Colombo (LNW): The government will take steps to modify the country’s preschool education system to meet international standards with activity-based learning, announced Education Minister Susil Premjayanth, speaking at an event held in Colombo.
Commenting on preschool education, the Education Minister pointed out that Sri Lanka should prepare the framework for the two years of education provided by preschools in accordance with the international standards, and ensure that the teachers are qualified to teach in a preschool.
A certificate course for teachers who have not obtained proper training should be adopted, Premjayanth went on, lamenting that there is a disparity among preschools in the country where education is not even.
“When one preschool provides activity-based learning, another teaches to count up to 10, and another to count up to 100. But all these children enter the Grade 01,” the Minister noted.
Accordingly, preschool education should be standardised and modified in accordance with the international standards, where activity-based learning suits best, he added.
The Minister further assured that the matter will be discussed with the Ministry of Child Affairs, the National Institute of Education (NIE) and other professionals.
Colombo (LNW): Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, vowed that China will help Sri Lanka effectively address the challenges of financial debt on Wednesday, reported CGTN on Thursday (17).
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks during a meeting with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the sidelines of the seventh China-South Asian Expo in Kunming, southwest China’s Yunnan Province.
China is always Sri Lanka’s reliable strategic partner and appreciates that Sri Lanka has always been friendly to China and has stood by China on issues related to its core interests, he said.
China also firmly supports Sri Lanka in safeguarding its sovereign independence and national dignity, and is willing to strengthen exchanges of experience in governance as well as cooperation in various fields with Sri Lanka, he said.
Wang vowed that China will help Sri Lanka improve its capacity for independent development, get rid of the “poverty trap” and the “trap of non-development,” accelerate its industrialisation process and agricultural modernisation.
He expressed belief that Sri Lanka will overcome its temporary difficulties, find a development path in line with its national conditions, and realise revitalisation and prosperity.
Noting that Sri Lanka is an important participant and beneficiary of the China-South Asia Expo, he welcomed the Sri Lankan side to continue to make good use of this important platform to further explore the Chinese market.
For his part, Gunawardena thanked China for its firm support for Sri Lanka in safeguarding its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and for its timely and effective assistance to Sri Lanka in times of difficulty.
The forward-looking flagship cooperation projects between the two sides such as the Colombo Port City and the Hambantota Port will bring benefits to the Sri Lankan people and play a key role in regional connectivity and sustainable development, he said.
Sri Lanka will work with China to expand cooperation in economy, trade and investment, agriculture, tourism, energy and innovation to help Sri Lanka achieve food self-sufficiency and accelerate the development of key industries, he added.
Colombo (LNW): Several parts of the Colombo District may face an 18-hour water cut on Saturday (19), announced the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB).
The water supply will be disrupted from 8 am on Saturday to 2 pm on Sunday (20).
Colombo, Dehiwala, Mount Lavinia, Kotte, Kaduwela, Maharagama, Boralesgamuwa, Kollonawa, Kotikawatte, Mulleriyawa, Ratmalana, and Katubedda Pradeshiya Sabha will experience this interruption of water supply during the aforementioned period.
The interruption of water supply will take place due to maintenance work on the overhead power line system of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), the Board said.
Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee somewhat remains steady against the US Dollar as revealed by leading commercial banks in the country today (17) in comparison to yesterday.
Accordingly, Peoples Bank’s exchange rates reveal that the buying and selling prices of the US Dollar have increased to Rs. 313.85 from Rs. 313.37 and to Rs. 329.29 from Rs. 328.78, respectively.
At Commercial Bank, the buying and selling prices of the US Dollar remain unchanged at Rs. 311.74 and Rs. 326, respectively.
Sampath Bank follows a similar scenario in which the buying and selling prices of the US Dollar remain steady at Rs. 315 and Rs. 327, respectively.
Colombo (LNW): Interest rates indicated a significant decline at yesterday’s (16) treasury bond auction, demonstrating that the 91-day bill yield rate decreased by 223 basis points to 17.55 per cent from 19.78 per cent, and the 182-day bill yield rate by 224 basis points to 14.87 per cent from 17.11 per cent, a statement by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) revealed.
