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Foreign Minister Peiris meets a delegation of French Senators

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Foreign Minister Peiris meets a delegation of French Senators

Foreign Minister Professor G.L. Peiris met with a delegation of Senators from the French Republic in Colombo on Thursday, 24 March 2022.

During the meeting, the discussions covered a variety of issues including constitutional reform, investment of French companies in Sri Lanka, expansion of markets in France for value added exports from Sri Lanka, especially, tea, fisheries products, apparel and gems and jewellery, tourism, with an emphasis on health tourism and environmental tourism and cooperation in the education and cultural sectors.

The French Senators stated that they were working towards strengthening the bilateral relationship between Sri Lanka and the French Republic.

Minister of Youth & Sports, Minister of Development Coordination and Monitoring and State Minister of Digital Technology and Enterprise Development, Namal Rajapaksa, French Ambassador Eric Lavertu and Secretary to the Foreign Ministry, Admiral Colombage were among those present.

FIND ANSWERS JOINTLY THROUGH GENUINE DISCUSSIONS

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FIND ANSWERS JOINTLY THROUGH GENUINE DISCUSSIONS

Sharp increases in prices of basic commodities, accompanied by shortages, have severely impacted upon the standard of living of the general population and even prompted the government to call out the army to maintain social peace where queues have formed, as at petrol stations.  The All Party Conference (APC) presided over by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has taken place in this context of an unprecedented economic crisis in the country.  

The boycott of the APC by the main opposition parties and even by a section within the government highlights the sharp political divisions and lack of trust within the polity.  The president recognized this reality when he stated that the conference was not called to gain a political advantage. He added that he would once again invite the parties that did not attend the conference. The president also said that he would prepare a plan to carry out the recommendations made by the political party leaders.

The National Peace Council appreciates the approach of finding solutions through discussions. President Rajapaksa’s apology to former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe after a government member tried to score political points against the former government was in keeping with his stated commitment to make this an occasion for non-partisan problem solving. The president’s meeting with the TNA today must also lead to further discussions and action on the ground in the area of national reconciliation that will help to strengthen economic investment and aid flows to the country. 

We call on the other political parties to join the next round of discussions. Unlike the parliamentary forum in which the government and opposition sit on opposite sides, the need of the present time is to agree on a policy for the country that will resolve the economic problems that the people face and which all political parties can endorse for the longer term irrespective of who leads the government.  This time of crisis demands sincerity, commitment and mutual accommodation on partisan political positions for the sake of the people.

Governing Council

The National Peace Council is an independent and non partisan organization that works towards a negotiated political solution to the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka. It has a vision of a peaceful and prosperous Sri Lanka in which the freedom, human rights and democratic rights of all the communities are respected. The policy of the National Peace Council is determined by its Governing Council of 20 members who are drawn from diverse walks of life and belong to all the main ethnic and religious communities in the country.

Appointing New Honorary Consul to Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

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Appointing New Honorary Consul to Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

The Government of Sri Lanka has appointed Mrs Shirley Marguerite Hopman-Aluwihare as the Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in the Ho Chi Minh City of Viet Nam. She received her Exequatur from Mr Pham Hoang Tung, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, on 23 March 2022, in Ha Noi.

Mrs Hopman-Aluwihare is a past pupil of the Methodist College of Colombo. She possesses significant experience in the field of travel and tourism, having worked at Walkers Tours, Delmage Group etc., holding senior positions. She has been living in Ho Chi Minh City since 2008 and currently functions as the Managing Director of NetGlo Solutions Limited, Viet Nam, which is a global networking and sourcing company, with partner offices in Thailand and Australia. NetGlo is also a member of the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI).

Ho Chi Minh City is the Commercial Capital of Viet Nam. It is therefore vital that a Sri Lankan representative be present in this city to promote trade, tourism, investment, people-to-people contacts etc. This timely appointment will be a catalyst for the promotional activities that are being organized by Sri Lanka, and the Sri Lankan community in Ho Chi Minh City will be able to avail basic Consular services through the new Honorary Consul.

