Category: Breaking News

India is working on setting up a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) pipeline from Kochi to Colombo to bring down electricity costs in Sri Lanka, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha said.

Jha expressed these views at a reception hosted at India House on the occasion of the 75th Republic Day of India.

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and a number of Ministers were among the guests at the event.

“Since July 2023, we have started daily flights between Jaffna and Chennai, and launched ferry services between India and Sri Lanka. We are working on building mechanisms to establish the India-Sri Lanka Connectivity Corridor. We are also advancing multiple energy initiatives. These include the power grid connectivity eventually to enable Sri Lanka to export power to India; the multi-product pipeline, which will boost our shared interest in developing Trincomalee as an economic hub; and we are also working to set up a virtual LNG pipeline from Kochi to Colombo to bring down electricity costs in Sri Lanka,” he said.

He noted that India is Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner and in recent years India has also been the largest foreign investor in Sri Lanka.

“India continues to be the largest source of foreign tourists in Sri Lanka. We hope to enhance our economic partnership and enhance Sri Lanka’s export potential through early conclusion of the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement, just as the FTA opened new export opportunities for Sri Lanka to India, which now stands at more than 1 billion dollars,” the High Commissioner said.

The Indian diplomat said that India and Sri Lanka are natural partners and are irreplaceable, indispensable, and inseparable as partners.

“Our interests in matters of security or development are intertwined and interlinked. The huge potential our partnership holds and the tangible impact it can have on the lives of the common people drives me to work harder to further deepen and strengthen it. I look forward to your support and cooperation in this regard,” he said.

Tourism Minister Harin Fernando was the Chief Guest at the event.

Colombo Additional Magistrate Pasan Amarasinghe yesterday (26) ordered the issuance of a red warrant in English, ordering the arrest of four suspects who are said to be currently abroad for aiding and abetting the Al-Qaeda terrorist organization.

The red notices have been issued on the request of the Terrorists Investigation Division (TID).

The red warrants were issued against the father and son and two other people who are said to be residing in Kaleliya, Kalagedi Henawala areas and are currently residing in Australia and Syria.

The TID has filed a case against 16 suspects in 2021 and issued red warrants to four of those suspects.

Thus the red warrants were issued to four people named Ahmed Khalil Luqman Talib, Ahman Luqmand Haleen, Abdul Bahin Mohammad Lebbe and Mohammad Pahir Ripon who are said to be residents of Australia.

The United States remains concerned about the potential impact of Sri Lanka’s newly passed Online Safety Bill, Ambassador Julie Chung said on Thursday (Jan.25).

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the US envoy in Colombo expressed dismay at passing the legislation in the parliament by majority vote without incorporating important input from key stakeholders, including civil society and tech companies.

The new law has come under fire for the problematic aspects of several clauses of the Bill, which threaten the freedom of expression, innovation and privacy.

Chung emphasized that the ‘vague and overly restrictive’ Online Safety Bill can hinder investment and development of a digital economy, undermining Sri Lanka’s much-needed economic growth.

On that account, the United States has urged the Sri Lankan authorities to prioritize transparency and ensure any legislation does not stifle the voices of its people.

In her post on X, the US ambassador said: “The United States remains concerned about the potential impact of Sri Lanka’s Online Safety Bill, which passed yesterday without incorporating important input from key stakeholders, including civil society and tech companies who say that this legislation threatens freedom of expression, innovation, and privacy.

“In addition to jeopardizing democratic values, vague and overly restrictive legislation can hinder investment and the development of a digital economy, undermining the economic growth that Sri Lanka needs. The U.S. urges Sri Lanka to prioritize transparency and ensure any legislation does not stifle the voices of its people.”

Amnesty International says the Online Safety Bill, freshly passed in Sri Lanka parliament on Wednesday (Jan.24), is a ‘major blow’ to human rights in the country.

