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The ‘Satharawa Deepani’ felicitation ceremony, organised on a concept of Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana, was held under the patronage of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardhana at the BMICH on Saturday (16) evening.

Veteran Cinema Artistes Malani Fonseka, Swarna Mallwaarachchi, Anoja Weerasinghe and Ravindra Randeniya who made a major contribution to the films produced by Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana, were felicitated with ‘Satharawa Deepani’ awards by the Prime Minister, on this occasion.

A group of 250 G.C.E. (A/L) students selected from all districts, were also granted ‘Pragnabandu Scholarships’ valid for two years, on this occasion, under the patronage of Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena and former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Pranith Abeysundara.

Ven. Maha Sangha including the Anunayake of the Malwatta Chapter, Sahithya Chakrawarthi Most Ven. Dr. Niyangoda Dharmakeerthi Sri Sangharakkhitha Vijithasiri Thera, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena and former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, heads of Diplomatic Missions representing India, Russia and Japan, Cabinet Ministers, Government and Opposition MPs, government officials, artistes, members of the business community were present on this occasion.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe attended the art exhibitions “Celebration of Women” and “Bhawanawaka Shanthiya” by renowned artists Mrs. Iromi Wijewardena and Mr. Winston Suludagoda at the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery, Colombo 07, yesterday (14).

The art exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of Mrs. Iromi Wijewardena’s artistic career was themed “Celebration of Women”. Concurrently, Mr. Winston Suludagoda, known for hosting art exhibitions domestically and internationally had organized his 34th art exhibition under the theme “Bhawanawaka Shantiya”.

For 46 years, Mr. Winston, an experienced artist, has showcased his artworks in numerous foreign countries. These exhibitions featured a wide array of colourful paintings depicting various themes such as daily life relationships, global crises, and religious lifestyles.

Following his visit to the art exhibition, the President also participated in friendly conversations with the attendees of the art exhibitions and took part in group photos. Also, these artists presented a special commemorative gift to President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Former Minister Ravi Karunayake, MP Mayantha Dissanyake, Former Governor of the Central Bank Indrajith Kumaraswami, Dr. Dayan Jaayathilake, Sujan Wijewardene, Lusil Wijewardene, Natali Wijewardene, Mala Jayawardene, Roshini Gunaratne, Shirani Thenabadu, Veteran Artist Kala Soori S.H. Sarath, and other guests graced the occasion with their presence.

Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana yesterday said that the opposition has proved that it cannot govern the country as they lacked knowledge and understanding of the agreements, entered into with international organizations including International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank (WB), he said that the efforts by Parliamentarians Dr. Harsha De Silva and Prof. G. L. Peiris to make the Opposition Leader understand about them had become futile.

“The Opposition Leader should understand that the country cannot be developed without the support of International organizations including the IMF and WB, the Minister said.

He said that the government in power is bound to implement the Extended Fund Facility Agreement of the IMF irrespective of the person in the leadership.

The Minister said that the government has entered into agreements with IMF and World Bank and any government that comes into power should comply with the terms of these agreements.

The Minister was speaking at a meeting held at the Ministry Premises yesterday to discuss on the organization of Colombo International Film Festival which is scheduled to be held this year.

He said that a person who has not done a thorough study of these agreements, cannot run a government in the country. “Such individuals cannot build the country nor can they identify the issues faced by the country”, he said.

The Minister added that Sri Lanka faced unprecedented economic recession in 2022. “The country could not pay back loans obtained from local financial sources and the foreign reserves depleted to zero level. He added that government succeeded in reaching an agreement with the IMF securing US$ 3 billion to Sri Lanka within 48 months.

“The country has already received two tranches of this loan and discussions are going on to secure the third tranche,” he said.

 
 
 
 

Homagama to be made Teaching Hospital:

To enrol 500 local, foreign students annually :

The government has decided to upgrade the Homagama Base Hospital as a Teaching Hospital for the establishment of a Faculty of Medicine under the National School of Business Management (NSBM), Cabinet Spokesman, Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana said.

 

Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing held yesterday at the Government Information Department, Minister Gunawardhana said that the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to take over the Homagama Base Hospital under the purview of the Health Ministry and upgrade it as a Teaching Hospital.

He further said that the NSBM green university is a state-owned institution started when Dullas Alahapperuma was the Vocational Training Minister.

It has been proposed to establish a medical college under the direct supervision and regulation of the Education and Health Ministries and the Sri Lanka Medical Council by the National School of Business Management (NSBM), a fully self-financed institution owned by the government and to award MBBS degrees through it.

 
 

It is expected to enroll 500 local and foreign students annually for the relevant degree course. The institution has sought approval to reserve the Homagama Base Hospital as a suitable government hospital for clinical training of the degree of this Medicine Faculty. The institution has sought approval to reserve the Homagama Base Hospital as a suitable government hospital for clinical training for the degree of this Faculty of Medicine.

