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President inaugurates vehicle assembly plant in Kuliyapitiya (Pics)

Published

4 weeks ago

September 18, 2024

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday (Sep. 17) inaugurated the Western Automobile Assembly Private Limited (WAA) vehicle assembly plant in Kuliyapitiya.

This $27 million facility is now the largest vehicle assembly plant in South Asia.

The first vehicle to be assembled at the factory, a 15-seater passenger van, is expected to enter the market by the end of the month.

The factory, equipped with cutting-edge machinery designed by global automotive experts, will generate both direct and indirect employment opportunities for local youth. In line with international industry standards, the facility also houses a vocational training institute, offering young people the chance to gain skills that will qualify them for overseas job opportunities.
During the ceremony, President Wickremesinghe unveiled a commemorative plaque and toured the factory, engaging in friendly conversation with staff. In his speech, the President emphasized that no one will be allowed to obstruct projects vital to strengthening the national economy, despite protests. He also noted that although the Western Automobile Factory was initiated in 2015, it lacked the necessary support for timely completion.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that his administration is committed to advancing development projects that will benefit the country, noting that significant job opportunities for youth were lost due to the 10-year delay in completing this project, which was initially expected to be finished in two years. He highlighted that the new factory will not only boost the local economy of Kuliyapitiya but also strengthen the national economy.

In his speech at the ceremony, the President stated:“We approved the establishment of this factory in 2015, but it faced significant opposition and protests. Investigations were even conducted in Parliament. The project, which was scheduled to launch in 2019, was delayed due to the impacts of COVID-19 and the economic crisis.

After assuming the presidency, I made the decision to restart all these stalled projects. Today, we have finally commenced operations at the Western Automobile Company. This factory has the capacity to produce 50,000 vehicles annually, which will strengthen our export sector.

Although the project was intended to be completed within two years, it took a decade. Many opposed it, focusing on political agendas rather than the country’s progress. This delay has cost us the opportunity to create numerous jobs. I am determined not to allow such setbacks in the future.

I am committed to taking this country forward by properly implementing these development programs. This factory marks just one step in the broader development of Kuliyapitiya. With its opening, we begin the journey of growth for this region. We are creating a 1,000-acre investment zone in Bingiriya, and 500 acres have been allocated in Iranavila for a tourism zone. These areas will become hubs for both tourism and production.

As we create new job opportunities, the demand for skilled workers will grow. To meet this, we plan to increase the number of engineers and skilled professionals. We’re establishing the Faculty of Engineering at Kurunegala University to ensure that we keep pace with the demands of the 21st century. We cannot afford to fall behind.

European companies are now joining Chinese companies in investing in these projects. They will remain engaged as we work through the process of officially exiting bankruptcy. We have had extensive discussions with the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the 18 countries that have lent to Sri Lanka. We’re now in the final stages of negotiations with private contractors, and we are progressing according to these agreements.

I am determined to make the North West a hub of development, similar to the growth we’ve seen in Gampaha. This factory is just the beginning of that effort. I want to thank everyone involved, and I believe this company will play a vital role in strengthening our economy.

Chief of Staff and Senior Adviser to the President on National Security Sagala Rathnayaka, former Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, and directors of Western Automobile Assembly Private Limited, Mr. Gerard Fernando and Michael Selvanayagam, along with many staff members, were present at the event.

(President’s Media Division)

News

Army relief teams continue operations amid adverse weather (Pics)

Published

2 days ago

October 14, 2024

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Many low lying areas surrounding the Kelani river have been inundated as flood levels continue to rise.

Malwana is among the areas that are affected.

Security forces have been conducting rescue operations and delivering rations of essential goods to those affected.

The following photos are of relief teams deployed by the 8th Battalion of Sri Lanka Light Infantry during several operations in the Malwana area.

Photo Story

US transfers Beechcraft King Air 360ER to SLAF (Pics)

Published

6 days ago

October 10, 2024

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At a ceremony held today (Oct. 10) at Sri Lanka Air Force Base Katunayake, U.S. Navy Admiral Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, officially handed over a Beechcraft King Air 360ER aircraft, gifted by the United States, to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF).

The event, attended by U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung, Secretary to the Ministry of Defense Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), and Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, marked the handover of this advanced aircraft – a symbol of the enduring U.S.-Sri Lanka partnership and a crucial step in strengthening Sri Lanka’s maritime security and sovereignty.

