By TON Sri Lanka

On May 13, 2022, Sri Lanka’s new Prime Minister Wickremesinghe got and secured support of the international backing and important countries in the world such as the US, Japan, and China. He is expected to get majority support in parliament also, though he is the only representative of his party, the United National Party, in parliament.

The new Lankan PM might not head a truly “national” government composed of all parties in parliament. However, he might get the support of enough MPs to have a majority, that is, at least 113 in the House of 225 on the crucial requirements of stability.

The Indian High Commission said in its tweet, that “India desire for political constancy and looks forward to working with the Government of Sri Lanka shaped in harmony with democratic processes it is further said that India’s promise to the people of Sri Lanka will remain.

In its first reaction to the situation in Sri Lanka after resigning as Prime Minister, India on Tuesday said that it was “fully supportive” of the island nation’s democracy, stability, and economic recovery. “India will always be guided by the best interests of the people of Sri Lanka expressed through democratic processes

In keeping with our Neighborhood First policy, India has extended this year alone, support worth over USD 3.5 billion to the people of Sri Lanka for helping them overcome their current difficulties. In addition, the people of India have provided assistance in mitigating the shortages of essential items such as food and medicine.

The Indian High Commissioner followed this up with a meeting with the PM in the latter’s office on Friday. He presented the PM with a bouquet. During his previous stints as PM he had visited India four times in October 2016, April 2017, November 2017, and October 2018.

The Sri Lankan Prime Minister said that I have taken on a challenge of uplifting the economy and I must fulfill it.” Setting the economy right by meeting the forex shortage and getting the population essential goods, is his single-point agenda. And for that, political stability in the form of parliament’s support is needed.

The US Ambassador also stressed the need for political stability for Sri Lanka to solve its grave economic problems. In a tweet, she said: “Look forward to working w/ @RW_ UNP the United National Party. His appointment as PM, and the quick formation of an inclusive government, are the first steps toward addressing the crisis & promoting stability, and also meeting progress at the IMF & long-term solutions that meet the needs of all Sri Lankans.

In the meantime, the Japanese Ambassador and the Chinese Ambassador also met the new PM. The annulled Japanese urban rail project is likely to be invigorated as a result of the alteration in the Sri Lankan government.

The Chinese envoy discussed financial assistance to Sri Lanka. Earlier, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman had said in Beijing that China believes “that with the combined efforts of all sectors of Sri Lanka, the country will recover harmony and firmness as soon as possible.”

The new PM has strong support from the four most important countries in its foreign relations, he is yet to measure the level of support in parliament. He has to face parliament on May 17, when the opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) will be bringing in a Motion of No Confidence against the government, and President also.

As of now, the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) is with as per the wishes of the President and the rest of his clan. The 41 MPs from the SLPP and its allies, who had defied and are sitting are anticipated to act independently but devoid of the objective of collapsing the government.

The group’s spokesman also stated that it has no plan of damaging the management. It will not indulge in “abhorrence political affairs” and will not allow the country to become chaotic.

The Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) leader stated that as long as the PM works to “save the country from the abyss of poverty and economic mismanagement” the Independents would spread the support by remaining in the opposition. We will not make any attempt to fall over it.

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), a former ally of the SLPP, has decided not to accept any portfolios or be part of a government under the new Prime Minister. The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) are anti-government and are likely to vote for the No-Confidence Motion. The JVP has only three MPs and the TNA 10.

However, it is yet to see whether the new government will be able to pursue the opposition to work together at this juncture when Sri Lanka is in dire passages. As all the people’s representatives must work together for the well-being of all Sri Lankan citizens.

HELSINKI, 16 May 2022, (TON): Finland’s government declared a new era is underway after announcing its intention to seek NATO membership, hours before Sweden’s governing party backed a plan to join the trans-Atlantic alliance amid Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Russia has long bristled about NATO moving closer to its borders, so the developments will be sure to further anger Moscow.

President Vladimir Putin has already warned his Finnish counterpart on Saturday that relations would be negatively affected.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, speaking Sunday after top diplomats from the alliance’s 30 member states met in Berlin, said “the process for Finland and Sweden to join could be very quick.”

He also expressed his hope that Ukraine could win the war as Russian military advances appear to be faltering.

In Finland, President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin made the announcement that their country would seek membership in NATO during a joint news conference at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki.

The previously neutral Nordic country shares a long border with Russia.

Niinisto said “this is a historic day. A new era begins.”

TOKYO, 16 May 2022, (TON): Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio on Saturday expressed his sadness and condolences to the United Arab Emirates on the passing of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

He said “on behalf of the government and people of Japan, I would like to express my deepest sympathy and condolences to the government and people of the United Arab Emirates.”

Kishida praised the merits of the late Sheikh Khalifa, who contributed greatly to his country’s progress, especially in economic fields.

Kishida highlighted Sheikh Khalifa’s many endeavors that contributed to peace and stability in the Middle East, and how respected he was in the international community.

