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SL must retain ownership of Colombo Dockyard: CP

Published

6 months ago

2025/07/3

Dr. Weerasinghe

The Communist Party has urged the public, trade unions, and civil society organisations to unite to pressure the government to prevent India from taking over the controlling stake in the Colombo Dockyard Ltd.

The following is the text of the statement titled ‘Hands off our sovereignty: Colombo Dockyard must remain Sri Lankan’ issued by CPSL General Secretary Dr. G. Weerasinghe: “The Communist Party of Sri Lanka (CPSL), while appreciating the historic friendly ties between India and Sri Lanka, strongly condemns the reported acquisition of a 51% controlling stake in Colombo Dockyard PLC by India’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd—a company wholly owned by the Indian Ministry of Defence. This move represents not merely a commercial transaction, but a strategic encroachment on Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and maritime independence.

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, a key arm of India’s military-industrial complex, is responsible for building submarines and warships for the Indian Navy. Its chairman’s declaration that “this is not just an acquisition, it is a gateway” is a chilling admission of intent: to transform Colombo Dockyard into a forward operating base for India’s geopolitical ambitions in the Indian Ocean.

Colombo Dockyard is not just another shipbuilding facility. It is a vital node in the Indian Ocean’s maritime trade routes, with proven capabilities in ship repair, construction, and offshore engineering. Its strategic location and technical expertise make it a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s maritime economy and national security, as well as a node for industrialisation.

It has experience of specialised technologies, especially the construction of fast attack craft. It ran at a considerable profit until the 2022 crisis, and it has the potential to do so again.

To allow a foreign military-linked entity to control this asset is to surrender a critical lever of our national autonomy. This is not investment—it is infiltration.

The price Mazagon Dock is paying for this acquisition, US$ 52.9 million, is a fraction of Sri Lanka’s annual budget and can be accommodated comfortably.

This acquisition must be viewed in the broader context of India’s expanding footprint in Sri Lanka:

· In July 2023, a joint statement between New Delhi and Colombo outlined plans for Indian involvement in port and logistics infrastructure in Colombo, Trincomalee, and Kankesanthurai.

· The current National People’s Power (NPP) regime, which previously condemned so-called “Chinese colonialism” has continued the policies of its predecessor, including:

· A secretive military agreement with India.

· The reported handover of Kankesanthurai Port to Indian control.

· The controversial Trincomalee “energy hub” deal.

These developments point to a systematic erosion of Sri Lanka’s sovereignty under the guise of “mutual cooperation.”

We call upon all patriotic forces, trade unions, and civil society organisations to unite in opposition to this dangerous sellout. The CPSL demands:

1. Immediate reversal of the Colombo Dockyard acquisition, with the State taking full control.

2. Full public disclosure of all agreements signed with India concerning ports, logistics, and military cooperation.

3. Legislative safeguards to prevent the sale of strategic national assets to foreign military-linked entities.

Sri Lanka must not become a pawn in the power games of regional powers. Our sovereignty is not for sale.”

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“The future needs leaders who can adapt, learn, and respond to change without losing ethical direction” – Prime Minister

Published

8 hours ago

2025/12/17

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya was the chief guest at the Graduation Ceremony of the Defence Services Command and Staff College Course 19 held at the Nelum Pokuna Theater.on 16th of December.

The Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC), the highest seat of military learning, marked the graduation of Course 19 by recognizing 149 graduates, including 26 Foreign Course participants, whose presence underscored the growing international engagement and the spirit of regional and global military cooperation.

The special Awards [the Golden Owl Award, the Golden Pen award and the Commandant’s honours] were awarded to graduates who excelled in academic achievements by the Prime Minister. The10th edition of Defence and Security Journal and the Owlet were officially presented to the Prime Minister during the event.

Addressing at the event, the Prime Minister reflected on the severe impact of Cyclone Ditwah and paid tribute to those who lost their lives, with special remembrance of members of the Armed Forces who were engaged in rescue and relief operations. The Prime Minister commended the Armed Forces for their professionalism, discipline, and unwavering commitment, emphasizing their coordination with civil authorities and the public to deliver timely rescue, relief, and recovery assistance during a period of national adversity.

The Prime Minister extended appreciation to the foreign course participants for the valuable contributions made through the sharing of operational experience and national perspectives, which enriched the programme and strengthened mutual understanding.

The Prime Minister further stated that the future will demand leaders who can adapt, learn, and respond to change without losing ethical direction. Technology will continue to transform military operations, but sound judgment, discipline, and responsibility will remain central to leadership. The professional relationships formed at Defence Services Command and Staff College will matter in future peacekeeping missions, humanitarian operations, multinational exercises, and regional responses to crisis.

The event was attended by the Deputy Minister to the Ministry of Defense Major General (Retd) Aruna Jayasekara, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Sampath Thuyacontha, Army Navy and Air Force Commanders, former Commanders of the DSCSC, serving senior officers from the tri services and representatives from the diplomatic corps, other distinguished guests, and family of the graduates.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

News

PM’s attention draws attention to the Salary Issue of the Government Translators’ Service

Published

8 hours ago

2025/12/17

Priyan

A meeting was held between the officials of the Government Translators’ Service Union and Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at the Prime Minister’s Office on Tuesday [December 16], to discuss the issues faced by the officers of the Government Translators’ Service.

Attention was drawn to the existing salary issue in the Government Translators’ Service, the salary disparity between grades, and vacancies.

The Prime Minister stated that several issues have arisen due to the previous governments not implementing salary increases in the public service through a proper and logical method, and that the discussions regarding salary disparities are currently underway. The Prime Minister also mentioned that a positive course of action is expected to be taken on this matter within the coming year.

The discussion was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputantri, President of the Government Translators’ Service Union Mujibar Rahman, and a group of officials.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

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Hatton National Bank donates Rs. 100 Million to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund

Published

13 hours ago

2025/12/17

Priyan

The ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund, launched to support communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah and to facilitate national recovery efforts, continues to attract generous support from local and international organizations, the business community and philanthropists.

In this context, Hatton National Bank has contributed Rs. 100 million to the Fund. The cheque was presented on Tuesday (16) at the Presidential Secretariat by the Bank’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Damith Pallewatte, together with Chief Operating Officer Sanjaya Wijemanna, to Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.