President Ranil Wickremesinghe will leave for China tonight (15) to attend the 3rd Belt & Road Forum for International Cooperation.

The President will engage a four-day official visit to China from October 16 to 20.

During his absence, the responsibilities of the ministries under his purview have been temporarily entrusted to the respective state ministers and a cabinet minister.

As part of this arrangement, State Minister Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon will serve as the Acting Minister of Defence, State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya as the Acting Minister of Finance, State Minister Kanaka Herath as the Acting Minister of Technology and Acting Minister of Investment Promotion, State Minister Anupa Pasqual as the Acting Minister for Women, Children Affairs and Social Empowerment and Minister of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation Pavithra Wanniarachchi as the Acting Minister of Environment with the effect from tomorrow (16).

President Ranil Wickremesinghe in a condolence message on the demise of veteran artiste Jackson Anthony said his untimely passing is an immense loss to the Sri Lankan creative arts industry.

The message said: A pioneer in Jackson Anthony’s generation Ediriweera Sarachchandra expressed a profound sentiment in his book ‘Malagiya Aththo,’ that “The world is full of comings and goings.

One cannot leave without entering and one cannot enter without leaving.” This serves as a reminder of impermanence, where all of us, living in this world, are bound by the inevitability of having to depart someday.

The time has now come for Jackson, a versatile artiste, to bid us farewell; a departure we did not anticipate to happen so fast. His untimely passing is an immense loss to the Sri Lankan creative arts industry.

Amid the recent reflections on Jackson’s creative contributions, it is important to highlight a facet that may have gone unnoticed – his brilliance as a storyteller. Jackson’s debut novel, ‘Kanda Uda Gindara,’ was just the beginning of his literary journey, with plans for a sequel that, sadly, could not be completed in his lifetime.

In this time of grief, both Professor Maithree Wickremesinghe and I extend heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones.

“It maybe recalled that Jackson Anthony’s life had its moments of scrutiny and critique. In such times, let us remember the wisdom from the New Testament of the Bible, “Judge not and yet shall not be judged. With the judgement you give, you will be judged. With what you measure, it will be measured to you.”

“May the multi-talented Jackson Anthony rest in eternal peace,” the message said.

The 2022 Kalabhooshana State Award Ceremony, which honours artistes for their outstanding contributions to the arts industry, took place at the Maharagama Youth Service Council under the leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday (11).

• Three new bilateral agreements were signed to foster greater cooperation between the two countries.

India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar met with President Ranil Wickremesinghe today (11) at the Presidential Secretariat.

Extensive discussions were held to further strengthen Indo-Sri Lankan relations, resulting in the signing of three new bilateral agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two countries.

Furthermore, the inauguration of the third phase of the housing project, supported by Indian loan assistance, was conducted during the meeting. While an initial allocation of Rs. 1.026 million had been allocated per unit for the fourth phase, it was necessary to revise the budget to Rs. 2.8 million per unit due to increased housing unit costs.

To uplift the lives of Sri Lankan citizens, the Government of India has committed to providing additional funds for the speedy completion of nine development projects in the country, which are currently supported by the Government of India. The relevant agreement for this initiative was also signed today.

These projects include the modernization of 27 schools in the Northern Province, housing initiatives in Mannar and Anuradhapura, improvements to the Hatton Thondaman Vocational Training Centre and Pussellawa Saraswati Central College, the construction of a multi-ethnic trilingual school in Polonnaruwa, the establishment of 2889 rainwater harvesting projects in the Jaffna area, the promotion of vegetable cultivation in the Dambulla area and the construction of greenhouse facilities with a capacity of 5000 metric tons for fruit preservation. Additionally, a new surgical unit for the Batticaloa Teaching Hospital will be promptly built as part of these efforts.

An agreement concerning a joint project involving the Indian National Dairy Development Board, the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation of India (Amul), and the Cargills Group of Sri Lanka was signed with the aim of elevating Sri Lanka’s local dairy industry. This agreement emerged as a result of President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s official visit to India and allocation of funding for the modernization of Sri Lanka’s livestock sector.

