January 26, Colombo (LNW): The prevailing dry weather condition in Northern, North-central, Eastern and Uva provinces is expected to change from tomorrow onwards.
Mainly fair weather will prevail over the island.
There is a possibility of ground frost at some places in Nuwara-Eliya district during the early hours of the morning.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa, Western and Uva provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning.
High Commission of India, Colombo is inviting applications for around 200 fully-funded scholarships for Sri Lankan nationals, across various levels. These scholarships are being offered for studies in prestigious Indian Institutes and Universities across subject domains but not including Medical/Paramedical, Fashion Design and Law courses. The scholarships offered exclusively for Sri Lankan nationals are for 2024-2025 academic session.
2. The schemes under which these scholarships have been offered are:
a) Nehru Memorial Scholarship Scheme: This scheme covers Under Graduate/Post Graduate & PhD courses in various domains such as Engineering, Science, Business, Economics, Commerce, Humanities and Arts, among others.
b) Maulana Azad Scholarship Scheme: Masters Degrees courses with preference to Engineering, Science and Agriculture.
c) Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship Scheme: Under Graduate courses in specifically in the field of Information Technology, leading to a Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Technology.
3. Each of the above schemes covers full tuition fees for the entire duration of the course, monthly sustenance allowance, and annual grant for books and stationary. In addition, air fare to the nearest destination in India and an annual grant for educational tours to various parts of the country, apart from several other auxiliary benefits are also offered. Selected candidates would also be provided hostel facility inside the respective campus.
4. Government of India selects meritorious Sri Lankan nationals for award of these coveted scholarships. Selection of candidates is done in consultation with Ministry of Education, Government of Sri Lanka. Necessary details will be available on the website of Ministry of Education at www.mohe.gov.lk. Interested applicants and their parents are advised to approach the High Commission of India, Colombo ([email protected]) or Ministry of Education, Government of Sri Lanka to learn more about eligibility criteria and selection procedure.
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Colombo
25 January 2024
January 25, Colombo (LNW): The remains of the late State Minister Sanath Nishantha will be brought to Jayaratne Floral House at 5.30 pm today (25) to allow the public an opportunity to pay their final respects, announced Chief Organiser of the Ruling Party, MP Prasanna Ranatunga.
Subsequently, on the following day (26) at 10.30 am, the body will be conveyed to the residence of the deceased Minister in Puttalam.
The final rites are scheduled to take place on Sunday (28) in the Arachchikattu area, Ruling Party MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage said.
Tragedy unfolded when a freight container truck collided with the vehicle of Nishantha earlier this morning, claiming the lives of the State Minister and a Police Constable from his security detail.
The Minister’s driver, who suffered severe injuries from the accident, was hostpialised, and the driver of the freight container truck was arrested by the Police.
January 25, Colombo (LNW): The government of the United States expressed its concerns on the Online Safety Bill, which passed in Parliament yesterday (24) with a majority vote.
In a statement on Thursday (25), US Ambassador Julie Chung conveyed the United States government’s apprehension regarding bill, warning that such legislation could pose a threat to democratic values.
The bill, which received criticism from free speech advocates, opposition lawmakers, and major internet and social media companies, raised concerns over its potential impact on freedom of expression, innovation, and privacy.
The legislation was approved without incorporating significant input from crucial stakeholders, including civil society and technology companies, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung wrote on her X handle.
She underscored the viewpoint that such legislation could pose a threat to democratic values and potentially hinder investment and the growth of Sri Lanka’s digital economy.
Furthermore, Ambassador Chung asserted that vague and overly restrictive legislation could have detrimental effects on economic development, emphasising the importance of prioritising transparency in the legislative process.
The United States urged Sri Lanka to ensure that any enacted legislation does not suppress the voices of its citizens.
January 25, Colombo (LNW): In response to the untimely passing of State Minister Sanath Nishantha due to a fatal accident earlier today (25), Jagath Priyankara, affiliated with the Jathika Nidahas Peramuna, has been designated to fill the resulting vacancy, sources said.
Consequently, the government is set to experience a reduction in its parliamentary representation, as Priyankara serves as the district leader of the Jathika Nidahas Peramuna, a political party led by Wimal Weerawansa, whose members currently sit in the Opposition along with other MPs from their party.
January 25, London, UK (LNW): High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the United Kingdom Rohitha Bogollagama held a crucial meeting on 23 January 2024, with the Speaker of the UK Parliament, Lord McFall of Alcluith.
The primary agenda of the discussions was to enhance and chart the future trajectory of relations between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom.
The meeting covered a wide range of topics, including contemporary international relations, the ongoing reconciliation process in Sri Lanka, and the prospects for strengthening bilateral relations.
