Blog

• Secretary to the President P. B. Jayasundera

Secretary to the President P. B. Jayasundera said that he believes a budget with a new vision and programme that goes beyond the traditional budget will be presented to the country this time.

The Secretary to the President said that the priority will be given to the fields of green economy, renewable energy, information technology and digital governance and special attention has been drawn to increase the income of the country working within the National policy framework Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour.

Secretary to the President P. B. Jayasundera and Secretary to the Ministry of Finance S.R. Attygalle responded to the questions raised by journalists at the media conference held at the Presidential Media Centre, today (02) via video technology.

The media briefing was organized under the theme “Future Budget and the Economic Situation of the Country”.

The production volume of goods and services should be increased to generate revenue for the country. Therefore, revenue policies that can increase the volume of goods and services will be included in this budget. The Secretary pointed out that the rural agrarian economy should be uplifted and the development of infrastructure facilities in this regard has been identified as a priority.

The Secretary to the President said that an attractive country should be created for local entrepreneurs, new investors as well as tourists and in addition to the country’s resources, new investment opportunities would be created for the country through these initiatives.

Many in the region are looking at our country to obtain financial advantages of its geographical location. The Secretary to the President pointed out that their economic revival requires alternative centers and that this economic revival will not take place within the existing economic model but on the requirements based on a green economy, renewable energy, information technology and digital governance.

The Secretary to the President commented extensively on the damage caused to the world economy by the Covid pandemic and its impact on Sri Lanka. He also explained the payment of salaries to public servants, the rest of the expenditure that are being made without any deductions and the economic process carried out by the government without disrupting the day to day lives of the people.

The supply chains in the world as well as in our country were disrupted due to the covid-19 pandemic. The Secretary to the President pointed out that the country’s production needs to be enhanced and distribution methods should be properly created. He also expressed confidence that the removal of inter-provincial travel restrictions would help achieve the country’s return to normalcy.

Finance Ministry Secretary S. R. Attygalle said a new economic growth is expected along with the normalization of the country. The Finance Secretary pointed out that continuing to widen the budget deficit was not in the best interest of the country and that this year’s budget will focus on reducing that gap.

                                               –  President at international fora

• President called upon all nations to work together to ensure sustainability of our planet…
• Limiting chemical fertilizers is a positive step taken by the Government of Sri Lanka for a healthier and more sustainable green agriculture.…
• Developing nations that take bold steps towards climate change mitigation deserve extensive support…
• Our rich philosophical heritage, shaped by Lord Buddha’s teachings, places great value on environmental integrity…
• Sustainability is at the heart of our national policy framework…

Sri Lanka is proud to be a co-lead of the “Global Energy Compact for No New Coal Power”, said President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

The President made these remarks addressing the World Leaders Summit – COP 26 held in Glasgow, Scotland, on Monday (01).

The COP26 – the UN Climate Change Conference held as “critical moment in the fight against climate change” is attended by around 25,000 people representing a wide range of fields, including Heads of State, government representatives, scholars and businessmen from 197 countries. It is reported that this is the largest conference ever held in the United Kingdom.

“It is essential that the world’s largest emitters of greenhouse gases fulfil their national commitments and assist developing nations navigate through the climate crisis,” the President said and called upon all nations to work together in a spirit of true cooperation to overcome this crisis and sustain humanity and our planet.

“Sri Lanka recently restricted the imports of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and weedicides due to public health concerns, water contamination, soil degradation, and biodiversity impacts. Although opposed by entrenched lobbies, this has created opportunities for innovation and investment into organic agriculture that will be healthier and more sustainable in future”, the President pointed out.

Climate change affects all nations, but disproportionately impacts developing island nations. Developing nations that take bold steps towards climate change mitigation and adaptation deserve extensive support, the President added.

Sri Lanka is deeply aware of the impacts of climate change. Our rich philosophical heritage, shaped by Lord Buddha’s teachings, places great value on environmental integrity. Therefore, the President said sustainability is at the heart of our national policy framework.

“Sri Lanka’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions aims to reduce emissions towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. It is expected to increase carbon sequestration capacity by 7% by 2030 and steps are being taken to phase out use of fossil fuels,” the President said.

In 2019, Sri Lanka spearheaded the Colombo Declaration on Sustainable Nitrogen Management, which seeks to halve Nitrogen waste by 2030. “We look forward to more countries joining this initiative,” the President said.

