June 1, 2023: In a remarkable medical feat, Sri Lanka Army doctors successfully performed a major surgery to remove the world’s largest and heaviest kidney stone (calculus), earning a coveted place in the Guinness World Records.

Led by Consultant Urologist Lieutenant Colonel Dr. K. Sutharshan, Head of the Genito Urinary Unit at the Colombo Army Hospital, the surgical team, including Captain (Dr) W.P.S.C Pathirathna and Dr. Thamasha Premathilaka, undertook the complex procedure. Consultant Anaesthetists Colonel Dr. U.A.L.D Perera and Colonel Dr. C.S Abeysinghe also made significant contributions during the surgery.

The colossal kidney stone, measuring 13.372cm in length and weighing 801g, was successfully removed during the procedure conducted at the Colombo Army Hospital on Thursday.

Shortly after the surgery, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, the Commander of the Army, was shown the extracted stone (calculus) at the Army Headquarters by Major General P.A.C Fernando USP, the Director General of Army Health Services, and Lieutenant Colonel Dr. K. Sutharshan, the Head of the Genito Urinary Unit at the Colombo Army Hospital, who led the surgical team.

The Guinness World Records recognition comes as the previous largest kidney stone, discovered in India in 2004, measured 13cm, while the heaviest kidney stone found in Pakistan in 2008 weighed 620g, according to existing records.

June 14, 2023: The Cabinet of Ministers convened this week and made seven significant decisions aimed at driving economic revival and improving governance in the country.

One of the key decisions centers around the promotion of the tourism industry as a means to bolster the economy. The government is focusing on implementing strategies and policies that will attract tourists and stimulate growth in this vital sector.

In addition, the Cabinet discussed and approved the Elections (Special Provisions) Bill, which seeks to address specific provisions pertaining to elections in the country, ensuring a transparent and fair electoral process.

Another decision made by the Cabinet was the issuance of an order under the Foreign Exchange Act 2017. This move aims to streamline foreign exchange regulations and facilitate smoother transactions, ultimately supporting economic activities and encouraging foreign investments.

Furthermore, the Cabinet approved the revocation of the Bread Ordinance 1864. This decision signifies the government’s commitment to modernizing regulations and adapting to the evolving needs of the bread industry, which plays a crucial role in the nation’s food supply.

June 14, 2023: The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has issued landslide early warnings to three districts in Sri Lanka, namely Colombo, Kegalle, and Ratnapura. These warnings will remain in effect until 4.00 p.m. on Wednesday.

In light of this, residents residing in the Deraniyagala and Dehiowita Divisional Secretariat divisions of Kegalle district, where a Level 3 (Red) warning has been issued, are strongly advised to evacuate to safe locations if the rainfall persists.

Additionally, a Level 2 (Amber) warning is in effect for the following areas:

• Yatiyanthota Divisional Secretariat division in Kegalle district
• Elapatha, Nivithigala, Kalawana, Eheliyagoda, and Ratnapura Divisional Secretariat divisions in Ratnapura district

People residing in these specified regions are urged to remain vigilant regarding the potential risks of landslides, slope failures, rock falls, cutting failures, and ground subsidence.

Furthermore, a Level 1 (Yellow) warning has been issued for the following areas:

• Seethawaka Divisional Secretariat division in Colombo district
• Kiriella, Ayagama, Kuruwita, and Pelmadulla Divisional Secretariat divisions in Ratnapura district

Residents in these areas are advised to exercise caution and stay informed about the possibility of adverse weather conditions and associated hazards.

The NBRO’s issuance of these landslide early warnings underscores the importance of prioritizing public safety in the face of potential natural disasters. The organization aims to ensure that communities in vulnerable regions are well-prepared and take necessary precautions to mitigate risks and protect lives and property.

In a recent development, former Minister Navin Dissanayake has been appointed as the new Governor of Sabaragamuwa Province. The swearing-in ceremony took place before President Ranil Wickremesinghe, as reported by the President’s Media Division (PMD).

Expressing his views on this new appointment, Dissanayake expressed his determination to leverage his extensive 20 years of experience to enhance public service delivery systems within the province. He also pledged to initiate crucial reforms in the education sector during his tenure as governor.

