Colombo (LNW): A 19-year old youth who had allegedly posted a ‘threatening content’ on Facebook against President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The suspect’s Facebook post in question allegedly requests the public to provide him a sniper ahead of the Sri Lankan President’s scheduled visit to Eppawala on September 07.
Court investigations are currently underway to ascertain whether there is any connection between the post and the incident where an Army solider residing in Eppawala fled with a T-56 weapon from the Kilinochchi Army Camp.
The 19-year old suspect, a resident of Mediyawa in Eppawala who serves as a mobile bakery goods seller, has been remanded till September 08, as per the order of the Colombo Chief Magistrate Court.
Colombo (LNW): One of the world’s largest shipping companies ‘Far Shipping’ has agreed to provide employment opportunities for Sri Lankan trained seafarers, Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said.
He said this yesterday when a delegation from ‘Far Shipping’, including its Managing Director Yu Yong Jun, met the Minister at his office.
U Yong Jun said many Sri Lankan trained young sailors can be given job opportunities in his company located in China.
Therefore, he said there will be long discussions with the stakeholders involved in the naval sector of Sri Lanka regarding the recruitment methods.
Jun further said his company is willing to hire young people who have graduated from naval training institutes in Sri Lanka for on-the-job training and then hire them for permanent service.
Minister Silva said the Mahapola Maritime Company under the Sri Lanka Ports Authority as well as private sector institutions and the University of Moratuwa train quality teams in the maritime fields every year and if necessary they can be given a course that includes proficiency in the Chinese language.
Recalling that China has helped Sri Lanka as a friend since the past, the Minister expressed his gratitude as the Minister in charge of the Government of Sri Lanka for providing employment opportunities to the youth.
Sri Lanka tops the list of nations that may host a Chinese naval base in the coming years as Beijing seeks to expand its maritime capabilities, according to a new report. The South Asian nation’s Hambantota.
The South Asian nation’s Hambantota port is the most likely spot for a base given the US$2.19 billion China has already invested there, according to an assessment by the AidData research project.
The Hambantota commercial port in Sri Lanka has long been considered a prime candidate for a Chinese naval base.
Beijing gained control of the port in 2017, when a Chinese state-run company signed a 99-year lease with Colombo to run the facility – after Sri Lanka was unable to pay back the Chinese loans that built it.
“Naval cooperation was further cemented in 2018, when China gave a Type 053 frigate to the Sri Lankan Navy as a gift, rather than a foreign military sale,” AidData said.
Colombo’s port is consistently the highest-ranked South Asian port in Lloyd’s List of 100 container ports, even after the country’s 2022 crisis.
Regarding military access, Sri Lanka played a critical role in the tectonic shifts regarding Indian Ocean basing in the early decades of the Cold War.
After non-aligned politicians in Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon) won elections in 1956, the new leadership called for the United Kingdom to vacate its naval and air bases in the country.
Colombo’s policy shift revealed how a smaller state’s political decisions can affect the calculus of large powers’ strategic ambitions.
Colombo (LNW): Amidst Sri Lanka’s worst economic crisis since independence, the UN revised its joint Humanitarian Needs and Priorities (HNP) Plan, while extending more aid for development programmes.
The United Nations was expecting to provide more than 300 million dollars through the new co-operation framework for the development Programmes of next 5 years.
The new cooperation frame work includes the adoption of the Anti-Corruption Act and the establishment of the Parliamentary Budget Office, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka Marc-André Franche said.
He gave this assurance during a meeting with Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana recently, the Communication Department of Parliament said.
The envoy congratulated Sri Lanka on the adoption of the Anti-Corruption Act and the establishment of the Parliamentary Budget Office.
The Speaker expressed his gratitude for the continuous support of the United Nations Development Programme as a development partner of the Parliament of Sri Lanka.
Furthermore, views were also exchanged on Sri Lanka’s legislative process, electoral system, peace-building activities and women’s representation in politics.
Since June 2022, the UN team in Sri Lanka and NGOs have used the HNP to respond to the Government’s request for more support to alleviate the impact of the country’s debt and food crisis, and shortages of medicines.
Aligned with appeals from other UN agencies, the HNP has raised $79 million for Sri Lanka through various countries and organizations (click here for the full list).
The HNP revision, which extends the plan through 2022, requires $70 million in additional funds to reach a total of $149.7 million.
Meanwhile the SL Cabinet has given the green light for the country’s Green Bond Framework, which was developed by the Ministry of Finance, with support from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
Sri Lanka’s Green Bond Framework has been designed to support the country in the short term and long term, by providing a framework that can be utilized for debt restructuring and for the long term to raise green finance, once debt sustainability has been reached.
The development of the Framework underwent consultation and received inputs from a number of Ministries and Regulators including but not limited to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Ministry of Environment, the Sustainable Development Council, as well as development partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI).
The Government of Sri Lanka has set an ambitious agenda to develop the country’s sustainable finance market, by focusing on the development of tools and policy guidance that is needed to effectively manage environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks and meet the country’s climate objectives.
