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France to fund setting up of regional maritime safety and security school in SL

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The consultations were co-chaired by Ms. Shobini Gunasekera, Director General for Europe and North America of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Benoît Guidée, Director of Asia and Oceania of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France (Pic courtesy Foreign Ministry)

Sri Lanka and France recently discussed progress in the establishment of a regional maritime safety and security school in Sri Lanka as part of their shared desire to promote safety, security and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean.

This issue was taken up at the inaugural bilateral consultations between Sri Lanka and France at a senior official level recently in Colombo. The consultations were part of the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and France which took place on 27 October 1948, according to a joint communique issued following the meeting.

The joint statement: “The consultations focussed on strengthening bilateral relations, supporting ongoing work on existing projects and initiatives, and identifying new areas of partnership and coordinated action between the two countries. The consultations reflected the desire expressed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe and President Emmanuel Macron during their meeting in Colombo on July 28, 2023, to strengthen the partnership between the two countries.

The two parties reviewed progress in political relations, security, cultural cooperation and people-to-people contacts. They expressed their shared commitment to the values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

The parties discussed the expansion of trade, investment, tourism and development cooperation between the two countries and between Sri Lanka and the EU, including the setting up of relevant modalities to facilitate economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and France. The parties committed to strengthening cooperation in the field of education by welcoming the support of France towards the teaching of the French language in Sri Lanka as well as strengthening cooperation between the two countries through academic and research exchanges between institutions of higher education of the two countries.

Sri Lanka appreciated the role played by France in bringing together the creditor platform under the aegis of the Paris Club in advancing the debt restructuring discussions. The two parties discussed progress in Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring programme. Reference was made to the need to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all creditors. France commended the action and reforms undertaken by Sri Lanka as part of the programme agreed with the IMF, and expressed its firm commitment and support towards the country’s economic recovery.

The two sides reiterated their shared commitment to cooperate on global issues, including the sustainable development goals, climate change and environmental protection, food security, reform of the multilateral financial architecture, and agreed to deepen their joint efforts in the future, building upon their participation in the Paris Pact for the People and the Planet. The parties expressed their willingness to work together in preparation for the Third United Nations Ocean Conference to be held in France in 2025. The two sides exchanged views on cooperation in the Indian Ocean and agreed to work towards a sustainable, safe and secure Indian Ocean community in the context of Sri Lanka’s chairmanship of IORA.

The two sides set ambitious targets to be met in the upcoming year and agreed that the next session of the bilateral consultations will take place in Paris in 2024.”



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Secretary to the President meets with heads of the Health sector

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A special discussion between Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and the heads of the health sector was held on Tuesday (18) at the Presidential Secretariat.

During the meeting, it was discussed that a committee would be formed to explore possible steps that could be taken through the President’s Fund to reduce the number of patients on long waiting lists for surgeries in government hospitals.

The committee is expected to submit a report on the matter within one month. Based on the findings, appropriate actions will be taken, as indicated by the Secretary to the President.

The discussion highlighted the significant number of patients, including those requiring cardiac, ophthalmic, and paediatric surgeries, who are currently awaiting procedures on long waiting lists at government hospitals.

Attention was also given to the potential support that could be provided by the President’s Fund and other relevant sectors to address the challenges faced by these patients.

Additionally, discussions were held regarding the possibility of conducting surgeries after regular working hours at government hospitals. The challenges faced by doctors and staff were also thoroughly discussed during the meeting.

The discussion was attended by several key officials, including Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Media Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Additional Secretary (Public Health Services) Dr. Lakshmi Somathunga, Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, along with directors and specialist doctors from major hospitals across the country.

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Govt. plan to boost revenue with taxes on vehicle imports unrealistic, warns Harsha

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Dr. de Silva

By Saman Indrajith

SJB Colombo District MP Dr. Harsha de Silva told Parliament yesterday that vehicle imports would be affected by unusually high prices. Commencing the Second Reading debate from the Opposition side, Dr. de Silva said that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had, in his Budget speech, projected a substantial portion of tax revenue from vehicle imports. “What is the feasibility of such expectations, given the current price surge,” the MP queried.

“Who can afford to import vehicles at these rates? I do not believe there are enough affluent individuals in Sri Lanka to sustain vehicle imports at these exorbitant prices.”

Providing examples of the dramatic price increase, Dr. de Silva pointed out that a Toyota Raize now cost Rs. 12.2 mn, a Toyota Yaris Rs. 18.5 mn, and a Toyota Prius a staggering Rs. 28.9 mn.

“Someone mentioned that a Toyota Vitz could be available at Rs. 1.4 mn.”

Dr. de Silva said that the government aimed to increase tax revenue by 1.6% of GDP with a significant portion expected from vehicle imports. However, he warned that achieving that target was unrealistic under current circumstances. The government must reassess its reliance on this sector for increasing tax revenue,” he said.

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SLN receives shallow water multi-beam echo sounder from Australia

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From left : Defence Advisor to the Australian High Commission in Colombo, Colonel Amanda Johnston, Australian HC in Colombo Paul Stephens, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda and Chief Hydrographer of SLNHS and Commander Southern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Kosala Warnakulasooriya

Giving a significant boost to Sri Lanka’s hydrographic capabilities, the government of Australia handed over a state-of-the-art Shallow Water Multi-Beam Echo Sounder to the Sri Lanka Navy Hydrographic Service (SLNHS) during a ceremony held at SLNS Rangalla today (18 Feb 25). The formal ceremony was held under the auspices of the High Commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka, Paul Stephens and the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, marking new chapter in the discipline of hydrography.

The Australian government provided the Sri Lanka Navy with this Multi Beam Echo Sounder to enhance its hydrographic capabilities. This advanced equipment will enable the Sri Lanka Navy Hydrographic Service (SLNHS) to conduct precise hydrographic surveys, essential for creating nautical and electronic charts for international use. The device will also facilitate the production of high-precision nautical charts, ensuring safer maritime navigation.

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