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Lanka Seeks Debt Moratorium Till 2027 Amid Crisis

The President claimed that the South Asian island nation faces a significant burden of debt….writes Susitha Fernando

Financially-broke Sri Lanka seeks a debt default till 2027 from both local and international lenders to ease the debt burden on the country’s GDP.

Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced in Parliament that by 2022, the country was slated to repay nearly $6 billion in foreign debt annually, amounting to about 9.5 per cent of the GDP, a considerable strain for any nation.

The President claimed that the South Asian island nation faces a significant burden of debt.

“Currently, we are actively engaged in discussions regarding the restructuring of all loans, including domestic and foreign loans. We are optimistic that these negotiations will reach a successful resolution soon. Our goal is to obtain temporary relief from debt defaults from 2023 to 2027,” Wickremesinghe said presenting its plans to repaying the loans in the period from 2027 to 2042.

“Through successful negotiations for debt restructuring, we aim to alleviate this burden by reducing the annual foreign debt payments to 4.5 per cent of the GDP, a substantial halving of the previous percentage,” President Wickremesinghe said in a special statement in the Parliament on Wednesday.

Going through a severe economic crisis and a dollar crunch, Sri Lanka defaulted on its foreign debt in May 2022 and declared that the country was bankrupt.

At the end of September, Sri Lanka’s overall debt was at $91 billion.

To help temper sky-rocketing inflation and increase foreign exchange reserves, Sri Lanka struck a $2.9 billion bailout package with the International Monetary Fund in March last year.

In April 2023, India together with Japan and France came to help debt-ridden Sri Lanka initiating a common platform for talks among bilateral creditors to coordinate restructuring Sri Lanka’s debt.

However, China, Sri Lanka’s biggest single bilateral lender, accounting for around 10 per cent of total foreign debt stayed away from the joint effort.

As of June 2023 China held 52 per cent of Sri Lanka’s bilateral debt while Japan, the second largest creditor held 20 per cent, followed by India at 12 per cent and France at three per cent.

ALSO READ: India Powers Isolated Sri Lankan Islands

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India Powers Isolated Sri Lankan Islands

The hybrid project, which is aimed at addressing energy needs of the people of the three islands combines various forms of energy including both solar and wind…reports Asian Lite News

India on Friday inked a pact with Sri Lanka to provide renewable energy to three islands Delft, Nainativu and Analaitivu off Jaffna which are completely cut off from the national grid.

On behalf of Sri Lankan government, Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority and M/s. U Solar Clean Energy Solutions Pvt. Ltd from India signed the contract for the implementation of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems as a grant assistance from Government of India (GOI).

The agreement was signed in the presence of High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha and Sri Lanka State Minister for Power and Energy Indika Anuruddha.

The hybrid project, which is aimed at addressing energy needs of the people of the three islands combines various forms of energy including both solar and wind, towards optimising capacities, the Indian High Commission said.

“GOI’s assistance to the project for the people of the three islands, which are not connected to the national grid, underscores the significance attached by country to bilateral energy partnership as well as the human-centric nature of development partnership,” the High Commission said.

The energy sector was identified as a priority area in the India-Sri Lanka Economic Partnership Vision document which was adopted during the visit of Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe to India in July, 2023.

“Several landmark initiatives such as the power grid connectivity, multi product two-way oil pipeline are currently under discussion between India and Sri Lanka in the energy sphere,” it added.

“GOI’s overall development partnership portfolio stands at USD 5 billion with almost USD 600 million being in grants alone. While several flagship grant projects such as 1990 Suwaseriya Emergency Ambulance have already been completed, others such as the third and fourth phases of Indian Housing Project and Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity Project are under different stages of implementation, the High Commission said.

ALSO READ: India’s Housing Initiative Empowers Lankan Plantation Workers

ALSO READ: Lanka Welcomes Indian Coast Guard for Joint Training

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Sri Lankan leaders heap praise on Jaishankar

This comes after External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar, while speaking at an event, advised people to visit Sri Lanka to take a holiday….reports Asian Lite News

Sri Lankan political leaders heaped praise on External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar for promoting Sri Lankan tourism and appealing to people to visit the island country in their next holidays.

