President Ranil Wickramasinghe announced that he is running as a candidate in this year’s presidential election.
He was addressing the public rally “Ekwa Jayagamu – Api Gālla” which is currently being held at the Galle Municipal Stadium.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka Sign MoU on Mutual Cooperation in Criminal Matters
July 27, Colombo (LNW): A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Mutual Cooperation in Criminal Matters was signed between the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Pakistan, and the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), Sri Lanka today in Colombo.
The MoU was signed at the office of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) in Colombo. The High Commissioner of Pakistan, Major General (Retd) Faheem Ul Aziz HI (M), signed on behalf of the National Accountability Bureau of Pakistan, while Director General W.K.D. Wijeratne signed for CIABOC.
This MoU aims to strengthen collaborative efforts against corruption and money laundering and to enhance capacity and institutional building between the respective institutions of the two countries.
Help Age Sri Lanka Achieves 50,000 Free Cataract Surgeries
July 27, Colombo (LNW): Help Age Sri Lanka (HASL) reaching the milestone of 50,000 free cataract surgeries this month is a notable mission, Minister of Health Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said.
Addressing the gathering at the event held to celebrate over 50,000 free cataract surgeries conducted by the Help Age Eye Hospital yesterday, Dr. Pathirana emphasized that despite the economic challenges Sri Lanka has faced, the government has consistently prioritized funding for health and education. He highlighted that in Sri Lanka, which has the highest proportion of elderly adults in the South Asian region, it is the collective responsibility of society to ensure the well-being of older adults.
Tilak De Zoysa, Chairman of Help Age Sri Lanka, remarked that HASL is dedicated to enabling older people to lead dignified, active, healthy, and secure lives. “The Help Age Eye Hospital was established to tackle the growing vision-related issues, particularly cataracts, among the elderly. The hospital has doubled its capacity with 20 beds and conducts free surgeries four days a week, aiming for 320 surgeries per week and 3,840 surgeries annually. The hospital’s 22-member staff, led by Eye Surgeon Dr. Jayantha Vidanapathirana, is committed to providing exceptional care,” he added.
Established as a full-fledged eye hospital in 2009 and located at Sinsapa Road, Wellawatte, the Help Age Eye Hospital stands as Colombo’s only charitable facility offering such essential services. With the capacity to perform up to 20 free cataract surgeries daily, the hospital operates from Monday to Thursday for surgeries, with Friday designated as a clinic day for patient visits and post-surgery follow-ups. The hospital boasts state-of-the-art equipment, including the Vision Enhancement system from Bausch and Lomb, USA, ensuring optimal outcomes for all patients.
HASL has organized island-wide Mobile Medical and Eye Screening Programmes to restore vision and improve health conditions for senior citizens. Nearly 60% of elders suffering from refractive error will regain their eyesight with a proper pair of spectacles made to order by HelpAge’s Mobile Medical and Eye Care unit. Another 30% of elders suffering from low vision due to cataracts will be identified at these camps. Those diagnosed with cataracts are then directed to the Help Age Eye Hospital for further treatment.
Apparel sector calls on Govt. to urgently reconsider SVAT abolition
July 27, Colombo (LNW): As the deadline for abolishing the Simplified Value-Added Tax (SVAT) system approaches on 1 April 2025, Sri Lanka’s Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) is urging the government to reconsider its decision due to the increasing strain on the apparel industry
. JAAF emphasizes that the sector, which constitutes nearly half of Sri Lanka’s export portfolio, is already facing significant challenges, including reduced export figures. The removal of SVAT without an effective refund mechanism could severely disrupt cash flows for exporters.
JAAF’s Sri Lanka Chamber of Garment Exporters Chairman, Bandula Fernando, warns that the policy change could exacerbate financial difficulties for the sector, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Despite legal requirements for VAT refunds within 45 days, many exporters still face delays, with some refunds pending since 2010. These delays, compounded by the Sri Lankan rupee’s depreciation, create severe cash flow issues for both SMEs and larger exporters.
JAAF Secretary General Yohan Lawrence acknowledges the government’s need to meet revenue targets under the IMF program but criticizes the decision to abolish SVAT based on incorrect assumptions.