The primary objective of this new project is to increase milk production by 53% within the first five years and achieve self-sufficiency in milk production for Sri Lanka within 15 years. As part of this endeavour, it is anticipated that approximately 200,000 local farmers will be empowered through the provision of facilities such as high-quality medicines, animal nutrition and technical support.

Furthermore, this initiative encompasses digitalization of the livestock sector, investments in new technologies to enhance the quality of milk-related by-products and ensuring access to milk-related products at affordable prices.

In addition to this significant agreement, a special commemorative logo was unveiled today to celebrate the 75 years of Indo-Sri Lankan relations.

Present at the signing ceremony were Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Mr. Gopal Baglay, Union Secretaries of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs Mr. Puneeth Agrawal and Mr. J. P. Singh, Indian Deputy High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Dr Satyanjal Pandey and Indian Ministry of External Affairs Deputy Secretary Mr. Raghu Puri.

From the Sri Lankan side, notable attendees included Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Ali Sabri PC, Minister Jeevan Thondaman, State Minister Tenuka Widanagamage, Member of Parliament M. Rameswaran, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff to the President Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka, Senior Advisor to the President on Economic Affairs Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga, President’s Secretary Mr. Saman Ekanayake, Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ms. Aruni Wijewardena, Director of Presidential International Affairs Mr. Dinuk Colombage and other dignitaries.

Tarushi Karunaratne, who won the gold medal in the women’s 800m event held yesterday at the Olympic Sports Centre Stadium in Hangzhou, China, later won the bronze medal with the women’s 400m relay team.

Tarushi, who participated in the 800m event yesterday at 4.55 pm Sri Lanka time, won the gold medal with a time of 2:02.20 minutes, and she won the bronze medal by participating in the women’s 400m relay event at 5.45 pm Sri Lanka time.

This is the first gold medal won by Sri Lanka in the women’s 800-metre event at the Asian Games.

It is also notable that Sri Lanka won an athletics gold medal at an Asian Games after 21 years. The last time Sri Lanka’s Susanthika Jayasinghe and Damayanthi Darsha won gold medals was in Busan, South Korea in 2002. This is the 12th gold medal won by Sri Lanka in the history of the Asian Games.

18-year-old Tarushi was also the youngest among the eight players who joined this event yesterday. Tarushi, who holds the Sri Lankan record in this event, entered the sport at Walala A. Rathnayake Central College and is coached by Susantha Fernando. Gayanthika Abeyratne who represented Sri Lanka in this event got the last place. Her recorded time was 2:05.87 minutes. The silver medal was won by India’s Harmilan Bains (2:03.75), while the bronze medal went to China’s Wang Chunyu (2:03.90).

In the women’s 400m relay event, the Sri Lankan team clocked 3:30.88 minutes, Nadeesha Ramanayake, Jayeshi Uttara and Sayuri Mendis joined the team along with Tarushi. This time also became a new Sri Lankan record, while the old Sri Lankan record was set at the Asian Athletics Championship held last July at 3:33.27 minutes. Nadeesha Ramanayake, Sayuri Mendis, Nishendra Fernando and Tarushi Karunaratne participated in that event. This is the first medal won in this event at the Asian Games.

Bahrain won the gold medal in this event with a time of 3:27.65 minutes, setting a new competition record. India (3:27.85), which claimed their old record (3:28.68), won the silver medal.

The Sri Lankan men’s team managed to win the bronze medal in this event, where their time was 3:02.55 minutes. The preliminary round of this event was held on Tuesday, where the Sri Lankan team recorded a time of 3:06.60 minutes. Dinuka Deshan and Pasindu Kodikara, who took part in that event, did not participate in the race yesterday, while Rajitha Rajakaruna and Pabasara Nikoo joined Aruna Darshana along with Kalinga Kumarage.

Although this is the best time recorded by the Sri Lankan 400m relay team at the Asian Games, the previous best time in this event was recorded in 1974 when Sri Lanka won the gold medal with a time of 3:07.40 minutes.

The gold medal in this competition was won by India, who finished the competition in 3:01.58 minutes, while the silver medal went to Qatar (3:02.05).

With yesterday’s gold and two bronze medals, Sri Lanka finished 23rd in the medal table with one gold medal, two silver medals and two bronze medals.

