Colombo (LNW): The Election Commission has launched a probe against Urban Commissioner of the Colombo Municipal Council Bhadrani Jayawardena, based on the allegation of inviting politicians to a function held by the Council avoiding the Commission’s orders otherwise.
Mrs. Jayawardena has been accused of calling in politicians to the opening ceremony of the Community Hall built on Saibu Street in Colombo 12 by the Sports and Recreation Department of the Colombo Municipal Council.
Jayawardena had been informed in writing by Additional Election Commissioner (Legal Investigation and Planning) B.P.C. Kularatne to hold the said ceremony with the sole participation of government employees thereby expressly excluding any political figures, based on a complaint by a group of candidates of the upcoming Local Government Election, in the backdrop where nominations are yet to be called in for LG polls.
The Urban Commissioner of the Colombo Municipal Council, however, had avoided the instructions, and welcomed Sagala Ratnayake, Chief of the President’s Staff and Colombo Organiser of the United National Party (UNP), and former Mayor of the Council Rosy Senanayake, along with a few other party candidates of the upcoming polls.
The event was opposed in a stringent manner by former urban council members of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), but was carried on amidst Police protection.
Colombo (LNW): Sysco LABS was honoured with the prestigious Best Exporter Award in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector at the Presidential Export Awards for both 2021/22 and 2022/23.
This achievement recognises Sysco LABS as the foremost contributor to export revenue within the ICT sector, affirming its position as the premier technology corporation in Sri Lanka.
Sysco LABS, the Global In-House Centre (GIC) of Sysco, is the global leader in foodservice and occupies the 56th position on the Fortune 500. Sysco has over 330 distribution facilities worldwide and a network of 72,000 staff serving approximately 725,000 customer locations.
Sysco LABS is a dedicated innovation and tech engineering hub, leveraging Sri Lanka’s ingenuity to power the technology that drives Sysco’s global operations.
Commenting on the win, Sysco LABS Managing Director Rasika Karunatilake said, “Receiving the Best Exporter award in the ICT sector for the past two years at the Presidential Export Awards is a tremendous honour. It is a matter of immense pride to our entire team at Sysco LABS to be contributing to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and being recognised as the key contributor. This achievement is a testament to the world-class tech engineering talent and ingenuity in Sri Lanka and our commitment to expand, innovate and deliver value to Sysco – the global leader in foodservice.”
“As we celebrate this accolade, it’s crucial to acknowledge the immense value that the tech industry brings to Sri Lanka. Technology is inevitably the future, and fostering an environment that enables the growth of this industry and the presence of global giants like Sysco will provide more opportunities for Sri Lankan talents to excel on a global stage,” he added.
Organised by the Export Development Board (EDB), the 25th Annual Presidential Export Awards was held on November 23 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), under the patronage and presence of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Sysco LABS is the Global In-House Centre of Sysco Corporation (NYSE: SYY), the world’s largest foodservice company. Sysco is a Fortune 500 company and the global leader in the trillion-dollar foodservice industry.
Sysco employs 72,000 associates, has over 330 smart distribution facilities worldwide and over 14,000 IoT-enabled trucks serving 725,000 customer locations. For the fiscal year 2023 that ended on July 1, the company generated sales of more than $76 billion.
Sysco LABS delivers the technology that powers Sysco’s end-to-end operations. With engineering teams based out of Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Austin and Houston, TX, Sysco LABS enables Sysco’s entire supply chain, delivering the enterprise-grade technology that is revolutionising the industry.
Sysco LABS’ technology is present in the end-to-end foodservice journey, enabling the sourcing of food products, merchandising, storage and warehouse operations, order placement and pricing algorithms, the delivery of food and supplies to Sysco’s global network, the in-restaurant dining experience of the end-customer and much more.
Colombo (LNW): The government is actively working towards implementing a proposed salary increase for government employees, with plans to allocate Rs 5,000 from the additional allowance starting January 2024, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya disclosed.
The Minister noted that President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s 2024 Budget includes a Rs. 10,000 Cost of Living allowance for government employees, and the initial Rs. 5,000 instalment is scheduled for disbursement in April 2024, followed by the remaining amount in October.
The government is committed to fulfilling half of the Rs. 10,000 salary increase mentioned in the 2024 budget, with the Rs. 5,000 increment set to be provided from January, Siyambalapitiya went on, adding that pensioners are slated to receive an increased amount of Rs. 2,500 from January onwards.
During a meeting chaired by the President, there was a strong request to expedite the provision of this allowance from January, and the government is actively working towards meeting this timeline.
To implement the proposed allowances, the government anticipates a monthly requirement of Rs. 6.5 billion for the Rs. 5,000 allowance to government employees and Rs. 1.8 billion for the Rs. 2,500 pension increase. Minister Siyambalapitiya assured that the government is proactively addressing this financial commitment, highlighting efforts to collect tax arrears from state institutions, including Customs.