Sri Lanka leads the Action Group on Mangrove Ecosystems and Livelihoods under the Commonwealth Blue Charter initiative. President Rajapaksa also said Sri Lanka welcomes investments, technology transfers, and climate financing for its ambitious sustainability efforts, along with broader development assistance to support recovery from the COVID19 pandemic.

The President of the United States, the President of France, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the Prime Minister of Italy, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and the Secretary-General of the United Nations also addressed the main summit.

Addressing the summit, US President Joe Biden said that climate change was already destroying the world, human lives and livelihoods. Apart from taking action to tackle issues of climate change internally, he said the US will do its part when it comes to helping the rest of the world to take action as well. “We want to do more to help the countries around the world, especially the developing countries accelerate their clean energy transition, address pollution and ensure the world that we must all share a cleaner, healthier and safer planet,” he said.

In his opening remarks to the summit, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said there was no excuse for failing to find solutions to climate change. The Prime Minister pointed out that although some progress has been made in the past, there is still a great deal to be done for the environment. “If we fail to fulfill responsibilities properly today, the future generation will have to face the consequences,” he said.

Meanwhile, addressing the summit, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said that the earth was changing before our own eyes. The Secretary General pointed out that proper responsibilities should be fulfilled in this regard wisely and that those aspirations should be borne collectively.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prince Charles said that all must work together to find practical ways to overcome inequalities so that the planet can be saved and the younger community’s future which has been threatened will be secured.

COP:26 United Nations Conference on Climate Change, which commenced on October 31, will be held until November 12 in Glasgow.

The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force for ‘One Country, One Law’ Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera has said that he is committed to fulfilling the desired objectives of the Task Force together with its members.

The Thera pointed out that in fulfilling that role, they will act according to a core policy framework and no citizen should be subjected to any difference or discrimination before the law on the basis of their race, religion, caste or any other factor.

The first media conference on the role of the Presidential Task Force for ‘One Country, One Law’ was held today (01) at the Presidential Media Centre via video technology.

Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera emphasized that if the citizens can place the country as number one, above all, regardless of their ethnicity, religion or political affiliation, the Task Force is ready to listen to all opinions regarding the legal framework of such a country and further said that the Presidential Task Force has a broad understanding on this issue.

“Our responsibility is to create a one nation that can get together under one flag and to formulate one law suitable for the country,” the Thera added.

We need one nation which deviates from the narrow divisions and lives together in harmony, respecting each other’s cultural and religious heritages. Our responsibility is to create the necessary environment in this country to formulate one law that will bring together all the communities without being divided into as Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims or else Buddhists, Catholics, Hindus or Muslims.

The youth of this country have suffered the most due to racial, religious and provincial divisions. Therefore, the youth have a special place in this process, he said, adding that all young people representing universities, higher education institutions and various organizations are invited to submit their ideas and suggestions to the Task Force.

The Thera also said that he hopes to discuss the matter with all political parties, religious and civil society organizations and groups in the coming days and added that the discussion is open to all who come without any hidden agendas. The Thera said that after consulting all these sections, the views and recommendations of the Task Force would be submitted to the President within the given timeframe.

Prof. Sumedha Siriwardana, Member of the Presidential Task Force for One Country, One Law, stated that the Task Force has been mandated to make recommendations for the implementation of “One Country – One Law” concept in Sri Lanka after conducting a study. He said the Presidential Task Force does not have the power to make laws and that it will be done by the legislature.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has emphasized the imperative need for a new agricultural revolution that is not against nature and pointed out that people should coexist with nature rather than act against it.

The President made these remarks addressing a special conference organized by Sri Lanka on the sidelines of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 26) in Glasgow, Scotland, under the theme “Rediscovering Nitrogen: Solutions and Synergies for Climate Change, Health, Biodiversity and Circular Economy”.

The Conference was held yesterday (31) at 5.00 p.m. Scotland time.

“My Government’s policy frameworks emphasize sustainability. This is reflected in Sri Lanka’s ambitious updated Nationally Determined Contributions to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Mechanism,” President Rajapaksa said.

“The challenge facing us now is to use modern scientific techniques and practices to enhance agricultural production without causing environmental degradation… For decades, chronic kidney disease has been a serious issue in Sri Lanka’s agricultural heartland. The overuse of chemical fertilizers has contributed significantly to this problem, ‘’ the President said, adding in this context that his Government took firm steps to reduce imports of chemical fertilizer, and strongly encourage organic agriculture.

