By: Isuru Parakrama
Colombo (LNW): A new tax will be imposed on imported coconut oil in a move to protect the local coconut oil producers, revealed Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya.
Accordingly, the government has paid its attention on imposing a tax of Rs. 25 per litre of imported coconut oil from next week.
By: Isuru Parakrama
Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts, and showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Ampara and Batticaloa districts during the evening or night, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (23).
Mainly fair weather will prevail elsewhere over the Island, but strong winds of about 40 kmph can be expected at times in western slopes of the central hills, Northern, North-Central and North-Western provinces, and in Monaragala, Hambantota and Trincomalee districts, the statement added.
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 may occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Matara via Galle. |
| Winds: |
| Winds will be south-westerly and speed will be (30-40) kmph. Wind speed may increase up to (50-60) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Hambantota to Pottuvil and in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Trincomalee via Mannar and Kankasanthurai. Wind speed may increase up to 50kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Hambantota via Colombo, Galle and Matara. |
| State of Sea: |
| The sea areas off the coast extending from Trincomalee to Pottuvil via Kankasanthurai, Mannar, Colombo, Galle and Hambanthota will be rough at times. The other sea areas around the island may be moderate. Increase of swell wave heights (about 2.0 – 2.5m) can be expected in the sea areas off the coast extending from Mannarto Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers. |
Colombo, July 21, 2023: Following President Ranil Wickremasinghe’s successful State visit to India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has publicly confirmed a grant of 750 million Indian Rupees (equivalent to 3 billion Sri Lankan Rupees) to uplift and transform the lives of Indian Origin Tamil communities residing in Sri Lanka’s plantation regions.
This financial support is reflective of the strong bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka and has been credited to Minister of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development, Jeevan Thondaman’s consistent efforts and collaborative vision for the plantation regions of Sri Lanka. The grant will be utilised to focus on planned development activities with a significant emphasis on advancing education, skills training, and employment opportunities for the plantation communities. These interventions are expected to have a positive socio-economic impact, empowering plantation communities and enabling them to seize new growth opportunities.
Moreover, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his full support for President Wickremasinghe’s proposal to establish new higher education institutes in Sri Lanka, including the University of Nuwara Eliya. The new university, also an initiative driven by Minister Thondaman, promises to become a beacon of educational excellence and progress in the upcountry region. With India’s backing, the University is poised to nurture talent, promote research, and address the specific needs of the local community and the nation at large.
Renowned billionaire Gautam Adani has expressed his interest in establishing a green hydrogen plant in Sri Lanka, adding another ambitious project to his conglomerate’s growing portfolio in the country. During a meeting with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Adani discussed the progress of existing ventures, such as the development of a container terminal at Colombo Port West and a significant 500 MW wind project, while also proposing the new green hydrogen initiative.
Taking to Twitter, Gautam Adani expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to meet with President Wickremesinghe and revealed his company’s enthusiasm for engaging in the captivating range of projects in Sri Lanka. The proposed green hydrogen plant would allow Adani’s conglomerate to extend its expertise in renewable energy and contribute to the production of environmentally-friendly hydrogen in the region.
The potential establishment of a green hydrogen plant represents a significant step towards sustainable energy development in Sri Lanka and marks Adani’s commitment to promoting clean and innovative solutions in the country’s energy sector.
During a parliamentary session, Dr. Susil Premajayantha, the Leader of the House and Education Minister, provided an update on the state of academic staff vacancies within Sri Lanka’s state university system. He revealed that currently, there are 2,070 vacant positions in the academic staff, and efforts are underway to promptly address these vacancies through necessary recruitment measures.
In addition to discussing the vacant positions, the Minister highlighted that between 2021 and 2023, around 1,300 employees had left the service, mostly due to retirements. He assured that the required recruitment processes will be initiated to fill these positions left vacant by the departing staff members.
Further elaborating on the numbers, Dr. Premajayantha stated that 519 employees had retired, and 663 had resigned during the mentioned period.
The response came during a session in which NPP MP Dr. Harini Amarasuriya raised the question, drawing attention to the critical issue of academic staff shortages in the state university system. The Education Minister’s assurances and commitment to swiftly addressing the vacancies are crucial in ensuring the smooth functioning and quality of education within the universities.
