By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): The United States is highly impressed by Sri Lanka’s efforts and commitment to combating climate change through innovative initiatives.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe engaged in a crucial conversation yesterday (04) with U.S. Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Change, John Kerry, emphasizing Sri Lanka’s commitment to combating climate change through innovative initiatives, official source said.

In the discussion, President Wickremesinghe outlined the Government’s ambitious proposals, prominently featuring the establishment of a Climate Change University.

The President shed light on the comprehensive plan designed to address climate challenges and foster sustainable solutions.

A major focal point of the conversation was the critical issue of raising the necessary funds to effectively tackle climate change, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

President Wickremesinghe stressed the imperative of private sector involvement to augment financial resources for climate-related projects.

President Wickremesinghe extended an invitation to Mr. Kerry, urging him to visit Sri Lanka and witness first-hand the on-going efforts and initiatives being undertaken by the country in its commitment to combat climate change, a s enior official said..

Meanwhile Billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates noted that his Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) is committed to support Sri Lanka in building a robust and climate-resilient nation, he added.

In a significant development at the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai, President Ranil Wickremesinghe engaged in a strategic meeting with Mr. Bill Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) today (03), the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

The discussions revolved around collaborative efforts to address global challenges and enhance Sri Lanka’s pivotal role in the world’s tropical belt.

During the meeting, the Billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder expressed the commitment of the BMGF to support Sri Lanka in building a robust and climate-resilient nation, the statement said.

The Foundation, which is already involved in initiatives in Sri Lanka, pledged to deepen its engagement with the country. Specific areas of focus include agriculture modernization and the establishment of data systems for agriculture.

The collaboration also aims to strengthen Digital Public Infrastructure and enhance Sri Lanka’s expertise in climate and adaptation.

President Wickremesinghe highlighted Sri Lanka’s green initiatives presented at COP28, seeking the support of the BMGF in advancing these sustainable projects.

The President emphasized the need for collective action to address pressing environmental issues and underscored Sri Lanka’s willingness to play a constructive role in the global effort.

Colombo (LNW): The Hambantota International Port (HIP) is gearing up to expand its operations into a refinery, energy hub, and container transshipment, Chief Operating Officer of the HIPG Tissa Wickremasinghe disclosed.

Wickremasinghe emphasised that there is a need for a holistic approach to container handling in Sri Lanka, aiming to capture a vast potential market under a unified national brand. By doing so, there could be cost-cutting benefits for manufacturers in the Indo-Pacific region and the Far East seeking access to Gulf, European, and African markets, he noted.

HIP has gained recognition for its excellence in handling vehicle transshipment, earning a ‘amongst the best in the world’ benchmark. The port recently received an appreciation certificate from shipping line MOL for achieving ZERO damage operation and maintaining safe Pure Car Carrier (PCC) cargo handling.

HIP, the only ISO certified port in Sri Lanka with a focus on Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE), attributes its success to stringent practices, protocols, and best-in-class technology.

Yuri Kannangara, General Manager Operations of HIPG, highlighted the importance of modern port management systems, cargo tracking technology, and advanced communication tools in maintaining high standards.

The port’s commitment to safety is evident through clear signage, designated pathways, emergency response plans, and regular drills.

Colombo (LNW): The Court of Appeal yesterday (04) was apprised of an alleged plot to assassinate the former Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Shani Abeysekera.

The Attorney General reportedly disclosed to the court that the State Intelligence Service had unearthed information related to a conspiracy intending to cause harm to Abeysekera through a staged car accident.

This revelation occurred during the consideration of the writ petition filed by Abeysekera, who sought an order instructing the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and other respondents to provide adequate security due to perceived life threats.

The AG’s statement was conveyed by the Additional Solicitor General to the Court of Appeal’s two-judge bench, consisting of Justices Nisshanka Bandula Karunaratne and Vikum Kaluarachchi.

