February 25, Colombo (LNW): Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara has responded to a joint appeal from the Kegalle Migrant Workers Committee and the Kegalle District political authority by committing to establish a Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) office in Kegalle District.

The decision follows concerns raised regarding the absence of an SLBFE office in the district, despite it being home to the highest number of migrant workers in the Sabaragamuwa Province.

This announcement was made during the Jayagamu Sri Lanka programme, organised by the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment in Kegalle, where the Committee presented their request, emphasising the urgent need for an SLBFE office to address the welfare and concerns of migrant workers from the region.

By: Isuru Parakrama

February 25, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Western, Southern, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces in the evening or night, and a few showers may occur in Uva and Eastern provinces, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (25).

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Badulla district during the morning, the statement added.

The public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Marine Weather:

February 24, Colombo (LNW): The US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung has extended a warm invitation to Hollywood actor Jason Momoa, known for his advocacy for environmental conservation, to witness Sri Lanka’s mangrove restoration efforts and explore its vibrant marine ecosystem.

“Hey #JasonMomoa, your admiration and @UNEP support for Sri Lanka’s environmental efforts and using your voice to increase awareness of the urgency to #SaveOurOcean is inspiring! 

As US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, I invite you to come experience the beauty of Sri Lanka’s mangrove restoration firsthand and dive into the depths of our strong US-Sri Lanka partnership,” she noted via ‘X’ on thursday 

The Ambassador’s invitation comes hot on the heels of the Aquaman star Momoa congratulating Sri Lanka for being declared a UN World Restoration Flagship, in recognition of the country’s efforts to rebuild and restore its mangrove ecosystems.

In a video statement of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) Advocate for Life Below Water, he commended the endeavours of the country. 

“As a native Hawaiian, I saw the impacts of climate change first hand this year, the devastating lines of fires. 

We urgently need to revive the health of our lands, the coasts and oceans. After the tsunami, the island of Sri Lanka had to build back, and they did it using the power of nature as a solution versus fighting against it. I want to celebrate Sri Lanka for its recognition as the UN World Restoration Flagship.

 In the country, citizens and partners are working together to naturally generate 10,000 hectares of mangrove forest by 2030 to fortify the coastline. Congratulations, 

Sri Lanka. Mahalo for working together to create positive change. You are the example. All my Aloha,” Mamosa said.

Expressing admiration for Momoa’s commitment to UNEP causes, Ambassador Chung underscored the invitation for the Auqaman star to dive into the crystal-clear waters and explore mesmerising shipwrecks along the Sri Lankan coast.

“Ready to trade the depths of Atlantis for the crystal waters and mesmerising shipwrecks off the coast of Sri Lanka? #VisitSriLanka #YoullComeBackForMore (video credit: @UNSriLanka),” she added.

With the hashtags #VisitSriLanka and #YoullComeBackForMore, the Ambassador’s message underscored Sri Lanka Tourism taglines to explore the country firsthand. 

On 14 February Sri Lanka has been declared as a UN World Restoration Flagship, in recognition of the nation’s vital efforts to rebuild and restore its mangrove ecosystems. 

The UN Flagship Restoration Award is a timely recognition of Sri Lanka’s viable, lasting solutions towards the restoration of these essential ecosystems which support countless lives and livelihoods across the island. 

Sri Lanka is slated to receive the award at the United Nations Environmental Assembly which will be held in Nairobi on 27 February 2024. 

The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) said the award signifies the nation’s effective use of the UN’s Principles for ecosystem restoration, while highlighting globally significant best practices and methodologies that can potentially serve as a framework for future success across the world.

February 24, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka shares closed up on a new high on Thursday after buying interest was stimulated through senses of economic stabilization, while the market generated a first ever net foreign inflow for 2024. 

The economy has channeled some stability and some recovery, resulting in buying power for the banking sector, capital, food and tourism sector,” an analyst said.

The Colombo stock market its first ever net foreign inflow for 2024 as it ended a shortened week marginally higher, CSE sources said. 

Upto Wednesday, CSE had seen net foreign outflow of Rs. 3.3 billion and yesterday net inflow amounted to Rs. 211.6 million with net foreign buying most in JKH at Rs. 365.7 million.

First Capital said foreign investors turning net buyers on Thursdy was after nearly 2 months.

The lack of net foreign inflow year to date until Wednesday was of concern to stock broking firms and capital market promoters. Last year the Colombo Stock Exchange saw net foreign inflow Rs. 4.3 billion though it ended December with a net outflow of Rs. 653.4 million.

At present the Market P/E is 10.64 times which is considered attractive whilst several counters in CSE such as from the banking sector are trading below book value.

