Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa has said that the present government has plunged the entire country into darkness and left only a country in despair.
He also said that the people of this country have been severely affected due to the rising prices of goods and the rising inflation pushing the country into an abyss.
He said that when the Minister was asked to reduce the prices of goods, the relevant Minister had asked the questioner to tell him how to reduce the prices of goods. He also pointed out that these ministers have made the state administration a complete joke.
The Leader of the Opposition said that the only force that could bring the country out of this dark journey was the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, adding that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya was the only silver lining in the darkness.
Sajith Premadasa was speaking at the Unduwap Maha Pujotsavaya held at the Uchchavalika Viharaya in Ambalantota on the 23rd.
Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith Cardinal, Archbishop of Colombo, has stated that the government and the police will not be allowed to slip away in the incident where a hand grenade was found inside the All Saints Church in Borella.
“We will fight against this government until the truth of this incident is fully revealed. Because we can clearly see the drama being played by this government and the police. That’s why I told our fathers to watch CCTV footage that morning. Because then we can find out if anyone else brought this bomb. So we were able to find that. The police tried to get away with it putting the responsibility on the person named ‘Muni’. That is what the Minister of Police said in the statement. We cannot allow such a thing to happen.
Therefore, we will not allow the government or the police to slip away in this matter. We have the court, we are confident about the court. Therefore, we will take action in court to rectify the mistake made and the mistake made by that man.”
The cardinal was commenting on a zoom discussion on the Easter attack and the hand grenade incident on the Borella church.
Sri Lanka Insurance of Sri Lanka closed the year 2021 with a positive note recording a staggering combined Gross Written Premium (GWP) of Rs. 43 billion amidst the turbulent time.
In the year 2021 Sri Lanka Insurance reported 14 % growth in life insurance premium increases to Rs.21.9 billion whilst general insurance reported 5.4% growth in premium, for a total value of Rs. 21.2 billion amidst the stagnant market conditions.
The company achieved a combined Gross Written Premium (GWP) growth rate of 9.7 % during the year. Life insurance contributed 51% towards the total GWP whilst General Insurance contributed 49%.
Marking 60 years of excellence as the protector of the nation, Sri Lanka Insurance recorded many remarkable achievements during the year 2021.
Sri Lanka Insurance yet again declared the highest Life Insurance bonus in the industry of Rs. 8.6 billion. The insurer was able to produce 189 MDRT members with 5 COT and 1 TOT member for the MDRT conference 2021 marking a historic milestone as the highest ever representation from Sri Lanka Insurance.
In the year 2021 Sri Lanka Insurance managed to uphold the leadership position of the General Insurance sector and Motor Insurance sector while introducing multiple innovative motor insurance products that cater to the unique needs of customer segments in the motor insurance market.
Further, Sri Lanka Insurance was recognized with many awards and accolades in the year 2021.
The insurer tops the ranking in many aspects in the Brand Finance report on Sri Lanka’s Most Valuable Brands 2021 edition.
Sri Lanka Insurance was awarded The Most Loved Insurance Brand of the year and the Most Valuable General Insurance Brand of the year proving its prowess to be awarded these prestigious titles for the 4th consecutive year.
Also, SLIC Life recorded the highest brand value growth among the Life Insurance brands in Sri Lanka. SLIC was also recognized as a ‘Great Place to Work” in Sri Lanka in the year 2021, reiterating the insurer’s commitment towards developing and empowering employee relationships at the workplace.
Exploring the avenues to broaden the protection to communities SLIC served different segments, age groups and different affinity groups through product and market development initiatives.
SLIC Speed Investment and SLIC Early cash and SLIC Minimuthu life insurance products were relaunched understanding and catering to a new generation of SLIC clientele.
“Nagaraja” an exclusive medical insurance cover was also launched as the first product designed in Sri Lanka to provide protection for Buddhist clergy and their family members and “Motor Plus Commercial” was launched with unique features to complement the needs of the commercial vehicle users.
SLIC has been making steady progress in transforming its operational architecture and front end customer interfaces to ensure digital integration.
SLIC Mobile App introduced many enhanced features to constantly evolve with the consumer needs and proved to be a significant tool during the pandemic period.
