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Help assist economic recovery of Sri Lanka – Acting HC of India

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Acting High Commissioner of India – Vinod K Jacob has called upon Sri Lankan Malayalis to work together with the High Commission of India in Colombo and our Consulates in Jaffna and Hambantota as well as our Assistant High Commission in Kandy to assist the economic recovery of Sri Lanka.

He had made these remarks during the New Year celebration of the Sri Lankan Malayali Association in Colombo on Jan. 15.

“I call upon the Sri Lankan Malayalis to work together with the High Commission of India in Colombo and our Consulates in Jaffna and Hambantota as well as our Assistant High Commission in Kandy to assist the economic recovery of Sri Lanka. Kindly stand shoulder to shoulder with your fellow Sri Lankans and act as a bridge between India and Sri Lanka. I am sure you will do so since such values are ingrained in all people with their roots from Kerala,” he said.

Mr. Vinod K. Jacob had further said :

I thank the President, Executive Committee, Office bearers and members of the Sri Lanka Malayali Association for inviting me to their New Year celebrations here in Colombo today. At the outset, let me convey my best wishes to all of you for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2023. I also extend my wishes for an auspicious Thai Pongal.

Since this is my first public engagement after the recent 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh from 8 to 10 January 2023, I would like to take this opportunity to convey hearty congratulations to Mr. Kumar Nadesan for the coveted Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award that was conferred on him by Hon’ble President of India, Mrs. Droupadi Murmu for valuable contribution to the welfare of the community. Mr. Kumar Nadesan is the second Sri Lankan national, after Mr. Mano Selvanathan in 2011, to receive this prestigious award.

We are also meeting just two days after the participation of the President of Sri Lanka, H.E. Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe at the concluding Leader’s session of the Voice of Global South Summit hosted by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

In his remarks at the concluding Leader’s session, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi highlighted the opportunity for uplifting societies and economies of the Global South through a shared vision and agenda for change. In this endeavour, he offered to share India’s experiences through simple, scalable and sustainable solutions. He highlighted India’s achievements in vaccine development, biometric based identification, digital public goods, financial inclusion, satellite technology, digital governance, last mile connectivity, etc. He also spoke about the need for the developing world to have access to technology, knowledge and critical resources. His call for a new human centric development paradigm received widespread support from participating Leaders.

Prime Minister also announced a number of new initiatives by India in connection with the Voice of Global South Summit including the Aarogya Maitri, Global South Centre of Excellence, Global South Science and Technology Initiative, Global South Young Diplomats Forum and the Global South Scholarships.

Friends,
You are all aware that guided by ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, Government of India places high emphasis on the well-being of the people of Sri Lanka. Unprecedented financial, economic and humanitarian assistance of close to USD 4 billion in 2022 clearly underscore our commitment to our brethren in Sri Lanka. India and her people rose to respond to various requirements of the Sri Lankan people in a prompt manner through our multi-pronged assistance.

In this context, I call upon the Sri Lankan Malayalis to work together with the High Commission of India in Colombo and our Consulates in Jaffna and Hambantota as well as our Assistant High Commission in Kandy to assist the economic recovery of Sri Lanka. Kindly stand shoulder to shoulder with your fellow Sri Lankans and act as a bridge between India and Sri Lanka. I am sure you will do so since such values are ingrained in all people with their roots from Kerala.

In my view such values are writ large in the background of the historical migration of Keralites and the manner in which they have contributed positively to the evolution and growth of the host countries and societies. 

Friends,
The more prominent analyses of migration outside Kerala that people are generally familiar with are the movements to the Gulf. But historically speaking, in the earlier decades of the 19th century, the lure of employment opportunities in the rubber plantations and construction sectors in Malaya, Singapore, Burma and Ceylon attracted youth from the Kerala region.

Thereafter, there was reverse movements from these foreign lands due to immigration bottlenecks. The focus of emigration then shifted to the Gulf and subsequently to Western countries like USA, Germany, UK and Canada as well as some African nations.

In my view, five major factors become prominent in explaining the migration, namely, (i) the condition of the society in Kerala, (ii) the role of agriculture and farming in Kerala, (iii) the lack of employment opportunities despite the strides in educational sector, (iv) the impact of familial ties and (v) the general trend of migration to Bangalore, Hyderabad, Tamil Nadu and north India.

According to one assessment, mass migration of labour from the Kerala state was due to the loss in the agricultural sector, lack of sufficient employment opportunities, the spread of education and attainment of high health parameters, which finally lead to a demographic transition resulting in an expansion of the population in the working-age group.

Another view is that two distinct “turnarounds” exist in the migration experience of Kerala. The first “turnaround” started with the Second World War and the independence in 1947 when Kerala became closely integrated with other Indian states. During this period, for the first time, Kerala became a net out-migration state with migration to Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkatta and Delhi and other metros exceeding the numbers who came into Kerala. The second “turnaround” (in the 1970s) witnessed a shift from predominance of out-migration to a predominance of emigration.

In all these movements, the people from Kerala have generally tended to live harmoniously with the societies in which they settled in. And the situation in Sri Lanka is also similar. This is your strength and I encourage you to continue with such an attitude.
Friends,

2023 is also the year of India’s G20 Presidency. The theme of India’s G20 Presidency – “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth · One Family · One Future” – affirms the value of all life – human, animal, plant, and microorganisms – and their interconnectedness on the planet Earth and in the wider universe. The theme also spotlights LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), with its associated, environmentally sustainable and responsible choices, both at the level of individual lifestyles as well as national development, leading to globally transformative actions resulting in a cleaner, greener and bluer future.

