April 21, 2019 began like any other day. It was Easter Sunday. While the faithful were flocking to Churches, others were planning to spend a leisurely day out. Sri Lankans were just one month away from celebrating 10 years of peace, following the victory over the LTTE.

It took just a moment to shatter that hard-earned peace, as bombs placed by fundamentalist extremists went off in several hotels and churches around the island, killing more than 250 and injuring many more. It took a while to realise that this was an ISIS-inspired attack. Terrorism had again raised its head in Sri Lanka, albeit in a different form. The result, however, was almost the same – the needless destruction of lives and property for vague aims.

The attacks exposed a gaping vacuum in our security and intelligence apparatus, which had been neglected by the previous regime. Foreign and local intelligence agencies had warned of an impending terror attack in Colombo, but the warnings went unheeded at the top political levels. Sri Lankans, regardless of their ethnicity, religion or political affiliation, felt totally insecure.

There was a collective realization among the populace that Sri Lanka should have a leadership that gives priority to national security and defence. After all, if better security and intelligence measures were in place and if the intelligence warnings were heeded, this tragedy could have been prevented.

It is in this backdrop that the people saw Gotabaya Rajapaksa as a potential statesman who could revitalize the defence, intelligence and security apparatus. After all, as a former military officer and later as Defence Secretary, he has an intimate knowledge of defence matters and requirements. He also straddled both military and civilian worlds as a former military officer and then a civil servant, which meant he could consider military matters from a civilian perspective as well.

National security

For a populace frustrated by a serious lack of attention on national security, it was an easy choice to elect Gotabaya Rajapaksa as President. Making his very first speech as President at the sacred precincts of the Ruwanweli Maha Seya in Anuradhapura, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa stated that national security would be a priority for his administration. “I consider ensuring national security as a fundamental facet of governance. We will implement a national security mechanism that will free the country of terrorism, underworld activity, extortion, drug trafficking, violence against women and children and all types of crime,” the President told the Nation.

The President elaborated on this in his Policy Statement delivered in Parliament on January 3 this year. “In our policy, National Security occupies the foremost place. We have already taken steps to strengthen the national security apparatus. Talented officers have been given appropriate responsibilities again. We have taken steps to ensure proper coordination between the Armed Forces and the Police, who are collectively responsible for maintaining national security. The network of national intelligence agencies has been reorganised and strengthened. We will take all necessary steps to make our motherland a safe country free of terrorism, extremism, underworld activities, theft and robbery, extortionists, the drug menace, disruptors of public order, and the abuse of women and children.”

He also explained his vision for ensuring Sri Lanka's sovereignty and security in a globalised world: “We follow a neutral foreign policy. We must strive to maintain friendly relations with every country. However, we can never give up our independence. We must establish an honourable governance that will allow this country to maintain its sovereignty, security, national pride, and deal with all nations on equal terms, without demonstrating weakness in our diplomatic or trading relationships. We will never allow other countries to take over our economically significant geographic regions or physical resources.”

The President has indeed kept to his words from a defence and national security perspective. He has revitalized the intelligence mechanisms, appointing experienced officers to top positions. Today, intelligence is not only about tracking local and transnational terrorist movements such as ISIS. There are so many other threats that we need to keep an eye on – international narcotics and gun running, human smuggling and trafficking, online hate speech and hate preaching, underworld crime, money laundering, white collar (financial) crime, hacking, online identity theft, cybercrimes, child porn and online exploitation networks are among the other issues. This covers a vast array of issues and we should have a top-notch intelligence team to assess and track these. It is also important to monitor social media for potentially incendiary material that cause public disorder or disharmony.

With the Police again under the Defence Ministry, there will be a greater role for the Police and the STF in tackling organised underworld crime and other vices such as illicit liquor, illegal gambling and malpractices, bribery and corruption, which tend to make society immoral. Another big challenge is how the Tri Forces should be mobilized in peacetime, now that April 21 is firmly behind us. The challenge is to ensure that such an act of terrorism never occurs on Sri Lankan soil again. The President has met this challenge with a two-pronged strategy – ramping up the intelligence gathering network and enhancing physical security. Hence his decision to mobilize the Armed Forces throughout the country to face any eventuality. Since there is no Emergency in place, the Armed Forces will work closely with the Police in this endeavour. This is a very reassuring move for the public.

Quite apart from maintaining security per se, there are many other endeavours that the Armed Forces are engaged in, under President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s guidance. The Army plays an invaluable role in clearing up the last few remaining landmine hit areas in the country. It is also engaged in an anti-dengue drive and a beach clean-up drive. The other two Forces (Navy and Air Force) are engaged in similar ventures that serve the public. This is also part of the President’s strategy of bringing the Police and Armed Forces closer to the public to build a better rapport between them.