Former Sri Lankan member of parliament, Sajith Premadasa, lauded India’s minister and said he ‘deeply appreciates’ EAM Jaishankar’s efforts in campaigning tourism for Sri Lanka.

Taking to X, he said, “Deeply appreciate @DrSJaishankar efforts on championing tourism to Sri Lanka. We warmly welcome all our Indian friends to experience the rich tapestry of our culture. #Gratitude #Hospitality.”

Moreover, former member of Parliament and former Sri Lankan cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya also thanked Jaishankar for supporting Sri Lanka and said India’s support of Sri Lanka Tourism is priceless.

“Special thanks to His excellency Indian External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar for your support during our darkest time by words and deeds. Also India’s support to Sri Lanka Tourism is priceless to us,” Former cricketer Suriya posted on X.

This comes after EAM Jaishankar, while speaking at an event, advised people to visit Sri Lanka to take a holiday.

Jaishankar spoke about India’s support for Sri Lanka and said, “My first advice to you, the next time you want to take a holiday, go to Sri Lanka. I’m serious.”

Sri Lanka has been reeling under a severe economic crisis in the recent past, with Covid-induced lockdowns wrecking the country’s economic backbone–tourism.

Mounting bad loans also added to the nation’s woes, putting the economy under severe stress and on the verge of bankruptcy.

In addition, a foreign exchange crisis, heavy Chinese debts, and a failed move to shift the country’s agriculture to 100 per cent organic had intensified the country’s troubles.

However, at a time when the country, also known as the Emerald Isle, was staring at an economy abyss, with riots breaking out and the previous Rajapaksa government collapsing in the face of mounting public anger, India came out in its support and extended a helping hand to its southern neighbour.

New Delhi not only opened a line of credit for the embattled nation but also extended timely assistance on various fronts to help the island nation recover from the crippling economic crisis.

Jaishankar also said that global politics is a competitive game and India should not be ‘scared’ of China, and instead of ‘complaining’ should focus on doing better than Beijing.

He also said that China being a ‘major economy’ will deploy its resources and as part of competitive politics, try and shape things in its way.

“China is also a neighbouring country and in many ways will, as part of competitive politics, influence these. I don’t think we should be scared of China. I think we should say, okay, global politics is a competitive game. You do your best, and I will do my best,” Jaishankar said.

He added, “China is a major economy. It will deploy resources. It will try and shape things in China’s way. Why should we expect otherwise? But the answer to that is not to complain about what China is doing. The answer is, ‘Okay, you are doing it. Let me do better than that.'”

Last October, India and China held the 20th round of Corps Commander-level talks at Chushul as part of the ongoing efforts for overall disengagement and de-escalation to resolve the stand-off in eastern Ladakh.

The MEA said that the two sides agreed to maintain the momentum of dialogue and negotiations through the relevant military and diplomatic mechanisms.

Earlier this month, the EAM stated that he had told his Chinese counterpart that unless they find a solution on the border, Beijing should not expect normal relations between the two countries. (ANI)

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Indian Navy rescues hijacked Sri Lankan vessel in coordinated action

All three pirates surrendered to the Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG) and all six crew members are safe the vessel is being escorted to Mahe, Seychelles…reports Asian Lite News

The Indian Navy successfully intercepted and rescued the hijacked Sri Lankan fishing vessel on Tuesday, in coordination with Seychelles Defence Forces and Sri Lanka Navy, the Ministry of Defence said.

The Indian Navy has successfully intercepted and rescued a hijacked vessel, in collaboration with Seychelles Defence Forces and Sri Lanka Navy.

“In a coordinated multilateral response to the hijacking of a Sri Lankan fishing vessel, the Indian Navy, Seychelles Defence Forces and Sri Lanka Navy, successfully intercepted and rescued the vessel which was hijacked on January 27,” the statement read.

According to the statement, the Indian Navy deployed INS Sharada ex Kochi PM on January 28 and also tasked the HALE Sea Guardian drone to locate and intercept the hijacked fishing vessel.

