News

The officers of Narcotics Control Unit of Sri Lanka Customs have seized a variety of drugs with an estimated street value of around Rs. 43 million during the inspection of several suspicious parcels at the Central Mail Exchange.

During the inspection duties carried out by the relevant officers at the Central Mail Exchange, a total of 25 parcels suspected to contain narcotics were opened for inspection, Sri Lanka Customs said.

Subsequently, approximately 2,193 ecstasy pills (methamphetamine), 1 kilogram and 740 grams of ‘Kush’ Cannabis and 29 grams of Amphetamine were found within the parcels upon inspecting them, according to Sri Lanka Customs.

The parcels in question have been sent from UK and Germany to different addresses in Colombo, Maharagama, Battaramulla, Boralesgamuwa, Panadura, Moratuwa and Kandy. However, the officials have confirmed following investigations that the addresses mentioned in the parcels were fake.

The seized drugs, with an estimated total street value of Rs. 43 million, will be handed over to Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) for onward legal proceedings, the Sri Lanka Customs said.

In a meeting held on the side-lines of COP28 in Dubai, UAE today (02), President Ranil Wickremesinghe engaged in one-on-one discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron.

The focal point of their conversation revolved around collaborating to facilitate Sri Lanka’s transition to a green economy. President Wickremesinghe specifically urged President Macron to enhance French involvement in the Indian Ocean region through Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

Furthermore, President Wickremesinghe brought attention to the International Climate Change University, underscoring its significance in addressing global climate challenges. In a gesture of cooperation, he extended an invitation to France to actively participate and contribute to the initiatives undertaken by the university.

The University of Kelaniya, excluding the Faculty of Medicine, has been closed until further notice.

Accordingly, all hostels of the university excluding the Medical Faculty’s hostels, will remain closed while all students have been instructed to vacate their respective hostels before 8.00 a.m. on Tuesday (Dec. 05).

The decision has been reached at by the university administration owing to an alleged incident of a security officer of the university being abducted and assaulted while he was sleeping in the break room at night. Later, he had reportedly been tied to the entrance gate at the Student Centre.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya stated that this decision was taken since the peaceful atmosphere which hitherto prevailed among the students and the non-academic staff has been challenged and that therefore disciplinary action will be taken against those responsible in order to re-establish the peace within the university.

Accordingly, he also announced that all the premises related to the University of Kelaniya including the university premises in Dalugama and all other internal and external hostels of the university are hereby forbidden areas for the students, except for the medical faculty students, until further notice.

A total of 13 selected post offices within the Western Province are kept open for 24 hours, Police Media Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa said.

Accordingly, the Borella, Wellawatte, Havelock Town, Dehiwala, Moratuwa, Panadura, Kalutara, Kompannavidiya, Battaramulla, Mt. Lavinia, Nugegoda and Seethawakapura post offices will now operate for 24 hours.

SSP Thalduwa further noted that all fines and penalties imposed by the police can be paid at the aforementioned post offices.

Veteran cinema, theater and television actor Suminda Sirisena passed away this morning (04) at the age of 75.

He had been receiving treatment at a private hospital in Gampaha, according to family sources.

Sirisena has played a wide range of starring or supporting roles and is a recipient of Best Actor award in many award festivals.

In a compelling address at the 28th session of the Conference of Parties (CoP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Dubai, UAE today (01), President Ranil Wickremesinghe acknowledged the historical significance of the UN Conference on Human Environment, emphasizing its goal to defend and improve the environment for present and future generations. He referenced the alarming findings of the UNEP Report of 2023, titled “Broken Promises,” which warns of a 3-degree Celsius increase in global temperatures by the end of the century.

Highlighting the challenges faced by developing countries, President Wickremesinghe stressed the disproportionate vulnerability and impact due to lower adaptive capacities in Finance, Technology, and Climate investments. He cited the Independent High-Level Expert Group Report on Climate Finance, which underscored the need for at least a US$ Trillion per annum to combat climate change.

The President commended the Government of the United Arab Emirates for hosting the crucial event and expressed gratitude for their warm hospitality

Expressing concern about the lack of concrete measures in the Transitional Committee’s report on funding arrangements, the President called for a more transparent approach, particularly addressing issues of global debt relief. He questioned the wisdom of avoiding contentious issues, emphasizing the urgency of the climate crisis.

President Wickremesinghe advocated for climate justice accessible to all nations and proposed a resolution for a Climate Justice Forum. This forum, agreed upon at the 5th Forum of the Ministers of Environmental Authorities of Asia Pacific, aims to provide a platform for constructive and proactive engagements, with the proposal scheduled for the UN Environment Assembly on 6th February 2024.

