May 24, Colombo (LNW): The South West Monsoon continues to bring prevailing showery and windy conditions across Sri Lanka. The forecast indicates that these conditions will persist.
Showers or Thundershowers:
At times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-Western, Southern, and Northern provinces.
Very heavy showers of about 150 mm are expected in some areas of the Sabaragamuwa province and Nuwara-Eliya district.
Heavy showers above 100 mm are likely in parts of the Western and North-Western provinces and in Kandy, Mannar, Galle, and Matara districts.
Showers or thundershowers are anticipated at several locations elsewhere on the island.
Wind Conditions:
Strong winds of about 50-60 km/h are expected at times over the western slopes of the central hills and in the Northern, North-Central, Western, Southern, and North-Western provinces, as well as in the Trincomalee district.
Fairly strong winds of about 30-40 km/h can be expected at times in other parts of the island.
Residents in affected areas are advised to take necessary precautions to mitigate the impacts of heavy rainfall and strong winds, including the risk of floods and landslides.
May 24, Colombo (LNW): The Cabinet has approved the formation of a committee headed by the President’s Secretary to study and report on various issues, including the introduction of laws to cancel lease agreements of state-owned companies with poor management that are unable to pay salaries. This decision was announced by Cabinet Spokesman, Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana, at a press briefing held at the Government Information Department on May 23.
The proposal, presented by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, aims to allocate government-owned land to investors capable of utilizing it more productively, thereby developing both resources and employees.
Minister Gunawardhana also addressed the recent government announcement to increase daily wages for plantation workers. Some plantation companies have informed the government that they cannot afford these increased wages. As a result, the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization, and National Policy has been tasked with estimating the minimum wage for plantation workers, considering the current cost of living and the impacts of the recent economic crisis. They will also assess each plantation company’s capacity to pay the estimated wage.
Approval was granted to implement proposals for appointing a committee and introducing laws that allow the cancellation of land lease agreements with estate companies unable to pay salaries due to mismanagement. Minister Gunawardhana explained:
“Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic recession, there was a significant increase in price levels. During that time, a Rs. 10,000 allowance was provided to government employees as a remedy for the rising cost of living. However, plantation workers did not receive a comparable increase, leading to a decline in their standard of living and nutritional levels. Consequently, trade unions associated with plantations consistently demanded wage increases to improve the living conditions of plantation workers.
“In response, the government announced a salary increase for these workers. Nevertheless, the estate companies complained that they could not remain competitive in the market due to the rising cost of production. Therefore, the President appointed special committees, headed by the President’s Secretary and involving other ministries, to conduct a comprehensive study and provide a report.”
The establishment of this committee is seen as a crucial step in addressing the financial and managerial challenges facing state-owned companies and ensuring fair wages for plantation workers amidst economic difficulties.
May 24, Colombo (LNW):The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has reported over 36,900 breakdowns, resulting in power interruptions affecting more than 300,000 consumers throughout Sri Lanka over the past three days due to inclement weather.
Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera announced that additional service staff have been assigned to address the breakdowns alongside the general staff. The CEB management and service staff are working around the clock to promptly restore power supply to the affected consumers.
Minister Wijesekera also provided alternative ways for consumers to report power interruptions if they encounter issues with the CEB hotline 1987. Consumers can send an SMS to 1987 with the keyword “BD” followed by their electricity consumer number. Additionally, complaints can be placed through the CEB Care app or by logging into http://cebcare.ceb.lk.
May 24, Colombo (LNW): Cabinet approval has been granted to elevate Karapitiya Teaching Hospital to the status of a national hospital, making it the third in Sri Lanka. This decision was announced by Cabinet Spokesman and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana at a press conference held on May 23 at the Government Information Department.
The proposal, presented by Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, includes renaming the facility as ‘Galle National Hospital’. With this change, Karapitiya Teaching Hospital will join Colombo and Kandy National Hospitals as a key institution in the country’s healthcare system.
Karapitiya Teaching Hospital serves as the primary tertiary health center for the Southern Province and nearby regions, offering specialized services except for maternal treatment. The hospital is a referral center for primary and secondary healthcare institutions within these provinces.
The hospital also plays a significant role in medical education. It houses the Professors’ unit for Ruhuna University’s Faculty of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences Faculty, providing teaching and training facilities to approximately 1,100 undergraduate medical students, 500 nursing students from Galle Nursing Training School, and about 100 physiotherapists, pharmacists, and laboratory technicians annually.