Ms Prasadi Boomawalage, Second Secretary (Commercial) and Ms Krishanthi Ramanayake, Attaché of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ha Noi, represented the Government of Sri Lanka at the ceremony. Ms Nguyen Thanh Huong, an expert of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam, assisted Mr Tung during the event.

Lanka IOC increases petrol prices again

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Lanka IOC increases petrol prices again

Lanka IOC has once again increased a hike in its retail selling prices of petrol with effect from midnight today (March 25).

Thereby, the prices of all types of petrol have been increased by Rs. 49.00.

Accordingly, the new price of a liter of 92 octane petrol is Rs. 303 and the new price of a liter of 95 octane petrol is Rs. 332.

However, the company has not increased its diesel prices.

Bilateral aviation services deal signed between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands

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Bilateral aviation services deal signed between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands

Sri Lanka and the Netherlands plan to sign a bilateral aviation services agreement with the aim to launch direct passenger and cargo flights between the two countries.

At the International Civil Aviation Negotiation Conference held in Nairobi, Kenya in the year 2018, Sri Lanka and Netherlands reached consensus regarding the relevant steps necessary for the air services arrangement between the two countries and the text of an Air Service Agreement was initiated.

In accordance with the same, the KLM Royal Dutch Airline and the Sri Lankan Airlines have been designated to operate to and from Sri Lanka.

Accordingly, the proposal made by the Minister of Transport & Civil Aviation, to enter into the said Air Services Agreement, which had been agreed upon at the official level in the preliminary discussions, and to take appropriate steps for the effective implementation of the said Agreement, was approved by the Cabinet in 2019.

Although approval of the Cabinet of Ministers has been granted to sign a bilateral aviation agreement between Sri Lanka and Netherland at their meeting on the 30 July 2019, no such accord has been signed so far.

Therefore, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal furnished by the Minister of Tourism Prasanna Ranatunga to sign the aviation services agreement with the objective of further enhancing the relationship between the two countries on aviation sector activities, a statement on cabinet decisions said.

Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga says the initiative will further enhance tourism, education, trade, investment, agriculture and cultural ties between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands.

Minister Ranatunga said it is planned to sign this agreement targeting economic development.

The Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation, signed in 1944, mandates entering into aviation agreements to operate international commercial flights between two or more states.

There are currently 193 countries registered with the International Civil Aviation Organization. The Minister pointed out that by entering into agreements with those countries, it will be possible to engage in aviation activities when required.

During the preliminary discussions it was decided to operate 14 flights a week between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands.

SriLankan Airlines and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines in the Netherlands are also planned to be used for this purpose, said Minister Ranatunga.

Ceylon Sapphires sparkle at the Dubai Expo to promote Sri Lanka

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Ceylon Sapphires sparkle at the Dubai Expo to promote Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka mesmerised visitors to the Dubai Expo recently, showcasing its inimitable Ceylon Sapphire at a special event titled ‘Day of Sapphires’.

Members of the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA) showcased gems worth $ 100 million, including sapphires hitherto unseen in public.

Renowned world jewellery specialist, Helen Molesworth, graced the Sri Lankan pavilion that day and offered visitors exclusive insights into the history, trade and mining practices behind these stones from Sri Lanka, which she said are over half a billion years old.

Sri Lanka’s ‘Day of Sapphires’ at the Dubai Expo drew visitors from all over the world, who were enthralled by the precious stones on display including the history, process and stories revolving around the exclusive and sought-after Ceylon Sapphire.

Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Sapphires have adorned the crowns of royalty across ancient Rome, Europe and Russia, and as detailed SLGJA Vice Chairman Promotion and Trade Fairs Altaf Iqbal: “no two sapphires from Ceylon share the same characteristics; they are distinctly unique unlike diamonds.”

Addressing a media briefing to detail the success of the promotion of the Ceylon Sapphire and destination Sri Lanka, the SLGJA said the program had garnered over $ 1 million in publicity globally thus far.