All three pirates surrendered to the Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG) and all six crew members are safe the vessel is being escorted to Mahe, Seychelles.

In a separate case, 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.

On Monday, the Indian Navy warship INS Sumitra thwarted the piracy attempt on an Iranian-flagged fishing vessel, Al Naeemi sailing off the East Coast of Somalia and successfully rescued 19 Pakistani nationals.

This operation came shortly after the INS Sumitra saved another Iranian-flagged fishing vessel, FV Iman, from Somali pirates, which had 17 crew members onboard in its anti-piracy operations along the east coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden.

“INS Sumitra, over the course of less than 36 hours, through swift, persistent and relentless efforts has rescued two hijacked Fishing Vessels along with 36 Crew (17 Iranian and 19 Pakistani) in the Southern Arabian Sea approximately 850 nm West of Kochi, and prevented misuse of these Fishing Vessels as Mother Ships for further acts of Piracy on Merchant Vessels,” the Indian Navy said in a statement.

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. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Fire onboard merchant vessel brought under control by Navy

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Ambassadors of Pakistan, Sri Lanka grace Des Pardes short film

It’s the working class who understands the pain and joy without any boundries, depicts short film by the Creative 9 Team, supported by UNIMONI EXCHANGE reports Vinod Raghavan

Des Pardes a short film created by The Creative 9 Team and supported by Unimoni Exchange was premiered at a private screening at a starred hotel in Ruwi, Muscat on Tuesday evening, in the presence of distinguished guests and dignitaries.

The Ambassador of Pakistan Imran Ali Chaudhary and Ambassador of Sri Lanka Ahamed Lebbe Sabarullah Khan, were the chief guests alongwith Boban M.P, CEO of Unimoni Exchange.

The 24 minute film directed by well known journalist and filmmaker Anirban Ray, portrays the blue-collared workers from different nationalities viz. Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, work together, staying in a labour camp and also they play cricket, which is a major binding factor amongst the expats from the Asian countries in the Sultanate of Oman to share their joy and sorrow moments together.

The story by Kabeer Yousuf, another Journalist and actor, highlights the problems of these expat workers and their hope and belief in camaradiereship which brings them closer.

The story takes a twist, on a weekly off on Friday, when Akther (Sami Sarang) a Pakistani blue collar labour gets a call from his wife portrayed by the Mumbai girl – Pooja Ajwani as their little daughter Ayesha (Alankrita) is severely ill and is struggling for life and death.

The director got the best emotional scene from Ayesha, where she yells on her husband and says “Aapko kuch fikar hai hamari, Ayesha ki Tabiyat kharab hotey ja rahi hai” (are you aware of what we are facing back home and our little one’s condition is worsening). A moved Akther, tries to pacify her.

Being a holiday, all his colleagues are busy in cooking, washing, playing cricket and getting their weekly groceries from the nearby mall, which is about 5 km from the Pakistani Labour Camp in Wadi Kabir, as they go by cycle or walking.

The director with his skill and vision plays with the emotions of all four labourers who leave halfway their favourite game cricket on a Friday holiday on seeing the heart-broken Akther, weeping and pleading for his pending salary with the camp boss.

The camp boss played by (Ansar Abdul) was enjoying the world cup cricket match, gets irritated on seeing Akther coming after him for money.

The workers watching helpless Akther, Mohammed Jamal from Bangladesh lungs forward in full power with his bat towards the camp boss, but the kind-hearted Pakistani Akther, stops him, inspite of his little daughter struggling for life.

The small salaried workers felt, that this is the time to unite and stand and brilliantly captures all three of them with their eye contacts agrees to share Akther’s burden on their little shoulder.

Without villains, films cannot be completed, so, this film also has three villain characters from different shades. Arun’s father a retired school headmaster in Kerala, is harassed by local goondas headed by Sumesh Hariharan and his henchman Bittu a Dharavi-based side-kick. The veteran Sujathan Master, a well-known theatre personality from Kerala, who was in Muscat for a Malayalam drama, was roped in for a brief role, was stalked by these goondas, a shattered Master calls up his son Arun (Kabeer Yousuf) about the ordeal he faced in full public glare in a busy market.

