February 06, Colombo (LNW): Mainly fair weather will prevail most parts of the island.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning.
Sri Lankan High Commission in Kenya Marks 76th Independence Day with Grand Celebration
February 05, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan High Commission in Kenya commemorated Sri Lanka’s 76th Independence Day with an illustrious morning event held at the Kempinski Villa Rosa Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. The gala was attended by distinguished guests, including Cabinet Ministers, the TRI Forces Chief of Kenya, and Deputy Governor of Nairobi City, His Excellency Njoroge Muchiri, who graced the occasion as the chief guest.
The event, attended by approximately 350 guests, saw the traditional Sri Lankan gesture of offering beetle leaves and Independence Day commemorative shawls to the attendees. High Commissioner Kana V. Kananathan hoisted the national flag, accompanied by the Sri Lankan national anthem played by the Kenyan Police Band.
Religious observances representing Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, and Muslim faiths were solemnly conducted, invoking blessings upon Sri Lanka. Most Venerable Gawaragiriye Premarathana Thero, from the Royal College in Colombo and Abhayarama Temple in Sri Lanka, added a sacred dimension to the event by conducting Buddhist religious observances.
High Commissioner Kananathan addressed the audience, emphasizing the significance of Sri Lanka’s 76th Independence Day and highlighting the country’s ongoing journey of economic recovery and development under the visionary leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. He expressed confidence in the deepening bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Kenya, fostering mutual growth and development.
An innovative activity that garnered attention was the lighting of the oil lamp, where Sri Lankan children aged 5-16 years from different ethnicities participated, deviating from the usual practice involving adults and VIPs. The Deputy Governor of Nairobi City, Njoroge Muchiri, praised Ambassador Kananathan’s efforts in strengthening diplomatic ties and facilitating Sri Lankan investments in Kenya and the broader African region, significantly enhancing trade and investments.
The celebration featured captivating cultural performances, showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich heritage and traditions, infusing vibrancy and festivity into the event. The attendees were treated to a brunch featuring Sri Lankan cuisine, providing a tantalizing taste of the island nation’s diverse culinary delights.
SL’s Maritime Sector Embarks on Three-Year Capacity Development Project with US Support
February 05, Colombo (LNW): In a significant move toward enhancing Sri Lanka’s maritime capabilities, Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, Nimal Siripala de Silva, stressed the importance of system development and technology transfer during the Implementation of the Port and Maritime Sector Capacity Development Project. The project, initiated by the Colombo Plan Secretariat of the United States Department of State, was inaugurated on January 31, 2024, at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel in Colombo.
Minister de Silva, serving as the Chief Guest at the event, acknowledged the remarkable transformation of the Port of Colombo into a modern facility but highlighted that there is more to achieve. Emphasizing the need to comprehend and integrate the latest technology into existing systems, he urged the preparation of the younger generation to embrace innovation. Minister de Silva expressed confidence that with the support of the U.S., the Colombo Plan, and other nations, Sri Lanka would excel in the maritime sector.
The Colombo Plan, backed by funding from the U.S. Embassy, introduced a three-year program to enhance the technical expertise of Sri Lanka Ports Authority staff and implement “smart” port operations at the Port of Colombo. A letter of intent was signed between the Colombo Plan and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority during the launch, and a detailed Memorandum of Understanding is set to contribute to the sustainable development of maritime and port operations in Sri Lanka. The program aims to introduce modern port systems, new technologies, and international best practices, supported by U.S. funding, thereby boosting productivity and competitiveness to position Sri Lanka’s ports as vital regional hubs in South Asia.
Minister de Silva also reflected on the challenging economic situation Sri Lanka faced, leading to seeking assistance from friendly countries, including the IMF, to achieve a permanent solution. Acknowledging the support of the USA, India, China, Japan, and the Paris Club during this difficult period, he expressed gratitude for the assistance in reaching a consensus with the IMF and navigating through challenging circumstances with courage and expectations.
Lanka Realty Investments refutes allegations regarding Weligama raid During ‘Yukthiya’ Operation
February 05, Colombo (LNW): In response to recent allegations made by Public Security Minister Tiran Alles regarding a raid near a hotel owned by Lanka Realty Investments PLC in Weligama during the ‘Yukthiya’ anti-drug operation, the company has issued a clarification.
