Author: TELO Admin

Xi’s governance book offers roadmap for Sri Lanka’s development: Chinese Ambassador

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China’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, says President Xi Jinping’s latest governance book offers valuable guidance for Sri Lanka’s development and opens new opportunities for bilateral cooperation.

Addressing the China-Sri Lanka Readers Forum on “Xi Jinping: The Governance of China (Volume V)” in Colombo, Ambassador Qi said the publication presents China’s latest governance philosophy and provides practical insights on modernization, high-quality development, reform and opening up.

He said the principles outlined in the book could serve as a useful reference for Sri Lanka as it seeks to accelerate economic development, improve livelihoods and achieve its national development goals.

The Ambassador also said the book outlines new avenues for China-Sri Lanka cooperation, including in port economy, modern agriculture, the digital economy, renewable energy and poverty reduction.

Highlighting the longstanding ties between the two countries, Qi noted that 2027 will mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Sri Lanka.

He said China is ready to further align development strategies with Sri Lanka and deepen cooperation to build what he described as a “China-Sri Lanka community with a shared future.”

The event was attended by Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne, Deputy Minister of Education Madhura Senevirathne, senior Chinese officials and representatives of Sri Lankan political parties and institutions. (Newswire)

Speech by Ambassador Qi Zhenhong at the

China-Sri Lanka Readers Forum on Xi Jinping:

The Governance of China(Volume V)

(3rd July 2026 14:00PM, Hilton Colombo)

Hon. Hu Kaihong, Deputy Head of Central Office of Cultural and Ethical Progress of China,

Hon. Jagath Wickramaratne, Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka,

Hon. Madhura Senevirathne, Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education,

Hon. Yu Tao, Vice President of China International Communications Group,

Hon. G. Weerasinghe, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Sri Lanka,

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Friends,

Good afternoon! It is a great honor to gather here with you today for the China-Sri Lanka Readers Forum on Xi Jinping: The Governance of China(Volume V). Together, we will jointly explore the profound theoretical insights and rich practical achievements of this book. I would like to extend warm welcome to all the distinguished guests, and express my heartfelt gratitude to friends from all walks of life who have long been caring for and supporting China and China-Sri Lanka relations.

Just now, Hon. Hu Kaihong delivered an in-depth and systematic exposition of the core tenets and rich essence of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China(Volume V), with a focus on China-Sri Lanka cooperation and exchanges. I believe that everyone here has gained a deeper understanding of the stances, viewpoints, as well as methods contained therein. Hon. Yu Tao will provide further elaboration later. I would like to take this opportunity to share a few reflections from my own study.

This work demonstrates that Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is broad and profound, while keeping pace with the times. This thought is the Marxism of contemporary China and of the 21st century. It embodies the finest of the Chinese culture and the Chinese spirit of our times, serving as a scientific guide for our endeavors to build a great country and advance national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization. Meanwhile, it has made a global contribution to people of all countries in enhancing cultural exchanges and mutual learning, jointly pursuing modernization, and addressing the common challenges confronting humanity.

The Volumes I to IV systematically reflect the development trajectory and key content of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Since the publication, the series have drawn widespread attention and sparked strong responses, playing a vital role in helping the international community gain a comprehensive and accurate understanding of China’s path, China’s governance, and China’s philosophy. The Volume V, sharing the same origins with the preceding volumes, stands as an authoritative work that systematically presents the latest achievements of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. It vividly presents new strategies, new perspectives, new assertions, and new requirements for advancing Chinese modernization, and elucidates the governance experience of the Communist Party of China—such as putting people first, deepening reform and opening up, and upholding fundamental principles while breaking new ground. It helps countries around the world further grasp the“intellectual key”to understanding a real China and enables them to accurately decode the secret of how China’s governance has succeeded.

