Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Lebanon pays courtesy call on Head of Mission and Force Commander of UNIFIL Major General Aroldo Lâzaro and visits Sri Lankan Peace Keeping troops
Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Lebanon Shani Calyaneratne Karunaratne, paid a courtesy call on Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Aroldo Lâzaro at the Head Quarters of the UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) at Blue Line, in Naquara, on 21 June 2022.
They discussed matters of mutual interest which included increasing Sri Lankan troops at UNIFIL. The Force Commander stated that the Sri Lankan troops are respected for their outstanding professionalism and thanked them for their contribution to the UNIFIL for the past 11 years. Contingent Commander of 13th Force Protection Company (UNIFIL) Sri Lanka Lieutenant Colonel Nayan Samarakoon, and Attaché (Administration) of the Embassy Priyantha Dasanayaka also participated in the meeting.
The Ambassador was accorded a Guard of Honor and an inspection of troops and armored vehicles. A k9 demonstration and a concert by the Sri Lanka Army Calypso band was also held.
In a series of bilateral meetings held on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2022 (CHOGM) in Kigali, Rwanda from 24–25 June 2022, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris met with the Foreign Ministers and Heads of delegations of Commonwealth Member States to discuss a range of issues of political and economic significance, overcoming the current economic crisis faced by Sri Lanka, and enhancing cooperation through multilateral fora including through the Commonwealth.
In a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and Diaspora Relations of Dominica Kenneth Melchoir Darroux , Foreign Minister Peiris discussed developments related to tourism which is critical to the economies of both nations. The two Ministers shared experiences of increasing resilience in the tourism industry to cope with COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing global crises.
Minister Peiris met with Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism of the Republic of Seychelles Sylvestre Radegonde and discussed the status of several promising ventures such as medical tourism and enhancing cooperation in ocean related issues. Minister Peiris stated that Sri Lanka was focused on Seychelles as a gateway to enhancing trade and bilateral relations with the African Continent. Minister Radegonde thanked Sri Lanka for the donation of 2 patrol boats for maritime surveillance, following a request made by Seychelles.
In a bilateral meeting with Minister for Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh A.K. Abdul Momen, the Bangladesh side briefed Minister Peiris on steps being taken by Bangladesh to assist Sri Lanka during the current economic crisis including through provision of food, medical assistance and the extension of a credit line. Minister Peiris thanked Minister Momen for the assistance at this critical stage. The two Ministers also discussed avenues of increasing bilateral trade. Minister Momen noted Sri Lanka’s successful hosting of the Fifth Summit of Heads of State/ Government of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) in March 2022 in virtual format.
Minister Peiris briefed Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kenya Raychelle Omamo on the several steps taken by Sri Lanka to address reconciliation related issues and added that Sri Lanka was keen to learn from African countries regarding their reconciliation experiences. Cabinet Secretary Omano shared the experiences related to reconciliation efforts in Kenya and added that each country has to devise a template that promotes healing. Noting that several Sri Lankan companies had invested in the garment sector in Kenya, Cabinet Secretary Omano encouraged Sri Lanka to explore joint ventures with Kenyan companies in other industries.
In a bilateral meeting with Minister for Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of the Republic of Mauritius Alan Ganoo, Minister Peiris encouraged greater cooperation between the two countries in ocean affairs issues, including in regional and international fora. The two Ministers also discussed the effect of climate change on island nations, cooperation in tourism industry and addressing the impact of soaring food prices in the world market.
Minister Peiris’s bilateral meeting with Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus Ioannis Kasoulides, focused on employment opportunities and consular assistance to the Sri Lankan workers in Cyprus. Minister Peiris appreciated the employment opportunities provided by Cyprus and added that Sri Lanka was keen to increase foreign employment opportunities. Minister Kasoulides briefed Minister Peiris on steps that the Cyprus government was taking to enhance welfare measures to Sri Lankan workers. Sharing their experiences in dealing with the IMF to address economic challenges, Minister Kasoulides said that Cyprus experienced an economic turnaround after implementing critical economic reforms on an expeditious basis.
