Colombo (LNW): Attorney-at-Law Panduka Keerthinanda has been appointed as the Chairman of the Land Reform Commission (LRC) today (09).
The appointment was made before Tourism and Lands Minister Harin Fernando.
Mr. Keerthinanda was enrolled to the Bar in 1993. He hold a bachelors degree from the University of Colombo (1990), and as a Senior practitioner in the bar, he has acquired commendable experience in Criminal and Civil Law practice in Sri Lanka.
Keerthinanda previously served as the Chairman of the Sugathadasa National Sports Complex Authority, a Member of National Sports Council, a Legal Consultant to the Sports Ministry (2010-15), and a Legal Consultant to the Ministry of Telecommunication, Foreign Employment and Sports.
Being an active figure contributing to the well-being of the field of sports in the country, Mr. Keerthinanda intervened in adopting the Convention Against Doping in Sports Act 33 of 2013, and the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports Act 25 of 2019.
He currently serves as the Legal Advisor to Tourism and Lands Minister Harin Fernando and as the Chairman of the Tourism Advisory Committee.
Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupees happens to be steady against the US Dollar as revealed by leading commercial banks in the country today (09) in comparison to last week’s Friday.
At Peoples Bank, the buying and selling prices of the US Dollar remain unchanged at Rs. 316.18 and Rs. 329.37, respectively.
At Commercial Bank, the buying and selling prices of the US Dollar remain unchanged at Rs. 317.68 and Rs. 328, respectively.
Sampath Bank follows the same pattern revealing unchanged Dollar rate at Rs. 318 and Rs. 328, respectively.
Colombo (LNW): Lawyers from all corners of the country today (09) united in front of the Hulftsdorp court complex in objection to the government’s move of interfering with the Judiciary.
It was noteworthy that lawyers from the North-East have also joined hands with the protest and raised their voice for democracy.
Demanding justice for Judge T. Saravanarajah, the former Mullaitivu District Judge who resigned due to being threatened with his life, independence of the Judiciary, and an end to the controversial Anti-Terrorism Bill, the Online Safety Bill and the Broadcasting Bill in the name of democracy were some of their slogans.
The protest was attended and endorsed by many lawyers from all over the country.
Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has surged ahead in 2023, with earnings totalling nearly $ 1.5 billion in the first nine months of the year, alongside a notable influx of over 1.01 million visitors.
The latest data from the Central Bank reveals that tourism earnings in the third quarter of 2023 were over $ 1.45 billion, reflecting a staggering 67% surge from the corresponding period of last year.
September earnings stood at $ 152.2 million but witnessed a 28% dip from August. This dip is attributed to September falling short of its monthly arrivals target.
In a month-to-month comparison, both August and September fell short of their monthly arrivals target, despite July surpassing projections and generating a remarkable income.
This $ 219 million makes July the highest monthly earnings of 2023 thus far.
Separately, a faction of the industry contends the data highlights a pronounced decline in earnings since the announcement of the minimum room rate (MRR) in June, signalling the impact of this policy shift on the industry’s revenue streams.
“The dip in earnings unequivocally indicates that the enforcement of MRR has had a substantial impact on the industry as a whole.
This demonstrates that visitors were quite sensitive to the price hike introduced to the city hotels and has impacted the high earning segments like MICE tourism,” they argued.
Despite enduring significant challenges following the Easter Sunday attacks in 2019, Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has not only weathered the storms but emerged more robust.
This resurgence is vividly reflected in the surge of arrivals, which reached an impressive 1.01 million in the first nine months of 2023, a stark contrast to the crisis-ridden figure of 29,802 in 2022.
However, when benchmarked against the pivotal year of 2018, the industry still grapples with a 25% deficit.
Analysts view this upward trend in arrivals as a promising sign for an industry that has navigated a series of hurdles over the past three years.
With cautious optimism, Sri Lanka Tourism is intensifying efforts to further stimulate the sector, to regain pre-crisis levels of activity in the coming years.
Sri Lanka Tourism’s anticipation is running high for the winter season, as the sector sets ambitious targets of welcoming 1.55 million visitors and generating over $ 3 billion in income by year-end.
“Achieving these milestones would mark a significant triumph in the industry’s path to recovery,” analysts said.
Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka continues to sustain a near US $ 1 billion trade deficit as evidenced by August external trade data released recently.
By end July cumulative trade deficit was $ 971 million whilst in August it amounted $ 925 million. In the first eight months of this year.
The cumulative deficit in the trade account narrowed to $2,964 million from $3,889 million recorded over the same period in 2022, due to a larger decline in imports offsetting the decline in exports, the Central Bank said.
