Currently, various types of complaints are being reported regarding the Pick Me transport service, which is the most widely used transport service in Colombo and suburban areas.

It had become famous among the people in the past as an organization that formally provides transportation services.

Most of the people who own a motorcycle to a car have registered with this service.

But due to the irresponsibility of some drivers, there is a feeling of displeasure and rejection regarding the Pick Me service.

Especially some drivers who provide rental transport services by cars do not seem to take care of the maintenance of their vehicles as well as the customer’s attitude towards them or towards the positive side.

The behavior of the service provider is also very important to impress the service.

However, recently Udaya Sri Kariyawasam, who was the former chairman of the Bank of Ceylon and the State Mortgage and Investment Bank, had to have a very unpleasant experience regarding the Pick Me service.

Although he had noted it down and had complained to the Pick Me company, he was not informed about any action taken by the company in this regard.

Accordingly, he is of the position that if the customer service provided by charging money cannot be done properly, such institutions should no longer operate in the country.

This is how Kariyawasam shared his experience.

Since the Pick Me company did not give any good response, he contacted a manager of the company and asked strictly what would happen, but this company did not show such flexibility. The said manager has said that he has decided not to get the service from the driver by placing the responsibility on him, but he has never apologized to him.

However, Udaya Sri Kariyawasam has also filed a complaint with the Welikada Police in this regard. Violating consumer rights is not as trivial as it seems. Although many dismiss such incidents with displeasure, they do not fight to achieve justice by protesting against such injustices.

Not only the Pick Me company, there is another international company that provides rental transport services in this country and it is also a very famous service. But its quality is not second to Pick Me. There is no institution in Sri Lanka to complain about the above mentioned service.

However, complaints will be made about that company in the future and the customer service authority will also be complained about neglecting the customer service.

H we made an inquiry at the institution’s phone number 114507500, on how to intervene as an institution to correct such situations, and a spokesman said that they could not say anything about it and informed us to call 0114507518 to inquire about it, but no one from that institution could be contacted by that phone number.

It was disclosed that 35000 students have been recruited this year targeting the domestic and foreign job markets.
 Recommendations to start new courses to match the job market.
 Instructions to increase the salaries of consultants and take steps to attract qualified people for the same.

The Sri Lanka Vocational Training Authority was summoned to before the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) on 09.08.2023 under the Chairmanship of the Hon. (Prof.) Ranjith Bandara, Member of Parliament, and the progress of implementing the COPE recommendations given on March 23 rd , 2023 and May 9 th , 2023 were reviewed.

 Mr. Nihal Ranasingha, Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Air Vice Marshal Prasanna Ranasinghe, Chairman of the Vocational Training Authority and others were called for this meeting.

 At the beginning of the committee meeting, COPE Chair congratulated the progress made by the Vocational Training Authority in accordance with the recommendations given during the previous COPE meetings. Thereafter, attention was paid to the following matters.

Compact Plan of the Authority

The Chair of the authority stated that after holding a preliminary workshop to prepare the composite plan of the authority, a composite plan was prepared for the year 2023-2027 and the Board of Directors approved it.

Vacancies in other posts including Director General

It was disclosed that steps have been taken to fill the vacant post of Director General and the interview will be held in the future. Furthermore, since the authority to give approval for recruitments has been reassigned to the Management Services Department, he informed to take necessary steps to fill the remaining 6 main posts and other vacancies.

Recruiting students aiming at the job market

The Chairman of the Vocational Training Authority said that 35,000 students have been recruited this year targeting the domestic and foreign job markets. It was also recommended to prepare a formal program to improve it and issue an internationally recognized certificate to the already skilled workers.

The Chairman of the Authority stated that they will work according to the job demand from South Korea, Oman and other countries and will pay more attention to the areas where the job demand is high. It was disclosed that an agreement with the Foreign Employment Bureau is currently in place and the data of nearly 2000 skilled workers has been provided.

The COPE Chair emphasized the need to direct the youth who drop out of school to proper vocational training. It was disclosed that a new program has been started by the Ministry of Education and the pilot project was recently held at Dharmaraja College in Kandy. Accordingly, it was recommended to start new courses to suit the job market.

Issues including salaries of course instructors

The Committee emphasized the need for these institutions to become self-revenue generating instead of being maintained by the treasury. (Fee Levying system) Furthermore, since the payments made to the consultants are not sufficient, attention was paid to problems such as consultants leaving the service. Accordingly, the following recommendations were made.

