By: Isuru Parakrama
Colombo (LNW): The GCE Ordinary Level Examination 2022 commences today (29), announced the Commissioner General of Examinations.
Accordingly, the Ordinary Level Examination will be held at 3,568 centres islandwide, with 472,553 candidates sitting.
Inept implementation deadlier than dengue, drugs and sex crimes
Quite apart from the challenge of guiding Sri Lanka through tempestuous economic and political waters, the government has the additional and unenviable task of combatting a three-headed monster: Dengue, Drugs and Sexual Crimes.
The Government is clearly concerned. The relevant warnings have been issued. Committees have been appointed. The problem seems to be in execution. This has long been one of the biggest issues to plague Sri Lanka. There have been leaders. There have been decision-makers. However, when it comes to putting plans into action things seem to fall apart.
The right people are not in the right places. There is expertise but it is not being mobilised. Incompetent or slothful individuals are given the task of executing. There’s a woeful lack of empathy for the suffering of the masses.
While officials twiddle their thumbs seemingly oblivious to what’s happening and utterly unconcerned by the tragedy that’s unfolding around them, the people continue to be tormented by these three threats. The rising incidence of Dengue is nearing pandemic proportions, drugs and drug-related crime and violence are rampant, and every single day there are reports of sexual violence especially crimes perpetrated against children. The last, let’s not forget, falls under the category of the least reported of crimes. The true story would be of tragic proportions. Unfortunately, it seems to be felt only by the victims and their loved ones and not those who are mandated to prevent it from happening in the first place.
One must ask ‘where is law enforcement?’ ‘Where is the justice system?’ Just the other day, a lawmaker, no less was nabbed trying to smuggle in millions worth of gold bars and electronic devices. A lawmaker, let me repeat!
The overall outcome of this sloth or incompetence or both is a society where the most vulnerable segments are further exposed to wanton violence. Small wonder, then, that professionals want to leave the country. Why should anyone who has half a chance of migrating remain in a country where they and their loved ones are at risk? It’s not the economic issues alone that’s driving this new emigration wave.
Not everyone can leave. Parents are understandably anxious. There are in fact at their wit’s end. What’s the plan, they want to know. Where’s the execution, they want to know.
The laws are in place. The plans are in place. Things are not getting done. And yet, things are not totally hopeless. There’s nothing to stop the President from empathising with those who are suffering and those whose anxieties have reached a critical point. Words will not do it. What’s needed are sound plans executed by professionals. If this is not done right away, the three key monsters at the gate, namely drugs, dengue and sexual abuse, will wreck havoc on one and all. Obviously this will have serious repercussions on the government and the political leadership.
Let me repeat: dengue, drugs and sexual abuse. Three key factors that have a corrosive impact on Sri Lanka and Sri Lankans. The danger is clear. What’s done or not done will determine what Sri Lanka’s future will look like. Right now it doesn’t look at all rosy.
Harsha de Silva, MP, delivered a poignant speech in Parliament three days ago (25) building on the speech by President Ranil Wickeremasinghe at the Nikkei Asia Forum in Tokyo earlier in the day. He called for a change of mindset in the legislature and argued for greater trade integration for debt sustainability.
He started by acknowledging Japan’s significant contributions during the crisis and highlighted several key areas of support. Among them, he mentioned that Japan supplied $46 million worth of diesel to hospitals, ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services. Additionally, Japan provided $6.5 million of food aid, supplementing the previous $30 million already given. MP Harsha commended Japan’s efforts in assisting women and other micro-entrepreneurs who faced hardships by extending $1.5 million in aid, as well as providing $4.5 million of free fertilizer to aid 250,000 farmers. Furthermore, he acknowledged Japan’s provision of $4 million through the UNDP for agriculture.
