Sri Lanka Customs officers have intercepted a shipment of Kush cannabis that was illicitly brought into the country. The intercepted parcel was found to contain a total of 1 kilogram and 98 grams of Kush cannabis, estimated to be worth approximately Rs. 16.47 million, as reported by Customs Director Seevali Arukgoda.

The suspicious parcel had originated from Belgium and was concealed within a shipping container. It had been addressed to a destination in Vennappuwa, adding to the intrigue of the case.

Authorities have swiftly taken action, and the confiscated contraband will be handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) for further investigation, as they work to unravel the details behind this illicit drug smuggling attempt.

Susil Premajayantha, the Education Minister, addressed Parliament with crucial information regarding this year’s Advanced Level Examinations. The Education Minister disclosed that the Commissioner General of Examinations would soon provide clarity on whether the examinations will be postponed or not.

This announcement was prompted by a proposal put forth by Rohini Kaviratne, a Member of Parliament from the SJB. MP Kaviratne suggested postponing the A/L examinations to the following year, with proposed examination dates spanning from January 22nd to February 17th.

Moreover, MP Kaviratne outlined a plan where the A/L results could be released by May of the following year, allowing for next year’s A/L examinations to be conducted in October as per the usual schedule.

Responding to MP Kaviratne’s proposal, the Education Minister acknowledged the merit of the suggestion but underscored that the ultimate decision rests with the Commissioner General of Examinations. He expressed his intention to promptly request the Commissioner General to make an official announcement regarding the matter.

During their meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his gratitude for USAID’s support during Sri Lanka’s financial crisis and provided an update on the IMF program, emphasizing the government’s commitment to its success. Samantha Power affirmed USAID’s continued support for Sri Lanka’s recovery efforts and expertise provision.

President Wickremesinghe also discussed the challenges faced by the Anti-Corruption Commission in recruiting trained staff, anticipating a two-year timeline for realizing the expected outcomes of the anti-corruption legislation, and requested swift support for the successful completion of these activities.

Showers will occur at times in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts. Fairly heavy showers above 50mm can be expected at some places.

Several spells of showers may occur in North-western province and in the Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya and Hambantota districts.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Uva and Eastern provinces during the evening or night.

General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers. 

1. During the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, President Ranil Wickremesinghe was actively involved in two significant events, including a high-profile business roundtable discussion titled “Economic Opportunities in Sri Lanka,”
2. Emirates and SriLankan Airlines have signed a reciprocal interline agreement to boost connectivity for passengers of both airlines. This will enable access to new points on each other’s networks via Colombo and Dubai, utilising a single ticket and enjoying the convenience of baggage transfers. The tickets are now on sale for travel effective immediately as the interline partnership unlocks 15 regional destinations operated by SriLankan Airlines via Colombo, for Emirates’ passengers to choose from.
3. Several senior members of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) are being considered for the vacant position of party’s General Secretary, with MP Duminda Dissanayake currently leading the race, while former Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake, a Senior Deputy Secretary of the SLFP, is also expressing interest despite facing legal complications after a court injunction prevented him from serving as Acting General Secretary.
4. President Ranil Wickremesinghe had a productive meeting with Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, focusing on bilateral relations and cooperation between the two South Asian nations, during which Prime Minister Hasina expressed her satisfaction with Sri Lanka’s swift recovery from the financial crisis and the prompt repayment of loans.
5. Six individuals, including a father and his two sons from Katana, have been arrested by Seeduwa Police in connection with the discovery of a man’s body inside a traveling bag left on the banks of the Dandugam Oya in Seeduwa on 15 September.
6. State Minister for Social Empowerment, Anupa Pasqual, highlights the significance of empowering the disabled community for enhancing the country’s economic productivity, announced the upcoming presentation of a new Disability Bill to Parliament aimed at protecting the rights of the disabled population: emphasized the government’s commitment to reducing their dependence on government support through this legislative initiative.
7. Ranil Wickremesinghe declares the Aukus security pact between Australia, Britain and the US “a mistake” while rejecting any concerns over Beijing’s perceived influence on his debt-ridden island nation. “It is a military alliance moved against one country – China,” he said at an event hosted by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
8. Government officially gazettes the Online Safety Bill, which has received Cabinet approval and aims to establish the Online Safety Commission, prohibit certain online statements of fact, prevent the misuse of online accounts, identify prohibited online locations, and address the financing and support of false online statements of fact in Sri Lanka.
9. Susil Premajayantha states that the Commissioner General of Examinations will soon provide information regarding the potential postponement of this year’s Advanced Level Examinations in response to a proposal by SJB MP Rohini Kaviratne, who recommended rescheduling the exams to take place from January 22nd to February 17th of the following year.
10. Swimmer Ramudi Samarakoon makes history by becoming the first Sri Lankan swimmer to receive a FINA scholarship, announced the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union (SLASU). At the age of 21, Samarakoon has been recognized with the scholarship for her exceptional performance, earning the highest FINA points.