The motor claim settlement process has undergone a major reengineering process to facilitate fast-track and contactless claim settlements to customers.
SLIC also increased the digital integration with other service providers to expand the number of payment platforms available to customers enhancing the accessibility and switching to contactless mode to ensure health and safety guidelines.
The “Work Flow Management System” is transforming all internal manual and paper-based operations to digital-driven systemized operations.
Commenting on the excellence achieved during the year SLIC Chairman Eng. Vijitha Herath noted “The past year has been a testing time which compelled us to embrace changes and respond to challenges. .”
Chief Executive Officer of Sri Lanka Insurance Chandana L. Aluthgama noted, “Operating in a very competitive landscape we have demonstrated our resilience again with the excellent and sustainable achievements during the year 2021.
Sri Lanka will be starting commercial production of tea wine which had been invented and introduced by local tea sector scientists.
The Tea Research Institute (TRI) has called for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from interested companies to commercialise the process of manufacturing tea wine.
TRI has successfully conducted pilot-scale manufacturing of tea wine, which is a unique and patented process based on traditional wine fermentation methods, producing a ‘dry red wine’ containing 12 percent alcohol.
It is rich in its unique taste with medium body and soft tannings carrying pronounced tea aroma with the sweet smell of delicate black BOP.
A unique and patented process for making tea wine, based on traditional wine-fermentation methods.
The process utilizes a specific Sri Lankan tea variety and special aging techniques to produce a tea wine with unique flavor and aroma profiles.
While this unique tea wine has received positive reviews by consumers and wine-specialists, its most valuable attribute may be its opening up of the potential for novel Sri Lankan tea-based fermented beverages.
In this pilot effort, the tea wine exhibits a unique taste, aroma and stability in storage.
This particular fermented tea is made with tender leaves of Dimbulla black, involves chaptalization, use of Saccharomyces bayanus, and aged in Halmilla (Beralia cordifolia) casks.
The patented process has established a platform for producing a variety of unique tea beverages through many potential variations including tea variety, fermentation method, and aging.
While fermentation of tea leaves is a traditional method of producing certain types of dry tea leaves, methods of producing fermented tea beverages are not as common.
However, the low alcohol, fermented-tea beverage kombucha has become very popular in the U.S. and other countries.
The U.S. kombucha market is currently over $1billion and is predicted to reach $3.8 billion by 2023. Similar types of fermented tea beverages are also seeing significant growth.
Fermented teas of varying alcohol contents, and flavors are a hotbed of innovation and market growth.
The Tea Research Institute is interested in partnering with industrial innovators, in and outside of the tea industry to commercialize this technology and to develop other novel fermented tea beverages.
The Tea Research Institute will consider trademarks and Geographical Indication (GI) protection for certain fermented tea products it develops with private-sector partners.
Pilot scale tea wine production (approximately 50 L per batch) successfully conducted. Types of deals sought: Non-exclusive licenses, regional and field of use exclusive licenses would be considered. TRI is seeking commercial allies in tea and beverage manufacturing, distribution and sales, other food innovators.
We would like to now elevate our product from its current pilot scale to a more commercial level with a royalty to the institution,” TRI Manager – Technology Transfer Office Dr. M.A.B. Ranatunga said.
He also said that TRI expects to expand the existing product and procedure with the prospective company, and the capacity to undertake R&D activities would be an advantage in the evaluation of EOIs.
TRI will grant a non-exclusive or exclusive licence to a company or companies, a royalty-bearing right and licence to use and practice the technology and process (‘licensed technology’) to manufacture, sell and commercialise the product during the term of the agreement (‘licence’).
It will bear the right to choose the basis of agreement to be executed as ‘Non-Exclusive’ or ‘Exclusive’ and the decision shall be taken upon negotiations during the preliminary discussion with the shortlisted firms.
Dr. Ranatunga also pointed out that the TRI had already spoken to the Excise Department to assist the prospective company to obtain the production licence.
“TRI already got a number of inquiries regarding the project,” he said, adding that the deadline for prospective firms to apply is 30 January
Sri Lanka will develop a strategic plan to promote electric vehicles (EV) in line with an expansion in renewable energy according priority to EV imports, a senior minister said.
