Tag: Colombo

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-Top News Defence India News

Indian Navy sub in Colombo for Operational Turn Around

INS Karanj is the third of the Kalveri class submarines commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2021….reports Asian Lite News

Indian Navy’s submarine INS Karanj is in Colombo for a two-day visit from February 3-5 for Operational Turn Around (OTA) with the purpose of replenishing soil and provisions, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka said in a statement on Sunday.

INS Karanj arrived in Colombo on Saturday and was received in a ceremonial manner by the Officer of the guard of Sri Lanka Navy.

Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, visited the submarine on Saturday and interacted with the commanding officer, Commander Arunabh and his crew.

Later in the day, around 100 nominated personnel from the Sri Lanka Navy were briefed about the submarine onboard. The Commanding Officer is scheduled to call on the Commander of the Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Saman Perera, at Western Naval Headquarters during the stay, the statement read.

Notably, INS Karanj is the third of the Kalveri class submarines commissioned into the Indian Navy on March 10, 2021.

This is the first foreign port call for INS Karanj since its commissioning. Previously, another Kalveri class submarine, INS Vagir, visited Colombo in relation to the International Day of Yoga in June 2023.

“The visit is an Operational Turn Around (OTR), wherein the submarine will replenish fuel and provisions. The crew will recuperate and have the opportunity of visiting places of interest in Colombo and Galle. The submarine will depart the island on February 5 2024,” the Indian High Commission added.

Earlier on Friday, the Indian Navy foiled another piracy attempt along the east coast of Somalia and saved Pakistani and Iranian crew members.

This incident came on the heels of similar operations, where the Indian Navy carried out two major rescue operations within 36 hours and rescued two hijacked fishing vessels and crew members, including 17 Iranian and 19 Pakistani nationals.

Earlier, in a rapid and effective response, the Indian Navy’s mission-deployed guided missile destroyer, INS Visakhapatnam, on January 18 addressed a distress call from the Marshall Island-flagged MV Genco Picardy following a drone attack on the night of January 17.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that maritime piracy and smuggling will not be tolerated under any circumstances. He also said that the central government is committed to fulfilling the needs of the Indian Army

Meanwhile, the INS Sandhayak, the first Survey Vessel Large (SVL) ship was commissioned at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam on Friday. (ANI)

Lankan Navy apprehends 23 fishermen from TN

A total of 23 Indian fishermen and two boats were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy from Rameswaram, officials said on Sunday.

As per the Rameswaram Fishermen Association, the fishermen were fishing near Delft island in the Palkbay sea area.

“Sri Lankan Navy arrived there and apprehended two boats and 23 fishermen from Rameswaram fishing boats and took them to Myalati Naval Camp, Jaffna for investigation,” they said.

Last month, the Sri Lankan Navy apprehended 18 Indian fishermen and seized two Indian poaching trawlers in Lankan waters.

The apprehended Indian fishermen and the trawlers were brought to the Thalpadu Pier in Mannar and were handed over to the Talaimannar Fisheries Inspector for onward legal action.

The arrests of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan navy in the recent past have been a matter of concern not just for the Centre but also for the Tamil Nadu government.

The issue was also discussed during the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe during the latter’s visit to India in July last year. (ANI)

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-Top News Asia News USA

US Partners with Adani Group for Colombo Port Terminal

The US has joined in the joint venture between Sri Lanka and India with Adani Ports & Special Economic Zones Limited (APSEZ) which owns 51 shares of the project…writes Susitha Fernando

The US had joined the Adani Group with a half a billion dollar loan to build a new deep water shipping container terminal at the in strategic Colombo Port in the race against China’s acquisition of part of ports in the Sri Lankan capital and the southern town of Hambantota.

The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) on Wednesday announced it’s $553 million finance on the Colombo West International Terminal Private Limited (CWITP), Sri Lanka biggest Foreign direct investment of $750 million to develop the port.

The US has joined in the joint venture between Sri Lanka and India with Adani Ports & Special Economic Zones Limited (APSEZ) which owns 51 shares of the project.  

“DFC works to drive private-sector investments that advance development and economic growth while strengthening the strategic positions of our partners. That’s what we’re delivering with this infrastructure investment in the Port of Colombo,” DFC CEO Scott Nathan said while announcing the partnership in Colombo. 

“Sri Lanka is one of the world’s key transit hubs, with half of all container ships transiting through its waters. DFC’s commitment of $553 million in private-sector loans for the West Container Terminal will expand its shipping capacity, creating greater prosperity for Sri Lanka — without adding to sovereign debt — while at the same time strengthening the position of our allies across the region,” Nathan added. 

