February 20, Colombo (LNW): Education Minister Susil Premajayantha announced the forthcoming launch of a pilot project aimed at digitising education, scheduled to commence in March 2024.

Addressing a briefing at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) yesterday (19), the Minister disclosed that Microsoft will be assisting in training teachers for this initiative.

Furthermore, the Minister confirmed the dispatch of school textbooks for the year 2024, emphasising complete coverage as all relevant materials have been sent to distribution stations.

The President’s Media Division (PMD) has outlined plans to finalise distribution at the school level by March 1, with an allocated expenditure of Rs. 12 billion for this purpose.

In addition, Premajayantha highlighted collaboration with the Chinese government, facilitating the acquisition of 80 per cent of required cloth for school uniforms, totaling Rs. 05 billion.

Distribution is underway, with the remaining 20 per cent expected shortly.

Efforts are also underway to prepare school timetables and term notes for the current year, with arrangements being made to conduct the G.C.E. (A/L) level examination as scheduled by year-end.

Detailed instructions regarding these activities will be disseminated to schools via circular within the next two to three weeks.

Concerns have been raised regarding decreased school enrollments due to a decline in birth rates, impacting children’s absence from school.

Additionally, the Minister addressed teacher shortages, with legal proceedings causing delays in recruitment.

Pending court decisions, efforts are underway to swiftly fill vacancies, including 20,000 teacher positions and 13,500 provincial-level vacancies.

Examinations for science and technology level vacancies are scheduled for the first week of March, with recruitment expected to conclude by month-end.

A budget of Rs. 16 billion has been allocated for school lunches, with agreements signed with USAID to provide meals to 200,000 children.

Initiatives have also commenced to engage parents through class meetings, focusing on guidance in areas such as road safety, drug prevention, and safeguarding against abuse.

Plans are in place to launch career and technology guidance courses across 300 centers nationwide, coinciding with the release of Advanced Level examination results.

Moreover, preparations are underway for the pilot project for digitalising education, scheduled for launch in March with support from Microsoft for teacher training.

February 20, Colombo (LNW): Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Dr. Hossein Amir Abdollahia commenced a three-day official visit to the island on Monday night (19).

Upon arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake, the Iranian Foreign Minister, along with a delegation of 20 individuals, was warmly received by State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya.

This visit, initiated at the invitation of Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry, will span from 19th to 21st February.

Dr. Hossein Amir Abdollahia is slated to extend courtesy calls to President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena during his stay in Sri Lanka.

Additionally, official discussions between the visiting Iranian Minister and his delegation and Minister Ali Sabry are scheduled to take place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

February 20, Colombo (LNW): The United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, has articulated significant apprehensions regarding the recently enacted Online Safety Bill, delineating three principal areas of concern.

The US Ambassador to Sri Lanka raised concerns on procedural shortcomings, underlying intentions, and the potential ramifications on freedom of expression against the enactment of the said Act.

Chung underscored the perceived deficiencies in the bill’s formulation process, noting a lack of comprehensive engagement with stakeholders, a factor contributing to widespread perception of its flawed nature.

Expressing reservations about the bill’s expansive scope and definitions, ostensibly designed to combat online offenses such as the dissemination of harmful content and gender-based violence, Ambassador Chung cautioned against the possibility of its misuse to curtail lawful expression.

Furthermore, she raised doubts about the bill’s implementation process, notwithstanding ongoing amendment initiatives.

Chung called into question the effectiveness of these amendments in mitigating the anticipated chilling effect on online discourse.

The US Ambassador further stressed that the concerns voiced by Sri Lankan citizens, technical experts, civil society organisations, legal professionals, the private sector, and journalists are paramount.

She urged the Sri Lankan government to prioritise attentiveness to the apprehensions expressed domestically, underscoring the significance of indigenous perspectives alongside international considerations.

February 20, Canada (LNW): The Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE) extended its appreciation to Canada’s Conservative Party leader, Pierre Poilievre, for his commitment to pursue legal action against Sri Lanka through international avenues, including the International Court of Justice (ICJ), regarding alleged war crimes.

Poilievre has articulated his intention to utilise Magnitsky sanctions to target individuals within the Rajapaksa regime implicated in genocide, several Tamil media outlets reported.

