March 31, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe extended Easter wishes, reflecting on Christ’s resurrection as a symbol of hope amid economic challenges.

He emphasised unity, urging Sri Lankans to prioritide security and development while guarding against division.

The Sri Lankan President further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring national security.

President’s Easter Message.

As Christians worldwide rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we reflect on the profound significance of this event. Easter is preceded by a time of fasting and religious observance during the Lent season, symbolizing the journey of Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection.

In the face of unprecedented economic challenges, our nation has demonstrated resilience. Just as Christ’s resurrection brings hope, let us emerge stronger, united in our resolve to overcome obstacles.

As a diverse society, fostering unity is paramount. Let us join hands as Sri Lankans, dedicating ourselves to the country’s security, peace and development while guarding against divisive agendas.

While we commemorate Easter with reverence, we also remember the tragic events of the past perpetrated by extremists. The government remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring national security, preventing such tragedies from recurring.

On this blessed occasion, I extend heartfelt wishes for a joyful Easter to all Christians.

Ranil Wickremesinghe,
President,
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

March 31, Colombo (LNW): In a notable diplomatic development, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff, Sagala Ratnayaka, led a high-level delegation in discussions aimed at assessing bilateral economic connectivity projects between Sri Lanka and India.

These discussions took place in New Delhi on March 28, following an invitation from Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra.

Foreign Secretary Kwatra extended a cordial welcome to Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka, acknowledging the positive trajectory of Sri Lanka’s economic growth.

He emphasised that the current juncture presents an opportune moment for both nations to advance mutually agreed-upon projects, attributing this progress to the strategic vision of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Ratnayaka expressed appreciation for the extensive Indian assistance that has played a pivotal role in stabilising the Sri Lankan economy.

He provided insights into ongoing negotiations with the IMF and stressed the necessity of pursuing sustained economic growth.

Moreover, he underscored the significance of enhancing economic integration with India through improved connectivity, reflecting on the historical bonds that unite the two neighboring countries.

During the discussions, both parties conducted a comprehensive review of all bilateral projects, with a focus on ensuring their timely implementation.

It was mutually agreed to engage in this review process on a quarterly basis, demonstrating a shared commitment to achieving effective progress in bilateral economic cooperation.

With both nations poised to seize emerging opportunities, the deliberations in New Delhi marked a significant stride toward deepening bilateral ties and advancing mutual interests.

March 31, Colombo (LNW): Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon has issued directives for enhanced security measures at churches across Sri Lanka ahead of Easter Sunday services.

In response to potential security threats, a significant deployment of personnel has been organised, comprising 6,522 police officers, 320 members of the Police Special Task Force, and 2,746 military personnel.

This concerted effort aims to safeguard 1,873 Christian churches throughout the country during the Easter celebrations.

March 31, Colombo (LNW): The proposal for the removal of Mahinda Amaraweera, Lasantha Alagiyawanna, and Duminda Dissanayake from their positions within the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) has been unanimously approved.

In this development, heat escalated dragging much media attention, and SLFP Chairman and ex President Maithripala Sirisena introduced the proposal, which received unanimous support during a conference convened yesterday (30).

The conference saw the participation of the SLFP Central Committee, Executive Council, as well as party electorate and district organisers.

Former President Maithripala Sirisena chaired the SLFP conference.

Consequently, K.P. Gunawardena, previously serving as the Mahiyangana Electorate Organiser, has been appointed as the National Organiser of the SLFP, succeeding Duminda Dissanayake.

Hector Bethmage has been appointed as the new Treasurer of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, succeeding Lasantha Alagiyawanna.

Furthermore, Sarath Ekanayake has been appointed as the new Senior Vice President of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, succeeding Mahinda Amaraweera.

March 31, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Cricket inaugurated the newly constructed Ratnapura District Cricket Ground in Monaravila on March 30, providing a vital sporting facility for the region and contributing to the development of cricket in the Sabaragamuwa province.

The new facility features seven centre turf wickets and is designed to accommodate various levels of cricket matches, including first-class games, under-19 cricket matches, practice sessions with visiting teams, and international women’s cricket matches.

Local schools and cricket clubs will have access to the ground for their practice sessions and competitive matches.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Mr. Shammi Silva, President of Sri Lanka Cricket, in the presence of Mr. Kanchana Jayaratne, President of the Ratnapura District Cricket Association, Mr. Sanath Jayasuriya, Consultant at Sri Lanka Cricket, as well as Mr. Wanindu Hasaranga, Sri Lanka T20I Captain, and Mr. Pathum Nissanka, Sri Lanka National Player, among other dignitaries.

A Roundtable Discussion with medical professionals in the United Kingdom was convened at the High Commission of Sri Lanka in London on 20 March 2024. The roundtable was co-chaired by High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the UK Rohitha Bogollagama and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine of Colombo University Professor -Vidya Jyothi (Dr.) Vajira Dissanayake. The objective of the discussion was to explore opportunities for collaboration between the medical and healthcare sectors of Sri Lanka and the UK.  

Recognizing their valuable contribution to the contemporary human society, High Commissioner Bogollagama in his opening remarks reiterated the requirement of strong collaboration between medical professionals of both countries in a wider spectrum, including sharing of knowledge and best practices, research collaboration and exchange of experiences. High Commissioner Bogollagama expressed confidence that such a continued partnership would benefit the medical and healthcare sectors of both countries. 