The President has also emphasized the importance of our Police and Armed Forces personnel gaining advanced education in the “Knowledge Century” replete with many new technologies ranging from Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Autonomous Vehicles, Robotics, the Internet of Things, Biotechnology, 3-D Printing, and Automation. The President has noted that these technologies will reshape economic growth in developed and developing countries over the coming decades. He has stated that such transformative technologies must be adopted at their early stages.

Security and intelligence gathering

In this regard, the President has placed his trust in the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University which was established under the Sir John Kotelawala Defence Academy Act No. 68 of 1981 with the aim of producing highly qualified Tri-Forces officers. In 2009, the then Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa elevated this into a University. The establishment of the Medical Faculty, registration of local and foreign cadet officers, introduction of Postgraduate degrees for research and development activities, establishment of the Southern University in Suriyawewa and the construction of a state-of-the-art hospital were some of his achievements vis-à-vis a Kotelawala Defence University. The President has said that the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University should strive to be an exemplary higher educational institution not just in Sri Lanka, but in the region as well.

Defence is a vast subject that requires a thorough grounding and knowledge of conflicts past and present as well as the latest trends in security and intelligence gathering. As the first-ever Sri Lankan President with a battle-hardened military background and a public service stint, Gotabaya Rajapaksa understands perfectly well the future challenges the country will face in these realms. This is why he has formulated a long-term vision for the country’s national security, one that will hopefully not change drastically despite any changes in the political landscape. It will be a long-lasting blueprint that serves the country’s interests locally and globally.

People’s Bank and Regional Development banks have been acknowledged to offer “Madhya Aruna” loan to those who have submitted their application forms to the banks before 20th November 2019. This was said by the State Minister of Information and Mass Media Hon. Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena at a press briefing held at the ministerial auditorium today(28) .

He further emphasized that “Madhya Aruna” media loan would be implemented next month with a new face. The applications have already been called for “Asidisi Media Scholarship 2020” which would be carried out with a view to enhancing the professionalism of the Sri Lankan journalists. The State Minister reminded that the applications are being received until 07th of February and the journalists who expect to develop their skills should submit the duly completed applications to the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology.

The role that media is playing at the moment with regards to acknowledging the people regarding the viral spreading Corona virus was also subject to the appreciation. The State Minister also emphasized that the yeoman service that His Excellency the President Gatabaya Rajapaksa has taken to bring back the Sri Lankan students in Wuhan is second only to America.

The State Minister said that Sri Lankans can get to know about their relations in China by contacting 0861065321861 / 0861065321862 which would be in use for 24 hours in Sri Lankan Embassy in Beijing and a committee of 15 has already been appointed to prevent the Virus for being spread.

The state Minister said that a special package of 500,000 inclusive of foods and lodging also would be introduced to the Islamic devotees who would be visiting Macca.

Moreover the State Minister emphasized that the public can enjoy 8% VAT concession and accordingly 5555 goods and items belonging to 50 companies reported to Consumer Affairs Authority have been entitled to the VAT concession.

Qatar’s State Energy Minister Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi met President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday.Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardene,President’s Advisor Lalith Weeratunge and Qatar Amabassador Jassim bin Jaber Al-Sourour were present. Picture by President’s Media Division.

Army troops-built first-ever state-of-the-art rehabilitation centre, ‘AYATI’ for children with special needs at Ragama formally opened its doors to the public on Saturday (25) offering multi-disciplinary clinical operations covering all forms of disabilities.President Gotabaya Rajapaksa graced the momentous occasion as the first citizen of the country at the invitation of Prof D.M Semasinghe, Vice Chancellor, University of Kelaniya and Prof P.S Wijesinghe, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Kelaniya and Prof Nilanthi De Silva, Chairperson ‘AYATI’ Trust, Sri Lanka and Board of Trustees. Two kids with clinical disabilities, together with those above patrons welcomed the day’s Chief Guest.

Together with two children,the President lit the traditional oil lamp and inaugurated the day’s proceedings with singing of the national anthem and the delivery of welcome address by Prof D.M Semasinghe, Vice Chancellor, University of Kelaniya.

An emotional and heart touching talk by one child with disabilities, supported by a few other of the same ilk describing ‘My Life Story’ added a sentimental value to the day’s proceedings depicting the density of this national issue and the need for everyone’s focus.

