Namal Rajapaksa, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs has stated that the government has no reason not to enforce the law against the son of Arundika Fernando in connection with the incident at the Ragama Medical Faculty and that what the people expected from the President as One Country – One Law is being fulfilled today.
“Minister Arundika has also made a statement. Something has happened. Now that child has been taken into custody. So we will enforce the law. We have no reason to hide the law. He could be the child of a minister or the child of an ordinary citizen, but he will be treated according to the One Country – One Law policy, which is what people expected from the President. It is happening today.
So I think if that child has done something wrong, he will be punished for it. If the child is innocent, the child should have the opportunity to prove his innocence in court. And what caused this incident? In some places, it is said that this is a matter of ragging. So we have to make very tough decisions when it comes to incidents related to ragging. And we can never approve of ragging. But thuggery cannot be used to prevent such things. That is why if a person has been a victim of this ragging, the law should be enforced. ”
Minister Namal Rajapaksa stated this while expressing his views to the media yesterday (03).
Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal on Tuesday declared that the onus to boost foreign reserves and the economy lies with all and not solely on the Central Bank.
He made this remark during his address as the Chief Guest at the ceremonial launch of the Real Time Gross Settlement System (RTGS) status of National Savings Bank (NSB).
“For Sri Lanka to overcome the foreign exchange challenge, all relevant economic parties have to take responsibility,” Cabraal said.
He emphasised that the country had to ensure “exporters, importers, those who borrow money, those who payback their loans, those who remit monies are all active in a way that would support the country’s efforts to find stability.”
He maintained that the ‘main trust and function of the Central Bank is to ensure stability’, which is considered its primary function, but also noted that without growth, the country cannot prosper and move forward.
The RGTS status granted by the CBSL will enable NSB customers and its internal operations to transfer funds seamlessly and with the security and the supervision of CBSL.
Governor Cabraal noted that a specialised bank cannot gain the RTGS status without due process and commended the NSB for the achievement.
The Sri Lankan government will meet all debt repayments in 2022 and work on a more comprehensive plan to address its dwindling foreign exchange reserves, said central bank governor Nivard Cabraal on Wednesday (Jan 12).
Sri Lanka managed to boost its reserves to US$3.1 billion (S$4.2 billion) at the end of December, thanks to a yuan currency swap with China worth US$1.5 billion.
The government is also currently in talks with India and Qatar to obtain multiple credit lines and a currency swap arrangement, totalling around US$2.9 billion.
Sri Lanka needs to repay about US$4.5 billion in debt this year, starting with a US$500 million International Sovereign Bond (ISB) maturing on Jan 18 for which fund allocations have already been made, Mr Cabraal said.
“Not paying debt will push us into bigger challenges,” Mr Cabraal said during an event organised by the Department of Government Information.
“We need a more comprehensive, longer-term plan to address debt and other issues in the Sri Lankan economy. Not honouring ISBs will get Sri Lanka into a path of pain.”
Due to the pandemic, Mr Cabraal said the country has lost about US$9 billion in tourism revenue in the last two years, but he expected a pickup in tourism in the next two to three months would help rebuild reserves.
Even before the pandemic struck, tourism had fallen off in Sri Lanka as a result of the Easter Sunday bombings in 2019 that targeted churches and hotels, and killed 267 people.
Mr Cabraal said the negotiations with India were at advanced stages. Sri Lanka is seeking a US$1 billion credit line, and a US$400 million swap arrangement with India, plus a US$500m credit line for fuel involving Indian Oil Corp, which has operations on the island.
The recent sharp increase in its energy import bill, due to surging global prices for oil and gas, has exerted more pressure on Sri Lanka’s reserves.
Discussions with Qatar for a US$1 billion credit line are also under way.
Mr Cabraal said the government could also look at a fresh loan from China, which is Sri Lanka’s fourth-biggest lender, behind international financial markets, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Japan.
Several analysts have said Sri Lanka may eventually need to go to the International Monetary Fund for a bailout – something the government has been reluctant to do.
“Approaching the IMF is not something to be taken lightly. The monetary board has had many discussions on this matter and we only see the IMF as one of many options,” Mr Cabraal said.
“Our view is that the path we are on is the most appropriate. The IMF is not a fix-all solution; it’s not a magic wand.”
The newly appointed High Commissioner- designate of Sri Lanka to Malaysia Air Chief Marshal Sumangala Dias assumed duties at the Sri Lanka High Commission in Kuala Lumpur on 27 January, 2022.
