High Commissioner H.E Gopal Baglay relinquished charge as Government of India’s Head of Mission to Sri Lanka on 15 December 2023 and has been named as the next High Commissioner of India to Australia. 

2. High Commissioner H.E Gopal Baglay assumed charge in Sri Lanka in May 2020 and his term as India’s top diplomat in the country witnessed several unmatched milestones in the bilateral partnership. He was instrumental in realizing several crowning achievements in India-Sri Lanka ties. 

3. Among the key highlights of his term was the multi-pronged assistance worth USD 4 billion, in response to the economic challenges in Sri Lanka in 2022. Signing of Modalities Agreement for the possession, development and use of Trincomalee Tank Farms and Joint Venture between CPC & LIOC in January 2022 also deserve a special mention. Under his watch, India supplied more than 25 tons of medicines, Made in India Covid vaccine, Rapid Antigen Test kits, Liquid Medical Oxygen, to Sri Lanka to tide over COVID-19 pandemic. Further, Indian Naval and Air Force assets were deployed specially for expediting humanitarian supplies to Sri Lanka during this period. 

4. The economic and commercial engagement between the two countries got a major boost during his tenure. There have been multiple bilateral MoUs including for cooperation in renewable energy, for intergrid connection, for development of Trincomalee, for UPI-application acceptance & digital payments, utilization of INR- denominated trade settlements. India has also emerged to be the largest trading partner of Sri Lanka. While development partnership featured landmark projects such as the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity Project, generational linkages in Buddhism were reinforced through numerous noble initiatives such as the USD 15 million grant assistance for the promotion Buddhist ties, inaugural international flight from Sri Lanka to the sacred city of Kushinagar in October 2021, carrying almost 100 monks. Various dimensions of connectivity also deepened such as the resumption of Chennai-Jaffna flights and recommencement of ferry services. 

5. Mr. Santosh Jha shall be assuming charge as the next High Commissioner of India. Mr. Jha is currently serving as India’s Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union. In a career spanning more than 30 years, Mr. Jha has served in diverse capacities in several countries and New Delhi including as Counsellor in High Commission of India, Colombo during 2007-2010. 

***
Colombo
16 December 2023

Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan Ambassador to Israel, Nimal Bandara, has actively engaged with both the Israeli and Sri Lankan governments to address the manpower shortage in Israel triggered by the consequences of the ongoing conflict between the Hamas and Israeli forces, Israeli-based Jerusalem Post reported.

The devastating October 7 Hamas attacks, resulting in the tragic deaths of two Sri Lankan caregivers, prompted Bandara to take immediate action, facilitating the identification and repatriation of the victims.

The consequences of the war in Israel have resulted in a significant manpower shortage, particularly affecting the agriculture and construction sectors. The withdrawal of work permits from Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, along with the departure of foreign workers, including thousands of Thai nationals, has exacerbated the situation.

Encouraging Sri Lankan citizens in Israel to contribute to the war effort, Bandara urged them to stay, donate blood, and volunteer on farms.

Acknowledging the manpower shortage, Bandara held discussions with Israeli authorities, including Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Avi Ditcher, to explore how Sri Lankan workers could fill the vacancies.

A government-to-government plan has been devised, with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment interviewing and selecting applicants in Sri Lanka. Thousands of work permits are being issued for Sri Lankans to work in Israel, covering sectors such as agriculture, construction, and caregiving, according to report.

The project, coordinated between the Sri Lankan embassy and the Population and Immigration Authority, aims to strengthen economic ties between the two countries.

Bandara anticipates mutual benefits, as Israel addresses labour shortages and boosts its economy, while Sri Lanka receives an economic boost through remittances sent home by the workers.

This collaborative effort is seen as a positive development amid challenging times.

Colombo (LNW): Renowned cartoonist and the creative force behind the beloved newspaper cartoon character ‘Gajaman,’ Camillus Perera, peacefully departed from this world at the age of 84.

Perera, a veteran in the world of cartooning, left an indelible mark on the art form and the hearts of many with his iconic creation, ‘Gajaman.’

The passing of this artistic luminary marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy that has brought joy, laughter, and cultural significance to generations of readers.

Perera’s contribution to the field of Sri Lankan comics will be remembered as a vibrant and enduring part of Sri Lanka’s artistic landscape.

Colombo (LNW): The Lawyers’ Collective has sounded alarm bells over the appointment of Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon as the acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), highlighting several pending cases against him.

Former President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) Upul Jayasuriya PC vehemently questioned the Constitutional Council’s approval of Tennakoon’s appointment as Acting IGP, considering the pending case before the Supreme Court involving the alleged torture of an ex-army soldier.

Expressing deep concern during a media conference organized by the Lawyers’ Collective, Jayasuriya emphasised that the recent Supreme Court judgment revealed acting IGP Tennakoon’s ongoing legal challenges, eroding public confidence in his role.

He underscored that it is the Attorney General’s duty to bring charges against Tennakoon and others under the Torture Act, as they were found guilty of torturing an individual several years ago.

Prof. Savitri Goonesekere raised questions about the circumstances surrounding Tennakoon’s appointment by the President and subsequent approval by the Constitutional Council.

The Lawyers’ Collective issued a compelling call to the President and the Constitutional Council to prioritise public trust, emphasising that the integrity and eligibility of individuals for high office should not be compromised.

Colombo (LNW): Minister of Tourism and Lands and Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Harin Fernando boldly pinpointed that the primary cause of Sri Lanka’s economic downturn is a critical deficiency in discipline.

Expressing the prevailing challenges faced by the populace, he acknowledged the discontent over the value added tax (VAT) increase and other shortcomings.