Poor batting pull Sri Lanka out

Meanwhile, due to the irresponsible playing style of the batsmen, Sri Lanka’s medal hopes in the men’s event of the cricket tournament were dashed yesterday.

Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, who qualified directly for the quarter-finals of this tournament, met in the third match of that round, where the Sri Lankan team lost by eight runs. With this defeat, Sri Lanka lost the gold medal it had won in the men’s cricket event at the last Asian Games, and this time they are not among the first 4 teams. Sri Lanka had last won the men’s cricket gold medal at the 2014 Games held in South Korea under the leadership of Lahiru Thirimanna. Afghanistan, who won the match yesterday, will meet Pakistan in the semi-final match tomorrow.

Sri Lanka won the toss of yesterday’s match at the Sheijang University Cricket Ground in Hangzhou, and invited Afghanistan to bat first. Afghanistan scored 116 in 18.3 overs and in reply Sri Lanka were skittled out for 108 in 19.1 overs.

Captain Sahan Arachchige was the top scorer of the innings with 22 runs. Lasith Kruspulle scored 16 runs, Ashen Bandara and Vijayakanth Viaskanth scored 13 runs each. In front of the Afghan bowlers, the rest of the batsmen could not cross the 9-run limit, and the impatience of the Sri Lankan batsmen was seen throughout this match.

In bowling, Qais Ahmad and Gulbadin Naib shared three wickets each.

Batting first, Noor Ali Zadran scored 51 runs for the Afghan team, while Nuwan Thushara took 4 wickets and Sahan Arachchi took 2 wickets.

Badminton

Viren Nettasinghe, who qualified for the round of last 16 in the badminton singles event yesterday, lost the opportunity to advance. It was due to losing 2-0 to Chinese Taipei player Tien Chen. The score was 21-16 and 21-10. With this defeat, Sri Lanka’s badminton participation in the Games came to an end as Viren was the only Badminton player to participate in the Games this year.

Wrestling

Nethmi Ahinsa, who is the only Lankan representative in the wrestling event of this year’s Games, is going to compete in the 53 kg event today.

Her first opponent is SEDNEVA Marina from Kazakhstan. The match will be held at 7.30 am local time.

Karate

The karate events of the Asian Games begin today, and Deneth Avihinsa Fernando and Heshani Hettiachchi are going to compete in the tournament representing Sri Lanka.

20-year-old Deneth, who has been representing the national team since 2016, has been competing in the 67 kg Kumite event, and he is a student of Moratuwa Prince of Wales School and has also won the South Asian Championship. 25-year-old Heshani has represented the national team since 2013 and is a student at Sabaragamuwa University.

Highways and Mass Media and Transport Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana, joined in a special observation of the Lumala Bicycle Manufacturing Company, which has been a leading bicycle manufacturing company in Sri Lanka for over 35 years and 3 generations.

The Minister’s special attention was paid to the electric bicycles (e-bikes) produced by the Lumala company, which manufactures more than 500,000 units of bicycles annually for the domestic and foreign markets.

The Minister observed the work performed by each division of this bicycle factory where cycles are produced locally with the contribution of various sectors of the institution. Many models are produced by the Lumala Company including electric bicycles that can run for about 100 kilometres in one charge, at a cost of less than one rupee per kilometre. Under this technology, ordinary electric bicycles, specially designed double-seated electric bicycles for tourists, special electric bicycles that can collect light waste including discarded plastic bottles, electric wheelchairs, electric bicycles with seats for passenger transport, and has introduced many product models including electric bicycles manufactured for mobile sales activities such as those of ice cream, sweets and the company has the ability to produce such bicycles on a large scale according to demand.

The management of the institute informed the Minister that there is a high demand for these electric bicycles in this country as well as in many countries including the United Kingdom, Europe, India, the United Arab Emirates, and the Middle Eastern states.

“It is essential that the people continue to be widely aware of the role of such institutions that engage in immense manufacture of products for the country. The country should see the services provided by such institutions, as an industry. We worked towards attracting a lot of public attention to the services provided by innovative institutions such as Vega. It is necessary to prepare such a planned program. For this purpose, more people will be aware of this by making use of the contribution of media organizations.

