President Ranil Wickremesinghe issues a Gazette declaring all service, work or labour, of any description whatsoever, necessary or required to be done in connection with the maintenance, and the reception, care feeding, and treatment, of patients in hospitals, nursing homes, dispensaries, and other similar institutions, as Essential Services.
The President’s Media Division confirms that the presidential election will be held within the mandated period and according to the current timeline: added that the general election will be held next year and financial provisions will be provided for in the 2025 budget.
The government expects the Sri Lankan Rupee to strengthen against the US Dollar, dropping to as low as Rs. 280, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardena said.
The Government appoints a committee to review Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between foreign and local institutes, to check compliance with national interest. State Minister for Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon said that the move was in response to growing concerns over the adequacy of existing MoUs between foreign and local institutes.
The proposal to introduce courses on artificial intelligence to the education system receives Cabinet approval. As a part of the strategic plan, a pilot project is designed to introduce artificial intelligence courses to general education.
International Bhagavad Gita Festival 2024 or ‘International Gita Mahotsav’ will be held in Sri Lanka. The International Gita Mahotsav is conducted by the Kurukshetra Development Board (KDB) in Haryana State in India to pay tribute to the sacred ‘Bhagavad Gita’ along with the series of religious activities related to sacred Bhagavad Gita.
The Cabinet gives its approval for the creation of a National Hospital and a Children’s Hospital in the Biyagama region of Gampaha. The government cites the significant population growth and industrialization of the Gampaha District, making it a crucial hub for service delivery.
The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) assured the Supreme Court that it is prepared to pay interest for the year 2023 on security deposits collected from consumers for new service connections. The statement was made during the hearing of a fundamental rights petition filed by the Electricity and Renewable Energy Consumers’ Association before a three-member bench.
Sri Lanka has been honored as a UN World Restoration Flagship for its significant contributions to rebuilding and restoring mangrove ecosystems. This recognition, awarded at the United Nations Environmental Assembly on February 27, 2024, applauds the nation’s impactful and sustainable efforts to preserve ecosystems crucial for countless lives and livelihoods.
Sri Lanka plans to test new combinations in the final match on Wednesday at the ODI series against Afghanistan. Notable changes may include resting key spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, providing opportunities for Dunith Wellalage and Akila Dhananjaya. While the batting lineup is likely to remain unchanged, Avishka Fernando is expected to rejoin the squad after a brief absence for the birth of his child.
February 14, Colombo (LNW): There are reports of a significant objection being raised through the Sri Lanka Rugby Executive Committee concerning the upcoming Colombo International Rugby 11’s Tournament scheduled to take place in Colombo. Multiple members of the executive committee informed us that the current acting president participated in the press conference and granted approval for it without the appropriate consent from the executive committee.
It is also alleged that Lasitha Gunaratne, a former president, voiced criticism face to face within the executive council against the current acting president for lifting the ban on the Kandy Sports Club and allowing its participation in the Clifford Cup tournament. An executive committee member objecting to this pointed out that the responsibility of conducting such a tournament is given to the Sri Lanka Rugby, where an officer appointed by Sri Lanka Rugby is responsible to the superintendence etc.
Also, Dilroy Fernando, who is working to lead the tournament, was named as unfit for a sports administration in 2013, according to a decision taken by the Rugby administration represented by Lasitha Gunaratne, Kiran Athapattu, etc., on the advice of the Sports Ministry. Also, as a reason behind all this, the executive committee member pointed out that among the reasons for imposing the ban on Dilroy, who has been banned from joining rugby by his school, is his sports organization that he is using to manage this tournament.
The executive committee member emphasized that the objection regarding the acting president granting permission to such a individual to organize a rugby tournament without adhering to proper procedures is intended to be formally communicated to the Ministry of Sports, the Minister of Sports, and the Director General of Sports. He further stated that legally, members of the executive committee have initiated discussions to seek a court order in order to obtain a censor for this tournament. The executive committee member who shows that he has the power to remove or request the removal of the Acting President by acting with a person of no good identity in relation to financial matters, betraying the authority of Sri Lanka Rugby, this will be done by the Rugby administration. It is a matter of handing over a large financial profit to a competition organization by illegally obtaining permission to be obtained from it.
“Sometimes it is possible to break the beehive and not lick the hand’”
This executive member pointed out that it is completely doubtful that a person who participated in spreading slander against the current Acting President through social media, to work in a financial environment and hand over the will of the association to a single individual without considering the constitutional matters of the association.
