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Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

SRI LANKA LAUNCHES THE SUBMARINE CABLE PROTECTION AND RESILIENCE FRAMEWORK

Sri Lanka launches the Submarine Cable Protection and Resilience Framework

On 15 July 2021, at a stakeholder meeting chaired by Secretary to the President Dr. P. B. Jayasundara launched the Submarine Cable Protection and Resilience Framework.

Sri Lanka is the first country in Asia to come up with such a Framework and it would have not been possible, if not for generous support of the Government of Japan through the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) – Global Maritime Crimes Programme (GMCP).

In this new age of lockdowns, remote working and virtual conferences, our reliance on global digital communications has grown dramatically, yet most people incorrectly assume that satellites are responsible for sending data. In reality, more than 99% of all international digital data and communications are transferred via a network of more than 400 cables, which span a distance of more than 1.8 million kilometres across the world’s oceans.

The International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) estimates that internet traffic increased between 25% and 50% between November 2019 and the early stages of lockdown in April 2020, and this will likely continue as we adapt to the “new-normal”. Zoom Video Communications revenue for the quarter ending on 31 July, 2020 saw a 355% increase compared to the previous year. This is just one indication of the increased video conferencing occurring as a result of widespread remote work, remote education, and remote personal video communications.

Given our reliance on this global network, it is critical that it remains as resilient as possible.

Delivering the opening remarks, Foreign Secretary Admiral Professor Jayanath Colombage highlighted that Sri Lanka has been working with international partners such as UNODC’s Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP) and the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) in order to develop a National Plan on Submarine Cables, to provide Protection and Resilience for Sri Lanka having understood the threats and responsibilities of having several cables running through its jurisdiction.

Programme Coordinator of UNODC – GMCP Kaitlin Meredith made reference to the UN General Assembly Resolution (A/RES/73/124, 31 December, 2018) which highlights the responsibility of States, whose economies and societies are served by these cables, to contribute to the protection of cables, under international law. She further reiterated that “UNODC values the continued leadership of Sri Lanka in the development of its national framework, as well as in the sphere of maritime security more broadly” and that “UNODC is looking forward to the continued partnership with Sri Lanka as we can begin to export some of the good practices and lessons learned to the region.”

In Sri Lanka, developing of the Framework was undertaken jointly by the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) and the Ocean Affairs, Environment and Climate Change Division of the Foreign Ministry with the technical assistance of ICPC and UNODC-GMCP.

The process began in September 2020, with stakeholder engagement and was followed by a series of virtual consultations. The Framework encompasses international best practices recommended by ICPC.

At the launch of the Framework, Minister and Deputy Head of Mission at the Japanese Embassy in Colombo Kitamura Toshihiro noted that “The National Framework would certainly consolidate Sri Lanka’s aspirations to develop into a Commercial and Financial Hub, as well as a Global Innovation Hub, as envisaged in the “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor”. It was also noted that this initiative, “in close partnership with UNODC-GMCP, to develop the National Framework, would not only be seen as a major breakthrough for Sri Lanka but also for the whole region, to stand as a shining beacon in the Indian Ocean”.

Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission Oshada Senanayake reiterated the importance of ensuring a robust and resilient submarine cables ecosystem in Sri Lanka in line with the UNGA resolution, on the need of nations taking proactive measures to secure fiber-optic submarine cables. He further reiterated that “the initiative will now provide for the implementation of a progressive national submarine cables protection and resilience framework to further strengthen Sri Lanka’s vision of digital transformation, as well as positioning Sri Lanka as a hub for technology services and innovation”.

The Framework and enabling legislations, which are in the pipeline, would further contribute to Sri Lanka’s overall image, projecting the country as a Maritime and Logistics Hub in the Indian Ocean.

Director General, Ocean Affairs, Environment and Climate Change of the Foreign Ministry Hasanthi Urugodawatte Dissanayake explained that the role of the Foreign Ministry in the process has been to bring all stakeholders together and connecting the relevant international organizations with Sri Lankan agencies on an important aspect that Sri Lanka needs to focus on. She further highlighted the necessity to declare Submarine Cables as ‘critical infrastructure’.

The experience that Sri Lanka gained in the process would be shared with the Member States of the Indian Ocean Rim Association, of which Sri Lanka is assuming responsibilities as Vice Chair in 2021 and thereafter, accepting the role of Chair, from 2023 to 2025.

The launch concluded with suggestions made regarding the way forward by Secretary to the President Dr. P.B. Jayasundera.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

18 July, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/sl-submarine-cable/)

 

PRESIDENT MAITHRIPLA SIRISENA CONDEMNS DASTARDLY ATTACK AND CALLS FOR RESTRAINT AND PATIENCE ORDERS SWIFT INVESTIGATIONS TO FIND CULPRITS BEHIND CONSPIRACY

President Maithripla Sirisena expressed his, shock, deep pain and dismay over the brutal attacks on places of religious worship and other civilian establishments.

He said that that he has instructed all law enforcement agencies and defence services to take every possible step to maintain law and order and conduct speedy investigations into the dastardly attack and bring the culprits and those who were behind this conspiracy to book.