 To increase the salaries of consultants and to attract qualified people for it
 Using the money collected through the courses by the Authority itself to increase the payment of instructors (Fee Levying system)
 Initiate a new program to train counselors and give them some professional qualifications.

The COPE Chair instructed to take necessary steps in consultation with the Management Services Department to increase the payment of consultants.

State Minister Hon. Shantha Bandara, Members of Parliament Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Hon. Eran Wickramaratne, Hon. Jagath Kumara Sumithraarachchi, Hon. (Major) Sudarshana Denipitiya, Hon. (Mrs.) Rajika Wickramasinghe, Hon. Madhura Withanage, were present at the Committee meeting held.

Commends India for Dornier-228 surveillance Aircraft to SLAF for maritime surveillance  

 Appreciates India’s assistance to SL beyond the call of duty 

 Appreciates American & Australian Governments assistance to SL during  difficult times in the area of maritime security 

– President’s Senior Advisor on National Security Sagala Ratnayaka

 A successor Donier-228 maritime surveillance aircraft was handed over to Sri Lanka by India at a ceremony held at the Sri Lanka Air Force Base in Katunayake. 

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.

In response to Sri Lanka’s request, the Indian government took proactive measures during these deliberations. They decided to provide a Donier-228 maritime surveillance aircraft, which was part of the Indian Navy’s fleet, to Sri Lanka free of cost for a span of two years. The formal handover of this aircraft took place at the Sri Lanka Air Force Base Katunayake, with Mr. Baglay officiating.

Upon its delivery, the Donier-228 aircraft was instrumental in performing specialized tasks within Sri Lanka over the past year. Subsequently, it underwent mandatory annual maintenance services in India. In lieu of the aircraft undergoing maintenance, a replacement Donier-228 maritime surveillance aircraft was assigned to the Sri Lanka Air Force at a ceremony held August (16) in Katunanayake.

Since its initial arrival in Sri Lanka, the Donier-228 maritime surveillance aircraft has significantly contributed to numerous operations. These encompass a spectrum of activities such as monitoring and safeguarding Sri Lanka’s airspace and exclusive economic zone through maritime and coastal surveillance operations, executing search and rescue missions, and monitoring and controlling maritime pollution.

The official handover of the successor aircraft to Sri Lanka was attended by a delegation representing the Sri Lankan Government. This delegation included Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Presidential Chief of Staff Mr Sagala Ratnayaka, HE Gopal Baglay, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, General Kamal Gunaratne (Rtd) Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and other officials.

Following is the speech delivered by Mr Sagala Ratnayaka during this event;

It was just one year ago that we were here at a similar ceremony when the President accepted the first of the Dornier aircraft into the Sri Lanka Air Force fleet. Our friends, our neighbouring friends, were gracious enough to assist us. It is not only with this aircraft that we have received India’s assistance. It’s been a longstanding relationship, but in more recent times, when we were going through the economic crisis, India stepped up beyond the call of duty to lend us a hand.

 We were having difficulty in providing the basics to our people, leaving alone our responsibilities in the region, such as the maritime reconnaissance or the maritime domain awareness work that is expected of Sri Lanka, considering its location in this important location in the Indian Ocean. I remember when President Wickremesinghe was here at that function, he made very special mention of this. And we, in our recent visit to India, have developed a closer bond and a vision for how we will work together in the future as well. 

Connectivity is the key word. It’s a big word, actually. It has a wide area of meaning. It can be road connectivity, it can be people to people connectivity, economic connectivity, logistical connectivity, security connectivity, you know, it’s a large sphere. And we as neighbours cannot change the fact that we are neighbours. We will have to work together to ensure the safety of each other. 

We will have to also make mention that at difficult times the American Government and the government of Australia also stepped up in the area of maritime security to assist the Sri Lanka Air Force and the Sri Lanka Navy with much needed fuel. It sounds very primitive when I talk of fuel but that is the time we went through. Much needed fuel, and not stopping at that have also pledged further assistance to help us expand our fleet. Our fleet suffered during the economic crisis. It wasn’t only the people, but many other things suffered, and along with that came the difficulties of fleeting the Sri Lanka Air Force. Our aircraft were in want of overhaul. We had to re-fleet to keep up with technology and the modern requirements. And this entire program has suffered. So again, I must say we are very grateful to India for supporting us through this. You were the first to step up and as always, we are very grateful to you for that. 

