May 24, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka High Commission in Malaysia facilitated the repatriation of 1,608 Sri Lankan illegal migrants from March to April 2024. This operation, coordinated with the Malaysian Government’s Migrant Repatriation Programme, occurred over a two-month period from March 1, 2024, to April 30, 2024.
Prior to this programme, the High Commission assisted in repatriating 124 illegal migrants stranded in Malaysia from January 1 to February 28, 2024. This brings the total number of repatriated individuals to 1,732 for the year.
The Malaysian Government’s Migrant Repatriation Programme aims to help illegal immigrants voluntarily return to their home countries by offering legal exemptions and financial relief. During the repatriation period, the High Commission processed applications, provided necessary travel documents, and coordinated with Malaysian authorities to ensure a smooth return for all participants. Special attention was given to vulnerable groups, including the elderly, pregnant women, individuals needing medical assistance, and children under twelve.
May 24, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Tourism made headlines at the 31st edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) which was held from 6th May to 9th May 2024 in Dubai, UAE.
The travel fair was held at the Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) in line with the theme of empowering innovation – transforming travel through entrepreneurship.
This was the largest tourism event in the Middle East which provided global exposure, business & travel opportunities for the tourism sector.
Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) has been participating at this event since 2003 along with the members of the travel and tourism industry in Sri Lanka and this year SLTPB has a vibrant and elegant stand with more than 60 participants from the travel and tourism industry.
A press conference was organized by SLTPB on the 2nd day of the Travel show which was 7th May 2024 with the presence of large number of international journalists and TV channels.
Speaking at the press conference, the Minister of Tourism,. Harin Fernando, highlighted country’s vision on the idea of the new logo and the unforgettable experience which travelers could get from Sri Lanka.
Chairman SLTPB, Chalaka Gajabahu highlighted the importance UAE tourists to boost the total tourist arrivals to the country and invited all participants to experience the country offering the best holiday choices for an interested traveler.
SLTPB & Emirates renewed its commitment in promoting tourism in Sri Lanka through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that includes of indicatives designed to promote and play a major role in reviving the tourism and trade sectors in the country.
Chalaka Gajabahu-Chairman of SLTPB signed the MOU from Sri Lanka Tourism while Ahmed Khoory Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations West Asia & Indian Ocean, signed from Emirates.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Minister of Tourism, Lands, Sports and Youth Affairs- Harin Fernando
ATM concluded successfully creating excellent platform to Sri Lanka Tourism to showcase its tourism offering and created new partnership with travel professionals and business stakeholders in the Middle East region
May 24, Colombo (LNW): Immigration and Emigration Department is facing a shortage of Sri Lanka Administrative Service (SLAS) officers, worsening the timely issuance of passports. Informed sources said. .
10-12 more SLAS officers are needed to expedite the processing of passport applications at the department as there was a significant backlog to issue passports, with thousands of applicants yet to receive their passports
Passport applicants who have used the online application process and submitted their fingerprints at the relevant local district offices had to wait for long periods about delays in the delivery of their passports. There are also reports of delays in handing in and processing ‘one-day service’ applications for passports.
Thousands of Sri Lankans are compelled to wait for long periods to receive new passports as the Immigration and Emigration Department works through a backlog of applications amid high demand for international travel.
The online passport application processing system operates in snail pace as a result of data entry delay in the system and the lack of top level SLAS officers at the department to handle authoritative functions, official sources said. .
This fully computerised system launched last year has now become cumbersome for applicants as they had to visit relevant Assistant Government agents offices located far away from their homes to place their finger prints, several applicants complained.
Even after submitting fingerprints to the department’s head office, it will take one to 3 months or more to issue passports, they said.
Some of them noted that they are still to receive passports after downloading all documents to the department’s online system and making payments three months ago.
A disgruntled applicant who applied for an urgent service said that she received the date of submitting fingerprints one month after paying Rs. 15000 for this service. She said that she had to pay additional Rs.400 as expedient fee.
Another applicant who applied for a normal service is yet to receive the new passport after more than three months following his payment of Rs. 5000 for normal service
These applicants expressed their concern on the operation of an online system which was introduced for the benefit of the people with a view of providing speedy and efficient service.
It has become an always break down service compelling the people to visit Immigration and Emigration Department in Battaramulla to hand over documents for manual service, they said.
