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Deal on ECT based on Sirisena’s talks with Modi and Abe – Govt.

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5 years ago

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DEW warns foreign investments in ports and airports jeopardise national security

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Former President Maithripala Sirisena has opposed the proposed Indian investment at the East Container Terminal (ECT) of the Colombo Port, but he himself agreed to Indian and Japanese investment during discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 11, 2018 in New Delhi, and with the then Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo on March 14, 2018, according to highly placed government sources.

President Sirisena met PM Modi on the sidelines of the First Conference of the International Solar Alliance (ISA). From New Delhi, President Sirisena flew to Japan on the invitation of Prime Minister Abe. President Sirisena returned to Colombo on March 17.

At the time of the tripartite agreement involving Sri Lanka, India and Japan, the SLFP was a partner of the UNP-led yahapalana administration. President Sirisena came to an understanding with two allies of the US against the backdrop of humiliating defeat at the local government polls on 10 February 2018.

Current SLPP MP Sirisena, who is the SLFP leader, recently has told the media his party is totally opposed to Indian investment at the ECT.

Dr. Harsha de Silva, MP, on behalf of the Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) threw his weight behind the project and the UNP remained silent.

Sources pointed out that the tripartite Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) dated May 28, 2019 specifically referred to the geo-political importance for Quad members Japan and India whose intention was to secure 49 per cent of the ECT.

The US-led defence organisation, Quad, also includes Australia, where the US maintains a permanent military presence. Japan is also a base for US forces while US-India defence cooperation is at its zenith now.

A section of the international media referred to Quad as an Asian NATO to counter the growing Chinese threat.

The Sirisena-Wickremesinghe government on Oct 6, 2015 entered into a ‘comprehensive partnership’ that enabled a greater Japanese role in Sri Lanka.

Although the former President claims that he has always opposed the foreign investment at the ECT, the MoC reveals the absence of specific time period for the operation of the tripartite agreement. According to a copy of the agreement seen by , the proposed Terminal Operations Company (TOC) would provide the required equipment and systems and manage the ‘ECT for long periods.’

On behalf of Sri Lanka, India and Japan, Ports and Shipping Minister Sagala Ratnayake, High Commissioner Taranjith Singh Sandhu and Ambassador Akira Sugiyama signed the MoC.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa recently explained the difficulty in reversing the tripartite agreement Sri Lanka entered into during the previous administration.

Former Minister and General Secretary of the Communist Party Dew Gunasekera yesterday told The Island that the India-Japan move on the ECT should be examined against the backdrop of China securing a terminal on a 35-year lease in the Colombo harbour during the previous Rajapaksa administration (2010-2015) and the strategic Hambantota Port in 2017 from yahapalana regime on a 99-year-lease.

The CP veteran said that he had explained at a public meeting held in Matara on Thursday (28) why foreign investment shouldn’t be allowed at the ECT. He stressed that foreign powers should never be given control of ports and airports under any circumstances.

The former minister also made reference to the ACSA (Access and Cross Servicing Agreement) finalised in early August 2017 by Sri Lanka and the US. It paved the way for access for the US military to all Sri Lankan facilities, he added, urging the government to re-consider its policy in respect of foreign investments.

The former Minister said that the investigation into S.W.R.D.Bandaranaike assassination had revealed that the crime had been committed over an alleged bid made by the assassin Ven. Thalduwe Somarama to form a company to manage the Colombo Port under his leadership. The former CP leader said that the country was at a crossroads and the current leadership had the responsibility for ensuring a safer path. Sri Lanka couldn’t afford to take sides in the ongoing battle between the Western powers and China.

Responding to another query, the former minister pointed out that in addition to ACSA, the US sought agreement on MCC (Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact) and SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement) in line with its overall geo-political strategy. India was now a powerful US ally therefore Sri Lanka should be cautious in its approach, he said.


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A sustainable, inclusive and globally competitive tourism industry can be built through close partnerships and collaboration – PM

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18 mins ago

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2026/05/17

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The 13th Edition of Sancharaka Udawa 2026, Sri Lanka’s foremost Travel & Tourism Fair held under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre – BMICH, Colombo on Friday [15th May].

Organized by the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), the exhibition was held on 15 and 16 th of May.

