Tamil Guardian: Ahead of the UK general election, the leader of the Tamil National People Front leader, Gajen Ponnambalam MP attended the British Tamil Conservatives annual reception at the British Conservative Party conference.
The conference was held on Monday at the Midland Hotel in Manchester and was attended by over 200 participants.
Ponnambalam spoke on the genocide committed against Eelam Tamils.
A number of cabinet members, ministers, members of parliament, and councilors attended the event and declared their support for accountability and justice and thanked the British Tamil Conservatives and the Tamil community for their contributions.
The event was hosted by the Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Tamils, Elliot Colburn MP.
Chair of the Conservative Convention, Peter Smallwood, delivered the first of many speeches.
Former Leader of the Conservative Party and MP for Chingford Rt. Hon. Ian Duncan Smith declared “Crime of all crimes is Genocide. What has happened in Sri Lanka is, without question, another Genocide. We need to hold that up, there is no running away from it”.
Former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and MP for Chipping Barnet, Theresa Villiers expressed her disappointment with lack of accountability stating “It is quite frankly a real scandal that nobody has been brought to justice for the terrible crimes committed during the civil war.”
Paul Scully, Minister for London and Digital Technology praised the Tamil community for their contributions and added: “You do so much to make sure our economy, our society, our community thrive”.
Greg Hands, Chairman of the Conservative party expressed similar sentiments and thanked the BTC for raising Tamil issues and supporting the party.
Elliot Colburn Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Tamils in his speech declared his support for those who are fighting for justice, peace and accountability.
Commenting on the reception event, a BTC Secretary Gajan Raj stated that “the event was a huge success and continued to create awareness of the challenges Tamils face in Sri Lanka and reiterated the need for the Conservative Party to continue supporting the Tamils in their quest for justice”
Litro Gas increases prices of domestic LP Gas with immediate effect: 12.5kg cylinder increased by Rs.343 to Rs.3,470, 5kg cylinder by Rs.137 to Rs.1,393, & 2.3kg cylinder by Rs.63 to Rs.650.
SJB files Petition before the Supreme Court, against the Online Safety Draft Bill, which was submitted to the Parliament.
Supreme Court gives leave to proceed on Petition filed by the Center for Policy Alternatives & Sandhya Ekneligoda against the pardon given by President Maithripala Sirisena to Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera who was convicted for contempt of court.
Minister of Power & Energy Kanchana Wijesekara says the Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (who is also the brother of Foreign Minister Ali Sabry), Mohomed Uwais Mohomed has tendered his resignation from the post, due to “personal and professional commitments”.
Colombo Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage dismisses private plaint filed by Ven. Thiniyawela Palitha Thera against former CB Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal and former Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga: the Thera’s complaint that public funds were paid to a US national without proper authority was dismissed for non furnishing of sufficient evidence and suppression of facts.
Director General of the State-Owned Enterprises Restructuring Unit & former Lion Brewery Director Suresh Shah says ‘Requests for Expressions of Interest” for Hilton, Hyatt and Lanka Hospitals will be out shortly: also says REOIs for 7 State Owned Enterprises which are also being divested, will also be out within the next 5-weeks.
Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera raises concerns of a potential food shortage owing to the sudden & extreme weather conditions: says nearly 70,000 acres of paddy and hundreds of acres of cultivated land which were ready for harvest, have been destroyed due to the recent torrential rains.
SL Men’s & Women’s Relay teams win Bronze medals at the Asian Games 2023 in China; Men’s 4x400m with a timing of 3:02.55 minutes (a new Sri Lanka record), and Women’s 4x400m with a timing of 3:30:88 minutes (also a new Sri Lanka record).
Tharushi Karunarathna wins the Gold medal with a timing of 2.03.20 minutes at the Asian Games 2023 – Women’s 800meters event: the first Gold medal that SL has won in Athletics since 2002.
