President Anura Kumar Disanayake invited Sri Lankan exporters to rebuild and thrive on a robust economic foundation.

The President emphasized that our country faces the challenge of capturing market share from a position of relative weakness. He pointed out that, to overcome this, external support had to be sought. In this regard, he highlighted that the government is prepared to provide assistance for recovery based on the current economic stability.

President Anura Kumar Disanayake made these remarks at the 26th Presidential Export Awards Ceremony.

The 26th Presidential Export Awards, organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), was held on Friday (07) at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) under the patronage of President Anura Kumar Disanayake.

The main objective of the awards ceremony is to recognize exporters who have made significant contributions to the economic development of Sri Lanka.

The Presidential Export Award, presented by the President, is the highest honour for Sri Lankan exporters who have made significant contributions to the export sector and economic development.

The Presidential Export Awards program, initiated by the EDB in 1981, has been held annually to recognize Sri Lanka’s top exporters. The awards ceremony for the 2023/24 financial year took place this year.

A total of 14 major awards and 51 awards in the categories of production and services were presented, with recipients gaining the opportunity to use the Presidential Export Award logo as a marketing tool for three years.

President Anura Kumar Disanayake further emphasized the critical importance of the trust placed in Sri Lanka by international economic stakeholders to stabilize the country’s economy. He noted that the global market economy is interconnected, not entirely independent.

He further pointed out that the primary challenge facing Sri Lanka is securing a substantial share of the market amidst the current global division of markets and the ongoing competition to reclaim market shares.

President Anura Kumar Disanayake noted that the global market has become an interconnected network. He emphasized that in order for the country to become a key participant in this market, it must engage in trade agreements that are beneficial to Sri Lanka. He cautioned that aggressive, reckless approaches to market penetration would not be successful, stressing the need for strategic, thoughtful engagement.

The President further stated that the government is already taking steps to provide the necessary technical support for Sri Lankan exporters to enter the market with high-quality products. He highlighted the government’s focus on supplying new goods and services in response to global changes, in line with international market trends.

Regarding the reduction of electricity bills, the President mentioned that the government is prioritizing renewable energy sources to maintain long-term stability in energy costs. He added that efforts are underway to lower costs and ensure stable pricing over the next few years.

President Disanayake also emphasized that the government is committed to playing a pivotal role in advancing the nation’s economy to new heights. He noted that even small or misguided decisions can have significant negative impacts on the economy, and therefore, decisions regarding the economy must be made with great caution and foresight.

In his remarks, the President assured that the government is fully committed to fulfilling exporters’ requests, which are vital to strengthening the nation’s economy and maintaining a strong economic foundation.

Finally, the President invited Sri Lankan exporters to unite in strengthening the economy, stressing the importance of collaboration and mutual understanding to navigate the challenges of economic recovery and growth effectively.

The ceremony was attended by several distinguished individuals, including Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Thilaka Jayasundara, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Export Development Board of Sri Lanka Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Duminda Hulangamuwa, along with various Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Parliamentarians, foreign diplomats, Secretaries to the Ministries, and members of the EDB.

[PMD]

(by Sujeeva Nivunhella in London)

Senior Sri Lanka Administrative Service (SLAS) officer and former Senior Consultant at the Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA), Nimal Senadheera, has been nominated as Sri Lanka’s next High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

Senadheera, who took leave in 2023 to pursue higher studies at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland, completed his Master of Science (MSc) in Public Policy in January 2024.

This is not his first tenure in the foreign service. He previously served as a Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from June 2010 to March 2014 beforebeing posted to the Sri Lanka High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa. He held the position of Minister Counselor there before being promoted to Minister.

Senadheera’s nomination follows the recall of former High Commissioner to London, Rohitha Bogollagama. Until Senadheera officially assumes duties, Deputy High Commissioner Manori Mallikarachchi is serving as Acting High Commissioner.

Meanwhile, several other diplomatic appointments have been made by the Sri Lankan government. Maheshini Colonne has been named Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India, while former Air Force Commander Udeni Rajapakse will go as High Commissioner to South Africa.

Also, Prof. Arusha Cooray has been named as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, and Prof. Nirmala Rathnayake has been nominated as the country’s envoy to Japan. Former Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya has been selected as Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, while journalist Sonali Samarasinghe, widow of the late Lasantha Wickrematunge, has been nominated as Minister Counsellor to the same mission.

A former journalist from Ravaya has been nominated as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Cuba.

The new diplomatic appointments come as part of the NPP government’s efforts to revamp Sri Lanka’s foreign service and strengthen international relations.

Public resist transfer of northern police chief

By Norman Palihawadane

DIG Samantha de Silva has been appointed as the new Commandant of the Special Task Force (STF), with the National Police Commission approving the decision, sources at Police Headquarters confirmed.This marks a significant shift in leadership as de Silva takes over from Senior DIG Waruna Jayasundara, following a series of upcoming changes within the Police Department, Headquarters sources said.

DIG de Silva, a veteran of the STF, has had a distinguished career, having also served as the head of the Ministerial Security Division and the Judicial Service Security Division. He has been wounded several times in the line of duty, including during the tragic bomb explosion that claimed the life of former Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle whom he served as a Personal Security Officer.

Headquarters sources said that the reshuffle within the police force is part of broader organizational changes, with key leadership positions expected to be rotated in the coming days. They indicated that Senior DIGs overseeing several provinces, including Western, Eastern, North Western, Sabaragamuwa, and Southern, are also set to be transferred.

Among the most discussed transfers is that of SDIG Tilak Dhanapala, currently responsible for the Northern Province. Dhanapala is slated for a transfer to a province in the Western region. However, his proposed reassignment has faced strong opposition from the residents of the Northern Province, who have voiced their support for his leadership. Public petitions and requests to retain Dhanapala in his current position have delayed the transfer, highlighting his popularity and the trust placed in him by local communities.

The proposed transfers, including those of SDIG Dhanapala, had been recommended by the previous Acting IGP C.D. Wickramaratne to the NPC for final approval.