PMD: President Ranil Wickremesinghe has issued a directive to the legal departments, instructing them to prepare a stringent legislation aimed at preventing child abuse.
The President has stressed the urgency of addressing the on-going issue of child abuse perpetrated by teachers, elders, and various segments of society. To combat such acts effectively, he has emphasized the necessity of implementing a legal framework that imposes severe punishments on offenders.
The President’s decision to take action was prompted by recent incidents, including the tragic death of a 16-year-old girl who jumped from a hotel in Kalutara, as well as the abuse of 16 children by a tuition teacher in the same region. President Ranil Wickremesinghe has specifically highlighted the need to introduce a separate set of laws dedicated to safeguarding the welfare of the nation’s children. To achieve this, he has called for amendments to be made to existing legislation, underscoring the importance of careful consideration during the process.
Significant adjustments are needed in the field of education. The President also highlights the importance of initiating a new discussion and raising awareness about the economic and social implications of parent-child interactions and mental health within households.
In addition to the enactment of strict laws for child protection, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has also directed his attention toward implementing a separate program in both public and private institutions. This program aims to foster an understanding of a child’s mind set and cultivate a society that embraces a broader perspective. The President believes that developing such attitudes within the community will contribute to the well-being of children.
The 25th Session of the Joint Commission between Sri Lanka and the European Union was convened in Colombo on 09 May 2023, in a constructive and cordial atmosphere. It reviewed bilateral relations ranging from reconciliation, human rights, trade, development cooperation, climate change & environment, sectoral cooperation, international security cooperation and cooperation in multilateral fora. The meeting was co-chaired by Ms. Aruni Wijewardane, Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, and Ms Paola Pampaloni, Deputy Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service of the EU.
The Joint Commission met at an important juncture for Sri Lanka in its 75th anniversary of independence. Sri Lanka briefed the EU side regarding the important social and economic stabilization process over the past year. The EU side commended Sri Lanka on the resilience of its democratic institutions, and the government’s progress in stabilizing the economy. The Sri Lanka side updated on the cases before the Supreme Court in response to a question made by the EU regarding the conduct of local government elections.
With regard to economic recovery, the Sri Lanka side updated the EU on the recent approval of the Extended Fund Facility by the IMF, and expressed Sri Lanka’s appreciation to the EU and Member States for the support extended. It was noted that Sri Lanka has already initiated fiscal, monetary and governance reforms, as well as measures to mitigate the economic impact of these reforms on the poor and vulnerable. The EU agreed on the significance of efficient targeted social safety nets, welcomed that the planned reforms include stronger measures against corruption, and emphasized the importance of independent institutions.
The EU welcomed the 21st Amendment, which would further enhance democratic governance.
The meeting took note of the outcome of the Working Group on Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights on 28 October 2022 and the importance of following up on its conclusions.
On the new Anti-Terrorism Bill, Sri Lanka informed that the Ministry of Justice was seeking the observations of the public and other stakeholders with a view to amending the Gazetted Bill before submitting it to Parliament. Sri Lanka’s ongoing consultation process with all relevant stakeholders is aimed at adopting a legislation in line with international standards, which could soon replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). The EU appreciated the commitment of Sri Lanka to further release PTA detainees and urged Sri Lanka to refrain from using the PTA.
Both parties agreed on the importance of empowering civil society while providing necessary space for their functioning in all its diversity. Further, EU reiterated its continued commitment to support Sri Lanka in justice reform and reconciliation, and welcomed Sri Lanka’s update on the country’s cooperation in international fora including its recent participation in the UPR Review under the 4th Cycle in February 2023 and 6th Periodic Review under the ICCPR in March 2023. The EU noted Sri Lanka’s continued cooperation and constructive engagement with the UN on the Universal Periodic Review. The EU encouraged Sri Lanka to continue its engagement with the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms.
