June 07, Colombo (LNW): In a significant development, the Sherisha Technologies / Supreme Global Consortium has strengthened its bid to acquire Sri Lankan Airlines with the inclusion of several high-profile strategic partners. 

This move comes as the consortium provides clarifications to the State-Owned Enterprises Restructuring Unit (SOERU) and notifies the Sri Lankan government of this significant advancement. Aviation Ministry sources said.  

SOE restructuring unit says clarifications raised at pre-bid meetings and responses provided are subsequently published on the treasury website to ensure greater transparency for the first time. 

Sherisha Technologies / Supreme Global Consortium has patnered with Terminal Holdings LLC from Abu Dhabi owned by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed al-Nahyan, one of the wealthiest individuals globally.

, Terminal Holdings brings a wealth of expertise and financial muscle to the consortium. Sheikh Tahnoon is a pivotal figure in Abu Dhabi’s business landscape, known for his substantial contributions to expanding the emirate’s business interests worldwide. 

His portfolio spans multiple sectors including energy, finance, and aviation, with a net worth estimated in the billions of dollars.

 Terminal Holdings’ involvement will enhance operational and commercial efficiencies in Sri Lankan Airlines through airline advisory, ground handling operations, and in-flight catering services.

 In a bold move, the consortium has secured a partnership with Challenge Aerospace LLC and Emirates Aerospace LLC, committing to supply 20 Airbus aircraft (9 narrow-bodied A320s and 11 wide-bodied A330s) within two years of operation. 

This bold initiative is coupled with a commitment to provide up to USD 300 million worth of aircraft spares, significantly enhancing the consortium’s financial capability post-acquisition. 

The establishment of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Sri Lanka will cater to the growing regional demand, further strengthening the nation’s aviation infrastructure.

 This substantial financial backing highlights the consortium’s ability to secure large-scale funding and strategic partnerships, laying a solid foundation for the revitalization of Sri Lankan Airlines.

 Adding to the consortium’s robust financial framework is the support from MBS Global Investments, the investment arm of the Private Office of Sheikh Nayef Bin Eid Al Thani. 

MBS Global Investments is renowned for its extensive network and investment expertise, particularly in fintech, green technologies, real estate, logistics and aviation. The backing of MBS Global Investments, with its ties to the Qatar royal family and access to sovereign wealth, provides an added layer of reliability and financial strength. 

This support underscores the consortium’s ability to leverage Qatar’s immense wealth and commitment to large-scale, impactful investments.

 As previously announced, MMAG Holdings Berhad’s subsidiary, MMAG Aviation Consortium SDN BHD (MAC), continues to play a crucial role in the consortium.

 Their contributions include establishing a robust cargo feeder network for Sri Lankan Airlines, assisting in comprehensive restructuring efforts post-acquisition, and leveraging Sri Lanka’s strategic geographic position to enhance its capacity as a global air cargo hub. 

These strategic alliances, formed within a short span during the Expression of Interest (EOI) process, underscore the consortium’s commitment and capability to achieve remarkable results. Despite the current economic challenges facing Sri Lanka and the state of the airline, the consortium has demonstrated its ability to secure strategic partners and large-scale funding

June 07, Colombo (LNW): The Executive Council and the Politburo of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) are set to convene on Friday, June 7, 2024, for a significant meeting. The gathering will take place at the official residence of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in Wijerama, Colombo.

During this meeting, the SLPP plans to amend its constitution to establish a new main position within the party. This strategic move is expected to shape the party’s future direction and organizational structure.

June 07, Colombo (LNW): The Excise Department has achieved a significant tax revenue milestone, collecting Rs. 88.7 billion from January 1, 2023, to May 31, 2023. This marks a notable increase compared to the Rs. 69.9 billion earned during the same period last year, reflecting an additional Rs. 19 billion or a 28% increase, according to Excise Commissioner General M. J. Gunasiri.

