News
US envoy calls for democratic transition of power
US Ambassador in Colombo Julie Chung has called on all political parties to ensure democratic transition of power.
Following is the full text of Ambassador Jung’s statement: The United States is closely following the ongoing political developments here in Sri Lanka, where thousands of people of all backgrounds have taken to the streets to demand accountability, transparency, and a better future for all Sri Lankans.
This is a fragile and substantial moment in Sri Lanka’s history, and we urge restraint and respect from all directions to allow the Sri Lankan parliament to approach this juncture with a commitment to the betterment of the nation – not any one political party.
We call on all parties to cooperate to achieve a peaceful, democratic transition of power, and urge any new, constitutionally-selected Government to work quickly to identify and implement solutions that will achieve long-term economic stability and address the Sri Lankan people’s discontent over the worsening economic conditions, including power, food, and fuel shortages.
The United States, together with many other members of the international community, stands by to support as Sri Lanka takes responsible, sustainable steps toward resolving the debt crisis and creating a more equitable future for all.
The US Embassy condemns all violence against peaceful protesters and journalists. We call for the full investigation and prosecution of anyone involved in violent incidents or destruction of property related to the protests.
BBC reported that thousands of people are being evacuated downstream of a major dam which has been blown up in Russian-held Ukraine.
President Zelensky said 80 towns and villages were at risk of flooding after the destruction of the dam at Nova Kakhovka, which he blamed on Russia. Water is surging down the Dnipro river and is said to pose a catastrophic flooding risk to the city of Kherson.
Russia has denied destroying the dam – which it controls – instead blaming Ukrainian shelling. Neither Ukraine or Russia’s claim has been verified by the BBC.
The Kakhovka dam is crucial in the region. It contains a reservoir, which provides water to farmers and residents, as well as to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. It is also is a vital channel carrying water south to Russian-occupied Crimea.
Video footage shows a torrent of floodwater gushing through a breach in the dam. Several towns are already flooded, while people in areas further downstream were forced to flee by bus and train.
Around 40,000 people need to be evacuated, Deputy Prosecutor-General Viktoriya Lytvynova said on Ukrainian television – 17,000 people in Ukraine-controlled territory west of the Dnipro River and 25,000 on the Russian-controlled east.
Chief of Staff to the President and National Security Advisor (NSA) Sagala Ratnayaka led the Sri Lanka delegation to the 20th IISS Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia’s premier Security Summit held in Singapore from 2 – 4 June 2023.
The highly anticipated summit commenced on 2 June with a powerful Keynote address delivered by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Throughout the event, a series of plenary sessions delved into various crucial geo-political issues, encompassing the establishment of a stable and balanced Asia Pacific, the resolution of regional tensions, the evolution of maritime security in Asia, US leadership in the Indo-Pacific, and China’s latest security initiatives, among other topics.
During the Special Session focusing on ‘Defence Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region,’ Ratnayaka delivered an impactful statement, participating alongside representatives from India, Oman, France, and the United States. He emphasized the significance of keeping big power rivalries and external conflicts out of the Indian Ocean, highlighting Sri Lanka’s efforts in the United Nations to declare the region as a zone of peace. Furthermore, he underscored the country’s contributions to preserving freedom of navigation and over flight, stressing the crucial need for constructive dialogue among all stakeholders in the Indian Ocean region to pursue shared interests.
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal raised by the Minister of Health to reduce the maximum retail price of 60 medicines by 16% with effect from 15.06.2023 and review the price of medicines every three months
Australia and India set for showdown at The Oval
Thousands flee floods after dam collapse near Nova Kakhovka
Sagala Ratnayaka leads Sri Lanka delegation to 20th IISS Shangri-La Dialogue
-
Business6 days ago‘ඇය සුරකින AIA’ celebrates one year of empowering half a million women to rise together
-
News6 days ago
AI demands immediate release of Natasha
-
Business6 days ago
DFCC Bank provides exclusive free access to DOC 990 for DFCC Aloka accountholders
-
News7 days ago
Misappropriation of Rs 195 mn: Fort Magistrate clears way for continuation of CID probe
-
Opinion7 days ago
‘Modabhimanaya’ everywhere
-
Features5 days ago
Religious cauldron being stirred; filthy rich in abjectly poor country
-
Features7 days ago
Please, take charge of Poson celebrations: A proposal to Mahanayake Theras
-
Opinion5 days ago
Demystifying Buddhism: Need of the hour?
