May 12, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is keen to expedite its economic partnership withUran and Russia, which has been severely impacted by U.S. sanctions, while for the island nation, increasing trade and securing foreign investments is critical at this juncture
Iran aims to navigate its limitations amid sanctions, with a focus on fostering trade, economic cooperation, and maritime connectivity, all of which are foundational to the emerging ties between Iran and Sri Lanka.
For many years, Russia has been a trusted friend and key partner in Sri Lanka’s development, consistently assisting without any conditions.
The country played a crucial role in transforming Sri Lanka into an industrial hub by assisting in the establishment of sugar, steel, and tire production industries within the country.
Sri Lanka will deal with Iran and Russia for investments and trade without being caught into the United States-led sanctions, the island nation’s Foreign Minister Ali Sabry said.
Sri Lanka has been hit by Western sanctions imposed on Iran and Russia. The island nation could not receive $450 million from Iran for a recently opened Uma Oya multipurpose project started before the sanctions.
Sri Lanka was also forced to buy light crude from Malaysia and Dubai instead of Iran after 2012 sanctions.
The Western economic sanctions have already prevented Russian tourists from using their usual payment system and discouraged some visitors from Russia visiting to Sri Lanka, tourism industry officials say.
“We are not going into their sanctions. There are number of areas where the sanctions do not get caught. So, a lot of countries work on that,” Ali Sabry told reporters on Wednesday (08).
“We will do in terms of international rules and regulations,” he said citing how Sri Lanka is paying pending import bill of $251 million for crude oil to Iran.
Sri Lanka now exports tea to Iran for no dollar payment. Instead, Sri Lanka tea producers are paid by the state-owned Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) in rupees for the pending crude oil import payments for Iran.
“It is important for us that these captive markets are not neglected,” Sabry said.Iran President Ebrahim Raisi visited Sri Lanka last month on a official tour to launch the Uma Oya project.
May 12, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka tea auction offerings recorded a fairly significant decline and totalled 4.9 million Kgs with improved demand and a dearer trend in prices for most teas on offer, perhaps triggered by the lower volume on offer in the backdrop of urgent shipments, tea brokers said.
The Colombo Tea Auction offering recorded a decline significantly, totalling 4.9 million kilogrammes.
There was improved demand and a dearer trend in prices for most teas on offer, perhaps triggered by the lower volume on offer against the backdrop of urgent shipments, Forbes and Walker Tea Brokers said. The Ex-Estate offerings were reasonably maintained and totalled 0.74 million kilogrammes.
The Westerns – Select Best, on offer were irregular and often easier, whilst the others together with the teas in the Below Best and Plainer categories, were often firm and Rs.20-40 per kilogramme dearer.
The Nuwara Eliyas were a weak feature and mostly unsold, due to a lack of suitable bids.The Uda Pussellawa BOPs were barely maintained, whilst the corresponding BOPFs appreciated by Rs.40-60 per kilogramme.
The Uva BOPs sold around last levels, whilst the corresponding BOPFs gained by up to Rs.100 per kilogramme. The High and Medium Grown CTCs – BP1s, in the High Grown category, had hardly any offerings, whilst the limited availability in the Mid Grown category was irregular and easier.
The PF1s – Better sorts, were firm and Rs.20-30 per kilogramme dearer. The others sold around last week’s levels, whilst the poorest on offer witnessed better demand and less withdrawals. The corresponding Low Grown types sold around last.
Less activity was seen from the shippers to the UK, Japan and South Africa. Improved activity from the tea bag sector was seen, whilst the shippers to the CIS continued to participate in the usual manner.
The Low Growns comprised of 2.07 million kilogrammes and the Leafy, Semi-Leafy and Tippy categories met with good demand.
In the Leafy and Semi-Leafy catalogues, the BOP1s together with the Select Best OP1s were firm, whilst the Best were firm to dearer.
