January 15, Colombo (LNW): Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda engaged in discussions with ministry officials and representatives from the National Aquatic Resources Development Authority (NAQDA) to deliberate on the strategic plan formulated by the Fisheries Ministry and NAQDA. The plan, initiated at the Minister’s directive, aims to propel the freshwater fishing industry’s growth in 2024.

Minister Devananda announced the allocation of Rs. 100 million for the enhancement of key fish breeding centers located at Udawalawa, Dambulla, Sevanapitiya, Rambodagalla, and Inginiyagala. Directing officials to promptly initiate and conclude ongoing fish breeding projects, the Minister emphasized the importance of efficient project management.

In addition, the Minister instructed officials to swiftly devise projects utilizing the Rs. 500 million earmarked in the last budget, particularly for the Northern Province. He urged them to submit these projects promptly, highlighting President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s commitment to developing freshwater fish culture and earning foreign exchange for the country. Minister Devananda expressed confidence in the officials’ dedication and assured them of full support in facilitating the development initiatives.

The meeting, attended by Fisheries Ministry Secretary Kumari Somarathne, NAQDA Institute Chairman Prof. B. Wijerathne, NAQDA’s Director General Asoka, and Fisheries Department Director General Susantha Kahawaththa, focused on collaborative efforts to realize the President’s vision for the growth of the freshwater fishing industry.

January 15, Colombo (LNW): Agriculture and Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera commended Sri Lankan farmers for preventing the importation of rice in 2023, despite facing challenges. Speaking at the inauguration of a coconut by-product village for export in the Kachchigalara area of Barawakumbuka on Saturday (13), the Minister highlighted the significant achievement that saved the country foreign exchange.

Minister Amaraweera revealed that in 2022, Sri Lanka had imported 800,000 metric tons of rice at a cost of US$ 300 million. However, due to the efforts of local farmers, not a single grain of rice was imported in 2023, marking a substantial saving for the country.

The Minister acknowledged the demand for coir and other coconut products in China, along with the growing industry’s contribution to generating foreign exchange, particularly from Dubai. He inaugurated the production factory for the coconut by-product village in the presence of Chinese representatives.

Despite challenges such as floods affecting rice cultivation in the current season, Minister Amaraweera expressed confidence, based on Agriculture Department inquiries, that overall rice harvest would not be significantly impacted. He assured that there would be no need to import rice in 2024 and urged immediate action to commence cultivation for the upcoming Yala Season.

To diversify agricultural activities, the Minister instructed the Agriculture Department and the Agricultural Development Department to inform farmers about the cultivation of additional crops such as green gram, cowpea, and maize in lands under small-scale tanks. This strategic approach aims to enhance agricultural productivity and further contribute to the nation’s self-sufficiency.

January 15, Colombo (LNW): Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva declared the implementation of comprehensive measures to bolster the safety and security of all airports throughout the country. This announcement comes in response to the initiatives undertaken by the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited to improve operations across various airports, including the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

Minister de Silva made these statements during a passing-out ceremony for 135 newly trained security guards at the Colombo International Airport in Rathmalana. Additionally, he outlined plans to increase the current staff of 1,120 security personnel employed by the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited to 1,325.

Highlighting the importance of the recently installed security and safety surveillance equipment at the Bandaranaike International Airport, the Minister expressed confidence that these measures would effectively deter the illicit importation of drugs or other prohibited goods through the airport.

Minister de Silva emphasized that the newly trained security personnel, equipped with the latest security measures, are expected to dutifully carry out their responsibilities without succumbing to external influences.

During the ceremony, the Minister presented badges to the new recruits and commendations to those who excelled in their training. Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited, Eng. Athula Galketiya, along with other officials, were also in attendance.

January 15, Colombo (LNW): In response to the recent clash between two inmate groups at the Kandakadu Rehabilitation Centre, Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, the Minister of Justice, Prison Affairs, and Constitutional Reforms, has revealed plans for a significant change in the administration of the facility.

Speaking to the media, the Justice Minister expressed concern about the recurring clashes among inmates at the Rehabilitation Centre. The Justice Ministry has directed the camp administrators to submit a comprehensive report on the incidents within the next two days.

Dr. Rajapakshe emphasized that swift action will be taken to alter the administration of the Kandakadu Rehabilitation Centre following a thorough examination of the report. He has issued clear instructions to ensure that measures are implemented promptly to prevent any future clashes within the facility.

In the aftermath of the clashes, authorities have reported that all but 11 of the inmates who escaped during the incident have surrendered. The escape of 60 inmates occurred in the wake of the clashes that transpired last Friday, prompting heightened concerns over the security and management of the Rehabilitation Centre.

January 15, Colombo (LNW): In protest against the government’s decision to increase the Disturbance, Availability, and Transport (DAT) allowance for doctors while neglecting their own demands, health sector employees’ trade unions are set to launch a 24-hour token strike starting from 06:30 a.m. on January 16.

President of the Paramedical Services Front (PMSF) Upul Rohana emphasized that the Minister of Health has not engaged in discussions regarding their demands. Approximately 100,000 health workers, including paramedical services, hospital secretaries, administrative officers, health administrative assistants, minor staff, and 75 other trade unions of health staff, are expected to participate in this island-wide strike.

Upul Rohana warned that the strike would significantly disrupt hospital services, emphasizing that maintaining medical services solely with doctors is not feasible.

President of the Academy of Health Professionals Ravi Kumudesh added a note of caution, stating that if military forces are employed to suppress the health workers’ strike, they are prepared to escalate the trade union action even further.

January 15, Colombo (LNW): A pivotal phase of discussions is set to begin as a six-member delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) arrives to engage with key institutions and authorities regarding Sri Lanka’s economic program.

