Business

MIKTA envoys gathering for ‘Cooperation for Resilience in Public Health Sector’ with Health Minister

Published

3 years ago

2022/11/26

Korean Ambassador Santhush Woonjin JEONG hosted a gathering of Heads of Missions of MIKTA countries, a multilateral group of countries composed of Mexico, Indonesia, Korea, Türkiye and Australia, at the Korean Ambassador’s Residence. On this occasion, Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella attended the meeting as special guest.

Mohan Pandithage Chairman of Hayleys and Honorary Consul of Mexico, Dewi Gustina Tobing Ambassador of Indonesia, Demet Sekercioglu Ambassador of Turkiye, Paul Stephens High Commissioner of Australia, Janaka Sri Chandraguptha Secretary to the Ministry of Health, Diplomats and Officers in-charge of ODA attended this event.

Korean Ambassador Santhush Woonjin JEONG delivering his opening remarks stated that, “I firmly believe that international cooperation is needed to overcome the challenges presented to us due to COVID-19 pandemic. No country is strong enough to combat these challenges alone. MIKTA countries are significant contributors of humanitarian funding and assistance and we have gathered today to effectively address the issues of global health and ways to cooperate between MIKTA countries and Sri Lanka. The public health cooperation between Korea and Sri Lanka has been robust. Under the “Stay Strong Campaign,” Korea donated around $3 million worth of equipment to combat the COVID-19 virus in Sri Lanka in the last two years. I hope we continue to deepen the multilateral engagement and overcome the global challenges in the post-pandemic era.”

Demet Sekercioglu Ambassador of Turkiye and presiding chair of MIKTA for this year congratulated Ambassador Santhush for hosting this timely event and emphasised that Turkiye has taken over the chairmanship of MIKTA under unprecedented circumstances in March 2022. “The Covid-19 global pandemic and consequences of the Russian-Ukrainian war have exacerbated the hardships faced by people all around the world, exposed our fragilities and vulnerabilities in dealing with these global challenges and highlighted the need for a stronger and closer international cooperation. We believe that MIKTA, as a cross-regional and flexible consultative platform can substantially contribute to the international efforts aimed at addressing these issues. Considering the Covid-19’s direct impact on our lives, societies and economies in the last two years and apparently in the years to come, we kept global health at the top of the agenda in 2022. We organized a virtual meeting of Deputy Ministers of Health and Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs of MIKTA Countries last September. The need to strengthen global health architecture with a whole-of-government approach has been emphasized at the meeting.” She further elaborated on Türkiye’s assistance to Sri Lanka including the handover of three consignments of medical donations including cold chain medicines, medical consumables and equipment last August and September.

Delivering her congratulatory remarks Ambassador of Indonesia H.E. Dewi Gustina Tobing noted that public health cooperation is an essential element for a country in carrying out durable, resilient and sustainable development. “In line with MIKTA’s vision, MIKTA mission countries in Sri Lanka continue to develop and strengthen cooperation in various fields with the Government of Sri Lanka, including the health sector. We observed that the Sri Lankan Government continues to make numerous efforts to build public health infrastructure and resilient communities who cushioned from the adverse economic impact. Indonesia will continue to promote cooperation with Sri Lanka in a bilateral framework through the Presidency of Indonesia in MIKTA next year, forge closer bonds of friendship, and be friends during delightful and challenging times. Together we will overcome the current challenges, support each other, and move towards the best and prosperity of our country.”

Australian High Commissioner H.E. Paul Stephens remarked that Sri Lanka is a good place where MIKTA can operate and assist Sri Lanka reach stability and resilience. Furthermore he stated that in terms of public health infrastructure, the Government of Australia has significantly increased the financial assistance to promote food security and public health infrastructure. Furthermore Australia is supporting the Sri Lankan government’s efforts to increase oxygen concentrators to hospitals and provide mental health support. Furthermore more scientific trials are conducted under the World Mosquito Programme to protect communities from mosquito borne diseases like dengue, zika, malaria and yellow fever.