However, the Below Best and teas at the Bottom were easier. The OP/OPAs, in general, appreciated. The Select Best PEKs were firm, whilst the Below Best were firm to dearer. The teas at the bottom were easier. The Select Best and Best PEK1s were easier, whilst the balance sold around last levels.
In the Tippy catalogues, the Select Best FBOP/FF1s were firm to selectively dearer, whilst the Best, Below Best and clean leaf teas at the bottom appreciated. The balance was easier, following quality.
In the Premium catalogues, the Very Tippy teas met with good demand and were dearer. The Below Best and teas at the bottom too appreciated to a lesser extent.
May 12, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is facing mounting pressure to maintain its current reform momentum, as experts continue to warn that any deviation from the path could potentially derail the country’s progress and plunge it back into crisis.
The Governor of the Central Bank Nandalal Weerasinghe, issued a cautionary message regarding potential changes to the country’s current economic policy.
Weerasinghe emphasized that any deviation from the existing policy framework could lead to a return to economic stagnation.
He reiterated this imperative, echoing similar calls from global agencies such as the World Bank (WB), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Just a month ago, these institutions stressed the absolute need for Sri Lanka to stay the course, emphasizing that there is no room to steer away from the current path.
The urgency of this call stems from the upcoming elections, which historically have been times when policies and reforms are often sidelined and sacrificed in favor of strategies to fetch votes.
Weerasinghe’s message was clear and firm, although he did not directly mention the impact of the upcoming elections on reform momentum.
Speaking at a panel discussion hosted by the Central Bank, he emphasized the critical need to sustain the stability that has been achieved so far.
“What we want to convey very clearly and very loudly is the need to sustain the stability that we have achieved so far. That’s the key message that we are trying to convey this time,” he stated.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining consistency in overall macro policies, including fiscal and monetary policy, as well as structural reforms.
“It is important to continue this reform momentum and move in the same direction, the right direction going forward to sustain stability,” reiterated Dr. Weerasinghe.
To achieve long-term gains, Sri Lanka must address several key areas in the short term. The Central Bank Governor stressed this includes completing the remaining parts of the external debt restructuring and ensuring the successful completion of the IMF review to provide assurance that the country is on track.
The completion of these tasks will be crucial in maintaining the confidence of global financial institutions and investors in Sri Lanka’s economy.
He stated that the country is currently undergoing the second review and anticipating the third tranche of the IMF program, and highlighted that while there have been alterations to the program since the staff-level agreement in September 2022, the fundamental objectives remain unchanged.
May 12, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka government is still to claim the exact amount of compensation for the massive marine pollution caused to the country from X-Press Pearl ship disaster 2years and 11 months ago although it can claim damages amounting to around $6,4 billion, official sources said.
According to the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN), the MV X-Press Pearl’s cargo contained 1,486 shipping containers. Of those, 81 were classified as dangerous goods, such as nitric acid and caustic soda.
The others have been reported to contain a mixture of several tonnes of potentially toxic epoxy resin, plastics, and oil, as well as metals such as lead and copper.
Sri Lanka has confirmed receiving further compensation of US$1.3 million from X-Press Pearl ship insurers for state beach cleaning program conducted to clear up the debris from its biggest marine disaster in history, to prevent environmental damage, Maritime Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) confirmed
The Government has allocated $ 10 million so far to cover legal expenses incurred by the Attorney General’s (AG) Department in the MV X-Press Pearl case filed in a Singaporean court last year to claim damages resulting from the ship disaster in May 2021.
However, despite the allocation, the AG’s Department is yet to submit the final compensation figure for the damages.
The total of around $ 10 million had been received by the government as interim payment made by the vessel’s insurers and ship owners to cover beach cleanup activities and compensate fishermen affected by the disaster Minister Wijedasa Rajapaksa said.
Sri Lanka Treasury has received $890,000 and 16 million Sri Lankan rupees (around $49,200 dollars) as interim payment for costs incurred by the Maritime Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) and for the affected fisherfolks,” the Minister said.
