News

If situation in the Middle East intensifies, steps are being taken to address it

Published

6 months ago

August 1, 2024

editor

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry PC said today (01) that President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s decision to set up three special committees as a proactive measure to address potential crises in the Middle East is highly timely.

The Minister highlighted that while international events are uncontrollable; waiting for a country to collapse is not an option. He assured that steps have been taken to handle any emerging situation.

Minister Ali Sabry made these remarks at a press conference today (01) at the Presidential Media Center, themed ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country’.
He underscored that President Wickremesinghe’s forward-thinking decisions have ensured Sri Lanka’s economic stability, preventing it from becoming another Venezuela. He urged everyone to set aside party politics and support the President’s efforts to rebuild the country.

Mr. Ali Sabry further stated;

Over the past two years, our country has faced numerous international challenges. The initial challenge was securing the support of our creditor nations, including the Paris Club, for joining the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme. Coordinating with various countries proved to be a complex task, but we successfully garnered their support for debt restructuring—a significant achievement in our foreign policy. This success is largely due to President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s expertise in managing international relations.

Recent visits to Japan, Singapore, Romania, and Poland have also been highly successful. These trips addressed many longstanding issues and facilitated the resumption of 13 suspended projects by Japan, worth $1.1 billion. Additionally, discussions with Singapore focused on investments, while talks with Romania aimed at creating new job opportunities. We also engaged in discussions with Poland regarding the establishment of an embassy.
These accomplishments are a testament to President Wickremesinghe’s visionary leadership. His ability to navigate both Eastern and Western nations effectively has been instrumental in achieving these outcomes.

Foreignpolicy.com, a prestigious magazine on international diplomacy, has praised Sri Lanka for its effective management of foreign policy. This endorsement confirms that our strategic approach has led to significant successes for the country.
In response to potential crises in the Middle East, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has appointed three special committees as a proactive measure. One committee focuses on national security, another on the economic situation and ensuring the availability of essential goods, and a third, chaired by the President and Prime Minister, oversees the work of the other two.

The fuel crisis of 2022, exacerbated by the Russian-Ukrainian war, led to sharp increases in fuel, coal, and wheat prices, which the country struggled to manage. In light of these challenges, the President’s decision to establish these committees represents a timely and prudent step to prevent a recurrence of such crises.
We convened to develop a programme aimed at stabilising the country’s energy sector and ensuring an uninterrupted supply of essential goods. While some situations are within a country’s control, international events are not. However, we should not wait for external factors to cause a collapse.

Over the past two years, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has demonstrated his capability to stabilise Sri Lanka without allowing it to become another Venezuela. We are therefore gratified by our decision in 2022 to support President Wickremesinghe in navigating the country through its crisis.

Although we have moved from a dire situation to a level of stability, we are still at a precarious stage. Even a small misstep could lead us back into severe difficulties. The opposition must decide whether to further destabilise the country or contribute to its recovery. It is crucial for everyone to set aside party politics and support President Wickremesinghe’s economic programme to build a robust economy.

(President’s Media Division)

News

Kandy – Mahiyanganaya main road reopened

Published

5 minutes ago

January 21, 2025

editor

The Kandy – Mahiyanganaya main road has been reopened for vehicular traffic, from 6:00am onwards today (Jan. 21).

The road had been closed since yesterday afternoon from Kahatagolla due to the risk of stones falling onto the roadway.

According to the police, the Road Development Authority (RDA) has been informed to conduct further investigations on the ongoing risk.

News

Chief Observer of the EU EOM meets the Speaker (Pics)

Published

10 minutes ago

January 21, 2025

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The Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission, Mr. Jose Ignacio Sanchez Amor, Member of the European Parliament, and his delegation met with the Speaker – Jagath Wickramaratne at Parliament on Jan. 17.

Secretary General of Parliament of Sri Lanka, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, was also present on this occasion.
During this meeting, the Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission first extended his congratulations to the Speaker and the new government. He then presented the final report of the Presidential Election Observation Mission – 2024 to the Speaker. The Chief Observer praised the democratic conduct of the elections and acknowledged the vital role of the Election Commission, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the Commission. He also expressed his appreciation for the increase in women’s representation in the current Parliament.

Speaking at the meeting, Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne expressed his gratitude to the European Union Election Observation Mission for sharing their experience.

The Speaker emphasized that the government is currently working towards a more transparent, corruption-free governance with true democratic qualities. Meanwhile, the Speaker further stated that plans are being made to hold a conference of Members of Parliament with disabilities for the first time in the country.

News

Trump orders US to leave World Health Organization

Published

32 minutes ago

January 21, 2025

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US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to begin the process of withdrawing the US from the World Health Organization (WHO).

“Oooh, that’s a big one,” the newly inaugurated US president said as he approved the document after arriving back at the White House. It was one of dozens of executive actions he put his signature to on day one in office.

This marks the second time Trump has ordered the US be pulled out of the WHO.

Trump was critical of how the international body handled Covid-19 and began the process of pulling out from the Geneva-based institution during the pandemic. President Joe Biden later reversed that decision.

Carrying out this executive action on day one makes it more likely the US will formally leave the global agency.

“They wanted us back so badly so we’ll see what happens,” Trump said in the Oval Office, referring to the WHO, perhaps hinting the US might return eventually.

The order said the US was withdrawing “due to the organization’s mishandling of the Covid-19 pandemic that arose out of Wuhan, China, and other global health crises, its failure to adopt urgently needed reforms, and its inability to demonstrate independence from the inappropriate political influence of WHO member states”.

The executive order also said the withdrawal was the result of “unfairly onerous payments” the US made to the WHO, which is part of the United Nations.

When Trump was still in office the first time around he was critical of the organization for being too “China-centric” in its tackling of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Trump accused the WHO of being biased towards China in how it issued guidance during the outbreak.

Under the Biden administration the US continued to be the largest funder of the WHO and in 2023 it contributed almost one-fifth of the agency’s budget.

The organization’s annual budget is $6.8 billion (£5.5 billion).

Public health experts have been critical of Trump’s decision to leave the WHO, warning there could be consequences for Americans’ health.

Some have suggested the move could reverse progress made on fighting infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis and Hiv & Aids.

Ashish Jha, who formerly worked as Covid-19 response co-ordinator under President Biden, previously warned leaving would “harm not only the health of people around the world, but also US leadership and scientific prowess”.

“It’s a cataclysmic presidential decision. Withdrawal is a grievous wound to world health, but a still deeper wound to the US,” Lawrence Gostin, a global public health expert and Georgetown University professor said.

(BBC News)