Since the approval of the Cabinet was already given for the use of the Homagama Base Hospital for the clinical training of NSBM medical students, it has been proposed to prepare a mechanism to reserve the hospital on the basis of resource sharing for the clinical training of medical faculty students as well as professor unit facilities.

The National School of Business Management has agreed to provide the necessary funds for the development of the Homagama Base Hospital in accordance with the standards of medical education published by the Sri Lanka Medical Council.

The Cabinet approved the proposal presented by the President to take over the Homagama Base Hospital under the purview of the Health Ministry and upgrade it as a teaching hospital.

Homagama Hospital, which is currently under the Provincial Council, is a base hospital that provides a lot of services, but it does not have advanced professor units like at the Kalubowila Hospital. With this decision, it will be possible to add machinery and buildings to the Homagama Hospital, including a professor’s unit, which will be required to provide clinical training for the NSBM without any government expenditure.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has extended an invitation to the Opposition Leader and other Opposition party leaders to engage in discussions with senior IMF officials before the disbursement of the third tranche of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan to Sri Lanka. However, there has been no positive response from the main opposition leaders. Despite this, they have failed to propose any alternative solutions to address the significant economic crisis facing Sri Lanka.

Numerous rounds of negotiations spanning a year were conducted to avert what could potentially be the worst economic catastrophe in Sri Lanka’s post-independence history. Consequently, an Extended Fund Facility was agreed with the IMF in late March 2023. This agreement stipulated fulfilling various pre- and post-conditions, demonstrating their efficacy to the global community, thereby securing the second tranche of the IMF loan.

 

Following the receipt of the second tranche, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his capacity as National Policy and Finance Minister invited Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and other responsible opposition party leaders to partake in discussions with IMF officials regarding the subsequent tranche. Notably, President Wickremesinghe emphasised this appeal, particularly to opposition leaders, given their claim to be able to modify the agreement as per their requirements. Hence, a prime opportunity has arisen to present alternative proposals to IMF officials, and accountable leaders must contribute meaningfully to these deliberations.

The primary objective of the signed IMF Agreement entails a forty-eight-month program aimed at reforming Sri Lanka’s public financial management processes, particularly concerning debt sustainability. This program is intended to support the state budget and bolster foreign reserves. As per the agreement, maintaining a surplus in the public budget’s primary account is essential to ensure debt sustainability. Accordingly, the budget deficit should be capped at five per cent or lower of the gross domestic product.

 
 

By 2032, the total outstanding foreign debt must be reduced to 95% or less of the gross domestic product. The central government’s annual gross financial requirement from 2022 to 2027 should amount to 13% of the average gross domestic product, decreasing to 4.5% from 2027 to 2032. To achieve these targets, foreign debt restructuring programs have been formulated to repay outstanding loans from 2028 onwards. These restructuring programs necessitate the repayment of 37% of the debt stock within the next five to six years, followed by gradual repayment over subsequent years. Failure to adhere to these obligations could jeopardise international agreements and exacerbate the balance of payments crisis, leading to severe repercussions such as shortages of essential goods and transportation disruptions.

Finance Committee Chairman Dr. Harsha de Silva underscores the seriousness of the situation, emphasising that it transcends mere political concerns and demands a rigorous, scientifically informed approach.

However, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and his supporters lack the requisite comprehension of these complex economic issues, opting instead for populist rhetoric. Yet, navigating the current economic crisis requires astute and visionary leadership grounded in reality.

A table detailing the foreign financial gap from 2022 to 2027 accompanies this article, providing further insights into the prevailing economic challenges.

 
 

With the aim of providing quality customer service and banking services to the people, Homagama, West Horagala Divisional Cooperative Society was modernized and handed over to the people as a “Mini Coop Super” by the Minister of Transport, Highways and Mass Media, Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana yesterday (4).

At the same time, the West Horagala Cooperative Rural Bank branch belonging to the Homagama Multi Purpose Cooperative Society, which has been modernized as well, was also handed over to the people by the Minister.

In conjunction with this event, stationery including exercise books and special commemorative gifts were presented to the account holding school students and selected account holders of the Cooperative Rural Bank.

The Minister speaking at the event said, “It is possible to build any institution without theft, corruption and fraud. It is politicized and by leading the institutions according to political agendas, all of them will collapse and be destroyed. All the chairmen and heads of institutions under my ministry have been appointed using professionals with good experience in their respective fields.

 
 Most of them are experienced engineers. My political friends have not been appointed to a high position in any of these institutions, even to the most important position of my Ministry of the Ministry Secretary and others such as Ceylon Transport Board, Railway Department, State Development and Construction Corporation, Lake House, Rupavahini Corporation and Road Development Authority. By giving professional freedom to the professionals, this country can be built under a visionary programme.
At a time when the cooperative movement, which had once become a prestigious movement in the country, was about to collapse and close down, I took steps as the minister in charge of the subject to write off all the debts that had to be paid during the governance of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Also, during the opening of private supermarkets across the country, the cooperative also took steps to modernize according to the concept of Coop City. Steps were taken to start production cooperative societies. It was possible to prevent the loss of the very valuable property owned by the cooperative from various frauds.”