Since the disaster occurred, Sri Lanka has accepted payments totaling $7.85 million. The government received the first payment of $3.6 million in July 2021. Another $1.75 million followed in January 2022, and a third payment of $2.5 million given in September same year.
Sri Lanka initially filed for a compensation claim of $40 million shortly after the vessel sank off Colombo in June 2021. However, a 40-member expert committee convened by MEPA put the price of the environmental disaster at $6.4 billion in an interim report early this year.
On April 25, Sri Lanka announced that it had formally filed legal action before Singapore’s International Commercial Courts (SICC) to claim compensation for the massive environmental damage. At the time of the disaster, X-Press Pearl was registered in Singapore and operated by the container line X-Press Feeders.
The choice of filing suit in Singapore was controversial, as a Singaporean court could limit the total liability of the shipowner to the value of the vessel, about $14 million. If the suit had been filed in Sri Lankan courts, national environmental-protection laws would have applied, and the potential damage claim could have been higher.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe allocates Rs. 1 bn for research at the intersection of Buddha’s teachings and Artificial Intelligence (AI): The initiative, initially planned for this year, awaits AI regulation legislation: also pledges support for the restoration of the Moratuwa Buddhist Society Hall, celebrating its centenary emphasises aligning efforts against climate change with Buddhist teachings and exploring AI’s implications through Buddhist philosophy.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says Sri Lanka needs a plan to produce seeds as the price of seeds needed for the country’s agriculture has increased: reminds 2.4 million hectares of the country’s land-area, which is one-thirds of the island, is devoted to crop cultivation: adds, a future SJB-led government, therefore, will bring the country’s land, land development, agriculture, irrigation and etc. under one ministry to create a national agricultural policy.
Ven. Omalpe Sobitha Thera calls for the removal of MPs with dual citizenship before elections, citing recent Supreme Court ruling on former State Minister Diana Gamage: claims there are more than 10 MPs in Parliament with dual citizenship: urges party leaders to disclose such members: emphasises their lack of allegiance to the country: adds if not voluntarily removed, legal action may be pursued.
The Army declares a general amnesty period until May 20, 2024, for AWOL personnel: So far, 11,985 individuals who were AWOL have been temporarily discharged, and arrangements have been made for 81 others currently overseas to legally discharge during this amnesty.
The Sri Lanka Transport Board ramps up efforts to combat ticket fraud by deploying additional officials for targeted raids: These teams, supported by security forces, aim to address unfair ticket pricing and catch offenders: Chairman Lalith de Alwis emphasises adherence to ticket prices displayed for public transport services.
World Bank’s International Debt Statistics (IDS) suggest Sri Lanka, among other South Asian countries, sees a significant rise in its debt owed to China, largely due to loans for infrastructure projects: The debt owed to China by low-and-middle-income countries reached $180 billion by the end of 2022, surpassing their debt to the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development: China’s lending has focused more on neighbouring countries in recent years: However, its overall lending has reduced due to economic challenges and defaults by some borrowing nations: Sri Lanka’s interest payments, forming 54% of its revenue, highlight the strain caused by debt.
The count of Sri Lankan Retired Military Personnel casualties in the Russia-Ukraine conflict reached over 14: 134 complaints have been lodged concerning human trafficking of retired military personnel for the conflict: CID is probing this syndicate: A hotline (0112 441 146) has been set up for reporting: A suspect involved in trafficking was remanded until May 16: Seven suspects, including a retired major general and sergeant major, have been apprehended.
Concerns mount over the “Yukthiya” operation, targeting organised crime and narcotics trafficking, due to alleged human rights abuses: Human rights defenders point out while combating crime is essential for public safety and security, it must be done with full respect for human rights and the rule of law: The operation so far has led to the arrest of 111,074 suspects, with 4,472 individuals under detention orders for further questioning: Significant narcotics seizures include 41 kg of heroin, 43 kg of ‘Ice’, and 300,000 narcotic pills: Authorities also confiscate illegal assets worth approximately Rs. 1,500 mn.