Poilievre’s advocacy extends to seeking accountability at the United Nations and other global platforms, aiming to highlight Sri Lanka’s alleged abuses and recognise the plight of Tamils as genocide.

Furthermore, he has expressed plans to direct legal efforts through Canada’s foreign affairs apparatus to prosecute members of the Sri Lankan regime in international criminal courts for their alleged role in genocide.

In acknowledging Poilievre’s stance, Mr. Visuvanathan Rudrakumaran, Prime Minister of TGTE, commended the alignment of his actions with Canadian values and the pursuit of justice worldwide.

Drawing parallels to international precedents, Rudrakumaran likened the situation to South Africa’s petition against Israel for genocide against Palestinians, emphasising the gravity of the allegations concerning the final stages of the conflict between Tamils and the Sri Lankan state.

Citing the 2012 UN Internal Review Report (Petrie Report), which highlighted significant civilian casualties during the conflict’s culmination, along with calls from UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mr. Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein for criminalising genocide, TGTE underscored the urgency for international scrutiny.

Notably, TGTE points to a signature campaign garnering over 16 million supporters, urging an investigation into alleged international crimes in Sri Lanka.

Rudrakumaran emphasised the consistency of Poilievre’s position with a unanimous resolution passed in the Canadian Parliament in 2019, advocating for an independent international investigation into alleged Tamil genocide in Sri Lanka.

He underscored the imperative for accountability, given the absence of a statute of limitations for genocide charges and the continued lack of resolution in addressing past atrocities.

Highlighting a history of racial violence against Tamils in Sri Lanka, Rudrakumaran reiterated the need for accountability, citing former High Commissioner Al Hussein’s characterisation of crimes as systemic.

The available evidence points to the Sri Lankan state’s culpability and calls for corresponding accountability measures, TGTE asserted.

As an elected body representing Tamils globally, TGTE reiterated its commitment to peaceful, democratic, and diplomatic means in pursuing the political aspirations of Tamils.

Emphasising principles of nationhood, homeland, and self-determination, TGTE advocates for international recognition and support in holding perpetrators of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide accountable.

The organisation further advocates for a peaceful resolution to determine the political future of Tamils through a referendum.

By: Isuru Parakrama

February 20, Colombo (LNW): A few showers may occur in Eastern and Uva provinces in the morning, and showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Sabaragamuwa province and in Galle and Matara districts in the evening or night, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (20),

Mainly fair weather will prevail elsewhere, the statement added.

Fairly strong winds about (30-35) kmph can be expected at times in eastern slopes of the central hills and in North-central, North-western, Uva, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Matale and Kandy districts.

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

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

Marine Weather:

By: Staff Writer

February 19, Colombo (LNW): Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has decided not to increase the Power Purchasing Agreements (PPAs) signed with Private Power Plants (PPPs) last September to procure 120 MW of emergency power, to meet  electricity shortfall during the drought in the southern part of the country due to prevailing dry weather conditions

The PPAs are set to expire at the end of this month.Instead of extending the emergency PPAs, the board is currently in the process of procuring supplementary power.

In response to immediate electricity supply gaps, the CEB has obtained 120 MW of emergency power from Ace Power Embilipitiya (100 MW) and Matara (20 MW).

The urgency arose due to the depletion of the Samanalawewa reservoir, linked to the Udawalawe reservoir, which had dried up last year, necessitating Cabinet approval to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the Southern Province.

Sri Lanka’s electricity demand, sales and investment needs are growing rapidly compelling the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to increase end user tariff making it cost effective, and expedite the implementation of power plants.This was highlighted in the Asian Development Bank funded power sector assessment report.

The peak demand was forecasted to cross 3,000 MW by 2020 and reach 4,800 MW by 2030, the report disclosed.

According to findings and forecasts of the ADB funded report, the CEB will have to incur a massive loss of Rs.436 billion for the period 2021 to 2023 for emergency power purchasing from independent power producers (IPPs).

A proposal has already been made to purchase 800 megawatts of power from these private power producers this year without calling for tenders.

The CEB System Control is deciding on the most feasible option to purchase power using the available data manually.

