News

President proposes to establish an International Climate Change Uni. in SL

Published

3 years ago

November 8, 2022

editor

Developing countries are the worst affected by rising emissions from the industrialized world, and must be compensated – President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasizes at COP 27

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said that unbridled industrialization of the developed countries is the root cause of climate change, leaving the poor to suffer the consequences. He said that the problems facing poor countries are augmented due to the absence of adequate funding.

He has said this while addressing the COP 27 Climate Change Conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt earlier today (08).

As a result, these countries are facing double jeopardy – struggling to develop economically while fighting to protect the living standards of their populations.

Therefore, President Wickremesinghe said that the developed countries must deliver on their pledge in Glasgow – by doubling their funding to compensate the developing countries for loss and damage.
Accordingly, he said that as proposed by the Climate Vulnerable Forum, commissioning a Special Report on this aspect to strengthen international awareness for future responses would be appropriate.
President Wickremesinghe thus proposed that before COP 28 in Dubai, like-minded nations should meet at Ministerial Level to discuss the way forward on all aspects of climate finance.

He also noted that this should be followed with a meeting of the Heads of Government of these countries on the margins of COP 28 to display a collective frame of mind to stave off the calamity.
Following is the full speech delivered by President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Cop 27 Climate Change Summit;

“The salubrious environs of the green city of Sharm El-Sheikh will undoubtedly inspire our discussions at COP 27 to a successful conclusion. I sincerely thank the Government of Egypt for your warm welcome and hospitality,” he added.

Noting that the lack of capacity is the biggest obstacle to the implementation of Climate Action plans, President Wickremesinghe has said capacity building is vital in this regard.

“To overcome this obstacle, we propose to establish an International Climate Change University in Sri Lanka, with an ancillary institution in Maldives, which would be the first of its type,” he said.

He further said :

“This seat of learning can be a trans-disciplinary global centre for green and blue studies – for scientists, environmentalists, researchers, policymakers, development practitioners, and of course, students the world over, to interchange knowledge transcending national and disciplinary boundaries. The envisaged Climate Change University will offer both short-term courses and postgraduate academic awards to build capabilities for mitigating and adapting to climate change. The University will also expedite the skills of the new generations to deliver the political, economic, social, cultural and digital transformations required to prevent a 1.5-degree world. It will be the vehicle to enlighten domestic climate change challenges and prospects. The collaboration of multilateral institutions and organizations such as the Commonwealth, World Bank and the ADB amongst others, will be sought for the establishment of this institution of higher learning – making it a multi-stakeholder partnership transcending – national boundaries.
I hope Sri Lanka’s proposal will receive extensive support and endorsement from the international community.”

News

03 remanded over shooting of Halloluwa’s vehicle

Published

11 minutes ago

May 26, 2025

editor

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court on May 24 ordered to remand 03 suspects over the shooting of Thusitha Halloluwa’s vehicle.

They have been remanded until May 29.

The remanded suspects include the shooter’s wife, who was arrested at a Maharagama housing complex.

Officers from the Colombo Crime Division (CCD), who are investigating the shooting incident further state that the other 02 arrested are the security guard of the housing complex and a person who was traveling with the shooter.

Investigations have also revealed that the security guard of the apartment complex alerted the shooter about the police arrival during the raid, leading the shooter to flee immediately.

The vehicle of Thusitha Halloluwa – the former DG of Public Relations to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, was shot in Narahenpita on May 17.

News

Basil Rajapaksa absent from court; bail not revoked

Published

13 minutes ago

May 26, 2025

editor

Matara Magistrate Aruna Buddhadasa recently ordered Basil Rajapaksa – founder of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna and former Finance Minister, to appear before the Matara Magistrate’s Court on November 21.

The Magistrate made the order when he took up an existing case regarding a land in the Eliyakanda area of Matara that was purchased using allegedly illegally earned money of Rs.50 million.The FCID had filed this case against Basil Rajapaksa and 04 other defendants in 2017 over the alleged purchase of a 1.5 acre land in Eliyakanda, Matara under the name of his wife’s sister, using Rs.50 million allegedly obtained through illegal means.

The first suspect in this case is Tissa Galappaththi, the second suspect is Muditha Jayakody, the third suspect is former Minister Basil Rajapaksa, and the fourth suspect is Ayomi Galappaththi, the sister of the former Minister’s wife.The first suspect in this case is Tissa Galappaththi, the second is Muditha Jayakody, the third is former Minister Basil Rajapaksa, and the fourth is Ayomi Galappaththi, the sister of Rajapaksa’s wife.

While the first 02 suspects, who are out on bail, appeared in court, Basil Rajapaksa and Ayomi Galappaththi were absent.

Deputy Solicitor General Lakmini Girihagama, representing the Attorney General’s Department, noted that while Basil had been granted court permission to travel abroad until May 23, he failed to appear without a reasonable excuse and requested that his bail be revoked and a warrant issued.

In defense, President’s Counsel Anil Silva stated that his client had booked return flights for May 18 and 19, but US doctors had advised Rajapaksa against flying for 06 months after he had fallen off a chair, sustaining damage to his neck and nerves.

Girihagama questioned the claim, stating that the X Rays only indicated a neck sprain and a minor muscle strain. Noting that the medical reports were dated March 18, 2025, it was also questioned as to why tickets were booked for May 18 and 19 if doctors had actually advised against flying for 06 months. Therefore, Girihagama called for the court to revoke bail.

President’s Counsel Silva strongly defended his client, rejecting accusations of faking illness, affirming the credibility of US medical reports, and assuring the court of his client’s presence at the next hearing, arguing there is no need for a warrant or revoke bail.

After hearing both sides, Magistrate Aruna Buddhadasa decided not to issue a warrant or revoke bail, instructing that the accused be present on the next court date. The case was postponed to November 21.

(Source: Dinamina)

News

President Dissanayake pays last respects to cinema legend Malini Fonseka

Published

1 hour ago

May 26, 2025

editor

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake paid his final respects yesterday (25) evening to the late veteran actress Malini Fonseka, fondly remembered as the “Queen of Sri Lankan Cinema.”

Her remains have been placed at the Tharangani Hall of the National Film Corporation, allowing the public to bid farewell to the beloved screen icon.

Malini Fonseka passed away in the early hours of May 24 at the age of 78 while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Colombo.

Her body was initially kept at her Madiwela residence before being moved to the National Film Corporation, where crowds continue to gather in tribute.

Among the dignitaries paying their respects were former Presidents Ranil Wickremesinghe, Mahinda Rajapaksa, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and Chandrika Kumaratunga.

The final rites of the legendary actress will be held today (26) with full state honors at Independence Square.