News
Defence Secy blames ‘revolutionary party’ for spree of violence
‘Probe underway into Galle Face mob attack’
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Former Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa had been airlifted to the Trincomalee Naval Base for security reasons, Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne said on Wednesday (11) said at a press conference, which was also attended by the Chiefs of the Tri-Forces.
Gunaratne said the former PM would be moved to a location of his choice later.
Gunaratne mentioned that the military would provide security to Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is entitled to security as a former President.
“The military will protect Mahinda Rajapaksa as long as it is necessary. As a former President he is entitled to security,” he said.
Army Commander, General Shavendra Silva added that 6.9 million people had voted for Gotabaya Rajapaksa. “There is a way to remove the President in the Constitution,” he said.
Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned as Prime Minister on Monday (09), when violence engulfed the country after his supporters attacked anti-government protesters in Colombo.
Gunaratne said that Gota Go Gama protests were peaceful but due to some incidents that took place on Monday, they had changed. He added that following the attacks on protesters by the pro-Rajapaksa supporters, violence had been unleashed across the country. The Defence Secretary went on to say that they would take action against everyone involved in the violence, and that a revolutionary party was behind the violence.
“There were attacks on houses. People were killed. There was looting. Sri Lanka is becoming a Libya and we had to stop that,” he said, commenting on the decision to impose curfew and deploy the Army to assist the police in maintaining law and order. He said a police investigation was being conducted into the incidents at the Galle Face Green.
Curfew would most likely be lifted tomorrow, he said.
Gunaratne said that clashes had also taken place between Sinhalese and Muslim looters in Negombo on Tuesday.
“People were not listening to the Police. We had to resort to stern measures. I never thought I would have to witness this kind of situation,” he said.
“There have been incidents of looting and arson, but soon people will come into your house and rape your woman and children. I am not trying to scare anyone. But we will stop this from happening,” he said.
Gunaratne said that the trade unions had threatened a strike. “Teachers and principals must not go on strike. There are rumours that they will go on strike until the President resigns. Please don’t do that. Someday action will be taken against people who incited violence by livestreaming incidents.”
Gunaratne also denied media reports that India would troops here. “India is our elder brother. India is playing that role now. But for no reason will we allow foreign troops in SL,” he said.
Addressing the 58th Annual General Meeting of The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) held on Monday (27) at Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, President Ranil Wickremesinghe outlined a comprehensive strategy to propel the country’s tourism sector to new heights. Focused on surpassing the target of 5 million tourists and redefining traditional approaches, the President’s vision extends to achieving 7.5 million visitors in the coming years. The President emphasized the need for innovative thinking and collaboration within the industry to ensure sustainable growth.
“When I took over the government, I realized that sustainability alone is not sufficient. How are we going to earn foreign exchange? How are we going to have a positive balance of trade? In that, there were many suggestions. But what is the low-hanging fruit? And one of the low-hanging fruits was tourism. Let’s promote tourism fully,” President Wickremesinghe declared.
The President acknowledged the need to move beyond the existing framework and embrace competition to elevate Sri Lanka’s standing in the global tourism market. Drawing parallels with countries like Vietnam, he questioned why they had more tourists despite being in the industry for a shorter period. President Wickremesinghe stressed the importance of increasing the number of tourists to 2.5 million in the upcoming year and subsequently expanding on this figure.
(PMD)
Business
Free visas for nationals of China, India, Indonesia, Russsia, Thailand, Malaysia and Japan from Monday (27)
The Controller General of Immigration and Emigration has stated that nationals of China, India, Indonesia, Russsia, Thailand, Malaysia and Japan will be granted free visas from Monday 27-11-2023 to 31-03-2024 as a pilot program to rebuild the tourism industry.
Nationals of the above nominated countries possessing, Diplomatic, Official, Public Affairs, Services and Ordinary Passports are eligible to enjoy a visa free regime under this scheme.
The above mentioned nationals should apply for Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arriving in Sri Lanka subject to granting / issuing free of charge up to 31-03-2024.
Under this scheme tourists can enjoy a 30 days free visa period and a double entry facility is permitted within 30 days from the date of first arrival in Sri Lanka.
Free ETA under this scheme can be applied up to 31-03-2024.
The free ETA cannot be extended further and is limited only to thirty (30) days. In case the free ETA period of 30 days expires after 31-03-2024, an extension of visa could be applied subject to paying the appropriate fee.
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Cabinet gives green light for Colombo Port City Order No. 3 of 2023 to be presented in Parliament
The President in his capacity as the Minister of Investment Promotion has published the Colombo Port City Orders No. 3 of 2023 (Enterprises with Strategic Value – Guidelines for releasing or encouraging to award for customs – free enterprises) under the provisions of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act No. 11 of 2021 by the extraordinary gazette notification No. 2355/30 dated 25.10.2023.
The Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal furnished by the Hon. President in his capacity as the Minister of Investment Promotions to submit the said orders to the Parliament for its concurrence.
(PMD)
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