- Diplomatic sources reportedly claim China’s current offer to Sri Lanka of a 2-year debt moratorium is not sufficient for the IMF to approve a funding programme of USD 2.9 bn over 4 years: in early 2022, China had agreed to provide a USD 2.5 bn facility which was inexplicably spurned by the Sri Lanka Govt and Central Bank when the bankruptcy was hurriedly announced on 12th April 2022.
- President Ranil Wickremasinghe says the economic growth rate in 2022 was -11% and that it could be -3.5 or -4.0% this year: prior to the announcement of the bankruptcy, growth was estimated at +4.5% for 2022, and +5.0% for 2023: President also says economic growth will be positive from 2024.
- President Ranil Wickremasinghe says around 1.6 million income tax, VAT & national development tax files existed in 2019: laments the number of files reduced to around 400,000 by Dec’21 due to the tax concessions granted in 2020: says the decrease in government revenue due to this is the primary cause of the country’s economic crisis.
- State Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya says the IMF is the best and only alternative now: also says IMF has not imposed conditions and have merely provided guidance with the intention to strengthen the economy.
- Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expected to visit Sri Lanka in early February on the President’s invitation: expected to sign several agreements on sustainable development and climate change: also expected to discuss the establishment of the proposed climate change university in Sri Lanka.
- Public Security Minister Tiran Alles says the Govt will introduce an electronic passport from this year: also says 54 branches of the immigration and emigration department will be established around the country.
- Public Security Minister Tiran Alles issues stern warning to drug racketeers to stop operations immediately: says steps would be taken to stop such criminals and destroy their operations.
- Founder and Chairperson Vice President Global Twins Multiple Birth Forum, Upuli Gamage says Sri Lanka is expecting thousands of twins and non-twin visitors including at least 30 contestants for a “Twins Miss and Mr World 2023” contest: expects the celebration to grab the attention of many countries.
- Another Member of the Election Commission M M Mohammed receives death threats: Commission Member S B Divaratna who received death threats earlier, receives death threats once again: Commission member K P P Pathirana had also received death threats previously.
- Attorney General’s Dept advises the Sports Ministry to request the Govt Auditor to conduct a comprehensive audit on Sri Lanka Cricket’s World Cup expenditure, before pressing for legal action.
Sri Lanka Original Narrative Summary: 29/01
Thai Pongal celebrations at the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Singapore
The Sri Lanka High Commission in Singapore together with the Sri Lankan community in Singapore celebrated the Thai Pongal festival for the third consecutive year at a colourful ceremony at the High Commission premises on Thursday, 19 January 2023.
Decorative motifs, popularly known as “Kolams” among the Tamil community were drawn on the floor adding a traditional cultural look to the event.
Vice Chairman of the Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple in Singapore K. Selvakrishnan and President Jayaseelan Karthijesu, and Secretary-General of the Singapore-Ceylon Tamils Association S.Koban were present at the celebrations as special guests. Chief Priest of the Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple in Singapore Sri Sabesan Kurukkal, conducted the special pooja and Hindu religious observances.
Welcoming those present, High Commissioner Premawardhane emphasized the importance of the Thai Pongal Festival and introduced it as the most treasured religious and cultural festival celebrated by the Tamil Community across the globe. She added that festival pays tribute to the sun by offering the first harvest as a token of gratitude. She said that the Thai Pongal festival has become an integral part of the national culture and this year’s ‘Thai Pongal’ is a celebration with added significance, considering the bumper harvest of the current ‘Maha’ Season, from which the entire nation will benefit.
The High Commissioner quoted from the Thai Pongal message of President Ranil Wickeremesinghe, which highlighted that the Pongal festival this year is opportune to signify the Government’s endeavours, to build a self-sufficient country by ensuring food security and nutrition for all, and reviving Sri Lanka being the Granary of the East, as established by our forefathers.
The High Commissioner added that the Singapore -Sri Lanka relationship is underpinned by shared cultural values and strong people to people linkages. She recalled the invaluable assistance extended throughout the Covid 19 pandemic by the Government of Singapore through Temasek Foundation International, other charitable organisations and the Singapore community to support Sri Lanka’s healthcare response to the pandemic.
