By: Staff Writer

April 23, Colombo (LNW): Despite the government’s rescue efforts with ADB assistance the economically critical yet troubled Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have united to launch a new lobby group to evolve effective solutions to their plight thereby ensuring stability and prosperity in the country.

The government said a significant number of small and medium-scale entrepreneurs involved in manufacturing, import, export, tourism, apparel and various other commercial operations have found it very difficult to continue running their enterprises as a result of the economic downturn and the impact of external factors beyond their control.

The Asian Development Bank has agreed to provide working capital support for the small and medium enterprise sector as a relief, the Government Info. Department said.

Rs. 20 billion will be spent on the entire project which has two components. Out of this, Rs. 15 billion rupees will be used to strengthen existing and new enterprises and the remaining amount of Rs. 05 billion will be used to support enterprises under the non-performing loan category.

Named the “Ceylon Federation of MSMEs” the promoters said it represents 1.1 million formal MSMEs in the country and the grouping is apolitical.

The launch coincided with the fifth anniversary of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks which was the beginning of multiple crises including the COVID-19 pandemic, and political and economic chaos in 2022.

Special guest Prof. Harald Steger, an ex-banker from Switzerland, said being an entrepreneur is very challenging and hence needs support with an enabling environment.

He stressed the need for a development bank dedicated entirely to MSMEs as they are key to socio-economic stability and prosperity.

Ceylon Federation of MSME President Sashika De Silva said the new grouping will be the platform to unite all entrepreneurs in the country and champion the growth of MSMEs.

“The Federation will be the platform designed with a clear vision, strategic approach, and innovative solutions to propel Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurs to new heights,” she said at the launch ceremony held at the BMICH attended by MSMEs from multiple districts, Members of Parliament, politicians, and state sector officials.

She said central to the Federation’s vision is the imperative need for Sri Lanka to transition towards a manufacturing economy, a transformation that cannot be realised within the current framework of laws and regulations primarily favouring imports and trade.

“Recognising the limitations in the Government’s capacity to single-handedly create the necessary environment for this transformation, we have identified key gaps, strategic imperatives, and actionable solutions.

Vice President Mahendra Perera revealed that multiple crises in the country have led to Rs. 1.6 trillion worth of loans in default accounting for 13% of total bank lending.

“The Federation will champion the need to restructure existing debt and obtain working capital,” he added.

1. The Presidential Secretariat responds to concerns about rice quality at the Veyangoda warehouse, ensuring only rice approved by a health expert committee will be used for school meals: addresses allegations from the Public Health Inspectors’ Union, highlighting rigorous quality checks with endorsements from expert committees and analytical reports: instructs health sector teams to re-inspect and strategise the use of rice stocks by May 1: stresses the role of health officials and School Nutrition Committees in ensuring food safety and compliance with international standards: The reassurance came after a thorough inspection by diverse health sector representatives, confirming rice suitability.
   
2. SLPP Chief Organiser Minister Prasanna Ranatunga says he still has no knowledge of any presidential candidate to be put forward by the Party: adds no such decision has yet been taken by the SLPP: suggests that he is no ‘SLPP Leader’ and a decision regarding candidacy may be taken at a future polit-bureau meeting.
   
3. The National People’s Power (NPP) responds to the Samagi Jana Balawegaya’s (SJB) proposition of having a debate between the two opposition parties on which course of action would the JVP-led alliance take to resolve the economic crisis under an NPP-rule: asserts a debate between their leaders, Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Sajith Premadasa: sends a letter offering several dates (May 7, 9, 13, or 14) for the debate and emphasises the importance of setting a clear date to avoid confusion.
   
4. The ‘Sri Ramayan Trails’ project launched in Colombo, aiming to boost tourism by showcasing nine significant sites from the epic Ramayana: Led by His Holiness Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, the initiative seeks to deepen cultural ties between India and Sri Lanka: Using advanced technology like AI, AR, and VR, the project offers an immersive experience for visitors. Notable dignitaries attended the launch, highlighting its significance.
   
5. The Meteorology Department warns of further increase of heat index up to ‘caution level’ in most parts of the island, despite the recurrence of showers: advises the public to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade as often as possible, check up on the elderly and the sick, never leave children unattended, limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated, wear lightweight and white or light-coloured clothing.
   
6. The Central Bank identifies eight more entities involved in prohibited pyramid schemes, warning the public against participating in such schemes as they are punishable offenses: These entities are Beecoin App/Sunbird Foundation, Fast Win (Pvt) Ltd, Fruugo Oline App/Fruugo Oline (Pvt) Ltd, Genesis Business School/Era Miracle (Pvt) Ltd, Isimaga International (Pvt) Ltd, Ledger Block, Qnet/Questnet and Ride to Three Freedom (Pvt) Ltd.: reaffirms its commitment to protecting consumers and maintaining the integrity of the financial system by cracking down on illicit financial activities.
   
7. The Census and Statistics Department reports a drop in the Y-o-Year inflation rate to 2.5% in March 2024 from 5.1% in February: Food group inflation remains at 5.0%, while non-food group inflation decreases to 0.7%: Notable price decreases were observed in categories like housing and clothing, while increases were seen in alcoholic beverages and restaurants: Core inflation rose to 3.4%, suggesting underlying inflationary pressures: Analysts emphasise the need for robust economic policies to address living costs despite signs of stability.
   
8. H.M.K.W. Bandara, the General Manager of Railways, tragically passes away this morning (23) after succumbing to a sudden and unexpected illness.
   