High Commissioner Bogollagama took the opportunity to brief Speaker Lord McFall on Sri Lanka’s constitutional reforms, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the nation’s evolving political landscape.
Acknowledging the deep historical ties between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom, both dignitaries expressed their commitment to furthering parliamentary connections.
They underscored the significance of constructive dialogue in addressing mutual challenges and building enduring diplomatic bonds.
In sharing his priorities for enhancing relations during his tenure, Bogollagama emphasised the importance of bilateral engagement on matters concerning Sri Lanka.
The aim is to facilitate a greater understanding of domestic issues and promote collaborative efforts between the two nations.
This diplomatic meeting is part of the ongoing efforts by the Sri Lanka High Commission to foster robust relations between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom across various spheres.
The exchange of ideas and perspectives between the High Commissioner and the UK Parliament Speaker reflects a commitment to deeper understanding and cooperation in the Sri Lanka-UK relationship.
January 25, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscored the imperative for a sustainable economic solution, emphasising the pivotal role of export-oriented strategies in overcoming financial challenges, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.
Addressing the 30th Annual General Meeting of the Lanka Confectionary Manufacturers’ Association (LCMA) on January 24 at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo, the Sri Lankan President specifically advocated for an increase in exports.
He identified the confectionery industry, with a focus on chocolates, as a sector with substantial potential for international recognition.
Expressing confidence in Sri Lanka’s capability to become a prominent player in the global confectionery industry, the President encouraged local confectioners to broaden their horizons and explore opportunities in international markets.
Drawing attention to the successful global presence of Sri Lankan teas and cinnamon, Wickremesinghe posed the question of when Sri Lanka could achieve similar recognition for chocolates.
He urged the confectionery industry to actively explore and capitalise on the export market for chocolates.
President Wickremesinghe further motivated the confectionery sector to consider intercropping with cocoa, highlighting potential areas for expansion in state plantations such as Matale, Kandy, Mawathagama, and Dodangaslanda.
Additionally, he disclosed plans for collaboration with smallholders and ongoing discussions with the governments of Ghana and Ivory Coast to secure access to cocoa resources.
In addressing economic challenges, President Wickremesinghe acknowledged the ongoing negotiations for an additional 20 years to address the economic crisis. He outlined broader initiatives, including the possibility of leasing state-owned plantations to Sri Lankan companies or those with foreign shareholders for the development of the food industry, including confectionery.
The lands encompass those owned by the Chilaw and Kurunegala Plantation in addition to Elkaduwa with JEDB and SPC. The President also revealed plans for modernising agriculture, enhancing competitiveness through the National Productivity Commission, and upgrading trade agreements with India and Thailand.
Emphasising the need to position Sri Lankan chocolates as a world-class product, comparable to the renowned reputation of the country’s tea and cinnamon, Wickremesinghe’s encouragement aimed to inspire the confectionery industry to pursue global recognition and market presence.
Reflecting on the industry’s history, the President commended its pioneers and highlighted the growth and resilience of the vibrant confectionery sector.
He expressed optimism about the potential for Sri Lankan chocolates to attain global recognition and urged confectioners to explore new markets and actively engage in export activities.
Wickremesinghe acknowledged the limitations for expansion within the country and encouraged looking beyond borders, citing the success of the Kandos factory in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, in 1978.
By: Staff Writer
January 25, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are set to expand economic cooperation by leveraging the long-standing and close bilateral partnership between the two countries, Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in Bangladesh Dharmapala Weerakkody emphasised.
The High Commissioner conveyed this message during a meeting with Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) President Mahbubul Alam in Dhaka on 21 January.
The High Commissioner highlighted that there is considerable potential to export Sri Lankan products, including spices, value-added tea, coconut-based items, healthcare products and construction materials to Bangladeshi markets.
Moreover, he requested the assistance and cooperation from the FBCCI to attract Bangladeshi investors to invest in the promising investment opportunities available for them in Sri Lanka, particularly in the sectors of Information Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Logistics Services in Ports and Shipping and Tourism.
FBCCI President Alam acknowledged the positive contribution made by Sri Lankan investments to the Bangladeshi economy and praised the presence of Sri Lankan professionals in influential positions within the corporate sector of Bangladesh.
He also expressed optimism about more Sri Lankan investors benefiting from the Bangladesh government’s plan to establish 100 special economic zones.
During the meeting, the High Commissioner and the FBCCI President also discussed the importance of exploring new initiatives to enhance cooperation in the field of the Blue Economy through mutually beneficial partnerships.