Sri Lanka further updated on its reconciliation efforts, such as the new initiative of a domestic Truth and Reconciliation commission, release of land and resettlement of IDPs and the functioning of the independent offices: the Office on Missing Persons (OMP), the Office for Reparations (OR) and Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR). While acknowledging the efforts made, the EU encouraged the continued consultation with victims and all stakeholders, and underlined the importance of independence and effective functioning of these Offices.
The Joint Commission took stock of the conclusions of the Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation held virtually on 25th April 2023. The EU and Sri Lanka noted the significance of bilateral trade relations. In this regard, the EU urged Sri Lanka to lift the import restrictions preventing many European products from entering its market. The EU welcomed Sri Lanka’s intention to present a plan for the lifting of the import restrictions by June 2023. Sri Lanka expressed its intention towards a gradual phasing out of these restrictions, factoring in the current economic situation. The EU and Sri Lanka agreed that the EU-Sri Lanka Investor Dialogue may take place at an early date, in Sri Lanka. The EU presented the new EU GSP Regulation, which is expected to enter into force on 1 January 2024, for the next 10-year cycle. The EU informed that the report of the last EU GSP+ monitoring cycle 2020-2022 is expected to be released in the coming months.
The Joint Commission was also informed of the proceedings of the 6th meeting of the EU-Sri Lanka Working Group on Development Cooperation held in Colombo on 08 May 2023. The EU and Sri Lanka discussed joint priorities under the Multi-Annual Indicative Programme (MIP) of the EU. Both parties reviewed progress in thematic areas undertaken in support of Sri Lanka’s development priorities such as rural development, agriculture, green circular economy, good governance, and a peaceful and inclusive society. The EU stressed the importance of civil society for the country’s development.
Sri Lanka updated the EU on the drafting of its new Fisheries Act to prevent and eliminate the IUU fishing practices. Cooperation in the framework of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) was also discussed.
Discussions also included migration and readmission.
The EU and Sri Lanka exchanged ways to deepen cooperation on higher education, research and technical cooperation under the Erasmus + and Horizon Europe Framework.
Sri Lanka and the EU reviewed ongoing cooperation in the area of international security. Sri Lanka highlighted its progress in the area of cyber security and data protection and sought EU cooperation in this regard, as the country’s move towards a digital economy requires more governance in this area.
The EU referred to the upcoming Ministerial Conference on Indo-Pacific in Stockholm on 13th May 2023 and briefed on programmes under the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. The EU expressed its appreciation for Sri Lanka’s active participation in programmes such as “Critical Maritime Routes Indo-Pacific (CRIMARIO)”. Sri Lanka expressed interest in further areas for possible cooperation. Sri Lanka also highlighted its upcoming Chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
The EU welcomed Sri Lanka’s ambitious Climate Prosperity Plan (CPP), and the roadmap to attract foreign investment in its transition towards a greener economy, including through cooperation in climate financing and renewable energy, while accelerating climate adaptation and achieving net negative carbon emissions by 2050. The EU briefed on the implementation of the European Green Deal and expressed the desire to work closely with Sri Lanka, bilaterally and in multilateral fora, on climate financing options and climate change actions as well as environmental protection.
On the follow-up to the Conference of the Parties (COP27) of UNFCCC, both sides exchanged views on making the Loss and Damage Fund operational.
Sri Lanka highlighted its commitment and steady progress in achieving the SDGs amidst the economic challenges, and continued efforts taken to strengthen national level coordination, monitoring and progress evaluation of the implementation of SDGs.
In conclusion, both sides agreed to take follow-up action based on the deliberations of the 25th Session, including the identification of a series of action points to make progress on before the next Joint Commission Meeting in 2024 in Brussels.
Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Myanmar Janaka Bandara held a meeting with the top management of Myanmar Airways International on 12 May 2023, with the view of establishing direct air connectivity between Sri Lanka and Myanmar. Chairman Aung Aung Zaw and Chief Commercial Officer Tanes Kumar represented Myanmar Airways International in the discussion.
The Ambassador highlighted the significance of direct air connectivity in promoting the tourism industries of both destinations. It was underlined that travelers between the two countries were wasting considerable time at transits while the flight time is just less than three hours. The Ambassador assured that there would be a sizeable traffic up and down between these two significant destinations underpinned by historical, cultural and religious affinities.
