Colombo (LNW): Many social problems have arisen due to the exposure of child victims and the child accused, through the media and therefore immediate measures should be taken to prevent it, emphasised Chair of the Parliamentary Caucus for Children MP Rohini Kumari Wijerathna, speaking at the Caucus recently (24).

The Ministry of Women, Child Affairs and Social Empowerment and its affiliates such as the Department of Probation and Child Care Services, the National Child Protection Authority and the Ministry of Mass Media and the institutions operating under it and the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation, Independent Television Network Ltd, Lake House and Government Information Department were also called before the caucus.

It was pointed out by the Members of Parliament that the exposure of the identities of children through the media, especially in cases of child molestation and child abuse, has a great impact on the lives of the children concerned.

Officials of the state media indicated that their agencies follow a standard when disseminating news related to children. Accordingly, the Caucus membership agreed that all media organisations should be called for the next meeting to discuss this further.

Apart from the said, there was a long discussion about the measures that can be taken to improve the condition of children in orphanages in Sri Lanka. Maintenance of relevant institutions even according to minimum standards, shortage of child care staff, inadequate hygiene in these places, provision of adequate psycho-social treatment to children, socialisation process of children in orphanages when they reach the age of 18, children in orphanages There was a long discussion about the measures to be taken for safety and proper supervision of children’s homes.

The officials pointed out that the Geneva Committee on Children’s Rights has given recommendations regarding orphanages in Sri Lanka and there are many issues such as shortage of trained staff, allocation of adequate provision for the Department of Child Care Services etc.

The importance of providing vocational training to children in orphanages was discussed at length, and the need for a suitable program to socialise children over 18 years of age and the importance of creating an environment for them to engage in self-employment was also emphasised.

In addition to that, introducing a foster parent system, placing children in the care of relatives, local adoptions, etc. were also discussed in the forum as alternative care proposals for children.

Furthermore, attention was paid to matters such as referring child suspects to the conciliation board for minor offenses, subjecting them to other alternative punishments, and using institutional reform as the last option.

Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, State Minister Diana Gamage, MPs Eran Wickramaratne, Mayantha Dissanayake, and Secretary to the Caucus and Secretary General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera, were present at the Committee meeting.

PMD: In a recent discussion, President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his concerns about the obstacles faced by students when taking exams in unfamiliar environments. He emphasised the need for the Ministry of Education and the Examinations Department to prioritise the convenience and progress of students over their own convenience. Recognising the difficulties faced by students, the President advised the education authorities to transform schools with a minimum of 75 qualified students into examination centres, provided that it doesn’t disrupt on-going exam activities. He instructed officials to take prompt action in implementing this plan.

During the discussion, it was revealed that the 2023 GCE O/L examination, which began today (29), would be conducted in 3,568 centres, accommodating a total of 472,553 students. The government has employed approximately 40,000 officials for the smooth execution of the exams.

However, President Wickremesinghe received reports from concerned parents and students regarding the inconvenience caused by redirecting students from their own schools to other examination centres. The Ministry of Education and the Department of Examinations explained that they had made this decision due to the prevailing economic situation, aiming to limit the number of examination centres.

Understanding the impact this has on students’ mental well-being, the President stressed the importance of informing schools and students about such changes at least one year in advance. He also emphasised the necessity of establishing a formal programme to conduct all examinations related to children’s education without any delay. The President clarified that it is not the responsibility of the Examinations Department to provide reasons for not holding exams but rather the primary duty of the Ministry of Education and the Examination Department to create a conducive environment for students to take exams in familiar surroundings.

The discussion was attended by Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff, Mr Sagala Ratnayake, Secretary to the President, Mr Saman Ekanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Mr Nihal Ranasinghe, Commissioner of Examinations, Mr Amit Jayasundara, and other officials.

During a press conference, MP Harsha de Silva addressed the challenges faced by Sri Lanka’s textile & apparel export sector. With a significant year-on-year decline of 17% in April, the industry has been severely impacted. De Silva emphasized the crucial role the textile & apparel industry played during the economic crisis, lending crucial support to keep the country afloat and providing employment opportunities to hundreds of thousands of people.

Key Points Discussed:

Decreased Global Demand: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a decrease in global demand for clothing, resulting in domestic wardrobe inventory build-up. This reduction in demand has affected the textile industry, particularly as big brands, anticipating a post-COVID surge, now face inventory build-up in their warehouses.

Factory Closures and Competitive Environment: As a consequence of the challenging market conditions, several factories have closed down, and others have been forced to place their workers on furlough. The competitive landscape in the textile industry has intensified as brands dictate cheaper prices, turning it into an auction-like scenario among countries in the region.

Long-term Outlook and Government Initiatives: De Silva stressed the importance of protecting the vital textile industry, as the problem is expected to persist for another 6-12 months. He urged the government to take immediate action, including a reevaluation and amendment of the 30% taxes on exports to alleviate the financial burden faced by exporters.

Tapping into the Indian Market: De Silva highlighted the significant increase in spending power among Indians, particularly in states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. He called for measures to attract India’s growing middle class and suggested renegotiating the existing Free Trade Agreement to remove barriers that restrict exports above $8 million.

Seizing Opportunities from Shifting Investments: With corporations and foreign direct investments moving out of China and relocating to countries like Vietnam, Singapore, and India, De Silva urged the government to establish mechanisms similar to India to attract these investments. This would provide opportunities for the textile industry to grow and flourish.

De Silva’s urgent call to action underlines the importance of supporting Sri Lanka’s textile &apparel export sector during these challenging times. By implementing the proposed measures, the government can mitigate the impact of the crisis, revitalize the industry, and position Sri Lanka for long-term growth and sustainability.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Brussels, together with the Circle Royal Gaulois and the Diplomatic Club of Belgium, hosted a tourism promotion event titled “A Glimpse of Sri Lanka”, on May 24, 2023, at the prestige Club of the Circle Royal Gaulois in Brussels. The purpose of the event was to present Sri Lanka’s comeback story in the context of an economic resurgence towards socio-economic prosperity as well as Sri Lanka as a natural destination for tourism. The Embassy of Sri Lanka has been regularly hosting tourism promotion workshops in several regions in Belgium targeting French and Flemish tour and travel industry stakeholders, and the event hosted at the Club of Royal Gaulois was the first event that directly approached potential customers.

Ambassador Grace Asirwatham presented the background leading to the unprecedented economic situation in Sri Lanka and the measures taken and reforms introduced to achieve economic prosperity together with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and creditors, which resulted in reaching an agreement with the IMF on Extended Credit Facility. The Ambassador remarked that Sri Lanka has time and again proven to be a resilient country and emphasized that Sri Lanka has already set a path to pursue a novel economic model that was competitive, open, green, and digital, as well as socially just, with a focus on the export market that will elevate Sri Lanka’s economy to new heights and foster continued growth and prosperity. To this effect, the Ambassador sought the support of the international community to make this goal a reality.

The event was centered on explaining and presenting a long list of reasons why one should visit Sri Lanka. Ambassador Asirwatham introduced Sri Lanka as a mesmerizing island that was blessed with a diverse landscape ranging from lush green tropical forests to highlands, arid plains, waterfalls, and pristine sandy beaches, as well as vibrant biodiversity, exotic wildlife, rich cultural heritage, authentic food, adventure and sports, accommodation, festivals, unique climate zones, etc. The Ambassador highlighted that Sri Lanka has tourism products for everyone.

The event also provided a platform to showcase Sri Lanka’s traditional performing arts influenced by its rich Sinhala and Tamil cultures, which included a ‘Pooja’ dance with Sri Lankan ritual music and dancing and a Sri Lankan traditional folk dance choreographed and performed by Sri Lankan dancers based in Belgium. A Tamil oriental classical dance act of ‘Bharatanatyam,” based on Hindu philosophy, traditions, and culture was performed by students from the school of Bharatanatyam in Antwerp, Belgium. These cultural performances amused the audience, adding vivid colour to the evening.

The event was also addressed by Charles Bois d’Enghien, Administrator of the Circle Royal Gaulois, and Thierry Dumoulin, Vice President of the Diplomatic Club of Belgium. They remarked that the evening with the theme “a glimpse of Sri Lanka” was one of the finest in terms of outreach and wished Sri Lanka every success in its efforts to revive tourism and reach the desired targets.

The evening that offered “A Glimpse of Sri Lanka” was attended by over 130 guests, including members of the European Parliament, EU officials, Belgium government officials, members of the prestige Circle Royal Gaulois and the Diplomatic Club of Belgium, business leaders, journalists, tour and travel professionals, bloggers, representatives of travel magazines and airlines, and diplomats.

Embassy of Sri Lanka

Brussels

29 May 2023

By: Isuru Parakrama

Colombo (LNW): McLarens Holdings Limited has responded to certain media reports claiming an affiliation with the fuel oil distributor SINOPEC, which has recently entered a contract agreement with Sri Lanka for the objective of speed-running fuel distribution in the island, stating that they are false.

In a statement, McLarens Group emphasised that it does not act as agent for SINOPEC fuel sales operations, thereby clarifying that neither McLarens group, nor its subsidiaries are agents for SINOPEC, nor have they been awarded any concessions for fuel shed operations.

Meanwhile, Interocean Lubricants (Pvt) Ltd. also clarified regarding the media reports, stating that SINOPEC Brand Lubricants has been in Sri Lanka since 2012 in the business areas of automotive and industrial lubricants, and Interocean Lubricant (Pvt) Ltd. was appointed by SINOPEC as the authorised distributor in Sri Lanka for SINOPEC Lubricants since 2012 by Lubricant company “SINOPEC Corporation China.”

Debunking media speculations, Interocean stressed that the domestic fuel station concession was awarded to SINOPEC Fuel Oil Corporation China after a comprehensive “request for proposal” (RFP) process where SINOPEC Fuel Oil Corporation China has directly bid for this tender. No local party, accordingly, has acted as its agents for the bidding process, nor has SINOPEC China appointed any local party as its agents consequent to the awarding, the company added.

Previously, SINOPEC itself categorically denied similar media speculations suggesting the company procuring agencies to manage certain aspects of its operations in Sri Lanka, stating that they are false.

Previous report:

Colombo (LNW): Ven. Rajangane Saddhatissa Thero who was arrested early this morning on the allegation of making statements disrupting religious harmony has been remanded till June 07, 2023.

This was when the Thera was produced before the Fort Magistrate Court today (29).

The arrest was made based on a complaint lodged by Ven. Pahiyangoda Ananda Sagara Thero.

Ven. Rajangane Saddhatissa Thero came to fame on Social Media with his continuous criticism against the government.

Previous report:

PMD: President Ranil Wickremesinghe presented a momentous proclamation to the Mahavihara Vamsika Shyamopali Maha Nikaya Asgiri Vihara Senior Karaka Sangha Sabhika, Most Venerable Urulewatte Sri Dhammarakkhitha Thera, designating the historic Mahiyangana sacred site as an officially recognized place of worship.

As the first Executive President of independent Sri Lanka to have visited the Mahiyangana sacred site, President Wickremesinghe participate in its restoration work last afternoon (28), a momentous occasion that received blessings from the esteemed Chief Incumbent, Urulewatte Dhammasiddhi Thera.

During his visit, President Wickremesinghe placed flowers at the Chaitya and engaged in religious rituals. Furthermore, he unveiled a commemorative plaque honouring the unveiling of a magnificent 102-foot Buddha statue situated in the middle of the Villuva Lake. This awe-inspiring creation was brought to life by the “Meth Saviya Mind Education, Compassion Society,” led by the esteemed founder of Meth Saviya, Astronomer and Professor of Physics at the University of Colombo, Mr. Chandana Jayaratne.

Expressing their gratitude, the Chief Incumbent of the Mahiyangana Rajamaha Viharaya, Urulewatte Dhammarakkhitha Thera, presented President Wickremesinghe with a memento. In his welcome address at the Punya Mahotsava, Urulewatte Dhammarakkhitha Thera highlighted the historical significance of President Wickremesinghe’s efforts in renovating the Mahiyangana sacred site. He emphasized that while two kings, Dutugemunu and Vijayabahu I, and Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake had previously initiated renovations, President Wickremesinghe was the sole executive president who took the initiative to restore this revered location.

Urulewatte Dhammarakkhitha Thera further acknowledged President Wickremesinghe’s role in officially designating the Mahiyangana shrine as a place of worship. Until that moment, the shrine had only been gazetted as a sacred city.

The event was graced by the presence of notable dignitaries, including Most Ven. Warakagoda Gnanarathana Maha Nayaka Thera, the Mahanayaka of the Asgiri Chapter, Shyamopali sect; the head of the historic Badulu Muthiyangana Rajamaha Viharaya; the Anunayaka of the Malwatu Maha Viharaya, Aggamaha Pandita, Most Ven. Dr. Niyangoda Wijithasiri Anunayaka; the Venerable Anamaduwe Dhammadassi Anu Nayaka of the Asgiri Maha Viharaya; and the Malwathu-Asgiri Ubhaya Maha Vihara Anu Nayaka Thera.

Other notable attendees included Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, ministers Wijayadasa Rajapaksha, Nimal Siripala de Silva, Vidura Wickramanayake, and Minister of State Tenuka Vidanagamage. Senior Presidential Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayake, Uva Provincial Governor A.J.M. Muzamil, Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Mrs. Ho Thi Thanh Truc, tribal leader Uruvarige Vannilatto, Diyawadana Nilame of the Dalada Maligawa Pradeep Nilanga Dela, Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, Inspector General of Police Mr. C.D. Wickramaratne and a group of invited guests including representatives of the security forces.