Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur over most parts of the island after 2.00 p.m, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (16).
Fairly heavy showers above 50 mm can be expected at some places in Uva, Easten, Northern and North-Central provinces, and a few showers may occur in coastal areas of the western and southern provinces during the morning too, the statement added.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces during the morning.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas off coast extending from Colombo to Matara via Galle. Showers or thundershowers will occur at a few places in the other sea areas around the island, particularly during evening or night.
Winds:
Winds will be south-westerly and wind speed will be (20-30) kmph.
State of Sea:
Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
Colombo (LNW): The inter-tropical convergence zone is affecting the island’s weather, and in the backdrop, the current rainy conditions are expected to be enhanced during the coming days, the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology said in an advisory statement today (15).
Accordingly, showers or thundershowers may occur at times in most parts of Sri Lanka from October 17 to 20, the statement added.
High intensity rains occurring of greater rainfalls during shorter periods of time of more than 100 milimetres are also likely to occur in some places.
People living in hilly areas (particularly landslide prone areas) and low-lying areas in river basins are urged to be vigilant.
Drivers and people using roads in the hilly areas are requested to be vigilant, and the Department urged the public to seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
The public is also requested to avoid open areas such as fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
“Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms. Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc. Beware of fallen trees and power lines,” the statement further added.
PMD: In a pioneering move to bolster the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector in Sri Lanka, the apex body of the ICT industry, FITIS, has unveiled the “DigiGo” Digital Playbook for SMEs. The launch event took place at a press conference recently at the President’s Media Centre, (PMC). Organized by the FITIS Digital Services Chapter, in collaboration with LKDomain Registry and under the patronage of the Ministry of Industries & Plantation Industries, as well as the Ministry of Technology, DigiGo aims to serve as a comprehensive resource for SMEs seeking affordable local digital services, guiding them on their journey towards digital transformation.
Addressing the gathering State Minister of Technology, Kanaka Herath, emphasized the pivotal role of technology in propelling the growth of the SME sector. He underscored how technology can provide solutions to the common challenges faced by SMEs, including accessing seed capital, expanding into new markets, overcoming resource constraints and addressing logistical issues. He also expressed his enthusiasm for collaborating with FITIS to launch the DigiGo initiative, which he believes will significantly enhance the SME sector in the country.
Furthermore, the Minister highlighted that the government has initiated the “Digicon 2030” program, with the primary objective of formulating a national digital economic policy for the year 2030. This initiative was a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Technology, the industry and with the support of the World Bank (WB). The resulting document was officially presented to President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Notably, SMEs have been identified as one of the six key pillars in shaping the digital economy strategy. This underscores the importance of supporting SMEs in achieving the objectives of the digital economic strategy.
The State Minister of Technology, acknowledged the prevalent challenge of limited digital education among SMEs, especially those outside major urban centres like Colombo and Kandy. In response, DigiGo will serve as a guiding resource, enabling SMEs to explore available digital platforms and fully embrace the advantages of going digital. The program plans to host quarterly DigiGo events in all 25 districts by 2030, ensuring the widespread dissemination of digital knowledge.
With the recent launch of DigiGo, Minister Herath emphasized its role in promoting awareness about digital transformation and the benefits it offers to all SMEs in Sri Lanka. The DigiGo digital playbook, unveiled during the launch, serves as a unique platform showcasing a wide array of available digital services, creating opportunities for business growth and expansion in the digital sphere. The inaugural event, scheduled to commence on October 20th in Galle, is planned to expand its reach to all 25 districts through collaboration with local business communities. FITIS, in partnership with the Ministry of Technology and various public and private stakeholders, will facilitate these sessions, aimed at empowering SMEs to embrace the digital era and unlock their full potential.
In a significant development, Ms. Chio Kenda, the World Bank Country Manager for Maldives and Sri Lanka, unveiled the “DigiGo Innovate Digitally to Succeed” initiative during her speech. She underscored the potential for digital development to address both global and local challenges, emphasizing its role in job creation, market expansion and the enhancement of access to finance. As Sri Lanka navigates its way out of an economic crisis and sets forth on the path to recovery, the strategic development and implementation of a national business strategy by 2030 are deemed crucial steps.