He argues that the SVAT system does not contribute to revenue erosion as claimed, and its removal may actually lead to increased imports and reduced domestic value addition. The SVAT system has been instrumental in sourcing intermediary goods and promoting backward integration in the industry.
Industry experts note that abolishing SVAT could lead to increased cash flow challenges between exporters and the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), rather than enhancing revenue.
Historical issues with VAT refunds, including significant delays and fraud, highlight the effectiveness of SVAT in mitigating these risks. The system’s voucher-based approach limits potential misuse, unlike the traditional VAT refund system, which has been prone to fraud.
Reintroducing a VAT refund system could compel apparel exporters to import raw materials rather than sourcing them domestically, further straining cash flows and reducing incentives for local value addition. This shift could negatively impact Sri Lanka’s balance of trade and undermine the sector’s viability.
Lawrence also points out that reinstating a VAT refund system would place additional administrative burdens on the IRD and the industry, leading to increased costs and resource misallocation. He argues that the potential inefficiencies and increased costs of a new VAT refund system make it a counterproductive solution.
In summary, JAAF urges the government to reconsider the SVAT abolition to avoid further financial strain on the apparel industry, preserve domestic value addition, and maintain the sector’s competitiveness.
Sri Lanka and Thailand agree to enhance public debt management capacity
July 27, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka plans to fully operationalize its Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) by January 2026, following its establishment in the fourth quarter of 2024 under the new Public Debt Management (PDM) Law.
Thailand and Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Finance signed a Record of Discussion (RoD) to launch a Capacity Building Program for officials associated with the upcoming PDMO.
This development was discussed at a recent Committee on Public Finance (COPF) meeting. The PDMO will operate within the Ministry of Finance, as outlined in the proposed PDM Bill, and is expected to be set up by Q4 2024 according to guidelines from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Deputy Secretary to the Treasury, A.K. Senavirathna, mentioned that the proposed PDM bill would introduce a Medium Term Debt Management Strategy (MTDMS) for parliamentary approval.
This strategy will guide the government’s future debt-raising activities and will be updated annually along with the budget over a five-year period, based on the fiscal rules in the proposed Public Financial Management Bill once it is enacted.
Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe explained that the Minister of Finance, who will have exclusive authority to raise debt, along with the PDMO, will need to adhere to the Parliament-approved MTDMS.
Ajith Abeysekara, Director General of the External Resources Department, noted that the IMF initially wanted Sri Lanka to create an independent debt management authority.
However, due to Sri Lanka’s traditional democratic setup, establishing an independent authority was considered challenging, leading to the creation of the PDMO with operational autonomy within the Treasury under the Finance Minister.
To enhance Sri Lanka’s fiscal framework and public debt management capacity, the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA) of Thailand and Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Finance signed a Record of Discussion (RoD) to launch a Capacity Building Program for officials associated with the upcoming PDMO.
This cooperation is a significant step towards efficient public debt management.
The agreement was signed following an invitation from the Department of External Resources of the Finance Ministry. A NEDA delegation, led by President Perames Vudthitornetiraks, met with Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana in Colombo.
This initiative is crucial as Sri Lanka aims to establish the PDMO by the end of the year to enhance its public debt management practices and ensure long-term fiscal sustainability.
Treasury Secretary Siriwardana noted the government’s fiscal and monetary policy initiatives that have significantly contributed to the country’s recovery from its recent economic crisis.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to preventing future economic crises and highlighted the longstanding cultural and religious ties between
Thailand and Sri Lanka, particularly through Theravada Buddhism. Siriwardana also expressed optimism about future development cooperation between the two countries.
NEDA President Perames Vudthitornetiraks praised the Sri Lankan government’s progress and affirmed NEDA’s readiness to share its expertise in public debt management.
Ode to a Comrade Dr. Wickramabahu Karunaratne
The last line of the final chapter of conviction politics has just now been written. The muse of time has rested her pen and the mould from which such great men are made has been permanently cast away, never to be found or used. Our dear comrade has rested his head on the cold tomb stone, for the final time, at the ripe old age of 81 years.
