Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasised the vital role of strengthening the agricultural export economy as a key element in the broader strategy to rejuvenate the nation’s economy.

In alignment with this directive, the President unveiled plans for a specialised programme to enhance the cultivation of minor export crops. The initiative includes efforts to promote cocoa cultivation in Kandy, Matale, and Kurunegala districts, along with the reinstatement of coffee and cinnamon cultivation in the near future.

During a Special District Coordination Committee (DCC) meeting at the Matale District Secretariat on the 25th, President Wickremesinghe announced the implementation of a budget proposal granting freehold deeds to licenced landowners nationwide, coinciding with Independence Day on February 4th.

President Wickremesinghe also emphasised the allocation of Rs. 10 million to a specific regional secretariat dedicated to the development of underdeveloped villages under the upcountry development programme for the next five years.

Addressing concerns about revenue generation, the President stressed the need for officials to present new proposals for revenue collection in the district, emphasising that solving the country’s economic problems requires a focus on both expenditure and revenue.

The President highlighted the potential for transforming the Matale district into an agricultural hub and stressed the importance of executing this programme through a well-structured plan, involving collaboration between the public and private sectors.

The meeting, attended by political authorities and government officials of the Matale district, saw the President’s direct intervention in resolving long-standing issues, including the drinking water problem for kidney patients, allocation of land for displaced people, highway development, consolidation of specific areas, and the management of wild elephants.

While addressing the meeting, the President expressed increased government focus on education and inquired about the absence of education-related issues. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to prioritise and address educational concerns, including implementing a programme to encourage greater student participation in the G.C.E Advanced Level Examination. Additionally, the President announced the upcoming establishment of a formal initiative offering vocational training to young individuals after completing the Advanced Level Examination, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the national economy.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s full statement:

As a consequence of the COVID-19 epidemic and the recent economic crisis, numerous projects came to a halt. We anticipate the retrieval of funds by the end of this year following the receipt of the bankruptcy discharge certificate. Consequently, all suspended projects are scheduled for implementation starting from the upcoming year.

Particular emphasis should be placed on the strategic development of the Galewela-Dambulla-Habarana areas, especially in light of the on-going plans for the Hingurakgoda airport. The anticipated rise in tourist numbers to these regions necessitates a comprehensive development plan for these three cities to ensure systematic and sustainable growth.

Furthermore, all land licenses issued under the Land Development Act are scheduled to be converted into freehold deeds. As part of the foundational programme, 10,000 land deeds will be distributed at the Dambulla stadium. Additionally, there are plans to grant freehold rights for lands allocated by the Land Reforms Commission in Colombo.

In every District Committee meeting, the predominant query pertains to the allocation of funds, yet my concern lies in identifying the means to acquire the necessary funds for these expenditures.

In accordance with the agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the option to print money has been prohibited, as stipulated in the amended Central Bank Act. Concurrently, accessing credit has become a challenge due to existing debt obligations. Consequently, our path forward entails a concerted effort towards income generation to navigate the financial landscape in the foreseeable future.

Furthermore, addressing the budget deficit and trade balance deficit has been a challenge due to a lack of comprehensive strategies. Particularly starting next year, it is imperative to focus on these two sectors with the aim of bolstering state revenue at the district level.

To achieve this, a pivotal shift towards reinstating an agricultural-based economy is essential. Since 1972, the emphasis on the agricultural economy has diminished, with minimal development seen beyond the small tea plantation sector. Immediate attention is required to initiate an agricultural modernisation programme to rejuvenate and diversify our agricultural sector.

While acknowledging that these objectives cannot be realised instantly, a strategic timeline of 5 to 10 years has been envisioned to attain these goals. The transformation of Agrarian Service Centers into Agricultural Modernisation Centers, in collaboration with the private sector, is part of the proposed plan. The emphasis will be on augmenting the production of existing crops and introducing new crops into the agricultural landscape.