Mohan Pandithage Chairman of Hayleys and Honorary Consul of Mexico stated that, “Sri Lanka’s economic challenges, coupled with the impacts of the pandemic and global headwinds have pushed the country into unprecedented difficulties. On behalf of the Ambassador, who represents Mexico as a member country of MIKTA, I reach out today to all MIKTA Member Countries to work together and find ways to strengthen bilateral ties with Sri Lanka, enhance trade and exports and provide much needed relief. I believe that productive dialogue and the sharing of diverse development experiences initiated at this forum will support Sri Lanka on its roadmap towards greater resilience and recovery.”

Minister of Health Hon. Keheliya Rambukwella in his keynote speech highlighted that, “international cooperation and the partnerships that Sri Lanka shares with its neighbours and friendly nations contributed to Sri Lanka’s success at controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. It was an uphill battle. However the competent leadership and the tireless sacrifice of the medical professionals have resulted in Sri Lanka successfully overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic. We are still not out of the woods yet, all countries must unify to address the shortages of food that have threatened the world including Sri Lanka. I request your cooperation in the anti-malnutrition drive to reduce starvation and malnutrition in Sri Lanka. I thank you for your friendship and partnership and Sri Lankan government assures that it remain committed to work with any partner who is willing to extend a helping hand with generosity.”

MIKTA was established in 2013 as a consultation and coordination mechanism among the Foreign Ministers of G20 members Mexico, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Türkiye and Australia. It aims to make constructive contributions to global peace and stability as well as to further enhance the cooperation among its members.

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Business

Beira Lake restoration, ‘a crucial urban environmental intervention’

Published

7 hours ago

2026/01/21

Thilina Walpola

The Beira Lake; in for a clean-up

Sri Lanka’s decision to invest Rs. 2.5 billion in restoring the heavily polluted Beira Lake marks one of the most significant urban environmental interventions in recent years, underscoring a growing recognition that ecological rehabilitation is also an economic imperative.

The multi-pronged project—covering the closure of illegal sewage discharge points, large-scale dredging, and the installation of aeration systems—is expected to not only revive aquatic life but also unlock commercial, tourism and real estate value in the heart of Colombo.

Officials say the initiative is designed to transform Beira Lake from a long-neglected liability into a productive urban asset.

A senior official from the Ministry of Environment told The Island Financial Review that untreated wastewater and illegal sewer connections had been the primary contributors to the lake’s degradation for decades. “Closing these illegal sewage points is the most critical intervention. Without that, any dredging or aeration would only offer temporary relief, the official said, adding that enforcement will be carried out in coordination with the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) and other regulatory agencies.

From a business perspective, the clean-up is being viewed as a catalyst for urban regeneration. Urban Development Authority (UDA) sources noted that a healthier Beira Lake would significantly enhance the attractiveness of surrounding commercial developments, hospitality projects and public spaces. “Environmental remediation directly impacts land values and investor confidence. A clean, living lake changes the entire economic profile of the area, an UDA official said.

The dredging component of the project is aimed at removing decades of accumulated sludge, which has reduced water depth and contributed to foul odours and fish die-offs. According to officials involved in project planning, the dredged material will be disposed of following environmental guidelines to avoid secondary pollution risks—an issue that has undermined similar efforts in the past.

Meanwhile, the installation of modern aerators is expected to improve dissolved oxygen levels, a key requirement for sustaining fish and other aquatic organisms. “Restoring aquatic life is not just about biodiversity; it is about creating a water body that can safely support recreational activities and public engagement, a senior CMC engineer explained.

Economists point out that the Rs. 2.5 billion allocation, while substantial, should be seen against the long-term cost savings and revenue potential. Reduced public health risks, lower water treatment costs downstream, increased tourism activity and higher commercial footfall could deliver returns that far exceed the initial outlay.

By Ifham Nizam

Business

Expectation of positive Q3 corporate results jerks bourse to life

Published

7 hours ago

2026/01/21

Thilina Walpola

CSE activities kicked off on a negative note initially but later experienced some recovery yesterday because most investors were anticipating positive third quarter result shortly, market analysts said.