“I have given instructions to take very stern action against the persons who are responsible for this conspiracy,” the President said and added that all required steps have been taken to fulfill the responsibilities as a government.

President Sirisena appealed to the nation to act with utmost restraint and patience, and not to be misled by baseless rumours and false stories. He also urged the people to extend unstinted support and cooperation to the government for the steps taken at this trying occasion.

Source:http://www.pmdnews.lk/president-condemns-dastardly-attack-and-calls-for-restraint-and-patience-orders-swift-investigations-to-find-culprits-behind-conspiracy/

 

Sri Lanka High Commissioner Canada meets the Chair of Friendship Group

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High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in Canada M.A.K. Girihagama met with Hon. Yasmin Ratansi, Chair of Canada – Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group on 11th April 2019. During the meeting, issues pertaining to the implementation of the recommendations made in the Resolution 30/1 by the UNHRC were discussed.  Canadian Members of Parliament, Terry Duguid, Robert-Falcon Ouellette and Mohan Samarasinghe, Legislative Assistant to Deepak Obhrai, MP were also present.
   

STATEMENT BY HON. DINESH GUNAWARDENA, FOREIGN MINISTER OF SRI LANKA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE “CENTRAL AND SOUTH ASIA: REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY. CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES” TASHKENT, REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN, 15-16 JULY 2021

Your Excellency Abdulaziz Kamilov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzebkistan,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am honoured to participate in this high-level forum dedicated to discussing the very relevant topic of connectivity between two important and dynamic regions in the world today: Central and South Asia.  I would like to commend His Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, for organising this timely forum bringing together the views of diverse countries on one platform in spite of the challenges posed globally by the COVID-19 pandemic.  This is also an opportune moment to discuss connectivity, when Uzbekistan and the other Central Asian countries mark their third decade as independent nations this year.

Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan, as well as South and Central Asia share longstanding historical and cultural links.  We are heirs to ancient civilisations that contributed immensely to the making of the modern world through achievements in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, philosophy, religion and the arts.  Central Asia, though land locked, was at the crossroads of ancient trade routes connecting multiple regions, including the ancient Silk Route.  The beautiful island of Sri Lanka, with its strategic location at the heart of the Indian Ocean, was also placed at the crossroads of the East - West trade routes, including the ancient maritime Silk Route.

Today, our location in the Indian Ocean has become even more significant in connecting South Asia with Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas.  Sri Lanka’s vision in achieving sustainable development through regional and global connectivity, complemented by a robust, neutral and non-aligned foreign policy, is spelt out by the President His Excellency Gotabaya Rajapaksa in the national development policy framework ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’.

Connectivity today is an imperative for socio-economic development in an increasingly globalised and inter-dependent world.  Today, the centre of gravity of the world economy has pivoted towards Asia.  South Asia has become one of the fastest growing regions in the world.  For the first time in modern times, Asian economies are becoming larger than the rest of the world combined.  At the same time, the economic potential of resource- and energy- rich Central Asia, is increasing exponentially.  In this context, maritime and land connectivity between South and Central Asia and the West are becoming an imperative to expand global trade.

Tashkent, the Capital of Uzbekistan has long enjoyed air travel connectivity with Colombo, Sri Lanka.However, in spite of the vast potential, connectivity between the two regions remains at a relatively low level today.  There is therefore a need to reinforce existing synergies, overcome cross-border challenges, and forge stronger trade, investment and tourism ties, to suit current requirements.

The Colombo Port City in Sri Lanka is an example of a Special Economic Zone that would offer competitive investment opportunities in international trade, offshore banking and financial services, shipping and logistics operations, information technology and business process outsourcing, and other ancillary services, to help reinforce regional connectivity.

Before I conclude, I would like to extend our deep appreciation to the Government of Uzbekistan for its principled position of support to Sri Lanka at the 46th Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva this March.

I convey my sincere thanks to Your Excellency for your constructive engagement, and to all participants for their valued interventions.  I look forward to a productive outcome of today’s deliberations.

Thank you.

(https://mfa.gov.lk/fm-sl-uzebkistan/)

 

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in Canada calls on the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario and meets with representatives of all religious faiths in Toronto

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Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in Canada, M.A.K. Girihagama called on the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, Hon. Ted Arnott on 28th March 2019 at the Legislative Building in Ontario. The High Commissioner briefed Hon. Arnott on recent developments in Sri Lanka and the long standing bilateral relations shared between Sri Lanka and Canada. He also referred to the on-going reconciliation process in Sri Lanka and development assistance provided by Canada in this regard. Speaker Arnott thanked the High Commissioner and assured him of Ontario’s engagement on issues of mutual interest. The High Commissioner and the Speaker also agreed to continue working towards further enhancing the bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and Ontario.

Following the meeting with the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, the High Commissioner also held discussions with Rev. Pastor Marc Dissanayake and the Board of Trustees at the Christian Ministries International followed by a meeting with the President and Chief Priest Vijayakumar Kurukkal and the Board of Trustees of Varasiththy Vinayagar Hindu Temple.

   

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