Further, the 364-day bill yield rate dropped by 75 basis points to 13.19 per cent from 13.94 per cent.
Colombo (LNW): At a time where India and Sri Lanka strengthening bilateral maritime surveillance, another Chinese marine research vessel, Shi Yan 6 is expected to dock at Colombo and Hambantota deep sea ports in Sri Lanka by October this year arousing India’s concerns, Indian media reported.
Commemorating the 77th Independence Day, India officially handed over a substitute Dornier-228 maritime surveillance aircraft to President’s Senior Advisor on National Security, Sagala Ratnayake yesterday
Accordingly, the substitute Dornier-228 maritime surveillance aircraft, to be used by the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), was handed over at a ceremony held at the Sri Lanka Air Force Base in Katunayake today, the President’s Media Division (PMD) reported.
The substitute surveillance aircraft was handed over today as the Dornier-228 aircraft handed over to Sri Lanka a year ago was sent to India for obligatory yearly maintenance, the PMD said.
During the bilateral security discussions that transpired between India and Sri Lanka on January 9, 2018, in New Delhi, the potential acquisition of maritime surveillance aircraft akin to the Dornier type from India was brought to attention. The aim was to bolster Sri Lanka’s capabilities in maritime surveillance
Although Sri Lanka has not given the green signal to Shi Yan 6 yet, reports said India’s strategic community is expecting the island nation to give its nod.
Indian media raised concerns that the development comes as Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe recently visited India and assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the country will take care of India’s sensitive security and strategic concerns.
According to Indian media reports, Shi Yan 6, a substantial weight of 3,999 tons and originating from Guangzhou, is presently situated within the South China Sea and is currently navigating in a southern direction.
Speculations are rife that researchers affiliated with Sri Lanka’s National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) are set to commence a scientific expedition aboard the vessel Shi Yan 6, while the primary objective is to carry out an extensive survey encompassing both the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the island nation and the region of the southern Indian Ocean.
The Indian government has released no official word on the matter but as per Hindustan Times, the officials are engaging with Sri Lanka at the highest diplomatic levels.In August 2022, controversy prevailed as Chinese high-tech research vessel known as Yuan Wang 5, successfully moored at the harbour of Hambantota.
India is paying close attention to a new Chinese marine research vessel, Shi Yan 6, which is expected to dock at Colombo and Hambantota deep sea ports in the Sea of Sri Lanka in late October 2023.
The National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) said the vessels’ arrival has already been planned.
However, the Sri Lanka Navy said that it was not made aware of the vessels’ visit to Sri Lankan shores.
Colombo (LNW): Chinese oil major Sinopec expects to start operations in Sri Lanka on Sept. 20 and will be allowed to sell fuel for less than the maximum retail price set by the government, Sri Lanka’s Power Minister said.
Sinopec’s entry into Sri Lanka will help reduce pressure on Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange reserves, and the island nation expects two other international fuel operators to start operations by October and November, Kanchana Wijesekera said.
“Reducing pressure on our foreign exchange with Sinopec’s entry will also help us increase fuel imports and strengthen the economy,” Wijesekera told reporters.
Australia’s United Petroleum and U.S. firm RM Parks in collaboration with Shell are the other two companies that have received approval.
The entry of the new players will end a market duopoly of state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corp and Lanka IOC, a unit of Indian Oil Corp.
Under the new deal, the Chinese firm will be given a 20-year licence to operate 150 fuel stations and will also be able to invest in 50 new fuel stations.
Sri Lanka is grappling with its worst financial crisis since independence from the British in 1948 with reserves at $3.8 billion at the end of July.
The island’s economy was severely hit last year by spiralling energy costs worsened by the war in Ukraine, which caused long lines at fuel stations and hours-long power cuts.
“Sinopec and Vitol have also been shortlisted for a refinery project in southern Sri Lanka and we expect their request for proposals to be handed over at the end of August,” Wijesekera added.
The entry of the new players will end a market duopoly of state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corp and Lanka IOC, a unit of Indian Oil Corp.