The Public Security Minister raised the accusation at a press conference on January 18, 2024, whereas Lanka Realty Investments PLC, categorically denying the claim, underscored that their hotel, W15, had no involvement in the mentioned raid.
The operation was conducted by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) on December 31, 2023, and the apprehended suspects were outside the hotel premises, the company emphasised.
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Public Security, Lanka Realty Investments highlighted that, at the time of the raid, all hotel rooms were reserved for foreign tourists due to December being a peak month for tourist arrivals.
Importantly, none of the individuals present in the hotel during the operation were arrested as suspects, it added.
The company emphasised that although there was some property damage during the shootings on the premises, neither tourists nor staff members were harmed.
Furthermore, Lanka Realty Investments clarified its standing as a listed entity on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), and W15 is a member of The Hotel Association of Sri Lanka (THASL), and stressed that neither entity has any association with drug-related activities or smuggling.
Government Should Safeguard Buddhist Philosophy, Emphasizes Buddha Sasana Minister Vidura Wickramanayaka
February 05, Colombo (LNW): Buddha Sasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs Minister Vidura Wickramanayaka underscored the importance of preserving Buddhist philosophy, stating that regardless of the political party or government color, it is imperative to safeguard the Dhamma and related aspects. Minister Wickramanayaka made these remarks during an event where the ancient Buddha statue at the Dimbulagala’s historic Kandegama Dhananjaya Rajamaha Vihara had its eyes restored and was ceremonially laid.
Minister Wickramanayaka emphasized the need to protect the rich heritage of the country, acknowledging the vast number of ancient antiquities and archaeological artifacts in Sri Lanka. Despite minimal resources, he expressed determination and dedication to preserve these treasures, calling for cooperation and support from the Maha Sangha, officials, and the public to ensure the transfer of these heritages to future generations.
He disclosed plans for a new Act aimed at strengthening laws related to archaeology, intending to evoke emotions in the future generation regarding heritage preservation. Minister Wickramanayaka urged all citizens to act with dedication to safeguard the splendor and grandeur of the nation’s past.
The merit event, held under the Minister’s patronage, involved the restoration of a more than fifteen-hundred-year-old reclining Buddha statue at the Dimbulagala’s historic Kandegama Dhananjaya Rajamaha Vihara. The statue, previously at risk due to invasions by treasure hunters, was renovated, including the placement of eyes, under the guidance of the temple’s Chief Incumbent, Dr. Kandegama Deepawansaalankara Thera.
Financial contributions from donors facilitated the restoration, conducted with the total supervision of the Archaeology Department and the Central Cultural Fund. The reclining Buddha statue, discovered during the 2020 Central Cultural Fund Polonnaruwa Project, has now been unveiled for devotees to pay their respects.
The event saw the participation of the Venerable Maha Sangha, led by historic Dimbulagala Aranya Senasanadhipathi Dimbulagala Rahulalankara Thera, Highways State Minister Siripala Gamlath, Polonnaruwa District MP Jagath Samarawickrema, Central Cultural Fund Director General Prof. Gamini Ranasinghe, Archaeology Acting Director General Nishanthi Jayasinghe, Polonnaruwa District Secretary Sujantha Ekanayake, and other attendees.
House Arrest for Civil Offenders to Alleviate Prison Overcrowding
February 05, Colombo (LNW): In a press conference held in Kandy, Justice and Prison Affairs State Minister Anuradha Jayaratne declared that individuals convicted of civil offences will be placed under house arrest as a measure to alleviate the overcrowding crisis in prisons. Minister Jayaratne revealed that the implementation of this program is slated for the current year.
He explained that the Legal Draftman’s Department is currently in the process of drafting the necessary laws, which will be presented to Parliament and enacted into law later this year. The forthcoming changes will require amendments to Acts such as the Bail Act, and individuals under house arrest will be monitored through GPS technology by prison officers and the nearest police station to ensure compliance with court-imposed conditions.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, the State Minister pointed out that the current prison capacity is only around 13,000 inmates, while the actual number currently incarcerated has surged to 33,000. Furthermore, Minister Jayaratne emphasized that a significant portion, approximately 65%, of the current prison population is comprised of individuals convicted on drug-related charges. The government’s focus is on rehabilitating these offenders by providing professional training, with programs already initiated in prisons nationwide.