Following the remarks by Professor Vidya Jyothi Dissanayake and President of the Royal Society of Medicines of the UK Professor Roger Kirby, the floor was opened for discussion, shedding light on respective and possible areas of cooperation and collaboration, in relation to their institutions and expertise. The attendees exchanged their expertise and experiences on different areas of concern including application of medical statistics and data sharing, medical-AI and progressive development of extensions of medical sciences such as genealogy, training and exchanging electives, pharmaceutical related exchanges and related investments. The discussion also focused on non-communicable diseases as well as the significance of early detection to avoid their harmful effects on human life and society.

The participants agreed that the roundtable was the initial step towards increased collaboration and cooperation in medicine and healthcare between the two countries and that it would pave the way for further tangible initiatives in the near future.

The roundtable was attended by senior and prominent medical professionals from both countries. It was followed by a networking reception during which participating medical professionals shared their practical ideas and views on improving collaboration in the areas of mutual interests.

High Commission of Sri Lanka

London

22 March 2024

March 31, Colombo (LNW): The month March this year saw an inflation rate of 0.9 per cent, with the non-food sector witnessing a slightly lower inflation of 0.5 per cent, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya disclosed citing Central Bank data.

These revelations emerged during a briefing held in Ruwanwella yesterday (30) to elucidate details regarding the recent Central Bank report.

Moreover, it was highlighted that tourism earnings surged from US$ 162 million in February 2023 to US$ 346 million in February of the current year.

Additionally, the country’s official reserves, which stood at US$ 2.2 billion in February 2023, witnessed substantial growth, reaching US$ 4.5 billion by February of the present year.

March 31, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Health has initiated an investigation following the unfortunate demise of a 50-year-old patient at Ragama Teaching Hospital shortly after receiving a vaccine.

The patient, who was admitted to the hospital for treatment related to an ear condition, passed away after reportedly receiving the ‘co-amoxiclav’ vaccine, commonly used as an antibiotic for bacterial infections.

Dr. Sampath Ranaweera, the hospital’s director, confirmed the commencement of a comprehensive internal probe at the hospital level to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Although the exact cause of death remains undetermined, authorities are considering the possibility of an allergic reaction to the vaccine.

The incident has raised concerns, prompting authorities to delve deeper into the sequence of events leading to the patient’s unfortunate demise.

March 31, Colombo (LNW): The 219th Session of UNESCO’s Executive Board unanimously adopted a Decision to commemorate the International Day of Vesak at UNESCO, aligning with the organisation’s core mission of fostering global peace, intercultural dialogue, and cultural heritage preservation.

This significant decision, rooted in the historic UN General Assembly Resolution 54/115 of 1999, was championed by Sri Lanka’s former Foreign Minister, Lakshman Kadirgamar.

It was formally adopted on March 26, 2024, at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, marking the 25th anniversary of Vesak’s international recognition at the United Nations.

Led by Sri Lanka’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO and co-sponsored by a cross-regional coalition of 38 member states, including 16 Executive Board members, the Decision mandates the UNESCO Director-General to issue an annual message on the International Day of Vesak.

Additionally, arrangements will be made to commemorate Vesak annually at UNESCO Headquarters starting this year (2024), with plans to present the Decision to UNESCO’s General Conference in November 2025 for formal adoption.

In presenting the Decision, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Manisha Gunasekera, emphasised the universal significance of Vesak and its embodiment of cultural diversity.

She highlighted the resonance between Vesak’s teachings and UNESCO’s key objectives, particularly in promoting inclusive education and combating discrimination.

Supporting the Decision, India’s Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Vishal Sharma, lauded the enduring relevance of the Four Noble Truths and congratulated the initiative led by Sri Lanka.

During deliberations, the Decision garnered endorsement from UNESCO’s Assistant Directors-General for Social and Human Sciences, Culture, and Priority Africa and External Relations, along with the Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations, underscoring UNESCO’s commitment to the commemoration.

The Decision’s co-sponsors include a diverse array of nations, reflecting widespread international support for the recognition of Vesak’s significance.

March 31, Colombo (LNW): The primary water tank and other water storage facilities have not been cleaned in the last two decades, Daily Mirror disclosed.

According to Hospital Deputy Director Dr. Rukshan Bellana, the hospital currently manages approximately 161 water storage tanks, inclusive of the main water tank tower.

Astonishingly, there exists no documented record detailing the cleaning schedules or installation dates of these tanks, a departure from standard protocols mandating tank cleaning at least once every three months, he emphasised.

Dr. Bellana underscored the apparent neglect of water quality oversight by health inspectors at the hospital.

While annual water samples are routinely dispatched to the Medical Research Institute (MRI) for bacterial level assessments, he cautioned that this practice alone does not ensure water purity, leaving room for potential harmful contaminants that could jeopardise the well-being of patients and staff.

Dr. Bellana emphasised the critical nature of the issue, noting that the water in question is utilised by patients and sensitive equipment within operating theatres and laboratories, heightening the risk of equipment damage and compromising hygiene standards.

Furthermore, Dr. Bellana stressed that the utilisation of water from uncleansed storage tanks poses substantial public health hazards and threatens sensitive medical equipment, warranting immediate corrective measures.

He added, “It raises the question of accountability. It appears that the public health unit within the Health Ministry is unaware of the situation, and the sanitation staff are neglecting their duties, including their traditional responsibilities. They are even refusing to clean critical care units.”