The Indian Ocean must not be turned into a theatre of major power rivalry, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong said, insisting it should instead serve as a platform for cooperation and shared benefit among nations.

“We consistently advocate that the ocean should not be an arena for major power contests, but a broad stage for mutual benefit and cooperation,” Qi said, adding that the Indian Ocean should evolve into “an ocean of peace, development, openness and cooperation.”

He emphasized that such a vision reflects the common interests of countries in the region and the wider international community, warning that opposing approaches would fail to gain support.

Addressing a forum on regional cooperation, the Ambassador highlighted the long-standing significance of the Indian Ocean as a conduit for global trade and cultural interaction since antiquity. He also pointed to the historical ties between China and Indian Ocean nations, noting a tradition of friendly exchanges.

Sri Lanka, he said, occupies a strategically critical position at the heart of the Indian Ocean, functioning as a key hub along east-west maritime routes. This positioning has enabled the island nation to play a distinct and increasingly influential role in fostering regional exchange and cooperation.

Reflecting on bilateral ties, the Ambassador said China-Sri Lanka maritime cooperation has delivered “fruitful results” in recent years under the strategic direction of both countries’ leaders. Cooperation has expanded across multiple sectors, including port construction, shipping logistics, maritime economic activity, and disaster prevention and mitigation, bringing tangible benefits to both populations.

However, he acknowledged that routine maritime scientific research conducted jointly by Chinese and Sri Lankan scientists had faced delays due to various disruptions.

“We hope and believe that the Sri Lankan government, in consideration of its own sovereignty, dignity and interests, will make the right decision at an early date,” he said, referring to the stalled research activities.

Qi noted that countries across the Indian Ocean region are largely focused on economic growth, improving public welfare, and enhancing connectivity. In that context, he reiterated China’s longstanding support for peace, stability, development, and prosperity in the region.

The Ambassador called for open and constructive engagement among participants, encouraging candid discussions and consensus-building during the forum.

“Vast seas allow fish to leap, and boundless skies allow birds to soar. The ocean grants us infinite possibilities,” he said, expressing hope that deliberations would contribute to strengthened China-Sri Lanka maritime cooperation and the overall peace and prosperity of the Indian Ocean region.

Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has firmly rejected attempts to create fear among public officials, while stressing that no one should evade accountability or act without regard for the law.

Addressing concerns surrounding law enforcement and governance, the President said he was aware of efforts to instil fear within the public service, but made it clear that officials should not be intimidated. At the same time, he emphasised that wrongdoing should never be treated lightly, warning that the country cannot progress without strict adherence to the rule of law.

President Dissanayake stated that everyone must be subject to the law and must fear the law, regardless of position. He said this principle applies equally to the President and to grassroots-level public officers, stressing that all citizens are bound by the same legal obligations.

He pointed to a damaging culture that had taken root in the country, where individuals with political backing, power, wealth, or close connections to political authorities were able to evade the law. He said such a system prevents a nation from moving forward and stressed that Sri Lanka must adopt a new approach where no individual is above the law.

The President said that power, influence, status, or past dominance would not be considered, as the country requires a fundamental transformation.

He noted that within the law, it is standard procedure for statements to be recorded from anyone whose name arises during an investigation, questioning how such a basic legal process had come to be portrayed as oppression or injustice.

He said that even if his own name were mentioned in an investigation, a statement should be taken, reiterating that no one stands above the law. The President warned that efforts were underway to create a false societal narrative portraying lawful procedures as persecution.

Calling for collective responsibility, President Dissanayake said the country needs a society where everyone is equal before the law, subject to the law, and respectful of it. He assured public officials that fair enforcement of the law would not hinder them from performing their duties within prescribed limits.

He stressed that the law would never be enforced with vengeance, hatred, or anger, and that enforcement would be carried out fairly.

The President added that legal mechanisms already exist to address any instances of unfair or unjust application of the law.

Encouraging officials to work without fear, he said certain groups had long believed that the law would never reach them. When it eventually did, they were unable to accept it, having assumed they were above the law. He said the law must operate without regard to status, rank, or historical influence, as such impartial enforcement is essential for national transformation.

President Dissanayake also observed that all public officials operate within defined legal, regulatory, and procedural frameworks, regardless of the responsibilities they hold. He contrasted this with a past culture where power was associated with a lack of limits and boundaries.

He further noted that several former Presidents had been judicially proven, through court rulings, including Supreme Court judgments, to have violated the Constitution, questioning what remains of a country if even its Presidents breach constitutional limits.

The President stated that the government is making every effort to ensure governance remains within the legal framework. He called on all officials to work confidently within the law and added that if existing legal frameworks hinder effective governance, those frameworks themselves must be changed through lawful means.

Hindustan Times – Tamil Nadu’s new Chief Minister Vijay on Monday met his predecessor and DMK chief MK Stalin, a day after the actor-turned-politician was sworn in following a landmark election victory.

The meeting marked Vijay’s first interaction with Stalin after winning the Assembly elections and assuming office as chief minister, with the visit being described as a “courtesy call”. Stalin and his son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, extended a warm welcome to the new chief minister.

“Honourable Mr. Vijay, who has assumed the role of Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, met me with political courtesy and received my greetings. I extended to him my heartfelt congratulations as well as my advice,” MK Stalin shared on X.

Udhayanidhi greeted Vijay with a handshake and a hug upon his arrival, while Stalin later embraced him as well.

The two leaders also exchanged silk shawls and bouquets during the meeting.

The meeting comes weeks after a bitter electoral contest between the DMK and Vijay’s TVK ahead of the April 23 Assembly polls, which the latter went on to win.

Authorities have temporarily suspended all sand mining permits in the Mannar District following concerns over the manner in which permits were being issued in the district.

The decision was reached during a special meeting held yesterday (10) at the Mannar District Secretariat with the participation of government officials and sand business owners.

Chairman of the District Development Committee and Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development, Upali Samarasinghe, said future sand mining permits would be issued under a new legal framework.

He said sand business owners had also submitted their concerns, proposals and suggestions during the discussion.

According to the Deputy Minister, businessmen proposed that, in order to control sand prices, three cubes of sand be supplied at Rs. 50,000 for the construction of houses for low-income families and at Rs. 65,000 for government construction projects.

They had also requested permission for an additional transport charge of Rs. 350 per kilometre for deliveries to other Divisional Secretariat divisions, he added.