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President urges Tamil party leaders to decide on optimal solution for North & East Issues

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During a discussion with Tamil Parliamentarians representing the North and East today (18), President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that he has already put forth a comprehensive proposal to address the problems faced by the people in those regions and it is up to the Tamil Parliamentarians whether to take it forward or not. 

Responding to Member of Parliament Mr. M A Sumanthiran’s statement regarding former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s support for the full implementation of the 13th Amendment, the President clarified that he is Ranil Wickremesinghe, not Ranil Rajapaksa.

President Wickremesinghe expressed his genuine intention to resolve the issues faced by the Tamil people without any political motivations. He elaborated on various bills and plans concerning the functioning of provincial councils, the Office of National Unity and Reconciliation, the Truth-Finding Mechanism, the Office of Missing Persons, and the development of the Northern and Eastern provinces.

Furthermore, the President highlighted the government’s development initiatives for the Northern and Eastern provinces, including projects focused on renewable energy, water supply, infrastructure development, investment promotion zones, and the tourism industry.

Ultimately, the President underscored that the full enforcement of the 13th Amendment can only be achieved if all party leaders in the Parliament agree to a comprehensive devolution of powers. The President’s proposal and discussions centered around multiple measures to address the challenges faced by the people in the North and East regions.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe reiterated his unwavering dedication to upholding justice for the people of the North and East. He emphasized that any further actions taken for their benefit must receive the full support of Parliament through discussion and consensus.

Regarding the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, President Wickremesinghe informed that extensive discussions had taken place on the proposals. While it was possible to grant all powers outlined in the proposal, except for police powers, the inclusion of police powers would require the agreement of all party leaders representing the Parliament. He also noted that a two-thirds majority in Parliament was necessary for such decisions.

The President discussed various bills concerning the functioning of Provincial Councils after the initial devolution of powers. These bills encompassed the appointment of Regional Secretaries, education, vocational training, higher education, agricultural innovations, industries, and tourism. President Wickremesinghe assured that these bills would be presented to Parliament.

Under the 13th Amendment of the Constitution, the President emphasized the importance of legally announcing the transfer of decision-making powers on specific subjects to the central government.

Regarding reconciliation efforts, the President revealed that the draft for the Office of National Unity and Reconciliation had been referred to the Attorney General for constitutional review and would soon be presented to Parliament. Additionally, the National Action Plan on Reconciliation, drafted by the Office of National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR), would be submitted to the Cabinet in the near future.

In terms of the Truth-Finding Mechanism, the President mentioned that the Interim Secretariat had been established with the appointment of the Director General. Applications for key staff required to facilitate the drafting of guidelines would be invited, and formal mechanisms would commence after relevant laws were enacted.

Addressing concerns raised by Tamil party leaders, the President clarified that the government had not discussed or prepared for the merger of the Northern and Eastern provinces. He also stated that the government was reluctant to involve foreign judges in the administration of justice in the North and East but would consider obtaining reports from foreign observers, following existing systems in South and East Asian countries.

The President engaged in extensive discussions about the Anti-Terrorism Bill and the activities of the Office of Missing Persons. Of the 21,374 complaints received by the Office of Investigation of Missing Persons, investigations into 3,462 complaints have been completed thus far. Ongoing investigations are underway for the remaining complaints.

In response to the Tamil MPs’ concerns that the complaints received by the Office of Investigation of Missing Persons did not provide complete information about missing persons, President Wickremesinghe requested that detailed information be submitted for forwarding to the Interim Secretariat for the Truth-Finding Mechanism.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that the forthcoming anti-corruption law would undergo amendments by the parliamentary committee on July 19, taking into consideration the proposed amendments by the Supreme Court.

The President provided clarifications regarding the government’s ongoing development program for the northern and eastern provinces. He elaborated on the initiative to attract investment opportunities in the production of green hydrogen and ammonia as renewable energy projects in the North and East. The President further outlined the project aimed at enhancing the appeal of the Colombo port city through green hydrogen.

One of the key objectives of the Northern Development Plan is to harness the region’s renewable energy potential through the production of green hydrogen and ammonia. This strategy aims to attract investments and transform the port of Colombo and Pooneryn into a hub for the renewable energy economy. The President expressed his belief that this approach would lead to substantial growth in the sector.

Additionally, the “Water to the North” project includes various developments such as the Poonekery Tank, River for Jaffna (bringing fresh water to Jaffna Lagoon and increasing the water capacity of the Iranamadu Tank), the Small Tanks renewal program, the development of KKS Harbour, the development of Vavuniya and Palaly Airports, the Ferry Service connecting the Northern Province and South India, the establishment of Investment Promotion Zones in KKS, Paranthan, and Mankulam, tourism promotion in the North, and the enhancement of Jaffna as a university town.

