Photo Story
Indian High Commissioner visits Northern Province (Pics)
High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka – Mr. Santosh Jha undertook his first official visit to the Northern Province from Feb. 15-17, 2024.
Diverse engagements during the visit attest to the deep-rooted nature of the bilateral partnership as also India’s firm commitment to deepening socio-economic and cultural ties with Northern Province, a media release by the Indian High Commission notes. With grant assistance of more than SLR 70 billion, Northern Province has been a region of focus in India’s multi-dimensional development cooperation partnership with Sri Lanka and the visit was an opportunity to reiterate India’s unwavering commitment to the people of the region, it adds.
The High Commissioner paid special emphasis to furthering connectivity initiatives, the central theme of the bilateral economic partnership vision document issued in July 2023. He visited Kankesanthurai (KKS) Port and the historic Talaimannar Pier and spoke of the need for expeditious resumption of ferry services between the two countries. He expressed confidence regarding earliest recommencement of Nagapattinam-KKS ferry in the coming weeks and informed his interlocutors of ongoing efforts for the resumption of ferry services between Talaimannar and Rameswaram. During his visit to Palaly Airport, he explored means to strengthen air connectivity through infrastructure development at the airport.
Underscoring the rich and shared cultural heritage between India and Sri Lanka, the High Commissioner offered prayers at the historic Ram Sethu (Adam’s Bridge). He also visited the ancient Thiruketheeswaram temple, which was renovated with grant assistance from the Government of India. He prayed for well-being and prosperity of the people of India and Sri Lanka as he paid respects at the Nagapooshani Amman Temple and Nagavihara in Nainativu island; revered Madhu Church in Mannar; and Nallur Kandaswamy temple. Further, he attended Thyagaraja Aradhana at the iconic Jaffna Cultural Centre, a gift from the people of India.
Reaffirming India’s commitment to diverse sections of the society, the High Commissioner distributed deep freezers to fishermen communities in Mannar towards enhancing their livelihood opportunities. He also distributed dry rations to hundreds of needy families in Jaffna and Kilinochchi, with special focus on those headed by women.
In India’s endeavour to contribute towards addressing energy needs of islands off Jaffna, he assessed the readiness for early roll out of the Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems Project in Nainativu Island. It may be recalled that this project is being implemented in Delft, Nainativu and Analaitivu Islands through grant assistance from India.
The High Commissioner paid homage at the Indian Peace Keeping Forces (IPKF) Memorial.
The High Commissioner had engaging discussions with a wide cross section of stakeholders in the region including elected representatives, academics, and businessmen, among several others on avenues for further collaboration and development.
(Pics : Indian High Commission in Colombo)
Photo Story
Bimal Ratnayake elected as Chair of the SL – China Parliamentary Friendship Association (Pics)
Hon. Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament, Bimal Rathnayake, was elected as the Chair of the Sri Lanka-China Parliamentary Friendship Association for the Tenth Parliament, at the meeting held on March 21st under the Chairmanship of Speaker – Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne at the Parliament, marking the re-establishment of the Sri Lanka-China Parliamentary Friendship Association.
The Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Mr. Qi Zhenhong, participated in this event as the chief guest.
Furthermore, MP Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney at Law, was elected as the Secretary of the Sri Lanka – China Parliamentary Friendship Association.
Speaker – Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, expressing his views on the occasion, recalled the long-standing bilateral cultural and political relations between China and Sri Lanka, maintained for centuries. He further emphasized that the Parliamentary Friendship Association is a platform for enhancing these relations. He also highlighted the importance of working closely to further strengthen bilateral relations in economic, trade, education, and technological sectors, ensuring maximum benefits for both parties. The Speaker stressed that the newly appointed officials of this association should actively engage in achieving these objectives.
Joining the occasion, the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka emphasized the importance of strengthening relations in mutually interested fields through the Friendship Association. Mr. Qi also recalled the friendly and cooperative relations between Sri Lanka and China, especially during challenging times, and extended his best wishes to the newly appointed officials of the Sri Lanka-China Parliamentary Friendship Association.
Expressing his gratitude upon being elected as the Chair of the Association, Minister Rathnayake acknowledged China’s longstanding friendly support for Sri Lanka. He particularly emphasized the significance of sharing China’s knowledge and experience in fields such as education and trade industries. The Chair invited all members to work together to strengthen Sri Lanka-China relations. Furthermore, he requested that the programs and workshops previously organized through the Sri Lanka – China Parliamentary Friendship Association for Sri Lankan representatives also be extended to the young Members of Parliament in the current Parliament.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Secretary of the Association, MP Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney at Law, emphasized the Association’s commitment to further strengthening the long-standing ties between China and Sri Lanka.
The event was attended by the Leader of the Opposition, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, the Secretary General of Parliament – Kushani Rohanadeera, and several others.
News
SLAF training craft crashes in Wariyapola (Pics)
A Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) K-8 training jet crashed in the Wariyapola area earlier today.
The aircraft, manufactured in China, was on a training mission when it lost radar contact and crashed near Minuwangete.
According to the SLAF Spokesman, both pilots ejected safely using parachutes and escaped without injuries.
The jet, however, caught fire upon impact. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
The incident highlights the risks associated with military training exercises, though the safe ejection of the pilots underscores the effectiveness of emergency protocols.
(Pics : Accident 1st)
News
Japan provides fire trucks to Sri Lanka
The Government of Japan, through a grant assistance of JPY 300 million, has decided to provide state-of-the-art Japanese fire trucks to the Government of Sri Lanka to strengthen disaster response capabilities in the country’s Export Processing Zones (EPZs), ensuring a safer business environment and contributing to economic and social stability.
Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka – Mr. Akio Isomata SOMATA and Secretary of the Finance Ministry – Mr. K. M. M. Siriwardana, today (March 20) signed and exchanged notes in Colombo on this grant assistance.
The EPZs play a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s economy by attracting investment and driving industrial growth.
The increasing risks of fire hazards and other emergencies risk hampering its critical functions.
The Japanese fire trucks, equipped with cutting-edge technology, will bolster the capacity of EPZs, safeguarding businesses, workers, and communities.
The project also underscores Japan’s unwavering commitment to addressing Sri Lanka’s socio-economic challenges and promoting sustainable development.
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