News
US throws its weight behind GTF initiative, TNA distances itself from Himalaya Declaration
The US has declared its support for the ongoing Global Tamil Forum (GTF) initiative to pursue a fresh dialogue with the government and other political parties meant to reach a post-war consensus on a lasting reconciliation.
After having met the GTF delegation, led by its UK-based spokesperson Suren Surendiran and representatives of the Sangha for a Better Sri Lanka at the American Embassy on Dec 12, US Ambassador Julie Chung lauded their effort. She declared that the US welcomed their laudable initiative to expand cross-community understanding and seek lasting reconciliation.
TNPF MP Ganjendrakumar Ponnambalam and former TNA MP Suresh Premachandran have declared their opposition to the initiative, while top TNA spokesman M.A. Sumanthiran, PC, has told Virakesari that his party was not linked with the Himalaya Declaration.
The Himalaya Declaration, presented to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena and members of the Maha Sangha during the recently concluded GTF’s visit here, dealt with several issues. The Himalaya Declaration was finalized in Nepal following discussions in April 2023 between the Maha Sangha from all chapters, and members of the Tamil diaspora from various countries (SF)
The National People’s Power (NPP) polled 2,260 votes (46.18%) to secure 9 of the 19 seats in the Tangalla Urban Council at todays. Local Authorities Election.
THe Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJ) polled 1,397 votes to secure five seats while the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) polled 795 votes to secure 3 seats.
The United National Party (UNP) and the Sarvajana Balaya secure one seat each.
Voting commenced at 7.00am to elect members to 339 local councils in the island.
Voting is being held at 13,579 polling centers and will end at 4.00 p.m.
Vietnamese President Luong Cuong warmly welcomed President Anura Kumara Disanayake during an official ceremony held in Hanoi on Monday (05) morning
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was accorded a ceremonial welcome with full military honours upon his arrival at the Presidential Palace of Vietnam. He also took part in the inspection of the Tri-Forces Guard of Honour and the playing of the national anthems of Vietnam and Sri Lanka. The two leaders then introduced members of their respective delegations before proceeding for bilateral discussions during which both nation assessed their progress, explored avenues for future collaboration and signed Memoranda of Understanding.
Vietnam and Sri Lanka have upheld robust and enduring ties since they established diplomatic relations in 1970. and this visit aims to strengthen political trust and foster effective collaboration across multiple sectors between the two nations.
Sri Lanka and Vietnam engage in annual bilateral trade, primarily in exports, totalling around US$200 million. Both nations aspire to elevate this trade to US$1 billion in the near future.
President Dissanayake’s visit highlights Sri Lanka’s deep commitment to its longstanding friendship with Vietnam and demonstrates a mutual resolve to enhance collaboration in traditional sectors while exploring new opportunities in digital transformation, the digital economy, energy transition, artificial intelligence and connectivity.
[PMD]
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