Minister Gunawardhana noted that by the end of this year, the hospital’s bed capacity will increase to 2,858, making it the second-largest tertiary care health center in Sri Lanka, following the Colombo National Hospital.
May 24, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscored the significance of Theravada Buddhism in addressing the challenges posed by a world rapidly advancing in science and technology during the State Vesak Festival held at Dharmaraja Piriven Viharaya in Matale, virtually.
Although President Wickremesinghe was scheduled to participate in person, adverse weather conditions prevented his attendance, leading him to join the event virtually. He emphasized the importance of preserving the true essence of Theravada Buddhism and sharing its wisdom with the world, extending his wishes for a meaningful Vesak celebration to all Buddhists.
This year’s State Vesak Festival, centered in the Matale District, is themed “Attano wa avekkhyeya kathani akatani cha” (Let’s Focus on What We Have Done, Not What Others Have Done). Vesak Week is being observed from May 21 to 27, marking a particularly special celebration with the participation of Buddhist monks from 12 countries, highlighting the global significance of this sacred event.
During the ceremony, various significant actions were undertaken, including the presentation of Pooja Bhumi Scroll Memorandums, the issuance of a Vesak commemorative stamp, and the provision of grants for temple development, Dhamma schools, and sanitary facilities for challenging temples. Additionally, grants were provided from the Buddhasasana Fund, and symbolic distributions of book sets and ‘Budu Puth Maapiya’ grant cheques were made.
In total, Rs. 22 million has been allocated for the development of 22 rural Buddhist temples in the Matale district, with an additional Rs. 2.6 million earmarked for the development of five temples hosting programmes in conjunction with the State Vesak Festival. Furthermore, Rs. 0.4 million has been set aside for the reconstruction of three temples affected by disasters, and Rs. 5 million has been dedicated to the development of 12 Dhamma schools. Under the Buddhasasana Fund, Rs. 32 million has been allotted to provide sanitary facilities for 32 challenging temples. Development efforts for over 25 temples in the district have also commenced, with labour contributions from the Armed Forces and the Civil Defence Force.
The festival was orchestrated by the Samastha Lanka Shasanarakshaka Mandalaya, the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, the Department of Buddhist Affairs, and the Matale District Secretariat.
In his virtual address, President Wickremesinghe remarked:
“I regret being unable to attend the National Vesak Festival in person due to adverse weather conditions. The Matale district holds significance in Theravada Buddhism, notably as the site where the Sacred Tripitaka was transcribed at Alu Viharaya. This location has played a vital role in preserving Buddha’s teachings. Therefore, we should give more consideration to Theravada Buddhism.
“While the world is increasingly focused on science and new technologies, these advancements also bring emerging challenges. For adherents of Theravada Buddhism who comprehend its authentic essence, these challenges may not be insurmountable. Theravada Buddhism provides a framework through which such issues can be addressed and resolved. It is imperative that we safeguard and perpetuate the genuine spirit of Theravada Buddhism. Wishing everyone a joyous and meaningful Vesak celebration.”
The event was attended by Maha Sangha, including the Chairman of the Samastha Lanka Shasanarakshaka Mandalaya Ven. Thunmulle Seelakkanda Thera and the Registrar Ven. Mugunawela Anuruddha Thera, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Vidura Wickramanayaka, State Ministers Premita Bandara Tennakoon and Rohana Dissanayake, Governor of the Central Province Advocate Lalith U. Gamage, Members of Parliament Nalaka Kottegoda and Udayana Kirindigoda, Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, Army Commander Lt. Gen. Vikum Liyanage, and other dignitaries.
May 24, Colombo (LNW): Mawbima Janata Party leader Dilith Jayaweera has announced his willingness to participate in the debate between National People’s Power leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake and opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, due to Premadasa’s absence.
“In that debate, Anura Kumara Dissanayake can ask me about everything. I can answer them,” Jayaweera declared.
He made this statement while attending the Republic Day celebration held yesterday (22) at the Lighthouse lecture hall.
May 23, Colombo (LNW): Board of Investment (BOI) Chairman Dinesh Weerakkody says that the establishment of a new Economic Commission in Sri Lanka is aimed at strengthening the investment climate and to enhance national competitiveness.
“The Economic commission hopes to create a genuine one stop shop or single window and provides clarity on the key roles of institutions in the investment and export facilitation space and provide the required structure to take fast and effective decisions.
The final goal will be to improve the ease of doing business,” Weerakkody said adding that the National Policy on Economic Transformation is important yowards this end.
