Colombo (LNW): A total 29,578 people have applied online to obtain passports, following the new service introduced at 51 divisional secretariats across the island, revealed Public Security Minister Tiran Alles.
Among the applicants, 5,294 people have submitted their applications for the one-day service and 24,285 for the normal service.
The government of Sri Lanka introduced a new passport system last month commencing from June 15, where 51 divisional secretariats islandwide will be operational enabling passport applicants to obtain passports from their hometowns without having to visit the Immigration Department in Colombo.
Accordingly, applicants can visit any of the 51 designated divisional secretariats to register, and the necessary payments can be made online or by visiting a branch of the Bank of Ceylon.
The new system is ending the long queues at the Immigration Office in Battaramulla, making it easier for the applicants to obtain their passports, Minister Alles pointed out.
Colombo (LNW): Not many countries in the world could have recovered the way Sri Lanka has in a year after declaring bankruptcy. The recovery was fast and swift. President Ranil Wickramasinghe did a miracle with a handful of people.
Sri Lanka was at its absolute rock bottom last year with inflation at over 70% and heading into hyperinflation. Market interest rates were around 30% and there was a fear of food shortages last year. Venezuela and Libya was what was in store for Sri Lanka.
Leadership averted the destruction and the big fall. We are definitely not out of the woods, but compared to last year, the economy has been stabilized. Inflation is expected to hit single digits soon, the Central Bank cut policy rates by 200 basis points earlier this month and another cut is expected soon.
Now the SLPP MPs run around as though nothing really happened. Some even have the audacity to insult the President by having press conferences. They demand portfolios and want to run the government according to their agenda. Forgetting how they destroyed a nation.
The SLPP Brought down the country to its knees. No question about it. Dilum Amunugame then a cabinet minister wanted Gotabaya Rajapakse to be a Hitler. He was crucified publicly. Now he has become a minister. Seen signing agreements smiling to the TV. Ali Sabry PC.
Claimed they brought the next Lee Kuwan. Now he is the foreign minister. Going round the globe. Some SLPP MPs have aligned very well with the President. They are riding the wave promoting themselves well. Like Shehan Semasinghe, Ranjith Siyabalapitiya, Tharaka Balasuriya , Nimal Lansa , Ali Sabry PC, Banduala Gunawardana and many more silently.
Nimal Siripala and a few more stand beside him like a rock. The President has captured the imagination of many MPs from both the Government and opposition. Some opposition MPs are harassing him to take them into the government. The President should strengthen himself by taking all those who want to support the recovery.
They very well know he is the only man who can deliver in this economic crisis. The entire country saw him perform in France and Japan. The ease in which he interacted with the King of England and the commonwealth. Unfortunately the SLPP MPs have forgotten they were the most detestable set of people one year ago.
The entire country wanted the 225 MPs thrown out. They made an attempt to take over parliament. Now they have come out of the ashes. Now they want their piece of flesh. The President risked his life and lost everything in his private ancestral house. What more does he have to sacrifice?
However the importance of speedy structural reforms to ensure the country never goes bankrupt again with a leader like Gotabaya Rajapakse and set of clowns in parliament must be averted at any cost. It is finally the public that pays for the excesses and abuse by the ruling class -the parliamentarians.
How these SLPP MPs have forgotten that their Economic mismanagement by their government resulted in the 2019 economic crisis confirms the theory that less than 5% of our MPs have passed their Ordinary Levels. The President should not get distracted. He must stay on course. If it become ungovernable due to petty SLPP politics, He should dissolve parliament and let the country appoint a decent set of new parliamentarians.
The 4th Round of Foreign Office Bilateral Consultations, Second Strategic Maritime Dialogue and Third Joint Trade and Investment Committee Meeting between Sri Lanka and Australia took place on 12 July 2023 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Colombo.
These meetings were co-chaired by First Assistant Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia Gary Cowan, Additional Secretary (Bilateral East) Yasoja Gunasekera and Additional Secretary (Economic Affairs) Shanika Dissanayake of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Food Security A.M.P.M.B. Atapattu.
During the discussions, new avenues for increased institutional cooperation in the defence, agriculture, cyber security and education sectors were identified. Both sides agreed to work together to strengthen regional cooperation, including through the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). Discussions also took place on strengthening trade and investment ties.
