1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe unveiled plans to introduce two significant bills aimed at advancing gender equality and women empowerment, with both slated for presentation to Parliament in May. Addressing the National Celebration of International Women’s Day at the Water’s Edge, Battaramulla, the President outlined the key provisions of these legislative initiatives.

2. President Ranil Wickremesinghe has convened a meeting on Monday (March 11) with the leaders of accepted opposition parties in parliament and the visiting high-level delegation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). During the meeting, the opposition party leaders will be offered the chance to discuss the IMF’s proposals with the delegates.

3. Questions have been raised on former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s newly released book. ‘The Conspiracy’ which claims internationally sponsored regime change was the cause for him to be ousted from the Sri Lankan Presidency in 2022. The Russian Embassy in Sri Lanka questioned the former President’s suggestion that foreign ambassadors’ visits to Sri Lanka military objects should be restricted.

4. Sri Lanka’s Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has issued a notice outlining the requirements for Sri Lankan non-residents concerning the Tax Identification Number (TIN). Sri Lankan residents above 18 years of age are chargeable with income tax and are required to obtain registration with the Commissioner General of the IRD.

5. Ophthalmologists warn that exposure to sunlight can be hazardous to the human eye, in the backdrop of extreme heat being experienced in the country. 

6. The Board of Directors including the Chairman of the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) have resigned. Trade Minister Nalin Fernando mentioned that the 15-member Board of Directors including Shantha Niriella have resigned in this manner. Reportedly, they have taken this step in compliance with a notification made by the minister.

7. Gold prices hit record highs for a fourth consecutive session.

Spot gold rose 0.4% to $2,168.28 per ounce as of 1057 GMT, while U.S. gold futures added 0.5% to $2,175.50. Gold reached a new all-time high of $2,170.99 earlier in the session and has gained more than 4.1% so far this week.

8. The Health Trade Union Alliance has reached a decision to give the Ministry of Finance one week to resolve the allowance issue. Co-Convener Chanaka Dharmawickrama said if no solution is provided in a week, they will resolve to strike action once again from the 19th of March.

9. Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa highlights three major issues that need attention from Sri Lanka’s future leader. Those are to the concerns of the Sinhalese and Sinhala Buddhists feeling neglected by foreign and local entities, the economic decline and substantial national debt, the critical failures in law and order, national security, and intelligence during his tenure.

10. Lahiru Kumara has been reportedly added to the Sri Lanka ODI squad after Asitha Fernando was ruled out after an injury. Pathum Nissanka who missed the T20I series due to an injury has been also named in the ODI squad.

March 09, Colombo (LNW): Education Minister Dr. Susil Premajayantha has announced a groundbreaking initiative, set to commence on March 19, offering students from Grade Eight and above the opportunity to delve into the realms of Artificial Intelligence (AI) coupled with Information Technology (IT). The move aims to equip students with essential skills for the future, aligning education with individual abilities and preferences.

Speaking at a program held at the Education Ministry, Dr. Premajayantha emphasized the need to alleviate the academic pressure on primary education students, particularly those in Grade 1 to 5. Plans are underway to restructure the Grade 5 scholarship examination to reduce its competitiveness, ensuring a more holistic evaluation of students’ skills, including soft skills demonstrated outside the classroom.

In addition to the introduction of AI and IT studies for Grade 8 and above, the Education Minister outlined a pilot project launching in 20 schools on March 19. Teacher training for this initiative has already commenced, with nationwide implementation scheduled for the next academic year.

Further reforms include streamlining the G.C.E Ordinary Level Examination, reducing subjects to seven, and evaluating the remaining three based on industry and environmental knowledge relevant to students’ geographical locations. The overarching goal is to create a supportive environment where no student faces failure in the G.C.E Ordinary Level or G.C.E Advanced Level Examinations.

Dr. Premajayantha also disclosed plans to provide professional training in subjects aligned with students’ interests and skills. Out of the 337,000 students who recently took the Advanced Level Examination, 50,000 will undergo training in English, Information Technology, and Career Guidance at 300 centers nationwide, starting March 19. These measures signify a comprehensive effort to modernize education in Sri Lanka, fostering a more inclusive and skill-oriented approach to prepare students for the challenges of the future.