Underlining the critical nature of the current period, the President urged immediate action to find effective solutions, thinking outside the box and investing in the Tropical Belt to tackle the Triple Planetary Crisis. The Tropical Belt, covering 134 countries and 44% of the Earth’s surface, holds rich biodiversity and potential for renewable energy. President Wickremesinghe announced plans for a panel to report on the Tropical Belt Initiative, emphasizing its global impact.

As the current Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), President Wickremesinghe linked the health of the Indian Ocean to climate change. He stressed the need for a sustainable Blue Economy to counter the adverse effects of rising sea levels, ocean acidification, coral bleaching, and extreme weather patterns.

President Wickremesinghe also revealed plans to establish the International Climate Change University (ICCU) for capacity building and advancing research, operationalizing it next year. The ICCU aims to contribute significantly to global efforts to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

In conclusion, President Wickremesinghe’s address at COP28 outlined a comprehensive approach, blending regional initiatives like the Tropical Belt and the Indian Ocean with global measures, reflecting Sri Lanka’s commitment to climate action and leadership on the international stage.

The speech made by the President at the World Leaders Summit of the COP28 is follows;

“Chairperson, Excellencies, Esteemed Delegates, At the outset let me congratulate his highness and the Government of the United Arab Emirates for hosting COP28 and extend to you my gratitude for your warm hospitality.

The UNEP Report of 2023 “Broken Promises” warned that we are facing a 3 degree Celcius increase in global temperatures by the end of the century. It is we; the developing countries are both disproportionately vulnerable and disproportionately impacted due to their lower adaptive capacity when it comes to investments in Finance, Technology and Climate.

The Independent High-Level Expert Group Report on Climate Finance highlighted that at least a Trillion USD per annum is required to combat climate change. The Transitional Committee on the Operationalization of Funding Arrangements in its Report of 4th November 2023 only calls for voluntary contributions to the “Loss and Damage fund”. The Report makes no mention of the funds needed or who the contributors are. It is silent on the issue of global debt relief. These are interconnected’

Nevertheless, four days later, the Technical Dialogue of the First Global Stocktake highlighted the requirements of a minimum of US$ trillion per annum. To arrive at a consensus not to take up a contentious issue is not a solution. Who are we fooling?

Climate justice must be available to all the people and all the countries. In this background, Sri Lanka will propose a resolution for a Climate Justice Forum which was agreed upon at the 5th Forum of the Ministers of Environmental Authorities of Asia Pacific to be moved at the UN Environment Assembly of 6th February 2024.

The Climate Justice Forum will provide us a platform for constructive and proactive engagements. The Secretary General of the UN highlighted, “The era of global boiling has arrived”. The enemy is at the gates. We are still procrastinating. We are still forming our battalions to take the fight to the enemy. Therefore, this fortnight is critical.

It will determine whether we are capable of providing a leadership. Let us prove we can do so by action and delivery.

Sri Lanka is committed to the 1.5 degree Celcius limit. We are facing a drastic situation to await the disaster. We must think outside of the box. We must Invest in the Tropical Belt to tackle the Triple Planetary Crisis.

The Tropical Belt constitutes 134 countries covering 44% of earth’s surface, and will by 2030s be home to roughly 50% of world’s population. Most of the world’s remaining primary forests are tropical, along with its coral reef systems. The rich biodiversity of the Tropical Belt enhances biological carbon sequestration and can shield the world from instabilities in weather.

Furthermore, the energy generation potential from solar, wind and biomass are significantly higher in the tropics than that of other areas on the earth. Yet, anthropogenic activities in the Tropical Belt can easily lead to an imbalance in the equilibrium of this region.

So much so that some scientists predict that the Tropical Rain Belt could shift away from the Equator by the 22nd Century. Large scale investments in Renewable Energy, Pollution Control and Nature-based Solutions will lead to significant transformative changes in the entire world by enhancing carbon sequestration.

Therefore, Sri Lanka and other concerned countries will convene a panel to report on the Tropical Belt Initiative. A multi sector plan distributed not only among the whole tropical region but the whole world. As the current Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Sri Lanka is focusing on the interdependence between the Indian Ocean and climate change.

A healthy ocean generates oxygen and absorbs the carbon and heat produced from global warming. Mangroves and sea grasses sink more carbon than land forests. However, the rapid climate change is altering the marine environment with rising sea levels and temperatures, Ocean acidification, coral bleaching, habitat destruction and extreme weather patterns. These phenomenon have a direct impact on human lives by disrupting ocean biodiversity, the Ocean dependent food patterns, and coastal livelihoods. Member states and partners of IORA will work towards ensuring a sustainable, Indian Ocean for future generations.