The Late Dr. Wickramabahu Karunaratne, to those whose lives he touched, will ever remain as the greatest “head of state of Sri Lanka” never to be. Persons of his calibre cannot, by the rule of opportunistic politics, succeed. Dr. Wickramabahu Karunaratne remained true to the his political beliefs and consciously rejected the opportunities which were easily within his reach. His life, is the lesson and the legacy, he leaves behind. To be an insignificant part of his life and legacy is my pleasure and pride.
As a staunch “fourth internationalist” comrade Wickramabahu stood firm when a large section of the Samasamajists succumbed to the lure of a high political offices. As a brilliant engineer with a first-class degree from the then University of Ceylon and the PhD. from the University of Cambridge, he had the world at his feet; but he chose to serve the mankind, transcending the man made divides. He never wavered in his mission.
Death is a great leveler, and when it places its icy cold hands, even the king’s crown and the sceptre will tumble down. Only the good deeds will stand tall, smelling sweet forever.
May his soul rest in peace.
Dr. K.P. Nagulesan
London
Scope Cinema opens IMAX Theatre at Havelock City Mall
July 27, Colombo (LNW): Scope Cinemas is set to revolutionize the cinematic experience in Sri Lanka with the grand opening of its new IMAX Theatre at Havelock City Mall on July 24. .
This eagerly awaited launch provided an unprecedented level of audio-visual immersion for Sri Lankan moviegoers, marking a significant milestone in the country’s entertainment landscape.
Globally renowned for its cutting-edge technology and unique film presentation, IMAX’s latest theatre at Scope Cinemas Multiplex will feature the advanced IMAX with Laser projection system.
This next-gen laser system, combined with IMAX Precision Sound and stadium-style seating designed for optimal viewing, promises the most immersive cinematic experience available today.
Scope Cinemas, Sri Lanka’s first multi-sensory luxury entertainment company, has been a leader in the local cinema industry since its inception in 2017.
The company initially gained popularity with its reliable online booking system, transforming how Sri Lankans purchase movie tickets by eliminating long queues and offering the convenience of selecting seats and ordering food online.
The customer experience was further enhanced with the introduction of a mobile app, enabling users to make reservations and food orders directly from their smartphones.
Beyond technological advancements, Scope Cinemas is dedicated to providing luxury and convenience. Its theatres offer gourmet cinema dining, including freshly made burgers, wraps, and various beverages, ensuring a complete dining experience alongside the movie.
The VIP Gold Class theatres elevate this experience with reclining seats, cozy blankets, and personalized service, offering a truly first-class movie experience.
The company is also known for its exceptional customer service, with staff trained to assist with ticket reservations and deliver food and beverages directly to guests’ seats seamlessly.
Scope Cinemas Director and CEO Thushan Rangana Meemanage expressed pride in the new IMAX Theatre, describing it as the crown jewel in their network. He highlighted Scope Cinemas’ ongoing mission to set international standards and provide unparalleled cinema experiences in Sri Lanka.
Bringing IMAX to the country represents a landmark achievement in this vision, and Meemanage looks forward to dazzling audiences with the new technology.
Executive Chairman Naveed Cader echoed this enthusiasm, emphasizing the company’s passion for offering Sri Lankans a revolutionary cinematic experience. Cader noted the hard work invested in preparing for the IMAX launch to ensure perfection.
He expressed excitement about elevating the cinema experience by partnering with IMAX, providing customers with a world-class, premium, large-format movie experience right in Sri Lanka
Bird Island in Beira Lake to be transformed into a cultural heritage site
July 27, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan government has approved a lease of Bird Island, located on Beira Lake, to the Sri Jinarathana Vocational Technical Training Centre for 50 years.
The decision aims to transform the island into a cultural heritage site to attract tourists. The proposal was made by the Chief Incumbent of the Gangarama Temple and supported by the Urban Development and Housing Minister Prasanna Ranatunga, receiving Cabinet approval.
Bird Island covers 143 perches on the southwest part of Beira Lake and was originally transferred to the Urban Development Authority (UDA) in 2000 under the Beira Lake Restoration Project, part of the Colombo City Development Plan.
