June 30, World (LNW): Amid a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in various regions, health authorities are organising an autumn vaccination drive, Associated Press reported.
On Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended new vaccinations for all Americans this autumn.
While the urgency for vaccinations has decreased compared to previous years due to widespread immunity from prior infections and vaccinations, the need persists due to diminishing immunity, emerging variants, and ongoing COVID-19-related deaths and hospitalisations.
Recent data shows an increase in COVID-19-related emergency visits and hospitalisations, particularly in the southwestern United States, raising concerns about a potential summer surge.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has instructed vaccine manufacturers to target the JN.1 strain of the virus, although there is also consideration for a KP.2 offshoot.
The updated vaccines, recommended for everyone aged six months and older, are expected to be available in August and September.
Despite these efforts, vaccination uptake remains low, with surveys indicating that a significant portion of the population is not planning to get the updated shots.
Furthermore, the CDC’s Bridge Access Program, which has funded vaccines for uninsured adults, will end in August due to a lack of funding.
Since the pandemic began, approximately 1.2 million COVID-related deaths have been reported in the US, with a significant impact on those aged 75 and older.
June 30, Colombo (LNW): Year-on-year (Y-o-Y) headline inflation, based on the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI), rose to 1.7 per cent in June 2024 from 0.9 per cent in May, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).
Despite this increase, inflation remains well under the 5 per cent target.
Food inflation increased to 1.4 per cent in June from 0.0 per cent in May, while non-food inflation rose to 1.8 per cent from 1.3 per cent.
Month-on-month inflation also saw a slight rise of 0.77 per cent after three months of decline.
Core inflation, indicating underlying trends, climbed to 4.4 per cent in June from 3.5 per cent in May.
The CBSL anticipates that inflation will stay below the 5 per cent target in the near term and align with the target level over the medium term with appropriate policy measures.
June 30, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Immigration and Emigration has announced an extension for passports expiring from the end of June, prolonging their validity by one year in anticipation of the e-passport launch in January next year.
Passports set to expire after a decade of use by June 30th will be extended free of charge for an additional year.
The introduction of e-passports, featuring embedded electronic chips, is slated for January, and the public is advised to upgrade to the new format.
An immigration official confirmed that a company has been chosen to produce the e-passports following a bidding process, with the goal of issuing approximately 700,000 e-passports annually once the project is operational.
June 30, Colombo (LNW): Yasodha Range Bandara, son of United National Party (UNP) General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara, who was detained following a vehicle accident yesterday (29) has been granted bail, reports claimed.
His vehicle veered off the road, striking a three-wheeler and seriously injuring its driver, who is now receiving treatment at Puttalam Base Hospital.
The Karuwalagaswewa Police are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.
Following his arrest, Bandara was granted bail by the Puttalam Magistrate’s Court, with his driving licence temporarily suspended.
He was released on a personal bail of Rs. 500,000.
This incident marks his second arrest related to a car accident, the first being in 2018.
Yasodha Bandara was detained following an early morning car accident yesterday (29) near the 7th Mile Post in Karuwalagaswewa.
June 30, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has expressed its readiness to provide police gendarmerie and criminal justice experts to the United Nations, aiming to address the increasing global challenges to peace and security.
Public Security Minister Tiran Alles, speaking at the fourth United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS 2024), highlighted the country’s commitment.
He affirmed the capability of Sri Lanka’s police unit, which is at Readiness Level 3, to effectively manage emerging security issues.
Alles underscored the rise of organised crime, gang violence, and illicit economies as significant threats to international peace.
He urged the United Nations to deploy specialised police teams equipped to tackle these issues.
“Sri Lanka is prepared to offer its police gendarmerie and criminal justice experts, sharing our expertise and experience with any nation in need. We are eager to collaborate in this vital mission,” he said.
Full Statement:
“The threats to peace have become more diverse and complex than ever before. Violent conflicts have been on the rise during the last two decades.
Protection of civilians has become a critical concern in many conflict-ridden areas with the humanitarian landscape becoming increasingly hostile with non-traditional threats.
New Advanced technologies have opened new domains of security concerns, such as cyber security and autonomous weapon systems, together with the abuse of ICT for criminal purposes and the induction of mercenaries.
Be that as it may, permit me the honour of congratulating the UN Peace operations that have effectively risen to meet the varying challenges in the theatres of conflict.
In this backdrop, Sri Lanka appreciates the pit and substance of the Secretary General’s new agenda for peace.
My delegation recalls with pride that Sri Lanka has been a committed contributor to UN Peacekeeping since the deployment of military observers at the end of the ‘Suez War’.
More than 21,000 Sri Lankan peacekeepers have played an important role in many peacekeeping operations to date.
I am confident that the Sri Lanka-formed police unit, which is at Readiness Level 3, stands by with the capacity to handle the emerging security landscape.
Organised crime, gang violence and illicit economies are rapidly on the rise. This is becoming a growing challenge to international peace.
It is therefore imperative that the United Nations consider deploying specialised police teams with experience and skills to counter this menace.
Sri Lanka is willing to contribute police gendarmerie and criminal justice experts with experience and skills to counter such threats and to share the knowledge and experience with any host nation. Sri Lanka stands ready to partner in this noble endeavour.”
June 30, Colombo (LNW): India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is actively working on the case of ten Indian fishermen facing charges in Sri Lanka related to the death of a Sri Lankan Navy sailor during an operation on June 24, India’s ANI News reported.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised India’s commitment to the welfare of its fishermen and the ongoing efforts to secure their return.
