Colombo (LNW): There are plans underway for a significant overhaul of the recruitment process for institutions overseen by the Finance Ministry, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya disclosed.
This decision was made during a recent Financial Advisory Committee meeting, the Minister told the press during an event in Deraniyagala area yesterday (21).
Colombo (LNW): The number of Dengue infections has increased across several areas of the Western Province and in the Kandy District, announced the National Dengue Control Unit.
According to Director of the National Dengue Control Dr. Nalin Ariyaratne, most of the breeding grounds for mosquitoes are located in around schools and religious places.
As of this year, 66,652 Dengue cases have been reported in the island so far.
Colombo (LNW): 119 electric cars valued at nearly Rs. 1.2 billion have been brought into the country by exploiting the scheme for migrant workers to import electric vehicles, said the Parliamentary Committee on Ways and Means.
Of these, a single firm imported 75 vehicles.
Actions were taken to sell their licences prior to importing the vehicles.
The committee was informed that a customs duty of Rs. 5 million would be levied for a licence valued at US $250,000.
Through this, smugglers have significantly reduced the government’s tax revenue.
Laws should be rigorously applied against those exploiting the scheme, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Ways and Means MP Patali Champika Ranawaka disclosed.
He advised Sri Lankan Customs to re-evaluate the potential revenue had the customs duties been correctly applied to the relevant vehicles.
Furthermore, he suggested that the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment cooperate with the Ministry of Finance to ensure the appropriate use of the given licences.
Colombo (LNW): A daily pricing formula for fuel will be introduced from February 2024, State Minister of Power and Energy D.V. Chanaka said.
As per the new system, fuel prices will be subject to amendment on a daily basis, he noted.
PMD: Addressing the Special General Convention of the United National Party (UNP), President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized his commitment to bolstering the country’s economy by positioning Sri Lanka as a smart nation.
The President outlined the timeline for upcoming elections in line with the constitutional provisions, detailing that the presidential election is slated for the following year, followed by parliamentary elections. Furthermore, local government elections are expected to transpire in the first half of 2025.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these remarks during his address at the Special General Convention of the United National Party held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo today (21).
The theme for this year’s UNP Anniversary convention was “Smart Country – 2048.” The vision behind this concept is a vision of an intelligent and prosperous Sri Lanka, where every citizen recognizes their potential, upholds virtuous goals, and embraces diversity while harnessing modern technology and nature to cultivate a nation of adept and resourceful individuals. The “Smart Country” concept envisions the creation of a prosperous nation.
Departing from conventional party politics vying for power, the main objective of this year’s UNP Special Convention was to adopt a nation-centric approach to reorganize the party for this purpose. Party leader President Ranil Wickremesinghe also presented an amended party constitution designed to facilitate this transformation.
A significant amendment allows the United National Party to establish an online presence and engage actively in social media platforms, thus facilitating the digital transformation of the party. The President emphasized the need for the UNP to evolve into a technologically adept and intelligent party, aligning itself with the broader vision of building both a smart nation and a smart party.
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, leader of the People’s United Front, extended his congratulations to the United National Party Special Convention.
The Sugathadasa Stadium was packed to capacity, with attendees representing various regions of the island, including the North and East. The event was inaugurated with immense pride, featuring the party leader, President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
The celebration also featured cultural and artistic elements, underscoring the diversity and richness of Sri Lanka’s heritage.
Minister Manusha Nanayakkara presented President Wickremesinghe with a “Let’s start with me” badge, symbolizing the collective effort needed to construct a smart nation.
During the ceremony, an archived edition of the “Siya Rata” newspaper was presented by its editor, Mrs. Maya Kalubowila, to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who, in turn, handed it over to the Secretary General of the party.
The President stressed the imperative need to eradicate corruption and emphasized the passage of long-awaited anti-corruption legislation, along with the introduction of multiple ordinances to combat corruption both within the government and political parties. He reiterated the United National Party’s strength in contributing to the nation’s economic development and emphasized the party’s role as a forward-looking entity that will serve the nation’s interests in the future.
Notable speakers at the conference included United National Party President and Member of Parliament Wajira Abeywardena, Deputy Leader of the Party Ruwan Wijewardena, National Organizer Sagala Rathnayaka, Deputy Leader Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara, Minister of Lands and Tourism Haren Fernando, along with General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara and former Minister Ravi Karunanayake.
A multitude of senior officials, United National Party members, former ministers, and religious dignitaries led by the Maha Sangha graced the occasion.
By: Isuru Parakrama
Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur over most parts of the island after 1.00 pm, and showers or thundershowers may occur in Western, Southern, Northern and North-Central provinces during the morning too, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (22).
