May 05, Colombo (LNW): The Parliament of Sri Lanka must immediately investigate into the ongoing monopoly by VFS Global for visa services in Sri Lanka, said Opposition MP (Dr.) Harsha De Silva.

In a statement, Silva questioned the justification behind paying what he termed as ‘monopoly rent’ amounting to approximately Rs. 18 billion over the next twelve months, and highlighted that the total fees per visa amount to US$ 25.77.

This prompts scrutiny into the terms of reference (TOR) specified for such services, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP emphasised.

The Opposition’s concerns centre on the lack of transparency surrounding the cost of service provided by VFS Global, a company that facilitates visa application processes for various countries.

Dr. Silva called into question whether alternative options were thoroughly reviewed before entrusting VFS Global with this responsibility.

The Opposition MP also urged Parliament to take swift action to probe the circumstances surrounding the agreement with VFS Global.

He further stressed that this matter has never been referred to the Parliament Committee on Public Finances (CoPF) which considers matters related to public finances.

He, therefore, clarified that the problem is far worse in the backdrop of data entry and billing being not transparent.

The issue raises broader questions about the government’s approach to outsourcing essential services and the need for comprehensive oversight mechanisms to safeguard public interests. 

As Sri Lanka grapples with economic challenges and strives to enhance governance standards, it is imperative to address concerns related to procurement practices and ensure that public funds are utilised efficiently and effectively.

May 05, Colombo (LNW): Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is expected to increase up to ‘Extreme Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district and that values, expected to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces, the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology said in a warning statement.

The public, therefore, is urged to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade as often as possible, check up on the elderly and the sick, never leave children unattended,limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated, and wear lightweight and white or light-coloured clothing.

May 05, Colombo (LNW): The Indian High Commission has announced the commencement of the International Election Visitor Programme (IEVP) organised by the Election Commission of India amidst the ongoing Lok Sabha 2024 elections, scheduled from May 4 to May 9, 2024.

A 10-member delegation from Sri Lanka will partake in the programme, a statement from the Indian High Commission disclosed.

This delegation comprises two representatives from the Election Commission of Sri Lanka and eight from PCOI (Presidential Commission of Inquiry to Make Recommendations for Election Law Reforms).

The IEVP serves as a vital platform for international election management bodies (EMBs) and organisations involved in the electoral field to gain insights into the robustness of India’s electoral system and to learn about the best practices adopted in the world’s largest democracy.

Previously, the Election Commission of India organised similar programmes during the Lok Sabha Elections in 2014 and 2019, aimed at familiarising foreign EMBs and international organisations with India’s electoral processes.

The programme encompasses briefing sessions covering various topics such as an overview of elections in India, EVMs & VVPAT, IT initiatives, and media and social media outreach.

Furthermore, participants will have the opportunity to travel to different states in groups to observe election procedures and witness polling in various stations.

This year, the Election Commission of India has extended invitations to 55 EMBs and organisations to participate in the IEVP 2024.

The programme offers a unique opportunity for participants to observe and interact with various stakeholders involved in the electoral process, thereby fostering greater understanding and collaboration in the realm of election management.

Through initiatives like the IEVP, both countries aim to promote transparency, integrity, and inclusivity in their respective electoral processes, contributing to the advancement of democratic principles and practices regionally and globally.

May 05, Colombo (LNW): Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamalkawa announced that Japan will recommence yen loan projects in Sri Lanka after the island nation formalises a deal with its bilateral lenders.

Minister Kamalkawa made these remarks after meeting with her Sri Lankan counterpart Ali Sabry in Colombo.

“Stability and economic development in Sri Lanka, strategically located in the Indian Ocean, are crucial for the stability and prosperity of the entire Indo-Pacific region,” stressed Minister Kamalkawa during a briefing in Colombo.

She further expressed Japan’s expectation for the prompt signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between the Officials Creditor Committee (OCC) and Sri Lanka, highlighting Japan’s co-chairmanship of the OCC.

“We stress the importance of reaching a debt restructuring agreement with all creditors transparently and comparably,” she added.

Minister Kamalkawa also conveyed Japan’s intention to resume existing yen loan projects swiftly following the signing of the MOU on debt restructuring and confirmation of the Sri Lankan government’s intent to conclude a bilateral agreement.

Diplomatic relations between Japan and Sri Lanka faced challenges after former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa unilaterally cancelled a $1.5 billion railway project.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe apologised to the Japanese government for this cancellation during his visit to Japan in May last year.

While Minister Kamalkawa did not specify if the cancelled Light Rail Transit (LRT) project would be among those resumed post-MOU signing, she underscored the importance of various reforms undertaken by Sri Lanka for the re-normalisation of its economy.