One applicant who applied for an urgent passport service received the passport via courier after 14 days from the day of submitting fingerprints even though he paid Rs. 15,000 for the urgent service.
May 24, Colombo (LNW):In response to the delays in several high-profile urban development projects like Colombo Hyatt Hotel, State Minister for Urban Development and Housing, Arundika Fernando said If an appropriate investor does not emerge, the government is prepared to proceed with completion with the assistance of the armed forces, with financing from the treasury.
He noted that valuable government land had been allocated for ventures such as the Colombo Hyatt Hotel, Krrish, and Destiny projects; however, investors have abandoned these projects, leaving them incomplete.
“The Colombo Hyatt Hotel project has particularly strained public resources, with USD 60 million in public funds already invested and an outstanding debt of USD 35 million. This project occupies a significant plot of land in Colombo,” he pointed out.
As such, Minister Fernando emphasized that if new investors do not step forward, the government is ready to take over the completion of these projects.
Sri Lanka is ready to be flexible on the construction cost of the Grand Hyatt building if an investor is ready to complete the building, start operations, and repay a $35 million loan, State Minister for Urban Development and Housing Arundhika Fernando said.
Hyatt building was constructed by then president Mahinda Rajapaksa government with $60 million public money funded by state owned Sri Lanka Insurance, Employees Provident Fund, and Litro Gas Lanka Ltd.
Later it also borrowed $35 million for the construction, Fernando said, amid the construction cost alone doubled in the face of sharp depreciation of the currency and the building with the government failing to find an investor to complete the 48-floor building and start business.
“We are flexible on the $60 million,” Fernando said referring to the public money spent on the project.
“We are ready to give this to an investor who is ready to complete the construction, start the marketing and operations, and repay the $35 million loan.”“Thera are some issues and we are addressing the issues and trying to find an investor.”
Grand Hyatt is located near the new United States Embassy and in front of Cinnamon Grand, a high-end five-star hotel in the heart of Colombo.
The construction process was suspended when former president Maithripala Sirisena was elected as the country’s leader in 2015 with an investigation into financial misappropriation.
However, the building is yet to be completed and Fernando last year estimated the project needed further $90 million for the completion and start operation.
However, no investor has come forward so far amid the island nation facing an unprecedented economic crisis
May 24, Colombo (LNW):The divestiture of national carrier Sri Lankan Airlines has turned to a triangular competition following the extension of prequalification deadline for four times under the present difficult circumstance of attracting a broader range of potential investors, Aviation Ministry announced.
Sherisha/Supreme Global Consortium, Air Asia Consulting and Hayleys PLC are poised to battle it out for the acquisition of Sri Lankan Airlines and its subsidiaries catering and ground handling services.
Accordingly at the request for qualification stage those three potential acquirers have been shortlisted from the initial six bidders.
The selection of prequalified bidders and opening of the data room had been completed, with the issuance of the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Proposed Transaction and draft conclusive agreements scheduled shortly, Finance Ministry sources revealed.
Sherisha/Supreme Global Consortium is a powerful alliance between Supreme Global Holdings and Sherisha Technologies Private limited, with substantial backing from MBS Investments, the investment arm of the Private Office of Sheikh Nayef Bin Eid Al Thani of Qatar
It has recently entered into a partnership with MMAG Holdings Bhd’s wholly-owned subsidiary MMAG Aviation Consortium Sdn Bhd (MAC), to collaborate on the aviation sector in Sri Lanka.
In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, MMAG said the collaboration would see its aviation arm, a specialist in the air cargo segment, supporting Supreme Global in the acquisition of SriLankan Airlines.
Supreme Global Holdings, led by R.M. Manivannan, is known for its substantial contributions to Sri Lanka’s economic stability, including extending of credit during the recent energy crisis.
The consortium’s strategic and financial potential is aimed at redefining the future trajectory of Sri Lankan Airlines, enhancing its international competitiveness
The agreement between MMAG and Supreme notes that MMAG Aviation will “provide freighter aircraft and operational support to establish a cargo feeder network for Sri Lankan Airlines following its acquisition by Supreme Global and its partner
Air Asia Consulting us in the fray with a well-established name in aviation consulting, known for its expertise in airline operations, strategic planning, and turnaround strategies.
Their involvement suggests a focus on operational efficiencies and expansion into new markets, promising a fresh perspective on the management and growth of Sri Lankan Airlines.
