Colombo (LNW): Bruno Divakara, owner of SL-Vlog YouTube Channel, has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The arrest was made after questioning Divakara for over eight hours in connection with stand up comedian Nathasha Edirisooriya’s comments allegedly insulting Buddhism.
Colombo (LNW): The Sampath Bank Administration has responded to certain media reports claiming that the Bank’s financial status has become unstable, stating that they are completely false.
Asserting that Sampath Bank has the best balance sheet amongst the commercial banks in Sri Lanka, the Bank’s Administration stressed that a certain group is promoting false information by launching a smear campaign against it.
The Bank will also be taking legal action against everyone held accountable for the promotion of these false information, a top official of the Bank told LNW.
PMD: A meeting took place at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (30) between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and representatives from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The primary focus of the discussion was the digitisation of data in Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasised the importance of continuing the government’s efforts to modernise the agricultural sector, improve nutrition, address climate change, and enhance financial security.
During the meeting, officials from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation expressed their willingness to support these activities, provided they align with the government’s policies and regulations regarding financial assistance and the use of modern technology. They presented relevant information to support their stance.
The proposed establishment of a university dedicated to climate change was also a topic of attention during the meeting.
Minister of State for Finance Mr Shehan Semasinghe, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff Mr Sagala Ratnayake, Secretary to the President Mr Saman Ekanayake, Senior Advisor to the President on Climate Change Mr Ruwan Wijewardena, Advisor to the President on National Food Security Dr. Suren Batagoda, Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva , Additional Secretaries of the President’s Office Mr. Vernon Perera, Ms Chandani Wijewardena, Dr. Sulaksha Jayawardena and other officials, members of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Sarvodaya Foundation attended the meeting.
By: Staff Writer
Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s State owned Enterprises in strategic sector links to day to day activity of the people are set to undergo reforms and other public enterprises engaged in commercial activities face performance optimization more efficiently and effectively under public private ownership, a former finance minister disclosed.
Majority of these entities are inefficient and wasteful, but now the government is determined to change things with SOE restructure plans moving even more SOEs into competitive markets.
These 527 SOEs and 52 of them are identified as strategically important will be operated with private sector investment, generate revenues for the state, reduce the administrative burden on the state, and distribute ownership partially and management more widely to the private sector, former finance minister Ravi Karunannayake said.
The restructure tool is used to improve their financial and operational performance and to make them operate on the strength of their balance sheets, he pointed out adding that measures were also taken to reduce the flow of public funds to SOEs.
All these structural measures will enable Sri Lanka to strengthen the governance of SOEs and make them financially viable while alleviating their burden on public finances.
He suggested that Sri Lanka should follow the Temasek model of Singapore which is operated on a competitive basis, where the Government has no intervention in business.
He emphasized that according to official data 39 of the 52 strategically important public institutions are making profits while 13 of them are still making losses.
The losses incurred by 13 public institutions currently amount to Rs 1,029 billion while the profits made by the 39 enterprises are at Rs 218 billion, he said.
He also highlighted that the annual loss made by the public institutions is more than Rs 811 billion, adding that only Rs 28 billion have been paid by the profit-making public institutions as taxes to the treasury.
The professionals running the business raising the revenue and make profits as same as in a private company and the work principles is set right from the beginning to be competitive.
He categorically stated under this set-up there is privatization – as in a partial or full sale of assets – is not the only option for SOE reform.
For instance, there are other options like the vesting of performance and management in private sector contracts, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), holding companies, listing on the stock market, Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), etc.
There is no single model. It is also important to follow Sri Lanka’s past experience with SOE restructuring – both positives and failures – rather than sticking to one and only procedure, he explained.
Therefore, enhancing the low level performances of SOEs by optimization procedure is essential whilst ensuring transparency and accountability at this difficult juncture of trying to recover from economic crisis, he added.
In addition, as part of its IMF program commitments, Sri Lanka is devising a comprehensive strategy to restructure the balance sheets of some key SOEs, notably CPC, CEB, RDA and Sri Lankan Airlines (this strategy needs to receive cabinet approval by June 2023).
