Instead of good diplomatic relations, the last foreigner in the country left and the country fell to rock bottom and was isolated in the recent past.
It is now gradually moving forward through the Non-Aligned policy and has come to a place where international attention is being focused on it with the visit of a leader who has attracted the attention of the world.
As in other countries, many people in Sri Lanka thought that the Iranian President Dr. Ibrahim Raisi would cancel the visit at the last minute.
The current issue with the West is the proximate cause of this. But it is President Ranil Wickremesinghe who is leading Sri Lanka on a Non-Aligned path without angering the West and without angering the neighbour.
Like former Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike, President Ranil Wickremesinghe is implementing the foreign policy of former President J.R. Jayewardene.
Even before the heat of Iran’s bomb attack on Israel could settle, the Iranian President started his visit to Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Due to this, the attention of two-thirds of the world population was directed towards Sri Lanka.
President Wickremesinghe had requested a detailed report of the Iranian President’s visit to Pakistan from the Director General of Government Information Dinith Chinthaka Karunaratne and he had given it before the Iranian President arrived in Sri Lanka.
While Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena was going to the Mattala International Airport last Wednesday morning, President Wickremesinghe went to the Uma Oya project site. The Iranian President, who arrived at the Mattala Airport, went to Uma Oya and joined the opening ceremony of the hydropower project.
After the ceremony, President Wickremesinghe arrived in Colombo by air. The Iranian President went to Mattala and arrived in Colombo via Katunayake. He went to the hotel where he was staying and took some rest before returning to the Presidential Secretariat to join the reception with state honours.
Warm welcome
After President Wickremesinghe warmly welcomed the Iranian President and his delegation, a ceremonial Guard of Honour was accorded to the distinguished visitor followed by a 21-gun salute.
After the introduction of the delegations from both nations, President Wickremesinghe escorted the Iranian President and his delegation into the Presidential Secretariat.
There was a discussion where only the two Presidents participated and it continued for almost an hour, increasing the excitement of those outside. Foreign commentators had speculated that they might have talked about the international and regional situation. They also believed that an agreement would have been reached about the official statement of the two Presidents.
During the Iranian President’s visit, time was reserved for his daily religious rites at the end of the bilateral talks. However, due to the delay in his arrival, he had to go for religious rites before the bilateral talks. While the Iranian President was going to the Kollupitiya Muslim mosque for religious observances, President Wickremesinghe went to open the “Nihonbashi” Japanese restaurant in the Colombo Port City.
Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, who met the Ministers for bilateral discussions, invited them and went to his room to manage the time. Sagala, who had organised a tea party for the Ministers, was engaged in friendly conversation with the delegation, as it would take more than an hour for the Iranian President to arrive.
Ministers Prasanna Ranatunga, Susil Premajayantha, Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Ali Sabry and Kanchana Wijesekera stayed there until the Iranian President arrived.
Spiritual leader
There, the group of Ministers engaged in conversation about the arrival of the Iranian President’s wife and her daughter as well as their genealogies. Iran’s spiritual leader Ayatollah Khomeini became the spiritual leader after assuming the presidency. It is said there that the current Iranian President will have the opportunity to become the spiritual leader after Ayatollah Khomeini.
President Wickremesinghe, who went to the Port City, came to know that due to the closure of several roads for the security of the Iranian President, many guests were unable to come to the ceremony and they were held up on the roads. The President expressed his regret to the hotel management, saying that the responsibility of the Iranian President’s security rests entirely with the people of Sri Lanka.
Later, President Wickremesinghe went to the Presidential Secretariat because of the notification that the Iranian President will return after religious observances.
Following bilateral discussions, the two sides signed five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). Then the official statement of the two was issued in which the Iranian President criticised the situation in the Gaza Strip and the UN’s response to it, while President Wickremesinghe said that Sri Lanka supported the children of the Gaza Strip and Sri Lanka hoped that the Palestinian state would re-emerge after the end of the war.
The discussions ended with an invitation to dinner and the Iranian President went back to the hotel and then came for dinner at the President’s House.
