Category: News

China interested investing in Sri Lanka’s North, East; 13A allows India in Trinco

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China has expressed interest in investing in Sri Lanka’s Northern and Eastern provinces, but any development in strategic port district of Trincomalee has to be done in consensus with India in line with the 13th Amendment of the island nation constitution, State Minister of Rural Road Development Sivanesthurai Santhirakanthan said.

Sri Lanka’s Northern and Eastern provinces are close to South Indian Tamil Nadu state and India has continuously raised security concerns over China’s increased activities in the both ethnic minority Tamils-led provinces, which has more cultural similarities to Tamil Nadu.

Santhirakanthan, an elected legislator from the Eastern district of Batticaloa, said any development in Trincomalee port, oil tank farm, and their surrounding area should happen with the consensus of Delhi government.

“The main international attraction is Trincomalee district. According to the international accord 13th amendment, the development of Trincomalee should happen in consensus with India,” Santhirakanthan told a media briefing in Colombo referring to a Sri Lankan constitutional amendment for devolution of the power of the central government to the provinces that has been opposed by ethnic majority Sinhalese.

India has been eying on Trincomalee port since late 1970s and Indian leaders were critical of former Sri Lankan president J R Jayawardena, an uncle of current President Ranil Wickremesinghe, for his moves seen as giving the strategic Trincomalee port for a US military base during that era.

Trincomalee is one of the mineral resource richest districts in Sri Lanka, A best-known mineral sand deposit is in the northern part of Trincomalee. The major minerals found in this deposit are Ilmenite and Rutile. Other associated minerals are Zircon, Monazite, Garnet, Sillimanite, and a few other heavy minerals, Sri Lanka’s Export Development Board data show.

Many Indian projects have been moving at a slower pace amid geopolitical worries of increasing Chinese-funded infrastructure projects and investment into Sri Lanka.

“Trincomalee is a sentimental issue, and it is a law as well,” Santhirakanthan said, referring to the Indian foothold in Trincomalee district.

“But there is an opportunity for anybody to come and help in investment. Specially in seafood related products like fish and crab farming, mainly (companies from) European countries and Australia have visited the east. Anybody interested can invest. Our aim is to increase production and reduce poverty among the people.”

India has repeatedly raised concerns over Chinese investments and bilateral activities coming into both Northern and Eastern provinces citing security threat to the Indian Ocean.

Sri Lanka, according to the 13A came into effect after an Indo-Lanka agreement in 1987, has to address any Indian security concerns in the island nation that are seen as a threat to the Indian Ocean region.

Sri Lanka was compelled to cancel three renewable energy projects in Northern Sri Lanka two years ago after India raised strong concerns.

“The Chinese government now has prioritized its development activities in the North and East and some companies have already discussed this,” Santhirakanthan said.

“Mainly, they have discussed cashew nut production in Batticaloa district. There is cashew cultivation in 2,000-acre state lands. They have not been using them (the lands) to their best capacity. If any country or company comes and helps us to develop them, that will be a great help. We will help any country who comes forward for these kinds of projects.”

President received intel reports on another attempt at violent outbreak – Bandula

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe has received intelligence reports detailing another attempt at creating public unrest similar to that of on May 09, 2022, Minister Bandula Gunawardena says.

The lawmaker, addressing the weekly press conference to announce Cabinet decisions on Tuesday (Aug. 08), said the Head of State has briefed the Cabinet of Ministers about the information he has received from the State Intelligence Service (SIS).

Cabinet spokesman said the intelligence reports have revealed that certain groups involved in the Aragalaya movement and affiliated with the opposition were planning to rekindle the events that took place on May 09 last year on the pretext of the prevailing drought, the electricity crisis and water shortage.

He mentioned that there were attempts to surround the residences of Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera and Power & Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera adding that special security had to be provided to prevent such anticipated attacks.

Gunawardena went on to reveal that at least two media institutions were behind this move to bring back violence onto the streets using the drought-induced water crisis and the agitation of the farmers as an excuse.

Emphasizing that this is an attempt to destabilize the country, the minister said these certain groups were attempting to initiate a gunfire retaliation from the law enforcement and use the deaths of the people for political ends.

India takes Jaffna project away from Chinese company

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A Chinese company has lost a tender to develop three hybrid power plants in the Delft, Nagadeepa, and Analthivu islands off the Jaffna peninsula to India, reports the Indian media.