In this discussion, the Ambassador requested to establish a regular charter flight between Yangon and Colombo and proposed to extend the Yangon – Chennai flight up to Colombo.
The Ambassador further suggested exploring the feasibility of having a circuit connecting Colombo – Yangon – Bodhgaya or Colombo – Yangon – Kathmandu with the view of gaining economic benefit out of the religious significance of these countries.
The CCO was positive towards the suggestions and agreed to work on them. He further agreed to see the possibility of arranging charter flights between Yangon and Colombo during the month of August, enabling the Myanmar pilgrims to go to Kandy to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic Temple “Sri Dalada Maligawa” and see “Asela Perahera” cultural pageant.
The proposal to establish direct air connectivity between Sri Lanka and Myanmar had been discussed at many high level forums in both countries.
Remarks by External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar at the Inaugural Session of the 6th Indian Ocean Conference on 12 May 2023 in Dhaka is produced below:
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am very pleased to join you this evening at the inaugural session of the 6th Indian Ocean Conference. In these years, we have come a long way and I compliment the organizers, India Foundation, for their commitment and perseverance. This particular conference has been made possible by a partnership with the Government of Bangladesh. Let me appreciate the personal support and encouragement extended by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, reflected in her presence amongst us today. I also thank the President of Mauritius and the Vice-President of Maldives, all the distinguished Ministers, notable dignitaries, scholars and experts who have joined us. Your attendance will add a richness and texture to our conversations over the next few days.
2. Let me begin with Bangladesh itself, which released its Indo-Pacific Outlook on 24 April 2023. By doing so, Bangladesh joined a number of countries ranging from ASEAN and East Asia to Europe and North America in articulating its thinking on this important subject. Indo-Pacific is a reality and becoming more so with each passing day. It is a statement of our contemporary globalization and an underlining that we are getting past the framework of 1945. There are obviously nations who have a vested interest in perpetuating the past. As indeed they have in larger international relations, including the structure of the United Nations. But time does not stand still for anyone; change has to be recognized. And I am truly glad that Bangladesh has joined the company of those who have done so.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
3. I particularly note from the 4 Guiding Principles and the 15 Objectives of Bangladesh’s outlook, its respect for the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS). It is essential for the credibility of the global order that such foundational regimes are respected and scrupulously observed by all signatories. May I add that the views of Bangladesh are particularly noteworthy because of its standing as a progressive and successful developing economy that is making its fullest contribution to regional growth and prosperity.
4. Let me now address the issue of the Indian Ocean. Because the world is understandably seized of the larger domain of the Indo-Pacific, we should not underplay the issues and challenges of one of its core constituents – the nations of the Indian Ocean. Our historical experience is somewhat different than those of the Pacific, even if we are joined at the hip. There are distinct issues that arise from regional identities, colonial experiences and geo-political relationships. Many nations of the Indian Ocean still address developmental challenges that may no longer be relevant in the Pacific. So, even while impressing the essential coherence of the Indo-Pacific, I would urge that we also focus determinedly on the Indian Ocean nations and their challenges.
5. Within the Indian Ocean, we must recognize that there are distinct regions and ecosystems. The Bay of Bengal is a very good example. The countries in this geography have their particular aspirations and agenda, as well as their respective pathways towards progress. We are members of the BIMSTEC, an organization that is increasingly coming into its own. Amongst ourselves, we are very cognizant of the challenges, we face in governance, modernization and security. And we are confident of dealing with them through deeper cooperation and shared efforts. It is by nurturing such building blocks that we will make the Indian Ocean – indeed the Indo-Pacific – stronger and more resilient.