The General Manager of Homagama Multi Purpose Cooperative Society Dr. Thilaka Katriarachchi, the officers including Saman Manjula of the governing body, the Secretary of the Homagama Divisional Secretariat, public representatives of the area, and a large number of local residents attended the event.

The issuing of a special commemorative stamp and first day cover to mark the 150th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Law College was held recently under the patronage of the Minister of Transport, Highways and Mass Media Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana at the Colombo Law College Auditorium.

This commemorative stamp and the first day cover have been designed by Ruwan Indrajith Upasena.

 
Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya PC, Attorney General Sanjay Rajaratnam PC, State Minister of Media Shantha Bandara, Secretary to the Ministry of Mass Media Anusha Palpita, Principal of the Law College Dr. Atula Pathinayake, judges, Lawyers and Law College students attended.

The annual Navam Maha Perahera 2024 conducted by the Colombo Hunupitiya Gangarama Temple under the theme ‘Aga Nagaraye Peraharaka Pelahare Arumasiya’, commenced the street processions with the participation of several Government and Opposition political leaders, temple Dayaka Sabha members, devotees and a large crowd of the public.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa placed the casket carrying the Sacred Relics on the elephant in order for the procession to begin and take to the streets.

 

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Navam Maha Perahera, Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana said, “Colombo Hunupitiya Gangarama Temple is a place of immense blessings for this country and has contributed greatly to changing the course of our country’s history.

“Ven. Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera resided during the British imperial era in the Gangarama Temple complex. He was instrumental in providing academic and intellectual knowledge that was needed by national patriots, Ven. Migettuwatte Gunananda Thera and the other founders of Panadurawadaya, Henry Steel Olcott and Anagarika Dharmapala, who engaged in an immeasurable national mission for the freedom of our country and for the creation of a Buddhist religious renaissance in Sri Lanka at that time. It is marked in our history that the Gangarama Temple became a prominent centre to carry out these important activities during that time.

 “After that, Gangarama Viharaya Chief Prelate Venerable Galboda Gnanissara Thera, through his talent and creative ability, has been running the Navam Maha Perahara as a cultural festival that adds new value and example to the country and the world.

“The Maha Sangharatna, including Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Nayaka Thera, continues to maintain it as a cultural feast for the entire Sri Lankan people, regardless of political party, race, religion, caste or creed.

“We would like to express our sincere thanks to the large number of donors, all organisations and individuals who contribute for the success of the Navam Maha Perahera, besides the Government’s support every year. I pray that all those who contribute to Navam Maha Perahara to take this country to the world and bequeath our cultural heritage to the world will receive the blessings of the Noble Triple Gem.”

Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha, Minister Harin Fernando, Deputy Minister Rohana Dissanayake, Members of Parliament Sarath Weerasekera and Sarath Fonseka, Senior Advisor to the President, Ruwan Wijewardene and other Government and Opposition party leaders, diplomatic representatives, representatives of temple Dayaka Sabha and a large number of the public were present at the commencement of the Navam Maha Perahara.

 
 
 
 
 

The conclusion ceremony of ‘EMPOWER’, the island-wide provincial Journalist training initiative jointly conducted by the Ministry of Mass Media and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) was held under the patronage of Minister of Mass Media Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana in Colombo recently.

The series of island-wide Workshops designed to emphasise the fundamental Ethics and Values in the Media was launched with a two-day programme held in Colombo in August 2023. It was supported by the UN PeaceBuilding Fund

Addressing the event, the Minister appreciated the UNDP for implementing this programme in Sri Lanka, targeting provincial Journalists regardless of their race or their based locations.

He said that Journalists have a great responsibility to report the truth to society in a fair, balanced, analysed and discriminative manner. Such reporting is essential for maintaining a non-violent society.

Workshops of this nature play a key role in training the Journalists to maintain a healthy Media culture in the country, while healing the people of this society through their reporting, the Minister pointed out.

According to the UNDP Sri Lanka, they had reached a total of 350 Journalists at the provincial level over the course of this programme.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in an exclusive interview with WION’s (World Is One News) chief diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Perth, Australia, said that Sri Lanka will always give first priority to the security interests of India.

 

President Wickremesinghe thanked India for the economic support extended to Sri Lanka amid the 2022 economic crisis. Speaking to WION, he said that he is “thankful to India. Without India’s help we could not have survived and this is why we are also looking at closer relations between the two countries”.

 

The President also shared the news that plans are underway for the Indian Institute of Technology – Madras (IIT – Madras) to establish a campus in Sri Lanka, “most probably in Kandy”.

