Lankapuvath | Colombo | 14-04-2024 |
Relations between India and Sri Lanka are uniquely fraternal. They are very special and unlike any other we have with other countries.
 
Our shared civilizational past, common heritage and strong cultural connect create a natural warmth and comfort in dealing with each other. For us, as close and proximate neighbours, cooperation is the only option. It is not driven by choice and opportunity alone. Our approach to Sri Lanka is guided by our neighbourhood-first policy and our SAGAR vision. This entails that we share with our closest neighbours all that we can based on their needs and aspirations. It also entails that our approach remains generous and non-reciprocal.
 
Our support in recent years to Sri Lanka, during the Covid pandemic and the economic crisis,were driven by our sense of responsibility and obligation for our closest friend and neighbour. We stood shoulder to shoulder with our civilizational twin, when it was needed most, and without any hesitation. Many of you will agree that India is and will remain Sri Lanka’s most reliable friend and a trusted and dependable partner.
Our bilateral cooperation is expanding and diversifying. It is buttressed by India’s growing national capabilities.
 
We now cooperate in wider range of areas including infrastructure and connectivity, deeper economic engagement, trade and investment, culture and education, tourism and people to people ties.
Like in other areas, we are cooperating closely on security and defence matters. Because of our geography, our security is interlinked and intertwined. And when we speak of security, we must remember that it has acquired a wider meaning than we have traditionally associated with it.
 
After the covid pandemic and impact of Russia-Ukraine conflict, it has come to include energy, health,food and even economic security. This is because technology now permeates all aspects of our lives, and looking at security through a narrow and segmented lens is no longer possible. Our response, therefore, must keep this wider definition in mind. We must also act accordingly to address security in its entirety keeping the complex inter-linkages in mind.
 
Friends,
In recent years, the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, which means self-reliant India, has led to significant capability development within the Indian defence industry. The Government of India has promoted this vision through enabling policies and frameworks, initiatives such as establishment of defence industry corridors, and supporting and handholding different stakeholders.We have also promoted collaborations between private and government owned enterprises.
 
We have invested in research and development and promoted the use of innovation and new age technologies to build capabilities that are future-ready.
Our efforts are showing rich dividends in the last one decade. The Indian defence industry today rolls out state-of-the-art systems, advanced technologies and world class equipment. To name a few, this ranges from fighter aircrafts and helicopters to naval vessels, from electronic warfare systems to cyber security solutions and from small arms to large caliber precision long range artillery systems.
 
Not only are we producing for our own national requirements, but we have been willing to make these capabilities available to our friendly partner countries like Sri Lanka. In fact, our defence exports today stand at nearly 2.6 billion US Dollars. This is a ten-fold increase over the past five years. We export defence hardware and software to more than 85 countries with more than 100 indigenous firms active in this field.
In this effort, we have relied upon our 16 defence public sector undertakings, which have been the backbone of our defence industrial complex, and supplemented their efforts with a growing private sector participation. Our Innovations for Defence Excellence or iDEX initiative also help us building capabilities in critical and strategic technologies to bridge the gap between the expectations and requirements of the modern Armed Forces by fostering a vibrant defence innovation ecosystem.
Today, India can offer high quality, low cost,and reliable technology in defence with an assured supply chain for long term maintenance support.
 
As in other sectors, our endeavour has been that our growing capabilities must also benefit our neighbours, including Sri Lanka. We are committed to supporting the needs and requirements of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces.
I am therefore happy that the Seminar today will focus on our security and defence cooperation and help identify our shared priorities in this regard. That this Seminar is being held in Sri Lanka for the second time in the last two years underscores the value we attach to our defence partnership with Sri Lanka.
 
The large defence industry delegation from India further underlines our strong commitment to building industrial cooperation in the defence sector in Sri Lanka. We would also be showcasing the various advanced platforms and equipment to enable the Sri Lankan armed forces to familiarize themselves with various capabilities that have been developed indigenously in India. We are confident that these can also become viable, affordable and modern solutions for the Sri Lankan military.
 
I once again thank all of you for participating in this exercise. I wish the seminar and its participants all success. With your close cooperation, we are confident that we will see important and meaningful outcomes.