Since India is now funding the solar and wind power project with 12 million US dollars, it only is reasonable that an Indian company got the tender, reported India’s media.

Originally, a Chinese company was given the tender in 2021 to build the solar and wind energy plants.

The Chinese Embassy in tweeted the project was suspended due to ‘security concern’ from a third party.

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Proposals, suggestions on 13A: SLPP, SJB, SLFP to submit, FPC & JVP-NPP to not

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Following a request to all political party leaders to submit their proposals and suggestions on the 13th Amendment to the Constitution by 15 August, the majority of political parties representing the Parliament are planning to submit their proposals to the Presidential Secretariat while some Opposition parties do not intend to do so, The Daily Morning has learnt.

The ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), the main Parliamentary Opposition Party, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) of the Opposition are to submit their proposals to the Presidential Secretariat by next week while the Freedom People’s Congress (FPC) and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People’s Power (NPP), both of the Opposition, have decided against submitting their proposals.

SLPP General Secretary and Parliamentarian attorney Sagara Kariyawasam told The Daily Morning that the SLPP is yet to prepare the proposals, adding however that the proposals will be submitted to the President at the earliest.

SJB National Organiser MP Tissa Attanayake told The Daily Morning that the proposals will be submitted to the President after consulting the group of MPs and the SJB legal team.

When contacted by The Daily Morning yesterday (7), SLFP General Secretary and MP attorney Dayasiri Jayasekara said that the proposals to be submitted will be made following a meeting with the party’s Central Committee. He also said that the SLFP is ready to support the efforts taken by the Government to ensure the reconciliation mechanism regardless of the numerous issues it (SLFP) has with the Government. He also said, however, that the Government must take steps to show their commitment to address this long-term problem which has been a barrier to the development of the country for decades.

Meanwhile, speaking to The Daily Morning, FPC member and MP Prof. Charitha Herath said that they are not prepared to submit any proposal since even the Government has failed to arrive at a single stance in this regard. He also remarked that they have observed a lack of genuineness in the Government’s actions. “Our position is that the Government, which has many branches, should submit their proposals first as one document which takes a single stance on this matter. They are not talking in one voice. The President says one thing while the ruling SLPP MPs say something completely in contrast with the former. Therefore, we ask the Government to come to a position first and then we can submit our proposals,” he said.

NPP MP Vijitha Herath, speaking to The Daily Morning, said that they will not submit any proposal to President Ranil Wickremesinghe as the NPP is not ready to fuel the President’s underhand motives. He also said that the Government is trying to win the votes of minor communities under the guise of the implementation of the 13th Amendment.

Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake, writing to all party leaders, said that this proactive approach aims to foster national reconciliation and facilitate a constructive dialogue on the implementation of the 13th Amendment. At the all-party conference convened on 26 July, President Wickremesinghe underscored the importance of discussing the 13th Amendment with all the parties, as it is a matter that affects the entire country. He also highlighted that a decision on this matter should involve input from all relevant parties. The conference had been organised to update the Parliament’s party leaders on the national reconciliation programme and the North-East development plan.

The Supreme Lanka Coalition submitted their proposals to the President at the all-party conference held last month.

Several attempts to contact Tamil National Alliance MPs President’s Counsel M.A. Sumanthiran and Shanakiyan Rasamanickam proved futile.

Sri Lanka Supreme Court rules proposed local govt amendment bills will require referendum

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Sri Lanka’s government will honour a verdict delivered by the Supreme Court determining that three private member’s bills seeking amendments to local government will require a special majority in parliament and a referendum, according to Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena told parliament Tuesday August 08 morning that the Supreme Court has determined that three private member’s bills titled Pradeshiya Sabha (Amendment) Act, Urban Councils (Amendment) Act and Municipal Councils (Amendment) Act are inconsistent with the constitution.

In order to become law, the bills must be passed by a special majority in parliament and approved by the people in a referendum by virtue of the provisions of article 83 of the constitution, he said.

The three bills were challenged in the courts in terms of article 121(1) of the constitution, leading to the verdict that clause 2 of the three bills are inconsistent with articles 1, 12(1), 82, 83 and 104(b) of the constitution.