The cabinet of ministers has approved a strategic plan to create the background needed to import and promote the use of electric vehicles.
The proposal was submitted by the Minister of Environment. A study by the University of Moratuwa has found that 60 per cent of the air pollution was caused by vehicle emissions, the proposal had said.
Sri Lanka’s environment minister Mahinda Amaraweera has submitted a cabinet paper proposing that electric vehicles be prioritised when resuming vehicle imports, the minister said, amid an ongoing power crisis on top of a dollar shortage.
Amaraweera said the proposal was made in line with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s commitment towards renewable energy.
In the wake of this proposal Vega Innovations, the company that unveiled VEGA, the flagship electric supercar, the first of its kind built in Sri Lanka, has designed an electric Three-wheeler and an electric ATV.
Director and co-founder of Vega Innovations Dr. Beshan Kulapala said the electric three-wheeler will be introduced to the Sri Lankan market in late 2022, for a competitive price.
“We hope to introduce this three-wheeler to India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Africa,” he said adding that it would be manufactured in Sri Lanka and then exported.
Sri Lanka has an ongoing import ban on vehicles, with Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa stating in December that no new vehicles will be imported in 2022.
However, President Rajapaksa in his policy statement to parliament last Monday (18) said the government will allow the resumption of vehicle imports in the future, with priority given to electric vehicles.
“When we allow the import of vehicles in the future, we hope to give priority to electric vehicles. Accordingly, we should plan to use renewable energy sources as much as possible when supplying electricity to vehicles,” he said.
The president also noted that about 20 percent of Sri Lanka’s annual import expenditure is allocated for oil imports.
“When the total export earnings are less than 1,000 million US dollars a month, we have to spend about 350 million a month on oil alone. About 70 percent of the imported fuel is used as fuel for vehicles.
It costs about 21 percent to generate electricity. Only 4 percent is used for industry,” he said.
The government’s emphasis on electric vehicles comes amid a power crisis, with the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB)’s engineering union warning consumers of daily outages of nearly two hours starting Monday.The power crisis has been triggered by a shortage in fuel and furnace oil supply to the CEB’s thermal generation plants by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) amid a forex shortage for imports and insufficient water levels at reservoirs for hydro power generation, on top of a breakdown at the Norochcholai coal power plant
The long delayed clearance of over 1000 essential commodity containers struck at the Colombo port due to lack of dollars for repayments for food imports are still to be cleared in a phased manner.
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has released US$ 5 million to clear these containers of essential commodities stranded at the Colombo Port.
The Ministry of Trade said a total of US$ 14 million is required to release such stranded containers.
However the dollar issue has not been settled as the remaining amount of funds is yet to be issued by the Central Bank, official sources
disclosed, adding that failing which the money will be released in a phased manner. .
The ministers recently submitted a report to the Central Bank containing details of the stranded items of importers of essential items.
It is reported that nearly a thousand containers carrying essential food items including rice, sugar, dhal and potatoes are still held at the Colombo Port due to the shortage of US dollars in the country.
At least 1300 containers of essential food commodities and other items have piled up at the Colombo Port during the past three months mostly due to the inability of obtaining bank documents on letters of credit (LCs) as a result of the dollar payment crisis and also a limited workforce at the port, importers complained.
The raising of concerns by CASA comes whilst Sri Lanka last year saw record $ 20.6 billion in imports and $ 12.4 billion in exports.
Ships calling at Colombo Port in the first 11 months of 2021 had been declined by 4.4percent to 3,826.
However total container handlings rose by 4.8% to 6.6 million TEUs. Transhipment saw a 3% growth to 5.3 million TEUs. Handling of domestic boxes rose by 10.5% to 1 million TEUs.
Shipping agents on Sunday 23 warned that import container build-up in the Colombo Port is worsening primarily due to the foreign exchange crisis, and urged authorities to resolve it fast so as to avoid a more serious impact on the economy.
Shipping companies rely on import containers being cleared from the ports de-stuffed and returned back to the containers’ depots, either to be used as export containers or be repositioned to high demand areas.