By: Staff Writer
Colombo (LNW): High-Level Technical Team of eight professionals from the Federal University of Viçosa, Federal University of Sao Carlos and the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC) is scheduled to undertake a technical visit to Sri Lanka with a view to providing Brazilian Technical Assistance for the development and capacity building of the Dairy and Sugarcane industries in Sri Lanka, from 09 to 21 June 2023.
The Technical Team is scheduled to undertake field visits and inspection tours in Udawalawe, Kandy, Mawanella and Kurunegala etc. to identify problems associated with the Dairy and Sugarcane industries and to provide technical solutions to increase capacity and the production of the two industries in Sri Lanka.
In order to finalize the programme and the other arrangements of the visit, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Brazil, Sumith Dassanayake had a meeting with Nelci Peres Caixeta, General Coordinator for Technical Cooperation for Asia, South Africa, Middle East and Oceania of the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, on 25 May 2023 at the ABC headquarters in Brasilia. The Ambassador also discussed on the possibility of expanding Brazilian Technical Assistance to other areas in Sri Lanka, as well.
The First Round of Political Consultations between Sri Lanka and Brazil was held on 28 November 2022, under the Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations between the two countries signed on 07 March 2011, and during the Political Consultations, Ambassador Sumith Dassanayake and the other Senior Officials of the Sri Lankan side requested the Brazilian delegation to expedite the process of providing Brazilian technical assistance to Sri Lanka.
In Brazil sugar mills traditionally use alcohol bagasse (a by-product of the process) to produce heat and energy by the cogeneration system, also known as combined heat and power (CHP).
Some Brazilian plants produce sufficient energy for consumption and sell the surplus bioelectricity produced. In 2018, 54% of the Brazilian plants exported 2.5 GWméd to the National Interconnected System (NIS), which accounted for 3.9% of the national electricity matrix in this period (EPE, 2018).
In terms of bioelectricity generation, despite the potential of straw, vinasse, and filter cake, there is an underutilization of these by-products of the sugar and alcohol production process. Other regional bioenergetics have also been underutilized, such as manure, sludge from sewage treatment plants, and the organic fraction of the urban solid waste.
However, it is difficult to synchronize these resources owing to the number of actors, companies, exchanges, and regulations involved in their generation. In this sense, the dynamics of industrial symbiosis (IS) can contribute to the development of a collaborative network because it involves industries (or sectors) traditionally separated in a collective approach to obtain competitive advantages, involving the physical exchange of materials, energy, water and/or by-products.
By: Staff Writer
Colombo (LNW): China reiterated that as the country of “Rising Sun ”, it will continue to assist Sri Lanka to successfully overcome the social economic issues and to develop the country addressing present economic woes.
Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong has assured that China, a longstanding ally of Sri Lanka, will always stand by the island nation’s sovereignty and its political and socioeconomic development.
Weidong called on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Temple Trees today (30 May), during which he assured that China will increase investments in several areas, including agriculture, trade and commerce and ports and infrastructure development.
Moreover, he also noted that China will continue to provide economic assistance, while also supporting Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring programme.
The Vice Minister also expressed his deep appreciation to Sri Lanka’s adherence to the One China Policy, despite pressures from many quarters.
Meanwhile, speaking on the shared Buddhist relations between the nations, Vice Minister Weidong revealed that China has taken the required measures to establish a strong cooperation with Sri Lankan Buddhist associations, furthering their religious ties.
Premier Gunawardena expressed his gratitude towards the Chinese Government, for the help extended during both natural calamities such as the Tsunami and the COVID -19 pandemic, and the ongoing economic crisis.
Speaking with regards to the humanitarian and medical aid received during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Prime Minister acknowledged, with gratitude, the various shipments of the Sinopharm vaccine, medical masks, COVID-19 test kits and other related equipment sent to battle the pandemic, which, according to Gunawardena, further strengthened the solidarity between the two countries.
Referring to the recent visit of the Governor of the Yunnan Province, Gunawardena also expressed confidence that the fruitful discussions held during the visit in question would enhance cooperation in the agriculture sector, adding that China could invest in agricultural projects.
Both sides agreed to enhance their cooperation in the fields of transport, power and other infrastructure, industrial parks, and manufacturing industry etc.
