February 28, Colombo (LNW): The Education Ministry has announced the upcoming launch of new educational publications focused on sexuality education, spanning from pre-childhood development to the adult community. The release is scheduled for March 7, as revealed during a recent meeting of the Parliamentary Caucus for Children, chaired by MP Rohini Kumari Wijerathna.
Education Ministry officials highlighted that these educational materials aim to address the limited knowledge on sexuality education in Sri Lanka, a concern that has prompted the compilation of resources suitable for various age groups. The publications cover pre-school children up to the 13th grade and extend to the adult community.
Research-backed and compiled by experts in the respective fields, the sexuality education publications have received full supervision and approval from the Education and Health Ministers. In the initial phase, these publications will be provided as electronic publications (E-publications).
Officials emphasized that the formal imparting of knowledge about sexuality to all age groups can contribute to alleviating societal crises and enhance the safety of children. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, along with MPs Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle, Eran Wickramaratne, K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera, Imran Maharoof, and officials from the Education and Health Ministries attended the Committee meeting where these developments were discussed.
February 28, Colombo (LNW): Justice, Prisons Affairs, and Constitutional Reforms Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, PC, announced yesterday that proactive steps are being taken to alleviate challenges associated with Parate execution, aiming to prevent crises for businesses and financial institutions. Plans are underway to propose amendments to Parliament in this regard, signaling a commitment to address crucial legal matters for the country’s governance and justice system.
During a press briefing at the Presidential Media Centre themed ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country,’ Minister Dr. Rajapakshe also unveiled plans for a distinct loan scheme designed specifically for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The initiative aims to boost the economic prospects of smaller businesses, contributing to overall economic resilience and growth.
Addressing the media, Dr. Rajapakshe emphasized the government’s dedication to advancing legal reforms and supporting SMEs as part of its commitment to national progress and prosperity. He stated, “A nation’s fiscal policy is integral to its economic strength,” highlighting the government’s focus on ensuring stability and balance in the financial sector.
Dr. Rajapakshe discussed concerns about the Central Bank’s focus on safeguarding financial stability and raised questions about whether sufficient attention has been given to the country’s overall balance sheet, especially amidst declines in the agricultural and industrial sectors. He stressed the need for stringent financial controls to ensure optimal resource utilization and sustainable economic development.
Highlighting the challenge of loans totaling approximately Rs. 602 billion, he noted that a significant portion is expected to be written off as bad debt. Dr. Rajapakshe suggested that redirecting these funds toward agriculture and industry could have fueled significant growth. In response to these challenges, the government is working on a low-interest loan program for SMEs, collaborating with institutions like the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.
The Minister also emphasized responsible lending and announced discussions with the Cabinet to establish a monitoring system for credit facilities. Further refinements to these strategies are expected through deliberations with the Finance Ministry.
February 28, Colombo (LNW): Transport, Highways, and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana declared on [insert date] that stringent actions will be taken to temporarily revoke the route permits of private buses involved in assaulting Sri Lanka Transport Bus (SLTB) crews. The minister emphasized the need for collective efforts to combat the rising incidents of terrorism on the road targeting SLTB.
This statement followed the Minister’s engagement with SLTB employees protesting outside the Mass Media Ministry against the frequent attacks on SLTB bus drivers and conductors by private bus employees. During the site visit, the Minister discussed the challenges faced by the protesting workers and urged trade unions to refrain from resorting to strike action, allowing proper police investigations.
Minister Gunawardhana announced his decision to prohibit private buses from entering Central Bus Stand in Pettah due to the ongoing attacks on SLTB crews and government property damage. Despite requests to allow private buses for the implementation of a combined timetable system, the Minister assured the implementation of a joint timetable as scheduled.
During a special meeting attended by Minister Dr. Gunawardhana and SLTB trade union representatives, discussions were held on workers’ demands. The incident involving the assault on the driver and conductor of an SLTB bus from Nugegoda to Homagama Pitipana was highlighted, prompting the Minister to pledge immediate investigation and action.
