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Indian Foreign Minister pledges support for SLs economic stability

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Indian Foreign Minister pledges support for SLs economic stability

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar assured the support of the Government of India to ensure economic stability in Sri Lanka and reiterated that India understands the real issues of Sri Lanka being a close neighbour.

The Indo-Lanka Foreign Ministers also witnessed the signing of seven more instruments between agencies of both countries which are expected to intensify cooperation in the fields of education, culture, security, power, fisheries, and technology

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, who was on a three-day official visit to attend the 5th BIMSTEC Summit in Colombo, called on the Foreign Affairs Minister Prof. G.L Peiris.

Capitalising on the opportunity on the sidelines of the summit, the two Ministers reviewed the broad spectrum of political, economic, social, and cultural ties between Colombo and New Delhi that inextricably intertwined the two nations from time immemorial.

The two leaders who took stock of the ties expressed satisfaction over the ever-growing two-way bond and resolved to explore ways and means to further elevate the robust relations that both nations enjoy.

Minister Peiris briefed Indian Minister Dr. Jaishankar on the successful discussion the President of Sri Lanka and the Government had with the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) last week during which the President had acknowledged the concerns of the people of the North and East in terms of reconciliation.

Minister Jaishankar welcomed the positive developments that the Government of Sri Lanka has made towards resolving issues concerning Tamils in Sri Lanka and achieving long-lasting solutions.

Prof. Peiris stressed the importance of maintaining high-level engagements in a consistent manner and expressed that the relations between the two countries are mutually rewarding.

Dr. Jaishankar while thanking Sri Lanka for organising the BIMSTEC Summit amid many challenges, expressed hope that the forthcoming Summit will be a productive one.

India also relies considerably on Colombo port for global trade given it is a transhipment hub. 60% of India’s trans-shipment cargo is handled by the port. India-linked cargo, in turn, accounts for 70% of the port’s total trans-shipment volume.India has traditionally been among Sri Lanka’s largest trade partners.

The main investments from India are in the areas of petroleum retail, tourism and hotel, manufacturing, real estate, telecommunication, banking and financial services.

A number of leading companies from India have invested and established their presence in Sri Lanka. These include Indian Oil, Airtel, Taj Hotels, Dabur, Ashok Leyland, Tata Communications, Asian Paints, SBI and ICICI Bank.

Although Sri Lanka holds minor importance to India in terms of trade, it is a geopolitically important country and India needs to counter the growing Chinese influence on its economy.

At $4.8 billion, India’s annual exports to Sri Lanka accounted for just 1.3% of India’s total exports. Sri Lanka’s share in India’s total imports was just 0.16%.

Sri Lanka allows Bangladesh for greater use of Colombo Port

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Sri Lanka allows Bangladesh for greater use of Colombo Port

Sri Lanka has offered greater use of the Colombo Port by Bangladesh for the country’s export and import trade, according to the Bangladeshi foreign ministry.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa made the offer on Wednesday when meeting with Bangladeshi Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen in Colombo. Momen is currently in Sri Lanka for the 18th BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) ministerial meeting.

“Sri Lankan President offered greater use of the Colombo Port by Bangladesh for transportation of Bangladeshi trade goods,” Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

President Rajapaksa thanked Bangladesh for continued support in various multilateral fora and both sides agreed to closely work together in the future. The two sides also discussed the possible new areas for cooperation including food security, ICT, health care and blue economy.

Both sides also agreed to expedite and complete the negotiations and approval process of pending bilateral instruments for greater benefits of the two peoples, according to the ministry.

In this regard, they welcomed the progress made for an early conclusion of bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement for enhancing and facilitating trade between the two South Asian countries.

Momen also called for enhanced trade and tourism by commercial shipping and cruise shipping lines between Chattogram, Bangladesh’s premier seaport, and the Colombo Port, said the foreign ministry.

On Wednesday, Rajapaksa also chaired the virtual 5th BIMSTEC summit while urging enhanced cooperation among the BIMSTEC member countries of India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand.

Meanwhile the progress with regard to a Preferential Trade Agreement was discussed between the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka and the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Prof. G. L. Peiris held discussions with the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen MP, on the sidelines of the 5th Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit held in Colombo under the Chairmanship of President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa on 30 March, 2022.

Among matters discussed was cooperation in the field of higher education, synergies in respect of the apparel industry in the two countries, greater connectivity and integration between the ports of Colombo and Chittagong, and collaboration in international trade.