President Wickremesinghe had invited the Opposition Leader and all Muslim MPs in the Government and the Opposition. All of them had accepted the invitation and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Speaker were also present.
Tireless worker
Minister Pavithra asked the President if he was not tired after working continuously since morning.
“It was because of the tireless work that the country changed from the situation it was in two years ago and the Iranian President was able to be brought in. I am used to working continuously,” the President said with a smile.
Stringhopper biriyani was prepared for the Iranian President on the instructions of President Wickremesinghe. The Iranian President, who had never had such a meal before, asked President Wickremesinghe about it. The President invited a chef who prepared the food who explained the recipe to the Iranian President saying that it was a Sri Lankan preparation, taking the Iranian delegation by surprise. They said that the meal was delicious.
MP Kabir Hashim who was at the dinner, had asked his colleague from the village, the President’s Media Director Shanuka Karunaratne, “Will you all come to our side or shall we join your side?” “Mr. Minister, you should say that,” Shanuka replied with a smile.
When Shanuka related this story to the President who came to Kabir, “No matter what, there is more value when we come to our ‘Maha Gedara’, Kabir said looking at the President.
After the dinner, the Iranian President left the Katunayake Airport for Tehran, ending his one-day official visit.
A group of Ministers who met the President at the Presidential Secretariat on Thursday morning asked the President about this visit.
“When we went bankrupt, no one looked at us. But today the whole world was watching the arrival of the Iranian President. Now the whole world is talking about our country as an emerging country in the southern region of the world,” Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said.
“The Iranian President was only in the capital of Pakistan. But he toured half of the country here. The arrival of the Iranian President in the midst of the world crisis is a great victory. Everyone thought the trip would be cancelled at the last minute,” said Minister Manusha Nanayakkara.
“The US has warned Pakistan that if it goes to Iran, sanctions will be imposed,” MP Wajira Abeywardena said.
“No, we were not told such a thing. Because now the whole world knows that we have a Non-Aligned policy. Now Sri Lanka is like old Manthota. Russians, Ukrainians, Chinese, Americans are in Sri Lanka now,” the President said in a loud tone.
“The Opposition Leader did not come following the instructions of the ‘Pohottu’ group that joined them. They had given instructions that the US will be angry if they go to this event,” Prof. Ashu Marasinghe said, making the group laugh.
Several people there asked the President about former Minister Basil Rajapaksa’s meeting.
“It is not a meeting with Basil. It is a meeting of party representatives who support the Government. The Prime Minister and former Minister Basil Rajapaksa also participated. Other party representatives such as Minister Tiran Alles had come. We talked about how to take the development work of the Government to the village,” the President answered.
“Now nobody can say that the judiciary is not independent because the country has come to the point where cases are filed even against the Minister of Justice. A Cabinet Minister was also jailed.” When Director General of Government Information Dinith Chinthaka said this everyone nodded but no one commented on it.
Later, the President held several rounds of discussions with party activists about the May Day rally and Party General Secretary Range Bandara made a statement about the agenda and the people coming.
Deputy Leader Akila Viraj Kariyawasam presented facts about the activities of the ‘Jathika Sewaka Sangamaya’. The discussions held with civil organisations were also disclosed there.
The President’s Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayaka joined a party in Nugegoda last Sunday. It was organised by a group of friends of the late Minister Mangala Samaraweera to mark his birthday.
Sagala met SJB Parliamentarian S.M. Marikkar while he was there.
“President will contest”
“Ah, you always tell the media that the President will not contest the polls. So, I would like to tell you today that you should not tell that story again because the President will definitely contest the next Presidential Election.” When Sagala said, the people there applauded and shouted that Ranil’s presidential candidacy was confirmed here today.
MEP discussion
A political discussion was held in Colombo last week under the patronage of Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (MEP) Leader, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. MEP leaders, leaders of Desha Vimukthi Janatha Party and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) were also present.
Its main purpose was to celebrate May Day 2024 together. Trade union leaders of the MEP, SLPP and other political parties were also present.
“We should celebrate May Day together this time too,” Premier Gunawardena said turning to SLPP founder Basil Rajapaksa.