In recent months however, the difference in the deficit has narrowed. In the first quarter of this year the deficit was better at $ 861 million, low er by $ 1.5 billion from $ 2.4 billion in the 1Q of last year.
In the first half the deficit was $ 2.28 billion, less than $ 1.2 billion as against $ 3.5 billion a year ago.
However in August the deficit in the merchandise trade account widened to $ 307 million, compared to $ 260 million recorded a year ago.
Overall exports: Earnings from exports in August 2023 marked the highest monthly earnings so far in 2023.
However, earnings from merchandise exports declined by 8.7% in August 2023, YoY, to $ 1,119 million.
The decline in export earnings was mainly driven by industrial exports, particularly garments, due to a continued slowdown in external demand.
Cumulative export earnings during January to August 2023 also declined by 10.1% over the same period in the last year, amounting to $ 8,010 million.
Industrial exports: Earnings from the export of industrial goods continued to witness a decline in August 2023 as well, compared to a year earlier, and a significant share of this decrease can be attributed to garments, which offset the increase recorded in export of transport equipment.
The export of garments recorded a 20% decline during the eight months ending August 2023, recording a decline in earnings from most of the major markets (the USA, the EU and the UK).
Moreover, there was a substantial downturn in the export of rubber products (mainly, tires and gloves); and animal fodder (mainly, wheat residues); among others.
Expenditure on merchandise imports declined by 4.0% (YoY) to $ 1,426 million in August 2023.
However, a marginal increase in import expenditure is observed from June 2023 onwards, on a month-on-month basis, partly supported by the relaxations of import restrictions.
The decline in import expenditure was primarily driven by intermediate goods, despite expenditures on consumer goods and investment goods imports recorded an increase.
Cumulative import expenditure during January to August 2023 declined by 14.3% to $ 10,974 million, compared to the same period in the previous year.
Colombo (LNW): The Government has embarked on an ambitious 10-year initiative aimed at boosting agriculture and tourism in the Eastern Province, with a particular focus on the development of Trincomalee.
Plans will be devised soon to harness the untapped potential of the Mahaweli A and B zones in the Batticaloa district, previously overlooked by Mahaweli projects.
Additionally, a comprehensive tourism strategy spanning from Nilaweli to Panama is set to be implemented.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these announcements during his attendance at the 149th anniversary celebration of Chenkaladi Madhya Maha Vidyalaya in Batticaloa recently.
The proposed 10-year plan for the Batticaloa district is poised to bolster its economic vitality.
While President J.R. Jayawardene initially intended to leverage the Mahaweli initiative for regional development, but the shadow of war prevented its realization.
Today, a new vision emerges as government plans to transform Trincomalee into a thriving city, in collaboration with India, tapping into mineral resources and creating a bustling trade hub.
In Katunayake, Biyagama, there exists a 400-acre investment zone, but Trincomalee has set its sights on establishing an expansive 1000-acre investment zone.
A systematic development plan for the Trincomalee Port has been prepared by a Singaporean company Surbana Jurong and the govenmnt is determined to see it through.
This ambitious endeavour will transform Trincomalee into a major city and a robust economic hub.
Concurrently, the government has recognised the importance of agricultural development. Plans are underway to harness the untapped potential of the Mahaweli A and B regions in the Batticaloa district, previously overlooked by Mahaweli projects.
The aim is to create a modern agricultural industry in this area. The province has achieved self-sufficiency in rice production and we are actively working to diversify our crop portfolio.
Increasing liquid milk production through the introduction of new livestock management practices is also on the horizon. The government is seeking support from local companies like Ambewela in Sri Lanka and international firms to achieve this goal.
To bolster tourism in the Eastern Province it has been mapping out a tourist zone spanning from Nilaveli to Panama. Plans include the development of forest and lake areas to enhance the tourism experience.
Over the next 10 years, our focus remains on the comprehensive development of Trincomalee city, revitalizing the Mahaweli A and B regions, modernizing agriculture and promoting tourism.
These efforts are poised to usher in a new era of economic prosperity in these provinces. Additionally, addressing the concerns of dairy farmers is a top priority.
Colombo (LNW): Colombo Port City is destined to become a major economic hub in the South Asian region bringing renewed hope for economic growth and potential for major investments, Former British Prime Minister, David Cameron pronounced.
Delivering the keynote address at the recently concluded Port City Colombo UAE Road Show, he unveiled its potential drawing the attention of numerous global investors and dignitaries to the immense investment and business opportunities that this visionary project presents.
The event served as an exceptional platform for fruitful discussions and an opportunity to showcase the abundant and diverse prospects at CPC.
Colombo Port City is a visionary multibillion-dollar project that aims to redefine Sri Lanka’s economic and social landscape.