By: Staff Writer
Colombo (LNW):Sri Lanka is set to go for modification and updating of Sri Lanka’s existing legislative framework, in a bid to make the country an investment-friendly destination, Acting Minister of Investment Promotion Dilum Amunugama disclosed.
Amunugama revealed that new investment laws are expected to be introduced by the end of this year.
Additionally, foreign investors do not receive their investment rights when they enter this country. As a solution, the government is to update legislative framework to ensure that their investment rights are protected.
A seven-member committee consisting of Director Generals of government institutions has already been appointed to look into the existing laws that restrict investments.
When the Members of Parliament sought clarification on the intricate situation surrounding matters like acquiring licences for investments in Sri Lanka, the Minister of State addressed their concerns by referring to the upcoming Investment Act that is currently under proposal.
Moreover, the Minister of State highlighted the establishment of an Investor Facilitation Center, situated on the 27th floor of the World Trade Center. He said this centre aims to provide comprehensive facilities, including addressing investor issues and will operate in close coordination with various government agencies.
Additionally, investors have been granted the opportunity to meet with the heads of relevant institutions to present their concerns. Amunugama emphasised that the Investor Facilitation Center would serve as a platform for investors to swiftly address their current challenges.
He further mentioned that this arrangement is temporary and will remain in place until the new law is enacted.
Similarly, the Minister of State pointed out that specific investment zones with the potential to attract investments to Sri Lanka have been identified. Active measures are being taken to promote these zones and attract new investors to contribute to the country’s economic growth, he added.
The Members of Parliament also emphasised the importance of providing accurate information concerning investments brought into the country.
They highlighted the need for transparency and the presentation of genuine information when engaging with international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund
Referring to the Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) earned by the Board of Investments (BOI), the acting Minister noted that the target set by the BOI for FDIs for 2023 is US$ 1.5 billion, of which $211 million was realized in the first quarter.
The BOI has approved investments of $ 682 million from January to July 2023, he added.
Despite the ongoing economic crisis, the BOI has been able to attract Foreign Direct Investments of 1.75 billion US dollars exceeding the targeted amount of 1 billion US dollars for 2022, Amunugama mentioned.
The government intends to execute a program under concept of ‘One Village – One Product’ to empower entrepreneurs who produce export-level products in selected regional secretariats, involving them in the export process, and scale it up at the District and National levels.
In line with the government’s proposal to cultivate cannabis for medicinal purposes, 200 project proposals have so far been submitted. The Minister of Indigenous Medicine Promotion has undertaken the task of amending the relevant laws.
The government intends to launch the Cannabis Pilot Project by the end of 2023 following the passage of these laws.
Artificial Intelligence Integration Empowers International Expansion of Theravada Buddhism
President Ranil Wickremesinghe reaffirmed his dedication to securing and promoting Theravada Buddhism on an international scale.
He announced the implementation of an Artificial Intelligence program to support these efforts, collaborating with educated individuals under the guidance of the Maha Sangha of the three chapters. The President made this statement at the Edward Stadium in Matale during the 73rd National Upasampada Vinaya Karma Inaugural Ceremony of the Maha Viharavanshika Sri Lanka Ramanya Maha Nikaya, where 300 novice monks attained the higher ordination of Upasampada Sheela.
During the event, President Wickremesinghe conferred the “Philosophy Scholar Degrees,” Sri Sannaspatha, and Vijinipatha to the Most Venerable Makulewe Vimala Nayaka Thero of the Ramanya Maha Nikaya. Additionally, he presented Sannaspatras to Ven. Mugunewela Anuruddha Thero and Ven. Mugunewela Anuruddha, the Chancellor of Uva Wellassa University. In honour of his participation in the 73rd Upasampada Vinaya Karma of the Sri Lanka Ramanya Maha Nikaya, the President was bestowed with a commemorative gift. Furthermore, the Ramanya Maha Nikaya presented the “Patipada Sasthriya Sangraha” to both the Mahanayake Thero and President Wickremesinghe. The 73rd National Upasampada Discipline of the Sri Lanka Ramanya Maha Nikaya will be held from July 20th to July 27th at the Sudu Ganga Udakukkhepa Seminary in Matale Bandarapola.