On a global scale, the digital economy presents substantial opportunities for SMEs to make significant contributions to national incomes. In the year 2023, business-to-consumer e-commerce recorded sales of nearly US $6 trillion. With over 1.7 million SMEs propelling economic growth in Sri Lanka and driving employment, they collectively represent approximately 90% of all businesses in the country. They are responsible for providing 45% of the nation’s employment opportunities and contribute to almost half of the country’s GDP.
However, SMEs, whether on a global scale or in the Sri Lankan context, face distinctive challenges when it comes to embracing digital transformation. These challenges include constraints related to limited resources, knowledge and digital expertise. Such limitations hinder the potential for business growth, innovation and the attainment of economic and social inclusivity. To address these common challenges, the Digital Goal Programme has been established as a collaborative endeavour, featuring active participation from the private sector, government and local stakeholders, with the essential support of relevant partners.
In her address, it was disclosed that the World Bank takes pride in its role as a knowledge partner in this digital program and applauds the central focus on decentralizing SMEs within the upcoming national digital strategy. The institution has committed to providing on-going technical support to both the government and the private sector as they collaborate to shape the 2030 strategy for a digital Sri Lanka. These collaborative efforts are aimed at boosting economic competitiveness, fostering skills development and ultimately facilitating the creation of higher-paying jobs within the country.
The inaugural DigiGo event, which is regionally planned, is scheduled to take place on October 20th in Galle, under the guidance of Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, Minister of Industries & Plantation Industries, and Kanaka Herath, State Minister of Technology. The World Bank’s support for this event underscores its commitment to advancing Sri Lanka’s digital transformation in alignment with the nation’s digital economy strategy.
Mr. Indika De Zoysa, Chairman of FITIS, unveiled the ground-breaking DigiGo initiative, highlighting the myriad opportunities it offers through digital technologies. DigiGo, from data analytics to e-commerce, aims to provide SMEs with a platform for knowledge sharing, featuring insights from industry experts and thought leaders on emerging trends, best practices and strategies driving digital innovation.
SMEs, which contribute 52% to Sri Lanka’s GDP and represent over 75% of businesses, have long been the backbone of the economy, offering 45% of employment and contributing 20% to exports, as per the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Acknowledging their pivotal role in the nation’s economic revival, the government has designated them as a key pillar in the “Digital Economy Strategy 2030.” DigiGo is poised to propel Sri Lanka’s digital economy by bridging the technology-business gap, fostering a thriving digital ecosystem, with a special focus on the 1 million+ SMEs across the island.
The event was attended by Professor Gihan Dias, a founder member of DigiGo, Omar Sahib, President of the FITIS Digital Services Chapter, Chief Executive Officer of LankaPay Chandran De Silva and other officials.
Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe is set to depart for China tonight (15) to participate in the 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, revealed the President’s Media Division (PMD).
His official visit to China will span from 16th to 20th October.
In his absence, the duties of the ministries he oversees will be provisionally handed over to the relevant state ministers and a cabinet minister.
Under this arrangement, State Minister Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon will assume the role of Acting Minister of Defence, State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya will be the Acting Minister of Finance, State Minister Kanaka Herath will be both the Acting Minister of Technology and Acting Minister of Investment Promotion, State Minister Anupa Pasqual will serve as the Acting Minister for Women, Children Affairs and Social Empowerment, and Minister of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation, Pavithra Wanniarachchi, will be the Acting Minister of Environment starting from the 16th, a statement by the PMD added.
Colombo (LNW): X-ray tests have been disrupted in six hospitals across Sri Lanka due to a staffing shortage, the Association of Government Radiologic Technologists told media.
The services have been affected at Kiribathgoda Base Hospital, Minuwangoda Base Hospital, Eheliyagoda Base Hospital, Borella Ayurveda Teaching Hospital, and two other medical facilities, Chanaka Dharmawickrama, Chairman of the Government Radiology Technologists Association said.
He added that the X-ray Examination Unit in the Accident Ward of the National Hospital in Colombo has been out of operation for the past three weeks.
Although PET scan tests at the National Hospital were previously halted due to the same issue, they have now recommenced by reassigning staff from a different department.