Built on reclaimed land, adjacent to the heart of Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo at Galle Fcace Green, it will offer a cosmopolitan lifestyle, world-class infrastructure, and sustainable living, he highlighted.
As a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), it also provides a range of incentives and benefits for businesses, making it an ideal destination for international businesses, hotel owners and operators to establish their presence in Sri Lanka.
In addition, CPC’s regulatory framework aligns with global standards and has brought in a transparent and business-friendly environment.
The SEZ’s independent governance framework, by way of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission (CPCEC), is also setting the stage for PCC to become one of the easiest places to do business in the region, further cementing its prospects as the “Gateway to South Asia”.
The former British PM shared his keen insights about special economic zones like PCC, highlighting their massive potential for success and boosting the economies of their host countries.
He used the Dubai International Financial Centre, Singapore and many other examples to clearly illustrate the emerging opportunities.
The event also provided an opportunity for Port City representatives to directly and clearly communicate to investors about the incentive programs available.
Overall, Cameron’s remarks resonated well with the gathering of investors and other dignitaries, highlighting the transformational potential of Port in South Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific.
He went on to discuss Sri Lanka’s geographic advantage, being at the centre of a population of about 3.2 billion people in the Indo-pacific and just 40 km away from India, at the closes point between the two nations.
With that, CPC could attract investors from around the world and could possibly evolve to become a centre of investment in the future.
Hence, for a country like Sri Lanka, it is extremely important to draw inspiration from Asian countries and translate the economic concepts and models to better work in a local context, he added.
PMD: During a recent episode of the ‘One-O-One Katha’ program produced by the President’s Media Division, Dr. Hasareli Fernando, a specialist in community medicine, discussed the significant advancements in healthcare in Sri Lanka. She highlighted the expansion of healthcare services across the island, including the establishment of 30 new breast clinics in government hospitals under the supervision of oncology surgeons. These clinics, in addition to the existing Suvanari clinics and cancer early detection centres, are playing a crucial role in enhancing the early detection of breast cancer.
Furthermore, Dr Hasareli Fernando emphasized that while breast cancer cannot be prevented, early detection holds the potential for complete cure. This development in healthcare infrastructure represents a significant step forward in ensuring better healthcare access and outcomes for the people of Sri Lanka.
Expressing her views further Dr Hasareli Fernando noted;
Breast cancer ranks as the most prevalent form of cancer among women both in our country and worldwide. It’s important to note that men are not immune to breast cancer, although being female constitutes a significant risk factor. In fact, women face a risk that is 100 times greater than that of men in developing breast cancer.
Additionally, over 80% of breast cancer cases are reported in individuals aged 50 and above. A family history of breast cancer and genetic mutations contribute to the risk, with a 15% likelihood of breast cancer due to genetic factors. Those who have previously battled breast cancer are also at a higher risk of recurrence, as are women who have never had children and those who had their first child after turning 30. Factors such entering puberty before the age of 11 and reaching menopause after 55 years of age also pose risks that are beyond our control.
These risk factors are linked to estrogen and progesterone hormones in the body. Long-term use of hormonal birth control pills carries a slight risk of breast cancer, but this risk has been minimized through hormone combinations and pill formulations.
While some of these risk factors are beyond our control, there are modifiable factors that we can focus on, such as managing weight, dietary choices, regular exercise and alcohol and tobacco consumption.
The most effective method for early detection of breast cancer is through regular breast self-examinations, especially for women over the age of 20. It is recommended to perform these self-exams on a specific date each month. Health institutions consistently promote awareness about this practice.
When conducting routine breast self-examinations, individuals should be vigilant for any new changes, such as the presence of a lump, whether painful or not, alterations in skin texture, changes in colour or shape, nipple discharge, or nipple inversion. If a new lump is detected not only in the breast but also in the armpit, it is essential to seek immediate consultation with a qualified doctor. Referring to the “Suvanari Sayana” program through Medical Officers of Health offices is an option.
Moreover, the Ministry of Health has established five cancer screening centres in Narahenpita, Ratnapura, Matara, Batticaloa and Jaffna. Additionally, there are 30 new breast clinics operating under the supervision of specialist cancer surgeons in government hospitals across the island. Individuals can visit any of these facilities or hospitals promptly to undergo necessary tests and receive medical advice. While breast cancer cannot be prevented, early detection offers the possibility of complete cure.
Cancer cases are on the rise in Sri Lanka and globally. In 2020, Sri Lanka saw over 37,000 new cancer diagnoses, with more than 20,000 affecting women. Among these cases, breast cancer is the most common, exceeding 5,000 diagnoses in 2020. Breast cancer accounts for 26% of women’s cancer diagnoses. Worldwide, 2.2 million breast cancer cases were reported in 2020, with 685,000 deaths attributed to the disease. In 2019, Sri Lanka recorded 784 breast cancer-related deaths, including 18 among men.
