Business
Friends of the Earth International opposes Mid-East violence
By Ifham Nizam
As a federation dedicated to peace, Friends of the Earth International (FoEI) opposes all acts of violence, its chairman Hemantha Withanage said.
He added; “We are horrified by the images coming out of both Israel and Gaza and are heartbroken that innocent people are paying the price for the decades without a just resolution to a fundamentally unsustainable situation. In no uncertain terms, we strongly condemn the killing of innocent people and the taking of hostages.”
“FoEI supports the self-determination of the Palestinian people in the territories occupied by Israel since the 1967 war.”
Withanage said that they are firmly opposed to Israel’s military occupation and “ongoing theft of land for settlement activity, alongside toleration of settler violence and terror against Palestinians.”
He also said they are in full agreement with the vision outlined in UN Resolution 67/19 (2012): “The achievement of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and the attainment of a peaceful settlement in the Middle East that ends the occupation that began in 1967 and fulfils the vision of two States: an independent, sovereign, democratic, contiguous and viable State of Palestine living side by side in peace and security with Israel on the basis of the pre-1967 borders.”
Withanage added: “FoEI has also spoken out repeatedly about the dire situation in the Gaza Strip. For sixteen years, Israel has denied the free movement of people and goods in and out of Gaza. During this blockade, Israel has bombed Gaza with impunity, destroying civilian infrastructure and killing innocent people.
“In 2016, the UN Secretary-General called it ‘a collective punishment for which there must be accountability’. The profound trauma inflicted on the people of Gaza cannot be overstated.
“Throughout the blockade of Gaza, Israel has refused to put in place a long-term solution that would lead to peace and safety for all. And the international community has stood by and not used their leverage and influence with Israel to ensure that Israel abides by UN Security Council resolutions that demand a permanent end to the occupation of Palestinian lands.
“Now, the worst is happening: a brutal asymmetric war has broken out between Israel and Gaza. The attack on Israeli civilians was horrific; the response by Israel against the Palestinians has been overwhelming and devastating. There will be no winners in this conflict: only more death and suffering.
“While many countries have pledged their support and say they stand with Israel, Israel is attacking Gaza with the full force of its military power.
“A massive and shocking crisis is unfolding in Gaza, as a population (nearly half of which are under the age of 18) that has been beaten down for years is now being cut off from electricity, water, and fuel. Bombs rain down on the people and infrastructure of Gaza, leaving thousands without homes or shelter and killing untold numbers of people. This attack on the civilian population of Gaza is a war crime and must stop immediately.”
“In this critical moment, FoEI call for an end to the violence, for all parties to respect their obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law, and demand that the root causes of this conflict be finally resolved. We call on Israel to accept the UN resolutions requiring them to withdraw from the territories occupied in 1967, including East Jerusalem, and apply the right of return and compensation to Palestinian refugees.
“This war will likely end with thousands of innocent people dead, but the long-term situation will not change until Palestinians and Israelis alike have full autonomy over their own lives and land, and the ability to live with security and dignity.
“We call on all nations and international bodies to use their influence now to resolve the current conflict and to demand an end to the occupation and a fair, just, and permanent solution for the Palestinian people.”
Business
IceWarp expands into Sri Lanka, fostering European innovation in collaboration with FentonsIT
IceWarp, a global leader in business communication solutions, has officially launched its cutting-edge platform in Sri Lanka, bringing European expertise in email and collaboration solutions to support the country’s evolving business landscape.
This expansion is driven by a strategic partnership with Fentons Information Technology (FIT), the Information Technology arm of Hayleys Fentons Limited.
The grand launch event held at The Kingsbury Colombo on 4th April, 2025, was graced by several distinguished guests, including Chief Guest Mohan Pandithage, Chairman and Chief Executive of Hayleys PLC.
The presence of Adam Paclt, Global CEO of IceWarp, and Pramod Sharda, CEO for India and the Middle East of IceWarp, along with their global team, highlighted the significance of this expansion. Industry experts, government officials, corporate leaders, and CIOs from the banking, financial services and insurance sectors were in attendance as well, reflecting strong local interest in IceWarp’s European expertise.
With this launch, Sri Lankan businesses now have access to an affordable, scalable and secure alternative to Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. IceWarp’s advanced Collaboration Suite integrates a wide range of tools into a single, unified platform designed to streamline communication and boost productivity. Offering flexible hybrid deployment options and cost-efficient solution, IceWarp enables organisations to optimise their operations without compromising security or functionality.
Eventistry Sports, a trailblazer in innovative sporting events, has unveiled the Sri Lanka Padel League (SLPL), the nation’s first franchise-based padel tournament, set to debut in June 2025. This groundbreaking league promises to redefine Sri Lanka’s sports landscape by creating a dynamic national platform for athletes while fostering unity among fans, brands, and communities.
The SLPL will showcase six franchise teams, each embodying the spirit of iconic Sri Lankan locales: the Colombo Chargers, Yala Rangers, Hikkaduwa Riders, Ella Hawks, Arugambay Vipers, and Trinco Warriors. These teams will not only ignite regional pride but also unite the country through a shared passion for padel—a fast-paced racquet sport merging tennis and squash, played on enclosed courts.
“The SLPL is more than a league; it’s a movement,” declared Karin Wijeratne, Director of Eventistry Sports. “By blending franchise sports with Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture, we’re creating a platform where players gain national recognition, fans rally behind their hometown heroes, and brands engage with communities in meaningful ways.”
The league’s launch on June 21–23, 2025, at Colombo’s Padel House courts (CR&FC) will kick off with three days of high-octane matches, preceded by a star-studded player auction on May 16th at The Vault, Colombo City Centre. Local talent—both professional and intermediate—will be drafted by franchise owners, with international registrations now open to elevate the competition’s global appeal.
Please log in to: www.slpadelleague.com and social media: @SriLankaPadelLeague (Facebook & Instagram) for more information.
Ceylon Energy and HJT China have successfully completed the Mahiyangana-Kappalthurei 33kV power distribution lines and the Uhana Gantry as part of Sri Lanka’s Supporting Electricity Supply Reliability Improvement Project (SESRIP). Funded by the Asian Development Bank ($42 million), SESRIP aims to expand energy access in underserved regions, including conflict-affected areas and provinces like Uva and North Central.
The project’s infrastructure spans over 270 km of 33kV lines, 13 switching gantries, and 2,372 km of low-voltage extensions.
The projects connect 35,000+ households and improve reliability for 493,000+ consumers; integrates renewables to reduce losses.
The projects’ notable components include: Mahiyangana-Bibila Line: 36 km with 147 steel towers and Kappalthurei-Sixth Mile Post Line: 14 km with 58 towers.
Ceylon Energy Chairman Madushanka Fernando hailed it as a ‘new beginning of a brighter era’, emphasising the project’s role in uplifting rural communities and driving sustainable development.
The initiative underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to inclusive, reliable energy and climate resilience.
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