Addressing the event President Ranil Wickremesinghe said,
With immense joy, I partake in the auspicious 73rd Upasampada Mahotsava of Ramanya Maha Nikaya. My heartfelt gratitude goes to the Lords and the Donor Council for accommodating my presence, despite my on-going official visit to India to strengthen bilateral relations.
During this visit, I express my sincere appreciation to the Indian government for their unwavering support during our country’s economic challenges. The ties between our nations are crucial for mutual growth and prosperity.
The Upasampada festival held by Ramanya Maha Nikaya in Matale holds profound significance for Buddhists, as this city plays a vital role in Buddhist history. It was at the Matale temple where the first steps were taken to enshrine and protect the Tripitaka—the sacred scriptures of Buddhism. As a government, we remain devoted to safeguarding the Tripitaka, for its preservation is synonymous with preserving the Noble Truth. Being a Buddhist nation, it is our earnest endeavour to promote Buddhism globally and share its wisdom with the world.
The Tripitaka holds significance in both Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism, with the Chinese-printed Mahayana Tripitaka, containing the Lotus Sutra, considered the world’s first printed text. Today, with advancements in technology, we can utilize Artificial Intelligence to protect and propagate the Dharma more effectively.
By inputting vast amounts of Buddhist data into Artificial Intelligence systems, we enable them to answer any questions about Buddhism accurately. This technology can provide insights into historical figures like King Dutugemunu and Queen Victoria, demonstrating its potential to enhance our understanding of Buddhist teachings.
Buddhism, unlike many religions, centers on the Dharma – a philosophy that one can choose to follow or not. By aligning with the Dharma, one can explore its depth and meaning. As we embrace the advancements in Artificial Intelligence, we must consider whether it may pose challenges or opportunities in the future.
Instances of distorted religious information on social media platforms, such as the case of Zen Buddhism in Japan, highlight the need to address these inaccuracies. While regulating such content legally proves challenging, it is essential for society to be vigilant and mindful of these distortions across all religions, including Buddhism and Christianity.
As we navigate the digital age, we must strive to use modern technology responsibly, ensuring that the core teachings of Buddhism and other religions remain intact, free from misrepresentation or manipulation.
To propel the dissemination of Theravada Buddhism globally through Artificial Intelligence, we recognize the need for thorough investigation and understanding. As a testament to our commitment, we have allocated 200 million rupees for these endeavours, with the flexibility to secure additional funding as required.
Our primary focus lies in utilizing Artificial Intelligence to spread the teachings of Theravada Buddhism worldwide. In this pursuit, a comprehensive analysis of Abhidharma is also on the agenda. We seek the invaluable guidance of the esteemed Maha Sangha to navigate this program successfully and, therefore, extend a cordial invitation to them for their invaluable insights.
In today’s digital age, religious reading habits have shifted, with fewer people engaging with traditional texts like the Bible and Tripitaka and instead resorting to social media browsing on their mobile devices. As Sri Lanka remains steadfast in its dedication to safeguarding Theravada Buddhism, we aspire to carry forward this noble cause by embracing Artificial Intelligence and collaborating with an educated and enlightened community.
To facilitate this mission, the President’s Secretary and the Secretary of the Buddha Shasana Ministry have been appointed to coordinate and lead these activities. We encourage all stakeholders to actively participate in discussions, ensuring the seamless progression of our efforts.
Together, with the integration of Artificial Intelligence and the wisdom of the Maha Sangha, we embark on a journey to preserve and propagate Theravada Buddhism, fostering its outreach and influence on a global scale.
Venerable Nadagamuwe Vijaya Maitri Thero, Deputy Registrar of Ramanya Maha Nikaya,
A year ago, our nation was engulfed in turmoil, akin to a vast expanse of raging fires. Amidst the chaos, no one stepped forward to shoulder the responsibility of guiding the country through these challenging times. It was then that our current President bravely accepted this daunting task and dedicated himself to alleviating the sufferings of our people.
During those tumultuous moments, Sri Lanka’s very democracy seemed to be in jeopardy, hanging precariously in the balance. However, President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s resolute actions prevented the nation from losing its cherished democratic principles. His courageous decision to take charge during those critical hours deserves the heartfelt praise and admiration of every Sri Lankan.
