Here below is the Mullaivaikal message from the Secretary of State for Foreign & Commonwealth Affairs, Rt Hon Lord Cameron PC.
15th anniversary of the end of Sri Lanka’s armed conflict: Foreign Secretary Statement
“As we mark the 15th anniversary of the end of Sri Lanka’s armed conflict, my thoughts are with all those killed and disappeared, and with their loved ones who continue to search for answers.
“I heard first-hand about the devastating consequences of the war when I visited Northern Sri Lanka in 2013. There I made a commitment that the UK would support truth, justice, and accountability for all.
“The UK continues to lead international efforts on human rights and transitional justice in Sri Lanka, working with our partners to support meaningful progress that will allow the Sri Lankan people to engage on these issues and remember their loved ones freely.
“Sri Lanka is an important Commonwealth partner, and we will continue to work with all communities to make the most of the country’s extraordinary potential.”
Colombo, May 18: President Ranil Wickremesinghe has departed for Bali, Indonesia, to participate in the 10th World Water Forum, scheduled from May 18 to 20. The forum, themed “Water for Shared Prosperity,” underscores Sri Lanka’s proactive role in global water sustainability.
Invited by Indonesian President Joko Widodo, President Wickremesinghe will deliver a keynote address on May 20. His speech will highlight Sri Lanka’s commitment to equitable water access and sustainable water management practices. In addition to his address, President Wickremesinghe will engage in bilateral discussions with President Widodo, focusing on collaborative water management initiatives.
The forum’s agenda aligns with Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to address water scarcity and promote sustainable practices, reflecting the nation’s active participation in global environmental forums.
President Wickremesinghe’s departure coincides with growing political tensions back home. Rumours are circulating about a possible dissolution of parliament, which could pave the way for a general election ahead of the presidential election. According to sources close to President Wickremesinghe, he is not inclined toward a general election first, preferring to launch his presidential campaign in mid-June.
In contrast, Basil Rajapaksa, a key strategist for the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), has advised the President to hold a general election first to counter the rising influence of opposition leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD). Meanwhile, opposition leader Sajith Premadasa is also aiming for a presidential election.
Upon his return, President Wickremesinghe is expected to present the Economic Transformation Act in Parliament. The act, which has already circulated among Colombo’s political circles via WhatsApp, has sparked considerable debate. Sources from both the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna/National People’s Power (JVP/NPP) reveal that they are prepared to debate the proposed legislation to expose President Wickremesinghe’s true intentions.
Independent analysts have cautioned that the premature circulation of such a significant act could lead to misinterpretations and unnecessary controversy. Nevertheless, the upcoming debates are pivotal in shaping the country’s economic future.
LNW (Colombo) Sri Lanka – General (Retd) Mahesh Senanayake, former Army Commander of Sri Lanka, has officially joined the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and will lead its newly established affiliate, the ‘Samagi Ranawiru Balawegaya.’
Senanayake, who served as the 22nd Army Commander and Chief of Staff before retiring in 2019 with a promotion to General, is no stranger to the political arena. He previously contested the 2019 presidential election, where he finished fourth.
The move marks a significant shift within the SJB amidst ongoing legal disputes involving the party chairman, former Army Commander Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka.
Previously, SJB leader Sajith Premadasa faced similar scrutiny when he brought former Army Commander Daya Ratnayake into the party. Now, with Senanayake’s entry, Premadasa aims to bolster his position ahead of the next presidential election. Sources close to Premadasa indicate that Senanayake’s military background and leadership experience will strengthen Premadasa’s presidential campaign.
Including former military personnel in political campaigns is a trend across the political spectrum. Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) has similarly enlisted several ex-military and retired police officers to support his campaign efforts. Meanwhile, presidential aspirant Dilith Jayaweera has actively engaged with veterans, presenting his vision for the country.
In contrast, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has notably refrained from courting former service members in his re-election campaign strategy, setting a distinct approach from his rivals.
As Sri Lanka heads toward its next presidential election, the involvement of military figures in political campaigns continues to shape the landscape, promising a competitive and dynamic election season.
