Is Sri Lanka a rich or poor country?
Introduction: Sri Lanka, a captivating island nation nestled in the Indian Ocean, has been a source of fascination for travelers around the world. Known for its rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, Sri Lanka offers a plethora of experiences to indulge in. In this article, we will delve into some key aspects of this remarkable country, including its economic status, popular attractions, geographical size, and population. Is Sri Lanka a rich or poor country? Assessing a country’s wealth is a complex matter that involves various factors. Sri Lanka can be considered a developing nation, with a diverse economy heavily reliant on agriculture, textiles, tourism, and services. While it faces certain economic challenges, Sri Lanka has made significant strides in recent years in terms of infrastructure development, education, and poverty reduction. The country’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty contribute to its overall prosperity, attracting tourists from all corners of the globe. For which Sri Lanka is famous for? Sri Lanka boasts a treasure trove of cultural, historical, and natural wonders that have earned it worldwide acclaim. Here are some of the key attractions that make Sri Lanka famous: How big is Sri Lanka? Sri Lanka covers an area of approximately 65,610 square kilometers (25,330 square miles), making it a relatively small country in terms of landmass. Despite its size, Sri Lanka is packed with diverse landscapes, ranging from pristine beaches to lush mountains and dense rainforests. Traveling within the country is convenient due to its compact size, allowing visitors to explore multiple regions without excessive travel time. How many people are in Sri Lanka? As of the most recent estimates, Sri Lanka has a population of around 22 million people. The country has a multi-ethnic society comprising the Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, and Burgher communities, each with their unique traditions and cultural practices. Sri Lankans are known for their warmth, friendliness, and hospitality, creating a welcoming environment for visitors. Conclusion: Sri Lanka, with its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and warm-hearted people, continues to enchant travelers seeking an immersive and unforgettable experience. Despite its economic challenges, the country’s inherent wealth lies in its vibrant traditions, natural beauty, and diverse attractions. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, lounging on pristine beaches, or embarking on wildlife adventures, Sri Lanka promises an enriching journey filled with memorable encounters. Image courtesy – Pixabay
IORA Workshop on “Cooperation for Maritime Security” successfully concluded
A three-day Workshop on “Cooperation for Maritime Security” organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Max Planck Foundation for International Peace and the Rule of Law and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) concluded on 23 March. The workshop provided an insightful analysis on IORA Member States to identify gaps between domestic legislation and United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The focal points of maritime safety and security of the IORA Member States, namely Australia, Bangladesh, France, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Yemen and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sri Lanka Navy and Sri Lanka Coast Guard attended the event. Participants from Dialogue Partners of IORA, Germany, Italy, Japan and USA also joined the workshop virtually. Professor at the Faculty of Law of the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and President of the Australian Branch of the International Law Association Natalie Klein, Senior Research Fellow, Max Planck Foundation, Arron N. Honniball, Research Fellow, Max Planck Foundation, Egor S. Fedorov, Programme Support Officer, Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP) of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Asyura Salleh along with experts from Sri Lanka Navy and Sri Lanka Coast Guard conducted the session. The Workshop was held on the sideline of the 3rd Meeting of IORA Working Group on Maritime Safety and Security on 20 March 2023 inaugurated by Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane and attended by the Heads of Mission of IORA Member States and Dialogue Partner countries based in Colombo, Senior Officials of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Fisheries, Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force, Sri Lanka Coast Guard, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Merchant Shipping Secretariat, Disaster Management Center and Marine Environment Protection Authority, the UNODC, and officials of the Max Planck Foundation as well as representatives of the GIZ.