6. The requirement of simultaneously addressing the needs of the Indo-Pacific, the Indian Ocean and its constituent regions is today the task before us. These are not alternatives but actually self-supporting activities. Naturally, there are aspects of specificity; but equally, there are broad principles that apply to all. For example, the importance of adhering to law, observing norms and respecting rules is a natural convergence point. It is not possible to build a stable international order without these prerequisites. This is especially so in a continent that has seen so much growth and so much change. When nations disregard their legal obligations or violate long-standing agreements, as we have seen, the damage to trust and confidence is immense. It is therefore essential that all of us take the long view of our cooperation, rather than a tactical one of our interests.
7. A significant shared concern through the Indian Ocean is that of unsustainable debt generated by unviable projects. There are lessons from the last two decades that we ignore at our peril. If we encourage opaque lending practices, exorbitant ventures and price points that are unrelated to the market, these are bound to bite us back, sooner rather than later. Especially so when sovereign guarantees have been proffered, not always with due diligence. Many of us in the region are today confronting the consequences of our past choices. This is time to reflect and reform, not one to repeat and reiterate.
8. Connectivity is a particularly crucial issue for all of us. This is because the era of imperialism disrupted the natural linkages of the continent and created regional silos to serve its own ends. In many cases, the hinterland was disadvantaged to the benefit of the coastal areas. Building back in the post-colonial era is a long, painful and arduous task. It is still very much work in progress. How to restore, indeed enhance flows between distinct regions is today of the utmost priority. For a nation like India, this means a land-connect to South East Asia. And a multi-modal one to the Gulf and beyond. Central Asia offers its own distinct challenges due to obstacles in between. Collectively, the more we work on facilitating smooth and effective connectivity, the better off we all are. And obviously, we need to respect sovereignty and territorial integrity while doing so. Let me therefore underline that from India’s perspective, efficient and effective connectivity to ASEAN in particular will be a game-changer. We accord this the utmost priority.
9. As nations of the Indian Ocean, we are united in our interest in the maritime sphere. Here too, there is much that we who inhabit this ocean must reflect on. The era where maritime spaces would be secured by others is now behind us. With each passing day, this is increasingly our shared responsibility. We must discharge that, sharply aware that global good should not be sacrificed at the altar of any national dominance. To do so, we must put in place the bilateral, plurilateral and regional tools and mechanisms to achieve our ends. It would mean exchanging information on white shipping, cooperating on coastal surveillance or collaborating on maritime domain awareness. Diplomacy cannot rest content merely by articulating positions; it equally needs practical action to back it up.
10. There are some global challenges that also merit regional considerations. Chief among them are climate action and counter-terrorism. The universality of these concerns is by now well recognized. It is essential that our conversations aim to encourage common positions. We must also be conscious of the threats to social fabric posed by extremism and fundamentalism taking advantage of democratic openness. The costs of not doing so are also starkly apparent to all of us today.
11. Nations of the Indian Ocean are among those who lead the rise of Asia and the re-emergence of Africa. They have the responsibility today of shaping the narrative, shaping it about values, practices and correctness. It is essential that their culture, history and traditions are presented to the world. If we are to compare the relative weight of littorals, that of the Indian Ocean still has to play catch-up. Our challenge, indeed our responsibility, is to hasten that process.
12. Allow me therefore, to conclude by reiterating India’s commitment to the well-being and progress of all nations of the Indian Ocean. We have dedicated bodies like the Indian Ocean Rim Association or the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, with their specific mandates. We expand on that belief through the “Neighbourhood First” policy, the SAGAR outlook and our approach to the extended neighbourhood. Beyond that, we believe that a seamless transition into an Indo-Pacific is to our collective advantage. This is a gathering of like-minded to have an open and fruitful discussion on various dimensions of our cooperation. I wish the deliberation all success.
Colombo (LNW): The heat index is once again expected to increase up to ‘Caution’ level at some places in Eastern and Northern provinces and Moneragala and Polonnaruwa districts, announced the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology.
The public, therefore, is urged to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade as often as possible, whilst looking out for the elderly and the sick. The Centre also stressed that children should never be left unattended and strenuous outdoor activities should be limited.
Meanwhile, several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-Western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts, and mainly fair weather will prevail elsewhere, the Department said in its daily weather forecast today (16).
Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times over Northern, North Central and Eastern provinces.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain: Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Matara via Colombo and Galle.
Winds: Winds will be south-westerly over sea area around the island and speed will be (30-40) kmph. Wind speed may increase up to (50-55) kmph at times in the sea areasoff the coast extending from Kalpitiya to Trincomalee via Mannar, Kankasanthurai and Mullaitivu And in the sea areas off the coast extending from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota.
State of Sea: The sea areasoff the coast extending from Kalpitiya to Trincomalee via Mannar, Kankasanthurai and Mullaitivu And in the sea areas off the coast extending from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota may be rough at times. Other sea areas around the island will be fairly rough.
Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
The restructuring of our sovereign debt is primarily driven by the GFN (Gross financing needs), the forward Sovereign Debt Perimeter, the forward Debt Service to GDP and other factors that dominate the IMF’s DSA (Debt sustainability assessment) and is a critical component of the IMF’s EFF. The benefits to Sri Lanka in achieving these DSA metrics have been clearly spelt out and understood and the EFF is the enabler to restarting Sri Lanka’s growth and poverty alleviation trajectory as well as its macroeconomic and banking/financial system stability. The enabler of these metrics is the IMF. They will work closely with the GOSL MoF/Treasury towards a credible composite sovereign debt restructuring and structural macroeconomic stability whilst keeping the country’s MoF/Treasury afloat (as opposed to sovereign bankruptcy) with the EFF and multilateral funding expectations being met.
External sovereign debt
The optics of the external sovereign debt restructuring debate is dominated by that of the commercial debt of which the larger component is that of ISBs (International Sovereign Bonds). ISBs are mostly held by international funds and global banks. Local institutions and banks licensed to deal in foreign currency hold these ISBs.
The large/foreign institutional ISB holders for the time being, are amenable to a restructuring and/or re-profiling and/or a haircut on the principal in return for a similar treatment of the domestic sovereign debt. As to why they take this position is varied and opaque, though one intelligent guess is that most current holders for the being have acquired these bonds at a discount at the time Sri Lanka’s sovereign rating was continuously sliding in late 2020 and early 2021. They’d rather recover the acquisition plus holding cost than lose the entire investment, albeit even at the discounted acquisition price.
The fly-in-the ointment here is their demand for a similar treatment to be imposed on domestic sovereign debt.
The rest of the external sovereign debt is that of bilateral debt and multilateral debt – any restructuring of which has to be largely political and diplomatic in approach and in resolution. What these creditors have asked in return for any restructured debt agreement, is unknown at best though it can be safely assumed that any concessions extracted from Sri Lanka would be more geopolitically strategic than financial.
Domestic sovereign debt
DDR (Domestic debt restructuring) is all about sovereign domestic LKR debt – debt owed by the GOSL to any individual or institution, whether financial or otherwise. The envisaged DDR does NOT include debt owed by parties other than the Sovereign, to any individual or institution, whether financial or otherwise.
The DDR is driven by the MoF/Treasury who is the Creditor, and who for multiple reasons, is labouring under the weight of an inability to meet its principal repayment commitment and possibly its interest servicing commitments.
Without a DDR there will be no ISB debt restructuring, and without these two, the extent of the multilateral and bilateral debt restructuring will be so onerous as to fail.
A failed composite debt restructuring will collapse the balance of the EFF, not to mention the deep and long scars Sri Lanka will be left with and the heavy burden of bankruptcy.
The fallout of such a sovereign bankruptcy on Sri Lanka and its banks (in international trade) is that Sri Lanka will become a COD (cash on delivery) country in international trade, with future generations scarred beyond recovery the consequences of which would be high outward migration and resource contraction and a growing output decline and eventual collapse.
Key holders of domestic sovereign debt
Domestic Sovereign debt to the EPF, ETF and the other retirement funds could be restructured so as to ensure there is a minimal drop in returns below the 2021 levels and can be achieved with a mix of coupon cuts with re-profiling and Capital haircuts.