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has sought technical assistance and training from the U.S in the fight against corruption.

The United States underscored the importance of adopting robust anti-corruption measures and Sri Lanka provided updates on its proposed anticorruption legislation, seeking technical assistance and training from the U.S. government.

Sri Lanka has made this appeal from the US AT the fourteenth Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council Meeting in Colombo on Monday 18

The Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to workers’ rights was highlighted and Sri Lanka outlined its ongoing labour law reform efforts.

The United States stressed the importance of consulting relevant stakeholders and ensuring public review and comment in the process. Sri Lanka detailed its procedures for labour law reforms, with the United States expressing readiness to support these efforts

Julie Chung, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Mrs. Chandanie Wijayawardhana, Acting Secretary to the President, set the tone with their opening remarks, acknowledging the 75th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two nations.

During the TIFA Council meeting, both delegations addressed policies impacting the investment climate, recent labour reforms, intellectual property protection and enforcement, customs and trade facilitation, technical barriers to trade and market access for apparel, gem and jewellery and agricultural products.

The discussions also extended to collaboration and technical assistance in areas such as the digital economy, gem and jewellery industry, floriculture, boat building sectors and the Coconut Research Institute’s technology transfer and research commercialization.

Transparency and efficiency in approving foreign direct investment (FDI) were emphasized as key drivers of domestic economic growth and foreign investment attraction.

Both nations discussed the reduction of agricultural trade barriers to enhance food security in Sri Lanka. The United States advocated for greater market access for U.S. exports of agricultural products, including animal feed. Biotechnology’s role in sustainable agriculture and food security was also explored.

Intellectual property (IP) protection and enforcement were affirmed as crucial for bilateral trade and innovation. Sri Lanka shared updates on its IP legislative reforms and the United States offered capacity building support.

The meeting concluded with both governments committing to making sustained progress on trade issues, looking ahead to the next TIFA Council Meeting scheduled for 2024.

The fourteenth TIFA Council Meeting served as a testament to the United States and Sri Lanka’s dedication to strengthening their economic ties and fostering mutual prosperity.

Speaker of Bangladesh Parliament, Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury said upcoming BIMSTEC and IORA meetings will boost cooperation between the countries in the region.

She referred to close cooperation between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in international forums, and emphasized the need for further expansion of people-to-people ties between the two countries.

The Speaker said this when she called on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Temple Trees today (September 18).

She expressed appreciation over the rapid recovery made by Sri Lanka after the recent economic crisis. She said Sri Lanka has tremendous potential to expand tourism as she noticed that required infrastructure is in place already.

The Prime Minister discussed the ways and means to further develop links between the Parliaments of both countries and to implement a new program to exchange the experiences of the Parliamentary activities of the two countries. Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury said such cooperation could strengthen best democratic parliamentary practices in the two countries.

The Prime Minister conveyed his greeting to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and appreciated the fact that several high positions in Bangladesh are being held by the women.

The Speaker said that Bangladesh is very keen to use Trincomalee and other Sri Lankan ports, in addition to the Colombo Port to cater to expanding the country’s growing international trade.

At the meeting, the Prime Minister said cooperation in pharmaceutical drugs manufacturing in Sri Lanka as Bangladesh has expertise in the field.

They also discussed the proposed Climate University, energy cooperation in South Asia through a common grid and potential for investments in information technology, education and tourism.

Minister of State Tharaka Balasuriya, MP Yadamini Gunawardena, Bangladesh High Commissioner Tareq Md Ariful Islam and Secretary to the Prime Minister, Anura Dissanayake also took part in the discussion.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): Industrial Development Fund injects new life into micro, small and medium-scale industries.

The Industrial Development Fund (IDF), administered by the Industrial Development Board (IDB) under the purview of the Ministry of Industry has joined forces with the Regional Development Bank (RDB) to extend loans to 25 deserving individuals.