However, the Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA) said since Sri Lanka is facing a dollar shortage, importers are not able to pay the necessary dues to clear the import containers from the port. “This means that the static containers are lying at the terminals incurring demurrage day by day which at the end of the day will have to be borne by none other than the consumer,” CASA said.
Pressuring shipping lines for demurrage waivers will have an adverse effect making Sri Lanka unfavourable.
CASA said containers dwelling at the terminal also mean that the supply of empty containers available for exports too are reducing drastically, which results in further hikes in freight rates and even if the exporter is willing to pay that higher freight rate they may not still not be able to secure a container due to limited supply availability.
Identifying the elegance of the Tamil heritage, the British Tamils Forum (BTF) began its steps to enhance the knowledge to the Tamil diaspora and to make aware to the world at large of the sophistication of the deep-rooted Tamil heritage. Thus, the BTF launched its pioneer move with the Thai Pongal celebration in association with London Borrow of Harrow in 2011.
In the following years, the BTF collaborated with several community organisations and continued demonstrating the prosperity of the Tamil heritage, following the Tamil phrase of its invaluable script, “யாதும் ஊரே யாவரும் கேளீர்”, of which the near translation is, “All places are one and all people are our kin.” and this the fundamental concept of brotherhood and equality.
In subsequent years up to 2017 the BTF promoted the participation of Tamil youths, by celebrating Thai Pongal in its own premises, where several interested Tamil youths and Tamil community representatives took part with great enthusiasm. BTF was proud that several Members of Parliament representing Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats participated in 2018 event organized in the House of Parliament. Many MPs started wearing the Tamil traditional dress of Vetti and shawls in these events.
The BTF’s celebrations in 2019,2020 and 2021 were predominantly carried out by the Tamil youths with of traditional folk dances, and other cultural activities and they named those events as “The Tamil Youth Cherishing Rich Heritage” in 2019 and then “The Tamil HeritageMonth” in 2020 and “Self-Reliance in Tamil Heritage” in 2021.
On each occasion the BTF invited politicians including many cross party members of parliament and councillors with the purpose of bringing the value of the Tamil Heritage to the core members of the British soil. The BTF is now very proud that the Tamil Heritage and the Tamil peoples’ aspirations have been gaining increased recognition by the British Members of Parliament, other politicians and institutions. Their participation to the Thai Pongal celebration over the period is not only at USA an increase but also their hospitalities are overwhelming.
The BTF is very pleased that the Tamils for Labour, the Conservative Friends of Tamils, the Tamil Friends of Liberal Democrats, and many representatives of the British Tamil community joined its 2022 celebration. It is also proud that its 2022 event was well attended, which includes several people from other countries, especially from the USA, the EU, Canada, Australia and India despite their different time zones.
The BTF conveys its sincere gratitude to the London Assembly for passing a motion of “January as the Tamil Heritage Month” that the BTF originated in Britain.
While the Tamil heritage is being preserved and treasured around the world, it is alarming that the Tamil heritage in North and East of the island is subjected to premeditated and calculated destruction by the Sri Lankan state for many years. With the end of the civil war in 2009, and the emergence of Rajapaksa regime in Sri Lanka, such destruction has been at an alarming increase.
BTF’s success in pioneering the Tamil heritage in the United Kingdom and other countries, will not be complete, unless the Tamil diaspora and international community get together to protect the heritage in Tamil peoples’ homeland of North and East of Sri Lanka.
This colorful event included a presentation about Tamil heritage by Dr Siva Thiyagaraja presented by Kaveesha, speech by Professor Jeyanthasri Balakrishnan from Tamil Nadu, Silampam, presentation about Emperor Raja Raja Chozhan by Dr Kavitha Ganeshan Tamil Nadu, beautiful songs by Voice Art students and other Youngsters, Voice of Parai, beautiful dance performance by disciples of Pathmini Gunaseelan and Thirukural presentation by youth from ‘Nalvar Tamil Academy’.
The salient points of the Members of Parliament Speeches
The Right Hon David Lammy MP for Tottenham, Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
Upon wishing happy Thai Pongal, David conveyed his gratitude to the Tamil community in the UK for their dedication and contribution to the entire country especially those who work at the research of Astra Zeneca and working on the frontline at this difficult time of Corona pandemic.
