June 09, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan bodybuilding champion Vishwa Tharuka clinched the Bronze medal in the Men’s Sports Physique up to 175 cm category on June 8th, 2024, at the 14th South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship, hosted in the Maldives.
This esteemed competition, overseen by the South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation and endorsed by the World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation and the Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation.
The event attracts outstanding athletes from across the South Asian region.
Supported by the Sri Lanka Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation, Vishwa Tharuka achieved this remarkable feat.
Notably, Vishwa dedicated his victory to his late wife, whose encouragement and support propelled him into sports.
Emotionally, Vishwa shared that his wife tragically passed away last year on a rainy day.
He expressed that she had eagerly awaited his success in this tournament, and he found solace in securing the Bronze medal.
With profound love, Vishwa dedicated this triumph to his late wife’s memory.
June 09, Colombo (LNW): Official remittances to Sri Lanka experienced a notable increase of 13.5 pe rcent, reaching $544.4 million in May 2024 compared to the corresponding period last year.
This surge has been attributed to a greater number of expatriates utilising official banking channels.
Official data indicates that remittances during the first five months of the year totalled $2,624.4 million, marking an 11.8 percent rise from the same period in the previous year.
The consistent growth in remittances follows the abandonment of a parallel exchange rate system by the central bank.
This shift has encouraged many expatriates to transition away from informal money transfer methods such as Undiyal and Hawala, towards formal banking channels.
In 2023, Sri Lanka experienced a significant 57 per cent increase in remittances routed through formal banking channels, rising to $5.97 billion from $3.8 billion the previous year.
This uptick can be attributed to the elimination of parallel exchange rates.
The island nation’s external sector has shown signs of recovery since the central bank ceased money printing to sterilise interventions funded by the Indian Asian Clearing Union.
This decision led to balance of payments surpluses.
In 2021, worker remittances via official channels declined due to challenges in payment processing by the banking system at the official exchange rate.
This was a consequence of money printing aimed at maintaining low policy rates, resulting in the emergence of parallel exchange rates settled outside the formal banking system.
Worker remittances stand as one of the primary sources of foreign exchange revenue for Sri Lanka, aiding its ongoing recovery from an unprecedented economic downturn.
Starting from April 2022, there has been an unprecedented increase in interest rates, resulting in a slowdown in credit growth and reducing the need for money printing to manage rates.
June 09, Colombo (LNW): Statements from three Members of Parliament have been formally documented concerning the purported assault on MP Gunathilaka Rajapaksha.
According to police sources, these statements were recorded within the Parliament complex. MPs Sahan Pradeep, Madhura Withanage, and Lalith Warnakumara are among those whose statements have been acquired.
Authorities have indicated their intention to promptly present these statements to the court.
However, it has been noted that no statement has yet been taken from Mahindananda Aluthgamage, who is alleged to have carried out the assault.
The Fort Police Station received a complaint detailing the incident, which reportedly occurred subsequent to a meeting held at the President’s office on Monday evening.
The complaint alleges that MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage inflicted injury upon MP Gunathilaka Rajapaksha, resulting in a broken leg.
MP Gunathilaka Rajapaksha, the purported victim of the assault, is presently undergoing medical treatment at the Army Hospital.
June 09, Colombo (LNW): The lower Kadugannawa section of the Colombo-Kandy main road will be closed temporarily due to the ongoing removal of hazardous rocks along the route, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said.
According to DMC Director Pradeep Kodippili, the closure of the road is essential to ensure the safety of motorists.
Whilst the inconvenience the move might cause to the public is understood, vehicle drivers are encouraged to seek alternative routes until the work is completed, Kodippili noted.
The DMC advises drivers travelling from Colombo to Kandy to consider using the Colombo-Kurunegala Highway, accessing Kandy via the Galagedara Road through Rambukkana.
Alternatively, drivers can opt for the Gampola-Kandy Road through Hemmathagama and Mawanella.