Minister Fernando vehemently emphasised that the solution lies not in a systemic overhaul but in a transformation of people’s ideologies.

Highlighting the crux of the issue, he declared that the nation’s remarkable system remains intact, attributing the downfall to a lack of discipline.

In a resolute call to action, the Minister asserted that what Sri Lanka truly needs is not a change in systems but a profound shift in the people’s ideologies, urging self-discipline as the cornerstone of national recovery.

Colombo (LNW): Wasantha Samarasinghe of the National People’s Power (NPP) passionately addressed the profound impact of the escalating cost of living on the people of Sri Lanka, describing it as pushing them into ‘an abyss.’

Drawing attention to the alarming surge, he highlighted a staggering 441 per cent increase in electricity bills over the 16 months since Ranil Wickremesinghe took office as the President.

Despite this economic challenge, there is a notable lack of discussions addressing salary anomalies, contributing to the growing economic strain on citizens, Samarasinghe emphasised.

Moreover, he pointed out that the recent tax hike has further exacerbated the decline in the people’s standard of living, painting a stark picture of the broader struggles faced by the population.

Colombo (LNW): A nationwide special police operation initiated yesterday (17) has led to the apprehension of 83 suspects, Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles said.

Notably, among the detained individuals are 45 suspects wanted in connection with narcotics-related offenses.

The Sri Lanka Police launched this special operation with the objective of eliminating drug trafficking and addressing issues related to the underworld in the country.

Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe has urged political leaders to demonstrate responsibility regarding the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, emphasising that those opposing it must provide concrete proposals to address the country’s financial crisis.

He cautioned against rhetoric for public appeasement without assuming responsibilities, stating that such tactics could lead the nation back into economic turmoil.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Karaliya Convention Centre and Performing Arts in Kandy, the President highlighted the importance of making tough decisions and criticised those making popular statements without a willingness to take necessary measures.

The newly established centre aims to address infrastructure gaps in Kandy by providing auditorium facilities and exhibition halls for art and sculpture.

President Wickremesinghe awarded certificates of appreciation to individuals and businesses for their contributions to the “Pivithuru Dorakada” business program and city beautification.

He emphasised the cultural significance of structures like the Karaliya Convention Centre and expressed plans to enhance Kandy’s cultural infrastructure by introducing a modern library.

Addressing the economic challenges faced by the country, President Wickremesinghe discussed negotiations with various nations and organisations to secure loans, highlighting the successful agreement with the IMF.

He stressed the need to increase GDP and achieve economic goals by 2024, despite facing a deficit of 534 billion rupees. The President also addressed the decision to increase VAT as a necessary step to rescue the economy from bankruptcy.

President Wickremesinghe discussed upcoming development projects, including the Kandy development programme and a multimodal transport centre in Kandy. He outlined plans to upgrade infrastructure, construct a modern library, and complete projects within the next five years.

The President concluded by expressing gratitude for the inauguration of the Karaliya Convention Centre, emphasising its significance for the community and future generations of artists.

1. Public Security Minister Tiran Alles says special operations will be carried out from now onwards to combat organised crimes & narcotics drugs.
   
2. Govt’s move to hike the VAT from 15% to 18% and to impose the 18% VAT on a host of items that had previously been exempted from the tax generates anger among Opposition MPs and most of the people: critics say SLPP had voted in support of the VAT (Amendment) Bill to ensure its passage through Parliament.
   
3. Former CB Governor and State Finance Minister Ajith Nivard Cabraal says the unbearable VAT and other tax increases is a part of the “IMF package”: asserts the floating of the currency, lifting of import controls, very high interest rates, 200-300% increase in utility prices, desperate efforts to sell SOEs, acute trimming of public service, etc are also part of the IMF deal: warns the living conditions of the SL people would become a lot worse next year.
   
4. Major General Harendra Pieris of the Gajaba Regiment appointed Chief of Staff of the SL Army.
   
5. State Trading Corpn says a ship carrying a consignment of 15 mn imported eggs is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka today: also says the Corpn has made arrangements to distribute 10mn eggs, which have been already-imported & quality-assured, to Sathosa outlets from tomorrow.
   
6. Met Dept warns the prevailing showery conditions will increase over most of the island due to a low-level atmospheric disturbance in the vicinity of SL associated with easterly waves: also issues an Advisory for heavy rains in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Northwestern, and Eastern Provinces and in the Nuwara-Eliya and Polonnaruwa districts.
   
7. Acting IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon says underworld activities are prevalent in 43 police domains within 2 provinces: emphasises that despite claims that there is a rapid increase in the operation of underworld activities and drug rackets throughout Sri Lanka, this is not so.
   
8. SJB MP Eran Wickremaratne says a future SJB Govt would continue the IMF programme: also says the VAT increase has posed many problems for the public: asserts that direct tax collection should be streamlined to increase Govt revenue without resorting to indirect taxes such as VAT.
   
9. Finance Ministry earmarks distillery companies to raise next year’s excise revenue target by Rs.50 bn through the introduction of revenue collection measures: under the new directive to be issued by the Excise Dept, hotels, restaurants, liquor shops, bars & supermarkets will be given only a 7-day credit period by the manufacturer.
   
10. Newly appointed Cricket Selection Committee led by Upul Tharanga, reportedly decides to change the leadership roles for the Sri Lanka Test, ODI and T20 teams: Test team – Dhananjaya de Silva (captain) and Kusal Mendis (vice-captain): ODI team – Kusal Mendis (captain) and Charith Asalanka (vice-captain): T20 team – Wanindu Hasaranga (captain) Charith Asalanka (vice-captain).