The dawn of the New Year instinctively inspires us to look to the future with optimism and determination. Therefore, we welcome the year 2022 with great enthusiasm and anticipation.
We need to reflect on the impact the past year has had on the country and society, and I believe that this should be with a resolution for future prosperity.
I am confident that the New Year will provide an opportunity to further the steps taken by the government to pursue and overcome challenges and strengthen the people-centric economy. The economy and livelihoods that have been adversely affected by the prevailing pandemic will be further safeguarded. We will be able to implement the plans for this purpose under the new normal. We must move towards prosperity with self-confidence, dedication and unity. In this regard, the challenges we have overcome as well as the experiences we have gained will inspire us in the New Year.
The global pandemic has adversely affected the progress of realizing the expectations of the people. Nevertheless, national security and co-existence have been further consolidated at the present time. A number of new reforms are being formulated. Steps have been taken to resume dormant government development projects and programmes and vest them in the public.
The government’s action in the face of the destructive effects of the covid pandemic on the lives of Sri Lankans has been hailed globally. I am pleased to say that the freedom you enjoy today, even in the midst of pandemic restrictions, is the result of the immense sacrifice that all people of this country have made.
The rejection by the great number of patriots of baseless political tussles that have led to harassment of the people is an affirmation of the people’s trust in government.
I see our ability to build new foreign relations whilst strongly maintaining historical diplomatic ties as a significant investment.
I invite everyone to make the New Year a transformational year dedicated to realizing the “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour” for the people.
I wish you all a happy, healthy and spirited New Year.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
December 31, 2021
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa this afternoon (29) paid his last respects to the late Ven. Buddhangala Ananda Thera who was residing at the Buddhangala Aranya Senasana in Ampara.
The President paid his last respects to the remains of late Ven. Ananda Thera at the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress Hall, Colombo 07 and expressed his deepest condolences to Minister Sarath Weerasekara and the relatives of the late Thera.
Ven. Ananda Thera who was an outstanding Dhamma preacher passed away last (28) morning. He was 78 years old at the time of his demise.
His lay name was Ananda Weerasekera, a Major General served in the Army and a Commissioner General of Rehabilitation. Ven. Buddhangala Ananda Thera is also the elder brother of Rear Admiral Sarath Weerasekera, Minister of Public Security.
The late Thera was ordained as Buddhangala Ananda in May, 2007. He has authored a number of Dhamma books and published several translated books as well.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa inspected the “Kulubadu Mandiraya”, Madiwela Branch of the Spices and Allied Products Marketing Board recently.
The President took steps to re-establish this sales board at the request of the residents of Meemure during the President’s visit for the ‘Gama Samaga Pilisandara’ programme.
Accordingly, the Spices and Allied Products Marketing Board was established in August as a solution to the issues faced by the farmers in remote areas when selling and promoting their produce.
Established in the year 1972, this Board existed as a dormant institution which was limited to a document until it came to the notice of the President.
The Government intends to provide proper solutions to a number of issues including providing maximum prices to the farmer, a relief to the consumer, as well as creating foreign market opportunities for quality spices and allied products, market research, coordination, regulation and maintaining nutrition and medicinal quality.
The Spices and Allied Products Marketing Board has set up 10 branches in Battaramulla, Madiwela, Nugegoda, Pambahinna, Ratnapura, Kalawana, Kiri Ella, Kotamulla and Pallebedda in mere four months. The 11th branch is scheduled to open on the 31st December in Sevanagala.
Negotiations have already been held with countries such as Nigeria, France, Russia, Bangladesh and Japan and the US State of California to seize international market opportunities for local spices.
The Spices and Allied Products Marketing Board currently purchases over 20 million products a month and it has taken steps to expand its branch network across the country in the near future.
The Presidential Task Force for “One Country, One Law” commenced public consultations in the Central Province.
Religious leaders, NGOs, professionals and the general public who visited the Matale District Secretariat yesterday (25) morning and the Kandy District Secretariat last afternoon expressed their views and opinions before the Task Force Committee.
Chairman of the Presidential Task Force Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera thanked the people who expressed their views and said they expect to submit the report of the Committee ahead of the scheduled date as they have a clear understanding of the President’s interest in this matter. The Thera said that the Task Force will commit itself to present a set of proposals that is fair and just and accepted by all communities though the process could be time-consuming.
It is the responsibility of the Presidential Task Force, Chaired by Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera, to study the views and opinions of various factions on the implementation of the concept of ‘One Country, One Law’ in Sri Lanka and make proposals. The Task Force previously visited the Northern and Eastern Provinces and sought the views of the people living in those provinces. Different organisations and individuals visiting from across the country also expressed their views at the Task Force office located at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), Colombo.