The brief but elaborate presentation of Mrs Shiromi Masakorala, Executive Directress, ‘AYATI’ Trust tabled the founding of this special centre for treatment of Down Syndrome (genetic and nutritional aspects of accompanying disorders) and Autism (symptoms in children with autism). A subsequent vote of thanks proposed by Prof Nilanthi De Silva, Chairperson ‘AYATI’ Trust, Sri Lanka and Board of Trustees set the stage ready for HE the President to unveil commemorative plaque and to conduct a guided tour in the new facility premises, in the company of Mr Lalith Weerathunga, President’s Adviser, Former State Minister of Defence Hon Ruwan Wijewardene, Prof D.M Semasinghe, Prof Wijesinghe, Prof Nilanthi De Silva, Prof Samanmali, Mrs Shiromi Masakorala, Mr Roshan Mahanama, Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva, Commander of the Navy, Major General Sathyapriya Liyanage, Chief of Staff and Major General Mahinda Mudalige, Commander, Security Forces - West.

HE the President and the retinue closely looked at consultation rooms, learning rooms, SLT wing group therapy and CVI room, audiology wing, laboratory, music room, sensory integration room and a few other units. Before the day’s programme ended, several group photos were taken as symbols of memory at the occasion.

The ‘AYATI’ Centre, located within the University premises in Ragama, was built at a cost of Rs 550 million. On-going operations will require extra funds for sustainability since services are to be provided free of charge. The ‘AYATI’ Trust will continue to facilitate the raising of additional funds to ensure smooth operations.

The Sri Lanka Army’s 10 (V) Corps of Engineer Services a few months ago completed the construction of the new three-storied building on behalf of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya and vested it with the ‘AYATI’ Trust before it became functional from today (25) onwards for the benefit of all the children on free of charge basis.

Sri Lanka Army, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Hemas Holdings PLC, MAS Holdings, Rotary International, MICD architects, Wickramasinghe Associates, E&Y, People’s Bank, People’s Leasing, John Keels Holdings Company Ltd, Brandix, Foundation of Goodness and Triad are the main patrons and sponsors of this project of this magnitude, meant to improve those children’s quality of life, independence and promotion of full potential, innate strength and individual talents, inherent among those children with disabilities since the percentage of such children in the country stands at more than 20%.

‘AYATI’ meaning ‘Hope’ in Sanskrit would serve as a National Centre for Rehabilitation of such Children.

The Sri Lanka Army supported this magnanimous initiative by providing their services free of charge to construct the Centre in a short span of 13 months. Rotary joined hands with the provision of audiology equipment and ‘Roshan Wijerama Family Foundation’ stepped in to support as a third key donor. The ‘AYATI’ Centre is now open to serve all Sri Lankans across the country and will provide its services free of charge.

The clinics will be conducted by highly qualified professional experts, attached to the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Kelaniya. Prior appointments are essential to ensure the delivery of standards that the Centre expects to offer. Appointments can be obtained by calling 0115960050 between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm on weekdays.

Talks are underway to introduce an Information Technology Engineering degree centred on Mahindodaya laboratories in schools countrywide by the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL), Information and Communication Technology, Higher Education, Technology and Innovations Minister Bandula Gunawardane said.

Speaking to the media following an inspection tour at the OUSL, the Minister said this degree is aimed at accommodating 40,000 students who do not qualify to enter universities.

He said his Ministry had received many complaints regarding the failure of the Open University to launch a degree course in Law this year as requested by a large number of students and academics.

He said he undertook the inspection tour accompanied by the University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Prof. Sampath Amaratunga to look into the matter as well as problems confronted by the university and possibilities of increasing the intake of students and launching new degree courses.

The Minister said following his discussions with the Vice Chancellor of the Open University and other officials, they decided to call applications for the LLB Degree Examination 2021 from March. Since processing of application and other arrangements would take at least two months to complete, they decided to recruit new students by the middle of this year.

“We also hope to connect 1,000 Mahindodaya laboratories in the country with the Open University and enable 40,000 students to follow a Software Engineering degree course.

This would go a long way to fulfil President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s concept of allowing all students who pass the G.C.E. Advanced Level examination to follow a university degree course,” the Minister said.

Students who follow courses at University Colleges that were initiated during the Mahinda Rajapaksa era before 2015 would be given the opportunity to continue their courses up to degree level, although the previous UNP led Government attempted to close them down, Information and Mass Media and Higher Education Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardane said in Parliament yesterday.

He added that all measures would be taken to ensure the future of the students of University Colleges and allow them to obtain degrees through the University of Vocational Technology (UNIVOTEC).

Minister Dr. Gunawardane told Parliament that discussions were in progress with the students and lecturers of University Colleges to allow them to obtain the degrees through the UNIVOTEC.