Chief opposition whip and main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Lakshman Kiriella asked if the government is ready to go for a referendum.

Prime Minister Gunawardena replied that the government was not at any party to the origin of this bill.

“The government will always honour the determination of the Supreme Court,” said Gunawardena.

“MPs can present [any private member’s bill], but they can’t do whatever they want,” he added.

The three bills were presented to parliament on July 05 as private member’s bills by Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Jayantha Ketagoda, who is widely believed to be a loyalist of SLPP national organiser and former finance minister Basil Rajapaksa.

The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) and its Executive Director filed three petitions on July 14 in the Supreme Court, challenging the bills.

If passed, the bill would allow the minister in charge to extend the period of any or all Pradeshiya Sabhas, urban councils or municipal councils for a period deemed fit by the minister, effectively allowing the postponement of elections to these local bodies on the grounds of a crisis.

The petitioners argued that this would violate a number of clauses in the constitution.

Local government elections in Sri Lanka have been postponed several times amid the island nation’s worst financial crisis since independence.

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Over 150 Muslim academics and others reject MMDA proposals

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Over 150 Sri Lankan Muslims, including academics, professionals, community leaders, business personalities, media personalities and youth from across the country, have rejected MMDA proposals put forward by Muslim Members of Parliament.

They say that the recommendations by the MPs come at the cost of the most vulnerable, especially the Muslim women and girls, who have made sacrifices to bring to the fore deep injustices, discrimination and harm caused under the current MMDA.

The signatories of the statement note that the MPs’ positions do not represent the core principles of Islam of justice, kindness, compassion and peace which guide Islamic law.

“We are extremely disappointed in the backward positions taken by the Muslim MP signatories in this document. These positions go against the principles of kindness, compassion and peace encapsulated in the Shari’ah. They also go against building a Sri Lankan Muslim identity that upholds the Sri Lankan Constitution and represents the enlightened thinking of Islam across the Muslim world,” the statement said.

The statement by the signatories urges the Muslim MPs to show genuine leadership to the community by constructively engaging with the reforms moving forward.

Further, the Minister of Justice and the Government of Sri Lanka have been urged to reject the MPs proposals and progress on much needed reforms to the MMDA.

The statement has been endorsed by:

1. Deshabandu Jezima Ismail, Co-founder Muslim Women’s Research and Action Forum
(MWRAF)
2. Professor A. H. Sheriffdeen, Emeritus Professor of Surgery, University of Colombo
3. Professor M.A. Nuhman
4. Professor Naazima Kamardeen, Prof of Commercial Law, University of Colombo
5. Justice Saleem Marsoof, PC.
6. Dr. Ameer Ali
7. Dr. Ameer Zainudeen, Consultant Chemical Engineer (retd), Former Member of
Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL)
8. Dr Aysha Ziauddin, MRCOG MRCGP Family Medicine Physician
9. Dr. Farah Mihlar
10. Dr. Maleeha Ifthy
11. Dr. Rauff Zain (Ph.D) Director, Centre for Development Studies
12. Dr. Zulfiqar Ismail, College teacher/ Instructor/ Director of Muslim Women’s
Research and Action Forum (MWRAF)
13. M.Y. Minnathul Suheera, Senior Lecturer at South Eastern University
14. Ferial Ashraff, Former Cabinet Minister
15. Razik Zarook, President’s Counsel
16. Razmara Abdeen, Senior Attorney-at-Law
17. Abdur Rahuman, Founder Chairman of BCAS Campus
18. Ashroff Omar, Brandix
19. Hanif Yusoof, Entrepreneur
20. Murtaza Esufally, Co- Founder Learn4LifeLanka
21. Nawaz Rajabdeen, President of Confederation of Micro, Small & Medium Industries
22. A. C. Fathima Husna, Attorney-at-Law
23. Aboosalih Uwais, Attorney-at-Law
24. Amra Ismail, Attorney at Law
25. Azad Mustaffa, Attorney-at-Law
26. Fathima Majitha, Attorney-at-Law and Writer
27. Fazla Fazuldeen, Attorney-at-Law
28. Fazmin Ahmed, Attorney at Law
29. Haniffa Ramsiya, Attorney at Law
30. Hasanah Cegu Isadeen, Attorney-at-Law
31. Mahbooba Rifaideen, Attorney-at-Law
32. Nabeela Raji, Attorney-at-law
33. Nadhiha Abbas, Attorney-at-Law
34. Rehab Mahamoor, Attorney-at-Law
35. Roshan Aboosally Mohamed, Attorney-at-Law
36. S.F.M Zavahir, Attorney at Law, Notary Public and Justice of Peace
37. Sabra Zahid, Attorney at Law
38. Sadiyya Thasi Hassan, Attorney-at-law
39. Sainul Abdeen Kifsiya Banu, Attorney-at-Law
40. Sarah Nada, Attorney-at-Law
41. Shammarah Ismath, Attorney-at-Law
42. Thahira Cader, Attorney-at-Law
43. Usman Anwer, Attorney at Law
44. Zulaiha Sulaiman, Attorney-at-Law
45. Faizun Zackariya, Co Founder, Muslim Women’s Research and Action Forum
(MWRAF)
46. Anberiya Haniffa, Development Consultant, Director of MWRAF
47. Shafinaz Hassendeen, United Nations (retired), Director of MWRAF
48. Aneesa Firthous, President of Islamic Women’s Association for Research and
Education (IWARE), Batticaloa
49. Hyshyama Hamin, Co-Founder of Muslim Personal Law Reform Action Group
(MPLRAG)
50. K.Nihal Ahamed, Director of Human Elevation Organization(HEO), Ampara
51. Asiff Hussein, Journalist and Vice President, Outreach Centre for Islamic Studies
52. A. Mohamed Ashfaque, Filmmaker and Researcher
53. Aarah Ahamed, Marketing Coordinator
54. Abdul Azeez Mohamed Nizardeen, Freelance Journalist
55. Adel Hashim, CEO, iCON Insurance Brokers (Pvt) Ltd
56. Adheeb Anwar
57. Adnan Issadeen, Security engineer
58. Amal Mohamed, Teacher
59. Amana Zahid, Law student
60. Amani Najumudeen, Student
61. Amani Raji, Legal Intern
62. Ameena Hussein, Writer
63. Ameena Ziauddin, Deputy Managing Director of Norfolk Foods
64. Ammaarah Nilafdeen, Independent Researcher
65. Amna Rifky, Product manager
66. Amra Bhutto, Student
67. Ann Jabbar, MWRAF
68. Aqilah Nikhat Nleem, Early Childhood Educator
69. Arkam Zahid, Finance professional
70. Asma Edris
71. Azra Jafferjee, Economist
72. Cegu Abdul Cadir, Accountant
73. Dinah Markar, Retired Teacher
74. Fairooza Gaffar, Educator
75. Farahana Zain, Educator
76. Fareena Salih, Student Support Coordinator, Oxford Brookes University
77. Fathima Rasmina Ihram, Vernathee Women’s Movement
78. Fawzul Himaya Hareed, Communications Specialist
79. Florine Marzook, Independent Researcher, Activist
80. Hafsah Muheed, Gender Equality Advocate
81. Hajra Hussein, Primary school teacher
82. Haseef Kalam, Implementation Consultant
83. Hazeera Zavahir, Principal Kandy International School/ Retired Principal Peradeniya
Training College
84. Hilmy Ahamed, Young Asia Television
85. Honeida Packeer
86. Imaan Mohamed, Communications and Engagement Associate
87. Iman Saleem, Writer
88. Issath Rehana Mohamed Azeem (Anar)
89. Jariya Sameem, Vernathee Women’s Movement.
90. Jemhuthnisha Masooth, Former member of Urban Council
91. K. M. M. Nawaz, Civil society activist and Former Director of Secretariat for Muslims
92. Kamel Asmy Mohamed Shabeer, Journalist
93. Khadeeja Firaz, Consultant
94. Leila Udayar, MWRAF
95. M. A. C. M. Jawahir, Director, Harmony Centre, Kattankudy
96. M. H . Shara, Operational Manager at Xmerce
97. M. I. S. Jahitha, President, “Menik” Women Society, Kattakudy
98. M. I. Uthma Lebbe
99. M.A. Zafar Ahmed, Aeronautical Information Management Officer
100. M.H. Jiffriya, Teacher
101. M.S. Sammila, Vernathee Women’s Movement
102. Mariam Azwer, Journalist & Researcher
103. Maryam Fahim, HR Professional
104. Mazeena Ilyas, MWRAF
105. Megara Tegal, Researcher
106. Mizly Zahir-Rifkey, Business Intelligence Analyst
107. Mufliha Mahroof, Legal Consultant
108. Muheed ur Rahman, Journalist
109. Munza Mushtaq, Journalist
110. Muqaddasa Wahid, Journalist
111. Mutiara Tegal, Chartered Architect
112. Nabeela Iqbal, Activist
113. Nadia Ismail, Activist
114. Nadha Hassen, PhD candidate
115. Najath K. L., YouTuber
116. Naleem Salih, Retired University Lecturer
117. Nasreen Abdul, Accountant
118. Nazar Shaffee, Group CFO/Director
119. Nihara Lafir, IWARE
120. Niroza Hussein, Accountant
121. Nisha Najumudeen, Chartered professional
122. Nuzrath Hidaya, Accountant
123. Omar Rajarathnam, Media Development Consultant
124. Parveen Muhammad, Communication Officer
125. Ramzeen Azeez, Senior Assistant Airport Manager (retd)
126. Raviya Careem
127. Razfi Halith, Analyst
128. Rifa Muhammed Musthafa, Secretary of ADLR
129. Rikaza Hassan, Centre for Journalism & Education
130. Romola Rassool, Director, Post Graduate Institute of English
131. S. H. Imthiyas
132. S. Thasthageer, Rtd. Food Drugs Inspector
133. S. Zarina Nawaz, Befriender at Sri Lanka Sumithrayo
134. Sahul Hameed Firthous, Teacher
135. Sakina Mansoorally, Student
136. Samiha Muhsin, Administrative Coordinator
137. Shahdia Jamaldeen, Chartered Architect
138. Shamzy Jauffer, Senior Analyst at Quality Assurance
139. Shanaz Mohideen, Accountant
140. Silma Ahamed, Young Asia Television
141. Sheroon Shouketh, Assistant Manager, Social Capital, Corporate Human Resources,
Hela Apparel Holdings
142. Shifa Najumudeen, Legal Advisor
143. Shifana Niyas, PhD student, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
144. Sithy Sahabdeen
145. Sithy Zareena Razeen, Civil Engineer
146. Suhaina Mohideen, Software Engineer
147. Sumaiya Frahath, Psychology and Counseling Intern
148. Sumaiya Pallak, Activist and Researcher
149. Thaimi Mohamed, Sr. Project Manager
150. Thasneema Dahlan
151. Tinaz Amit, Public Relations Manager/ Writer
152. U.L. Hafeela, MWRAF
153. Ummul Zahid
154. Y. Rinoza, Women’s Rights Activist
155. Zahrah Rizwan, Feminist Researcher
156. Zainab Ibrahim, Researcher
157. Zaneera Rahim, Airline industry professional
158. Zeenath Hidaya, IT professional / Education Consultan

