A rally was held in front of the University Grants Commission office in Colombo this afternoon (25) urging the government to provide immediate solutions for their demands on protecting state universities under the theme ‘Save State Universities. Stop Brain Drain!’.
The protest movement was organized by the Federation of University Teachers’ Association.
Photo Courtesy – Ajith Seneviratne
A research group led by the distinguished Professor of Communication Security and Space Science, Karu Essella, has been honored with the coveted Eureka Award, presented by the Department of Defence in recognition of their groundbreaking innovations in Australia’s defense sector.
The Eureka Award, often referred to as the “Oscar of Australian Science,” is an esteemed accolade presented annually by the Australian Museum since 1990, celebrating excellence in scientific advancements.
The group’s outstanding accomplishment lies in the development of an energy-efficient and easily controllable antenna system tailored for critical military situations within the Australian armed forces. This advanced technology not only facilitates the transmission of substantial data volumes but also possesses the capability to clandestinely monitor suspicious radio wave activities across extensive areas, ensuring the utmost security in military operations. Importantly, this covert monitoring goes undetected by potential adversaries.
Professor Karu Essella, an eminent expert in electromagnetic and antenna engineering affiliated with the University of Technology in Sydney, Australia, played a pivotal role in this groundbreaking endeavor. His academic journey began at Moratuwa University, where he earned his first degree.
In recognition of his exceptional contributions to the field, Professor Karu was also bestowed with the prestigious title of Australia’s National Professional Engineer of the Year in 2022.
The research team, led by Professor Karu, consisted of talented individuals hailing from Sri Lanka, including Manik Atigala and Dr. Dushmantha Thalakotuna, along with Indian collaborator Khushbu Singh, all of whom played pivotal roles in the success of this remarkable project.
RM Parks, a US-based company operating under the Shell PLC umbrella, is set to initiate its fuel distribution operations in Sri Lanka, starting next month. This strategic move will see the establishment of 150 fuel stations operating under the esteemed Shell brand.
RM Parks is poised to further expand its footprint in the Sri Lankan market by introducing an additional 50 fuel stations independently in the near future. This expansion will mark RM Parks as the fourth major player to enter the country’s fuel market, alongside existing entities such as the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, Lanka Indian Oil Corporation, and Sinopec.
The journey into Sri Lanka’s petroleum industry began when RM Parks joined hands with Shell PLC, sealing a groundbreaking agreement in July. This 20-year commitment empowers RM Parks to import, distribute, and retail a wide range of petroleum products through the network of 150 fuel stations. Notably, these fuel stations will undergo significant upgrades, including the installation of state-of-the-art automated dispensers, electric charging stations, and the introduction of mini markets and cafes, promising an enhanced customer experience and an innovative approach to fuel distribution in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe is scheduled to hold a crucial meeting with a delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Colombo on Tuesday, September 26. This meeting, to be held at the President’s Office, marks the conclusion of the first review of the IMF program for Sri Lanka.
The meeting is expected to be attended by Sri Lanka’s State Finance Ministers and other government officials. Discussions with the IMF team have been underway since September 14th, focusing on the initial review of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement for Sri Lanka.
The IMF team’s visit to Colombo is part of a scheduled visit taking place from September 14 to September 27, 2023. In March 2023, the IMF Board approved a 48-month extended arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), providing SDR 2.286 billion (approximately US$3 billion) to support Sri Lanka’s economic policies and reforms.
The EFF-supported program has a multi-faceted approach, aiming to restore Sri Lanka’s macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability, mitigate the economic impact on vulnerable populations, safeguard the stability of the financial sector, and enhance governance and growth prospects. The IMF’s decision also led to an immediate disbursement of SDR 254 million (about US$333 million) and the mobilization of financial support from other development partners.
In parallel, the Government Medical Officer’s Association is expected to hold discussions with the IMF team in Colombo, addressing issues related to the country’s tax reforms and other relevant matters.
Furthermore, the IMF team will engage with members of the Samagi Jana Balavegaya political party on Monday, September 25, as part of their comprehensive engagement during their visit to Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lankan Rupee has maintained its stability against the US Dollar at commercial banks in Sri Lanka on September 25, showing consistency compared to the rates observed last Friday.