June 09, Colombo (LNW): With the growing tendency of dengue cases, a total of 700 cases have been reported in Sri Lanka in the past seven days, provisional data disclosed.
This rise can be attributed to the current rainy conditions and the subsequent increase in mosquito breeding sites due to receding floodwaters.
As of June 07, the total number of reported cases for the year 2024 stands at 25,619, with the Colombo district reporting the highest number at 5,554.
The Western Province has recorded the highest number of cases among provinces, totaling 9,348.
With several areas in Sri Lanka experiencing prolonged rainfall recently, health officials are urging the public to exercise caution and maintain cleanliness in their surroundings and eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites to mitigate the spread of Dengue fever.
June 09, Colombo (LNW): Foreign Minister Ali Sabry is set to depart for Russia to participate in the BRICS Ministerial Session, scheduled to take place in Nizhniy Novgorod on 11th June 2024.
This invitation stems from an offer extended by his Russian counterpart.
As the incumbent Chair of the IORA Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Foreign Minister has been specifically invited to attend the Ministerial Meeting.
Under the theme “Strengthening Multilateralism for Fair Global Development and Security,” Russia is hosting the BRICS Ministerial Session.
During the gathering of Foreign Ministers from Global South nations, Foreign Minister Ali Sabry is slated to deliver a statement on the “role of BRICS and Global South in reforming global governance, ensuring sustainable development, and enhancing global security,” as per the statement.
Additionally, it is anticipated that on the sidelines of the event, the Foreign Minister will engage in bilateral discussions with counterparts from several countries, including the host nation.
June 09, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has secured a position on the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for a three-year term starting on 1st January 2025, following its election by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
During the elections conducted in New York on Friday, 7th June, Sri Lanka garnered 182 votes out of the 189 member states present and voting.
This achievement placed Sri Lanka with the second-highest vote count from its region and the seventh-highest overall, as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Previously, Sri Lanka held positions on the ECOSOC from 1985 to 1989 and from 2006 to 2008.
As a member of the ECOSOC, Sri Lanka will actively contribute to the Council’s initiatives and programmes, focusing on a range of issues including poverty eradication, food security, development financing, international financial system reform to support vulnerable nations, climate justice, gender equality, empowerment of women, rights of persons who are differently-abled, advancement of science and technology, and bridging the digital divide.
Among the 18 countries elected on 7th June 2024 to the 54-member ECOSOC, were Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, and Saudi Arabia from the Asia Pacific region.
This successful election to the ECOSOC marks Sri Lanka’s fourth consecutive triumph in multilateral elections, underscoring a significant achievement in the country’s diplomatic endeavours led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its overseas Diplomatic Missions.
Established in 1945 by the Charter of the United Nations, the ECOSOC stands as one of the UN’s six principal organs, serving as the central platform to coordinate economic and social matters, promote international cooperation and development, and address issues related to the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the pivotal role played by the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in New York, in collaboration with the Ministry itself and Sri Lanka’s overseas Missions, in spearheading the election campaign.
Narendra Modi’s third successive term as India’s Premier heralds a new era of policy consistency and economic stability for the world’s largest democracy. This continuity in leadership is expected to enhance investor confidence, fostering an environment where economic policies can mature and yield significant results.
However, the implications of Modi’s third term extend beyond India’s borders, profoundly influencing its relationship with Sri Lanka – a nation with which it shares deep historical ties and complex geopolitical dynamics.
Under Modi’s leadership, India has embarked on ambitious initiatives such as ‘Make in India,’ aiming to transform the nation into a global manufacturing hub. The emphasis on digital infrastructure, renewable energy, and rural development underscores a balanced approach to economic growth. With Modi 3.0, this trajectory promises to continue, offering a stable and resilient economic landscape.
