Hanspeter MOCK, Ambassador of Switzerland in Sri Lanka called on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (16).
Conveying warm congratulations to the President over his recent election victory on his and his government’s behalf, the Ambassador said that he especially appreciated President Rajapaksa’s remark that “he is the President of all Sri Lankans”. “Switzerland is happy that traditional relations with Sri Lanka remain strong and mutually beneficial”.
Focusing his attention on recent incident involving a locally recruited official of the Swiss Embassy, Mr. MOCK stressed that Switzerland harboured no intention to do any harm to Sri Lanka.
“We wish to work together for the benefit of both countries. Also we need to overcome this situation of tension and to remove any misunderstanding,” the Swiss Ambassador said.
In response President Rajapaksa explained to the Ambassador the progress of investigations in to the incident so far. “It is very well established by now that the alleged abduction is a total fabrication. Irrefutable evidence such as Uber reports, telephone conversations and CCTV footages point to this fact. The Embassy official must have been compelled by some interested parties to bring myself and my government in to disrepute. It is not clear why the alleged victims acted in such a manner,” President observed.
President Rajapaksa said that he saw no wrong in the initial reaction by the Swiss Embassy when this incident was first reported. “It is justifiable. If a member of its staff is in trouble, the Embassy has to intervene”.
President requested the Ambassador to cooperate with the government to conduct the investigation to its end so that the truth would be emerged.
First Secretary of the Mission, Ms. Sidonia Gabriel accompanied the Ambassador
This project has started with the aid of JICA and has the capacity to process and convert 50 tons of solid waste into compost per day. This is a solution to the prevailing garbage issue in Hambanthota. I advised the officials and the contracting companies to expedite the project and start operations within a month.
A group of envoys representing member countries of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) called on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat today (13).
Ambassadors and Consuls of Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam and Malaysia joined this meeting and extended their good wishes to the President.
Discussions were focused on further enhancing bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and their respective countries and the diplomats assured that they would work hard to cement the existing relations.
Attention was also drawn to work in unison to face future challenges through increased regional cooperation.
Sri Lanka and Japan reaffirm their commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in vital sectors of economic development and identify key areas of such cooperation. Information and communication technology (ICT), harbor infrastructure including Eastern Container Terminal (ECT), expressways, agriculture, digitalization of television transmission, disaster prevention and security cooperation are some of the areas identified.
This was stated when the visiting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan Motegi Toshimitsu called on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (13). He was accompanied by an eight-member high level delegation.
Congratulating President Rajapaksa on his recent election victory, the Minister Toshimitsu called Sri Lanka “a special friend of Japan”. Extending an invitation to the President to visit Japan he said “we will be hosting an international conference titled ‘Friends of Asia’ which will be held in May next year. It would be an appropriate time for your visit to our country”. President Rajapaksa was in agreement.
The visiting Foreign Minister expressed Japan’s hope that continuous progress in bilateral relations would be made under President Rajapaksa’s leadership. “Japan wishes to set up a bilateral mechanism to oversee successful implementation of mutually agreed development projects. It will help to introduce high-tech Japanese companies to Sri Lanka”, Minister Toshimitsu said.
“Ours is a small economy. But we have a skilled, educated and talented workforce. My intention is to build an employment-oriented, technology driven economy. We seek Japan’s assistance to reach that goal”, President Rajapaksa stated. The President also said that he was open to foreign investments from all countries, especially the countries from the region such as China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia and Singapore.
Dealing with regional cooperation, the Japanese Minister expressed his country’s commitment to the concept of free and open Indo – Pacific region. He also said that defence, security and stability were the priority areas of regional cooperation. In response President Rajapaksa said “Indian Ocean must remain a zone of peace free of any conflict”.
The President reiterating his stand in foreign relations observed “Sri Lanka does not want to get involved in rivalries among world powers. We seek friendship and reject domination by others”.
The Japanese Minister said that his country would stand for peace, stability and reconciliation among communities in Sri Lanka. “The political process of reconciliation must move forward together with overall economic development, infrastructure upgrading and raising the living standards of people especially in North and East”, President said in his remark.
Sugiyama Akira, Ambassador of Japan in Sri Lanka, Matano Motosoada, Executive Assistant to the Japanese Minister and Dr. P. B. Jayasundera, Secretary to the President were also present.
A meeting between President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and senior officials of the Ministry of Power and Energy and institutions under its purview was held at the Presidential Secretariat, yesterday (12).
Representatives from the Ceylon Electricity Board and Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority participated at this meeting, during which the attention was drawn to provide swift solutions to the issues prevailing in these entities.
It was also discussed about the upcoming new projects in the power and energy sector. The President pointed out the importance of properly conducting feasibility studies before the commencement of these projects.
During the meeting, it was further discussed about the proposals made in relation to the power and energy sector in the ‘Saubhagye Dekma’ policy statement and the ministry officials extended their fullest cooperation in this regard.
President Rajapaksa also highlighted the importance of attracting investors for new projects through appraising foreign countries on the policies of the Sri Lankan government in order to meet the increasing demand for electricity in the country as well as following proper procurement procedures.
During the meeting, it was revealed that even though many MoUs were signed with foreign countries many of these agreements are with private companies and not with States. Therefore, the President pointed out the importance of conducting a proper study when implementing these agreements to ensure there would be no any adverse impact to the country.
Minister of Power and Energy, Mahinda Amaraweera, State Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Secretary to the President, Dr. P. B. Jayasundara , Secretary to the Ministry of Power and Energy, Wasantha Perera participated in this meeting.
Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to Sri Lanka M. Ashraf Haidari met with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat, today (12).
