April 26, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western and Southern provinces after 2.00 p.m.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places over the coastal areas of Galle to Hambantota via Matara during the morning too.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces during the morning.
General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
April 25, Colombo (LNW): Amidst spiralling tensions in the Middle East, the Iranian President Dr. Ibrahim Raisi yesterday renewed his country’s further support to the progress of the Indian Ocean nation following an internationally widely observed and landmark visit to Sri Lanka.
In a whistle stop but highly secure tour to Sri Lanka, President Raisi inaugurated the US$ 514 million worth ‘Uma Diya Janani’ multi-purpose development project which boosts the critical electricity and irrigation sectors of the country.
President Raisi’s one-day official visit to Sri Lanka at the special invitation, marks the first by an Iranian President since former Iranian President Mohammad Ahmadinejad’s arrival in April 2008.
Until two days ago, the visit wasn’t confirmed as it was amidst mounting tensions in the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict involving Israel and Palestine and Iran’s own actions much to the charging of the Western world.
Despite visible alignment with the West on Israel and humanitarian gestures to Gaza, Sri Lanka by hosting Iranian President was endeavouring to prove to the world that it remains a non-aligned nation.
Dr. Raisi accompanied by Iran’s First Lady Jamile Sadat Alamolhoda, arrived in Sri Lanka at the Mattala Airport yesterday morning and the Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena along with other ministers warmly welcomed the Iranian delegation.
At Uma Oya, both Presidents unveiled a commemorative plaque and inaugurated the project, initiating the operation of electricity generators through digital technology.
Iranian President Dr. Raisi underscored that the project symbolises not only the friendship between the two countries but also signifies enhanced cooperation, integration, harmony, and unity among Asian nations.
The President of Iran affirmed its readiness to foster a strong partnership with Sri Lanka and expressed Iran’s willingness to contribute to Sri Lanka’s progress and development through the provision of technical and engineering services for large-scale projects.
He said that Iran is eager to forge a strong partnership with Sri Lanka, poised to contribute to its growth and development. Iran stands prepared to offer technical and engineering services for significant development initiatives in Sri Lanka,” Dr. Raisi said.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe affirmed readiness to impart the knowledge acquired by Iran over the past 45 years to foster the advancement and development of Sri Lanka
Wickremesinghe in his address expressed gratitude to Iran for their indispensable support, highlighting that without it, Sri Lanka could not have diverted water from Uma Oya to Kirindi Oya. He emphasised Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening ties with Iran.
Reflecting on the shared aspirations of the Global South for their unique identity and independence, Wickremesinghe stressed the importance of solidarity among these nations.
April 25, Colombo (LNW): Iran and Sri Lanka on Wednesday (24) signed five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), aimed at bolstering bilateral relations between the two countries.
Signed in the presence of President Ranil Wickremesinghe and President Dr. Ebrahim Raisi, the five agreements will cover cooperation between the two countries in the fields of film, media, tourism, cooperatives, libraries, and cultural, scientific, technical, and sports:
The Iranian leader is in Sri Lanka for a one-day official visit during which he participated in a public ceremony to declare open the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project (UOMDP). He later travelled to Colombo where he had one-on-one bilateral talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart.
Dr. Raisi was ceremonially welcomed by President Wickremesinghe along with a guard of honour and other pageantry at Galle Face Green.
The Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project (UOMDP) stands as a flagship initiative of national significance in Sri Lanka. Its primary aim is to divert around 145 million cubic meters (MCM) of excess water annually from the Uma Oya basin to the Kirindi Oya basin, addressing the issue of water scarcity in the south-eastern dry zone without adverse effects on the environment or water sources.
This initiative will facilitate irrigation for around 4,500 hectares of new land and 1,500 hectares of existing agricultural land in the Monaragala district. Additionally, it will fulfill the drinking and industrial water requirements of Badulla, Monaragala, and Hambantota areas, providing approximately 39 million cubic meters (MCM) of water annually.
Furthermore, the project will contribute to the national electricity supply by generating 290 GWh of electrical capacity each year.
Key components of the project include the construction of two reservoirs, Puhulpola and Dyaraba, a 3.98 km connector tunnel linking the reservoirs, a 15.2 km main tunnel, an underground power plant, transmission lines, and associated infrastructure.