This work articulates China’s latest approaches to grasping the major trend and following the right path to address global challenges. Nowadays, the international landscape is witnessing turbulence and transformation. Against this backdrop, the Volume V offers a profound elaboration on the rich connotations and practical achievements of the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity. It further provides a scientific answer to the pressing questions of how to respond to a changing world. It also charts the progress of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative in building a better world. Furthermore, it fully demonstrates China’s broad vision and sense of responsibility in bringing new momentum and new opportunities to the world through its own new development. Following the publication of the Volume V, President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Governance Initiative at the SCO Tianjin Summit, advocating for building a more just and equitable global governance system. The four major global initiatives, interwoven and organically integrated, light the way forward for a world searching for direction and contribute China’s wisdom and solutions to building a shared future of prosperity and well-being for all.

This work provides new inspiration and guidance for the continued development, revitalization, and win-win cooperation of China and Sri Lanka. The China-Sri Lanka friendship, spanning over two thousand years, has always remained deep-rooted and flourishing. As China forges ahead along the new journey of building a great country and advancing national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization, Sri Lanka is also striving to boost economic development, improve people’s livelihoods, and realize the vision of “a thriving nation, a beautiful life.” The guiding principles and practical pathways set forth in the Volume V on deepening reform comprehensively, expanding high-standard opening-up, achieving high-quality development, and pursuing Belt and Road cooperation provide useful reference and inspiration for Sri Lanka. These contents also outline a new horizon for the two countries to join hands in advancing modernization and achieving common prosperity. Next year will mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Sri Lanka. China stands ready to continue working alongside Sri Lanka, further strengthen the synergy of development strategies, and deepen exchanges and cooperation in areas such as port economy, modern agriculture, digital economy, new energy, and poverty reduction. With our joint efforts, we can paint a more magnificent picture of building a China-Sri Lanka community with a shared future.

The Volume V belongs not only to China, but also to the world. It records the exploration and practice of an ancient civilization striding toward modernization, and it carries the reflections and sense of responsibility of a major country for the future of humanity. I am confident that Volume V will become a window for people from all walks of life in Sri Lanka to understand China in the new era. Let us build consensus through dialogue, enlighten one another through mutual learning, and forge the future through cooperation. Together, we can build a China-Sri Lanka community with a shared future, bringing greater benefits to our two peoples!

In conclusion, I wish this Readers Forum a complete

success! Thank you all!

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Families of disappeared to protest, demanding fresh probe into Matale mass grave

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Relatives of forcibly disappeared persons have called for the reopening of investigations into the Matale mass grave, uncovered fourteen years ago.

A peaceful public protest has been scheduled for the morning of 16th July opposite the Matale District Secretariat, demanding an immediate, formal and independent reinvestigation into the mass grave, widely considered one of the most heinous human rights violations in the country’s history.

Organised by the People’s Voice for Justice and Fairness, the demonstration aims to seek justice for the young men and women abducted and brutally murdered during the 1988 to 1990 reign of terror, while demanding that those responsible be publicly exposed.

Chairman of the Families of the Disappeared, Brito Fernando, said they had petitioned the magistrate’s court to reopen the case involving the mass grave.

He said construction workers had accidentally uncovered the skeletal remains of around 154 people at the Matale Base Hospital in 2012.

Forensic and judicial investigations were subsequently conducted at the site.

In April 2014, the Matale Magistrate’s Court ordered the skeletal samples to be sent to Beta Analytic, a laboratory in Florida, for carbon-14 dating, with the samples dispatched in 2015.

The case file was closed without a final order, however, with the judge stating that the investigation could not proceed further but could be reopened, Fernando told UCA News.

Relatives have now requested the court to safely preserve the remains for DNA testing, in the hope of matching them with missing persons. The case is scheduled to be heard again on 16th July.

According to Fernando, the relatives claim that former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was the military commander in the Matale area during the last phase of the twenty six year civil war that ended in 2009, when thousands had disappeared.

Rajapaksa also served as defence secretary later, when the skeletal samples were sent to the United States for analysis.

The authenticity of the samples has been questioned by relatives, who have also raised concerns about transparency in the investigation process and are demanding action against those they allege obstructed it.

