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Russia-Ukraine war: Compensation held up pending DNA verification of dead ex-Lankan military men

Posted on January 11, 2025 | by TELO Admin

Russia is seeking Sri Lanka’s assistance to confirm the identities of several ex-military personnel killed in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The Island learns that Russia has requested the relevant authorities to facilitate the identification of dead personnel through DNA testing to pave the way for the payment of compensation. Russia has assured the previous government of sufficient compensation for those who had been killed and wounded in the war zone.

Ex-Sri Lankan military personnel were among those who had been recruited by Russia to meet manpower shortage following the intensification of fighting in February 2022. The conflict began in 2014 after an American engineered coup toppled the then elected government in Kiev, through what was termed the Maidan revolution.

According to sources, the payment of compensation had been held up due to the delay in confirming the identification of the dead. Russia has sought the verification of the identities of five dead personnel, sources said, adding that the total number of fatalities remained unclear. However, at least 20 ex-military personnel had been killed and several dozens wounded so far, according to some sources, though the actual number killed in the conflict could be very much higher as some ex-Lankan military personnel joined Ukrainian forces.

In the run-up to the presidential election last September, the then government sent a delegation to Russia in late June 2024 to discuss the issue. At the conclusion of the talks in Moscow, the Sri Lankan Embassy there said that Sri Lanka proposed the establishment of a joint working committee consisting of officials from the two sides to address concerns of the Sri Lankans who have been deployed.

The delegation included State Foreign Affairs Minister Tharaka Balasuriya and Defence Secretary Gen (retd.) Kamal Gunaratne. The delegation met Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of the Russian Federation, Andrey Rudenko, and the Deputy Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation, Colonel General A.V. Fomin.

“Discussions with the Deputy Minister of Defence of Russia, Col. Gen Alexander Fomin, to address issues affecting Sri Lanka nationals deployed with the Russia military, including compensation for the deceased and injured, regularizing remuneration, voluntary return and early contract termination,” Balasuriya said on X (Twitter). Two Opposition lawmakers Dayasiri Jayasekera and Gamini Waleboda accompanied the delegation.

The Russians have taken up the issue with the National People’s Power (NPP) government since the parliamentary elections conducted in November.

The issue had been raised by some politicians during the Wickremesinghe-Rajapaksa government following the revelation of deaths of Lankans in the Russian-Ukraine conflict amidst accusations that some men were tricked into signing up for Russia, sources said. However, since the last general election the issue hadn’t received attention from political parties nor the media, sources said.

Indian Prime Minister Modi to visit Sri Lanka in 2025

Posted on January 9, 2025 | by TELO Admin

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Sri Lanka within this year, the Indian High Commission announced in Colombo on Tuesday (January 7, 2025).

However, the dates are yet to be decided by the two sides.

“We are in the process of working out a propitious timing for the visit,” Santosh Jha, the Indian High Commissioner, told reporters.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had extended the invitation to PM Modi during his two-day visit to New Delhi in mid-December.

Mr. Dissanayake made New Delhi as his first destination after being elected president in September.

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar was the first foreign dignitary to visit Colombo soon after Mr. Dissanayake took charge.

Prime Minister Modi visited Sri Lanka twice between 2015 and 2017. Mr. Dissanayake is due to visit China soon. Dates for that visit too are not yet announced. (PTI)

Gnanasara Thera sentenced to 9 months imprisonment

Posted on January 9, 2025 | by TELO Admin

General Secretary of the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) organization, Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera has been sentenced to 9 months simple imprisonment by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court for insulting the religion of Islam.

In addition to the prison term, Colombo Additional Magistrate Pasan Amarasena imposed a fine of Rs. 1,500.

The sentence follows an earlier arrest warrant issued after Gnanasara Thero failed to appear before court regarding the charges.