Several issues related to enhancing multi-faceted bilateral relations was discussed in a bilateral meeting between Minister Peiris and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Malaysia Saifuddin Abdullah. Minister Abdullah stated that many Sri Lankan origin Malaysians have contributed to the growth of Malaysia. Noting that the Malaysian government was focused on developing a digital economy, Minister Abdullah suggested that Sri Lanka explore the job market for IT workers in Malaysia. The also Ministers discussed close cooperation between the two countries on ocean related issues at multilateral fora.
Minister Peiris concluded his visit to Rwanda with a meeting between Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Rwanda Vincent Biruta. Minister Peiris congratulated Minister Biruta for the Rwandan government’s successful hosting of the CHOGM meeting adding that the meeting strengthened the Commonwealth at a critical time. Noting that Rwanda has made impressive progress in recent times, particularly on economic and reconciliation spheres, Minister Peiris encouraged closer relations between the two countries. Minister Biruta thanked Minister Peiris and observed that African countries are gaining confidence to forge their own paths towards economic and political resilience. Minister Biruta also expressed a desire to explore potential areas to strengthen political and trade relations with Sri Lanka.
Previously, Minister Peiris held bilateral discussions with India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Local Government of New Zealand Nanaia Mahuta, on the sidelines of CHOGM.
Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando who was in London recently met the UK travel industry on 16 June 2022 at the High Commission of Sri Lanka. The promotional event which was organised by the High Commission of Sri Lanka in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotional Bureau, was timely in the backdrop of the removal on 11 June of the advice against non-essential travel to Sri Lanka by the UK Government. Over 60 UK travel industry leaders including tour operators, travel associations, travel media, and representatives of airlines and hospitality sector attended the event. The UK has been the 2nd largest origin of inbound tourists to Sri Lanka.
Delivering the welcome address, High Commissioner Saroja Sirisena stated that Sri Lanka has been a resilient country which has overcome difficult situations. Sri Lanka relies on its allies’ support to promote Sri Lanka as ‘The next holiday destination’. What Sri Lanka offers is something unique that taps into the sixth sense of the traveller. Once in Sri Lanka, a traveller experiences a little bit of Sri Lankanness that they take away with them.
Minister (Commercial) of the High Commission Dr.Lakmini Mendis introduced the three special speakers of the event, , Head of Commercial at the Association of Independent Tour Operators in the UK (AITO) Bharat Gadhoke, Founder Editor of the Wanderlust Magazine Lynn Hughes, and Vice President Experience of Lonely Planet Tom Hall.
Bharat Gadhoke stated that specialist travellers consider unique countries like Sri Lanka to visit, as there is an extensive list of activities a traveller can engage in. He assured that the AITO stands ready to promote Sri Lanka among the UK travellers as done in the past. Lynn Hughes explained that Wanderlust Magazine has been considering Sri Lanka as one of the most popular destinations among their readership since the start of the magazine and it was proven by last year’s Wanderlust Awards where Sri Lanka was selected as one of the top 10 destinations of travellers’ choice. She highlighted that the search for ‘Sri Lanka’ on their website has been increased by 100% after the lifting of the UK travel advisory on non-essential travel to Sri Lanka. Tom Hall said he could confirm that Sri Lanka has been the best Island that a traveller couldvisit, from his travel experience as a part of the career at Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet had published 13 travel guides on Sri Lanka since the start of the magazine in 1973 and Sri Lanka received accolade as No.01 destination to travel in 2019.
Minister Harin Fernando explained the measures taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to overcome the current situation in the country. The Minister also highlighted the investment opportunities in Sri Lankan hospitality and tourism sector. He said that Sri Lanka would be ready to welcome tourists during the winter holiday season this year as groundwork is being undertaken as per the contingency plan prepared by the Tourism Ministry.
The main road leading to the President’s House near the Cargills Building near the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) was suddenly closed by the Police today (28), as former MP Hirunika Premachandra arrived in the Dept in support of journalist Tharindu Uduwaragedara, who was summoned to the Dept for questioning.
A tense situation arose when the Police blocked the road barring the former MP from entering the premises.
A country that was subjugated to devastation for two years cannot be saved overnight and Ranil Wickremesinghe the Prime Minister, therefore, will be needing a sufficient time to work on it, said Deputy Leader of the United National Party (UNP) Ruwan Wijewardene.
