Colombo (LNW): Environment Minister Keheliya Rambukwella announced the receipt of several requests for a 700 MW solar power project.

Rambukwella made this revelation while participating in the launch of a public awareness campaign on plastic waste management at the Battaramulla “Sobadam Piyasa” Ministry of Environment Auditorium. Minister Rambukwella chaired the programme where the project-related tools were officially presented to the media.

This program is a collaborative effort of the Ministry of Environment and the Central Environment Authority, in partnership with the South Asia Cooperative Environment Programme (SACEP). It entails a comprehensive three-month awareness campaign focusing on plastic waste management.

Speaking at the event, Rambukwella noted that the environmental field, previously ranking between 10th and 15th on the global agenda, now holds the second position.

The minister highlighted the evolving global agenda, with environmental and climate change issues attaining top priority. He emphasised the critical significance of the environment sector, which has garnered heightened international attention.

Additionally, Minister Rambukwella mentioned the receipt of requests for a 700-megawatt solar power project.

Notable figures such as Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Dr. Rokeya Khaton, Director-General of the South Asia Cooperative Environment Programme, communication specialist Dr. Kapila Suriyarachchi, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, RHMP Abeykoon, Director of the Ministry of Environment, Mr. SM Werahera, and others were present at the event.

Colombo (LNW): State Minister for Social Empowerment Anupa Pasqual has announced that, under the guidance of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, they are actively crafting a new legislation dedicated to improving the rights and well-being of differently-abled individuals.

In his statement, the state minister emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring that differently-abled citizens are no longer considered a dependent population and that they should be treated as equal citizens, not relegated to second-class status, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

State Minister Anupa Pasqual made these remarks during a press conference conducted at the Presidential Media Centre today (08), centred around the theme of ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country.’

Expressing his views further State Minister Pasqual said;

“We have been entrusted with a significant mission aimed at empowering our society in the upcoming year. One of the most notable tasks assigned to our ministry is the empowerment of 1 million beneficiaries from underprivileged backgrounds. It is crucial to highlight that the 1.6 million differently-abled community members have not received the empowerment they deserve thus far. Under the dedicated guidance of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, we are committed to completing these initiatives in the coming year.

To kick-start the International Day of the Differently-abled, observed on the 1st of December, we have organised special activities aimed at promoting the development of the differently-abled individuals, just like any other segment of our society. Our initiative, named “Empo 2023,” involves differently-abled individuals from across the island traveling by train from Colombo to Kandy, with a visit to the Dalada Maligawa and a special ceremony planned at the Peradeniya Botanical Garden. What’s truly remarkable is that the event will bring together differently-abled communities from around the world, including China and Japan.

Additionally, at the recommendation of the President, we are actively working on a new bill designed to better the lives of differently-abled people. Although discussions on this matter have been ongoing since 2004, concrete progress has been elusive. We are now committed to drafting and presenting the bill to Parliament within the first quarter of the next year. Furthermore, we have organised a special conference on International Disability Day, set for December 1st, under the leadership of Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe.

Furthermore, it is a fundamental aspect of our government’s policy to ensure that the differently-abled community is no longer considered a group dependent on others. To achieve this, we are actively working to enable their participation in the development and education sectors. The differently-abled community should be treated as equals, with the same rights, technological resources and accessibility as the rest of our population.

As we embark on the journey into January, our ministry’s primary empowerment goal revolves around productivity. We are keen on exploring how our community can contribute to the overall Gross Domestic Product. Our objective is to establish a micro-level production network involving 1 million participants.

In addition, we have included proposals in this year’s budget. These proposals entail making the empowerment process mandatory, implementing a pension system and incorporating disability studies into university syllabi.”

Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has reassured that efforts are underway to address the severe drinking water problem faced by the people in the Northern region.

During a parliamentary session, he mentioned ongoing discussions with engineers and relevant organisations to implement the “River to Jaffna” programme, aiming to resolve the water issue in the North while respecting the region’s heritage.

Gunawardena also highlighted the need to reduce the high costs associated with desalination methods and outlined plans to enhance the existing 40,000 lakes, promote rainwater harvesting, and preserve flood-prone areas while tapping into river water that flows into the sea.

Colombo (LNW): Prasanna Ranatunga, the chief organizer of the ruling party, says that a unanimous decision has been taken at the party leaders’ meeting that the officials of the Sri Lanka Cricket Board should resign.

This decision was taken at the party leaders’ meeting held today (08) afternoon.

A debate on this will be held in Parliament tomorrow (09) and a vote is scheduled to be held in the afternoon.

The proposal is as follows.

In a significant development, Sri Lanka’s Cabinet has given the green light for the establishment of the Sri Lanka Economic Commission and the drafting of the Sri Lanka New Investment Act, as announced by Cabinet Spokesman and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana during the weekly Cabinet media briefing held at the Government Information Department.