Through his leadership and determination, President Wickremesinghe kindled the flames of hope, igniting a path towards progress and unity for our beloved country. As we reflect on the challenges faced and the strength of character displayed by our President, let us stand united in honoring his unwavering commitment to safeguarding our democracy and working tirelessly for the betterment of all Sri Lankans.
Chairman of Sri Lanka Ramanya Maha Nikayarakshana Council Former Speaker Mr. Karu Jayasuriya;
Despite an official visit abroad, the President graciously attended the prestigious Ramanya Nikaya Upasampada Vinaya Karmaya state ceremony, showcasing his support for the sect’s exceptional efforts to cultivate a disciplined monastic society.
Lately, media reports have highlighted a lack of discipline among both lay persons and priests. While laypeople may not have the authority to address this issue directly, the Sangha of the Ramanya sect has requested legislation to manage monks who violate their sacred discipline.
A year ago, our country faced a precarious state akin to lawlessness and uncertainty. The President’s decisive leadership during that critical period deserves our utmost appreciation.
In a significant development, the Parliament passed the Bribery and Corruption Act, a triumph championed by Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero’s movement for a just society, which the President supported diligently.”
During the event, attended by distinguished guests including Venerable Matale Dhammakusala Thero and State Ministers, President Ranil Wickremesinghe held a profound discussion with the Most Venerable Makulawe Wimala Nayaka Thero, the Mahanayake of the Ramanna Maha Nikaya, covering various religious and social matters. The President’s visionary initiatives to rebuild the country from an economic crisis also garnered praise.
As part of the event, President Wickremesinghe participated in the inauguration of the newly built Buddha sanctuary at Purijjala Sanghabodhi Pirivena in Matale, in conjunction with the 73rd National Upasampada Maha Vinaya Karma State Festival of the Sri Lanka Ramanya Maha Nikaya, led by the Most Venerable Makulawe Wimala Nayaka Thero of Sri Lanka Ramanya Maha Nikaya.
Amidst the religious rituals, the Maha Sangha offered blessings and Seth Pirith Sajjayana to the President. Engaging warmly with the attendees, President Wickremesinghe sought to learn more about their experiences and concerns.
The presence of esteemed Ministers, former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, and Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva added to the significance of the event.
By: Staff Writer
Colombo (LNW): FAO Launches Training of 300 Agriculture Extension Officers Under EU-funded Project to Boost Sri Lanka’s Rice production Sector.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Mahaweli Authority in Sri Lanka (MASL), is taking crucial steps, supported by funding from the European Union (EU) to tackle the country’s food security issues.
It is aimed to address the threat to food security caused by two consecutive seasons of poor harvests in 2021-2022. With a nearly 40% drop in paddy production in 2022, Sri Lanka’s rice ecosystem is vulnerable and requires immediate attention.
To combat this issue, FAO has initiated an innovative project titled RiceUP, with funding of €4 million from the European Union (EU).
As part of this project, FAO and its partners are conducting training programmes for Agriculture Extension Officers (AEOs) on Integrated Plant Nutrient Management (IPNM) in four districts: Ampara, Badulla, Hambantota, and Polonnaruwa.
The training will equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to guide paddy farmers on soil management and the optimal use of organic and chemical fertilizers to enhance crop yield while reducing chemical dependency.
The initial training session for Agriculture Extension Officers (AEOs) on IPNM practices was launched yesterday at the Rice Research and Development Institute in Batalagoda.
This session marks the beginning of a series of five training programs, aiming to train a total of 300 AEOs from the selected districts.
The Training Manual, developed collaboratively with international and national consultants, the Department of Agriculture, MASL, and the University of Peradeniya will serve as the cornerstone of these training sessions.
IPNM is a sustainable land management practice that ensures soil quality, prevents degradation, and maximizes crop productivity while safeguarding the environment.
FAO’s induction of IPNM, coupled with the provision of urea fertilizer to smallholder farmers in selected districts, is a response to the challenges faced by farmers in accessing essential fertilizers and maintaining food security.
By adopting IPNM and accessing urea fertilizer, smallholder paddy farmers can reduce costs and improve productivity, leading to better profitability and resilience to future shocks.