The Board of Investment (BOI) recently clarified that no tax concession has been granted to China’s energy investor in Sri Lanka, Sinopec, in terms of the BOI law.
BOI top official said: “BOI can only give exemptions from Customs duties under the prevailing Inland Revenue Act. If any concession is to be given, it should be under this. This agreement does not provide any exemption from taxes.”
He added that no exemption from Inland Revenue laws was given in any BOI agreement. “The prevailing law applies. The present agreement is to set up fuel stations in terms of the approval granted by the Ministry of Power and Energy.
The BOI had given approval after it secured approval from the Ministry of Power and Energy. “In terms of that approval, we have granted BOI status. No tax exemptions will be given and the BOI doesn’t have power to do so,” she explained.
The BOI and Sinopec Energy Lanka signed an agreement to operate and establish filling stations for fuel distribution in Sri Lanka. Sinopec has invested $ 100 million into the project, which includes import, storage, and sale of fuel.
The project will involve 150 privately-owned fuel outlets currently operated by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC). Additionally, 50 new fuel stations will be established, the BOI said in a statement.
The agreement allows the project to operate for 20 years under the oversight of Sinopec Energy Lanka, in accordance with the Sri Lanka Board of Investment Act. Sinopec will sell various petroleum products, including octane 92 and 95 petrol, 500 PPM diesel, 10 PPM diesel, petroleum jet fuel, and other diesel and petroleum products.
Further, the agreement will facilitate the provision of value-added services at the stations such as automatic car washing and car service facilities, department stores, convenience stores, internet cafes, automated teller machines, and food courts.
All Ceylon Medical Officers Assn General Secretary Dr Jayantha Bandara says about 2000 doctors have left the country and about another 5000 are now planning to do so: also says doctors are troubled by high taxes and low pay.
National Institute of Mental Health Director Dr Dhammika Wijesinghe says a severe shortage of staff at their facility at Mulleriyawa has affected both patients and workers.
President’s Media announces that India has officially handed over a substitute Donier-228 maritime surveillance aircraft to Sagala Ratnayaka, President’s Senior Advisor on National Security to be used by the Sri Lanka Air Force.
Knowledgeable analysts point out that although the economic growth since April’22 has been severely negative, the average weekly amounts offered at Treasury Bill auctions have increased from Rs.56 bn in March’22 to Rs.90 bn in June’22, to Rs.113 bn in March’23 & to Rs.158 bn in July’23: also point out that the interest rates have also more than doubled: warn this trend is unsustainable and a crash of the local debt is imminent, unless urgent remedial steps are taken.
Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda announces that the Ministry of Fisheries aims to export 50,000 MT of shrimp by the end of this year: also warns that urgent measures are needed to address the proliferation of fungi and parasites if this target is to be achieved.
UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara says the doors of the UNP are open for anyone who is willing to support the unstoppable victory of President Wickremesinghe: also says if SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa wants to take the Premiership under President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Premadasa should first support Wickremasinghe to get elected as the President again.
A Fire breaks out on the 2nd floor of the Finance Ministry building in Colombo: fire engines douse the flames and completely extinguishe the fire.
An officer of Parliament who inspected the Committee rooms of Parliament, finds 2 pillows and a mattress in a Committee room at the complex: previously, a group of officers have been accused of sexually harassing some young female employees of the Housekeeping Dept of Parliament.
An official of the Airline Pilots’ Guild says a shift of almost 70 pilots to rival airlines underscores the gravity of the situation facing the airline: also says approximately 12 pilots have submitted resignations and opted to fulfill their obligatory 3-month notice periods: SriLankan Airlines spokesperson Deepal Perera says all flights are operated according to the guidelines provided by the Civil Aviation Authority, which are in line with global standards.
Kandy Esala Perahera festival starts today with the planting of Kapa at the auspicious time in the Sathara Maha Devalayas: after the planting of Kapa, 5 internal peraheras to be held in the Sathara Maha Devalas of Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama and Pattini: Kumbal Perahera street tour to begin thereafter.