Most such GSec holdings are acquired in the primary market and held to maturity.
Domestic Sovereign debt to banks, financial institutions, insurance funds and individuals would also have to be restructured so as to ensure there is a minimal drop in returns below the 2021 levels and can be achieved with a mix of coupon cuts with re-profiling and Capital haircuts.
Such GSec holdings however are acquired in the primary and secondary market and classified as held to maturity or Trading or Available for Sale (AFS).
A MoF/Treasury driven DDR of sovereign debt to banks, financial institutions, insurance funds and individuals would result in an asset impairment and charge to capital.
No need for knee jerk reaction
A rumour floated by interested parties in the media and gaining traction and causing trepidation among the general public is that the banks would request for and get from the CBSL, approval to effect similar haircuts on their Public FDs. The ostensible reason put forward by the banks is that the statutory liquidity ratios need to be held stable by simultaneous and equitable cuts in both assets and the liabilities in their balance sheets. Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe however said Sri Lanka’s public bank deposits and stability of the banking system will be safeguarded in any reorganisation of domestic debt.
The FDs are the smaller proportion of the liabilities in the banks liquidity ratios, but carry a disproportionately high propensity for social upheaval and a bank run, possibly even a collapse of a smaller bank. The higher proportion of liabilities in the liquidity ratios are interbank borrowings – both local and foreign and carry a high propensity to disrupt the interbank market and invite retaliation from the foreign correspondent banks.
Either is not a pleasant prospect.
It is the MoF/Treasury who is the principal sovereign debtor and it is the Secretary to the MoF/Treasury who should be taking the lead and ownership in dealing with and negotiating with the banks and FIs on the DDR – not the CBSL who is the banking regulator, who may incline towards a degree of bias and even sympathy with the banks and FIs they regulate and the banking system whose systemic stability they are responsible for.
The banks should be approaching the regulator for counsel on how to stabilise their balance sheet with a fait accompli DDR imposed by the sovereign creditor, i.e. the MoF/Treasury.
The FD holders or even the interbank creditors in the recent bank failures of Silvergate Bank, Signature Bank, Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and even Credit Suisse were not subject to cuts by the regulators concerned. The pain was borne by the AT1 Bond holders and/or the CET1 holders.
A negative impact to the banks and FIs capital is a given in a DDR. Sovereign debt crises the world over bear testimony to this. The better managed banks and FIs, with adequate capital over the regulatory/Basel III buffers, will absorb this impact, albeit emerging with slimmer buffers to go forward. Others will slip below. Both cases may necessitate regulatory holds on profit distributions, increases to senior management emoluments, capital expenditure, etc.
Options for banks and FIs
There is however, the clear and painless option of a possible regulatory forbearance on capital, liquidity and leverage ratios, even those defined by Basel III.
The CBSL as implementing agent for Basel III on behalf of the Bank for International Settlements, can do so for an agreed timeframe.
There are also other perfectly credible options for banks and FIs to take. Capital augmentation with Regulator forbearance on the single voting shareholder limit is one such. Another is an issue of contingent convertible bonds or CoCos, to be redeemed when the CT1 level is restored. Another, though against-the-wall option is to convert any FD and other liability cuts into voting shares subject to regulatory limits on voting equity. A run on a bank generally means funds move from a riskier bank to a safer bank and more so if there is a general perception that the BOD and Management of a bank has not done their job effectively. The Financial Sector globally has already seen 4 major banks collapse this year. Signature Bank, Silicon Valley Bank, First Republic Bank and Credit Suisse. Not one depositor in these banks lost a cent. Those who lost out were the shareholders.
