1. President Ranil Wickremasinghe says the Govt expects to provide medical insurance to every citizen in the country.
   
2. Ministry of Defence refutes the allegations by UK’s controversial TV channel, Channel 4 over the Easter Sunday bomb attacks: reiterates the Govt’s unwavering commitment to the truth, justice & well-being of the Nation.
   
3. Cardinal Ranjith says almost 15,000 persons were said to have had knowledge of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks even though the Church was not informed of the attacks, according to the Report of the Special Presidential Commission: meanwhile, critics point out that even Cardinal Ranjith did not say Holy Mass that morning as was customarily done by the Cardinal.
   
4. Indrajith Coomaraswamy (former CB Governor & Director of Galleon, the firm of disgraced US inside dealing convict Raj Rajaratnam) who is also widely considered as being responsible for Sri Lanka’s massive Forex borrowing spree from April’18 to June’19 which has led to the present debt crisis, says “the country will be hit by a fresh crisis far worse than any before if Sri Lanka allows elections to distract from the path of recovery, stabilization and growth”.
   
5. COPE instructs CID to probe former Public Utilities Commission Chairman Janaka Ratnayake’s claim that petrol and diesel could have been sold at a price of approximately Rs.250 per litre, in 2022.
   
6. Labour Minister Manusha Nanayakkara says Govt is planning to introduce a new Act to make it mandatory for Employers to pay EPF & ETF for plumbers, security guards and domestic aides: laments there are only 2.4mn workers contributing to EPF now: critics point out that present EPF Members are highly agitated that the Govt and Central Bank are now getting ready to substantially deprive the EPF Members’ of their rightful dues under the proposed Debt Re-structuring Process.
   
7. Southern Province Irrigation (Hydrology) Director S Sugeeshwarathe warns that the overall hydro catchment situation remains dire and reservoir water levels are stagnating at just 26%, notwithstanding rain in other areas: urges residents to conserve spring water resources for agricultural needs, given the continued scarcity.
   
8. Worker remittances record USD 499mn in Aug’23, up 53% from August’22, but down 8% from USD 541mn in July’22: nevertheless, cumulative figure for Jan-Aug’23 records USD 3,863mn, up 74% compared to Jan-Aug’22.
   
9. Indian Cricket captain Rohit Sharma visits aging SL Cricket supporter Percy Abeysekera (Uncle Percy) at his residence in Ekala: the video of the visit goes viral on social media.
   
10. Sri Lanka beats Bangladesh in the Asia Cricket Cup 2023 – Super 4 stage match, by 21 runs: SL – 257/9 (50): Sadeera Samarawickrama 93, Kusal Mendis 50, Pathum Nissanka 40: Bangladesh – 236 all out (48.1): Dasun Shanaka – 28/3, Mahesha Pathirana – 58/3, Mahesh Theekshana – 69/3.

The officials representing the Ministry of Finance disclosed that they intend to lift all restriction on imports except for private vehicles by the end of 2023. The officials stated the aforesaid when the Committee requested for a time frame as to how long such restrictions will be in place post advertently considering the duopolies such restrictions have caused, especially governing wheat flour and tile.

The discussion pertaining to the said was held at the Committee on Public Finance held today (05) in Parliament, Chaired by Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva.

Accordingly, the Committee took into consideration the Regulation under the Imports and Exports (Controls) Act, No. 1 of 1969 published in the Gazette Extraordinary 2341 / 38 of 20.07.2023 and was approved by the Committee.

The Order under the Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 was also considered during the Committee on Public Finance Chaired by Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva and approved.

Accordingly, the eligible migration allowance for the emigrants who are claiming the migration allowance for the first time was increased from USD 30,000 up to a maximum of USD 50,000 or equivalent in any other designated foreign currency.

The Committee questioned the position of equity for those who migrated the year prior to such order. The officials present stated that emigrants who have already claimed migration allowance could claim the remainder up to a maximum of USD 20,000.

Moreover, the Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill was also considered by the Committee on Public Finance and was approved. Accordingly, the said Bill intends to amend the said Act to exempt any motor vehicle liable to the excise duty under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act, No. 13 of 1989 on the importation in considering excise duty is a composite tax introduced to simplify the tax structure, previously included in the Act.

Furthermore, it also intends to exempt equipment used by persons with disabilities to lower the tax burden on such persons, rough unprocessed gem stones imported for re-exporting after cut and polishing to maintain the competitiveness of such Sri Lankan business in the global market by lowering the tax burden and any items sold at duty free shops, similar to other import taxes.