These loans, capped at a maximum of Rs.500,000 per recipient, are earmarked for the expansion and development of micro, small, and medium-scale industries. The initiative aims to invigorate Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial landscape, paving the way for a brighter economic future.

A total sum of Rs.6.5 million will be disbursed in the initial phase, benefiting 25 entrepreneurs, each representing a distinct district. The recipients will operate under a favourable three-year payment period, subject to an annual interest rate of 6%.

The distribution of award letters took place at the Ministry of Industry, orchestrated under the astute guidance of Industry Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana yesterday.

The initiative finds its roots in the Industrial Development Act No. 36 of 1969, enforced by the Ceylon Industrial Development Board.

After a hiatus of 54 years, the IDF was recently unveiled at BMICH during the National Industry Week, led by Minister Pathirana. Its inauguration was marked by an initial balance of Rs. 10 million, a figure that has since grown to an impressive Rs. 15 million. Anticipations are set high, with projections indicating an escalation to an unprecedented Rs. 1 billion by next year.

During the event, the Minister articulated his vision of bolstering the IDF, ensuring accessibility for all MSMEs by the following year.

Dr. Pathirana also shed light on the bureaucratic challenges faced by industrialists in conventional banking channels, leading many to seek loans through informal means, a situation he vows to address.

The Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance is working with the Asian Development Bank to introduce a credit guarantee scheme.

Industrial Development Fund is now in place to help budding industrialists,

Entrepreneurs which consist of 2.8% of the 8.5-9 million labour force in the country must be increased to at least 10% and the ease of doing business ranking must improve to at least below 50th position from 99th place reported in 1920-21 during the next five years, for Sri Lanka to record rapid development, he said.

The Minister extended his gratitude to the IDB for their relentless efforts in elevating Sri Lanka’s micro, small, and medium-scale industries.

Regional Development Bank Chairman Susantha Silva emphasized the bank’s unwavering commitment to fostering the growth of the micro, small and medium-scale industries economy. He stressed the critical importance of business discipline in this endeavor.

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) yesterday voiced its concern regarding the recent decision to impose Minimum Room Rates (MRR) for Colombo hotels.

The apex body representing Destination Management Companies (DMCs) strongly believes that market-driven rates, based on supply and demand dynamics, are vital for a thriving tourism industry and should not be subject to Government regulation.

On Friday, the Government issued an Extraordinary Gazette on MRR which will be effective from 1 October.

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman Priyantha Fernando on Friday formally notified the General Managers of Colombo City hotels about the introduction of Minimum Room Rates (MRR) from 1 October 2023 ending speculation about a possible deferment due to protest by tour operators.

The new directive brings forth a series of guidelines aimed at standardizing room pricing across distribution channels

The MRR structure has been defined to accommodate different hotel categories: $ 100 for 5-star hotels, $ 75 for 4-star establishments, $ 50 for 3-star accommodations, $35 for 2-star hotels and $ 20 for one-star tourist hotels.

As per the Gazette notification, the prices for corporate and free independent tourists (FIT), the MRR structure has been defined to accommodate different hotel categories: $ 100 for 5-star hotels, $ 75 for 4-star establishments, $ 50 for 3-star accommodations, $35 for 2-star hotels and $ 20 for one-star tourist hotels.

However, SLAITO contends that this move could potentially impede the promotion of Colombo as a destination and might have a detrimental impact on the burgeoning Indian MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) market, which has been experiencing rapid growth in recent months.

They claimed similar sentiments were echoed by the Sri Lanka Association of Professional Conference, Exhibition & Event Organizers (SLAPCEO), the association responsible for MICE, who expressed strong objections to this regulatory decision.

Adding to the concerns is the apparent lack of consultation with SLAITO, despite the association being a key player responsible for bringing the highest number of tourists into the country. The decision to implement the MRR was made without their input or participation in any prior discussions.

“Regrettably, SLAITO (which brings in most tourists into this country) had neither been consulted nor included in any discussion before this arbitrary decision was taken,” the statement added.

The industry body further noted that the consequences of imposing these rates have not been thoroughly assessed or strategically considered. SLAITO suggests that this decision may have been influenced by a ‘select group of hoteliers’, potentially with vested interests.

“SLAITO is of the view that it will result in irreversible long-term damage to the tourism industry for which the regulator will have to take full responsibility,” the association asserted.