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French President Emmanuel Macron said that the French Government is ready to provide the maximum support to complete the debt restructuring process in Sri Lanka as well as encourage all other partners to expidite the debt restructuring process.

He stated this when he arrived in Sri Lanka on Friday night.

The French delegation, including the French president, arrived at the Katunayake Airport, in three planes of the French government, at around 11.35 pm on Friday.

The French President arrived in Sri Lanka after the his visit to Papua, New Guinea.

A group including President Ranil Wickremasinghe and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry, arrived at the Bandaranaike Airport premises to welcome and hold a discussion with the French delegation.

According to the Presidential Media Division, President Ranil Wickremesinghe and President Macron held a friendly and productive bilateral discussions to enhance and elevate the existing relations between Sri Lanka and France.

Attention has been given to improve the relations between the two countries in specific fields.

These fields include, establishing an educational institute to develop maritime safety and security, the establishment of a French agency for development in Sri Lanka, initiating high - level diplomatic dialogue, improving the cooperation in the field of education and improving efforts to curtail human trafficking in the ocean.

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, Catherine Colonna, Minister of State for foreign affairs Philippe Vigier and Jean-François Pactet, Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, were among the delegation that visited Sri Lanka.

In a tweet the French President revealed that he was working to begin a new era for the partnership between Sri Lanka and France and thereby strengthen the 75-year diplomatic relations between the countries.

The French President and the delegation remained at the airport terminal for about 2 hours and then departed for Paris at 01:44 AM.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government will face a no-confidence vote in parliament amid deadlock with the opposition over violence in the state of Manipur.

A lawmaker from the opposition Congress party tabled a no-confidence motion on Wednesday.

Mr Modi’s government won’t lose the vote as his party and its allies have a clear majority in parliament.

But opposition leaders say the move will force Mr Modi to speak on Manipur.

They have been demanding that he address parliament on ethnic clashes in the state which broke out in May between the majority Meitei group and the tribal Kuki minority.

At least 130 people have been killed and tens of thousands displaced in the violence.

Last week, a video that showed two women being paraded naked by a mob had sparked global outrage and condemnation.

It also forced Mr Modi to break his silence on Manipur: he said that the incident had “shamed India” and that the attackers wouldn’t be spared.

Federal home minister Amit Shah told the Lok Sabha - the lower house of parliament - earlier this week that the government was ready to discuss the violence and accused the opposition of preventing this.

This is the second time that Mr Modi’s government is facing a no-confidence motion since it came to power in 2014. In 2018, a lawmaker had moved a motion over the issue of granting a special category status to Andhra Pradesh state. It was defeated after a 12-hour debate.

A no-confidence motion can only be moved in the Lok Sabha and will be accepted if at least 50 lawmakers support it. Once accepted, the speaker will announce a date for a vote within 10 days. If the government is unable to prove its majority, it will have to resign.

On Wednesday, two motions were moved by MPs from the Congress party and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi - the first was accepted.

Speaker Om Birla said he would announce a date for the debate and vote after speaking with leaders of all parties.

“We are well aware that the numbers are not in our favour,” Manoj K Jha, an opposition MP, said on Wednesday. “But it is not about the numbers, the PM will have to speak in parliament following a no-confidence motion.”

The opposition was “forced to move the no-confidence motion as it was the last weapon”, Congress leader Manickam Tagore said.

Source - BBC

-Agencies

State Minister of Higher Education, Suren Raghavan, says President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s proposal to implement the 13th Amendment of the Constitution without police powers as a measure to foster national harmony may not be popular, but it is a forward-looking decision for the future of the country.

Additionally, Minister Raghavan, highlighted that this decision was taken despite the considerable risk involved, in order to pave the way for a new political journey anticipated by the young people who have been actively engaged in the ‘Aragalaya’.

He conveyed these perspectives while addressing a Press briefing themed ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country’ at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) yesterday (July 28).

During his remarks, the state minister asserted that a national dialogue has once again emerged regarding the 13th Amendment of the Constitution. He clarified misconceptions about the current president’s approach to this matter, emphasizing that all former presidents have previously discussed the issue. He pointed out that the country is now transitioning into a post-war phase.

Raghavan made it clear that while he does not consider himself a participant in any on-going struggle, the essence of the struggle is evident. He stressed the significance of renewing the agreement between the citizens and the state, a sentiment echoed by the people of the country and the younger generation poised to shape its future. Emphasizing the state’s responsibility, he underscored the need to address the aspirations and social needs of all citizens in order to revitalize the nation.