There was in the previous speeches the value of maritime reconnaissance and our responsibility in the maritime domain. It is actually a little beyond that. Okay, in one way you have to ensure the security. And security means preventing drug smuggling, preventing the transport of or smuggling of weapons, and people smuggling or even pirating. But it doesn’t stop at that. It also goes into humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. All of these are required of us as a country that is located in a prime location as we are in this Indian Ocean. But we have to think beyond. Now, when the Sri Lanka Air Force started, these were not our threats. The threats have evolved over the time. Then came the war. During the war it was a different role that we played. Our role is different now and it keeps changing. And within the role, the demands will only keep increasing because everybody’s technology will keep improving. 

It is important that we as a country strategize our requirements for the future, the three forces, the defence requirements of the three forces of Sri Lanka. We need to start thinking of that. We need to start thinking of how we modernize our armies, what our strategies would be and we will be starting on that work or we have started on that work as we speak. His Excellency the President will announce the way forward on Friday when he speaks at the naval pass out in Boossa. 

But we have to think beyond we were speaking on the tarmac, that deforestation is happening rapidly. Sand mining is happening. All of this takes away from the future of our country. So we need to work together to safeguard our environment. We can be in this prime location, we can have the best potential for solar energy, we can have the best potential for wind energy, we can be a strong force in the climate economy. But if our environment is going to keep deteriorating due to the bad deeds of our own people, then we need to make more steps towards stopping that. 

So the Air Force, the Navy, the Army, along with the other agencies that are tasked with these will have to work together, coordinate together to ensure that we safeguard the environment for the future of our country and for the future generations. I know His Excellency the High Commissioner has a meeting today with our Foreign Minister very shortly, so I don’t want to keep speaking very much longer. I just want to say thank you again and thank you very much to the Sri Lanka Air Force for the efforts you have taken since the war to safeguard this country.

Shashendra Rajapaksa, the State Minister of Irrigation, announced the recent completion and opening of the Diaraba Reservoir as part of the Uma Oya Multi-Purpose Development Project. This achievement brings an additional 120 megawatts of electricity to the national power grid and facilitates the cultivation of 15,000 acres of paddy fields in the Yala basin.

Highlighting the Ministry of Irrigation’s pivotal role, the State Minister emphasized its significant contributions to President Ranil Wickramasinghe’s initiative for bolstering national food production. This concerted effort underscores the nation’s commitment to ensuring food security within the country.

He expressed these views  Agust (16) during a press conference themed ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country’ held at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC). 

State Minister Shashendra Rajapaksa further said;

The Ministry of Irrigation plays a substantial role in supporting the national food production initiative led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, ensuring the country’s food security. The management of cultivated land and irrigation water follows a systematic approach.

The Ministry of Irrigation functions as a proactive entity, addressing challenges arising from current weather conditions with effective management. Collaborative efforts are in place, working closely with the Ministries of Agriculture, Plantation Industry, Electricity, and Water Supply, alongside the Department of Wildlife and Forest Conservation. This coordinated approach safeguards water sources, prioritizes agriculture while preserving ecosystems, and caters to drinking water, hydropower, industry, and wildlife needs.

This year’s budget allocations have been strategically utilized for key projects, including the multi-phase climate mitigation program, integrated water resources management project (Dhahara), and Wav Gam Pubuduwa projects.

District-level irrigation plans have been recently devised, prompting the commencement of a repair project for approximately 3,000 identified irrigation structures across 25 districts. Dilapidated culverts and tank embankments are being revitalized through this endeavour.

Significantly, the filling of the Diaraba Reservoir within the Uma Oya Project began on the 13th, marking a notable hydroelectric venture. 

This project is set to contribute 120 megawatts of power to the national grid and facilitate the cultivation of 15,000 acres of paddy fields in the Yala and Maha seasons. These outcomes will soon bolster the National Food Security Program.

Moreover, discussions are underway to address drinking water challenges in Monaragala and Badulla districts. To enhance water management decision-making, a mechanism empowered by the legal authority is being established, bringing together various institutions such as the Meteorological Department, Irrigation Department, Mahaweli Authority, and Electricity Board.

In essence, the Ministry of Irrigation is dedicated to ensuring the irrigation water needs for agriculture and enhancing the populace’s nutritional well-being, thus solidifying the country’s national food security.

It should be a masterpiece of modern digital technology- Succeed in the goal of taking Sri Lankan tea internationally as pure tea

– The President says at the Annual General Conference of the CTTA 

President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized the necessity for a novel program to drive forward the plantation industry in Sri Lanka, encompassing the tea sector. He stressed that this program should be accurately crafted, integrating contemporary digital techniques.

