By: Staff Writer

January 30, Colombo (LNW): The new Anti-Corruption Act which is to be enacted this year contains provisions to strengthen the mechanisms for asset declaration.

Publication of Asset Declarations for senior officials (President, Prime Minister, ministers) on a designated website in line with Anti Corruption Law by July 2024, ministry of justice sources revealed.

The anticorruption framework is in the process of undergoing major changes. The recent adoption of the Anticorruption Act (ACAACA) introduced substantial improvements in the legal framework for anticorruption and organizational arrangements for confronting corruption.

The Act will go far in aligning Sri Lanka’s legal framework with international commitments and good practice standards.

The Bribery or Corruption Allegation Investigation Commission has issued a stern directive, setting a deadline for the submission of asset declarations from various high-profile figures, including the President, the Prime Minister, public servants, and media heads.

This move comes in accordance with the recently enacted Bribery or Corruption Allegations Act.

Under the provisions of the new legislation, approximately 150,000 individuals, comprising politicians, public servants, and media leaders, are mandated to submit detailed asset and liability statements to the Bribery or Corruption Allegations Commission on an annual basis.

The scope of the directive extends to individuals across thirty-one different sectors. The deadline for compliance with this mandatory disclosure is fixed at March 31st of each year, adding a sense of urgency to the process.

While these steps are critical, and will be reviewed in greater detail, accurate asset declaration mechanisms are only one element of an effective conflict of interest (CoI) system, sources said.

Equal attention must be placed on clarity in elaborating a definition what constitutes a conflict (which may extend well beyond ownership of assets), training officials in their obligations and responsibilities, and establishing procedures to provide rapid and consistent guidance on how to manage a conflict once it has been declared.

Public reporting on system performance is necessary to demonstrate the probity of officials, and officials found to have acted in non-conformity with CoI requirements must be appropriately and visibly sanctioned.

Approximately 90% of jurisdictions have legislation requiring some form of asset disclosure due to their potential value in helping promote a culture of integrity. Less evident is the fact that asset disclosures can also help public officials build trust in their work and, therefore, in public institutions.

Finally, asset disclosure systems can promote key partnerships with civil society and journalists.

January 30, Colombo (LNW): Auditor General W. P. C. Wickramaratne has issued a directive stipulating that all government agencies must submit their annual financial statements by February 28.

In an official statement, Wickramaratne emphasised that the timely submission of financial statements is imperative, as it allows for an extensive three-month period dedicated to thorough audit activities.

This strategic timeline is designed to ensure a comprehensive examination of financial records before the release of the Auditor General’s summary report.

The summary report, which is slated for publication before May 31, will be issued alongside the annual financial statement reports.

This coordinated approach aims to maintain transparency, accountability, and adherence to established financial reporting standards within government agencies.

January 29, London (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry, has concluded his official visit to the United Kingdom, marked by engagements with prestigious academic institutions, key government officials, and business leaders.

Minister Sabry’s visit was initiated by an invitation from the renowned Cambridge Union and Wilberforce Society of the University of Cambridge.

On 23 January, he addressed the Cambridge Union, the world’s oldest debating society, focusing on Sri Lanka’s path to economic recovery.

His discussion with the academic community highlighted the country’s efforts and challenges in navigating economic revitalisation.

Sabry’s address at the Cambridge Union marks a significant moment as the only recent Sri Lankan speaker at this esteemed platform.

Continuing his academic engagements, on 24 January, the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister addressed the Wilberforce Society and the Lucy Cavendish Finance Society.

His talk centred on the accessibility of development finance across South Asia, drawing insights from Sri Lanka’s experiences with the IMF debt restructuring process.

Following this, The Wilberforce hosted a formal dinner in honour of Foreign Minister Ali Sabry at Christ’s College.

Prior to his speech at the Wilberforce Society, Sabry also interacted with students and academia at the Sri Lanka Society of the University of Cambridge.

During the bilateral phase of the visit on 25 and 26 January, he held discussions with Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon, the UK Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, the United Nations, and the Commonwealth.

The talks focused on reviewing the multifaceted Sri Lanka-UK relationship and cooperation at multilateral forums. Minister Sabry briefed the UK side on the progress in Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring process and expressed gratitude for UK’s support as a member of the Paris Club.

In addition to government-level meetings, Sabry engaged with UK Parliamentarians, including Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs The Rt Hon David Lammy, Chair of All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Council of Sri Lankan Muslim Organisations UK (COSMOS) Bob Blackman, Chair APPG Foreign Affairs Dr. Lisa Cameron, and former Secretary of State for Defence the Rt Hon Liam Fox MP.

These interactions included briefings on Sri Lanka’s economic progress, developments in the reconciliation process, and insights into international politics.

The visit concluded with roundtable discussions with Sri Lankan Tour Operators organised by Sri Lankan Airlines and a Business Roundtable organised by the Sri Lanka-UK Chamber of Commerce.