The current economic conditions have prevented the hiring of additional staff, but the 2024 Budget will prioritise and address this recruitment challenge, Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella told News 1st.
Colombo (LNW): To combat the spread of infectious diseases in flood-affected regions of Sri Lanka, dedicated teams have been mobilised, the Public Health Inspectors’ (PHI) Association of Sri Lanka.
Awareness campaigns have commenced in various parts of the nation, guiding residents on measures to prevent these infections, Union Secretary Shanaka Bopitiya said.
Parallel event held at 54th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council
GENEVA October 14, 2023: The ECOSOC accredited NGO, Pasumai Thaayagam Foundation, in association with the British Tamils Forum (BTF), Swiss Tamil Action Group (STAG) and the United States Tamil Action Group (USTAG), conducted a parallel event on October 06, 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland during the UN Human Rights Council’s 54th session.
The panellists were Dr Annamarie Devereux – Head/Senior Legal Officer of the UNHRC mandated OHCHR Sri Lanka Accountability Project (OSLAP); Ambassador Stephen J. Rapp – a former international prosecutor of atrocity crimes and former United States Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues; Dr. Beth Van Schaack – Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice, US Department of State; Ms Malliha Wilson – Former Assistant Deputy Attorney General (Civil), of the Government of Ontario and an International Human Rights Lawyer; and, Dr. Anbumany Ramadoss – an Indian member of Parliament from Tamil Nadu and a former federal Minister of Health and Family Welfare. Councillor Sarmila Varatharaj, former Deputy Mayor of Wandsworth Council, London moderated the event.
The event took place following the scathing report put out by the High Commissioner of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) pointing to the serious accountability deficit for past atrocity crimes in Sri Lanka and the call to the Sri Lankan government to deliver on past commitments and Council resolutions. A clip from a recent interview by a German TV was shown at the event where Sri Lanka’s President Ranil Wickremesinghe angrily rejected any notion of an international investigation demonstrating his desire to protect the perpetrators of atrocity crimes by military and political leaders including his predecessors and endorsing prevailing environment of impunity.
Dr. Beth Van Schaack, stating that she was motivated by the recognition that measures of accountability for those most responsible, coupled with an honest assessment of the past added the importance of a durable peace and a prosperous future with a comprehensive transitional justice programme to include a justice component but also engage in truth telling, reparation, memorialization, institutional reforms, and other guarantees of non-recurrence.
Dr Schaack continued that as a member of the core group and Human Rights Council’s resolutions on Sri Lanka, she was aware that Tamil people have been waiting years, indeed decades, for justice processes to begin in earnest and to produce meaningful results. She expressed dismay that the period of hope, following Sri Lanka’s consent and co-sponsorship of a comprehensive transitional justice agenda in the 2015 resolution has since dissipated.
Ambassador Van Schaack questioned the motives of the Sri Lanka government mooting a Truth and Reconciliation Mechanism without having the required consultations with victims and without providing any link to accountability mechanisms. She stated that Sri Lanka would remain on the Human Rights Council agenda precisely because of the failure over many years to address the abuses of the past and to ensure that those abuses would not go unpunished.
“In the absence of credible domestic justice processes, the options elaborated by the HRC resolution remain the most viable pathways to justice and accountability. This would include universal jurisdiction where applicable, sanctions and visa ban to support truth telling, accountability and to recognise harm to victims and survivors, and continued support for United Nations Sri Lanka Accountability Project. This panel may also wish to discuss ways to strengthen the resolution and to seek better compliance with international human rights treaty obligations. Though worthy of consideration, the prospect for other judicial pathways, however, remain remote and challenging,” Ambassador Beth Van Schaack concluded.
Ambassador Stephen Rapp, emphasising the importance of pursuing accountability in Sri Lanka, if not possible there, then elsewhere in third countries or in international bodies, for the violations and crimes committed, cited that very serious crimes were committed by the Sri Lanka government during the conflict. Referring to murders of surrendered, intentional, and disproportionate attacks on civilians and torturing, violating sexually on those, who were detained, deserved full investigation. Ambassador Stephen Rapp added that those alleged committing crimes deserved opportunities to defend their innocence. Despite it was promised in 2015, it was never delivered.