Building on the President’s comments at the Nikkei Conference in Tokyo, Japan, regarding trade integration and debt sustainability, MP Harsha emphasized the need for Parliament to move beyond petty politics and gazettes. He called for all Parliament members to unite in determining the future of the country, raising three key points. Firstly, he asserted that trade integration and debt sustainability are strongly correlated, highlighting the importance of greater trade integration for stronger debt sustainability. Secondly, MP Harsha dispelled the myth that severe import restrictions and export encouragement are the solutions, stating that Sri Lanka is currently one of the most closed countries in the region. He stressed the failure that would result from closing borders and implementing high tariffs and duties. Finally, MP Harsha emphasized the significance of trade integration in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), advocating for Sri Lanka to become a partner in producer-driven global production networks by vertically integrating into complex production with investments from established brands. He expressed deep concern over Sri Lanka’s lack of progress in comparison to its neighboring countries, which successfully transitioned from the apparel industry to electronics and biotech sectors. MP Harsha attributed this stagnation to the detrimental consequences of past consumption-driven loans and ill-conceived projects, which ultimately burdened the nation with significant foreign debt.
MP Harsha also highlighted Japan’s critical role as an investment partner in Sri Lanka’s fledgling electronics and electrical components sector. Citing Professor Premachandra Athukorale, he noted that it is Japanese investments that are driving the fledgling mid-sized electrical and electronics component industry, adding that export volumes had reached $500 million according government statistics but could be closer to $1 billion if categorized more appropriately.
Shifting focus to the strained relations between Sri Lanka and Japan, MP Harsha pointed out specific instances that have contributed to this situation. He criticized the government for unilaterally canceling agreements without consulting the Japanese, particularly the $2.2 billion Light Rail Transit (LRT) project. The government at the time justified its decision by deeming the project costly and unsuitable for metro Colombo. However, he questioned the government’s sudden change in stance, highlighting that the minister responsible for urban development now acknowledges the LRT as the best transport solution for Colombo. This contradiction raises concerns about whether political support or personal interests influenced the government’s decisions.
MP Harsha further expressed disappointment regarding the Eastern Container Terminal, which was intended to be a tripartite agreement between India, Japan, and Sri Lanka. However, the government unilaterally canceled this agreement as well, mirroring the pattern seen with the LRT project. He noted that the President’s current meetings with former and current Prime Ministers of Japan as well as the Nikkei forum to seek investments are undermined by the government’s previous actions, which have strained relations with Japan.
Citing a recent media response by the Japanese Ambassador, MP Harsha highlighted the issue of governance and transparency in economic policies. The Ambassador had expressed concerns about frequent changes in policies that have caused a loss of trust among Japanese businesses. He specifically mentioned the incident involving the Minister of Aviation, who was initially sacked due to corruption allegations but later reinstated to the same position. Such incidents undermine trust and confidence, both among the Japanese business community and on an international scale.
In conclusion, Dr Harsha de Silva expressed his gratitude to the Japanese people for their assistance during the crisis. However, he emphasized that for long-term debt sustainability and economic growth, Sri Lanka needs to prioritize trade integration, break down protectionist barriers, and build trade and investment bridges not only with Japan but also with countries like China, India, the EU, and the US. He emphasized the necessity of a change in mindset and ideology, urging politicians to think beyond marginal changes and embrace a broader perspective for the betterment of Sri Lanka’s future.
By: Isuru Parakrama
Colombo (LNW): The National Fuel Pass QR System allocated fuel quotas will be increased from midnight next Tuesday (30), revealed Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara.
Accordingly, registered taxi three wheelers will receive 22 litres per week, and other three wheelers will receive 14 litres per week.
Adding, motor bikes will receive 14 litres per week, and cars will receive a quota of 40 litres per week.
Increased new fuel quotas will be made available from midnight Tuesday, the Minister added.
Meanwhile, the fuel quota for lorries which had been 75 litres per week has been increased up to 125 litres per week.
Closing the implementation gap between law and practice is important to see the proposed Anti-Corruption Bill becoming a success, the Government and Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs), who took part in a roundtable discussion, jointly emphasized.
