News

Vijitha clarifies govt’s stance on ETCA

Published

1 month ago

December 20, 2024

editor

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism – Vijitha Herath has stated that the present Sri Lankan government has neither signed nor implemented the Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) with India.

Speaking at a special press conference held at the Department of Government Information today (Dec. 20), he said that there is a need to update the Indo – Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA), which was signed several decades ago and emphasised that the government is working within the framework of the existing free trade agreement.

“We have also taken steps to advance discussions on the ETCA. However, contrary to the reports, after the visit to India, the ETCA agreement has not been signed, nor has it been implemented. No such thing has happened,” he said.

Meanwhile, the minister also said that allegations levelled against the former Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Australia Himalee Arunatilaka, are completely false.

Arunatilaka, who currently serves as Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, was recently fined more than $100,000 in the Australian federal court, in addition to more than $500,000 in unpaid wages and interest to a Sri Lankan domestic worker for breaches of employment laws, while she was serving as the island nation’s Deputy High Commissioner in Australia.

Responding to a query raised in this regard, the minister said, “The salaries of employees who accompany an ambassador, high commissioner, or diplomat are paid by the Sri Lankan government. If we consider the salary scale of the Sri Lankan government, we pay the salary which goes along with the Sri Lankan economy. This amount is notably lower compared to the salary scales in countries like Europe and Australia. The problem arises with that. The salary she paid was the one provided by the Sri Lankan government. That is lower than the salary scales in Australia. As a result of that, the Australian government had taken legal action against her. Here I would like to say very clearly that Himali Arunathilake has not committed any wrong. But the court has taken legal decision according to the law of that country. We as a government have to make a policy decision about this. In contrast, the situation in African countries is different. That is the true story.”

BIZ

Adani denies cancellation of power purchase deal with SL

Published

9 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

10 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)