- During his visit to Colombo on 04 October 2024, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to advancing bilateral cooperation under the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, assuring continued development assistance to Sri Lanka. Notably, he announced India’s offer to modernize the Kankesanthurai port with a USD 61.5 million grant and convert payments for completed projects into a grant, while also gifting 22 diesel locomotives to Sri Lanka.
- The Ministry of Defence has announced that all firearms and ammunition provided to civilians for self-defence will be acquired by the government and that they must be handed over to the relevant authorities before 07 November. Furthermore, the Defence Ministry stated that they will be returned pending a review and consideration of the need to possess such firearms.
- Dr. S. Jaishankar engaged in discussions with two key Sri Lankan politicians today. The visiting Indian official met former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and former Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa. Commenting on the meeting, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa said he looks forward to India’s continued fullest support in advancing Sri Lanka’s stability and growth.
- The All Share Price Index (ASPI) of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has crossed the 12,000 mark today (04). The CSE’s ASPI crossed this milestone for the first time since 03 July 2024 increasing by 123.50 points to close at 12,053.49.
- The Ministry of Finance stated that Sri Lanka has successfully completed consultations with the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
- The Colombo High Court has extended the suspension on 16 fixed deposit accounts and 03 life insurance policies belonging to the family members of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella. The Court extended the suspension until 04 January 2025, following a request by the Bribery Commission (CIABOC).
- The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) states that Sri Lanka has seen a significant increase in the number of Sri Lankans departing for overseas employments in September 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.
- A Deputy Commissioner and a Clerk attached to the Department of Motor Traffic, along with a broker, have been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). The arrest was made while the trio were soliciting a bribe of Rs. 300,000.
- Former Minister Diana Gamage says she was offered a Landcruiser V8 vehicle during her tenure as the State Minister of Tourism, to carry out her official duties. Speaking to the media, Gamage said that she had been provided several unmaintained vehicles from the Tourism Ministry during her tenure.
- The Ministry of Transport and Highways has announced that the construction of the Port Access Elevated Highway is scheduled to be completed by December. The Ministry stated that approximately 90% of the construction work has already been completed.
Sri Lanka Original Narrative Summary: 05/10
Fishermen in Deduru Oya Report Threat from Venomous Snake-Headed Fish Species
October 04, Colombo (LNW): A large number of fisher families living near the Deduru Oya reservoir in Kurunegala district have raised concerns about the presence of poisonous giant fish species that are posing a threat to other aquatic life in the reservoir. These venomous fish species, identified as snake-headed stone fish, are reportedly harming local fish populations, severely impacting those engaged in the inland fishing industry.
A recent survey confirmed that these snake-headed fish species are dangerous, with experts warning that they threaten other fish and aquatic creatures. The species, commonly known as Gonmaha stone fish, are typically found in shallow waters, sandy areas, lagoons, and lakes, according to Senior Lecturer Dr. Janaka Ruben from the Faculty of Medicine at Ruhuna University. The fish are known to be venomous and can even pose risks to humans.
Ranjith Sumanasiri, a representative of the Daduru Oya Fishermen Association (DFA), told the that the venomous fish have been spotted in the Deduru Oya lake and are causing a significant reduction in fish populations. He reported that approximately 70% of the reservoir’s fish are rapidly disappearing due to the invasion of these dangerous species, creating a serious threat to the livelihoods of the local fishermen.
Sumanasiri urged authorities to address the issue urgently, calling for immediate measures to control the spread of these snake-headed fish and protect both the ecosystem of Deduru Oya and the fishing community that depends on it.
Korean Ambassador Highlights Strengthening Ties with Sri Lanka at National Foundation Day Reception
October 04, Colombo (LNW): Korean Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Miyon Lee, reaffirmed Korea’s commitment to Sri Lanka, even during challenging times, by engaging in business activities and development projects. Speaking at a reception held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo to mark Korea’s National Foundation Day on Wednesday (2), the Ambassador highlighted Korea’s active role in resuming support for Sri Lanka, especially through the reimbursement for pending projects following the signing of the MoU with the Official Credit Committee in July.
Ambassador Lee praised the efforts of the Korean Embassy and agencies like KOICA, KOTRA, the Korean EXIM Bank, and others, which have contributed to various economic and development projects in Sri Lanka. These projects span diverse areas, including education, governance, agriculture, and healthcare, while Korea’s loan programs focus on transportation, energy, and water supplies. She emphasized Korea’s interest in promoting trade, investment, rural development, and women’s empowerment, sharing the country’s experiences and advanced technologies.
Ambassador Lee also noted the crucial role of Korean communities and companies in fostering trade and investment between the two nations, particularly in manufacturing, where they continue to transfer skills and technologies.
