March 06, Colombo (LNW): The Commission for Truth, Unity, and Reconciliation (CTUR) takes a significant step toward fostering national healing, justice, and unity in Sri Lanka. Recent dialogues held in Colombo aimed to provide clarity on the draft Bill related to the proposed CTUR.

The sessions brought together a diverse assembly of individuals and stakeholders, including representatives from civil society organizations and religious institutions represented by the Himalayan Group. This inclusive approach sought unique perspectives and expertise. Another session included senior academics, journalists, and representatives of civil society organizations, offering a comprehensive range of insights and expertise.

The envisioned CTUR in Sri Lanka is poised to be an autonomous truth-seeking body, established through legislative channels via an Act of Parliament. With a specific mandate to uncover truths regarding alleged violations during the country’s conflict in the Northern and Eastern Provinces from 1983 to 2009, the CTUR aims to be an impartial entity. It will systematically gather victim narratives, document instances of violence, acknowledge past injustices, and formulate recommendations to prevent future occurrences, contributing to the nation’s healing process post-conflict.

The recent dialogues focused on the draft legislation for establishing an independent commission, complementing the efforts of the Interim Secretariat for Truth and Reconciliation Mechanism (ISTRM). Key provisions of the Bill emphasize the commission’s mandate to investigate and offer recommendations regarding human rights violations during the conflict period and its aftermath.

Stakeholder engagement strategies, including field visits and consultation forums, were discussed, along with insights into the drafting process of the proposed legislation. The ISTRM highlighted the extensive consultations conducted by the Consultation Task Force from 2016 to 2018 and ongoing consultations with stakeholders.

Recognizing the need for a coordinating mechanism within the government for effective reconciliation and justice, discussions touched upon the media’s role in shaping public opinion and the importance of responsible and neutral reporting. The composition of the commissions, the inclusion of diverse expertise, and the engagement of civil society and religious leaders in reconciliation efforts were also emphasized.

The ISTRM clarified the commission’s jurisdictional scope, the appointment process for commissioners, and the roles of the advisory panel and monitoring committee. Emphasizing objectives such as promoting truth-telling, restoring victims’ dignity, and preventing future conflicts, participants stressed the importance of stakeholder engagement and invited constructive feedback for the draft legislation.

Numerous ideas and suggestions gathered from these consultations have already been incorporated into the draft bill. Following an extensive consultation process, the draft Bill is set to be submitted to Parliament for further consideration. Prominent attendees included Ven. Kalupahana Piyarathana Thera, Dr. Jehan Perera, Dr. Joe William, Dr. Dayani Panagoda, and Visaka Dharmadasa, showcasing widespread interest and engagement in the reconciliation process. The discussion from the ISTRM was led by Director General Dr. Asanga Gunawansa, PC, aided by the Head of Policy, Dr. C. Y. Thangarajah.

March 06, Colombo (LNW):The closure of the request for proposals regarding the divestment of SriLankan Airlines, initially scheduled for March 5, has been extended by an additional 45 days, as announced by Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva.

The extension is attributed to concerns over delays faced by tourists and passengers, coupled with the airline’s substantial debt, reaching approximately USD 1.2 billion. These factors may pose challenges for potential investors considering taking over the airline.

Minister De Silva highlighted the difficulties faced by the state in maintaining the airline, emphasizing the jeopardy of over 6,000 jobs if the airline were to shut down. In response, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has proposed injecting over USD 500 million into the airline, aimed at reducing its debt by almost half.

The proposed financial injection involves absorbing the airline’s aviation fuel bill, settling dues owed to state banks (Bank of Ceylon and People’s Bank), and addressing obligations to the Treasury. Additionally, cost-cutting measures, such as restricting foreign tours and holding bi-weekly reviews to control salary increases, will be implemented.

Minister De Silva explained that these measures, combined with reinvesting government capital for urgent maintenance, aim to make the airline more appealing to potential investors. The anticipated proceeds from the divestment, exceeding US$ 500 million, will be utilized to repay state banks, settle outstanding debts, and prioritize employee welfare.

By divesting the airline, the government aims to ensure that the burden does not fall on the taxpayer, drawing attention to the contrast with the past privatization to Emirates airline. During that period, the airline operated profitably with no job cuts, but mismanagement and corruption after government takeover led to substantial debt, necessitating regular taxpayer-funded support.

March 06, Colombo (LNW): The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to Education Minister Susil Premajayantha’s proposal to raise the budget for a student’s meal in the ‘School Food Programme’ to Rs. 110. Furthermore, the program is set to be extended to cover 170 days in 2024, specifically targeting students in the primary sections.

The ‘School Food Programme’ currently operates in 7,902 schools across 100 educational zones, benefiting approximately 1.08 million students. The allocated budget for a daily meal for one student is Rs. 85.