Tharshan Selvarajah, a Paris-based baker from Sri Lanka, joins 10,000 torchbearers for the Olympic flame relay in France: Known for his award-winning baguettes, Selvarajah made history as Sri Lanka’s first torchbearer: His accolades include winning the “Grand Prize of the Traditional French Baguette” in 2023 and supplying baguettes to the French presidential palace.
Moose Clothing Company unveils Sri Lanka’s new T20 cricket jersey design at a grand event attended by national team players and dignitaries: Inspired by the country’s cultural heritage and landmarks, the design features symbols like the Blue Water Lily and the Royal Lion: The CEO expresses pride in the partnership, aiming to promote Sri Lankan pride globally and expand the company’s reach beyond national borders.
In Sri Lanka, a land marked by its lush landscapes and rich history, the political climate often mirrors the tempestuous weather of the monsoon season – intense, unpredictable, and sometimes devastating. This past week has been emblematic of such chaos, a tableau vivid with scandals and public outcries that, while significant, scarcely pierced the threshold of shock in a country seasoned by political turmoil.
At the eye of this storm was Public Security Minister Tiran Alles, whose presence in the corridors of power has always been accompanied by a maelstrom of controversy. Even as he underwent routine health checks at Mount Elizabeth Hospital, far from home, in Singapore, his influence loomed large back in Sri Lanka, underscored by the latest uproar involving changes to the nation’s e-visa system.
This controversy ignited when a young Sri Lankan’s vocal disapproval of the new e-visa management by VFS Global, an international immigration service provider, spread like wildfire across social media platforms. The youth’s outburst, captured on a mobile phone purportedly by an Immigration officer, went viral and resonated deeply with the masses, sparking a debate that soon engulfed the digital realm.
For Alles, a man whose career has spanned the realms of business, media, and politics, such scandals might seem routine. Yet, this issue cuts to national concerns about governance and transparency. The digital outcry was ignited on X and quickly reached Facebook; in hours, YouTube stepped in. It started on digital media and mainstream media took the next phase.
The youth’s statement of anger that Indians are running the Immigration services and the digital media conversation took an anti-Indian sentiment. The Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka quickly squashed the narrative that VFS was an Indian company, stating that India had nothing to do with the transaction.
The reaction was swift and fierce. Digital media critics did not have the time and patience to check the authenticity of the youth’s statement, so people took sides as usual. However, many influential and independent voices stayed away from commenting, as now Sri Lankans are circumspect enough about what’s transpiring in digital media and even in mainstream media.
The e-visa issue had wings, primarily due to the increasing tourist fee. Initial reports suggested a 100% visa fee increase. As the Government sought to boost Sri Lanka’s tourism sector – a vital artery pumping economic life into the nation – the decision to increase e-visa fees was met with immediate backlash. Stakeholders across the tourism industry, from small tour operators to large hotel chains, united in opposition. Their livelihoods were at stake, so they appealed directly to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, urging a reconsideration of the policy. The various industry associations united against the new norm and increased e-visa fees.
Tourism Minister Harin Fernando, a politician equally familiar with the harsh spotlight of controversy, was initially blamed for this unpopular decision. However, it soon emerged that he was not the architect of the fee hike. The real question then emerged, echoing loudly: who was behind this move?
Alles and his legacy
Upon returning to Sri Lanka, Minister Alles addressed the nation, asserting that his decision was backed by Cabinet approval. His attempt to clarify did little to quell the discontent. Criticism mounted as the public and media dug into his track record, marked by controversial decisions and bold assertions of authority. From his aggressive dispersal of ‘Aragalaya’ protesters after President Wickremesinghe’s ascendancy to the Executive, to his unabashed influence over the Police force, Alles’ tenure as Public Security Minister has been anything but tranquil.