In 2022, the Excise Department’s total revenue was Rs. 169 billion, which has increased to Rs. 179 billion in 2023, showing a growth of Rs. 9 billion year-on-year. By the end of the first five months of 2023, the department targeted Rs. 91.2 billion in tax revenue, achieving 98% of this goal.

Despite an emergency situation in the first week of the year, which resulted in a temporary suspension of production at several liquor manufacturing companies and a loss of approximately Rs. 2 billion, the department’s revenue remained robust. This resilience is attributed to the department’s effective tax collection strategies rather than increases in tax rates.

In 2023, the government raised the excise duty by 14%, following two 40% increases in the previous year. However, Commissioner General Gunasiri emphasized that the revenue increase was not solely due to higher tax rates but rather to improved efficiency and management, even amidst a declining trend in alcohol production.

In an exciting development, leading marketing technology company zMessenger has announced its sponsorship of the upcoming Privately Organized International World Ladies Golf  Tournament  set to take place at the prestigious Royal Colombo Golf Club on June 17th.

Womens Golf Day is an international event that brings together women of all ageas and skill levels to celebrate golf and learn the skills that last a life time.

zMessenger, a trailblazing marketing technology firm renowned for pioneering Mobile marketing and Application to Person messaging in Sri Lanka, has always been at the forefront of innovation. The company offers complete, integrated digital business and technology solutions – digital marketing, social listening, customer data platform technology and analytics to deliver tangible results for its clients. zMessenger is behind most of the popular digital marketing solutions serving leading international and local brands, banking and finance institutions, marketing agencies and mobile network operators. 

Founder and CEO of zMessenger, Jayomi Lokuliyana, an avid golfer herself  expressed her enthusiasm for the company’s sponsorship of the World Ladies Golf Week Tournament, stating, “As a passionate female golfer and advocate for women’s progress and empowerment, I am thrilled to support an event that celebrates the strength, skill, and determination of female athletes. At zMessenger, we believe in fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity, and this sponsorship is a testament to our commitment to empowering women both on and off the golf course. We are proud to stand behind the talented women participating in this very privately  organized and executed  tournament and look forward to a day of exciting competition and camaraderie.”

Golf, a sport known for its strategic gameplay and precision, holds parallels with the business landscape that zMessenger navigates. Both golf and business require skill, foresight, and calculated decisions to achieve success. By sponsoring the World Ladies Golf Week Tournament, zMessenger showcases its support for the values of dedication, perseverance, and excellence that are integral to both the game of golf and the company’s operations.

As zMessenger continues to break new ground in the technology sector, its partnership with the World Ladies Golf Week Tournament not only reflects its commitment to fostering women’s participation in sports but also underscores the company’s belief in the power of collaboration, strategy, and teamwork to drive success in all endeavors.