The Minister reiterated his commitment to stand for SLTB and its staff, urging employees to work peacefully and avoid taking matters into their own hands. Emphasizing the proper implementation of the law, he assured ongoing support and announced the initiation of a special insurance scheme for the safety and welfare of SLTB employees.
February 28, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Eastern, Uva and North central provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya and Matale districts.
Showers or thundershowers may occur atseveral places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Kandy, Galle and Matara districts in the evening or night.
Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times in eastern slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central, North-western, Southern,Uvaand Easternprovinces.
The public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize the damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
February 27, Colombo (LNW): Restructuring of the national carrier SriLankan Airlines is in tatters after Sunday’s ground handling debacle, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva said yesterday.
“Deadline given to potential investors for submitting expressions to partner the national carrier ends on March 5,” he added.
Prospective bidders for the losses and debt-saddled Sri Lankan Airlines have been frustrated due to present flight delay debacle and they will have more time with the Government extending the deadline for Request for Qualification (RfQ) to Match 05 from January 09 this year.
The previous deadline was 5 December 2023 and it was extended to January 09 the extension was following requests for more time by interested parties. SOE Restructuring Unit (SRU) earler announced.
As per the SOE Restructuring Unit (SRU), the RfQ process for the sale of a majority stake in Sri Lankan Airlines will be in February this year and bid submission is slated for April and issuance of Letter of Intent in May.
World Bank Group’s International Finance Corporation is the lead advisor and IFC experts from Singapore, Thailand, Spain and Pakistan are involved.
The prospective bidders must prove that it satisfies the Technical, Financial and Legal ualification Criteria to participate in the bidding process.
The Government intends to sell SriLankan Airlines as a whole, including the profitable catering unit.
The Government is also in the process of restructuring and/or removing debts/liabilities of the national carrier.
Overall liabilities of SriLankan Group crossed the Rs. 700 billion mark to Rs. 705.6 billion in FY23 from Rs. 609 billion in the previous year.
“The information we have received as of now is that all those who have already expressed interest are planning to withdraw after the Sunday’s flight delay, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said.
“We will have no option but to ground SriLankan airlines for good in this situation,” the Minister told a discussion which was open to the media as well.
Representatives of SriLankan Airlines and its Chairman Ashok Pathirage told the discussion that four flights were delayed on Sunday – with rats being found in two aircrafts while two others had technical issues.
“We had to spray a chemical to the two aircraft in which rats were found and ground them for one day as per the international standards,” Mr. Pathirage said.
It was also revealed that absence of 15 ground handling staff also caused the delay. Three members of staff have applied for leave on Sunday while the remaining 12 have kept away from work casually.
“Sack those who kept away from work without applying for leave,” the angry minister said.
February 27, Colombo (LNW): Amidst global demand for the king coconut grown in Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries is now taking steps to cultivate it as an export crop.
“There is demand in the United Arab Emirates for king coconut from Sri Lanka. 200 containers of king coconuts are exported to the country a month,” Minister of Agriculture, Mahinda Amaraweera disclosed.
A king coconut from Sri Lanka sells for the equivalent of 2,500 rupees in the UAE coastal regions, the minister said, adding that demand had recently tripled.
“Therefore, steps will be taken to make king coconut popular in the world by branding it as Sri Lanka Sweet Coconut. The Coconut Development Board and the Coconut Development Authority will work on this.”
Due to the establishment of a regulatory system by the Coconut Development Authority, a king coconut fetches about 0.8 dollars (roughly 296 rupees) at the UAE’s port, according to the DGI statement.
In a move to bolster Sri Lanka’s position as a leading exporter of king coconuts, exporters have agreed to uphold prices at 2000 rupees per fruit, announced Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industry, Mahinda Amaraweera.
The decision came amidst plans to expand king coconut cultivation, with the inauguration of the second king coconut cultivation village near Murutawela Raluwa village.
The inauguration ceremony, presided over by Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, marked the establishment of the second king coconut cultivation village, following the success of the first village in Pahala Muruthawela last year.
