May 10, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe will today ceremoniously launch the world’s first of its kind “Global Gestures for Empowerment” aimed at discouraging sexual harassment.

The ground-breaking initiative is by DP Education of Dhammika and Priscilla Perera Foundation. The campaign includes three gestures created by Andy Jacobs, from US Hawaii who is a TV and Internet producer.

The three gestures are to convey the following message “You are harassing me” and ”You are harassing me, and I need public help” aimed at those who may be subject to harassment and “I’m sorry I respect your space” for possible offenders. 

To discourage sexual harassment online or in the cyber space, a different set of emojis will be launched as well along with Global Gestures web site www.dpgestures.com. 

DP Global Gestures for Empowerment or GG movement is being introduced to eradicate sexual harassment against women and girls in public spaces and to empower them to combat harassment effectively.

The GG movement is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Target 5.2, which advocates for the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls in public and private realms.

At today’s launch at Nelum Pokuna, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative for Sri Lanka and Country and Country Director for the Maldives Kunie Adeniyi will be present as well.

Public awareness of the GG movement will be created via stickers and videos, which are available for download and use via a dedicated web portal www.dpgestures.com. 

All schools, universities, vocational training centres and workplaces will be encouraged to widely use these the Global Gestures for Empowerment in addition in public places and transport. The hashtag is #EndSexualHarassment

 ”By introducing a set of protective and alerting gestures, along with a series of emojis for digital communication, this initiative equips women with essential tools to protect themselves and seek help, thus bolstering their safety and independence. T

he launch event will be a transformative gathering that fosters gender equality and empowers women and girls worldwide. It also presents an opportunity to involve men and boys, inspiring them to consistently show respect towards women,” a spokesperson for GG movement said.

May 10, Colombo (LNW): Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Lu, is set to embark on a diplomatic tour to India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh from May 10 to 15, aimed at bolstering bilateral cooperation and reaffirming U.S. commitment to a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

Beginning his journey in Chennai, Assistant Secretary Lu will engage with Consulate personnel to enhance bilateral ties in southern India, setting the stage for increased collaboration.

In Colombo, his next destination, Assistant Secretary Lu will hold discussions with officials spanning the political spectrum, underscoring the United States’ unwavering support for Sri Lanka’s economic revival. Moreover, he will emphasize the pivotal role of a vibrant civil society in upholding the principles of freedom and democracy.

The culmination of Assistant Secretary Lu’s tour will take place in Dhaka, where he will engage with government officials, civil society leaders, and other stakeholders to explore avenues for enhanced U.S.-Bangladesh cooperation. Discussions will encompass joint efforts to combat the climate crisis and further strengthen economic partnerships between the two nations.

1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe states that for the reconstruction of the fallen country, economic stabilization and recovery programs were formally implemented and that as a result, the journey of economic growth started in the middle of 2023. Wickremesinghe said he assumed leadership of the country without any conditions, despite being a sole member of Parliament. He cited his well-thought-out plan, extensive experience and international relationships as reasons for his confidence in the country’s recovery from its challenges.
2. The Election Commission also said that by virtue of the powers vested in the commission to fix the date for the election, it will hold the presidential election between 17th September and 16th October 2024.
3. The Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court has ordered the former CEO of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) Dr. Vijith Gunasekara to be remanded in custody until May 20, 2024. He was produced before the court following the recording of a statement by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
4. State Minister for Technology, Kanaka Herath, announced that the amended bill to amend the Telecommunications Regulatory Act after 28 years will be presented to the Parliament. Additionally, he highlighted plans for the drafting of the National Cyber Security Act in May.
5. The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is yet to submit the proposals regarding the reduction of electricity tariffs to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), according to PUCSL chairman Prof. Manjula Fernando. The said proposals were initially expected to be submitted to the PUCSL by the 1st of May.
6. The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has issued an overseas travel ban on former State Minister Diana Gamage. This order was issued by Colombo Magistrate Thilina Gamage after considering a request made by the attorneys of the petitioning party in the case related to her dual citizenship.
7. Litro Gas Company opens its new gas filling station in Mabima, Kaduwela, which was established with an investment exceeding Rs.01 billion.
8. Minister of Labor and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara has urged the general public not to seek military employment opportunities in foreign countries. Issuing a statement in this regard, the Minister highlighted the presence of a human trafficking network that is currently facilitating the recruitment of Sri Lankan youths for military service in Russia.
9. Sri Lanka’s Dairy Industry is set to enhance the production and quality of liquid milk and milk based products in a new partnership with the Department of Animal Production and Health revolutionizing the industry. This collaborative effort aims to modernize dairy farming practices, enhance livestock genetics, and boost dairy productivity across the nation.
10. The Cricket Selection Committee has selected a 15-member squad to take part in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said. Issuing a statement, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said the team will depart for the World Cup on May 14, 2024.