‘Although this action has been broadly appreciated, it has also met with some criticism and resistance. In addition to chemical fertilizer lobby groups, this resistance has come from farmers who have grown accustomed to overusing fertilizer as an easy means of increasing yields, ‘ the President said.  “This is particularly unfortunate considering Sri Lanka’s rich agricultural heritage”, the President added.

The President said Sri Lanka’s progressive agenda on the environment is being implemented despite the resource constraints it faces as a developing nation, and pointed out that sustaining such an agenda alongside development programmes is challenging for all developing nations, especially following the pandemic.

The President expressed hope that developed countries will extend their fullest support to such nations through development assistance, technology transfers, skills development, investment and financing support. He mentioned that there is also a significant role for businesses in this endeavour, and significant returns to be made in investments into sustainability.

“All of us alive today are custodians of this planet on behalf of future generations. We must all work together towards ensuring its health by contributing in whatever way we can,” President Rajapaksa said.  “If we all do this in a spirit of togetherness and good will, I am certain we will succeed in effecting positive change for our people and our planet,” he said.

While welcoming the foreign representatives to the forum, Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said that Sri Lanka has become the first country in the world to take the decision to convert conventional agricultural lands, 100% organic. The Minister said this move aims to create a green socio–economy with sustainable solutions for climate changes.

The Minister appreciated all scientists, late, and alive, for their work on nitrogen and said, “Centuries after discovering nitrogen, we are rediscovering nitrogen.”

Environment Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe expressed views on Sri Lanka’s aspirations on climate resilience and adaptation: COP26 and beyond,” and High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the UK, Saroja Sirisena also expressed views.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrived in Glasgow, Scotland to attend the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26).

The delegation headed by the President arrived at the Glasgow International Airport at 12.40 p.m., Scotland time, today (30). The President and the delegation were warmly welcomed by Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Mrs. Saroja Sirisena.

The United Nations Climate Change Conference will be held in Glasgow from tomorrow (Oct 31) to November 12 to discuss climate change and to talk over how countries implement their strategies to tackle the climate crisis. November 01 and 02 are set aside for the World Leaders’ Summit.

The COP26 – the UN Climate Change Conference – is a critical moment in the fight against climate change and the conference will be attended by around 25,000 people representing a wide range of fields, including Heads of State, government representatives, scholars and businessmen from 197 countries. It is reported that this is the largest conference ever held in the United Kingdom.

Foreign Minister Prof G L Peiris, Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera, State Minister of Solar, Wind and Hydro Power Generation Projects Development Duminda Dissanayake, Principal Advisor to the President Mr. Lalith Weeratunga, Foreign Secretary Admiral (Prof.) Jayanath Colombage and Secretary to the Ministry of Environment Dr Anil Jasinghe accompanied the President.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa left the country today (30) to attend the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland.

The United Nations Climate Change Conference will be held in Glasgow from tomorrow (31) to November 12 to discuss climate change and to talk over how countries implement their strategies to tackle the climate crisis. November 01 and 02 are set aside for the World Leaders’ Summit.

The COP26 – the UN Climate Change Conference – is a critical moment in the fight against climate change and the conference will be attended by around 25,000 people representing a wide range of fields, including Heads of State, government representatives, scholars and businessmen from 197 countries. It is reported that this is the largest conference ever held in the United Kingdom.

Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera, State Minister of Solar, Wind and Hydro Power Generation Projects Development Duminda Dissanayake, Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Foreign Secretary Admiral (Prof.) Jayanath Colombage and Secretary to the Ministry of Environment Dr Anil Jasinghe are accompanying the President.

A decision to start G.C.E. Ordinary Level / Advanced Level classes

-IGP instructed to look into organized groups that create unnecessary fear among public about vaccination…

The current inter-provincial travel restrictions will be lifted after 4.00 am on October 31.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa stated that the decision was taken with the aim of maintaining the people’s daily lives under the new normalization.

These decisions were taken at the meeting of the Special Committee on COVID-19 Control which was held via video technology today (29).

During this meeting, it was revealed that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the education of school children has been severely disrupted and considering this situation already the health recommendations have been issued to start the G.C.E. Ordinary Level and Advanced Level classes in all schools. The President pointed out that the principals should be made aware of this decision and the process of starting schools should be implemented expeditiously.

The President also directed the health and education authorities to expeditiously look into the possibility of commencing academic activities for the first year students of the universities.

It was also decided to immediately look into the possibility of making the vaccination card compulsory when entering public places including shops and restaurants.