Equipped with cutting-edge surveillance technology, the King Air will strengthen Sri Lanka’s ability to patrol its waters, counter maritime threats, and secure vital trade routes in the Indian Ocean.

U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung emphasized the importance of the King Air aircraft, highlighting it as a testament to the strong U.S.-Sri Lanka partnership and Sri Lanka’s role in ensuring peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region: “As partners, the United States shares Sri Lanka’s vision that security is a collective responsibility, as our seas connect us. Maritime domain awareness is crucial to safeguarding Sri Lanka’s maritime trade routes, which are the lifeblood of its economy. While the oceans are rich in economic opportunities, they are also vulnerable to significant threats — from illegal fishing to smuggling, human trafficking, and other illegal, coercive, and deceitful activities. It is my hope that this Beechcraft King Air will serve as a constant guardian of your nation’s peace and prosperity, always vigilant in defending what is rightfully yours.”

Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, welcomed the Beechcraft King Air 360ER aircraft as a significant milestone of the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and the United States. “The induction of the Beechcraft King Air 360ER aircraft is one of the instrumental steps in augmenting the Air Force’s airpower for maritime domain awareness,” he stated. “This substantiates our enhanced focus on ensuring maritime security and broadening HADR capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region as a responsible and key stakeholder nation. Further, this advanced ISR platform will be the latest addition to the ongoing efforts of fostering collective security and interoperability to face the threats in the air and maritime domains and curb transnational crime in our region. We look forward to playing a greater role in the regional maritime domain awareness, particularly in maritime surveillance, monitoring and patrolling whilst fulfilling our obligations to regional peace and security.”

Admiral Steve Koehler reaffirmed U.S. commitment to regional security and partnership with Sri Lanka, stating: “Today’s ceremony is about much more than one aircraft, it’s about our two nation’s commitment to protecting sovereignty and addressing complex maritime challenges together in the Indian Ocean. I look forward to strengthening our partnership and advancing a shared vision for peace and stability by upholding the rules based international order.”

The King Air, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense’s Building Partner Capacity program, was manufactured by Beechcraft Textron Aviation and completed in 2022, with maritime surveillance upgrades added in 2024. Sri Lanka Air Force personnel received specialized training in Kansas and Florida to operate the aircraft, and further training will be conducted by U.S. government personnel over the next three months. The King Air 360ER will undergo final preparations at the Ratmalana Air Force Base before joining Maritime Patrol Squadron 3 in China Bay, Trincomalee.

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More ambassadors call on President AKD (Pics)

Published

7 days ago

October 9, 2024

editor

Several ambassadors have called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka today (Oct. 09).

Meeting the President, Vatican Ambassador to Sri Lanka – Most Reverend Dr. Brian Udaigwe congratulated President Dissanayake on his recent election victory, conveying heartfelt greetings from His Holiness Pope Francis.

The Vatican Ambassador also lauded President Dissanayake’s initiative to conduct transparent and credible investigations into the tragic Easter Sunday bombings. Dr. Udaigwe assured the fullest cooperation of the Vatican in supporting the President’s ongoing efforts to bring justice and healing to the victims and their families.

Meanwhile, Korean Ambassador to Sri Lanka – Ms. Miyon Lee also paid a courtesy call on President Dissanayake.

Ambassador Lee reaffirmed South Korea’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Sri Lanka, highlighting the long-standing ties between the two nations. Noting that South Korea ranks sixth in foreign remittances to Sri Lanka, the Ambassador pledged to increase remittances by creating more employment opportunities for Sri Lankans in South Korea.

The Ambassador also assured economic assistance to Sri Lanka, sharing that South Korea had faced similar economic challenges in the past and that Sri Lanka could benefit from Korea’s experience in overcoming them. Discussions centered around addressing rural poverty in Sri Lanka, with investments from the Korean Exim Bank being considered as a key driver of development.

Further support was pledged in the areas of healthcare, anti-corruption measures, and climate change mitigation. Ambassador Lee also emphasized South Korea’s willingness to expand Korean language education in Sri Lanka to better equip Sri Lankans seeking employment in Korea.

In addition, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met with Swiss Ambassador – Ms. Siri Walt, who pledged Switzerland’s support for Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption initiatives and efforts to boost Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), tourism, and employment opportunities through labor migration.

The Sri Lankan President had also met with the German Ambassador – Mr. Felix Neumann, who had pledged Germany’s support for Sri Lanka in human resource development, improving technical education, and boosting government efficiency. Looking forward to exploring new trade and labour opportunities and enhancing our partnership.