SRI LANKAN STUDENTS IN AUSTRALIA are BEE'S KNEES

Lankapuvath | Colombo | 04-04-2024 |
Claude Gunasekera

Sri Lankan students studying in Australia have been recognized as a premier category compared to other students from around the world according to Auslanka TV.

AusLanka TV is a digital television channel for Sri Lankans living in Australia, which broadcasts news, entertainment and life-style programs. It also allows for the talents of Sri Lankans living in Australia and contributes to community works. AusLanka TV is a weekend channel that broadcasts through modern digital media and is easily accessible to the public. It reaches out to the public through www.auslankatv.com, Facebook, YouTube, twitter, and Instagram.

Australia is the top choice of destination for Sri Lankan international students. It has plenty to offer from excellent education standards to beautiful beaches and quality cricket clubs. If you’re considering a move from Sri Lanka to Australia for your studies, here are 6 reasons why it’s such a popular – and smart – choice.

Australia is home to a number of globally ranked higher education institutions, including the University of Melbourne (#34), Monash University (#44), the University of Queensland (#53) and the University of Sydney (#54).

Australian universities offer a wide range of courses and programs of study that are globally recognized, and most courses are taught in English. Australia’s education system is known for its focus on innovation and research, its flexibility and its promotion of hands-on and practical learning.

Cultural diversity and a warm welcome
Australia is one of the world’s most culturally diverse countries, with its cities being particularly multicultural. For instance, Sydney is currently* ranked the third most diverse city in the world (with 45% of its residents foreign-born) and Melbourne is fifth (41% of residents are foreign-born).
Immigrants tend to be treated with acceptance and respect, and on the whole the country offers a very safe and welcoming environment for international students. Australia’s biggest universities are located in its larger cities, so there’s plenty of opportunity to study in a multicultural, cosmopolitan environment, where it’s easy to create a sense of home.

Quality of life
Australia is considered one of the best countries in the world for a good quality of life – sitting at #7* on the OECD Better Life Index.

The country is famous throughout the world for its laidback lifestyle, incredible nature and wildlife, and surfers’ paradise beaches. It’s a perfect choice of study destination if you like to explore, play outdoor sports, or just take in some natural beauty in your free time.

According to OECD, it also outperforms the average for education, health, jobs, income, social connections, and life satisfaction.

Work opportunities
If you need to work to support yourself while studying, Australia is a great choice. During holiday periods, you’re free to work as many hours as you wish, and in term times you can work up to 40 hours a fortnight.

As an international student, you will have the same workplace protections as everyone else working in the country and you’ll receive at least minimum wage, whichever job you’re doing.
Throughout most of the country, you’re likely to find plenty of job opportunities in retail, hospitality, administration, cleaning and care services. In certain areas, you will also find seasonal work in fruit picking and farming.

You are also likely to be eligible to apply for a 2-4 year working visa once you’ve completed a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, via the Post-Study Work Stream of the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485). You can find more information about this and other pathways to a working visa, plus information on your possible path to citizenship in Australia, on the Australian Home Affairs website. To learn even more read also this blog on how international students can benefit from Australia’s workforce gaps.

English language immersion
Having strong English language skills can open many doorways, both for continued study and professionally. English is Australia’s majority language and most courses of study are taught in English. So, studying here will give you the chance to immerse yourself in the language and massively improve your skills. There’s no better way to become fluent in a language than to surround yourself with native speakers.

And cricket!
Being from Sri Lanka doesn’t guarantee you must love cricket – but there’s certainly a fair chance you do. If you’re a big cricket fan, then you’ll love living in Australia, where it’s the national game.

If you love watching the sport, you’ll find plenty of pubs and bars that play it and plenty of friends to watch it with. If you’re a player, with nearly 4,000 cricket clubs across the country, you’re bound to find somewhere nearby to get involved with the sport.

Transferring Money Between Australia and Sri Lanka
If you’re studying and working in Australia, you may want to regularly send money back home. Or perhaps your parents would like to be able to contribute towards your studies? Whatever the reason, if you want to transfer money internationally, it’s easy, convenient and reliable with Western Union.

Katchatheevu, the tiny island that has sparked India-Sri Lanka controversy

Lankapuvath | Colombo | 03-04-2024 |
A political dispute has erupted in India, revolving around a small, uninhabited island belonging to Sri Lanka. This island is Katchatheevu, measuring just about 1.9 sq km (0.7 sq miles), and sits in the Palk Strait, separating India and Sri Lanka. Located northeast of India's Rameswaram town in Tamil Nadu state and southwest of Sri Lanka's Jaffna city, it lacks a source of drinking water and features only a solitary church, hosting an annual three-day festival attracting devotees from both countries.