“After last year’s May Day, we have not held a meeting together as the Podujana Peramuna,” said a trade union leader.
“This time we are bringing everyone to the progressive camp, including the MEP, SLPP on one platform,” when the Prime Minister Dinesh said that MP Gamini Lokuge approved it.
“Regarding holding this May Day celebrations together, discussions have started with national organisations, political parties of the left camp and middle path, trade unions, labour organisations, and their agreement has been received,” Premier Gunawardena further clarified the facts.
It was decided to hold the joint May Day Rally at Campbell Park, Borella and also to include all the groups of the progressive camp.
April 21 marked the fifth anniversary of the Easter Sunday terrorist attack. The Catholic Committee of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) had organised a charity at St. Mary’s Elders’ Home, Colombo. It was organised under the patronage of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.
The Opposition Leader said, “Even after five years, the true information about the Easter Sunday attacks has not been revealed. After the attacks, every leader who appeared in the country promised to find the truth. Even though the rulers said that they would take the maximum possible action against the terrorists who carried out this barbaric attack, nothing happened. All those things were said to deceive the people and get their vote.
“The leaders who emerged from the Easter campaign deceived the Catholic community. After they finally got power, they only protected criminals. All those involved in the Easter Sunday attacks will be given the maximum punishment under a SJB Government. The SJB never made deals with masterminds of the Easter Sunday attacks,” he said.
Sakwala program
Several stages of the ‘Sakwala’ program was organised last week based on the concept of Opposition Leader Premadasa.
A smart classroom was provided to the Hambantota Mulkirigala Weeraketiya Meegasara Maha Vidyalaya, Hambantota, Beliatta Walasmulla Murutawela Maha Vidyalaya and Hambantota Weeraketiya Okandaya Maha Vidyalaya on the initiative of the Opposition Leader.
“In many cases, children are asked to do the best, but its implementation is weak and limited to boasting, and because of this, the problems of the country’s schools are attributed to the Opposition Leader as he has personally provided solutions to the problems of the country’s schools. But the Government has not been able to rectify the shortcomings of the schools in the country.” Opposition Leader Premadasa said that at the event of providing smart classrooms under the ‘Sakwala’ program that this has been achieved and that the development activities have been carried out effectively without fanfare and the change in the system has been proved to be a reality on the ground.
Professional Lecturers’ Forum
The 10th conference of the All Island Professional Lecturers’ Forum was held at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre recently.
The Forum had also invited Opposition Leader Premadasa.
The Opposition Leader said, “The free education system introduced by C.W.W. Kannangara should be preserved and the children of the country should be given alternative opportunities in the education system. There should be a massive upgrade for that. New technologies including artificial intelligence should be used.
“Then a centre of real education can be created in the country that can meet the needs of various professions demanded by the world. Professional lecturers should become part of this great revolution in education.
“As a powerful sector that creates the intellectual power of the country, everyone including the professional lecturers must come together and bring about a massive transformation in the quality of education in this country. While strengthening free education, value should be added to the education system.
“I am happy with the role that you have played in empowering the students and youth of our country with knowledge and intelligence as professional counselors in the field of education,’’ he said.
Debate
A letter was sent to SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara, proposing a date for the debate between SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa and NPP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
A discussion was held in this regard at the SJB party headquarters. Opposition Leader Premadasa said, “The group of comrades have run away from the debate of economic experts again. Let them know that we are ready to hold both debates in May. The National People’s Power is afraid of a debate between economic groups.’’
SJB General Secretary Madduma Bandara said, “The NPP is trying to avoid the economic debate by telling one story after another.”
MP Lakshman Kiriella said, “In addition to the Opposition Leader and Anura Dissanayake, the NPP said let’s also bring President Ranil Wickremesinghe to the debate. They will probably bring Ranil Wickremesinghe to the debate as the third umpire. The main battle is between the SJB and JVP. It does not need a third umpire.”
MP Nalin Bandara said, “Anura Kumara is the one and only solution for the NPP. He is the only one who can talk about the economy, agriculture, health and education for the NPP. We will give them a time to discuss the date of this debate. The dates of the two debates can be discussed on that day.”
