Pastor Jerome Fernando, embroiled in controversy over his contentious remarks on multiple religions, faces extended remand until December 27 following his appearance before the Colombo Fort Magistrate.

The self-proclaimed ‘prophet’ underwent questioning by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) after arriving to provide a statement for a second consecutive day. His initial arrest on December 1, directly after this questioning, led to his remand.

This legal turmoil began after a video of one of Fernando’s sermons circulated widely on social media, sparking allegations of derogatory comments concerning Lord Buddha and other religious figures.

Previously, Fernando departed for Singapore on May 14, just before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court imposed travel restrictions. After months abroad, he returned to Sri Lanka on November 29, flying in via Qatar Airlines. He navigated the Gold Route at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) upon his arrival.

Upon his return, the CID’s Cyber Crime Investigation Division promptly obtained a statement from Fernando in compliance with a court directive. A previous Court of Appeal ruling ordered the CID not to arrest Fernando upon his return and stipulated that he record a statement within 48 hours of arriving, as per a petition he filed seeking protection from arrest by the CID.

Sri Lanka, a country heavily reliant on energy imports, has set its sights on sourcing 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, aiming to alleviate its economic strain.

A recent media report highlighted Russia’s prominent position as a top contender in the bid to construct nuclear power plants in Sri Lanka. Notably, a high-level delegation from Russia engaged in discussions with Sri Lankan authorities, exploring potential collaboration within the nuclear energy sector.

Chairman of the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Authority (SLAEA), Prof. S.R.D. Rosa, shared insights with the Russian delegation, outlining the status of Moscow’s proposal to establish nuclear power facilities. While the SLAEA has provisionally approved nuclear power to bolster Sri Lanka’s energy landscape, the initiative awaits final authorization through the signing of an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the two nations.

Several countries, including the US, Denmark, and China, have shown interest in investing in Sri Lanka’s nuclear power ventures following the SLAEA’s endorsement.

Russia’s strong candidacy is underlined by its track record in constructing nuclear power plants across South Asian nations, demonstrating expertise and efficiency in Bangladesh, China, and India. Moreover, a recent memorandum with Burkina Faso in West Africa solidifies Russia’s global standing in nuclear power plant construction.

Sergey Pikin, Director of the Energy Development Fund, emphasized Russia’s capability in offering technological support, construction assistance, financial aid, and overall guidance, underscoring it as an ideal partner for Sri Lanka’s nuclear ambitions.

The move toward nuclear energy aligns with Sri Lanka’s strategy to diversify its energy portfolio, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, which accounted for a substantial portion of its electricity generation in 2020. The country’s long-term energy plans foresee integrating nuclear power starting from 2030, as part of an effort to secure its energy future.

A significant step in assessing Sri Lanka’s readiness for a nuclear power program was marked in 2022 when a team of experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conducted a comprehensive review. This evaluation, conducted under the IAEA’s Milestones Approach, aimed to gauge Sri Lanka’s preparedness in adopting nuclear energy, signaling the country’s evolving energy landscape

The United Nations Member States overwhelmingly supported a resolution calling for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire,” emphasizing the urgent need for the unconditional release of all hostages and ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access.

The resolution received significant backing, with 153 votes in favor and 10 against, while 23 countries chose to abstain.

Furthermore, the resolution reiterated the General Assembly’s strong demand for all involved parties to adhere to their responsibilities under international law, particularly stressing compliance with international humanitarian law.