The people will especially, be aware of the financial and fuel savings made by the officials of the organization through the use of electric bicycles and the advantageous benefits that exist as a result. Awareness is very useful. Being able to provide transportation facilities using electricity instead of fossil fuels at a minimum cost will become a very effective alternative programme for the country in the face of the current financial crisis.”

Lumala’s Director CEO Tariq Miflal, Managing Director Asim Miflal, General Manager Ranjith Siriwardena and others were present during this tour of observation by the Minister.

In a recent interview with Deutsche Welle, President Ranil Wickremesinghe addressed several critical topics, including the Berlin dialogues, economic challenges and allegations of human rights concerns.

President Wickremesinghe acknowledged the progress made during the Berlin dialogues, emphasizing improved understanding and cooperation between Sri Lanka and European countries, particularly France and Germany.

Regarding economic challenges, he clarified the situation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and stated that they have reached an agreement, with discussions on alternative proposals to meet revenue targets on-going. He acknowledged historical taxation issues but expressed confidence in resolving them.

He highlighted that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is a significant step toward addressing reconciliation and human rights issues.
When asked about calls for an international investigation into human rights abuses, President Wickremesinghe rejected the idea, asserting that Sri Lanka would handle investigations internally with the involvement of Sri Lankan personnel. He also dismissed the recent UN report on human rights, asserting that the government had rejected it.

The interview concluded with President Wickremesinghe defending his government’s efforts to address these challenges and its commitment to cooperating with the international community.

Following is the full interview President Wickremesinghe had with Deutsche Welle;

Interviewer: President Wickremesinghe, welcome to Deutsche Welle. Thank you for being with us. Any good news that you’re taking home from the two days of the Berlin dialogues?

President Wickremesinghe: What I can take back from here is that the gap between us is closing, and there’s more understanding, especially on the European side. I had the chance of attending the Paris climate summit, and I’m here in Berlin to say that within the European Union, both France and Germany know our thinking and are attuned to our thinking, and they are trying to find a way of resolving some of the issues.

Interviewer: It is the IMF that seems to be not completely attuned to your thinking, right? Over the last couple of days, the IMF has said that they will stop the second package, at least pending negotiations, because there has been a 15% failure to meet the expectations for revenue, which essentially means that you have a problem with taxation. This problem seems to be very pressing. Is there a particular plan to actually accelerate this process?

President Wickremesinghe: It’s not that they are stopping the second package; we have come to an agreement. We have the view that we will have the results of what we’ve done this year will be shown next year. In regard to the targets, it was always felt that some of the targets may not be achieved, and they were told of it. And now we are talking about how we can fill that gap. And in regard to it, there are some proposals to which we have not agreed because we feel it might add to the burdens of the ordinary people. The IMF has asked us to come up with alternate proposals. Before I left, the alternate proposals were given to them, but they were leaving the next day.

Interviewer: Sorry for interrupting, but you do have a historical and serious problem with taxation, and this cannot be news to you since you’ve been in power six times.

President Wickremesinghe: Look, I am the first one to admit that. And we say that we need a new revenue authority. I brought it up in 2003, and I lost the election in 2004. But it’s not only a question of revenue evasion, which we have agreed. It is from where are you going to take that money in? Revenue evasion cannot be overcome in one year. We are already talking, and they’ve already given us, we’ve agreed with many of it. It’s just where do we find the money at the present time. It will be resolved.

Interviewer: How long do you think it will take?

President Wickremesinghe: I think by next week it will be resolved.

Interviewer: There is actually a very pressing question about poverty. Save the Children International is talking about a full-blown hunger crisis in Sri Lanka.

President Wickremesinghe: There was a pretty bad hunger crisis last year. We’ve reduced it. No one is saying no. But once this package is done, we’ll take the next step. When the economy collapses, it has to be. People didn’t have food, people are out of jobs, industries are collapsing. Now we are getting along, for instance, as far as the tourism is concerned, the whole sector is picking up.

Interviewer: The report from Save the Children International is less than a couple of weeks old.

President Wickremesinghe: So I read that report. I read the report. I am not saying no. We may not agree on the figures, the amount, percentages. There is hunger. I am not saying no to it. Obviously, when the economy collapses, there has to be. I am trying to get out of it. And there is a new report of proposals on childcare, which is not merely a question of hunger. There are a large number of children who are not receiving proper childcare. And that report is given to me next week.