Hayleys PLC is one of Sri Lanka’s largest diversified conglomerates, with interests spanning from agriculture to transportation and logistics. Their inclusion in the shortlist brings a deep understanding of the local business landscape potentially enhancing the operational logistics and domestic connectivity of the airline.
The engagement with these shortlisted entities will be aimed at accelerating the privatization process, ensuring that the future of SriLankan Airlines aligns with strategic, financial, and operational enhancements. This initiative is part of a broader effort to stabilize and grow one of Sri Lanka’s most vital economic assets.
May 24, Colombo (LNW): The South West Monsoon continues to bring prevailing showery and windy conditions across Sri Lanka. The forecast indicates that these conditions will persist.
Showers or Thundershowers:
At times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-Western, Southern, and Northern provinces.
Very heavy showers of about 150 mm are expected in some areas of the Sabaragamuwa province and Nuwara-Eliya district.
Heavy showers above 100 mm are likely in parts of the Western and North-Western provinces and in Kandy, Mannar, Galle, and Matara districts.
Showers or thundershowers are anticipated at several locations elsewhere on the island.
Wind Conditions:
Strong winds of about 50-60 km/h are expected at times over the western slopes of the central hills and in the Northern, North-Central, Western, Southern, and North-Western provinces, as well as in the Trincomalee district.
Fairly strong winds of about 30-40 km/h can be expected at times in other parts of the island.
Residents in affected areas are advised to take necessary precautions to mitigate the impacts of heavy rainfall and strong winds, including the risk of floods and landslides.
May 24, Colombo (LNW): The Cabinet has approved the formation of a committee headed by the President’s Secretary to study and report on various issues, including the introduction of laws to cancel lease agreements of state-owned companies with poor management that are unable to pay salaries. This decision was announced by Cabinet Spokesman, Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana, at a press briefing held at the Government Information Department on May 23.
The proposal, presented by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, aims to allocate government-owned land to investors capable of utilizing it more productively, thereby developing both resources and employees.
Minister Gunawardhana also addressed the recent government announcement to increase daily wages for plantation workers. Some plantation companies have informed the government that they cannot afford these increased wages. As a result, the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization, and National Policy has been tasked with estimating the minimum wage for plantation workers, considering the current cost of living and the impacts of the recent economic crisis. They will also assess each plantation company’s capacity to pay the estimated wage.
Approval was granted to implement proposals for appointing a committee and introducing laws that allow the cancellation of land lease agreements with estate companies unable to pay salaries due to mismanagement. Minister Gunawardhana explained:
“Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic recession, there was a significant increase in price levels. During that time, a Rs. 10,000 allowance was provided to government employees as a remedy for the rising cost of living. However, plantation workers did not receive a comparable increase, leading to a decline in their standard of living and nutritional levels. Consequently, trade unions associated with plantations consistently demanded wage increases to improve the living conditions of plantation workers.
“In response, the government announced a salary increase for these workers. Nevertheless, the estate companies complained that they could not remain competitive in the market due to the rising cost of production. Therefore, the President appointed special committees, headed by the President’s Secretary and involving other ministries, to conduct a comprehensive study and provide a report.”
The establishment of this committee is seen as a crucial step in addressing the financial and managerial challenges facing state-owned companies and ensuring fair wages for plantation workers amidst economic difficulties.
May 24, Colombo (LNW):The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has reported over 36,900 breakdowns, resulting in power interruptions affecting more than 300,000 consumers throughout Sri Lanka over the past three days due to inclement weather.
Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera announced that additional service staff have been assigned to address the breakdowns alongside the general staff. The CEB management and service staff are working around the clock to promptly restore power supply to the affected consumers.
Minister Wijesekera also provided alternative ways for consumers to report power interruptions if they encounter issues with the CEB hotline 1987. Consumers can send an SMS to 1987 with the keyword “BD” followed by their electricity consumer number. Additionally, complaints can be placed through the CEB Care app or by logging into http://cebcare.ceb.lk.
May 24, Colombo (LNW): Cabinet approval has been granted to elevate Karapitiya Teaching Hospital to the status of a national hospital, making it the third in Sri Lanka. This decision was announced by Cabinet Spokesman and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana at a press conference held on May 23 at the Government Information Department.