Sri Lanka announced the resumption of work of the Colombo Port City Project and expressed the willingness to facilitate and support the implementation of this project and to cooperate with Chinese companies to promote major projects.
The two countries agreed to hold the third round of the China-Sri Lanka Free Trade negotiations as early as possible and work towards concluding the negotiations at an early date with a view to enhancing the bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
The two sides agreed to build on the previous work on a China-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement by negotiating a trade agreement which would include economic cooperation, trade in goods and services and investment.
It is now official. Thailand is spending over two hundred million rupees to fly Muthu Raja – the abused, crippled tusker – back to Thailand. Distraught by the appalling treatment of the tusker at the Kande Viharaya in Aluthgama, the Thais have made a jumbo effort to rescue the noble beast. They have finalised plans to fly the animal back to Thailand for treatment and hopefully a comfortable retirement.
Muthu Raja’s tale speaks volumes on how Sri Lanka, the repository of Theravada Buddhism is treating animals in the 21st century. Metta and Karuna are trampled on for all beings, including one of the most sacred animals of the Buddhist culture. Yet, Buddhism is abused and misused as the last refuge of the scoundrel, the corrupt and the power-hungry. The unholy nexus between the state and temple has corrupted both. Justice and humanity is only possible via international intervention – even in matters sacred.
The elephant renamed Muthu Raja in Sri Lanka but known in Thailand as Sak Surin was a gift to President Chandrika Kumaratunga in 2001. The elephant’s arrival in Sri Lanka was supposed to be an enduring symbol of friendship between the two Buddhist nations. The then 10-year-old tusker was to be groomed to carry the relic casket at the annual pageant (perahera) of the Sri Dalada Maligawa.
Instead, Muthu Raja ended up being sent to the Kande Viharaya at Aluthgama. That is where trouble started. Reports emerged of the continuous hard labour the animal was put through: the majestic tusker was put to hard-labour logging and transporting heavy loads in chains. Instead of being a prince of the temple and a shining symbol of the two countries’ commitment to the Buddha’s teaching of kindness, Muthu Raja was made a servant to enrich his masters. He was worked so hard, his front left leg is crippled due to prolonged use of chains with metal spikes.
Animal rights activists alerted the Thai embassy in Colombo and petitioned Bangkok triggering the months long rescue.
It was only after the intervention of the Thai embassy in Colombo that the animal was rescued from the Kande Viharaya and brought to the Dehiwala zoo in November last year to undergo treatment from a Thai vet flown down by the Thai government. The entire episode is a blot on the image of our country which claims to be a beacon of Theravada Buddhism.
In theory, elephants in Sri Lanka are protected by law, considered sacred by Buddhists, but there was a jumbo failure on the part of the wildlife authorities to protect Muthu Raja. There was no murmur from the devout Buddhists in the island who are usually vociferous about any perceived threat to the religion. Just like when, also in Aluthgama Muslims were terrorized and their houses burnt, most of the do-gooders were mum and washed their hands off as the main instigator of violence was a thug in robes. Sources with knowledge of the case say the Wildlife Department made legalistic excuses saying they had no authority over an imported elephant. The silence of the self-appointed guardians of Buddhism is even more deafening. The less said of the Foreign Ministry, responsible for the relationship with Thailand, the better. Perhaps the minister feels he cannot control the genie of hate that the Rajapakse campaign unleashed.
But who guards the guardians? The press is silent. The many scandals seeking TV stations are hiding. Social media, that ceaseless echo chamber of outrage, has only murmurs – none of the frothing emotion and anger that erupt whenever a minority is involved. Other religious leaders are also mute. Like Jerome, they too seem more interested in the treasures of earth rather than heaven.
Luckily for Muthu the last and increasingly only resort of those facing injustice was at hand: international intervention. The Thai authorities are preparing for the return of the elephant they gifted 22 years ago. Three veterinarians, a mahout, two assistants and a specially built cage will be flown to Sri Lanka on a chartered flight on July 1st to bring back the tusker. Mahouts and other vets are to be flown to Colombo to train the elephant on how to enter and exit the cage and to become familiar with it so it will not panic when being flown back home. The flight is expected to be about six hours. Six hours of shame for Sri Lanka.
