Conduct a discussion and present a report on the benefits of working with the BRICS countries – Committee Chair instructs.
 Attention directed towards the recruitment of Sri Lankan students abroad as volunteers to serve in foreign embassies.

41% of the world’s population lives, 24% of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP) and 16% of world trade activities are carried out in the BRICS countries, The Central Bank of Sri Lanka stated before the Sectoral Oversight Committee on International Relations. Furthermore, 10.3% of Sri Lanka’s exports and 47.3% of imports in the year 2022 are made from BRICS countries and for these reasons it is economically important to work with BRICS countries, the Central Bank officials further stated.

The said discussions were held at the Sectoral Oversight Committee on International Relations held in Parliament, Chaired by Hon. Namal Rajapaksa.

Accordingly, the Committee Chair recommended that a special discussion be held with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Finance under the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to inquire about the social, economic and political benefits that can be obtained through working with the BRICS countries and submit a report to the Committee.

Moreover, the Chair also instructed the relevant officials to pay attention to the recruitment of foreign students, including Sri Lankan students who are studying abroad, as volunteers for the vacancies of employees in foreign embassies.

Members of the Sectoral Oversight Committee Hon. (Prof.) G. L. Peiris, Hon. Akila Ellawala, Hon. Madhura Withanage, Members of Parliament Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a group of officials representing the Central Bank of Sri Lanka participated and the Hon. Chandima Weerakkody, Member of Parliament participated with the permission of the Chair of the Committee.

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW):Two Pakistani cricket officials are under the strict scrutiny of cricket authorities following allegations of visiting a Sri Lankan casino during their stay in the island to attend the Asia cup matches in Colombo, PTI reported.

It was highlighted in international media including the Deccan Herald and the the Times of India

Many Pakistani fans on social media questioned how officials of the Pakistani Cricket Board PCB could be so “immature” and “careless” as to indulge in gambling, it added.

Pakistan team’s current media manager Umar Farooq Kalson and board’s GM (International Cricket) Adnan Ali are under scanner after pictures and video footage emerged of the duo visiting a Colombo casino.

Both are in Colombo in official capacity as a part of the Pakistani contingent for the ongoing Asia Cup and visiting a gambling den is sure to attract attention of ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit as it is one of the prohibited places as per code of conduc, PTI disclosed.

Pakistan’s Captain Babar Azam in a conversation with umpires Chris Gaffaney and Ruchira Palliyagurugeare after rain stops play (ANI)

Many Pakistani fans on social media questioned how officials of the PCB could be so “immature” and “careless” as to indulge in gambling. Many criticised the trend of many PCB officials going on to Colombo during the Asia Cup on official visits.

A PCB source said that at least 15-20 PCB officials had travelled to and from between Colombo and Lahore while some were stationed there permanently as Pakistan was the official host of the Asia Cup.

After some Pakistani news channels ran headlines, the two officials in the Casino later clarified that they had only gone to the Casino to have dinner, a claim ridiculed by all and sundry on social media and also by some former test players.

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has posted a 74 percent increase in workers’ remittances during the first eight months of 2023, reaching nearly US$ 4 billion, compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

Based on the most recent data released by the Central Bank, workers’ remittances in August 2023 increased to US$ 499.2 million, a substantial uptick from the US$ 325.4 million received in August 2022. However, this figure remained below the six-year average of US$ 584 million for the month of August spanning from 2015 to 2020.

For the January- August 2023 period, the cumulative remittance income stood at US$ 3, 862.7 million, compared to US$ 2, 214.8 million recorded for the equivalent period in 2022.

This translates to a substantial increase of 74.4 percent. “This isn’t just a statistic. It’s a testament to dedication, hard work, and perseverance of our Sri Lankan expatriates,” Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara said commenting on the latest data.

Sri Lanka has received 499 million US dollars in remittances through official channels in August 2023, up 53 percent from a year ago, data released by the central bank shows. The August number is slightly lower than 541 million US dollars in July.

Worker remittances coming through official channels fell in 2021 which could not be paid for by the banking system at the official rate as money was printed to sterilize interventions and keep a policy rate down, triggering parallel exchange rates, which were settled outside the formal banking system.

From April rates were hiked, slowing credit and the need to print money to keep rates down. Up to August 2023, Sri Lanka received 3,862.7 million US dollars from official channels, up 74 percent 2,214.5 million US dollar in 2022

“Our global workforce, spread across the world, has not only weathered the challenges brought about by the pandemic but has thrived and excelled. They have supported families, communities, and our nation’s economy through their tireless efforts,” he added.