A committee of officers investigating the matter has reported that the increased budget to Rs. 110 is necessary due to price fluctuations affecting the cost of providing a nutritious meal for a child. In response to this, the Save the Children organization has pledged support by providing three food items to 200,000 students in 917 selected schools under the ‘School Food Programme’ for the year 2024.

March 06, Colombo (LNW): Showers may occur at a few places in Southern province and in Ratnapura and Kalutara districts in the evening or night. Mainly dry weather will prevail in the other areas of the island.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning.

1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe reveals that over the past 14 months, the Parliament has enacted 42 new laws to facilitate the country’s economic transformation: highlights the necessity of passing an additional 62 laws through Parliament: underscores that if this cannot be achieved in the current parliamentary session, the bills will be reintroduced in the subsequent session for approval.
   
2. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has voiced concern over economic malpractices, alleging certain entities of monopolising state resources and infringing on citizens’ rights: promises decisive action under an SJB administration, vowing legal scrutiny for the ‘economic terrorists’ responsible and efforts to restore appropriated assets to the Sri Lankan populace.
   
3. Basil Rajapaksa, founder of SLPP, returns to Sri Lanka after a trip to the USA: mentions no official decisions have been made on election candidates: affirms his commitment to leading SLPP’s election preparations, irrespective of their type.
   
4. S.C. Muthukumarana, representing the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), sworn in as a member of Parliament: Muthukumarana fills in the parliamentary seat vacant upon the resignation of Uddika Premaratna.
   
5. CEYPETCO has announced a fuel price reduction effective from midnight on March 04. Petrol 95 Octane will be Rs. 447 per litre (down by Rs. 9), Super Diesel will be Rs. 458 per litre (down by Rs. 10), and Kerosene will be Rs. 257 per litre (down by Rs. 5). However, prices for Petrol 92 Octane and Auto Diesel remain unchanged. Lanka IOC and Sinopec have pledged to adjust their prices in line with CEYPETCO’s revisions.
   
6. The Sri Lanka Administrative Service Association (SASA) expresses concerns over the recent salary increase for Sri Lanka Administrative Service officers by the Central Bank: stresses the importance of CB officials having a broader understanding beyond economics, including knowledge in social sciences: highlights potential social unrest and urges consideration of historical context and disparities in decision-making: emphasises the need for a holistic approach considering societal impacts and long-term consequences.
   
7. CEB concluded fiscal year 2023 with notable profitability, reporting Rs. 75.7 billion in profits, with Rs. 61.2 billion from the Board: Factors include increased rainfall and a tariff hike in Q423: Revenue totaled Rs. 679 billion, resulting in Rs. 132 billion gross profit: Distribution costs reduced by 13.7%, and other expenses by 15.3%. Finance income increased by 29%, with a 42.8% rise in finance costs: However, recent scrutiny revealed an overestimation of costs by Rs. 140 billion, emphasising the importance of accurate financial management.
   
8. The Public Utilities Commission endorses a tariff modification, effective from midnight on March 4, resulting in a 21.9% reduction overall: Following a review of proposals by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), the PUCSL determined this reduction, offering significant relief across consumer categories, notably reducing tariffs for domestic consumers by 33% for those using less than 30 units of electricity: Other sectors will also see reductions ranging from 18% to 33%: Additionally, the CEB has been instructed to settle outstanding payments to renewable power plant owners and formulate plans to meet renewable energy targets by 2030.
   
9. Dr. Benjami Reyes, Secretary General of Colombo Plan (CP), met with Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Khalid Hamoud Alkahtani to discuss maritime sector cooperation: explore infrastructure, capacity building, and trade facilitation: The Saudi Ambassador expresses optimism for future collaboration with CP: Meanwhile, the United States funds key projects of the CP, including a three-year capacity building programme for the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.
   
10. Tourism is thriving with a surge in visitors, attributed to visa-free travel for tourists from key countries like China, India, and Russia: Over 200,000 tourists arrived in January 2024, marking a 103.1% increase compared to last year: Russia leads arrivals with 15%, followed by India: Sri Lanka anticipates welcoming 2 million visitors in 2024, potentially generating $6 billion in revenue.

March 05, World (LNW): The second session of the 14th Chinese National People’s Congress commenced in Beijing this morning (05), marking a significant event in the country’s governance framework, reflecting socialist democracy with Chinese characteristics.

Approximately 2900 representatives from the Chinese Communist Party, government officials, and delegates of the National People’s Congress, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, convened at the opening ceremony to participate in deliberations.

During this session, the Chinese Premier presented the 2024 State Work Report, highlighting China’s achievements in overcoming the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and attaining major economic and social development objectives.

Emphasising the nation’s commitment to building a modern socialist country, the Premier underscored the pivotal role of this year, which marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, in advancing the implementation of the ’14th Five-Year Plan’.