Colombo (LNW): In the occurrence of financial fraud utilising the credentials of the Sri Lanka Customs or related information, the institution urged the public to refrain from transferring money to the bank accounts of unknown persons.

Fraudsters are utilising records similar to the official documents and telephone numbers of the Customs Department, as well as the names of officials of the body to commit financial fraud, warned Customs Director Sudath Silva.

He pointed out that an increase of such financial fraud utilising Customs related credentials is evident, and urged the public to immediately inform the authorities of such fraudsters and to refrain from transferring money to the bank accounts of people who are not familiar to them.

Colombo (LNW): All certified copies of birth, death and marriage certificates in Sri Lanka will no longer require a validity period after six months of issuance, announced the Registrar General’s Department.

In a statement, the Dept noted that the previous regulations imposed for invalidation of the said documents after six months of their issuance, accordingly, has been lifted.

The revised decision has been taken to amend the previous requirement of a validity period, and all certified copies issued by the Dept, accordingly, will be accepted without any limitation on the validity period, it added.

The decision has also been informed to the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Immigration and the Department of Registration of Persons.

01. President Ranil Wickremesinghe departs the country for a two-day official visit to Singapore: The President has a series of significant meetings planned, including discussions with Singapore’s President, Prime Minister, Defence Minister and Sustainability and Environment Minister: The latter to engage in bilateral talks with the SL President.

02. President Ranil Wickremesinghe says the tourism industry stands as the paramount sector capable of swiftly advancing the country’s economic objectives: emphasises the significance of substantial contributions from both the public and private sectors: adds the government is diligently working to provide necessary amenities for all stakeholders involved.

03. Health Ministry says 120 specialist doctors who have left the country have been blacklisted: adds 363 doctors had left for overseas training and returned to the island during the time period from January 09, 2022 to August 18, 2023: asserts those blacklisted can return to Sri Lanka, but will have to submit an appeal to the Public Service Commission to resume local practice.

04. The historic Esala Perahera of the Holy Temple of Tooth Relic in Kandy commences the first ‘Kumbal’ Perahera today and will tour the streets till August 25: Following Kumbal Perahera, the first ‘Randoli’ Perahera will commence walking on August 26 and will be touring till August 30, later to conclude on August 31 simultaneous to the ‘Diya-Kepime Mangalyaya’ ceremony at the Getambe pier of the Mahaweli River.

05. Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera says he expects the Agriculture Department to immediately submit a report on the cultivation of b-onions in the country: laments the b-onion cultivation has largely failed for the past seven – to – eight years: Ministry data point out that the annual requirement of b-onions in SL is 300,000 MT, and the amount of b-onions imported during the period is 131,795 MT due to the national production being only 4,716 MT.

06. India’s ‘Spice Jet’ aviation service resumes between Madurai and Colombo with six weekly flights: Flights operate every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from Madurai to Colombo and from Colombo to Madurai.

07. The Registrar General’s Department announces all duplicate copies of birth, death and marriage certificates in Sri Lanka do not require a validity period: reiterates all duplicate copies of birth, death and marriage certificates will be accepted without time limitation: adds a decision has been made to amend the earlier requirement of a validity period of six months from the date of issue of the documents.

08. The Customs says an increase has been observed in financial fraud utilising the institution or related information in the country at present: Customs Director Sudath Silva says fraudsters are utilising records similar to the official documents and telephone numbers of the Customs Department, as well as the names of officials of the institution: urges the public to refrain from transferring money to the bank accounts of unknown persons.

09. Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera says there is no need to fear that there will be a shortage of rice: asserts the current stock of rice and paddy will be sufficient until the harvest of the next season: adds, however, that the government does not have any additional rice or paddy stock (buffer stock) and currently all the paddy stocks are in the private sector.

10. Sri Lankan boxer Niraj Wijewardena ends his campaign by winning a bronze medal at the 13th Taipei City Cup International Boxing Meet after his campaign ended in the semi-final bout losing finally on points to the Taiwanese boxer Huang Guan-Qun after it went the full distance.

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe has mooted the ‘Greater Yala’ concept which will promote Yala and areas around it.

Speaking after inaugurating the Hilton Yala Resort, the President said that Yala must be promoted as a unified tourist destination by incorporating nearby areas.

“Why are you going to call these places Udawalawe, Kumana and all? These are all connected, and the elephant path passage from Udawalawe will take you up to Kumana. So, let’s brand this as Greater Yala and make it Greater Yala for all promotional activities,” the President said.