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LG bodies amendment bills inconsistent with constitution – Speaker conveys SC’s determination

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The Supreme Court has determined that the Private Member’s Bills to amend the Pradeshiya Sabhas Act, Urban Councils Ordinance and Municipal Councils Ordinance are inconsistent with the Constitution.

This was conveyed to the parliament by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena this morning (Aug 08).

In its determination, the Supreme Court has mentioned that these Bills need to be passed in the parliament by a special majority and approved in a referendum.

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Iran, Sri Lanka stress enhancing banking, trade ties

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In a meeting between Governor of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) Mohammad-Reza Farzin and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka Ali Sabry in Tehran, the two sides stressed the need for the development of monetary and banking relations between the two countries as a prerequisite for the expansion of bilateral economic ties.

In the meeting on Sunday, Farzin referred to the important role of the Asian Clearing Union (ACU) in the development of trade relations between the two countries, saying: “The ACU is a very suitable platform for the development of trade and monetary relations between the two countries and this platform can also be used to settle payments.”

The CBI governor proposed the formation of a specialized banking and monetary working group between the central banks of the two countries, noting that, “The formation of this working group can play an important role in speeding up and facilitating banking cooperation. Meanwhile, it can also be used to develop monetary and banking relations as well as cooperation and economic exchanges.”