Two-Day Parliamentary Debate on ‘Clean Sri Lanka’

Posted on January 8, 2025 | by TELO Admin

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya announced in Parliament that a two-day parliamentary debate on the Clean Sri Lanka initiative will be held on 21 and 22 January, aiming to provide clarity to the public about the project.

Dr. Amarasuriya made this statement in response to an MP, who raised concerns during today’s session regarding misconceptions surrounding the Clean Sri Lanka program. The MP called on to clarify the details, particularly in light of several recent incidents associated with the initiative.

Indo-Lanka relations: India converts $100 m loans to grants

Posted on January 8, 2025 | by TELO Admin

The Government of India has converted nearly $ 100 million worth of loans issued to Sri Lanka, to grants, Indian High Commissioner to Colombo Santhosh Jha said yesterday (7).

Addressing a group of media personnel at the Indian High Commission in Colombo, Jha commented on 2024, calling it a good year for Indo-Lanka diplomatic relations, adding that the partnership between both Indian Ocean neighbours had matured over the years. He also said that Indian Premier Narendra Modi had been officially invited to visit Sri Lanka in 2025 by President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka but was unable to elaborate on details of the visit.

High Commissioner Jha stated that during his visit to New Delhi, Sri Lankan President Dissanayaka had specifically thanked India for its strategic decision to convert loans to grants in order to provide further fiscal headroom to Sri Lanka.

“US Dollars ($) 20.66 million has been extended as grant assistance to settle the payments related to seven completed line-of-credit projects in Sri Lanka. Similarly, there is another important project of rehabilitation of Kankesanthurai Harbour in the Northern Province with total grant assistance from India to the tune of $ 65 million. This is also something that was to be executed through a line of credit but will now be executed through a grant. Along with $ 14.9 million for the Maho-Anuradhapura Railway Signaling Project that I mentioned earlier, more than $ 100 million of loans have been converted by India into grants. This conversion of loans to grants was also discussed in the Sri Lankan Parliament, on the return of the President, with much appreciation,” said Jha to the press.

According to the High commissioner, India’s grant assistance to Sri Lanka stands at $ 780 million at present. Out of these, completed projects are estimated to be worth $ 390 million, ongoing projects are approx. $ 211 million and committed grant projects in the pipeline stand at nearly $ 180 million. The total new assistance overall is $ 391 million.

“If you take into account the value proposition of Indian grants, we should be the principal development partner of Sri Lanka,” the top Indian diplomat in Colombo opined.

Responding to a question about the inclusion of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) into the previously bi-lateral Indo-Lanka petroleum products pipeline proposed by the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) to construct a multi-petroleum product pipeline from the new IOC-owned refinery in Cauvery Basin, Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, and Sri Lanka, High Commissioner Jha said that UAE was not a new addition to the project: “UAE is not a new addition, we were discussing with them for sometime. When the MOU on the project is finalised, you will get to know what responsibilities each partner (India, Sri Lanka and UAE) will have. We think the inclusion of UAE is a good initiative, given that the country is a power, energy and global energy supplier,” Jha said, adding that the Trincomalee ‘Energy Hub’ plans will also be pursued alongside the pipeline project.

Lasantha Will Never Be Forgotten By Lal Wickrematunge

Posted on January 8, 2025 | by TELO Admin

It was on a day like today sixteen years ago, when my brother Lasantha Wickrematunge was murdered. Yes, sixteen years ago. Lasantha’s children lost a father when they were still very young. We lost a brother and my father and mother had to bury their youngest child. How cruel was that? Animals do not kill their species. Horrible and cowardly men do that to their species. Often they get others to do the dirty, which is why it’s cowardly.

The killers, though known to some investigators, are yet free. Those who did resort to despicable acts to cover up the tracks of the murderers go high up in the security and police chain. Karma has dealt with some and it may not take long for others to suffer a similar fate.

Four successive governments deliberately dragged their feet, avoided following up and/ or made certain that the perpetrators including those who ordered the murder were not brought before the law. We were fooled time and again. Initially, we believed that justice would be done with a change of government. Stuff and nonsense.