State Finance Minister Shehan Semasinghe confirmed the visit of the IMF delegation, emphasizing that the discussions would involve crucial stakeholders such as the Central Bank, the Electricity Board, and the Ministry of Finance itself.

Minister Semasinghe provided insight into the agenda, stating that the primary focus of the meetings would be to “further strengthen the IMF-supported program for Sri Lanka.”

The IMF mission is slated to conduct these discussions until January 19th, indicating the significance of these talks in shaping the economic direction of the country.

1. NPP Economic Expert Sunil Handunhetti says SL’s International Sovereign Bond investors have factored the risk when they invested in the SL Sovereign Bonds, and would therefore readily agree to substantial “hair-cuts” on their investments: also says a future NPP Govt will borrow from the IMF without any conditions, or not borrow at all.
2. SJB Economic Guru MP Harsha de Silva says whenever anyone including the Govt borrows money, it’s not possible to default and the debt must be paid: analysts however point out that Silva had been vociferously advocating for the Govt’s debt to be re-structured and had in fact specifically called upon the Govt to restructure it’s Debt and not settle it’s maturing ISBs from as far back as 23rd June 2021.
3. Govt increases Annual Excise Licence Fees by massive amounts: Distillery Licence fee excluding Palmyrah arrack – up from Rs.1mn to Rs.25mn: Palmyrah arrack – from Rs.250,000 to Rs.5mn: Toddy – from Rs.1mn to Rs.10mn: Vinegar – from Rs.500,000 to Rs.2.5mn: Tourist Board approved hotels: 200 rooms or more – Rs.1mn: 20 to 199 rooms – Rs.500,000: below 20 rooms – Rs. 250,000: Night Clubs reduced from Rs.500,000 to Rs.250,000.
4. Farmers Federation President Namal Karunaratne warns of a severe shortage of vegetables by April’24, as farmers struggle to continue their cultivation due to the high production cost triggered by the recently-increased VAT: says prices will further increase in the coming months due to a declining harvest.
5. Govt increases Casino Licence fees by massive amounts: Casinos with minimum investment of USD 250mn – Rs.10bn & Renewal Rs.10bn: Casinos with investment less than USD 500mn – Rs.5bn & Renewal Rs.10bn: existing Casino operators – Rs.2bn & Renewal Rs.10bn.
6. Milk Powder Importers’ Association says prices of imported milk powder will increase from next week due to the VAT hike: 400g packet up by Rs.30: 1kg packet up by Rs.75.
7. Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa orders probe into the crash of the MI-17 helicopter in the Central African Republic on Thursday: sends a 3-member team to CAR to obtain a first-hand report.
8. CEB proposes reduction of the electricity tariff by 3.34% from 1st February’24: sends proposal to the Public Utilities Commission for approval.
9. The Chief Prelates of 3 Buddhist Sects urge the President to enact legislation to act against those who distort Buddhism: move prompted by the recent emergence of a self proclaimed “Awalokitheshwara” who is allegedly misleading the public with distorted interpretations of the Buddhist philosophy.
10. SL wins the 1st T20 Cricket International by 3 wickets in a last ball thriller: Zimbabwe 143/5 in 20 overs – Maheesh Theekshana 16/2, Wanindu Hasaranga 19/2: SL 144/7 in 20 overs – Angelo Mathews 46, Dasun Shanaka 26*.

Thai Pongal, a vibrant Hindu harvest festival celebrated by the Tamil Community worldwide, beckons us into a realm of joy and gratitude, signifying not only the bountiful harvest but also the promise of new beginnings. Embraced within the auspicious month of Thai (January) in the Tamil calendar, this celebration harmonizes with the Sun’s northward journey, marking the onset of the harvest season.

Originating around a thousand years ago during the Chola dynasty, this festival commemorates the first harvest of the year. Its purpose is to express gratitude to those who contributed to the harvest.

Beyond its agricultural essence, Thai Pongal heralds a fresh start, a time to relinquish the past and welcome new opportunities with unwavering optimism. Rooted in the belief of the pivotal role of agriculture in rejuvenating Sri Lanka’s economy through the government’s agricultural modernization program, the dawn of Thai symbolizes the inception of a promising journey filled with hope and prosperity.

Thai Pongal also serves as a reminder of the value of equality. I urge everyone to come together with determination, akin to the unity of siblings, to realize new hopes for the country’s future.

I wish the Tamil community worldwide a prosperous and joyous Thai Pongal celebration.

January 15, Colombo (LNW): The Chief Prelates representing all three Buddhist sects have addressed a letter to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, emphasizing the urgency of establishing legal provisions to combat the distortion of the Dhamma and actions that undermine the Buddha Sasana for personal gain.

In their communication, the Chief Prelates underscored the importance of enforcing the law against individuals who distort and jeopardize the fundamental tenets of Buddhist philosophy and culture by disseminating false ideologies about Buddhism.

The letter highlighted instances where certain individuals engaged in activities aimed at misleading the Buddhist public, leading to social unrest. This included acts such as distorting the character of the Buddha and making derogatory statements about sacred objects revered by Buddhists. The Chief Prelates revealed that organized groups and extremist organizations were operating behind such incidents, with some providing significant financial contributions to those involved.

The Chief Prelates expressed concern that the actions of individuals seeking to undermine Buddhism were no longer isolated incidents but part of an organized effort. Consequently, they urged a shift from attempting to address these events individually to the formulation of necessary legal provisions aimed at preventing such distortions of the Dhamma and the noble teachings of Buddhism.

The letter concluded with a call for collective efforts to safeguard the sanctity of Buddhism and prevent any organized attempts to defame its principles.

January 15, Colombo (LNW): A few showers may occur in Eastern and southern provinces.

Mainly fair weather will prevail in the other areas of the island.

Misty conditions can be expected in most provinces in the island during the morning.