By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): Despite hopes of a turnaround with fertiliser, Sri Lanka’s tea production began the year 2023 with lower crop volumes but the tea exports are increasing favourably in the the first four months of the year.

The woes of the tea industry continue with January crop volumes decreasing by 3.68 million kilos (16.13%) to 19.14 million kilos against the fertiliser issue.

Data analysed by Forbes and Walkers Research confirmed that the country’s tea production drop was seen at all elevation levels compared to the corresponding January 2022.

Sri Lanka’s tea exports in value in the first four months of this year have increased, whilst volume dips, industry sources said.

Siyaka Research said January – April earnings have increased sharply by 11% to US $ 407 million compared to $ 367 million in the same period a year earlier.

In April earnings increased by 16% to $ 93 million compared to $ 80 million in April 2022. Siyaka Research said the higher earnings were possible because of the high FOB per kilo, a value which more than compensated for a 14% drop in quantities from 81.9 million kilos to 70.2 million kilos during January – April 2023.

April recorded the highest ever FOB of $ 5.78 per kg, pushing the cumulative FOB figure to a record $ 5.80 per kg.

“Following the rupee depreciation in 2022 earnings have shot up a massive 58% to Rs. 140 billion compared to Rs. 88 billion in 2021,” it added.

Siyaka Research also said Türkiye continued to lead exports as the top market with volumes soaring by 92% to 8.7 million kilos from 4.5 million kilos in 2022.

Russia has secured the second position with volumes slightly up by 6% YoY to 7.8 million kilos, while Iraq secured the third position with volumes plunging by 51% YoY from 15.3 million kilos to 7.4 million kilos in 2023.

Exports to UAE have also declined by 28% YoY to 5.2 million kilos in 2023, whilst China makes up the top five destinations with volumes dropping by 15% YoY to 3.1 million kilos from 3.7 million kg in 2022.

Forbes and Walker Tea Brokers said the volume of tea exports in April was 16.16 million kilos, down by 2.13 million kilos from a year ago. “All Product Categories have witnessed a decline against the corresponding month of 2022,” it said.

January-April 2023 cumulative exports totalled 70.25 million kilos, down by 11.74 million kilos from the corresponding period of last year.

“Tea in bulk and packaged tea continue to show negative variances, whilst the remaining product categories recorded a marginal increase,” Forbes and Walker Tea Brokers added.

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka will be taking prompt measures to establish a Maha Vihara University abiding to the traditions of ancient education system of the island nation for buddhist novice monks true to the lord Budhha’s preachings of education to be a noble cause, he advocated teaching only what is necessary with strict discipline, top level official sources disclosed.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has expressed his intention to seek assistance from Japan to establish a Maha Vihara University.

Accordingly, the Head of State stated that, during his upcoming visit to Japan, he intends to seek Japanese assistance to build a Maha Vihara University in which Theravada Buddhism could be studied.

Wickremesinghe made these comments while visiting the Chief Prelates of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters this morning (20 May), the President’s Media Division (PMD) reported.

While it is apparent in the literature that the lord Buddha considered education to be a noble cause, he advocated teaching only what is necessary—in the Ambalatthika-rahulovada Sutta of the Majjhima Nikaya, he advises his son Rahula to learn only such matters as will be beneficial for the betterment of himself and society.

In this regard, the Buddha considered discipline to be a prerequisite for education, which he viewed as a process in which parents, the clergy, and students should participate equally. As dictated in the Vinaya Pitaka of the Tipitaka, monks are bound by 220 precepts,

The Pirivena tradition dates back to the 1st century CE, when the Mahavihara and Abhayagirivihara were commissioned through royal patronage.

This Buddhist tradition and discipline of monks have deteriorated and the traditional form of education soon died out following the permission given to novice monks to enter local universities several decades ago.

At present most of these student monks have become the utmost unruly and indisciplined group engaging in street fights and protests not under the Buddhist doctrine for each and everything becoming a disgrace for the country and trouble makers for the nation.

This was clearly demonstrated in recent protest demonstrations and street fights of undergraduates backed by student monks where some of those monks were seen jumping from walls without robes inly with andana kada running down the streets.