Addressing a discussion with a group of scholars and professionals in Colombo today (28), the former MP questioned why the factions of the Opposition who boast about their so called capacity of saving the country within six months do not allow the Prime Minister to do the same within a same period of time.
The Opposition shall not be dragging the Prime Minister back but supporting him to save the country from the crisis befallen it, Wijewardene went on, adding that the Opposition, however, has not exhibited such a support from their end to date. He alleged that the Opposition is attempting to gain the political advantage of the crisis.
A democratic people’s riot will be launched against the government’s conduct of dragging the country to a severe tragedy, pledged Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, speaking to the commencement of the first phase of a series of discussions with political parties registered with the Election Commission on building the country in the face of the current crisis organised by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) at the Opposition Leader’s Office today (28).
The Opposition Leader noted that he was in discussions with all parties to establish a massive political movement in this regard and that the people’s struggle would not end until the government is ousted.
The event was attended by members of the Nava Lanka Nidahas Party, the Purawesi Peramuna, the Eksath Wamanshika Peramuna and the Ape Jana Bala Party.
Premadasa added that the government’s only essential service would be the protection of the chairs of the President, the Prime Minister and the Ministers, while the people of the country are suffering immensely. Therefore, the incapable government should be stepping back, he went on, adding that a SJB-led government that builds the country will be formed.
In the shortage of fuel and disruption of passenger transport, the majority of health workers are unable to report for duty, revealed trade unions. In the backdrop, the trade unions have concluded not to report for duty tomorrow and the day after.
The strike action is being endorsed by 08 units responding to the health sector including public health inspectors, midwives, laboratory technicians ad entomologists representing the Supplementary Medical Services United Front, said Union Chief Upul Rohana.
The government yesterday (27) declared that fuel will be issued only to essential services from midnight and as the health sector being declared as an essential service, fuel should also be issued to health workers. However, the trade unions disclosed that the distribution of fuel for health workers is not being carried out properly.
Most of the passenger buses are out of service and only the buses of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) are in operation. In the backdrop, it has not been possible to report for duty using public transport, Rohana noted.
The Cabinet has granted its approval to amend the laws pertaining to Contempt of Court. A Cabinet paper in this regard was tabled by Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapaksa.
Given the poor definitions interpreting contempt of court in the Sri Lankan law, certain trials cannot be proceeded methodically, Rajapaksa pointed out in his Cabinet paper, denoting that the limits of interference in the judicial process and the limits of freedom of expression should be clarified.
The Justice Minister emphasised that a preliminary draft has already been prepared by the Legal Commission in view of the shortcomings in the consideration of contempt of court-related cases in the recent past, adding that new laws should be adopted based on the draft.
Following the government’s decision to stop the issuance of fuel to private vehicles from today (28), many roads in Colombo and nearby crowded ares are seen to be empty.
Roads in Dematagoda and Nugegoda areas which were heavily congested on regular weekdays are seen as follows this morning.
Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa in a statement said that the government does not need to apologise via Twitter for failing to fulfill the wishes of the people but shall be stepping down, whereas the country will be taken over by capable parliamentarians of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), paving the way for Sri Lanka to be restored to its former status within the next five years, in acceptance of the democratic views of millions of people.
The Opposition Leader pointed out such restoration will not allow fraud and corruption.
All the false drama played by the government to bring in a ‘super’ Prime Minister and build the country has now been exposed and despite such a situation, government ministers who lied to the people for their own survival are now leaving for foreign tours in a fake play asking for gas, fuel and milk powder, Premadasa alleged.
He further pointed out that it is the responsibility of the Chairman of the Committee on Public Enterprises (CoPE) to divulge those who had pressured the Committee to conceal information.
The Opposition Leader also urged the government to stop playing the fake game of building the country in five-to-ten months and listen to the views of the people to restore Sri Lanka’s lost dignity.
In view of finding solutions to the worse economic, political and social crisis befallen Sri Lanka, a National Programme for Reforms has been established by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) to achieve consensus on the social transformation demanded by the people to create a modern Sri Lanka and an affiliated Secretariat operating from the Opposition Leader’s Office. The Secretariat was opened yesterday (27) under the patronage of Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, followed by public representatives and civil society representatives.
MP Buddhika Pathirana serves as the Chief Secretary of the newly-built Unit.