The second goonda, Assistant camp boss, demanding Hafta or labourers contribution reminds the scene from the iconic Yash Chopra film Deewar, where Amitabh Bachchan as a coolie refuses to pay hafta to the goons. Here Jamal, refuses to pay for Birthday celebration of the camp boss and others too join the Bangladeshi.

Jamal, remembers how his brother alongwith others were shot while crossing borders in Mexico.

The infiltrators crossing the border scene was captured under the fading sunlights of Muscat. Sabitha Lijo Alex, with three others plays the role of infiltrators, as she was shot at by the officer, her brother and others leave her and runs with their lives in hand, she cries, “Dada, aamek Jeebo (brother I want to live) which reminds the iconic scene from Ritwik Ghatak’s Bengali film Megha Dhake Taaro.

The officer’s role was portrayed by Shan Hari.

Interestingly, the young Sinhala couple played by Samantha (Jordan Lesley) and Mallika (Salma), had their worries of getting married. In that time another local Romeo (Lahiru Saminda) bumps in and asks Mallika to marry him and he will keep her happy. As she asks him not to talk ill about her fiancée, he threatens her. Lahiru is in his natural best.

 “This is a story that awakens our conscience and shed light on the goodness factor that is underlying in our hearts,” said Boban MP.

Pakistan Ambassador, was very much touched with the film and assured that he will be organizing the film show at Pakistan Embassy in Muscat very soon.

At the Haffa Hotel, after the film show, quiz related to the film was asked and five of them bagged prizes viz. Sajeeva Jayasuriya, Rizwana Kabeer Yousuf, Monty Navani, Alankrita Lijo Alex and Sajid, the prizes were sponsored by Al Saif Perfumes, Oman.

The event was anchored and compered by Joice Joy of Unimoni Exchange, Reeha Kabeer Yousuf and Piya Pawani.

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Lanka Cabinet Approves Thailand FTA

A complete 14-chapter draft FTA was prepared after nine rounds of discussions between the two sides…reports Asian Lite News

Sri Lanka’s cabinet has granted approval to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) with Thailand, the government’s information department said on Thursday.

A complete 14-chapter draft FTA was prepared after nine rounds of discussions between the two sides, Xinhua news agency reported.

The department, in a statement said the development of supply capacity, attracting export-oriented foreign direct investment and expanding international market access for Sri Lankan goods and services had been identified as strategies essential for the country’s economic growth.

The National Trade Negotiations Committee has also exchanged views with all relevant local stakeholders during the negotiation process.

ALSO READ: Sri Lanka Frees 13 Indian Fishermen From Custody

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Sri Lanka Frees 13 Indian Fishermen From Custody

At least 33 Indian trawlers and 220 Indian fishermen were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy in 2023, the Sri Lankan Navy said in a statement back in December, last year….reports Asian Lite News

As many as 13 Indian fishermen were repatriated from Sri Lanka to Chennai on Tuesday, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka said in a statement.

In a post shared on X, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka stated, “Back home safely! 13 Indian fishermen were repatriated from Sri Lanka to Chennai earlier this morning.”

Earlier on January 5, 21 Indian fishermen were repatriated from Sri Lanka to Chennai, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka informed through a statement. They were detained by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly being involved in illegal poaching in Lankan waters.

“21 #Indian fishermen have been repatriated from #SriLanka to #Chennai a short while ago,” the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka had posted on its official X handle.

At least 33 Indian trawlers and 220 Indian fishermen were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy in 2023, the Sri Lankan Navy said in a statement back in December, last year.

Six Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu were arrested by the Lankan Navy in December. In a separate incident in the same month, 25 fishermen — 12 from Tamil Nadu and 13 from Puducherry — were also detained by the Sri Lankan navy.

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

In October last year, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin wrote to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, expressing concern over the repeated arrests of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, while reiterating his demand that the Centre do the needful in safeguarding the traditional fishing rights of the state’s anglers in the Palk Bay region.

Tamil Nadu BJP president Annamalai also wrote to EAM Jaishankar over the issue. Notably, 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 this year.

