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What President AKD said to Chinese media (Video)

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The relations between Sri Lanka and China will enter a new stage on the basis of previous achievements, said Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.  

He made the remarks in an exclusive interview with China Media Group (CMG) during his state visit to China from Jan 14 to 17 at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. The interview was aired last Friday (Jan. 24). 

China will actively support Sri Lanka in focusing on economic development and the two countries should jointly foster new highlights in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, as well as cooperation in modern agriculture, digital economy and marine economy, President Xi Jinping said in the talks.

“During our talks on Jan 15, President Xi Jinping said that China’s development achievements are not only the results of endeavor in the last 10 or 20 years, but also the results of hard work by generations of Chinese people united as one. These words impressed me,” said Dissanayake in an interview with China Media Group aired on Friday.

“In my opinion, the Chinese government always puts the people first when formulating targets or plans, or implementing any policy. The new government of Sri Lanka is also working hard to fulfill its purpose of serving the people. During the meeting with President Xi Jinping, our two sides focused on how to consolidate and develop Sri Lanka-China relations. Sri Lanka and China enjoy a time-honored friendly relationship, with bilateral economic and trade exchanges boasting a history of around 1,000 years. I believe that through this visit to China and our meetings with Chinese leaders, bilateral relations will enter a new stage on the basis of previous achievements,” said Dissanayake.

Behind China’s achievements, a history of relentless struggle

The Sri Lankan President, who assumed office in September last year, said that while this was his first visit to China as president, it was not his first encounter with the nation. 

“My first visit to China was in 2004 when I served as Minister of Agriculture. Two decades have passed in the blink of an eye. Over these 20 years, China has made extraordinary achievements in areas such as economy, social governance, and technology. During this visit, I can feel changes that have taken place in China,” he said. 

Recalling his visits to Beijing, Shanghai, and Huawei’s R&D center, Dissanayake expressed deep admiration for China’s commitment to technological innovation. 

“I have been to Beijing and Shanghai, and I also visited Huawei’s R&D center. China’s substantial investment in technological research and development has led to remarkable achievements in this area. These achievements have greatly contributed to the country’s development,” he said. 

One of the key moments of his visit to China was a tour of the Museum of the Communist Party of China, where he learned about the nation’s incredible journey of overcoming challenges to achieve prosperity. 

“Behind all of China’s achievements lies a history of relentless struggle. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the country has endured countless hardships, challenges and tests throughout different stages of development, ultimately achieving the prosperity it enjoys today. At the museum, I learned about the Chinese people’s journey of toil and hard work. Their unwavering belief and refusal to give up left a profound impression on me. This lesson is not unique to China. It is applicable to the development of all countries. Moreover, China’s progress in areas like space exploration, infrastructure construction, and science and technology reflects the boundless wisdom and determination of its people,” he said.

Global South

Meanwhile, President Dissanayake also said that Chinese modernization will provide experience for the development of the Global South.

According to the Sri Lankan president, Chinese modernization is of great significance to the development of the Global South countries, as it has shattered the myth of Westernization equalizing modernization.

“Each country should draw from its own characteristics to develop a modern model of growth that suits its specific needs, rather than simply replicating the development experiences of others. In exploring their own development paths, nations should consider various factors including their geographical location, resources, cultural heritage, international environment, and economic foundations,” he said. 

Dissanayake spoke highly of the important initiatives proposed by China, stressing that they pave the way for global progress, especially in a period of turbulence and transformation. 

“Sri Lanka is a small country with a small economy, and we are by no means a geopolitical player. The Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by China have upheld the diversity of the world and provided support for meaningful global progress. Under the Global Development Initiative, human progress and development will benefit everyone. The Global Security Initiative is universal and inclusive. The Global Civilization Initiative recognizes the diverse civilizations, cultures, and people’s shared values of various countries. Each country has its own cultural identity rooted in their unique civilization, which should not undermine other cultures. I believe these three global initiatives pave the way for global development,” said Dissanayake.

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Priyantha Ekanayake appointed Chairman of National Sports Council

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Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage today appointed the new National Sports Council, in accordance with the provisions of the Sports Act No. 25 of 1973 with the aim of advising the Minister on matters relating to the promotion, development and governance of sports in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan Rugby legend and former CEO of Sri Lanka Rugby, Priyantha Ekanayake has been appointed as the new Chairman of the National Sports Council.