In addition to APSEZ, CWITP is comprised of Sri Lanka’s John Keells Holdings which owns 34 per cent shares of the build, operate and transfer (BOT) basis project that is to run for a period of 35 years.

The state-run Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) will have 15 per cent of the total shares. 

“We welcome the associate of the DFC in funding the Adani’s project. We see this as reaffirmation by the international community of our vision of our capability and our governance. This is the largest single FDI into Sri Lanka through a single project,” Karan Adani, APSEZ’s Whole Time Director and CEO, said at the event in Colombo. 

“The relationship between Sri Lanka, the US and India is multifaceted and holds great promise. It symbolises the intersection of economic interests, regional stability and global security. Today is a historic day for all of us and today is a day that celebrates the deep historical and cultural and socio-economic bonds between two Asian neighbours Sri Lanka and India.

“Today is also a day we see the US- India relationship grow in strength and breath. I see this project as a first step through which three countries can foster cooperation and the development of sustainable infrastructure like smart and green ports which will improve the efficiency of port operation and also align with global efforts to combat climate change,” he added.

On her part, the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung said: “The $553 million investment by DFC for the long-term development of the Port of Colombo’s West Container Terminal will facilitate private- sector-led growth in Sri Lanka and attract crucial foreign exchange inflows during its economic recovery.

“This financing is symbolic of the US’ long-standing commitment to the development and well-being of the people of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka regaining its economic footing will further our shared vision for a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific.” 

The Port of Colombo is the largest and busiest trans-shipment port in the Indian Ocean and it has been operating at more than 90 per cent utilisation since 2021, signaling its need for additional capacity.

The new terminal will cater to growing economies in the Bay of Bengal, taking advantage of Sri Lanka’s prime position on major shipping routes and its proximity to these expanding markets, the US Embassy said in a statement. 

Once completed, the CWIT will be the biggest and deepest container terminal in Sri Lanka and will be equipped to handle ultra large container vessels with capacities of 24,000 TEUs.

The annual cargo handling capacity of this new terminal is likely to exceed 3.2 million

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-Top News India News Sri Lanka

Delhi, Colombo Resume Talks For Economic & Tech Agreement

On the proposed ETCA, both sides agreed on the need to build on progress made in the past while revisiting their positions wherever possible to reflect new developments…reports Asian Lite News

India and Sri Lanka held the 12th round of negotiations on the Ecobomic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA), the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on Wednesday.

The three-day meeting was held from October 30 to November 1 in the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo.

According to an official statement, the two countries had 11 rounds of bilateral talks from 2016 to 2018 but then the negotiations were paused.

The Sri Lankan delegation was led by KJ Weerasinghe, Chief Negotiator and the Indian delegation was led by Shri Anant Swarup, Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce, Government & Chief Negotiator.

During this round, both sides took stock of the progress made till the 11th round and engaged in discussions on various chapters, including Trade in Goods, Technical Barriers to Trade, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, Trade in Services, Custom Procedure & Trade Facilitation, Rules of Origin, Trade Remedies, Economic & Technology Cooperation and Dispute Settlement. Both sides identified areas of convergence and areas where they need to find creative solutions, the statement said.

Additionally, both sides reviewed the progress on implementation and decided to drop nine issues as being resolved. Issues such as the quota on apparel and pepper and the procurement of pharmaceuticals were also discussed and both sides decided to continue the discussion and explore new options for resolution of the matter.

On the proposed ETCA, both sides agreed on the need to build on progress made in the past while revisiting their positions wherever possible to reflect new developments.

Moreover, the Ministry said that the conclusion of the negotiations is expected to open new opportunities for trade and economic cooperation for both countries.

The India-Sri Lanka ETCA will be a pivotal move to further enhance bilateral trade between the two countries. Both sides acknowledged the huge potential of the India-Sri Lanka trade partnership and the possibilities for enhanced economic relations in areas of mutual interest. (ANI)

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-Top News India News Sri Lanka

Jaishankar in Colombo For IORA Meet

During the visit, Jaishankar will also have bilateral meetings in Colombo…reports Asian Lite News

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reached Colombo on Tuesday on a three-day visit during which he will attend the 23rd Council of Ministers (COM) meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

This is Jaishankar’s second visit to Sri Lanka this year.

“EAM will attend the 23rd Council of Ministers’ (COM) meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) on October 11, hosted by Sri Lanka, the current IORA Chair,” Ministry of External Affairs said in a release.