SL crashes out of medal contention in Cricket at the Asian Games 2023: lose Quarter Final match against Afghanistan by 8 runs: AFG – 116 (18.3 overs), SL – 108 (19.1 overs).
World Bank Economist Richard Walker emphasized the need for corrective action to address Sri Lanka’s low tax-to-GDP ratio, which experienced a significant decline of approximately 7.3% in 2022. Speaking in Colombo, Walker attributed this situation to a poorly designed tax policy and challenges in tax administration.
He also stressed the importance of broadening the tax base and targeting non-taxpaying sectors rather than repeatedly taxing the same segment of the population. Walker noted that even the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has identified weaknesses in Sri Lanka’s tax revenue collection.
Walker emphasized the need for a concrete and consistent plan to strengthen the tax system, which should not be subject to frequent changes with changes in government leadership.
Additionally, he recommended the strengthening of capital taxation and highlighted the importance of ongoing efforts to mobilize tax revenue. He suggested that these efforts should be coupled with transparency in expenditure to build public confidence and improve the delivery of public services.
Walker urged the government to curtail government expenditure and enhance its efficiency. He emphasized the need to focus on revitalizing state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and improving governance in various sectors.
Regarding the Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) sector, the World Bank encouraged the government to stay committed to the IMF reform agenda, which can contribute to good governance and anti-corruption efforts.
Walker expressed optimism about Sri Lanka’s potential for a “V-shaped” economic recovery, with expectations of a rebound in tourism and remittances. He noted that tourism had performed better than expected in the first half of the year.
Despite the removal of import restrictions, the World Bank expects the current account deficit to narrow further in the near term due to liquidity constraints. However, they anticipate that it will stabilize with the recovery in tourism. The World Bank also cautioned against prolonged debt restructuring, as it could exert financial pressure on the country.
Walker highlighted concerns about a potential global economic slowdown and the issue of “brain drain,” emphasizing the need for prompt action to address these challenges in Sri Lanka.
In a high-profile gathering at the Pierre Hotel in New York, President Ranil Wickremesinghe participated in a business roundtable discussion titled “Economic Opportunities in Sri Lanka.” The event coincided with the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly and brought together prominent business leaders.
During his address, President Wickremesinghe provided insights into Sri Lanka’s current economic situation and highlighted the government’s ongoing economic reforms. These reforms are aimed at stabilizing the economy and setting the stage for rapid economic growth, with the goal of transforming the country into a prosperous nation.
The President also fielded questions from attendees, addressing their concerns and interests related to doing business in Sri Lanka. He extended an invitation to American companies to visit Sri Lanka and consider investments, emphasizing the potential for them to become development partners in the country’s growth.
Several high-ranking officials accompanied President Wickremesinghe at the event, including Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the USA Mahinda Samarasinghe, Chairman of BOI & Colombo Port City Dinesh Weerakkody, and President’s Senior Adviser on Climate Change Ruwan Wijewardena. These officials engaged with US companies and facilitated networking opportunities.
The primary objective of the business roundtable discussion was to foster economic opportunities and strengthen bilateral relations between the United States and Sri Lanka. More than 45 business entities participated in the event, expressing their interest in exploring investment and trade prospects in Sri Lanka.
The discussion featured top executives from leading US companies, including Fortune 500 companies, such as Franklin Templeton, Cognizant, Procter & Gamble, UPS, Auerbach Grayson, Bell Flight, Shearman & Sterling, McLarty Associates, Alvarez & Marsal Holdings, Jockey International Inc., Tomorrow.io, Arbiter Partners, Ethos Asset Management, Ergotron, Roche Diagnostics, Briarwood Chase Management, Thatcher & Co., Amerasian Corporation, Rank One Computing, Perdue Agribusiness, Templeton Asset Management, Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Woods Capital LLC, Rushmore Advisors, and Greenlink Global Consulting Inc.
