February 15, Colombo (LNW): Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has addressed recent media speculation regarding her involvement in the upcoming presidential election, firmly refuting claims of endorsing any candidate.

In a statement released by her office, Kumaratunga emphasised that she has not made any endorsements thus far.

The former President also dismissed rumours suggesting her acceptance of a leadership role within the Podu Jana Eksath Peramuna council.

These statements from Kumaratunga come at a time of increased political fervour as Sri Lanka prepares for the pivotal presidential election later this year.

February 15, Colombo (LNW): Education Minister Susil Premajayantha affirmed that all necessary steps have been taken to commence the new school term of 2025 in January as customary, with plans in place to conduct the Advanced Level (A/L) examination earlier than 2025.

Speaking at a national event hosted at St. Anthony’s Balika Maha Vidyalaya, where textbooks and school uniform materials were distributed to students, the Minister disclosed that the A/L examination, originally slated for the preceding year, had been postponed by five weeks, resulting in its administration in January 2024.

Efforts are currently underway to publish the results of the 2023 Advanced Level (A/L) examination between May and June this year, ahead of the scheduled Ordinary Level (O/L) examination later in the year, the Minister noted.

Furthermore, plans are in place to update examination schedules, with the 2024 A/L examination set to take place in 2025.

Consequently, preparations have been arranged for the commencement of the new school term of 2024, scheduled to begin on Monday, February 19.

February 15, Colombo (LNW): In a significant development, Professor Jayantha Jayawardana, previously ousted from the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) under former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella’s tenure, has been reinstated as an SLMC member.

The decision to reinstate him was made by the current Health Minister Ramesh Pathirana.

The reappointment ensures Prof. Jayawardana’s tenure for five years, as stipulated by the ordinance, unless voluntarily resigned or removed.

Expressing gratitude for his reinstatement, Jayawardana underscored the arbitrary nature of his prior termination.

He officially resumed his duties on February 14, 2024.

Last October, Prof. Jayawardana was abruptly removed from his position as the SLMC Vice President without justifiable cause, drawing criticism for the lack of transparency and adherence to principles of natural justice in the former Health Minister’s decision.

Previous report:

By: Isuru Parakrama

February 15, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Eastern and Uva provinces and in Polonnaruwa, Matale, Nuwara-Eliya and Hambanthota districts, and showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 p.m., the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (15).

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, Uva and Eastern provinces and in Hambantota district, 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:

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Rohitha Bogollagama met with the Minister of State (Indo-Pacific) of UK Anne-Marie Trevelyan on 06 January 2024 at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office of the United Kingdom.

The High Commissioner discussed with the Minister of State regarding the matters related to Sri Lanka-United Kingdom bilateral relations with a special emphasis on economic engagement. High Commissioner Bogollagama thanked State Minister Trevelyan for furthering Sri Lanka-UK relations and briefed her on his priorities during his tenure to enhance bilateral relations.

The High Commissioner also briefed State Minister Trevelyan regarding the reconciliation process in Sri Lanka and highlighted that State Minister’s expertise in this area would significantly contribute to Sri Lanka’s journey in reconciliation, recovery, and progressive development. The High Commissioner also briefed on the current developments in Sri Lanka including the debt restructuring with IMF assistance.

High Commission of Sri Lanka
London

13 January 2024

February 14, Colombo (LNW): In a significant move towards modernizing education, the Sri Lankan government, led by President Ranil Wickremasinghe in his roles as the Minister of Technology and the Minister of Education, has received Cabinet approval to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) courses into the school curriculum. The initiative, supported by Microsoft, aims to enhance students’ skills in AI and aligns with the government’s commitment to embrace technological advancements in education.

Transport, Highways, and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardena, the Cabinet Spokesman, announced the decision during the weekly Cabinet media conference at the Government Information Department. The approval comes following a proposal put forth by President Wickremasinghe, and the Cabinet of Ministers endorsed the pilot project.

The decision to introduce AI courses in general education aligns with the recommendations of a task force appointed for the formation of a national strategy and plan related to Artificial Intelligence. In October 2023, the Cabinet of Ministers deemed it appropriate to implement the proposed courses, emphasizing the importance of integrating AI education into the curriculum.

As part of the strategic plan, a pilot project is set to commence, focusing on revising the international syllabus currently employed by the Microsoft Institute. The National Institute of Education will provide recommendations for the curriculum revision. The pilot project will initially be introduced for Grade 8 students in schools equipped with the necessary basic human resources.

To facilitate the project, selected schools will undergo digitization with support from the Microsoft Institute. Additionally, 100 Information and Communication Technology subject teachers will receive training as trainers through the Microsoft Institute.

February 14, Colombo (LNW): In a move aimed at supporting local farmers, the Agriculture Ministry of Sri Lanka announced on Monday (12) its decision to provide free insurance coverage for red onion cultivation. This initiative is part of the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the interests of farmers by offering free insurance for various crops.

Currently, the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board already provides free agricultural insurance coverage for six types of crops, including paddy, chillies, big onions, potatoes, maize, and soya. The coverage extends to protect against crop damage caused by factors such as wild elephants, drought, and heavy rain.

With a renewed focus on expanding red onion cultivation in Sri Lanka this year, Agriculture and Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera directed the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board to include red onion cultivation in the list of crops eligible for free insurance coverage. This decision aims to provide compensation to farmers in case of crop damage resulting from the specified factors.

The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board has taken proactive steps to offer compensation, with an allocation of Rs. 40,000 per acre and Rs. 100,000 for one hectare of red onion cultivation. Minister Amaraweera emphasized the importance of promptly providing this compensation to farmers facing losses due to crop damage.

The announcement was made during a discussion held at the Agriculture Ministry on Monday, where Minister Amaraweera engaged with officials from the Agrarian Development Department and the Agriculture Ministry.