“At present, President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s actions may not be widely supported, as it is a known fact that elections are on the horizon. Typically, popular decisions are made during such times to garner public favour.” State Minister of Higher Education, Mr. Suren Raghavan, suggested that providing essential necessities like free bread, dal, gas, and electricity, or making promises to do so, could be a favourable approach during this period.

Despite the potential risks involved, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has shown boldness in initiating this discourse during his political tenure. It is evident that the President holds a deep belief in democracy and firmly believes that even if a decision is not popular, it must be the right thing to do. The President embarked on this task with the hope of resolving the issue without burdening future generations.

During a discussion with party leaders and opposition ministers in parliament, President Ranil Wickremesinghe raised the question of whether they support the 13th Constitutional Amendment. It was pointed out that this amendment has been a part of the constitution for several decades, and significant funds, around Rs. 300 billion per year, are allocated to the Northern Provincial Council alone. This has led to a crucial question regarding the meaningfulness of maintaining the provincial council at such a substantial financial cost.

Furthermore, the President made it clear that if the 13th Amendment is not accepted politically, Parliament should step in and take action to abolish it. The Tamil political elite also face internal disunity, with varying opinions and stances on the matter. Some members are abstaining from the discussion and refuse to accept any solution that does not involve federalism. On the other hand, when others request a solution, they do not actively work towards finding one. This lack of consensus and commitment from certain factions within the Tamil political elite poses a challenge to the nation’s progress on this issue.

In light of the situation, adopting a dialogical democracy appears to be the most suitable approach. The enforcement of the 13th Constitutional Amendment, as proposed, should not be further delayed. Moreover, some parties advocate for 13+, as discussed with Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa, and given the prolonged postponement of provincial council elections for nearly seven years, resolving the underlying issues is essential before holding the election.

One critical matter raised is whether all the powers outlined in the 13th Constitutional Amendment will be granted. Specifically, there is an on-going discussion regarding the granting of police powers. While the amendment mentions police powers, it has not been implemented due to mutual suspicions. Hence, there is a pressing need for a constructive dialogue to establish a new consensus between the state and its citizens, particularly concerning the Tamil people.

‘As a former governor, I have observed that 95% of the Tamil-speaking population faces daily struggles for survival, encompassing essential aspects like access to clean drinking water, healthcare, education, transportation, security, and economic opportunities. It is imperative to address these challenges promptly’.

It is equally important not to exploit the existing differences among Tamil leaders for political gains. Instead, we must focus on genuine efforts to win the hearts of the Tamil people and foster a unified approach towards building a prosperous and inclusive future for all citizens.

--PMD

The second death anniversary of R. Rajamahendran, chairman of Capital Maharaja, was marked yesterday (25).

A Buddhist religious function took place in his memory at the Group’s head office at Baybrook Place in Colombo.

Another event was organised in Mihintale.

Born on 19 May 1943, Rajamahendran was educated at Royal College, Colombo.

At the age of 21, he and his brother took over their father’s business following his death.

He transformed it into a major conglomerate covering various fields to contribute immensely to the national economy.

He pioneered the MTV/MBC media network, while leaving his mark in music, arts, cinema etc too.

As the then deputy chief of the local cricket board, he played a key role in getting Test status for Sri Lanka in 1982.

The Ministry of Education has issued a circular announcing the commencement date of the new school term for the year 2024.

The circular issued by Education Minister Susil Premajayantha states the new school term for the year 2024 will commence on February 21, 2024.

The second academic term of 2023 for government and government-approved private schools is currently underway after having commenced on July 24, 2023

The Government will introduce the luxury train service, ‘Yaal Nila’, from Kankasanthurai to Mount Lavinia, from August 04, 2023.

Targeting the Northern Province, the ‘Yaal Nila’ train service will offer first-class tickets at a cost of Rs. 4000, second-class tickets at Rs. 3000, and third-clas tickets at Rs. 2000.

Leaving the Mount Lavinia station at 10.30 pm on Friday night the train will reach Kanakasanthurai at 06.00 am on Saturday.

The train will return from Kankasanthurai at 10.30 pm on Sunday and reach Mount Lavinia at 06.00 am on Monday.

The luxury train consists of 106 seats in first class, 128 seats in second class, and 336 seats in third class. The seats can be reserved via the online booking system.