Both parties affirmed their commitment in fostering stronger economic ties and identifying new avenues for collaboration by enhancing more connectivity and people to people contacts between the two nations.
Sri Lanka’s cabinet of ministers had cleared a proposal to start talks on a preferential trade agreement with Bangladesh as bilateral exchanges with the two nations were at a low level despite being party to a number of regional agreements.
Both countries had agreed to start a free trade accord to strengthen economic relationships.Sri Lanka’s Trade Minister had submitted the proposal to started talks with Bangladesh on a preferential trade agreement with a shortlist of items.
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh were parties to the SAARC Preferential Trading Arrangement (SAPTA), South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA).
The two countries were also parties of Global System of Trade Preference (GSTP), Asia – Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) and Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). However, trade movements between the two states lie at a minimum level despite the agreements.
By: Staff Writer
January 25, Colombo (LNW): The United Nations Development Programme in Sri Lanka (UNDP) and the UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka (Network Sri Lanka) has recently renewed their commitment through the signing of the third Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), in a move towards advancing sustainable development.
The agreement aims to join efforts in facilitating private-sector participation and promoting sustainable development in Sri Lanka, the UNDP said in a statement.
As the first non-private sector entity to secure a position on the Network Sri Lanka Board, UNDP has nurtured a robust partnership through years of collaboration with Network Sri Lanka.
This aligns with UNDP’s commitment to enhancing development activities to foster public dialogue, improve awareness among the business community on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and enable their engagement to accelerate progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, it added.
Through the collaboration with Network Sri Lanka, businesses and non-businesses will be encouraged to conduct responsible business practices to advance the SDGs in key areas such as governance, climate resilience, digitalization, innovation, sustainable finance, and gender, according to the UNDP.
This strategic partnership reflects the joint commitment of UNDP and Network Sri Lanka to promote innovation and responsible business practices while working towards achieving the ambitious goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda, the statement added.
The Government of Sri Lanka’s Cabinet has given the green light for the country’s Green Bond Framework, which was developed by the Ministry of Finance, with support from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
The development of the Framework underwent consultation and received inputs from a number of Ministries and Regulators including but not limited to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Ministry of Environment, the Sustainable Development Council, as well as development partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI).
The Government of Sri Lanka has set an ambitious agenda to develop the country’s sustainable finance market, by focusing on the development of tools and policy guidance that is needed to effectively manage environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks and meet the country’s climate objectives. Despite these ambitions, Sri Lanka continues to face the worst financial crisis that it has seen in decades. The economic crisis, that followed the COVID-19 pandemic, threatens the achievement of the country’s SDG and climate commitments.
In April 2022, the Government of Sri Lanka announced it would be suspending payments on its foreign debt, resulting in the first default in the country’s history and plunging the country’s sovereign credit rating below investment grade.
Throughout the financial and political challenges faced over the past year, ESCAP has been working to support the Government of Sri Lanka to achieve both its short-term and longer-term green finance goals.
By: Staff Writer
January 25, Colombo (LNW): The Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Chalaka Gajabahu has been elected as the Vice Chair of the United Nations World Tourism Organization Competitiveness Committee recently.
The Committee on Tourism and Competitiveness (CTC) is one of the technical committees of the UNWTO and it is a subsidiary organ of the Executive Council.
The Committee was established at the 95th session of the Executive Council in Belgrade, Serbia in May 2013. Its Rules of Procedure and the composition were approved by the Executive Council at its 96th session.
Since its establishment in 2013, CTC focused its work mainly on assessing the state of knowledge on the basic concept of “tourism competitiveness” and identifying its key factors.
This process has also included identifying, developing and harmonizing concepts, models and operational definitions used in the tourism value chain, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau said.
Speaking regarding the achievement, Mr. Gajabahu said: “he is delighted to have been elected Vice Chair of the CTC under the UNWTO and support the role in the best way possible. In my capacity as Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.
He said this opportunity will undoubtedly give a platform to further develop and enhance the competitiveness landscape which is a vital tool in tourism development globally.”
The UNWTO pays emphasis to build synergies and strategic alignments in the harmonization of the related activities of the Secretariat as well as other collaborating organizations in order to ensure consistency and consensus in the delivery of the outputs and reinforce the official position of the Organization.
The objective is to provide UNWTO Members and other tourism stakeholders with a comprehensive and concise, operational, applicable and globally relevant conceptual framework.
It is important to establish a common ground for a clear harmonized understanding of operational definitions used in the tourism value chain; with quantitative and qualitative factors that explain competitiveness at the destination level.
It may be translated into technical guidelines facilitating a methodology for destinations to identify and evaluate their own factors of competitiveness, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau says.