He added that a professor has been appointed as the competent authority to the UNIVOTEC to attend to this matter as he has enough experience in developing a university. But the UNP government had appointed an Army officer as the head of the said institute.

Minister Dr. Gunawardena made these observations in response to a special statement made by JVP MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake under Standing Order 27(2).

He queried whether the government had taken a decision to shut down the six University Colleges established in 2014.

He added that the previous government deprived the students of their allowances as well.

Minister Dr.Gunawardane said steps have already taken to initiate University Colleges at every Divisional Secretariat.

He added that not only the student allowances but many other facilities are to be granted to those students.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa addressing the Chairmen and Directors of Corporations, Statutory Bodies at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday. Secretary to the President Dr.P.B.Jayasundera was also present. Picture courtesy President’s Media DivisionPresident Gotabaya Rajapaksa, while insisting on the importance of zeroing in on corruption, yesterday said that Government owned business entities should strive for speedy economic growth.He said that all Government institutions which are not aimed at making profits, should be committed to provide an efficient service to the public.

The President was addressing the chairpersons and directors of corporations and statutory bodies which are directly contributing to the uplift of economy and public service, at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday.The President said the Government faced the uphill task of reviving the economy which suffered a setback during the past few years. “Sri Lanka topped the Asian region in terms of economic growth rate during 2005 – 2014. The economy faced a downturn during the past few years, “ he noted.

He also said that cutting edge technology should be utilized for the uplift of economy. “Skilled labour and changes in the education system will help strengthen the economy,” he added.The President called more attention on tertiary education. “The Government should identify and develop areas which can provide a better service to the people and also help uplift the country’s economy,” he said.He added that Government institutions such as the Sri Lanka Tourism Board and Board of Investment will have to play a pivotal role in this regard.The President explained that investors should be encouraged to make investments outside Colombo and suburbs as a solution to the congestion prevailing in urban areas.

Measures implemented to introduce an insurance scheme for journalists in profession throughout the country and steps to discuss with Heads of Media Institutions in formulating a program to ensure that journalists are paid their monthly allowances properly was discussed by Hon. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The Prime Minister made this statement when he met the Sri Lanka Press Association members of the Matale District at his office in Parliament.The group of journalists who visited the Parliament to observe and be educated of its proceedings also had the opportunity to meet the Prime Minister and have a brief discussion.
On this occasion, they were able to inform the Prime Minister about the difficulties and challenges faced by the provincial journalists in the area.

Journalist and national organizer of the National Coalition for Journalists and The Federation of Media Employees' Trade Unions Mr. Kanchana Kumara Ariyadasa in expressing his views also made the Prime Minister aware of the existing concern.While pointing out that Mr. Karunaratne Gamage, a veteran journalist in the Polonnaruwa district is paralyzed due to an accident and that he is not receiving any support or any aid, Mr. Ariyadasa also highlighted that many provincial journalists are faced with various inconveniences accordingly.

As payment mechanism for professional journalists are not regulated by media institutions, they emphasized on the practical concern regarding the inability to pursue professional responsibilities when they are unable to get paid properly.

The Prime Minister said he would intervene given the views of journalists and emphasized that he will look into the process of introducing an insurance scheme for journalists in profession working within the provision.

The Prime Minister stated that he will inform on this regard and will also called for a mechanism to ensure that journalists are paid on time at the meeting of the heads of media institutions.

More than 20 journalists including Gemunu Dharma Sri Herath, Chairman of The Sri Lanka Press Association of Matale District, and its Secretary Mahesh Keerthirathna and Mr. Kumarasiri Hettige, Coordinating Secretary to the Prime Minister were also present at this meeting.

The cabinet proposal presented by the Minister of Higher Education to construct an International Education Hub in this country has been passed, stated by Hon. Bandula Gunawardana, the Minister of Information and Communication Technology and Minister of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation at the cabinet press briefing today (23) held at the auditorium of the Department of the Government Information.

The Minister further said that when 30,000 students are annually given university entrance, 21,000 students go abroad every year in search of higher educational opportunities and after the establishment of the International Education Hub, the wealth flowing to greener pastures can be saved for our country. The Minister also said when our students leave the country for higher education, around 50 Billion Rupees go out of the country and it has a direct impact of the economy of the country in terms of Rupee depreciation. Even in such a situation the students from the countries such as Bangladesh and Maldives come to our country for higher education and last year 1,568 such students have come, the minister emphasized. Their prime objective has been perusing education in the subjects such as Information Technology, Bio systems Technology, Engineering, English and accounting.