As the first speaker at the event, David touched several sensitive aspirations of the Tamil community in the UK, among the many things David’s remarks such as, the struggle to the Tamil people in their homeland of Sri Lanka is tremendous, establishing accountability has been long-outstanding, it was shamefulness that 13 years have passed from the end of the war in 2009 with no actions, there has to be a steadfast commitment to ensure the fundamental democracy in the island, and he is committed to support to the UNHRC’s actions and to take the matter to the International Criminal Court, were strongly supported by the all the follow-up speakers in the event.
David concluded his speech by confirming his support to enforce Magnitsky styled sanctions against the perpetrators, under the Global Human Rights Regime.
Janet Daby MP – Lewisham East
Conveying her privilege to take part in Thai Pongal celebration, Janet expressed her sadness that the Tamil peoples’ relatives were not enjoy the same freedom in their homeland.
By agreeing with the facts of Rt Hon David Lammy’s speech, Janet further commented that the atrocities committed by the Sri Lankan government is massive and she would push the UK government put bilateral pressure on Sri Lanka to place Magnitsky styled sanctions on accused Sri Lankan war criminals. Janet assured that she would continue to stand with our struggle for justice for the atrocities and genocide committed against Tamils.
Janet concluded her speech by saying that her voice in the UK parliament would be the Tamils’ voice to seek a political solution in Sri Lanka. Janet encouraged the BTF and the Tamil people to keep campaigning and fighting for justice.
The Rt. Hon. Stephen Timms MP for East Ham, Vice Chair of APPG for Tamils
After confirming all what David Lammy and Janet Daby had already said in their speeches, Stephen added that he woiuld continue to press for an International Independent Investigation on Sri Lanka of what happened at the end of the war in 2009. Stephen thanked the hundreds of Tamil businesses for contributing their services in his constituency and finished his speech by saying that he would continue to support to the Tamil community in the parliament for establishing justice.
The Rt Hon Theresa Villiers MP for Chipping Barnet, Vice Chair of APPG for Tamils
Theresa started her speech with a huge gratitude to all those Tamil Doctors, Nurses, care workers and all the Tamils who played their part in getting us through this very long held emergency, the COVID pandemic.
Commenting that we were meeting on the first ever Tamil heritage Month highlighted by the Prime Minister in his Thai Pongal message, Theresa thanked the London Assembly for their decision to celebrate January as the Tamil Heritage month. Theresa referred the David Cameron’s visit to Jaffna was a historical event and expressed her concern that it was heart-breaking that 13 years have passed with no solution. Theresa referred the Sri Lanka government is scandalous for not abiding with the UNHRC Resolutions 30/1 and 40/1. She welcomed the new resolution 46/1 at the UNHRC.
Theresa ended her speech by stating that she would strongly join others to impose Magnitsky sanctions against the perpetrators, under the Global Human Rights Regime as a great step and assured to continue her campaign for the justice and accountability to the Tamil people in Sri Lanka. Theresa was proud to call herself as a friend of Tamil community and will continue to fight for justice for the Tamil community.
Anne McLaughlin MP – Glasgow Northeast, Shadow SNP Spokesperson for Justice
Upon ascertaining that she would echo what the previous speakers said and expressing her disbelief that 13 years have passed to date since the end of the war in Sri Lanka, Anne recited her devastating memories of visiting IDP camps in 2018.
Anne raised her concern that no proper action has been taken place and no reconciliation has been actioned to date. On behalf of Scottish National Party (SNP) she assured their support for the search for justice.
Catherine West MP – Hornsey & Woodgreen, Shadow Minister for Asia and Pacific
Catherine, after wishing happy Thai Pongal to everyone, confirmed that they all would be united to uphold UNHRC Resolutions 30/1, 40/1 and 46/1 to uphold justice and accountability. Assuring to support David Lammy in his work, Catherine also assured her support to the crime against humanity and they all, as a parliament, would stand up with the Tamil community to ensure that we are on their side.
Catherine shared the message of Alan Whitehead, Member of Parliament representing Southampton, Shadow Minister for Energy and the Green New Deal.