Minister of Transportation Bandula Gunawardena stated that the ‘Yaal Nila’ will join other tourism-related train services such as the ‘Ella Odyssey’ and ‘Seethavaka Odyssey’.

The Minister made the remarks while addressing a media briefing in Colombo yesterday.

A new Gazette notification has been issued suspending the registration of the Sri Lanka Karate-Do Federation, which is the National Association for the Sport of Karate-Do.

The Gazette notification has been issued by the Minister of Sports Rohan Ranasinghe dated July 28, 2023.

As per the Gazette, the Sports Minister has appointed a 09-member committee for a temporary operational procedure in order to further maintain the functions of the said association.

The committee is headed by C. A. G. De Zoysa, while Dr. Jayalath Illangakoon has been appointed as the Secretary.

S. C. Medawatta, Dr. Jayanthi A. Nanayakkara, Mahilini Maiyuran, K. M. C. Kumara, R. Deva Kumara, A. K. Shiromi Fonseka, and A. R. M. Iqbal are the remaining members of the committee.

The committee has also been vested with powers to appoint an election committee to call and conduct the election of office bearers under the supervision of the Director General of the Department of Sports Development.

Former president Maithripala Sirisena has been appointed to head the International Summit Council for Peace (ISCP).

He was made the council’s chairman on the sidelines of the Global Summit for Peace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The ISCP was launched in South Korea during the 2019 World Summit organized by the UPF with the aim of bringing together current and former h

eads of state.

It continues to work on the foundations of the World Peace Summit, established in 1987 to promote democracy, sustainable human development, security and peace.

Meanwhile, Sirisena observed several polling centres in Cambodia, where he is part of international observers for the general election.

Senior Professor Nilanthi Renuka de Silva has been appointed as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, the President’s Media Division (PMD) reported.

The relevant appointment was made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the PMD said.

Accordingly, Prof. Renuka de Silva has been appointed as the Vice Chancellor of the university for a three-year term, effective from 24 August.

The Gazette notification issued earlier this year stipulating a Maximum Retail Price (MRP) for eggs will be withdrawn at midnight today (25 July), according to the Ministry of Trade.

The announcement comes following Trade Minister Nalin Fernando’s comments that the stock of eggs imported from India will be sold at Rs. 35 per egg at all Lanka Sathosa outlets from today.

Meanwhile, another Extraordinary Gazette notification was issued in April this year, stipulating a MRP for eggs by weight.

Accordingly, the MRP for a kilogram of white eggs is Rs. 880 while the MRP for a kilogram of brown eggs is Rs. 920.

The President of France Emmanuel Macron will visit Sri Lanka on his return from Papua New Guinea, on Friday (28) night to Saturday (29) morning, reported French Media.

Reports said that the French President will meet with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe during his brief stay.

This historic visit is the first by a French president to Sri Lanka.

The visit had not been announced in advance by the Presidency of the Republic. The Head of State must first travel to Vanuatu on Thursday (27) before going to Papua New Guinea, for visits there also historic since it is the first trip of a French president to countries Pacific Independents.

France is part of the group countries that a announced a common platform for talks among bilateral creditors to coordinate restructuring of Sri Lanka's debt.

The other countries in the group are Japan, and India.

Sri Lanka's Attorney General informed the Supreme Court that the clauses in the Private Members' Bill that was presented to make amendments to the law to empower the subject minister to recall Local Government Institutions for a time period he desires, violates the constitution.

The private member's bill in question was put forward the SLPP MP Jayantha Ketagoda.

An Additional Solicitor General appearing for the Attorney General informed that if the bill is passed, it should be by way of a special majority in parliament, and by a public referendum.

27 petitions were filed with the Supreme Court seeking an order that the Private Member's Bill by MP Ketagoda violated the constitution.

The Additional Solicitor General made the announcement in court when these petitions were called up for examination on Monday (24).

At the same time, the petitions that were filed with the Supreme Court seeking a ruling that the people's fundamental rights were violated when the Local Government Elections were not held as planned on the 9th of March, were postponed to the 26th of July for consideration.

These petitions were filed by the Jathika Jana Balavegaya and the People's Action for Free and Fair Elections (Paffrel).

The petitions were to be examined in the presence of a five-judge bench led by Justice Buvaneka Aluvihare.

However, the consideration of these petitions was postponed as Justice Priyantha Jayawardena, a member of the bench, was attending a separate legal matter.

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