The people will hardly benefit from the aid and assistance Sri Lanka receives as long as corruption persists, Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) Executive Director, Nadishani Perera said.

She was addressing a discussion at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in Colombo last week, focusing on the recommendations detailed in ‘The Civil Society Governance Diagnostic Report on Sri Lanka.’ The event was attended by a diverse group of civil society representatives who gathered to address the pressing need for governance reforms in the country.

“No matter how much aid we receive, it will be squandered or misappropriated if we do not tackle corruption head-on. It’s akin to pouring water into a leaky vessel. While there’s much talk about revitalizing the economy, there’s an alarming lack of focus on governance reforms and corruption prevention. The masses, who took to the streets in large numbers last year, demanded a “system change” because they recognized that the country’s crisis was not solely economic but rooted in weak governance and deep-seated corruption.

“Recognizing the public’s heightened interest in anti-corruption, civil society organizations collectively worked on a Governance Diagnostic Report, highlighting a series of governance reforms essential for the nation. By advocating for these recommendations, we can bring about a real system change and ensure sustainable economic development,” Perera noted.

The Civil Society Governance Diagnostic Report, unveiled on September 13, put forth 34 pivotal governance benchmark recommendations. This comprehensive report was presented by ‘The Civil Society Initiative on Anti-Corruption Reform for Economic Recovery,’ led by Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL), in collaboration with a core group including Verité Research, the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement, People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL), and the National Peace Council (NPC).

Last week’s meeting was to raise awareness among civil society members regarding the Report’s recommendations. As part of the discussion, the civil society recommendations were compared with those made in the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) recently issued report titled ‘Sri Lanka: Technical Assistance Report-Governance Diagnostic Assessment’.

Dr. Nishan de Mel, Executive Director of Verité Research, emphasized the importance of good governance, drawing on historical data from 1975. He highlighted that countries with multiple episodes of debt restructuring often scored lower in governance assessments. “Without addressing Sri Lanka’s governance issues, our efforts to rebuild the economy are akin to building a house without a solid foundation. Enhancing transparency and minimizing discretionary powers are imperative for improving Sri Lanka’s governance indicators,” he underscored.

He further warned, “Being content with temporary solutions is a costly mistake we’ve made repeatedly. The future of Sri Lanka now teeters on a precipice, with governance playing a pivotal role in determining whether we tread the right path or venture into dangerous territory.”

Sankhitha Gunaratne, Deputy Executive Director of TISL, stressed the urgency of implementing the proposed governance reforms in their entirety and without delay. She pointed out that key measures, such as introducing new legislation for asset recovery and procurement, establishing a ‘Beneficial Ownership Registry,’ and making the Asset Declarations of high-ranking public officials accessible to the public, are emphasized in both reports.

Professor Arjuna Parakrama, the researcher behind the Civil Society Governance Diagnostic Report, emphasized that these recommendations hold significance not only from an economic perspective but also in ensuring justice and fairplay for the masses.

The discussion also saw active participation from leaders of various organizations, including Rohana Hettiarachchi, Executive Director of PAFFREL; Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne, President of Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement; Dr. Jehan Perera, Executive Director of the National Peace Council; Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, Executive Director of CPA; and Lasanthika Hettiarachchi, Advocacy and Research Manager at TISL.

The governance reforms proposed in the 34 Recommendations — derived from extensive island-wide consultation with grassroots citizens and experts alike — garnered the overwhelming support of the civil society representatives who attended the discussion.

Deportation of 31 Sri Lankans from Jordan

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Jordan in collaboration with the Public Security Directorate of Jordan,  facilitated the deportation of thirty one Sri Lankans who have been granted deportation order by the Jordanian authorities. The said Sri Lankans returned to Sri Lanka on 27 October 2023.

These Sri Lankans entered Jordan on 22 July 2023 on visit/tourist visas with the anticipation of finding job opportunities. Subsequently, they were arrested by the North Amman police station and detained in correction centers following a decision made by the North Amman court on 12 October 2023.

The issue of migrant workers arriving on visit/tourist visas and overstaying or attempting to cross international borders illegally has been a recurring trend in the past. From January 2023 up to the present, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Jordan has been actively involved in facilitating the deportation of approximately 120 stranded Sri Lankans, with the support extended by the Jordan authorities.

The Embassy officials visited the correction centers to ensure  the welfare and safety during their stay. The stranded Sri Lankans were provided essential humanitarian support including medical assistance and access to basic necessities by the Jordanian authorities.

The Embassy wishes to strongly advise Sri Lankans not to arrive in Jordan on visit/tourist visas without a confirmed job opportunity and required visa. Many male and female Sri Lankans continue to fall victims of human smuggling and are subsequently subjected to deportation after being held in correction centers.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Jordan requests all Sri Lankans to seek overseas job opportunities legally and to register with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) before their departure.