The views of the people of the Central Province will continue to be sought today (26) and tomorrow (27).
Anyone wishing to express their views before the Task Force can schedule a date and time by calling the telephone number mentioned below. The Secretary to the Task Force, Senior Assistant Secretary to the President, Ms. Jeevanthie Senanayake, said that comments can also be made via post or e-mail through the following addresses:
Members of the Task Force Prof. Shanthi Nandana Wijesinghe, Senior Lecturer Sumedha Weerawardena, Attorney at Law Sanjaya Marambe and Pani Wewala were also present.
Telephone No. – 011 2691775, Address – Room No: 3G-19 Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 07. Email: [email protected]
Christmas, signifying the Nativity of the Lord Jesus Christ, is a noble religious feast that rejoices, bringing love and peace not only for Christians in Sri Lanka and across the world, but for all mankind.
The spiritual essence of Christmas is the redemption of all by serving for the good of the society. Christianity shows the way for a lifestyle of goodness liberated from the darkness of sin by eliminating misconceptions through noble teachings such as peace, kindness and love. The Lord Jesus Christ places great value in letting mankind truly experience the love of God in their lives by living in compassion and love towards each other and helping the oppressed brothers and sisters in society.
Even in a social context, the culture associated with Christmas is one that is refreshing, wonderful and welcoming. Therefore, the culture of Christmas makes a wondrous impression in the minds of all, irrespective of nationality, religion or age.
In the face of the current global pandemic, this year’s Christmas season is to be celebrated in accordance with health guidelines.
During nearly two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the spiritual imagination and the discipline inculcated in us by our religions have been instrumental in controlling the pandemic on an individual and collective level and as a nation.
For this Christmas, I wish a happy and blessed Christmas in which the gospel of love of the Lord Jesus Christ reaches the hearts of all Sri Lankan Christian brothers and sisters and all those around the world.
Justice Vikum Athula Kaluarachchi was sworn in as a Court of Appeal judge before President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (24).
This appointment was made to fill the post left vacant following the retirement of the Court of Appeal Judge Devika Abeyratne.
An alumnus of Royal College, Colombo, Justice Kaluarachchi graduated from the Colombo Law College and entered the legal profession.
Justice Kaluarachchi has served as a Magistrate, a District Judge, a Judge of the Criminal High Court and the Civil Appellate Court for 27 years out of his 33 years of service. He was also the most Senior Judge of the High Court.
Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga was also present.
The book titled ‘Miththanisansa,’ which is based on the life of Ven. Mapalagama Buddhasiri Nayaka Thera, was launched under the patronage of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Vichithra Dhamma Kathika Ven. Borelle Kovida Thera compiled and edited the book on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of Ven. Mapalagama Buddhasiri Thera’s life as a Buddhist Monk. The first copy of the book was presented by the President to Ven. Buddhasiri Nayaka Thera at a ceremony held at the Kothalawalapura Samadhi Buddhist Centre in Ratmalana this morning (22).
The Most Venerable Dr. Niyangoda Vijithasiri Thera, the Anunayake of the Malwatta Chapter, delivered the sermon and said the people should be more attentive of the massive development activities being carried out by the government in the face of the ongoing pandemic.
The Thera also pointed out that the psychological relief experienced by the people in Sri Lanka due to the vaccination drive is immense compared to other countries.
Meanwhile, the President also participated in an alms giving ceremony held at the temple.
The Maha Sangha including Mahanayake and Anunayake Theras, Mass Media Minister Dullas Alahapperuma and Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga were also present.
Seventeen newly accredited envoys to Sri Lanka including 11 newly appointed Ambassadors and six High Commissioners presented their credentials to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the President’s House last afternoon (21).
The new Ambassadors were appointed from Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Hungary, Mauritania, Tunisia, Argentina, the Dominican Republic, Spain and Slovenia.
The new High Commissioners represent Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Botswana, Malta, the Republic of Guyana and Nigeria.
