January 03, Colombo (LNW): Minister of Health Ramesh Pathirana reassured the public about the Ministry’s vigilant monitoring of the emerging JN.1 Covid variant reported from India. At a press conference held at the Presidential Media Center, he confirmed that no cases have been reported from conducted sample tests thus far. However, he urged the public to maintain the health protocols established during the previous Covid seasons.

Amid discussions on the new variant, Minister Pathirana highlighted that the World Health Organization hasn’t raised undue concerns, emphasizing ongoing surveillance and extensive testing by the Medical Research Institute.

Addressing the measles resurgence, the Minister announced the finalization of preparations for a nationwide vaccination program. This initiative, scheduled to begin the following week, will be administered through Medical Officer of Health (MOH) Offices across the country.

He underscored the Ministry’s commitment to providing advanced medicines under the free health service, acknowledging past shortages due to the pandemic’s economic impact. Efforts to expedite medicine procurement and digitize the procurement process were highlighted as key strategies for future transparency and efficiency.

Furthermore, Minister Pathirana revealed President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s allocation of funds in the current budget to enhance the quality control laboratory of the NMRA. Structural enhancements and capacity building are anticipated in the coming year.

Highlighting the need for collective action against dengue, he emphasized a community-driven environment-cleaning program involving security forces to control the disease.

Despite Sri Lanka’s recognition by the World Health Organization for measles eradication, Minister Pathirana acknowledged around 700 reported cases last year. To address this, plans have been made to provide measles immunization vaccines through all Medical Officers of Health offices nationwide, encouraging parents to ensure their children receive necessary immunization.

By: Editor (LGBTIQ)

January 03, Colombo (LNW): In an effort to promote inclusivity and address challenges faced by people of diverse Sexual Orientations, Gender Identities, Gender Expressions, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) in Sri Lanka, the Legal Aid Commission of Sri Lanka, under the Support to Justice Sector Project (JURE), organised a Round Table Dialogue. 

This significant event, supported by the European Union (EU) and jointly executed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Sri Lanka, was conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice.

The dialogue brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Attorney General’s Department, the Ministry of Justice, Women and Children’s Bureau, Sri Lanka Police, Prison’s Department, Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), Legal Aid Commission, and the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL).

A crucial outcome of the dialogue was the unanimous agreement among participants on the importance of collaboration and communication between the government and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) community for meaningful progress.

In line with this commitment, it was decided that LGBTQIA+ organisations would compile a comprehensive list of requests and recommendations. These submissions are to be handed over to the Legal Aid Commission thereafter.

In recent developments, a circular released by the Sri Lanka Police outlining protocols for interacting with individuals of transgender identities within the country and offering recommendations for addressing their problems was subjected for review with the aim of extending protection to encompass the entire spectrum of SOGIESC.

A private member’s bill showcasing decriminalisation of consensual same-sex sexual relations between adults via a ‘Penal Code (Amendment) Bill’ was tabled by Ruling Party MP Premnath Dolawatta, a historical first move by a Sri Lankan lawmaker for the safeguarding of the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Dolawatta’s bill was challenged before the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka accusing it to be violating fundamental rights (FR), but the arguments were dropped in a historic determination that consensual same-sex sexual relations between adults are in fact constitutional and any move for decriminalisation can be passed into law with a simple majority in Parliament. 

(Photo: BRIDGE to Equality Facebook Page)

January 03, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka government has improved the quality of the financial analytics supporting the development of the Medium-term Fiscal Framework (MTFF) establishing a new Macro Fiscal Unit (MFU), finance ministry sources revealed.

The new MFU will enhance technical capabilities and appropriate systems for revenue forecasting.

A change to fiscal rules could strengthen fiscal governance by avoiding an incentive to make unrealistic revenue forecasts and prevent changes to the size of the budget during the approval phase.

IMF has been working with the Government to review existing fiscal rules to better promote fiscal sustainability.

The fiscal rule should be applied in determining the MTFF with Parliamentary engagement regarding the fiscal envelope at the start of the budget process, thus limiting the need for adjustments at the end of the process.

There exists a range of funds outside of the Consolidated Fund which are not covered by the budget.

The risk of corruption is exacerbated as off-budget funds are typically not subject to standard internal control procedures, have limited transparency and do not receive the same level of external oversight as applied to budget entities.

New Macro Fiscal Unit (MFU) has made complete analytics on total revenue for the year 2023 and concluded its findings.

Amidst multiple taxes, the Government revealed that revenue in the just concluded 2023 had reached Rs. 3.1 trillion as against revised estimate of Rs. 2.85 trillion.

“Last year, the Government revenue reached Rs. 3.1 trillion, constituting 12% of our GDP. As part of our strategic vision, we aim to elevate the GDP to 15% by 2026.

In the year 2024, we have set a target of achieving Rs. 4.2 trillion in Government revenue, necessitating a revision of the Value Added Tax (VAT),” President Ranil Wickremesinghe said yesterday at the opening of the Sri Lanka Air Force Headquarters at Akuregoda.

The 2023 achievement was put in context by State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe who told a media briefing that.