Previously, the court had directed the Victims and Witnesses Protection Authority to submit a report detailing the nature of the threats against the ex CID Chief.

During the court session, the Additional Solicitor General presented the report from the Victims and Witnesses Protection Authority, confirming threats to Abeysekera’s life and revealing specifics of the purported conspiracy to orchestrate a fatal car accident.

The legal representative appearing for Abeysekera highlighted the inadequate security provided, citing the allocation of only an old motorcycle and three police officers for protection. The lawyer further alleged that despite an order from the Victims and Witnesses Protection Authority to the IGP for ample protection, it had not been fulfilled.

Considering the presented facts, the Court of Appeal Judge Bench scheduled a convening on December 14 to issue an appropriate order regarding the petition.

Colombo (LNW): Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe has revealed plans to introduce a new legislative framework aimed at overseeing the operations of microfinance institutions in the country.

Expressing serious concerns about the unregulated status of certain microfinance entities, the minister highlighted the need for decisive measures to address this issue.

He emphasised the intention to establish an independent regulatory institution, separate from the Central Bank, with a specific focus on overseeing and effectively regulating microfinance entities.

Rajapakshe shared these insights on Monday (04) during a press briefing at the President’s Media Centre (PMC), where the discussion centred around the theme of ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country.’

The Minister further commented that the Ministry of Justice presently oversees the operational responsibilities of 21 institutions, encompassing a diverse range of subjects, including law enforcement and law reform. With a caseload exceeding 1.1 million cases within the courts in the country, concerted efforts have been undertaken in recent times to mitigate delays in case adjudication. Substantial measures have been implemented to address the backlog and streamline the judicial process, with a particular focus on the establishment and operation of conciliation boards aimed at facilitating the expeditious resolution of select cases.

The Minister further stated that globally recognised expedited methods for resolving criminal cases stand in contrast to our nation’s outdate legal framework, resulting in prolonged durations for case resolutions. This delay in criminal proceedings represents a substantial issue, jeopardising the administration of justice and leaving all parties involved without timely recourse.

To address this challenge, a draft law aimed at expediting the resolution of criminal cases is currently under development and is slated for submission to Parliament in January. In advanced jurisdictions, there is a paradigm shift towards non-custodial measures for individuals involved in minor offenses. Recognising that incarceration, in many instances, is not the most suitable recourse, the new legal framework being proposed aims to explore alternatives. Notably, some individuals find themselves incarcerated due to societal oversights, and the proposed legislation acknowledges this by providing avenues for release on bail conditions. This approach aims to strike a balance between societal concerns and individual liberties, fostering a more nuanced and equitable criminal justice system.

The Office of Missing Persons currently manages a caseload of approximately 14,000 complaints. Upon assuming duties of this Ministry, only 62 complaints had undergone investigation. Presently, we have successfully concluded investigations for 4,795 complaints, reflecting a substantial improvement in case resolution. It is noteworthy that all outstanding complaints lodged with the Office of Missing Persons are slated for resolution by the coming year.

Furthermore, to fortify and enhance the efficiency of the judicial process, a comprehensive set of eight new bills is set to be submitted to Parliament.

Efforts are underway to establish a reconciliation society within each village, where government officials and politicians do not play a direct role. The activities of these societal initiatives, referred to as reconciliation societies, are guided by the preferences of elders and religious leaders within the respective villages. The responsibilities encompass the independent execution of tasks such as infrastructure development, including road construction and provision of electricity, rendering political involvement unnecessary.

The villagers take charge of organising religious festivals, sports events and cultural celebrations, fostering a sense of community ownership and participation. The overarching vision is to seamlessly integrate each Grama Seva Division into a unified network, operating independently from external interference. The reconciliation society is entrusted with safeguarding the welfare and interests of the village, thereby ensuring the preservation and well-being of the community.