The following prominent figures have been appointed as members of the council:

Priyantha Ekanayake (Chairman) – Former Rugby Player and former CEO of Sri Lanka Rugby
Prof. Samantha Nanayakkara – Professor in Sports Studies, University of Colombo, and Sport Psychologist
Rukman Wekadapola – International Boxing Referee
Sidath Wettimuny – Former Sri Lankan Cricketer
Chanaka Jayamaha – Civil/Commercial Lawyer and Non-Executive Independent Director at Colombo Dockyard PLC
Rohan Abeykoon – Former Rugby Player and former Chairman of National Rugby Selection Committee 
Niroshan Wijekoo – Former Badminton Player and former National Champion (Singles)
Murad Ismail – Former member of Table Tennis Association of Sri Lanka (TTASL)
Roshan Mahanama – Former Sri Lanka Cricketer and former ICC Match Referee
C. Ratnamudali – Lecturer at Moratuwa University and former Secretary of Sri Lanka Beach Volleyball Association
Sriyani Kulawansa – Former Sri Lankan Hurdler and Olympian, Commonwealth Games Silver Medalist
Malik J Fernando – Co-Chairman of MJF Group, and Dilmah Tea
Shanitha Fernando – Former Rugby Player

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Lasantha’s daughter criticizes Bar Association’s double standards

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In a letter to President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka Anura B. Meddegoda, daughter of late Sri Lankan journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge critiques what appears to be a double standard in the way the Bar Association has handled two separate high-profile cases involving the alleged failure of the Attorney General’s office to properly pursue justice.

The writer, who has long advocated for justice for her father Lasantha Wickrematunge, who was murdered in 2009, has accused the Attorney General of sabotaging critical investigations, including that of her father’s killing.

She said that while the Bar Association publicly protested the Attorney General’s decision to not charge a Special Task Force officer involved in the 2022 killing of Mahesh Indika Prabath, the same vigor was not applied to the case of her father’s murder, despite what she describes as overwhelming evidence of state-sponsored involvement.

The letter pointed out a recent interview to a local media outlet in which Meddegoda claimed that the Bar Association was “at the forefront” of standing up for human rights. The writer, however, questioned Meddegoda’s commitment to justice, citing his failure to publicly address the long-delayed prosecution of those responsible for her father’s murder.

The letter also raises serious concerns about the Attorney General’s handling of multiple investigations, including the infamous Mahara prison killings, and the destruction of police records related to her father’s case. The writer accuses Ranasinghe of neglecting vital evidence, including doctored police records, and of making decisions without fully investigating or considering all the facts.

She calls for the impeachment of the Attorney General, accusing him of undermining the rule of law. 

She urges the BASL to take a firm stance for justice, not just for her father, but for all victims whose cases have been mishandled or abandoned under Ranasinghe’s watch.

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Sri Lankan rescued from cybercrime camp in Myanmar

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The Sri Lankan Embassy in Myanmar has confirmed that a Sri Lankan national was among those recently rescued from cybercrime camps in Myanmar.

The individual is currently under the protection of Thai authorities.

Over 250 individuals from 20 different nationalities were freed from these camps and have been transported to Thailand. An official from the Sri Lankan Embassy in Thailand reported that 16 more Sri Lankans are still believed to be held in these camps, with the possibility of additional unreported detainees.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, held a telephone conversation with Thailand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maris Sangiampongsa, to reaffirm the urgent assistance required with respect to the rescue and safe repatriation of trafficked Sri Lankans.

He also expressed appreciation for Thailand’s ongoing support in rescuing and repatriating Sri Lankans trafficked to cybercrime centers in the Myawaddy area of Myanmar.

Since 2023, Thailand has facilitated the safe return of 58 Sri Lankans who were forcibly detained by human trafficking syndicates.

Minister Herath urged Thailand’s urgent cooperation to expedite the rescue and repatriation of the remaining 18 Sri Lankans, who are reportedly facing torture and mistreatment in these centres.

The Foreign Minister of Thailand assured assistance to Sri Lanka in the endeavour to rescue the remaining trafficked Sri Lankans.

(News1st)
(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by News1st has not been edited by SLM staff)

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