In a statement after meeting Ranil Wickremesinghe, PM Modi said, “We also discussed the issues related to the livelihood of fishermen. We agree that we should proceed with a humane approach in this matter.” (ANI)

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India Steadies Sri Lanka’s Boat Amid Economic Turbulence

Year Ender 2023: India’s assistance holds the boat for Sri Lanka as it battles waves of economic crisis…reports Asian Lite News

As Sri Lanka’s battle against economic crisis remains persistent, India’s assistance to the island nation gives the country an anchorage to hold its boat under its ‘neighbourhood first’ policy.

The External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar visited India twice this year. His first visit took place at the start of this year (January 2023) and his second one in October.

During his January visit, Jaishankar not only assured Sri Lanka of India’s unwavering support to the island nation in its economic recovery but also invited the country’s President Ranil Wickremesinghe to visit India.

Following this, the Sri Lankan President arrived here in New Delhi in July this year at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During his visit, President Wickremesinghe met his Indian counterpart Droupadi Murmu and discussed various issues of mutual interest with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other Indian dignitaries as well.

According to an MEA release, Wickremesinghe’s visit was to reinforce the longstanding friendship between the two countries and explore avenues for enhanced connectivity and mutually beneficial cooperation across sectors.

Celebrating the 75 years of diplomatic relationship with each other, India and Sri Lanka also unveiled a logo earlier in October.

Posting the logo on his social media platform, X, Jaishankar then wrote, “India and Sri Lanka launched a logo celebrating the 75 Years of our diplomatic relationship today.” “Captures our deep historical, cultural and people-to-people bonds,” he had said, at the time when the logo was launched.

Time and again, the frequent visits from the leaders of both countries have proven the diplomatic ties between the two countries have always remained cordial and friendly.

India and Sri Lanka, apart from engaging on various fora, also are a good maritime neighbour to each other.

The highly advanced Indian Naval Ship ‘Nireekshak’ arrived at the port of Trincomalee in September this year to facilitate Mixed Gas Diving training for the Sri Lanka Navy, according to the press release from the Indian High Commission in Colombo.

Previously, in September 2019 and March 2022, the ship made two trips to Trincomalee as part of an SLN diver training mission. The ongoing interaction between Indian Naval vessels and the Sri Lankan Navy aligns with the Government of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, which aims to enhance capabilities.

The foreign minister of Sri Lanka, Ali Sabry, in an interview to ANI, had stated earlier in September that his country is attempting to establish better ties with India in the areas of port shipping connectivity, tourism, electricity, and renewable energy.

Sabry further stressed that Sri Lanka has seen a big opportunity in India.

“We have seen a big opportunity here, that’s the idea. I’m sure we will be able to do that and that will be better for both countries.” He said that Sri Lanka wants a good region with prosperity, peace, harmony, and among all, “we want a good and prosperous neighbour.” Sabry further praised India and added, “India is going that path. We want to go with them.” While talking about the current situation in the country and India’s assistance, Sebry highlighted that the situation is much better compared to last year.

“Inflation has come down, the Rupee has stabilised, reserves have risen, and tourism has increased… It is India who provided us with various forms of assistance worth 3.9 billion,” he added.

Moreover, he expressed his gratitude and said that India can proudly claim a great part of the credit that Sri Lanka has achieved today.

Underscoring his meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Serby expressed his happiness to meet him and said that the two ministers had a small conversation on ways to strengthen the India-Sri Lanka relationship.

“I have invited him to visit Sri Lanka for the IORA. He promised that he would try his level best to make it and to take the country forward,” he said.

Last year, India supplied over 270,000 MT of fuel to Sri Lanka so far to help ease the power crisis in the island country which was witnessing acute power cuts. Moreover, Sri Lanka also signed a USD 1 billion credit line with India for procurement of food, medicines and other essential items, amid the island nation’s worsening economic crisis. The agreement was signed between the State Bank of India (SBI) and the Government of Sri Lanka, during Sri Lankan Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksha’s two-day visit to India.

Meanwhile, Jaishankar, who visited Colombo for the second time in October in 2023, had bilateral meetings with the Sri Lankan leaders there.