MOGADISHU, 16 May 2022, (TON): Police in Somalia have announced a 33-hour curfew on the capital Mogadishu that will keep almost all residents at home during a presidential election by lawmakers, in which incumbent leader Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed is seeking a second term.

Police spokesperson Abdifatah Aden announced at a press conference on Saturday a full curfew in the city, covering both traffic and people, from Saturday at 9:00 p.m. until Monday at 6:00 a.m.

Lawmakers, security personnel and all others officials involved in the vote are still free to move during those hours.

The indirect election, in which lawmakers will pick a president, will take place in an airport hangar behind blast walls to help fend off potential Islamist attacks or meddling by factions within the security services.

Mohamed is facing 37 opponents in the vote, including two former presidents, Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who analysts see as the frontrunners.

Originally they were 39, but between Thursday and Friday two candidates announced they were exiting the race.

JEDDAH, 16 May 2022, (TON): King Salman left King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Jeddah evening after undergoing medical examinations and successfully completing the treatment plan and recovery period.

Saudi Press Agency reported “the king thanked well-wishers within Saudi Arabia and from friendly countries for their messages of support.”

ABU DHABI, 16 May 2022, (TON): The UAE’s new president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan held talks with French counterpart Emmanuel Macron as world leaders streamed in to Abu Dhabi to pay tribute to his predecessor.

Macron, who was re-elected this month, expressed his condolences to Sheikh Mohamed following the death of Sheikh Khalifa, who died on Friday.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, US Vice President Kamala Harris, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Israeli President Isaac Herzog are also expected to arrive in Abu Dhabi on Sunday and Monday.

Presidents and monarchs from Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Oman and Tunisia, and Sudan’s de facto leader, were among a long line of dignitaries to offer their condolences.

MOSCOW, 16 May 2022, (TON): Russia considers building up and strengthening cooperation with the member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization as a priority of its foreign policy.

This was announced at the Russian Foreign Ministry in connection with the 30th anniversary of the signing of the treaty.

The ministry noted “further compaction and building up of comprehensive cooperation with the Collective Security Treaty Organization member states is considered by the Russian Federation as a foreign policy priority.”

On Smolenskaya Square, they pointed out that the Collective Security Treaty Organization has achieved a lot in a relatively short period by historical standards.

The ministry said “the joint efforts of the member states have created an integral, effective structure for jointly resolving issues related to security and promoting collective interests on the world stage.”

It added that today, the Collective Security Treaty Organization plays a key role in maintaining regional stability, reliably guaranteeing security in its area of responsibility, covering the territories included in organization of countries.

TEHRAN, 16 May 2022, (TON): Iran is considering the possibility of exporting gas to Europe, an oil ministry official said “against the backdrop of soaring energy prices due to Russia’s war in Ukraine.”

Deputy oil minister Majid Chegeni was quoted as saying by the ministry’s official news agency, Shana “Iran is studying this subject but we have not reached a conclusion yet.”

He added “Iran is always after the development of energy diplomacy and expansion of the market.”

Though Iran boasts one of the world’s largest pro-ven gas reserves, its industry has been hit by US sanctions that were reimposed in 2018 when Washington withdrew from a landmark nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers.

Talks aiming to revive the 2015 nuclear deal began last year in Vienna but have been on pause for weeks amid outstanding issues.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February sent global oil and gas prices soaring, with many European countries dependent on energy imports from Russia.

WASHINGTON, 16 May 2022, (TON): Former US President Donald Trump has said “he will never return to Twitter.”

Trump said in a circulated statement “grateful for the offer, but I will never return to Twitter.”

He stated that he would prefer to be present on his own social network Truth.

At the same time, Trump believes that the announced price that entrepreneur Elon Musk is ready to pay for the social network is too high.

Trump said “only a fool would buy Twitter for that kind of money. And Elon is not a fool.”

Trump said “besides, how can a deal be made when he may have illegally bought his stake?”

As reported, Musk called the blocking of Trump’s Twitter account a “mistake” and announced his readiness to return access to the social network to the ex- US president.

KABUL, 16 May 2022, (TON):  Public Health Ministry, in cooperation with the Qatari Red Crescent Society, celebrated International Midwife Day with the slogan “One Hundred Years of Progress”.

Addressing an occasion Mohammad Ishaq Sahebzadeh the deputy of the Public Health Ministry called on the international community and aid agencies to work with the Afghan health sector, irrespective of political issues, so that the Afghan people can benefit from health services.

Qatar embassy in Kabul and Red Crescent Society said “they have provided vocational training to 24 midwives to expand health services to mothers and infants in rural Afghanistan.”

Qatar’s ambassador to Kabul, Saeed Mubarak Al-Khayarin, said “his country was committed to assisting Afghanistan in various sectors, expressly in providing health services and providing humanitarian assistance.”

The health sector, the Nurses and Midwives Council calls on the government and international donors to provide more support to nurses and midwives.