The assumption of duties was marked by a simple yet elegant ceremony organized by the staff of the High Commission. Following religious observances, High Commissioner- designate assumed duties while Chief Prelates of the two main Sri Lankan Buddhist temples in Kuala Lumpur chanted Pirith in the background,.
Keeping up with the Sri Lankan traditions, ‘ Kiri ithiraweema ‘ was held , followed by the lighting of the traditional oil lamp and sharing of “ Milk-rice’ and other Sri Lankan delicacies with the staff of the Mission.
Addressing the staff of the Mission, High Commissioner-designate, extended his gratitude to the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and the Foreign Secretary for the mandate given to him to represent Sri Lanka’s interests in Malaysia.
Recalling the long-standing friendly relations between the two countries, High Commissioner designate outlined his priorities and expectations and the need to enhance economic, political and people to people contacts between Sri Lanka and Malaysia. He specially stressed upon the duty of the High Commission to strive to find new and innovative ways to attract investments, enhance bilateral trade relations and promote Sri Lanka as a tourist destination, in order to assist Sri Lanka to overcome the challenges that our motherland is currently facing.
High Commissioner-designate Air Chief Marshal Sumangala Dias was the 17th Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force.
New UNFPA Representative presents credentials to the Honorable Foreign Minister
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (03 February 2022): Mr Kunle Adeniyi presented his credentials on 03 February 2022 to the Foreign Minister, Hon. G.L. Peiris, officially taking office as the new Representative for UNFPA Sri Lanka and Country Director for The Maldives.
Prior to this assignment, Mr Adeniyi served as the Country Representative of UNFPA in The Gambia.
A lawyer by profession, he brings nearly two decades of experience in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRH), human rights, public health and public policy.
Book by S. V. KIRUPAharan released “Reaching towards justice: Reality revealed”
A book in English and in Tamil has been released by France-based human rights activist cum Freelance research analyst S. V. Kirupaharan – KIRUPA. The book’s title is Reaching towards justice: Reality revealed – a Socio-politico-historical perspective.
Due to the sudden rise of the Covid pandemic in Europe, the book launch supposed to take place in the French capital Paris on 14th January 2022 in a grand-hall with many well known human rights activists, journalists, lawyers, members of parliament, academics, educationalists, professionals, friends and others, was postponed indefinitely.
However, the book was released, after handing over the copies in English and Tamil to a few important individuals in Europe and UK.
According to Kirupaharan, his book “Reaching towards justice: Reality revealed” contains selected articles of his decades of writings in English and Tamil published in well-reputed print, as well as electronic/online media around the world.
The books are dedicated to his parents late Mr Visuvalingam, retired Education Advisor to the Education department in the Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka and late Padmasani Visuvalingam. Also the book is dedicated to his wife Deirdre McConnell who encouraged and helped Kirupa to bring out this book. The cover of the book was designed by Deirdre, based on the idea and wish of Kirupaharan. It is called ‘Kirupa with his protectors’.
The books in English and in Tamil do not consist of exactly the same articles, except a few which are the same in both.
The contents of the book include: (1) UN and international affairs; (2) Concerning Sri Lanka; (3) Concerning India; (4) General Subjects and (5) Media coverage (both applauding & critical) and old paper cuttings matters including writings from his teenage years.
Kirupaharan said that this book is published to give information to the future generation, to provide further educational material for those who have knowledge about the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka and to explain possible ways forward on the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka.
Kirupaharan is a member of many internationally reputed media and human rights associations in Europe, United Kingdom and other countries. He is the founder General-Secretary of the Tamil Centre for Human Rights – TCHR established in France in 1990.
Endorsements were written to the English book by : Dr. Nihal Jayawickrama, (Rappoteur UN-sponsored Judicial Integrity Group; formerly Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Justice Sri Lanka and Associate Professor of Law); – Prof. V. Elaguppillai, (Emeritus Professor of Carlton University, Canada; University of Penang, Malaysia; University of Zambia and Senior Scientist (Retired) Atomic Energy Commission, Canada); and Chandima Withana, (Managing Editor, LNW Media Network Ltd, London / Colombo).
The Tamil book was endorsed by Mr V Thevaraj, (well known Tamil journalist, former Editor in Chief of ‘Virakesari Weekly Section’ and Managing Director and Editor in Chief of ‘Voice of World Network Pvt Ltd); Mr Bharathy Rajanayagam, (veteran Tamil journalist and former Editor of ‘Thinakural weekly section’); and the IBC News group (IBC Tamil TV, Radio, LankaSri, Tamilwin,etc)
In his acknowledgements Kirupa thanked all the media which have published his writings and individuals who have encouraged him over many years to publish this document. Special thanks were given to all those who supported his daily routine tasks directly and indirectly from various countries.