The program aimed to boost awareness and global sales of Ceylon Sapphires, and give prominence to Sri Lanka as one of the top five gem-bearing destinations in the world.

Speaking during the event, SLGJA Chairman Ajward Deen, appreciated the efforts of the State Ministry on Gem and Jewellery Related Industries for the support lent to the sector so far, and called for enhanced policy to further promote and protect the gem industry in Sri Lanka.

He said several attempts had been made by foreign parties, including one of the largest gem companies in the world to acquire thousands of acres of gem-bearing land, which had been thwarted by industry action.

He said the state together with the sector must stay vigilant of such attempts to infiltrate and acquire local land and resources by foreign parties.

The SLGJA together with support from Sri Lanka Tourism and its media partners also developed a series of videos promoting the destination and Ceylon Sapphires to promote the country and industry, which was broadcast during the event and its subsequent marketing events.

SL tourism catches the eye of Swedish and Scandinavian travellers

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SL tourism catches the eye of Swedish and Scandinavian travellers

Tourism industry specialists from Sweden, UK and Sri Lanka came together on Tuesday (15th March) in Stockholm to make the Swedish and Scandinavian Tourism markets to Sri Lanka more robust.

Sweden and the UK joined hands with Sri Lanka in presenting Sri Lanka’s destination to an influential group of tour operators and travel consultants in a targeted effort to enhance partnerships to promote the Sri Lanka tourist Industry .

In this context Sri Lankan culinary experience was presented during the evening with Carola Magnusson while Johan Berndtsson and Jeanette Bolin of Kastanj Collection Sweden introduced the presenters with a profile of their involvement in Sri Lanka.

Alex Chambers – Hummingbird UK & Sri Lanka, Eleanor Milner – The Sri Lanka Collection UK, Marcelline Paul – Uga Escapes Sri Lanka and Swedish filmmaker Stephan Quinth presented the Island’s exquisite facets and unique experiences which awaits a discerning traveler.

Major airlines which facilitate connectivity to Sri Lanka, namely, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Sri Lankan Airlines shared their current and future partnership with Sri Lanka and outlined increasing frequency and destination support, which is indicative of the strong and positive value they attach to the destination.

The evening was a result of the partnership between the Embassy of Sri Lanka Stockholm, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kastanj Collection Sweden, which brought together the presenters and the audience to Stockholm.

Sri Lanka’s envoy to Sweden Ambassador Dharshana Perera addressing the gathering encouraged the industry partners to establish inter alia sound and mutually beneficial business partnerships with Sri Lanka which has placedSweden and Scandinavia as emerging priority markets.

In his remarks, the Ambassador outlined Sri Lanka’s open, safe,muliti-faceted and multi-sectoral, all-year-round destination, which he captured as being “Asia in one Island” Flavors of Sri Lanka.

This initiative was presented through cuisine crafted by a Sri Lankan Chef together with Carola Magnusson, a well-known Swedish Chef and culinary expert in Stockholm, who having spent several years in Sri Lanka, had gained special insight to the Island’s unique spices and tastes.

The high impact event brought together over 32 major Swedish industry specialists, tour operators, travel consultants from across the country andpresenters and who are now expected to establish even stronger partnerships to elevate the Swedish and Scandinavian clientele to Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Tourism strongly supported the event which is seen as a significant initiative to enhance respective markets.The evening, presented in a warm Sri Lankan ambience, provided an excellent space and atmosphere for sharing of insights, focused business interactions and a unique culinary experience through an array of Sri Lankancuisine and Ceylon Tea.

Indian Navy Ship Sharda arrives in Colombo

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Indian Navy Ship Sharda arrives in Colombo

Indian Navy Ship Sharda, entered Colombo harbour on 23 March 2022 with the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) embarked onboard.

The Commanding Officer of the Offshore Patrol Vessel  Sharda, Commander Yatish Badoutiya, called on the Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral AUC De Silva during the visit. Further, in line with the Government of India’s ‘Neighbourhood  First Policy’ the Deputy High Commissioner of India, Mr Vinod Jacob handed over SLNS Sagara spares, provided on grant by GoI to Deputy Chief of Staff, Sri Lanka Navy Rear Admiral AUC De Silva, in a ceremony onboard the ship on 24 March 2022. The timely availability of spares would ensure optimal operational availability of the SLN platform.

