Public meeting for the 40th remembrance of TELO Leader Sri Sabaratnam
Telo leader srisabaratnam 40th Remembrance public meeting
Place : 219 Station Road Vavuniya Vorse hall
06-05-2026 Wednesday
Time: 2:30 PM
Author: TELO Admin
SRISABA’S 40TH REMEMBRANCE DAY – 06/05/2026
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
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
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.
Vijay’s TVK seeks Governor’s appointment over govt formation after big win
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
New three-judge bench to hear Prageeth Ekneligoda abduction case
The High Court Trial-at-Bar in Colombo has decided to recommence the long-stalled trial concerning the abduction and enforced disappearance of journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda, following a formal indictment filed by the Attorney General.
The case was previously heard before a three-judge bench comprising Judges Namal Balalle, Mahen Weeraman, and Sujeewa Nissanka.
However, the trial had been disrupted for several months due to the suspension of Judge Namal Balalle pending a disciplinary inquiry and the retirement of Judge Mahen Weeraman.
Consequently, Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena has appointed a new three-judge bench to preside over the proceedings, said Ada Derana reporter.
The case was taken up yesterday (May 4) before the newly constituted bench comprising Judges Nayana Seneviratne, Nalin Hewawasam, and Lakmali Hewawasam.
Notably, while the case was previously heard at the Hulftsdorp Court Complex, yesterday’s proceedings were held at a court established within the official residence on Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo, which was previously occupied by former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella during his tenure.
Upon taking up the case, the bench ordered that the trial proceed on a weekly basis commencing May 8. The court also issued summons to two witnesses, directing them to appear on the next hearing date.
The Attorney General filed this case during the tenure of the former Yahapalana government in connection with the abduction and enforced disappearance of Prageeth Ekneligoda between January 24 and 27, 2010. Nine members of the Army Intelligence Unit, including Colonel Shammi Arjuna Kumararatne, who served as the Commanding Officer of the Giritale Army Camp, have been named as defendants in the case.
PM Modi hails historic win in West Bengal and Assam
The Economic Times – Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters in New Delhi on Monday as counting trends showed the party surging past the majority mark in West Bengal and retaining power in Assam.
Addressing jubilant party workers, Modi opened with characteristic humility, “As a karyakarta, I join other BJP workers on this occasion,” before declaring that the lotus had finally bloomed in Bengal.
The Bharatiya Janata Party is set to form the government in West Bengal for the first time, as counting trends on Monday showed the party surging past the majority mark in the 294-seat assembly, ending over a decade of Trinamool Congress rule under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the verdict as a triumph of people’s power. “The 2026 West Bengal Assembly Elections will be remembered forever. People’s power has prevailed and BJP’s politics of good governance has triumphed,” he said in a post on social media. He credited the result to grassroots workers across the state. “BJP’s record win in West Bengal would not be possible without the efforts and struggles of countless karyakartas over generations. I salute them all,” he added.
Chemmani Phase 3 Day 6: two more skeletons found, total reaches 245
Excavations at the Chemmani mass grave site in Jaffna continued on Day 6 of the third phase on 2 May under the supervision of Jaffna Magistrate S. Lenin Kumar, with two additional human skeletons identified during the latest round of digging.
According to updates from the site, three previously identified skeletons were fully exhumed on the same day.
Officials confirmed that, across all phases of excavation conducted so far, a total of 245 skeletons have been identified, of which 243 have been fully exhumed.
A breakdown of findings indicates that 234 skeletons were identified at forensic excavation Site 1, while nine were identified at Site 2.
The excavations are part of ongoing investigations into the Chemmani mass grave, with forensic teams continuing systematic recovery and documentation under judicial supervision.
SC Dismisses Plea to Be Recognised as SLMC MPs
The Supreme Court today rejected a request made by Rauff Hakeem and Nizam Kariapper to notify Parliament that they should be recognised as Members of Parliament representing the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, and not the Samagi Jana Balawegaya.
The court dismissed the petition filed by the two parliamentarians without granting leave to proceed.
The petition filed by Rauff Hakeem and Nizam Kariapper was taken up before a Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justice Achala Wengappuli.
Appearing on behalf of the Attorney General, Additional Solicitor General Viveka Siriwardena raised preliminary objections and requested the court to dismiss the petition without proceeding with a hearing.
She informed court that the general election was held in November 2024, while the petition had been filed in October 2025.
She argued that the petition had been filed after the lapse of the prescribed time period.
She further pointed out that the two petitioners were elected to Parliament under an alliance formed with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, and that the failure to name the General Secretary of that party as a respondent amounted to a procedural defect.