Lasantha’s so-called political friends whilst in power did nothing. That was the corrupt system. Finally, the penny dropped. Both sides of the political fence played a game. Your turn and then it’s mine, was THE SYSTEM. Apathy had set in and murder was carried out with impunity. People at large did not care as long as they were not affected. No society can last long in such circumstances and the Aragalaya had to happen.

It is widely known that Lasantha’s murder was connected to his writing on the infamous MiG aircraft purchase. The then Secretary Defence, filed a case in the Mt Lavinia Court alleging that Lasantha and the Sunday Leader had defamed him. In his evidence in Chief, under oath no less, he stated that the MiG deal was between a Government to Government. Now we know it was not. He went on to state publicly that it was the cleanest deal done in Sri Lanka. Do I have to say more? The verdict is out there. Contempt of Court?

Be that as it may, the loss of Lasantha lingers fresh within our family. He was the youngest of three sisters and two brothers. Sixteen years have passed and yet we grieve at the loss of our youngest sibling. The toughest situation I faced in my life was to call my parents on that fateful day and tell them “I couldn’t save him”.

The single reason why Lasantha’s murderers and those who gave orders to kill remain free is the lack of political will within successive governments. Our family has renewed hope that such will is present in the new President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. His intention is demonstrated by bringing back former DIG CID Ravi Seneviratne and Director CID Shani Abeysekera into service. We will wait for justice. Karma may not. But, I wish one or the other would happen.

Mr President, our family expects justice. We need closure.

Sri Lanka – Germany Business Council holds 25th AGM

Posted on January 8, 2025 | by TELO Admin

The 25th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Sri Lanka – Germany Business Council (SLGBC) was held recently at Hilton Colombo Residences, Colombo 2.

The Chief Guest, Federal Republic of Germany Ambassador Dr. Felix Neumann highlighted the enduring partnership between the two countries.

Reflecting on his recent discussions with President of Sri Lanka Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Ambassador expressed Germany’s willingness to work together in the path to economic recovery. He emphasised Germany’s readiness to aid Sri Lanka’s efforts in skilled labour migration, noting the longstanding impact of German vocational training initiatives in Sri Lanka, exemplified by institutions like German Tech in Moratuwa and Kilinochchi.

Ambassador Neumann also acknowledged the robust presence of approximately 300 German brands in Sri Lanka, renowned for their reliability and long-lasting value. He emphasised Germany’s long-term commitment, with no German companies withdrawing during Sri Lanka’s recent economic challenges. On tourism, he noted Germany as the fourth-largest source market for tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka, accounting for over 7% of the market share. He underscored the people-to-people connections that drive bilateral relations, calling tourism a vital bridge between the two nations.

Hettigoda Industries Chairman and Managing Director Asoka Hettigoda was re-elected by the Members as the President for the year 2024-2025. In his address, Hettigoda thanked members for their continued trust and pledged to enhance trade and investment ties with Germany.

He provided a historical overview of the Council’s accomplishments and key activities over the past year. Further, highlighting Germany’s importance as Sri Lanka’s fourth-largest export market, he noted that in 2022, Sri Lanka’s exports to Germany – primarily rubber, tea, and textiles – totalled $ 888 million, while German exports to Sri Lanka, consisting of machinery, chemicals, and motor vehicles, amounted to $ 300 million. Germany also stands as Sri Lanka’s second-largest EU investor, with 51 German companies creating approximately 11,700 local jobs since 1951. Highlighting tourism, he noted 121,000 German visitors to Sri Lanka by November 2024, expressing optimism about surpassing the 2018 record of 156,888 visitors. Hettigoda concluded by underscoring the importance of strengthening trade and investment ties with Germany to support Sri Lanka’s economic recovery.

For the last 25 years, SLGBC has been fostering new initiatives and areas of corporation between business communities of the two countries with the exchange of trade missions, delegations, new investments and joint ventures and have extended yeoman service to both countries.