The disciplined and decent behavior of novice monks further eroded following the setting up of the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka in Colombo 07 and later in Homagama in 1981 and is organized in two faculties.

The student monks of the University had allegedly engaged in rowdyism and various vices   , and the hostels had become safe houses for various narcotics, authorities alleged.

The objective of establishing a Buddhist University is not merely offering degree programmes as it is done in any other national university.

This is an institution that has been established, to achieve the aims of disseminating Dhamma in Sri Lanka and throughout the world, to promote the study of Dhamma and Discipline (Vinaya) several vice camcellors claimed.

Let us hope and prey this new Maha Vihara University will not be another Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka.

Japan Times: Nippon Ishin no Kai Upper House lawmaker Mizuho Umemura was dismissed from a parliamentary committee and party officials apologized after her remarks questioning the March 2021 death of a Sri Lankan woman at an immigration facility ignited a firestorm of criticism.

Ratnayake Liyanage Wishma Sandamali, 33, died at Nagoya Regional Immigration Services Bureau after complaining to officials that she was ill and needed medical attention, sparking shock, anger, and calls from within Japan and abroad for reforms over the way detainees are treated.

Video clips taken by a security camera in Wishma’s room show her repeatedly pleading to immigration officials to be taken to the hospital to no avail. The woman was not eating, although in one video clip she tells officials she would if she could.

But without offering proof, Umemura told the Upper House on three occasions that Wishma may have died as a result of a hunger strike, suggesting she had done so in the hope of an early release from the center due to illness.

Her remarks caused an uproar, inviting criticism from other ruling and opposition party leaders. Umemura admitted to a judicial affairs committee on Tuesday that it was just speculation. On Thursday, Nippon Ishin Secretary-General Fumitake Fujita announced the party had forced Umemura to resign from the Judicial Affairs Committee and that other disciplinary actions might be taken.

“The fact that Umemura took up an emotional question based on her assumptions is extremely problematic and inappropriate. The party’s executive committee would like to apologize,” Fujita said.

Immigration officials acknowledged in an August 2021 report that officials lacked an awareness of how serious Wishma’s situation was. The head of the Immigration Services Agency apologized, and four officials at the Nagoya center were reprimanded. The family has filed a lawsuit against the government and is seeking ¥156 million in compensation.

Source: Japan Times

Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Army under the leadership of Army Spokesperson Brigadier Ravi Herath is providing essential support to combat dengue, which as of now has been declared as a pending epidemic.

Accordingly, the Army is providing essential support to the Anti-Dengue Task Force appointed by the government and their operations include the conduction of a thorough dengue inspections and contributing to the battling of the disease.

Meanwhile, the National Dengue Control Unit has announced the initiation of comprehensive measures to prevent the transmissions of dengue, with rigorous inspections of various premises, particularly those at risk of becoming breeding grounds for carrier mosquitoes.

It is also reported that the National Dengue Control Unit has deployed drones to inspect areas that are difficult to surveil, and a special dengue control programme is set to launch in the North-Western Province tomorrow (22), in parallel with the ongoing islandwide initiative to battle the disease.

As of now the National Dengue Control Unit has identified 57 MOH divisions as high-risk areas, and these areas will be subject to dengue control, ensuring prompt and targeted actions to mitigate the contagion.

By: Isuru Parakrama

Colombo (LNW): Several Police personnel have been interdicted and transferred over the death of a woman who was in Police custody.

Accordingly, a Sub-Inspector, two Sergeants and a Police Constable attached to the Welikada Police Station were interdicted, and two Women Police Constables were transferred over the incident, revealed Police Spokesman Thalduwa.

The deceased, R. Rajakumarai, was a 41-year old resident of Badulla who served as a domestic worker at a local producer’s residence.

She was arrested on May 11, based on a complaint by her employer accusing her of stealing gold jewellery.

01. President Ranil Wickremesinghe instructs the immediate establishment of an Agricultural Modernisation Secretariat to address the issues arising in the Agricultural Modernisation Programme; further instructs to appoint additional secretaries from the President’s Office, Ministry of Agriculture, and other line ministries, along with officials of equivalent ranks, to serve in the Secretariat; assures the armed forces are also contributing to the programme.

