Dhammika Perera is preparing to start the ‘DP Silicon Valley IT Office’ to direct the students studying through the DP Education IT campus to the job market.

DP Education, Sri Lanka’s leading digital education provider, held a certificate awarding ceremony for the students who completed the projects of the DP Education IT Campus branch at Nanasaran Education Center, Sri Seethavanarama, Nuwara Eliya, with the participation of over 1200 people on 11th November 2023 at Nuwara Eliya Town Hall. There, a prize was awarded to a winner of the cording competition held in conjunction with the 2023 Children’s Day.

Dhammika Perera, Founder and Chairman of DP Education, Nuwara Eliya Katumana Seethavanarama Viharadhi, President of Susarana Lanka Social Development Foundation, Royal Pandita Darshanapati Venerable Galahitiagoda Sumanarathana Thero and many other dignitaries participated in the certificate awarding ceremony.

Dhammika Perera, the founder and chairman of DP Education, who delivered the keynote speech, explained the importance of the knowledge gained by the students studying in the DP Education IT campus and said that smart classrooms have already been set up in 675 schools for school development.

Dhammika Perera said that the necessary activities have already been started to bring up the children through digital education. He said that 92 DP Education IT campuses are open all over the island and more than 80,000 students are studying in those campuses, and in addition, more than 125,000 students are studying online. He said that his goal is to provide digital education to one million children and 20% of them are already being educated.

Perera’s speech highlighted the fact that he has already planned to orient the students studying through the DP Education IT Campus to the job market. Accordingly, in the future, DP Education will set up centers called DP Silicon Valley IT Offices in the IT campus centers to provide them with opportunities to work in the job market. He further explained that it can bring foreign exchange to the country.

A delegation of 159 Parliamentarians took a significant step in the Palestine issue by submitting a formal letter to the United Nations Office at the UN Headquarters on November 14, marking a pivotal moment in diplomatic efforts.

Following this submission at 11:00 a.m., a duplicate copy was also delivered to the Palestinian Ambassador in Colombo, reinforcing the Parliamentarians’ unified stance on the matter.

In a pivotal move, the Agriculture Ministry of Sri Lanka sanctioned a groundbreaking initiative proposed by local investors to cultivate strawberries for export purposes. The approval was granted during a discussion held at the Agriculture Ministry, with key participation from Agriculture and Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera and Minister of Transport and Mass Media Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana.

The discussion highlighted the global demand for strawberries, which stands as an untapped opportunity for Sri Lanka. While the country currently ranks 57th among strawberry-exporting nations, the domestic production, often lacking modern technology, hasn’t met international standards. However, the fruit’s popularity and the rising market demand offer a promising avenue for export.

As a first step, the Agriculture Ministry agreed to allocate one hectare of land in Nuwara Eliya for a pilot project. Based on its success, the project could potentially expand to encompass up to ten hectares for strawberry cultivation.

Utilizing cutting-edge technology, the project anticipates significant economic gains. With an estimated income projection of US$117,600 per hectare annually and a potential yield of 120,000 kilograms from the same area, the initiative presents an enticing prospect. The investment required for cultivating one hectare is approximately Rs. 250 million.

Minister Amaraweera emphasized the forthcoming year’s focus on agricultural enhancement. Acknowledging the President’s contribution through the new budget, he underscored the government’s commitment to revolutionizing agriculture by integrating advanced technology.

Janaka Dharmakirthi, Ministry Secretary, was also present during the discussions, signifying the collaborative effort toward this progressive venture.

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW):The proposed removal of Value-Added Tax (VAT) exemptions has raised concerns about the potential application of VAT on power and energy from January of next year.

Prior to the budget, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a 3 percent VAT hike to 18 percent effective from January 1, 2024, and said most of the VAT exemptions would also be removed.

The 2024 budget presented to parliament on Monday said almost all the VAT exemptions barring education, healthcare and food will be removed.

“The VAT rate will be increased up to 18 percent in January 2024 along with elimination of almost all VAT exemptions other than for products relating to health, education, and a few essential foods,” the budget speech said.

As of now, VAT is not applied on power and energy products—meaning on petrol, diesel and electricity.

When queried about the application of VAT on fuel and electricity with the proposed VAT exemption removal, Advisor to the Finance Ministry Deshal de Mel said it was not right for him to comment on it as the 2024 budget is yet to be passed in parliament, and pointed out that changes could occur at the committee stage of passing it.

He said this during a post-budget webinar organized by the Centre for Banking Studies, yesterday.

“Since the exemptions are only for education, health and food items, as mentioned in the budget, I believe VAT will have to be applied on power and energy from the beginning of next year, unless the government decides to make a change before passing the budget,” a tax expert told Mirror Business on the grounds of anonymity.

