Climate Action Champions Network to select 100 individuals to lead Climate Action Policies and Initiatives in South Asia 

COLOMBO-June 28, 2022: The United States Department of State, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Development Journalist Forum (SDJF), Genlab, Observer Research Foundation (ORF), and Pavilion Group, launched the Climate Action Champions Network (CACN), that will support 100 individuals from Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan as they lead climate action policies and initiatives in their respective countries, as well as the wider South Asia and Indo-Pacific Region.

Climate Change is a critical transnational threat, with South Asia being one of the most affected regions. The Climate Action Champions Network (CACN) is a timely initiative that will raise awareness and encourage action. This program will appoint 100 young individuals over a 12 -month period to work together to drive policy and programs that combat climate change in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific Region.

Commenting on the initiative, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung stated: “Climate-related challenges in South Asia cut across borders. The region’s ability to address the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change will have an enormous impact on youth populations. This is a fantastic opportunity for young changemakers to influence policy and an initiative that will encourage young people to take an active role in promoting environmental conservation.”

The cohort will work on specific thematic areas such as the green technology industry, climate change impact on biodiversity, climate-smart agriculture, climate finance, and climate change policymaking. They will also delve into the broader climate change and development agenda, examining how climate change intersects with developmental indicators such as gender, global health, and urbanization.

“We are looking forward to receiving applications from promising individuals, and it is an enormous honor to be part of the steering committee for such a worthy cause. Climate change, a hot-button issue and a critical phenomenon that could surely determine the fate of humanity and its future course, has been a prime concern, by and large, for all the nations irrespective of their political or economic agenda. As youth are crucial strata in virtually all societies, they are the most vibrant actors of the change and progress; when it comes to mitigating and addressing Climate Change, the same principle is valid.  If you believe you are the change, this is the call for you. We will be at every guiding footstep of our young changemakers and will provide the necessary support,” added Dr. Darshana Ashoka Kumara the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Development Journalist Forum, while taking the lead in delivering the message to the youth in Sri Lanka.

Applications are now being accepted and can be found on the SDJF’s official website. Enthusiastic individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 who are passionate about climate action and advocacy, are analytical, and demonstrate leadership qualities and innovation are strongly encouraged to apply for the program by July 15, 2022. For further information contact [email protected].

The economic crisis in the country continues to worsen with queues lengthening, prices rising and essentials unavailable. The general expectation after the rise of the Aragalaya protest movement was that a small and interim all-party government would be formed to specifically deal with the economic crisis, stabilize the economy and to conduct fresh elections.  But this has not materialized. Governance is the essential element of the state, and good governance is not merely the exercise of power but the safeguard of the rights of each individual and the welfare of all.

Unfortunately, the appearance at present is of a government that seeks to consolidate itself in power and continue into the longer term.  President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has made an announcement that he seeks to remain in office for the remainder of his term despite the serious mistakes he has made in economic and political decision making for which he has apologized.  The number of ministers is much larger than expected with some 40 cabinet and state ministers and a further 25 district ministers reportedly to be appointed.

Mismanagement of this nature in the private sector would potentially lead to immediate dismissal.  In our public service it could lead to suspension or transfer to a difficult location. The National Peace Council expresses its strong concerns that more than six weeks after the appointment of the new prime minister and ministers there is no economic recovery plan on the table.  There have been visits by an IMF delegation, US Treasury officials and Indian ministry officials with whose goodwill the economic recovery plan that caters to the national interest could be adopted.

The National Peace Council calls on the president to deliver on his pledge to establish an interim all-party consensual government forthwith with a limited time frame. The parliament should not become a battle ground to articulate opposing viewpoints but one that displays cooperation at this time. We call for the passage of the 21st Amendment as an interim measure and the abolition of the presidential system subsequently as the misuse of presidential powers has contributed in substantial measure to the present catastrophe.  This is the message emanating from several Aragalaya protest sites, which have galvanized all communities irrespective of their religious and ethnic backgrounds.

The National Peace Council Sri Lanka

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.

Embassy of Sri Lanka

Beirut

28 June, 2022

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. 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Colombo

28 June, 2022

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 2^nd 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.

High Commission of Sri Lanka

London

28 June, 2022

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.

MIAP

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.

MIAP

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.

MIAP

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.

MIAP