He said in terms of state income, it is anticipated to reach Rs. 3110 billion in 2023, surpassing the revised estimate of Rs. 2850 billion.

This would represent a state income of 11.2% compared to GDP. Ambitiously, there are plans to propel this figure to a 15% growth by 2026, he added.

Semasinghe also emphasised the country has witnessed a noteworthy upturn in the number of tax files, reflecting a positive trend in tax compliance.

According to him, in 2019, the total number of registered taxpayers stood at 1,705,233. However, owing to various policy decisions, this figure decreased to 677,613 in 2020 and further to 507,085 in 2021.

“Demonstrating a commendable success in policy implementation, the number of tax files rebounded from 437,547 in 2022 to a significant milestone of one million,” Semasinghe added.

January 03, Colombo (LNW): The Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka’s premier financial services entity has been named ‘The Bank of the Year – Sri Lanka’ by the prestigious Banker magazine UK.

The announcement was made to all stakeholders and loyal customers at an event held at the commencement of the New Year.

The award, which comes on the heels of a volatile year for the financial services industry and the economy, recognises the Bank’s stellar –performance across key indicators and highlights BOC’s resilience and standing, both as a state bank and as ‘Bankers to the Nation’.

Bank of Ceylon was also listed among the Top 1,000 Banks in the world by the magazine for the 12th consecutive year, and is the only Sri Lankan bank to be listed for 2023.

Significantly, the Bank posted an aggregate growth in its balance sheet further highlighting customer confidence.

The Bank’s sustained commitment to revolutionising banking and enhancing customer delight is also reflected in the results.

BOC General Manager Russel Fonseka commenting on this achievement said: “the strategic goals are aligned with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as we believe in contributing to our national priorities and the community.

The conscious choices reflect the business model that has sustainability at its core, thus making a meaningful, positive impact on both society and the environment as a responsible corporate citizen.”

The awarding of the listing by The Banker, is the latest in a series of awards and acknowledgements of recognition of Bank of Ceylon’s performance in strategic and key areas including customer experience and delight as well as technology-led innovation and development of technologically-led products and services.

Bank of Ceylon’s holistic approach to environmental sustainability efforts and leadership in sustainable practices, in line with United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), were recognised by the Green Building Council of Sri Lanka (GBCSL) with no less than three awards at the recent Green Building Awards.

BOC’s City Office in Fort, its oldest branch, which was recently renovated won the Silver award in recognition for optimising green efficiency, while the Bank retained its ”Green Business Leadership of the Year Award – Bank Section” for the second consecutive year, and also grabbed the award for ‘Green Commitment Excellence of the Year 2023’.

The Bank’s 2022 annual report, under the theme – ‘Resilient Resolve Revive’, was also recognised with the Gold Award at the recently concluded TAGS Awards 2023 by CA Sri Lanka.

January 03, Colombo (LNW): FACETS Sri Lanka 2024, Asia’s leading Gem and Jewellery Exhibition organised by the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA), will be unveiling the country’s first-ever Sustainability Pavilion.

This ground-breaking initiative is set to captivate and educate visitors from around the world, offering a unique glimpse into the rich history of the Sri Lankan gem industry and its modern commitment to ethical practices, responsible sourcing and community engagement.

At the heart of the Sustainability Pavilion, FACETS Sri Lanka 2024 presents a historical journey through the evolution of the Sri Lankan gem industry.

Interactive displays and state-of-the-art touchscreens will immerse visitors in the fascinating transformation that has taken place over generations, shedding light on the industry’s incredible past.

As Facets enters its 30th year, it continues to be a beacon for the gem and jewellery industry, showcasing the beauty, diversity, and sustainability of Sri Lanka’s precious treasures to the world.

The Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA) in collaboration with the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) and the Export Development Board announces the grand celebration of the 30th edition of Facets, Asia’s premier gem and jewellery exhibition.

Scheduled to take place at the esteemed Cinnamon Grand Colombo from 6 to 8 January 2024, this milestone event marks 30 years of successfully highlighting the splendour and glamour of Sri Lankan gems and jewellery in the global stage.

Facets Sri Lanka Chairman Altaf Iqbal expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming event, stating, “Facets has always emphasised that this show is for Sri Lanka, showcasing our rich heritage of gems and jewels to the world.”

“We aim to bring in reputed buyers from all over the globe with participants, sharing our exquisite gems and jewellery.”

Facets 2024 promises to be a spectacular platform, featuring several Pavilions that will capture the essence of Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery legacy.

The Gem Pavilion, Premier Jewellery Pavilion, Sustainable Pavilion, Sapphire Masterpiece Pavilion, NGJA SME Pavilion and the SLGJA Pavilion will be integral parts of this grand event.

A highlight of Facets 2024 is the Sapphire Masterpiece Pavilion, which is a first in Sri Lanka. This pavilion is meticulously designed to exhibit the diverse range of Sri Lankan sapphires, including mesmerising blue, pink, yellow, purple colours, alexandrite, cat’s eyes and many more varieties.

What sets this showcase apart is the unprecedented inclusion of both rough and cut and polished stones, all sourced from various regions across Sri Lanka.