The High Commission in Colombo is handling the matter, engaging with Sri Lankan authorities.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has written to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, highlighting the frequent arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen and requesting immediate intervention for the release of 47 fishermen and 166 boats held by Sri Lankan authorities.
Jaishankar responded, affirming that the Indian High Commission and the Consulate in Jaffna are working towards the early release of the detained fishermen, assuring continued efforts to protect the interests of the fishing community.
June 30, Colombo (LNW): The Judicial Service Association of Sri Lanka (JSASL), representing all District Court Judges and Magistrates, will hold a Special General Meeting today (30) to address undue criticism directed at the judicial system.
This gathering in Colombo aims to discuss the adverse effects of malicious remarks on judicial decisions and judges, prompted by member requests.
The meeting follows recent speeches by the Minister of Justice and other MPs on 19 June 2024 during a parliamentary debate.
Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe has formally asked the Speaker to summon key JSASL officials to the Powers and Privileges Committee of Parliament, alleging a JSASL statement infringed on his parliamentary privileges.
The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) stated that MPs should not interfere with the judiciary’s functions under Parliamentary Privileges.
Similarly, the Lawyers’ Collective insisted that allegations against the judiciary should be made through formal complaints, not parliamentary statements under privilege.
June 30, Colombo (LNW): In anticipation of the forthcoming Presidential election, the Election Commission has instructed several major institutions to gear up for the event.
Those notified include the Government Printing Department, the Inspector General of Police, the Ceylon Electricity Board, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, and the Sri Lanka Transport Board.
Government Printer Gangani Kalpana Liyanage confirmed that all preparations are in place, awaiting the Election Commission’s declaration of the election date.
Chairman of the Election Commission, R.M.A.L. Ratnayake, stated that these steps are taken to ensure a seamless electoral process.
The Election Commission recently announced that the Presidential election will occur between 14 September and 16 October.
June 30, World (LNW): India emerged victorious in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa, winning by a close margin of 7 runs at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.
This win marks India’s second T20 World Cup title, their first in 17 years.
After electing to bat first, India posted a total of 168 runs, with significant contributions from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
South Africa, in their chase, managed to score 161 runs, falling short despite a strong effort. Jasprit Bumrah’s stellar bowling in the final overs was instrumental in India’s triumph.
This achievement adds another chapter to India’s storied cricketing history and brings immense joy to fans across the country.
June 29, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) hit by the economic downturn will receive a new impetus with the introduction of Rs 20 billion new loan relief package proposed in the budget 2024 , finance ministry sources confirmed.
The micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sector in Sri Lanka accounts for 90 percent of all businesses in the country, provides 45percent of employment, and contributes 52percent to the GDP.
A recent ILO study revealed that 79.8 percent of the one million MSMEs that operated in 2018 were still in operation Among the 20.2 percent businesses either permanently or temporarily closed, 8.3percent of closures were reported to be due to economic crisis while 11.9percent were due to reasons other than economic crisis.
The move aims to provide concessionary credit to eligible MSMEs via selected Participatory Financial Institutions (PFIs), helping these businesses survive, recover and expand, as well as providing seed capital for new ventures.
The package includes a Rs. 15 billion funds for investment category with a 7% lending rate, repayable over 10 years, including a maximum one-year grace period. PFIs can receive up to Rs. 750 million initially, with the possibility of an additional Rs. 500 million after utilising 80% of their allocation.
Additionally, Rs. 5 billion is allocated to support MSMEs in the Non-Performing Loan (NPL) category, with an 8% interest rate and a 5-year repayment period, including a six-month grace period.
Eligible sectors for this scheme include manufacturing, construction, export-oriented businesses, tourism, apparel, fisheries, animal husbandry, agriculture, and agro-based industries.
Activities eligible for funding include purchasing assets for business expansion, implementing cost reduction initiatives, upgrading technology, and refurbishing or expanding facilities. Ineligible activities include trading, leasing, renting businesses, and vehicle purchases, unless for land vehicles in the hotel or tourism sectors.
The finance ministry in collaboration with ministry of industries will provide credit facilities of Rs 5 million each to 1000 selected existing MSMEs for further expansion and recovery of their businesses via licensed commercial banks and licensed specialised banks at concessional interest rates.
Another special loan scheme amounting to Rs.3 billion will be implemented with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in addition to the 2024 budgetary support.
The government is also considering the possibility of upgrading the Sri Lanka Savings Bank a subsidiary of the National Savings Bank to a MSME Bank or to set up a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to disburse loans easing the burden on the banking sector.
MSMEs must meet certain criteria to qualify, including a turnover below Rs. 1 billion and fewer than 200 employees. The enterprise must be registered, and each registered entity can obtain only one loan. Additionally, at least 51% of women-led enterprises must be controlled by women.
Participating credit institutions include Bank of Ceylon, People’s Bank, Regional Development Bank, Hatton National Bank, NDB Bank, DFCC Bank, Sampath Bank, Commercial Bank, Seylan Bank, Sanasa Development Bank, Cargill’s Bank PLC, State Mortgage and Investment Bank, Pan Asia Banking Corporation PLC, Union Bank of Colombo, Nations Trust Bank PLC and Housing Development Finance Corporation.
The Government also introduced the SMILE III Revolving Fund Loan Scheme and the E-Friend II Revolving Fund Loan Scheme to further support the MSME sector.
These schemes offer various financial assistance options with different interest rates, loan amounts, and repayment periods, targeting specific needs such as technical transfers and environmental compliance.
The initiatives aim to promote stable and balanced economic growth, empower MSMEs and strengthen the institutional capabilities of intermediary financial institutions.