The Rt Hon Sir Edward Davey MP FRSA, Kingston & Surbiton, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Vice Chair of APPG for Tamils
Acknowledging the traditional and historical values of Tamil heritage and the great roles played by the British Tamil community to the country, Edward said that he put a motion in the House of Parliament to formally recognise January as “Tamil Heritage month” and he would expect to attract support across all parties in the parliament.
Referring to the Tamil peoples’ struggle in Sri Lanka and 13 years passed after the end of the war, Edward stated that although there were some progresses in the UN, the situation in Sri Lanka has been worsening.
Edward voiced that not only the application of Magnitsky style sanctions to Sri Lanka was important but also on tradedeals too. Sri Lanka has been in breach of its international obligations. Edward further added that the reinstatement of the GSP+ facility to Sri Lanka by the EU in 2016 was a great mistake.
Edward continued emphasising the need for an international investigation mechanism so those committed atrocities and genocide can be held to account.
By stating that the UK government could do a lot to establish democracy in the island and to fight for a political solution to the Tamil people in Sri Lanka and assuring to stand by the Tamil people Edward concluded his speech. Edward ended his speech by stating that they would work with us, the British Tamils Forum, and others for an international mechanism, demilitarisation and political solution.
Paul Scully, MP for Sutton & Cheam, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Small Business, Consumers and Labour Markets, Former Chair of APPG for Tamils
Praising the London Assembly for its recognition of January as the Tamil Heritage month, Paul complemented the Tamil people for their hard work and playing part in the NHS at every level. Paul continued stating that he would support all moves for the reconciliation process for the Tamil people live in Sri Lanka peacefully, travel freely without human rights abuses that have still been seen, heard and reported. Paul concluded by stating to support the UN Resolutions to get justice to the Tamil people and emphasise the Sri Lankan government to answer to all the outstanding issues in the year 2022.
Wes Streeting, MP for Ilford North, Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Vice Chair of APPG for Tamils
After greeting all Thai Pongal wishes, Wes said that he was proud of the Tamil people as their play in businesses, culture and the NHS is paramount. Wes said that he was proud to see the Tamil people’s determination towards their cause. Referring to the present Sri Lankan government is very challenging, Wes stated that the support of the cross-party members would be needed to seek justice to the Tamil people.
Wes concluded his speech by stating that he would extend his support to David Lammy, Labour leader Keir Starmer, Edward Davey, and other speakers to seek justice to the Tamil people in Sri Lanka. Despite being the Shadow Health Secretary with limitations, Wes guaranteed to remain a friend and firm supporter of the campaign of Tamils.
Sam Tarry MP – Ilford South, Shadow Minister for Buses and Local Transport, Vice Chair of APPG for Tamils
Sam, upon referring to the denial of basic human rights to the Tamil people by the Sri Lankan state, he recalled his memory of over 100,000 Tamils marching in condemnation of genocide and atrocities in Sri Lanka. By stating the need to use the powers we have here in the UK to put pressure for changes in Sri Lanka, Sam remarked that we could not just be blindly do trade deals.
Sam continued to say that he has been talking to the Tamils how to build the campaign nationally and internationally for Human rights of Tamils.
By assuring his readiness to stand shoulder to shoulder in absolute solidarity with the Tamil community in their quest for justice and self-determination, Sam emphasised the application of sanctions like those found in the Magnitsky Act against those engaged in atrocity crimes in Sri Lanka. There must be a political solution recognizing the right to self-determination of Tamils.
Sam concluded his speech by wishing a free demilitarised Tamil homeland in the island of Sri Lanka soon.
Jeyaranjan, Mayor elect for Redbridge Council
Councillor Jeyranjan informed a motion would be moved in the Redbridge Council recognising Tamil Heritage Month.
James Murray MP – Ealing North, Shadow Financial Secretary to the Treasury
James, after wishing a very happy Thai Pongal to the Tamil community in my constituency of Ealing North and to everyone marking the harvest celebration in the UK and around the world, he confirmed to stand in solidarity with the Tamil community in their struggle for accountability, justice, and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. James concluded by blessing this harvest festival to bring the Tamil people health, peace, prosperity and by greeting “Pongal Vazhthukkal!”