Representatives from Sri Lanka’s private sector were also present, including executives from John Keells Holdings, Aitken Spence, Softlogic Holdings, Hayleys, Gardiner Group of Companies/Galle Face Hotels, Abans, Aggreko International Power, Melsta Corp., Colombo Stock Exchange, Capital Alliance, Standard Chartered Bank, Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Hatton National Bank, Hatch Works, and NCINGA. The event was jointly organized by the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) and the Embassy of Sri Lanka to the USA in Washington DC. It aimed to promote collaboration and business opportunities between the two nations.
A protest campaign was organized in the afternoon on October 4th at Sri Lanka Savings Bank’s Borella Ward Place branch. The campaign aimed to oppose the alleged conspiracy to sell the National Savings Bank of Sri Lanka and to demand immediate solutions for various grievances.
The protest, organized by the Bank of Ceylon Employees Union, featured slogans advocating for the prevention of the National Savings Bank’s sale and urged the government to address a range of demands. One of the primary demands highlighted during the campaign was the acceleration of the merger between the Sri Lanka Savings Bank and the National Savings Bank.
The publication titled ‘Edmund’s Newspaper Revolution,’ a compilation of Mr. Edmund Ranasinghe’s seven decades of dedicated media work, was launched during this event
President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that all media outlets, including social media, should engage in a discussion regarding whether to enter into international agreements or adhere to the country’s legal framework. He made these remarks during his attendance at the ceremony, held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (03), in honour of a distinguished figure in Sri Lankan journalism, Edmund Ranasinghe, the founding Editor and Editorial Director of the ‘Diwaina, newspaper.
This event marked the inauguration of a program initiated by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to pay tribute to senior journalists who have made significant contributions to the field of journalism in the country.
During the ceremony, the book ‘Edmund’s Newspaper Revolution,’ a compilation recognizing Mr. Ranasinghe’s seven decades of media dedication at the age of 93, was also unveiled. This book was authored by Presidential Senior Adviser Prof. Sunanda Madduma Bandara and edited by Presidential Media Director Mr. W. M. K. Wijebandara and Deputy Media Director Deepti Adhikari.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe lauded veteran journalist Edmund Ranasinghe as a trailblazer who catalysed transformative changes in Sri Lankan journalism. He also highlighted that Mr. Edmund Ranasinghe’s contributions to media, spanning seven decades, played a pivotal role in advancing Sri Lankan society, economy and politics. Furthermore, President Wickremesinghe underscored the importance of exploring how artificial intelligence can enhance the field of media art to create more effective media outlets.
Addressing the event, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said;
In 1977, when I initially ran for election in the Biyagama Constituency, I sought out a skilled journalist to write an article for me. My father promptly recommended Edmund Ranasinghe, who subsequently penned my first political article. I held onto it until last year, but regrettably, I no longer possess it.
During my father’s tenure as the Chairman of Lake House, Mr. Edmund Ranasinghe served admirably as the Editor of newspapers such as Silumina and Dinamina. Piyasena Nishanka and M.A. Silva, along with Martin Wickramasinghe, received recognition from senior journalists and writers. Consequently, Mr. Ranasinghe possesses substantial experience in both the media landscape that existed before independence and the one that emerged thereafter.
In 1953, when rice prices surged, Mr. Dudley Senanayake was compelled to resign as Prime Minister. Sixty-nine years later, Gotabaya Rajapaksa faced a similar predicament over fuel shortages. Throughout these 69 years, Mr. Ranasinghe has amassed a wealth of experience, making him capable of writing a comprehensive book on the subject.
Mr. Ranasinghe played a pivotal role in the press struggle of 1964 and his experiences undeniably left an indelible mark on the media culture of our nation. However, the landscape of print media is undergoing significant changes. Journalism, once reliant on lead type, has evolved to include tools like the iPad. The capacity to swiftly access knowledge, even within a venerable institution like the Lake House Institute, has been realized through technological advancements. Consequently, technology has become an invaluable tool for advancing the field of journalism.