At the meeting, India will assume the Vice-Chair role of IORA for 2023-25, leading to chairship in 2025-27.

The Council of Ministers will review IORA’s recent activities and outline future cooperation.

“Glad to be back in Colombo. Thank Dr. Suren Raghavan, State Minister for Higher Education for welcoming me. Will be attending the 23rd IORA Council of Ministers meeting,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.

During the visit, Jaishankar will also have bilateral meetings in Colombo.

The External Affairs Minister visited Sri Lanka earlier in January this year, where he met Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and discussed bilateral cooperation, including transport and education.

Jaishankar had said that it is natural for India to stand by Sri Lanka during its difficult time.

Sri Lanka, which has battled economic difficulties, had in January thanked India for issuing guarantees sought by the IMF for unlocking USD 2.9 billion bailout package. (ANI)

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Dubai EXPO 2020 World

Colombo Pavilion hosts cultural activities as part of UAE Golden Jubilee celebrations

The Colombia Pavilion at Expo 2020 is hosting a wide array of cultural activities during this whole month of December as part of the UAE Golden Jubilee celebrations providing visitors a glimpse of the nation’s culture, music, film and performing arts. The South American country’s pavilion will host a variety of events, including film series, performances, and exhibitions by prominent Colombian artists. As part of the celebrations, Colombia’s Minister of Culture Angélica María Mayolo Obregón is also visiting Expo 2020 between December 7 and 9 to meet with members of the UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth. The visit aims to explore cooperation opportunities between UAE and Colombia, culminating in a signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on cultural initiatives. To kick-off its series of musical performances, on December 8 and 9 the awarded all-female musical group Guarura will be performing Joropo, a Colombian musical genre characterized mainly by the sounds of harp, capachos or maracas, bandola, bandolín, tiple, bandolón and guitar. The pavilion will also feature Julio Victoria, one of the most influential producers in Colombia’s electronic music scene, to entertain visitors with his distinct musical performance. In addition, from December 20 to 22, visitors will be enticed to dance with the beats of Joe Taylor & the Fire Band, from the Colombian Island of San Andres, for a reggae music concert, highlighting traditional Caribbean music and the sounds that hype up dance halls. Meanwhile, visitors can view the masterpieces of visual artists Sergio Mantilla Soler and Miguel Chaparro Alvis from December 28 to 30, including the artists collaborative work on their famous virtual installation 'Unibirds', inspired by Colombian biodiversity. The two Colombian artists worked together to help raise awareness about climate change and their works have been exhibited in various countries such as Japan, the United States, Belgium, and Germany, among others. The pavilion is also exhibiting Soler’s solo masterpieces which explore the relationship of human beings and the way they perceive and construct time, as well as Alvis’ exemplary projects of public art, sound, audiovisual, and scenography design. Visitors to the Terra Pavilion can also catch the special film-showing of Colombia’s famous ‘El Olvido que seremos’. This multi-awarded film, with a plot about an almost supernatural bond between a father and a son, is based on the book written by the Colombian writer Hector Abat Facciolince. Other films to be shown include Jinetes del paraíso, Jericó, los Ajenos, and El Piedra. In recent years, Colombian films have received international recognitions and nominations such as in the Oscar Academy and Goya Awards. The country also is also the host to the Cartagena de Indias International Film Festival (FICCI), the oldest film event in Latin America celebrating milestones in cinematography of Ibero-America and the world. The nation’s film and TV production industry has been positively growing and is known for exporting television programs in various markets. Colombia’s famous telenovelas have successfully crossed continents and have been aired in various platforms and channels across the world. Throughout the duration of Expo 2020, visitors can marvel at the famed ‘Reclining Woman’ sculpture at the Botero Garden located outside the nation’s pavilion. This iconic and massive work of art is one of the masterpieces of the Colombian artist, Fernando Botero. Master Botero is one of the most popular Latin American artists of the last century, thanks to his figurative style known as "boterismo." The nation’s cultural jewels, arts, music, and creativity are poised to charm visitors as they tour the Colombia Pavilion at Expo 2020 and attract them to visit the country for an unforgettable cultural experience. Colombia stands out as one of the top cultural tourism destinations, with nine cultural elements declared by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Colombia Minister of Culture set to sign memorandum of understanding with members of the UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth..reports Asian Lite News

The Colombia Pavilion at Expo 2020 is hosting a wide array of cultural activities during this whole month of December as part of the UAE Golden Jubilee celebrations providing visitors a glimpse of the nation’s culture, music, film and performing arts. The South American country’s pavilion will host a variety of events, including film series, performances, and exhibitions by prominent Colombian artists.