The President informed the East and North Tamil MPs about plans for the development of tourist attractions in Jaffna and Mannar, a tourist boating project around Mannar Fort and Kankesanthurai Island, the promotion of coconut cultivation in the Wanni district, and projects aimed at developing Jaffna as a university city. These initiatives are part of the government’s efforts to boost the tourism industry in the Northern Province and create economic opportunities for the region.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Ministers Susil Premajayantha, Prasanna Ranatunga, Vijayadasa Rajapaksa, Douglas Devananda, State Ministers Suren Raghavan, S. Vialendran, S. Chandrakanthan, Members of Parliament R, Sampanthan, M.A. Sumanthiran, C.V. Vigneshavaran, Angajan Ramanathan, Selvam Adaikalanathan, Charles Nirmalanathan, S. Sridharan, D. Siddharthan, Shanakya Rasamanikkam, Thavarasa Kalaiarasan, K. thilipan, G. Mr. Karunakaran and Tamil MPs representing the Parliament, the President’s Secretary Mr. Saman Ekanayake and government officials also participated in this discussion.

(President’s Media Division)

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President AKD returns to SL

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President Anura Kumara Disanayaka has returned to Sri Lanka today (June 15) after a successful visit to the Federal Republic of Germany from June 11 -13.

A statement issued in this regard by the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism further notes :

President Disanayaka undertook the visit at the invitation of the President of Germany, Frank- Walter Steinmeier, who welcomed him at the Bellevue Palace in Berlin on 11 June 2025, with a ceremonial Guard of Honour accorded by the German Armed Forces.

During the bilateral talks, the two heads of state focused on further strengthening the cordial bilateral relationship and utilizing emerging economic opportunities in areas such as vocational training and the tourism industry. President Disanayaka also briefed the German President on the recent developments in Sri Lanka, including the economic stabilization and reconciliation efforts undertaken and envisaged future action.

During the visit, the German Foreign Minister Dr. Johann Wadephul and German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Ms. Reem Alabali-Radovan called on President Disanayake. The discussions with the German Foreign Minister Dr. Wadephul focused on increasing the growing bilateral exchanges between the two countries, economic stabilization efforts, enhancing German investment, the GSP plus trade facility with the European Union, and strengthening cooperation in the multilateral arena.

During the meeting with Minister Alabali-Radovan, President Disanayaka appreciated the development assistance from the German government, which had benefitted the country for more than 65 years, with recent examples being the German-Sri Lanka Friendship Maternity Hospital in Galle and the German Technical Training Institute in Kilinochchi. Discussions also focused on future projects, especially expanding vocational education and training opportunities.

During the visit, the State Secretary of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, Dr. Thomas Steffen called on Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath and discussed Sri Lanka’s recent economic progress, improved political stability, and the government’s ongoing efforts to create a more investor- friendly environment.

The visit primarily focused on strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries, including considerable opportunities in emerging areas. Addressing a business forum organized by the Sri Lanka Embassy in Berlin, the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) and the German Asia-Pacific Business Association (OAV) and held at the headquarters of the DIHK, President Disanayake reiterated that Sri Lanka will create a conductive and transparent investment climate and invited the business community to make use of opportunities presented by Sri Lanka’s development potential and strategic location.

At a meeting with key tourism industry associations in Germany focused on outbound tourism, President Disanayake explained the plans of the government to protect the sustainable nature of the tourism industry of Sri Lanka and to address constraints such as human resource development to ensure the continued growth of the vital industry. The President also addressed aspects related to investment in the tourism industry.

The President was accompanied to the meetings by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath; Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Germany Varuni Muthukumarana; Director General for Europe and North America at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Sugeeshwara Gunaratna; Chairman of the Board of Investment Arjuna Herath; and other Senior Government officials.

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IMF’s Dr. Gita Gopinath arrives in SL

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Dr. Gita Gopinath, the First Deputy Managing Director (FDMD) of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has arrived in Sri Lanka for a two-day official visit.

According to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), it is the first time since 2005 that a serving FDMD of the IMF has visited Sri Lanka.

During this visit, Dr. Gopinath will be the guest of honour at the conference on “Sri Lanka’s Road to Recovery: Debt and Governance”, co-hosted by the Ministry of Finance, Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the IMF, scheduled to be held tomorrow (June 16).

At the mid-point of the IMF-supported reform programme, the conference aims to reflect upon the lessons learnt from Sri Lanka’s experience in restoring macroeconomic stability, implementing debt restructuring and governance reforms, and to focus on the challenges ahead.

Dr. Gopinath is also expected to hold bilateral discussions with the Sri Lankan authorities and several key stakeholders on the IMF’s engagement with Sri Lanka.

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Gen Hamilton Wanasinghe’s funeral at Borella today

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General Hamilton Wanasinghe, a former Army Commander and Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, passed away on Friday (June 13) following a brief illness. He was receiving treatment at the Narahenpita Army Hospital at the time of his death.

His funeral, with full military honours, will be held at the new crematorium of the General Cemetery in Borella today (15) at 5.30 pm. The remains of the late senior officer were kept in Malwana from Friday (13) for the public to pay their final respects.

General Wanasinghe served in Sri Lanka’s armed forces for four decades and was appointed as the the country’s 11th Army Commander in 1988. He also held the posts of Joint Operations Commander (from November 19, 1991 to September 6, 1993, and Defence Secretary from September 1993 to February 1995).

He began his military journey in 1954, joining the Ceylon Army as an Officer Cadet. He received his basic training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and was later commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Ceylon Artillery.

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