Amid those developments, the market indicated mixed reactions. The All Share Price Index went down by 4.13 points, while the S and P SL20 rose by 14.02 points. Turnover stood at Rs 5.17 billion with 11 crossings.

Top seven crossings were reported in Renuka Holdings where eight million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 324 million; its shares traded at Rs 40.50, Tokyo Cement one million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 113 million; its shares traded at Rs 113, Distilleries 1.85 million shares crossed for Rs 111 million; its shares traded at Rs 60, ACL Cables 500,000 shares crossed for Rs 51.5 million, its shares sold at Rs 103 Chevron Lubricants 250,000 shares crossed for Rs 47.5 million; its shares traded at Rs 190, Ambeon Capital 738600 shares crossed at Rs 40.50 each and Melstacope 150,000 shares crossed for Rs 27 million; its shares traded at Rs 180.

In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Colombo Dockyard Rs 1.26 billion (12 million shares traded), ACL Cables Rs 348 million (3.3 million shares traded), HNB (Non-Voting) Rs 152 million (425,000 shares traded), Hayleys Rs 109 million (507,000 shares traded), Tokyo Cement (Non-Voting) Rs 94 million (989,000 shares traded) Lanka Realty Investments Rs 80 million (1.6 million shares traded) and Sampath Bank Rs 77 million (498,000 shares traded). During the day 135 million share volumes changed hands in 38398 transactions.

It is said that manufacturing sector counters, especially Tokyo Cement and ACL Cables, performed well. Further, Colombo Dockyard became the most preferred share for investors. The Banking sector also performed well.

Browns Beach Hotels said that the company will delist from the CSE, having made arrangements with majority shareholders Melstacope and Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings to buy back shares from minority shareholders at an exit offer price of Rs 30.

Yesterday the rupee was quoted at Rs 309.75/85 to the US dollar in the spot market, from Rs 309.72/77 the previous day, having depreciated in recent weeks, dealers said, while bond yields were down.

A bond maturing on 15.05.2026 was quoted at 8.25/35 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.02.2028 was quoted at 9.00/10 percent, down from 9.05/10 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.12.2029 was quoted at 9.65/70 percent, up from 9.65/69 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.03.2030 was quoted at 9.72/75 percent, from 9.70/76 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.03.2031 was quoted at 9.95/10.00 percent, down from 10.00/10 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.10.2032 was quoted at 10.30/50 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.06.2033 was quoted at 10.72/75 percent, down from 10.70/80 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.06.2035 closed at 11.05/10 percent, down from 11.07/11 percent.

The telegraphic transfer rates for the American dollar were 306.2500 buying, 313.2500 selling; the British pound was 409.9898 buying, and 421.3080 selling, and the euro was 354.1773 buying, 365.5655 selling.

By Hiran H Senewiratne

Business

Ceylon Theatres and British Council present National Theatre Live’s ‘Hamlet’

Published

7 hours ago

2026/01/21

Thilina Walpola

Ceylon Theatres Limited, in partnership with British Council, is proud to present the first ever screening of National Theatre (NT) Live’s Hamlet starring Hiran Abeysekara in Asia. The first screening will happen at Regal Cinema in Dematagoda (Colombo 9) at 5:30 pm on Sunday, 25 January. Sri Lankan actor Hiran Abeysekera stars in the title role—the first Asian actor to play Hamlet in a National Theatre production.

For Sri Lankan audiences, this screening is both a celebration and a homecoming. It reflects the British Council’s long-standing commitment to nurturing creative talent, widening access to world-class culture, and building deep, people-to-people connections between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom through theatre and the creative arts. To celebrate the inaugural screening, the British Council is inviting winners and runners-up of the All-Island Inter-School Shakespeare Drama Competition, alongside drama teachers and university actors, to attend the premiere.

Further details on screening dates, venues, and ticketing can be found at: https://ceylontheatres.com/ and on the British Council Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/britishcouncilsrilanka/ or call: 0766192370