These sessions facilitated meaningful discussions on enhancing the economic relationship between Sri Lanka and the UK, addressing the tourism industry, and fostering collaboration within the business community.

High Commissioner Rohitha Bogollagama and senior officials of the High Commission accompanied Foreign Minister Ali Sabry during the University of Cambridge events and bilateral meetings.

1. Merchandise Exports for 2023 plunges by a staggering 9.5% compared to 2022: crashes from USD 13.1 bn in 2022 to just USD 11.9 bn in 2023: apparel & textile exports lead the decline with a reduction of a massive 18.0% (year-on-year).
   
2. Convener of the Health Trade Unions’ Alliance Ravi Kumudesh warns they would stage a massive protest in hospitals and in the vicinity of the Health Ministry today: say there was no response from the authorities to their demand for economic justice.
   
3. State Higher Education Minister Dr Suren Raghavan says some universities are planning to invite politicians & presidential candidates to universities: also says such “politicizing” of universities must stop: asserts universities are meant for academic activities.
   
4. Human Rights Watch says the Govt’s proposed law to create another body to investigate wartime abuses replicates previous failed efforts, ignores the needs of victims, and falls far short of meeting SL’s international legal obligations: alleges the SL authorities continue to silence and repress families of victims and their communities, 15 years after the armed conflict ended.
   
5. SLPP MP Lohan Ratwatte sworn in before President Ranil Wickremesinghe as the State Minister of Plantation Industries & Mahaweli Development.
   
6. Seychelles Coast Guard rescues the SL fishing trawler with 6 crew members which had been hijacked by Somalian pirates in the Arabian Sea: takes 3 pirates into custody: escort the rescued trawler to the Victoria Harbour in Seychelles.
   
7. New Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha has his maiden interaction with the representatives of the mainstream Tamil parties of the North: reportedly emphasizes “the need for the Tamil parties in the North to have a ‘unified position’ on their collective demand for a political solution”.
   
8. Much published & iconic Krrish Tower or “The One Tower” in Colombo Fort seems headed for a major disaster: the idle construction site has now reached over 50 floors and the crane on the roof top is unused for over a year: onlookers worry the crane may crash, creating a major disaster to the busy traffic in Colombo Fort road and nearby buildings.
   
9. SLPP dissident MP Nimal Lanza who is backing the candidature of UNP Leader Ranil Wickremasinghe for President, says the terror group which carried out Easter Sunday bomb attacks are associates of National People’s Power (NPP): also says ‘Ibrahim’, who was a key suspect in Easter Sunday attacks was in the NPP National list: asserts this terror group has funded NPP and that Catholics should remember this fact when casting their votes.
   
10. National Consumer Front urges Trade Minister Nalin Fernando to promptly investigate the unexpected rise in vegetable prices in the market: laments the price of carrot is Rs.2,000 per kg, green chillies Rs.1,200, Kekiri Rs.300, and pumpkin Rs.300.

January 30, Colombo (LNW): Two more suspects have been arrested by the Police yesterday (29) morning, in alleged connection with the mass shooting in Beliatta.

The arrests made in Ratgama area were the result of an operation launched by a group of officials attached to the Hakmana Police station.

The arrestees, 23 and 33, are reportedly residents of Boossa.

January 30, Colombo (LNW): In preparation for the rehearsals of the upcoming 76th Independence Day celebrations, a distinctive traffic arrangement is set to be implemented in Colombo from January 30 to February 4, Police said.

This special traffic arrangement aims to facilitate the smooth conduct of rehearsals and ensure the safety and convenience of the public during this period.

The unique measures will be in effect throughout the specified timeframe, contributing to the successful execution of the Independence Day celebrations in the capital city.

January 30, Colombo (LNW): The University of Colombo’s Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biotechnology is set to introduce an anti-aging nutraceutical capsule, a first for Sri Lanka, Daily Mirror reported.

Headed by Prof. Sameera R. Samarakoon, the team developed the capsule from natural ingredients, the specifics of which are currently undisclosed.

The anti-aging drug is in its final launch stage, with an expected introduction within the next four months.

Speaking to Daily Mirror, Prof. Samarakoon noted the popularity of such drugs globally and the high prices of imported options in Sri Lanka.

“These type of anti-aging drugs are quite popular in the world market and some imported products are also available in Sri Lanka; however, they are sold at exorbitant prices,” he told Daily Mirror.

“The product has been produced in collaboration with the University Business Linkage, where Universities share knowledge, research, innovation, and cutting-edge technology,” Prof. Samarakoon emphasised.

The traditional formulation requires approval from the Department of Ayurveda.

In addition, the institute previously launched ‘Vernolac,’ a nutraceutical drug targeting 25 types of cancer, and ‘Satiny’ hair oil to address hair loss, both available in the market.