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Chandrasekar alleges extremists in South and North hinder development
Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekar has said that extremists operate both in the South and, to some extent, in the North, and that they often ignore the genuine needs of the people. Minister Ramalingam alleged that these extremists try to obstruct development efforts, the Ministry said.
The Minister said so when the Australian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Matthew Duckworth met him at the National People’s Power (NPP) office in Jaffna.
The Minister also assured that, unlike in the past, strong security guarantees have now been firmly established under the NPP administration, creating a conducive and confidence-building environment for diaspora Tamils and foreign investors to invest in Sri Lanka without hesitation.
During the meeting, the High Commissioner and the Minister engaged in extensive discussions on key political, economic and development-related issues. Particular attention was given to the long-standing friendly relations between Sri Lanka and Australia, partnerships founded on democratic values, and the prevailing situation in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province.
The discussions also focused on post-conflict development efforts in the North, governance reforms, transparency, accountability and the evolving political culture under the administration of the National People’s Power.
Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar expressed his sincere gratitude to the Australian Government for the humanitarian assistance extended to the people of Sri Lanka affected by Cyclone Ditwah. He noted that standing with people beyond political differences during times of disaster is a true reflection of genuine international friendship. The Minister also briefed the High Commissioner on the ongoing national programmes aimed at restoring normalcy and strengthening resilience.
Highlighting the growing public trust in the government, particularly in the Northern Province, the Minister emphasised that development programmes are being implemented in a manner that safeguards this trust. He elaborated on development initiatives currently underway in the North, under the NPP-led administration, stating that these efforts are backed by firm political decisions to transform post-war reconstruction from promises into tangible action.
Special emphasis was placed on strengthening the fisheries sector, protecting aquatic resources and promoting the marine economy in ways that directly enhance the livelihoods of the northern communities. The Minister further explained that the proposed investment zones in the Northern Province are designed not merely as land allocations, but as comprehensive projects that generate employment, facilitate technology transfer and ensure a balanced regional economic development.
Calling for Australian cooperation in these investment initiatives, Minister Chandrasekar encouraged Australian investors, as well as members of the Sri Lankan diaspora living in Australia, to actively participate in Sri Lanka’s development journey. He urged the High Commissioner to play a facilitative role in easing diaspora and foreign investment engagement, noting that overseas Sri Lankans—particularly those investing in the Northern Province—can become a vital force in promoting national unity, economic equity and sustainable development.
The Australian High Commissioner stated that the National People’s Power government clearly reflects the emergence of a corruption-free administration. He observed that governance, based on transparency, the rule of law and accountability, has earned the confidence of the international community. He further assured Australia’s full support for the development of the Northern Province.
Duckworth affirmed that Australia is keen to explore investment opportunities, industrial development prospects, job creation and sustainable economic growth in the North, and that Australia recognises and welcomes development efforts supported by political stability and clear policy direction.
Emphasising reconciliation, the High Commissioner remarked that racism must be defeated in Sri Lanka, and that the deep wounds and trauma, embedded in people’s lives over decades, must be healed. True reconciliation, he said, should be born in the country itself, grounded in justice and equality, and not remain merely a slogan.
The meeting was attended by National People’s Power Members of Parliament K. Ilangumaran, J. Rajeevan and Sri Bhavanandaraja, Jaffna Municipal Councillor S. Kabilan, representatives of the Australian High Commission, and several other invitees.
The Ambassador of Switzerland to Sri Lanka Dr. Siri Walt paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on the 17th of February at the Temple Trees.
Welcoming the Ambassador of Switzerland to Sri Lanka the Prime Minister briefed the Ambassador on her recent visit to Davos to participate in the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting noting that the series of high-level bilateral meetings held on the sidelines of the Forum, along with two important industry visits provided valuable insights for Sri Lanka’s economic engagement.
The discussion focused on Switzerland’s vocational education and training (VET) system, with particular interest in exploring possible cooperation and knowledge-sharing opportunities.
The Prime Minister also conveyed her appreciation for the assistance extended by the Government of Switzerland following Cyclone Ditwah. She emphasized Sri Lanka’s need for enhanced technical assistance during the ongoing rebuilding phase, especially in relation to the reconstruction of bridges and railway infrastructure.
Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Switzerland, and to expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
First Secretary (Political) of the Embassy of Switzerland in Colombo Ms. Justine Boillat, First Secretary (Migration) of the Embassy of Switzerland in Colombo Ms. Andrea Kienast and the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatt and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , Foreign Employment, Tourism.attended the meeting.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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Advisory for low pressure area in the Southwest Bay of Bengal to the south-east of Sri Lanka
Advisory for low pressure area in the Southwest Bay of Bengal to the south-east of Sri Lanka.
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 03.00 pm on 18 February 2026
Multiday boats fishermen and naval community are warned that the low-pressure area still persists over the Southwest Bay of Bengal to the south-east of Sri Lanka. Under the influence of this system, heavy showers or thundershowers, Strong winds about (50-60) kmph, and rough or very rough seas can be expected in these sea areas.
The Meteorological Department is constantly monitoring the behavior of the system.
The naval and fishing communities are requested to be attentive to the future forecasts and bulletins issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regard.
Canada, said to be the home to the largest Tamil Diaspora community, has expressed concern over the delay in holding Provincial Council (PC) elections. Canadian High Commissioner Isabelle Martin, on Monday (16), took up the issue with Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Professor Chandana Abayaratne.
Sources quoted Prof. Abayaratne as having told the Canadian HC that the delay was not deliberate on the part of the government. The Minister blamed, what the sources called, certain legal, technical and delimitation issues for the delay.
India compelled Sri Lanka to enact the 13th Amendment to the country’s Constitution to enable the setting up of the Provincial Council system, in line with the Indo-Lanka Peace Accord, which Sri Lanka signed under duress in July 1987.
Prof. Abayaratne has assured the Canadian HC that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, too, recognised the importance of strengthening the Provincial Council system as a solution to ethnic issues and that urgent steps would be taken in that regard.
During the discussion, matters relating to strengthening political, economic and social relations between the two countries were discussed.
In May 2020, Canada declared that Sri Lanka had perpetrated genocide during the war against the LTTE. Canada also sanctioned former Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa and Gotabaya Rajapaksa in January 2023 over alleged war crimes.
The Canadian HC also explained her country’s ‘Indo-Pacific’ strategy and how Sri Lanka could benefit from it.
In particular, Canada’s “Pathways to Peace” project will support reconciliation between nations, and to improve communication by encouraging the learning of mutual languages as a second language, and it was also agreed to provide more opportunities for Sri Lankan students to pursue higher studies in Canada.
The Canadian delegation also expressed its willingness to provide the necessary technical assistance to solve the drinking water problems in Puttalam, Mannar and the North-Eastern provinces under technical cooperation, and to implement the relevant projects after a preliminary study.
by Shamindra Ferdinando
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