Colombo (LNW): In a proactive move to bolster the tourism sector and attract a new wave of remote workers, the Cabinet of Ministers has given its seal of approval to a range of visa programs, including a novel offering known as the “Digital Nomad Visa” (DNV).
Under the Digital Nomad Visa program, applicants are required to demonstrate a minimum monthly income of $ 2,000, which must be channelled through the Sri Lankan banking system. This visa is renewable annually, subject to certification of the requisite funds.
The application fee for the DNV is set at $ 500, and it encompasses the visa holder’s spouse and dependents.
This initiative comes in response to a noticeable shift in people’s attitudes towards online business and the newfound ability to work remotely, anywhere with an internet connection.
Several factors have driven this change, including technological advancements, the flexibility of work-life balance, global connectivity, and evolving work cultures.
The breakthrough move was proposed by and secured Cabinet approval by Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles.
Sources said notably, many countries in the region and beyond have introduced DNV to attract a distinct type of tourism.
For instance, Germany offers a freelance visa tailored for self-employed individuals. Malaysia has its “DE Rantau Nomad Pass,” which also mandates a monthly income of $ 2,000.
New Zealand refers to its visa as a “Working Holiday Visa,” requiring proof of $ 2,700 in funds.
Sri Lanka is planning to simplify the country’s visa issuance methodology to make it easier for tourists and businesses to visit the country.
The Cabinet of Ministers this week approved a proposal furnished by the Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles to further simplify visa methodologies implemented at present.
According to the Immigration and Emigration Act No. 20 of 1948 and the regulations issued under that, the Department of Immigration and Emigration issues three categories of visa, namely visit visa, resident visa and transit visa.
The Cabinet Office noted that considering the complexity in the visa issued under visit visa and resident visa categories, measures have been taken to review Sri Lanka’s visa methodology with visa methodologies of countries that attract more tourists.
The current visa system in Sri Lanka is complex and outdated. It has been criticised by businesses and tourists alike, who say that it is too difficult to navigate and that it takes too long to get a visa.
Norway’s Digital Nomad Visa spans two years and necessitates a monthly income of $ 3,140. Portugal’s version is initially valid for one year and can be extended up to four years, with a monthly income requirement of $ 2,950. Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa calls for a monthly income of $ 2,215.
Colombo (LNW): The Lanka Mineral Sands Company has taken steps to introduce a new methodology for the sale of Sri Lanka’s minerals as the foreign exchange earnings remain low due to the export of high value minerals such as ilmenite, rutile and zircon as raw materials to foreign countries.
The officials said that measures have been taken to sell the minerals at the highest prices ever in the history and accordingly a ton of rutile will be sold for US $ 1733, a ton of ilmenite for $ 251 and a ton of Hi-Titanium ilmenite for $ 250.
Agreements have been signed to give more than 7% for each ton as the state share.Due to this, the new system has been set up in such a way that the government can earn a large amount of revenue, the officials said.
Lanka Mineral Sands (LMS) will ship it’s largest-ever consignment of mineral sands by value this week, signaling the advent of a new chapter of operations.
The cargo of concentrate ‘tailings’ is valued at several million dollars, and is being shipped to its Chinese buyer following an international tender process with the participation of five bidders at a pre-determined benchmark price.
This shipment represents the largest-ever for LMS since its inception in 1957.
Puttalam Ilmenite Limited (PIL), the country’s premier explorer of mineral sands, represented the buyer in Sri Lanka.
Puttalam Ilmenite together with its partners have invested over US$ 20 million in Sri Lanka for research and development in the country’s mining sector, and is looking to grow the commercial potential of the segment internationally.
The company is planning to build the country’s first world-class mineral processing facility that will represent the largest-ever foreign direct investment in the sector through the BOI.
Lanka Mineral Sands is a 100 percent state-owned enterprise, and is one of Sri Lanka’s few profitable state entities.
Its operations are based at Pulmoddai on the East Coast, employing over 600 people including engineers. LMS is in the process of expanding its operations at Kokkilai.
Chairman of Lanka Mineral Sands, Dr. Udeni Dassanayake said, “This has been a progressive year for LMS, and we have already transferred over Rs.1.7 billion to the Treasury in addition to securing a new buyer and obtaining market-based price for our product.
General Manager of PIL, Ryan Rockwood, a seasoned mining professional said, “Sri Lanka’s mineral sands sector offers great potential, and we possess a good understanding of its composition and value for buyers all across the world.”
“Ilmenite has taken the lead in mineral sands exploration in Sri Lanka in tandem with our international partners, who have placed a great deal of trust in our company and are continuing to invest in Sri Lanka.
Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) has further depreciated against the US Dollar today (05) in comparison to the day before, as revealed by leading commercial banks of the country.
At Peoples Bank, the the buying price of the US Dollar has increased to Rs. 313.37 from Rs. 312.39, and the selling price to Rs. 328.09 from Rs. 327.07.