This method of power purchasing has opened the flood gates for corruption and irregularities as identifying the least cost method and viable option based on the available data cannot be cannot be carried out manually and it requires relevant software, it was stated

The CEB plans indicate the investment requirements for power generation to be US $2400 million from 2020–2025 to meet the growing demand at the lowest cost, the report added.

The capacity shortage has to be resolved by building larger power plants. The CEB has proposed that the two cancelled coal-fired power plants be revived and built using the latest technology.

Additionally, two combined cycle power plants are required to be built to cater to seasonal shortages of hydro power.

“All IPPs are diesel-fired, operating on 10- to 20-year power purchase agreements; all SPPs are renewable energy-based, with 15- or 20-year contracts.

In order to offset this massive loss, the Ministry of Power has no alternative other than increasing electricity tariff by at least Rs.2.50 per unit for this period, the report recommended.Emergency power purchasing at higher rates from IPPs has now become a significant burden to the economy. Annual purchases of power average from Rs. 160 billion to Rs. 200 billion.

By: Staff Writer

February 19, Colombo (LNW): US Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Elizabeth Allen met with Sri Lanka’s Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane on Saturday (17 Feb.), and discussed several recent positive developments between Sri Lanka and the US in the 75th anniversary year of diplomatic relations.

During their meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Under Secretary assured the continuous US assistance to the Government of Sri Lanka towards realizing economic stability, and discussed ways to strengthen people-to-people ties and Diaspora outreach.

US has provided emergency assistance to address the needs of marginalized and vulnerable communities impacted by Sri Lanka’s economic crisis.

This new funding will also provide technical assistance to the Government of Sri Lanka as it implements economic and financial reform measures to stabilize the economy, in line with an anticipated International Monetary Fund (IMF) package.

This emergency funding through the U.S. government’s development arm, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), responds to emerging or unforeseen complex crises overseas.

Part of this funding will go to USAID’s social cohesion and reconciliation project (SCORE) to support small-scale agricultural productivity and microenterprises in communities that traditionally experience high poverty rates and are especially impacted by the crisis.

This funding will also support public sector efficiency and resource management through USAID’s project to accelerate results in trade, national expenditure, and revenue (PARTNER).

Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Wijewardane welcomed the development assistance extended by the US International Development Finance Corporation in November 2023 to the Colombo West International Terminal Private Limited and appreciated the humanitarian and emergency aid extended to Sri Lanka to overcome the economic challenges of the country.

She also welcomed the US assistance in securing the Extended Fund Facility Programme (EFF) under IMF. Foreign Secretary Wijewardane apprised Under Secretary Allen on the developments in the economic and reconciliation fronts, and Sri Lanka’s priorities as Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association.

US Under Secretary Allen was accompanied by the Ambassador of the US to Sri Lanka Julie Chung, officials from the Department of State, and the US Embassy in Colombo. Senior officials of the Foreign Ministry were associated with the Foreign Secretary at the meeting.

She arrived in Sri Lanka earlier today, and was cordially welcomed by the US Ambassador.

During her stay here, Allen will meet with government officials, media representatives, digital content creators and youth leaders to discuss the partnership between the two nations and the safeguarding of Sri Lanka’s information and media space, and to explore ways to work together to promote prosperity on the island nation, Chung said further.

Following her Sri Lanka tour, Allen will embark on a visit to India.

By: Staff Writer

February 19, Colombo (LNW): The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) will hold its 37^th Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific (APRC37) in Colombo..

The overarching goal of FAO’s programme in Sri Lanka continues to be the reduction of food insecurity, malnutrition and vulnerabilities, and the sustainable management and use of the country’s natural resources.

The Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Dr QU Dongyu, arrived on Sunday in Sri Lanka for a three-day visit to participate in the 37th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific (APRC37).

The event, hosted by Sri Lanka from 19 – 22 February, will see the participation of Government Ministers and Heads of Delegations from as many as 46 Member Nations gathering in Colombo.

The Director-General was received at the airport by Janaka Dharmakeerthi, Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture in Sri Lanka, Jong-Jin Kim, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative, and Vimlendra Sharan, the FAO Representative for Sri Lanka.

During his stay, the Director-General will also visit agricultural sites, and is scheduled to hold a series of bilateral discussions with Sri Lankan leadership and Ministers from other Asia-Pacific countries.

