Colombo (LNW): Minister of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development Jeevan Thondaman has provided insight into the ongoing discussions regarding the establishment of a water tariff.

Speaking to a briefing at the President’s Media Centre (PMC) he emphasised that devising a formula that ensures the sustainability of the water board while also maintaining fairness for the general public would be of importance.

The government’s focus is on prioritising the major domestic category, which constitutes 75 per cent, and Samurdhi at 1.58 per cent, over industries, without exerting undue pressure on them.

Thondaman further noted that discussions are currently underway, exploring two parallel formulas—one centered on cost recovery and the other on cost reflection.

The final draft of the tariff formula is expected in December, with a commitment to avoiding unnecessary burden on the public. There is a possibility of an increased tariff rate for commercial institutions, with an emphasis on ensuring fair rates for charitable institutions, hospitals and schools.

To further deliberate on these crucial decisions, a meeting has been requested with Ministers Dilum Amunugama and Shehan Serasinghe. The outcome of these discussions will be communicated, leading to a vote on the proposed tariff.

Thondaman acknowledged the economic crisis affecting both foreign-funded and domestic-funded projects. He assured the public that new projects would kick-start in January, with a focus on completing existing projects. The government plans to engage in public-private partnerships to enhance water quality and reduce costs. The Minister clarified that while projects would involve private participation, there is no intention to sell or privatise water.

The Minister acknowledged operational losses, citing increased electricity prices and existing debt as contributing factors. However, he highlighted a silver lining—the reduction in water usage due to conservation efforts following a tariff hike. The Minister stressed the importance of a sustainable tariff formula that considers debt servicing and CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) but does not overburden the public.

Minister Thondaman discussed the government’s commitment to efficient water conservation, especially in areas with inadequate access to clean water. Plans for a desalination plant in Jaffna and efforts to prioritize water supply from villages and estates were highlighted. The Minister also emphasised the streamlining of the water resources management policy to implement a comprehensive water management plan.

The Minister refuted accusations of politicisation within the Water Board and clarified the appointment process for key positions. He assured that revenue for the Board has increased and discussed plans to explore renewable energy sources to reduce energy costs.

As the government works towards a stable tariff formula and sustainable water management, the Minister urged the public to understand the value of water and the necessity for a balanced approach to tariff reform.

The Minister concluded the press conference by reiterating the commitment to providing clean and accessible water to all citizens while ensuring financial viability in the water sector. The proposed reforms aim to strike a balance between the needs of the public and the economic realities faced by the water sector.

1. UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara says President & UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe is set to become the Presidential Candidate of a Coalition led by the UNP & the Party is to work on an Action plan drafted by its Working Committee ahead of the next Presidential Election.
   
2. Minister of Education Susil Premajayantha says preparations have been finalised to supply sanitary napkins to girls in schools, starting next year.
   
3. Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe says his life is at risk & in the event anything
   should happen to him, the President & Chief of Presidential Staff would have to take responsibility: also says he may be killed on the road & he’s not sure when it will happen: asserts he fought against corruption, but now he has to fight for his
   life: demands his right to live for the sake of his wife & children.
   
4. President Ranil Wickremesinghe removes Sports, Youth Affairs & Irrigation
   Minister Roshan Ranasinghe from all posts in the Govt: Harin Fernando appointed as the new Sports Minister & Pavithra Wanniarachchi as the new Irrigation Minister.
   
5. Colombo Stock Market falls to a four-&-a-half month low, riddled by sustained uncertainty: ASPI declines for the 3rd consecutive market day to 10,480 points: turnover dips to a miserly Rs 579mn: number of shares traded crashes to a negligible 19.82 mn.
   
6. President Ranil Wickremesinghe leads a delegation of over 80 persons, including Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, Environment Minister Keheliya Rambukwella & Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara to attend the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP28) Summit in Dubai next week: several delegates from international non-governmental organisations, private sector entities & stakeholders will also be included in the largest-ever Sri Lankan delegation.
   
7. Top Opposition spokesman Professor G L Peiris warns of a major Govt offensive against the media to neutralise print & electronic media, ahead of the Presidential election scheduled for next year: asserts the proposed creation of a “Broadcasting Regulatory Commission” for electronic media, Online Safety Bill and Commission of Inquiry headed by retired Chief Justice Priyasath Dep, PC, poses a threat to media freedom.
   
8. Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe says a new Registration & Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Bill that would enable the registration & enforcement in SL of rulings given by Courts in other countries is to be submitted to Parliament: new law expected to repeal the existing “Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Ordinance & the Reciprocal Enforcement of Judgments Ordinance”.
   
9. Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith calls on people to reject oppressive leaders in order to
   cleanse the country’s politics, & to enable the emergence of a new leadership: asserts it’s the duty of all patriotic & independent media to defeat moves towards a dictatorship: urges people not to barter their votes for roofing sheets, food or alcohol.
   
10. SL Chess Olympiad first-ever Gold medalist Suneetha Wijesuriya receives the title of “FIDE Trainer” from the Int’l Chess Federation: this is the first time a SL chess player has received this title.

Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed the safe repatriation of a four-member Sri Lankan family who were stranded in the Gaza Strip.

The Consular Affairs Division of the Ministry facilitated their return, and upon arrival in Colombo on November 24, officials from the Foreign Ministry received the returning Sri Lankans.

Coordination efforts between the Sri Lankan Embassy in Cairo, Egyptian authorities, and the Consular Affairs Division ensured a smooth repatriation process at the Rafah border between Egypt and Gaza.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs arranged logistics and air transportation for the returnees with the assistance of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

Since the onset of the recent crisis on October 7, 2023, a total of 15 Sri Lankans stranded in the Gaza Strip have been successfully repatriated to Sri Lanka through coordinated efforts with Sri Lanka Missions in Cairo and Ramallah.

Colombo (LNW): A meeting took place between Premier Dinesh Gunawardena and the newly appointed Italian Ambassador, Damiano Francovigh, at the Prime Minister’s Office in Parliament yesterday (27).

Ambassador Damiano Francovigh expressed his willingness to promptly address matters related to establishing Colombo as a direct air and shipping destination, with the primary goal of fostering tourism ties between the two nations.

Discussions centred around the mutual desire to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries, a statement by the Prime Minister’s Media Unit said.

In response to the Sri Lankan Prime Minister’s request, the ambassador conveyed that a delegation from the Italian Trade Agency would be dispatched for discussions with the private sector in Sri Lanka, aiming to foster trade relationships between the two nations.

Highlighting delays in visa issuance at the Sri Lankan embassy, Gunawardena noted the issue, and the Italian ambassador assured that his attention had been directed towards resolving the delays within the next few weeks.

The meeting included the participation of Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake and the Italian Deputy Ambassador.

By: Isuru Parakrama

Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Eastern and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district, and several spells of showers will occur in Northern and North-central provinces, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (28).

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in other provinces of the island after 01.00 p.m, the statement added.

Fairly heavy showers about 75mm are likely at some places in Central, Uva and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Marine Weather:

Colombo (LNW): Harin Fernando has been appointed as the Minister of Sports, while Pavitra Vanniarachchi has been appointed as the Minister of Irrigation.

Both individuals were sworn in before President Ranil Wickremesinghe a short while ago.

These ministerial appointments have been conferred upon them in addition to their existing ministerial responsibilities.

Colombo (LNW): Minister Harin Fernando is set to assume the role of the new Sports Minister and will be sworn in shortly, sources confirmed.

The Minister has verified the preparedness of the President’s Secretariat for the forthcoming responsibilities.

President Ranil Wickramasinghe has also recently arrived at the Presidential Secretariat.

Presently serving as the Cabinet Minister for Tourism and Lands, Fernando is poised to take on the additional responsibilities as the Sports Minister.

Colombo (LNW): China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation (SINOPEC) is set to be awarded the contract for establishing a new petroleum refinery and associated product processing centre in Hambantota, announced Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera.

Cabinet approval was granted for the contract with SINOPEC to build the refinery. The $4.5-billion project is part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative and follows previous Chinese investments, including a 99-year lease at Hambantota port and a logistics and storage hub in Colombo port.

“Cabinet approval was granted today to award the contract to China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (SINOPEC) of China, to enter into an agreement to establish a new Petroleum Refinery & Associated Product Processing centre in Hambantota,” the Minister wrote on his official X handle.

SINOPEC, the world’s top refinery and a major petrochemical maker, aims to expand its footprint beyond China through this venture.

The company will initiate the engineering design process after obtaining official approval, potentially targeting markets beyond Sri Lanka and leveraging its partnership with China Merchants Port to expand bunker fuel supply at Hambantota.

The move aligns with Beijing’s broader goal of enhancing global trade infrastructure.