May 18, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Government must take decisive action to determine and disclose the fates and whereabouts of tens of thousands of individuals subjected to enforced disappearances over the decades and hold those responsible accountable, according to a UN Human Rights Office report released on May 17.
The report calls for the Government to acknowledge the involvement of state security forces and affiliated paramilitary groups and issue a public apology. “This report is yet another reminder that all Sri Lankans who have been subjected to enforced disappearance must never be forgotten,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. “Their families and those who care about them have been waiting for so long. They are entitled to know the truth.”
The report emphasizes that the Government owes it to those who have been forcibly disappeared to fully investigate these crimes, which continue to haunt not only their loved ones but also entire communities and Sri Lankan society.
Despite some positive formal steps by successive governments, such as ratifying the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, and establishing the Office on Missing Persons and the Office for Reparations, tangible progress towards resolving individual cases has remained limited.
The report highlights that from the 1970s to 2009, enforced disappearances were primarily carried out by Sri Lankan security forces and affiliated paramilitary groups. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam also engaged in abductions described by the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances as “tantamount to enforced disappearances.”
Based on individual and group interviews, the report details the enduring psychological, social, and economic impacts of enforced disappearances on families, particularly women, who often become the sole income earners in challenging labor environments prone to sexual harassment and exploitation.
Many women at the forefront of efforts to find the disappeared have faced harassment, intimidation, surveillance, arbitrary detention, beatings, and torture by army and police forces. One woman reported threats to harm her family if she continued her search.
Under international law, the State is obligated to resolve cases of enforced disappearances, which remain continuing violations until the fate and whereabouts of the disappeared are clarified, said the High Commissioner. However, most victim families still lack such clarification. One man described waiting 32 years for news about his disappeared son.
The report notes that successive commissions of inquiry have been created by the Government, but few reports have been made public, and most recommendations, especially regarding criminal accountability, have not been implemented. Alleged perpetrators, including current and former senior officials and diplomats, continue to evade justice.
Nearly 15 years after the end of the armed conflict and many decades since the earliest waves of enforced disappearances, Sri Lankan authorities are still failing to ensure accountability for these violations, the report concludes.
May 18, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s tea exports in April in volumes have increased, whilst values have dipped, industry sources said.
Forbes and Walker Research said tea exports in April reached a total of 16.38 million kilos, marking a steady increase of 0.21 million kilos compared to the same period a year earlier.
In April 2023, volume of tea exports was 16.16 million kilos, down by 2.13 million kilos compared to same period in 2022.
Interestingly, tea in bulk, instant tea and green tea stood as exceptions, demonstrating growth, while tea packets and tea bags suffered declines in comparison to the corresponding month in 2023.
The FOB (Free on Board) value for April 2024 was at Rs. 1,745.45, marking a decline of Rs. 111.17 year-on-year (YoY) compared to April 2023, which recorded Rs. 1,856.62. In terms of US Dollar value, tea in bulk, tea bags and instant tea saw marginal increases, while other categories witnessed negative variances.
In April 2023, recorded the highest ever FOB of $ 5.78 per kg, pushing the cumulative FOB figure to a record $ 5.80 per kg.
The cumulative exports for the period spanning January to April 2024 amounted to 78.70 million kilos, reflecting a notable increase of 8.45 million kilos compared to the corresponding period in 2023.
January-April 2023 cumulative exports totalled to 70.25 million kilos, down by 11.74 million kilos from the corresponding period in 2022.
Instant Tea was the only category that did not exhibit steady growth during this period, while the other product categories exhibit negative variations.
During the first four months the FOB value was reported at Rs. 1,772.36, reflecting a decrease of Rs. 223.93 compared to the same period in 2023, which recorded Rs. 1,996.29.
Although most categories showed negative variances in LKR value, there was only a marginal decrease in USD terms for tea packets and instant tea, with other categories experiencing positive variances compared to 2023.
