News
EU underscores importance of engagement with SL on Indo-Pacific strategy
The Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKI) in partnership with the Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives hosted a half-day conference on the theme, “The EU Indo-Pacific Strategy through Sri Lanka’s Lens: Opportunities for Cooperation and Partnership” on Thursday (27), LKI said.
The event supported by the Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, was organised on the occasion of the visit of the EU Special Envoy for the Indo-Pacific, Gabriele Visentin to Sri Lanka.
Executive Director of LKI, Dr. D.L. Mendis warmly welcomed the participants who attended the conference and said that a rule-based order would protect small States and make International Law the language of International Relations.
Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Denis Chaibi made the opening remarks and referred to the connections between Europe and Sri Lanka.
The EU Special Envoy for the Indo-Pacific, Gabriele Visentin outlined the thematic content of the EU Indo-Pacific Strategy launched in September 2021, highlighting its relevance for further engagement between the EU and Sri Lanka.
He outlined the way in which a multilateral approach would guarantee stability through the strengthening of international rule-based order. He said that seven priority areas for cooperation have been identified; such as, sustainable and economic prosperity, green transition, ocean governance, digital governance and partnerships, connectivity and security and defense. The Envoy underscored that the EU’s Indo-Pacific Strategy envisages strengthening links with the states in the region and not dependencies.
Delivering the keynote address Foreign Minister Prof. G.L Peiris outlined the importance of multilateralism, inclusivity and rule-based order. He also dealt with topics such as green recovery, trade, sustainable ocean governance as issues of relevance to Sri Lanka at present for cooperation and partnerships. He highlighted that a rule-based order can help small states safeguard their position at the international level. Additional remarks were delivered by the State Minister of Regional Cooperation, Tharaka Balasuriya.
Foreign Secretary of Sri Lanka, Admiral. Prof. Jayanath Colombage and Representatives of EU Member States participated at the conference. The Ambassador of the French Republic to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Eric Lavertu, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Tanja Gongrijjp and the Deputy Director General for South Asia and Indo-Pacific policy, German Federal Foreign Office, Dr. Jasper Wieck, also addressed it.
The conference brought together local and international experts to discuss the EU strategy and its implications in three thematic areas, namely; (i) Sri Lanka’s and EU’s positioning within geopolitical shifts in the Indo-Pacific, chaired by the Foreign Minister, Prof. G.L. Peiris, (ii) Trade, Connectivity and Green Recovery as Strategic Tools: Challenges and Opportunities for Sri Lanka and the EU, chaired by the Foreign Secretary, Adm. Prof. Jayanath Colombage, (iii) EU and Sri Lanka Efforts for Sustainable Ocean Governance, chaired by the Executive Director of LKI, Dr. D.L. Mendis.
The three panel discussions were followed by respective Q & A sessions.
The speakers articulated their diverse viewpoints on the key fundamentals of the European strategy in a constructive manner in order to reinforce the rule-based order and proposed various modalities for cooperation and partnership in the Indo-Pacific region. In his vote of thanks, Director of the LKI, Chathuka Senanayake thanked the panelists and participants for attending the conference and sharing their insights. A full report on the conference and proceedings will be published.
News
Colombo Metropolitan Region, Eastern Development Plan and the Greater Hambantota Project discussed in detail
A meeting between Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and relevant ministry officials was held on Tuesday (08) at the Presidential Secretariat regarding the development plans to be implemented in Sri Lanka under three zones, in collaboration with the Surbana Jurong Institute of Singapore and 18 Ministries.
During the meeting it was discussed in detail regarding the plans for the Colombo Metropolitan Region, Eastern Development Plan and the Greater Hambantota Project. The officials from Singapore-based urban planning and infrastructure consultancy Surbana Jurong also joined the discussion virtually.
Progress reports on the three projects were reviewed in detail and Dr. Kumanayake instructed the officials to identify any deficiencies and finalize the necessary actions within the next two weeks.
The discussion also addressed delays in securing necessary approvals for investments under the existing regulatory framework, as well as the urgent need to revise certain legislative instruments to better facilitate national development.
The meeting was attended by Secretary to the Prime Minister G.P. Saputhanthri, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Russel Aponsu, Secretary to the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing U.G. Ranjith Ariyaratne, and several senior officials from the respective ministries.
News
Heat index at ‘Caution level’ in Northern, North-central, Eastern, North-western, Western provinces and Monaragala district today [09]
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology has issued a Warm Weather Advisory for 09 April 2025
The public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, Eastern, North-western, and Western provinces and in Monaragala district.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned below is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated. Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
Prof. Jayasumana raises possibility of Lanka ending up with “Quad’
Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa has said it is the responsibility of the NPP government to submit the MoUs/agreements that were recently signed with India to the respective Sectoral Oversight Committees (SOCs).
Premadasa said so when The Island raised the issue with him. He said that during his meeting with Premier Modi his focus had been on opening the Indian market for Sri Lankan garment exports.
The seven MoUs/agreements signed on 05 April included defence cooperation, energy, Eastern Province development and digitalisation.
Meanwhile, the Vice President of Sarvajana Balaya and former lawmaker Prof. Channa Jayasumana said that the government owed an explanation whether the recently signed MoU on defence cooperation directly or indirectly attached Sri Lanka to the Quad security alliance, consisting of the US, Australia, Japan and India.
The former SLPPer raised the issue at a meeting held at Boralesgamuwa on Monday (07) in support of Sarvajana Balaya candidates contesting the May 6 LG polls.
Prof. Jayasumana urged that the MoU on Defence Cooperation be placed before Parliament, and the people, without further delay. The academic who served as State Health Minister during President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s tenure said that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s foreign policy direction should be dealt with.
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Colombo Metropolitan Region, Eastern Development Plan and the Greater Hambantota Project discussed in detail
IPL 2025: Sensational Priyansh Arya condemns Chennai Super Kings to another loss
Heat index at ‘Caution level’ in Northern, North-central, Eastern, North-western, Western provinces and Monaragala district today [09]
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