Indo-SL relationship
India’s political stability and economic resurgence inevitably reverberate across its borders, particularly influencing Sri Lanka. Historical conflicts and mistrust have marked the relationship between these two nations, yet recent years have seen notable improvements. Modi 3.0 must navigate this delicate balance, understanding the aspirations, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka.
One of the most significant sources of mistrust between India and Sri Lanka dates back to the early 1980s, during Sri Lanka’s civil war. India’s intervention, primarily through the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF), was intended to stabilise the region but ended up fostering resentment among Sri Lankans who viewed it as an occupation. This period is a stark reminder of how interventions, even with the best intentions, can lead to long-lasting mistrust when miscommunications dominate the narrative.
The J.R. Jayewardene-Rajiv Gandhi 1987 Indo-Lanka Peace Accord led to the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) rebellion, which ended with the country losing 60,000, primarily youth, including one of my own.
Yet, despite this rich foundation of shared culture and history, decades of mistrust have often strained the relationship between India and Sri Lanka. The scars from past interventions, economic disagreements, and geopolitical tensions have created barriers that are not easily overcome. As Modi embarks on his third term, there is a unique opportunity to heal these wounds and mitigate Sri Lanka’s concerns.
Modi 3.0 can focus on transparent and empathetic diplomacy, ensuring that Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and aspirations are respected. Building on the goodwill from India’s support during Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic crisis, India can continue to engage in meaningful dialogue, invest in mutually beneficial projects with transparency, and promote people-to-people connections. By addressing historical grievances and fostering a spirit of genuine partnership, Modi’s administration can help transform the narrative from mistrust to trust and collaboration.
Shared civilisation and cultural heritage
Political and economic interactions do not just define the relationship between India and Sri Lanka but are deeply woven into their shared civilisation and cultural heritage. For centuries, the two nations have exchanged ideas, traditions, and customs, creating rich connections that transcend borders.
The influence of Indian culture in Sri Lanka is evident in various facets of life, from the spread of Buddhism to the shared love for music and cinema. The culinary traditions of both countries reflect a blend of flavours and techniques, with spices and dishes that tell stories of ancient trade and migration.
In the realm of arts, Bollywood and Sri Lankan cinema have enjoyed mutual admiration and collaboration, while music and dance forms often echo similar rhythms and expressions. Cricket, the beloved sport, stands as a powerful symbol of camaraderie, with fervent fans on both sides of the Palk Strait celebrating the game with unmatched passion.
These cultural connections, rooted in centuries of shared history, foster a sense of kinship and mutual respect, enriching the bilateral relationship profoundly.
Economic interactions and diplomatic relations
Economic interactions have also been fraught with misunderstandings. For example, the leasing of the Hambantota Port to China, following failed negotiations on the Colombo Port with India, fuelled perceptions that Indian economic proposals were politically motivated to counter the Chinese.
Trade agreements like the proposed Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) since 2016 faced opposition in Sri Lanka, with critics arguing it would disproportionately benefit India. These economic disputes underscore the need for transparent and equitable negotiations that address both nations’ concerns.
Diplomatic relations have not been immune to miscommunications. Political statements and actions often get misinterpreted, leading to strained relations.
India’s emphasis on Tamil rights in Sri Lanka, while rooted in genuine concern, has been perceived as meddling in internal affairs, exacerbating mistrust. Effective communication channels and diplomatic protocols must be maintained to prevent such issues from escalating.
Geopolitical power play
Sri Lanka’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean makes it a focal point for global superpowers like China, the US, Russia, and Japan. Each nation seeks to establish influence, complicating Sri Lanka’s foreign policy and national security strategies.
For instance, China’s substantial investments through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have raised concerns about debt dependency and strategic leverage. The US views Sri Lanka as a crucial partner in its Indo-Pacific strategy aimed at countering influence and Japan also maintains significant interests, adding layers of complexity.