Interviewer: Education is also suffering severely.

President Wickremesinghe: Education broke down. Now we are trying to get back into the normal regime, which is 2024 or 2025. We have now met and decided on far-reaching reforms to education. There is no need to accuse us.

Interviewer: No, no, it’s not an accusation. There is a difference in the times that a state has to solve its problems and the time that a parent has to feed a child.

President Wickremesinghe: Can you fulfill it within one year? We know the economy collapsed. Only this year it started moving, not even one year. And hunger is down. Poverty is down. More people are getting jobs. It’s a transition period. We are not saying there is no hunger. We say there is hunger. That’s why I took over. I finished the hunger.

Interviewer: Okay, let’s go to what has become probably one of the biggest stories in Sri Lanka over the last couple of weeks, which is the Channel 4 report on the presumed collusion of members of the state with a terrorist group in what is the worst terrorist episode in the history of Sri Lanka.

President Wickremesinghe: Why do you treat Channel 4 as sacred?

Interviewer: I don’t. I actually don’t.

President Wickremesinghe: A lot of people in Britain don’t. So is this just, I mean, Why are you only asking Channel 4?

Interviewer: you flatly deny it?

Interviewer: I’m not asking Channel 4. What I’m saying is that there is a very concrete accusation. When there is an accusation of this size.

President Wickremesinghe: Well, I mean, just because the media gives the accusation, why should I do this?…The former Attorney General has made accusations. The former director of CID has made accusations. Why do you need to ask me on all four?

Interviewer: It’s really not just Channel 4. It’s a Catholic Church that is asking for an investigation. It’s actually a former president under whom you served.

President Wickremesinghe: Look, I’m asking you that. You didn’t ask me that. When I pressed you, only you said that, that former president asked for it. You came with the Channel 4 report as gospel truth. Their point of the story is not gospel truth. Can you let me answer?

Interviewer: By all means, please. Please do.

President Wickremesinghe: Firstly, in regard to the Channel 4, I’ve appointed a committee with a judge who’s heading the committee, a former commander of the Air Force, and a well-known lawyer, to go into it. Secondly, in regard to the…

Interviewer: There is nobody that believes that this commission has teeth enough to do anything other than the Federal Republic Commission.

President Wickremesinghe: That is your view, not mine.

Interviewer: No, no, it’s not mine.

President Wickremesinghe: As far as I am concerned, I am dealing with the Bishops Conference, not with the cardinals, and they come and meet me, and the Bishops Conference wanted all the proceedings, and I gave it to them.

Interviewer: They are looking for an independent investigation into what had transpired.

President Wickremesinghe: This is the independent Commission that they agreed to. As far as I am concerned, you don’t deal with the bishops’ conference, I do. They come and meet me, not you. You sit here with a piece of paper, I talk to them when I go back again. The second one is a Parliamentary Committee. So if there is something that has not been done in this committee, the Parliamentary Committee will again go into it. It’s the Parliament that has to finally decide. As far as President Sirisena’s matter is concerned, He will meet me when I come back because, since he appointed one commission, I want to ask him whether he wants to. I have done nothing. I am not involved in it.

I am trying to resolve it. And you take a piece of paper by the cardinal, and you are reading it out there. Have you spoken to the bishops’ conference? Have you spoken to the Catholic bishops?

Interviewer: No, no, I have not.

President Wickremesinghe: Then you have no right to ask me this question.

Interviewer: Well, I think that’s an exaggeration. I think that it’s in the public interest to ask a question.

President Wickremesinghe: No, no. In the public interest, I am answering. Who are you?

Interviewer: So, can I move on to the next question?

President Wickremesinghe: No, no, you didn’t come here to ask questions. You tried to corner me. The government is not doing anything.

Interviewer: I have certainly not claimed that you are not doing anything.

President Wickremesinghe: No, no, you will take this western attitude out. I said, you are, you are doing it.

Interviewer: I think it’s actually the case that you have several people that have requested an international aided independent investigation of the eastern bombings.