“Let’s take a moment to appreciate their unwavering commitment and the sacrifices they make to uplift their loved ones and the country. Their remittances go beyond numbers; they are a lifeline, a beacon of hope, and a source of pride for Sri Lanka.

Together, we look forward to a brighter future, knowing that the global Sri Lankan community plays a pivotal role in our nation’s progress. As we celebrate these remarkable achievements, let’s continue to support and honour the dedication of our global workforce,” the Minister further said.

Instructions from the Committee Chair to call the National Secretariat for Persons with Disabilities and obtain their views and suggestions
 Seeking views of non-governmental organizations for persons with disabilities also suggested.

The appointment of Hon. Dullas Alahapperuma as the Chair to the Caucus were proposed by Members of Parliament Hon. (Prof.) Charitha Herath, seconded by (Hon. (Dr.) (Mrs.) Sudarshini Fernandopulle when the Caucus met for the first time. Members of Parliament Hon. Madhura Withanage, and Hon. Ajith Mannapperuma, were appointed as deputy Chairs to the Caucus, proposed and seconded by Members of Parliament Hon. Weerasumana Weerasinghe and Hon. Karunadasa Kodithuwakku.

Commenting on the future actions of the Caucus, the Chair of the Caucus instructed to call the National Secretariat for Persons with Disabilities for a discussion. The Chair mentioned that the Caucus can get an understanding of the current information and data about the persons with disabilities as well as the work plan carried out by the office.

The Chair further commented that there are many issues for people with disabilities in the areas of education, transportation, law and health. Accordingly, it was decided to invite non-governmental organizations working on behalf of disabled people and get their views and suggestions.

The Chair also recalled the need to obtain updated data on how many people with disabilities are present in the country since the last population census was conducted in 2012.

The Chair emphasized that everyone should stand up for the rights of persons with disabilities regardless of their party affiliation. Hon. Sajith Premadasa, the leader of the opposition, disclosing facts before the Caucus addressed the need to prepare a data system regarding persons with disabilities in this country. According to the said, the Gramasewa officials can begin to obtain the relevant data, the Opposition Leader said.

The members of the Caucus said that they should work with the aim of giving rights to persons with disabilities rather than pity.

Members of Parliament Hon. (Dr.) (Mrs.) Sudarshini Fernandopulle, Hon. Lalith Ellawala, Hon. (Prof.) Charitha Herath, Hon. Madhura Withanage, Hon. Jagath Kumara Sumithraarachchi, Hon. B. Y. G. Rathnasekara, Hon. Weerasumana Weerasinghe, Hon. Karunadasa Kodithuwakku, Hon. Udayana Kirindigoda, Hon. Yadamini Gunawardena, Hon. Premnath C. Dolawatte, Hon. K. P. S. Kumarasiri, Hon. Sudath Manjula, Rohini Kumari Wijerathna, Hon. Wasantha Yapabandara, were present at the Committee meeting held.

The Communication Department of Parliament of Sri Lanka had recently organized a workshop to educate young leaders about democracy and the parliamentary process at the Parliament premises.

In collaboration with the Parliament of Sri Lanka, PAFFREL organization had selected young leaders for the workshop. Secretary General of Parliament Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera was the main resource person of this workshop which was held in both Sinhala and Tamil languages.

Addressing the program, the Secretary General of Parliament appreciated the interest of more than a hundred young leaders who came to the Parliament representing many areas of the island to gain knowledge about democracy and the parliamentary process. Explaining the role of the Parliament

further, she said that the youth community has a special responsibility in bringing correct information about the Parliament to the grassroots level. Assistant Secretary General of Parliament Mr. Hansa Abeyratne, Director-Legislative Services and Communication (Acting) Mr. Janakantha Silva and the Director- Administration Ms. G. Thacchanarani delivered presentations about the parliamentary process.

This awareness workshop for the youth community was organized by the Public Outreach Section of the Communication Department of Parliament as one more step in a series of ongoing special awareness programs in collaboration with Paffrel Organization.

The Sri Lankan Rupee has experienced a decline in value against the US Dollar at various commercial banks in Sri Lanka today, as compared to the previous day’s rates.

At Peoples Bank, the buying and selling rates for the US Dollar have risen from Rs. 313.85 to Rs. 314.72 and from Rs. 328.60 to Rs. 328.85, respectively.

Commercial Bank reports an increase in the buying rate of the US Dollar from Rs. 314.24 to Rs. 314.73, with the selling rate also rising from Rs. 325.50 to Rs. 326.

Meanwhile, Sampath Bank has seen an uptick in the buying and selling rates for the US Dollar, with rates climbing from Rs. 317 to Rs. 318 for buying and from Rs. 327 to Rs. 328 for selling. This fluctuation reflects the current dynamics of the foreign exchange market.