Furthermore, Japan, advocating for a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” plans to bolster maritime cooperation with Sri Lanka.

As part of this initiative, Japan will provide Sri Lanka with a vessel equipped with sonar technology for data compilation and charting, upon Sri Lanka’s request.

Related news:

May 05, Colombo (LNW): The Japanese government has recently concluded a plan aimed at enhancing Sri Lanka’s oceanographic survey capabilities by providing a vessel equipped with advanced underwater sonar technology.

This initiative was disclosed by Japanese Deputy Press Secretary Kaneko Mariko.

During a bilateral discussion between Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Sri Lankan officials held on Saturday, Minister Kamikawa formally conveyed Japan’s decision to provide this assistance to Sri Lanka.

Under this plan, the Japanese government will furnish Sri Lanka with a vessel integrated with a state-of-the-art sonar system, totalling approximately 01 billion Yen in value.

May 05, Colombo (LNW): The Examinations Department released the re-scrutiny outcomes for the 2022 (2023) General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level (O/L) Examination on the preceding day.

A cumulative total of 49,312 candidates applied for re-scrutiny, resulting in the examination of 250,311 responses.

The re-scrutiny findings have been made accessible through the official websites of the Ministry of Education, available at www.doenets.lk and www.results.exams.gov.lk.

For further inquiries or additional details, individuals are encouraged to reach out to the Examinations Department directly.

May 05, Colombo (LNW): The Archbishop of Colombo, His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, re-emphasised that the ousted President Gotabaya Rajapaksa cannot refute the contents of what he described as their ‘telephone conversation’ held in 2021.

The Cardinal’s remarks came in response to a recent statement by the ex-President, wherein he denied conveying to the Cardinal that recommendations from the Presidential Commission report could not be executed due to potential repercussions on individuals and organisations with close ties to him.

Highlighting the veracity of their conversation, the Cardinal asserted that both he and his secretary could provide evidence confirming the telephone exchange that took place on February 2, 2021.

Addressing recent statements by Rajapaksa, the Cardinal stressed discrepancies between the former President’s claims and the factual contents of the Commission’s report, particularly concerning the recommendation to ban certain non-Islamic organisations.

Moreover, the Cardinal accused the former President of orchestrating the transfer of intelligence officers involved in investigating the Easter Sunday attacks.

He further criticised the present government for its failure to implement the Commission’s recommendations and questioned the lack of action against former President Maithripala Sirisena, despite recommendations for disciplinary measures against him.

Expressing concerns about the current government’s handling of matters related to the Easter Sunday bombings, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith urged for transparency and accountability in addressing the aftermath of the tragic events.

The genocide occurred on April 21, 2019 through a series of suicide bomb attacks targeting prominent Catholic churches and luxury hotels in Sri Lanka took away more than 270 lives.

Despite recommendations from commissions appointed to probe the event and several prosecutions made, justice for the victims of the carnage and their families remains elusive.

The dialogue on the Easter Sunday attacks intensified on both local and international platforms following a detailed story unveiled by British ‘Channel 4’ citing verbal evidence from a political refugee and an ‘undisclosed’ senior government official, accusing that the carnage was executed with the political intent of developing unrest amongst nationalities across Sri Lanka aiming the bringing of a certain candidate favoured by Sinhalese Buddhists to the forefront of the presidential election held months after the carnage.

The dialogue further led to the escalation of political upheaval when former President Maithripala Sirisena recently claimed that he has ‘knowledge’ on the mastermind behind the attack.

May 05, Colombo (LNW): The upcoming second meeting of the strategic dialogue between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom is slated to convene in Colombo on May 7, 2024, at the senior officials’ level.

The dialogue will focus on a comprehensive review of developments in foreign and security policies, alongside an assessment of progress within various realms of bilateral engagement.

These areas include trade, investment, tourism, climate change, environmental protection, migration, and maritime cooperation, among others.

Moreover, the meeting will delve into an evaluation of the collaborative efforts undertaken by both nations on the international stage, particularly within forums such as the United Nations and Commonwealth.

Notably, 2023 marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom.

The commemoration of this milestone witnessed the visit of Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, underscoring the enduring significance of the bilateral friendship.

Heading the Sri Lankan delegation at the second Strategic Dialogue will be Shobini Gunasekera, the Director-General of Europe and North America at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside bilateral discussions led by Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane.

On the UK side, the delegation will be spearheaded by Ben Meller, the Director of the India and Indian Ocean Directorate at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO).

Joining him will be High Commissioner Andrew Patrick, Head of the Sri Lanka team at the FCDO, Humairaa Haita, and other officials from the High Commission, in collaboration with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other pertinent government bodies.