High Commissioner Premawardhane further added that the High Commission is also hoping to join hands with the Tamil Community in Singapore to assist in initiating some special projects for which the preliminary discussion has been held with the Governor of the Northern Province of Sri Lanka during his recent visit to Singapore.
The High Commissioner acknowledged the extensive contributions made by the Sri Lankan Tamil community towards the development of Singapore, stating that the community was a proud reflection of the country, its diversity and its talent. The Senpaga Vinayagar temple in Singapore was built in the 1850s for which the Ceylonese Tamils are credited with pioneering the building of the first structures of the temple. The High Commissioner appreciated the important role played by the Singapore Ceylon Tamils Association in the maintenance and management of the temple.
The religious rituals ended with the offering of Pongal to Lord Ganesha and other gods.
Traditional sweetmeats, including Pongal and Ceylon tea were served at the conclusion of the event.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
Singapore
24 January 2023
Saudi Arabia pledges to enhance economic assistance to Sri Lanka
Saudi Arabia has stepped in to provide further assistance to promote tourism, increase foreign direct investments and enhance employment opportunities for Sri Lankans.
This pledge was given by Foreign Affairs Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud when his Sri Lankan counterpart Ali Sabry met him and had an extensive bilateral discussion in that country.
Minister Ali Sabry underlined the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries and thanked Saudi Arabia for the support extended to Sri Lanka in the international fora, especially during its membership at the UNHRC in 2009, 2012 and 2014.
Sabry also acknowledged the contribution of nearly SAR 1.5 billion by the Saudi Development Fund in infrastructure and other developments in Sri Lanka and the solidarity shown in the IMF supported debt restructuring programme.
He paid a tribute to his Saudi counterpart for hosting nearly 185000 Sri Lankans and expressed his willingness to enhance the employment opportunities for Sri Lankans in skilled, semi-skilled and professional categories in the Kingdom.
Minister Sabry invited Saudi investors to invest in Sri Lanka, especially in the Colombo Port City and the Renewable Energy sector.
The Saudi Foreign Minister stated that Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka are true friends and share similar views on a number of international issues. He expressed his appreciation to Sri Lanka for being one of the first countries to support Saudi Arabia’s bid to host EXPO 2030 in Riyadh.
He also said that Saudi Arabia always encourages business entities to look at Sri Lanka as a possible destination for investment.
Responding to the update given by his Sri Lankan counterpart on the current economic situation in Sri Lanka, the Saudi Minister said that he is “glad that Sri Lanka is getting positive attention from her friends around the world”.
The ministers also agreed to the resumption of air connectivity between the two countries to the level of the pre-Covid period.
During his meeting with Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Fund for Development Sultan A. Al-Marsad, the Sri Lankan Minister thanked the SFD for the continuation of the funding despite the economic situation in the country and the flexibility shown on debt repayment.
On the invitation extended by Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, his Sri Lankan counterpart undertook an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 22 to 27 January.
During his meeting with the Secretary General of Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahmin Taha, the Minister and the Secretary-General agreed to enhance the engagements and continue to cooperate in the international fora.
The minister also urged the member states of the OIC for “visible humanitarian and economic support” to Sri Lanka.
At a meeting with the Vice President of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Dr. Zamir Iqbal, the organization offered to coordinate with the Government of Sri lanka to organize an investment conference to unlock alternative finance with a view to helping Sri Lanka’s economy.
During the meeting with the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Dr. Nayef Falah M Al Hajraf, the Sri Lankan minister noted that the total trade volume between Sri Lanka and GCC countries is in the region of US$ 2.5 billion a year, a significant trade bloc, following India, China, Europe and the USA.
Sabry also mentioned that of the 300,000 employment opportunities generated during the year 2022, 257,000 were employed in the region.
The Sri Lankan minister and the Secretary-General acknowledged the necessity of exploring untapped investment opportunities available in Sri Lanka for GCC countries. In this context, it was agreed to expedite the process of entering into a framework agreement between Sri Lanka and the GCC.
Sri Lanka takes initial strides to tap Spanish tourist market in a big way
Spain is one of the fastest recovery markets for Sri Lanka Tourism after the pandemic and participation in FITUR argues well for the much-needed exposure for Sri Lanka as an attractive tourism destination for Spanish-speaking countries, SL tourism promotion bureau sources revealed.
