January 19, Colombo (LNW): Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda has directed the temporary suspension of prior approval for the import of canned fish, effective from January 11, aiming to support the local canned fish industry. The decision follows a discussion between the Minister and representatives from the Canned Fish Producers’ Association, where concerns were raised regarding challenges faced by the industry.

The representatives highlighted difficulties in selling local canned fish due to large-scale imports in recent months. They attributed price increases to the imposition of VAT tax on local canned fish from January 1. Despite the local industry’s capacity to meet market demand, the surge in imported canned fish has adversely affected their operations.

The representatives emphasized that imported canned fish is priced lower than locally produced counterparts, jeopardizing the viability of their businesses. In response, Minister Devananda instructed the Fisheries Department Director General to temporarily suspend prior approval for canned fish imports and explore the possibility of imposing additional taxes on previously imported stock.

Furthermore, the Minister directed officials to facilitate the import of fish canning necessities during periods of increased local fish prices. Various issues raised by canned fish producers were addressed during the discussion, and the Minister emphasized the importance of monitoring market prices and ensuring a steady fish supply to prevent inconvenience to consumers. The meeting was attended by Ministry Secretary Kumari Somarathne, Fisheries Department Director General Susantha Kahawaththa, and Additional Secretaries to the Fisheries Ministry Anusha Gokula and Dhammika Ranathunga.

January 19, Colombo (LNW): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) representatives underscored the critical need for precise implementation of economic reforms during a review meeting chaired by Sri Lanka’s Acting Minister of Finance, Shehan Semasinghe. Minister Semasinghe expressed satisfaction with the progress made in addressing the economic crisis through the ongoing reforms directed under his leadership.

Discussions at the meeting centered on the reforms’ specifics and their timelines, with the IMF delegation, led by senior mission head Peter Brewer, providing valuable insights. Minister Semasinghe highlighted ongoing dialogues to refine the reform agenda.

It was emphasized that these reforms are vital for the country’s economic development, transcending political affiliations, and the delegation pledged to communicate this importance to all political entities, including the opposition. Minister Semasinghe also noted the delegation’s input from their visits to the North and East regions, emphasizing the imperative of incorporating regional perspectives into the reform process.

January 19, Colombo (LNW): The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has announced its commitment to continue the annual ‘Sadaham Yathra’ religious program, with over 800 programs already successfully conducted across temples, churches, mosques, and kovils nationwide in recent months. Tissa Attanayaka, the SJB National Organiser, highlighted the program’s objective of engaging with religious leaders from various faiths to discuss SJB’s future development plans for the country.

Attanayaka emphasized the SJB’s special focus on addressing the economic crisis affecting the country, particularly the soaring prices of essential food items. He outlined steps taken by the SJB to find a permanent solution to the economic challenges, aiming to alleviate hardships faced by a significant percentage of the population, especially children.

The inaugural ‘Sadaham Yathra’ religious program for the year commenced at Dambadeniya Purana Viharaya in the Kurunegala District. Ven. Thirivanpola Seelawansa Thera, the Chief Incumbent of the temple, praised the initiative, acknowledging its positive impact on the development of individuals’ minds, regardless of their religious beliefs. He expressed gratitude to the SJB leadership for consistently organizing the program across diverse religious places.

January 19, Colombo (LNW): In a statement delivered at the NAM Ministerial Committee on Palestine in Kampala, Uganda, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ali Sabry, PC, reaffirmed the country’s unwavering support for a just and comprehensive negotiated political settlement to the Palestine issue. Minister Sabry emphasized Sri Lanka’s commitment to the relevant UN resolutions, advocating for two States coexisting based on the 1967 borders.

Addressing the ongoing crisis in Gaza, Minister Sabry expressed deep concern over the hundred days of escalating violence and the tragic consequences, including an unprecedented level of civilian casualties and mass displacement. He underscored the urgent need for unhindered humanitarian aid entry into Gaza to prevent famine, disease, and malnutrition.

As the Chair of the UN Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices, Sri Lanka continues to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian cause and acknowledges the legitimate right of the Palestinian people to statehood. Minister Sabry welcomed the high priority given by the 19th Summit of NAM to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the broader issue of Palestine.

Expressing dismay over the double standards in the international response to the crisis in Gaza, Minister Sabry called for a united front and a collective voice from the international community to alleviate the humanitarian disaster. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing the safety, dignity, and rights of both Israelis and Palestinians in the pursuit of stable and sustainable peace.

Minister Sabry acknowledged the legitimate security concerns of both Israeli and Palestinian peoples and urged sincere dialogue between both sides to break the cycle of violence. He concluded by echoing the words of the UN Secretary-General, emphasizing the critical importance of ending the ordeal of the people of Gaza and the collective responsibility of the international community to achieve this goal.

January 19, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has announced plans to eliminate illegal settlements and buildings within the city limits of Colombo. Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Ruwan Wijemuni, stated that official notices have been issued to the owners of these illegal structures, and steps are underway to relocate the affected residents to newly constructed housing schemes provided by the Urban Development Authority (UDA).

Dr. Wijemuni identified several relocation sites, including the Kirula Abeyarama Housing Complex in Thimbirigasyaya, the Gunananda Housing Complex, the Colombo 13 Housing Complex, and Housing Complexes in Maligawatte, Kotahena, and Jumma Majid Road. The move aims to address the issue of unauthorized constructions within the city while ensuring proper housing solutions for those affected.

