By: Staff Writer

January 27, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe) underscored his commitment to guiding the country’s progress in the coming years, drawing inspiration from the success of Biyagama.

Reflecting on his early political career in the Biyagama Constituency, where the region experienced notable underdevelopment, the President emphasized the positive impact of strategic economic decisions, particularly the establishment of the Biyagama Investment Zone.

He noted that Biyagama’s rapid progress stands as a testament to those decisions.The Head of State underscored his vision for replicating such success nationwide by leveraging the advantages of an open economy.

He expressed plans to establish new investment zones across the country, with the aim of significantly boosting the national economy.

Recalling his recent visit to Switzerland, President Wickremesinghe said world leaders were amazed to hear how rapidly Sri Lanka has turned itself around and how its once-bankrupt economy has rebounded.

He said that although Sri Lanka has managed to achieve economic stability by engaging with the heads of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), its revenues remain insufficient. “To address this, we must enhance the country’s income, transitioning from a negative to a positive economic trajectory.”

In order to generate employment opportunities, President Wickremesinghe noted that it is imperative to establish new industries and investment prospects.

Efforts are underway to cultivate a conducive environment for this purpose, with plans to replicate successful models like the Biyagama Free Trade Zone throughout the country, aiming to amplify the nation’s economic growth tenfold, the Head of State continued.

He made these remarks during the inauguration of the newly constructed ancient Bodhi Prakaraya and Golden Fence at Sapugaskanda Abeysekararama

“Abeysekararama held a significant position in this area. He said that his first visit to this place was in my capacity as the Biyagama Constituency Organizer and the United National Party’s candidate for Biyagama. During that time, Biyagama was characterized by significant underdevelopment.

Some individuals suggested that only Agalawatta surpassed Biyagama in terms of underdevelopment. However, it was pointed out that Agalawatta had tea plantations, rubber plantations and tea factories, whereas Biyagama only had an oil refinery.

By: Staff Writer

January 26, Colombo (LNW): The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has distributed 1,600 chicks to 80 beneficiaries in Kandamalawa Grama Niladhari Division in Gomarankadawala, as part of the UNDP’s Sri Lankan project with the technical and financial assistance of the Government of Japan.

Meanwhile, foul pox vaccinations have been administered by cluster leaders in Anuradhapura recently under the programme.

Additionally, a technical team has conducted a monitoring session of the mini incubators in Vavuniya, while a Black Soldier Fly unit and Azzolla farming has been conducted successfully in the Anuradhapura District with beneficiary commitment, the UNDP said.

In the meantime, the UNDP pledged its technical assistance for the future progress of the health service in Sri Lanka, when the UNDP’s Resident Representative in Sri Lanka Azusa Kubota met with Minister of Health Ramesh Pathirana on Wednesday (24).

During the discussion, the use of modern technology for the future progress of the country’s health service was taken up at length.

Ms. Azusa Kubota had further expressed during the meeting that they will work towards assisting in the development of Sri Lanka’s health sector in collaboration with organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO),

Asian Development Bank (ADB), Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) by engaging in an efficient and transparent procurement process.

Sri Lanka, an island known as the jewel of the Indian Ocean, is currently facing a serious economic crisis. This is the worst crisis that the country has faced since 1948.

Millions have been affected – with 5.7 million people in desperate need of humanitarian assistance and almost 6.3 million Sri Lankans not knowing where their next meal will come from.

As conditions continue to remain dire, at UNDP, among other efforts, we have created a crowdfunding campaign to support the Sri Lanka population.

The health and food sectors are two of the most heavily affected sectors by this crisis. Supply chains have been disrupted, certain essential and non-essential medicines have become scarce and difficult to purchase, and as a result, at certain instances, some routine surgeries have been delayed throughout the nation as well.

These distressing conditions are making communities increasingly vulnerable. Global support is needed to rebuild this island nation. That means we need your help to help Sri Lankans rebuild!

By: Staff Writer

January 26, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka confectionery industry has been directed to expand their horizons and tap into international markets while developing coca plantations

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, issued this directive while addressing the 30th Annual General Meeting of the Lanka Confectionary Manufacturers Association (LCMA) yesterday (24) at Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo,

He emphasized the potential for Sri Lanka to become a global player in the confectionery industry. He encouraged Sri Lankan confectioners to expand their horizons and tap into international markets.

The President disclosed the significance of positioning Sri Lankan chocolates as a world-class product, similar to the renowned reputation of the country’s tea and cinnamon.

His encouragement aimed to inspire the confectionery industry to embark on a journey towards global recognition and market presence.

He expressed optimism about the potential for Sri Lankan chocolates to become globally recognized. The President urged the confectioners to explore new markets and export their products.

He further noted the limitations for expansion within the country and suggested looking beyond borders, citing the success of the Kandos factory in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia in 1978.

He advocated for increased exports and identified the confectionery industry, particularly chocolates, as having the potential for international recognition.

President Wickremesinghe encouraged the confectionery industry to explore intercropping with developing citing state plantations in Matale, Kandy, Mawathagama, and Dodangaslanda for potential expansion. He mentioned plans to collaborate with smallholders and discussions with the governments of Ghana and Ivory Coast for access to cocoa.

The President outlined broader initiatives, including leasing state-owned plantations to Sri Lankan companies or Sri Lankan companies with foreign shareholders for the development of the food industry, encompassing confectionery.

Virtually all the lands owned by Chilaw and Kurunegala plantation plus Elkaduwa with JEDB and SPC. He disclosed plans for modernizing agriculture, enhancing competitiveness through the National Productivity Commission and upgrading trade agreements with India and Thailand.

President Wickremesinghe pledged government support, including Rs. 8 billion for research and development, to foster a thriving confectionery industry urging collaboration, innovation and expansion into various areas of the food industry positioning it as a “low hanging fruit” for economic growth.