“This should have been accomplished through communication with Sri Lanka Rugby and presenting a comprehensive plan that ensures our district associations also benefit financially. It is utterly inappropriate for Sri Lanka Rugby to unknowingly permit the unconditional execution of such work by an organization with questionable credibility and an individual barred from assuming responsibilities.”
He is the Acting President and not someone who was elected as President by the Sri Lanka Rugby, the executive member further states. The executive committee member who points out that it is shameless for a person who has been given to look after the work until a president is appointed for Sri Lanka Rugby in this way, like many other executive committee members about this tournament and the participation of Acting President Nalin De Silva, and the permission of Sri Lanka Rugby. The member mentioned got to know of the situation through media reports. “They lack the expertise on how to get the huge amount of money that we should be receiving from international rugby. They have made quite a mess by going to spend sponsor money. In addition, when there is a tournament that can generate more income for the Sri Lanka Rugby Fund, they appointed a man who has been accused and banned by the administration is allowed to do it secretly without paying attention to it.”
Based on all these facts, the executive committee member points out that the majority of the executive committee members have agreed to present matters not only to the Minister of Sports, the Director General of Sports, but also to the law. He said that Rizly Illiyas, who was a president who fought not only for politicians but also for the international community, to protect the independence of Sri Lankan Rugby, had the wrong idea that such a person is suitable for work.
“Many people supported Nalin due to their admiration for Illiyas. Or Nalin, the president who did not oppose Asanga’s work and was fined 50,000 pounds. Now it seems that Nalin is the zombie who sent the people who opposed Illyas away from Illyas’ control.”
He says that Nalin de Silva, who was in the Rugby administration led by Rizly Illyas, showed a completely different behavior to that administration and betrayed the conscience of the Rugby executive council. According to him, Nalin de Silva’s current demeanor is likened to a lizard adorned with gold on its back.
February 14, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Eastern and Uva provinces and in Polonnaruwa, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya districts.
A few showers may occur in Hambantota and Anuradhapura districts.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 p.m.
Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times in eastern slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-Central, Southern,North-western, Uvaand Easternprovinces.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning.
February 13, Colombo (LNW): In a promising sign for Sri Lanka’s economy, tourism earnings soared to a pre-pandemic peak of US$ 341.8 million in January 2024 tourism ministry announced. .
This resurgence indicates a significant recovery for the industry, which faced a prolonged downturn since the onset of the pandemic four years ago.
This milestone marks the first time since February 2020, when earnings reached US$ 391.1 million.
The industry was then rebounding from the aftermath of the 2019 Easter attacks and bracing itself just weeks before the country reported its first locally transmitted Covid-19 case, triggering nationwide lockdowns.
In the recent past, Sri Lanka experienced a surge in arrivals, grabbing daily headlines and signaling a promising outlook for the tourism industry in 2024.
This expansion, potentially leading to the highest number of arrivals and trade earnings since the record highs of 2018, is a notable development.
Thai Airways resumes direct flights to Colombo with MAC Holdings as sales agent.
Expanding its subcontinent profile, Thailand’s national carrier Thai Airways has announced resumption of direct flights to Colombo, connecting the Far-east and Southwest Pacific towards Sri Lanka.
Thai Airways International has also signed the General Sales Agency (GSA) Agreement with MAC Holdings Ltd. MAC to be the Airline’s forefront as their General Sales Agent within the region for Sri Lanka and Maldives.
Thailand as a famous leisure destination in the region with Bangkok its capital city is well known for night life, excellent cuisine and an oasis of history and culture. Bangkok being a vital hub is not only popular for tourism but also for religious, economic and trade activities.
The operation of Thai Airways marks its re-entry to the Sri Lankan market after three years of absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic and brief 20-day operation, due to the Sri Lankan economic issue during May last year and the lack of fuel.
Nevertheless, throughout the pandemic Thai Airways continued to play a pivotal role in maintaining essential air cargo services with P2C charter flights to Sri Lanka.
February 13, Colombo (LNW): Google.org, Google’s philanthropic arm, is providing US$ 15 million to The Asia Foundation to launch the APAC Cyber security Fund in partnership with CyberPeace Institute and Global Cyber Alliance to bolster cyber capabilities of 300,000 underserved micro and small businesses including 5000 nonprofits and social enterprises in Sri Lanka .