02. The Inter-University Students Federation appoints Madhushan Chandrajith of the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Peradeniya as its new Convener.

03. The Sri Lankan Army under the leadership of Army Spokesman Brigadier Ravi Herath provides essential support to the Anti-Dengue Task Force: Their activities include conducting thorough dengue inspections and contributing to the fight against the disease.

04. Four Police personnel interdicted with three others transferred over the death of a 41-year old woman who was in Police custody: The deceased was arrested on May 11, 2023 based on a complaint made by the deceased employer, claiming that she had stolen gold jewellery.

05. The AG’s Office announced that Sri Lanka will honour the compensation limit claim ruling issued by a UK Court, despite having filed a lawsuit in Singapore seeking compensation for the eco-damages caused by the X-Press Pearl Maritime Disaster; adds it intends to submit a motion to the London Court concerning the compensation limit claim and seek expert advice from legal professionals in the UK.

06. Japan’s Upper House Lawmaker Mizuho Umemura dismissed from a parliamentary committee after making a controversial remark involving the death of a Sri Lankan woman at an immigration facility two years ago: The victim, Wishma Sandamali, was found dead in March 2021 at Nagoya Regional Immigration Services Bureau after repeatedly pleading to authorities to be taken to a hospital as she was ill: Umemura without proof claimed she may have died ‘as a result of a hunger strike.’

07. State Minister Rohana Dissanayake accused of posing death threats to a manager of the SLTB depot in the Matale District over the deployment of a bus on the route that runs to Laggala, Weligama, Mahiyangana through Ratthota – Riverston, Matale: The said bus was deployed based on a request by State Minister Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon for the convenience of school children and residents of the area.

08. Sri Lanka’s tea production despite hopes of a turnaround with fertiliser records increased exports in the first four months of 2023: January – April, 2023 earnings have increased sharply by 11% to US$ 407 million compared to US$ 367 million in the corresponding period a year earlier: April earnings alone have increased by 16% to US$ 93 million compared to US$ 80 million in the corresponding period a year earlier.

09. The Indian government agrees to promote and strengthen renewable energy sector cooperation between India and Sri Lanka: Cabinet grants approval to enter into a MoU between the two nations with regard to energy sector cooperation: Public and private entities in both India and Sri Lanka to work on this project.

10. Sri Lanka Football Captain Sujan Perera says he will step down from his position after FIFA’s ban on Sri Lanka Football is lifted; accuses the past and present administrations of not focusing on protecting the players; adds his services as a player will be available until he retires and will consider his decision if the administration takes relevant steps to protect the players.

High Commissioner Veluppillai Kananathan presented the Letter of Credence appointing him as the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the Federal Republic of Nigeria with residence in Kenya to His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, the President of Nigeria, at the State House in Abuja on May 18, 2023. The President and the High Commissioner exchanged views during the private meeting that followed the official ceremony, where at the outset the High Commissioner conveyed the greetings and best wishes of the President of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe to the President of Nigeria. While recalling the recent gathering of the Heads of State of the Commonwealth countries in the United Kingdom, President Buhari extended his friendly greetings to the President of Sri Lanka.

High Commissioner Kananathan briefed President Buhari on the current political and economic situation in Sri Lanka and the efforts being taken by the Government towards economic recovery. In response, President Buhari stated that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was severe in many countries, and his country followed the developments in Sri Lanka with keen interest while expressing satisfaction on the progress being achieved.

High Commissioner Kananathan said that the current government headed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe attaches great importance to Sri Lanka’s relations with Africa, including with Nigeria, which is one of the leading economies in Africa, and to strengthening cooperation between the regions and the two countries.

As members of the Commonwealth of Nations, the Global South, the G77, and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), High Commissioner Kananathan highlighted that Sri Lanka and Nigeria share common interests on global issues and he appreciated the support extended by Nigeria to Sri Lanka in international fora.  The High Commissioner expressed his desire to consolidating existing ties between the two countries to further strengthen bilateral relations.

President Buhari, in response, conveyed that there is a huge potential to develop economic cooperation between the two countries and highlighted the rewarding opportunities for investment, particularly in renewable energy, oil and gas, agro-allied industries, telecommunications, solid minerals, etc. The President added that the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), which is mandated to encourage and assist investment in Nigeria, functions as a one-stop investment center with the close cooperation of 27 governmental and state-owned agencies in order to consolidate and streamline administrative procedures for new businesses and investments.