The lease value is based on the government’s Chief Assessor’s valuation. Minister Bandula Gunawardena stated that this development would enhance Colombo’s cultural and tourist appeal, contributing to the city’s vibrancy.
Tourism and Lands Minister Harin Fernando revealed plans to transform the Beira Lake area into a major entertainment destination, inspired by Clarke Quay River in Singapore, featuring amusement, dining, and entertainment.
The initiative, personally assigned by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, includes floating restaurants, street food corners, and other amusement options. The goal is to develop an active district while preserving the cultural value of the country.
The UDA will manage the cleaning and maintenance of Beira Lake to support the new operations. Additionally, Sri Lanka has partnered with Extreme, a global adventure brand, to introduce high-profile adventure sports like hot air ballooning, skydiving, and bungee jumping, aimed at attracting tourists and boosting spending on these activities.
Minister Fernando announced ambitious tourism targets, aiming for over USD 2.5 billion in revenue from 1.6 million tourist arrivals in 2023, with projections to increase to 2.5 million arrivals and USD 4 billion in revenue by 2024.
This would position tourism as Sri Lanka’s second-largest foreign exchange earner, surpassing the apparel sector. The strategy includes attracting high-spending tourists from new source markets such as Japan, Korea, and Australia.
Fernando highlighted that 33% of Sri Lanka’s tourists are repeat visitors. The country has promoted itself with the marketing concept “Sri Lanka Come Back for More” and “Sri Lanka, a Safe Destination to Travel” on platforms like the World Travel Market (WTM).
The efforts have encouraged more airlines to add Colombo to their destinations, and several international hotel chains are showing interest in opening properties in Sri Lanka. As Minister of Lands, Fernando mentioned that land for these projects could be offered with minimal bureaucracy and favorable conditions, further boosting tourism development
ADDING DUNG TO THE MILK CONTAINER
Currently, both the Sports Minister and the Sports Director
General have a positive and logical reputation in the field of
sports. Roshan Ranasinghe and Arjuna Ranatunga can be said to
be better than Hareen, except for those rare people who take them
as pure characters. Shermal Fernando’s influence behind Harin’s
decisions is also significant. We are well aware of that. However,
when working on the rugby game, it deviates from the generally
positive work order to support the preparation of the rugby
constitution in Sri Lanka in a manner that prioritizes a few elite
sports clubs and centralizes power, while neglecting common
issues such as the expansion of rural rugby and decentralization
of authority.We asked the minister to claim that these sports clubs are first
class. How are all those sports clubs first class? Such is the
question we are asking the minister. They are permanently placed
in the first tier because there is no system in place that requires a
talented team emerging from the second tier to enter the first tier
and the first tier team to qualify for the first tier again. If the sports
minister truly loves rugby in the country, this is what he should
suggest. However, the minister dissolved the rugby
administration based on allegations of non-constitutionality and
an unelected tenure. Thus disbanded, the Director General of
Sports was elected and allowed to give way to a new
administration.
But the Director General started by appointing the head of the
disbanded administration as its facilitator. On the surface, we see
the Director General, but the minister may be behind the
appointment.
After learning that the Director General of Sports would intervene
in the General Assembly to amend the constitution, the provincial
associations of voters went to court. Following the court order,
they agreed to discuss all matters except the constitutional
amendment. However, the Director General did not convene the
General Assembly as per the court order. While the order only
prohibited discussions about the new constitution at the General
Assembly, halting the assembly itself could be seen as exceeding
the court’s directive. Additionally, there is a need to introduce a
new constitution with the Director General’s intervention in the
General Assembly.This situation is bad. It is the duty and responsibility of the
Ministry and the Sports Development Department to conduct the
election and talk to the World Association and give permission to
change the constitution. Otherwise, the sports ministry of the
country cannot propose to the international association to change
the rugby constitution and impose it on the rugby administration
of the country.
Also, if the World Rugby has suggested to several sports clubs
playing first-class rugby in any other country to prepare a
constitution to determine the behavior of the rugby players of that
country, it should also be shown ideally.
It is a ridiculous crime to amend the constitution in such a way
that a few sports clubs get a shape and power that is not found
anywhere in the world.
