Colombo (LNW): Four hundred types of medicines have been brought to Sri Lanka under emergency purchases and distributed to hospitals, said the Health Ministry.
In the meantime, 378 types of medicines received under the Indian credit line have also been distributed to hospitals, but a shortage of 77 types of medicines is still being experienced by hospitals, said Ministry’s Additional Secretary Dr. Saman Rathnayake.
By: Isuru Parakrama
Colombo (LNW): Due to the active south west monsoon conditions over the island, there is a possibility of enhancing the prevailing showery condition in the south-western part of Sri Lanka, said the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology in a statement today (02).
In the backdrop, heavy showers above 100 mm are likely to occur at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam, former Singapore deputy prime minister, has been elected to the ceremonial post of president, according to official results, in an election seen as a barometer of public sentiment towards the ruling party amid economic challenges.
The Elections Department on Friday declared the 66-year-old economist as the winner over two rival candidates after securing 70.4 percent of votes.
“I declare Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam as the candidate duly elected as the president of Singapore,” said election returning officer Tan Meng Dui.
Shanmugaratnam, who is of Sri Lankan descent and a longtime leader of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), resigned from the government and the party ahead of the first contested presidential election in more than a decade.
“I believe that it’s a vote of confidence in Singapore. It’s a vote of optimism for a future in which we can progress together,” Shanmugaratnam said in a speech before the results were announced.
While the presidency is a largely ceremonial, nonpartisan post under the constitution, political lines were already drawn ahead of Friday’s election to replace incumbent Halimah Yacob, who ran unopposed for her six-year term in 2017.
The city-state’s government is run by the prime minister, currently Lee Hsien Loong of the PAP, a party that has ruled Singapore continuously since 1959.
Analysts said the landslide victory for the candidate seen as closest to the establishment is a sign that Singaporeans generally still trust the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP).
“It shows that the PAP is still a trusted brand, as long as the candidate that is put forth is credible. Tharman is as credible as it gets,” said political scientist Walid Jumblatt Abdullah of Nanyang Technological University.
Source: Al Jazeera
The soft launch of “Singapore and Sri Lanka at 50: Perspectives from Sri Lanka” a joint research publication by the Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS) of the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Sri Lanka High Commission, Singapore took place on 29 August 2023 at NUSS Guild House, National University of Singapore. The project was initiated to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Sri Lanka and Singapore.
The edited volume represents a culmination of years of dedicated research, collaboration, and scholarly endeavour. It is a comprehensive exploration of the diplomatic relations between the two nations and delves into a multitude of dimensions including historical, social, economic, security, diplomatic, and environmental aspects and the potential that lies ahead for this important relationship. The chapters in the book, predominantly offering a Sri Lankan perspective, shed light on diverse aspects of the bilateral relationship with a rich tapestry of analysis, presenting both successes and challenges encountered along the way.
Welcoming those present at the book launch, Director of ISAS Associate Professor Iqbal Singh Sevea highlighted that Sri Lanka was considered an inspiration for Singapore’s founding father late Mr. Lee Kuan Yew. He added that Singapore and Sri Lanka have negotiated challenges, explored opportunities in their own unique ways, and enjoyed strong bilateral relations underpinned by economic and people-to-people ties.
Addressing the gathering High Commissioner Sashikala Premawardhane spoke of the strong cultural and historical foundation that nurtured the bilateral relationship dating back to a time when both countries were pivotal points along the ancient maritime trade routes. She added that frequent high-level political interactions that have taken place over the years including the recently concluded successful working visit of HE Ranil Wickremesinghe, President of Sri Lanka to Singapore strengthened cooperation and collaboration between the two countries. She added that Sri Lanka looks towards deepening cooperation with Singapore in the future.
Speaking about the edited volume High Commissioner Premawardhane said that the research volume is more than a mere collection of academic essays; and stands as a testament to the depth and complexity of the bilateral relations. She expressed her appreciation to the editors, Dr. Chulanee Attanayake, Dr. George Cooke, and Ms. Ramitha Iyer for curating the insightful collection of chapters and thanked the contributors whose collective expertise and dedication have resulted in a comprehensive and enlightening exploration of this significant diplomatic relationship. She added that the scholarly contributions contained in the volume offer a wealth of knowledge and understanding that will undoubtedly enrich the discourse surrounding international diplomacy.
The book launch was followed by a panel discussion featuring Postdoctoral Fellow, National University of Singapore Dr. Rajini Gamage, journalist Nithya Subramanian, Head of Public Policy at Meta Senura Abeywardena and was moderated by Dr. Udan Fernando, Consultant, Association for Asian Civil Studies (AAS), USA & Head, Colombo Charter, Asian Civil Society Research Network, University of Melbourne.
Representatives of the diplomatic corps in Singapore, academics and researchers, and the Sri Lankan expatriate community members attended the event.
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) ‘Delhi’ arrived at the port of Colombo on a formal visit yesterday (01) morning. The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance with naval tradition.
INS ‘Delhi’ is a 163.2m long Destroyer manned by a crew of 450 and the ship is commanded by Captain Abhishek Kumar. Meanwhile, the Commanding Officer of the ship called on Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Suresh De Silva at the Western Naval Command Headquarters this morning.
During the ship’s stay, the crew will take part in several programmes organised by the Sri Lanka Navy, with a view to promoting cooperation and goodwill between two navies. They are also expected to visit some of the tourist attractions in the country.
In addition, INS ‘Delhi’ has made arrangements to open the ship for the visit of school children. Further, training exchanges are scheduled to be held aboard, involving naval personnel from both navies. The ship is expected to depart the island on 03rd September and she will conduct a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with a ship of Sri Lanka Navy, off Colombo.