Commenting in this regard, Thyagi Ruwanpathirana, Regional Researcher for South Asia at the international rights organisation said this legislation is the ‘newest weapon in the government’s arsenal of tools’ that could be used to undermine freedom of expression and suppress dissent.

She urged the Sri Lankan authorities to immediately withdraw the Online Safety Bill and ensure respect for the human rights of everyone in the country.

The Online Safety Bill, which seeks to regulate online content, received the parliamentary majority on Wednesday evening, amidst objections from opposition politicians and activists who raised alarm that the new law would muzzle free speech.

The Second Reading of the Online Safety Bill was also passed in Parliament by a majority of 46 votes. A total of 108 MPs had voted in favour, while 62 had voted against the Bill. The division was followed by a committee stage debate, during which a contentious situation ensued as opposition MPs objected to certain amendments brought by the ruling party, accusing them of being unconstitutional and in violation of the Supreme Court determination.

The Online Safety Bill proposes jail terms for content that a five-member commission considers illegal and makes social media platforms such as Google, Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter), liable for those posted on their platforms.

Dismissing the accusations, the government has defended the Bill, saying that it is aimed at battling cybercrimes including child abuse, data theft and online fraud.

Yet, many rights organizations, activists and civil society members, including the Asian Internet Coalition (AIC), International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), and Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) have voiced deep concerns about the problematic aspects of certain provisions of the Bill.

Commenting further on the passing of the new law to regulate online content, Ruwanpathirana said many parts of the Bill do not meet international human rights standards including overbroad provisions that would restrict the enjoyment of the rights to freedom of expression and privacy online, and vaguely worded, subjective offences such as ‘prohibited statements’ as determined and declared by a powerful ‘Online Safety Commission’.

“As people grapple with and voice their concerns amid hardships during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis and the impact of government’s austerity measures, this legislation will be ripe for misuse by authorities and will be used to further restrict civic space, and crackdown on critics and opposition.

“In a year of elections, with a long history of cracking down on protests, the Sri Lankan authorities must demonstrate the political will to uphold their international human rights obligations and commitments by guaranteeing and ensuring respect for human rights before, during and after elections,” Ruwanpathirana added.

Maldives and Sri Lanka are in the unenviable position of meeting the contradictory demands of India and China on the visits of Chinese naval research vessels.

While India and China have competing strategic interests in the Indian Ocean around the Maldivian archipelago and Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Sri Lanka have the sovereign right to take decisions on such matters based on their national interest.

Both the Maldives and Sri Lanka have taken temporary decisions. While, Sri Lanka has declared a one-year moratorium on visits by all foreign research vessels, to enable it to formulate an agreed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that would be applicable to all, the Maldives has allowed a visit by the Chinese vessel Xiang Yang Hong 3 for “rotation of personnel and replenishment” only and not for any survey or research.

The Maldivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Tuesday that the Chinese had made a “diplomatic request” for Xiang Yang Hong 3.

Justifying the decision to allow the vessel to dock in Male, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement: “The Maldives has always been a welcoming destination for vessels of friendly countries, and continues to host both civilian and military vessels making port calls for peaceful purposes. Such port calls not only enhance bilateral ties between the Maldives and its partner countries, but also demonstrate the centuries old tradition of the Maldivian people welcoming vessels from friendly countries.”

The Maldivian decision could not have been an easy one as it has been taken when (a) it is in the midst of a bitter standoff with India on the latter’s military presence in the island and (b) during high profile visits from the US and China.

US Admiral’s Visit

Last week, the Commander of the US Indo-Pacific fleet, Adm. John Aquilino, met President Mohamad Muizzu in Male. The Admiral underscored USINDOPACOM’s unwavering commitment to fostering cooperation and enhancing the partnership between the two nations. The discussions were on mutual initiatives for bolstering national and regional security and sovereignty.

Adm. Aquilino also engaged with Minister of Defence Ghassan Maumoon and Chief of Defence Lt. Gen. Abdul Raheem, emphasizing joint efforts in countering trans-national threats and expanding domestic maritime security.

