Colombo (LNW): Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera has called for an immediate report on the alleged use of internationally banned pesticides in Sri Lanka, following a disclosure made by the Centre for Environmental Justice that around 40 types of hazardous pesticides which are internationally banned are currently being used within the island.
The Minister, accordingly, called for an immediate report on the allegation from the Secretary to the Ministry, and instructed Gunadasa Samarasinghe, the Agriculture Ministry’s Secretary, to take action as soon as possible.
The Registrar of Pesticides responded to the claim of banned pesticides being utilised in Sri Lanka, stating that no approval has been granted so far for the utilisation of internationally banned pesticides.
PMD: Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles emphasised that necessary measures have been taken as a responsible government to stop hindrances to the lives of the people. He further stated that the program to suppress the underworld has already been implemented under the instructions given by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
The Minister also pointed out that the police department is working on a non-political agenda and is always committed to protecting the law and order of the country at the highest level.
These statements were made by the Minister of Public Security, Tiran Alles, during his presence at the press conference held at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) today (28) under the theme ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country.’
Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles further stated;
‘Currently, the Police Department is working on a non-political agenda. All the necessary facilities have been provided. It has been about a year since the current government took office, so not everything can be accomplished within a year. However, the Police Department has undertaken a significant amount of work. The Police Department currently comprises around 85,000 officers. The ministry has developed a special program to eradicate narcotic drugs from the country. Underworld activities in the South have been on the rise consistently. Due to this, the Special Task Force, the police and other security forces jointly started special operations in such areas. As a result, it has been possible to eliminate to some extent the underworld activities in the southern province. At present, there are a number of reports of shootings between groups of underworld gangs. They murder each other. Necessary measures have already been taken to stop such activities of the underworld gangs. Security forces have also been instructed to shoot if necessary. As a responsible government, no activity that harms the lives of the people will be tolerated.
Following President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s instructions, we provided the Catholic Church with a copy of the complete investigation report concerning the Easter attack. The Catholic Church should also extend its support to the police investigations into the Easter attack.
In the Department of Immigration and Emigration, which falls under my ministry, we have initiated the process of issuing passports through an online system. In the past, various types of scams occurred. Now through this new online system, we have completely stopped the possibility of such fraudulent activities. There are 51 centres that have already been established island-wide to facilitate necessary fingerprint scanning for new passports. Therefore, people can have their passports delivered to their doorstep within a few days.
We have taken the necessary steps to enhance the facilities related to the efficient operation of the department. In some cases, system errors and crashes may occur. Therefore, we must implement modern technology to prevent such issues.
We have taken steps to register all NGOs with the National Secretariat for NGOs and measures will be taken to prohibit any NGOs that are not registered.”
Colombo, August 28, 2023 – Today marks a significant milestone for Visa, the global leader in digital payments, celebrating its 35-year anniversary in Sri Lanka. This journey encapsulates the company’s unwavering commitment to the nation and signifies the pivotal role Visa has played in helping the country transition towards a comprehensive digital economy. Celebrating the milestone, Visa announced a pledge of LKR 13 million to The Asia Foundation to help support women-led small businesses in Sri Lanka.
Chris Clark, Chairman for Asia Pacific, Visa, while reflecting on this journey said, “Visa has become an intrinsic part of Sri Lanka’s financial fabric over these past 35 years. Our vision goes far beyond transactions; our purpose is to uplift everyone everywhere and in doing so, we aim to empower individuals, businesses, and the wider community. We’re thrilled to launch Visa Government Solutions in the market, while also strengthening our dedication to local small businesses in Sri Lanka.”
To commemorate this occasion, Visa is pledging LKR 13 million to improve the economic outcomes of women-led small and medium businesses (SMBs) across Sri Lanka. In partnership with The Asia Foundation, Visa will provide seed funding to a group of selected women-led SMBs. In addition, funding will also aid skills development, knowledge sharing and collaboration, as well as promote financial inclusion among women-led small businesses.
Over the years, Visa has introduced pioneering payment solutions, catalyzing the transition from cash to digital transactions among consumers and businesses alike. Visa has been instrumental in digitizing crucial sectors such as small businesses and transit and tourism, all essential for growth in the nation’s post-pandemic trajectory to recovery.
In its latest endeavor to enhance the nation’s payment infrastructure, Visa plans to introduce Visa Government Solutions (VGS) in Sri Lanka. With the VGS suite of solutions, Visa aims to partner with the government to modernize its payment systems, promoting efficiency in making and receiving payments, reducing fraud, and supporting the overarching goal of building a digitized economic framework.
Sandeep Ghosh, Group Country Manager for India and South Asia at Visa, shares his vision on strengthening this alliance, “By introducing Visa Government Solutions to the country, we aim to further strengthen our relationship with the Sri Lankan government. By helping improve government payment systems, we will continue to demonstrate our commitment to helping the nation’s digital transformation agenda.”
Throughout its journey, Visa has built robust relationships with financial institutions, merchants and FinTech partners – an ecosystem of partnerships aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s digital economy.
Avanthi Colombage, Country Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives at Visa, says, ” The essence of our 35 years in Sri Lanka lies in transforming and simplifying the payments landscape. We have consistently driven growth and financial inclusion over the years and remain committed to accelerating the country’s digital transformation in the coming years. With continued support and guidance from the Government of Sri Lanka and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, we stand ready to play an expanded role in the nation’s progress.”