His role in passing the Online Safety Act, his directive for Police to use lethal force against those disrupting drug raids, and his reputed establishment of a ‘deep state’ using his ministerial powers have all been focal points for his detractors. His expansive influence is further bolstered by alliances with influential Buddhist monks and a sophisticated media operation, positioning him as one of the most influential figures in the current Government.
The legacy of the Public Security Ministry, a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s Cabinet, has been fraught with challenges. Each minister who held this position has faced intense scrutiny, none more so than Alles. His predecessors – John Amaratunga, Sagala Ratnayaka, Ranjith Madduma Bandara, and Sarath Weerasekera – were always in hot water.
The role of the Police especially came in for heavy questioning after the 21 April 2019 Easter attacks. Alles was given the Public Security Ministry at a crucial time when many wanted a strongman for the job. His first important job was dismantling the ‘Aragalaya’ protesters and the movement. He was hailed as a hero by some but was the most hated among activists for how it was done.
There had been a few public security ministers before, but Alles had a different blend than others. A businessman, former public official, powerbroker, media mogul, and now a powerful minister are rare combinations and dangerous for anyone to possess. As the Public Security Minister, he controls and executes law, order, and border control through Immigration.
Further, the NGO Secretariat, registration of persons, and controlling dangerous drugs are under his control. Read again! The Minister of Public Security could be one of the country’s most underrated yet influential persons. And Alles, with a shrewd and calculative brain, understands the power. When you have power, you are responsible for doing the right thing. The right thing can be subjective from the lens you look at it.
Alles was always a behind-the-stage actor and shunned the limelight. However, he revealed a different side when he took over the Public Security Ministry. Alles has a close relationship with presidential aspirants Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD). Premadasa used X to mark his protest, but AKD was uncharacteristically silent. Premadasa quickly asserted that the annual payment to VFS was Rs. 13.5 billion.
Alles debunked what was said before by many. He showcased different unit pricing, 30-day, six-month, one-year, five-year, and 10-year visa validity periods, dates of Cabinet approvals, and the process of Cabinet approvals. Also, he brought rumours and dragged President Wickremesinghe and Premadasa’s names into the story, categorically stating that the rumours were absolute lies. That was his media brain at play; he created his own narrative at his own playground.
A few days later, Premadasa took on Tourism Minister Fernando for the e-visa decision and justification, and Alles was spared. Premadasa and Fernando, once comrades in arms, are now political enemies.
AKD, running his presidential campaign on an anti-corruption narrative, failed to point to Alles. President Wickremesinghe quickly resorted to his old trick of appointing a committee to mitigate the reputation risk. The other declared presidential aspirant in the race, Dilith Jayweera, did not name Alles but took on the VFS deal hard at a public rally in Matugama. None of the Rajapaksas cried foul, either.
How did this happen?
The previous vendor of the e-visa technology, the Government-owned SLT-Mobitel, was silent on the remark by Alles that the previous system was not conducive to the requirement. A simple statement from the organisation explaining the situation could have brought more clarity to the public discourse. As Alles explained, he saved a minimum of Rs. 12 million per annum by moving the operation to VFS, which would work on an OPEX model and zero cost to the Government.
Also, Alles revealed that the VFS deal was tabled in Parliament and no one opposed it; the Cabinet approved it after a careful evaluation from a committee consisting of public officials from different ministries, including the Treasury. Committee on Public Finance (COPF) Chairman Dr. Harsha de Silva had summoned the public officials and the meeting was not opened to the media. He considered X, stating that nothing would be revealed due to the subject’s sensitivity.
The question is, how was this deal sanctioned by all stakeholders? Did all of them miss a crucial cost benefit analysis?