The proposal, presented by Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, includes renaming the facility as ‘Galle National Hospital’. With this change, Karapitiya Teaching Hospital will join Colombo and Kandy National Hospitals as a key institution in the country’s healthcare system.
Karapitiya Teaching Hospital serves as the primary tertiary health center for the Southern Province and nearby regions, offering specialized services except for maternal treatment. The hospital is a referral center for primary and secondary healthcare institutions within these provinces.
The hospital also plays a significant role in medical education. It houses the Professors’ unit for Ruhuna University’s Faculty of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences Faculty, providing teaching and training facilities to approximately 1,100 undergraduate medical students, 500 nursing students from Galle Nursing Training School, and about 100 physiotherapists, pharmacists, and laboratory technicians annually.
Minister Gunawardhana noted that by the end of this year, the hospital’s bed capacity will increase to 2,858, making it the second-largest tertiary care health center in Sri Lanka, following the Colombo National Hospital.
May 24, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscored the significance of Theravada Buddhism in addressing the challenges posed by a world rapidly advancing in science and technology during the State Vesak Festival held at Dharmaraja Piriven Viharaya in Matale, virtually.
Although President Wickremesinghe was scheduled to participate in person, adverse weather conditions prevented his attendance, leading him to join the event virtually. He emphasized the importance of preserving the true essence of Theravada Buddhism and sharing its wisdom with the world, extending his wishes for a meaningful Vesak celebration to all Buddhists.
This year’s State Vesak Festival, centered in the Matale District, is themed “Attano wa avekkhyeya kathani akatani cha” (Let’s Focus on What We Have Done, Not What Others Have Done). Vesak Week is being observed from May 21 to 27, marking a particularly special celebration with the participation of Buddhist monks from 12 countries, highlighting the global significance of this sacred event.
During the ceremony, various significant actions were undertaken, including the presentation of Pooja Bhumi Scroll Memorandums, the issuance of a Vesak commemorative stamp, and the provision of grants for temple development, Dhamma schools, and sanitary facilities for challenging temples. Additionally, grants were provided from the Buddhasasana Fund, and symbolic distributions of book sets and ‘Budu Puth Maapiya’ grant cheques were made.
In total, Rs. 22 million has been allocated for the development of 22 rural Buddhist temples in the Matale district, with an additional Rs. 2.6 million earmarked for the development of five temples hosting programmes in conjunction with the State Vesak Festival. Furthermore, Rs. 0.4 million has been set aside for the reconstruction of three temples affected by disasters, and Rs. 5 million has been dedicated to the development of 12 Dhamma schools. Under the Buddhasasana Fund, Rs. 32 million has been allotted to provide sanitary facilities for 32 challenging temples. Development efforts for over 25 temples in the district have also commenced, with labour contributions from the Armed Forces and the Civil Defence Force.
The festival was orchestrated by the Samastha Lanka Shasanarakshaka Mandalaya, the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, the Department of Buddhist Affairs, and the Matale District Secretariat.
In his virtual address, President Wickremesinghe remarked:
“I regret being unable to attend the National Vesak Festival in person due to adverse weather conditions. The Matale district holds significance in Theravada Buddhism, notably as the site where the Sacred Tripitaka was transcribed at Alu Viharaya. This location has played a vital role in preserving Buddha’s teachings. Therefore, we should give more consideration to Theravada Buddhism.
“While the world is increasingly focused on science and new technologies, these advancements also bring emerging challenges. For adherents of Theravada Buddhism who comprehend its authentic essence, these challenges may not be insurmountable. Theravada Buddhism provides a framework through which such issues can be addressed and resolved. It is imperative that we safeguard and perpetuate the genuine spirit of Theravada Buddhism. Wishing everyone a joyous and meaningful Vesak celebration.”
The event was attended by Maha Sangha, including the Chairman of the Samastha Lanka Shasanarakshaka Mandalaya Ven. Thunmulle Seelakkanda Thera and the Registrar Ven. Mugunawela Anuruddha Thera, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Vidura Wickramanayaka, State Ministers Premita Bandara Tennakoon and Rohana Dissanayake, Governor of the Central Province Advocate Lalith U. Gamage, Members of Parliament Nalaka Kottegoda and Udayana Kirindigoda, Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, Army Commander Lt. Gen. Vikum Liyanage, and other dignitaries.