Here is the full transcript of the interview:

Q: India and Sri Lanka share a close relationship. This is a civilisational bond between the two countries. With me is the Sri Lankan President to talk about the India–Sri Lanka relationship and other things as well. My first question to you is how do you see the India–Sri Lanka relationship. What is your vision about this relationship?

A:  Indo-Lanka relations are improving and today we are looking at close economic ties and improving connectivity between the two countries. I think that’s the way to go.

 

 Q: But essentially, India was one country that came forward during the economic crisis with a bailout of almost US$ 4 billion. How do you see India’s support to your country?

A: We are thankful to India. Without India’s support we could not have survived and this is why we are also looking at closer relations between the two countries. Especially, trade and economic success is the way we have to go.

 Q: What is the current economic situation in your country and how have things improved in the past one year?

A: Well, we have gone ahead with the debt restructuring, we have completed it, it is now the official part. We have to have an agreement with the OCC [Official Creditor Committee].

In principle, they have agreed to what we have done [the debt restructuring]. The formal part is now taking place and after the formal agreement with the OCC, they will have to then come to formal agreements with all the creditor countries plus the other financial organisations, which have also been ignored in Sri Lanka debt negotiations.

 Q: And when will it be possible?

A: I think by about June or so it should be over hopefully.

 Q: Coming to regional security, India has to worry about the visits of the Chinese vessels to Sri Lanka and I believe some decisions have been taken by the Sri Lankan Government to not allow the visit of Chinese vessels. Can you talk about the visits and if any decision has been made like this?

 

A: What we have told India always is that we have kept Indian security in mind and we will not allow anything to happen that will be harmful to India’s security and these are all hydrographical vessels. So we have allowed them to come there. There have been other vessels from other countries that are allowed. We decided that this year, we will look at capacity-building for Sri Lanka and therefore now we are focusing on Sri Lanka building its own hydrological capacity by cooperating with others. As a result, we have said no ships from any country on hydrological matters can come to Sri Lanka, but if they are Navy ships that are coming in for visits, then we will allow them.

 Q: You will know about the visits of Chinese Navy ships?

A: Anyway, they have been coming to Sri Lanka. Indian, Chinese, Japanese, American ships come.

 Q: But do you think that China is trying to create a wedge between India and Sri Lanka somehow because India is worried about the visits and India is worried about the increased Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)? And that is something that many countries share as well?

A: Chinese ships have been coming to Sri Lanka over a period of time. And China has never tried to create a rift between India and Sri Lanka. They always say that we have to get along with India. There has never been an issue as far as we are concerned. The number of ships that have been coming has not increased, nor have they decreased. But we are also encouraging ships from other countries to come in, which have not been there earlier. Japan, India, Pakistan, the US. Yes, their ships have been coming. But we have asked many of the other European countries to come to Sri Lanka.

 

 Q: And the role played by the Chinese when it comes to debt restructuring. Have they been dragging their feet?

A: Well they agreed to the debt restructuring. They are not in the OCC though they attend the meeting. Their structure for this is different from the other countries. We have to deal with the China Development Bank mainly and also with the Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of China. Those are the two that we have to deal with. Most of the countries we have been dealing with are the government-led agencies.

 Q: Coming back to the India-Sri Lanka relationship, you started by pointing out that there are several aspects to connectivity. One is land connectivity and one of the decisions that was taken was to connect the two countries through a land bridge. What is the vision behind it? Has any step been taken by the Sri Lankan Government?

A: There are two connectivities we are looking at. First is the power connectivity. And that’s going on because Indian companies are investing in Sri Lanka’s power sector. Already Adani is out there. We are discussing power connectivity and we have come to an agreement that it should be an undersea cable. We will start working out the details. Similarly, as far as land connectivity is concerned, we have got to get a feasibility study. So we have appointed officials on both sides for coordination and there will be a feasibility study first and the environment study.

 Q: Connectivity has another aspect – that is financial connectivity. Universal Payment Interface (UPI) is something that has been talked about….

A: That has been going ahead. It should be implemented soon, but we will be discussing it in Colombo in the next two weeks.

 Q: Part of financial connectivity is the usage of the Indian Rupee. Will we see the usage of the Indian Rupee in Sri Lanka?

A: We want to see the usage of the Indian Rupee in Sri Lanka. Have no issue at all.

 Q: Has the trading started?

A: Not yet. But once it does, it will help tourism especially.

 Q: How have Indian tourists helped the Sri Lankan economy?

 

A: Tourism helps our economy a lot and Indian tourists coming in greater numbers have been good.

 Q: Part of the India-Sri Lanka relationship is the trade in local currency as you talked about and there is the Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Have there been conversations regarding the FTA?

A: The FTA is operational. Now we are discussing how to advance the FTA to an Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA).

 Q: And what do you expect from India in terms of your development goals? Anything specific?