Through the implementation of sustainable farming practices, including the safe and efficient use of fertilizer and quality seed, RiceUP aims to enhance productivity, food security, and livelihoods in Sri Lanka’s paddy farming sector.
Together with its partners, FAO remains dedicated to ensuring the long-term sustainability and resilience of Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector.
By: Staff Writer
Colombo (LNW): India and Sri Lanka have decided to cooperate towards the establishment of a multi-product petroleum pipeline from southern part of India to Sri Lanka, in a bid to ensure affordable and reliable supply of energy resources to Sri Lanka.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe, on Friday (21 July), held bilateral talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi, during which a wide range of issues was discussed.
Accordingly, it was also decided to undertake mutually agreed joint exploration and production of hydrocarbons in Sri Lanka’s offshore basins with an aim to develop Sri Lanka’s upstream petroleum sector.
The Trincomalee port currently has a World War II-era 99-tank farm, with a portion of the facility under the control of Lanka India Oil Corporation and the remainder under joint control of the Indian Oil Corporation and Ceylon Petroleum Corporation.
The construction of an oil pipeline to the Trincomalee port is expected to boost Sri Lanka’s energy security and improve economic cooperation between the two South Asian nations.
India officials have also affirmed their commitment to helping the country boost its energy security, with New Delhi officials announcing that India will maintain its support for Sri Lanka in developing oil infrastructure, as the two nations share common interests,
The resumption of passenger ferry services between Nagapattinam in India and Kankesanthurai in Sri Lanka and Rameshwaram and Talaimannar, and other mutually agreed places, was alos discussed.
When considering the matter of trade and financial connectivity between the two nations, it was agreed to facilitate investments from India in the divestment of Sri Lankan State-owned Enterprises (SOEs), and also in manufacturing and economic zones in various sectors.
The two leaders also discussed people-to-people connectivity between the two nations, and agreed to establish land connectivity between Sri Lanka and India for developing land access to the ports of Trincomalee and Colombo, which would thereby propel economic growth and prosperity in both countries.
Thus both, Prime Minister Modi and President Wickremesinghe directed the respective officials concerned to expedite the realization of this shared vision.
Investment laws to be amended to make Sri Lanka an investment-friendly destination
• Plans to update current laws to ensure the investment rights of foreign investors
• Measures to strengthen the connection between the rural exporters and the SL Export Development Board
• Cannabis Pilot Project to commence by the end of 2023
The target set by the Board of Investments (BOI) for Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) for 2023 is 1.5 billion US dollars and BOI FDI realized in the First quarter of 2023 amounted to 211 million US dollars, State Minister of Investment Promotion Dilum Amunugama stated. The BOI has approved investments of 682 million US dollars from January to July, he added.
Despite the ongoing economic crisis, the BOI has been able to attract Foreign Direct Investments of 1.75 billion US dollars exceeding the targeted amount of 1 billion US dollars for 2022, State Minister Dilum Amunugama mentioned.
He expressed these views ,july (20) during a press conference themed ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country’ held at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC).
State Minister of Investment Promotion Dilum Amunugama further commented;
It is necessary to update and modify Sri Lanka’s existing legislative framework in order to make the country an investment-friendly destination. It is expected to introduce new investment laws by the end of 2023, without affecting other government entities’ current legal frameworks.
Additionally, foreign investors do not receive their investment rights when they enter this country. As a solution, we must update our legislative framework to ensure that their investment rights are protected.
A seven-member committee consisting of Director Generals of government institutions has already been appointed to look into the existing laws that restrict investments.
The government intends to execute a program under concept of ‘One Village – One Product’ to empower entrepreneurs who produce export-level products in selected regional secretariats, involving them in the export process, and scale it up at the District and National levels. A Central Export Center will be established for them and measures will be taken to strengthen the connection between the rural exporters and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board.
In line with the government’s proposal to cultivate cannabis for medicinal purposes, 200 project proposals have so far been submitted. The Minister of Indigenous Medicine Promotion has undertaken the task of amending the relevant laws. The government intends to launch the Cannabis Pilot Project by the end of 2023 following the passage of these laws.
President’s Media Division (PMD)