The High Commissioner–designate of Sri Lanka to Maldives, A.M.J. Sadiq presented his Letter of Credence and the Letter of Recall of his predecessor to the President of the Republic of Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih at the President’s Office in Male´ on 01February 2022.
After conveying the warm greetings of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to President Solih, the Sri Lankan envoy expressed his keen desire to strengthen and diversify the existing close and cordial bilateral relations into a vibrant and multifaceted partnership for the mutual benefit of the people of Sri Lanka and Maldives, during his tenure. The High Commissioner highlighted the importance of enhancing economic cooperation, in particular, covering the fields of education, health, as well as bilateral trade and investment. President Solih warmly reciprocated these sentiments and wished the High Commissioner, a successful tenure in Maldives. President Solih went on to extend greetings to the government and the people of Sri Lanka,on the occasion of the 74th Independence Day, which falls on 4 February. He also recalled fond memories of his successful visit to Sri Lanka in November 2021, where he held discussions with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on further enhancing relations between the two countries.
Following the presentation of credentials, High Commissioner Sadiq paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, Abdulla Shahid. The Foreign Minster congratulated the new High Commissioner and wished him a successful tenure in Maldives. He thanked the government of Sri Lanka for its support for his election as the President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Echoing the sentiments of President Solih, the Foreign Minister stated that Sri Lanka and Maldives, as members of a family can work closely together to advance the existing warm and friendly relations to newer heights.
Later on the same day, High Commissioner Sadiq called on the Foreign Secretary of Maldives, Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed and discussed ways and means to enhance bilateral relations, focused on economic cooperation, particularly in areas of public and private partnership, involving the governments and private companies of Sri Lanka and Maldives. They also agreed to expedite the finalisation of the Agreements/MoUs on the Avoidance of Double Taxation, Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments and Cooperation and Mutual Assistance on Customs Matters between Sri Lanka and Maldives.
The High Commissioner Sadiq is the most senior officer in the Sri Lanka Foreign Service and possesses over 35 years of public and private sector experience at executive level, initially as a bank executive in the private sector for 2 ½ years, followed by over 33 years in the Sri Lanka Foreign Service with multi-disciplinary experience, gained across Europe, South America, Middle East and South Asia.
High Commissioner Sadiq had his primary and secondary education at Royal College, Colombo and read for a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Colombo.He also holds a Master in Public Management (MPM)degree from Harvard University and the National University of Singapore, having been awarded the Lee KuanYew Fellowship to pursue his studies at these two prestigious universities.He also possesses professional accountancy and banking qualifications.
During his diplomatic career, High Commissioner Sadiq has served thrice as Ambassador, representing Sri Lanka in Saudi Arabia (2005-2007), Brazil (2009-2011) and The Netherlands (2015-2019).
From July 2019 until his current assignment in Maldives, High CommissionerSadiq was Additional Secretary in the Foreign Ministry. As the most senior Additional Secretary in the Ministry, he had also served as Acting Secretary to the Foreign Ministry in 2015 and 2021 during the absence of the Foreign Secretary from the country.
In October 2019, High Commissioner Sadiq was elected Chair of the Governing Board of the SAARC Arbitration Council (SARCO) in Islamabad, for a two year tenure. He also held the Chair of the National IHL Committee of Sri Lanka and the Chair of the National Coordinating Committee on Readmissions from August 2019 until December 2021.
High Commission of Sri Lanka Malé 03 February, 2022
A number of foreign ambassadors to Sri Lanka have presented their credentials to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the President’s House today (03), the Ministry of External Affairs said in multiple statements.
Accordingly the following ambassadors have presented their credentials to the President;
Guðni Bragason as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Iceland to Sri Lanka
Alan Deniega as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Philippines to Sri Lanka
Nurlan Zhalgasbayev as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Sri Lanka
Mustapha Jawara as the High Commissioner of the Republic of the Gambia to Sri Lanka
Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Umar Farooq Burki as the High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka
Freddy Svane as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Denmark to Sri Lanka
Naor Gilon as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel to Sri Lanka
Katrin Kivi as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Estonia to Sri Lanka
Colombo, Sri Lanka (02.02.2022): The Rotary Colombo East Vocational Excellence Award recognises and acknowledges the herculean contribution made by Mr Aritha Wickramasinghe in the field of activism.
