UN Research Vessel Completes Key Marine Survey in Sea of Sri Lanka

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The Research Vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen completed a marine scientific survey in Sea of Sri Lanka and departed Colombo, marking the conclusion of a critical mission to strengthen the country’s ocean knowledge base.

As part of the EAF-Nansen Programme of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Norway, the vessel spent several weeks collecting valuable scientific data on fish stocks, marine ecosystems, and oceanographic conditions, contributing to a deeper understanding of Sri Lanka’s marine resources.

Being the only research vessel that flies the UN flag, the Dr. Fridtjof Nansen serves as a unique platform for international cooperation. Bringing together researchers and fisheries management institutions in partner countries, it is equipped with advanced technology to generate critical knowledge on marine resources and ecosystems, supporting countries like Sri Lanka in making informed, science-based decisions. It also provided hands-on training opportunities for Sri Lankan researchers, strengthening national capacity in fisheries science and oceanographic research.

Norway is proud to partner with Sri Lanka and FAO through the EAF-Nansen Programme to support sustainable ocean planning, where management decisions are firmly based on science,” said May-Elin Stener, Ambassador of Norway to India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Maldives.

The survey assessed both pelagic and demersal fish populations, while also collecting key oceanographic data such as water temperature, currents, nutrient levels, and dissolved oxygen. In addition, the potential of underutilized marine resources was explored, including cephalopods and mesopelagic species, and examined marine pollution, including microplastics, alongside nutritional and contaminant analysis of seafood.

This mission marks the fifth scientific survey conducted in Sri Lankan waters under the Nansen Programme, building on previous expeditions carried out between 1978 and 1980 and most recently in 2018. Updated data is particularly important in light of evolving marine ecosystems and changing fish stock dynamics.

The survey was implemented in close collaboration with Sri Lankan institutions, with scientists from the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) leading the scientific work, supported by experts and crew from Norway’s Institute of Marine Research (IMR) that operates the vessel and is responsible for the scientific activities and training aboard.

The survey also contributes to Sri Lanka’s international reporting obligations, including requirements related to marine mammal observations necessary to maintain access to global seafood markets.

The findings from this mission will be analyzed and shared with national stakeholders to guide future fisheries management strategies and policy development, ensuring the sustainable use of Sri Lanka’s ocean resources for generations to come.

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SC orders re-issuance of notice to ex-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa

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The Supreme Court today directed the petitioning party to take steps to reissue notice to former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who has been named as a respondent in a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition.

The petition had been filed seeking an order to recover compensation funds allegedly paid unlawfully to former ministers and Members of Parliament whose houses were set on fire or damaged during the island-wide violence that erupted following the attack on the “Aragalaya” protest site on May 9, 2022.

The Supreme Court issued this order during the hearing of the Fundamental Rights petition, which was filed seeking a declaration that the payment of such compensation was unlawful, said Ada Derana reporter.

SC upholds death sentences for four in Vithiya Murder

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The Supreme Court has upheld the death sentences imposed on four individuals, including Swiss Kumar, over the abduction, gang rape, and murder of schoolgirl Sivaloganathan Vithiya in Jaffna.

The ruling was delivered by a five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, which dismissed the appeals filed by the accused seeking to overturn their convictions and secure acquittal.

However, the Court also ordered that the sentences of two other accused be set aside.

At the time the order was delivered, three of the accused who had been sentenced to death were produced before court, while others appeared via Zoom technology.

The case relates to the abduction, gang rape, and murder of 18-year-old schoolgirl Sivaloganathan Vithiya in Pungudutivu, Jaffna, on or around 13 May 2015, while she was returning home from school.

The Attorney General had filed indictments against Swiss Kumar and several others before a Trial-at-Bar in Jaffna over the incident.

In 2017, the Trial-at-Bar found seven accused guilty and imposed the death penalty.

The convicted individuals subsequently filed appeals before the Supreme Court seeking to be acquitted.

During the course of the appeal hearings, one of the accused had died.