Kandy based human rights activist Navarathna Bandara said the petition, filed by attorneys Himali Kularatne and Lakmal Suriyagoda, asks the court to reopen the case, order DNA testing of the remains, and direct the Government to launch a new investigation.

Sri Lanka has one of the world’s highest rates of enforced disappearances, with an estimated 60,000 to 100,000 unresolved cases since the 1970s.

About twenty mass graves have been discovered over several decades, with the most prominent sites located in Chemmani, Duraiappa Stadium in Jaffna, Mannar, Kokkuthoduvai in Mullaitivu, and Colombo Port.

These are linked to the security forces’ crackdown during the 1987 to 1989 uprising by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, and to the civil war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam between 1983 and 2009.

Amnesty Int’l seeks answers over Sri Lanka’s Haiti deployment & child abuse allegations

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Amnesty International has responded to reports that more than 1,000 personnel from Sri Lanka’s military and police are to be deployed to Haiti as part of the international Gang Suppression Force (GSF).

Renzo Pomi, AI Representative at the United Nations in New York, said, there remain serious and unresolved allegations of widespread sexual abuse of children by Sri Lankan personnel during previous deployments in Haiti.

Sri Lanka’s authorities, along with the GSF leadership, the states part of the Standing Group of Partners, and the UN must be absolutely transparent about how the screening process for this latest deployment has been carried out, what further safeguarding measures have been put in place, and what accountability mechanisms have been established to address any potential new allegations against Sri Lankan and all other deployed forces, he was quoted as saying by amnesty.org.

Senior Sri Lankan military officers suspected of war crimes, crimes against humanity and other international crimes should be excluded from participating in any vetting processes.

In Haiti and beyond, the ongoing lack of accountability for sexual abuse allegations against UN and other peacekeeping forces is lamentable.

Civilians in the most desperate circumstances are the ones who pay the price for this entrenched impunity, he said.

Also raising concerns was the ITJP, which said on X following a meeting on 26 June, “Today, ITJP and partner NGOs met with the UN to raise urgent concerns about Sri Lanka’s proposed deployment to Haiti.”

“We were given no clarity on accountability for past allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse involving Sri Lankan personnel. We were also told the UN has no role in vetting personnel for the Gang Suppression Force,” it said

On the same day, president Anura Kumara Dissanayake joined a ceremony to extend best wishes to the Sri Lankan peacekeeping team.

Here, he said the government is duty-bound to protect and uphold every action taken in defence of the country, people and security of the state.

At the same time, it has a responsibility to investigate any action that may have harmed the reputation of the armed forces or undermined their responsibilities in pursuit of the ambitions of a small group.

I in furtherance of the interests of a very small faction, things inappropriate for the armed forces have been done, or acts have been committed that fall outside what is expected of them, the government is prepared to act, and must act, for the sake of the reputation of the military and the protection of the victims, he said.

Sri Lanka is set to deploy a contingent of 1,132 personnel from the Sri Lanka Army and the Police Special Task Force to Haiti imminently, making this the largest single deployment of Sri Lankan forces for a UN-authorized international force overseas, to date.

Between 2004-2007, more than 100 peacekeepers were repatriated back to Sri Lanka over allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation.

Publicly available information does not indicate that any Sri Lankan peacekeeper has been criminally prosecuted and convicted in connection with the 2007 Haiti sexual exploitation and abuse scandal.

In 2015, a UN investigation on Sri Lanka (the OISL report) found reasonable grounds to believe that rape and sexual violence by security forces personnel was widespread against both males and females during Sri Lanka’s internal armed conflict.

A report released this year by the OHCHR further highlights how the requisite mechanisms to ensure accountability for conflict-related sexual violence are still not in place in Sri Lanka.

Ponnambalam-led TNPA meets Tamil Nadu CM Vijay, submits demands

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A delegation of the Tamil National People’s Assembly (TNPA), led by its leader and MP Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam, on 03 July met with the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Joseph Vijay at the Tamil Nadu Government Secretariat in Chennai and held discussions on several issues concerning Sri Lankan Tamils.