Most mainstream media avoided projecting Alles as a wrongdoer; he had ample airtime to explain his side of the story. His late entry into the media helped him, as by that time, many statements from the Tourism Ministry, the President’s Media Division, and critics had different versions of the story. Most of the online news portals refrained from reporting this story negatively.
It was revealed that Sri Lanka provides free visas to India, China, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, Thailand, and Indonesia. In the good year of tourism in 2018, Sri Lanka welcomed 2.3 million tourists to the country. The above seven countries had an arrival share of approx 34% of the total arrivals. India led with 18.22% and China had 11.54%. In January to April this year, 700,000 arrivals were led by 123,000 Indians, 106,000 Russians, 71,000 Brits, and 24,000 Americans. If major corridors are given free visas, what the commercials would be under the VFS deal would be a critical question.
Think differently, act diligently
In 2023, the average duration of stay in Sri Lanka for tourists was approximately nine days and the average spend per day was $ 164. It will be interesting to understand how many would be visas of under 30 days and how many would spend six months in Sri Lanka, and so forth. If someone wants to spend six months in Sri Lanka, without working, there could be another insight for tourism.
On inbound tourism, approximately 48% of the tourists are under the age of 39. The higher visa costs primarily would impact the under-39 segment with low disposable income and looking for less expensive destinations. Why wouldn’t Sri Lanka give a free visa for those under the age of 39?
It’s easy to configure demography-based pricing. Sri Lanka should be the place to start a journey for youth in the world. This is why a digital nomad visa is key. If Sri Lanka wants to be a premium destination, the product should be premium.
The youth proposition could provide an amplification of the Sri Lanka narrative to the world free of charge while filling home stays, railway, buses, taxis, hotels, and restaurants. After all, approximately 80% of tourism industry employees are from hotels and restaurants. Let this visa fiasco be a pivot to think differently and act diligently.
No one has clearly articulated the real impact of the e-visa procedure, the impact on the operation, the exact role of VFS, and the role of Immigration officials. Also, it is simple to articulate what is free, what is not free, and what cost, and borne by who.
In addition, the Government communication machinery is probably at the lowest and communicates sensitive matters in an ad hoc manner and vaguely, without proper thought process and data. If Alles had made the decision, others should have left him to handle the crisis.
Need for greater transparency
This fiasco reveals an important deficiency in the system. The Government machinery works in silos and there is no or little stakeholder management. If this e-visa procedure, impact, and the reason had been discussed with relevant stakeholders, things could have been different.
Now the matter is part of the COPF led by Opposition MP, economist Dr. de Silva. If there is nothing to hide, it should be discussed in the public domain when it’s ready. At the same time, Alles should engage the media and stakeholders together with Tourism Minister Fernando. Perhaps Immigration officials can also step in to address even technical details, so the public discourse can be shaped accordingly.
The VFS and health scandals, as they unfolded, highlighted the need for greater transparency in Governmental affairs. Accusations of backdoor deals and financial improprieties have led to calls for a thorough investigation, with the media playing a crucial role in holding the Government accountable.
Despite risks associated with reporting such sensitive issues, many journalists have persisted, showcasing the resilience and importance of a free press in a democratic society. There are no reports that journalists or columnists who criticised Alles have been intimidated, as even an influential daily newspaper carried a scathing attack on Alles.
Saved by Diana
Alles made news for one week. That’s the news cycle in Sri Lanka. You have to survive for one week. That’s it. Alles’ saviour was Tourism State Minister Diana Gamage. She was the next hot topic as simultaneously, the Judiciary of Sri Lanka showcased its impartiality and commitment to the rule of law through another landmark decision.
Gamage was ousted from Parliament after it was determined that she had failed to establish her Sri Lankan citizenship – a prerequisite for parliamentary office in Sri Lanka. This case, brought forward by the tenacious activism of Oshala Herath, not only highlighted issues of eligibility and integrity within the Government but also reaffirmed the Judiciary’s role as a guardian of constitutional mandates.