Nevertheless, media in any country must operate within the framework of its own laws. The advent of social media has led to a situation where some entities publish content according to their own whims, circumventing established regulations. This raises a crucial question: should there be a dialogue regarding whether all media, including social media, should adhere to international agreements or abide by their respective national laws? Often, many concur with European legislation. Currently, newspapers and journals worldwide are either changing ownership or considering transferring to investors. The future of media art will undoubtedly unfold in the coming two or three years and expertise in this domain may emerge not just from New York but also from Sri Lanka.
Mr. Upali Tennakoon, the former Editor-In-Chief of the Island and Rivira newspapers residing in the United States, delivered the keynote address at the tribute ceremony.
“I am honoured to have been invited to deliver the keynote speech at the tribute ceremony honouring Mr. Edmund Ranasinghe’s remarkable seven-decade career in the media industry.
Mr. Ranasinghe was never one to seek accolades; he always considered his work a service. Consequently, he held the belief that awards were of little significance. However, in accordance with President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s vision, this tribute holds great significance. Edmund Ranasinghe stands as the most experienced journalist in the realm of journalism.
Beginning his media journey as a journalist at the Lake House Institute’s ‘Daily News’ newspaper in 1952, Mr. Edmund Ranasinghe resigned from his post in 1973 in protest against the government’s takeover of the Lake House Institute, where he held the position of Deputy Editor.
In 1977, he was once again appointed as the Editor of ‘Dinamina’ by the same Lake House Institute, later assuming the role of Editor at Silumina as well. In 1981, as the inaugural Editor of the ‘Divaina’ newspaper, Mr. Ranasinghe swiftly steered journalism in this country towards new horizons, elevating it to unprecedented levels of popularity. At the age of 86 in 2016, he returned as the Editor of ‘Silumina,’ showcasing his unwavering commitment to the field.
Mr. Ranasinghe’s approach aimed not to overwhelm readers with empty pages but rather to cultivate an intelligent readership. His career had two primary objectives: expanding readers’ knowledge and nurturing an intelligent readership. His media philosophy continues to be practiced in America to this day.
The phrase “Make Your Child a Classroom Hero” from the Wall Street Journal, used as a subscription pitch, was introduced to Sri Lankan journalism by Edmund Ranasinghe three decades ago. It’s worth noting that many of the prominent figures in today’s media industry were mentored under his influence.”
The event was compered by the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute Senior Journalist Saman Athaudahetti.
The event saw the presence of notable figures, including Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Minister of Mass Media Dr. Bandula Gunawardena, State Minister of Mass Media Shanta Bandara, Member of Parliament, Attorney Premanath C. Dolowatta, President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, President’s Senior Adviser on Climate Change Ruwan Wijewardena, President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake, Secretary of the Ministry of Mass Media Anusha Palpita, Government Information Director General Dinith Chinthaka Karunaratne, and distinguished senior journalists, along with a multitude of journalists who gathered to commemorate this occasion.
Prasanna Ranaweera, the Minister of State for Small and Medium Enterprise Development, expressed the government’s objective to increase the percentage of entrepreneurs, which currently stands at only 2% of the country’s population, to 10% within the next five years.
Additionally, he emphasized that young individuals who have completed their general education and are currently working as trishaw drivers will receive vocational training, creating opportunities for higher-level employment.
These statements were made by Mr. Prasanna Ranaweera, the Minister of State for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, during his participation in a press conference held at the Presidential Media Centre yesterday (03), focusing on the theme of Collective Path to a Stable Country.’
Expressing his views further State Minister Prasanna Ranaweera said;
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has entrusted me with the significant responsibility of fostering entrepreneurship in our nation. Our efforts are directed towards nurturing entrepreneurs while safeguarding our traditional industrialists.
Every year, a substantial number of young graduates emerge from our country’s universities. However, the prospects of transforming them into entrepreneurs remain relatively low. If a majority of them are given the opportunity to become entrepreneurs, it would greatly bolster our country’s capabilities. Consequently, their contributions should be harnessed to fortify the nation’s development process.