Health officials stated that there are legal provisions under the Covid-19 related law to enforce it against those who decline to get the vaccine, and the health officials further said that they have sought the Attorney General’s advice in this regard.

The President also scrutinized the progress of the vaccination programme implemented for the school children.

The President emphasized the need to further strengthen the vaccination programme to reduce the covid mortality rate and the number of infected persons. The President also instructed that all the people should be provided with the opportunity to be vaccinated by deploying vehicles for mobile vaccination in remote areas. It was also informed to obtain the assistance of Public Health Inspectors, Grama Niladharis and the local political authorities in this regard.

The Provincial Health Directors revealed to the President the false propaganda carried out by various groups over the vaccination. The President instructed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to immediately look into various organized groups, including social media, which are trying to create an unnecessary fear among the public about the vaccination.

President Rajapaksa pointed out that the Provincial and District Health Directors should take more responsibility in restoring normalcy in the country by bringing the current situation under control, and urged them to coordinate with all sectors and continue with their commitment to make the Covid eradication programme a success.

The tourism industry has been identified as the key sector in reviving the economy which has been affected by Covid-19. Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga pointed out the need to take a number of new decisions in this regard immediately. The President said that everyone should support with utmost enthusiasm to uplift the tourism industry subject to the advice of health experts.

A lengthy discussion was also held on providing foreign spectators the opportunity to visit Sri Lanka to attend future international sports competitions. The health sector pointed out that there is a potential to facilitate these visitors by limiting them to a bio-bubble.

Minister Namal Rajapaksa pointed out that many requests have been received from local and foreign sports events organizers to allow spectators to visit Sri Lanka to watch a number of matches, including the upcoming LPL tournament, and added that it will be a unique opportunity to promote the tourism industry and boost foreign exchange.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa paid his last respects to late Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, Chief Judicial Prelate for the two Regions of Colombo and Chilaw and the Chief Incumbent of the Peliyagoda Vidyalankara Pirivena, Aggamahapandit Dr. Most Venerable Welamitiyawe Kusaladamma Thera.

The President today (29) visited the Vidyalankara Pirivena in Peliyagoda where the remains of the Venerable Thera lie in state and paid his last respects. The President expressed his deepest condolences to the resident monks and the Dhayaka Sabha and the relatives of the late Nayaka Thera.

The President has instructed to hold the cremation ceremony of Most Venerable Welamitiyawe Kusaladamma Thera under full state patronage.

The President also engaged in a discussion with the monks of the cremation committee and inquired about the arrangements.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa thanked the United States for the support extended to Sri Lanka’s efforts to curtail the spread of Covid pandemic and for the vaccination programme.

He made these remarks when the outgoing American Ambassador Alaina B. Teplitz paid a farewell call at the Presidential Secretariat today (Oct 28).

He thanked Ambassador Teplitz for her efforts to advance bilateral ties and wished her well in her future endeavours.

Ambassador Teplitz thanked the President and the Government of Sri Lanka for the cooperation extended to her during her tenure in Colombo.

Secretary to the President P.B. Jayasundera, Deputy Chief of Mission in US Embassy Martin Kelly and Political/Economic Counsellor Susan Walke were also present during the meeting.

–150 motorcycles to Police Department under Japan International Cooperation System….

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa symbolically handed over 164 vehicles including 50 ambulances, 52 water bowsers and 62 double cabs, which are essential in carrying out field duties, to the relevant Ministries and Government Institutions at the Presidential Secretariat, today (28).

Accordingly, 50 ambulances were handed over to the Ministry of Health and the Suwasariya Ambulance Service and the water bowsers and double cabs were handed over to the Wildlife Department, Irrigation Department, Local Government Institutions, District Secretariats and other Government Institutions.

Ministers Janaka Bandara Tennakoon, Keheliya Rambukwella, C.B.  Rathnayake, State Minister Sudarshani Fernandopulle, Secretary to the President P.B. Jayasundera, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, S.R. Attygalle, Secretaries to Ministries and Government Officials were also present on the occasion.

Meanwhile, the President officially handed over 150 motorcycles received under the Japan International Cooperation System (JICS) to the Police Department.

The donated motorcycles will be used for traffic duties at the Sri Lanka Police Department.

The President symbolically handed over the motorcycles to Public Security Minister Rear Admiral (Retired) Dr. Sarath Weerasekera and Inspector General of Police C. D. Wickramaratne.

Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Sugiyama Akira and senior officers of the Police Department were also present.