At Peoples Bank, the exchange rates for the US Dollar remain unaltered, with the buying rate at Rs. 316.91 and the selling rate at Rs. 330.13.
According to the Commercial Bank, the buying rate for the US Dollar has seen a slight increase from Rs. 317.20 to Rs. 318.18, while the selling rate remains steady at Rs. 328.50.
Similarly, at Sampath Bank, the buying and selling rates for the US Dollar remain unchanged at Rs. 318 and Rs. 328, respectively.
This stability in exchange rates provides a sense of continuity and reliability in the foreign exchange market for traders and consumers alike.
The Police in Homagama took action to raid a private institution’s park following multiple complaints of minors allegedly engaging in inappropriate behavior within small rooms located on the premises.
Reports suggest that the Homagama Police initiated the raid on Sunday, September 24, in response to concerns raised by parents and religious leaders in the area. These complaints centered on school-aged children reportedly engaging in misconduct with minors visiting the park.
Upon the request of concerned parents and religious figures, the Police secured a search warrant from the Homagama Magistrate’s Court to conduct the raid. As a result of the operation, approximately 24 young couples, who were allegedly involved in indecent behavior within the rooms, were taken into Police custody.
Following the intervention, the Police provided guidance to the group and subsequently released the female individuals to their respective guardians. Investigations have indicated that a significant number of these young couples had originally informed their families that they were attending tuition classes, raising concerns about their activities.
During the course of the raid, tensions reportedly flared as the park’s owner confronted the Police, adding to the complexity of the situation. Further inquiries and actions by law enforcement authorities are expected as they continue to investigate the matter.
Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe revealed plans to lift nearly all import restrictions, with the exception of those related to vehicle imports, starting next month. The decision reflects the government’s efforts to revive Sri Lanka’s economy, which had prompted temporary import restrictions to address economic challenges.
These restrictions had been imposed on approximately 600 product codes, affecting various categories of goods. Of these, around 270 HS codes were linked to vehicle-related imports. The State Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to rescind all import restrictions, except for those associated with vehicles, within the coming month.
Semasinghe made this announcement during a conference aimed at informing scholars, professionals, and the public about the government’s new tax policy, efforts to secure an IMF financial facility, measures to boost government revenues, and initiatives to stabilize the economy. The conference, held in Anuradhapura, featured the participation of senior officials from the Presidential Secretariat, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, and the Finance Ministry.
Key speakers at the conference included Presidential Director General (State Revenue) M. J. Gunasiri and North Central Province Chief Secretary Chandrasiri Bandara, who shared insights into the government’s economic policies and measures to promote economic stability.
The Milk Powder Importer’s Association has reassured consumers that there will be no immediate price hike in the milk powder market, despite the recent 10% increase in taxes on imported milk powder by the Trade Ministry, which came into effect last Friday.
A spokesperson for the Milk Powder Importer’s Association explained, “The cost of one kilogram of milk powder upon arrival at the Colombo port stands at Rs.1,100. This high cost is primarily attributed to the inefficiencies in local milk production and the ineffectiveness of local milk production projects over the past two decades. Despite the importation of more than 20,000 dairy cows from abroad, all these animals have unfortunately perished. Over the past 30 years, this is the highest amount of tax we’ve paid on milk powder.”
The spokesperson further stated, “In the absence of taxes, we could offer imported milk powder at Rs.600 to Rs.625 per kilogram. Currently, due to a decline of over 50% in milk trade in recent months, we have sufficient milk supply for the next two to three months, negating the need for an immediate price increase. However, if taxes are not reduced, we may be forced to consider a price hike in December or January.”
In response to concerns, Trade Commerce and Food Security Minister Nalin Fernando emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting local farmers and protecting their interests. He explained, “We cannot significantly reduce the price of milk powder, as it would negatively impact our local farming community. Our farmers received relief when global milk powder prices decreased in the past. Even with a 10% tax increase, if milk prices rise, we will take the necessary actions to address the situation.”
Several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Central, Uva and Eastern provinces during the evening or night.
General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.