Prisons Commissioner General Thushara Upuldeniya disclosed additional initiatives being pursued by the Justice Ministry. He mentioned plans to amend laws, allowing suspects in prison to undergo judicial proceedings through online methods rather than the traditional courtroom setting. This online approach is currently being piloted in the Southern Province with support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The anticipated legal amendments aim to facilitate the nationwide implementation of this program.
Commissioner General Upuldeniya highlighted that the use of technology, such as Zoom, enables court proceedings for inmates, including extending trial dates, without the logistical challenges of physically transporting high-profile criminals to court.
Govt introduces Concessionary pledge loan scheme for SME paddy industry.
By: Staff Writer
February 05, Colombo (LNW): In a bid to maintain a reasonable price for farmers, a pledge loan scheme under a concessional interest rate for small and medium-scale (SME) paddy millers, paddy storage owners and paddy collectors has been implemented for purchasing paddy in Maha Season 2023/2024.
The move comes following a Cabinet decision taken on Monday and the concessionary loan scheme is implemented from 1 February to 30 April. The total value of the loans to be disbursed by the Banks is Rs. 9 billion.
Accordingly, the target group of this loan scheme includes SME paddy millers who are subject to a maximum daily paddy milling capacity of 25 tons, paddy storage owners and collectors are subject to having an adequate storage capacity or a valid lease agreement with a storage owner with a sufficient storage capacity or SME paddy miller.
Such borrowers should have a valid Business Registration obtained from a relevant Government institution.
They can get loans at the effective interest rate of 15% per annum under the maximum loan amount of Rs. 50 million per SME paddy miller and Rs. 25 million per paddy storage owner and paddy collector. Out of the effective interest rate, an 11% interest rate has to be borne by the respective borrowers and the interest subsidy is 4%. The respective loan should be repaid within 180 days.
It has been planned to provide pledge loans through the Bank of Ceylon, People’s Bank, Regional Development Bank, Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, DFCC Bank Ltd, National Development Bank PLC, Hatton National Bank PLC, Sampath Bank Ltd, Sansa Development Bank Ltd and Seylan Bank PLC under this loan scheme.
Further, it has been planned to purchase paddy at a Minimum Purchase Price of Paddy declared by the Department of Agriculture under this program. Minimum Purchase Price of paddy for Maha Season 2023/2024.
As of now the mill owners have been engaged in raising the price of paddy. Given the current drought and rainfall situation that prevail these individuals are not only attempting to raise the price of paddy, but are also trying to create the illusion of a paddy shortage.
The per capita paddy consumption in Sri Lanka is approximately 125 kg per year. However, due to last year’s economic crisis this figure decreased to 90 kg.
Nevertheless, the per capita paddy consumption has increased to 112 kg as of now. Additionally, Sri Lankans require two hundred thousand metric tons of paddy per month. Consequently, Gunaratne pointed out that 2.4 million metric tons of paddy is needed annually.
Freehold deed program kicks start today making 2 mn people land owners.
By: Staff Writer
February 05, Colombo (LNW): The government will kick start the “Urumaya” freehold deed program, facilitating the conversion of Land Development Ordinance licenses into freehold deeds for eligible farmers.
A sum of, Rs. 02 billion has been allocated for this program in accordance with the 2024 budget proposals.
In a major step towards resolving land ownership issues for over two million Sri Lankans, the “Urumaya” program will be officially launched on 5 February in Dambulla, Tourism, Lands and Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Harin Fernando announced.
Speaking to journalists at a briefing held at President Media Centre, he said the program aims to provide permanent land ownership solutions, noting that over 10,000 land licensees currently holding Ran Bhoomi, Jaya Bhoomi, and Swarna Bhoomi licenses will be among the first beneficiaries of this program.
“February 5 will mark the beginning of a new chapter for many Sri Lankans, offering them a brighter future rooted in secure land ownership. This is not just a distribution; it’s a dawn of hope for the entire rural landscape,” he added.
These licenses will be converted into freehold deeds, granting them full ownership of their land. This move is expected to significantly improve the lives and livelihoods of millions currently struggling with land ownership uncertainties.