Working with implementing organisations and universities across the region, The Asia Foundation aims to equip local communities and students via up skilling tools and cyber clinics to protect against online risks.
The initiative will span 13 locations, including Bangladesh, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Asia and the Pacific has become ‘ground zero’ for cybercrimes, recording the highest number of cyber incidents worldwide in 2023. The threats and impacts are more alarming for small businesses.
Research shows that more than half of small businesses in the region have experienced a cyber-incident in the past years, with malware attacks being the most common.
Incidents like this threaten operations, result in revenue loss, and negatively impact a business’ reputation. More than 70% of small business owners express fears that serious cyber incidents could potentially end their business.
In Sri Lanka, which ranked 81st out of 175 countries in 2020’s National Cyber Security Index, scoring especially low in protection for digital and essential services, the program aims to reach up to 5,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) covering 10,000 individuals.
Country Representative for The Asia Foundation in Sri Lanka, Dinesha De Silva highlights the essential nature of the program.
“In the context of Sri Lanka’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, it is imperative to recognise the critical role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises as both the drivers of innovation and economic growth, and as prime targets for cyber threats.
The alarming rate at which a significant number of MSMEs are falling victim to malicious cyber-attacks cannot be overlooked, highlighting the urgent necessity to enhance their cyber defences.
It is not just a strategic necessity, but a critical national investment to empower these enterprises with comprehensive cyber security education and awareness,” De Silva said.
Small Enterprises Development Division Director Sudheera Jayarathne, a local implementing partner of the program, also shared his thoughts on the potential impact of the program on MSMEs.
“The Small Enterprises Development Division is making constant efforts to develop businesses by applying modern digital technology for businesses and have identified the need to provide knowledge on Cyber Hygiene and Cyber Security to Small and Medium Businesses.
The opportunity to work in partnership with The Asia Foundation, supported by Google.org under this project will empower us to achieve our goal.”
With cyber threats on the rise, it is important for entrepreneurs and internet users to have the skills to understand and assess potential risks, and protect themselves and their business against malicious activities and other threats in the cyberspace.
Seeking to build a digital ecosystem that is inclusive and safe for all, the APAC Cyber security Fund, through The Asia Foundation, will connect small businesses and vulnerable groups to local training opportunities and resources to build and strengthen their digital defence.
February 13, Colombo (LNW): India’s Petronet will supply liquefied natural gas (LNG), to Sri Lanka, beginning 2025, which will be utilised to run power plans with 300 megawatt (MW) capacity.
Initially, the LNG will be supplied through containers, and later the state run company, will establish a floating storage re-gasification unit (FSRU), in the island nation.
Petronet LNG CEO A.K. Singh said, “They, (Sri Lanka), have already installed about 300 MW of gas based, power plants, and still they don’t have gas. Sri Lanka approached us to set up an LNG terminal which is going to take more time, about three to four years, to set up an FSRU based terminal.”
Singh was speaking on the side-lines of the India Energy Week (IEW)in New Delhi .As a stop gap arrangement, Singh explained that Petronet is working out to supply LNG through containers loaded on ships.
About 850 tonnes of gas per day will be supplied to the island nation in containers of 17 tonnes each. The supply will begin by 2025.“Probably Sri Lanka requirement is almost 50 containers per day, Singh said.
The supplies would be for five years, during which the company, will also build a FSRU at Colombo port.
The FSRU will take around one and a half years of time, because the unit will require 12-15 acre of land.
“We have worked three years for setting up the terminal. The capex for FSRU based terminal will be around INR 2,500 crore,” he added.
Indian Petronet recieved a letter of intent from the Sri Lankan government to set up LNG terminal near Colombo in Sri Lanka, the company announced on Wednesday.
‘The two countries in their efforts to strengthen relations have been in discussions on this issue since last more than one year [sic].
The Sri Lankan Government issued a Letter of Intent to the Govt. of India during the visit of External Affairs Minister to Colombosime times back ,’ the company explained.
Petronet LNG Limited, India’s largest LNG importer, will soon form a joint venture with Japanese and Sri Lankan companies.
A joint venture of Petronet LNG Limited along with Japanese and Sri Lankan companies will develop an LNG Terminal in Sri Lanka to provide regassified natural gas to various power plants, domestic and transport sectors in Sri Lanka.
The capacity of the LNG Terminal will be decided upon the gas demand in Sri Lanka and is expected to be developed in 1 year after completion of initial formalities.