Farzin announced CBI’s approval of the agreements made between Sri Lanka and other economic institutions in Iran, adding that the central banks of the two countries should guide monetary platforms and exchange processes in order to develop economic relations.

He pointed out that Iran has been able to establish stable trade relations with its business partners despite the U.S. sanctions without causing any problems for the other parties.

“Iran is now fully prepared to cooperate with Sri Lanka in order to expand monetary and trade relations within the ACU framework,” the official asserted.

Sabry, for his part, pointed to the long-standing and continuous relations between the two countries and announced his country’s readiness to increase the level of trade with Iran.

“The establishment of a bilateral banking committee between Iran and Sri Lanka to follow up on relevant issues and facilitate commercial affairs will definitely lead to the development of bilateral cooperation,” he said.

The Sri Lankan official went on to say that the Central Bank of Sri Lanka is following up on the measures within the ACU framework.

He also appreciated Iran’s support to Sri Lanka in the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The ACU was established in 1974 as a payment arrangement through which participants settle payments for intra-regional transactions among the participating central banks on a net multilateral basis, according to ACU’s official website.

ACU currently has nine members including India, Iran, and Pakistan.

Source: Tehran Times

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Trincomalee is the gateway to the future development of Asia’ – Prime Minister

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The Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena mentioned that the right to land should be allowed in spite of its ownership while indicating Trincomalee as the gateway to the future development of Asia.

Addressing the Trincomalee district program of ‘New Village – New Country’ National Integration Participatory Development Program held at Trincomalee district Secretariat on Saturday (05), the Premier said Trincomalee is the closest place to look at the countries beyond the Bay of Bengal.

He said it is very important to prepare a district development plan involving all the divisional secretaries to convert the future industries that can be created by utilizing the port into the development of the people of the area.

Speaking on the occasion the Prime Minister said:

Now the new harvest is coming to the market. Suggestions were put forward to make it more efficient for our institutes to enter into competition and purchase by declaring a better price. It is certain that the issues of obtaining the necessary financial provisions can be resolved by the President. A number of issues related to farmers were eased in order to allow them to produce food ten months ago.

The international community is ready to support us while we are in a position to rise again through this challenge. The President was able to remove the withhold of many projects. It is informed to restart those projects. A prearrangement is required from GA to divisional secretaries in order to support it. These projects are related to food security projects.

Loans as well as seeds are given to farmers with the objective of increasing harvest. The Government make arrangements to buy the harvest. But all the records show that 38% of the harvest is wasted. After investments, hard work, and borrowings the harvest is wasted without being able to bring it to the city or the market. That is another serious problem in our country. It should be rectified gradually and expeditiously. This supply chain and network should be interconnected and move properly. Then the farmer as well as the consumer can be assured of food safety. Divisional Secretaries should pay special attention to this matter.

The President took a decision to temporarily cultivate unused lands. We are the owners of a land that bears fruits sixty to ninety days. If the crops get water on time whatever you plant will bear fruit. That is why we are repeatedly advising the government mechanism to support the interest in cultivating different crops.

Regardless of land rights, the government’s decision to allow the rural farmers who are interested in cultivation of land should be successfully implemented.

In 1957 when my father, Mr. Philip Gunawardena was the Minister of Agriculture, he started the Kantale Sugar Factory with the help of Czechoslovakia. We must go back to the heart of the national economy.

Trincomalee is the gateway through which Sri Lanka can bequeath the future development of Asia.

Trincomalee is the closest place to look at the countries beyond the Bay of Bengal. Accordingly, you should be determined to take part in preparing the development plan. It is very important to prepare a district development plan involving all the divisional secretaries to convert the future industries that can be created by utilizing the port into the development of the people of the area.

It’s ready to set up a program to develop special industries, agriculture and fishing industries in the Eastern coast and projects for export.”

The Premier also engaged in a friendly conversation with farmers in Kawantissagama in Trincomalee during his visit to Eastern Province to attend ‘Aluth Ratak – Aluth Gamak’ District Development Programme during the weekend.

Eastern Province Governor Senthil Thondaman, State Ministers Ashoka Priyantha, Janaka Wakkumbura, Members of Parliament Kapila Athukorala, A.L.M. Ataullah, M.S. Taufik, Yadamini Gunawardena, Adviser of the President Dr. Suren Batagoda, Secretary to the Ministry of Administration Ranjith Ashoka, District Secretary of Trincomalee and other government officials and organization representatives participated.