President Wickremesinghe: Sri Lanka government doesn’t have international inquiries. Full stop. It’s the, a few people may have asked, but parliament doesn’t. And there is, I forgot to tell you, the FBI reports, which says that no one outside was involved. We had the FBI, we had the, it’s called the British police, we had the Australians, we had the Indians, we had the Chinese, all there, and the Pakistanis.

Interviewer: You do realize that this makes it look like you are paying lip service to the question. I am not saying that you are. – I am not saying that it makes it look… – No, no, sorry, sorry.

President Wickremesinghe: If the FBI has come in, if the Indians have come in, if the English have come in, if the Australians have come in, if the Chinese have come in, and if those secret service agencies have given reports, then what are you saying? – Well, What I am saying is you are talking nonsense. –

Interviewer: It might well be, but you have a long history.

President Wickremesinghe: No, no,

Interviewer: May I ask a question? – No, my… – You can answer whatever way you want, but if you would let me ask the question, then at least we will get to that.

President Wickremesinghe: I am telling you, don’t come and accuse me. That is not the way you run. Look, I have been doing this game long before you. I have been involved in television, I have been involved in media. I am telling you, we have a thing that the western media thinks we are bad. The way we have enquiries, we are by using Sri Lankan personnel. Now, you are saying, look, that is out. We will not have international enquiries on any issue. UK hasn’t got. Germany hasn’t got. What have you got? What are the international enquiries you have gone into? What are the ones that UK has gone into? Why these poor Sri Lankan Asians? You think we are second class?

Interviewer: No, I don’t. Not at all

President Wickremesinghe: Then why are you asking that?

Interviewer: Because you have a history of commissions since 2008, at least, till today, that have essentially produced nothing. I can list them for you. Udala Gama, Lessons Learned…

President Wickremesinghe: Can I tell you? This was the commission about the Easter blast. and, and, and, there have been enough of those. We have acted on all that. On, reconciliation is a different matter. There are commissions we have acted on, there are those we haven’t.

If you think that we are a third-rate country you have got it wrong.

Interviewer: It’s not the claim and it’s not what I said.

Here is the next question. As a matter of fact, I mean, there is now the last report of the UN on Human Rights in Sri Lanka remains dismal. So much so that now the American Congress has 12 people from across the aisle that are actually asking the Biden administration to put pressure on your government to figure out how you’re going to actually curb what are abuses. You have just announced a couple of months ago a new Truth and Reconciliation Commission after the ones I just listed had essentially no teeth.

President Wickremesinghe: You got it wrong. That is not a normal Presidential Commission. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission will be agreed with these countries that we have established a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. At the moment discussions are on with the parties plus the government, and we are talking with the western governments. The senators may put this in. We are talking with the western governments, and the Truth and Reconciliation Bill will come to Parliament before the end of the year. Since I took over there has been no major issue.

Interviewer: You can actually go yourself and I am sure you have seen the UN report for less than a month ago that is still talking about. May I finish the question?

President Wickremesinghe: No, no. I’m telling you that UN report has been rejected.

Interviewer: By whom?

President Wickremesinghe: The government of Sri Lanka has rejected it.

Interviewer: Okay, the government of Sri Lanka has rejected it.

President Wickremesinghe: Who has given it? I am not accepting that UN report.

Interviewer: So the UN is wrong about this?

President Wickremesinghe: Not the UN. The Human Rights Commission is wrong.

Interviewer: The Human Rights Commission is wrong. Clearly Amnesty and Human Rights Watch are wrong as well.

President Wickremesinghe: Human Rights Commission is wrong. The report is given by Human Rights Commission. If Amnesty International says there is something new, let them come.

Interviewer: Will you commit to having a criminal investigation? I mean the ministers in your own government that are requesting.

President Wickremesinghe: Who are the ministers? Look, the question is would you agree to have the criminal investigation department?

President Wickremesinghe: You tell me that I have two ministers. Minister of Commerce is Fernando. Minister of Tourism is Fernando. Neither of them have asked for it. You have made a serious accusation. You tell me the Fernando.

Interviewer: What is the serious accusation?

President Wickremesinghe: That two ministers of my cabinet wanted investigation.

Interviewer: It’s not an accusation. It’s actually public domain.

President Wickremesinghe: But that means you are wrong. As far as I am concerned there is only one. Under the law only the police can investigate like in your country. Right. And then if the police reports to the magistrate, the magistrate can order further inquiry.