However, the Committee questioned the officials present regarding the motive, effectiveness and the impact of to exempt equipment used by persons with disabilities to lower the tax burden when access for persons with disability is not being facilitated.

State Minister Dr. Suren Raghavan, MPs Chandima Weerakkodi, Wajira Abeywardana, Patali Champika Ranawaka, Nimal Lanza, Isuru Dodangoda, Dr. Major Pradeep Undugoda, Dr. Nalaka Godahewa, Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Madhura Withanage were also present at this Committee meeting held.

By: Isuru Parakrama

Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts, and fairly heavy showers above 50mm are likely at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Puttalam, Galle and Matara districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (10).

A few showers may occur in Mannar, Vavuniya and Anuradhapura districts, and showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in Uva province and in Batticaloa, Ampara districts during the evening or night, the statement added.

Fairly strong winds about (40-45) kmph can be expected at times in western slopes of the central hills, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.

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

Marine Weather:

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India Milinda Moragoda who is to relinquish duties at the end of this month, was hosted by two top corporate leaders in India recently.

Adani Group’s Chairman Gautam Adani hosted High Commissioner Moragoda a farewell dinner at his residence on 05 September. Earlier this week, the High Commissioner was hosted for a farewell lunch by the Chairman of the Hinduja Group Europe, Prakash Hinduja.

On both occasions, High Commissioner Moragoda recalled the close interactions he has had with these two top businessmen and thanked them for the assistance that they had extended to him during his tenure in Delhi.

Founded by Gautam Adani in 1988, Adani Group is one of the largest corporations in India and its businesses include port management, electric power generation and transmission, renewable energy, mining, airport operations, natural gas, food processing and infrastructure.

Hinduja Group is a top Indian transnational conglomerate, which is present in eleven sectors including automotive, oil and specialty chemicals, banking and finance, power etc. It owns the automotive manufacturer, Ashok Leyland.

Both Groups have invested substantially in Sri Lanka.

High Commission of Sri Lanka
New Delhi
08 September 2023

Colombo (LNW): There could be dire consequences of unbearable tax hike under the new advanced personal income taxes and rationale for requesting an immediate downward revision, pointed out the Central Bank Executive Officers’ Union, in a letter addressed to Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardena.

The Union told the Treasury Secretary that urgent measures ought to be taken to revise the exorbitant tax rates imposed under the advanced personal income tax (APIT), which came into effect at the beginning of this year, despite of the multitude of adverse repercussions highlighted by the professionals and the civil society in the country.

In the light no anti-corruption measures being undertaken thus far to recover the fraudulent / misappropriation of public funds, it is critical to take necessary legal actions against all forms of public money frauds that have taken place over the course of time in an expeditious manner, in order to regain the trust and credibility of the public on the transparency of public funds utilisation, the Union emphasised.

By: Isuru Parakrama

Colombo (LNW): It is the responsibility of all MPs, including party leaders, to properly understand the power possessed by Parliament, and perform its duties properly, despite it having been subjected to certain limitations due to the 1978 Constitution based on the Executive Presidency, Chairman of the the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ), former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said in a statement.

The NMSJ Chief urged all MPs to take into consideration the countries present situation as well as the difficulties faced by the people, and take positive measures so as to ensure a better future for generations to come.

Full Statement:

The National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) reiterates that it is the responsibility of all Members of Parliament (MP), including party leaders, to properly understand the power possessed by the Parliament, and perform its duties properly, despite it having been subjected to certain limitations due to the 1978 Constitution based on the Executive Presidency.

It is a democratic process to participate in common courses and hold debates based on certain important issues that have an impact on the entire nation, but the main responsibility and duty of the Parliament is to “enact the laws necessary for governance”, and it seems that there is some backwardness in the Parliament of Sri Lanka in such regard.

Considering the crucial need to update a number of laws and ordinances that can greatly affect the future of the country, we are of the view that the Parliament should pay more attention to it. We must not forget that some of the laws and ordinances in force in Sri Lanka are more than a hundred years old. They need to be revised to suit the modern world. Towards that end, the primary responsibility and task lies with the Parliament.

Therefore, we request all MPs to take into consideration the countries present situation as well as the difficulties faced by the people, and take positive measures so as to ensure a better future for generations to come.

Karu Jayasuriya
Chairman
National Movement for Social Justice
09 September, 2023

Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, HE Udaya Indrarathna has been welcomed as an honorary member of Honorary Chair-International Chair for South East Asia (Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal) for the Centre for Advanced Surgical Excellence and Research- Homograft Bank, a proposed non-for-profit initiative to address India’s increasing burden of cardiovascular disease.