During the meeting, the TNPA submitted a written memorandum outlining its demands and concerns.

According to a statement issued by Ponnambalam, discussions focused on the political and human rights issues faced by Tamils in Sri Lanka’s Northern and Eastern Provinces, the call for a federal political solution in place of the existing unitary constitutional system, and the recognition of the sovereignty of the Tamil nation.

The delegation also raised the need for an international independent investigation into alleged genocide against Eelam Tamils, measures to find a lasting solution to the issues faced by Indian and Sri Lankan Tamil fishermen, and resolving the long-standing concerns of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees living in India.

The seven-member delegation representing the TNPA was headed by Ponnambalam and included former MP Selvarasa Gajendran, Tamil National Green Movement leader Ponuthurai Aingkaranessan, Democratic Tamil Party leader and President’s Counsel K.V. Thavarasa, TNPF National Organiser Tharmalingam Suresh, official spokesperson and Senior Counsel Kanakaratnam Sugash, and Policy Propagator Secretary and Senior Counsel Natarajar Kandiepan.

The TNPA said it had formally presented its proposals to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister during the meeting.

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First Fuel Station to be Established in Delft Island

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The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) says a fuel station will be established for the first time on Delft Island in Sri Lanka.

CPC Managing Director Dr. Mayura Neththikumarage said the initiative is expected to boost tourism development and support livelihoods on the island.

He added that the current fuel distribution process in the Delft Island has been disorganised and the new facility aims to improve efficiency and access.

Dr. Neththikumarage further stated that the foundation stone for the fuel station was laid on the Delft Island today, with construction expected to be completed within the next few months.

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Sri Lanka, Pakistan discuss potential collaboration in maritime security, disaster management

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The Secretary of the Ministry of Defence of Pakistan, Lieutenant General (Retd) Muhammad Ali, has paid a courtesy call on Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General (Retd) Aruna Jayasekara, at his office in Colombo.

Lieutenant General (Retd) Muhammad Ali arrived in Sri Lanka on Wednesday (01 Jul) for an official visit to participate in the 6th Pakistan–Sri Lanka Armed Forces Defence Dialogue, which was held earlier yesterday (03 Jul).

The Deputy Minister warmly welcomed the visiting Pakistani Defence Secretary, and the two high-ranking dignitaries held cordial discussions on a range of bilateral matters of mutual importance, a statement said.

The discussions mainly focused on the Sri Lanka–Pakistan Armed Forces Defence Dialogue, enhancing bilateral defence cooperation, strengthening military-to-military engagements, and promoting collaboration in areas of shared strategic importance.

The discussions also extended to potential collaboration in Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and Disaster Management. In particular, they emphasized the importance of disaster mitigation through a comprehensive approach encompassing prevention, preparedness, and response, the ministry said.

Both parties agreed to share best practices and expertise by building on existing collaborative mechanisms such as virtual coordination meetings, the exchange of weather forecasts, and active participation in regional disaster management exercises.

Lieutenant General (Retd) Muhammad Ali expressed his appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by the Government of Sri Lanka and reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to further strengthening the longstanding defence partnership between the two countries, a relationship built on mutual understanding, equality, trust, and mutual respect.

The meeting was also attended by the Defence Advisor at the High Commission of Pakistan, Colonel Muhammad Farooq.

China to fund Central Expressway, deal expected soon

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Top EXIM Bank delegation here to finalise revised agreement on Kadawatha-Mirigama stretch; work to resume within weeks By Damith Wickremasekera
Sri Lanka and China are set to finalise an amended agreement to fund the Central Expressway’s Kadawatha–Mirigama stretch, with work expected to resume within weeks, a senior government official said.

A high-level China Export-Import Bank (China EXIM Bank) delegation led by Vice President Yang Dongning was in Sri Lanka this week to discuss the new agreement and met with senior government figures, including Deputy Finance and Planning Minister Anil Jayantha Fernando and Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath.