Since 1921, both British colonies, India and Sri Lanka (then Ceylon), laid claim to fishing rights in the waters surrounding Katchatheevu. However, India settled the dispute in 1974 by relinquishing its claim to the island. A subsequent agreement between India and Sri Lanka prohibited citizens of both countries from fishing in each other's waters.

The issue has resurfaced following accusations from India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi against the opposition Congress party for ‘callously’ ceding the island to Sri Lanka. Modi's remarks stem from recent revelations by a leader of his Bharatiya Janata Party regarding government discussions about Katchatheevu in the 1960s.

Opposition leaders allege that Modi's party is exploiting the Katchatheevu issue, sensitive in Tamil Nadu, to garner votes in the upcoming general elections.

Documents unearthed by K Annamalai, chief of the BJP in Tamil Nadu, highlight debates within the Indian government regarding Katchatheevu in the 1960s. While some officials advocated for India's claim based on historical sovereignty, India eventually conceded the island to Sri Lanka.

Despite ongoing legal battles challenging the agreement, India's foreign minister, S Jaishankar, admitted that the issue had been concealed from public scrutiny for too long. However, he clarified that the matter was sub judice when asked about revisiting the 1974 agreement.
In 2013, the Indian Government informed the Supreme Court that Katchatheevu could not be ‘retrieved’ from Sri Lanka since it was never demarcated and remained disputed territory. Former attorney general Mukul Rohatgi echoed this sentiment, stating that India would have to engage in warfare to reclaim Katchatheevu.

Nevertheless, BJP's Annamalai asserts that the central government aims to reclaim Katchatheevu to safeguard the interests of Tamil Nadu's fishermen. The Sri Lankan Government, however, maintains that Katchatheevu falls under its jurisdiction and awaits official communication from India regarding control over the island.

Ambassador Sumith Dassanayake Presents Credentials to the President of Chile

Lankapuvath | Colombo | 03-04-2024 |

Ambassador Sumith Dassanayake who is concurrently accredited as the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Republic of Chile with residence in Brazil presented his Letters of Credence to the President of the Republic of Chile Gabriel Boric at La Moneda Palace in Santiago on 28 March 2024. The Credential Ceremony in Santiago comprised a Guard of Honour for the new Ambassador, Presentation of the Letters of Credence followed by a discussion with the Chilean President who was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Ambassador Dassanayake during his interaction with President Gabriel Boric, conveyed the latter greetings of the Government of Sri Lanka which was warmly reciprocated. President Boric acknowledged the message of condolences addressed to him by President Ranil Wickremesinghe on the loss of life, injury and destruction caused due to wildfires that occurred in the Valparaiso region of Chile in February 2024.

Recalling the historical ties between Sri Lanka and Chile, which go back to 19th – 20th century and also the renowned Chilean poet Pablo Neruda’s tenure as the Consul General of Chile in Colombo from 1929-1930, Ambassador Dassanayake requested the Chilean President to revisit the policy on Sri Lanka’s Human Rights situation and requested for Chile's support to Sri Lanka at future United Nations Human Rights Council sessions in Geneva. The Chilean President assured the Ambassador to favorably consider Sri Lanka’s request.

In a context where the government of Chile is in the process of establishing a Commission on Disappearances, Ambassador Dassanayake explained to the Chilean President the progress and structure of Sri Lanka’s Office of Missing Persons. The Ambassador undertook to provide more details as the President expressed his keen interest in this regard.

Ambassador Dassanayake also held meetings with the senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile. During his meeting with the Head of Asia-Pacific Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Pablo Arriaran, the Sri Lankan envoy highlighted the importance of concluding the pending bilateral Agreements between the two countries the soonest. The Chilean side agreed to finalize the legal instruments at the earliest.

