February 02, Colombo (LNW): Education Minister Susil Premajayantha has officially declared the government’s decision to institute a daily afternoon meal programme for children in primary grades attending government schools, Lankadeepa reported.
Commencing from March of this year, all children in primary grades will receive lunch as part of this initiative.
The government has allocated approximately Rs. 16 billion for the implementation of this project, with an estimated daily cost of Rs. 110 per child.
Minister Premajayantha underscored the significance of this programme in addressing nutritional needs and ensuring the well-being of primary school children.
The introduction of afternoon meals aims to enhance the overall educational experience and contribute to the health and development of young learners.
February 02, Colombo (LNW): Minister Keheliya Rambukwella presented himself at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to provide a statement in connection with the ongoing investigations related to the importation of substandard immunoglobulin.
The directive for Minister Keheliya Rambukwella to appear before the CID at 9:00 am today (02) was issued by the Maligakanda Magistrate.
The summons is part of the investigative process concerning the importation of substandard immunoglobulin.
Additionally, the magistrate imposed an overseas travel ban on Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, who currently serves as the Minister of Environment, formerly holding the position of Minister of Health.
February 02, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) has further appreciated against the US Dollar today (02) in comparison to yesterday, as per the exchange rates of leading commercial banks in the country.
At Peoples Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 307.69 from Rs. 309.16, and the selling price to Rs. 318.41 from Rs. 319.94.
At Commercial Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 304.02 from Rs. 308.60, and the selling price to Rs. 315.00 from Rs. 319.50.
At Sampath Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 308 from Rs. 309.5, and the selling price to Rs. 317 from Rs. 318.50.
February 02, Colombo (LNW): The island-wide strike initiated by a coalition of health sector trade unions entered its second consecutive day today (02), with discussions planned to address the ongoing situation later today.
Upul Rohana, President of the Paramedical Services Front (PMSF), stated that a final decision on the continuation of the strike would be determined during the scheduled discussion with trade union representatives.
The health workers collectively resorted to this trade union action due to what they perceive as an inadequate response from the government concerning their demands.
The strike involves a coalition of 72 trade unions from the health sector, who launched a one-day strike on February 01, urging the government to promptly address issues related to allowances.
However, doctors’ unions and the All Ceylon Nurses’ Union opted not to participate in the strike, asserting that the planned action was a government conspiracy.
Tri-force personnel were deployed to state hospitals nationwide in response to the strike, ensuring the continuous provision of essential medical services.
On January 8th, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the doubling of the Disturbance, Availability, and Transport (DAT) allowance for government doctors, increasing it from Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 70,000.
Subsequently, health sector trade unions representing various professionals, including radiology and laboratory technicians, pharmacists, midwives, dental surgeons, public health inspectors, and entomology officers, engaged in multiple strikes, opposing the decision and demanding an allowance increase for all health sector employees.
On January 23rd, the government temporarily reduced the payment of the DAT allowance for doctors, citing insufficient funds. Dr. Asela Gunawardena, the Director General of Health Services, explained that while arrangements were made for the payment, the Treasury had not provided funds within the approved allocation limit.
This prompted the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) to announce an indefinite strike starting January 24th, which was later called off after the decision to suspend DAT allowance payments was reversed.
February 02, Colombo (LNW): Udayanga Rathna Diwakara, the General Secretary of Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC), has initiated legal proceedings by filing a petition before the Court of Appeals on February 01, seeking a writ order to annul the Cabinet’s decision to bifurcate SLIC into two separate institutions.
A total of 56 individuals, including Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, members of the Cabinet of Ministers, SLIC, and its Board of Directors, have been cited as respondents in the petition.
Such a decision, impacting the structure of SLIC, requires parliamentary approval and cannot be solely determined by the Cabinet, Diwakara argued.
He emphasised in the petition that SLIC, beyond being a profit-making institution, significantly contributes to public welfare.
He contended that the Cabinet’s decision lacks a legal foundation and raises concerns about the potential negative consequences on the public.
In addition to seeking an interim order against the Cabinet decision, Diwakara’s petition also requests the Court of Appeals to restrain SLIC’s Board of Directors from executing any actions leading to the division of the company’s assets and properties into two separate institutions.
The Cabinet of Ministers had approved the decision to operate the life and general insurance businesses of SLIC as distinct legal entities during its meeting on March 13, 2023.
This approval was granted in adherence to the provisions of the Regulation of Insurance Industry (Amendment) Act No. 3 of 2011 under the state-owned enterprises (SEOs) restructuring.
Subsequently, on December 18, the Cabinet endorsed a proposal by the President to segregate the life and general insurance businesses of SLIC into fully owned subsidiaries – Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation Life Limited and Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation General Limited.
February 02, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has formally requested the assistance of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in facilitating the government’s endeavour to establish a robust dispute prevention and resolution mechanism within the public service.
The request was made during a meeting at Temple Trees yesterday (01), where ILO Country Director Joni Simpson, accompanied by United Nations Resident Coordinator Marc-André Franche, paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister.
Expressing gratitude for the Prime Minister’s initiative and the Cabinet of Ministers’ approval of the proposal, the delegation assured full support for the implementation of the envisaged mechanism.
Emphasising the significance of the mechanism, they highlighted its dual purpose of resolving existing disputes and preventing future conflicts through a tripartite dialogue system.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Gunawardena provided insights into the profound impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the economic crisis on the labour workforce.