The Matale district, recognised for its agricultural potential, offers favorable conditions for the cultivation of both upcountry and Rajarata crops. As such, there are plans to systematically develop this area according to a novel and comprehensive strategy.

Various institutions have already indicated their interest in investing in cocoa cultivation, highlighting Sri Lanka’s potential to produce premium-quality cocoa second only to Guatemala. Despite the current absence of cocoa in Sri Lanka, there are plans to revitalise and popularise cocoa cultivation in the regions surrounding Matale, Kandy and Kurunegala. The implementation of this programme is envisioned as a collaborative effort involving both the public and private sectors.

Following the rejuvenation of cocoa cultivation, the focus will shift to coffee cultivation. Additionally, dedicated efforts are underway for cinnamon cultivation, with the overarching objective of promoting the cultivation of minor export crops through an innovative and comprehensive plan.

This initiative is not confined to government efforts alone; active participation from the private sector is integral to its success. A long-standing proposal to lease government corporation-owned land to these entities is now in motion. The proposed lease periods are envisaged to be 60 years for coconut plantations and 40-50 years for other agricultural activities.

The intention is to allocate these lands to young farmers, enabling them to implement modern agricultural methods. The government is committed to supporting the endeavors of these young farmers, underscoring its overarching goal of establishing Matale as a prominent agricultural district.

Efforts to enhance education are of paramount importance. There is a concerted focus on increasing the number of students participating in the General Education Certificate Examination (GCE). Following Advanced Level Examination, a strategic direction will guide youth towards vocational training, fostering the creation of a skilled workforce within the country. To facilitate this, a comprehensive plan is underway to consolidate the 400 vocational training centers across the island into a singular institution.”

State Minister for Defense Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon, State Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Rohana Dissanayake, Governor of Central Province Lalith .U. Gamage, Members of Parliament Janaka Bandara Thennakoon and Rohini Kaviratne, Matale District Coordinating Committee Chairman Member of Parliament Nalaka Bandara Kottegoda, Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake, Chairman of the Central Provincial Council L D Nimalasiri and Matale District Secretary Tejani Thilakaratne, along with other officials attended the event.

Colombo (LNW): On November 23, 2023, Rohitha Bogollagama, the designated High Commissioner, formally presented the Open Copy of his Letter of Credence to Vice Marshal and Director of Protocol at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, Victoria Busby OBE, the High Commission of Sri Lanka in London, UK said in a statement on Friday (24).

This occurred prior to the official presentation of Credentials to His Majesty King Charles III in a formal and ceremonial setting.

Expressing gratitude, High Commissioner designate Bogollagama thanked Vice Marshal and Director Busby for the early opportunity to present the open copy of his Letter of Credence. He conveyed his anticipation of strengthening the close and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom.

Additionally, Bogollagama conveyed warm greetings from President Ranil Wickremesinghe to His Majesty King Charles III, wishing for the continued progress and prosperity of the United Kingdom.

In his discussions, Bogollagama also appealed for greater understanding from the UK Government on matters related to Sri Lanka, emphasising that such comprehension would pave the way for broader and more profound engagement between the two nations.

Vice-Marshal Busby extended best wishes for success to High Commissioner designate Bogollagama in his new role as the Envoy of Sri Lanka to the Court of St James’s. Furthermore, Busby assured the fullest cooperation of the UK Government during Bogollagama’s tenure.

The meeting included the presence of Counsellor Hiruni Rajapakse from the High Commission accompanying the High Commissioner designate.

1. Defence State Minister Pramitha Bandara says SL has started “right sizing” its military to reach 150,000 by 2030: says the reduction won’t have any impact on national security since the forces would be strengthened with modern technology: reductions to be – Army to 100,000, Navy to 30,000, & Air Force to 20,000.
   
2. CB weekly data shows that foreign “hot-money” investment in Govt T-Bills & Bonds is continuing its rapid exodus: records a massive reduction from Rs.159.2 bn (USD 492mn) on 30th Sep’23 to Rs.130.6bn (USD 397mn) on 24th Nov’23: currency depreciating pressure expected to escalate as more nervous “hot-money” investments continue to flee, after having made massive profits and gains.
   
3. Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene says a decision was taken at the Party Leaders’ meeting to carry on the Committee on Public Enterprises inquiries on Sri Lanka Cricket without Professor Ranjith Bandara as the Chairman.
   
4. Foreign news report says 20,000 SL workers are getting ready to fly to Israel in December’23 to work as farmhands for nearly 10 times the pay, despite Israel’s war with Hamas: also says SL is desperate for dollars and remittances.
   
5. Muslim Congress Leader MP Rauff Hakeem says SL expatriate workers who are sent to Israel are to be given military training: Minister of Labour Manusha Nanayakkara denies the allegation.
   
6. Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera says the CEB received an additional income of Rs.16bn last month as hydropower generation took place at full capacity due to heavy rains: also says a similar or higher income is expected this month as reservoirs have reached full capacity and hydropower is generated at full capacity.
   
7. Police sources report that IGP C D Wickramaratne had announced he will retire from the position, effective from 25th November’23: albeit having to retire from the police service on 26th March’23, Wickramaratne’s tenure had been extended 4 times.
   
8. Four police officers arrested in connection with the death of a person who was in remand custody at the Jaffna Prison: remanded until 4th Dec’23.
   
9. Police Constable Krishnamoorthi Prathapan, 26, who drowned after having jumped into a canal in Ja Ela in pursuit of a suspect, promoted posthumously to the rank of Sergeant.
   
10. Feud between SL Cricket and Ministry of Sports escalates after SL Cricket accused the Ministry of misleading the public over how funds of the SLC board were spent, and interference in World Cup 2023 selection.

Colombo (LNW): Measures have been taken to address the shortage of Keeri Samba rice ahead of the upcoming festive season, Trade Minister Nalin Fernando revealed.

Speaking at the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Food Security convened in Parliament on Thursday (23), the Minister asserted that steps have been taken to import a rice stock similar to Keeri Samba to meet the demand.

The Minister highlighted the efforts of major paddy mill owners to address the artificial shortage of Keeri Samba and samba rice, caused by withholding stocks from the market.

He further outlined plans to empower the business community by focusing on issues faced by small and medium-scale paddy mill owners.

Fernando also addressed the reported shortage of sugar in the local market due to concealed stocks after the imposition of a maximum retail price. Importers, facing challenges in distributing sugar at the set price, have suspended further imports, and to mitigate the risk of a sugar shortage, the maximum retail price on sugar will be removed, he stressed.

Lanka Sathosa, under Minister Fernando’s direction, has successfully provided essential products at affordable prices. As part of efforts to bring relief to consumers during the festive season, Lanka Sathosa is reducing prices on nearly 400 items, including essential food items.

The Trade Minister also confirmed that the Mahapola Higher Education Trust Fund and Trade Fair, an initiative introduced by the late Lalith Athulathmudali, will be relaunched. The event is scheduled to take place from December 13 to 17, 2023, at the Ja-Ela Municipal Council Grounds, Fernando revealed.

The Committee meeting, attended by Ministers, MPs, the Secretary to the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, and Food Safety, and officials from relevant institutions, discussed these strategic measures to ensure a stable supply of essential goods and address market challenges.

Colombo (LNW): In a recent discussion at the Parliamentary Committee on Public Finance, it was disclosed that 168 cases of child sexual abuse were reported in September, with 22 girls under 16 becoming pregnant.

The committee, which included representatives from civil organisations like the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, convened to gather ideas and suggestions on the budget proposals for 2024 and the country’s policies.

During the discussion, civil society representatives emphasised the urgent need for a systematic program to provide sex education to children.

The Committee also highlighted the importance of identifying the number of school girls requiring various facilities, including sanitary facilities, and establishing a system to provide them with the necessary support.

Civil organisation representatives brought attention to the problems arising from insufficient focus on women’s welfare and the challenges faced by school girls, contributing valuable insights to the committee’s considerations.