It is contributing in a substantive manner to its overall growth strategy Sri Lanka
Tourism made the presence with the 28 private sector companies at 43rd edition of FITUR International Travel Mart which was held from 18- 22 January 2023, Madrid, Spain.
FITUR is the largest tourism event in the Spanish Market where all the sectors leisure, business and MICE tourism meet under one roof.
Sri Lanka Tourism stall was ceremonially opened by Mr.Chalaka Gajabahu ,Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Barcelona, Mr. Agustin Llana and representatives of the leading private sector members of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka was able to attract a high level of attention from the trade and travel visitors attended at the event.
The Sri Lanka pavilion highlighted many aspects of its potential culture, beauty, Ayurveda and many more which Sri Lanka would offer as a tourism destination
. Sri Lanka stand optimized the “So Sri Lanka” and “Visit Sri Lanka” vivid sights to attract the potential visitor segments.
At the Sri Lanka pavilion, Ceylon tea was served for the visitors with a view of promoting Ceylon tea in the Spanish market.
On the sideline of the FITUR travel fair, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau officials participated at the events organized by the UNWTO. During the events,
SLTPB officials met with the Mr.Harry Hwang , Director of Regional Department for Asia and the Pacific, UNWTO.As a result of discussions, Mr.Harry Hwang has shown the interest to hold the UNWTO Joint commission in Sri Lanka in 2024.
In the Meantime, the SLTPB and Sri Lanka Embassy of France also took steps to arrange Business Meetings, exclusive media interviews, Air Line meetings at the FITUR 2023.
The Media gathering conducted during the fair created the great opportunity to highlight the updates on the destination and create awareness on the destination.
Sri Lanka to regularize mobile phone business issuing import license
Sri Lanka in its way towards high digital connectivity is set to regulate the mobile phone industry by making licenses to import handsets with the aim of busting the snuggling and grey market, finance ministry sources said.
As the world integrates the ‘New Normal’ in the ecosystem, Sri Lanka’s digital framework with mobile phone connectivity is pacing with fresh energy and has bold plans for the future.
The nation witnessed a whopping 245% increase in E- commerce base, as the basket went from US$11 to $38 which was primarily driven by e-payment, e-banking, online medical consultation and e-sports, the latest segment on e-platforms.
Smartphones are also galvanizing day-to-day activities like online classes, online shopping, and e-payments with 43% people accepting to have tried newer things online.
The smartphone industry is looking at a promising avenue. In terms of digital development, Sri Lanka witnessed a speedy process where now the usage of mobile phones has become a common feature among the people.
In this setup , Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara has intervened to stop the smuggling of unregistered mobile phones into Sri Lanka.
This action has been taken by the minister after the Mobile Phone Importers Association apprised him regarding the organized racket of smuggling mobile phones into the country using individuals as carriers, depriving the government of tax revenue and posing a threat to national security.
Minister Nanayakkara had explained the relevant issues to State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya as well as the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission and urged them to take necessary action to stop the racket.
These facts were revealed in a discussion held today (27) between the Mobile Phone Importers Association and the Minister Nanayakkara.
The Association told the minister that due to the importation of mobile phones in the above illegal manner, in 2021 alone around $20 million has been transferred to foreign destinations illegally through the Undiyal system, and the tax revenue lost to the government is estimated to be around Rs. 7.8 billion.
The mobile phone importers pointed out to the minister that importing mobile phones without registration in this way also affects national security and that the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission has no record of such mobile phones.
Minister Manusha Nanayakkara assured that necessary measures to stop the illegal importation of mobile phones, which affects the country’s tax revenue and national security, will be taken with the intervention of the Minister of State for Finance and the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission.
Smartphone manufacturers are eyeing this opportunity of impending demand for smartphones. Deeper insights into the market reveal that 48%2of the people would be interested in buying products that are manufactured locally.
Thus, the vision of ‘Make in Sri Lanka’ and ‘Digital Sri Lanka’ can go hand in hand in reforming the smartphone industry in the coming years.
As a youth-centric brand, vivo is tapping into this wave of digital transformation and is manufacturing smartphones that cater to all the digital needs of the users. It is also exploring to tap the 5G wave that is bound to take the nation by storm.