This ground-breaking approach marks the first time in history that a gem and jewellery show will display stones in their raw, uncut state alongside their refined, cut, and polished forms.

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has underscored the necessity of acquiring a Tax Identification Number (TIN), warning that failure to do so incurs a penalty of Rs. 50,000. Effective January 1, 2024, any individual aged 18 or above, or those reaching 18 after this date, are mandated to register with the IRD and obtain a TIN.

While the possession of a TIN doesn’t automatically indicate an obligation to pay income tax, individuals earning an annual income exceeding Rs. 1.2 million are required to pay income tax as per the stipulations.

The Ministry of Finance clarified that a TIN is now mandatory for several activities, including opening a current account, obtaining building plan approvals, registering a motor vehicle, renewing a license, and registering land title deeds.

To facilitate registration, the public can opt for various methods, as outlined by the IRD:

1. Online Registration: Individuals can visit the IRD website and navigate to e-Services, where they should click on “Access to e-Services” and select “Taxpayer Registration.” After filling and submitting the application form, a certificate containing the TIN and a one-time PIN will be emailed upon departmental review.
2. Registration by Post or In-person: Applicants can complete the Registration Application Form and submit it to the Primary Registration Unit at the IRD Head-office (2nd Floor) or any nearby Regional/Metropolitan Office.

For online registration, a PDF of the National Identity Card (both sides scanned) needs to be uploaded. In cases where the address on the NIC has changed, an appropriate document validating the new address must also be uploaded. The IRD encourages compliance with these requirements for smooth registration.

In the ongoing islandwide operation ‘Yukthiya’ conducted by the Police Special Task Force, another 1,182 suspects were apprehended in the 24 hours ending at 12.30 am on January 3. This intensive drive was executed under the Ministry of Public Security’s directives.

The Police’s diligent efforts led to the seizure of significant quantities of illicit substances during the recent raid, including 287g of heroin, 246g of ICE, 5.4 kilos of cannabis, and 119 narcotic pills.

Since its launch on December 17, 2023, the ‘Yukthiya’ special operation has resulted in the arrest of over 22,500 individuals. The Police Special Task Force has conducted more than 21,700 raids as part of this operation, specifically aimed at combating drug trafficking and underworld-related activities in Sri Lanka.

In addition to the arrests, law enforcement authorities have successfully recovered substantial amounts of narcotics and have confiscated various unlawfully obtained assets, such as properties and vehicles, during the extensive series of raids.

In a circular issued by Eng. Narendra de Silva, the Acting General Manager of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), all employee leave stands cancelled from January 2 onwards.

This directive pertains to the workforce of the state-owned electricity supplier.

1. The government introduces the Bill for the establishment of the Commission for Truth, Unity, and Reconciliation in Sri Lanka via an official Gazette announcement, outlining its powers and focus on implementing recommendations for reconciliation. The legislation, titled the “Commission for Truth, Unity, and Reconciliation in Sri Lanka Act, No. of 2024,” defines the Commission’s role in overseeing and executing these recommendations.
2. Construction industry faces a steeper decline than anticipated, dropping by 14.9% instead of the earlier forecasted 7.9% in the past year. A projected recovery is expected, with the industry set to rebound with an average annual growth of 5.6% between 2024 and 2027, following the low base of 2022 and 2023.
3. Cabinet approval has been granted to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, and Northern Ireland for cooperation in the Maritime States Partnership Programme.
4. MoF issues a clarification regarding Tax Identification Numbers (TINs), emphasizing that possessing a TIN does not automatically imply liability for income tax. Only individuals aged 18 and above, whose income surpasses the annual tax exemption limit of Rs. 1.2 million, are obligated to pay income tax.
5. Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera announces plans to remove Value Added Tax (VAT) on chemical fertilizers: states that the VAT exemption is planned to take effect from the upcoming Yala season, which typically commences in March or April.
6. Lanka Milk Foods (CWE) Plc streamlined its dairy business by consolidating four subsidiaries—Ambewela Products Ltd., United Dairies Lanka Ltd., Ambewela Livestock Company Ltd., and Pattipola Livestock Company Ltd.—through a Rs. 5 billion shareholding restructuring. All shares held in these subsidiaries were transferred to Lanka Dairies Ltd.
7. Cabinet approval has been granted to proceed with the proposed Sri Lanka-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The ninth round of negotiations on the proposed FTA was held in Colombo from 18-21 December 2023.
8. Industry and Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana says that preparations are underway to digitize procurement activities to enhance transparency in the procurement of medicines for hospitals.
9. Cabinet approves the lease of 61 fuel storage tanks in Trincomalee’s China Bay Harbour for 50 years. Trincomalee Terminal Private Limited will spearhead the phased project, starting with renovating nine tanks, laying a 1.75-kilometer pipeline, and constructing supporting facilities under a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) model, structured across 16 years and seven phases.
10. Zimbabwe is set to tour Sri Lanka for a series of three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), all to be held at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium. The ODIs will take place on the 6th, 8th, and 11th of January, while the T20i matches will be played on the 14th, 16th, and 18th of January 2024.