The Minister explained that he would pay way for the establishment of number one universities and High Technological Institutions in the world and to implement foreign education in this country by way of providing tax concessions offered by the Board of Investment to the foreign investors. He further added that the economy of the country would also be uplifted by creating the opportunity for both local and foreign students to pay the course fees in standard foreign currency.

The Minister Gunawardana emphasized that Dr. In–Ki Joo President of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) in Washington had promised him to extend his support to make the proposed International Educational Hub fertile ground to produce the experts in the field of Accountings. The Minister also requested from the media not to misinterpret this fact.

All unemployed graduates will immediately be recruited in order to involve them in strengthening the national economy President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said.President made these remarks addressing a gathering of representatives of unemployed graduates held at the Presidential Secretariat.Information on existing vacancies at government, semi-government institutes and departments had already been collected. Graduates will be immediately recruited to these positions. They will be provided with formal training and awareness on leadership skills and the public sector. President said that his objective was to create a responsible government service and a government employee.

Unskilled workers are a main source of foreign exchange. Comparatively the country lacks industries with a solid foundation. Human resource is the main strength of the economy. Therefore, the need to properly guide the youth of the country and ensure their contribution to the growth of national economy is a top priority, President added.

People are critical of the public service due to inappropriate conduct of few individuals. President pointed out that wrongdoings of few government officials had brought the entire service into disrepute. Government officials are paid with the hard earned income of the people of this country. Hence, it is the responsibility of the public servant to deliver his or her service efficiently and diligently for the benefit of the people, President said.

In order to increase facilities and perks given to the government officials economic growth has to be accelerated. The public servants should commit themselves to achieve this objective, emphasized the President.The education system in the country is being subjected to major transformation to give every child the opportunity to become an active contributor of the growth of the economy. Our education system should be reformed to meet the requirements of both local and foreign job market. That should be done through a strategy based on modern technology.

State Ministers Shehan Semasinghe, Janaka Wakkubura, Kanchana Wijesekara, Kanaka Herath, Members of Parliament Niroshan Premarathna, D. V. Chanaka, Thenuka Vidanagamage, honorary adviser to the President Lalith Weeratunga were also present at the discussion.

Information and Communication Technology State Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardana yesterday alleged that Rs. 2005 million from the Central Cultural Fund (CCF) had been allocated to construct temples, kovils and churches during the past one and half years without the Management Board’s approval.

The State Minister further said that it is compulsory to have the approval of the CCF Board of Management comprising the Prime Minister as the Chairman of the CCF, the Subject Minister, the Finance Minister, Hindu Religious Affairs Minister, Education Minister, Tourism Affairs Minister, Archaeology Commissioner, the Prime Minister’s Secretary andthe Cultural Affairs Ministry Secretary to allocate CCF funds.

Addressing the weekly media conference held yesterday at the Information and Communication Technology Ministry, State Minister Abeywardane said that Rs. 270 million is required to pay the salaries of the CCF workers and Rs.100 million had been withdrawn from the fixed deposit to pay the salaries of last December. A Ministerial Committee had been appointed by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Cultural Affairs Minister to look into the alleged financial fraud at the CCF.

The Government would soon introduce new policies make Sri Lanka a regional education hub for South Asia, said Minister of Information and Communication Technology and Minister of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation Bandula Gunawardana.

The Minister said that he would put in place policies to create hubs such as the Biyagama Economic Zone for the export of services.

Gunawardana was speaking at the launch of a Commemorative stamp for the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants on January 17. CIMA Chairman Amal Ratnayake was also at the event. Gunawardana said that when Sri Lankans think of exports, they tend to only think of the exports of goods. He felt that Sri Lanka could emulate the Malaysian model and begin to export educational services to students from the broader South Asian region. He noted that there was a considerable number of Maldivian students in the country. He called for a Human Resource based export zone.

He noted that CIMA was present in Sri Lanka even before Independence.

He described this period as being one where in only the English media existed. He noted that after Independence, the Sinhalese and Tamils came into a more widespread usage.

Gunawardana regretting the civil conflict said it had a negative impact on development.

He alleged that development came to a halt following the election of the previous government. He said the construction of roads, port infrastructure and land reclamation, were all at a standstill. He said Sri Lanka was far from its production possibility frontier during the tenure of the previous government.

“Entrepreneurs were treated as rogues. He said that entrepreneurs had been dragged to the FCID and asked to explain their wealth.

He said that this resulted in the low growth rates experienced in the recent past. He hoped to rebuild confidence to bring in foreign investment.

He said that the previous government had fallen and he would bring institutions to the stature of CIMA into the country.

He said that the Port City would be suitable for the location of educational services and that he would help create the enabling legislation.