The initiative aims to meet the growing demand for Sri Lankan king coconuts, particularly in the United Arab Emirates and other international markets.
With approximately 252,000 king coconuts exported to the UAE weekly, the industry generated an impressive income of two billion rupees in 2022, with expectations soaring to six billion rupees in 2023.
Sri Lanka’s monopoly in the world market for king coconuts remains unchallenged due to the unparalleled taste and quality of its produce.
During the ceremony, Minister Amaraweera distributed 1600 king coconut saplings to local farmers, emphasizing the importance of expanding cultivation efforts to meet global demand.
He underscored the uniqueness of Sri Lankan king coconuts, stating plans to elevate its prominence worldwide under the Sri Lanka Sweet Coconut brand.
Highlighting the significance of maintaining competitive pricing, Minister Amaraweera revealed that exporters had committed to sustaining prices at 2000 rupees per fruit. Currently, Sri Lanka exports around 200 containers of king coconuts to the Dubai market monthly, fetching premium prices compared to global competitors.
Despite the promising prospects, Minister Amaraweera acknowledged the need for expansive cultivation efforts to meet the burgeoning demand. He urged the Coconut Cultivation Board to spearhead initiatives aimed at expanding king coconut cultivation nationwide.
February 27, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) further indicates slight appreciation against the US Dollar today (27) in comparison to yesterday, as per the official exchange rates issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).
Accordingly, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 306.06 from Rs. 306.08, and the selling price to Rs. 315.72 from Rs. 315.85.
The Sri Lankan Rupee indicates similar pattern against several other foreign currencies as well.
February 27, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Government has set apart public investment for economic development and infrastructure investment, particularly focusing on the master plans for strategic tourism zones in the Eastern Province, the Colombo City and the Western Region and Greater Hambantota, President Ranil Wickremasinghe outlined.
At a top level meeting, the President emphasised the economic potential of Hambantota, envisioning it as a pivotal hub for infrastructure development and connectivity.
He highlighted plans to link Hambantota to the Myanmar port, with further extensions anticipated up to Chongqing in eastern China and down to Africa.
President Wickremesinghe stressed the importance of leveraging the extensive investments already made in infrastructure in Hambantota, despite previous challenges.
“We have spent a significant amount on infrastructure here, and despite facing crises, it is imperative to capitalise on these investments,” remarked President Wickremesinghe.
He disclosed plans for allocating thousands of acres of land for investment zones, with additional acquisitions sought in the Monaragala area.
Moreover, the President advocated for strategic expansion into new areas, including Avissawella and Eheliyagoda, to alleviate urban congestion and foster new city centres. Plans for a North Colombo port expansion and potential industrial and IT parks were also discussed, aiming to attract investments and spur economic growth.
The development of Trincomalee as a major investment zone, in collaboration with India, emerged as a priority during the discussion. President Wickremesinghe announced plans for a joint working group to implement development initiatives in Trincomalee, emphasising the importance of bilateral cooperation in driving economic growth and regional stability.
The President’s Media Division said Wickremesinghe’s remarks underscored a strategic shift towards targeted infrastructure development, emphasising the pivotal roles of Hambantota and the Eastern Province in economic growth and positioning it as a key player alongside Colombo in Sri Lanka’s development trajectory.
“The 21 billion is not the value of the projects that is the land value. You have to multiply the land value by five times,” including the real estate additions and renovations the sites and lands are undergoing, and are proposed to undergo in the future.
It has been planned to implement 27 projects in Colombo lands with the value of Rs21 billion. Some are bare lands, some are developed properties, like the Gafoor building in Pettah, the Galle Post Office, the Bogambara prison in Kandy, which are meant to be preserved for conservation purposes, but can also serve as valuable tourism properties.
February 27, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Urban Development Authority is to finalise 22 mixed development, waterfront, residential, IT and tourism projects from 2024 onwards, with another 5 projects still in the process of clearance, Director of Real Estate Management and Development Anura Prasanna of the UDA said.