Among major importers of Ceylon Tea, Iraq secured the top position, importing a total of 10.24 million kilos during the first four months of 2024, marking a significant increase of 37% YoY.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Russia maintained their positions at second and third place respectively, with Türkiye experiencing a notable decline.
Iran saw a remarkable 198% YoY increase, moving up to the fifth position from the 15th position in 2023. Other notable importing countries include China, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Germany and Chile.
May 18, Colombo (LNW): Adding further momentum to the UPI services in Sri Lanka, PhonePe in partnership with LankaPay, launched the PhonePe UPI payments in Sri Lanka on May 15, 2024.
The launch event of India’s leading digital wallet and payments app in Sri Lanka was graced by the presence of Shri Santosh Jha, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), along with a strong presence of banking sector executives, Payment System Providers, business associations and media.
High Commissioner Jha in his remarks at the launch highlighted that the ease of a familiar digital payments systems would further encourage tourism from India.
He also urged the companies in Sri Lanka to engage with Indian companies to build on the UPI stack for innovations in hotel bookings, cab bookings and delivery services.
Indian Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi along with the President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe jointly inaugurated the launch of Unified Payment Interface (UPI) services in Sri Lanka, in collaboration with LankaPay on February 12, 2024.
Referring to the Vision Document that was adopted during the visit of President Ranil Wickremesinghe in July 2023, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had highlighted the strengthening financial connectivity as its key component.
Since its launch, over 6000 transactions have taken place in Sri Lanka, with a value of over SLR 240 million.
It is expected that the PhonePayUPI launch would further enhance the extant digital fintech connectivity, including through additional linkages for instance with PickMe, a leading taxi services and food delivery app of Sri Lanka.
Expanding linkages in digital spheres not only gives strength to people-to-people connectivity, it is also a stellar example of India-Sri Lanka partnership in new and emerging domains of technology, keeping pace with the aspirations and expectations of the people of the two countries.
LankaPay – Sri Lanka’s National Payment Network on Wednesday announced its partnership with PhonePe – one of India’s most popular fintech apps – towards accepting UPI payments at LankaQR merchant points.
PhonePe International Payments CEO Ritesh Pai said: “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with LankaPay.
This collaboration offers unparalleled convenience to Indian tourists who can now use a familiar and secure payment method while traveling and pay across LankaQR merchant points.
PhonePe has always been at the forefront of driving innovation in payments. We are incredibly proud to be driving UPI adaptation across India, and our expansion to Sri Lanka is another exciting step forward.”
LankaPay CEO Channa de Silva CEO said: “LankaPay is delighted to collaborate with PhonePe to revolutionise the cross-border payments between Sri Lanka and India.
This partnership is bound to provide greater convenience to Indian tourists and business travelers in making seamless UPI payments at all LankaQR merchant points in Sri Lanka via PhonePe app.
May 18, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has persuaded Vietnam-based leading Southeast Asian EV manufacturer VinFast to launch commercial operations such as outsourcing, manufacturing or setting up an assembly plant in the island.
, The Sri Lankan Embassy had a meeting with the top-most management of the iconic automobile manufacturer, VinFast, at their corporate Head Office in Ha Noi to discuss and explore commercial and investment opportunities, thus benefiting both Sri Lanka and VinFast.
VinFast is the auto manufacturer under the parent company of Vingroup, one of the largest listed corporates in South-East Asia.
Ambassador A Saj U Mendis stated that he requested the company to consider Sri Lanka favourably, to have commercial operations such as outsourcing, manufacturing or assembly plant, thus facilitating and ensuring the smooth functioning of the global supply chains as well as complementing the manufacturing facilities of VinFast.
Further, Ambassador Mendis listed out the compelling and appealing factors and attributes of Sri Lanka in order to be considered as an investment destination as well as to be engaged in commercial activity as pertinent. For all record purposes, VinFast has one of the most advanced state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in the entire region
Ambassador Dr. A Saj U Mendis along with the Minister Commercial Kishani Wickramasinghe, met with the Vingroup Chief of International and Government Affairs cum VinFast Deputy CEO Bui Kim Thuy, along with the senior management of VinFast..