The talks centred on, among other matters, the modalities of the revised financing agreement for the China EXIM Bank-funded project. They include concessionary terms on which to pay the penalty fee for the delay in the project as well as the increased costs due to the depreciation of the rupee over the years.

“Due to the delay in the projects, the costs have increased, and we have to pay a penalty fee as well. These are being negotiated so that we can pay back in a concessionary manner,” a government source said.

He said the talks with the EXIM Bank representatives were successful, and hence the government is hopeful of the work resuming shortly. Another delegation from the EXIM Bank will visit the country at the end of the month along with the revised agreement containing repayment modalities discussed and finalised this week, the source said.

The project will resume with USD 500 million from China EXIM Bank and USD 438 million from the government. The project is expected to be completed by September 2028. Metallurgical Corporation of China (MCC) will remain as the contractor.

Work on the 37-kilometre stretch of the Kadwatha-Mirigama stretch of the Central Expressway has remained stalled since 2022. Around 51% of the project is completed by now, with 65% expected to be completed by the end of the year after the work resumes. About 90-95% is expected to be completed by the end of 2027 and the rest in 2028. Government sources said they are determined to resume the project as soon as possible and said the delay in finalising a new agreement was because it had to be thoroughly negotiated so as to cover all necessary aspects.

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Sri Lanka’s anti-torture safeguards still falling short; little progress on detention reforms – UN

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Sri Lanka must strengthen its National Preventive Mechanism and take concrete action to address persistent risks faced by people deprived of liberty, the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) said after its second visit to the country, citing concerns over prolonged pre-trial detention, overcrowding and inadequate conditions in detention facilities and other places where people are deprived of liberty. Beaches& Islands

“More than seven years after our initial visit, several of our previous recommendations have yet to be fully implemented, and people deprived of their liberty have yet to see any meaningful improvement in their situation,” said Aisha Shujune Muhammad, head of the SPT delegation.

The SPT delegation visited Sri Lanka from 14 to 25 June 2026 to assess progress in implementing the recommendations issued by the SPT following its first visit in 2019. The mission also aimed to engage directly with the local monitoring body, the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM), and to examine the treatment of detainees and the safeguards in place against torture and ill-treatment.

During the visit, the delegation conducted unannounced visits to a range of detention facilities, including prisons, police stations, remand centres, rehabilitation facilities and other places of detention, and held meetings with State officials, NPM members, civil society representatives and other UN agencies.

The SPT reiterated concerns that, despite existing legal safeguards, people deprived of liberty do not always benefit from them in practice, pointing to broader challenges in the justice system. The delegation also underscored that the lack of an independent investigative mechanism fosters a climate of impunity.

“An independent, adequately resourced and effectively functioning NPM is essential for the prevention of torture and ill-treatment. Further concrete steps are required to strengthen the NPM, as the obligation under the Optional Protocol extends beyond its mere designation and includes ensuring its continued independence, effectiveness, and operational capacity,” Muhammad added.

Following the visit, the SPT will submit a confidential report to the Government of Sri Lanka setting out its observations and recommendations. The report will remain confidential unless the State Party decides to make it public. In line with its practice regarding all States Parties, the SPT encourages Sri Lanka to publish this report, as well as its previous one, to help promote transparency, accountability, and public discussion on preventing torture and ill-treatment. Beaches& Islands

The SPT delegation was composed of Aisha Shujune Muhammad, head of delegation (Maldives), Jakub Julian Czepek (Poland), Nika Kvaratskhelia (Georgia), Anica Tomsic (Croatia) and two human rights officers from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Sri Lanka Cabinet appoints special panel to protect lands in Eastern province

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Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Ministers has appointed a special panel to protect lands in Eastern Province with an aim to stop illegal land grabbing and promote tourism while repossessing unutilized government lands, the government said.

Lands in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province have increasingly become a flashpoint for intense social, economic, and administrative controversy, primarily driven by illicit land grabbing, unauthorized land reclamation, and illegal coastal developments that exploit political power and connections.