The income generated from these initiatives is expected to contribute to meeting the financial obligations associated with the increased salaries and pensions, he added.
Colombo (LNW): A special discussion aiming the appointment of a new Inspector General of Police (IGP) is set to take place under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Public Security Minister Tiran Alles today (27).
Based on the conclusions of today’s meeting, a final decision is likely to be made on the appointment of a new IGP, sources told LNW.
Meanwhile, police sources claim that Senior Deputy Inspector General (SDIG) in charge of the Western Province Deshabandu Tennakoon is likely to succeed C.D. Wickramaratne as the acting IGP.
Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has been granted budget support loans totaling US $495.6 million by the World Bank (WB), with an interest-free arrangement until September 2023.
This financial assistance comes after the country’s downgrade made it eligible for reduced-rate International Development Association (IDA) credits, reported Economy Next.
The WB has committed to providing development policy financing, disbursed in connection with policy reforms, on an interest-free basis, with a nominal commitment fee of 0.5 per cent.
The repayment terms include a generous 6-year grace period and a 12-year repayment period through the IDA window, a Finance Ministry report outlined.
Additionally, the WB has earmarked US $196.3 million for social protection initiatives, carrying an interest rate of 1.25 per cent, a service fee of 0.75 per cent, and a commitment fee of 0.5 per cent. The repayment schedule for this allocation spans 30 years, with a 5-year grace period.
In 2022, Sri Lanka faced economic challenges, with a sharp depreciation of its currency, leading to a significant portion of the population falling into poverty. The currency’s float, initially unsuccessful due to a surrender rule, saw subsequent corrective measures, including interest rate hikes and the removal of the surrender rule, resulting in the rupee appreciating to approximately 320-330 against the US dollar.
Sri Lanka, having attained middle-income status and market access for International Bank of Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) loans, experienced a shift in its economic landscape with aggressive macro-economic policies.
The country lost market access and defaulted on foreign loans, prompting the World Bank to extend IDA loans to Sri Lanka.
While loans from multilateral agencies such as the World Bank and Asian Development Bank are generally concessional, the expectation remains that these loans are serviced even in the event of default.
The WB adheres to a policy of providing favorable loan terms with extended repayment periods, ensuring a net positive flow of new loans compared to repayments, according to a senior official.
Sri Lanka’s default on foreign loans in 2022 resulted from a series of currency crises triggered by excessive money printing to target potential output through macro-economic policies.
Colombo (LNW): Showery weather condition is expected to enhance over most places of the island for the next few days starting from today (27), with showers or thundershowers being expected to occur at times in Eastern, Northern and North-central provinces, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in other provinces of the island after 02.00 p.m, and fairly heavy showers about 75mm are likely at some places in Eastern, Uva, Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts, the statement added.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Mannar to Pottuvil via Kankasanthurai and Trincomalee. Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in the other sea areas around the island particularly during the afternoon or night.
Winds:
Winds will be North-easterly. Wind speed will be (30-40) kmph in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Trincomalee via Puttalam, Kankasanthurai and from Galle to Hambantota via Matara. Wind speed will be (20-30) kmph in the other sea areas around the island.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Trincomalee via Puttalam, Kankasanthurai and from Galle to Hambantota via Matara will be moderate and slight in the other sea areas around the island. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
Election Commission Chairman R M A L Rathnayake confirms the next Presidential Election will take place on a day between 16th Sep’24 and 17th Oct’24: says the specific date for the election would be decided & officially announced in Jul”24 (as per the 2-month advance notice prior to the commencement of the stipulated election period).
Differences between the Opposition hamper the appointment of the 10th member to the Constitutional Council: leads to the CC activities being hamstrung: current vacancy has existed for more than 1 year: it is reserved for a member of the 3rd-largest party in Parliament, not represented either by the PM or the Opposition Leader.
Sri Lanka’s & Ghana’s international bonds take a major tumble on the news that Zambia’s USD 3bn bond re-work deal has collapsed: collapse raises doubts about the very framework designed to get bankrupt nations back on track.
President’s Counsel Saliya Pieris refutes President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s comment that he (Pieris) had ambitions to become the Prime Minister prior to 9th May”22.
Sugar prices in the retail market increases amidst shortages: some shops claim they had run out of stocks: some shops raise their prices to be between Rs.300 & Rs.350 per kg after the maximum retail price for sugar was removed this week.
Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera says the Cabinet has approved the provision of MOP fertiliser for the ‘Maha’ season at the subsidised rate of Rs.9,000 per bag as against the current price of Rs.19,000.