According to Prasanna, the 21 billion rupees in revenue that is to be gained from the investments into these properties is not the final value of the projects.
In addition these mega mixed development initiative a unified tourism and economic promotion plan had been mooted under one Colombo Fort geographical brand building project.
A collaborative effort between the State and the private sector, the project is spearheaded by developmental catalyst Dr. Dinesh Watawana and the Daily FT, highlighting the increasingly pivotal role of media as advocates of progress.
Colombo Fort is laced with history and modern infrastructure, but is a far cry from developing into a cohesive tourism and economic model that could lay claims to being a showpiece city. The need of the hour is a futuristic plan and advocacy that can make it happen.
OCF’s mandate is to bring together all the stakeholders, including the State machinery, premier blue chips, and the SMEs, inspiring change through advocacy, turning eye-sores into attractions, creating resourceful new ideas while carving out a vibrant brand under One Colombo Fort, built on a structured sustainable plan of growth.
The OCF team is creating a model of growth where the media doesn’t merely report but emerges as advocates of progress who help create shared value. In creating a strong geographical brand, the OCF team envisages to expand its domain to include Colombo Port City,
Galle Face and Colombo Fort’s immediate environs into a one-stop that offers discerning local and international tourists a destination on the ethos of sustainable and responsible tourism.
Primary research of the geographic location is already underway in order to establish the historic milestones, locations already reflecting sound values, neglected and decaying landmarks.
Creative conceptual plans are also being mooted which will attract tourists, creating a boom for Colombo Fort while at the same time, ensuring that Sri Lanka’s showpiece city grows under the ethos of sustainability and responsibility.
The OCF campaign hopes to bring on board Colombo Fort’s colonial architects in an attempt to create modern-day relevance, building cross-cultural harmony, opening the door to greater tourism between the countries.
Transforming Colombo Fort will form a case study in just how the media, professionals and State-private partnerships can combine to maximise the Sri Lankan potential at a time when a cohesive, collective front forms a prerequisite to bringing the country out of the protracted economic impasse.
Finance Ministry officials have told the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) led by the publicity seeking MP Harsha de Silva that the revenue loss incurred from the initial ‘sugar scam’ should be classified as tax foregone, instead of a tax loss. What an insult to COPF? Shows the callous disregard for the committee.
This was mentioned when the Finance Ministry officials were summoned before the COPF on Tuesday (22). https://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=97466. For many of the public servants who go to the committee the public finance committee has become a big fat joke according several public servants. The COPF is now a media circus and mudslinging exercise said a public servant to LNW. Another-remarked this is a kin to a monkey being given a razor blade. Everything is done for the camera and the Chair even runs the committee with no quorum he remarked. How valid are those decisions? A government MP told LNW, Harsha MP needs attention and has nothing much to do .
So this is is his big opportunity to get into the media by sensationalizing issues to be relevant. He lacks the maturity to manage a committee of this importance. A more balanced person like MP Rauf Hakeem is required. The Committee on Public Finance(COPF) is one of the three parliamentary legislative committees that evaluates external audit reports and other public finance information. According to the Colombo Gazette of June 7, 2023 President Ranil Wickremesinghe today intervened to appoint Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Dr. Harsha De Silva as the new Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) , because the SLPP did not want him re appointed.
The role of COPF is expected to make recommendations in regard to bills and other matters to such persons in the appropriate Ministry not to humiliate officers and the minister and secretary in charge of the institution . A constitutional lawyer told LNW that the Chairman of the COPF needs to be given a briefing on his role as chairman and faulted the other MPs in the committee for allowing the chairman to have his side show to build his image using the committee at their expense . Public funds are used to run these parliamentary committees. The public is burdened with high taxes. The COPE has already lost its credibility and Reputation. COPF has become political circus for MPs for their reelection bid. No wonder the public is loosing their faith in parliament and the people who sit in those chairs. Sri Lanka will do better minus all these parliamentary committees.