For the week the benchmark ASPI gained by 0.7% and the active S&P SL20 by 0.5%. Average daily turnover was Rs. 971 million. Last week ASPI and the S&P SL20 gained 0.2% and 0.7% respectively recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 862 million.

Asia Securities said the ASPI bounced back from its intra-day losses to end slightly up on Thursday, driven by increased market participation and a subsequent surge in turnover.

JKH dominated turnover during the session (Rs. 572 million) amidst a notable pick-up in buying interest. 

First Capital said the bourse experienced a volatile session of trading during the day but managed to halt on the green zone at 10,655 gaining 6 points, continuing the positive momentum from the previous day.

Blue-chip companies namely EXPO and JKH mainly aided the ASPI to land on the positive territory backed by high-net-worth investor participation, however the retail participation continued to remain relatively low. 

The Banking sector shares namely SAMP, HNB and NDB displayed a negative sentiment mainly because of the flat results reported for the 4Q2023 period, which dragged the index down.

Turnover was 4% higher than the month’s average backed by the Capital Goods sector and Transportation sector for a joint contribution of 55%.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Expolanka Holdings and LB Finance. Mixed interest was observed in Lanka IOC, Nations Trust Bank and Haycarb whilst retail interest was noted in Dialog Axiata, Lanka Milk Foods and Distilleries.

February 24, Colombo (LNW): The Merchant Marine Secretariat of Germany has announced that a comprehensive report on the Sri Lankan crew member who went missing from the MV Sanchuka will be received next week. A senior official confirmed the receipt of an initial report but emphasized that further details are expected in the coming week.

Chirath Sandaru, a 21-year-old resident of Uduwara in Millaniya and an alumnus of Mahanama College, Colombo, went missing while serving on Germany’s MV Sanchuka. He joined the vessel as a crew member on January 2, 2024.

In response to the ongoing situation, the National Merchant Seamen’s Association has declared its intention to seek international assistance in locating the missing Sri Lankan crew member. Palitha Athukorala, the association’s chairman, revealed that they have formally requested the aid of the International Transport Workers’ Federation to bolster efforts in finding Chirath Sandaru.

The maritime community and concerned authorities are joining forces to intensify search and rescue operations, demonstrating a collaborative commitment to ensuring the safe return of the missing crew member.

1. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma met with President Ranil Wickremesinghe and commended Sri Lanka’s efforts to revive its economy. President Wickremesinghe briefed Verma on debt restructuring progress and highlighted key economic reforms, including an agriculture modernization program. The discussions underscored mutual appreciation for the Sri Lankan government’s economic initiatives.
2. Former Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army, Major General Sathyapriya Liyanage has extended his support to the main opposition, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) led by MP Sajith Premadasa.
3. In response to criticism over the substantial salary increase for Central Bank employees, a leading parliamentary committee has requested a report from the Central Bank. The committee, chaired by MP Gamini Waleboda, is seeking information on the legal basis for the salary increment without parliamentary approval. This inquiry arose during a committee meeting where Central Bank officials were present, addressing concerns about the salary hike amid the economic crisis.
4. The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) has raised concerns over reports of people posing as doctors to treat patients in various parts of Sri Lanka. GMOA revealed that over 40,000 individuals are found to be posing as doctors, treating patients with serious illnesses such as cancer, kidney and heart ailments.
5. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with the Sri Lankan Embassy in Myanmar, is actively working to rescue and repatriate Sri Lankan nationals who fell victim to human trafficking in Myanmar. The individuals were deceived through online scams, particularly within the Myawaddy area, where they were falsely promised legitimate IT job opportunities. Efforts are underway to address this situation and bring back the affected Sri Lankan citizens.
6. The Health Trade Union Alliance said trade union representatives will meet representatives of the Ministry of Health on Tuesday (27) to discuss their demands. Co-convener of the Alliance Chanaka Dharmawickrama said a report is due to be prepared to calculate the cost for the proposed allowance and the ability to pay.
7. Nearly 1 million electricity connections were disconnected within 2023, the Parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Committee on Alleviating the Impact of the Economic Crisis was informed.
8. The government is set to replace the University Grants Commission with the establishment of the National Higher Education Development Commission, as announced by State Minister of Higher Education Dr. Suren Raghavan.
9. Land Valuation Indicator (LVI) for Colombo District indicated a slowdown on a year-on-year basis, recording a growth rate of 7.1 per cent during the second half of 2023. This slowdown could be observed in all sub-indicators of LVI, namely Residential, Commercial and Industrial LVIs which recorded annual increases of 8.8 per cent, 6.7 per cent and 5.9 per cent, respectively.
10. A ‘white-only’ themed party planned for February 24 at a Russian-run cafe in the south has been canceled by organizers following public outcry. The event, labeled as an ‘Opening White Party,’ faced backlash for its discriminatory nature. The controversial face control policy, restricting entry based on factors like white skin, wealth, style, or demeanor, stirred significant controversy before its cancellation.