Presently, widespread discourse revolves around the state of the country’s economy, which has been adversely affected by various factors. The extensive toll on lives and property incurred during Prabhakaran’s war and the destructive actions of the JVP, including the burning of buses, transformers and over 25 courts, have significantly impacted the economic landscape. The repercussions of these incidents continue to reverberate, influencing the nation’s economic trajectory.

One pressing issue contributing to economic challenges is the unregulated proliferation of microfinance institutions, perceived as a substantial concern in the country. The absence of legal frameworks and regulatory oversight, coupled with the lack of registration with the Central Bank, has created an environment where individuals find it challenging to secure loans through conventional financial institutions due to their stringent rules. Consequently, many turn to microfinance institutions, exacerbating the existing economic predicament.

To address this concern, there is a pressing need to establish a dedicated regulatory body, separate from the Central Bank, to oversee and govern microfinance institutions. Efforts are underway to introduce comprehensive laws aimed at regulating these entities and mitigating the potential adverse effects they pose to the country’s economic stability. The goal is to instate a regulatory framework that ensures responsible and accountable practices within the microfinance sector, thereby contributing to the overall economic well-being of the nation.

Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe has returned to Sri Lanka after concluding his official visit to Dubai for the 28th session of the UNFCCC’s Conference of Parties (COP28).

The Sri Lankan delegation, including three ministers, two opposition MPs, and 20 environmental enthusiasts, aimed to garner support from Tropical Belt countries to influence global climate policy decisions.

President Wickremesinghe highlighted three key initiatives: the Climate Justice Forum, the Tropical Belt Initiative, and the establishment of the International Climate Change University (ICCU).

The Climate Justice Forum, addressing climate change issues and influencing the Global North, was launched, along with the Tropical Belt Initiative focusing on commercial investments in tropical resources.

The ICCU, aiming to strengthen global climate action, was inaugurated during the visit.

1. Exports plunges by 14.6% to USD 898.0 mn in October’23 compared to October’22 as per Customs provisional data: it’s also a 13.1% drop compared to the value in September’23.
   
2. “Hot-money” investments in Govt Treasuries continues to exit rapidly: foreign investment in Govt Treasuries records a massive reduction from Rs.159.2 bn (USD 492mn) on 30th Sep’23 to Rs.124.8 bn (USD 381mn) by 1st Dec’23: currency depreciating pressure expected to escalate further as more nervous “hot-money” investments exit.
   
3. President Ranil Wickremesinghe discusses key government initiatives, such as the Climate Change University, funding for climate change projects with US Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Change, John Kerry: emphasizes the significance of involving the private sector.
   
4. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says Govt MPs who harassed him in Parliament will not be able to undo his resolve to bring to book, those that brought SL to financial ruin.
   
5. Citrus Leisure PLC says it will open SL’s first Revolving Restaurant on the 27th floor of the Lotus Tower Colombo on or around 9th December.
   
6. State Defence Minister Premitha Bandara Tennakoon says women officers will be given an opportunity to reach the top level positions of the Tri-Forces in the future.
   
7. State Finance Minister Shehan Semasinghe says “Aswesuma” payments for October’23 for 1,406,932 families amounting Rs 8,775 mn has been transferred to Banks: also says the amounts will be credited to the beneficiary accounts from today.
   
8. SL Under-19 Head Coach Jehan Mubarak says the Asia Cup Under 19 Cricket tournament to be held from Dec 8 to 17 in Dubai will give vital exposure for the SL U-19 team: also says the team led by Sineth Jayawardena is having a good team spirit.
   
9. Sports Minister Harin Fernando says a decision has been taken to appoint a new Selection Committee for SL Cricket headed by former cricketer Upul Tharanga: also says necessary steps will be taken within this week to get the ICC ban on SL Cricket revoked.
   
10. Sports Minister Harin Fernando appoints a 15-member National Sports Council chaired by Dr Maiya Gunasekera: replaces former Chairman Arjuna Ranatunga.