1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe says SL is relatively stable compared to countries in Africa which are facing severe debt crises: emphasises that African countries are in dire need of debt relief: expresses support for African countries facing challenging circumstances.
2. Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera urges public to maintain “home gardens” for the cultivation of chillies, tomatoes & various types of leaves to deal with the rise in vegetable prices: says vegetable crops have been destroyed due to recent heavy rains: urges people to stop blaming each other as that will not solve the problem.
3. Acting IGP Deshabandu Thennakoon says more than 100,000 offensive video clips of children being sexually abused & their nudity exposed, have been shared on social media: also says Police have initiated investigations to identify & apprehend those responsible for uploading these videos.
4. Report of the Finance Ministry of Finance on public fiscal management reveals that the use of landline phones & mobile phones during the first 6-months period of 2023 had dwindled by 19.4% & 5.3% respectively.
5. SriLankan Airlines misses it’s 3rd coupon interest payment on its International Dollar Bond: says it doesn’t intend to pay the coupon that fell due on 25th Dec”23: it has already missed payments in Dec”22 & Jun’23.
6. Public Security Minister Tiran Alles slams UNHRC for criticizing the Govt’s anti-drug campaign which has nabbed around 39,000 for their involvement with narcotics: SL has recognized the drug menace & underworld operations as key threats and a Police-led operation titled “Yukthiya” to nab the drug distributors across the country is continuing since Dec’23.
7. Acting IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon says 163 persons, including more than 30 police officers who have been in contact with notorious drug trafficker Nadun Chinthaka Wikramaratne alias ‘Harak Kata’, have been identified: also says the Police will analyse the bank details & assets of those police officers: reveals that ‘Harak Kata’ has smuggled over 4,000 kgs of heroin into the country between 2016 and 2023.
8. Another potential pharmaceutical price hike looms as the industry awaits an evaluation of prices to reflect the indirect impact of VAT & exchange rate fluctuations: the industry is now expecting a further price hike of nearly 12%: local pharmacists claim sales have already dropped by around 30% since the 1st price revision.
9. Controller General of Immigration & Emigration I S H J Ilukpitiya says the Electronic Passport (e-passport) will be introduced by end-2024: adds the SL passport will become one of the well-recognized passports among countries with the introduction of the e-passport.
10. SL wins the 3rd Cricket T20 against Zimbabwe by 9 wickets: Zimbabwe 82 all-out in 14.1 overs: Wanindu Hasaranga 15/4, Angelo Mathews 15/2, Maheesh Theekshana 14/2: SL 88/1 in 10.5 overs: Pathum Nissanka 39, Kusal Mendis 33, Dhananjaya de Silva 15: SL wins the series 2-1.

January 19, Colombo (LNW): The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has announced its decision to initiate an investigation into the Aswesuma social welfare benefits program following numerous complaints from individuals and organizations. HRCSL Commissioner Attorney Nimal Punchihewa stated that concerns were raised about the non-issuance of benefits to eligible groups, fairness in eligibility criteria, and the selection process.

The investigation aims to assess the fairness of guidelines and the proper execution of the selection process. Meanwhile, Acting Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe revealed that an additional 300,000 families have qualified for the Aswesuma welfare benefit, bringing the total number of beneficiary families to over 1.7 million.

In response to objections and appeals, 5,209 families were deemed ineligible for the Aswesuma benefit. The Acting Minister assured that payments for eligible families from July to December would be released before the next payment cycle. Additionally, nearly 1.1 million appeals and objections are set to be expeditiously considered to address concerns and maintain transparency in the welfare program.

January 19, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has launched a new “NOMAD” visa, catering to online workers who wish to work from the country, as announced by Immigration and Emigration Controller General Harsha Ilukpitiya. Tourists on Holiday Visas can now apply for tourist visas online, extending their stay in Sri Lanka, while investors have the option of obtaining visas for periods ranging from 10 to 15 years. Additionally, a Permanent Resident (PR) Visa is set to be introduced for those planning to live their entire lives in Sri Lanka.

Ongoing discussions with VFS Global, with branches in 145 countries, aim to facilitate obtaining tourist visas for foreign travelers. The simplified visa process, expected to be implemented within a month, aims to attract three to four million tourists to Sri Lanka in the near future.

Ilukpitiya highlighted the introduction of a “Facial Recognition” system at Bandaranaike International Airport and plans to expand the system to recognize passengers via their picture and fingerprints for both departure and arrival. An office with visa facilities for the Northern Province will open in Vavuniya in February. The anticipated Ferry Service between India and Sri Lanka from Kankesanthurai is set to commence operations this week.

Furthermore, Sri Lanka plans to introduce Electronic Passports for its citizens within the year, aiming to enhance the recognition of Sri Lankan passports globally. The comprehensive changes in visa processes and technological advancements signal a significant effort to boost tourism and streamline residency options in the country.

January 19, Colombo (LNW): Showers will occur at times in Northern, North-Central, Eastern and Uva provinces.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places elsewhere of the island after 2.00 p.m.

Fairly heavy showers above 75 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning.

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