For India, the G20 Presidency also marks the beginning of “Amritkaal”, the 25-year period beginning from the 75th anniversary of its independence on 15 August 2022, leading up to the centenary of its independence, towards a futuristic, prosperous, inclusive and developed society, distinguished by a human-centric approach at its core.

In the days, weeks and months ahead, the Government of India will be providing many opportunities to engage with the G20 Presidency. A visit to the cities where the G20 meetings are held will demonstrate how the common man is being actively involved in this endeavour. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage all of you to travel to India during the year.

Thank you.


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President meets Gates Foundation delegation

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today (July 10) met with Dr. Chris Elias, President of Global Development at the Gates Foundation, for high-level discussions focused on key areas critical to Sri Lanka’s development. 

The meeting, held at the Presidential Secretariat, explored collaborative efforts in agricultural modernisation, nutrition, digital public infrastructure and rural technological integration.

Central to the discussions was the Inclusive Digital Agriculture Transformation (IDAT) initiative, which leverages data and technology to enable better decision-making and service delivery for smallholder farmers. The initiative represents a shared commitment to modernising agriculture, improving rural livelihoods and enhancing climate resilience.

President Dissanayake welcomed the partnership, expressing optimism about the country’s path forward. “We welcome the continued support of the Gates Foundation as we work together to build a healthier, more equitable and digitally empowered Sri Lanka. This collaboration is a testament to our shared commitment to sustainable development and improving the lives of all our citizens,” he said.

He further noted that the Government seeks the Foundation’s support for its broader programme aimed at integrating rural communities with modern global technology. 

Despite the economic challenges facing the nation, the President expressed gratitude for the Foundation’s engagement and emphasised that the visit would help identify and implement national development priorities.

Representatives of the Gates Foundation reiterated their commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s digital economy strategy. They highlighted that particular focus would be given to the digital transformation of the agriculture sector, with the aim of enhancing productivity and revitalising the economy. The Foundation also assured its full support for the wider socio-economic development agenda, including initiatives in the livestock and dairy industries.

President Dissanayake underscored the importance of connecting rural communities, many of whom remain unaware of global technological advancements, with the tools and knowledge needed for empowerment. He stressed the value of the Foundation’s global experience and technical expertise in addressing development challenges common to many countries.

“One of our Government’s foremost objectives is to extend advanced technology to all levels of society, not only to uplift the national economy but also to improve efficiency across all sectors,” the President noted.

Dr. Elias acknowledged Sri Lanka’s ongoing transformation and welcomed the opportunity for deeper engagement. “We value the opportunity to engage with the Government and local institutions as they pursue strengthened systems to support inclusive growth. Our continued discussions in areas such as agriculture, health and digital infrastructure reflect a shared interest in advancing impactful solutions. I would like to thank the President and the Government of Sri Lanka for their continued commitment to improving the lives of all those living in Sri Lanka,” he stated.

The Gates Foundation delegation included Dr. Chris Elias, President, Global Development Gates Foundation, Jamal Khan, Regional Representative for Policy & Government Relations, South and Southeast Asia; Archna Vyas, Director of Policy Advocacy and Communications, Thushan Wijesinghe, Director Enterprise Data Solutions and Chandita Samaranayake, Chairman Connect To Care. 

The Sri Lankan delegation included Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Mr. Eranga Weeraratne, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President; Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy; and Mr. Roshan Gamage, Senior Additional Secretary to the President.

(President’s Media Division)

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TUs oppose appointment of Premarathne as new Excise chief

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Trade Unions of the Department of Excise have opposed the appointment of M.B.N.A. Premarathne, a retired Commodore of the Sri Lanka Navy, as the new Commissioner General of Excise.

TUs say that for the first time in the history of the Excise Department, a Commissioner General has been appointed from outside despite the existence of 03 senior, qualified officials within the department.

On July 06, the department’s TUs have directed a letter to President Anura Kumara Disanayake. urging to appoint an officer from the department to the post.

According to reports, Commodore (Retd.) Premarathne is said to be the husband of NPP National List nominee for the 2024 General Election – Prof. Wasantha Subasinghe. He is also said to be hailing from the President’s hometown of Thambutthegama.

The post of Excise Commissioner General fell vacant after Udaya Kumara Perera retired from public service today (July 10) upon reaching the age of 60.

On July 07, Cabinet approval was granted to appoint Commodore (Retd.) Premarathne to the post.

The proposal was presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.

(Source : Lankadeepa)

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CCC calls for ‘continued engagement’ on US tariff reduction

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The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) says the reduction in the tariff rate from 44% to 30% is a constructive and important first step by the Government toward bringing Sri Lanka’s tariff structure for exports to the US closer to that of regional competitors.

“We encourage continued engagement with the U.S. administration to secure a further reduction by 1 August, especially given that several regional peers are expected to benefit from even lower rates,” it said, in a statement.

The CCC further said that progress in achieving a further reduction will be critical to strengthening Sri Lanka’s position in this key market, maintaining buyer confidence, and supporting sustained trade growth over the long term.

“The Ceylon Chamber stands ready to support the Government’s efforts in this regard through constructive dialogue, industry feedback, and coordinated advocacy,” the statement adds.

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