VAT is a consumption tax levied on goods and services ultimately paid by the end consumer. It is often considered a regressive tax because it tends to have a disproportionate impact on lower-income individuals and households.

According to the 2024 budget estimates, the government plans to raise Rs.2,235 billion from taxes on goods and services, substantially higher from the 2023 estimate of Rs.1,376 billion.

In a recent press briefing at the Presidential Media Centre, State Minister of Finance, Shehan Semasinghe, unveiled Sri Lanka’s projected economic growth for 2024, anticipated at 1.8%. Emphasizing the government’s commitment to a robust economy, he outlined a focus on bolstering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as a pivotal component of this strategy.

The Minister highlighted the upcoming budget’s priorities, addressing the needs of government employees, impoverished families, and the vulnerable. This budget also places significant emphasis on SME upliftment, reflecting a dedication to inclusive economic growth.

Reflecting on the challenges faced in 2023 due to a severe economic recession, Minister Semasinghe lauded President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s leadership in navigating this difficult period. The government’s strategic approach, contrary to populist measures, aimed at stabilizing the nation’s economic foundations.

Key economic targets for the fiscal year 2024 were outlined, focusing on reducing the budget deficit and optimizing domestic debt. The budget strategy aims to diminish debt burden, reduce financial requirements, and streamline foreign debt servicing, all crucial aspects for sustainable economic recovery.

The Minister stressed the government’s proactive stance in providing targeted stimulus to reignite the economy, addressing concerns raised by various stakeholders. Strategies such as domestic debt optimization and bilateral foreign debt restructuring were highlighted as pivotal in securing the nation’s economic stability and potential IMF support.

A strategic allocation of funds was earmarked for SME rehabilitation, demonstrating a commitment to bolstering this sector. Additionally, initiatives for land rights, educational reforms, and support for SMEs form essential pillars of this economic roadmap.

Despite opposition to certain budgetary decisions, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to prudent economic management and sustainable policies. The focus remains on responsible economic governance to prevent undue pressure on the nation’s finances.

Minister Semasinghe underscored the need for a robust revenue collection system, particularly through enhanced income tax collection, as pivotal for Sri Lanka’s economic stability. He emphasized that effective implementation of these programs could avert future economic crises and pave the way for sustained economic growth.

The wave of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is swiftly reshaping industries, from agriculture to healthcare, propelling a transformative wave across the economic landscape. This paradigm shift has spotlighted the critical notion of “AI readiness,” recognizing its potential to elevate public services and enhance efficiencies in diverse sectors.

In a significant move, the Sri Lankan government has taken proactive steps by appointing a dedicated committee, operating under the Presidential Secretariat, to steer the country’s AI strategy. Joining this endeavor, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Sri Lanka has initiated the AI Readiness Assessment (AIRA), a crucial step in shaping the nation’s AI trajectory.

AIRA comprises a comprehensive survey within the public sector and Key Informant Interviews engaging various non-governmental sectors, including academia, development partners, and the private sector. Recently, a mission led by UNDP’s Chief Digital Office undertook interviews and orchestrated a workshop involving over 80 public sector officials, kickstarting the survey component of AIRA in Sri Lanka.

Emphasizing the significance of this assessment, Technology State Minister Kanaka Herath highlighted its role in establishing a robust National AI Strategy. Meanwhile, UNDP Sri Lanka’s Deputy Resident Representative, Malin Herwig, underscored AI’s potential to enhance public services, foster economic growth, and generate employment, underscoring the need for preparation and ethical utilization of AI.

Today (Nov 15), the Sri Lankan Rupee experienced a decline against the US Dollar in various commercial banks across Sri Lanka, reflecting a change compared to Tuesday’s rates.

At Peoples Bank, the buying and selling rates for the US Dollar surged from Rs. 321.43 to Rs. 322.17 for buying and from Rs. 332.63 to Rs. 333.39 for selling.

Commercial Bank reported an increase in the buying rate of the US Dollar from Rs. 320.76 to Rs. 321.75, while the selling rate rose from Rs. 331 to Rs. 332.

Meanwhile, at Sampath Bank, the buying and selling rates for the US Dollar climbed from Rs. 322 to Rs. 323 for buying and from Rs. 332 to Rs. 333 for selling.