Sri Lanka, Pakistan hold talks to strengthen defence cooperation, training and regional security

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The High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, Major General Nayyar Naseer, HI (M), (Retd), has paid a courtesy call on Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at the Ministry of Defence.

Upon arrival, the Defence Secretary welcomed the High Commissioner and extended his best wishes for the commencement of his diplomatic tenure in Sri Lanka.

Discussions focused on further strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, particularly in the areas of defence cooperation, training, and regional security, according to a statement by the Ministry of Defence.

Both parties exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing collaboration between the two nations, the Ministry added.

The meeting was also attended by the Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, Ms. Zunaira Latif, and the Defence Attaché of Pakistan to Sri Lanka.

India-Sri Lanka land bridge: time for wavering over: Indian envoy

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Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha renewed the call for the need to build a land link between Sri Lanka and India and said the time for wavering is over.

He said the distance between Colombo and Chennai by sea is roughly 300 kilometres, but the distance between Rameswaram and Talaimannar, the closest points of our two countries, is about 30 kilometres.

“Yet, there is no direct road. No railway. No ferry service that runs at scale. No energy grid connection. No pipeline. It is, frankly, an anomaly. It is as if two neighbouring rooms are connected only through a corridor outside, even when there is a door that can be built between the two rooms, right in the shared wall of the two rooms,” he said.

He said, “Land connectivity via a bridge or tunnel across the Palk Strait has been discussed for decades. There are enough examples of such corridors across the world. The engineering is well understood. The economics are compelling. The benefits, wherever such bridges have been built, are unmistakable. But we continue to waver. But let me say clearly: the time for wavering is over. A fixed link between India and Sri Lanka would transform the economic geography of this entire region. It would make Sri Lanka a hub, it aspires to become, in a way that no port expansion or airport upgrade can achieve on its own.”

He made these remarks at the Global Innovation and Leadership Summit here in Colombo.

India today is Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner.

“India is the top source of tourists visiting Sri Lanka, a fact that endures despite challenges of a natural calamity like Ditwah or a conflict in West Asia. India is also among the largest sources of foreign direct investment into this country, last year Indian investments in Sri Lanka, including those directed from third countries, and exceeded 50% of the total. Indian companies have invested in telecommunications, energy, digitisation, financial services, and transport and infrastructure,” he said.

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SRISABA’S 40TH REMEMBRANCE DAY – 06/05/2026

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Srisaba’s 40th Remembrance Day – 06/05/2026

We’ll NEVER FORGET THE FORGOTTEN Two hundred of our fellow members were killed or wounded we will never, ever forget them or the sacrifices they made.

TAMILS DAY OF CONFLUENCE

“Tamil National Unity Week- (29 April- 06 May)”



China overtakes India as SL’s top trading partner

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China overtook India to become Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner in 2025, driven by a sharp rise in imports, particularly vehicles, following the easing of restrictions, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) said.

In its Annual Economic Review 2025, the CBSL said total trade with China reached about $ 5.5 billion, narrowly surpassing India at $ 5.4 billion, reversing India’s lead held from 2021 to 2024. The US remained the third largest partner at $ 3.5 billion, with the three accounting for 41.1% of total merchandise trade.

The shift reflects a broader recovery in trade, with exports growing steadily while imports accelerated as economic conditions stabilised. Vehicle imports, including electric and hybrid models, were a key contributor to higher trade values. The movement in trade flows over the past five years has been largely shaped by import controls during the external crisis and their subsequent relaxation.

Trade with both China and India contracted in 2022 and 2023 as restrictions tightened, but the decline was sharper with China, reflecting its export mix to Sri Lanka, which is weighted towards machinery, construction materials, and other non-essential or investment-linked goods that were curtailed first.

By contrast, trade with India proved more resilient, underpinned by essential and short-cycle imports such as fuel, pharmaceuticals, and intermediate goods, which continued even during the period of tight restrictions.

The rebound from 2024 onwards has been import-led, with the faster recovery in trade with China reflecting the return of high-value imports, particularly vehicles. The resumption of electric and hybrid vehicle imports, where China is a key source, contributed to a sharper increase in total trade values relative to India.