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) organised the High-Level cross-party discussion with Party Leaders, Party Secretaries and their representatives on the Anti-Corruption Bill at the Parliament premises on Thursday (25) with the intention of eliciting their support for its improvements and timely passage in Parliament. The MPs were briefed on the required improvements to the legislation which can be incorporated in the Committee Stage (Third Reading) of the Bill. The event was conducted with due regard to and respect for the fact that the Bill is currently under consideration by the Supreme Court.
While agreeing that the proposed Bill has many progressive provisions, which are a timely need in the country, MPs of both the Government and Opposition benches highlighted that the real challenge is to make sure that the anti-graft mechanisms proposed in the Bill are able to break the existing corruption chain, so that “business as usual” is not possible thereafter.
Foreign Affairs State Minister Tharaka Balasuriya, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) General Secretary MP Sagara Kariyawasam and SLPP MP Madura Vithanage attended the discussion representing the Government, while Opposition Leader and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa, SJB MPs Eran Wickremaratne, Dr. Harsha de Silva, Mayantha Dissanayake, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Leader MP Rauff Hakeem, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP M. A. Sumanthiran, PC, and MPs Dullas Alahapperuma, Chandima Weerakkody and Weerasumana Weerasinghe participated representing the Opposition and other independent groups in Parliament.
TISL Executive Director Nadishani Perera urged the cross-party support to pass the best possible version of the Anti-Corruption law in Parliament, and to create an enabling environment for its full implementation, reminding that it is a call of the people. “Now the responsibility of this Bill is with Parliament and you have a historic opportunity to demonstrate your commitment towards a system change by taking this Bill as an important step to reform the anti-corruption legal framework in Sri Lanka,” she underlined.
Commenting on the new system of the Declarations of Assets and Liabilities (DALs) proposed in the Bill, MPs Chandima Weerakkody and Madura Vithanage pointed out that verifying the information given in DALs is an onerous task that requires a lot of time, coordination and financial investment. TISL Advocacy and Research Manager Janithrika Jayasundara explained that the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) is allowed to cross-check information in the DALs with other relevant institutions and the electronic system, as suggested in the Bill, should automatically raise red flags on illicit enrichment.
The lack of means to prevent grand collusion in corruption was questioned by Deputy Minister Tharaka Balasuriya. The proposal to establish an Independent Public Prosecutors’ Office was floated by MP Eran Wickramaratne, when TNA MP M. A. Sumanthiran pointed out that the Attorney General’s Office withdrawing indictments filed before the Court for criminal offences has become a problematic practice in recent times.
Responding to the issues raised by the MPs, TISL Deputy Executive Director Sankhitha Gunaratne pointed out that the Anti-Corruption Bill does not address the whole gamut of the issue of corruption, but it would be a good start, as the prevailing Anti-Corruption laws in the country are outdated. She pointed out that more legislation, especially for stolen asset recovery and government procurement, would need to be passed after this Bill.
TISL Advocacy and Research Officer Lasanthika Hettiarachchi apprised the MPs on the new offences coming under the purview of the Bill.
People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi, Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) Executive Director Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, National Peace Council Executive Director Dr. Jehan Perera and Nishantha Prithiraj of the Sarvodaya Movement attended the meeting representing civil society organizations.
The Sri Lanka Navy on 25th May 2023 held a special meeting at SLNS Gotabaya in Mullaitivu, to make the fishing communities in Mullaitivu aware of prevailing issues in the industry.
The meeting was chaired by Commander Eastern Naval Area and Commandant Volunteer Naval Force, Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara.
In response to a request made by fishing communities in the locality, the awareness programme had been organised and it was participated by personnel from the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, Police, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and 28 Presidents of Fishermen’s Cooperative Societies.
During the meeting, the local fishing communities raised their concerns over poaching by foreign fishermen in their waters as well as illegal fishing practices of a handful of local fishermen. In the meantime, the Navy provided a clarification to the fishing communities regarding the collaborative efforts undertaken by the Navy, Coast Guard, and Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to combat those illegal fishing practices.
Source: SL Navy
The Indian Express: India has done more for Sri Lanka than the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Union Minister for External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar stressed on Saturday. The Modi government, he underlined, is working on developing an “extended neighbourhood” that involves islands in the Indian Ocean, Gulf countries and nations in South-East Asia.