During the meeting with the Director, Human Rights Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Tomas Pascual, the Sri Lankan envoy briefed him on the measures that have been undertaken by the Government of Sri Lanka to address the concerns of the minority communities, especially the measures initiated to improve the Human Rights situation in the country. Ambassador Dasanayake urged him to take a shift from the previous government’s stance on Sri Lanka’s Human Rights situation at the multilateral fora and requested for support and cooperation of Chile to Sri Lanka at future UNHRC sessions in Geneva.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties: SLKBC Hosts Business Networking Evening

Lankapuvath | Colombo | 03-04-2024 |

The Sri Lanka - Korea Business Council (SLKBC), of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a networking evening for Members of the Council, diplomats, government officials and industry representatives to foster collaboration and bilateral cooperation.
The Chief Guest Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Sri Lanka Her Excellency Miyon Lee was accompanied by the Deputy Ambassador, Consul, and Third Secretary of the Embassy. Additionally, government officials from the Board of Investment (BOI), Export Development Board (EDB), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and representatives from the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Korea Businessmen Association (KBA) and Korea Eximbank also attended the event.
President of the SLKBC Mr. Asitha Martis emphasized the importance of such networking events in facilitating and promoting bilateral trade and investment, and cultural exchange. Ambassador Lee echoed this sentiment, expressing that bolstering diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations are vital to facilitate collaboration across various sectors.
Insightful presentations on the Korean visa process, KOTRA’s role in facilitating trade and investment, and KOICA’s commitment to development cooperation, as well Exim bank’s operations and ongoing projects followed.
The presentations were followed by a networking session, providing an opportunity for further discussions and collaborations among attendees. For further details regarding membership of the Council, please contact the Secretariat of the Sri Lanka – Korea Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, No. 50, Navam Mawatha, Colombo 2. E-mail: association@chamber.lk or Tel.: 011 5588898, 5588800.

SLMLBC Hosts Interactive Session with High Commissioner Designate to the Maldives.

Lankapuvath | Colombo | 03-04-2024 |
The Sri Lanka - Maldives Business Council (SLMLBC) recently hosted an interactive session with H.E. Ranga Goonawardena, the High Commissioner Designate to the Maldives, at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.

The session aimed to facilitate dialogue and provide insights into the business landscape of the Maldives. Mr. Ranga Goonawardena, in his address, shared information on opportunities for collaboration in several industry sectors. Referring to ongoing discussions between Sri Lanka and the Maldives addressing the investment landscape including investor protection and double taxation, he emphasised that an increasingly investor friendly environment would create enhanced opportunities for bilateral cooperation.
Attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with H.E. Ranga Goonawardena and discuss opportunities and issues faced by Sri Lankan companies conducting business with the Maldives.

Mr. Buwanekabahu Perera, CEO of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, delivered the welcome remarks, setting the tone for the session. In his address, he warmly welcomed the High Commissioner and highlighted the 17-year history of the Council. He further emphasized that this session presents an opportunity to enhance trade and commerce with the Maldives.

Mr. Sudesh Mendis, President of the Sri Lanka - Maldives Business Council, shared his insights on bilateral business relations between the two countries. He further mentioned that the Council looks forward to continued support and to working closely with the High Commissioner.

The session provided attendees with the opportunity to interact directly with Mr. Goonawardena, addressing concerns and obtaining information, aiding Sri Lankan companies to obtain insightful information relating to conducting business in the Maldives.

For further details regarding membership of the Council, please contact the Secretariat of the Sri Lanka - Maldives Business Council of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce via Email: slmlbc@chamber.lk or Tel.: 011 5588829/ 5588800.

National Law University Meghalaya (NLU Meg), ready for admission tests in Colombo

Lankapuvath | Colombo | 16-03-2024 |

National Law University Meghalaya (NLU Meg), established under the National Law University of Meghalaya Act, 2022, it is committed to pioneering a future-oriented approach to legal education in line with India’s New Education Policy. It is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of legal professionals and scholars through a rich blend of interdisciplinary academic programs.

NLU Meg is inviting aspiring students for Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Ph.D. programs for the academic year 2024. In this regard, the University has scheduled admission tests on the 20th of April 2024, at Gateway College, Colombo 185, Koswatta Road, Rajagiriya, Colombo. This marks a significant step in its journey towards inclusive and accessible legal education, extending its reach to aspiring students in Sri Lanka.

For any further information or clarification, students may contact Ms. Idarilang Syiemlieh at the University (+91-364-3507700 (Extension-35) / ida@nlumeg.ac.in).