The Additional Solicitor General also stated that, at the request of the petitioners, the Election Commission had already issued a letter to Parliament informing that they are members of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, and accordingly requested that the petition be dismissed.
Appearing for the petitioners, President’s Counsel M. A. Sumanthiran informed court that at the last general election, the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, the party of his clients, contested the election in alliance with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya.
He stated that the Election Commission had informed Parliament that his clients were members of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya.
He said that it was therefore necessary to file this action seeking an order directing the Election Commission to notify Parliament that his clients are members of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress.
However, President’s Counsel Sumanthiran also requested court to permit the withdrawal of the petition, noting that the Election Commission had already issued a letter stating that the petitioners are members of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress.
During proceedings, Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena questioned how the petitioners could represent a separate party in Parliament when voters had cast their votes for an alliance.
In response, President’s Counsel M. A. Sumanthiran said that although voters voted for an alliance, the preferential vote system allows them to select individual candidates of their choice.
After considering the submissions made by both parties, the Supreme Court bench decided to dismiss the petition without issuing notice.
SL must ‘walk the talk,’ not talk the talk: Japanese Envoy
In seizing opportunities in a ‘Look East’ strategy amidst tensions elsewhere, Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata last week urged Sri Lanka to “walk the talk” and not “talk the talk.”
“The crux of the matter for Sri Lankan exporters is seizing opportunities with action. We cannot afford to continue to ‘talk the talk.’ We really need to ‘walk the talk,’” Ambassador Isomata told a forum titled ‘Exports to Japan: Seizing the Opportunity Now’ organised by the Sri Lanka Japan Business Council (SLJBC).
Referring to the Japan proposed ‘Export-Oriented Industrial Corridor’ between Japan, Sri Lanka, and India, which was approved by the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake Government given the initiative could ensure 9.3% growth in Sri Lanka’s GDP by 2030, Ambassador Isomata highlighted the need to accelerate progress.
He noted that working groups were being set up on both the Japanese and Sri Lankan sides to advance the initiative, but stressed that the progress must move faster. “We need to accelerate this work.”
“I don’t want to prescribe any legal deadline for a proposal involving Sri Lanka but some of the proposals are time-sensitive. If we don’t act in a timely manner, maybe the Japanese Government too and Japanese business circles will lose interest in working together,” said the Japanese Ambassador. He added that the Japanese Government, Japanese Embassy, and Government-related agencies, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), are all ready to work with Sri Lanka.
His keynote was followed by a panel discussion featuring Department of Commerce Head of Trade Charitha Yattogoda, Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe, Lanka Harness Co., Executive Chairman Dr. Rohan Pallewatte, and BizEx Consulting Managing Director Sunil Wijesinha and moderated by Daily FT CEO and Editor Nisthar Cassim.
Warning that global political tensions, especially in the Middle East, would have lasting consequences, Ambassador Isomata also urged Sri Lanka to consider the “strategic rationality of looking towards the East.”
He advised that Sri Lanka could invest more in the promotion of trade and investment within Southeast Asian countries, highlighting the region’s growth potential alongside opportunities with India. “For Japanese investors, Sri Lanka as a market is too small. There’s a big market in India which is dependent on imports, including from Japan, so why don’t we use India?” queried the Japanese Ambassador, alluding to the proposed Export-Oriented Industrial Corridor, which he said was a practical proposal.
“This export-directed corridor will be established by the Governments, but who will actually utilise this framework? It is the business circles of Japan, Sri Lanka, and India,” he said, underscoring the role of private sector participation in driving the initiative.
Sri Lanka’s exports to Japan have been averaging less than $ 200 million per annum despite considerable potential in multiple sectors.
Ambassador Isomata also urged for a clearly defined industrial strategy. “After arriving in Sri Lanka, I was trying to find this kind of strategy, but unfortunately, I haven’t seen any.” He called for “vigorous reform measures” that would support long-term growth, adding that a structured industrial promotion policy would help improve productivity and competitiveness.
He also reiterated the need for Sri Lanka to have a robust trade policy in addition to export development and a diversification drive. Better utilisation of existing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), as well as new ones, and the transformation of the existing Indian arrangement with a Comprehensive Economic Partnership was recommended. He referred to Japan having signed 22 FTAs and Economic Partnership Agreements.
Ambassador Isomata further emphasised the need to improve Sri Lanka’s business environment to attract foreign direct investment, including from Japan, noting that a bilateral business environment improvement committee had been meeting regularly to address operational issues.
“We need constant improvement. In a nutshell, we have to try whatever we can to bring about concrete results. Japan and Sri Lanka have enjoyed a great relationship historically. But let us not be too complacent about where we are.”