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.
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.
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 (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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Tens of thousands of people gathered at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday for the memorial of legendary Australian cricketer Shane Warne, with the likes of Sir Elton John, former England captain Nasser Hussain and Warne’s family giving touching tributes.
The former leg-spinner, considered one of the greatest cricketers of all-time, died aged 52 earlier this month from a suspected heart attack while on holiday in Koh Samui, Thailand.
A private funeral service was held for Warne’s closest friends and family in Melbourne last week but all were invited to Wednesday’s televised memorial where his father Keith mourned the loss of “a loving and caring son” and former team-mates remembered a fierce competitor on the field and a mischievous soul off of it.
A slew of other athletes, Hollywood actors and musicians, including Kylie Minogue, Hugh Jackman and Greg Norman, also offered video tributes to Warne.
Elton John performs ‘Don’t let the sun go down on me’ from the United States in tribute to Shane Warne for his memorial service at the MCG.
Chris Martin of Coldplay plays a rendition of ‘Yellow’ in tribute to Shane Warne for his memorial service in Melbourne.
Among the musical performers, Sir Elton John joined via video link from the United States, singing ‘Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me’, while Coldplay frontman, Chris Martin, performed ‘Yellow’, Robbie Williams sung ‘Angels’ and Ed Sheeran played ‘Thinking Out Loud’.
As the state service got under way, with chants echoing around the MCG, Greta Bradman – the granddaughter of Sir Donald Bradman, named alongside Warne as one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Century in 2000 – sung the Australian national anthem.
The Shane Warne Stand is unveiled at the Melbourne Cricket Ground at the climax of the memorial service of the late Australian cricketer.
Then, to round off the evening, after touching speeches from Warne’s three children, Summer, Jackson and Brooke, and with the Frank Sinatra classic ‘My Way’ playing in the background, the new Shane Warne Stand – previously the Great Southern Stand – was officially unveiled.
Keith Warne, Shane’s father, was the first to speak, saying: “Friday, 4 March, 2002, the darkest day in our family’s life. It was the day that our son was tragically and suddenly taken from us.
https://resources.skysports.com/embed/amp/video/5723378#amp=1Shane Warne’s father Keith pays tribute to his son at the memorial service at the MCG as the world remembers the Australian cricketer.
“The family lost a beloved son, a loving brother to Jason and a devoted father to Brooke, Jackson and Summer. And the world lost a much-loved cricket legend whose feats on and off the cricket field will go down in history for all time.
“Looking forward to a future without Shane is inconceivable, but we do take comfort in knowing that Shane packed more into his life of 52, five months and 19 days than most people would in two lifetimes.”
Keith added: “We are grateful the world loved our son as we did and thankfully touched so many lives in so many ways.
“Shane said of himself ‘I smoked, I drank, and I played a little cricket’.
“Mate, your mother and I can’t imagine a life without you. You have been taken too soon and our hearts are broken. Thank you for all you did for us. And for being such a loving and caring son.
“Rest in peace. Love you, Mum and Dad.”
‘Genius’, ‘genuine’, ‘entertainer’, ‘King’
A panel was hosted by Mark Howard with former cricketing greats, Australian trio Allan Border, Mark Taylor and Merv Hughes, along with England’s Nasser Hussain and West Indies’ Brian Lara.
Image:Allan Border, Mark Taylor and Merv Hughes share their memories of Shane Warne
Asked to describe Warne in one word, Border used “genius”, with fellow former Australia captain Taylor saying “genuine”. Hughes generated some laughs from the assembled crowd when he said “dead set bogan”, while ex-England captain Hussain referred to Warne as an “entertainer” and Windies batting great Lara referred to his old rival as “The King”.
The quintet were then also asked what they’d choose to say if Warne was here now and they had the opportunity.
An emotional Border said: “Thank you for revitalising my captaincy towards the end of my time. I was lucky enough to have two years with Shane and I’d just thank him for that.”
Hughes added: “Thanks for being a great mate. One of the most loyal people; the people that don’t know him think he is the way he is because of what he did in Test cricket, but it’s the reverse. He did what he did because of the way he is.
“A super bloke and I feel sorry for the people around Australia who never met him.”
Hussain: He just seemed to wait for me to come out
Speaking as part of the panel, Hussain also recalled a famous battle between himself and Warne in a one-day final between England and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 1999.
Image:Nasser Hussain addresses attendees at the Shane Warne memorial service at the MCG
“I had no delight in playing against Shane. He was a king bowler, but also a great sledger,” Hussain said. “And he just seemed to wait for me to come out.
“We were just thrilled to be in a final – usually we were in the hotel, to be honest – and he had been sledging me all day.
“He brought himself on to bow. AB [Allan Border] had told him before, ‘if you’re struggling, pick a fight with someone’. He picks a fight with me, I sledged him back for some reason – I’ve said something like ‘enjoy your last game as captain’.
“At the time it seemed like a really good thing to do because we needed 40 off 10 overs with seven wickets in hand.
“I ran down the pitch to the very next delivery – stumped [Adam] Gilchrist, bowled Warne – and my shot doesn’t get any better 20 years later. I am in a different post code to the ball.
“We lost seven for 30, lost by 10 runs and Bumble didn’t speak to me for a month.”
Tendulkar: You will continue to live in my heart
Numerous more former team-mates, competitors and friends of Warne’s gave video tributes over the course of the ceremony, including India batting great Sachin Tendulkar, former colleague with Sky Sports, England’s Sir Ian Botham, and Australians Glenn McGrath and Michael Clarke.
Lord Ian Botham, Sachin Tendulkar and Glenn McGrath pay their tributes to Shane Warne during his memorial service in Melbourne.
Tendulkar: “Warney I remember was always extremely competitive and did everything possible to disturb the opposition, to dismiss them. But when someone batted well, he was the first one to walk up to you and congratulate you.
“That is how our friendship and respect for each other grew. Warney, my friend, I will miss you big time and and you’ll continue to live in my heart.”
Botham: “There is only ever going to be one Shane Warne. You were magnificent on and off the field – a magnificent advert for the wonderful game of cricket.
“You will never be replaced mate. Rest in peace.”
Image:Australia’s Shane Warne bows to spectators.
McGrath: “The thing I loved most about Shane is the effect he had on people. I remember talking to a group of people and they’d all have a different perception of him, Shane would walk across, have a chat and within 30 seconds, every single one of them loved him.
“There was a certain charisma he had, certain aura about him that just made people attracted to him. It never ceased to amaze me the positive effect he had on so many people.”
Clarke: “Thank you. That’s all I can say really. Thank you for everything, the way you looked after me and treated me when I first came into that Australian team. I was such a baby and you took me under your wing.