The President advised the Minister of Tourism, together with the Minister of Wildlife and Conservation, as well as the officials of those two ministries, to come up with the Greater Yala concept.

“Additionally, an intriguing prospect lies in establishing wildlife reserves that offer visitors a fresh and unique experience, reminiscent of the offerings in countries like India and Nepal. This avenue warrants significant attention as we formulate a new strategy to elevate the tourism industry,” the President said.

He also said that it is essential that Sri Lanka set ambitious targets for the tourism sector, with the goal of doubling the influx of tourists to the country.

Correspondingly, he said, the revenue generated from tourism should witness a four to fivefold increase.

The President also said that international performers are expected to visit Sri Lanka during the upcoming Christmas and New Year season.

Tourist accommodations across the nation are experiencing high occupancy rates in September, buoyed by the historic Dalada Perehara and the Asian Cup cricket tournament in Kandy.

The upcoming Christmas season is anticipated to draw several internationally renowned artists and musicians, including the distinguished Western musician Andrey Mucher, slated to grace our shores in January.

The country hosts a myriad of events, such as the Galle Literary Festival, strategically designed to attract more visitors and generate vital revenue for the nation.

Numerous innovative proposals have been introduced to expedite the progress of our tourism sector. Notably, the government is working to extend support for individuals willing to allocate two rooms in their homes for tourists, providing excellent guest services while commanding rates upwards of a hundred dollars.

Meanwhile, President Ranil Wickremesinghe also embarked on an inspection tour of the Yala National Park. During the visit, he highlighted the option of purchasing park tickets online for both local and foreign visitors.

Recalling the historical significance of the area, President Ranil Wickremesinghe alluded to the ancient shrines of Situlpawwa and Akasha Chaitya that once graced the Yala region.

He praised the past fertility and collaboration that defined the area, as well as its remarkable architectural marvels.

The President emphasized a resolute commitment to advancing the tourism industry, urging collective participation towards this goal. He envisioned the development of the Yala area as a unified tourist destination, incorporating nearby regions like Udawalawe. This interconnected approach, he suggested, would drive progress and further enhance the tourism experience in the region, the statement added.

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe leaveS the country this morning (21) for a two-day official visit to Singapore, the President’s Media Division (PMD) reported.

Throughout this visit, President Wickremesinghe has a series of significant meetings planned, including discussions with Singapore’s President, Mrs. Halimah Yacob and talks with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, and Sustainability and Environment Minister Grace Fu Hai Yien. The latter will engage in bilateral talks with President Wickremesinghe.

The total trade turn over between Sri Lanka and Singapore amounted to US$ 851.69 Mn in the year 2022. Sri Lanka exported US$ 144.5 Mn worth goods to Singapore recording a 46 increase in comparison to the previous year.

Sri Lanka’s main export items to Singapore are petroleum oil, precious stones, wheat, tea and sea foods.

Under the provisions of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, countries have the opportunity to collaborate effectively with the objective of reducing global greenhouse gas emissions through international carbon trading.

Accordingly, a cooperative understanding concerning carbon neutrality within the framework of the Paris

Agreement will be signed between the governments of Sri Lanka and Singapore. after deliberations between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Prime Minister of Singapore, said the PMD.

President Wickremesinghe revealed that Sri Lanka has already forged a crucial trade agreement with Singapore and is actively negotiating with Thailand.

The President also announced that Sri Lanka has applied to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), recognizing the potential of this vast trade block comprising major economies like China, Japan, and Korea.

 He emphasized that Sri Lanka’s economic focus should now turn towards the east, given the rapid development in that region.

Joining the President on this visit will be Sagala Ratnayaka, Chief of Presidential Staff and Senior Advisor on National Security; Ruwan Wijewardena, Senior Advisor on Climate Change; and Dr. R.H.S.Samaratunga, Senior Advisor on Economic Affairs.

Simultaneously, during President Wickremesinghe’s absence from the country, four Acting Ministers have been designated to oversee the ministries under his purview.

The appointments include Minister of State for Defence Pramita Bandara Tennakoon as the Acting Minister of Defence; Minister of State for Finance Shehan Semasinghe as the Acting Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization, and National Policy for the duration of the President’s absence;

Minister of State for Technology Kanaka Herath has been appointed as the Acting Minister of Technology; and Minister of State for Social Empowerment Anupa Pasqual has been appointed as the Acting Minister of Women, Child Affairs, and Social Empowerment, it added.