China holds olive branch for Sri Lanka ensuring support for debt restructuring
In a move of a friendly country in need for Sri Lanka , China has extended assurance for the island nation’s debt restructuring with the submission of the relevant letter to the International Monetary Fund to unlock a US4 2.9 billion bailout loan, Chinese diplomatic sources confirmed.
China has taken this action several weeks after India has given its assurance for debt restructuring and now Japan is ready to follow suit.
China’s Export-Import Bank of China (EXIM) has provided Sri Lanka with a debt extension, China’s Foreign Ministry said.
EXIM offered Sri Lanka a two-year moratorium on its debt and said it would support the country’s efforts to secure a $2.9 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund, according to a letter reviewed by Reuters news agency.
China and India are the biggest bilateral lenders to Sri Lanka, a country of 22 million people that is facing its worst economic crisis in seven decades.
“China feels for Sri Lanka as it faces difficulties and challenges and has been helping with Sri Lanka’s socio-economic development as best as we can,” the Foreign Ministry said in comments to Reuters.
In the wake of China’s gesture, Japan’s top finance diplomat, Masato Kanda said that crisis-hit Sri Lanka was a key issue when it came to helping countries in debt but he was not sure when creditors aiming to extend it loans would meet.
He said that middle-income countries have been left without an international arrangement to address the debt crisis.
“Japan is closely coordinating with international organs such as the Paris club or IMF in order to ensure participation of non-Paris Club members such as China and India,” Kanda said.
There is no doubt that International Monetary Fund (IMF) loans often come with a set of conditions that most countries find unfavorable to implement. With its ongoing economic crisis and complex multilateral debt negotiations between creditor nations, Sri Lanka is no exception.
On the request of Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Japan took the lead the debt restructuring talks with creditor nations.
Japanese Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki emphasized the role that bilateral creditors like India and China should play in dragging Colombo out of its worst economic crisis since gaining independence in 1948.
The restructuring of Sri Lanka’s debt held by India and China provides Sri Lanka with a certain amount of leverage in the IMF negotiations. Interestingly, this also reflects the changing regional dynamics of the last few years.
Sri Lanka is of strategic interest to China for its trade and infrastructure connectivity in the Indian Ocean region as part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It became more crucial after India announced its non-participation in the BRI.
Prompt response from the Minister of Justice, following the intervention of the Parliamentary Caucus for Children
Justice Minister Hon. Dr. Wijedasa Rajapaksa and Member of Parliament Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijeratne, the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Caucus for Children, recently handed over the applications of justice of peace for the probation officers to avoid the inconvenience of obtaining affidavits required in legal proceedings for children who become
victims.
Accordingly, the applications required for the appointment of justice of the peace for 325 probation officers working all over the island under the Department of Probation and Child Care Services were symbolically handed over to the Secretary to the Ministry of Women, Child Affairs and Social Empowerment Ms. Yamuna Perera.
The Provincial Commissioners including the Commissioner of Probation and Child Care Services joined the meeting of the Parliamentary Caucus for Children held on December 2 under the chairmanship of Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijeratne, where they had the opportunity to present their problems and suggestions to the caucus. They pointed out that during the judicial process, the child victims who are on probation are inconvenient when referring to a third party to obtain affidavits. Thus, the Parliamentary Caucus for Children
brought this proposal to the attention of the Minister of Justice.
Hon. Dr. Wijedasa Rajapaksa, Minister of Justice, who attended the event, pointed out that the intervention of the Parliamentary Caucus for Children to solve a current issue is
commendable. He said that every possible step will be taken for such positive steps in the future as well.
Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijeratne, the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Caucus for Children, said that being able to provide solutions to this long-standing problem is a victory for the children in Sri Lanka. She also said that the Parliamentary Caucus for Children would like to thank the Minister of Justice Hon. (Dr.) Wijedasa Rajapaksa for his prompt response to the request made through the intervention of this caucus.
Also, the chairperson pointed out that this occasion is an example of the Parliamentary committees’ intervention in a more positive way to solve the existing problems. Furthermore, Mrs. Rohini Kumari Wijeratne, discussed the current issues regarding children at the provincial level with the ministry officials. There, instructions were given to promptly forward to the ministry the information including the issues and suggestions referred at the provincial level regarding “Child Protection” and to take every possible step to avoid those problems.
