Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena stated that the 76th National Independence Day will be a turning point in Sri Lanka's economy. He mentioned that the country is slowly recovering from an economic crisis and taking measures towards food security, rural revitalization, and a productive economy. The Prime Minister urged everyone to work together for the development and progress of the country while preserving freedom. The Independence Day message highlighted the struggles faced by the nation in gaining independence and the sacrifices made by war heroes. The message also emphasized the importance of passing on the proud history of the nation to future generations.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his Independence Day message, called on all Sri Lankans to persist with the present trajectory to achieve prosperity in the coming years. Sri Lanka has effectively navigated through challenges to establish economic stability. The President emphasized the need to learn from past mistakes and avoid their repetition. He invited all Sri Lankans, at home and abroad, to contribute their utmost energy to the noble mission of rebuilding the nation.
President Wickremesinghe outlined short-term strategies aimed at revitalizing Sri Lanka's economy during a discussion at the World Economic Forum (WEF) stakeholder dialogue titled 'Pulling back from the brink' in Kurpark Village, Aspen. He emphasized tourism promotion, agricultural modernization, and a focus on renewable energy. The President expressed the country's eagerness to attract new investments and projected a 2 percent growth this year, with projections reaching 4 to 5 percent in the next year. He acknowledged the critical issues of balancing payments and budgetary constraints and outlined measures to address these challenges, including working with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to increase revenue and establishing a revenue authority to replace individual departments. The President stressed the need for governments to strike a balance between providing essential facilities and managing strict financial rules. He reassured that Sri Lanka is accustomed to foreign investments and maintains an open society. President Wickremesinghe also expressed support for debt relief for African countries. The panel discussion provided valuable insights into Sri Lanka's economic strategies and showcased President Wickremesinghe's commitment to navigating the country through these challenging times.
High Commissioner Rohitha Bogollagama represented Sri Lanka at the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit in London, where he highlighted the country's economic and investment potential. He emphasized Sri Lanka's strategic geopolitical positioning, access to a substantial market in South Asia, and advantages such as infrastructure, legal system, skilled workforce, and tourism sector. Bogollagama invited potential investors to consider Sri Lanka as an investment and commercial destination. The summit aimed to foster trade and investment collaboration within the Commonwealth.
In other news, President Wickremesinghe led a Sri Lankan delegation to the 28th session of the Conference of Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Dubai, UAE. President Wickremesinghe addressed the conference, acknowledging the historical significance of the UN Conference on Human Environment and referencing the alarming findings of the UNEP Report of 2023, which warns of a 3-degree Celsius increase in global temperatures by the end of the century. He stressed the challenges faced by developing countries and the need for at least a US$ Trillion per annum to combat climate change. President Wickremesinghe called for a more transparent approach in funding arrangements and proposed a resolution for a Climate Justice Forum. He urged immediate action to find effective solutions, thinking outside the box and investing in the Tropical Belt to tackle the Triple Planetary Crisis. The President also emphasized the need for a sustainable Blue Economy to counter the adverse effects of climate change on the Indian Ocean. President Wickremesinghe revealed plans to establish the International Climate Change University (ICCU) for capacity building and advancing research, aiming to contribute significantly to global efforts to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Additionally, President Wickremesinghe met with India Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss various issues, including investment and trade agreements.
To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Law College, a special stamp was launched on March 1, marking a historic milestone for one of the country's most prestigious legal education institutions. The event, hosted at the College Main Hall, was attended by notable figures including Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, Minister of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, and Minister of Mass Media, Transport and Highways Bandula Gunawardana, alongside the principal of the College, Dr. Atula Pathinayake. The launch of the commemorative stamp is not just a celebration of the Sri Lanka Law College's illustrious 150-year history but also a recognition of its significant contribution to the legal profession in Sri Lanka. The presence of Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya as the chief guest underscores the importance of the event, highlighting the strong relationship between the judiciary and legal education in Sri Lanka. The attendance of Ministers Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe and Bandula Gunawardana further emphasizes the government's support for the legal community and its institutions. Dr. Atula Pathinayake, representing the academic side of the legal profession, symbolizes the continuity and evolution of legal education in the country. The commemorative stamp launch serves as a moment to reflect on the past achievements of the Sri Lanka Law College and sets the stage for envisioning the future of legal education and practice in the country. The event highlights the need for ongoing reforms, adaptation to global legal standards, and the cultivation of a new generation of legal professionals equipped to face the challenges of the 21st century. As the Sri Lanka Law College steps into its next century, the commemorative stamp will remain a symbol of its enduring legacy and its commitment to excellence in legal education. The collaboration among the judiciary, government, and academic institutions showcased at the event reinforces the collective responsibility towards nurturing the rule of law and justice in Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) is celebrating its 73rd anniversary today (March 2, 2024). The SLAF is proud of its more than seven decades of service to the nation and remains committed to its duty as the guardians of Sri Lanka's skies. The SLAF is also an able contributor to achieving sustainable peace.