1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe says the newly imposed VAT of up to 18% on the IT sector will not pose a burden on the industry: Cabinet also grants approval to reduce the VAT registration threshold from present Rs.80mn per annum to Rs.60mn with effect from 1st Jan’24.
2. IMF completes SL’s 1st review under the 48-month EFF arrangement, allowing the disbursement of about USD 337 mn, bringing the total IMF disbursements since April’22 to about USD 670 mn: in comparison, in the 18-month period before reaching out to the IMF, SL had received USD 4,950 mn from bilateral creditors: IMF also says SL has met all but one performance criteria, all but one indicative target, and met (or implemented with a delay), most structural benchmarks due by end-Oct’23.
3. IMF warns SL’s bailout program carries serious risks of implementation due to SL’s track record of reform implementation and the challenging political & social situation: even in March’23, the IMF had warned of Financial risks as a result of SL’s weak capacity to repay, Operational risks from social unrest, and IMF’s Reputational risk if the SL public perceives the program as being too tight.
4. IMF Deputy MD Kenji Okamura says SL’s “agreements-in-principle” with Official Creditors Committee & EXIM Bank of China on debt treatments are consistent with EFF targets: also lists key programme priorities as – (a) advancing revenue mobilisation, (b) aligning energy pricing with costs, (c) strengthening social safety nets, (d) rebuilding external buffers, (e) safeguarding financial stability, (f) eradicating corruption, and (g) enhancing governance.
5. Engineer Athula Galketiya appointed as the new Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services, succeeding General G A Chandrasiri.
6. Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara says Cabinet has granted approval for a Power Purchase Agreement with United Solar Group of Australia to invest in a 700 MW Solar Power Project with a 1500 MWh of Battery Energy Storage System: project to be installed on the surface of Poonakary Tank in Kilinochchi, with an investment of USD 1,727 mn.
7. President Ranil Wickremasinghe appoints a 3-Member Committee headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Anil Gooneratne to look into the execution of Edward Henry Pedris, 27, in 1915, based on a decision given by a court martial during British Colonial rule: Pedris was charged of rioting & treason against the Colonial administration, convicted of treason, & executed on 7 July 1915, without any appeal hearing.
8. Poet & teacher from Mannar, Ahnaf Jazeem, 27, who was arrested and detained by the Terrorism Investigations Division in May 2020 under the Prevention of Terrorism Act acquitted by the Puttalam High Court due to lack of evidence.
9. SL joins 97 other nations in calling the UN Security Council to declare an immediate ceasefire in the Palestinian territory of Gaza: however, the US vetoes the move despite an overwhelming 13 of the 15 Security Council members voting ‘for’ the resolution with UK abstaining.
10. Sports Minister Harin Fernando revokes the appointment of an Interim Committee for SL Cricket: also writes to the International Cricket Council seeking observations on the Auditor General’s report on SLC.

The Port City Colombo began the festive season with the lighting of Christmas tree followed by an evening of enchanting performances of traditional carols and contemporary festive tunes by the De Lanerolle Brothers, the National Unity Orchestra and the DLB Band. It was organised by the Colombo Port City Economic Commission, in collaboration with CHEC Port City Colombo Ltd. The Daily FT was the official print media partner.

Here Colombo Port City Economic Commission Chairman Dinesh Weerakkody, Episcopal Vicar for Colombo Region Reverend Father Ivan Perera, State Minister of Defence Pramitha Tennakoon, Tourism, Sports, Lands and Youth Affairs Minister Harin Fernando and CHEC Port City Colombo Managing Director Xion Hongfeng officiate at the lighting of the Christmas tree.  –

Pix by Upul Abayasekara

Daily FT

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced the successful completion of the initial review under Sri Lanka’s 48-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement. This achievement signifies the immediate release of the much-awaited second tranche of the IMF loan, totaling SDR 254 million (around USD 337 million), bringing the cumulative IMF financial support to SDR 508 million (approximately USD 670 million).

Approved in March 2023, Sri Lanka’s EFF Arrangement stands at SDR 2.286 billion (about USD 3 billion). IMF’s Deputy Managing Director, Kenji Okamura, lauded Sri Lanka’s performance under the EFF-supported program, citing it as ‘satisfactory.’ While most performance criteria and indicative targets were met, there were exceptions regarding expenditure arrears and tax revenues for end-June.

Facing its severest financial crisis in decades due to plummeting foreign exchange reserves last year, Sri Lanka secured a USD 2.9 billion IMF bailout in March 2023. Subsequently, the nation has made significant strides in stabilizing its economy, curbing inflation, and rebuilding currency reserves.

The EFF program aims to aid Sri Lanka in restoring macroeconomic stability, ensuring debt sustainability, preserving financial stability, and fostering growth-oriented structural reforms.

Simultaneously, Sri Lanka has reached preliminary agreements with China’s Export-Import Bank (Exim) and the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) to restructure its debts.

On November 29, the Sri Lankan government and OCC reached an in-principle agreement on the financial terms of debt treatment, covering around USD 5.9 billion of outstanding public debt. This arrangement involves a combination of long-term maturity extension and reduced interest rates.

This agreement with the OCC followed a similar deal with China’s Exim Bank, covering approximately USD 4.2 billion of outstanding debt.

Mr. Okamura stressed that Sri Lanka’s in-principle agreements with the OCC and China’s Exim Bank align with the EFF targets, positioning Sri Lanka’s debt on the path toward sustainability. He emphasized the criticality of swiftly finalizing and signing the agreement with official creditors.