1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe inaugurated his new political office located on Sir Ernest de Silva Mawatha in Colombo. According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the office will serve as the centre for future political operations.The establishment of the office was initiated by United National Party (UNP) Chairman and Member of Parliament, Wajira Abeywardena.
2. Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Nalin Bandara has written to the Independent Television Network (ITN) expressing the party’s disapproval of the state broadcaster over the channel’s recent preparations for a debate between two opposition parties. Detailing the terms under which he extended an invitation to the National People’s Power (NPP) for a public debate, the MP stressed that the invitation was to first conduct a debate between the economic councils of the two parties. MP Bandara said that the ITN had accepted a day named by the NPP without any regard for the planning and discussions between the two parties, which had been suggested by the SJB.
3. The Supreme Court, which concluded the hearing of the Fundamental Rights (FR) petitions filed against the postponement of the 2023 Local Government elections, has deferred delivering its verdict. The relevant FR petitions filed against the postponement of the 2023 Local Government elections, which was initially scheduled to be held on March 09, 2023, were taken up before a five-member Supreme Court judge bench led by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya.
4. The government has decided to provide Rs. 10,000 each for the families affected by floods in order to clean up their houses, State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon said. The government has primarily allocated an amount of around Rs. 150 million for this purpose, and the relevant funds will be provided to the district secretaries, the State Minister expressed.
5. Sri Lanka and a group of creditors are in advanced talks over a deal aimed at restructuring the nation’s debt with bilateral lenders, according to people familiar with the matter. The government and members of the official creditor committee, which includes India, Hungary and the Paris Club, are exchanging draft versions of the accord, or memorandum of understanding, the people said, asking not to be identified as the talks are private.
6. Director of the National Dengue Control Unit Dr. Sudath Samaraweera, emphasized that dengue disease extends beyond mere health implications, presenting significant economic and social challenges. He underscored that the Ministry of Health alone cannot effectively control the spread of dengue and requires full public support. Dr. Sudath Samaraweera, disclosed that within the last five months of this year, over 25,000 dengue cases and nine dengue-related deaths have been reported.
7. The Ministry of Education launched its inaugural programme to grant vouchers for the purchase of sanitary napkins at the President’s Girls College in Nawala. An investment of Rs. 1 billion has been allocated for this programme, with the view of encouraging school attendance. Accordingly, a voucher of Rs. 1,200 will be given per schoolgirl under the sanitary napkin programme.
8. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, Moosa Zameer has called on Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at Temple Trees in Colombo. During the meeting, they exchanged views on strengthening existing areas of cooperation, and exploring new avenues, particularly on trade, investment, education and culture.
9. The Excise Department has earned a tax revenue of Rs. 88.7 billion in the period from January 1, 2023 to May 31, 2023. It is significant that the Excise Department has earned more revenue than the same period in the last year, which stood at Rs. 69.9 billion.
10. Yupun Abeykoon will be ready to run in the National Athletics Championship to be held in Sri Lanka on the 30th in Sri Lanka. The National Athletics Championship is an Olympic qualification tournament sanctioned by the World Athletics Federation. Before this he will participate in the 100 meters in two tournaments held in Finland on the 18th and 22nd.

June 07, Colombo (LNW): Media, Transport, and Highways Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana has highlighted the significant difficulties faced by residents of Kelani Valley due to adverse weather conditions and subsequent floods. The affected areas include Puwakpitiya in the Avissawella constituency and the surrounding regions of Jaltara in the Kelani Valley, Kaduwela, and Kolonnawa Constituency.

Speaking at the Homagama Development Committee meeting, Minister Gunawardhana emphasized the severe damage to the Kelani Valley railway line, which hindered access to many provinces. Despite these challenges, efforts have been made to maintain train services, with ongoing relief work to clear soil and address landslides.

The Minister announced that the Cabinet has granted necessary authority to the Road Development Authority, the Railway Department, and other public transport agencies to take urgent measures in response to the disaster situation. Special attention was given to relief efforts for those affected by the inclement weather.

Homagama Divisional Secretary B. A. D. Chinthaka reported that approximately 894 families in the Homagama DS division have been affected by the floods, with many homes submerged or isolated. The Divisional Secretariat has been providing essential supplies such as dry rations to those impacted.

June 07, Colombo (LNW): Transport, Highways, and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana announced that the Labugama and Kalatuwawa reservoirs have been designated as part of Sri Lanka’s national heritage and resources. Highlighting their vital role in providing drinking water to the Colombo area, he emphasized the importance of natural resource management and the region’s potential for tourism.

Minister Gunawardhana made these remarks at the inauguration of the Kaluaggala–Labugama road development project, which aims to enhance connectivity to the reservoirs and surrounding areas. This project addresses long-standing requests from local residents for road improvements and is expected to boost tourism by leveraging the natural beauty and hospitality of the Seethawakapura area.

The Minister highlighted the success of the Ella area as a model for tourism development, attributing its popularity to small tourism businesses and the scenic Colombo–Badulla railway line. He noted that the introduction of special tourist trains, such as the Ella Odyssey, Dunhinda Odyssey, and Calypso, has met with great demand and international media attention. Similarly, efforts are underway to convert the Kelani Valley railway line into an electric railway, with ongoing efforts to secure foreign investment.