Thangam Debbonaire MP – Bristol West, Shadow Leader of the House of Commons
Joined the event and conveyed her best wishes to the Tamil community.
Ben Everitt MP – Milton Keyns North
Joined the event and conveyed his best wishes to the Tamil community.
Siobhain McDonagh MP – Mitcham and Morden, Vice Chair of APPG for Tamils
Expressing that important steps were taken forward in 2021 with the new UN resolution, Siobhan said that it didn’t go far enough. Siobhain by sharing the pain that is being felt acutely by the Tamil community, she remarked that the Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and his brother, Gotabaya, have been the present-day link to the atrocities of the past and to this day, no one has been held accountable for international crimes committed.
Raising that 13 long years have passed since the end of the Sri Lankan civil war, Siobhain stated that she has been standing and would continue to stand alongside the Tamil community on their road to truth, justice and accountability. Siobhain ascertained that the Labour Party has been clear that it would always stand by the Tamil community in their pursuit of justice for Sri Lanka to begin building a lasting and sustainable peace.
Sri Lankan gemstones were showcased at a glamorous event hosted by the Embassy in Beijing on 17 January, 2022. Sponsored by the ‘LARWINER – Gem Art Jewellery’, a range of stunning Sri Lankan blue sapphires and other coloured stones were displayed. Around 100 invited guests including many elite dealers attended the event.
“LARWINER – Gem Art Jewelry” sought to promote Sri Lanka’s superb sapphires and also the gem industry.
The Embassy has been organizing a range of events in conjunction with the celebration of the 65th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations and the 70th Anniversary of the Rubber-Rice Pact. Earlier, a well-attended tourism event and a media event were hosted at the Embassy.
The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to China Dr. Palitha Kohona while welcoming the guests, explained the history of Sri Lankan gem trade and the mining process, cutting, polishing and jewellery making. He invited the guests to visit Sri Lanka to witness these for themselves. The Ambassador said that mini exhibitions of this nature will be organized in the future as well and hoped that exhibitors from Sri Lanka also will participate.
Proprietor of the LARWINER Mei Mei said that she has been importing coloured gemstones from Sri Lanka for a long time and found that these were of very high quality compared to the gemstones from other countries. Especially, the sapphires, from Sri Lanka were of superb quality and more than 90% the stones sold in China were the top sapphires from Sri Lanka.
The LARWINER Exhibition gave the audience the opportunity to understand officially certified sapphires and other coloured gemstones of Sri Lanka.
During the Exhibition, there was a lucky draw where many participants won precious jewellery gifted by LARWINER. The Exhibition was concluded with a lavish Sri Lankan style dinner offered to all the participants by the Ambassador.
It has been twelve years since the disappearance of Journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda.
Ekneligoda was abducted near a suburb in Colombo on the night of January 24, 2010, and the full truth of the incident has not been revealed, nor justice served by punishing those responsible through a judicial process to date.
Sandhya Ekneligoda, his wife and an iron woman, is engaging in a continuous battle to win justice for the last twelve years.
A Viradam Pooja event will be held tomorrow (25) at 10.30 am at the Modara Kali Kovil in the name of Eknaligoda.
The General Manager of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has requested the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) to approve power cut of about 02 – 09 hours per day, based on four assumptions, revealed Commission Chairman Janaka Rathnayake.
A mandatory power outage is due on course from January 25 to February 04.
One of the power generators at the Norochcholai Power Plant is still out of order and the CEB is confident that it will be able to generate power from January 29 onwards.
In the meantime, operations at the fuel oil and diesel run power plants have to be suspended from time to time due to the inefficient supply of fuel.
Permission has been sought for a 09 hour daily power cut on the assumption of any event were the diesel and fuel oil power plants and hydropower plants shut down at the same time.
At present the water level in the reservoirs used for power generation is very limited. As of now, the amount of electricity generated using water is less than 10 per cent of the total power grid.
Speaking to a briefing today (24), the PUCSL Chairman stated that the public is requested not to take into consideration the claims made by the trade unions regarding the dates and times of power outages. He noted that briefing on the matter is in the complete jurisdiction of the PUCSL and urged the trade unions not to mislead the public.