“However, Sri Lanka recorded its highest trade deficit with China, which widened significantly to $ 4.9 billion in 2025 from $ 4.1 billion recorded in 2024. The expansion of the deficit with China was primarily driven by increased imports of electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as construction materials such as iron and steel, while exports remained relatively low,” the CBSL said.

“The trade deficit with India also widened in 2025, largely due to the increase in motor vehicle imports. Meanwhile, the US remained a vital trading partner, with total bilateral trade amounting to about $ 3.5 billion in 2025,” it added.

Sri Lanka continued to record a trade surplus of $ 2.5 billion with the US, largely supported by apparel exports.

Source:FT.LK

Sri Lanka and Russia agree to strengthen healthcare ties with focus on AI and primary care

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Sri Lanka and Russia have agreed to deepen cooperation in healthcare, with a focus on modernising primary health services and expanding the use of artificial intelligence in the sector.

Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko held talks with Sri Lanka’s Health and Mass Media Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa in Colombo, following Murashko’s arrival in the country on Sunday for a three-day official visit.

Deputy Health Minister Dr Hansaka Wijemuni and Russian Ambassador Levan Dzhagaryan also attended the discussions.

The two sides exchanged views on developing primary healthcare, advancing medical education, improving pharmaceutical production and supply chains, and deploying modern medical equipment.

A key focus of the talks was AI-based systems, with the Russian delegation briefing Sri Lankan officials on a technology platform developed to identify and diagnose 42 diseases across agricultural and urban populations, including through laboratory services and paediatrics.

Murashko said Russia had prioritised primary healthcare and had adopted a range of measures to deliver effective health services to its people.

He expressed Russia’s readiness to support the further development of Sri Lanka’s health system and to deepen bilateral ties.

He also invited Minister Jayatissa and Sri Lankan health officials to visit Russia to observe its healthcare system, modern medical equipment and AI-supported treatment services first hand.

Murashko said Russia was prepared to offer additional medical education opportunities for Sri Lankan doctors and expressed interest in strengthening cooperation in pharmaceutical production and supply chains.

He added that a Memorandum of Understanding between the two health ministries would help both countries move forward through closer coordination.

Russia was also ready to extend support to Sri Lanka in addressing challenges in areas including energy, he said.

Minister Jayatissa thanked his counterpart for the visit and for Russia’s expressed interest in supporting Sri Lanka’s health sector.

He outlined the country’s new programme to strengthen primary healthcare and stressed the importance of integrating modern technology and advanced medical equipment into the system.

Deputy Health Minister Dr Hansaka Wijemuni and Russian Ambassador Levan Dzhagaryan also attended the discussions.

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Vijay’s TVK seeks Governor’s appointment over govt formation after big win

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Vijay’s TVK emerged as the single largest party in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections with 108 seats, but fell short of a majority. The result has triggered negotiations with Congress, PMK and other parties over support for a TVK-led government.

C Joseph Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has emerged as the single largest party in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections but remains short of the majority mark, triggering intense post-poll negotiations to form the government.

With counting completed across all 234 constituencies, TVK secured 108 seats, well ahead of its rivals but 10 short of the 118 needed for a simple majority. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) finished second with 59 seats, followed by the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) at 47.

Smaller parties posted modest numbers, with the Indian National Congress winning 5 seats and the Pattali Makkal Katchi securing 4.

Despite falling short, TVK’s strong showing marks a major political breakthrough in Tamil Nadu, positioning Vijay at the center of government formation efforts. Sources indicate that TVK has activated a ‘‘Plan B,’‘ opening channels with potential allies to bridge the gap to majority.

The Congress and PMK are reportedly open to supporting a TVK-led government, with both parties seeking two ministerial berths each as part of negotiations.

Meanwhile, Left parties are holding internal consultations but have yet to take a final decision. Other regional players such as the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam are said to be waiting for the final outcome before making their moves.

As alliance talks intensify, all eyes are now on whether Vijay can stitch together the numbers needed to cross the majority mark and form the next government in Tamil Nadu.

Source: India Today