A: India has helped us financially, but we would like to see Indian investments in Sri Lanka and a new phase has been the decision that the IIT – Madras will establish a campus in Sri Lanka, most probably in Kandy. A Ministerial delegation visited India, and now we are in the process of identifying the locations. But we would like to take some existing buildings and start that off next year.

 Q: That is a significant educational connection, but there are other issues as well. Some irritants in the relationship like the fishermen issue. India has been raising it in the past. Is there any sort of reaching out between the two sides so that there is a resolution of this issue?

A: Tamil Nadu fishermen are coming into our area, it is a big issue with our fishermen and we are discussing it. We want to conclude it sometime this year because we cannot have them coming in all the time.

 Q: Going to the Maldives, where you were present when the oath-taking ceremony for the new President took place. How do you see the current Government in Maldives which has not been very pro-India, in many senses they have been running an anti-India movement as well. What is your view about the current dispensation in Maldives?

A: It is a new Government that is settling down. So we have to give them some time to come to grips and especially at the moment there is a struggle between the President and Parliament also. So we are watching what happens there.

 

 Q: We are here in Perth with the Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) taking place. Sri Lanka is an important country in the Indian Ocean. You have a vast Exclusive Economic Zone as well. How can Sri Lanka play an important role in the stability of the wider region?

A: We have always been pushing for Freedom of Navigation (FON) in the Indian Ocean, that this should be free of Big Power rivalry, and close cooperation between the countries. Now that Sri Lanka is Chair [of the Indian Ocean Rim Association/IORA] that is what we are seeking.

 Q: What is your view about the situation in the Red Sea because it impacts the economic security of many countries, including Sri Lanka?

A: The Red Sea is vital to us. The Suez Canal is vital to us. The Colombo Port will develop only if the Suez Canal is available. In the 1967 War, some ships were sunk in the Suez Canal and it took us 10 years, the Colombo Port was not operative. So as far as the war in Gaza is concerned, we want the war to come to an end and hostages to be released.

We are in fact asking for a Palestinian State in five years but also guarantees for the security of Israel. That is separate from what is happening in the Red Sea because in the Red Sea the attacks are by Houthi rebels. And we recognize the Government of Yemen, so this should not take place and therefore we are cooperating with the other countries to ensure [the Red Sea] is kept safe.

 Q: Coming back to the tourism aspect which plays an important role. What is the progress on the plan for a Ramayana circuit that connects India and Sri Lanka?  

A: Basically it is the tourist companies and others who are doing it, but we told them that will also help, we are planning out more areas. So we will develop it. We are also looking at a Hindu trail… Lord Shiva because there are a lot of Shiva temples there. There are the four Eswarra temples and Dikshina Kailash. So we feel there can be a second one also.

 Q: We saw the inauguration of the Ram Temple in India. What is your view and any plans of a high-level delegation visiting the Ayodhya Ram Temple, including from your Government?

A: I think some of our people went for the function. We expected the Ram Temple to be built once the Supreme Court case was over. It was a matter of when it was going to be done. And Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government have done it.

 Q: Another aspect is Canada. We have seen the India-Canada row. We have also seen comments by the Canadian Government on the situation in Sri Lanka. What is your view about the Canadian Government making these remarks?

A: We have said we do not want vote-getting politics in the way and we are not interested in dealing with it. So our contacts with Canada at the moment are minimal.

 Q: When you made the speech at the IOC in Perth, you mentioned the US role and your comments were very sharp. You pointed out the ill-advised decisions by the Americans in the region. What role do you think is being played by the US in the region? If you can characterize it?

A: I call it ill-advised because of their backing the Gaza War and the bombing. No, I mean, everyone would expect the US to stand with Israel, when Israel is attacked. I do not think there is an issue on this. But we have a major Islamic arc in the Indian Ocean, and many of them are friendly with the US Government rather than Iran, but this is going to put pressure on them. Russia has come in now. Russia is a key player in the western Indian Ocean. So it is a setback for the US.

 Q: How do you see the Russian role in the region?

A: Russia is improving its economic role and it is making political contact with all countries. And even militarily, they are having Naval exercises. So in a way, they have not broken Russia.

 Q: So moving to a multilateral dimension, UN Security Council (UNSC) reforms are much talked about. What is your view, and what is your take on India being at the high table?

A: Now we feel there should be reforms, it must be done. India should be in the UNSC. But we want overall discussion where we, the smaller countries, also have a say. But I cannot see that discussion taking place at the moment.

 Q: Do you think that it is going to take some time because there are elements who are trying to stop or delay the process?

A: It will take time.

 Q: We saw India hosting the G20 summit last year, and the African Union (AU) became a Permanent Member of the G20 under the Indian Presidency. How do you see India engaging with Africa and your perspective as to how do you plan to engage with Africa as well?