SL tourist arrivals crossed the 100,000 mark for the first time in two years,

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SL tourist arrivals crossed the 100,000 mark for the first time in two years,

Sri Lanka’s monthly tourist arrivals crossed the 100,000 mark for the first time in two years, whilst surpassing last year’s 194,500 figure already, despite multiple internal and external challenges.

As per the latest data released by the Tourism Ministry , a total of 101,192 tourists have arrived in the country during the first 29 days of this month, whilst pushing the cumulative figure to 280,026. On an average 3,489 tourists arrived daily in the country.

From 1 to 7 March, 25,507 tourists were received, whilst from 8 to 14 March, 24,891 travellers, 15 to 21 March, 24,918 holidaymakers and 22 to 29 March 25,876 visitors arrived in the country.

India topped as the highest tourist source market with 22,231, followed by the UK with 11,634 tourists, Germany 9,140, Russia 8,716 and France 5,493.

March figures were also boosted by over 600 French women athletes who arrived in the country to participate at the 20th edition of the ‘Raid Amazones’ which commenced the second leg of the adventure trail. France also emerged as the fifth top tourist source market in March.

In terms of cumulative tourist arrival data, India stands tall in top rank with 46,726 tourists, followed by Russia with 37,534, UK 29,718, Germany 22,259 and France 14,808. The other markets include Ukraine, Poland, Kazakhstan, Australia and the US.

Tourism accounts for close to 5% of Sri Lanka’s economy. The industry is hopeful of achieving 1.3 million visitors by the end of this year, while expecting tourism earnings to be $ 2.4 billion.

“Sri Lanka has gained the international spotlight after many years. Our successful vaccination rollout and Government’s eased post-COVID travel restrictions were key reasons for this level of confidence that we are witnessing from the international tourists today,” Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said.

He added that the market-centric promotions conducted in Russia, Ukraine, France, Germany, and UK in the past one year have impacted positively.

“We also got many international airlines to operate into Sri Lanka post pandemic and the support extended by them have really made a positive impact in bridging the connectivity barriers,” Ranatunga said.

In addition, the Minister asserted that Mattala Airport has re-activated international flights and after 55 years the Colombo International Airport Ratmalana (CIAR) has also recommenced the scheduled regional international flights.

Sri Lanka Tourism officials said that this was one of the greatest achievements the country and the industry celebrated after the Easter Sunday attacks in 2019.

“We hope this trend will continue. Sri Lanka is optimistically moving ahead, amidst all internal and external challenges. Sri Lanka Tourism is making use of every single opportunity, whilst putting much effort to support the tourism industry to progress and achieve the end goal,” he stressed.

He also said that in 2022, the Government has pledged the highest support towards the development of the industry to ensure quicker revival and enhancing the contribution to the socio-economic recovery in the country.

Dissolve the cabinet and form a interim government immediately – 11 Coalition Parties

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Dissolve the cabinet and form a interim government immediately – 11 Coalition Parties

The 11-party coalition has called on President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa to dissolve the current cabinet and form a interim government representing all parties in parliament.

At a press conference today (01) they said that the present cabinet has not been able to win the respect and trust of the people anymore.

Accordingly, they stated that steps should be taken to dissolve the cabinet and form a caretaker government to overcome the economic crisis without allowing the country to fall into anarchy.

The operation of private buses will be completely disrupted by this afternoon – Gemunu

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The operation of private buses will be completely disrupted by this afternoon – Gemunu

The operation of private buses will be completely disrupted by this afternoon (01), said the President of the Ceylon Private Bus Owners’ Association Gemunu Wijeratne.

He stated that by this morning only 10% of buses had provided services.

He pointed out that the shortage of diesel in the country and the non-supply of diesel to private buses by SLTB depots as promised by the government has caused this situation.

More than 600 lawyers are ready to provide legal assistance to who are subjected to state repression – Sajith

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More than 600 lawyers are ready to provide legal assistance to who are subjected to state repression – Sajith

The Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa today (01) stated that the people of this country are fighting for democracy against the government which has plunged the country into an abyss and darkness day by day.

The Leader of the Opposition said that the people were engaged in a struggle for survival from time to time, adding that the government had not done anything about it and that the country was now in chaos.

He said that the government was trying to suppress the people through laws such as the Prevention of Terrorism Act and that such a move would never be allowed.