Embassy of Sri Lanka

Amman

01 November 2023

Colombo (LNW): Marking an increase of the number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) compared to the previous year, 485 new infections of HIV have been identified in the past few months this year, disclosed Dr. Janaki Vidanapathirana, Director of the National STD/AIDS Control Programme (NSACP).

“The estimated number of HIV cases in Sri Lanka for this year is 4,100. Between January 1st and the end of September this year, we identified 485 new cases of HIV. This reflects an increase compared to the previous year. Our efforts have been enhanced through collaborations with non-governmental organisations. It’s noteworthy that 80 per cent of these cases are reported among men, particularly in the age group of 15 to 49 where HIV infections are increasing the most,” Dr. Vidanapathirana told media.

The national HIV response has established 40 STI clinics under the NSACP across the island, and HIV self-testing kits can be delivered through the Know4Sure app for at-home HIV testing, she noted.

She added that in conjunction with World AIDS Day on December 1st, the NSACP has launched a special campaign to educate the public.

“Most of our programmes are concentrated in the Colombo and Gampaha districts, as these areas have the highest vulnerability. The core message under the theme ‘Let Communities Lead – prevent AIDS’ is to encourage people to get tested for HIV and know their status. Throughout the island, there are 40 national STD clinics available under the National STD AIDS Control Programme. We also provide the option to use the Know4Sure app for at-home HIV testing.”

1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe raises serious concerns with Heads of Inland Revenue Dept, Excise & Customs Depts over their failure to gather the required revenue: queries as to why only an estimated 500,000 tax files continue to be on the tax base when the actual number should be far higher.
   
2. SJB MPs Eran Wickremaratne & Harsha Silva say a hopeless & hapless Govt is continuing to heap burdens on its citizens through excessive taxation: oppose the increase of VAT from 15% to 18%: analysts point out that the same MPs previously advocated higher taxes, flexible LKR, higher interest rates, debt restructuring, and an extensive IMF programme.
   
3. SL Customs collects its highest-ever monthly revenue of Rs.109bn in October’23: total revenue in the first 10 months of 2023 reaches Rs.760bn.
   
4. Police arrest Sanjeewa Dhammika, Secretary of the Electricity Consumers’ Association, a Buddhist monk, and 4 others during a protest at Horagasmulla on the Colombo – Divulapitiya main road: these activists were protesting against the increase in electricity tariffs.
   
5. Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrives on a 3-day “official visit”: expected to deliver the keynote address at a conference organized by the SL Govt to mark the 200th anniversary of the arrival of India-origin Tamils (IOTs) to SL: also expected to make the keynote address at the India-SL Business Summit on ‘Enhancing Connectivity – Partnering for Prosperity’, jointly organized by Confederation of Indian Industries, Indo-Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.
   
6. Colombo Magistrate says the Expert Committee that probed Dinesh Schaffter’s post-mortem has concluded that death was due to pressure exerted on the victim’s face & neck: orders the CID to investigate & apprehend the suspects.
   
7. Vietnam overtakes SL in terms of per capita GDP: as of 2022, Vietnam’s per capita GDP has risen to USD 4,164, compared to USD 3,354 of SL: SL’s current per capita GDP is almost the same as that of 10 years ago, when it was USD 3,352: over the 5 years (2017-2022), about one-fourth of SL’s per capita GDP got wiped out: at end 2014, SL’s per capita GDP was USD 3,819 while average GDP growth over the 5 years (2010-2014), was 6.5%.
   
8. Workers’ remittances in September’23 amounts to USD 482mn, compared to USD 359mn in September’22 & USD 499mn in August’23: total departures for foreign employment in September’23 and during January to September’23 was 25,648 & 222,794 respectively: in 2022, the total departures were 311,056.
   
9. World Bank MD – Operations Anna Bjerde encourages the Govt to see”stay the course on reforms for recovery & sustainable growth”: affirms WB’s “continuous commitment to investing in people, strengthening human capital, & creating jobs”: in the past 18 months in SL since following an IMF programme, poverty in SL has more than doubled, an estimated one million jobs lost, and hundreds of thousands of SME businesses have crashed.
   
10. ICC Brand Ambassador and SL spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan says champion sides are not made in one day, & it is a long process: asserts that building players is more important: laments that after 2015, SL hasn’t nurtured players and when someone fails, he is unfortunately dropped from the team: recommends that players must be given more chances and given a backing.