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): China and Sri Lanka to cooperate in tea trade and promotion by integrating research and development, production and sales with a Chinese premier tea enterprise.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has taken this initiative when he visited the Yunnan Xiaguan Tuocha (Group) Co., Ltd., integrating research and development, production and sales of tea in Dali in Yunnan Province on August 18.

“China has emerged as Sri Lanka’s fastest growing “new market” with interest in traditional Orthodox black tea and high-end packaging common amongst the increasing number of Chinese tourists visiting Sri Lanka”officials said.

The Sri Lanka Tea Board (SLTB) forecasts tea production to recover in 2023 to around 290-300 million kg while revenue from the export of Sri Lankan tea is expected to increase to $ 1.3-1.4 billion in 2023

China Imports from Sri Lanka of Tea was US$59.31 Million during 2022, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade. China Imports from Sri Lanka of Tea – data, historical chart and statistics.

In the first six months of 2023, Sri Lanka’s bulk tea exports witnessed a 31% YoY increase amounting to USD 249 million.

The country experienced notable increases in tea exports to key markets such as Türkiye, Russia, China, and Saudi Arabia. These positive export figures reflect the industry’s resilience and growing demand for Sri Lankan tea in the global market.

The Sri Lankan Prime Minister  held detailed discussions with the Chief Executive and top tea researchers about the possibilities of further strengthening the cooperation between tea researches in Sri Lanka.

The Xiaguan Tuocha brand was created in 1902 and has a history over 110 years. The company’s predecessor was the Kangzang Tea Factory founded in 1941.

After privatization reform in 2004 and several generations of hard work, it has become a group company with historical heritage, the CEO explained to the Prime Minister.

The Yunnan Xiaguan Tuocha has already exchange data and expertise with Tea Research Center in Thalawakele and it has expressed willingness to assist research and development undertaken by tea industry in Sri Lanka.

It has a reputation as the national frontier tea designated production enterprise and raw material reserve enterprise, the national tea processing technology research and development center, the national key leading enterprise of agricultural industrialization.

The officials pointed out that the company produces more than 200 varieties of five major teas, mainly Pu-erh tea and it has won several international awards.

The products are sold nationwide and are mainly sold to more than 30 provinces and cities in China, and exported to more than 10 countries including the European Union, Russia, Japan, South Korea and Malaysia. It has been listed as authorized vendor in Vancouver, Canada.

“Our focus is to provide you high-quality tea from Xiaguan Tuocha and we will extend support to the tea research and development in Sri Lanka,” the official assured the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister invited the Xiaguan Tuocha to send a team to Sri Lanka to further discussions on cooperation in tea research.

Colombo (LNW): The historic Esala Perahera of the Holy Temple of Tooth Relic in Kandy commences the first ‘Kumbal’ Perahera today (21) and will walk the streets till August 25.

Following Kumbal Perahera, the first ‘Randoli’ Perahera will commence walking on August 26 and will be touring till August 30, later to conclude on August 31 simultaneous to the ‘Diya-Kepime Mangalyaya’ ceremony at the Getambe pier of the Mahaweli River.

Thereafter, the Perahera officially mark its conclusion after the Diyawadana Nilame of the Tooth Relic Temple informs the President that the Esala Perahera has been successfully concluded.

The Sri Lanka Navy on Saturday (19) resumed the cruises to visit the peaceful and calm waters of Trincomalee harbour premises and the Pigeon Island, Nilaveli.

The initiative which formally commenced at the Trincomalee harbour, will allow tourists, school children, naval personnel and their families to once again experience cruises in the alluring waters of Trincomalee.

Going by the directives of the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera and under the supervision of Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara project re commenced to provide this thrilling experience at reasonable prices and incorporating safety protocols.

Deputy Area Commander Eastern Naval Area, Commodore Anil Bowatte and a group of officers, sailors and tourists were also present on this occasion.

By: Isuru Parakrama

Colombo (LNW): The Police Special Task Force (STF) yesterday (20) arrested a Navy solider who was on active duty over the killing of a person in Kudawella area by shooting.

The arrestee is a Navy soldier attached to the Navy Camp in Pulmude and was taken into custody in Balapitiya area.

The arrest was made based on findings that the shooting was committed by the suspect.

Earlier, the Police arrested the motor vehicle on which the killer arrived and its driver.