“What we are also trying to do today is for a bigger, influential and ambitious India. We are trying to expand what should be our neighbourhood. We look at what this extended neighbourhood should be. It could be islands in the Indian Ocean, nations in South-East Asia and Central Asia, or Gulf countries. The relationship with the UAE and Saudi Arabia has undergone an enormous transformation. From what was a traditionally much more constricted view of our neighbourhood, we have undertaken something much more ambitious,” said Jaishankar during a talk on “Modi’s India: A Rising Power” at Anant National University in the city.
Pointing out how the world has become more uncertain, volatile and turbulent, Jaishankar underlined it was time to use the “complex global landscape” for the betterment and growth of India. The pandemic and the Ukraine-Russia conflict has helped to build “resilient and reliable supply chains”, “domestic capacities” and “trusted relationships,” he highlighted.
A Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat, Jaishankar also spoke about the “linkages” and “perception” India has developed in the last nine years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“If you are the biggest in your neighbourhood, then it is in our interest that our other neighbours have a share in our prosperity, happiness and are linked to us. That will happen if we are generous and have a non-reciprocal way of engagement. Many of our neighbours like Bangladesh or Nepal and Bhutan are today linked with us through roads, railways, and waterways. We have electricity grid connections; there are fuel supplies. In many ways, they benefit from the scale and economy of India,” Jaishankar said while addressing an audience largely composed of students and faculty members from the private university.
“The linkages and perception today of India in the neighbourhood has changed. Nothing illustrated that more dramatically than what happened to Sri Lanka. Last year, when they went through a very deep economic crisis, we stepped forward in a way we ourselves have never done before. What we have done for Sri Lanka is bigger than what the IMF has done for Sri Lanka. If any of you have visited Sri Lanka recently, then you will note the popular perception that has accrued from this action,” he added.
Speaking about India’s relationship with China, the Union minister said, “The challenge from China is complicated. But in the last three years, it has been particularly visible in the border areas. There are clearly responses that are required and those responses have been undertaken by the government and a lot of it is to ensure that no attempt is made to unilaterally change the status quo in the border areas. We will ensure peace and tranquillity. It is the basis of our relationship. If peace is disturbed, it cannot be that the relationship remains unaffected.”
Both India and China, he said, will have to find some “kind of equilibrium” where there is mutual respect, sensitivity and recognition. “Today, if we see that respect, sensitivity and recognition, we can have a better relationship with China. But if we do not, then we have to stand up for our rights. We need to be firm in asserting our positions. That is unfortunately the current situation,” he added.
“Modi’s India is different from its predecessors. It is different in its outlook,” he said while speaking about the decisive mandate and vision the Prime Minister has secured. “Modi’s India is a return to a political dispensation that has a majority in Parliament,” Jaishankar emphasised, pointing out that such a majority did not exist from 1989 to 2014.
Source: The Indian Express
By: Staff Writer
Colombo (LNW): With over five decades-long diplomatic and trade ties between Japan and Sri Lanka since 1952, the present government takes all diplomatic efforts to rebuild Japanese businesses lost confidence due to the abrupt and arbitrary policy changes.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe recently highlighted the importance of Japanese investments to push the revival of Sri Lanka while affirming commitment to stabilizing and liberalizing the economy and actively inviting new foreign ventures.
He shared the government’s interest to attract Japanese enterprises and discussed the various measures and reforms being implemented to create a conducive business environment for potential investors.
Sri Lanka’s intentions were shared at the business roundtable ‘Sri Lanka’s Economic Revival and Opportunities for Japanese Enterprise’, which was jointly organised by the JETRO, Japan-Sri Lanka Business Co-Operation and Embassy of Sri Lanka in Japan.
The event was aimed at strengthening economic ties between the two nations.Recognising Japan’s significance as a vital economic partner, President Wickremesinghe emphasised the mutual benefits that can be derived from increased collaboration between the two nations.