He outlined both short-term and long-term measures implemented by the government to foster economic recovery while addressing the needs of labourers, especially those in the low-income bracket.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Gunawardena underscored the government’s commitment to enhancing the upward mobility of the country’s labour workforce.
He detailed various training programmes initiated for skill development, emphasising that improving the quality and quantity of jobs is integral to lifting people out of poverty.
Highlighting Sri Lanka’s adherence to ILO regulations, the Prime Minister pointed out that the nation has created opportunities for both men and women to secure productive employment in conditions characterised by freedom, equity, security, and human dignity.
The discussion included Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake and UN Country Office Analyst Nethali Madawala.
February 02, Colombo (LNW): In a press briefing titled ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country,’ held at the President Media Centre (PMC), State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya addressed criticism of President Wickremesinghe’s recent foreign trips.
Balasuriya staunchly defended these engagements, dismissing claims of their unnecessary nature. He underscored the paramount importance of these diplomatic efforts in enhancing Sri Lanka’s foreign relations, attracting investments, and fostering international partnerships.
During the briefing, Balasuriya emphasised that Sri Lanka cannot afford isolation on the global stage, asserting that foreign relations are pivotal for the nation’s development.
He countered criticisms, deeming them baseless, and highlighted the vital role played by the President’s visits in Sri Lanka’s pursuit of progress.
The recent diplomatic endeavours were centred on economic recovery and international cooperation. President Wickremesinghe’s participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos aimed to engage the business community in discussions on rebuilding the nation and attracting investment.
The Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Kampala addressed broader geopolitical concerns, focusing on navigating global power dynamics and Sri Lanka’s long-term economic trajectory.
Participation in the G77 + China Summit allowed discussions on crucial issues such as climate change and epidemic threats, particularly their impact on developing nations like Sri Lanka. Balasuriya defended these foreign trips, emphasising their role in strengthening foreign relations and fostering development.
Balasuriya highlighted the direct engagement with private sector leaders during these international conferences, providing political leaders with opportunities to make development decisions tailored to specific needs and investments. He asserted that these interactions accelerate progress and foster collaboration.
The state minister clarified that the recent visits served a dual purpose, solidifying the “offline policy” and addressing regional spill-over concerns from conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Balasuriya expressed confidence in containing these conflicts through collaboration with regional leaders and underscored the contribution of these interactions to global peace.
In conclusion, Balasuriya extended an invitation to foreign leaders to continue the dialogue on economic and social measures, emphasising Sri Lanka’s commitment to international cooperation and collective problem-solving.
Standard Chartered Bank expresses concern over the delay in wrapping up SL’s External Debt Restructuring: says an agreement with bilateral and commercial creditors in 2Q2024 is crucial, ahead of SL’s election period beginning 3Q2024.
Dept of Immigration and Emigration announces that the fees for normal passport services will be increased to Rs.10,000, representing an increase of Rs.5,000.
SJB Chairman Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka MP claims the SJB protest did not turn out to be successful: says if he had organised it, he would have done it more skillfully: asserts that it was neither a protest nor a rally, although some 8,000 people participated.
Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene endorses the Online Safety Bill: the new Act to come into effect from 1st February’24.
Fort Magistrate’s Court grants bail to the 10 persons who were arrested while engaging in a Satyagraha in front of the CID headquarters demanding that former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella be arrested: Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court orders former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella to appear before the CID & also imposes an overseas travel ban on him.
Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court further remands former Health Ministry Secretary Janaka Chandragupta & 5 others till 15th February’24, over the case of importing substandard Human Immunoglobulin.
Health sector workers decide to continue their strike today as there has been no favourable response from the Govt: Defence Ministry says steps being taken to deploy tri-forces personnel depending on the requirements in hospitals due to the ongoing strike by health sector workers.
State Foreign Minister Tharaka Balasuriya defends the President’s recent foreign trips: stresses SL can’t afford to be isolated on the global stage: emphasizes the importance of the trips in strengthening SL’s foreign relations & securing new partnerships: argues that the President’s visits are essential for building bridges.
Cathay Pacific Airlines resumes direct flights between Hong Kong and Colombo after 4 years: due to fly thrice a week.
New Test Cricket Captain Dhananjaya de Silva says SL needs more on-field aggression to re-establish its Test prowess: SL is currently last on the World Test Championship rankings.
February 02, Colombo (LNW): A few showers may occur in Northern, Eastern and Uva provinces and in Polonnaruwa districts, with showers or thundershowers being expected at a few places in Central, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces after 4.00 p.m., the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (02).
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning, the statement added.
The public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers may occur at few places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kaluthara to Matara via Galle during the evening or night.
Winds:
Winds will be north-easterly to easterly and wind speed will be (20-30) kmph.
February 01, Colombo (LNW): Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena has formally endorsed the certificate pertaining to the Online Safety Bill, as confirmed by Parliament General Secretary Kushani Rohanadheera.
The Online Safety Bill, having undergone amendments, was successfully passed in parliament on January 23rd.
Subsequently, concerns were raised by opposition Members of Parliament who contended that the bill was approved without due consideration of the amendments proposed by the Supreme Court.
In response to these concerns, both opposition members and activists urged Speaker Abeywardena to withhold the endorsement of the certificate for the Online Safety Bill until it could be verified that the court’s suggested amendments were duly incorporated.
The Online Safety Bill’s primary objective is to regulate online content in Sri Lanka. However, critics caution that its implementation may result in censorship and the curtailment of free speech.