These remarks were delivered during his address at the 129th Annual General Conference of the Colombo Tea Traders Association (CTTA), which took place Agust (15) afternoon at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Colombo.

The President highlighted that the tea industry possesses substantial potential to significantly contribute to the country’s economy. He underscored the importance of identifying the challenges within the sector and embracing innovative solutions to facilitate its transformation.

Continuing his statement, President Ranil Wickremesinghe further elaborated that the Government’s efforts have been focused on implementing programs aimed at rescuing the nation from economic distress and ensuring stability. However, it’s crucial to recognize that sustaining this economic stability for an extended period beyond a decade will be challenging if we continue to experience a trade imbalance in our economy.

In addressing this, President Wickremesinghe noted that the nation often finds itself compelled to secure foreign loans. He further highlighted that due to budget deficits, there emerges a necessity to print additional currency to cover these deficits.

The President emphasized that the nation stands at a critical juncture where a pivotal decision must be made – whether to revert to old systems or to embrace a more structured economic approach that propels the country forward into a new era. President Wickremesinghe asserted, “Remarkably, even amidst times of conflict, our nation’s economy demonstrated resilience. For instance, garment factories were established during wartime, showcasing our ability to navigate challenges.”

He continued, “Presently, sustaining an economy predominantly influenced by government control in aspects of ownership and regulation has become challenging. It’s essential that we consider alternatives, such as deregulation and privatization, to steer us towards a promising path.”

“The tea industry stands as a testament to private enterprise, not reliant on government backing. It’s a sector driven by individuals who utilized private capital, leading to both successes and failures. The historical backdrop also includes instances where land ownership and cultivation became contentious,” President Wickremesinghe emphasized.

“As we look towards the future, it’s crucial that we strategize. The tea industry holds immense potential to significantly contribute to our nation’s economy. Looking ahead over the next 20-30 years, we must analyse and address the challenges that have emerged within the sector,” he added.

“The looming challenge of global climate change poses significant threats to our future. Safeguarding the tea industry necessitates shielding our tropical climate from the impacts of climate change. We’ve actively put forth proposals on this front in international forums.

The implications of this situation can be viewed as a repercussion of extensive industrialization in the northern hemisphere. It’s imperative that we address this matter collectively. Our adaptation to climate change is paramount. It’s essential to acknowledge the precariousness of our water resources, a matter of grave concern.

A recent report highlighted the alarming degradation of usable water sources in Sri Lanka due to the changing climate. Given that a significant portion of our water sources is concentrated in the central hills, the implications directly affect the tea industry. It’s prudent for us to project where our market will stand in the next 50 to 60 years.

Considering the forecasts for global population growth by 2050, it’s projected that India’s population will rise by an additional 400 million. Similarly, the populations of Kenya, Malawi, and the Middle East are also on the upswing. Correspondingly, their per capita incomes are ascending.

However, Sri Lanka’s population is not experiencing the same growth trajectory. Therefore, our focus should be on how to enhance our product. China has been adopting systematic population control measures. Hence, engaging with China becomes essential.

In the times ahead, we can anticipate an influx of Chinese tea into the market, presenting favourable prospects. India, too, is poised to make its presence felt in the tea market. Therefore, meaningful discussions with China and India are pivotal.

Collaboration is key; we don’t journey alone. It’s crucial to meticulously study the market patterns of both Eastern and Western countries. Tea consumption in these regions often involves the addition of milk or biscuits. However, merely producing tea for these preferences isn’t enough. In today’s world, green tea has gained immense popularity. It’s imperative that we explore novel innovations and tea-related products.

Reflecting on my childhood, our homes used to feature expansive kitchens. However, modern homes are equipped with compact kitchens. In the next 20 to 30 years, residences without kitchens may feature one or two food processing machines. It’s imperative to acknowledge these forthcoming challenges and formulate suitable strategies.

We must face these challenges head-on and progress with appropriate solutions. Gunnar Myrdal, a renowned Swedish economic expert, analyzed Sri Lanka in his book ‘Asian Drama’ from the 1960s. He pointed out that ‘the British brought their managerial and financial expertise gained from the Industrial Revolution to India and Sri Lanka, subsequently introducing it to the plantation sector.’ This underscores that we have a contemporary plantation management system.

Now is the opportune moment to contemplate fresh management practices in comparison to those employed by small and medium-scale growers. The forthcoming program should be a masterpiece, seamlessly integrating the latest digital technologies.

“We should delve into the possibility of utilizing subjects such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology. This innovative endeavour should be spearheaded by the private sector. After all, the ultimate authority resides within your market.

Had it not been for Mr. Lipton’s arrival in Ceylon, our current state would not exist. Hence, we must urgently explore avenues to introduce new products to the market through system enhancements. You can rest assured of our full support in this endeavour. This is our contribution towards the tea industry’s future growth. We’re actively engaged in resolving the issues that arise alongside it.

I extend an invitation to all of you to persist in devising the finest solutions, ultimately achieving the objective of establishing Sri Lankan tea as a globally recognized, pure tea,” President Wickremesinghe concluded.

Minister of Industries and Plantations Ramesh Pathirana, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff to the President Sagala Ratnayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Plantations Janaka Dharmakirthi, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tea Board Niraj De Mel, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Board of Investment and Port City & President’s Adviser Dinesh Weerakkody, Colombo Tea Traders Association President Sanjaya Herath, Vice President Lushantha De Silva, former Presidents Jayantha Karunaratne and Anslem Fernando were present on this occasion.

The 02nd National Handball Championship was held from 11th to 14th August 2023 at the Puttalam Urban Council Ground. In the final encounter against the Sri Lanka Army, the men’s handball team of the Sri Lanka Navy secured the second place.

The tournament saw the participation of 21 well-known handball squads from the country. Following a tightly contested match (with a score of 36-31), the Navy achieved the runner-up position.

Meanwhile, the Navy’s Leading Seaman KMRSS Bandara won the award for the Best Attacker of the tournament and Leading Physical Training Instructor WHP De Silva was adjudged the Best Defender.

The Government has decided to establish a new Department for Cinnamon Development amidst considerations, recognising the valuable contribution of the export crop to boost foreign exchange earnings.

 The proposed department is poised to offer a range of facilities and support to producers, suppliers, and exporters involved in cinnamon-related activities. The move was outlined as a 2023 Budget proposal. 

The joint proposal submitted by President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Plantation Industries Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on Monday.

“The decision to promote cinnamon as a commercial crop underscores its economic significance and aligns with the broader efforts to boost agricultural and export sectors,” Cabinet Co-Spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardena said at the post-Cabinet meeting media briefing .

 He said the promotion of cinnamon as a robust commercial crop, will result in enhanced value chains, increased foreign exchange earnings, and a stronger position in the global market. 

Ceylon Cinnamon, known for its distinctive aroma and multiple applications, has historically played a crucial role in the country’s export earnings. Last year, 

Sri Lanka has about 35,000 hectares of cinnamon, which are mainly grown in the Galle and Matara districts, with about 60,000 farmers and 300,000 workers earning a living from the labour intensive and low-paid industry.

Ceylon Cinnamon, known for its distinctive aroma and multiple applications, has historically played a crucial role in the country’s export earnings.

Ceylon Cinnamon received the country’s first-ever Geographical Indication (GI) certification and status from the European Union (EU) Commission marking a major milestone. GI will act as a source of competitive advantage which will help to increase market differentiation, product turnover and allow for a premium price from the consumer. 

When asked for the rationale for further bloating the public sector with a new department at a time the Government finances are already stretched with a significant portion of State funds being allocated to salaries, Gunawardene acknowledged the fiscal challenges and assured that steps will be taken to minimise the impact. 

“The staff for the new department will be sourced from existing agriculture departments, mitigating any additional financial burden. 

The proposed department is poised to offer a range of facilities and support to producers, suppliers, and exporters involved in cinnamon-related activities. 

The move was outlined as a 2023 Budget proposal in the wake of the price of kilo of cinnamon has dropped to Rs 2000 from Rs 500 sometimes back.

Sri Lanka has about 35,000 hectares of cinnamon, which are mainly grown in the Galle and Matara districts, with about 60,000 farmers and 300,000 workers earning a living from the labour intensive and low-paid industry.Ceylon Cinnamon, known for its distinctive aroma and multiple applications, has historically played a crucial role in the country’s export earnings

The Diaraba Reservoir built under the Uma Oya Multi-Purpose Project inaugurated with the water release to the Diaraba reservoir from the Puhulpola Reservoir recently creating More damages than benefits for the people in the area, villagers, social activists and environmentalists complained    

Diyaraba Reservoir opened as the first phase of the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project and water is directed from Puhulpola Reservoir, which is the main reservoir of this project, to Diyaraba Reservoir through a tunnel.

Four reservoirs- Alikota Ara reservoir, Diaraba reservoir, Puhulpola reservoir and Handapanagala reservoir, were constructed under the mega project to divert 145 million cubic meters of water from the Uma Oya Basin, without impacting its environmental and other water needs to the Kirindi Oya Basin in the water-scarce Southern Zone.

This achievement brings an additional 120 megawatts of electricity to the national power grid and facilitates the cultivation of 15,000 acres of paddy fields in the Yala basin

The water from these reservoirs is used for irrigation of 50,000 acres of dry land and is also used to meet drinking water needs of Greater Bandarawela area.

Alikotaara and Kuda Oya reservoirs are also used to provide water for agricultural purposes. Here, the water capacity of the Hadapanagala reservoir will be increased by the Kuda Oya Reservoir.

This project was initiated in the year 2008 by the former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad with funds from the Iranian government and during the time of the former President Maithripala Sirisena, many activities of the multi-purpose project were carried out.

During the time of the former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the work continued and the current President Ranil Wickramasinghe, had to face many challenges to carry out the Uma Oya multi-purpose project due to the financial issues and was able to resolve those financial issues with the support of the cabinet.

Iran’s Teheran-based Farab Co. was the EPC Contractor of the Uma Oya Multipurpose Project with a total cost of US $ 514.5 million (Rs.15, 474 million), 85% of which was provided by t

According to a recent research survey of Sri Lanka Nature Group (SLNG) most of the houses in surrounding villages to reservoirs are partly or fully damaged, wells and springs have dried up and swathes of agricultural lands have been abandoned due to there being no water for cultivation.

Emeritus Prof. Jinadasa Katupotha, Department of Geography of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, vehemently opposing the Uma Oya project urged the Government to permanently shut down the project due to its geographical and geological unsuitability apart from social, economical and ecological issues. “

This is one of the most unsuccessful projects in the Sri Lankan history. It is not viable to continue with the project even after addressing the main factor – the tunnel leakage, he added. 

 Many cautious environmentalists warned that the Uma Oya watershed cannot sustain such a large water diversion project.

In the wake of halting Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) funded 12 projects in Sri Lanka, the Japanese donor agency seems to have been given consent to resume or launch  mega water infrastructure projects, Water Supply and  Estate Infrastructure Ministry officials claimed. .      

Sri Lanka’s relations with Japan was tested in the last two years after former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa scrapped a JICA-funded US$ 1.5 billion light railway transit (LRT) project claiming it was too expensive and unilaterally cancelled a $500 million trilateral deal with India and Japan to develop the Eastern Container Terminal (ECT) of the Colombo Port.

Sri Lanka has recently been trying to rebuild relations with Japan who previously poured many millions of dollars in funds to the country.

Japan and Sri Lanka are in talks to recommence stalled projects funded by Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) here, upon the imminent conclusion of the ongoing debt restructuring process.

The matter was discussed at a meeting on Wednesday (Aug. 16) chaired by Minister of Water Supply & Estate Infrastructure Jeevan Thondaman, with Japanese Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki and the Chief of Representative of JICA Tetsuya Yamada in attendance.

The Ministry of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development said the two sides discussed about laying the groundwork for innovative, new water infrastructure projects that align with the island nation’s developmental goals.

During the meeting, a diverse array of topics were covered, reflecting the collective commitment towards advancing the island nation’s water sector, enhancing sanitation efforts, implementing crucial plantation reforms, and addressing the challenges faced by upcountry plantation communities.

Further, the ministry mentioned that the focus of the discussion also fell on the recent initiatives in the water sector.

Accordingly, Minister Thondaman has shared plans to improve the performance and efficiency of the National Water Supply & Drainage Board (NWSDB) and a new public-private partnership (PPP) initiative for a floating solar energy solution to address the energy requirement for safe water production.

The lawmaker underscored the importance of improving the performance of the Water Board, introducing new corporate and business processes, upskilling the workforce and the strategic introduction of new technologies. 

The JICA has expressed their willingness to support these initiatives through Japanese technology and processes.

The minister also shared his vision for reforms within the plantation sector, underscored by the establishment of policy formulation committees addressing the education, health, housing, employment, skills development and other needs and issues faced by plantation communities.

The two sides further discussed the existing plantation model and the urgency of a new, equitable model as a significant step towards the sector’s future transformation.

The JICA also expressed its keen interest in actively supporting initiatives that uplift the conditions of the upcountry plantation communities in Sri Lanka.