“The ‘Urumaya’ initiative represents a commitment to addressing long-standing land issues and empowering citizens with the security and freedom that comes with land ownership,” he said, outlining the program’s significance as a key step towards building a stable and prosperous Sri Lanka.
“Urumaya washes away the tears of many generations, writing a new chapter in empowerment and prosperity,” the Minister said.
Fernando also said the Ministry takes pride in another ground-breaking initiative igniting the entrepreneurial spirit of our youth.
“This ambitious program aims to empower a million young minds, transforming them into the architects of their own destinies. With ‘Urumaya’ fostering rural revival and this youth-centric project fueling innovation,
Sri Lanka is poised for a golden age. Join us as we rewrite the narrative, one empowered generation and one life-changing deed at a time.”
He said two years ago the country’s condition was similar to a critically ill patient. “Just as a doctor might administer necessary, yet potentially uncomfortable, treatment to heal the patient, the country had undergone similar adjustments under President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s leadership.
While not always agreeable, these measures were deemed essential for the nation’s recovery,” he stressed. The Minister asserted that challenges are embraced not for personal glory, but for the sake of the country’s success.
Launch Ceremony of ‘Madhya Maga’ by M. Indrajith to Take Place Tomorrow at National Library Auditorium
February 05, Colombo (LNW): The launch ceremony of the book “මාධ්ය මඟ” written by senior journalist M. Indrajith is scheduled to be held on February 06, 2024 (tomorrow) at 3.00 pm at the National Library Auditorium, Colombo 07 Freedom Avenue.
It is planned to be done under the chairmanship of the Minister of Mass Media, Dr. Bandula Gunawardena, with the participation of local and foreign journalists.
Former Ministers Ravi Karunanayake, Gayantha Karunathilake, Tamil Nadu Senior Journalist Arun Kadharan and many other dignitaries will participate in it and the main speech of this event organized by Asian Media and Culture Association and PEN Sri Lanka will be delivered by former Director General of News Dr. Ranga Kalansooriya.
Heritance Hotels unveils ‘Trails of Bawa’ tour preserving SL cultural heritage.
By: Staff Writer
February 05, Colombo (LNW): Heritance Hotels and Resorts, the premier flagship brand of Aitken Spence Hotels, has unveiled the ‘Trails of Bawa’ tour during the Galle Literary Festival held recently.
This captivating journey was unveiled at the session titled ‘Preserving and re-narrating modern Sri Lankan cultural histories’, featuring the insights of Channa Daswatte, Sunela Jayewardene, and Johann Peiris, proudly sponsored by Heritance Hotels and Resorts.
The tour, Trails of Bawa, is an architectural odyssey through some of Sri Lanka’s iconic spaces designed by Deshamanya Geoffrey Bawa, capturing the essence of Modern Tropicalism.
It is a curated experience that immerses guests in the architectural brilliance of the Father of Modern Tropicalism in Sri Lanka.
Spanning over four nights and five days, this journey would allow guests to explore five iconic spaces: Heritance Kandalama, Heritance Ayurveda,
Heritance Ahungalla, Lunuganga Garden and No. 11, Colombo, the Geoffrey Bawa residence. Each stop during the trail is a testament to his genius, artfully showcasing elements of modern tropicalism and the innovative use of open spaces, natural light, and local materials, creating an ambiance that embodies the essence of Modern Tropicalism.
Aitken Spence Plc Jt. Deputy Chairperson and Jt. Managing Director Stasshani Jayawardena said: “Deshamanya Geoffrey Bawa’s influence on architecture is immeasurable and we are delighted to present the ‘Trails of Bawa’ as a tribute to his architectural brilliance.
The Trails of Bawa is more than just an ordinary tour, it’s a curated experience to witness the texture, breathe in the scents, and hear the whispers of nature that inspired one of the most celebrated architects of the 21st century to create his timeless masterpieces.
Heritance Hotels and Resorts proudly stands as the custodian of the largest portfolio of Bawa designed hotels in Sri Lanka, namely Heritance Kandalama, Heritance Ahungalla and Heritance Ayurveda and it is our duty to honour and perpetuate his legacy through such endeavours.”
The Trails of Bawa is a journey that promises to leave a lasting impression on all those who partake in its captivating experience, providing a transformative exploration of design, art, and nature.