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Early convening of Lanka-Indonesia Joint Commission discussed

Published

4 years ago

2022/01/27

Govt. wants to build on ex-Prez Sirisena’s initiative

Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris and Indonesian Ambassador in Colombo Dewi Gustina Tobing recently discussed the early convening of the third session of the Joint Commission between the two countries to be held in Colombo and the need to follow up and build on the visit of President Joko Widodo to Sri Lanka to deepen and broaden economic collaboration, and the need to harness the untapped potential, in the bilateral economic sphere.

President Widodo visited Sri Lanka in late January 2018 on the invitation of the then President Maithripala Sirisena.

The Indonesian Ambassador met Prof Peiris on January 24 at the Ministry. Ambassador Tobing presented her credentials to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Dec 21, 2021.

The following is the text of the FM statement: “Prof. G.L. Peiris highlighted that Sri Lanka and Indonesia shared many common interests and goals, founded on long standing historical and cultural ties that predated the formal establishment of relations between the two countries in 1952. The Minister made these remarks at a meeting when, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Sri Lanka Dewi Gustina Tobing called on the Foreign Minister at the Foreign Ministry, on Monday 24 January 2022.

The Minister recalled warmly meeting his counterpart Foreign Minister Retno L.P. Marsudi, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in 2021 and also meeting Indonesian President Joko Widodo, at the COP26 and even before his inauguration, noting the excellent warm relations between the two countries. Minister Peiris underscored that both countries shared global priorities in the international arena, dating to their membership of the Non-Alignment Movement and shared outlook on socio-economic development and international relations, including environment, climate change and sustainable development. He emphasised the importance of the development of the Indian Ocean and the Indo- Pacific region and briefed on Sri Lanka’s chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and playing a leading role as Blue Charter Champion in the Commonwealth and its work on issues such as Mangrove conservation and spearheading the campaign for Sustainable Nitrogen Management.

The Foreign Minister and the Ambassador expressed interest to further expand cooperation, in a wide range of areas such as close cooperation in the United Nations and international fora, and supporting each other’s candidatures as well as to enhance trade, investment and tourism. They underscored the importance of initiating not just high-level interaction of their leaders, but increasing people-to-people contacts and forging links with business, trade and tourism, particularly to commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Indonesia that would be marked in August 2022.

Foreign Minister Peiris noted that it would be most appropriate to celebrate the anniversary of relations with a visit from his counterpart, and extended a warm invitation to the Foreign Minister of Indonesia to visit Sri Lanka.

Minister Peiris apprised the Ambassador of Sri Lanka’s progress in reconciliation and the protection and promotion of human rights and socio-economic development of its people and engagement with the United Nations, but was opposed to the selective singling out of countries by some UN mechanisms, that were unwarranted and intrusive. He stated that Sri Lanka was giving priority to economic diplomacy and increasing opportunities to expand trade and investment, particularly in the post pandemic world and both sides could share their experiences.

The Ambassador looked forward to enhance relations between the two countries and noted the potential for close collaboration and partnerships in trade, investment and tourism and noted the interest of some Indonesian Industry, to look at possible projects in Sri Lanka, as well as closer ties with the business community and Chambers of Commerce, as well as possible events and activities to raise more awareness on relations and areas to bolster cooperation for their mutual benefit.

Foreign Minister Peiris also noted significant possibilities in defence cooperation, including combating illicit drug trafficking and sharing of intelligence and underlined the importance of close interactions between maritime agencies, National Anti-Narcotic agencies, and counter terrorism, highlighting that approximately 60,000 ships passed through the Indian Ocean annually and about one third of the world’s oil also passed through the region.

They looked forward to use the momentum of the 70th anniversary to strengthen relations between the two countries for their mutual benefit, including high level visits later in the year.”

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Landslide Early Warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya extended

Published

6 hours ago

2026/02/13

Priyan

The landslide early warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya by the Landslide Early Warning Center of the National Building Research Organisation [NBRO] have been extended until 0600 hrs on the 14th of February 2026.

Accordingly,
The Level II [AMBER] landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Walapane and Nildandahinna in the Nuwara Eliya district and

the Level I [YELLOW] landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secretaries Division and surrounding areas of Pathahewaheta in the Kandy district have been extended till 0600AM on Saturday [14]

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Royal Navy of Oman Vessel “SADH” departs island

Published

13 hours ago

2026/02/13

Priyan

The Royal Navy of Oman Vessel “SADH” which arrived in Sri Lanka for replenishment purpose, departed the island on 12 Feb 26.

In accordance with naval tradition, the Sri Lanka Navy extended a customary farewell to the departing ship.

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“We will not make decisions for rural level schools while sitting in Colombo” – PM

Published

15 hours ago

2026/02/13

Priyan

The Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that aligning with the development activities carried out under the new education reforms, decisions at the rural level will not be taken from Colombo and plans should be sent based on the requirements of the rural level through the District Coordination Committees by structural committees. She further noted that all officials, from the Ministry of Education down to the school level, must commit to working efficiently and with a human-centered approach.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing a discussion held with education authorities of the Hambantota District on Thursday [February 12] at the auditorium of the Hambantota District Secretariat regarding the new education reforms and prevailing issues in the education sector.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister provided an opportunity for education authorities including chief prelates of pirivenas, zonal education directors, teacher advisors, and principals to present the challenges they face and officials raised concerns including salary disparities among principals, developing school infrastructure, issues arising from the division between national and provincial schools, and uplifting pirivena education.

Further elaborating, Prime Minister stated:

“The new education reforms were initiated from 2025 through dialogue, consultations, and the collection of necessary data. As officials, you have extended your support to us during this process. We have embarked on a difficult and long journey, and we look forward to your continued cooperation.

We initiated these reforms in response to a strong social demand. Many have attempted such reforms at different times. Within our political vision, we understood clearly that if this country is to be rebuilt, an educational transformation is essential. The human resource is the most valuable resource of this country and it should be nurtured properly.

Solutions to many of the crises our country faces lie within the education system. Addressing the issues in economic challenges, social issues, drug abuse, violence, the breakdown of political culture, corruption, waste, and even the deterioration of human relationships all lie within the education.

In order to achieve the transformation we envision as a government, that an education transformation is necessary.

This education system should focus on reducing the pressures within the system, minimize school dropouts, increase employability, and instill confidence in children about their future.

There are disparities within the school system, between rural and urban schools, national and provincial schools, and difficult schools. This should not happen. All children must have equal opportunities.
⁣
Decisions regarding the establishment of schools or expansion of classes should not be political decisions. They must be decisions taken through Structural Committees. Those representatives understand their divisions, village economies, and population dynamics. Based on your decisions and assessments of needs, prepare the plans, discuss them with the District Coordination Committees, and submit them to us. We will then take steps to provide the necessary allocations and other support. We will not make decisions for the rural level while sitting in Colombo.

We are taking steps to minimize salary disparities. A Cabinet paper regarding the salary anomalies of principals has already been prepared for submission. Steps are also being taken to introduce new reforms in pirivena education through the Pirivena Committee of the Ministry of Education. We require the support of the chief prelates in this regard.

A significant number of teachers turn to human rights due to delays caused by inefficiency. Therefore, all officials from the Ministry of Education down to the schools must commit to working efficiently and in a humane manner”

The discussion was attended by Chief prelates of pirivenas, deputy ministers, Members of Parliament, zonal directors, principals, and other education sector officials.