Western Province Governor Hanif Yusuf, the Guest of Honour, remarked on the dynamic new phase in the Sri Lanka-Korea relationship, underscored by increased high-level visits and stronger people-to-people ties. He noted that the number of Sri Lankans migrating to Korea for employment has grown by 44% over the last year, with over 30,000 Sri Lankan workers contributing significantly to both economies.
Governor Yusuf further highlighted the success of Sri Lankan migrant workers in Korea, mentioning the recent recognition of a Sri Lankan worker as the “Best Shipbuilding and Offshore Worker” by the Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy.
The event was attended by former ministers, parliamentarians, diplomats, and key military officials, including Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, and the commanders of the Sri Lankan Army, Navy, and Air Force.
PM Harini Amarasuriya Calls for Collective Action to Implement Economic Development Plan
October 04, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister and Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, Cooperative Development, Industry, and Entrepreneurship Development, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, emphasized that the current period is an excellent opportunity to launch the country’s economic development plan. Speaking at a special discussion held yesterday (03) with Ministry officials, the Prime Minister highlighted the new government’s intention to work according to a streamlined and coordinated plan.
During the meeting at the Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Division’s auditorium, officials from the Ministry and its affiliated institutions briefed the Prime Minister on the current functioning and challenges within their respective institutions. The discussion covered key issues such as international trade development, food security, price transparency of essential goods, quality standards of imported and exported goods, entrepreneurial loan support, raw material supply for industries, and the restructuring of public enterprises.
Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya urged officials to address these problems promptly and discussed the need for a dedicated authority to oversee food security in Sri Lanka, along with laws ensuring food safety. She emphasized the importance of collective action and effective coordination between institutions to seize the opportunity for economic progress.
Several high-ranking officials, including Prime Minister’s Secretary Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Ministry of Industry M.M. Nayeemudeen, and other prominent figures, participated in the discussion.
Sri Lankan Embassy in Lebanon Monitors Safety of Nationals Amid Escalating Tensions
October 04, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Embassy in Lebanon has confirmed that it is continuously monitoring the safety of Sri Lankans residing in the country as the security situation remains unstable and continues to escalate. The Embassy in Beirut, in collaboration with Sri Lankan associations and registered nationals, is maintaining constant communication to ensure the well-being of Sri Lankan citizens.
Ambassador Kapila Jayaweera and Embassy officials are actively providing assistance to those in need, including accommodation for a few stranded Sri Lankans. While no Sri Lankans have been severely affected, some have been temporarily displaced due to the ongoing conflict.
Tensions in Lebanon have intensified following clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants after the suspension of Iranian missile attacks targeting Israel. The situation has escalated into the first ground confrontations since the outbreak, with eight Israeli soldiers confirmed dead. The United Nations has called for an emergency session to address the growing military conflict in the Middle East, particularly in light of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, which has now been complicated by Iranian involvement and support for Lebanon.
Strengthening Ties: Growing Defense Cooperation between India and Sri Lanka
Strengthening Ties: Growing Defense Cooperation between India and Sri Lanka
India and Sri Lanka’s defense cooperation is expanding at a critical time for regional security. Diplomatic sources suggest that this is particularly significant as India’s defense engagements with other nations in the region, such as the Maldives, are reportedly diminishing.
India’s growing involvement in Sri Lanka is seen as a strategic move to bolster its influence in the Indian Ocean, especially in light of China’s increasing presence in the region.
India is actively fostering closer defense ties with Sri Lanka through specialized training programs and military aid.
This approach mirrors the historical model of the United States, which has provided military aid to developing nations for over a century. By enhancing Sri Lanka’s defense capabilities, India aims to create a robust partnership that strengthens security in the region.
Recently, India announced a series of capacity-building training courses for Sri Lankan police officers, following a request from Sri Lanka.
These courses, offered at leading defense institutions in India such as the Central Detective Training Institutes and the National Security Guard, are designed to enhance various skills including crime scene investigation, the use of artificial intelligence to counter cybercrime, and VIP security protocols. These programs are funded entirely by India, with no cost to Sri Lankan participants.
In 2024 alone, over 130 Sri Lankan police officers across different ranks are expected to participate in these training sessions. A group of 23 senior officers has already begun a two-week program in New Delhi, focusing on critical areas such as counter-terrorism, internal security, and religious extremism.
These initiatives fall under India’s broader Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and “Aid to Sri Lanka” programs.
In addition to training, India has also provided significant material aid. In a recent gesture, the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sachet arrived in Colombo to deliver $1.2 million worth of spare parts for the Sri Lanka Coast Guard ship Suraksha.
This aid was part of an ongoing promise made by India in 2023 to provide additional military funding to Sri Lanka.