Colombo (LNW): The Vatican has lauded President Ranil Wickremesinghe for his recent statement on peace and reconciliation, the President’s Media Division said.
Rev. Dr. Brian Udaigwe, the Vatican Apostolic Nuncio of Sri Lanka commended President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s statement in Parliament regarding peace and reconciliation.
He said that the statement had received the blessings of the Vatican and the Catholic Church, the President’s Media Division said.
Rev. Dr. Brian Udaigwe emphasized that religious leaders have a crucial role in maintaining peace and harmony in the country. He also stressed that whether a religious figure divides or unites the country is determined by their own actions.
He had expressed these views at the annual festival of the shrine of Our Lady of Madu in Mannar today which was attended by President Wickremesinghe.
During the service the President announced plans to transform Mannar into an energy hub. He also revealed that an inter-city express train service between Thalaimannar and Colombo will commence on 15th September to enhancing connectivity and facilitate smoother travel between the two cities.
“This service is being launched in response to the request of MP Charles Nirmalanathan. Additionally, steps have been taken to establish a sugar factory in Vavuniya, as requested by MP Selvam Adekkalanathan. Cabinet approval has been obtained for this project,” the President said.
The year 2024 marks the completion of 100 years since the enshrinement of the revered statue of Lady Madu. The church management board has decided to hold services throughout the year to commemorate this occasion.
“Numerous devotees come here to seek solace through prayers to Lady Madhu. During last year’s economic crisis, a substantial number of devotees gathered here to pray for Lady Madhu’s assistance and protection. It can be said that Lady Madhu’s blessings provided us with strength during that challenging time,” the President said.
Subsequent to the main ceremony, a revered statue of Lady Madhu was respectfully carried in procession throughout the church grounds to pay homage to the devoted attendees.
A significant number of devotees from various parts of the island gathered for the annual feast.
Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka government has embarked on a major initiative of promoting indigenous medicine overseas as it has the potential to complement western medicine in achieving a responsive health care system and high-quality health care outcomes in the country.
To leverage its potential, the government is set to establish data collection and management on the availability, accessibility, and utilization of traditional medicine; strengthen its monitoring and regulation; and promote intensive research and training in this sector.
In Sri Lanka, the use of traditional medicine also increased significantly at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Likewise, the Department of Ayurveda and the Ayurvedic Drugs Corporation jointly introduced an immune-boosting drink and a powder for those infected with COVID-19. Ayurvedic hospitals were also allowed to treat COVID-19 patients with traditional medicine.
Data on service providers are also rare. The Ayurvedic Medical Council data indicate that there were about 24,000 registered practitioners in the country.
In order to promote Indigenous Medicine overseas, Sri Lanka will hold an international exhibition on indigenous medical education and trade in the capital Colombo on Sept. 8-10
State Minister of Indigenous Medicine Sisira Jayakody told the media that representatives from various countries will be participating in this exhibition to be held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall.
He noted that necessary steps have been taken to promote the indigenous medicine sector as an industry with commercial value that can generate foreign exchange.
The Ministry of Indigenous Medicine and the Department of Ayurveda have now started a program to develop the indigenous medicine sector as an industry that can generate foreign exchange with commercial value,” Jayakodi commented further.
The state minister, stating that necessary amendments would be made to the Ayurveda Act, subject to the Supreme Court’s orders, mentioned that the top court has approved the clauses regarding the cultivation of medicinal plants necessary for the promotion of the export sector in the county and the generation of foreign exchange.
With the aim of boosting the tourism sector, the state minister said a new program is in progress to provide the contribution of the indigenous medical system to tourist hotels as a treatment method that goes beyond traditional methods. The program has already started producing well-trained certified therapists, he added.
Jayakodi also spoke of the potential to promote the indigenous medicine as a sector that can generate incredible foreign exchange. “Today there is a very high demand for herbal products all over the world. Also, the cosmetics industry is a place where billions roam today. Also, indigenous medicine has a special place in the field of tourism.”
The state minister also pointed out that many new trends have been made in the indigenous medicine system and Ayurvedic system in order to build a healthy population in the country as well as to solve the problems that have arisen in the health sector.