The Ambassador extended his sincere congratulations to the President on behalf of the Afghan government and held discussions with President Rajapaksa to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
All the weaknesses in the Public sector in this country should be identified promptly and accurately in order to develop the country and we should commit ourselves to build a quality Public service through an attitudinal transformation, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said addressing the newly appointed State Ministry Secretaries at the Presidential Secretariat this evening (09).
Modern technology should be used to the best of its capability to maintain Public service efficiently and effectively. President also highlighted the importance of operating the State apparatus without fraud or corruption.
President said more training opportunities will be offered to government officials and this matter was discussed during his recent visit to India.
The President said that his policy statement has covered every sector in the country and that each Ministry has a role to play in fulfilling those responsibilities. President further said that he hopes everyone at the Ministry level will act responsibly to realize the aspirations of the people.
The new Secretaries to State Ministries received their letters of appointment from the Secretary to the President Dr. P. B. Jayasundera at the Presidential Secretariat today (09).
The newly appointed Secretaries are:
| 1 | Mr. S. H. Harischandra | State Ministry of Water Supply Facilities |
| 2 | Prof. Ranjith Dissanayake | State Ministry of Urban Development |
| 3 | Mr. S. Senanayake | State Ministry of Irrigation and Rural Development |
| 4 | Mr. M. C. L. Rodrigo | State Ministry of Land and Land Development |
| 5 | Ms. S. H. A. N. D. Abeyratne | State Ministry of Economic and Policy Development |
| 6 | Mr. B. K. S. Ravindra | State Ministry of Public Administration and Local Government |
| 7 | Mr. D. A. W. Wanigasooriya | State Ministry of Railway Services |
| 8 | Prof. Sunanda Madduma Bandara | State Ministry of Information and Communication Technology |
| 9 | Ms. D. S. Wijesekara | State Ministry of Small and Medium Scale Enterprise Development |
| 10 | Ms. L. D. Senanayake | State Ministry of International Cooperation |
| 11 | Miss. R. S. M. V. Seneviratne | State Ministry of Indigenous Medicine Services |
| 12 | Ms. A. S. Padmalatha | State Ministry of Women and Child Affairs |
| 13 | Mr. K. H. D. K. Samarakoon | State Ministry of Power |
| 14 | Mr. M. A. B. V. Bandaranayake | state Ministry of Youth Affairs |
| 15 | Mr. M. Devasurendra | State Ministry of Energy |
| 16 | Mr. S. G. Wijayabandu | State Ministry of Public Management and Accounting |
| 17 | Mr. S. Arumeinayagam | State Ministry of Investments Promotion |
| 18 | Mr. M. S. S. S. Fernando | State Ministry of Tourism Promotion |
| 19 | Mr. C. S. Lokuhetti | State Ministry of Technology and Innovation |
| 20 | Ms. G. C. Karunaratne | State Ministry of Human Rights and Legal Reforms |
| 21 | Mr. A. Senanayake | State Ministry of Mahaweli Development |
| 22 | Mr. M. I. Amir | State Ministry of Export Agriculture |
| 23 | Mr. D. D. Mataraarachchi | State Ministry of Development Banks and Loan Schemes |
| 24 | Mr. N. P. V. C. Piyathilleke | State Ministry of Ports Development |
| 25 | Miss. E. M. M. R. K. Ekanayake | State Ministry of Transport Services Management |
| 26 | Miss. K. W. T. N. Amaratunge | State Ministry of Road Development |
| 27 | Miss. A. K. W. W. M. N. K. Weerasekara | State Ministry of Wildlife Resources |
| 28 | Ms. W. A. D. C. Rupasinghe | State Ministry of Environment |
| 29 | Mr. K. A. K. R. Dharmapala | State Ministry of Fisheries and Freshwater Fishing Industries |
| 30 | Miss. K. G. A. Alawatta | State Ministry of Social Security |
| 31 | Miss. R. Vijayalechchumi | State Ministry of Community Development |
| 32 | Mr. Anuradha Wijekoon | State Ministry of Tea Industries Development |
In order to build a pious and virtuous society the rule of law must be strictly adhered to, the Chief Incumbent of Kotte Raja Maha Viharaya Ven. Aluth Nuwara Anurudda Thero said.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa visited the temple this evening (07) and the Thero made these observations delivering a special sermon before the gathering.
It is everyone’s wish to see a country where all can live without fear or intimidation, the Thero said.
The Thero describing the importance of working unhesitatingly towards this end said the entire Maha Sanga will invoke their blessings over the steps taken by the President.
President Rajapaksa later arrived at the Abhayarama Temple in Narahenp…
The people of this country look at President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as a leader who can overcome all challenges the country having and ensure security of the Motherland, the Chancellor of University of Kelaniya Ven. Dr. Walamitiyawe Kusaladhamma Thero said.
President Rajapaksa this morning (07) visited Vidyalankara Pirivena and paid homage to the relic shrine at the premises.
Later, President called on Ven. Walamitiyawe Kusaladhamma Thero and the Chancellor of the Sabaragamuwa University Ven. Prof. Kumburugamuwe Vajira Thero.
“The visit of the President to the sacred site of Vidyalankara is regarded as a an honor”, Ven. Kusaladhamma Thero said.
The Maha Sanga present at the occasion chanted Seth Pirith and invoke blessings on the President.
The President later visited Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya and met Chief Incumbent Ven. Kollupitiye Mahinda Thero and Ven. Bengamuwe Nalaka Thero and other Maha Nayaka Theros.
The President would always receive the blessings of Maha Sanga to continue with his good work responsibilities, Ven. Kollupitiye Mahinda Thero observes.
Ministers and Members of Parliament representing the Gampaha district were also present.