Agriculture and Plantations Minister Mahinda Amaraweera has clarified that there is an adequate supply of fertilizers in the country, countering claims made by some farmer organizations regarding a shortage of various fertilizers, including urea.

Minister Amaraweera has revealed that the government, in collaboration with two public sector fertilizer companies and the private sector, has made arrangements to ensure a sufficient supply of fertilizers for the current season. The government has also taken steps to credit farmers’ accounts with Rs. 15,000 per hectare to facilitate their purchase of fertilizers, offering flexibility to choose between chemical and organic options.

In terms of urea fertilizer, both government fertilizer companies are selling a 50 kg bundle at a price of Rs. 9,000, while the private sector has reduced the price to Rs. 8,500. The Minister emphasized that fertilizer distribution has covered all regions of the country, and if any area experiences a shortage, the Agriculture Ministry should be informed promptly for immediate action.

During this season, the government and the private sector are supplying Urea and MOP fertilizers, with the private sector taking the responsibility for mangroves. Minister Amaraweera has voiced his concern that some individuals associated with political parties are attempting to undermine farmers by spreading false information about fertilizer shortages, which, in reality, has been effectively addressed with a well-implemented supply system in the country.

A historic moment unfolded as the first-ever direct flight from the Czech Republic to Sri Lanka departed from Prague International Airport. LOT Polish Airlines is operating these direct charter flights, which will run every Tuesday from October 24, 2023, to March 26, 2024, utilizing Boeing 787 Dreamliners configured to accommodate 251 passengers. The introduction of this new route is set to draw approximately 5,800 tourists from the Czech Republic to Sri Lanka during the winter season, offering a significant reduction in travel time, with the one-way journey taking just ten hours.

In a collaborative effort with the Sri Lanka embassy in Vienna, Austria, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) has partnered with Cedok, a prominent travel services provider in the Czech Republic, which has been in operation since 1920. This partnership is part of a co-marketing campaign launched in conjunction with the launch of direct charter flights.

The inauguration ceremony of these direct charter flights, jointly organized by Cedok and LOT Polish Airlines at Prague Airport, was attended by distinguished guests, including the Counsellor of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Vienna and Chargé d’ Affaires for Czechia, Charitha Weerasinghe. Also present were Cedok CEO Stanislav Zeman, Executive Director of Prague Airport Jiri Vyskoc, Spokesperson of LOT Polish Airlines Krzysztof Moczulski, and Sri Lanka Honourary Consul in Czechia Marek Nemec. This new flight route promises to further strengthen the ties between the Czech Republic and Sri Lanka while boosting tourism in both countries.

Agriculture and Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera has vehemently denied any plans to sell water to farmers for agricultural purposes, dismissing these claims as the tactics of a certain political group seeking to gain political advantage. During a media briefing held in Kandy, Minister Amaraweera clarified that the government is actively exploring methods for more efficient water usage in agriculture rather than selling water.

The minister emphasized the ongoing tests to determine the feasibility of cultivating crops with reduced water consumption. He stressed the importance of using water economically for agricultural purposes, particularly in light of reports predicting a more severe drought during the upcoming Yala Season compared to the previous one. Farmers have been advised to begin cultivation during the current rainy season to mitigate the potential water shortage in the Yala Season.

Minister Amaraweera condemned baseless allegations and rumors spread by certain groups for political gain, specifically the false claim that the government intends to charge farmers for the water provided. He clarified that the government’s objective is to raise awareness among farmers about using water judiciously and conducting cultivation activities with minimal water usage, not to impose water charges on farmers.

Cabinet Spokesman and Mass Media Minister, Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana, announced a significant development in the education sector. He revealed that a Cabinet sub-committee, led by the President, and a 25-member expert committee under the guidance of the Prime Minister’s Secretary, have been appointed to craft a comprehensive national education policy framework tailored to the current global requirements. This framework is poised to revolutionize the education system and adapt it to the needs of the modern world.

During a Cabinet press conference, Minister Gunawardhana explained that the expert committee has diligently designed the national education policy framework, concentrating on pertinent subject areas and matters of significance. This ambitious project, titled the National Education Policy 2023-2033, has been further refined with inputs from the Ministerial Sub-Committee. The final draft of this ten-year policy has been submitted to the Parliament’s Oversight Committee on Education for review and will subsequently be presented in Parliament.

The minister emphasized the uniqueness of this ten-year national education program, which aims to cultivate a future generation of children with diverse talents, skills, and creative abilities. The overarching goal is to ensure that the entire education system aligns with the demands of the modern world.

Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana also disclosed that the President’s proposal to introduce the new National Education Policy for further discussion in the Sectoral Committee and Parliament has received Cabinet approval. This initiative marks a significant step toward reshaping the educational landscape to better prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.