The Indian Association of Cardiovascular-Thoracic Surgeons (IACTS) welcomed Ambassador Indrarathna as an honorary member of the initiative, stating that they believe that his strategic acumen spanning across several leadership positions in the government; international relations and being seen as a global diplomat par excellence will help to drive forth the social impact cause of CASER-HB.

Centre for Advanced Surgical Excellence and Research- Homograft Bank (CASER-HB) is a proposed not-for-profit initiative to address India’s increasing burden of cardiovascular disease. The initiative focuses on three key areas: homograft availability, advanced skills training, and cutting-edge research. The center plans to establish the world’s first free homograft bank, provide advanced skills training to budding cardiologists and surgeons, and promote collaborative research on cardiovascular disease.

 The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the European Union, Grace Asirwatham, hosted a group of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) who are part of the Friends of Sri Lanka group to an engaging and informative working dinner at the official residence on 5 September 2023. The event was attended by 8 MEPs, including the Chair of the Friends of Sri Lanka group, MEP Tomáš Zdechovský from the Czech Republic, who is a member of the European People’s Party (EPP), which is the largest party in the EU Parliament, and Vice-Chair Maximilian Krah from Germany, MEP of the Identity and Democracy (ID) party.

Ambassador Grace Asirwatham presented a comprehensive overview of the Sri Lankan government’s strategy for economic recovery, through foreign and domestic debt restructuring, promotion of tourism, exports, investment promotion, and more stringent economic policy measures to drive the country towards economic prosperity. In this context, the Ambassador expressed appreciation for the EU’s steadfast support and assistance to Sri Lanka during challenging times, and more importantly, through its trade instrument, EU GSP Plus tariff concessions for Sri Lankan exports to the EU, which have empowered the most vulnerable sectors of the social fabric of Sri Lanka, including women. As discussions on the new regulation of the EU GSP for the next decade take place in the European Parliament, Ambassador Asirwatham underscored the critical importance of continuing the EU GSP Plus tariff concessions to support Sri Lanka’s transformative journey toward economic recovery and prosperity, while diligently fulfilling all GSP Plus-related conditions.

Ambassador Asirwatham also delved into Sri Lanka’s firm commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action. She reiterated Sri Lanka’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and highlighted ongoing efforts to expand forest cover and transition to renewable energy sources. Furthermore, she mentioned collaborative opportunities being explored with the European Union to facilitate this green energy transition.

The MEP Tomáš Zdechovský, Chair of the Friends of Sri Lanka group, commended the Sri Lankan government for its efforts to stabilize the economy and steer the country towards a positive path through firm policy interventions. The Vice-Chair Maximilian Krah, who is also the standing rapporteur for South Asia in the European Parliament Committee on International Trade (INTA), echoed these sentiments of commendation for Sri Lanka’s proactive economic stabilization measures.  He emphasized the significance of continuing EU GSP Plus tariff concessions to support the country’s economic recovery, reaffirming their commitment to assisting Sri Lanka in its time of need. The MEPs present at the event praised the existing cooperation between Sri Lanka and the EU, which is firmly grounded in shared democratic values, mutual respect, and socio-economic development.

The working dinner provided a platform for an insightful exchange of ideas on the progress, challenges, and aspirations of Sri Lanka’s political and economic endeavours, underscoring the importance of cooperation and partnership between Sri Lanka and the European Union.

Embassy of Sri Lanka
Brussels
08 September 2023

Monique De Decker-Deprez, Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Antwerp, Belgium, received her Letter of Service Extension from Grace Asirwatham, Ambassador in Brussels.

Monique De Decker-Deprez embarked on her distinguished journey as Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Antwerp in July 1997, and her unwavering dedication has seen her successfully serve in this capacity for an impressive 26 years. She was honoured with the national title of “Sri Lanka Ranjana” in 2005 by the Government of Sri Lanka in recognition of her outstanding contribution to promoting bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Belgium.

In her capacity as the Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka, Monique De Decker-Deprez holds the pivotal position of President of the Consular Union, representing nearly one hundred and twenty Honorary Consuls in Belgium, each representing various countries.

Antwerp is Belgium’s economic powerhouse, which houses one of Europe’s major ports. Antwerp’s economic, cultural, and diplomatic significance within Belgium and the concentration of a Sri Lankan community there made it a crucial location for the establishment of the Honorary Consulate of Sri Lanka.

Embassy of Sri Lanka
Brussels
08 September 2023