On January 21, Adm. Aquilino presented a package of U.S. grant-funded equipment to Maldives Chief of Defence Forces Lt. Gen. Abdul Raheem. The equipment is designed to enhance the safety and capabilities of Maldives’ Special Forces personnel during maritime security and counterterrorism operations.

The transfer between the two countries “demonstrates USINDOPACOM’s steadfast commitment to a sovereign, secure, and democratic Maldives,” the US Fleet’s statement on the visit said.

“USINDOPACOM remains resolute in its dedication to fortify the US-Maldives relationship as we offer steadfast support in critical requirement areas. Our commitment underscores the shared vision for a secure, rules-based, and open Indo-Pacific region,” the statement added.

Chinese official’s Visit

Meanwhile, the Maldives intensified its relations with China, a move underscored by the ongoing visit of Ms. Sun Haiyan, the Vice Minister of the International Department of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

In her meeting with President Muizzu, Vice Minister Sun focused on expediting the implementation of agreements signed during Muizzu’s recent state visit to China. She articulated China’s interest in bolstering strategic bilateral relations and offering training opportunities for Maldivians in various fields.

President Muizzu’s recent foreign policy decisions indicate a preference for ties with China. He has also requested that India withdraw its troops stationed in the Maldives. But India has said that it has not committed itself to withdrawing the personnel and that the matter is being discussed at a high level core committee.

Sri Lanka Had Defied India Earlier

Except for the cancellation of the visit of Xiang Yang Hong 3 now, Sri Lanka had not cancelled any Chinese vessel visit since 2022, just on India’s asking.

In October 2023, the Chinese ship, Shi Yan 6 docked at the Colombo port. Sri Lanka had only delayed granting permission for the arrival of the vessel due to concerns raised by India.

“Clearance was granted to carry out marine scientific research on 30 and 31 October,” a spokesman for the Colombo Foreign Ministry said at that time.

Scientists from the Sri Lankan National Aquatic Research Agency (NARA), personnel from the Navy and the University of Ruhuna were given clearance to go on board, he added.

Shi Yan 6 was said to be China’s first scientific research vessel focusing on geophysical exploration. NARA said samples of different seawater levels would also be tested.

Significantly, Shi Yan 6’s visit followed President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s visit to China a week earlier.

At that time, the US had also expressed its concern to Sri Lanka about the visit of the Chinese ship. US Under Secretary Victoria Nuland, who met Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry in New York on the side lines of the UN General Assembly session, had reportedly raised concerns about the visit.

In August 2023, again, India raised concerns over the visit of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy warship Hai Yang 24. In August 2022 Yuan Wang 5′ docked amidst Indian protests. It was a Chinese satellite tracking ship. Sri Lanka allowed the ship to dock at the southern port of Hambantota.

Humabtota port is under a 99-year lease to the Chinese company that built it after Colombo was unable to service a U$1.4 billion loan taken for the project.

Cash-Strapped Sri Lanka and Maldives

Cash-strapped Sri Lanka considers both India and China equally important partners in its task of restructuring its US$ 50 billion external debt. China is one of the top lenders to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka owes USD 7.1 billion to bilateral creditors, including USD 3 billion to China. India had extended a credit of US$ 4.5 billion to help Sri Lanka tide over the crisis.

It is difficult for Maldives also to say no to China and India as it is heavily indebted to both. In addition, India is the regional power which neither the Maldives nor Sri Lanka can ignore.

If India has a natural strategic interest in the Indian Ocean, China has developed an interest as a result of its tremendous economic growth in recent years. Additionally, 80% of China’s enormous energy needs are carried over the Indian Ocean. This sea lane has to be protected. China has only in one base in the Indian Ocean at Djibouti and therefore it needs ports to dock for rest, recreation and replenishment, at the very least.

Since India has to assert its natural right over the Indian Ocean, and is also a growing economic and military power, it has to fortify itself against external challenges. Hence its sensitivity to China’s acitvities in the Indian Ocean.