SL Navy
Responding to rapid changes in the economic landscape of Sri Lanka, Government of India (GOI) has increased the financial allocation for various grant projects being implemented across the length and breadth of the country. Financial allocation has been increased by upto 50% in case of 9 ongoing projects which are being executed under the India-Sri Lanka High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) framework. The overall financial commitment for these 9 projects currently stands at close to SLR 3 billion, after the increase. These projects cut across sectors ranging from education and health to agriculture, among others.
2. GOI has completed more than 60 grant projects under the HICDP framework, covering all the 25 Districts of Sri Lanka. In addition, 20 other projects are under different stages of implementation. The HICDP framework was signed between the two countries in 2005 and subsequently renewed thrice, for a period of five years each time. It may be recalled that GOI also doubled the ceilings for individual projects as well as the overall financial capital outlay under the framework in January 2023.
3. GOI’s overall development cooperation partnership portfolio in Sri Lanka is around USD 5 billion, of which USD 600 million is grant. Demand-driven and people-centric projects carried out by GOI span across areas such as infrastructure development, housing, livelihood assistance etc. 1990 Emergency Ambulance Service, Railway Track rehabilitation, Integrated Water Plants, Indian Housing Project and Jaffna Cultural Center are among the landmark projects completed by GOI in Sri Lanka.
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Colombo
1 September 2023
Colombo (LNW): The no confidence motion filed against Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella will be taken into debate on September 06, 07 and 08, as per a decision by the Committee on Parliamentary Businesses chaired by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, announced Parliament Secretary General Kushani Rohanadeera.
Parliament is scheduled to meet from Tuesday the 5th to Friday the 8th of the coming week and each day, time 9.30 am – 10.30 am has been allotted for Questions for Oral Answers.
Tuesday, the 5th September the debate on the Ayurveda (Amendment) Bill (second reading) is scheduled to be held from 10.30 am to 5.00 pm. Subsequently, the Private Member’s Bills Sri Balabhivurdhi Wardhana Samitiya (Incorporation) Bill and Samadhi Community Development Foundation Bill, will be taken for second reading. Then from 5.00 pm to 5.30 pm, the Motion at the Adjournment Time by the government will be debated.
Wednesday, the 6th September Order under the Foreign Exchange Act published in the Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 2338/40 and the Regulations published in Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 2341/38 under the Import and Export (Control) Act have been scheduled to be approved without debate at around 10. 30 a.m.
Thereafter, no-confidence motion against the Health Minister will be taken up for debate till 5.30pm.
It was decided to hold this debate for the second and third days on Thursday, September 7 and Friday, September 8 from 10.30 am to 5.30 pm, Mrs. Rohanadeera noted, adding that the vote on the no- confidence motion is scheduled to be held on the 8th at 5.30 pm.
By: Staff Writer
Colombo (LNW): China’s plan to rescue Sri Lanka from economic crisis in 2022 has ben shattered following the declaration of bankruptcy by the Central Bank governor Nandalal Weerasinghe, national organization collective claim.
Dr. Wasantha Bandara, a frontline member of the organization noted that China’s loan assistance in the pipeline at the time of announcing pre-emptive debt default has been vanished to thin air by the disruptive action of the CB.
He accused Weerasinghe of aiding and abetting measures taken by the then government as the deputy governor of the CB to raise over US$12 billion via the issuance of International Sovereign Bonds during the period of 2015-2019.
Former CB Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal stated that inflows of USD 3.8 bn materialised during his tenure of just over 6-1/2 months. He added that China has pledged $4 billlion and it was in the pipe line.
He also says not a single dollar used to “defend” rupee, USD 1.8 bn provided for essential imports, USD 2.0 bn provided to ensure state banks’ solvency, USD 3.1 bn in debt settled in time, and USD 10.7 bn in pipe-line of inflows arranged before the announcement of pre-emptive debt dafult.
Dr. Wasantha Bandara accused Weerasinghe for encouraging the then government authorities’ toenact new foreign exchange act No12 of 2017 which has helped Sri Lanka’s businesses involved in the exports and imports trade in plundering US$53 billion.
They have plundered US$ 36.833 billion (Rs 13.246 trillion) over nine years through intentional, dodgy invoicing, and stashing the foreign exchange earnings offshore and this amount has incresed to $53 billion now. .
Importers and exporters intentionally falsify the declared value of goods on invoices filed with Sri Lanka Customs, to make an average of US$ 4.093 billion (Rs 1.471 trillion) evaporate every year, an extensive investigation by Washington, DC-based Global Financial Integrity has revealed.
The state can size the savings and fixed deposits of high net worth tax defaulters while cut down their bond repayments equivalent to their massive tax evasion money amounting to RS 904 billion by 2023 according Inland Revenue department data.
Such bond holders are getting high interest rates for their investments and therefore the present value of the tax evasion money would be around Rs 2 billion by now.
The government would be able to save three times of the amount expected from the restructure of EPF and ETF by this massive tax recovery process and seizing the saving and fixed deposit accounts of tax evaders.
Colombo (LNW): The High Commission of India yesterday (01) stated that Indian Defence Minister Shri Ranjith Singh’s visit to Sri Lanka scheduled for September 02 – 03 has been deferred, and fresh dates, therefore, will be announced later.
The Indian Defence Minister’s arrival in Sri Lanka is centred on holding discussions related to bilateral defence ties between the two nations.
During his visit, Singh is expected to visit his Sri Lankan counterpart, President and Defence Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, and Premier Dinesh Gunawardena.
Colombo (LNW): State-run LITRO Gas Lanka said it will be announcing its price reivision for domestic LP gas next week.
The price revision will take place based on the pricing formula next Wednesday (04).
The state-run LP gas vendor announced four consecutive price revisions thus far this year, which included significant slashes.