The policy will set several key economic targets that include, that GDP must reach 5% per annum by 2027 and increase 5% from then on; the total level of unemployment in the country to be below 5% by 2025.
It will ensure that by 2030 female participation in the labour force must not be below 40%; hold the current account deficit at less than 1% in the event the country experiences such a deficit; and to see a growth in Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) to reflect 5% of the total GDP by 2030 as well as a shift in FDIs towards the export of goods and services by 2040.
Weerakkody pointed out that to achieve this goal, Sri Lanka needs serious transformation, starting from the regulatory environment, taxation policies, market size and access, strong legal systems.
It enforce contracts and protect intellectual property, Legal and Judicial Framework, skilled and educated workforce, physical infrastructure, roads, ports, effective utilities, strengthen regional value chains, environmental sustainability and improve governance overall in decision making, he said.
On the challenges, Weerakkody noted would be the HR challenges, internal capabilities and structural challenges relating to organisational design and management transformation.
These must be addressed to ensure the effectiveness of the proposed new organisations. The Act, he said, proposes the creation of five new entities: the Sri Lanka Economic Commission, Sri Lanka Investment Zones, and Office for International Trade, National Productivity Commission, and the Sri Lanka Institute of Economics and International Trade.
Talking of trends, Weerakkody noted, FDI is increasingly favouring services over manufacturing, widening the gap between the two sectors and FDI in environmental technologies like solar and wind energy has emerged as the fastest-growing sector outside of services.
Weerakkody also noted Sri Lanka is strategically placed to benefit from a fast-changing global marketplace and trade routes. “We are between Europe and the Far East on the major East-West shipping lanes.
We have good access to lucrative Middle Eastern markets and rising African markets, while the big growth engine that is India lies just 20 miles away,” he added.
May 23, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka-Norway diplomatic relations have entered a dynamic new phase with strengthened ties and bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
Norway, which shut its Embassy in Colombo last year, is now ready to boost bilateral ties with Sri Lanka.
This assurance was given by May-Elin Stener, the Ambassador of Norway to Sri Lanka and India who visited Sri Lanka during 2nd to 9th May, a statement issued Tuesday noted.
The visit marks a pivotal moment in the strengthening of bilateral ties between Norway and Sri Lanka as Ambassador Stener engaged in constructive dialogues with key stakeholders, including, President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe, Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, the leader of National People’s Power, Anura Kumara Dissanayake and TNA Member of Parliament, M. A. Sumanthiran.
During her meeting with President Wickremasinghe, Ambassador Stener was briefed on the commendable progress of Norwegian investments and development projects in Sri Lanka. Both parties reiterated their commitment to sustaining the close partnership between the two nations, underscoring mutual interests in various sectors.
A pivotal segment of Ambassador Stener’s diplomatic mission unfolded in discussions with Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, where the positive trends of investments and increasing tourist inflows from Norway to Sri Lanka was discussed. Other crucial topics such as reconciliation efforts, economic reforms, and ongoing Norwegian development initiatives within Sri Lanka were also addressed.
Ambassador Stener also had insightful dialogues with key opposition figures, including Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa. The topics of discussion revolved around Sri Lanka’s economic priorities, with particular emphasis on fostering collaboration in renewable energy, maritime affairs, and circular economy initiatives.
Acknowledging the diverse political landscape, Ambassador Stener extended her appreciation to Anura Kumara Dissanayake for a substantive exchange of views on Sri Lanka’s developmental trajectory. Both parties explored avenues for bolstering Norway’s contributions to Sri Lanka’s development and reconciliation endeavors, identifying promising sectors for enhanced cooperation.
Ambassador Stener’s visit exemplifies Norway’s steadfast commitment to nurturing bilateral relations with Sri Lanka. She is supported by the Honorary Consul General for Norway in Sri Lanka Mano Sekaram and the consulate office.
Financial aid had been Norway’s most important foreign policy tool and the Scandinavian nation has contributed to Sri Lanka in development assistance since 1965, according to statistics from Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD).
Priority areas of Norway’s assistance to Sri Lanka are also linked to some of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In providing development cooperation, noteworthy is Norway’s technical support in the field of fisheries since 1971, which includes fisheries management, research and education, and private sector development with the aim of achieving sustainable management of fisheries resources in Sri Lanka.
May 23, Colombo (LNW): U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, presented a progressive vision for Sri Lanka’s ports at the Indo-Pacific Business Forum Satellite Event in Colombo, emphasizing the integration of environmental sustainability with economic growth.