UBS first offered $ 0.27 per share of CS and after a weekend of negotiating they increased it to $ 0.81 per share and that too was paid as an all share offer (no cash) as 1.00 UBS share for 22.48 CS shares. 12 months ago this stock was trading at circa $6.00 and the Saudi National Bank invested $ 1.5 billion in Nov 2022 at circa $ 4.00 per share for a stake of 10%. Signature Bank and Silicon Valley Bank shareholders lost everything when the FDIC took it over and are now looking to sell it to First Citizen Bank and Flagstaff Bank. HSBC UK paid just GBP 1.00 for the UK part of SVBs business. All these steps were taken by the regulators without any cost to the government or the taxpayers. There is ample evidence that if the regulators do the right thing, depositors, taxpayers, etc. can be safeguarded and the banking sector need not go into a crisis. The President needs to take a leaf out of Theodore Roosevelt’s book, adopting the former US President’s mantra to “speak softly and carry a big stick” to get the banking reforms through.
Colombo (LNW): In the vast spreading of dengue across the country, the situation in the Gampaha district is getting out of control, warned the Public Health Inspectors Association.
The daily count of positive cases reported from Colombo and Gampaha districts is increasing and according to the statistics, the dengue infection is getting out of control in the Gampaha district, revealed Union Chief Upul Rohana, speaking to media.
The situation has occurred due to the inefficiency of the National Dengue Control Unit and provincial officers, Rohana claimed, alleging that they have failed to analyse data and take appropriate action at the correct time.
The PHI Chief urged the authorities to deploy officers and members of the public to conduct dengue prevention programmes to contain the spread of the disease.
During a recent parliamentary session, Harsha de Silva expressed his support for the new welfare gazette while raising some concerns about certain aspects of the bill. He started by commending the government for changing the term “disabled” to “differently-abled” in the gazette and urged other government institutions to follow suit.
De Silva also praised the government’s decision to use independent graduates to conduct the poverty survey, as he believes it will provide impartial data. He highlighted a study by UNICEF that found the Samurdhi benefits to be inequitable, with an exclusion error of 58%. Additionally, he raised concerns about the politicization and lack of regulation of Samurdhi banks.
Although President Wickramasinghe has expressed his intention to bring the Samurdhi Department under the Central Bank back in 2018, it never happened thus, de Silva urged the government to take action on this matter.
In response to calls from MPs to bring people above the poverty line, de Silva suggested the government complete the ‘Prabashwara’ project in Dambulla, a 5000MT temperature and humidity-controlled warehouse, which is almost 90% completed. He believes this will have a positive impact on rural farmers and help lift them out of poverty. He also noted that the Indian High Commission, which initially funded the project, has expressed its willingness to provide additional funds if necessary.
However, de Silva did express some concerns about the new welfare gazette, particularly regarding the distribution of funds and the lack of a clear system for measuring whether individuals have come above the poverty line. Nonetheless, he remains supportive of the bill overall.
Colombo (LNW): The Unit 3 of the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant will be shut down from June 3, 2023 for a period of 100 days due to scheduled major overhaul maintenance, announced Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara.
He added that power generation will be managed without any power cuts through other thermal power plants.
Wijesekara further noted that the 30th cargo of coal is currently being unloaded at the Plant, and the full coal requirement of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), thereby, will be completed.
No blackouts or power cuts will occur due to the shortage of coal, he assured.
Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe has reportedly informed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to launch an immediate probe into Pastor Jerme Fernando, who recently has driven himself into hot soup by making a public statement allegedly insulting Lord Buddha.
The Head of the National Security raised concerns with the President over Pastor Fernando’s comments against Buddhism, Islam and Hinduism, stressing that such ideology could lead to communal tensions in the country, a report by Daily Mirror said.
President Wickremesinghe responded by saying that he would not allow any individual to destabilise the country and stressed that anyone instigating religious disharmony should be probed and stern actions should follow.
Pastor Jerome Fernando, who calls himself the Prophet of God, is a leading advocate for the Glorious Church in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and was recently subject to controversy over a video surfacing on Social Media revealing him make a comment allegedly insulting Lord Buddha and Buddhism.
Parties concerned on Pastor Fernando’s comments are of the view that he is undertaking an activity of a bigger project behind the curtain, paving the way for publicly disowned political leaders to make a comeback, simply by instigating religious disharmony in the same manner to which certain Buddhist monks and extremist groups not very long ago resorted.
