Colombo (LNW): The Fort Magistrate Court today (01) granted bail to Convener of the Inter-University Students’ Federation (IUSF) Wasnatha Mudalige on three separate cases. This was when the cases were taken up before the Fort Magistrate Court today.
Earlier, all charges lodged against Mudalige under the controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) were dropped by the Colombo Chief Magistrate, concluding that the Police’s Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) had misused the Act in order to commission a prolonged detention. The PTA-related charges against Mudalige were dropped stating that there were no substantive evidence to corroborate the offenses.
The IUSF Convener was arrested in August, 2022 amidst the heat of the ‘Aragalaya’ people’s protests and was detained under the PTA for more than 140 days.
Colombo (LNW): SLNS Samudura (31st January 2023) left for the Port of Karachi from Colombo to take part in the multinational naval exercise AMAN hosted by the Pakistan Navy. At the directives of Commander of the Navy, the ship is scheduled to take part in the 08th edition of ‘AMAN’ representing Sri Lanka Navy.
The departing ship was sent off amidst customary naval traditions at the port of Colombo.
This year’s exercise has been organised on the theme ‘Together for Peace and Security’ and it will be held in Karachi from 10th to 14th February. Further, navies from 110 countries have been invited to join the multinational naval exercise.
Meanwhile, the exercise is primarily focused on maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean region and it encompasses both Harbour and Sea Phases. Besides, SLNS Samudura is expected to attend a series of naval exercises including maritime security, counter piracy and humanitarian assistance, Replenishment at Sea (RAS), Manoeuvre and Formation, Firing Practices and Visit Board Search & Seizure (VBSS) exercises in ‘AMAN’ – 2023.
Taking part in this nature of naval exercises would open new avenues to the Sri Lanka Navy to build inter-operability with regional and extra-regional partners, exchange best practices and procedures in maritime operations and undertake new challenges in maritime domain and collectively find solutions to overcome those issues.
Meanwhile, the Commanding Officer of SLNS Samudura Captain DMDC Bandara exchanged views with regard to the exercise with the Deputy Area Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Rohitha Abeysinghe and Director Naval Operations, Commodore Buddhika Liyanagamage on board SLNS Samudura, before the departure. Marking the significance of the occasion, the Commanding Officer of SLNS Samudura presented a memento to the Deputy Area Commander.
Colombo (LNW): A follow-up discussion on “Major Economic Reforms – World Bank’s Preliminary Actions” was held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday afternoon (31) under the patronage of the Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka.
The World Bank assistance programme was discussed at length during the meeting, including the improvement of financial supervision and credit management, improving tax administration policy, reducing systemic risk in the sovereign financial sector, strengthening the delivery system and targeting of social security agencies, as well as reducing policy uncertainty and increasing the competitiveness of the economy. Discussions also focused on the preliminary measures to be taken for their implementation.
Mr. Ratnayaka emphasised the need to implement these preliminary measures immediately.
Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardena, Senior Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs R. H. S. Samaratunga, a group of representatives, including World Bank Senior Economist Richard Walker participated in this discussion while a group of World Bank representatives also joined it through Zoom technology.
Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s human rights record will be examined by the UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group for the fourth time on Wednesday, 1 February 2023, in a meeting that will be webcast live.
Sri Lanka is one of the States to be reviewed by the UPR Working Group during its upcoming session from 23 January to 3 February. Sri Lanka’s first, second and third UPR reviews took place in May 2008, October 2012 and November 2017, respectively.
The documents on which the reviews are based re: 1) national report – information provided by the State under review; 2) information contained in the reports of independent human rights experts and groups, known as the Special Procedures, human rights treaty bodies, and other UN entities; 3) information provided by other stakeholders including national human rights institutions, regional organizations, and civil society groups.
The three reports serving as the basis for the review of Sri Lanka on 1 February can be found here.
The delegation of Sri Lanka will be led by Ali Sabry, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The three country representatives serving as rapporteurs (“troika”) for the review of Sri Lanka are Algeria, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and Qatar.
The list of speakers and all available statements to be delivered during the review of Sri Lanka will be posted on the UPR Extranet.