The project was undertaken by Iran’s FARAB Engineering Company, with a total contract value of $ 514 million and it commenced on 15 March 2010.
The Export Development Bank of Iran (EDBI) initially contributed $ 50 million in funding until 2013.
However, owing to international sanctions imposed on Iran, the EDBI was unable to continue its financial support for the project. Accordingly, the Government of Sri Lanka opted to advance the project using state funds in collaboration with the respective contractor, FARAB Company.
When the project commenced on March 15, 2010, it was originally slated for completion by 15 March 2015. However, various challenges arose, including technical issues.
Consequently, the completion date of the project has been extended to 31 March 2024, along with an extension of the warranty period until 31 March 2025.
The basic phase of operations concluded in February and March 2024 while linking the units 01 and 02 to the national grid successfully. Trial operations commenced on 1 April 2024.
April 25, Colombo (LNW): The government rehired the largest Singapore based consulting firm Surbana Jurong Private Limited towards providing one-stop consultancy solutions across the entire value chain of urbanisation, industrialisation and infrastructure domains in Sri Lanka.
In a reactivation initiative of ongoing and stalled development projects launched since 2017, Surbana Jurong is now reviewing its previous three key development plans the Western Region Megapolis Plan, Eastern Development Plan Centered around Trincomalee, and the Southern Development Plan with Hambantota as its hub.
A group of 12 experts from Singapore based consulting firm Surbana Jurong have arrived in the island to draw a municipal plan for Sri Lanka.
Director General of the Urban Development Authority Prasad Ranaweera said their work will focus on Hambantota on Thursday (25).The planning activities focused on Colombo and Trincomalee on Wednesday (24).
The municipal plans are to be drawn for the Western Province, Eastern Province and the Hambantota District in the Southern Province.Ranaweera said a report on city planning, projects and project proposals is due in six months.
The Singapore based consultancy firm is to expedite the project identification, planning and implementation of urbanisation and infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka to attract top-rung investors, a senior official of the Urban Development Authority said
Through this initiative Surbana Jurong intends to tap on and build up a core local Sri Lankan technical base to support it’s urban and infrastructure consultancy works in Sri Lanka.
A high level technical team from this Singapore based leading firm in urban development and infrastructure consulting, visited Trincomalee on Wednesday 10 as part of an extensive review of Sri Lanka’s three mega polis plans for Colombo , Hambantota and Trincomalee.
They have already paid field visits to review the progress of projects in Colombo and Gampaha districts this week.
Sri Lanka’s ambitious US$40 billion Western Region Megapolis Planning Project (WRMPP) launched by the previous regime with the aim of re-developing the Colombo City and suburbs is now facing major obstacles in realising its 15-year vision, an official progress review report has revealed.
This project comprising 150 smaller projects will be revitalised in accordance with the present government’s vision and policy although the original plan may look good on paper, a senior Finance Ministry official said
Progress on these projects has been stalled due to the COVID-19 crisis, financial constraints and policy issues and is expected to be revised considering case by case basis based on the availability of funds, he disclosed.
It has been planned to establish a trade hub, a high-rise central business district including at least 60 new towers, a science and technology city, and a rapid transit system aimed at reducing traffic congestion in most populous Colombo City region.
The WRMPP has been planned to cover an area of 3,600 sq. km in the districts of Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara with the objective of reducing the unemployment rate from 4 to 2 per cent by 2020, and then maintain that rate until 2035 by creating 2.1 million employment opportunities.
Plans have been devised at that time for developing two tourist cities and improve living conditions of 70,000 families living in shanties and slums.
NDB Bank is thrilled to announce the winners of its highly successful campaign, “Salli Ratin, Thagi Apen, Remittance Avurudu Wasiya,” aimed at incentivizing the use of Western Union for foreign remittances. After an exciting promotion period from 5th March to 10th April, the lucky winners have been chosen through a lottery draw.
Claiming the coveted 1st place prize is Thanuja Senavirathna from Nawalapitiya, followed closely by Wimalawathi from Kandy in 2nd place, and JM Nandawathie from Kuliyapitiya securing the 3rd place spot. Adding to the excitement, winners were greeted with their cash prizes delivered right to their doorstep on New Year’s Day, embodying the celebrative spirit of the Avurudu season.