What is needed is an amendment to the Sri Lanka rugby
constitution that strengthens both the first and second tiers of
rugby, allowing for promotion and relegation between them and
ensuring that the second-tier tournament is as robust as the first.
Additionally, the constitution should guarantee power to the
rugby community, encouraging greater involvement in rural areas
and providing village teams with more control and influence.Through this, the Minister of Sports as well as the Director
General also make excrement in important decisions regarding
other sports. The rights of the ruggers must be settled by the
ruggers themselves. The rugby constitution should be changed by
closing down the space that has been given to several grassroots
sports clubs to flourish in competitive ways. Facing that situation
in practice should be entrusted to the people who will come to
power after the election of Sri Lanka Rugby.
In the end, if Sri Lankan rugby is banned again and after that, the
sins of side dangers that may happen to rugby forever will fall on
the shoulders of this political behavior. It is problematic that the
Sports Minister, after disbanding the Rugby administration in
accordance with his powers, now allows his Director General to
behave like this. He can tell the officer under him how to fulfill
the responsibility. Can also be assigned. But what is happening
now is that the bad accusations against the director general can be
seen as the use of a gang of cronies under him as political power.
Sri Lanka Original Narrative Summary: 27/07
- President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized the crucial role of the Sri Lankan tea industry in transitioning the country towards an export economy. He underscored the need for a comprehensive promotion strategy, developed in collaboration with both public and private sectors. The President noted that “Ceylon Tea” is a world-renowned brand and should be further promoted through a new strategic program.
- The National People’s Power (NPP) has launched an Election Monitoring Centre, following the official announcement of the Presidential Election to be held on September 21. The NPP has named an eight member operational committee comprising former ministry secretaries and retired senior Police officers.
- The Sri Lanka State-Owned Enterprise Restructuring Unit (SOERU) has issued a statement clarifying what it said were inaccurate reports on the divestitures of Hotel Developers Lanka Ltd (HDL) and Sri Lanka Telecom PLC (SLT). Contrary to reports, the land involved in the divestiture of HDL, the owning company of the Colombo Hilton, amounts to 4.61 acres, with an additional 1.875 acres to be leased, not 7 acres as claimed, SOERU said. Dismissing the claim of a USD 124 million valuation, the statement said that the Government Chief Valuer’s previous assessment was in Sri Lankan Rupees and was lower than its current valuation.
- Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP M.A. Sumanthiran says that the Ilankai Thamil Arasu Katchchi (ITAK) will not nominate a candidate for the upcoming Presidential Election. However, the party will hold discussions with the main candidates, he said.
- Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has experienced a notable surge, with 127,925 tourists arriving in the past three weeks, according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. The majority of these visitors were from India, accounting for 30,442 arrivals. A high volume of tourists also arrived in the island from Britain, China, Germany, and the Netherlands.
- As the upcoming presidential election has been announced by the Election Commission, State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon has instructed the security chiefs to take all necessary measures to ensure the security of the presidential candidates, citizens and the entire country during this election period.
- Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane will lead Sri Lanka’s delegation to the Seventh Round of Bilateral Political Consultations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, scheduled to be held in Islamabad on 30 July 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. The Seventh Round of Bilateral Political Consultations will be co-chaired by Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane and the Foreign Secretary of Pakistan Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi.
- The National Police Commission has rejected the Inspector General of Police’s request for the immediate transfer of 210 police officers. The decision was made because the relevant recommendations were not made in accordance with transfer policies.
- The Sri Lanka Navy successfully conducted mobile dental services for children of Batticaloa area. The dental services, organized by the Directorate of Naval Dental Services of Sri Lanka Navy, were held for the benefit of children of Kirimichchaiodai Tamil School, Mathurankernikulam Tamil School and Kokuvil Tamil School in Batticaloa. Around 156 children participated in these programmes, which significantly enhanced their knowledge of good oral hygiene practices as well.
- All-rounder Ramesh Mendis has been called up for the Sri Lanka T20 squad for the series against India. This decision comes as fast bowler Binura Fernando is suffering from a fever, putting his participation in the upcoming matches in doubt, according to sources.