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Japan extends grant assistance for demining

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The Government of Japan has provided a total sum of US$ 648,148 (approx. Rs. 232 million) to the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) for humanitarian demining activities in the North and East Sri Lanka.

The grant contract was signed on the 30th of November 2022 between His Excellency Mr. MIZUKOSHI Hideaki, Ambassador of Japan, and Ms. Cristy McLennan, Country Director of MAG.
Through Japanese assistance, this is the 14th demining project implemented by MAG. The previous 13 projects have released over 2,965,949 square metres of land and removed more than 15,831 landmines and other explosive ordnance. This new project is expected to clear an additional 259,464 square metres of land in Mannar, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Trincomalee Districts, making mine contaminated areas safe lands for internally displaced people and directly or indirectly enhancing the livelihoods of 7,424 people.

This year, MAG marked its 20th anniversary of launching the demining activities in Sri Lanka. Since the beginning of Sri Lanka Mine Action programme in 2002, Japan has been a major donor in the area of mine clearance. More than US$ 43.3 million in assistance was rendered towards this cause through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP).  Japan is committed to continue to support this programme for achieving a ‘Mine Free Sri Lanka’

Commenting on the provision of this grant, Ms. Cristy McLennan stated;
“MAG is honored to accept this grant from the Government of Japan, an esteemed donor for Humanitarian Mine Action projects both within Sri Lanka and around the world. In the last eight years alone, the partnership between MAG Sri Lanka and the Government of Japan has enabled the removal and destruction of nearly 16,000 landmines. It has helped many people resettle and rebuild their lives and livelihoods in Mannar, Mullaitivu, Trincomalee and Vavuniya districts through its clearance operations. The funding from the People of Japan will not only contribute to saving lives but also building safer futures for the mine-affected and poorest communities in the country. With this continued Japanese support, MAG is looking forward to continuing clearance activities towards the final stage of landmine release in the country in support of the Government of Sri Lanka’s commitment to being mine free.”

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Finalize on plantation workers’ wage before Dec. 31 – President

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe advised the leaders of plantation companies to engage in a collective agreement concerning the wage hike for plantation workers, aiming for a minimum of Rs. 1700, as per their request. 

Alternatively, they were urged to reach a consensus on the increased wage amount before December 31st.

This guidance was imparted during a discussion held at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (08), where the President met with the heads of plantation companies. The purpose of the meeting was to explore how regional plantation companies could align their programs with the agricultural modernization initiative outlined in this year’s budget.

The conversation also delved into the program designed to grant land rights to plantation workers. President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his intention to establish committees for future work, proposing one committee to address the housing needs of plantation workers and another to represent the interests of both workers and plantation companies.

Emphasizing his confidence in an export-oriented economy for the country’s economic development, President Wickremesinghe stressed the collective contribution needed to ensure the success of the agricultural modernization program. He highlighted the growing demand for food due to the increasing population of Asian countries and urged the country’s export economy to prepare for this reality.

The event, attended by Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Promotion Mr. Manusha Nanayakkara, Minister of State for Finance Mr. Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, Secretary to the President Mr. Saman Ekanayake, Senior Advisor to the President on Economic Affairs Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga, and numerous representatives from local plantation companies, also discussed various aspects of the proposed initiatives.

(President’s Media Division)

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China hands over 100 egg incubators to SL

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With the objective of strengthening the rural economy and empowering small scale poultry farm owners, 100 egg incubators were distributed today (Nov. 08) under the patronage of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Temple Trees.

According to a request made by the Prime Minister during his visit to China’s Yunnan Province, the Chinese Ambassador – Mr. Qi Zhenhong handed over 100 incubators to the Prime Minister and these machines were distributed all over the island by the Hadabima Authority of the Ministry of Agriculture.

The Chinese Ambassador who participated in this event, said that as a special friend, China will always fully support the program of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena to improve the lives of the rural people in Sri Lanka.

Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda, State Ministers D. B. Herath, Janaka Vakkumbura, Kader Mastan, Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, Chamal Rajapaksa and other District Coordinating Committee Chairmen, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration Ranjith Ashoka, Hadabima Authority Chairman Sarath Chandrasiri Vithana and others joined the event.

(Pics : Prime Minister’s Media Unit)

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Independent Commission for Truth, Unity & Reconciliation to be established

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In a historic step towards transitional justice and post-conflict reconciliation, the Government of Sri Lanka has decided to establish an independent Commission for Truth, Unity and Reconciliation. 

This 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.

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 aims to ensure and strengthen national unity, peace, the rule of law, coexistence, equality, tolerance, respect for diversity and reconciliation among the people of Sri Lanka. 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). Findings from the Consultation Task Force on Reconciliation Mechanisms, established in 2006 by the Government of Sri Lanka, will also be considered.

The Government of Sri Lanka 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 a closure to victims and paving the path for national unity and social cohesion.

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 ISTRM 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.

(President’s media Division)

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