These irregular human activities have severely degraded the region’s sensitive natural ecosystems, triggering rapid and severe marine erosion along the Eastern coastline.

Geopolitical and social friction is further exacerbated by the fact that even sixteen years after the conclusion of the civil conflict, the state has failed to implement a systematic, permanent resettlement program for displaced populations.

“A number of social, economic, and administrative problems have arisen in the Eastern Province due to forced and illegal land grabbing, unauthorized land reclamation, and unauthorized coastal constructions achieved by misusing political power and political affiliations,” the government said in its Cabinet Decisions document.

“Consequently, the natural ecosystem of the region is severely endangered. These unregulated and illegal human activities have also become a primary driver behind rapid, severe marine erosion across the entire Eastern coastline.”

It also said that even though 16 years have passed since the end of the civil conflict, the absence of a systematic program to permanently resettle displaced populations and the deviation from standard criteria when structuring administrations have directly impacted regional development and national security.

The Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposals to appoint a committee named ‘Protection of Eastern Province Lands,’ comprising representatives from relevant institutions to find swift, permanent solutions to these problems, enforce legal measures, and strengthen institutional coordination, it said.

The Cabinet also approved proposals to immediately establish a special law enforcement unit headed by a Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) with full powers to the security forces to stop all unauthorized land grabbing and land reclamation carried out utilizing political power.

The Cabinet has also decided that Mahaweli Lands taken over five years ago or prior, where no project has been implemented to date, will be repossessed by the government immediately.

It has also proposed to redistribute land for Local Development activities for local residents under a structured program and to swiftly formulate a systematic plan to promote the tourism industry by utilizing the high potential of the Eastern coastline while simultaneously ensuring the protection of the coastal ecosystem.

“A mechanism will be designed to ensure that government officials enforce the law impartially and transparently regarding the operation of hotels along the Eastern coastline,” the government said.

IMF puts Sri Lanka’s reform resolve to the test

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Sri Lanka’s economic recovery faces fresh scrutiny this week, as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) checks whether the government has stuck to tough reform pledges under its USD 2.9 billion bailout — even after winning some breathing room following recent shocks.

A nine-member IMF team, led by Mission Chief Evan Papageorgiou, is in Colombo from 24-30 June for the seventh review of the Extended Fund Facility programme.

The talks cover emergency fiscal measures, customs reforms and a revised Medium-Term Revenue Strategy.

Officials also inspected Sri Lanka Customs to assess digitalisation efforts aimed at boosting transparency and revenue. Wellnessdestination guide

Why it matters:

The review will decide whether Sri Lanka gets its hands on the eighth tranche — roughly USD 335-350 million — strengthening the country’s fragile external finances.

The backdrop:

Sri Lanka’s outlook has darkened. The Middle East conflict and Cyclone Ditwah are pushing up inflation and fuel costs, weakening the current account and denting tourism earnings.

The IMF’s response:

Some flexibility, but with strings attached. A Rs.500 billion supplementary budget will help cyclone-hit families and rebuild damaged infrastructure.

The primary budget surplus target for 2026 has been eased — but Sri Lanka must return to 2.3% of GDP by 2027.

The Fund has been blunt: emergency spending is not a licence for fiscal indiscipline. Officials are combing through mid-year budget data to confirm spending stays within approved limits.

What to watch:

– Debt repayments – Staying current on restructuring obligations remains non-negotiable for restoring investor confidence.

– Money printing – Net monetary financing must stay at zero — no printing money to fund government spending.

– Reserves – The Central Bank must keep building reserves, even as it intervenes to prop up the rupee.

– Anti-corruption – CIABOC needs independent commissioners and proper funding for forensic investigations — still a work in progress.

– State enterprises – Loss-making SOEs remain a drag on the Treasury; the IMF wants visible progress on restructuring or divestment.

The bottom line:

The IMF has handed Colombo some short-term relief. Whether that translates into long-term funding depends on whether the government can show the reform momentum hasn’t stalled.