9. The Sri Lanka Army clarifies that scheduling the ‘Fox Hill Super Cross’ race on April 21st, coinciding with the Easter Attacks anniversary, was unintentional: Amid criticism, the Army stated the date selection was not deliberate and the event’s resumption after four years was due to public demand: emphasises no involvement in an after-party and reiterates their immediate race cancellation in 2019 after the attacks.
   
10. Afghanistan ‘A’ cricket team arrives today (23) for a series against Sri Lanka ‘A’, featuring five one-day games and one four-day game: Sri Lanka ‘A’ squad, led by Sahan Arachchige, awaits ministerial approval: Avishka Gunawardena coaches Sri Lanka ‘A’, while his former assistant takes on a role with the national team.

April 23, Colombo (LNW): The Presidential Secretariat has responded to allegations regarding the quality of rice stocks stored at the Veyangoda warehouse complex, ensuring that only rice deemed suitable for human consumption by an expert committee appointed by the Gampaha Divisional Health Services Director will be distributed in the meal programme for school children.

Responding to concerns raised by the Public Health Inspectors’ Union (PHIU) regarding the substandard condition of rice stocks, the Presidential Secretariat emphasised its commitment to health and safety standards in a statement issued yesterday (22).

Whilst acknowledging the allegations, the Secretariat highlighted that all rice stocks selected for distribution have been endorsed by an expert committee, relying on analytical reports from the Government Analyst’s Department and the Medical Research Institute.

However, amidst these assurances, there is criticism against the government for the need to respond to allegations in the first place, suggesting that adequate measures should have been in place to prevent such concerns from arising.

In response to the allegations, the Presidential Secretariat’s Partnership Secretariat for World Food Programme (WFP) Co-operation has instructed all Provincial Chief Secretaries to mobilise a team from the health sector to conduct a thorough re-inspection of the rice stock and ensure its safety for consumption.

They are also tasked with strategising to utilise this rice stock before May 01.

The statement outlined the rigorous protocol in place for the distribution of rice stocks, emphasising that senior officers from the Provincial Department of Education and Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) must confirm its suitability for human consumption before release to the respective provinces.

Furthermore, to enhance health safety and food quality for schoolchildren, the Secretariat underscored the importance of inspection by PHIs and representatives of the School Nutrition Committee before distributing rice supplied by the WFP.

While reassuring the public of the quality and safety of the rice stocks, the Secretariat emphasised compliance with international food packaging standards and advised the utilisation of the rice before May 31.

In conclusion, following a comprehensive inspection representing diverse health sector considerations, the WFP has confirmed the suitability of the rice stocks, providing reassurance amid concerns.

April 23, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Army has addressed concerns regarding the scheduling of the ‘Fox Hill Super Cross’ race on April 21st, coinciding with the fifth anniversary of the Easter Attacks, stating that the decision was unintentional.

Amidst heavy public criticism over holding the event on a day of national mourning, the Army emphasised that the selection of April 21st was not deliberate.

Criticism has arisen, particularly on social media platforms, questioning the appropriateness of holding the race on the same date as the tragic Easter bombings of 2019, which also marked the last motor race event halted midway due to the terrorist attacks.

Additionally, scrutiny has been directed towards an after-event with DJ music organised in Bandarawela following the races, held on Sunday night despite the unfortunate accident at the races resulting in seven fatalities, including a child, and 30 injuries.

The decision to hold the motor race after a four-year hiatus was primarily in response to overwhelming demand from spectators and motorsports enthusiasts, according to Major General Indu Samarakoon, Deputy Chief of Staff and Chairman of the Army Motorsports Committee.

April 21st was selected as the immediate holiday following the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, he noted.

Major General Samarakoon clarified that the Army had no involvement in the after-party organised on Sunday night, stating that the Fox Hill Super Cross event has never included after-parties in its 28-year history.

Addressing concerns circulating on social media about a party named ‘Fox Hill Journey,’ Samarakoon reiterated the Army’s lack of association with such events, emphasising that the cancellation of the race was immediate upon learning of the Easter bombings in 2019.

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April 23, Colombo (LNW): In a proactive move aimed at fostering transparent and constructive political dialogue, the National People’s Power (NPP) has formally communicated with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), the main opposition party in Parliament, regarding the proposed debate between NPP Leader, MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake and SJB Leader, MP Sajith Premadasa.

Yesterday (22), executive member of the NPP, former MP Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa dispatched a letter to SJB Secretary General MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara, extending invitations for the debate to be held on one of the following dates: May 7, 9, 13, or 14.

The communication underscored the importance of establishing a definitive date for the debate to prevent potential misunderstandings among the public.

The NPP has expressed its readiness to engage in this critical exchange of ideas and viewpoints, highlighting the significance of transparent discourse in shaping informed public opinion.

Previously, many MPs and stalwarts of the SJB challenged the NPP to debate on which course should the JVP-led alliance take were the economic crisis facing Sri Lanka to be resolved under an NPP-rule.

The NPP awaits the prompt response of the SJB regarding their stance on the proposed debate, fostering an environment conducive to meaningful political engagement and accountability.

April 23, Colombo (LNW): Tragedy unfolded in Moragahahena as police officers resorted to opening fire at a three-wheeler that failed to adhere to directives to stop.

This unfortunate incident led to the loss of two lives.

The encounter occurred near the vicinity of a tyre factory in Moragahahena.

Regrettably, despite police warnings, the three-wheeler driver did not halt the vehicle, prompting law enforcement to take action.

While two individuals succumbed to the consequences of the gunfire, another occupant of the vehicle managed to evade capture during the incident.