A: India has been engaging with Africa for a long time. Many Indian trading families are there in Africa – in East Africa, in Mauritius, in South Africa, even Mahatma Gandhi was there. As far as Sri Lanka is concerned we are reaching out to East Africa, South Africa. We are reaching out first to the countries on the Indian Ocean coast but we are also looking at West Africa. We have to develop those relations.

 Q: Your view about the Indo-Pacific? This is a vision which is backed by several countries in the region.

A: We are more focused on the Indian Ocean, so the ASEAN outlook is what we like, because we are basically an Indian Ocean country and links with the Pacific have been more with the Asian nations, which have been also ties going through land up to China. We have had ties in the old days, now it is extended to Japan and Korea. We do not go beyond that.

 Q: What is your view about the QUAD – the four countries coming together and working on several aspects including the humanitarian situation in the region?

A: The QUAD is one agency there, but how they are going to work it to cooperate is for them. The question is that when the Indo-Pacific was made, no one knew where the boundaries were. Some wanted it on the western Indian Ocean and Premier Modi said it should go from Africa to the shores of the American continent, and then the ASEAN came with a new outlook. So, we are looking at the Indian Ocean and India. We feel Indian Ocean countries either through the IORA or something else, have to get together because our outlook is quite different from that of the Pacific.

 Q: Moving forward to the domestic aspects of your country. Elections are happening this year?

A: Yes, both Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.

Q: How optimistic are you that hopefully you will be back?

A: For me to be back, I must contest.

  Q: And do you plan to, Sir?

A:  I have come here to put the economy in order, my first duty is to focus on that and to get Sri Lanka out of bankruptcy.

 Q: Do you think you have done a good job? What is your view about the economy in terms of your tenure, because you ultimately were the face of the crisis in terms of the emergence of Sri Lanka back to normality?

A: Well, I am quite satisfied. I feel we will be able to do this.

 Q: You will be able to do this. Another thing is the implementation of the 13th Amendment, something that India has also been talking about. What is the way forward?

A: We will hold the Provincial Council (PC) elections next year. As I announced in my speech when I opened the new session of Parliament, we want to give each province its own economy. So like in India, that economies will compete with each other, which is to our benefit to be very, very competitive economies.

Those provinces should handle their economic and social development within the national policy framework. In this respect, we said we are prepared to give the concurrent powers – most of it – or whatever is required, whatever they want to the PCs, so that we are moving on. There has been a request by some of the groups…minority groups. So as far as I am concerned, as far as we are concerned, we will not oppose it, but it is a matter for all parties to agree to or not, not  me and the Government and there are so many parties in Parliament at the moment.

 Q: In the regional aspect there are several groupings. One is BIMSTEC. In fact, its summit is planned for this year. What is your vision when it comes to this specific grouping?

A: We have to fast track the integration. We are a bit slow on it. But we have been talking to Prime Ministers – I spoke with Prime Minister Modi and also Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, also on the Bay of Bengal as a cruise zone. But we have to basically fast track it.

 Q: And do you think SAARC as a grouping is dead?

A: SAARC at the moment? No. We have not buried it or anything. We have not put it into the funeral parlour, but certainly the political side is not active. But I must say some of the other areas like culture are going ahead, maybe we should focus on the non-political issues there.

 Q: For Sri Lanka as a country, what is the future in terms of domestically and regionally the role it can play in terms of providing stability to this region, which has several challenges and Big Power rivalry as well?

A: We want to keep the Big Power rivalry out of the Indian Ocean, that means they should stay out. They are already there… the US is there, Japan, China all have ports to operate, but there should not be a rivalry which will in any way have an adverse impact on the Indian Ocean.

 Q: How do you see the BRICS grouping?

A: BRICS is expanding. Especially with Saudi Arabia, Iran, you have the African countries and one more from Latin America and that is good. I know a larger group has applied, but it is better to expand slowly. It shows the Global South is also trying to get a monetary union together.

 Q: And the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)?

A: You can see central Asia opening up and the SCO is going to be important. You all will be having the Mumbai-Iran-Moscow line, it should be good to get into that part of Europe, instead of using the Canal route.

 
 
 
 

Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana said that Sri Lanka should reap the benefits of the vast development of the Indian electric vehicle (EV) industry.

He said this while participating in the ‘Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024’ held in New Delhi, India, as a special guest on the invitation of Indian Commerce, Industry and Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal.

A large number of Indian and international vehicle manufacturers, auto component manufacturers and entrepreneurs, including investors, inventors, and others, presented their range of products, technologies and services at this three-day exhibition.

This exhibition and conference was organized under the theme ‘Beyond Boundaries’, with the concept of bringing the leaders and pioneers of the field onto one platform for the future of mobility. More than 800 exhibitors engaged in the field of motor vehicles and transportation, including more than 50 foreign exhibitors, were present. Along with the exhibition, 20 conferences were organized with the participation of industry leaders, on various themes. Many stalls to showcase technical solutions in the motor vehicle sector, construction equipment, hybrid and electric vehicles were set up at the exhibition.