Colombo (LNW): Minister of Power and Energy, Kanchana Wijesekera, announced plans to allocate any operating profit realised by the Electricity Board in December, attributed to favorable rain conditions, to consumers in April.

Despite the current financial deficit of Rs. 12 billion, Minister Wijesekera expressed optimism about a potential positive turn in the financial outlook, anticipating insights from the upcoming financial report in December.

The Minister shared these details during a Press Briefing at the Presidential Media Centre organised under the theme ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country’ on November 25.

Full Statement:

The restructuring of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has long been a subject of discussion within the country. In a significant development, the Cabinet granted approval last Monday for the restructuring based on the submitted report. Additionally, the proposed new electricity bill received approval, marking a crucial step towards enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the electricity sector in alignment with national objectives

Consequently, measures are underway to officially gazette and submit the new Electricity Act to Parliament within the upcoming two weeks. The intention is to facilitate a comprehensive debate on the proposed Act in the Parliamentary sessions scheduled for January of the following year.

The Minister addressed misconceptions raised in Parliament concerning the configuration of electricity generation, transmission and distribution. The Minister’s proposal entails restructuring power generation into four distinct companies, emphasizing that the entire hydroelectricity sector, constituting 100%, will remain under government control. The management of power plants situated in close proximity to Mahaweli, Lakshapana and Samanalaweva will also be retained by the government.

As part of this restructuring initiative, it has been decided to consolidate the Norochchole power plant under a single company, while all other power plants will be grouped together under a separate entity. This strategic decision aims to optimize operational efficiency and enhance the overall effectiveness of the power generation sector.

The proposal includes the establishment of a distinct company dedicated to transmission work, with the main control system remaining entirely under government ownership. Furthermore, it is suggested that the four distribution zones be transformed into four separate companies, each tasked with efficient and independent operation. This strategic proposal aims to streamline the transmission and distribution processes, ensuring enhanced effectiveness and responsiveness within the electricity sector.

The restructuring of the electricity board is anticipated improvements in efficiency, quality and reduction of wastage. The initiative takes into consideration existing laws and regulations in various countries worldwide. The implementation of the restructuring plan is slated to follow the submission of the draft, incorporating feedback and suggestions from various stakeholders, including experts of the relevant field. The continuity of the Public Utilities Commission is expected to remain unchanged, operating in a manner consistent with current practices.

Presently, the Electricity Board is experiencing a financial deficit of Rs. 12 billion. Regrettably, despite occurrence of rains, the Electricity Board has not yet achieved a financially profitable position. The current rain situation has yet to contribute to the desired positive impact on the board’s financial standing. The board is closely monitoring the situation, and if operational profits are realized by December, as determined through financial calculations, a concession will be extended to consumers in April, aligning with the commitment to pass on benefits to the public contingent upon favourable financial outcomes.

The nation has suffered the loss of numerous power plants as a consequence of delayed policy decisions and the prolonged non-implementation of previously made decisions. The proposed construction of the Sampur power plant, a project that has been under consideration for several years, faced a significant setback when the decision was made in 2016 to forego its construction. Originally slated for completion in 2020, the non-realization of the Sampur plant has resulted in an annual loss of Rs. 95 billion.

As part of the government’s strategic initiatives, five significant projects have been identified for immediate implementation. Additionally, there are plans to sign agreements for five more projects before the end of the current year. The forthcoming agreements include collaborations with the Adani wind power plant in Mannar, the construction of a solar panel power plant in Siambalanduwa, the Hambantota solar panel project, also projects proposed for Batticaloa and Punakari.

Furthermore, the government has issued instructions to the relevant departments to reassess the fee for reconnection following a power cut. It is anticipated that the current reconnection fee, set at Rs. 3000, will be revised to a range between Rs. 1000 and Rs. 2000. This adjustment is aimed at ensuring a more reasonable and accessible reconnection process for consumers, aligning with the government’s commitment to enhancing customer satisfaction and service affordability in the electricity sector.