Sri Lanka in talks with Singapore company to transform Colombo

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Sri Lanka is in talks with a Singapore based company to transform Colombo and give it a new look.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the vision to transform Colombo into a beautiful city is already in motion, with plans provided by Surbana Jurong.

Surbana Jurong Group is a global urban, infrastructure and managed services consulting firm, with over 70 years of track record in successful project delivery. Headquartered in Singapore, the group has a global talent pool of 16,000 across Surbana Jurong and its member companies AETOS, Atelier Ten, B+H, KTP, Prostruct, RBG, SAA, Sino-Sun and SMEC, based in more than 120 offices in over 40 countries. They include architects, designers, planners, engineers and other specialists driven by progressive thinking and creative ideas to help shape a better future.

President Wickremesinghe said that apart from Colombo, Surbana Jurong is also actively involved in creating a tourist zone from Verugal Aru to Batticaloa and Arugam Bay areas, contributing to the growth of the tourism industry.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these remarks at an international conference on Architecture, which was organized by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Chapter in Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Italian Embassy of Sri Lanka, on the theme: “Architecture: A Lasting Impact,” held at Cinnamon Grand, Colombo.

The President said that the focus on expanding the tourist industry is expected to create opportunities for non-government universities in Sri Lanka. The recent enactment of the new act, allowing provincial councils to establish universities, marks the beginning of this endeavour. There is a growing need for skilled professionals, including engineers, architects, IT specialists, and others, with the demand estimated to be at least 10,000 engineers alone.

To address these requirements, discussions are underway with Japan, which has shown a willingness to assist in the past. Despite some challenges posed by the recent crisis, the commitment to progressing these plans remains strong, with the hope of securing the necessary support to meet the country’s developmental needs.

“Envisioning the future, the potential for architects to participate in the development of the Port City holds significant promise. A notable portion of the Port City land is under Government ownership and is slated for diverse utilization. The involvement of the private sector in this initiative offers an added avenue to harness architectural expertise. This exploration requires collaborative dialogues involving relevant chambers and stakeholders,” the President said.

He said that these emerging opportunities symbolize valuable prospects for Sri Lanka adding that seizing these chances has the potential to establish a notable standing for the nation.

“It’s imperative to acknowledge that as India’s progress persists, architectural possibilities might also arise there. Those with established recognition could potentially tap into this market, mirroring the engagement of architects in Africa for house design,” the President added.

The President acknowledged that his expertise lies primarily in the field of the economy and not architecture. As the discussion revolves around architecture and the lasting impression it creates, the President opted not to delve into the topic extensively. It was emphasized that ancient architects achieved the task of leaving a lasting impression through their work.

The President said that the Government is looking to involve private companies in building homes and structures.

“The Government land that’s worth more than the buildings can be used for this purpose and to relocate people from there and give the land to private companies to build affordable homes and apartments. This will also free up space in Colombo for other developments. It’s like a cycle – more buildings, more possibilities. Imagine what could happen if they repurpose places like Welikada Prison or even the railway area. Some buildings on Mount Mary can be kept, but the rest can be used for new projects. Many areas could benefit from this. And the cost of land today makes it feasible. The Treasury is working on the details, so starting maybe next year or the year after, as the economy gets stronger, this could become a reality,” he added.

The President said that the Government is actively engaged in the promotion of tourism, with a target of increasing the number of tourists from 2.5 million to 5 million, and potentially up to 7.5 million.

The restoration of historical structures to create smaller boutique hotels and the revitalization of larger hotels in various regions across the country represents a significant focus area. This ambitious goal involves doubling the existing capacity. It’s important to note that the majority of this expansion will be realized through the construction of new buildings or the renovation of existing ones, thereby offering yet another avenue for the involvement of architects.

The re-planning of Kandy Town to potentially extend its boundaries up to Teldeniya, along with considerations for incorporating Peradeniya and potentially Talatu Oya, are subjects currently under committee deliberation. Similarly, Galle is engaged in evaluating the enhancement of its urban landscape, particularly the sea frontage.

Additionally, the President said that it is likely that other regions, such as Nuwara Eliya town, will also require reimagining and redesigning in new locations.