The LNG terminal would be set up on the western coast of Sri Lanka in close vicinity of Colombo where most of the power projects operating mainly on costly liquid fuel are located.
As of now, 82 percent of the primary energy consumption is met through petroleum products and biomass in the country.
‘It’s a giant step towards energy security of Sri Lanka and underscores the ‘neighbourhood first’ policy of Prime Minister Modi. It shall pave the way for further cementing primeval bonds,’ the company noted.
February 13, Colombo (LNW): “Businesses enter February with a sense of trepidation, uncertain about what the near term holds. This uncertainty is reflected in the latest LMD-PEPPERCUBE Business Confidence Index (BCI) survey,” business magazine LMD notes, in its February edition.
It explains that a quarter of BCI survey participants “express optimism about the economy ‘improving’ in the next 12 months,” marking a four-point increase from December (21%),” and 19% anticipate the economy to ‘stay the same,’ reflecting a 3% point reduction from the previous month.
But a majority of 56% anticipate the economic situation to ‘get worse,’ which is a 1% drop from December, LMD adds.
The magazine also reports that in relation to sales volumes, there’s a sense of optimism about the next 12 months’ outlook with 29% of respondents expecting sales to ‘get better,’ which reflects a two-point increment compared to the preceding month.
Looking ahead to the next three months, LMD reports that there’s pessimism regarding sales volumes ‘getting better’ with 22% saying so – that’s a marginal decline from the 26% recorded in the previous month.
“On the other hand, over a quarter (28%) believe that sales volumes will ‘stay the same,’ which represents an increase of 3% points from December,” it adds, noting also that “overall sentiment remains subdued with half (50%) of those polled expecting their sales to ‘get worse’ in the next three months.”
LMD’s publisher, Media Services, says the latest edition of the magazine has been released. And its digital edition has been shared on WhatsApp and the publisher’s social media platforms.
The magazine’s Cover Story features the ADB’s Sri Lanka Country Director Takafumi Kadono, who says: “I take this opportunity to reaffirm our support for Sri Lanka.” The full story has been uploaded on LMD’s website (www.LMD.lk).
In 2023, Sri Lanka faced significant economic and political challenges including a contraction in GDP and a rise in taxes, yet improvements were noted later in the year including reduced inflation, currency appreciation and increased remittances.
Politically, the country dealt with a decline in civil liberties, allegations against former presidents,an elusiveness of popular support for the current president and a pivotal upcoming election in 2024.
The World Bank later revised its forecasts, noting Sri Lanka’s progress in reducing inflation and benefits accruing from tourism revenue and currency appreciation.
The Bank now expects a 1.7 per cent economic expansion in 2024, up from its earlier 1 per cent forecast. In the last six months of 2023, Sri Lanka experienced reduced inflation, a 12 per cent currency appreciation, improved foreign reserves and increased remittances.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe congratulates Indian PM Narendra for the grand opening ceremony of the Ram Temple held in Ayodhya last month: underscores the long historical relations between the two nations on the economic and cultural front.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says the Samagi Jana Balawegaya follows the policy of the abolishment of the executive presidential system, through which the rights of the citizens are violated, but disagrees with the government’s attempt of delaying the presidential election in the guise of abolishing it: laments the government violates the voting rights of the people by not holding the elections: stresses any move to abolish the executive presidency must follow the assurance of the voting rights of the people first.
Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna executive member Samantha Vidyaratne asserts that India has recognised the growing influence of the National Peoples Power and anticipates its future role in the governance of the country: emphasises that this acknowledgment led to an invitation extended to Party Leader Anura Dissanayake for a visit to India, predating his presidential candidacy.
Ex President Mahinda Rajapaksa says the Uma Oya project was the only major infrastructure project to which the ‘anti-establishment’ Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna contributed positively: adds the Uma Oya project’s 120 MW hydropower plant is set to commence operations this month, positioning it among Sri Lanka’s largest hydropower facilities alongside the Victoria, Kotmale, and Upper-Kotmale power stations.
UNP ex MP Ashu Marasinghe says President Ranil Wickremesinghe is likened to former Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, and Russian President Vladimir Putin: asserts Sri Lanka currently has a leader who consists of the personalities of prominent world leaders.
72 health sector trade unions launch a strike today, demanding a Disturbance, Availability, and Transport (DAT) allowance similar to that of doctors: seek parity with the recently doubled allowance for doctors: The strike involves various health professionals and will include a protest in Colombo tomorrow.