March 09, Colombo (LNW) In a significant meeting at Temple Trees on Thursday (7), Thailand’s former Deputy Prime Minister, Kom Dabharansi, headed a Thai business delegation to discuss potential investments and collaboration with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. The talks encompassed a range of sectors, including agriculture, tourism, and various other areas of mutual interest.

The delegation, comprising prominent businessmen Attakorn Maensamut, Chamrus Visavachaipan, A. K. A. Afreel, and L. M. Furhan, engaged in discussions aimed at fostering partnerships and exploring investment opportunities between Thailand and Sri Lanka. Prime Minister’s Secretary Anura Dissanayake and Advisor Sugeeswara Senadhira also participated in the meeting, contributing to the comprehensive dialogue on potential collaborations.

The discussions underscore the commitment of both nations to strengthen bilateral ties and explore avenues for economic cooperation. As Thailand’s former Deputy Prime Minister leads this delegation, the engagement reflects a strategic effort to enhance partnerships and facilitate investments for mutual benefit in key sectors.

March 09, Colombo (LNW): Duminda Hulangamuwa, the President of the Sri Lanka National Chamber of Commerce (SLNCC), expressed his views on the recent decision to suspend the implementation of the Parate Law. He believes that this decision will bring much-needed relief to small and medium-scale industrialists and businessmen grappling with the challenges of loan repayments and interest payments.

In response to a query from the Daily News regarding SLNCC’s stance on the decision, Hulangamuwa highlighted the potential relief for those genuinely struggling to meet their financial obligations. However, he also pointed out that some individuals intentionally default on loan payments, taking advantage of the situation. The temporary suspension of the Parate Law may inadvertently provide relief even to those engaging in fraudulent practices.

Hulangamuwa cautioned that such concessions might not fully align with the intended objectives. He emphasized the symbiotic relationship between commercial banks, financial institutions, and their customers, stating that credit facilities are extended from customer deposits. When loans are not repaid, financial institutions face challenges in returning customers’ deposits upon request.

The SLNCC President acknowledged the empowerment that banks derive from the Parate Law, enabling them to recover loans efficiently. He warned that if loan recovery becomes challenging, financial institutions may be reluctant to offer loans at low interest rates, potentially impacting small and medium enterprises’ access to credit.

In conclusion, Hulangamuwa urged a comprehensive examination of the decision’s broader consequences. While acknowledging the need to uplift businesses struggling for several years, he stressed the importance of providing encouragement and support to businessmen to achieve meaningful and sustainable economic recovery.

March 09, Colombo (LNW):A new breeding center has recently been inaugurated in Habarana, marking the first-ever dedicated facility in Sri Lanka aimed at breeding tame elephants. The primary objective is to bolster the country’s elephant population.

Furthering these efforts, the Tame Elephant Association has embarked on an impactful initiative by establishing a private hospital. This facility is designed to provide comprehensive medical care to elephants, incorporating both local and Western medical treatments. Notably, this hospital will cater not only to the healthcare needs of tame elephants but also serve as a training ground for untrained elephant handlers, colloquially referred to as athgowwan, who will undergo professional mahout training.

In contrast to the Pinnawela elephant orphanage, which does engage in some breeding activities, the newly opened breeding center stands as a pioneering establishment solely dedicated to the purpose of elephant breeding in the country. These groundbreaking initiatives reflect a concerted effort to ensure the well-being and growth of Sri Lanka’s elephant population.

March 09, Colombo (LNW):Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts in the evening or night.

Mainly dry weather will prevail in the other areas of the island.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning.

March 08, Colombo (LNW): Dr. Selva Panchast, British University Investor and founder of the UK’s Regent University, held a strategic meeting with H.E. President Ranil Wickremasinghe during his recent visit to Colombo.

The discussions, attended by High Commissioner Rohitha Bogollagama and Mr. Dinesh Weerakody, Chairman of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, focused on fostering educational partnerships.