Many preventable cancers are linked to poor dietary choices. To mitigate these risks, it is advisable to minimize consumption of fast food and be mindful of weight gain, which can contribute to certain cancers. While bread flour itself is not a carcinogen, it is associated with weight gain and some types of cancer. For adults, it is recommended to engage in at least half an hour of exercise per day, five days a week, to the point of perspiration. It is also crucial to avoid both smoking and smokeless tobacco products, as they are carcinogenic and contribute to oral and lung cancers, particularly in men.
Colombo (LNW): Public Security Minister Tiran Alles has informed the media bodies that the Online Safety Bill will undergo thorough consultation with all the relevant stakeholders before being tabled in Parliament.
The controversial Bill was introduced in Parliament on Tuesday (03) and immediately met with backlash due to his alleged repressive manner.
By Friday, nine objections to the Bill were submitted to the Supreme Court, and more are likely to follow before the October 17 deadline.
On Friday (06), Alles convened a session with numerous media entities and specialists, and entered a consensus that the Bill posed crucial issues that might require revisions.
Media specialists articulated concerns that the Bill could curtail fundamental Freedom of Expression rights and highlighted the lack of comprehensive discussions with primary stakeholders, including technology firms.
Highlighting the Bill’s history, the Minister shared that its development spanned two justice ministers since 2016, and he was now overseeing its evolution. He underscored the increasing online harassment complaints, especially from women and children, which necessitates prompt governmental intervention.
Minister Alles plans to hold in-depth consultations with the Bar Association, civil rights groups, human rights bodies, and the diplomatic sector before advancing the Bill, according to reports.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe directs that his image is not used on billboards, cut-outs, and posters: calls on all political leaders to avoid including their photos in their campaign materials: says people are scolding politicians when they see them on television and queries as to why politicians must put themselves on posters and get scolded from the people again.
Foreign Ministry says SL is deeply concerned about the escalation of violence & the resulting loss of life in Israel & Palestine: calls for an immediate halt to violence: expresses support to a negotiated settlement in line with internationally agreed parameters of 2 states living side by side on the basis of the 1967 borders.
SL economy suffers a massive contraction of 7.9% in the 1st half of 2023, following a decline of 7.8% in 2022: marks the deepest contraction in the country’s post-independence history.
Disaster Management Centre says around 8,000 people (3,500 families) in Galle and more than 50,000 people (18,000 families) in Matara have been affected by the adverse weather conditions.
SJB MP Harsha de Silva who vociferously advocated higher taxes, debt default & an IMF programme, now asks the Govt to reduce tax on professionals and compensate for the revenue loss by tackling the problem of counterfeit revenue stickers on liquor bottles: says there is now a need for a “comprehensive solution”.
Workers’ remittances in September’23 records USD 482 mn, up from USD 359 mn in September’22: however, the September’23 figure was below the August’23 figure of USD 499 mn and well below the USD 570 mn remittances average for the month of September during the period from 2015 to 2020: cumulative remittances for January-September’23 was USD 4,345 mn, up 75% from the corresponding period last year.
SLMC Secretary M Nizam Kariapper, PC, says the expulsion of Batticaloa District MP Zainul Abdeen Nazeer Ahamed from Parliament for switching allegiance to the Govt in violation of a decision by the Party to vote against Budget 2022 would impact the upcoming vote on Budget 2024: previously, SC Justices P Padman Surasena, S Thurairaja PC & Mahinda Samyawardhena had unanimously endorsed the SLMC decision to expel Ahamed.
SLPP General Secretary MP Sagara Kariyawasam says a number of SLPP MPs had breached the party discipline in recent times, with some MPs even joining the opposition: asserts the Party is considering taking action against them in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling: also says the SLPP would be able to take disciplinary action against SLPP MPs such as Dullas Alahapperuma, Dilan Perera & Anura Yapa who have acted against the Party’s stand.
Education Minister Susil Premajayanth says intellectuals who choose to leave the country during its challenging times, despite being prime beneficiaries of the free education system and having enjoyed the associated social benefits, lack wisdom: Opposition MP Eran Wickramaratne says the high cost of living, increased taxation, & the absence of forward-thinking leadership are the causes for the current brain-drain.
Renowned movie actor Jackson Anthony, 65, passes away this morning while receiving treatment at the Intensive Care Unit of the Colombo National Hospital after being involved in an accident in Anuradhapura, more than an year ago.