Furthermore, he underscored the necessity of maintaining reform momentum and taking ownership of reforms to ensure a comprehensive and swift recovery.

A recent Extraordinary Gazette signed by Sports Minister Harin Fernando effectively revokes the appointment of the Interim Committee for Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). The move, announced via X (formerly Twitter), intends to lift the suspension imposed by the International Cricket Committee (ICC) on SLC.

The Gazette, bearing reference No. 2356/43 dated November 05, 2023, has been rescinded, instantly dissolving the Interim Committee tasked with exercising SLC’s powers and functions.

Previously, on November 06, an Interim Committee comprising seven members was appointed by the then-Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe, chaired by former Sri Lankan cricket captain Arjuna Ranatunga. However, this move faced a legal challenge, resulting in a 14-day stay order issued by the Appeals Court following a writ application by SLC President Shammi Silva.

Amidst these developments, Minister Ranasinghe was removed from his positions, including Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, on November 27. Harin Fernando subsequently assumed the role of Minister of Sports.

In light of the situation, SLC decided to establish an independent committee to investigate audit reports and recommend measures to prevent corruption. This committee features retired Supreme Court Judges S. I. Imam and Rohini Marasinghe, along with retired High Court Judge Irangani Perera.

The recent Gazette’s revocation of the Interim Committee signals a potential shift in resolving the issues within SLC and addressing the suspension imposed by the ICC. The move aligns with the government’s efforts to ensure transparency and stability within the country’s cricket administration.

Showers will occur at times in Eastern and Uva provinces and in Matale and Polonnarauwa districts. Several spells of showers will occur in Northern province and in Anuradhapura and Hambantota districts.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Sabaragamuwa and Western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle and Matara districts after 1.00 p.m. Fairly heavy showers about 75 mm are likely at some places.

Misty condition can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and Uva provinces in the morning.

The public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, and Head of Mission to the European Union Grace Asirwatham paid a farewell call on the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Luxembourg recently.

During the farewell meeting, Ambassador Asirwatham and the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs engaged in discussions on the progress being made in the diplomatic relations between Luxembourg and Sri Lanka. Both parties expressed their satisfaction at witnessing the ongoing expansion of bilateral relations into new areas of cooperation.

They agreed that the first meeting of the MoU on bilateral consultations should be convened to review the status of bilateral relations and receive guidance for further promotion of cooperation. The Secretary General commended the Ambassador for advancing bilateral cooperation through various activities undertaken during her tenure in Luxembourg.

Ambassador Asirwatham also briefly met with the new Foreign and European Affairs Minister, Xavier Bettel, in his office in the Ministry. The Minister appreciated and congratulated the Ambassador on her successful initiatives to promote relations between the two countries.

Embassy of Sri Lanka

Brussels

12 December 2023

Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Rohitha Bogollagama, participated in the Sangha Nayaka Anuprapthi Felicitation Ceremony of Ven. Pidiwille Piyatissa Nayaka Thero in Manchester on December 10, 2023, the High Commission of Sri Lanka in London, UK said in a statement.

The event saw the presence of senior Buddhist monks, including Ven. Pahamune Sumangala Nayaka Thero, Lady Mayoress Yasmin Dar, Councillors, community leaders, and the British Sri Lankan community of Manchester.

During the ceremony, the High Commissioner presented the ceremonial Akthapatra (Credentials) to Ven. Nayaka Thero, conveying President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s applause and the Sri Lankan government’s appreciation for the newly appointed Sangha Nayaka Thero. The High Commissioner praised the Nayaka Thero’s service to the British Sri Lankan community in Greater Manchester.

On the sidelines of the event, discussions were held between the High Commissioner and the Mayoress, along with Councillors, focusing on ways to enhance cooperation between the Sri Lanka High Commission in the United Kingdom and the Manchester City Council. The emphasis was on increased involvement of the Sri Lankan community in governance.

In recognition of Ven. Pidiwille Piyatissa Nayaka Thero’s significant contributions to the spread of Buddhism, he has been appointed the Chief Sanghanayaka of England by the Malwatte Chapter of the Siyam Maha Nikaya.

The Nayaka Thero’s dedication to Buddhism in the United Kingdom is exemplified by establishing Ketumati Buddhist Vihara in Manchester in 1999 and Leeds Buddhist Vihara in 2017. His commitment to Dammaduta Mehawera has spanned continents, including Africa and Europe.