Economic and political ties between the two nations have also strengthened, particularly under the leadership of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
For instance, India’s Adani Group has been granted a monopoly over large-scale renewable energy projects in Sri Lanka, and further collaboration is expected in areas such as airport management and infrastructure development.
In a sfnificant event ,a recent cultural exchange program highlighted the depth of the bilateral relationship.
On October 2, 2024, an Indian Air Force aircraft carrying 120 Indian military personnel arrived in Colombo for a three-day visit to cultural sites in Sri Lanka. Simultaneously, 120 Sri Lankan Armed Forces personnel traveled to Bodh Gaya, India. This exchange, aimed at fostering greater cultural understanding between the two nations’ armed forces, marks the resumption of such visits, which had been paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy continues to guide its defense cooperation with Sri Lanka, which encompasses a wide range of activities from joint training and exercises to goodwill visits and military aid.
These collaborations are expected to grow, further solidifying the relationship between the two countries in the years to come.
MillenniumIT ESP Expands Global Reach with New Service Delivery Centre in Colombo
October 04, Colombo (LNW): MillenniumIT ESP, a leading enterprise solutions provider, has established a Global Service Delivery Centre in Port City Colombo, marking a key milestone in its international growth.
This centre, registered under its subsidiary, Millennium IT ESP Singapore, will serve as the hub for global solution delivery, reflecting the company’s commitment to meeting the increasing demand for its advanced technology solutions.
CEO Shevan Goonetilleke emphasized that this strategic move strengthens their position as a leader in enterprise technology by leveraging Port City Colombo’s business advantages to drive growth and innovation.
The expansion aligns with the company’s broader strategy, which began in 2021 with a regional office in Singapore, followed by expansions into Bangladesh and Dubai.
These initiatives are part of MillenniumIT ESP’s vision to strengthen its presence in the ASEAN and SAARC regions, enhancing its global footprint while delivering innovative, reliable technology solutions that empower businesses in the digital age.
MillenniumIT ESP CEO Shevan Goonetilleke said: “The launch of our Global Service Delivery Centre at Port City Colombo reflects our unwavering commitment to growth, excellence and more efficient delivery of services.
This facility will not only enhance our ability to serve our international clients but also reinforces our position as a leader in Enterprise Technology Solutions. By leveraging the strategic advantages offered by Port City Colombo – as an international business hub – we are well-positioned to drive further growth and innovation, ensuring that we continue to meet the dynamic needs of our customers around the world.”
The launch of MillenniumIT ESP’s Global Service Delivery Centre at Port City Colombo is part of a broader expansion strategy that began in 2021 when the company took its first step towards global expansion by establishing a regional office in Singapore.
This initial move was aimed at tapping into new markets and capitalising on the company’s unique resources, skill sets, and capabilities. MillenniumIT ESP has since built upon these foundations, expanding into Bangladesh in 2023 to cater to the SAARC region, and subsequently into Dubai.
These expansions have been driven by the company’s vision to leverage existing partnerships and relationships in the ASEAN region, further strengthening its footprint in the international market.
MillenniumIT ESP said as it continues to expand its global footprint, the company remains dedicated to its core mission of providing innovative and reliable technology solutions that reimagine and reinvent the technology landscape, empowering businesses to thrive in an increasingly digital world
Programme Launched to Provide Birth Certificates for Unregistered Children
October 04, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Probation and Child Care Services has introduced a new initiative to ensure that children without registered births can obtain birth certificates. The programme, in collaboration with the Registrar General’s Department, aims to assist children facing challenges due to the lack of proper documentation, particularly in school admissions.
Officers from the Department are working closely with district child protection officers to identify these children and offer support. Despite these efforts, a significant number of children remain without birth certificates, continuing to face various difficulties.
Parents and guardians of such children are encouraged to seek assistance from child protection officers at their local district secretariats. The services provided under this initiative are free of charge, as confirmed by the Department of Government Information.
Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to Visit Sri Lanka Today
October 04, Colombo (LNW): India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, is set to embark on an official visit to Sri Lanka today. During his visit, Dr. Jaishankar will meet with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya to discuss matters of mutual interest.
The Indian External Affairs Minister is also scheduled to meet with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He will be accompanied by senior officials from India’s Ministry of External Affairs for this significant diplomatic visit, which aims to further strengthen ties between the two nations.
Health Officials Urge Parents to Ensure Children Wear Masks Amid Rise in Influenza
October 04, Colombo (LNW): With an increase in children displaying influenza symptoms, health officials are advising parents to take precautionary measures, including ensuring that children wear face masks. Pediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera has also reported a rise in hand, foot, and mouth disease cases, stressing the importance of following proper health guidelines to safeguard children from these infections.
Parents are encouraged to remain vigilant and prioritize their children’s health by practicing good hygiene and adhering to recommended safety protocols.