He had said that India’s commitment to the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is deeply rooted in the principles of peaceful coexistence, shared prosperity, and regional collaboration.

“For Member States to grow and prosper, development challenges must be continuously and effectively addressed. In particular, we should cooperate on various aspects of the maritime economy, resources, connectivity and security,” the EAM said at the press conference of the 23rd IORA Council of Ministers Meeting in Sri Lanka.

The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is an inter-governmental organisation aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable development within the Indian Ocean region through its 23 Member States and 11 Dialogue Partners, as per the IORA website.

Jaishankar then said: “We should be equally clear where the dangers are, be it in hidden agendas, in unviable projects or in unsustainable debt. Exchange of experiences, sharing of best practices, greater awareness and deeper collaboration are part of the solutions.”

India and Sri Lanka held the 12th round of negotiations on the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) in Colombo, Sri Lanka from October 30, 2023 to November 1, 2023. The two countries had 11 rounds of bilateral talks from 2016 to 2018. Thereafter the negotiations were paused.

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the three-day long meeting was held in the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo.

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 and 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.

Sri Lanka has been reeling under a severe economic crisis in recent years, with the COVID-19 pandemic virtually bringing the significant tourism industry of the island country to a standstill.

In addition, a foreign exchange crisis, heavy Chinese debts, and a failed move to shift the country’s agriculture to 100 per cent organic had intensified the difficult situation. However, Notably, India, in several instances has assisted on various fronts to its island neighbour to tide over its economic crisis.

In the latest development, Sri Lankan Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, who is currently leading a Parliamentary delegation to India, called on Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla following which Birla emphasised that Sri Lanka continues to be an important partner in India’s growth story.

Abeywardana called on Lok Sabha Speaker Birla at the Parliament House Complex in the national capital.

As a strategic neighbour, Birla stressed the importance of Sri Lanka in the Indian context. “Observing that both countries are deeply linked economically as well as tourist destinations, Birla lauded the fact that Sri Lanka continues to be an important partner in India’s growth story.

He hoped that the ties fostered for so long would strengthen over time,” according to an official release, and further said that the two countries are not only close neighbours but also guardians of a shared history, culture, and democratic values that bind the two nations together.

Praising the trajectory of the economic growth of India, Sri Lankan Parliament Speaker Abeywardana expressed his gratitude for the assistance provided by India in myriad fields.

“He stated that several infrastructural projects were being undertaken with India’s assistance, which would further the economic development of the island nation,” the statement said. He also expressed his admiration for the education system in this country and felt that collaborations with Sri Lankan students would benefit them immensely. (ANI)

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Next Year’s FAO Conference to be Hosted by Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan Supreme Court ruled that the Rajapaksa brothers and other senior officials were responsible for the massive economic crisis in the island nation, the Colombo Gazette reported…reports Asian Lite News

Sri Lanka will host the 37th session of the Asia Pacific Regional Conference (APRC) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in February, 2024.

The conference will enable ministers of agriculture and high officials from 46 member countries across the Asia Pacific region to discuss challenges and priorities related to food and agriculture, promoting regional coherence, Xinhua news agency reported quoting FAO as saying.

Sri Lanka Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said the gathering will provide a vital platform for regional collaboration, benefitting the agricultural landscape, fisheries sector and environment of Sri Lanka, as well as participating member countries.

According to the FAO, by hosting the event, Sri Lanka demonstrates the country’s dedication to the growth of sustainable agriculture, not just at home but across the region, and showcases its commitment to being partner in sustainable agricultural development.

In November, the Sri Lankan Supreme Court ruled that the Rajapaksa brothers and other senior officials were responsible for the massive economic crisis in the island nation, the Colombo Gazette reported.

The apex court has ruled that the Rajapaksa brothers–former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa–were among those responsible for the crisis that led the country to bankruptcy last year.

Notably, the crisis resulted in major street protests last year forcing the Rajapaksas to resign and give way to the appointment of a new administration led by current President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The Supreme Court also found that former Central Bank Governors Ajith Nivard Cabraal and Professor WD Lakshman, former Finance Secretary SR Attygalle, former Presidential Secretary PB Jayasundara and the Monetary Board members of the Central Bank had violated the fundamental rights of the people, Colombo Gazette reported.