VinFast is one of the very few auto manufacturers specialised in manufacturing Electric Vehicles (EVs) as well as other conventional vehicles.
Being one of the largest auto manufacturers not only in the region but in the world, when VinFast was listed on the US Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, in August of 2023, the price of the shares soared to make VinFast the second most valuable auto company in the world just behind Tesla, yet another EV manufacturer.
Ambassador Mendis commended the achievements and attainments of VinFast of Vingroup stating that today VinFast has basically become a household name mostly in Asia as well as in other countries. VinFast produces around 300,000 vehicles per year and has the potential to produce one million vehicles.
Dr. Mendis impressed upon Deputy CEO, Thuy that given the number of FTAs and trade agreements Sri Lanka has as well as the strategic location with easy access to Central and South Asia and the Middle-East, Sri Lanka would be an ideal and quintessential location for commercial and economic activity for VinFast.
May 18, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is to showcase current port sector development and its transformation into efficient and sustainable harbour in the South Asian Region at the Indo-Pacific Business Forum to be held as a satellite event.
The US Embassy in Colombo is set to host a satellite event of the Indo-Pacific Business Forum (IPBF) under the theme “Driving Sustainable Development in the Ports Sector” on 21 May.
The event will take place concurrently with the sixth Indo-Pacific Business Forum in Manila, Philippines, co-hosted by the US Trade Development Agency and the Government of the Philippines, in partnership with the US Department of State.
Businesses and stakeholders from across the Indo-Pacific region are invited to participate in this significant event. For those unable to attend in person, online registration is available through the main website: IPBF | Indo-Pacific Business Forum (indopacificbusinessforum.com) #IndoPacificBizForum.
Sri Lanka Ports Authority, together with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, seeks to transform the nation’s ports into efficient and sustainable facilities through a greening initiative.
The initiative aims to enhance energy efficiency by reducing waste and emissions, while promoting environmentally responsible shipping and transportation practices and developing renewable energy capabilities, including solar and wind energy production at the ports.
The private sector is poised to play a pivotal role in this transformation by providing services and equipment in support of port operations and the greening initiative.
The US Government’s support for Sri Lanka’s ports sector is robust and expanding, the largest contribution being a US International Development Finance Corporation investment of $ 553 million supporting the development of the West Container Terminal.
In addition, the US Embassy is facilitating capacity building programs for SLPA staff in the fields of cyber security, public-private partnerships, operational management, and human resources as it manages expanding port operations in Colombo and across the country.
The US Government’s ongoing support for the ports sector through the US Departments of State, Energy and Defense provides a boost to Sri Lanka’s economy while facilitating supply chain resilience for global trade.
The event will be held at the Courtyard by Marriot and will include speakers from the diplomatic community, Sri Lankan and Maldivian Government representatives and private sector industry leaders from the ports, shipping, and logistics sectors.
The key presenter will be from the Netherlands-based RebelGroup. Event logistics will be provided by CIMC Events Ltd.
In line with these sustainability goals, the global shipping sector is embracing carbon emissions reduction strategies, including the adoption of advanced technologies such as green methanol-fuelled cargo ships and electric tugboats.
Furthermore, electric gantry cranes, terminal tractors, and other container-moving equipment are set to replace high-emission diesel versions to reduce port operators’ carbon footprint.
May 18, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Savings Bank Ltd., (SLSB) is set to implement a voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) for its employees offering an alternative for those who opt not to retire by allowing them to be absorbed into the National Savings Bank (NSB).
The Cabinet of Ministers at its meeting on Monday approved the implementation of voluntary retirement scheme for emplyees of the Sri Lanka Savings Bank Ltd
Established as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the NSB in 2019, the SLSB will now see its assets and liabilities transferred to its parent organisation, NSB, along with the integration of its workforce. As at end of 2021, SLSB had 106 employees
Cabinet Co-Spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardena told journalists yesterday it was decided to introduce a VRS and make a payment taking into account the market factors for the employees who retire voluntarily.