The APRC37, convened by FAO’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific and hosted by the Government of Sri Lanka, marks a major international, multilateral milestone in an effort to reform agrifood systems across the Asia-Pacific region.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Director-General are expected to inaugurate the Ministerial session of the conference on Tuesday, 20 February, with delegates from across the Asia-Pacific region participating.

The objective is to outline a pathway toward a full recovery from the pandemic and other converging crises, and reinforce ways to rebuild and transform the region’s agrifood systems, delivered through better production, better nutrition, a better environment and leading to a better life for all – leaving no one behind.

The Asia Pacific Regional Conference will facilitate discussions among agriculture ministers and officials from 46 member countries to address food and agriculture challenges and priorities, promoting regional coherence.

The Ministerial session, scheduled for February 19 to 22, 2024, will be preceded by a Virtual Senior Officers Meeting, chaired by the Secretary, Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries Janaka Dharmakeerthi and presented for adoption,

FAO has supported Sri Lanka for over 40 years, implementing Good Agricultural Practices and developing the fisheries sector for growth and climate resilience, highlighting innovative partnerships with the government, said Vimlendra Sharan.

 Sri Lanka’s hosting of the 37th APRC showcases its commitment to sustainable agriculture growth, demonstrating its commitment to regional development and partnership with other countries.

The APRC agenda will feature a forum on agritourism, aimed at recognizing Sri Lanka’s potential as an agritourism destination and generating foreign exchange.

By: Staff Writer

February 19, Colombo (LNW): The High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, has expressed confidence regarding earliest recommencement of Nagapattinam – Kankesanthurai (KKS) ferry service in the coming weeks, adding that efforts are also underway to resume the ferry services between Talaimannar and Rameswaram.

The Indian High Commissioner made these remarks during his visit to the KKS Port and the Talaimannar Pier, where he spoke of the need for expeditious resumption of ferry services between the two countries.

High Commissioner Jha undertook his first official visit to Sri Lanka’s Northern Province from 15 to 17 February, during which the diverse engagements he participated in attested to the deep-rooted nature of the bilateral partnership and India’s firm commitment to deepening socio-economic and cultural ties with Northern Province, the High Commission said in a statement.

The High Commissioner paid special emphasis to furthering connectivity initiatives – the central theme of the bilateral economic partnership vision document issued in July 2023 – and explored means to strengthen air connectivity through infrastructure development at the Palaly Airport.

A statement issued by the Indian High Commission of India in Colombo further read:

Underscoring the rich and shared cultural heritage between India and Sri Lanka, High Commissioner offered prayers at the historic Ram Sethu (Adam’s Bridge). He also visited the ancient Thiruketheeswaram temple, which was renovated with grant assistance from Government of India.

He prayed for well-being and prosperity of the people of India and Sri Lanka as he paid respects at the Nagapooshani Amman Temple and Nagavihara in Nainativu island; revered Madhu Church in Mannar; and Nallur Kandaswamy temple.

 Further, he attended Thyagaraja Aradhana at the iconic Jaffna Cultural Centre, a gift from the people of India.

Reaffirming India’s commitment to diverse sections of the society, High Commissioner distributed deep freezers to fishermen communities in Mannar towards enhancing their livelihood opportunities. He also distributed dry rations to hundreds of needy families in Jaffna and Kilinochchi, with special focus on those headed by women.

In India’s endeavour to contribute towards addressing energy needs of islands off Jaffna, he assessed the readiness for early roll out of the Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems Project in Nainativu Island. It may be recalled that this project is being implemented in Delft, Nainativu and Analaitivu Islands through grant assistance from India.

High Commissioner paid homage to the brave sons of India who made the supreme sacrifice at the Indian Peace Keeping Forces (IPKF)

High Commissioner had engaging discussions with a wide cross section of stakeholders in the region including elected representatives, academics, and businessmen, among several others on avenues for further collaboration and development.

With grant assistance of more than SLR 70 billion, Northern Province has been a region of focus in India’s multi-dimensional development cooperation partnership with Sri Lanka and the visit was an opportunity to reiterate India’s unwavering commitment to the people of the region.