It was also further advised to inform the caucus about its progress every 06 months. State Minister Hon. Diana Gamage, Members of Parliament, Deputy Co-Chairperson of the Parliamentary Caucus for Children Hon. (Mrs.) Dr. Sudarshanee Fernandopulle and Hon. Chandima Weerakkodi were also present at this occasion.
Also, the Secretary of the Parliamentary Caucus for Children, Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General of Parliament Mrs. Kushani Rohanadira, Secretary to the Ministry of Women, Child Affairs and Social Empowerment, Ms. Yamuna Perera, Additional Secretary Ms. Nilmini Herath, the Commissioner of the Probation and Child Care Services Department, Mr. Namal Liyanage and a group of officials from the Ministry of Child Affairs and Social Empowerment also participated in this event.
Sri Lanka Original Narrative Summary: 28/01
- President Ranil Wickremasinghe prorogues Parliament: the 3rd session of the 9th Parliament ends: 4th session to commence on 8th February: President to make a policy statement based on the decisions taken after the 75th Independence Anniversary, on that day.
- President Ranil Wickremesinghe informs All Party Leaders Conference on Reconciliation that the Cabinet was agreeable to fully implement the 13th Amendment until the Party Leaders decide whether or not to abolish the Amendment.
- US State Department says US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland will be in Sri Lanka next week to mark the 75th anniversary of US-Sri Lanka relations and to offer continued support to Sri Lanka.
- Public Utilities Commission informs CEB it will not approve any request for scheduled power cuts from 26th January to 17th February, to “safeguard the human rights of GCE A/L candidates”: asks CEB to refrain from submitting requests for power cuts until 17th February.
- Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara says the officials who took part in discussions with HRC had informed they were pressurized to sign 2 documents under threat of being sent to jail, if they refused.
- State Finance Minister Shehan Semasinghe says IMF emphasized the need for Sri Lanka to complete all prior actions to qualify for financial assistance however tough they would be for people.
- Colombo Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage orders former President Sirisena to stand in the dock during the magisterial inquiry where Sirisena is an accused in a private plaint filed by Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando and Jesuraj Ganeshan, in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks.
- Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council expresses alarm at the moves to re-enable service providers to “arbitrarily” impose cost recovery Terminal Handling Charges on imports and exports: says the move would make Sri Lanka’s exports uncompetitive and lead to further increases in inflation.
- Jaffna Magistrate Court summons 3 persons who participated in a demonstration against President Ranil Wickremesinghe when he visited Jaffna on Thai Pongal Day: the persons summoned are – a representative of the Jaffna University Students Association, the President of the Association on Missing Persons, and a representative of a Civil Society Organization.
- France deports 38 Sri Lankans: Navy says those deported are among 64 Sri Lankans who reached the French territory, Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean, on January 14, via a trawler: the trawler is supposed to have left Puttalam on 14th Dec’22.
Instructions from the President celebrate the 75th Independence celebration with pride, at minimal cost
While estimating the required expenditure attention should be paid to the current financial position of the country
A pre-discussion was held this morning (26) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe regarding the Independence Day celebration being held in a grand and proud manner, but maintaining minimum cost.
Accordingly, in conjunction with the 75th Independence Day celebration, many special programs are scheduled to be implemented from February 2nd to the 19th. The special Dalada Pooja and Pirith chanting, religious ceremonies of all faiths, cultural show held at the Independence Square, the traditional Independence celebration main event held at Galle Face Green, the national parks and Zoo will be open to the public free of charge, the opening of the Jaffna Cultural Centre, the Kandy republic parade, the cycle race from Dondra Point to Point Pedro etc. have also been planned.
The President advised the officials that it is their responsibility as well as that of the political authority, to pay attention to the current financial situation of the country while estimating the expenses required for these activities and in spending in a practical manner and reducing expenses.
While pointing out that there is huge opposition among the people regarding the allocation of funds for the 75th Independence Day celebration, the President emphasized that efforts should be made to minimize the related expenses.
Expressing his views further, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said,
“We must celebrate the 75th Independence Anniversary, otherwise, the world will say that we are not capable of celebrating even our independence. Similarly, we need to attract tourists and investors to our country. We need to build a positive image of our country. Therefore, let us minimize our expenditure and celebrate our Day of Independence.