In the context of sustainable development, there is a growing global demand for environmentally friendly products, reflecting a worldwide trend towards eco-conscious goods. Bangladesh has already instituted a ban on plastic products. Given this scenario, it is imperative for us to manufacture alternatives to plastic products to engage with the global market. In addition to these substitutes, we should also focus on export-oriented products. The production of such goods in line with global market demand will enhance our country’s foreign exchange earnings. Under this ministry, we oversee institutes such as the National Design Centre, National Crafts Council, and Laksala. These entities enable us to develop innovative designs that cater to both the modern world and our nation’s unique cultural heritage.
There are villages that produce distinctive designs that are representative of our country. By providing them with proper training and technology, we have the opportunity to transform these communities into new entrepreneurs. Our government is committed to working towards this goal. Conquering the global market requires more than just one product. In the face of fierce competition, it is essential to create new products. We must break free from a dependency mind-set and transition into a self-reliant nation. Building a manufacturing economy is the path we are pursuing through our ministry, aligning with the government’s vision.
To succeed in the international market, it is imperative to revise certain laws within our country, particularly those related to specific sectors, including those governed by various ministries such as the Ministry of Environment. These changes are essential to facilitate the emergence of new entrepreneurs by ensuring unimpeded access to the raw materials required for manufacturing.
Moreover, a significant portion of our nation’s youth is engaged in driving trishaws as their primary source of employment. To alleviate the economic challenges they face, it is crucial to create secondary employment opportunities. To achieve this goal, we should offer professional training programs such as plumbing repair and electrician training.
Furthermore, it is essential to provide these individuals with access to credit facilities and facilitate their transition into the entrepreneurial sphere. Currently, entrepreneurs make up just 2% of our population, a figure that we aspire to elevate to 10% within the next five years.
By achieving this target, we can harness their support in advancing the government’s development objectives. Our nation boasts a pool of talented human resources and it is imperative to leverage their contributions to enhance domestic production and fortify the economy.
The Disaster Management Center (DMC) has announced the organization of a Regional Tsunami Simulation Exercise, scheduled for Wednesday (October 4th). This exercise will involve the participation of 28 countries from the Indian Ocean region.
The primary objective of this simulation exercise is to enhance the preparedness and capacity of regional nations to respond effectively to a tsunami disaster. The exercise is set to take place in the districts of Trincomalee, Galle, and Matara from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM.
The event is being organized by the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System in collaboration with UNESCO. It aims to assess and improve the readiness and coordination of countries in the Indian Ocean region to deal with a potential tsunami threat.
The DMC has also urged the public to avoid spreading fear or misinformation about tsunami risks during this exercise, emphasizing that it is a simulation aimed at enhancing disaster response capabilities.
Former Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal and Lalith Weeratunga have been acquitted of charges in a case filed by Ven. Thiniyawala Palitha Thero. The Thero had alleged that Cabraal and Weeratunga provided public funds to a US national.
The court has quashed the case, effectively clearing Cabraal and Weeratunga of the charges brought against them. This legal development marks a significant outcome for the individuals involved in the case.
Sri Lankan cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka, who was recently acquitted of a sexual assault case in Australia, has announced his intention to file a civil case against the Australian State. Gunathilaka arrived in Sri Lanka after spending 11 months facing trial in Sydney.
According to Gunathilaka, Australian law prevents him from seeking compensation from the woman who accused him, but he can pursue a civil case against the Australian State to recover his legal fees incurred during the trial.
Gunathilaka expressed regret over missing out on participating in the Asia Cup and World Cup during his legal ordeal. Nevertheless, he remains determined to continue his cricket career and plans to return to training soon.
The cricketer’s decision to file a civil case against the Australian State is a legal strategy to address the financial burden he faced as a result of the trial and to seek compensation for the expenses incurred.
