News

“Joint statement during President AKD’s visit to India, puts SL at risk”

Published

1 month ago

December 18, 2024

editor

National Executive Committee member of the People’s Struggle Alliance, Wasantha Mudalige has said that there are 500,000 unemployed doctors in India who would be able to find employment opportunities in Sri Lanka if the ETCA pact is signed.

Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo yesterday (Dec. 17), he said that the joint statement made during President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit to India, has created a risk of Sri Lanka becoming an Indian colony.

“If Ranil Wickramasinghe’s political program had continued to be implemented, nothing could have prevented Sri Lanka from becoming an Indian colony. The National People’s Power swept into power as a result of the opposition raised against that agenda. Now, the NPP has a moral responsibility to defeat this agenda of Ranil Wickremesinghe. However, what we see is that the government is preparing to continue that program instead,” he said.

Indian Prime Minister Modi’s speech had made it clear that it was planned to sign the ETCA agreement in the future, he added.

“We have continuously clashed with the Ranil Wickremesinghe government because we perceived the negative consequences for the country that could result in such political dealings with India. The NPP too severely criticised the political agenda of Ranil Wickremesinghe. If the government is planning to sign the ETCA agreement with the Indian PM, we warn of its dire consequences,” he pointed out.

“Under the prevailing laws, it is not easy for foreign nationals to come work here. But under ETCA regulations, trade laws of goods and services would be eased. Currently, there are 500,000 unemployed doctors in India. If the ETCA pact is signed, it would enable them to come to Sri Lanka and work. We have no issue with Indian workers… But the labour rights of this country are fruits of a hard won battle won after decades of struggle. There is no room to betray these rights to another country,” he further said.

BIZ

Adani denies cancellation of power purchase deal with SL

Published

10 hours ago

January 24, 2025

editor

India’s Adani Group has denied the cancellation of its $440 million power purchase deal with Sri Lanka, terming the reports as “false and misleading”.
The media statement notes that “the Sri Lankan Cabinet’s decision of 2 Jan 2025 to reevaluate the tariff approved in May 2024 is part of a standard review process, particularly with a new government, to ensure that the terms align with their current priorities and energy policies.”

“Adani remains committed to investing $1 billion in Sri Lanka’s green energy sector, driving renewable energy and economic growth,” it adds.

The media statement comes after the AFP reported that the new Sri Lankan government has revoked a power purchase agreement with Indian conglomerate Adani Group following allegations of corruption.

The deal had initially approved to purchase electricity at US$0.0826 per kilowatt hour from the proposed Adani wind power plant, which is to be built in the Northern region of Sri Lanka.

Several activists had challenged the agreement, arguing that smaller renewable projects were selling electricity at two-thirds the price of Adani, the AFP had further reported.
In addition, the project is also facing separate environmental concerns.

While President Dissanayake’s cabinet has revoked the 20-year deal power purchase deal signed in May 2024, it has not cancelled the project and has appointed a committee to review the project, the AFP reported, citing an official document and an energy ministry official.

News

Swiss govt. pledges support to reclaim SL assets held abroad

Published

11 hours ago

January 24, 2025

editor

The Ambassador of Switzerland to Sri Lanka and Ambassador designate to the Maldives, Dr. Siri Walt, has assured Switzerland’s support in recovering assets that have been moved out of Sri Lanka.

During discussions, Ambassador Walt provided guidance on the international measures required for reclaiming such assets and expressed Switzerland’s readiness to extend support whenever necessary by providing essential resources and assistance.

Ambassador Walt made these remarks during a meeting held today (Jan. 24) at the Presidential Secretariat with the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

The discussion also focused on utilizing Switzerland’s expertise and technical knowledge to assist Sri Lanka’s on-going anti-corruption initiatives. The Swiss government reiterated its commitment to providing technical and financial support for Sri Lanka’s priority programs, including the “Clean Sri Lanka” program.

The Ambassador additionally expressed Switzerland’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka in addressing social challenges, promoting national reconciliation, and assisting with the development of the Northern region through necessary aid and resources.

The meeting was attended by Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Roshan Gamage.

(President’s Media Division)