May 10, Colombo (LNW): Mr. H.J.M.C. Amith Jayasundara, the Commissioner General of Examinations, announced plans to lodge a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on May 10 regarding irregularities uncovered during the ongoing G.C.E. Ordinary Level examination.

Reports of misconduct surfaced at two examination centers in Colombo and one in the Hasalaka area, revealing attempts by certain candidates to illicitly obtain answers by capturing photographs of the English question paper using mobile phones, subsequently sharing them with external parties.

Officials present at the examination centers promptly intervened, seizing the mobile phones involved in the illicit activity. Responding to inquiries from Ada Derana, the Commissioner General confirmed that complaints have been lodged with local police stations situated near the respective examination centers.

May 10, Colombo (LNW): The ruling by Diana Gamage can be hailed as a historic verdict delivered by the court, underscoring the trustworthiness of Sri Lanka’s legal system. The decision of that case was greatly influenced by the fact that she did not have the factors to become a public representative in this country. Her disqualification under immigration law from serving as a public representative was a determining factor. 

In Sri Lanka’s rugby , this immigration law does not limit a copper. The sports ministers who are appointed as people’s representatives have taken those who have international evidence that they are involved in violating that law, the constitutionally appointed Rugby administration is being interfered with and distracted to the administration. When they refuse to do so, they ask the government officials under them to behave like blind people, and Rugby is banned. But in those cases, the country’s judiciary acts independently, just like when Diana was removed. 

The Sri Lanka rugby administration once interpreted a Fijian as a citizen of Sri Lanka, and it was proven that he had played for Sri Lanka and was fined 50000 pounds by the International Rugby Federation. So whether the people who initiated it are kept in Sri Lanka’s rugby or not, it is up to the international community to fine Sri Lanka. Whether the association will bear it as an association without charging the fine from the people who were involved in the fine incident, and whether or not the person who tarnished the association’s name will be allowed to join the Sri Lanka Rugby or not is also a matter related to rugby. 

However, the Ministry of Sports is waiting for the people who worked outside the immigration law, which was strong enough to send Diana out, brought the country’s rugby game into a fraudulent place, and brought a fake name to the country’s name, not only in Sri Lanka’s rugby game but also in various sports. Also, they are waiting to allow them to deal with Asia and the world to disrupt Sri Lanka. 

Has the Department of Sports Development fined a sports administration under it £50,000? The reason for that is that the foreign players are presented to the world as citizens of Sri Lanka in such a way that a false name is added to Sri Lanka? Will those who did that be allowed to continue to be associated with the sports administration units of this country? Who were the main officials of the rugby at the time who were responsible for it? Are they not being punished for their crime? 

The sports development department has permission to inspect the documents of the rugby administration. Have  been fined £50,000? Is it because a foreigner is using the immigration law wrongly to play games in Sri Lanka? Then those involved in it become guilty by the constitution of the country for bringing the country into disrepute in front of the international community. 

Isn’t this an international scandal that has brought shame upon the country in the eyes of the global community? 

The Minister of Sports or the Director General of Sports will step in to penalize these individuals responsible for this historical misconduct. Furthermore, are there no rugby enthusiasts willing to pursue legal action in this country? We will await patiently in the name of the sport.”

The Minister of Sports or the Director General of Sports will intervene to punish these people who are responsible for this historical misconduct. And there are no rugby fans in this country willing to take legal action? We will wait patiently in the name of the game.

May 10, Colombo (LNW): Fitch Ratings has maintained its ‘C’ rating on SriLankan Airlines Limited’s (SLA) USD 175 million government-guaranteed 7% unsecured bonds scheduled to mature on June 25, 2024.

The rating is underpinned by the unconditional and irrevocable guarantee provided by the government of Sri Lanka, whose Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating stands at ‘RD’.

May 10, Colombo (LNW): Under the auspices of Rohitha Bogollagama, the High Commissioner, the Sri Lanka High Commission in London inaugurated the Advisory Council of Sri Lanka’s Interests (ACSLI) on May 7, 2024. Comprising a diverse array of Sri Lankan and British experts spanning legal, banking, investment, tourism, and hospitality sectors, alongside representatives from UK polity and social and cultural spheres, the council convened for its inaugural meeting to address pivotal issues shaping Sri Lanka’s investment landscape.

Central to the deliberations were discussions on fostering an investment-friendly environment in Sri Lanka, with a focus on critical areas including taxation, employment laws, banking conveniences, and the burgeoning service sector, as well as the implications of new legislation concerning the Colombo Port City.

The council also explored strategies for implementing a visa program tailored to attract foreign investors, alongside initiatives aimed at bolstering air connectivity between Sri Lanka, the UK, and the Republic of Ireland.

High Commissioner Bogollagama, leveraging his expertise and vision, has committed to accelerating the influx of crucial investments into Sri Lanka. The council’s deliberations have yielded actionable proposals poised to be presented to the Government of Sri Lanka for further consideration and implementation, underscoring the collaborative efforts to fortify Sri Lanka’s position as an attractive destination for foreign investment.