In addition to the top three winners, NDB is delighted to recognise 20 more fortunate customers who have won complementary gifts in the form of Supermarket vouchers worth LKR 2,500 each.
Name
NDB Branch
Fathima Rikaza Nazar Mohamed
Kandy
Amila Dushmantha
Kalutara
Elangica Fernando
Pelawatta
Sudath Priyadarshana
Kotahena
S Janaka Sampath Senanayaka
Embilipitiya
Barath Manamalan
Boralesgamuwa
Kankanam Mudiyansela Inosha Dilruksh
Kuliyapitiya
H H P Predeepa Shanthi
Matara
P Thei Saraswathi
Handala
Sunethra Malkanthi Dandunnage
Battaramulla
Sajani Ishanka Jayam Warnakulasuriya
Wennappuwa
Hakim Farook
Nugegoda
Vallinayaki Nalliah
Chilaw
Mathivathani Sivaneswaran
Therunevely
Arul Jothy Jayapakash
Handala
Mary Sandanam Sagaya
Nawalapitiya
Nakandalage Don Wima Janani
Kandana
N Ravi
Katugasthota
Mohammadu Lebbe Ummul Abeeba
Narammala
Subasinha Pathiranne Danushka
Naththandiya
The “Salli Ratin, Thagi Apen, Remittance Avurudu Wasiya” campaign underscores NDB’s dedication to facilitating convenient and secure remittance solutions through its partnership with Western Union. By offering seamless access to remittances via the NDB NEOS app and other channels, NDB continues to empower individuals and contribute to the growth of Sri Lanka’s economy. NDB would like to extend their congratulations to the winners of this campaign.
As we celebrate the achievements of our winners, NDB Bank reaffirms its commitment to providing innovative financial solutions and promoting financial inclusivity for all Sri Lankans.
NDB Bank is the fourth-largest listed commercial bank in Sri Lanka. The Bank was named the Retail Bank of the Year (Sri Lanka) at Asian Banking & Finance Retail Banking Awards 2023 and the Best Corporate Bank 2023 by Asiamoney and also emerged as the Most Awarded Corporate in Sri Lanka in 2022 for the second consecutive year, as per the annual rankings of Sri Lankan publication LMD. The Bank was adjudged the Best Bank in Sri Lanka 2022 by Global Finance USA and Euromoney in their annual best bank awards programmes. Additionally, The Bank was named one of the “Top 50 Best Workplaces in Sri Lanka 2022” by Great Place To Work, USA. NDB is the parent company of the NDB Group, comprising capital market subsidiary companies, together forming a unique banking and capital market services group. The Bank is committed to empowering the nation and its people through meaningful financial and advisory services powered by digital banking solutions.
April 25, Colombo (LNW): During a meeting between a delegation from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) led by opposition leader Sajith Premadasa and a visiting delegation from the Chinese Communist Party (CPC), Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) Leader Mano Ganesan expressed the importance of China’s role in the contemporary Asian landscape.
Ganesan highlighted the significance of the BRICS grouping, consisting of China, India, Russia, and other countries, in shaping regional dynamics.
He emphasised the potential benefits for Sri Lanka in gaining entry into BRICS in the future and urged for Chinese support in this endeavour.
The sentiment was shared during discussions with Sun Haiyan, Vice Minister of the Central Committee of China, at the opposition leader’s office.
MP Ganesan articulated these aspirations for Sri Lanka’s enhanced regional engagement.
Productive meeting between #SJ_Alliance team (Led by Opposition leader SajitP) and visiting Chinese CPC delegation (Led by vice minister #Sun_Haiyan and her delegation including Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong @ChinaEmbSL).
“China plays a key role in the Asia Centric world today. Beyond this China, India, Russia plus countries are well placed in the BRICS grouping. Hence, in future, Chinese good offices should support Sri Lanka to get an entry into BRICS,” emphasised the Tamil Progressive Alliance Leader.
April 25, Colombo (LNW): The holding of tuition classes and seminars for the 2023 GCE Ordinary Level examination will be subject to prohibition, effective from midnight on April 30, the Department of Examination announced.
Deputy Commissioner of Examinations, Lasika Samarakoon, emphasised the strict enforcement of this regulation, with stern action to be taken against individuals found in violation.