The primary objectives of the Sri Lanka Germany Business Council are; to promote trade, tourism and services between Sri Lanka and Germany, encourage German investment and establishment of joint ventures in Sri Lanka between German and Sri Lanka investors, to exchange information on trade and investment between the two countries, to conduct and facilitate joint meetings with German business organisations and to promote Sri Lankan participation in international fairs in Germany.

Hilton Colombo Residences General Manager Karim Schadlou and C.G.V. Anthony & Sons Ltd., Director Roy Anthony were elected as Vice Presidents. The Member Companies; Air Global Ltd., Aitken Spence Cargo Ltd., Aitken Spence Travels Ltd., Central Bearings and Machinery Ltd., Detroves Travels Ltd., Diesel & Motor Engineering PLC, MAC Holdings Ltd., Malship (Ceylon) Ltd., and Walkers Tours were elected to the Committee.

The outgoing President Ceylon Tours Ltd., Managing Director Surendra Ediriweera will continue to serve on the Committee as the Immediate Past President.

Sri Lanka solidifies stance on One-China principle

Posted on January 8, 2025 | by TELO Admin

Ahead of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit to China, the Cabinet has approved a proposal presented by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, for Sri Lanka to continue adhering to the One-China principle.

Sri Lanka has reaffirmed its strong commitment to this principle, recognising the government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government representing all of China, with Taiwan regarded as an inalienable part of its territory.

Sri Lanka, Maldives recall their envoys from Pakistan

Posted on January 7, 2025 | by TELO Admin

Sri Lanka and the Maldives are preparing to appoint new envoys to Pakistan after both countries recalled their respective high commissioners in quick succession.

The Maldivian government recalled its High Commissioner, Mohamed Thoha, following a controversial meeting with Afghanistan’s top diplomat in Islamabad. Thoha’s engagement with Ahmad Shakib, Afghanistan’s chargé d’affaires, reportedly took place without prior approval from Maldivian authorities.

In a statement, the Maldivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs had clarified that the meeting was not authorized. “The Maldives is guided by the practice followed by the United Nations General Assembly regarding the representative character of a government. Accordingly, the Maldives recognizes the Government representing Afghanistan at the United Nations as the legitimate authority,” the statement read.

During the meeting, Ahmad Shakib emphasized Afghanistan’s goal of fostering constructive relations with all nations and its ambition to transform the country into a regional connectivity hub through economic policies. Photographs from the meeting were shared on the social media platforms of both embassies, further fueling the controversy.

In response, the Maldives Embassy in Islamabad removed all images of High Commissioner Thoha from its website and social media accounts, although the Afghanistan Embassy retained the photos. Thoha was recalled only a few months after his appointment, marking an abrupt end to his tenure.

Similarly, Sri Lanka has recalled its High Commissioner to Pakistan, Admiral Ravindra C. Wijegunaratne, less than six months into his posting. While the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not provided an official explanation, diplomatic sources suggest that political factors may have influenced the decision.

Both recalls highlight unexpected diplomatic challenges for Islamabad as it awaits the appointment of new envoys from the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

(Islamabad Post)

President Summons AG, Expresses Concerns Over backlog of cases

Posted on January 7, 2025 | by TELO Admin

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held an important discussion with the Attorney General and officials from the Attorney General’s Department at the Presidential Secretariat on 6 January 2025, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).

The President expressed serious concerns regarding the significant backlog of cases within the department during the meeting.

President Dissanayake stressed the need for coordinated efforts across all institutions involved in the enforcement of the law. He highlighted the critical role of the Attorney General’s Department in restoring public confidence in the judicial system.

The President also emphasized the importance of changing public perception regarding political interference and assured that steps are being taken to rebuild trust in the legal process. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring actions that align with public expectations, aiming to restore fairness and equity within the justice system.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security Ravi Seneviratne, Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe PC, and other senior officials from the Attorney General’s Department.