Gamage, a vociferous parliamentarian, once the owner of the original Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), fought a four-year-old court case. It took four years, but as per the Supreme Court decision, the three-member bench was unanimous that she had failed to establish her Sri Lankan citizenship, thus vacating her seat in Parliament.
She eloquently whacked her former boss, Premadasa, and SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara for her downfall. Some of her statements at the press conference can be considered as being in contempt of court. Especially given previous incidents of contempt of court, Gamage’s statement could lead to a place she doesn’t want to be in. It will be interesting whether Herath or anyone else could file another case on this, as Gamage has created too many enemies in the last four years.
She took the high moral route and said her problem was the problem of all women in Sri Lanka. I would like to correct her. Actually, there are many problems for women in Sri Lanka; this issue of hers is not a problem for women in Sri Lanka; all of them can provide evidence of their citizenship when required. Providing evidence of your citizenship should be easier than providing educational or marriage certificates. Gamage took four years, yet failed.
The victim card will not always work and there is a lesson in Gamage’s rise and fall. Power comes with great responsibility, so use it wisely. Gamage can be vengeful, but she does not hide it. Anyone can use her personal nature to unsettle Premadasa and the SJB now. She has nothing to lose now and everything to gain. You have to be careful when you fight with people who have nothing to lose.
Ugly debate
Moving on, I have witnessed many ugly media political debates in my life, but I witnessed the ugliest media debate of my life last week. State Minister Chamara Sampath Dasanayake and senior TV host Chamuditha Samarawickrama entered into a brawl and used words that should not have been used even in a private conversation. They challenged each other to a physical fight. Had Samarawickrama played a gentleman’s hand, he would have exposed the politician. But he was equal to the politician.
I grew up watching the legendary Premakeerthi de Alwis, and Sri Lanka always had amazing journalists and TV anchors. Some were way too amazing; they paid the price with their lives. While Sarawickrama is in question, young TV anchor Kalindu Karunaratne amazed me with his talk show with AKD. Karunaratne is young but mature; he plotted AKD effortlessly with back-to-back intelligent questions. It was a decent conversation and the young man won the day.
AKD was in damage control mode. He had to answer tough questions. He could not betray his own party men, K.D. Lalkantha and Sunil Handunetti. The young Karunaratne exposed the JVP/NPP’s contradictory statements. To AKD’s credit, he was calm and composed, but his defence was weak over Lalkantha’s remark to allow power for village folks to decide on law and order in the village.
I have written about Lalkantha many months ago. He is uncontrollable. He is impulsive. If the JVP/NPP believes in giving power to the village, that’s the biggest form of power devolution. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want my neighbours to decide what’s wrong and right.
If AKD can clear out Lalkantha’s idea of power sharing with different words, he should be able to be much clearer on the 13th Amendment and power devolution at the national level. If Lalkantha’s words had come from another person, either Rasamanickam, Bathiudeen, Ganesan, or a Thondaman, would the JVP/NPP be so tolerant? If Wickremesinghe, Premadasa, or Jayaweera had mooted the idea of giving power to the village, would AKD spin his words like this?
Presidential Election
In the meantime, President Wickremesinghe addressed Parliament to provide a forward-looking statement. Even today, many believe he will contest the next Presidential Election due before 17 October.
Wickremesinghe continues to play cat and mouse without revealing his hand. However, he got his trusted lieutenant, an Australian, to devise his political and campaign strategy for the Presidential Election. Both have established a close relationship over the years and it will be interesting to see the pathway to the presidency once again – this time to get a public mandate.
As the week drew to a close, the ongoing political saga of Sri Lanka continued to unfold, reflective of a broader struggle for reform and stability. The challenges are manifold and the road to resolution is fraught with obstacles. Still, the enduring spirit of the Sri Lankan people and the steadfast vigilance of its institutions suggest a ray of hope. For a nation at a crossroads, the path forward lies in embracing transparency, the rigorous enforcement of law, and an unwavering commitment to democratic principles.