Heavy showers about 100mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Uva, Central, Eastern and Southern provinces, the statement added.
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:
| Condition of Rain: |
| Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Hambantota via Galle and Matara, and from Puttalam to Trincomalee via Mannar and Kankasanthurai. Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the other sea areas around the island, particularly during evening or night. |
| Winds: |
| Winds will be south-westerly or variable in direction and wind speed will be (20-30) kmph. |
| State of Sea: |
| The sea areas around the island will be slight. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers. |
Colombo (LNW): Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera has directed the Smallholder Agribusiness Partnerships Programme (SAPP) under the Agriculture Ministry to facilitate maize cultivation in three districts during this Maha season.
Starting from Friday (20), hybrid maize seeds for 40,000 acres in Hambantota, Anuradhapura, and Monaragala districts began distribution.
As part of the initiative, maize seeds were handed out at no cost at the Angunakolapelessa Agrarian Service Centre, with Minister Mahinda Amaraweera in attendance.
Last year, due to maize shortages for animal feed, production of meat, eggs, and milk faced challenges, leading to price hikes.
As a result, the government resorted to importing eggs from India. The Minister highlighted that numerous animal production farms shut down due to feed shortages.
To address this, the decision was made to amplify maize cultivation to boost animal feed production. The goal for this season is to cultivate maize on 40,000 acres through this specific project.
Farmers are set to receive the Pacific variety – a high-grade hybrid maize strain sourced from Thailand, costing 360 million rupees – free of charge, thanks to funding from the IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development).
Furthermore, 800 metric tonnes of urea fertiliser necessary for maize growth has been ordered, and it’s intended to be distributed to maize farmers at no cost.
The SAPP initiative anticipates distributing maize seeds to 10,000 farmers in the Hambantota district and 14,000 in the Anuradhapura district in the coming days.
Colombo (LNW): Roughly a thousand new job roles are emerging within Israel’s agricultural sector, disclosed Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara.
In a statement during a parliamentary adjournment debate regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict yesterday (20), the Minister also revealed that the government will prudently evaluate the current security situation there before proceeding with the employment of Sri Lankans in these roles.
During his speech, Nanayakkara stressed that all necessary provisions have been made by the government to aid the employment of migrant workers in Israel, adding that provisions are in place for those wishing to return to Sri Lanka.
He also indicated that trained individuals eager to work in Israel as migrant workers will be sent in the upcoming weeks. Over time, Israel has provided many job opportunities to Sri Lanka, markedly aiding the growth of the Sri Lankan economy, the Minister noted.
Furthermore, he spotlighted the longstanding bond between Sri Lanka and Israel, reaffirming the government’s dedication to fostering global peace.
“If this conflict continues, it will deeply influence the global economy and, in turn, the Sri Lankan economy,” Nanayakkara remarked.
He also highlighted the vital economic role played by the Middle East, including Israel, and the significant contributions made by Sri Lankan workers in these regions.
Interestingly, Minister Nanayakkara pointed out that both Israel’s government and its opposition demonstrated unity during the conflict, suggesting that this solidarity serves as an instructive lesson for Sri Lanka.
The Minister expressed regret that Sri Lankan political factions did not unite to address the recent economic challenges collaboratively.
Colombo (LNW): Ven. Omalpe Sobhitha Thero has criticised the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), and alleged that the Board is sidestepping appropriate debt collection methods for its nearly Rs. 39 billion arrears, and instead is passing the cost onto its customers.
Protests emerged in various regions following a recent surge in electricity rates.
On Friday (20), the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) authorised the CEB to raise the electricity tariff by 19 per cent, the third massive increase in Power rates in about one year.
Electricity tariff hike:
Domestic category
0-30 kWh – increased from Rs. 150 to Rs. 180
31-60 kWh – increased from Rs. 300 to Rs. 360
61-90 kWh – increased from Rs. 400 to Rs. 480
91-120 kWh – increased from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 1,180
121-180 kWh – increased from Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 1,770
181 kWh and above – increased from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 2,360
Religious and charitable institutions category
0-30 kWh – increased from Rs. 150 to Rs. 180
31-90 kWh – increased from Rs. 250 to Rs. 300
91-120 kWh – increased from Rs. 600 to Rs. 710
121-180 kWh – increased from Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 1,770
181 kWh and above – increased from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 2,360
Colombo (LNW): Many areas of Colombo will be experiencing a water supply outage for 15 hours, starting from 5 pm today (21), announced the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB).
Accordingly, Colombo 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 will experience this water supply cut from 5 pm today, to 8 am tomorrow (22).
The decision has been taken as an essential improvement activity is being carried out by the Ambathale Water Supply System Improvements & Energy Savings Project, it added.