As part of the celebrations, Colombia’s Minister of Culture Angélica María Mayolo Obregón is also visiting Expo 2020 between December 7 and 9 to meet with members of the UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth. The visit aims to explore cooperation opportunities between UAE and Colombia, culminating in a signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on cultural initiatives.

To kick-off its series of musical performances, on December 8 and 9 the awarded all-female musical group Guarura will be performing Joropo, a Colombian musical genre characterized mainly by the sounds of harp, capachos or maracas, bandola, bandolín, tiple, bandolón and guitar. The pavilion will also feature Julio Victoria, one of the most influential producers in Colombia’s electronic music scene, to entertain visitors with his distinct musical performance.

In addition, from December 20 to 22, visitors will be enticed to dance with the beats of Joe Taylor & the Fire Band, from the Colombian Island of San Andres, for a reggae music concert, highlighting traditional Caribbean music and the sounds that hype up dance halls.

Meanwhile, visitors can view the masterpieces of visual artists Sergio Mantilla Soler and Miguel Chaparro Alvis from December 28 to 30, including the artists collaborative work on their famous virtual installation ‘Unibirds’, inspired by Colombian biodiversity. The two Colombian artists worked together to help raise awareness about climate change and their works have been exhibited in various countries such as Japan, the United States, Belgium, and Germany, among others.

The pavilion is also exhibiting Soler’s solo masterpieces which explore the relationship of human beings and the way they perceive and construct time, as well as Alvis’ exemplary projects of public art, sound, audiovisual, and scenography design.

Visitors to the Terra Pavilion can also catch the special film-showing of Colombia’s famous ‘El Olvido que seremos’. This multi-awarded film, with a plot about an almost supernatural bond between a father and a son, is based on the book written by the Colombian writer Hector Abat Facciolince. Other films to be shown include Jinetes del paraíso, Jericó, los Ajenos, and El Piedra.

In recent years, Colombian films have received international recognitions and nominations such as in the Oscar Academy and Goya Awards. The country also is also the host to the Cartagena de Indias International Film Festival (FICCI), the oldest film event in Latin America celebrating milestones in cinematography of Ibero-America and the world. The nation’s film and TV production industry has been positively growing and is known for exporting television programs in various markets. Colombia’s famous telenovelas have successfully crossed continents and have been aired in various platforms and channels across the world.

ALSO READ: Colombia celebrates Flowers Week at Expo 2020 Dubai

Throughout the duration of Expo 2020, visitors can marvel at the famed ‘Reclining Woman’ sculpture at the Botero Garden located outside the nation’s pavilion. This iconic and massive work of art is one of the masterpieces of the Colombian artist, Fernando Botero. Master Botero is one of the most popular Latin American artists of the last century, thanks to his figurative style known as “boterismo.”

The nation’s cultural jewels, arts, music, and creativity are poised to charm visitors as they tour the Colombia Pavilion at Expo 2020 and attract them to visit the country for an unforgettable cultural experience. Colombia stands out as one of the top cultural tourism destinations, with nine cultural elements declared by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

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-Top News Asia News Travel & Tourism

Sri Lanka Ready to Welcome Travellers

All cultural and recreational sites in Sri Lanka are now open and tourists can access any part of the country with ease … A special report by Asian Lite News

An emerald isle perched in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean which has entranced explorers, adventurers and merchants over thousands of years is now fully open and ready to welcome travellers from around the world.

The Conde Nast 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards last month ranked the island among ‘The Best Countries to Travel to’ right now – reflecting the eagerness of tourists to flock to the island.

All cultural and recreational sites in Sri Lanka are now open and tourists can access any part of the country with ease. As a result of a steady decline in COVID-19 infections in Sri Lanka due to the efficient vaccine drive carried out where 68% of Sri Lanka’s 21.9 million total population are fully vaccinated, the Robert Koch Institute has removed Sri Lanka from its list of high-risk countries, thus paving the way for tourists to holiday in the island with the upcoming winter season being the ideal time to visit the island destination.

With no minimum duration of stay, travellers can apply for tourist visa online at www.eta.gov.lk. Tourists who have completed 14 days after the recommended doses of COVID-19 vaccination and arrive in Sri Lanka with a negative COVID-19 PCR Report within 72 hours of embarkation will be considered as fully vaccinated. Any vaccination type is accepted by Sri Lankan authorities. Moreover, fully vaccinated travellers are exempted from obtaining the mandatory COVID-19 Local Insurance cover. However, travellers should ensure that they have a comprehensive travel insurance that will cover health and other expenses related to COVID-19.  