The UPR Working Group is scheduled to adopt the recommendations made to Sri Lanka at 16.30 on 3 February. The State under review may wish to express its positions on recommendations posed to it during its review.
Colombo (LNW): Diversified blue chip John Keells Holdings (JKH) yesterday reported impressive growth in revenue and operating profit for the third quarter but profit before tax (PBT) was impacted by much higher interest costs in comparison to a year earlier.
JKH said 3Q witnessed the continuation of normal day-to-day consumer and business activity, supported by continued political and social stability and less disruptions on account of the macroeconomic challenges.
The Group revenue grew in 3Q by 27% to Rs. 68.24 billion and by 47% to Rs.208.82 billion in the first nine months of FY23. Group earnings before interest expense, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) grew by 9% to Rs.10.41 billion in 3Q.
JKH Chairperson Krishan Balendra m in his review accompanying the 3Q interim results has urged the authorities to expedite the implementation of much needed public sector reforms, including privatization.
He noted that this was done by countries when faced with similar challenges in the past, to address the structural and governance issues of the economy to achieve long-term sustainable growth and emerge from this economic crisis stronger.
He stresses improved productivity, investment in better technology through collaboration and reduction of expenditure to better ensure more competitive and comparable cost of production of energy and other utilities on sustainable manner utilities in a sustainable manner.
“These reforms will also aid the Government in raising revenue through investment while ensuring better collaboration, technology and knowledge transfer in key industries,” he emphasized.
JKH Chief acknowledged that the progress made thus far in implementing the difficult, yet necessary, reforms and initiatives to revive the economy and overcome the worst economic crisis faced by the country is noteworthy and is required for fiscal consolidation.
“Whilst it would understandably curtail consumer spend and activity in the short to medium term, the stability and confidence in achieving fiscal consolidation will lead to a more sustained recovery,” he added.
In his review Balendra also acknowledged the Government’s announcement on several significant policy actions and reforms aimed at achieving fiscal consolidation and reaching sustainable debt levels.
He also noted increases in corporate income tax and indirect tax rates with effect from 1 October 2022, together with upward revisions in personal income tax rates and the reintroduction of withholding tax mechanisms being made effective from 1 January 2023.
He also noted the Government’s announcement of a second revision to electricity tariffs which will further reduce the cost of subsidies to the Government and improve state revenue.
“The full impact of these measures on consumer disposable incomes and spending is yet to be seen.
The measures taken to improve the fiscal position of the Government are necessary at this juncture. However, these increases will impact consumer disposable incomes as well as inflation, including increasing the operating costs of businesses,” Balendra cautioned.
The JKH Chairperson said that while revenue increases through tariff adjustments will boost Government revenue in the short term, the sustainable solution, and need, is to ensure improved productivity, investment in better technology through collaboration and reduction of expenditure to ensure a more competitive and comparable cost of production of energy and other utilities.
Colombo (LNW): In a note to the Cabinet, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilisation and National Policies, said the Government revenue at present (January 2023) is far below the monthly expenditure for the month of January 2023.
As a result, the President noted that the General Treasury finds it challenging to meet all expenditures at this moment, except for payments for salaries, pensions, welfare, pharmaceuticals and debt servicing.
Therefore, the President pointed out that the Government expenditure will have to be curtailed further/ postponed until planned revenue to be raised on the recent tax revisions is realised.
He noted that the General Treasury will formulate a priority criterion for this purpose. Until then, the release of imprest will be curtailed. Wickremesinghe added that public officers should refrain from obtaining goods/services on credit basis, and any officer who violates this will be held personally responsible for such expenditure.
Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka recorded a deficit in the merchandise trade account narrowed to US $ 358 million in December 2022, from $1,085 million recorded in December 2021, helped by a larger decline in imports, compared to the decline in exports, Central Bank announced.
Earnings from exports in 2022 surpassed $13 billion per year for the first time, recording an increase of 4.9 per cent from the previous highest recorded in 2021.
This improvement was a result of increased earnings from industrial exports, including garments, gems, diamonds and jewellery, machinery and mechanical appliances and petroleum products.