Over the years, Visa has continued to enjoy unflinching support from its partners, consumers, and the wider Sri Lankan community. As the company looks forward to the journey ahead, it remains committed to championing a socially and economically inclusive digital future for Sri Lanka.
Thailand and Sri Lanka expect to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) in early 2024 as the two parties aim for three more rounds of talks this year to conclude the negotiations, according to the chief of the Trade Negotiations Department.
Auramon Supthaweethum, director-general of the department, speaking at the sixth round of negotiations for the Thailand-Sri Lanka FTA held from Aug 21-23 in Bangkok, said the talks have advanced beyond the halfway point. Both sides aim to conclude negotiations in 2023, paving the way for the trade ministers of both countries to sign the agreement early next year, she said.
The sixth round comprised the trade negotiating committee overseeing overall progress and seven technical working groups covering trade in goods, rules of origin, trade in services, investment, technical barriers to trade, trade remedies, and legal issues.
“We are more than halfway there, and both sides plan to hold three more rounds of negotiations in October, November and December to conclude all matters,” said Mrs Auramon.
Mrs Auramon speaking at the sixth round of negotiations for the Thailand-Sri Lanka FTA held from Aug 21-23 in Bangkok.
“Then both sides will proceed with internal processes to raise awareness among the public and relevant stakeholders, presenting the negotiation outcomes for the consideration and approval of their respective cabinets for approval.”
She said studies determined that despite Sri Lanka’s small size and population of only 22 million, it has an important geographic position in the Indian Ocean, making it a hub for maritime transport. It also possesses abundant natural resources such as precious minerals and seafood.
A Thailand-Sri Lanka FTA is projected to expand the Thai economy by 0.02%, equivalent to US$80 million. This includes the expansion of investments and the value of Thai exports to Sri Lanka.
K. J. Weerasinghe, the chief negotiator from Sri Lanka, speaking at the sixth round of negotiations for the Thailand-Sri Lanka FTA held from Aug 21-23 in Bangkok.
K. J. Weerasinghe, the chief negotiator from Sri Lanka, speaking at the sixth round of negotiations for the Thailand-Sri Lanka FTA held from Aug 21-23 in Bangkok.
The potential beneficiaries of this agreement include automobiles and auto components, machinery, electrical appliances, metals, sugar and plastics, according to the department. Industries in which Thailand could expand its investments in Sri Lanka include processed foods, beverages, textiles, garments and jewellery.
During the first six months of this year, two-way trade between Thailand and Sri Lanka amounted to $179 million. Thailand exported goods worth $120 million to Sri Lanka and imported goods worth $59.4 million.
Sri Lanka and Thailand first began considering an FTA in 2016 when Somkid Jatusripitak, the former deputy prime minister, made an official visit to the island nation.
The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on technical cooperation, a letter of intent on cooperation in the area of small and medium-sized enterprise development, and a joint programme on tourism for 2016-18.
The Thai cabinet approved the negotiation framework for the FTA talks with Sri Lanka on May 8, 2018. The framework covers trade in goods, services, investment and comprehensive economic cooperation.
Colombo (LNW): The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) the global governing body of the sports Soccer has lifted the suspension imposed on the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) with immediate effect.
In a statement, FIFA emphasised that the decision was taken by the Bureau of FIFA Council given that the FFSL had met the criteria that were laid out for the lifting of the sanction.
Accordingly, the Bureau has decided on August 27, 2023 to lift the suspension of the FFSL with immediate effect, and FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will continue to monitor the situation until the elections on September 29, 2023, the statement read.
Colombo (LNW): Activists, civil and political movements and other concerned individuals today (28) organised a protest in Colombo Fort demanding immediate action against the government’s move of robbing people in the guise of debt restructuring through the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and the Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF).
Under the banner “Stop EPF/ETF Robbery! Do not kill people to pay debt!” the protesters held a demonstration near the Colombo Fort Railway Station and were seen growing in numbers. The movement was attended by trade unions, political parties, civil and multi-people organisations, as well as public and private sector employees.
Police and Special Task Force (STF) personnel were deployed to control the protest.
Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee indicates a slight depreciation against the US Dollar today (28) in comparison to last week’s Friday, as revealed by the official exchange rates of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).
Accordingly, the buying price of the US Dollar has increased to Rs. 317.96 from last week’s Friday’s Rs. 317.80, but the selling price has dropped to Rs. 329.52 from Rs. 329.52.
Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan Rupee also indicates depreciation against several other foreign currencies, but it indicates a slight appreciation against Gulf currencies.
Colombo (LNW): The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) warned the public of online tax-related scams, stressing that it does not collect taxes from the people.
In a special notice issued today (28), the CB urged the public to be aware of online scams such the infamous ‘Get Rich Quick’ schemes.
“Sometimes, scammers lure you into believing they are trustworthy by issuing statements like these in their advertising campaigns,” the CB said in its notice, urging the public to be vigilant of such schemes.
Colombo (LNW): The Colombo Fort Magistrate Court today issued an order barring 24 individuals representing trade unions and political parties from entering certain parts of Colombo during a protest organised today (28).
The order has been issued as per the request of the Police, and prevents from entering the Presidential Secretariat, the President’s House, the Finance Ministry, and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