In Sierra Leone, the People’s Democratic League (PDL) congratulates all Sierra Leoneans on the occasion of the nation’s 63rd Independence Day Anniversary. The PDL reflects on the country's history and the need for economic freedom. The PDL acknowledges that tribalism, political party dynasties, and regional bigotry are social vices that hinder peace, democracy, and development. The PDL believes that the lack of political will to address these issues will take Sierra Leone nowhere. The PDL recognizes that selfish politicians have incited hatred between ethnic groups and caused disunity among Sierra Leoneans. The PDL calls for unity, patriotism, commitment, and hard work to build a Sierra Leone that works for everyone. The PDL emphasizes the need for good governance, economic transformation, and a reasonable standard of living for Sierra Leoneans. The PDL urges Sierra Leoneans to reflect on their national identity, remove artificial barriers, and strive for real unity and national development. The PDL believes that change comes from the bottom-up and upholds democratic principles. The PDL calls for inclusive participation, sustainable economic growth, and a harmonious community based on national belonging and unity. The PDL emphasizes the importance of love, patriotism, commitment, participation, and hard work in nation-building. The PDL calls for a national leadership that prioritizes the needs and rights of the people. The PDL urges Sierra Leoneans to condemn tribalism and other anti-social actions that threaten social cohesion, peace, and democracy. The PDL believes that Sierra Leone can move forward towards sustainable development and prosperity with the right vision, planning, and implementation. The PDL calls for a reasonable and acceptable political solution to rebuild the economy, restore peace and harmony, and create an environment where there is strength and independence to stand against bad governance. The PDL calls on all Sierra Leoneans to work towards creating an environment of unity, peace, and co-existence, and to engage in the development and prosperity of the country.
Samoa is preparing to celebrate its 63rd Independence Day with a series of events. The commemoration will include religious services, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural performances. The celebration will span several days, starting with a church service on June 2nd and culminating in a grand ceremony at Mulinuu on June 3rd. The program will also include the display of the national flag and the presence of the Head of State. The celebration will continue throughout the year with various community events and programs. This year's Independence Day marks the beginning of a five-year program leading up to the 65th anniversary in 2027.
Ambassador Marco Clemente celebrates the National Day of Italy 2024 in a special 16-page supplement provided by The Manila Times. The supplement commemorates the 78th anniversary of the referendum held on June 2, 1946, where Italians voted to make Italy a Republic. The Festa della Repubblica is not only a celebration of Italy but also a celebration of democracy. Ambassador Marco Clemente expresses the importance of democracy, which is often under attack. The article encourages readers to register and unlock the full article. The article is available for free for 14 days for new subscribers. The Manila Times offers a digital edition app for subscribers. The website uses cookies to improve the browsing experience.
Congressman Wiley Nickel and 7 other Members of the US Congress have introduced a resolution calling for an Independence Referendum for the Eelam Tamils as a solution to the conflict in Sri Lanka. The resolution, known as H-RES 1230, urges the US Administration to strengthen diplomatic channels with the Eelam Tamils and calls for the Independence Referendum based on their right to self-determination. The resolution highlights the historical context of the conflict, including the separate sovereign kingdoms of the Sinhalese and Tamil people, the merger of territories under British rule, and the Tamils' assertion of their right to self-determination in the Vaddukoddai Resolution of 1976. It also criticizes the 13th Amendment to Sri Lanka's constitution and the infringement upon the Tamils' freedom of expression. The resolution draws parallels to other successful Independence Referendums supported by the United States in resolving conflicts in South Sudan, Montenegro, East Timor, Bosnia, Eritrea, and Kosovo. The President of the Tamil Americans United Political Action Committee and the vice-president of the Tamil PAC have both expressed support for the resolution, emphasizing the importance of the Independence Referendum as a democratic and peaceful solution. The resolution is seen as a significant step toward addressing the past violence and fostering stability and peace in the Indo-Pacific region. The primary tenets of the resolution include urging the US to strengthen diplomatic channels with the Eelam Tamils, working toward a permanent political solution based on the Tamils' right to self-determination through an independence referendum, and recognizing the Tamil Genocide committed by Sri Lanka.