Sri Lanka finds itself at the heart of a complex geopolitical power play, with major global powers like China, India, Russia, the US, and Japan vying for influence over its foreign policy, investments, digital economy, and infrastructure projects. Since 1977, Sri Lankan leaders have faced the daunting challenge of balancing these competing interests while safeguarding national sovereignty and promoting economic development.
The strategic location of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean makes it a coveted ally, but this also subjects it to intense international scrutiny and pressure. Amidst this intricate balancing act, India, as a close neighbour with deep historical and cultural ties, should approach Sri Lanka’s situation with heightened empathy.
Recognising the immense pressure Sri Lankan leaders face, India can play a pivotal role in offering support that respects Sri Lanka’s autonomy and helps navigate the treacherous waters of global politics, ensuring that its neighbour can pursue independent and sustainable development.
Building a genuine partnership
For Sri Lanka, balancing these diverse interests is a formidable challenge. The upcoming Presidential Election, due before 17 October, will see around 17 million Sri Lankans deciding their next leader. This leadership will steer the nation through these geopolitical waters, ensuring Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and interests are safeguarded while leveraging international relationships for national development. Modi 3.0 must approach this scenario with a nuanced understanding of Sri Lanka’s position, addressing misunderstandings and building trust.
India’s role during Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic crisis is a testament to this understanding and solidarity. As Sri Lanka grappled with severe shortages of essential goods, skyrocketing inflation, and a debilitating foreign exchange deficit, India extended a helping hand. India provided a $ 1 billion line of credit to help Sri Lanka procure essential commodities alongside an earlier $ 500 million line of credit for fuel imports. These measures were crucial in stabilising supply chains and ensuring necessities remained accessible.
Beyond financial aid, India also dispatched humanitarian assistance, including medicines and food supplies, showcasing a holistic approach to crisis management. This gesture was not merely transactional but rooted in a deep sense of regional kinship and responsibility. Sri Lankan leaders publicly acknowledged India’s support, emphasising its role in addressing critical shortages and preventing further deterioration.
For India to build a genuine partnership with Sri Lanka, it must connect with the aspirations, fears, and beliefs of the 22 million Sri Lankan people. This requires active listening, respectful engagement, and a commitment to mutual benefit. By addressing these dimensions with empathy and respect, India can help alleviate fears and build trust.
Modi’s third term heralds a period of promise for India, with the potential to extend this promise to its neighbours. For Sri Lanka, this period could signify a new dawn in bilateral relations, marked by mutual respect and understanding. As both nations navigate the complexities of their past and the challenges of the present, the vision of a harmonious and prosperous future remains within reach.
India’s aspirations are different to Sri Lanka’s. India’s challenges are different to Sri Lanka’s. India’s opportunity is different to Sri Lanka’s. Sri Lanka only needs to take care of 22 million people. For Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka comes first. For India, India comes first. Mutual understanding and mutual respect is the only way forward for a bilateral relationship.
June 09, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe has left for New Delhi a short while to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the President’s Media Division (PMD) reported.
His departure comes in at the invitation of the Indian Prime Minister.
June 09, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa, North-western and Southern provinces and in Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts, with fairly heavy showers above 50 mm being likely to occur at some places in Sabaragamuwa province and in Nuwara Eliya district, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (09).
Several spells of light showers will occur in Northern and North-central provinces, and showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts in the evening or night, the statement added.
Strong winds of about (40-50) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee, Hambantota and Monaragala districts.
General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Several spells of showers will occur in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle. Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the other sea areas around the island.
Winds:
Winds will be south-westerly and wind speed will be (30-40) kmph.
Wind speed may increase up to (55-65) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Trincomalee to Puttalam via Kankasanthurai, Mannar and from Hambantota to Batticaloa via Pottuvil.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coasts extending from Trincomalee to Puttalam via Kankasanthurai, Mannar and from Hambantota to Batticaloa via Pottuvil can be rough at times.
Naval and fishing communities are requested to be attentive in this regard.
Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