High Commissioner Kananathan, while appreciating the excellent defence cooperation existing between Sri Lanka and Nigeria, proposed to identify other avenues for cooperation for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

Further, the High Commissioner apprised the Nigerian President of his long experience and knowledge in Africa and recalled his role as a member of the International Election Monitoring Team in the recently held presidential elections in Nigeria.

In conclusion, while wishing the High Commissioner every success in promoting bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Nigeria, the President assured the Nigerian government’s fullest support and cooperation towards that end.

Nigeria, a country located on the western coast of Africa, has abundant natural resources, notably large deposits of petroleum and natural gas. The Nigerian economy is one of the largest in Africa. Sri Lanka High Commission in Kenya is now concurrently accredited to Nigeria.

Sri Lanka High Commission

Nairobi

19May 2023

High Commission of India, Colombo invites applications from eligible Sri Lankan students (excluding OCI Card holders) for Undergraduate Courses in MBBS, BDS, BE, B.Tech, B.Pharm, B.Arch, Diploma level Technical courses and Diploma in Pharmacy course under the Self Financing Scheme for academic year 2023-24.

2.     Candidates who wish to apply for MBBS/BDS courses need to have at least 50^th percentile in NEET exam and 50% each in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English in A/L.

3.    BE/B.Tech and Diploma in Engineering candidates require a minimum of 60% each in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics and 50% in English in A/L. 

4.     For B.Pharmacy and Diploma in Pharmacy, minimum of 60% each in Physics, Chemistry and Biology and 50% in English in A/L are required.

5.     B.Arch aspirants have to mandatorily clear the aptitude test prescribed by the Council of Architecture, New Delhi.

6.     Interested candidates could obtain the application forms from Education Wing of the High Commission of India, Colombo on any working day between 1400 and1600 hrs on production of G.C.E. O/L, A/L certificates and Birth Certificate.

7.     Last date of receipt of completed application forms with all supportive documents at the High Commission is June 16, 2023.

***

Colombo

19 May 2023

 
        The prestigious Mahatma Gandhi Scholarships were awarded to 300 Advanced Level school students from all 25 districts across Sri Lanka by High Commissioner H.E Gopal Baglay, Minister of Education Hon. Dr.Susil Premajayantha and State Minister of Education Hon. A. Aravindh Kumar at a special ceremony held in  Ministry of Education on 18 May 2023. 

2.     An amount of LKR 2500 per student is being provided to Advanced Level students on merit cum means basis to the top six students from each district every month under this Scholarship. This year, scholarships were awarded to two batches simultaneously due to COVID during the year 2021 – 2022. 

3.     Congratulating students for their achievement, High Commissioner stressed the importance of bilateral cooperation in education sector for bright future of youth in both the countries.  Drawing parallels between The Buddha and Mahatma, he stated that the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi hold good even in the fast-changing world.  Underlining the close cultural links between India and Sri Lanka, he called on the young students to utilize the opportunities available in India, where rapid advances are taking place in the field of education. He expressed confidence that the young students of Sri Lanka would be a great source of strength for both India and Sri Lanka in future.

4.     Minister Hon. Dr.Premajayantha thanked Government of India for providing not only Mahatma Gandhi Scholarships, but also various other Scholarships and opportunities in prestigious institutions including IITs. He said that these initiatives proved to be instrumental to the growth of Sri Lanka’s Human Resource.   Minister also paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi for his ideas and thoughts about education. Further, he expressed gratitude to Government of India for extending support for text book printing in Sri Lanka for school children.

5.     Apart from Mahatma Gandhi scholarships, Government of India offers around 210 scholarships annually in various fields including Engineering, Technology, Arts, Science, Indigenous medicine etc. to Sri Lankan students. More than 400 fully paid Scholarship slots are also available under ITEC scheme for Government officials in Sri Lanka to enhance their domain knowledge.  In addition, thousands of seats are also available to Sri Lankan students in India under “Study in India” programme.  

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Colombo
May 19, 2023