Mr. Wickramasinghe has been an outspoken advocate of equality and justice from everything ranging from women’s rights to domestic violence to equal access to legal advice, animal rights, youth representation, queer rights, employee protections, child rights, child protection, and a host of advocacies.
He has served in an advisory capacity on government reform but should not be mistaken for a mouthpiece of any regime. If there is a humanitarian cause at stake, one will never fail to find him at the frontlines with his sleeves rolled up, making a difference where it matters. He has remained one of the few non-partisan voices and a beacon of inclusion and equality. He is a friend of Rotary, especially the Rotary Colombo East family, and has served as a panellist or resource person for more projects (organised by either Rotary, Rotaract, or Interact) than can be endeavoured to enumerate. Accolades for his work have only just started to pour in, and most recently, he was recognised as an Outstanding Role Model by Sri Lanka Unites for his activism work together with such eminent names as Asha de Vos and Otara Gunewardene.
Mr Wickramasinghe delivering an inspirational acceptance speech touched on such diverse topics as business, economic policy, and activism. His illuminating address while presenting an interesting take on rebuilding the national economy, strived to emphasise that activism is not the birthright of people on the fringes but the responsibility of all those who are privileged. He emphasised how despite specialising in financial law, he is often mistaken for a human rights lawyer on account of his work; work that he engages in not because it is his occupation but because it is his duty. He expounded the role Rotary and Rotarians can play in making lasting social change in this country, not only as the result of the good work of Rotary but as individuals and corporate and social leaders. He expressed his gratitude to Rotary Colombo East for the honour bestowed and emphasised that activism is not something to shy away from, but something to embrace. He unapologetically invited Rotarians and all people of privilege to speak up where their voice can make a difference, to use influence where influence can make a difference, and to use money where money is going to be the conduit for lasting societal change. He furthermore stated that it is the duty of the state not to constrain and regulate the free market, but to ensure the protection, rights, privileges, and inclusion of its citizens- emphasising that Sri Lanka is far from an inclusive society. To the laudation of the members of Colombo East, he announced his impending nuptials to his long-time partner Dave Hunter who was also present at the evening’s commemoration. He used the opportunity to express his discontent at being unable to be married in Sri Lanka-shedding light on the country’s archaic and ludicrous marriage and civil union laws. He also used the opportunity to shed light on equally asinine personal laws with the poetically construed phrase – “a Muslim girl is not equal to her husband, a Tamil daughter is not equal to her brother, a Sinhalese wife is not equal to her husband, and I am not equal to many of you.”
The meeting also saw the induction of Mr. Sriyal Nilanka, eminent LGBTQ activist and Co-founder of the Pragna Collective as a member of Rotary Colombo East, a reflection of the Club’s commitment to being a safe-space for Rotary in Sri Lanka.
In his initial address, he spoke of the glass ceilings that are being shattered in this day and age, lauding Rotary Colombo East’s Safe-Space policy saying in his address to the Club that “ten years ago I wouldn’t have dreamed of being welcomed in spaces like this one, and today when I was inducted, I was told by President-Elect Lasantha (Wijeweera), I am a part of this (Rotary Colombo East) family…”.
The Club also presented awards to the winners of the Rotary Colombo East family’s essay competition on the four-way test with Rtr. Pankaja Kulatinge, and Kavita Gunaratne winning the Senior Competition and Divansshi Mukunthan and Mohamed Alhandeen winning the Junior Competition.
Despite the claims made by several media bodies that former MP Ranjan Ramanayake is to be granted full freedom by the President on the 74th Independence Day tomorrow, no written order was received to the Prison Department on such a release yet, revealed Media Spokesperson for the Prison Commissioner Chandana Ekanayake, speaking to a briefing held today (03).
He noted that every media body has raised queries in this regard, adding that 197 prisoners, nevertheless, will be released on the Independence Day, in accordance with the President’s powers.
Meanwhile, inmates will be given a special meal tomorrow and will have the opportunity to meet visitors.
There is no confidence that the truth behind the Easter Sunday Massacre will be revealed and justice be served, said Spokesman for the Catholic Church Reverend Father Cyril Gamini, speaking to a briefing held in the Archbishop’s House today (03).
Nevertheless, the fight will continue and the international arena will be sought for justice, Fr. Gamini noted, adding that although there is confidence with the Judiciary, there is none over the process of the matter being taken into the Court.
He added that the Attorney General already has two commission reports with regard to the Easter Sunday Genocide, but any attempt to implement the recommendations revealed in the reports is not visible.
It is in this backdrop that justice being served is vaguely believable, Fr. Gamini further noted.