The PMD further stated that Dissanayake has affirmed his commitment to actively contribute to the realization of President Wickremesinghe’s development projects and government policies, which are aimed at fostering progress in the country.

Acknowledging the challenging circumstances the nation has encountered in the past, Dissanayake emphasized the positive transformation taking place today, attributing it to the effective initiatives undertaken by President Wickremesinghe.

In his new role, the provincial governor emphasized his dedication to elevating the standard of children’s education in Sabaragamuwa Province. He also underscored his intention to collaborate with political party leaders, seeking their valuable insights and recommendations to ensure the successful implementation of government programs.

Dissanayake’s appointment follows the resignation of Tikiri Kobbekaduwa, who served as the Sabaragamuwa provincial governor since November 2019. Kobbekaduwa’s resignation from the post took effect on June 10, 2023.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts.Several spells of showers will occur in the North-Western province.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts during the evening or night.

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

Colombo (LNW): Naveen Dissanayake has been appointed as the Governor of the Sabaragamuwa Province a short while ago, LNW learned.

Previously served in the Cabinet as the Minister of Sports and the Minister of Plantation Industries, Dissanayake also held the position of National Organiser of the United National Party (UNP).

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW):MP Harsha de Silva has called for shed light on the dire state of Sri Lanka’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. He emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the mounting challenges faced by these enterprises, which are crucial to the country’s economy and employment landscape. To provide immediate relief to the struggling sector, MP Harsha de Silva called for a two-year suspension of Parate execution for non-willful defaulters and the introduction of insolvency legislation to support MSMEs.

MP Harsha de Silva highlighted the significant suffering experienced by the MSME sector, with businesses closing down, jobs lost, entrepreneurs facing bankruptcy, and even tragic cases of suicide. Painting a grim picture, he emphasized that approximately 80% of Sri Lankan enterprises fall under the MSME category, contributing 52% to the country’s GDP and accounting for 45% of employment opportunities.

The MP pinpointed a series of events that have inflicted severe blows on the MSME sector since October 2018, including the constitutional coup, the Easter attacks in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the subsequent economic crisis triggered by Sri Lanka’s declaration of bankruptcy in April 2022. These calamities have resulted in a cascading effect on banks, government institutions, and the general population as a whole.

While the government has proposed some solutions, MP Harsha de Silva argued that the deteriorating economic conditions have exacerbated the situation, leading to further neglect of the struggling MSMEs. Recognizing the immense impact of these issues, he expressed his willingness to support the government in any endeavor aimed at revitalizing the MSME sector.

To tackle the challenges faced by the MSME sector, MP Harsha de Silva presented four key points.

Firstly, he highlighted the need to alleviate financial constraints faced by MSMEs. He pointed out that the lack of financing options has forced many MSMEs to seek collateral loans from banks, but the economic meltdown has made it difficult for them to repay these loans. As a result, banks have seized their assets under the Parate execution act. From 2023 Jan to April alone over 400 assets have been seized. MP Harsha proposed an “investor-equity eco-system model” as an alternative to collateral loans or venture capital, which would generate localized economic growth and provide investment opportunities for MSMEs.

Secondly, the MP emphasized the pressing need to address the escalating cost of production. He highlighted how inflation and increased interest rates have placed significant burdens on MSMEs, making it challenging for them to sustain their operations. The rising import costs have further contributed to the increase in production expenses thus, reducing their competitiveness. Additionally, bureaucratic hurdles and high-cost utilities have added to the difficulties faced by MSMEs. In light of this, MP Harsha urged for comprehensive trade policy reforms, streamlined trade facilitation, and increased regional collaboration to enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs.

Thirdly, MP Harsha de Silva identified problems with government policy as a significant hindrance to the growth of MSMEs. He pointed out that the absence of a clear and universally accepted definition for MSMEs limits their recognition and support. He also criticized the high tax rates of 30 percent imposed on even micro and small businesses, urging for amendments to tax policies.

Furthermore, he advocated for the establishment of an “SME Authority” that would centralize the functions of various institutions, simplifying the authorization processes for MSMEs. This authority would coordinate regional programs, leverage resources from government institutes, and engage private agencies and organizations to facilitate efficient service provision. By implementing these proactive measures, Sri Lanka can extend crucial support to struggling MSMEs, paving the way for their revival and fostering sustainable growth.