Interviewer: Would you bring the criminal investigation department to investigate?

President Wickremesinghe: Certainly. Certainly, they are investigating. They are already there.

Interviewer: Okay, and there will be absolutely no question of international observers or collaboration to guarantee transparency.

President Wickremesinghe: Do you have international observers in your cases?

Interviewer: Between 60,000 and 100,000 people disappeared in Sri Lanka, and you still have no…

President Wickremesinghe: At the end, we have to still work. I think the numbers are supposed to be less.

Interviewer: So, it’s basically something that can be cavalierly dismissed.

President Wickremesinghe: We have a missing persons commission that’s going into it.

Interviewer: That has been going into it for a while.

President Wickremesinghe: I became president only one year ago.

Interviewer: Well, you’ve been prime minister. You’ve been in power six times. Yes, sir. So, this is actually part of the country that you inherited but you have also built.

President Wickremesinghe: I’ve been prime minister. You stop it, I stop it, we go off. Right? You know, you are shouting I am being bad.

Interviewer: Why can’t you answer?

President Wickremesinghe: Look, you haven’t done this your homework properly. You come to come and shout here saying that we are violating human rights. We are not.

Interviewer: There is a very strong case.

President Wickremesinghe: I disagree.

Interviewer: Can I ask you a last question, perhaps? Obviously, you can completely disagree with this. But in fact, there are like a lot of people in centres of power around the world that you actually are now reliant on that believe this to be a very serious issue and believe to be Sri Lanka. Let me please finish this question. Believe actually Sri Lanka to have not delivered on accountability, not delivered on justice. What you are promising for many of these people is essentially moot. Are you concerned that this kind of attitude will compromise what actually you now need from the international community? Is this a concern at all?

President Wickremesinghe: I am working with the international community on putting this right. We are working together with them. They know we are doing it. We are discussing everything. My foreign minister is discussing with them all the time. And they know all that. So what you have got is a lot of bunkum. Well, it’s just fine for that. You know, you ask the question. I gave a reply. It’s all right.

Interviewer: This is not a concern at all.

President Wickremesinghe: I don’t think we are doing it with the country. I respect human rights as the best record. You just come here and shout.

Thank you very much. Thank you.

Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana, who represented Sri Lanka at the “2023 Global Sustainable Transport Forum” held in Beijing, China, participated in a special visit to Beijing Foreign Studies University, after the conference.

On a scholarship awarded under the Confucius Chinese Education Plan, the Minister completed his Doctor of Philosophy degree at the Beijing University of Foreign Studies.

Former Head of the Department of Sinhala Studies, University of Kelaniya, Professor Malwane Chandarathana Thera, University President, Committee Deputy Secretary, Professor Yang Dan, Vice President and Committee Deputy Secretary Prof. Jia Wenjian, Charg‚ d’Affaires of the Sri Lankan Embassy in China, Yogananda, Counselor at Sri Lankan Embassy in China, Purnima Gunasekara, China Harbor Engineering Co. Ltd. Regional Deputy General Manager Xu Liqiang, and a group of students studying at the Faculty of Sinhala Language Studies of Beijing Foreign Studies University, also participated in a discussion held with the Minister.

An official meeting between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres took place at the UN Headquarters in New York yesterday.

“His Excellency Anagarika Siri Devamitta Dharmapala sacrificed his life for the perpetuation of Buddhism. He restored and saved Buddhism in Sri Lanka as well as India. In an article published with the purpose of appreciating his contribution, I mentioned that Anagarika Dharmapala is the father of national education in this country. Based on a long-term deep study, I can say that the Father of Free Education is Mr. C.W.W. Kannangara, and the father of national education is Anagarika Dharmapala,” Minister of Transport, Highways and Mass Media Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana said.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe urged greater South-South cooperation and proposed a scheme akin to the Colombo Plan to enhance collaboration, exchange best practices and develop policies that harness the transformational potential of science, technology and innovation. President Wickremesinghe delivered a compelling address at the Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the G77 and China in Havana, Cuba on Friday (15).

A book written by Natalya Kulishenko, senior officer at the Russian Centre in Colombo, was presented to Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana yesterday (13).