Reports state that the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has lost a staggering USD 17 mn solely in demurrage last year: CPC insiders say this is due to “mismanagement” by officials.
Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Economic and Physical Plans chaired by MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage instructs the Department of Project Management & Monitoring to submit a progress report as it was disclosed that only 31 out of 179 foreign investment projects are “efficacious”.
Apparel Exporters Association Chairman Indika Liyanahewage calls for strategic partnerships with Japan & India to boost & diversify markets to steer through challenges posed by economic downturns in traditional export destinations: notes that 30% of garments are shipped to Europe & 40% to US: laments these markets have seen a dip due to economic challenges.
Discussions during a recent meeting of the State Revenue Unit with President Ranil Wickremesinghe focuses on possibility of providing Rs.5,000 of the proposed pay increase of Rs.10,000 from Jan’24, followed by the balance from Apr’24.
Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe has introduced the “Urumaya” Freehold Deed Programme during the initial phase of the public awareness campaign for the 2024 budget proposal.
Wickremesinghe outlined the programme’s goals, aiming to strengthen the export economy by transforming each village into an enterprise village. Plans include the establishment of agriculture modernisation service centres.
Speaking in Nochchiyagama, Anuradhapura, the President questioned the allocation of freehold land for the Shangri-La Hotel, emphasising the need for similar privileges for hardworking farmers. Rs. 2 billion have been allocated in the 2024 budget for “Urumaya” freehold deeds.
President Wickremesinghe proposed a unified freehold deed system, replacing existing categories like Jaya Bhoomi and Swarna Bhoomi in 2024. He urged unity beyond political differences and highlighted efforts to stabilise the country’s economic situation.
The President announced plans to resume stalled development projects, allocate Rs. 1.5 billion for cricket development in rural schools, and safeguard cultural and historical sites in Anuradhapura. Governor Maheepala Herath praised Wickremesinghe for economic recovery and empowering the agricultural community.
Minister of State for Finance Shehan Semasinghe highlighted the President’s proactive measures in addressing agricultural concerns and expressed satisfaction in resolving land ownership issues. MP Duminda Dissanayake commended Wickremesinghe’s leadership and praised the budget for addressing various societal needs.
MP S.M. Chandrasena applauded the significant financial allocation to Anuradhapura district and emphasised the President’s dedication to the agricultural community.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Chairman H. Nandasena, MP Uddika Premaratne, Former Chief Minister S. M. Ranjith, Former Minister P. Harrison, Attorney Kasthuri Anuradhanayake, and Land Commissioner General Bandula Jayasinghe.
Colombo (LNW): The groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a ten-storey building for the Professorial Unit of the Faculty of Medicine at Uva Wellassa University commenced on Sunday, November 26th, at the Badulla Teaching Hospital premises.
The construction, with a financial allocation of Rs. 2.26 billion, is overseen by the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau (CECB) and is expected to be completed by December 2025.
Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr. Asela Gunawardena officially announced the conversion of Badulla Provincial General Hospital into a teaching hospital, affiliated with the Uva Wellassa University Medical Faculty. Additionally, the hospital’s new website was launched, and staff appreciation awards were presented during the event.
The Professorial Unit, comprising several units within a fully equipped teaching hospital, offers teaching, training, and clinical services in Clinical Surgery. The government plans to establish specialist units in physical medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and psychiatry within the Professorial Unit, with assigned teachers and professors for medical courses.
The establishment of the eleventh Faculty of Medicine in Sri Lanka at Badulla Uva Wellassa University led to the decision to construct a Professorial Unit, as there was no existing unit for degree courses for medical students enrolled in this faculty. The inaugural enrollment of 50 medical students is set for February 2024.
Dr. Jayantha Balawardena has been appointed as the first chancellor of Uva University by President Ranil Wickremesinghe. The construction began under the patronage of Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, Nimal Siripala de Silva, and with the blessings of Minister of Health and Industries, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana.
Several dignitaries, including State Minister Chamara Sampath Dasanayake, Minister of State for Education A. Aravinda Kumara, Governor of Uva Province J. M. Muzammil, University Grants Commission Chairman Prof. Sampath Amaratunga, Health Ministry Deputy Director General (Supply) Dinipriya Herath, State Pharmaceuticals Corporation Chairman Ajith Mendis, Badulla Teaching Hospital Director Dr. Upul Karunaratne, and Uva University Chancellor consultant oncologist Dr. Jayantha Balawardena, participated in the event.
Colombo (LNW): Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe is set to deliver a special statement in Parliament this morning (27) addressing the prevailing controversies in the country’s cricket crisis.
Speaking to reporters, the Minister affirmed his commitment to unveiling the truth during his parliamentary statement today.
He emphasised that he intends to expose the individuals responsible for the current cricket crisis and elucidate their ultimate objectives in this matter.