Mahanayake Theros urge President to ease people’s hardships and hold elections on time
Sri Lanka’s most senior Buddhist monks, known as Mahanayake Theros, have written a letter to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, asking him to take immediate steps to ease the economic and social difficulties faced by the people and to conduct the local government elections on time12. The Mahanayake Theros of the three main Buddhist sects – Malwathu, Asgiri and Ramanna – said that they are deeply concerned about the rising cost of living, unemployment, poverty, corruption and environmental degradation that have affected millions of Sri Lankans1. They said that these issues have been aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the mismanagement of public funds by successive governments1. The Mahanayake Theros also expressed their dissatisfaction with the delay in holding the local government elections that were due in 2018 but have been postponed several times due to various reasons1. They said that holding free and fair elections is a democratic right of the people and a duty of the government1. The Mahanayake Theros reminded the President that he was elected by a majority of voters who expected him to fulfil his promises and uphold good governance1. They urged him to listen to their proposals that they had submitted earlier on April 4, 2022, which included constitutional reforms, electoral reforms, judicial reforms and national reconciliation3. The Mahanayake Theros warned that if their proposals are ignored or rejected, they will be compelled to issue a Sangha Order (a religious decree) that will mobilise all Buddhist monks and lay followers against the government1. They said that they are ready to take any action necessary to protect Buddhism and safeguard the rights and welfare of the people1.
Sri Lanka’s local government elections face delay no funds for ballot papers
Sri Lanka’s local government elections scheduled for March 9 may be postponed due to a shortage of funds for printing ballot papers, according to the Government Printer. A senior officer from the Government Printer said that they have not received any allocation from the National Election Commission (NEC) for the printing process and that they cannot commence it without funds12. The officer said that they need at least Rs. 200 million ($1 million) to print around 15 million ballot papers for 341 local authorities across the country1. He said that they have already prepared the designs and layouts for the ballot papers but they are waiting for the NEC to provide them with funds and finalise the candidates’ lists1. The NEC has acknowledged that it has not allocated any funds for the Government Printer yet and that it is facing a financial crisis due to a delay in receiving its annual budget from the Treasury2. The NEC has said that it is trying to resolve the issue as soon as possible and that it hopes to hold the elections on time2. The local government elections have been delayed several times since 2018 due to various reasons, including legal challenges, constitutional amendments and COVID-19 pandemic3. The elections are seen as a crucial test for President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party who are facing public discontent over their handling of the economy, health crisis and human rights issues3. The opposition parties, including the United National Party (UNP), Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), have accused the government of deliberately delaying the elections to avoid a defeat at the grassroots level3. They have also criticised the government’s decision to use electronic voting machines instead of paper ballots in some areas, alleging that it could lead to fraud and manipulation3.
Why do Sri Lanka celebrate Independence Day?
Sri Lanka, a small island nation located off the southern coast of India, celebrates Independence Day on February 4th each year. This day marks the country’s independence from British colonial rule in 1948. The celebration of Independence Day is an important event for the people of Sri Lanka as it recognizes their nation’s hard-fought freedom and marks the beginning of a new era in the country’s history. “Sri Lanka Independence Day” Independence Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and pride throughout Sri Lanka. The streets are decorated with national flags and banners, and people gather to participate in parades, speeches, and other patriotic events. Schools and government offices hold special ceremonies, while private organizations and businesses also take part in the celebrations. One of the most significant events that take place on Independence Day is the raising of the national flag. This ceremony takes place at the Independence Memorial Hall in Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. The flag is raised by the President of Sri Lanka, who then delivers a speech to the nation. This speech is broadcast live on national television and radio, and is widely listened to by people all over the country. In addition to the flag raising ceremony, Independence Day is also marked by cultural and sports events. Many communities organize cultural shows and competitions, such as traditional dances, music performances and drama competitions, to showcase Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage. The day is also celebrated with sports events, such as cricket and football matches, to promote national unity and encourage healthy competition among the people. Another important aspect of Independence Day celebrations is the emphasis on national unity. The day is a reminder of the importance of coming together as a nation, regardless of differences in ethnicity, religion or language. As the President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena said in his Independence Day speech in 2016, “Independence Day is not only a day to remember our past, but also a day to look forward to a brighter future for our country, united as one nation.” Independence Day is also an opportunity for Sri Lanka to reflect on its past struggles and achievements, as well as its current challenges and opportunities. The country has come a long way since 1948, but there is still much work to be done to ensure a better future for all Sri Lankans. As the former Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe said in his Independence Day speech in 2018, “We must continue to strive for a prosperous and peaceful Sri Lanka, where every citizen has equal opportunities to succeed.” FAQs
Who Are The Dawoodi Bohra Muslims of Sri Lanka?