Minister Gunawardhana also discussed the allocation of funds for road development, noting that Rs. 200 billion has been designated for such activities this year. Specific attention has been given to the Avissawella and Homagama constituencies, which have lagged in infrastructure development. The World Bank project will see 80 kilometers of roads developed in these areas, with work set to commence in the next two months following preliminary preparations.

He acknowledged the financial burden of these projects, which will be repaid by future generations, and stressed the necessity of adhering to conditions set by international financial organizations to continue receiving foreign aid. A proposed Economic Transformation Bill aims to address Sri Lanka’s debt repayment strategy, ensuring sustainable economic management.

The event was attended by Venerable Pugoda Dhammaloka Nayaka Thera, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Avissawella organizer lawyer Ravindra Jayasinghe, former Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Jayantha Rohana, former Provincial Council member Mahesh Almeida, officials from the Road Development Authority, and local residents.

June 07, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena held a discussion with Mauritius High Commissioner Haymandoyal Dillum about the expansion of trade and investment relations between the two countries. During the meeting at Temple Trees on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, the Prime Minister urged the exploration of investments in new areas, including power and energy.

The High Commissioner invited Sri Lanka to join the Small Island Developing States (SIDS), assuring support from Mauritius for Sri Lanka’s membership. SIDS comprises 29 island states, including Singapore, Mauritius, and Maldives.

They also discussed close collaboration in multilateral organizations such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), where both countries are founder members, and the African Union, where Mauritius is a member and Sri Lanka has Observer Status.

Over the past six years, Sri Lankan exports to Mauritius have grown at an annualized rate of 37.7%, from $768k in 2017 to $7.5 million in 2023. Prime Minister Gunawardena emphasized the need to further diversify trade.

High Commissioner Dillum expressed satisfaction with the rapid recovery of tourism in Sri Lanka and highlighted the potential for collaboration in the hospitality industry. He noted that both countries share common tourist attractions, such as beautiful beaches and holiday resorts, and suggested that Mauritius could provide expertise in this sector. He also praised the contribution of Sri Lankans employed in Mauritius to both economies, and Prime Minister Gunawardena thanked the Mauritius government for providing employment opportunities to Sri Lankans.

Parliamentarian Yadamini Gunawardena, Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake, and other senior officials were present during the meeting.

June 07, Colombo (LNW): The Education Ministry will provide vouchers for schoolgirls to buy sanitary napkins based on the allocation of one billion rupees.

The programme of supplying free vouchers for adult schoolgirls to purchase sanitary napkins will be implemented from this month. The inauguration of the gift voucher programme, funded with an investment of one billion rupees, took place at President’s Girls’ College in Nawala yesterday (6).

Accordingly, the Education Ministry has taken steps to provide free vouchers to purchase sanitary napkins for six months beginning from June. A gift voucher worth Rs. 1,200 each will be given to female students. These vouchers will be distributed through schools, ensuring all adult female students in seven national estate schools and all provincial schools receive them.

Sanitary napkins can be purchased using these gift vouchers from retail shops registered with the Education Ministry. It is the responsibility of the students to purchase quality sanitary napkins certified by the Sri Lanka Standards Institute (SLSI).

The gift voucher is divided into two parts, each worth Rs. 600. Part A is valid from June 10, 2024, to July 10, 2024, and Part B can be used from September 1, 2024, to September 30, 2024. Sanitary napkins must be purchased within these time frames.

This initiative aims to support children’s personality development and healthy well-being, which are crucial for the successful maintenance of the learning-teaching process in schools. It is expected to encourage school attendance among female students and address issues related to health and education disruptions during economic hardships.

June 07, Colombo (LNW): Showers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces and in Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts.

Several spells of showers will occur in North-western, Northern and North-central provinces.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Eastern and Uva provinces in the evening or night.

Strong winds of about (40-50) kmph can be expected at times over Northern, North-central, North-western provinces and in the Hambantota district.

General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.