sri Lanka only has around 16,000 professionals in the field. De Silva urged the country to take immediate steps to increase this number and tap into the burgeoning demand. By fulfilling a share percentage of the global demand, Sri Lanka could attract remittances worth USD 1.5 billion to two billion in the next three years.

However, De Silva acknowledged several challenges hindering the growth of the profession in Sri Lanka. Issues include logistical constraints, a lack of awareness among the youth about maritime careers, and cultural biases that undervalue the role of seafarers. Despite these hurdles, Sri Lanka has earned a reputation as a reliable source of skilled seafarers, thanks to its robust infrastructure in maritime education and training.

De Silva highlighted the significant advantage of a seafaring career, noting that individuals can start earning around USD 500 in just one year after completing an 8-month training course and a 4-month waiting period. Comparatively, other professions like medicine require much more time and investment to reach similar earning levels.

Minister of Shipping and Aviation, Nimal Siripala de Silva, who graced the event as the chief guest, acknowledged the potential of grooming seafarers but pointed out logistical challenges. He mentioned that while government institutions like Mahapola have produced around 500 trained seafarers, they face hurdles in providing practical onboard training due to the lack of ships in Sri Lanka. To address this, the government is actively seeking partnerships and investments to advance the local shipping industry and cater to modern ship demands, including alternative fuels and other services.

During a recent Cabinet decision announcement press conference at the Government Information Department, Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana, the Cabinet Spokesman and Minister of Transport, Highways, and Mass Media, emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of the Railways Department in terms of its structure, quality, and quantity. The Minister envisions transforming the railway service into the most beneficial, convenient, and developed mode of transportation in the future.

To address the pressing issues within the Railways Department, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the formation of a committee tasked with proposing appropriate solutions for the department’s restructuring.

In his address, Minister Gunawardhana expressed concern over the discomfort faced by thousands of commuters due to minor issues, emphasizing that the railways play a crucial role as the primary means of public transport for both public and private sector workers. The persistent strikes have led to inconveniences, and there has been growing public sentiment favoring the privatization of the railways.

The Minister highlighted his efforts to engage with all Railway Unions and encouraged resolving problems through consensus at various levels, from the institution to the ministry and government.

Amidst these challenges, there is a positive development with the introduction of a new tourist train to Jaffna in August and planned renovation work on the railway line from Anuradhapura to Mahawa, set to commence in January 2024.

Addressing issues of fraud, theft, and corruption within the department, Minister Gunawardhana informed the Criminal Investigation Department about irregularities committed by individuals claiming to be leaders of certain trade unions in the Railway Department. A comprehensive national-level criminal investigation is underway, focusing on crimes related to railway tracks theft, obtaining foreign contracts, and the illegal acquisition of contractors’ checks. The scale of these offenses demands stringent action against those involved in corrupt activities.

The Minister firmly asserted that combating corruption is a top priority in the pursuit of a revitalized and efficient railway system for the benefit of all Sri Lankans.

In a recent meeting with BIMSTEC Secretary-General, Tenzin Lekphell, President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized the continued need for cooperation among member states and underscored the significance of further advancing the public health sector in the region.

The Secretary-General commended Sri Lanka for its unwavering commitment to public health and urged the country to take a leading role in this vital field within the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). BIMSTEC comprises seven South and Southeast Asian nations – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand – with the shared goal of fostering collaboration in technical and economic realms among countries along the Bay of Bengal, bridging South Asia and Southeast Asia.

President Wickremesinghe stressed the importance of holding regular Ministerial level meetings among BIMSTEC members to ensure the organization’s success and effective collaboration in achieving their collective objectives.

The meeting also saw the participation of Dinouk Colombage, the President’s Director of International Affairs, further reinforcing Sri Lanka’s commitment to regional cooperation and development.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Brussels, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), organized an online briefing session on the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles on  20July 2023.

The event aimed to enlighten stakeholders within Sri Lanka’s apparel industry about the European Union’s progressive approach towards sustainable and circular textiles. The briefing session was conducted by a senior expert, Mikael Garellick, at the Textile Unit of the Directorate General of the International Market of the European Commission.

The virtual event brought together key players from Sri Lanka’s apparel sector, including the Sri Lanka Joint Apparel Association Forum (SLJAAF), government representatives, and industry experts, to foster meaningful discussions about the future of textiles in the context of environmental sustainability.

The EU Strategy on Sustainable and Circular Textiles, introduced by the European Commission, is a crucial initiative to promote sustainability in the fashion and textile industries. It encourages eco-friendly practices and aims to reduce the environmental footprint of textiles throughout their lifecycle. Given that the EU is a significant trading partner for Sri Lanka’s textile exports, understanding and aligning with this strategy holds great significance for the country’s apparel sector.