Meanwhile, total import expenditure in 2022 amounted to $18,291 million, recording a decline of 11.4 per cent, year-on-year, resulted from measures to restrict non-urgent imports and liquidity constraints prevailed in the market for the most part of 2022.
As a result, the deficit in the trade account in 2022 narrowed to the lowest level since 2010 to US $5,185 million, from $ 8,139 million recorded in 2021.
Earnings from merchandise exports declined by 7.7 per cent in December 2022, over December 2021, to $ 1,068 million.
Expenditure on merchandise imports declined by 36.4 per cent in December 2022 to US dollars 1,426 million, compared to US dollars 2,241 million in December 2021, continuing the year-on-year declining trend observed since March 2022.
The higher base in December 2021 and declines in volumes across all major categories resulted in this outcome.
Expenditure on the importation of consumer goods declined in December 2022, compared to December 2021, mainly due to the decline in non-food consumer goods imports, driven by the reduction in the import of medical and pharmaceuticals (base effect of higher expenditure on COVID vaccines in December 2021).
In addition, almost all other non-food consumer goods declined, partly due to the measures to restrict non urgent imports. Expenditure on food and beverages also declined, driven by lower cereals and milling industry products (mainly, rice), compared to that of December 2021.
Expenditure on the importation of intermediate goods declined in December 2022, compared to a year ago, driven by lower imports of base metals (primarily, base effect of high iron and steel imports in December 2021), and textiles and textile articles (primarily, fabrics).
Expenditure on fuel, the largest import component under this category, also recorded a decline, with declines in expenditure on refined petroleum and coal, mainly due to lower volumes imported, compared to December 2021.
Colombo (LNW):The depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal, lay centered near 8.4°N and 82.9°E, about 180km of east of Trincomalee yesterday night and it is likely to move west-Southwest ward and reach east coast of Sri Lanka on 01st February morning, the Department of Meteorology said in a statement today (01).
Cloudy sky will prevail over most parts of the island and Showers or thundershowers will occur at times, and very heavy showers about 150mm are likely at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western and Eastern provinces, the statement added.
Strong winds about (50-60) kmph can be expected at times over the Northern, North-central, Eastern, North-western and Central provinces and strong winds about (40-50) kmph can be expected elsewhere.
General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
The depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal, lay centered near 8.4°N and 82.9°E, about 180km of east of Trincomalee yesterday night. It is likely to move west-Southwest ward and reach east coast of Sri Lanka on 01st February 2023 (today) morning.It is advised not to venture into fishing and naval activities in the sea areas around the Island.For Southeast Bay of Bengal and South-West Bay of Bengal:Wind speeds will be (30-50) kmph and can increase up to (60-70) kmph in sea areas between(05N – 12 N) and between (78E – 88E). Heavy showers or thundershowers and very rough or rough seas can also be expected in above sea areas. Therefore, naval and fishing communities are advised not to venture into the above-mentioned sea area till 02nd February.Fishing and naval community are requested to be attentive to future forecasts issued by the Department in this regard.
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the sea areas around the Island.
Winds:
Winds will be north-easterly and wind speed will be (30-40) kmph. Wind speed may increase up to (55-60) kmph at times off the coast extending fromPottuvil to Puttalam via Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Kankasanthurai and Mannar.
State of Sea:
The sea areas will be rough and very rough at times with the swell waves (about 2.5 – 3.0 m height) off the coast extending from Pottuvil to Mannar via Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Kankasanthurai. Other sea areas around the island will be fairly rough. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
Gazette issued on conduct of LG elections on 9th March 2023: 80,720 candidates from 58 registered political parties & 329 independent groups to contest for 339 local bodies.
President Ranil Wickremasinghe says Govt revenue for January 2023 is far below the monthly expenditure estimates: laments Treasury finds it challenging to meet current expenditure, except payments for salaries, pensions, welfare, pharmaceuticals and debt servicing: instructs further curtailment of expenditure.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe instructs public officers to refrain from obtaining goods & services on credit: warns any officer who violates this order will be held personally responsible for such expenditure.