The world is watching and it is incumbent upon Sri Lanka’s leaders to act cautiously, especially as they prepare for a Presidential Election.
May 12, Colombo (LNW): The count of Sri Lankan Retired Military Personnel casualties in the Russia-Ukraine conflict has reached 14, according to Defence sources.
It has been reported that 134 complaints have been registered concerning the human trafficking of retired military personnel from Sri Lanka to participate in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
These complaints were filed from May 9th until 10 p.m. last night.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is currently engaged in extensive investigations to uncover the operations of this trafficking syndicate.
To facilitate reporting on this illicit human trafficking network, the Ministry of Defence has established a dedicated hotline.
Citizens can report any pertinent information by calling 0112 441 146.
Meanwhile, a suspect implicated in the trafficking of retired Sri Lankan military personnel to the conflict via illicit means has been remanded until May 16. The suspect was remanded after being produced before the Negombo Magistrate Court.
The individual, a resident of Mawanella, is accused of facilitating visa arrangements for the trafficked Sri Lankans.
To date, authorities have apprehended a total of seven suspects in connection with this incident, including a retired major general and a sergeant major.
May 12, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Transport Board has announced the deployment of additional officials to conduct raids targeting ticket frauds.
Chairman Lalith de Alwis said officials from various departments have been tasked with this responsibility.
Mobile teams, accompanied by security forces, are currently conducting these raids to address issues related to unfair ticket pricing and apprehend those responsible.
Alwis urged the public to adhere to the prices indicated on their tickets when utilising public transport services.
May 12, Colombo (LNW): The Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) at Walasmulla Base Hospital suffered severe damage following a lightning strike during heavy rainfall.
The incident occurred last Friday (10), resulting in the destruction of all electrical equipment within the unit and causing a fire that damaged the building.
Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera conducted an inspection of the hospital yesterday (11) to assess the extent of the damage.
The estimated cost of the damage to the ETU from the lightning strike amounts to approximately Rs. 50 million, the Minister revealed.
Amaraweera discussed the matter with Southern Province Governor Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena over the phone on the same day (11) and assured that funds would be allocated for the renovation of the Emergency Treatment Unit.
The Governor is scheduled to inspect the hospital today (12).
Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the three patients receiving treatment in the unit at the time of the lightning strike.
However, hospital staff informed the Minister that they faced significant challenges in evacuating the patients due to the ensuing fire.
May 12, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe has announced a notable initiative aimed at exploring the intersection between Buddha’s teachings and Artificial Intelligence (AI), earmarking Rs. 01 billion for research in the upcoming year.
The announcement was made during his attendance at the 100th-anniversary celebration of the Sri Lanka Buddhist Society Moratuwa.
The President revealed that while the research initiative was initially slated to commence this year, it has been postponed to the following year due to the absence of necessary legislation governing AI regulation.
He stressed that further steps would be taken once the requisite laws are enacted.
The President underscored the government’s commitment to restoring the Moratuwa Buddhist Society Hall, which is approaching its centenary milestone.
During his visit to the hall, President Ranil Wickremesinghe partook in religious ceremonies and symbolically planted a sandalwood tree on the premises to commemorate the society’s 100th anniversary.
Furthermore, the event saw the presentation of centenary commemorative souvenirs to President Wickremesinghe by the Vice President and senior members of the Moratuwa Buddhist Society.
Additionally, a portrait of the President painted by a student from Moratuwa College was presented, symbolising the society’s gratitude and respect.
In his address, President Wickremesinghe highlighted the pressing global challenges posed by climate change and technological advancements, particularly in the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
He stressed the need to align efforts to combat climate change with the teachings of Buddha and to explore the implications of AI through the lens of Buddhist philosophy.
The event was attended by eminent Buddhist monks, religious dignitaries, and a large gathering of devotees, signifying the profound significance of the occasion in the Buddhist community.