May 10, Colombo (LNW): State Minister for Technology, Kanaka Herath, announced a significant milestone as the long-awaited bill to amend the Telecommunications Regulatory Act, dormant for 28 years, is set for presentation in Parliament. This reform underscores the government’s commitment to modernize regulatory frameworks in the rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape.

During a press conference themed “Collective Path to a Stable Country” held at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC), Herath outlined the government’s multifaceted approach to digital transformation. He revealed plans to introduce the National Cyber Security Act in May, a crucial step in safeguarding the nation’s digital infrastructure and data assets.

In a bid to invigorate the tourism sector, an allocation of Rs. 750 million has been earmarked for the development of the Pinnawala and Kithulgala tourism corridor, signaling the government’s dedication to nurturing key economic drivers.

Integral to Sri Lanka’s digital future is the endorsement of the National Digital Strategy 2030 by the cabinet, which encompasses six pivotal areas ranging from infrastructure enhancement to the digitization of small and medium-sized enterprises. Notable aspects include prioritizing cyber security, fostering digital literacy, and promoting digital financial services.

Highlighting collaborative endeavors, Herath underscored the upcoming global project promotion conference slated for June 25, aimed at attracting international investments in the burgeoning digital landscape. Additionally, initiatives such as the provision of 1,000 user-friendly classrooms for schools and the creation of job opportunities for non-IT graduates signify a concerted effort towards inclusive digital growth.

In response to the exponential growth in social media usage, Herath emphasized the imperative for a National Cyber Security Act to mitigate emerging threats. Collaborative efforts involving 29 government agencies and the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SL CERT) have been instrumental in fortifying cyber security measures, with five projects already in implementation.

The impending amendment to the Telecommunications Regulatory Act heralds a new era of regulatory clarity, enabling effective oversight of critical telecommunications infrastructure, including undersea cables. With Sri Lanka’s user base across social networks swelling to 74 million, these legislative and strategic initiatives underscore the nation’s commitment to harnessing digital technologies for sustainable growth and resilience in the digital age.

May 10, Colombo (LNW): Chairman of the Sector Advisory Committee for Automobile for the Ministry of Industries, Dimantha Jayawardena, revealed the Sri Lankan government’s steadfast commitment to fostering automobile component manufacturing as a pivotal sector for economic growth. With plans to elevate exports from the current $200 million to a staggering $1 billion, Sri Lanka’s automotive industry is poised for substantial expansion.

Despite enduring formidable challenges during the tumultuous business landscape of 2020, Sri Lankan automotive component manufacturers have rebounded triumphantly, positioning themselves as significant exporters on the global stage.

Jayawardena emphasized the Ministry’s proactive stance in bolstering prospective assemblers and component manufacturers, aiming to amplify job opportunities to 45,000 within the sector. The overarching ambition is to establish Sri Lanka as a prominent global automobile manufacturing hub by 2037, aligning with the meticulously crafted 20-year master plan for the automobile assembly industry.

The temporary embargo on motor vehicle imports has catalyzed demand for locally assembled vehicles, propelling the industry forward. Moreover, the impending establishment of a state-of-the-art Research and Development (R&D) and testing facility by the Industrial Development Board (IDB) underscores Sri Lanka’s dedication to innovation and quality assurance, essential elements for enhancing competitiveness in the global automotive market.

Strategically positioned at the crossroads of major trade routes between the east and west, Sri Lanka garners interest from international automotive giants eager to invest in the burgeoning market. Concurrently, a burgeoning preference among Sri Lankan consumers for locally assembled vehicles further augments the industry’s growth trajectory.

The landscape of Sri Lanka’s automobile assembly industry is undergoing a remarkable metamorphosis, attracting renowned brands such as Hyundai, Proton, BAIC, and Mahindra, among others. The approval for assembling an extensive array of vehicles, ranging from SUVs and cars to two-wheelers and buses, underscores the diversification within the sector.

The entry of electric bike assemblers like KD Rize, Dyno, and Senaro, alongside established players like JAC and FOTON, signals a paradigm shift towards sustainable transportation solutions. By year-end, the number of assemblers operating within the local automobile assembly industry is projected to surpass 30.

To ensure adherence to stringent quality standards, assemblers are mandated to achieve a domestic value addition of over 20% through the utilization of locally manufactured automobile components. Many local manufacturers have undergone rigorous product development and approval processes to uphold the esteemed global Original Equipment (OE) standards set by international brands.

Since the inception of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in 2021, Sri Lanka has seen a surge in automobile and motorcycle assembly plants, with over fifteen currently operational. With four additional assembly plants slated to commence operations within the next three months, and an additional eleven registered by the Ministry of Industries, Sri Lanka’s automobile industry is on an upward trajectory towards unprecedented prosperity.