It has been planned to initiate a project to create urban forests in conjunction with the Independence Day celebrations. We expect to start the activities prior to attending the Climate Summit (COP28) in Dubai. In addition, we also expect to initiate several new institutions.
By the time the relevant laws would be passed and work could commence, it could be around August. Further, we have planned to establish the University on Climate Change, which will bring long-term benefits to the country.
However, the Treasury does not have enough funds to bear the full cost of these activities. Therefore, we will have to focus on other acivities only afer allocating funds for the main activities.
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the President on National Security Sagala Ratnayake, Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake, Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake, Secretaries of Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Defence, Foreign Affairs, Education, Cultural and Buddhist Affairs, Media, Finance and the officials of the Treasury and the line Ministries participated at this discussion.
President’s Media Division
CARAT – 2023 concludes, strengthening maritime cooperation
The Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) – 2023 bilateral exercise successfully concluded in Sri Lanka on 26th January 2023. Hosted by the U.S. Pacific Fleet in partnership with the Sri Lanka Navy, CARAT – 2023 Exercise was held in Colombo, Trincomalee and Mullikulam from 19th to 25th January.
The closing ceremony of CARAT – 2023 was held on board ‘USS Anchorage’ at the pier side of Colombo harbour under the auspices of U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka H.E. Julie Chung, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera and U.S. Seventh Fleet Vice Commander, Rear Admiral Joaquin J. Martinez de Pinillo. Meanwhile, the ceremony at the Naval Dockyard, Trincomalee was presided by Commander Eastern Naval Area and Commandant Volunteer Naval Force, Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara and Lieutenant Max Cutchen of the U.S. Navy on 26th January. Similarly, Commander Northwestern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Nishantha Peiris and Captain Shan Mandrayar of the 4th Marines of U.S. Marine Corps drew the curtain on the proceedings of CARAT – 2023 at Mullikulam on 25th January. Symbolizing cooperation and goodwill, mementoes were also exchanged on these occasions.
CARAT Sri Lanka is a bilateral exercise between Sri Lanka and the United States designed to promote regional security cooperation, maintain and strengthen maritime partnerships, enhance maritime interoperability and preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The bilateral exercise was augmented by Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Coast Guard and Sri Lanka Air Force. In addition, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Maldives National Defence Force also attended as observing partners.
The exercise consisted of both land and sea phases where SLNS Gajabahu and SLNS Samudura of Sri Lanka Navy conducted naval exercises with ‘USS Anchorage’ of the U.S. Navy. The exercises conducted in the sea phase mainly focused on Divisional Tactics (DIVTACs), Visit Board Search & Seizure (VBSS) Operations, Replenishment at Sea (RAS), Overhead Reconnaissance Exercises, Gunnery Exercises (GUNEX), Photo Exercises (PHOTOEX) and Steam Past Exercises.
The Marine Exercises of the land phase of CARAT – 2023 got underway in the beach and sea areas of Mullikulam. Chief among the exercises were; Tactical Combat Casualty Care – TCCC), Jungle Warfare, Military Operation in Urban Terrain (MOUT) and Rescue Operation, Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercises, Day and Night Patrols and Ambush, Firing and Combat Lifesaving Exercises. The exercises were carried out by personnel of Sri Lanka Navy Marines, Special Boat Squadron, Rapid Action Boat Squadron, Naval Infantrymen, and U.S. Marine Corps.
In the Naval Dockyard Trincomalee, the CARAT -2023 partners successfully conducted Special Boat Squadron Exercises, Diving and Salvage Exercises, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Exercises, Rivering Exercise, Mine Exercises as well as Small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS) Exercises.
On the sidelines of CARAT – 2023, seminars on law and order, enforcement of maritime law and the role of women as well as programmes to strengthen relationships through sports, cultural, and information exchanges were held with the contribution the U.S. and Sri Lanka Navies.
Taking part in exercises of this nature would permit Sri Lanka Navy to gain valuable experience and training by working alongside a more experienced and well-equipped navy like U.S. Navy. This can be particularly valuable in situations where multiple navies are required to work together, when responding to nontraditional maritime threats as well as common maritime challenges.
Official from the U.S. Embassy in Colombo, diplomatic corps, President’s Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the President on National Security Mr Sagala Ratnayaka, ministers, officials, Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana and a group of senior officers from the tri-services were also present on this occasion.