International relations researcher – Dr. Hasith Kandaudahewa says there is a visible trend of China gradually distancing itself from Sri Lanka since 2023, a process that could accelerate with India’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. acquiring a majority stake in Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC).

Speaking to the BBC Sinhala Service, Dr. Kandaudahewa has noted that CDPLC’s reputation in global shipbuilding makes the acquisition strategically significant for India, especially when viewed alongside India’s newly opened Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala.

This shows that India is steadily strengthening its port infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific and increasing its strategic influence in the Indian Ocean, he has said.

Dr. Kandaudahewa has further pointed out that with China already holding Hambantota Port on a 99-year lease, India’s move to secure the majority stake in CDPLC signals a clear challenge to the Chinese presence in Sri Lanka.

“While China is holding the Hambantota Port on a 99-year lease, India is also trying to show its dominance in Sri Lanka. India is trying to pose a challenge to China by securing a majority stake in the CDPLC. Why, because these two countries are staking their claim to two of the most strategic locations in the same country. Similarly, we are seeing China gradually distancing from Sri Lanka from 2023. The CDPLC seems to be accelerating it even further.”

“In the long term, India is investing in renewable energy programs in Sri Lanka. Even though India may not gain much profit from this, it is trying to further retain Sri Lanka as their closest neighbor.”

Mazagon Dock deal confirmed

The Colombo Stock Exchange has already confirmed that Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, a public sector undertaking (PSU) of the Government of India, will acquire a 51% stake in CDPLC currently held by Japan’s Onomichi Dockyard Co. Ltd for USD 52.96 million.

The deal is to be completed in the next 06 months.

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai, an ISO 9001: 2015 Company is one of the leading shipbuilding yard in India.

Since it was taken over by the Indian government in 1960, Mazagon Dock MDL has built a total 805 vessels including 30 warships, from advanced destroyers to missile boats and 8 submarines.

CDPLC’s major shareholders (2024):

• 51%: Onomichi Dockyard Co. Ltd. (Japan) (to be sold to Mazagon Dock)
• 16.34%: Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF)
• 5%: Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation – General Fund
• 4.92%: Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation – Life Fund
• 3.04%: Sri Lanka Ports Authority
• 2.42%: Employees’ Trust Fund Board
• 1.11%: Bank of Ceylon

(Source: BBC Sinhala)

The Sri Lankan government is moving forward with plans to establish a national network of daycare and therapy centres for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental conditions. 

Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake has directed officials to prepare a detailed concept proposal within two weeks, following discussions held yesterday (July 09) at the Presidential Secretariat. 

This initiative, championed by President Anura Kumara Disanayake, aims to create a coordinated system involving multiple ministries and government departments, with the Presidential Secretariat overseeing implementation.  
The programme will utilise a Rs 250 million allocation from this year’s budget, channelled through the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs to district-level administrators. Key aspects of the plan include developing specialised human resources, creating a scientifically validated care model and establishing clear operational guidelines. During yesterday’s meeting, officials emphasised the need for an integrated approach that brings together healthcare providers, social services and education specialists to ensure comprehensive support for affected children and their families.  

Senior government figures attending the planning session included Kapila Janaka Bandara, Senior Additional Secretary to the President, K.D.R. Olga Secretary to the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, Sampath Manthrinayake, Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security & Community Infrastructure,  H.A. Hema Perera, Additional Secretary, Darshani Karunaratne, Director, Department of Social Services  and representatives from health, social services and rural development ministries. Medical specialists such as Dr. Varuni Rasadi from the Ministry of Health, Dr. Asiri Hewamalage, Deputy Director (Community Health) and Dr. Santhushitha Senadhipathi from the Lady Ridgeway Hospital also attended the discussions.  

(President’s Media Division)

The final grand procession of the Esala Perahera at the historic Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya is set to take place tonight (July 10).

This marks the culmination of a 14-day religious and cultural festival.As per tradition, the Perahera will proceed to the Kiri Vehera Rajamaha Viharaya, exit through the main gate of the temple courtyard, and head toward the Valliamma Devalaya along the outer street.

After completing the sacred rituals there, the procession will return to the Maha Devalaya, passing Sri Abhirama Viharaya and Basnayake Nilame’s residence, concluding the festival in a grand spiritual display.

The Diya Kapeema (water-cutting ceremony) will take place tomorrow (July 11) at the Jeevamali Ferry on the Menik Ganga, marking the sacred conclusion of this year’s Esala celebrations.