News
Prime Minister reaffirms Sri Lanka’s commitment towards achieving SDGs
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, participating in the celebration to mark the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
“We are firm in our commitment to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, and create a greener and more sustainable environment for the future,” Prime Minister Rajapaksa said.
“I call upon my fellow world leaders to work collectively in restoring compassion back to the eco-system in our respective countries”, he noted.
Due to the prevailing pandemic, the event took place virtually under the theme “‘Shaping Our Future Together.”
In his remarks, the Prime Minister thanked the United Nations for providing support to Sri Lanka in a wide range of sectors and highlighted the importance of member states supporting the United Nations in becoming a “more agile and accountable institution.”
The following is the text of the Prime Minister’s speech:
“Thank you, Your Excellency and the United Nations, for inviting me to participate in the celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the U.N. It is indeed an historic occasion, especially given the long-standing partnership Sri Lanka has had with the U.N. for 65 years.
“Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has prevented us from joining you at your office for this celebration. However, I’m glad technology has brought us together virtually.
“I want to start by thanking the United Nations for its support to Sri Lanka in fighting the Coronavirus outbreak. As the world takes on the challenges of this unprecedented global health crisis, it is more important than ever to work collectively on our shared challenges to overcome this pandemic.
“Seventy-five years ago, on a day like tomorrow, the United Nations was created to be a global organization to act as the center of discussions on international cooperation, economic and social development, and international peace and security. It was the optimism of the U.N. Charter that instilled our faith in the U.N.’s ability to create a better world for us and our children.
“The global platform has helped bring world leaders together during some of the most challenging times, such as today. As Member States, I believe we need to support the United Nations as it evolves into a more agile and accountable institution. The world is changing dramatically, and an upgraded United Nations must both adapt and stay relevant.
“Having overcome a three-decade long war, Sri Lanka is on a transformative journey to becoming a more sustainable and resilient country. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we are all desperately searching for solutions to build back our economies, societies and global networks. We are firm in our commitment to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, and create a greener and more sustainable environment for the future. I call upon my fellow world leaders to work collectively in restoring compassion back to the eco-system in our respective countries.
“I appreciate the United Nations support for a wide range of sectors such as health, education, environment, agriculture and food security. One of my most important memories working with the U.N. is when I had the opportunity to work with children, especially after the Easter Sunday attacks and during the pandemic.
“In addition to remaining committed to children’s rights and safety, I remain equally committed to addressing the challenges faced by women and girls, the elderly and the differently-abled, and look forward to working closely with the U.N. Resident Coordinator and the Country Team”.
The Sri Lanka Navy rendered assistance to bring ashore an ill fisherman, who was aboard a local multi day fishing trawler on the high seas south-west of Sri Lanka, about 881 nautical miles (1631km) off Dondra. Initially, the fisherman was taken aboard a Merchant Vessel in the sea area, on being coordinated by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo. After being brought ashore today (15th October 2024), he was rushed to the National Hospital of Colombo, for medical attention.
The local multi day fishing trawler “Sun City 02” (Reg No. IMUL-A- 1671 MTR) was reported to have left the Dikkowita Fisheries Harbour with 06 fishermen on 29th August 2024 on a fishing voyage. Meanwhile, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR) alerted MRCC Colombo established in the Navy Headquarters that a crew member onboard the fishing trawler has developed an abdominal illness, and requested Navy’s assistance to transfer him ashore for treatment.
In the meantime, a nearby Merchant Vessel named ‘MV – CCNI Andes’ was directed to the trawler’s location to provide assistance, through the coordination of MRCC Colombo.
With the assistance of MRCC Colombo, the Merchant Vessel managed to retrieve the fisherman and he was brought to the Colombo Offshore Patrol Limit (OPL) by this morning, while administering first aid.
Following this, the Sri Lanka Navy dispatched a Fast Attack Craft (FAC), attached to the Western Naval Command, to the Colombo Offshore Patrol Limit (OPL), where they took on board the ill fisherman and brought him ashore.
The Sri Lanka Navy in coordination with MRCC Colombo continues to exemplify its dedication and unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives within Sri Lanka’s search and rescue jurisdiction, serving as a beacon of hope and security for seafarers and the fishing community.
Although, approval had been granted at the cabinet meeting held on 21-08-2024 to make remedial measures for the unfavorable effects to the fishing industry due to the considerable increase of the price of fuel, the said decision has not been implemented so far.
Therefore, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Agriculture, Land, Livestock , Irrigation, Fisheries and Water Resources to provide following concessions for a period of six (6) months with effect from 01-10-2024 with the objective of uplifting the economic condition of the fisheries community.
• To grant an allowance of Rs.25 per liter of diesel, subject to the maximum of rupees 300,000 per month for fishing vessel owners who utilise diesel.
• To provide “fishing industry recovery allowance” of Rs 25/- per liter of kerosene for vessel owners who obtain kerosene as a fuel, subject to a maximum of 15 liters of kerosene per day and 25 days per month.
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the President to reestablish the Food Policy Committee comprising of the following officers.
• Secretary to the President
• Secretary to the Prime Minister
• Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, Policy Compilation, Planning and Tourism
• Secretary, Ministry of Power and Energy
• Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Land, livestock, Irrigation, Fishery and Water Resources
• Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Council, Local Government and Labour
• Secretary, Ministry of Trade, Commercial, Food Protection\, Cooperative
Development, Industry and Entrepreneurship, Development
• Ministry of Health
• Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation
• Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Wildlife, Forest Resources, Water Supply, Plantation and Community Infrastructure Facilities
The food policy committee had been established as per the cabinet decision dated 03-10- 2022.
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