The TRCSL issues a directive urging all mobile phone users to ensure the correct registration of their SIM cards: asserts customers should verify the registration status of their SIM cards with their service providers, particularly if they were provided by former employers: The Commission’s Director (Compliance) emphasises that there are risks associated with unregistered or illegally obtained SIM cards, and advises to promptly disconnect any such cards to prevent potential misuse for illicit activities.
The Central Bank’s trend of purchasing foreign exchange from domestic banks continued in January, with a notable acquisition of US $245.3 million and no sales: This builds on the record-setting purchases of US $1,895.87 million throughout 2023: These acquisitions lead to the reaching of US $4.4 billion reserves by the end of the year.
All Island Dairy Association (AIDA) urges the government to reconsider its decision to raise the VAT, warning of detrimental effects on both the sector and public health: highlights the potential impact on dairy production, emphasising the sector’s vital role in the country’s economy and rural livelihoods: laments that the proposed hike could exacerbate the sector’s challenges, including rising production costs and retail prices: proposes gradual implementation of the VAT increase with support measures to mitigate adverse effects, including promoting value-added products and facilitating imports of feed ingredients.
Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee selects 16-member squad led by Wanindu Hasaranga to take part in the T20I series against Afghanistan which will commence from February 17 at Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium under lights commencing from 7 pm.
February 13, Colombo (LNW): Yesterday (Feb 12) marked the inauguration of the inaugural executive batch of the special capacity-building programme for senior civil servants of Sri Lanka, organised by the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) of India, at New Delhi, India’s Press Information Bureau said in a statement.
Scheduled from February 12 to February 17, 2024, the programme convenes fourteen senior civil servant officers from Sri Lanka, encompassing roles such as Secretary to the Prime Minister, Deputy Solicitor General, Directors, and Executive Director, among others.
The NCGG, an autonomous institution under the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, Government of India, is dedicated to action research, studies, and capacity building in public policy and governance on both national and international fronts.
Aligned with the principles of ‘Vasudeva Kutumbakam’ and the ‘neighbourhoods first’ policy advocated by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, the programme aims to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among civil servants, particularly from neighbouring nations.
Focused on Digital Governance, Anti-Corruption Strategies, and Public Policy Institutions, the programme aims to equip participants with invaluable skills and knowledge.
Drawing from India’s best practices, participants will be empowered to drive positive change, enhance transparency, and fortify governance in Sri Lanka, thereby contributing significantly to the country’s progress and the welfare of its citizens.
Shri V Srinivas, Director General of National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) and Secretary of Department of Administration Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), acquainted the participating officers with Administrative Reforms in India and Effective Redressal of Public Grievances, outlining the organisation’s progress, plans, and initiatives in recent years.
The programme will feature thematic sessions on various topics including Digital Public Infrastructure, Government Procurement Transparency, Healthcare Initiatives, and Capacity Building Initiatives, facilitated by senior bureaucrats from relevant ministries and sectors.
Additionally, cultural visits to landmarks such as the National Museum and Taj Mahal have been arranged to provide participants with insights into India’s rich history and heritage.
Supervised by the training team of the NCGG, this capacity-building initiative holds promise in fostering deeper collaboration and enhancing the skill sets of senior civil servants from Sri Lanka, ultimately contributing to the advancement of governance practices in the region.
February 13, Colombo (LNW): During the World Government Summit in Dubai, Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), expressed high confidence in the global economy’s trajectory towards a soft landing, Reuters reported.
Georgieva remarked on Monday (12) that following significant interest rate increases in recent times, the world economy is now on track for the long-awaited stabilisation.
“We are very confident that the world economy is now poised for this soft landing we have been dreaming for,” Georgieva asserted, acknowledging the impact of some of the most substantial interest rate hikes witnessed in decades.
Addressing the potential adjustment of interest rates in major economies such as the United States, Georgieva noted, “I expect to see by mid-year interest rates going in the direction inflation has been going on for the last year.”
While expressing optimism, Georgieva also cautioned against unforeseen circumstances, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. She highlighted the potential economic repercussions of prolonged conflicts, citing the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas as a significant concern.
“I fear most a longevity of the conflict because (if) it goes on and on the risk of spillovers go up,” Georgieva emphasised.
She further noted the current risk of spillover from incidents like the recent attacks on ships in the Red Sea, particularly mentioning the Suez Canal, and underscored the potential for wider ramifications if conflicts escalate unpredictably.