 One of the main objectives of this exhibition was to demonstrate to the world the success that India has achieved in the motor vehicle sector. A number of IT and software products presented in a way suitable for the future motor transport sector were also unveiled here.

One of the main objectives of Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana’s visit is to get the contribution of Indian and foreign investors, manufacturers and entrepreneurs who joined this international exhibition to the International Green Mobility Exhibition and Conference to be held in Sri Lanka in March 2024.

The Minister also observed the new products including state-of-the-art passenger transport buses of many companies that have made investments in the motor vehicle manufacturing sector in many countries including Sri Lanka, and discussed investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s transport and highway sector with the leaders of many leading companies.

  • President Pledges Commitment to Construct a Nation of Dignity for All
  • Reiterates Invitation to All Parties to Collaborate on Government Programmes

President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscored the accomplishment of the current Government in providing land rights to the people of the country without a revolution, amidst numerous global movements advocating for land rights.

 Highlighting the initial success of the present Government in rescuing the country from bankruptcy, President Wickremesinghe also emphasized additional achievements such as the Aswesuma programme benefiting two million people and salary increases for 1.5 million Government employees.
The President emphasized that the Government achieved significant progress for the country’s betterment in just two years with the support of a partial Parliament. He encouraged everyone to contemplate the potential advancements the country could achieve with the backing of all Parliament members. President Wickremesinghe made these remarks during a ceremony at Rangiri Dambulu Stadium yesterday (5), where 10,000 freehold titles were awarded to farmers as part of the first phase of the Urumaya programme.

The President highlighted that granting land rights to foreigners under the Government Land Ordinance Act would not have been an impediment to providing the same rights to the people.

As part of the 2024 Budget proposals, President Wickremesinghe’s eighth proposal aims to grant full ownership of Government lands to farmers, which were disposed of under the Land Development Ordinance Act of 1935 through permits and conditional grants.

Fulfilling a longstanding aspiration of the nation, the ‘Urumaya’ program, aimed at granting freehold rights to land, will be rolled out nationwide under the President’s guidance, benefiting an estimated two million farming families. The 2024 Budget proposal allocates Rs. 2 billion for the ‘Urumaya’ program’s implementation.

Applicants seeking full ownership of land through the ‘Urumaya’ program will receive freehold titles in three main stages. To streamline the process and address community concerns promptly, a Urumaya National Operations Secretariat has been established under the Presidential Secretariat, coordinating relevant institutions.

Symbolically, President Wickremesinghe personally distributed land deeds to farmers.

Additionally, he inaugurated the ‘Centre of Excellence’ at Dambulla Stadium as part of the “National Cricket Development Pathway” program, designed to offer equal opportunities to cricketers with natural talents for national team representation.

Furthermore, President Wickremesinghe opened a new swimming pool on the stadium premises and actively observed the pool’s practical activities.

President Wickremesinghe inaugurated the innovative stadium lighting system.

Furthermore, during the ceremony, he laid the foundation stone for the construction of the Media Centre, the new auditorium, and the indoor stadium at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium and the ‘Centre of Excellence.’

“This is our homeland, the place of my birth, the nation that defines my heritage. Today marks a significant occasion as we gather to address a longstanding struggle faced by the people of our beloved nation—the quest for land rights. What we are witnessing today is a transformative moment, a revolution, as we grant land rights to two million individuals. This monumental step empowers our citizens to exercise control over their land without the need for constant approvals from authorities.

“I urge everyone to cherish and safeguard this right, not just for themselves but for future generations. Let us capitalize on this opportunity for progress and development. While many parts of the world have witnessed revolutions to secure land rights, our country is distinguished by achieving this milestone without the need for such upheavals.

“Many deemed this impossibility, but our Government made the decisive choice. Specifically, those engaged in farming and those who have built houses will now hold the rights to that land. I extend my gratitude to all involved in agricultural activities. Your support in the last Maha and Yala seasons played a crucial role in revitalizing the country’s economy, leading to a successful harvest.

“Additionally, I acknowledge those who have constructed homes on these lands. It is in appreciation of their contributions that we grant this freehold land right. This marks a historic moment, as even during the Sinhalese dynasty, there was no established deed system. Lands were allocated to the privileged and Nilames through letters, while others received land for cultivation without permanent deeds. The Waste Land Act designated all such lands to the Government, leaving the people with nothing.

“D.S Senanayake initiated efforts to allocate land to people for farming under the Land Development Ordinance Act of 1935. The Land Acquisition Act was utilized to acquire land for village expansion, but ownership rights were not granted.

“Subsequently, settlements were established in arid regions, accompanied by the commencement of paddy cultivation. Philip Gunawardena introduced the Paddy Act to enhance paddy fields in the wet zone where the majority existed, facing considerable opposition. However, the initiative persevered.

“During the Mahaweli movement, J.R. Jayewardene allocated additional acres to the people. We are now launching a similar program.