The Opposition Leader said, “Inform Nalinda Jayatissa to come to Parliament on April 25 or 26, to fix a date for the debates. Then we can discuss the date and time of the two debates and take a decision.’’
The Opposition Leader assigned Chief of Operations of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Nalin Bandara to give a statement to the media and issue a press release.
SJB May Day rally
A discussion regarding the May Day rally of the Samagi Jana Balawega was held at the Opposition Leader’s office, Colombo.
Former MP Mujibur Rahman said, “The JVP can be given Lipton Roundabout to celebrate May Day, but when we ask for permission, the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) says that if the roads around the CMC are given for May Day parades, the stadium in front of the CMC will be damaged.
“There is one law for us and another law for the JVP. Not only that, the Commissioner of the CMC says that the Minister in charge of the police gave the section from the Lipton Roundabout to Dharmapala Mawatha to the JVP.
“Wickremesinghe, Anura Kumara and Rajapaksas have joined forces to suppress the SJB and have launched an operation to disrupt the May Day rally of the SJB. The UNP and the JVP are now afraid of the Samagi Jana Balawega,” he said.
MP S.M. Marikkar said, “The Government is trying to disrupt the May Day rally because of the strength of the SJB, the interest of the people in rural areas in the May Day rally, and the fear of seeing the largest number of people coming to the May Day rally.
“Even though the Government tries to disrupt the May Day rally, no one can stop the people from going to the polling stations during the election, and no one can stop the people from voting. No one can stop the victory to get the SJB democratically,’’ he said.
Easter attacks
Opposition Leader Premadasa said, “Over 100,000 people of the SJB are expected to attend the May Day rally. The electoral organisers have informed me of that. But none of the stadiums in Colombo can accommodate 100,000 people.
“The Government is trying to disrupt the SJB May Day rally because it is afraid of seeing the personnel power of the SJB. The Government is hatching various conspiracies for that. We need to select a suitable place for the May Day rally soon,’’ he said.
The Committee on Parliamentary Affairs decided to hold a debate on the Easter Sunday attacks for three days. The debate was held on April 24, 25 and 26. The motion is brought for debate by the Opposition.
During the debate, Opposition Leader Premadasa said, “For the third time, the Easter Sunday attacks are being discussed in Parliament. In the past, we have requested the Government to submit various information and facts and investigate them.
“But the Government did not consider any of the suggestions we made. At the end of this year, in our Government which will be formed with the blessings of the people, we will implement the law for all those involved in the Easter Sunday attacks.
“First of all, a Commission of Inquiry consisting of local and foreign judges and investigators should be set up and an unconditionally transparent investigation conducted. A special court will be established to make it operational and an independent public prosecutor’s office will be established.
“Our Government will work to bring those groups involved in the Easter Sunday massacre to justice and give the highest punishment without any hesitation,’’ he said.
MP Kavinda Jayawardene said at the time of the Easter Sunday attacks, the President was Maithripala Sirisena. He and the others knew that an extremist group was being formed in the country to cause great destruction. The people of the country suspect that former President Sirisena created the environment to detonate the bomb due the problem he had with the Yahapalana Government. By the power of God, the names of the people involved in the Easter Sunday attacks were revealed.
MP Niroshan Perera said several Governments and Presidents are delaying justice and delaying investigations on the Easter Sunday attacks by keeping the accused officers in high positions in the Security Forces.
Mastermind
Former President Maithripala Sirisena told the media that he knew who the mastermind of Easter Sunday attacks was, but the public was not informed about the steps taken regarding his disappearance.
The officials accused in this regard have been kept on big chairs because if they open their mouths, the political authority behind this will be revealed.
A delegation from the Chinese Communist Party’s International Department met Opposition Premadasa at his office. This discussion between the two parties was limited to one hour and in addition to this discussion, a face-to-face discussion was also held between the Opposition Leader and Ms. Sun Haiyan, the Deputy Minister of the Central Committee of the International Department of the Communist Party of China, for about 45 minutes.
There was a long discussion regarding economic, commercial, business and political relations and the two sides exchanged views on building business relations between Sri Lanka and China.