“If there are employees who do not like to take the VRS offer, they will be absorbed into the National Savings Bank workforce,” he said, adding that SLSB only had a small number of employees.
He said the process of transitioning employees from the SLSB to the NSB is already in progress. As part of the scheme, employees who choose to retire voluntarily will receive compensation based on market factors, providing them with a viable option for their future.
The proposal was presented by the President in his capacity as the Finance, Economic Stabilisation and National Policies Minister.
SLSB was established in July 2006 under the Banking Act and incorporated under the provision of the Companies Act. It commenced business on 10 March 2008 as a state owned Licenced Specialised Bank.
In 2010, SLSB was able to meet the deficiency in capital funds on 30 September 2010 with the merger of National Development Trust Fund (NDTF) Company.
In October 2019 SLSB became a fully owned subsidiary of NSB. The major operations of the SLSB are deposit mobilisation, granting of loans (Microfinance/ commercial credit).
In addition, the bank obtained leasing and pawning licence in 2012 and commenced leasing and hire purchase businesses in February 2012. Further, the CBSL granted approval to open three new branches in Matara, Mannar and Anuradhapura.
Total Assets as at end 2021 amounted to Rs. 8.7 billion and liabilities were Rs. 1.8 billion. As a result of increased profit and other reserves, the total equity of SLSB was Rs. 6.8 billion in 2021.
The United States assures that it stands in solidarity with all Sri Lankans, reflecting on the resilience and hope for a united future, on the anniversary marking 15 years since the end of Sri Lanka’s war.
General (Retd) Mahesh Senanayake, former Army Commander of Sri Lanka, has officially joined the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and will lead its newly established affiliate, the ‘Samagi Ranawiru Balawegaya.’
Swiss International Airlines, operated by Edelweiss, concluded its winter schedule in Sri Lanka handling 8,600 passengers from November 2023 to May 2024. After the successful completion of its winter schedule in Sri Lanka. Swiss International Airlines will resume operations in Colombo in the first week of November 2024.
The Economic Transformation Bill and the Public Financial Management Bill will be presented to the Parliament on Wednesday (22 May), according to the Secretary General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera. Issuing a statement, she said that the Parliament is scheduled to convene on Wednesday (May 22).
Sri Lanka’s Government must take meaningful action to determine and disclose the fates and whereabouts of tens of thousands of people who have been subjected to enforced disappearance over the decades and hold those responsible to account, a UN Human Rights Office report says. It calls on the Government to acknowledge the involvement of state security forces and affiliated paramilitary groups, and to issue a public apology.
Twenty Indian crew members and a Sri Lankan are stranded on board the Dali, the container ship that collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. For the last seven weeks, they have been confined to the vessel due to an ongoing probe. With their phones confiscated, they cannot even pay bills for their families back home, the Indian media reported.
In view of the 15th anniversary of Victory Day, the Sri Lanka Navy has promoted 3,146 senior and junior Sailors of the Regular and Voluntary Forces to their next ranks, Sri Lanka Navy said. The relevant promotions have been done by the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, with the approval of President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Member of Parliament Udaya Gammanpila has urged the government not to accept the appointment of U.S. President Joe Biden’s nominee for Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Elizabeth K. Horst. Gammanpila pointed out that Elizabeth Horst’s responses to the questions raised by the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee on May 9 could have an adverse impact on the situation of the country.
The Ministry of Health has introduced the special hotline ‘1907’ for the public to inform of fake medical practitioners in Sri Lanka. Issuing a statement, the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) said that the hotline has been established to protect the public from these fake doctors.
The Sports Ministry’s Anti-Corruption Unit today informed the Colombo Magistrate’s Court that they are yet to receive the voice test report related to the investigation being carried on former Sri Lankan cricketer Sachithra Senanayake, over allegations of match-fixing. This was informed to the court when the relevant case was taken up before the Colombo Chief Magistrate Thilina Gamage.