The Dawoodi Bohras are a sect of Shia Islam and are a minority community in Sri Lanka. The community is known for its strong emphasis on education and business enterprise, and has made significant contributions to the country’s economy. The Dawoodi Bohras have a long history in Sri Lanka, with the first members of the community arriving in the country in the 19th century. They have primarily settled in the cities of Colombo and Beruwala, and have established themselves as successful merchants and traders. Their businesses have included textiles, jewelry and other handicrafts, and their success has led to the development of several Bohra-owned factories and commercial establishments across the country. The Dawoodi Bohra community is also known for its emphasis on education, and has established several schools and educational institutions in Sri Lanka. These schools provide a high-quality education and focus on both academic and Islamic education, ensuring that the children of the community are well-equipped to succeed in the modern world. Despite their successes, the Dawoodi Bohras have faced discrimination and marginalization in Sri Lanka. This is primarily due to their being a minority community and their distinct dress and customs which makes them stand out. However, in recent years there have been efforts to raise awareness of the Dawoodi Bohra community and their culture and to promote their inclusion in mainstream society. A youtube video about the history of bohras in Sri Lanka
Today is the World Diabetes day
World Diabetes Day is today (14). “Let’s be aware and protect ourselves” is the theme of this year’s Diabetes Day. In the non-communicable disease unit of the Ministry of Health, Dr Shanthi Gunawardena, a specialist, stated that the number of diabetic patients in Sri Lanka has doubled by 2021 compared to 2015. Commenting further, she stated that 10% of pregnant mothers have been diagnosed with diabetes.
A bail application to the Supreme Court of New South Wales for Dhanushka’s bail
A bail application has been submitted to the Supreme Court of New South Wales on behalf of the Sri Lankan cricketer Dhanushka Gunathilake, who has been remanded in custody in Australia. Australian media revealed that the application will be considered on the 8th. 4 charges have been filed against Dhanushka Gunathilaka for having sex with a woman against her consent. Dhanushka Gunathilake was arrested in Sydney while he was in Australia for the World Cup 2020 cricket tournament. Although he requested bail from the Sydney court, his lawyers have submitted a bail request to the Supreme Court of New South Wales due to the rejection of the bail request.
Sri Lankans protest in front of the Chinese Embassy in Colombo
Yesterday, a protest was held in front of the Chinese Embassy in Colombo demanding the restructuring of the loans given to Sri Lanka. These protests were held by United National Party’s Seethawaka local council member Sashi Hettiarachchi and others. They said that when they went to hand over a letter requesting that China, which had given unlimited loans to the Rajapaksa regime, should restructure those loans and provide relief to the people of this country, they protested against the police officers coming forward without anyone from the embassy to accept it.
Sri Lankan Bribery and Corruption Investigation Commission received over 1800 cases
Over 1,800 complaints have been received by the Bribery or Corruption Investigation Commission this year. A spokesman for the commission stated that as of October 31 of this year, 1,861 complaints had been received by the bribery commission. The highest number of complaints have been received regarding bribery and corruption cases and the number of complaints 620. In addition to this, the commission stated that it has received 64 complaints regarding corruption and irregularities related to assets and stated that it has conducted about 50 raids related to the complaints received. Regarding the complaints received by the Bribery Commission, 72 reports have been called at the institutional level and another 328 complaints have been referred to other institutions for further investigation. A spokesperson of the Bribery Commission said that investigations of 719 complaints not related to the Bribery Act have been suspended from the complaints received by the Commission.