The decision to merge the Investment Board and the Export Development Board was reached in a Cabinet meeting held on January 16, with the primary goal of creating a more conducive environment for investment and export promotion. A supervisory committee on exports and investments, comprising experts in relevant fields, has been formed under the President’s Office to oversee and implement the necessary measures to achieve this objective.

Minister Gunawardhana highlighted that historically, Sri Lanka has attracted relatively low Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) per year, while neighboring countries have been successful in attracting substantial FDI ranging from 80 billion to 200 billion US dollars annually. Recognizing the importance of bolstering investment and export promotion, President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s proposal to introduce a comprehensive institutional plan for these purposes and the establishment of the Sri Lanka Economic Commission has been unanimously approved by the Cabinet.

Addressing a media briefing held at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) yesterday (07), under the theme ‘Collective path to a stable country,’ Member of Parliament Mr. Wajira Abeywardena articulated the importance of fostering unity and supporting the country’s comprehensive development program. He emphasized that President Ranil Wickremesinghe has launched an official initiative to bolster both the 1.6 million public sector employees and the 8 million private sector employees, with a focus on advancing the nation’s economic well-being.

Mr. Abeywardena underscored the potential benefits of this program, emphasizing that its success, under President Wickremesinghe’s leadership, can lead to future reductions in the prices of essential commodities such as electricity, gas and fuel, ultimately contributing to a more prosperous and stable economy for the citizens.

Mr. Abeywardena went on to provide a more in-depth analysis of the nation’s economic trajectory. He emphasized that aligning the state’s budget with its financial apparatus should primarily address the path to recovery for a country that had faced bankruptcy. He pointed out that the economic crisis had intensified after a regime change in 2019, marked by a shift in tax policy that led to a rapid erosion of government revenue. In response, the government resorted to printing money through the central bank, leading to a surge in inflation.

The nation’s economy suffered a significant setback and ultimately declared bankruptcy, but President Ranil Wickremesinghe assumed leadership and garnered the trust of crucial stakeholders, including international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank (WB) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Consequently, the country’s economic revival is well underway.

Mr. Wickremesinghe’s prior role as Prime Minister from 2001 to 2003 played a pivotal role in rebuilding the nation. However, this era came to an end on April 10, 2004 and by 2014, the country was once again on the brink of financial collapse. The subsequent economic recovery took place in 2015 under his leadership, with government employees receiving substantial salary increases and both the public and private sectors being reinforced to establish the essential foundations for economic stability.

Regrettably, in 2020, the government that implemented these reforms was overthrown by a coalition of government employees and the public, resulting in a period of instability.

Against the backdrop of the nation’s on-going economic crisis and its successful efforts to navigate this challenge, Mr. Abeywardena cautioned against initiating strikes. Such actions, often accompanied by demonstrations and slogans, can harm the nation’s international reputation and deter potential tourists. In light of the present situation, Mr. Abeywardena stressed the necessity for government trade unions to adopt new and more effective strategies rather than relying on traditional strike practices, as these may not yield the desired results.

Significant changes have already been introduced through new rules and regulations, addressing existing deficiencies, strengthening various sectors and responding to the demands of the public. Additionally, steps are being taken to ensure that political parties refrain from making unwarranted promises.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has also announced plans to increase the salaries of 1.6 million government employees in this year’s budget, with similar adjustments in the private sector. President Wickremesinghe’s formal program aims to fortify both the public and private sectors, which together employ millions of individuals.

The success of this program is expected to result in a tangible reduction in the prices of essential commodities, including electricity, gas and fuel, fostering a more stable and comfortable economic environment for the population.

In light of the severe economic crisis facing the nation, the call to action is for the public sector and the entire population to comprehend the present situation and wholeheartedly engage in the nation’s development over the next 5 to 10 years.

It’s worth noting that the current government is taking measures to safeguard the functioning of the entire state machinery. President Wickremesinghe has outlined plans to attract 10 million tourists in the coming year as a means to alleviate the substantial debt burden. To achieve this goal, efforts are underway to enhance facilities for tourists and demonstrate political stability.

In a forward-looking move, President Wickremesinghe has established a “National Council” in the Parliament, providing a platform for all individuals to present national concerns and encouraging a more inclusive and innovative approach to politics. This signals a departure from conventional political methods, emphasizing the need for fresh ideas and approaches to address the nation’s challenges. All political parties and civil society groups are invited to submit their proposals in addition to the existing program.

Divisional Secretaries’ Union agrees to support continuation of Aswasuma Welfare Program Each village will have a dedicated officer.

Chairman of the Welfare Benefits Board, Mr. Jayantha Wijeratne, revealed that the Union of Sri Lanka Divisional Secretaries has agreed to support the continued implementation of Aswasuma welfare benefits program during a meeting that took place yesterday (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.