Referring to impunity, Ambassador Stephen Rapp said that when some people would get away with these things, other people would think that they would do the same – hence the rise in incidents of detention, torture and ransom. Ambassador Rapp was confident that the OHCHR’s Sri Lanka Accountability Project (#OSLAP) would bring the truth out.
Dr. Anbumany Ramadoss expressed his concern of the suffering of Tamil people in Sri Lanka due to racism, discrimination, and other many forms of intolerance for decades and emphasised on the importance of the OSLAP to provide path for justice for the victims and to curtail on-going destruction of Hindu temples and proliferating Buddhist viharas in traditional Tamil homeland.
Ms Malliha Wilson spoke on many past and ongoing important issues in Sri Lanka and explained new avenues of operationalizing Universal Jurisdiction with recent examples of advancement in Canada. Based on the serious nature of findings by the Secretary General’s Panel of Experts and the OISL report, Ms. Wilson pointed out that its incumbent upon the OSLAP investigation team to determine whether the mass atrocities and war crimes committed against the Tamils in Sri Lanka rise to the level of genocide as often asserted by the victim community.
Dr. Annamarie Devereux of the OSLAP team first explained the terms of reference of the Sri Lanka Accountability Project. Referring to the HRC 46/1 Resolution as the main pillar established in 2021 followed by the October 2022 Resolution HRC 51/1 extending it for a period of two years, Ms Devereux reiterated the importance of collecting, consolidating, analysing, and preserving information to develop strategies for future accountability and serious violations of international humanitarian law and to support relevant judicial and other proceedings.
Stating that the adoption of Resolution 46/1 was for the need to be seen against the background of the ongoing concern of the Human Rights Council of serious violations that have occurred over many years, Annamarie touched on the events such as the Secretary General assigning a Commission of Panel of Experts in June 2011, Human Rights Council requesting UN Mission to undertake a comprehensive investigation of alleged serious violations and abuses and subsequent finding (OISL report), among many, to deal with a deep seated institutionalised culture of impunity.
She added that processing SLAP itself would involve complex task of ensuring documentation to maximise its potential use in future proceedings with a recovery system to make it more accessible including exploring options of providing various online translation services.
She further added while prioritising areas with available resources OSLAP is trying to establish connection between individuals and specific violations for the purpose of accountability. She also stated that the SLAP work involves reviewing the existing information in detail on matters of enforced disappearances and violations against children. Witness identities will be protected and risk analysis will be undertaken before any data is shared with potential prosecution entities or States.
The OSLAP work entails an emphasis on the importance of a comprehensive approach incorporating judicial and non-traditional processes to ensure the rights of victims, justice and reparations. In its activities the project integrates gender perspectives as well as approaches ensuring the protection of children with their best interests, Dr Devereux stated.
Colombo (LNW): All preparations for the Grade 5 scholarship examinations in 2023 are in place, Commissioner General of Examinations H.J.M.C. Amith Jayasundara confirmed.
This year, 337,596 pupils are set to take the exam across 2,888 established examination centres.
Pupils have been advised by the Commissioner General to arrive punctually at the examination venues and to bring their admission card.
Items such as mobile phones, calculators, file covers, and erasers are not permitted inside the exam halls.
Any pupils unable to attend their allocated examination centres due to severe weather or other emergencies can take the exam at the closest available centre, Jayasundara noted.
Should anyone encounter challenges in reaching their examination venue, they can contact the Disaster Management Centre on its 117 hotline.
Colombo (LNW): Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said the reorganisation of Sri Lanka’s overseas debt should be finalised in the near future.
The economy contracted in the first two quarters of the year, but the latter half may show different results, the Minister told the reporters in Kegalle yesterday (14).
He added that these factors will influence the formulation of the 2024 budget, making it a challenging task.
Drafting the upcoming budget won’t be straightforward, and it may require rigorous financial management and careful cost alignment, Siyambalapitiya explained.
However, he remained optimistic, saying, “We are confident that we’ll finish this reorganisation swiftly.”
“Given our current objectives, we’re in a position to formulate the budget,” the State Minister stressed.
