News
Indian boost for Coast Guard

Deputy Indian HC Vinod Jacob and Rear Admiral Gewman Ekanayake signing relevant papers regarding the equipment transfer (pic courtesy Indian HC)
The government of India has gifted Sri Lanka, 650 machinery parts worth 120 mn LKR to augment maintenance capability of Sri Lanka Coast Guard Ship Suraksha that was presented by New Delhi in October 2017, the Indian High Commission spokesperson said yesterday (29). The handing over of much needed equipment was indicative of the growing cooperation, camaraderie and friendship between the two nations and their forces including the Coast Guards, the official said.
The following is the text of Indian HC statement: “The machinery parts of the final consignment were formally presented to the Director General, SLCG, Rear Admiral Gewman Ekanayake by Vinod Jacob, the Deputy High Commissioner of India, in a function organised on 29 June 2021 at SLCG Base Waruna. The spares would ensure prolonged utility of the SLCGS Suraksha, which is the only Offshore Patrol Vessel of Sri Lanka Coast Guard and the mainstay of patrolling and surveillance undertaken by SLCG at sea. The spares included main machinery spares, shaft, gearbox etc. The spares will facilitate expeditious repairs, improved sea going capability and increased overall life cycle of the ship.
It may be recalled, that during the recently conducted High Level Meeting (HLM) on 22 June 2021 between Indian Coast Guard and Sri Lanka Coast Guard the assurance of India’s fullest cooperation in the field of maritime security and capacity building was reiterated. This is in line with India’s Vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and the “Neighbourhood First” policy; which further translate into capacity building initiatives with countries in the Indian Ocean Region including Sri Lanka.”
News
At least 17 killed after explosion in Peshawar mosque

BBC reported that at least 17 people have been killed in an explosion at a mosque in the Pakistani city of Peshawar.
The blast happened when the mosque was packed with worshippers and more than 90 people were injured.
A section of the building was destroyed, and officials say people are buried under the rubble. Several others are being taken to local hospitals.
The cause of the explosion is unclear.
News
More heavy rain ahead for New Zealand’s largest city

BBC reported that residents in flood-hit northern New Zealand are bracing for more heavy rains as officials issued severe weather alerts.
At least four people have died and a state of emergency was declared in Auckland, which on Friday experienced its worst downpour on record.
News
Information Dept. media release: EC Chief asks public not to be misled

by Priyan de Silva
Chairman of the Election Commission of Sri Lanka, Nimal Punchihewa, asked to comment on a special news release, purportedly issued by the Director General of the Department of Government Information, on Sunday (29), told The Island that preparations for the 09 March local government elections were going ahead, as planned, and that the media statement at issue was misleading.
The media statement says: “The gazette notice with signatures of the Chairman and other members of the Election Commission required for the commencement of the Local Government election process has not been sent to the Government Press for printing.”
Punchihewa requested the public not to be misled by any misinformation being spread in an attempt to create doubts in their minds.He also reiterated that the EC would not be deterred by any acts of intimidation.
Three of the EC members have been threatened with death by an unidentified caller to resign from their posts. They are S. B. Divaratne, M. M. Mohamed and K. P. P. Pathirana. The Opposition has accused the government of trying to sabotage the LG polls.
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