“Sri Lanka’s strategic location in the Indo-Pacific region makes its ports a critical hub for international trade,” Chung stated. “By adopting sustainable practices, Sri Lanka can enhance its competitiveness and contribute significantly to global efforts to combat climate change.”
A recent visit by a Sri Lankan delegation to Washington, D.C., facilitated by the U.S. government, underscored this vision. The delegation, led by Sri Lanka Ports Authority Chairman Keith Bernard and Secretary of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation K. D. S. Ruwanchandra, explored sustainable operations at the Port of Virginia and Old Dominion University’s School of Supply Chain and Maritime Logistics.
Drawing parallels with the Port of Long Beach, known for its Green Port Policy, Chung highlighted successful investments in zero-emissions equipment and innovative policies to reduce environmental impacts. “It is our hope to see Sri Lanka’s ports set a regional benchmark by incorporating these sustainable practices,” she noted.
The event featured discussions with industry leaders on technological advancements and policy guidance to support sustainable practices in Sri Lanka’s ports, emphasizing collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Ambassador Chung’s vision for Sri Lanka’s ports reflects a commitment to sustainable development, demonstrating that economic growth and environmental sustainability can go hand in hand. With strategic implementation of green initiatives, Sri Lanka’s ports are poised to become leaders in sustainable operations within the Indo-Pacific region.
The private sector is poised to play a pivotal role in this transformation by providing services and equipment in support of port operations and the greening initiative.
The US Government’s support for Sri Lanka’s ports sector is robust and expanding, the largest contribution being a US International Development Finance Corporation investment of $ 553 million supporting the development of the West Container Terminal.
In addition, the US Embassy is facilitating capacity building programs for SLPA staff in the fields of cyber security, public-private partnerships, operational management, and human resources as it manages expanding port operations in Colombo and across the country.
The US Government’s ongoing support for the ports sector through the US Departments of State, Energy and Defense provides a boost to Sri Lanka’s economy while facilitating supply chain resilience for global trade.
The event was held at the Courtyard by Marriot and speakers from the diplomatic community, Sri Lankan and Maldivian Government representatives and private sector industry leaders from the ports, shipping, and logistics sectors expressed their views.
May 23, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s merchandise export earnings have reached a record high of $ 3.98 billion in the first four months of the year, whilst reflecting a 3.55% year-on-year (YoY) increase, provisional data released yesterday by the Export Development Board (EDB) revealed.
This surpasses the previous record of $ 3.95 billion set in the same period in 2019. The all time high $ 4.23 billion was recorded in 2022.
However, April merchandise export earnings declined by 4.10% YoY to $ 814 million, also showing a 29% drop compared to March 2024. Despite this, total exports for April saw a marginal YoY increase of 1.25% to $ 1.14 billion given the strong performance in services export earnings.
In April 2024, the estimated value of services exports was $ 300.41 million, showing a significant increase of 19.28% compared to the same month in 2023.
The strong performance in services export earnings, during the first four months which rose by 6.47% YoY to $ 1.04 billion, contributed significantly to the total export value.
As a result, total export earnings from January to April hit a high of $ 5.03 billion, marking a 4.14% YoY growth.
The EDB’s estimate of services exports includes sectors such as ICT/BPM, construction, financial services, transport and logistics.
Export earnings from tea which made up 12% of merchandise exports, increased by 2.22% YoY to $ 95.46 million in April2024 compared to April 2023. This increase is mainly due to the strong performance of export of Bulk Tea (increased by 12.08%).
Moreover, export earnings from Rubber and Rubber Finished products have increased by 20.18% YoY to $ 66.58 million in April 2024, with the strong performance in exports of Pneumatic and Retreated Rubber Tyres and Tubes (36.09%).
On monthly analysis, export earnings of Coconut based products increased by 17.73% in April 2024 compared to April 2023. Moreover, export earnings of Coconut kernel products, Coconut fibre products and Coconut shell products increased by 26.31%, 10.55% and 9.98% respectively in April 2024 compared to April 2023.
Furthermore, the estimated value of ICT exports is expected to increase by 21.6% to $ 120.69 million in April 2024 when compared to April 2023.
In addition, export earnings from Rubber and Rubber finished products increased by 12.03% to $ 335.0 million in January – April 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 attributed to increased exports of Industrial and Surgical Gloves of Rubber (8.0%) and Pneumatic and Retreated Rubber Tyres and Tubes (17.39%).
Earnings from export of Apparel and Textile have decreased by 2.84% to $ 1,566.39 million during the period of January to April 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