February 24, Colombo (LNW): United States Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, Richard Verma, expressed appreciation for the commendable efforts undertaken by the Sri Lankan Government to revitalize its economy during a meeting with President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

In the discussions, President Wickremesinghe provided an overview of the progress in debt restructuring and highlighted key economic reform measures, including the Agriculture Modernization Program. The Deputy Secretary acknowledged and lauded these initiatives aimed at steering the Sri Lankan economy on a positive trajectory.

Turning attention to global security matters, the Deputy Secretary extended gratitude to the Sri Lankan Government for its support in ongoing naval operations in the Red Sea. President Wickremesinghe, in response, reiterated Sri Lanka’s steadfast commitment to Freedom of Navigation in the Indian Ocean. Additionally, the President expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia’s stance on the Houthi rebels, emphasizing a shared dedication to regional stability.

Accompanying the President were Secretary to the President Mr. Saman Ekanayake, Acting Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs U.L.M. Jauhar, Director of International Affairs Dinouk Colombage, and Director of America’s Desk at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Chathura Perera. The meeting signifies the growing collaboration and mutual interests between Sri Lanka and the United States in both economic and security spheres.

February 24, Colombo (LNW): The Foreign Affairs Ministry, in collaboration with the Sri Lankan mission in Myanmar, is intensifying efforts to rescue and repatriate Sri Lankan nationals who have fallen prey to human trafficking schemes in Myanmar. Foreign Minister Ali Sabry raised the issue with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar, urgently seeking intervention to rescue Sri Lankan victims ensnared in various online scams within the Myawaddy area.

According to the ministry’s statement, these Sri Lankans were coerced into fraudulent activities under the guise of legitimate job offers in the IT field. The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Myanmar has consistently alerted Myanmar authorities about the dire situation, urging immediate action to free the victims from cybercriminal activities orchestrated by traffickers. The Myanmar Government has reportedly assured that all necessary measures will be taken to swiftly rescue the victims.

Acting Foreign Affairs Ministry Secretary U.L. Mohammed Jauhar met Myanmar’s Ambassador in Colombo on February 22, reiterating the urgent need for assistance in the safe rescue and repatriation of Sri Lankan nationals in the Myawaddy area. However, difficulties in accessing the concerned area due to the prevailing situation have been acknowledged by the Myanmar Government.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry is closely coordinating with Sri Lankan Missions in neighboring Southeast Asian countries and international organizations to ensure the well-being and prompt repatriation of affected Sri Lankans. Additionally, collaboration with other countries whose nationals have been similarly affected is being explored.

The ministry cautions the families of the affected persons against individuals attempting to collect money by promising assistance in the rescue and repatriation process. They urge extreme caution in dealing with such individuals.

Assuring constant contact with relevant authorities, the Foreign Affairs Ministry is committed to exploring all possible avenues for the rescue and safe repatriation of Sri Lankans who have become victims of human trafficking in Myanmar, in close collaboration with the Myanmar Government authorities.

February 24, Colombo (LNW): In a decisive move, Secretary to the President, Saman Ekanayake, has instructed the initiation of legal proceedings against the unauthorized conferment and use of national awards and honorary titles. The Presidential Secretariat is actively monitoring instances where individuals and non-governmental entities falsely present awards, certificates, and titles purporting to be prestigious national honors bestowed by the President to distinguished Sri Lankans.

These recognitions, traditionally awarded through a meticulous formal process evaluated by designated authorities, are now subject to scrutiny as the President’s Secretary stresses the urgency of putting an end to the misappropriation of national award titles by unauthorized entities. Such unauthorized actions are deemed to inflict considerable injustice and disrespect upon genuinely esteemed Sri Lankan recipients of these honors.

The establishment of the National Awards in 1986, followed by subsequent amendments detailed in various Government Gazettes, underscores the official and regulated nature of these honors. President Ranil Wickremesinghe further ratified the introduction of two new awards, namely “Vishishta Kaushalyabhimani” and “Vishishta Republica Abhimani,” through a Ministerial Note on February 18, 2023.

The nomination process for National Awards involves Provincial Governors and Cabinet Ministers, with recommendations evaluated by a Selection Committee appointed by the President and chaired by the Prime Minister’s Secretary. Plans are in progress to introduce a new application system to actively engage eligible Sri Lankans in the nomination process.

After the President’s endorsement, a panel of academic experts appointed by the President’s Secretary assesses and selects the awardees. The official publication of chosen recipients occurs through a gazette, and the awards are ceremonially presented by the President on designated occasions, including Independence Day, National Hero’s Day, and events honoring non-Sri Lankan recipients.