Former President Maithripala Sirisena says he will contest for the next Presidential Election: apologizes to Catholics about the Easter Sunday bomb blast.
Fr. Jude Chryshantha, National Catholic Director for Social Communication says the Catholic Church does not accept the apology of former President Maithripala Sirisena over the Easter Sunday Terror Attacks.
Police arrest couple who took photos while standing near the main podium for invited guests that is being built for the National Independence Day celebrations to be held on 4th February at Galle Face Green.
Colombo Chief Magistrate releases IUSF Convenor Wasantha Mudalige who was remanded on charges under the Prevention of Terrorism Act: says Police has misused PTA by providing statements with the intention of keeping Mudalige in prolonged remand custody.
Rate of inflation as per the CCPI falls to 54.2% in January 2023 on an YOY basis, compared to 57.2% in December 2022. Food inflation also down to 60.1% in January 2023 from 64.4% in December 2022.
SLPP MP, COPE Chairman and newly emerging SLPP Economic Guru Professor Ranjith Bandara questions how a group of people who could not even run a Local Government office can take power and rule the country.
Central Bank says earnings from exports in 2022 surpassed USD 13 bn for the first time, recording increase of 4.9% from the previous highest recorded in 2021: also says import expenditure in 2022 amounted to USD 18.3 bn, recording decline of 11.4% YOY, due to restrictions on non-urgent imports and forex liquidity constraints: reports the trade deficit narrowed to it’s lowest since 2010 to USD 5.2 bn from USD 8.1 bn in 2021.
The British Tamils Forum (BTF), on behalf of the British Tamil community and the Tamil people living around the globe, welcomes and expresses its sincere gratitude for the government of Canada’s decision to impose sanctions on the former Sri Lankan presidents Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Mahinda Rajapaksa with and including two other Sri Lankan military officials Sunil Ratnayake and the navy commander Chandana Prasad Hettiarachchi for their gross and systematic violations of human rights in Sri Lanka.
The BTF also takes this opportunity to reiterate its praises the government of the United States of America for duly imposing sanctions on five Sri Lankan perpetrators for the human rights violations of war crimes, the crimes against humanity and genocide in Sri Lanka.
The foregoing decisions by two world leaders is an indication that the world at large is beginning to see the true side of the crimes continuously committed by the Sri Lankan state on Tamil people. The hegemony of the chauvinistic Sinhala-Buddhist governments have continuously been fooling the international community under the guise of democracy.
While we salute the world including the government of the United Kingdom for taking timely actions of imposing sanctions against the countries such as Russia, Belarus, Iran, etc for their human rights violations, we are concerned that the government of the United Kingdom and the European countries have not taken any positive steps hitherto for prosecuting the perpetrators of the human rights violations of war crimes, the crimes against humanity and genocide in Sri Lanka.
The urge that the UK and the European countries had in imposing sanctions against the countries like Russia, Belarus and Iran has not been applied against Sri Lanka despite the availability of the mechanism of the Universal jurisdiction.
Such dithering is upsetting while the UNHRC, Civil Societies, and other countries recognise the Sri Lankan perpetrators for their role in serious human rights violations in their reports.
We have raised several concerns through the Members of Parliaments, All Party Parliamentary Group for Tamils (APPG T), INGOs and Civil Societies with letters and meetings on this matter, it is now more than 13 years since the end of the war, the government of the United Kingdom is pacifying with promises, but there has been no action taken to date.
The human rights violations in Sri Lanka against Tamil people are still subtly continuing under the smokescreen of Sri Lanka’s current economic crisis and the future of Tamil people in their homeland is still in peril.
There have been several ways the government of the United Kingdom could have exercised its legitimate power to secure the human rights. Despite of continued outcries of the Tamil communities in the United Kingdom, the non-action of the UK government is displeasing.
By this message, we would urge the UK government to take it seriously and make righteous decision to prevail human rights and to establish justice to the Tamil victims.
In the meantime, we would reiterate the UNHRC’s September 2015 release of the list of serious Human Rights Violations as named by the OHCHR Investigation of Sri Lanka (OISL) for the UK government’s due action using the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime Act.