1st of July will be a black day for Sri Lanka. Not only did Burghers, Tamils and Muslims leave because of the abuse and misuse of Buddhism at the hands of the corrupt and power-hungry. Now animals too have joined their ranks. But it is not only the direct perpetrators who are responsible. All of us are. We who are silent, we who do not challenge the චිවරදාරි (those in robes) imposters, we who continue to bestow respect, deference and resources to those we know to be foul on the inside despite being dressed with the raiment and office of that which is good and just – we are all responsible for Muthu’s plight and shameful flight.
Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) is preparing to put forward their own candidate for the forthcoming Presidential Election, internal sources disclosed.
The move is said to come in just after the calling in of the Presidential Polls, until which time the Ruling Party wishes to continue governing the country under President Wickremesinghe’s leadership, according to sources.
The candidate, accordingly, will be contesting the Polls under the Lotus Bud (Pohottuwa) symbol, and the putting forward of one of their own is believed to be a part of SLPP National Organiser Basil Rajapaksa’s political games.
We LNW express regret for the story published a few days ago about Ms. Shehara De Silva, Management Director of the McLaren Group.
It should be noted with clarification that we held no intention of insulting Ms. Silva or Minister Kanchana Wijesekara, as the story was only a news-related post.
However, we do acknowledge that we committed the mistake of violating the limits of their privacy in our reporting by using their photographs, and we, therefore, express our deepest regret to them as the LNW Editorial.
Team LNW
By: Staff Writer
Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka and Japanese business councils have agreed in principle to facilitate Japanese entrepreneurs to directly interact with Sri Lankan entrepreneurs in a much focused manner in the space of Tourism, FDIs, Trade and Export, etc.
Sri Lanka Japan Business Counciland the Japan Sri Lanka Economic Cooperation Committee will be jointly working towards Sri Lanka’s economic revival and promote trade, investment and tourism.
This was revealed on the sidelines of the visit of President Ranil Wickremesinghe to Japan last week and the round table meeting “Sri Lanka’s Economic Revival and Opportunities for Japanese Enterprise.
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce-affiliated Sri Lanka Japan Business Council President Mahen Kariyawsan met his counterpart – Japan Sri Lanka Business Co-Operation Committee (JSLBCC) Chairman Fumihiko Kobayashi and invited them to visit Sri Lanka in the fourth quarter of 2023.
JSLBCC Secretary General Kazuto Sasaki, Itochu Corp. Chief Representative Mikinaga Hotta, Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry representatives Masazumi Nishizawa and Katzuto Sasaki also participated in the meeting.
The Sri Lanka Japan Business Council and the Japan Sri Lanka Economic Cooperation Committee was established in 1979 and has had 19 joint committee meetings in Japan and Sri Lanka. Their main objectives are to promote trade, investment and tourism between Sri Lanka and Japan.
It is extremely necessary to generate export revenue for the country at this needy hour and the expectation of the event is to pave the path for Japanese entrepreneurs to directly interact with Sri Lankan entrepreneurs in a much focused manner in the space of Tourism, FDIs, Trade and Export, etc.
It has been further reiterated the importance of initiative taken and support extended by Sri Lankan Embassy in Japan to explore more market opportunities for Sri Lankan entrepreneurs.
The business leaders of the two countries have also agreed to ease the difficulties that can be encountered by Sri Lankan entrepreneurs expecting to enter the Japanese market.
These bottlenecks included quality standards, consistency in supply and quality, expected high standard packaging and product description, level of professionalism, trust and transparency that should be demonstrated to them, etc.
Sri Lankan Embassy in Japan is geared to even assist the Sri Lankan potential exporters with required translations of their product brochures and other communications and facilitation of explanations required for samples of products requested by Japanese buyers and even communicate back their feedback at the initial stages of interactions.
The Sri Lanka business council will explore the opportunities in the Japanese market for various products and services including ICT and tourism.
It has been revealed there are many Japanese investors interested in investing in Sri Lanka and policy consistency is a key factor in decision making and port city project opens new business opportunities for Sri Lanka.