The ship also embarked Sri Lanka Navy manufactured 10 Tonnes Wave Rider Boat for transshipment to Seychelles for their Defence Forces. The efforts of the Indian Navy are in keeping with its core ideology of ‘Bridges of Friendship’, towards strengthening it’s relations with friendly neighbours.

UN Body Condemns Sri Lanka’s Criminalization of Same-Sex Acts

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UN Body Condemns Sri Lanka’s Criminalization of Same-Sex Acts

By Kyle Knight

Landmark Case Highlights ‘Sodomy’ Law’s Impact on Women

In a major judgment issued this week, a United Nations treaty body called on Sri Lanka’s government to repeal its law criminalizing adult, consensual same-sex conduct – including between women.

The case was brought under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) by Rosanna Flamer-Caldera, an LGBT rights activist who faced harassment and discrimination for her sexual orientation and human rights advocacy on behalf of sexual and gender minorities.

The judgment by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women concerned Sri Lanka’s Penal Code, a relic of British colonial rule that dates to 1883. Section 365 punishes “carnal intercourse against the order of nature” with up to 10 years in prison and a fine. Section 365A punishes “any act of gross indecency” with up to two years in prison and a fine.

These provisions are widely understood to criminalize consensual sex between same-sex partners. Section 365A originally criminalized same-sex relations between men; however, the provision was amended in 1995 after the law was criticized for being discriminatory on the basis of sex, to include same-sex relations between women.

Many countries only criminalize same-sex relations between men, and at least 38 countries criminalize same-sex conduct regardless of sex or expressly criminalize sexual conduct between women. At least 10 countries have, since 1986, explicitly enacted laws that criminalize sex between women as well as men, sometimes perversely framing this as a gesture toward equality – such as in the case of Sri Lanka.

Around the world, laws that criminalize same-sex relations are being repealed as courts and governments recognize they are discriminatory and harmful – including the Indian Supreme Court striking down penal code section 377 in 2018.

In a 2016 report, Human Rights Watch documented that Sri Lanka’s penal code casts a shadow over LGBT people’s lives, impacting their ability to access health care and housing, and creates pressure to conceal and conform their identities.

The CEDAW committee judgment noted that “the criminalization of same-sex sexual activity between women in Sri Lanka has meant that [Flamer-Caldera] has had difficulties with finding a partner, has to hide her relations and runs the risk of being investigated and prosecuted in this context.”

With this call for change from the CEDAW committee, Sri Lanka should urgently repeal its outdated and discriminatory law.

Was the Norwegian Embassy closed down at the behest of Ambassador Godfrey Cooray?

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Was the Norwegian Embassy closed down at the behest of Ambassador Godfrey Cooray?

The Sri Lankan community in Norway alleges that Godfrey Cooray, the current Sri Lankan Ambassador to Norway, has pressured the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs to close the Sri Lankan Embassy in Oslo, Norway.

It is said that the reason for this is that a 30 year old woman named Sujeewa, whom Godfrey Cooray had taken from Sri Lanka to work at the Ambassador’s house, could not bear his harassment and ran away from the embassy and complained to the Norwegian government authorities.

The Norwegian government is currently investigating but the allegations of serious human rights abuses that have been made cannot be denied even under diplomatic privileges.

Accordingly, the Sri Lankan community in Norway alleges that the ambassador himself provided false information to Sri Lanka to close the embassy as the only tactic to get rid of these allegations.

As a result, thousands of Sri Lankans are at risk of losing their jobs.

It is now being revealed that Godfrey Cooray, during his tenure as ambassador, has been pursuing a private business rather than serving the country as a diplomat.

Meanwhile, it is reported that a woman named Sujeewa has been given special protection by the Norwegian authorities.

(We would also like to point out that LNW would provide the opportunity for comments from any party, including Godfrey Cooray.)

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