Preparations are underway for the administration of the GCE O/Level exam scheduled to take place from May 6th to 15th.
Additionally, the Department of Examinations disclosed that the results of the recently conducted GCE Advanced Level examination will be released in May.
April 25, Colombo (LNW): Getting into a resilient mode after navigating severe economic turbulence, Sri Lanka is doubling down on its efforts to attract foreign direct investment and investors by rolling out a landmark investment law designed “to eliminate the existing complexities.”
The island nation’s State Minister of Investment Promotion Dilum Amunugama said the Sri Lankan government expects to attract 4 billion to 4.5 billion U.S. dollars in foreign investments in 2024.
The state minister said in 2023 Sri Lanka attracted 1.8 billion dollars worth of foreign investments, although the target was only 1.5 billion dollars.He said that the government has set an investment target of 4.5 billion dollars in 2024.
Amunugama said foreign investments have increased significantly after the country entered into an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
He said that due to the political and economic instability in Sri Lanka, foreign investment declined in 2022 and the first half of 2023.
The new investment law, the minister said, will ensure the rights of foreign investors to make Sri Lanka an investment-friendly destination.
The game-changing law will feature several incentives for foreign investors. Also on the cards is an initiative to give free land ownership rights to foreign investors, he said.
Part of the new measures is the setting up of an Investor Facilitation Centre to provide comprehensive facilities, including addressing investor issues.
It will operate in close coordination with various government agencies. The centre would serve as a platform for investors to swiftly address their current challenges. Specific investment zones with the potential to attract investments to Sri Lanka have also been identified, according to the minister.
Going forward, Sri Lanka expects to accelerate the recovery process of its $89 billion economy (2021) by focusing primarily on its agriculture sector, followed by tourism and investment sectors, said the minister.
On debt restructuring discussions with the IMF, the minister said he is optimistic of resolving all pending issues although “we cannot meet all their (IMF) conditions in the current situation.”
The debt restructuring is crucial for Sri Lanka to reach a 2.3 per cent primary budget surplus by 2025, the key fiscal target set by the IMF.
According to data from the finance ministry, Sri Lanka’s external debt was $36.09 billion at the end of March this year. Once the debt restructuring is completed, Sri Lanka hopes to reduce its overall debt by $16.9 billion.
The country owed about $10 billion to multilateral banks like the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank and $11.33 billion to bilateral creditors, including the Paris Club nations and China, Japan, and India. Commercial loans, comprising of sovereign bonds and other time-bound loans, accounted for $14.75 billion.
April 25, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee indicates appreciation against the US Dollar today (25) compared to yesterday, as per the exchange rates released by leading commercial banks in Sri Lanka.
At Peoples Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 291.69 from Rs. 293.46, and the selling price to Rs. 301.25 from Rs. 303.75.
At Commercial Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 291.24 from Rs. 294.46, and the selling price to Rs. 300.50 from Rs. 303.75.
At Sampath Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 293.50 from Rs. 294, and the selling price to Rs. 302.50 from Rs. 303.
April 25, Colombo (LNW): In a dramatic turn of events, a 32-year-old Sri Lankan man, missing since April 17 after leaping over a safety fence near Adam’s Peak, has been located safe and alive, following a massive search effort by local authorities.
The man, identified as Dinesha Hemantha (32) from Suriyawewa, Hambantota, made the daring decision to jump over the fence while journeying with a group of pilgrims towards the revered peak, according to Police.
His actions triggered an extensive search operation coordinated by the local Police, Police Special Task Force, and the Sri Lanka Army.
After days of intense searching, local residents in Nallatanniya spotted Dinesha on April 24, prompting immediate intervention by authorities.
Responding promptly, police officers located him near a canal bordering the Sripada Reserve, where he was found dehydrated and in need of medical attention.
Despite sustaining minor leg injuries, Dinesha recounted having no recollection of his time at the Upper Terrace of Adam’s Peak.
He shared that he woke up near the canal, surviving for five days by navigating downstream, seeking refuge in rock caves, and relying solely on water for sustenance.
Following his discovery, Dinesha was promptly admitted to Dik Oya Hospital for necessary medical care, after receiving initial treatment at Maskeliya Regional Hospital.
The motives behind Dinesha’s decision to jump over the safety fence remain unclear, as authorities continue their investigation into the incident.