The meeting was attended by key dignitaries, including Minister of State for Finance Shehan Semasinghe, President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, as well as President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake and a team of officials from the Ministry of Public Administration

A key component of the decision includes the appointment of dedicated officers at the village level to ensure the efficient and formal execution of the Aswasuma welfare program. This move aims to enhance the program’s delivery and impact.

Additionally, Mr. Wijeratne, addressed the existing technical challenges facing the Aswasuma welfare program, assuring that prompt solutions will be implemented to facilitate its continued progress.

The Aswasuma welfare benefit program, which is being carried out under the provisions of the Welfare Benefits Act No. 24 of 2002, and subsequent amendments, was approved by the Cabinet on December 15, 2022. The program, as detailed in Special Gazette No. 2302/23 dated October 20, 2022, encompasses welfare benefit payments across four social categories: transitional, vulnerable, poor, and extremely poor. Moreover, it extends financial support and allowances to individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and kidney patients.

Colombo (LNW): Veteran lawyer, Attorney-at-Law Priyadarshani Fernandopulle, beloved wife of Mr. Nishendra Ekanayake, beloved sister of Mr. Fecilian Fernandopulle, and late Mr. Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, and beloved sister-in-law of Mrs. Anoma Fernandopulle, has passed away.

As LNW, we wish to add our deep condolences and deeply regret the demise of Mrs. Fernandopulle, who was our friend.

The funeral arrangements will be carried out in Melbourne, Australia.

With regard to the budget allocation for the Ministry of Education in 2024, Minister of Higher Education Mr. Susil Premajayath announced that it has been planned to allocate a sum of Rs. 237 billion to the Ministry of Education’s budget for the year 2024.

This amount specifically pertains to education-related capital and recurring expenses in the nine provinces. The Cabinet has already approved the policy framework for education reforms, which we will present in Parliament after receiving sectoral parliamentary approval. This initiative aims to establish a stable education policy that endures across different governments and ministers. It will drive reforms in four key areas, focusing on transitioning from an exam-centric system to a more diversified and inclusive classroom assessment. The ultimate goal is to provide quality education to both students and educators.

The Minister stated that the upcoming academic year will commence on February 19, 2024, marking the initiation of the first school term. He emphasized that the curriculum spanning from the first to the eleventh year will be completed within the same academic year.

Addressing the press conference held at the Presidential Media Centre yesterday (6), held under the theme ‘Collective path to a stable country,’ Minister Susil Premajayanth shared further insights:

“Due to certain delays in the country, the school year began on March 27, 2023. We have taken measures to prevent such delays, enabling the start of the new school term on February 19, 2024. Our objective is to ensure the full completion of the curriculum from the first year to the eleventh year within the same academic year, allowing us to conduct the 2025 school year without disruptions.”

“We have also made arrangements to conduct Advanced-Level Examinations. Although there have been some professional challenges, we have managed to maintain the examination schedules, ensuring timely examinations. We are also prepared to release the results of the Ordinary Level Examinations conducted in the third week of this month. Despite the on-going circumstances, we are determined to manage time efficiently and conduct exams as scheduled.

When we assumed office, there were 808 vacant positions. The Treasury approved the recruitment of 50% of these vacancies. As the examinations have been completed, we are actively preparing for interviews and recruitment. Furthermore, approval has been granted for 707 teacher education service positions and we are working towards their immediate appointment. This move aims to provide training for teachers across 19 faculties. Our goal is to fill all teaching service vacancies before the upcoming school term.

The Minister also addressed the challenges encountered regarding the appointment of teachers and development officers as graduates:

A group of individuals took the matter to court when we were ready to hire teachers and development officers as graduates. As a temporary solution, provincial-level vacancies for retired dignitaries and teachers who have left service have been approved and recruitment is underway to address the needs of all provinces.

In an effort to bolster education in specific subjects, the Treasury approved the recruitment of 5,450 personnel for science, mathematics, English, foreign languages and technology subjects. These recruitments are being conducted at the provincial level and the gazette notification for national schools is scheduled for release this week.

Minister Premajayanth also revealed plans for textbook distribution, school uniforms and meal provisions, Preparations and distribution of textbooks for the year 2024 are completed, with 80% of school uniform work finalized. Beginning next year, the government is planning to provide meals to all school students, with the aspiration of offering lunch to every school child by 2030. Several programs, in collaboration with the World Food Program, USAID and the private sector, are already underway to realize this goal.

In conclusion, the Senior Minister underscored the government’s commitment to providing professional training in skills and technology to students post-general and advanced level examinations. Selected schools will offer evening classes over a four-month period, focusing on guidance, English, information technology, or various other courses tailored to students’ preferences.”