Fully vaccinated travellers if accompanied by not-vaccinated/not-fully vaccinated children of 12-18 years, pay for on-arrival PCR test at USD 40 per test. Travelers can pay for PCR test at the Ministry of Health approved laboratory established at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) or any other MOH approved laboratory.

Also, travellers can visit www.visitsrilanka.gov.lk to pay in advance. Unvaccinated children below the age of 12 are allowed entry into the country with no PCR test on arrival. Travellers who have not received COVID-19 vaccination, nor completed the recommended doses of vaccination (not-fully vaccinated) and/or departed from abroad within less than 2 weeks of completion of recommended doses of vaccination will be considered as not-vaccinated or not-fully-vaccinated travellers will also be permitted to travel in Sri Lanka within the safety of the Tourism Bio Bubble.

Mr Prasanna Ranatunga, Tourism Minister, Sri Lanka

COVID-19 recovered travellers who are vaccinated, but not yet completed 2 weeks from the recommended doses of vaccination (not-fully vaccinated) can also visit under the safety of the Tourism Bio-Bubble and will be entitled for a shorter, flexible bio-bubble period at “Safe & Secure Certified L1’’ hotel/s.  More information on the protocol to be followed by the two traveller segments can be found on helloagain (srilanka.travel)

Despite its compact size, Sri Lanka boasts of one of the highest rates of biological endemism in the world – whether in plants or animals – and is included among the top five biodiversity hotspots in the world. Teeming with wildlife parks and the surrounding ocean being home to large families of cetaceans including the mighty blue whales, sperm whales and playful dolphins – the island is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Sri Lanka has one of the richest diversity of amphibians in the world, containing over 106 species of amphibians of over 90 of which are endemic – offering the highest amphibian species density in the world with a high concentration in the Sinharaja rainforest. The destination understands the importance of protecting the natural resources the Island has been blessed with and Sri Lanka Tourism has implemental many initiatives in line with its goal of developing Sri Lanka as a sustainable destination.

The endless expanse of beaches and miles and miles of coastline attract many tourists to bask under its tropical sun. Other than taking a dip in the oceans or snorkelling, scuba diving and surfing are the most popular beach sports in the country. Today, the oceans filled with coral gardens, multitude of exotic fish and ancient wrecks offer one of the best diving experiences in the world.

The sea around Sri Lanka is also one of the most challenging marine game fishing locations while white water rafting, kayaking and canoeing are some of the relatively new water sports practiced in the country. With a multitude of roads winding through expanding mountains, lush green forests, paddy fields, parks and sleepy villages, Sri Lanka also offers many opportunities to keen hikers and trekkers.

Recognised as one of the World’s Top Wellness Destinations in 2021 by the Global Wellness Institute, Sri Lanka is the perfect wellness destination getaway.  With its Ayurveda and yoga traditions, rich heritage and culture, authentic and distinctive cuisine, warm and hospitable people, abundant flora and fauna and a multitude of water-based activities the island is ideally positioned to welcome the wellness seeker.

Ms. Kimarli Fernando, Chairperson, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB)

 It is evident that wellness has evolved beyond yoga retreats and spa treatments, wellness now is anything that brings balance to ones being, be it a walk through a forest, swimming with giant turtles, plucking your own tea or learning to make authentic local cuisine. Wellness is now considered largely experiential, and the Sri Lankan Tourism product is positioned perfectly to curate authentic wellness experiences with the ability to differentiate the offering from regional rivals.

Highlighted by CNN , BBC and Forbes for as a destination not to be missed, Post Covid travellers looking for places to explore and re-connect with themselves and nature would find Sri Lanka ideal. Blessed with abundant flora and fauna, wildlife, serene beaches, friendly people, amazing food and authentic experiences will offer everything and more to the traveller seeking peace and a sense of freedom. The Island has emerged as a destination where travellers have a desire to look beyond the superficial elements and explore more the authentic experience-driven route. The Island is open and eager to welcome back visitors and the easing of entry protocols makes it the perfect escape. The Island is an experiential treasure trove, waiting to be re-discovered.

READ MORE: Another boost for Lankan tourism

READ MORE: Lanka beefs up efforts to revive tourism

  • Mr Prasanna Ranatunga, Tourism Minister, Sri Lanka
  • Ms. Kimarli Fernando, Chairperson, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB)