Colombo (LNW): The Parliamentary Business Committee is set to take a decision pertaining to the debate on the no-confidence motion against Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.
The Parliamentary Business Committee is scheduled to meet on Friday (11) at 10.30 am, according to reports.
The no-confidence motion against Rambukwella over the allegation of irresponsible importation of ‘substandard’ medicines and surgical equipment leading to a weakened health sector in the country was handed over to Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena by Secretary General of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Ranjith Madduma Banndara and MP Kavinda Jayaeardena last month, with the signatures of 45 MPs.
The recent events in the Sri Lankan Health Sector have revealed complications among patients and even deaths, due to what it was speculated by the Opposition, civil unions and a number of concerned parties as ‘substandard’ medicines and surgical equipment.
Colombo (LNW): Former Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) Dilrukshi Dias who was under suspension over a controversial voice tape allegedly revealing a telephone conversation between her and Chairman of the Avant Garde Maritime Services Nissanka Senadhipathi has been acquitted by the Public Service Commission.
A voice tape of a telephone conversation allegedly between Senadhipathi and Dias, who at the time served as an Additional Solicitor General of the Attorney General’s Office, was circulated on social media in 2019, and she was temporarily suspended from work on September 24, 2019.
However, the Public Service Commission has decided to proceed with Mrs. Dias’ acquittal after considering the reports by the University of Moratuwa and the Government Analyst’s Department which revealed that that voice tape has been doctored.
Mrs. Dias is currently retired and with the Commission’s decision, she will be entitled to the arrears of salary and privileges.
Colombo (LNW): Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe has issued a gazette notification declaring the immediate suspension of the registration of the Sri Lanka Automobile Association.
The gazette is dated August 09, 2023.
The Minister has also appointed a seven-member committee to temporarily overlook the activities of the Association.
Colombo (LNW): The Government has decided to allocate a plot of 218 acres and 30 perches of State-owned land in Hambantota district to boost the commercial aquaculture sector.
Following a joint proposal, the Cabinet of Ministers approved to provide a total of 109 acres and 15 perches of land each, on a 30-year lease basis to W.S.R. Lowe and K.M.N. Aqua Services Ltd. and Rainbow Foods Ltd., for ‘Vannamei’ shrimp cultivation.
The move aligns with broader efforts to enhance the country’s aquaculture output, ensure food security, and boost foreign exchange earnings through exports.
Cabinet Co-Spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardena said the two entities were selected following a rigorous Government procurement process. The lease arrangements are based on the Government assessor’s evaluation.
Shrimp farming constitutes a vital component of Sri Lanka’s commercial aquaculture practices. With a production output of 14,414 tons in 2021, the country is targeting a substantial increase to 50,000 tons by 2025.
“There is a good demand for ‘Vannamei’ shrimp in the global market. This ambitious goal aims to generate foreign exchange earnings equal to Rs. 65,500 million (around $ 208,000). The limited availability of suitable land for aquaculture posed a challenge to expanding this sector further,” he explained.
To overcome this challenge, the National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri Lanka has embarked on a series of strategic measures. Among them is the introduction of modern technology designed to achieve high productivity within confined spaces.
As part of this strategy, a plot of 218 acres and 30 perches of State-owned land located in the Ambalantota Divisional Secretariat Area within the Hambantota district have been identified as conducive for ‘Vannamei’ shrimp cultivation.
This specific species of shrimp is known for its ability to complete a culture cycle in a relatively short period. The utilisation of this land for Vannamei shrimp farming is expected to facilitate achieving production targets while optimising land usage efficiently.
The joint proposal put forth by Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda and Lands Minister Harin Fernando was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers at its meeting on Monday.
Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) has been promoting intensification of shrimp production as well as diversification into other high-value species.
In Puttalam, to intensify shrimp production, the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) plans to enhance technological input, such as improved water reticulation and bio security in farms, and to introduce Litopeneaus vannamei, which has higher growth rates and productivity compared with Peneaus monodon.
Currently, the L. vannamei breeding technology is being piloted in Mannar. Investment in nontraditional high-value species such as sea cucumber, seaweed, sea bass, mud crab, and other finfish has been gradually increasing.
Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka government has embarked on key trade facilitation initiatives through digital transformation and do away with outdated 20th-century bureaucratic systems.
The efforts to streamline processes are just the beginning; the implementation of the new economic commission law will further expedite applications, be it for investments or trade, within specific time frames.
President Ranil Wickremasinghe says that this transformation requires a comprehensive overhaul of regulations and perspectives, going beyond the establishment of a one-stop centre. Embracing change across the board is crucial to Sri Lanka’s success in today’s dynamic economic landscape
President Urges Modernization for Rapid 21st-Century Economic Growth and Efficient Bureaucracy
To stay competitive, Sri Lanka must embrace change and modernize bureaucratic processes. By doing so, the nation can significantly reduce the time taken in administrative procedures, providing much-needed support to the people, he added.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these remarks while addressing the launch of key trade facilitation initiatives in Sri Lanka Tuesday (08) at the Hotel Shangri La, Colombo.
With the support of the International Trade Centre (ITC), Sri Lanka has successfully launched a crucial aspect of the new economy.
The challenges that have been faced have underscored the importance of transforming into a competitive and export-oriented economy.
To achieve this, it is not only essential to restructure the economy but also to empower and facilitate the private sector, particularly in the realm of trade. Trade plays a pivotal role as the essence of economic growth.
Through trade facilitation, Sri Lanka can bolster its prospects for growth and advancement. The service that has been launched today is a vital component, contributing to both the restructuring of the economy and enabling digital transformation, the President said.
He further mentioned the importance of trade facilitation and digital transformation and said that it has become evident when considering the effectiveness of a one-stop centre.
Without these essential elements, progress stagnates, hindering our restructuring efforts. Simultaneously, Sri Lanka is actively exploring new markets and has already signed free trade agreements.
The President further noted that an application to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) reflects the pursuit of vast opportunities in a significant market.
However, gaining access to such markets hinges on trade facilitation and digital transformation. Engagements with India to upgrade trade arrangements highlight the advantages of trade facilitation.
It has proven beneficial in dealing with major players like the European Union and American markets, enhancing the nation’s trade prospects. Trade facilitation and digital transformation are vital for propelling Sri Lanka into new markets, streamlining processes, and maximizing economic opportunities on the global stage, he said.
Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society has decided to sue a group of members who lost their positions at the last election of office bearers and allegedly decided to unleash a defamatory campaign against the Society.
The decision to seek the Court against the move was made during a special meeting hosted by the Board of Directors of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society three days ago (07), Spokesperson Naveendra Senaratne told media.
Accordingly, legal proceedings are being initiated against Sunil Dissanayake, former member of the Central Governing Board of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, he added.
The Central Governing Body has unanimously agreed to immediately commence legal proceedings against former National Secretary of the Society Sellahannadige Nimal Kumar and former Finance Commission Chairman Piyum Prasanna Dasanayake, on the allegations of damaging the reputation of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society and propagating false information, among other offenses.
Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka tax department says that a 43 percent increase was recorded in the betting and gaming levy during the first quarter of the year, In total, the country brought in some Rs1.27 billion ($3.96 million) in gaming taxes during the period.
The nation’s Ministry of Finance notified at the end of last year that it had been tasked to submit an action plan to set up a casino regulatory authority, aimed at ensuring casino operators pay their fair share of tax. The country has also agreed to issue new casino licenses.
The new casino regulatory body would go in line with a 2010 law that provides ‘the necessary legal provisions for the casino business [but] is not sufficient for regulatory activities including revenue recovery’.
No timeline has yet been given on the submission of the action plan for creating the watchdog. Sri Lanka has dozens of operating casinos, the most opulent of which are placed in the capital of Colombo
A revenue of more than Rs. 200 million has been earned so far from the fees charged from locals who patronized casinos from April this year, State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said today.
He told Parliament that a fee of USD 50 is charged from locals who enter casinos from April 01 this year.
Speaking during the debate on the Betting and Gaming Levy (Amendment) Bill, the Minister said 9,081 persons had entered casinos during the four months of February, March, April and May and 5,381 of them are foreigners while 3,656 are locals.
“In 2015 it was proposed to charge a fee of USD 100 from locals who enter casinos. But no fee had been charged for the last eight years until April this year. We have submitted an action plan to the Committee on Public Finance to increase the fee to USD 200 through a three-year period,” he said.
The Minister said the fee charged on entry of locals to casinos was to discourage locals from entering casinos.
In light of diminished revenue collection and a surge in foreign exchange irregularities, the Sri Lankan government will be instituting new laws pursuant to the Casino Business Act of 2010 and revising the Betting and Gaming Levy Act of 1988 to better oversee the country’s casino industry.
According to Finance Ministry sources the move will enable the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) to implement new casino taxes and distribute new licenses “without any administrative and legal issues.”
According to State Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, the annual taxes imposed on casinos have been increased by 150% to Rs. 500 million ($1.3 million) from Rs. 200 million ($549,117).
In addition, a 40 % tax on the profit of casinos will also be introduced following the streamlining of the IRD administrative procedure.
Colombo (LNW): In line with its long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability, Aitken Spence Hotels is proud to announce the expansion of Heritance Kandalama’s biodiversity forest oasis.
This significant enhancement which comes as a result of a Rs. 48 million investment, sees an additional 13 acres of land added to the conservation forest area, which now spans 211 acres creating a secure forest bridge within the existing Forest Department nature reserves.
Heritance Kandalama continues to strike a balance between uniquely opulent hospitality and nature conservation, creating a model for sustainable tourism and eco-resort operation that inspires the industry at large,” said Aitken Spence Hotel Managements Ltd. Chairperson Stasshani Jayawardena.
Embracing the spirit of nature’s symphony, this expansion secures the longevity of the sanctuary’s wealth of biodiversity creating a haven of ecological preservation amidst Sri Lanka’s Central Province.
The forest stands as a testament to Heritance Kandalama’s dedication to protect our country’s invaluable ecosystems and their myriad inhabitants.
Within the verdant expanse of the forest oasis, a symphony of life unfolds marked by remarkable diversity that thrives in harmony. V
Visitors will encounter a vibrant canvas of 128 species of native flora that form a colourful backdrop to the flurry of activity from the forest’s inhabitants as 64 species of butterflies add a graceful dance to the landscape whilst the air resonates with the songs of 183 endemic and migratory bird species.
The sanctuary’s recent expansion safeguards a habitat and roaming territory for 19 species of reptiles, some rare and endangered, and 17 mammals.
The forest area is also home to rich birdlife and notable residents including the Grey Heron, Blue Tailed Bee-Eater and the Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher. The jungle also houses birds of prey such as the Changeable Hawk Eagle, Brahminy Kite and the Grey-headed Fish Eagle.
The sanctuary is crisscrossed by 11 protected natural streams that nurture the local ecosystem sustaining life throughout the landscape and feeding the Kandalama tank.
These water sources contribute to the flourishing biodiversity and serve as vital lifelines for the myriad species within the forest.
“Heritance Kandalama’s expansion of the biodiversity forest oasis is a shining example of our unwavering dedication to sustainable environmental stewardship. By investing in the preservation of this land.
Colombo (LNW): Following the Covid lockdown two years ago, the risk of Leprosy spreading among people increased due to continued isolation, and accordingly, an increase in the number of cases is evident in the country, disclosed Medical officer of Health for Moratuwa Dr. Manjula Thilakaratne.
The highest number of Leprosy cases have been reported from Moratuwa, which stands at 51, the doctor emphasised.
Among the cases are eight children aged 14 and below, and according to the National Anti-Leprosy Campaign, about 16 per cent of the cases have been identified in children.
One of the main features of Leprosy is that it takes around two-to-three years for the symptoms to appear, and the cases emerging could be tracked back to the Covid season, Dr. Thilakaratne added.
The dry spell that is being experienced in the country now is a seasonal phenomenon and nobody should attempt to take political mileage out of it, said the State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon at a press conference held yesterday (09).
The State Minister revealed that 166,904 people from 50,535 families in 13 districts are affected by the drought. The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has taken measures to provide drinking water to affected people in coordination with respective District and Divisional Secretariats.
State Minister Tennakoon thanked President Ranil Wickremesinghe for allocated required funds for this purpose at a time when the country is facing an economic crisis.
The country is going through a dry spell due to seasonal changes in weather and the situation will improve with monsoonal rains that are expected in the coming months. We have had extensive discussions with state institutions including the Disaster Management Division, Irrigation Ministry, Power and Energy Ministry, Agriculture Ministry, Department of Agrarian Development, Irrigation Department, Mahaweli Authority, Electricity Board, Public Utilities Commission, Met. Department, DMC, National Building Research Organization and the Irrigation Department over the issue and how collective measures can be taken to deal with this situation to provide relief to those affected. He also stressed the need for efficient water management to overcome water supply and irrigation requirements.
State Minister Tennakoon further said that he plans to have monthly meetings with the media where he expects to share information collected from local and international meteorological sources and weather forecasts and how authorities plan to face climatic emergencies in the future.
While speaking of human induced disasters, the State Minister said that 58 bush fires have so far been reported from several parts of the country and most of these fires are created by human activity. He said that laws should be updated to deal with such perpetrators in order to prevent such incidents.
Director General of the DMC Maj. Gen. Sudantha Ranasinghe, Director General of the Met. Department AK Karunanayake and Senior Assistant Secretary at the Ministry of Defence Harsha Withanarachchi were also present at the press briefing held at the State Ministry in Colombo this morning.