During the briefing session, Mikael Garellick from the European Commission provided in-depth insights into the EU’s approach to sustainable and circular textiles. He highlighted the policies, standards, and potential collaborations that can aid Sri Lanka’s apparel industry in its pursuit of eco-friendly and sustainable practices. Participants had the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session, discussing specific challenges and opportunities relevant to the industry’s transformation to sustainable practices.

The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Belgium and the European Union, Grace Asirwatham, emphasized the paramount importance of Sri Lanka’s apparel industry’s transformation to sustainable practices, aligning it with the EU Strategy on Sustainable and Circular Textiles to harness significant market benefits in the EU in the future.

Acting Director General of the EDB, Malani Baddegama, explained that Sri Lanka’s major export to the EU is apparel items and the benefits that it enjoys under the GSP Plus scheme. She further acknowledged the significance of such briefings and thanked the European Commission official for the insightful briefing.

Embassy of Sri Lanka

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka categorically rejects the statement made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on July 23, 2023, regarding a Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day. Sri Lanka asserts that Canada’s continuous reference to a false and distorted narrative of the past conflict in the country is merely a strategic move to gain local vote-bank electoral advantages, and it does not contribute to the broader goal of fostering communal harmony.

Sri Lanka calls upon Canada and its leaders to extend support towards the nation’s endeavors in ensuring stability, progress, peace, and reconciliation among all communities, both within Sri Lanka and among the Sri Lankan heritage communities residing overseas. The focus should be on working together to achieve unity and harmony, rather than perpetuating divisive narratives from the past.

The President’s Media Division (PMD) has announced the appointment of Senior Professor Pathmalal M. Manage as the Vice Chancellor of Sri Jayewardenepura University, with immediate effect. The appointment was made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe for a three-year term.

Before assuming this prestigious role, Senior Prof. Manage served as the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies at Sri Jayewardenepura University. He is a distinguished figure in the field of Zoology, holding the position of Co-chair of the Research Council and serving as the Director of the university’s Center for Water Quality and Algae Research.

Prof. Pathmalal’s academic journey boasts an impressive array of achievements. He earned his BSc (Honours) Degree with first-class honors from the University of Sri Jayawardenepura in 1992, followed by an MSc from the Department of Life Conservation Science in 1998. His quest for knowledge led him to complete a PhD in the Department of Microbial Ecology and Eco-toxicology at Ehime University, Japan, in 2001.

As a highly cited researcher in eco-toxicology, water quality, bioremediation of natural and xenobiotic chemicals, and cyanotoxin, Prof. Pathmalal has made groundbreaking contributions to the scientific community. His pioneering work has resulted in numerous world-first records within his field of expertise.

Internationally recognized for his contributions, Prof. Pathmalal holds honorary fellow scientist positions at Robert Gordon University, UK, and Sydney University, Australia. Over the years, he has been awarded various prestigious post-doctoral fellowships, including those at the Institute of Advanced Science and Technology, Japan (2004-2005), the Department of Phototoxin, School of Pharmacology, Robert Gordon University, UK (2006), and the Commonwealth Research Fellowship in the UK (2013-2014), among others.

With his wealth of experience and outstanding academic accomplishments, Prof. Pathmalal M. Manage’s appointment as Vice Chancellor heralds a new era of leadership and innovation for Sri Jayewardenepura University.

In response to the prevailing market shortage and ineffective price controls, the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has issued a special gazette notification lifting the maximum retail price (MRP) imposed on eggs. The move came into effect at midnight on July 25.

Previously, the CAA had set controlled prices for white and brown eggs, but these proved ineffective as vendors continued to sell eggs at higher prices. The president of All-Ceylon Egg Producers’ Association attributed the shortage to the MRP, expressing confidence that they can sell eggs at Rs. 50 once the price controls are lifted.

In light of the situation, Trade Minister Nalin Fernando announced that eggs imported from India will now be available at Rs. 35 per egg at all Lanka Sathosa outlets and Rs. 40 per egg at supermarkets. To meet the demand, the State Trading (General) Corporation has taken steps to supply imported egg stocks to Lanka Sathosa outlets and supermarkets starting from the same day.

Amidst these developments, members of the All-Island Canteen Owners’ Association staged a protest, demanding the prompt reduction of LP gas prices in front of the main office of Laugfs Gas PLC. Minister Fernando stated that the Cabinet of Ministers would be informed about the gas company’s failure to implement price cuts, while highlighting Litro Gas Lanka’s four consecutive price reductions this year, leading to the price of a 12.5kg gas cylinder now standing at Rs. 2,982.