1. Mr. Ernest Mbaimba as the High Commissioner of the Republic of Sierra Leone based in Beijing
2. Mr. Mohamed El- Kayed as the Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan based in New Delhi
3. Mr. Choe Hui Chol as the Ambassador of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea based in New Delhi
4. Ms. Mukangira Jacqueline as the High Commissioner of the Republic of Rwanda based in New Delhi
5. Mr. Gilbert Shimane Mangole as the High Commissioner of the Republic of Botswana based in New Delhi
6. Mr. Reuben Gauci as the High Commissioner of the Republic of Malta based in New Delhi
7. Mr. Andras Laszlo Kiraly as the Ambassador of Hungary based in New Delhi
8. Mr. Mohamed Ahmed Rara as the Ambassador of Islamic Republic of Mauritania based in Abu Dhabi
9. Ms. Hayet Talbi Bilel as the Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia based in New Delhi
10. Mr. Hugo Javier Gobbi as the Ambassador of the Argentine Republic based in New Delhi
11. Mr. Charrandass Persaud as the High Commissioner of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana based in New Delhi
12. Mr. Maged Mosleh Nafei as the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt based in Colombo
13. Mr. David Emmanuel Puig as the Ambassador of the Dominican Republic based in New Delhi
14. Mr. Ahmed Sule as the High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria based in New Delhi
15. Ms. Dewi Gustina Tobing as the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia based in Colombo
16. Mr. Jose Maria Dominguez as the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain based in New Delhi, and
- Ms. Mateja Ghosh as the Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia based in New Delhi.
Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris, Secretary to the President P.B.Jayasundera and Chief of Protocol Thushara Rodrigo were also present.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa today (21) released a thousand ecological floating islands to Beira Lake initiating the purifying process of the lake.
Beira Lake has been polluted due to unauthorized urbanization and improper upgrading of sewerage infrastructure in the city of Colombo. The “Ecological floating islands” method was implemented under the guidance of Chairman of the Land Development Corporation, Retired Major General M.R.W. de Soyza.
Ecologist Ranoshi Siripala points out that the experiment conducted for water purification by planting plants such as Cannas, Savandara and Heliconia using PVC pipes, bamboo and foam mattresses as floating supports has yielded successful results.
Plants in floating wetlands absorb excess nutrients carried in the water. This reduces the amount of algae in the water and purifies the water, eliminates odours, and maintains an ecological balance by providing habitat for water-dependent organisms. Water surface beautification is another benefit.
Land Development Corporation Chairman M.R.W. de Zoysa pointed out that the project is expected to play an indirect role in controlling the diseases caused by the mosquito menace. He said a number of other benefits such as increased density of fish can also be achieved at a very low cost from this project.
State Minister Mohan P. De Silva, Municipal Commissioner of the Colombo Municipal Council Roshanie Dissanayake, General Manager of Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation Srimathi Senadheera, Project Director Dr. N.S. Wijeratne and the officials of the Land Development Corporation were also present.
- A 12 million Australian Dollar project to promote vocational training…
- Contribution to industrial development as well…
Australian Minister of Home Affairs Karen Andrews informed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa that assistance will be provided to Sri Lanka to become an educational hub in the region.
Minister Andrews pointed out that this will be enabled by establishing educational institutions in Sri Lanka which provide facilities to students from other countries who wish to pursue degrees in Australia, to study basic stages of relevant courses in Sri Lanka.
The Minister made these remarks during the meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (20).
Plans are afoot to implement a special project in collaboration with the State Ministry of Skills Development, Vocational Education, Research & Innovations to develop vocational and professional skills. The amount allocated for this project is 12 million Australian dollars.
Ms. Andrews stated that the Australian Government intends to bring in Australian products to Sri Lanka to add value and re-export with the objective of developing Sri Lanka’s industries.
Commending Sri Lanka’s policy on green agriculture, the Minister said that Australia was also interested in sustainable agriculture.
The year 2022 marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Ms. Andrews lauded the actions taken by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to further strengthen the long-standing friendship between the two countries.
President Rajapaksa recalled the assistance provided by the Australian Government to the Covid-19 control programme in Sri Lanka by making a donation of 11.7 million Australian Dollars.
When the President was the Secretary of Defence, an agreement was reached with the then Australian Minister of Defence, Scott Morrison, to prevent human trafficking. Expressing his pleasure over Mr. Scott Morrison’s current role as the Prime Minister of Australia, the President said that he expects a strong mechanism between the two countries to curb drug trafficking, piracy and human trafficking.
Ms. Andrews said her government would continue to support the work of maintaining the stability of the Indian Ocean and would continue to monitor the security of the region.
The President said that the government is taking measures to work with the diaspora with an understanding and to reform certain provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
Australian High Commissioner David Holly, Minister’s Adviser Lachlan McNaughton, First Assistant Secretary (International Division) Adam Meyer, Foreign Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris, Secretary to the President P. B. Jayasundera, Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage and Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne were also present.