1. Health sector sources say shortage of medical specialists, which was around 400 in the first few months of this year, has now increased to approximately 800: shortage due to several factors including medical specialists leaving the country and joining the private sector & universities.
2. Supreme Court in a 4-1 majority ruling, determines that former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, former Finance Ministers Mahinda Rajapaksa & Basil Rajapaksa, former CB Governors Ajith Nivard Cabraal & Professor W D Lakshman, former Secretary to the Ministry of Finance S R Attygalle, former Secretary to the President Dr P B Jayasundara & the Monetary Board Members had violated public trust and breached Article 12 (1) of the Constitution, in their administration of the economy, leading to the economic crisis in the country: particularly faults the leadership for the reduction of taxes in 2019 and not seeking IMF assistance earlier.
3. SJB MP Rajitha Senaratne says the 2024 Budget is a “UNP budget”: also says what is important is the proper implementation of the budget proposals.
4. Supreme Court dismisses 2 contempt cases against Secretary to the Treasury Mahinda Siriwardana filed by SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara & NPP MP Vijitha Herath, alleging non-compliance with an SC order related to Local Govt elections.
5. Minister of Justice Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe says those who are not fit to be MPs can be removed once the proposed Parliament Standards Bill is enacted: promises to present the Bill to Parliament after PM Dinesh Gunawardene speaks to party leaders on this.
6. US-funded think-tank Verité Research’s Executive Director Dr Nishan de Mel describes the Budget 2024 as another “fairytale” with promises of revenue that lack grounding in reality: urges private sector to take the lead in professionalising tax compliance, budgeting and planning processes.
7. Geological Survey and Mines Bureau says a Magnitude 6.1 earthquake had occurred 800km southeast of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean at a depth of 10km: confirms there is no danger to SL.
8. Chairman of SL Cricket Selection Committee Pramodya Wickramasinghe points fingers at certain individuals vying for power in the SL Cricket Board, brokers involved in match-fixing & those attempting to secure spots in the National team, as being the reasons for the challenges faced by SL Cricket: asserts there is a multi-faceted conspiracy operating at various levels for a long time.
9. Court of Appeal President Justice Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne, who was at the centre of the controversy surrounding the issuing of an interim order against Sri Lanka Cricket’s Interim Committee appointed by the Sports Minister, recuses himself from hearing the case.
10. COPE Chairman Ranjith Bandara rebukes SL Cricket for following weak processes in performing its activities which have led to the current crisis in Cricket.

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): In response to escalating revenue losses, Sri Lanka Customs plans to enforce maximum penalties for individuals smuggling over 100 grams of gold and substantial quantities of restricted items including mobile phones, a spokesman said Sunday.

However Sri Lanka has seen lower gold smuggling movements in the past few weeks, especially at the country’s main international airport, as a result of the strict actions of an honest Indian Customs official currently based in Chennai airport, local Customs officials said while praising him.

A recent report from the Parliamentary Committee on Ways and Means highlighted a loss of 1.4 billion rupees in recent times, attributing it to discretionary powers granted to customs officers in determining fines for smuggling restricted goods into the country,.

The committee also revealed a surge in the smuggling of gold, mobile phones, and other valuable items over the past three years following import restrictions.

Since June 2023 individuals caught bringing in restricted valuable items could face fines three times the value of the goods or a 100,000 rupees penalty.

As of Oct. 31, customs had collected 760 billion rupees in revenue, with expectations that total customs revenue for the year would surpass 925 billion rupees

Deputy Commissioner P.K. Saravanan of the Chennai Customs, who is presently stationed at the Meenambakkam International Airport in Chennai, has won praise as a very strict and law-abiding official in countering all forms of smuggling movements including gold, Customs sources said.

A senior Customs official attached to the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) said that that the gold smuggling movements in Sri Lanka entirely revolves around Chennai as its hub.

He said smuggling of gold, which is a common crime during a busy week at the BIA, was last seen about a month ago when Sri Lanka Customs seized gold biscuits weighing over six kilograms.

Since then, the main categories of gold smuggling movements, which are gold biscuit smuggling and gold gel smuggling, have not been detected to date, except for a few minor gold jewellery smuggling attempts, he said.

“Most of the inbound flights from Dubai use Colombo as a transit point and about 50% of those passengers are transit passengers bound for India, where the majority of gold smuggling cases are detected,” he said.

Commissioner Saravanan who has taken charge of the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) and Intelligence in Unaccompanied Baggage of the Chennai International Airport about a few months ago has won a reputation for being very honest and strict in carrying out his duties.

He has even taken steps to stop routine readymade garment traders from accompanying baggages with commercial goods, which pose a great risk of smuggling contraband, sources said.

“Deputy Commissioner Saravanan has taken strict measures to eradicate the gold smuggling movement in Chennai and as a result he has received death threats. We need such strict and honest officials in Sri Lanka too,” he said.