The exhibition brought together over 250 exhibitors and 300+ stalls with the participation of more than 100 international agents featuring in B2B meetings, panel discussions , and workshops designed to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

This year’s exhibition welcomed foreign hosted buyers for the first time, creating unprecedented opportunities for local stakeholders to connect with international markets.

During the event, the Prime Minister officially opened the Exhibition Sancharaka Udawa 2026 for the public.

Addressing the occasion, the Prime Minister stated that the government’s vision is to build a sustainable, inclusive, and environmentally conscious tourism industry, while emphasizing the need for the sector to adapt to environmental, political, economic, and global challenges. The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of positioning Sri Lanka competitively in the global tourism arena and strengthening the country’s international brand as a unique destination.

Highlighting the importance of developing human capital and capacity within the sector, the Prime Minister underscored the role of ongoing education reforms in preparing young people for future opportunities. The Prime Minister stated that reforms in education should enable young people to access multiple pathways and gain exposure to industries such as tourism. In this regard, closer collaboration between the tourism sector and educational institutions was identified as essential.

The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of strengthening domestic tourism and improving the overall tourism experience.

Emphasizing the future development of the sector, the Prime Minister noted that close partnership and collaboration between the government and the private sector are vital to achieving sustainable progress in the tourism industry.

The opening ceremony was attended by Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Ms. Aruni Ranaraja, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Nalin Jayasundera, President, SLAITO,  Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman, SLTPB/SLTDA and representatives of Diplomatic core, agents and exhibitors.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

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Prof. Venerable Maha Oya Jinarathana Nayaka Thero conferred the title of Chief Sanghanayaka

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27 mins ago

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2026/05/17

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The official ceremony to present Sannas Patra to Prof. Venerable Maha Oya Jinarathana Nayaka Thero, who was conferred the title of Chief Sanghanayaka of Wellassa, Bintenne and the Eastern Three Provinces, was held on Thursday [14 of May]  at the historic Pothubandhana Rajamaha Viharaya in Bibile, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The ceremony was held under the patronage of the Anunayake of the Malwathu Chapter, Most Venerable Dimbulkumbure Vimaladhamma Nayaka Thero. During the ceremony Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya presented the official Sannas Pathraya conferring the title of Chief Sanghanayaka of Wellassa, Bintenne and the Eastern Three Provinces to Prof. Venerable Maha Oya Jinarathana Nayaka Thero.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister stated that the Nayaka Thero, who entered monastic life in 1982, has rendered exemplary service to Buddhism and society for over four decades, setting a model for the entire community. She noted that the contributions made by the Thero by continuing the Sri Saranankara and Sri Saddhatissa Dhamma Schools, as well as the service carried out as the Chief Prelate of the Deegavapi Pirivena, are highly commendable.

The Prime Minister further stated that the humanitarian assistance extended annually by providing educational equipment to hundreds of children is commendable and strengthens the government’s efforts towards realizing educational policies. The Prime Minister appreciated the efforts of the venerable Nayaka Thero toward the restoration of the historic Deegavapi Maha Seya and the development of other temples.

The Prime Minister also highlighted that initiatives such as the construction of a Bhikkhu ward at the Ampara Hospital demonstrate selfless dedication of the venerable Thero through actions. The Prime Minister further emphasized that religious leaders who work for the spiritual and social upliftment of the people in historically significant regions such as Wellassa and Bintenne are essential to the country, and that the conferring of this title by the Malwathu Chapter is an honour not only to the Thero but also to the people of those regions.

The occasion was graced by the presence of members of the Maha Sangha representing the three Nikayas, and attended by the Minister Samantha Viddyarathna, Deputy Minister R.M. Jayawardena, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, the Governor of Uva Province, government officials, and a large gathering of devotees.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

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Showers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western and Northern provinces and in Anuradhapura, Galle and Matara districts

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22 hours ago

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2026/05/16

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WEATHER FORECAST FOR 16 MAY 2026
Issued at 05.30 a.m. on 16 May 2026 by the Department of Meteorology

According to the today’s latest weather analysis, the low-pressure area located northeast of  Sri Lanka, still persists. The Department of Meteorology is continuously monitoring the behavior, development and path of the system.

Due to the influence of the above system, Showers or thundershowers will occur at times and cloudy skies are expected in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western and Northern provinces and in Anuradhapura, Galle and Matara districts. Fairly heavy showers about 75 mm are likely at some places in these areas. Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the Uva and Eastern provinces after 1.00 pm.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

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