At Commercial Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has increased to Rs. 313.23 from yesterday’s Rs. 312.39, but the selling price remains steady at Rs. 324.50.
At Sampath Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has increased to Rs. 315 from Rs. 314, and the selling price to Rs. 326 from Rs. 325.
Colombo (LNW): The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka determined that the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill can be passed in Parliament via a simple majority.
The Supreme Court’s ruling, accordingly, was announced to the Chambers by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena this (05) morning.
The Speaker commented that the Supreme Court has held that neither the bill nor any of its provisions is inconsistent with Article 12 of any provisions of the Constitution.
The bill, therefore, can be passed via simple majority, he noted.
Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan professionals issued the ultimatum to the government that their strike action will continue if the government fails to keep its promises.
The professionals’ cautionary note comes in only days ahead of the scheduled visit by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation to Sri Lanka on September 15, to extend the first phase of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for the island nation.
Pointing out the necessity for the Sri Lankan President to stand by the written pledge he had made earlier this year, the Federation of University Teachers’ Association (FUTA) reminded that in March, 2023 President Ranil Wickremesinghe had committed himself to revisiting the tax regime by June, but this is an affair yet to meet the light of day.
Should the government continue to fail in providing a solution to the tax issue, resumption of the strike actions would be inevitable, said Senior Lecturer Charudaththe Illangasinghe, the Spokesperson for the FUTA.
Colombo (LNW): The Northern Railway Line will be temporarily closed for a period of six months starting from January 2024 for renovations, revealed Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardena.
In the backdrop, trains will operate at a speed of 100 kilometres per hour from Colombo to Kankasanthurai, the Minister noted, adding that renovation work on the Colombo to Panadura railway tracks will also commence shortly.
In the meantime, plans are underway to remove the speed limits on the Kelani Valley Railway Line, in a move to boost the speed of train services, the Minister pointed out.
PMD: Minister of Transport, Highways and Mass Media Dr. Bandula Gunawardena said that investors have been allowed to purchase 200 electric buses for operation in the Western Province.
The minister also pointed out that this program will be implemented in accordance with the world agreement where all public transportation worldwide will be free from fossil fuels by 2030.
Minister of Transport, Highways and Mass Media Dr. Bandula Gunawardena conveyed these updates during a media briefing held yester day (04) at the Presidential Media Centre under the theme ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country.’
Dr. Bandula Gunawardena further said;
“Investors have been allowed to import 200 electric buses for the Western Province. For this project, Expression of Interest has been called. It will be implemented as a domestic and foreign joint venture. Also, the investors have been allowed to establish charging points.
The investor would be allowed to operate the project to recover the invested capital. Thereafter, within a certain period, the ownership of the buses will be acquired by the government. Any country in the world including China and Korea could apply for this project. This is an investment opportunity.
There is a global consensus that all public transport in the world should reach zero emission by 2030. Those involved in carbon trading are investing in this to protect the ecosystem. Electric buses bring great value to the environment. Various organizations in the world are paying a high price to protect this value.
Also, all government institutions should be digitized to prevent decrease in income. A cabinet paper has been presented to replace issuance of tickets with electronic cards. When you transact using advanced technology such as card or QR system instead of cash, you could increase the income of each of these institutions by at least 50%.
Institutions such as the Inland Revenue Department, Customs, Excise Department, Railways, Sri Lanka Transport Board, etc. can be rebuilt through modern technology. Without it, the government cannot bear the burden. Many changes have been made to the railway system.
A shipment of rail tracks has been brought to the port after 4 years under the loan assistance of the Asian Development Bank. The railway line from Colombo to Panadura is in a state of dilapidation. Coastal railway tracks need to be replaced at least every 5 years. As a result of the dilapidated railway lines, the trains have to run at a reduced speed, causing delays for commuters who have to report for duty on time.
Therefore, the restoration work of the railway track from Colombo to Panadura will commence within the next few days. The northern railway line was temporarily closed since January to upgrade the tracks from Anuradhapura to Kankasanthurai. Further upgrades are scheduled on this northern track from Mahawa to Anuradhapura in January 2024. Once these upgrades are completed, trains on the northern track would be able to operate at a speed of 100km per hour from Colombo to Kankasanthurai.
A loan agreement is to be signed under Indian loan assistance for the modernization of the signalling system. A renovation process to increase the speed by removing the speed limits of the Kelanivalley railway line will commence from the first week of this month.
If a train carriage is imported from abroad, it costs Rs. 200 million. A Sri Lankan entrepreneur refurbishes a train carriage for Rs. 25 million. Accordingly, it is hoped that the existing railway carriages will be renovated through the upcoming budget.
Employees are impressed with our program. The trade unions are now supporting us. We also get their support in dealing with polluters. I appeal to the trade unions not to inconvenience passengers in order to achieve their demands. In the event there are issues that affect them, it could be discussed with the relevant officials where a solution could be found.