The ruling was delivered based on the majority view of the five-judge bench presided over by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya.

ALSO READ-Record-breaking November Tourism in Sri Lanka

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Sri Lanka Records $1.8 B Tourism Revenue This Year

Sri Lanka welcomed 151,496 international tourists in November, the highest monthly number of visitors it received in 2023, official data showed…reports Asian Lite News

Sri Lanka recorded $1.8 billion tourism revenue till November this year, 78.3 per cent up from the corresponding period previous year, as per Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) data.

The revenue earned from tourism increased to 205.3 million dollars in November 2023, which is over twice the revenue in November 2022, according to the latest data.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry told parliament on Thursday that the tourist arrivals will spike in 2024 with more airlines coming into the country, Xinhua news agency reported.

Sri Lanka welcomed 151,496 international tourists in November, the highest monthly number of visitors it received in 2023, official data showed.

Sri Lanka’s cumulative tourist arrivals for the first 11 months of the year stand at 1.27 million, according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.

Tourism is one of Sri Lanka’s top foreign revenue generators. In late November, the government waived visa fees for nationals from China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan to boost tourism in the coming season.

Commission for strengthening national unity

The Sri Lankan government will be establishing an independent commission to develop legislation for strengthening and safeguarding ‘national unity’ through truth, transitional justice, and social cohesion, Colombo Gazette reported.

The island nation has established an interim secretariat for truth and reconciliation and its key objective is to look into the reconciliation efforts of the country’s past conflicts.

The Interim Secretariat for Truth and Reconciliation Mechanism (ISTRM) is working to build the necessary legal and policy framework, operational procedures and guidelines for the Commission, Colombo Gazette reported.

The Sri Lankan government has decided to establish an independent Commission for Truth, Unity and Reconciliation.

“The proposed commission will be established through an Act of Parliament, currently in the drafting process as a concept paper in consultation with relevant stakeholders. The concept paper, used to prepare the final draft of the Bill for Parliament, will soon be available for comments to ensure an inclusive process in developing legislation that strengthens and safeguards national unity through truth, transitional justice, reconciliation, reparation and social cohesion,” the statement read.

According to the Colombo Gazette, a key objective of this process is to establish the truth regarding post-conflict grievances of Sri Lankan citizens, facilitating reconciliation, reparation and sustainable peace.

The proposed Commission acknowledges every Sri Lankan’s inalienable right to ascertain the truth, a pivotal aspect for individuals and communities to heal from past conflicts.

Additionally, the Commission also aims to ensure and strengthen national unity, peace, the rule of law, coexistence, equality, tolerance, respect for diversity and reconciliation among the Sri Lankan people.

This commitment extends to preventing any “recurrence of disharmony and future conflict” between the multi-ethnic and diverse communities.

The Commission is expected to review, consider and facilitate the implementation of recommendations made by past Commissions related to Sri Lanka’s post-conflict reconciliation efforts, including the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), Colombo Gazette reported.

Findings from the Consultation Task Force on Reconciliation Mechanisms, established in 2006 by the Government of Sri Lanka, will also be considered.

“The Sri Lankan government is committed to ensuring that the proposed independent Commission acts impartially, free from any political influence. With a victim-centric ethos, the proposed Commission will be a sanctuary for voices to be heard, pain to be acknowledged and dignity to be reclaimed, providing closure to victims and paving the path for national unity and social cohesion,” the statement read.

Pending the enactment of the proposed new law, the Government has initiated the establishment of an interim body, the Interim Secretariat for Truth and Reconciliation Mechanism (ISTRM).

The ISTRM is working to build the necessary legal and policy framework, operational procedures and guidelines for the Commission. The objective of the ISTRM is to lay the foundation for a home-grown solution for truth, reconciliation and national unity.

The interim body is currently engaging with the public and stakeholders to ensure the Commission is built with their participation and consultation, shaping this transformative mechanism and ultimately paving the way for sustainable peace and national unity, Colombo Gazette reported. (IANS/ANI)

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