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Lanka’s top spy addresses UN confab, highlights global threat landscape

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Major General Sallay identified five key categories of security challenges: geopolitical conflicts, economic factors, environmental concerns, societal issues, and technological advancements. [Photo Credit: Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations

In a compelling speech delivered at the Third United Nations High-Level Conference on Counter-Terrorism, Major General Suresh Sallay, Director of the State Intelligence Service in Sri Lanka, highlighted the evolving global threat landscape and the imperative need for enhanced international cooperation to address the challenges ahead. The conference, organized by the UN Office of Counter Terrorism, aimed to build upon previous conferences and foster a multilateral response to combat terrorism effectively.

Major General Sallay expressed gratitude to the UN Office of Counter Terrorism for convening the conference and recognized its overall efforts in addressing the evolving threat to global peace and security. He emphasized the rapidly changing world, where security challenges are shaped by technological advancements and sociological developments. Major General Sallay identified five key categories of security challenges: geopolitical conflicts, economic factors, environmental concerns, societal issues, and technological advancements.

Geopolitical conflicts were identified as serious threats to international security. Major General Sallay noted that increasing tensions between powerful countries could lead to more frequent conflicts in various regions, allowing non-state actors to exploit the resulting fragile environment. These conflicts pose a significant risk to global stability and demand proactive measures.

The analysis of modern-day security challenges revealed the interrelation and connectivity between transnational organized crime, terrorism, extremism, and evolving technologies. Terrorism and extremism emerged as grave challenges, undermining stability, affecting social trust, and disrupting peace across the globe. Major General Sallay drew attention to the horrific acts of violence that have claimed innocent lives and disrupted communities worldwide.

Furthermore, the scourge of drugs and organized crimes continues to plague societies, perpetuating violence, corruption, and instability. Major General Sallay emphasized the interconnected nature of criminal enterprises that transcend borders and jurisdictions, necessitating a comprehensive and cooperative approach to combat these threats effectively.

Technological advancements have also presented significant challenges to both domestic and international security. Major General Sallay highlighted the rise of cyber threats, which exploit vulnerabilities in digital systems, posing a substantial risk in the digital age. Artificial intelligence, disruptive technologies, and the spread of misinformation were identified as emerging areas with unexpected outcomes in terms of security threats.

Major General Sallay stressed the role of social media and digital platforms in radicalization, extremism, and terrorism. Recent attacks, including those experienced by Sri Lanka, have demonstrated the power of these platforms in perpetuating violence and posing serious threats to international security. The use of sophisticated software to manipulate social networks and influence populations, politicians, and target groups has undermined trust in governments and challenged democratically elected governments.

Looking ahead, Major General Sallay highlighted the need for unwavering attention to mitigate these rising threats. Recognizing that no nation can effectively confront these challenges alone, he emphasized the importance of enhancing intelligence capabilities, fostering security cooperation, and reinvigorating multilateralism. Sri Lanka pledged its commitment to cooperate with the UN Office of Counter Terrorism and strengthen international counter-terrorism efforts. Major General Sallay also expressed the importance of regulating the use of social media platforms by extremist elements to curb their propaganda dissemination.

In summary, Major General Suresh Sallay’s speech during the UN High-Level Conference on Counter-Terrorism brought attention to the urgent security challenges confronting the international community. Sri Lanka reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to combat terrorism, strengthen intelligence networks, and align with the objectives of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Emphasizing the importance of mutual respect, understanding, and shared interests, Sri Lanka underscored the significance of collaborative endeavours to effectively address the evolving threats and safeguard global peace and security. (slguardian.org)



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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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