He further said that more than 600 lawyers are ready to provide free legal assistance to all citizens who are subjected to state repression, regardless of party affiliation, while participating in these democratic struggles.

Food inflation exceeds 30%

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Food inflation exceeds 30%

Food inflation in the country has risen to 30.2% by the end of March. This figure was 25.7% in February. Accordingly, inflation has risen to 4.5 percent in a month.

Non-food inflation rose to 13.4% from 10.1% in February.

President summons ruling party MPs for a crucial discussion

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President summons ruling party MPs for a crucial discussion

It is reported that a special discussion of the members representing the ruling party will be held at 4.30 pm today. It is reported that this discussion is being held under the patronage of President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.

All Members of Parliament are requested to attend this discussion.

It is reported that Wimal Weerawansa and Udaya Gammanpila, who are currently in disagreement with the government leaders, have also been invited to the discussion.

Ukraine war: Russian troops leave Chernobyl, Ukraine says

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Ukraine war: Russian troops leave Chernobyl, Ukraine says

Russian troops occupying the former nuclear power plant at Chernobyl have left, the plant’s staff say.

According to Ukraine’s state nuclear company Energoatom, staff at the plant said there are currently no “outsiders” at the site.

Earlier, it said some Russian forces had set off towards the Belarusian border, leaving a small group behind.

The announcement appears to confirm reports by senior US defence officials on Wednesday of a withdrawal.

Russian troops seized Chernobyl at the beginning of their invasion of Ukraine on 24 February.

“This morning, the invaders announced their intentions to leave the Chernobyl nuclear power plant,” Energoatom said in a statement on Thursday. 

The company later accused the Russian military of abducting members of the Ukrainian National Guard held captive since the start of the war. Energoatom sourced its information to workers at the plant and did not give numbers.

It also confirmed reports that Russian troops had dug trenches in the most contaminated part of the Chernobyl exclusion zone, receiving “significant doses” of radiation. There are unconfirmed reports that some are being treated in Belarus.

Reuters news agency quoted workers at the plant as saying some of the soldiers had no idea they were in a radiation zone.

The Russian military, however, said that after capturing the plant radiation levels at the plant itself had stayed within a normal range.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a statement that it was unable to confirm the reports. 

The head of Ukraine’s agency in charge of the exclusion zone, Yevhen Kramarenko, said that radiation levels appeared to be normal and there was no indication of significant damage. However, as the sensors for detecting radiation levels were not working, staff needed to check the facilities, he added.

The head of the IAEA said it was in close consultations with Ukrainian authorities on sending a mission to the Chernobyl plant in the next few days.

BBC

AFSPA: Areas under draconian law reduced in India’s north-east

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AFSPA: Areas under draconian law reduced in India’s north-east

Authorities have withdrawn a controversial anti-insurgent law from large parts of north-eastern India after decades. 

Home Minister Amit Shah said that areas covered under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the states of Nagaland, Assam and Manipur would be reduced from Friday. 

India introduced AFSPA in 1958 to put down separatist movements.

The law was first enforced in Manipur and later extended to other states. 

It is also in effect in Indian-administered Kashmir where it was imposed after the outbreak of armed insurgency in 1989.

Mr Shah said AFSPA had been lifted completely in 23 of Assam’s 32 districts and partially in one. The law has been in effect in the state since 1990.

The law had also been removed from areas falling under 15 police stations in six districts of Manipur and an equal number of police stations in seven districts of Nagaland, he said.

Ethnic groups in north-east India have long opposed the law, which empowers Indian security forces to conduct operations anywhere and arrest anyone without any prior warrant. It also protects soldiers who may kill a civilian by mistake or in unavoidable circumstances during an operation.

The law can be imposed in an area or a region for six months at a time and can be extended if deemed necessary by the government.

Human rights campaigners say AFSPA is often misused and have called for its repeal for decades.

Calls to repeal the law intensified after six civilians were killed in an army ambush in Nagaland’s Mon district in December. Eight more civilians died after troops shot at angry protesters who attacked the army’s camp.

The law will, however, continue to remain in effect in Mon.

Mr Shah said the law was being withdrawn because of the “improved security situation” and several agreements to end insurgency in the northeast and “bring lasting peace” in the region. 

The move has been welcomed by the chief ministers of Assam, Nagaland and Manipur.

BBC

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