Sri Lanka’s strategic location and skilled workforce were highlighted as key advantages, providing a gateway for Japanese companies to expand their operations in the region and leverage the country’s emerging economic opportunities.
As Sri Lanka continues its journey toward economic revival, President Wickremesinghe’s active participation in the roundtable underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to attracting foreign investment and driving sustainable economic progress, a statement by the President’s Media Division said.
He also met with the Japan-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Association, and Japan’s Minister of Digitization.
With the latter, Sri Lanka President emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation between Japan and Sri Lanka, in their respective digital transformation endeavours.
The Ambassador for Japan in Sri Lanka Mizukoshi Hideaki stated: in Colombo “On the governance and transparency of the economic policies, in the past, there have been very frequent changes of policies that have caused the loss of trust by Japanese businesses.”
He further emphasized that other than the improvement of policies related to rooting up corruption and narrowing of the income gap, improving the efficiency of the State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to become investor-friendly, is looked forward to by Japan since Sri Lanka’s government permission procedures are “slow”.
“It hinders the appetite for Japanese investments,” said Ambassador Hideaki adding that on building Japanese confidence by the private sector of Sri Lanka, the sincerity of the Sri Lankan partners and sound communication play a key role in making business decisions.
He stressed that Japan supports and prioritizes the sustainable development of Sri Lanka along with improvement in the investment environment in Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, the Government of Japan supports Sri Lanka’s efforts in order to meet the conditions of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
By: Staff Writer
Colombo (LNW): An Indian luxury cruise ship is to mark its arrival of the first such cruise liner signaling the revival of the country’s hospitality industry.
This luxury cruise ship arrival takes place at a time of Tourism Ministry’s plan to promote nautical tourism and the luxury passenger cruise ship arrivals harnessing the potential in the economic Development of Sri Lanka.
All ingredients already provided by nature, it is time, Sri Lanka is to take a special interest in emphasizing that Sri Lanka really concentrate on developing the Nautical Tourism as a special niche in its new phase of Tourism Development”.
Tourism Ministry also explores the possibility of partnering top blue-chip companies to enter the lucrative 40 billion dollar cruise line business that is estimated to carry 22.3 million passengers, with the market growing at 3.2% in volume.
Cordelia Cruises is all set for its first international voyage to Sri Lanka in early June, and the new route is likely to boost the Indian cruise traffic by 25-30 per cent, according to a top official.
Sri Lanka is truly the jewel of the Indian Ocean. The nation is moving forward with great determination and courage, and we stand with them in true partnership,” said Cordelia Cruises CEO Jurgen Bailom in an interview with PTI.
Cordelia will sail on June 5 from Chennai. Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe is likely to attend a special reception planned on June 7 to celebrate the sailing debut, according to the official.
With the steady recovery of the Sri Lankan economy, Cordelia’s fortunes are likely to improve, prompting the company to consider acquiring new cruise ships in the near future.
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is on the path to recovery after facing its worst economic crisis. The country welcomed over 7, 00,000 tourists in 2022, including a high volume of traffic from India.
According to reports, in 2023, the country expects to host 1.55 million visitors and earn USD 2.7 billion in much-needed tourism revenue.
Earlier, Bailom expressed that although the Indian government was making efforts to promote cruises in India, the credit lines and banking systems of Indian lenders were not conducive for the cruise industry, which runs into millions.
Bailom also highlighted that Sri Lanka Tourism had been conducting aggressive international campaigns and roadshows, including in India, to regain momentum in the tourism industry, which was impacted by the events connected to the economic crisis.
Currently, Cordelia Cruise operates a 210-metre-long cruise vessel– ‘The Empress’ with 11 decks. It sails to destinations such as Goa, Kochi and Lakshadweep on the west coast, departing from its home port in Mumbai.
Starting in the June-September period, ‘The Empress’ will sail on the east coast from Chennai, usually marking a seasonal transition in operations, ensuring cruise availability uninterrupted throughout the year. It may also cruise to other destinations on the east coast like Vizag.