“In the past, Gayantha Karunathilaka faced legal challenges when initiating this program, accused of introducing a new law. However, this time, I did not encounter such opposition. If the Government Land Ordinance could grant land to white individuals and provide free land rights to investors, there is no reason why the same rights cannot be extended to the general public.

“Today, we are granting free land rights to everyone using the same ordinance that facilitated land allocation to investors. No legal hurdles need to be overcome again. This program is historic and revolutionary. Land rights have only been granted in Asia by Japan and South Korea, and today, the people of our country have acquired this right.

“I have instructed the swift implementation of this initiative in every Divisional Secretariat. I urge all Members of Parliament to unite without party distinctions for the success of this endeavour.

“It must be acknowledged that the current Government in Sri Lanka is unprecedented, with individuals from various parties coming together to take on responsibilities during challenging times. Despite the complexities of forming a Government with contributions from different parties, we faced the task of rebuilding the country.

“While our nation is gradually recovering, I recognize the hardships endured by the people. Efforts have been made to provide relief through programs such as the ‘Aswesuma’ program and salary increases for Government employees. Emerging from a state of bankruptcy, the next step involves granting free land rights to the people. Despite economic challenges, undertaking these initiatives raises the question of what cannot be achieved in the future with a strengthened national economy.

“Continuing on the path we have embarked upon, there is the potential to achieve a 5% economic growth in 2025. Our collective efforts, transcending party politics, have contributed to the success achieved so far. I urge everyone to unite in carrying forward this work, keeping the future of our people in mind.

“We have already granted land rights to 02 million people and provided benefits to another 02 million, along with salary increases for 1.5 million. The development of the tourism sector has also created new income streams. If such significant accomplishments can be achieved with parliamentary unity, envision the possibilities if all members collaborate. This is the direction we must take.

“Anticipating further legislative measures to foster the country’s development, let us advance together. An extensive agricultural revolution is underway, transforming the landscape through agricultural modernization.

“We must avoid falling into debt again and prevent becoming a nation of beggars. Safeguarding our pride is crucial, and we must embark on this journey together. Today, each one of you is a stakeholder in this country. I encourage everyone to act with pride and wish you all the best.”

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena acknowledged the historical significance of the city of Dambulu and its role in preserving the country’s heritage. “This presents an opportunity to bestow the ‘Urumaya’ that began with the struggle to overcome such challenges upon 02 million people. In achieving the President’s objectives, commendable efforts were made by all officials, including the Minister of Lands.”

Highlighting the unparalleled historical importance of Dambulu, enriched by landmarks like Dambulla and Sigiriya, the Prime Minister emphasized the responsibility of recipients of Government land to contribute to vital tasks, particularly in ensuring food self-sufficiency. “Today, we are commemorating our rich heritage. This is a source of pride for our land,” he said.

“During a period when people across the country were grappling with food shortages, the farmers, with the President’s invitation and intervention, played a crucial role in restoring self-sufficiency to our nation. As recipients of government land, it is expected that you will vigorously continue these vital tasks. The responsibility lies with all of you to wholeheartedly commit to this cause. Do not underestimate the significance of the deed you receive today.”

Minister of Tourism, Lands, Sports and Youth Affairs Harin Fernando paid respectful homage to past land ministers, notably highlighting the efforts of former Lands Minister Gayantha Karunathilaka. In 2015, Minister Karunathilaka proposed a Cabinet paper advocating for land rights for the people, a vision that, though unrealized at the time, has now materialized under the leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Minister Fernando proclaimed today as a historic day that merits a place in the records of the country’s history.

On that day, Mr. D.S. Senanayake solidified the land rights of the country’s people, and later, Mr. J.R. Jayewardena recognized the significance of granting land rights to the citizens.

This can be noted as a unique instance when freehold land was acquired. I extend my gratitude to all those who devoted themselves to this historic endeavour.

The event was attended by Religious leaders led the Maha Sangharatna, Ministers Nimal Siripala de Silva, Prasanna Ranatunga, Tiran Alas, Douglas Devananda, Mahinda Amaraweera, State Ministers Pramita Bandara Thennakone, Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, Rohana Dissanayake, Chamara Sampath Dasanayake, Members of Parliament Janaka Bandara Thennakone, S. M. Chandrasena, Vadivel Suresh, Vajira Abeywardena, Gayantha Karunathilaka, Nalaka Kottegoda, UNP Chief Organizer of Matale Priyan Wijeratne, Governors including Central Province Governor Lalith U Gamage, senior Adviser to the President on National security and the chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayake, President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake, Land Commissioner General Bandhula Jayasinghe, Director General of Trade Unions to the President – Saman Rathnapriya and a large number of officials, including Ministry Secretaries, Provincial Secretaries, District Secretaries, Divisional Secretaries, and land title holders.

 
 
 
 
 

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