The Tropical Belt initiative and the Indian Ocean IORA program combined will form the largest global sink for carbon sequestration. Addressing the climate change need, up to date scientific knowledge, and the effective use of these findings

Therefore, at COP27, I proposed to establish an International Climate Change University (ICCU) for capacity building and advancing research, necessary to contribute to the crucial efforts to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. We will be operationalizing the International Climate Change University (ICCU) next year.

In a bid to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change and the need for robust institutional frameworks, President Ranil Wickremesinghe officially launched the International Climate Change University (ICCU) today (03), the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

The President emphasized the necessity of institutional changes following the Paris Climate Agreement and highlighted the absence of alternative bodies to effectively tackle the on-going climate crisis.

President Wickremesinghe underlined that, despite the global commitment to the Paris Agreement, no significant institutional changes were implemented to assist the world in achieving the agreed-upon targets. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the ICCU aims to fill this void by developing postgraduate-level capacity building, serving as a crucial support system for climate sciences.

The campus for the ICCU is set to be established on initially allocated 600 acres of land in Sri Lanka. However, President Wickremesinghe clarified that the university will not be confined to Sri Lanka; it will be an international stakeholder university, welcoming collaboration and contributions from around the world.

Highlighting the global nature of climate responsibility, President Wickremesinghe announced that Bangladesh, Seychelles and Moldova have already pledged their support to the ICCU. He emphasized that climate action is not the sole responsibility of any single nation and called upon the international community to join hands in this endeavour.

President Wickremesinghe concluded by urging nations and individuals worldwide to recognize the shared responsibility for climate issues and actively participate in the International Climate Change University. The launch of the ICCU marks a significant step towards fostering international collaboration, knowledge exchange and building a collective response to the urgent and complex challenges posed by climate change.

--PMD--

Sri Lankan president Ranil Wickremesinghe has met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP28, held in Dubai, UAE.

The Indian Prime Minister, in a message posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, said that discussions were held between the two leaders on various topics.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe addressed COP28 on Friday (01).

The President also engaged in bilateral discussions with the Greek Prime Minister.

In a significant development at the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai, President Ranil Wickremesinghe engaged in a strategic meeting with Mr. Bill Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) today (03), the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

The discussions revolved around collaborative efforts to address global challenges and enhance Sri Lanka’s pivotal role in the world’s tropical belt.

During the meeting, the Billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder expressed the commitment of the BMGF to support Sri Lanka in building a robust and climate-resilient nation, the statement said.

The Foundation, which is already involved in initiatives in Sri Lanka, pledged to deepen its engagement with the country. Specific areas of focus include agriculture modernization and the establishment of data systems for agriculture. The collaboration also aims to strengthen Digital Public Infrastructure and enhance Sri Lanka’s expertise in climate and adaptation.

President Wickremesinghe highlighted Sri Lanka’s green initiatives presented at COP28, seeking the support of the BMGF in advancing these sustainable projects. The President emphasized the need for collective action to address pressing environmental issues and underscored Sri Lanka’s willingness to play a constructive role in the global effort.

Accompanying President Wickremesinghe in these high-level talks were Minister of Environment, Dr. Keheliya Rambukwella, Senior Advisor to the President on Climate Change, Ruwan Wijewardena and Secretary to the Ministry of Environment, Dr. Anil Jasinghe. The delegation discussed potential areas of collaboration with the BMGF to ensure a comprehensive and impactful partnership.

--PMD--

A scholarship program has been launched for students who passed the 2022 (2023) GCE Ordinary Level Examination in their first sitting and qualified for the GCE Advanced Level.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the scholarship program has been initiated by the President’s Fund.

Detailed information and application-related details can be obtained by visiting www.presidentsoffice.gov.lk, www.presidentsfund.gov.lk, and www.pmd.gov.lk.

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6 has hit Mindanao, Philippines. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said it expected tsunami waves to hit southern Philippines as well as parts of Japan, Indonesia, Palau, and Malaysia.

Meanwhile, a tsunami alert has been issued for western Japan’s Pacific.

The tsunami, which is estimated to be 1 metre high, will likely reach Japan as early as 1:30 a.m. on Sunday (1630 GMT on Saturday), public broadcaster NHK reported.

State Minister Diana Gamage, SJB MPs Rohana Bandara and Sujith Sanjaya Perera are to be suspended from Parliament for a month for brawling near the MPs' library.

The report of the Parliamentary Privileges Committee which was presented by MP Chamal Rajapaksa to the House recommended that all three MPs should be suspended for a month.

(dailymirror.lk)