Colombo (LNW): Business pertaining to the second parliamentary week of July was decided on the 7th at the Committee on Parliamentary Business Chaired by Speaker Abeywardana, announced Secretary General of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Kushani Rohanadeera.
Accordingly, Parliament is scheduled to convene from 18th July to the 21st. Time from 9.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. on each day is reserved for Questions for Oral Answers. Parliament is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 18th July 2023 at Parliament at 09.30 am and from 10.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.
Resolution under the Customs Ordinance published under the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2325/07 and Regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act published under the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2335/26 are scheduled to be taken up for debate.
Thereafter, from 1.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. the Adjournment Debate on the Difficulties Faced by the Palestinian People at Present by the Opposition will be taken up. On Wednesday, 19th from 10.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. the Committee Stage of the Anti-Corruption Bill and the Assistance to and Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses Bill has been scheduled, the Secretary General said.
Immediately after the Government Business, the Second Reading of the Private Member’s Bill Heart to Heart Trust Fund (Incorporation) Bill is scheduled to be moved. Thereafter, time has been allotted from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. for Questions at the Adjournment Time.
On Thursday, 20th from 10.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. the Second Reading of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Bill has been scheduled. Thereafter, the Resolution under the Essential Public Services Act has been scheduled to be approved without debate. From 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. the Motion at the Adjournment Time by the Government will be taken up.
On the 21st Friday, from 10.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. the Second Reading of the Banking (Special Provisions) Bill will be taken up for debate. Thereafter, time has been allotted from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. for Questions at the Adjournment Time.
Batticaloa (LNW): A book consisting poetic work of a number of journalists and columnists remembering the slain Journalist Taraki D. Sivaram was launched yesterday (July 16) evening at YMCA building in Batticaloa.
The book was presented to Chief Guest Bhavani Sivaram, wife of Taraki, and the launching was organised by Negenahira Madhya Samoohaya.
Sivaram was a well known and controversial political journalist in Sri Lanka and a senior editor for Tamilnet.com. On April 28, 2005 he was kidnapped by four men in a white van near the Bambalapitiya Police station. His body was found the next day in Himbulala. His death was ruled a result of being beaten and shot in the head.
Minister of Foreign Affairs M.U.M. Ali Sabry led the Sri Lanka delegation to the 30th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting held on 14 July 2023 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The ARF is an Asia-Pacific region centric security dialogue mechanism inaugurated in 1994 in Thailand which seeks to promote regional development and prosperity through open and inclusive dialogue while recognizing challenges to regional peace, security and prosperity. The ARF has 27 member states and Sri Lanka has been a member of the ARF since 2007.
Addressing the forum, Foreign Minister Sabry highlighted the important areas of cooperation for Sri Lanka, including maritime security, disaster management, defence related confidence building measures and preventive diplomacy, and for sustaining the growing economic dynamism and prosperity of the region. He also welcomed the steady advancement in the areas of cooperation in the ARF and unreservedly supported the process.
The Foreign Minister said that Sri Lanka intends to become a member of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) which is the world’s largest free trade area that came into effect on 01 January 2022. Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam are the 15 founding members of the RCEP. The RCEP became open for new members from 1 July 2023 and Sri Lanka has submitted the Letter of Intent to the ASEAN Secretariat on 28 June 2023 to join the RCEP.
The Minister held a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the ARF with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Australia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Mongolia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Russia, Timor Leste, Vietnam and the UK to discuss areas of mutual interest. During his stay in Jakarta, he also held discussions with the Indonesian Minister of Finance, the National Agency for Combating Terrorism (BNPT) of Indonesia and the Sri Lankan business community in Indonesia.
The Sri Lanka delegation included the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Indonesia Jayanath Colombage and Director General of the Southeast and Central Asia Division of the Foreign Ministry Waruna Wilpatha.
“Hot-money” investors in Govt T-Bills & Bonds continue “fore-warned” exodus after making enormous gains at the Govt’s expense: Forex investment in T-Bills & Bonds reduces by about USD 40 mn last week, from approximately USD 604 mn to USD 564 mn: analysts say further exits are likely over the next few weeks, putting severe pressure on the exchange rate.
Ministry of Power and Energy Secretary M P D U K Mapa Pathirana says the Govt will appoint a committee to evaluate the proposal submitted by the Indian Oil Corporation for an oil distribution pipeline from Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu to Trincomalee and Colombo: proposal comes days before President Ranil Wickremesinghe is to visit New Delhi on the invitation of Indian Premier Narendra Modi.
Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva says if all SriLankan Airlines pilots leave the country for greener pastures, the Govt will get foreign pilots to run the national carrier: also says those who have no love for the country might leave it for better foreign employment opportunities and this scenario is common with doctors, engineers and other professionals, as well.
Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella says the batch of injections implicated in the death of a young woman (21) at the Peradeniya Teaching Hospital, has been temporarily withdrawn from use.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa claims the Parliamentary Select Committee chaired by MP Sagara Kariyawasam to investigate the causes of the country’s bankruptcy, is bogus: says the Opposition has decided to appoint a “genuine” Committee to investigate the causes for the country’s economic collapse.
Sources at the CPC express concerns over the storage capacities available for petroleum products in the country, with the Naphtha tanks at the Sapugaskanda Refinery reportedly nearing over-flowing levels.
Cabinet decides to grant local and foreign unpaid leave to Govt officials, without affecting their seniority and pension.
Senior officials of the Wildlife Conservation Department reveal that 146 villagers had been killed by wild elephants in 2022: also say at least 375 wild elephants had been killed in 2021 and 439 in 2022, and that wild elephants had been killed by laying electric traps, “hakka patas” explosive devices & spiked planks, and by poisoning.
Urban Development Minister Prasanna Ranatunga says people want to implement a program to get the country out of the economic crisis rather than conducting an election at this juncture: also says present public opinion is that President Ranil Wickremesinghe with his international connections is the most experienced and mature political leader who can accomplish the task of rebuilding the country: asserts that those who clamour for elections should join hands with the Govt.
Secretary of the Inland Revenue Dept Staff Officers Association and Deputy Commissioner J T Chandana says it will require huge amounts of human and physical resources for the IRD to open tax files for all Sri Lankans over 18 years, by January 2024: also says there are significant shortages in both human and physical resources at the IRD, making the accomplishment of the task difficult.
Colombo (LNW): After carefully evaluating the arguments put forth by both parties regarding the lawsuit challenging the official declaration made by the Minister of Sports to dissolve the Sri Lanka Rugby Administration, the Court of Appeal has reached a decision. The court has granted permission to proceed with the case and issued a temporary suspension of the gazette notification. Consequently, the rugby administration, previously dissolved by the minister, has been granted permission to recommence its operations, exercising the delegated legal authority required.
In order to avoid this decision, this morning through the president of the Asian Rugby Federation, the president of the Sri Lanka Rugby Federation, who had been dissolved by the federations, was banned and the letter was brought to the court and submitted to the court. The revelation made at the beginning of LNW confirmed that Sri Lanka’s sports minister exerts influence by appointing people according to his own interests.
Sports should indeed be a right accessible to all individuals in the country. It is indeed unfortunate that the Attorney General’s Department has to represent the collective actions of the Minister of Sports and others involved. This situation raises concerns and disappointment regarding the manner in which sports affairs is being handled, potentially impacting the rights and interests of the common people. By presenting a document with the aim of influencing the decision, the lawyers representing the Rugby administration faced criticism for their actions.
Despite facing challenges and periods of non-operation under the administration of Rizly Illyas due to decisions made by ministers Namal Rajapaksa and Roshan Ranasinghe, the administration was able to successfully organize and conduct sports matches. Additionally, they managed to enhance foreign relations, attract new sponsors, and introduce new matches. Notably, the Sri Lankan rugby players achieved their best-ever performance at the Commonwealth Games, resulting in a remarkable situation and showcasing their exceptional abilities.
During Namal Rajapaksa’s time as the minister, there were instances where the sponsor of Sri Lankan rugby was approached by the Asian president to sponsor the Asian tournament through external intervention. During a private discussion with the Asian President, the President of Sri Lanka Rugby was criticized for allegedly putting pressure on the Rugby administration in agreement with the minister. Additionally, convening an advisory board and disregarding the independence of the Rugby administration in the country were points of contention, leading to sharp criticism during the discussion with the Asian President.
That decision affected the independence of the rugby administration appointed according to the rugby constitution. As well as the decision made by the Sri Lankan who was assigned the responsibilities of the Asian federation when he was the president of the rugby federation, who was closely appointed by the Asian president, Sri Lanka is still paying 50,000 pounds for the damage caused by having foreigners play in Sri Lanka. Paying a fine in installments also affected it.
The decision taken by Minister Namal Rajapaksa to dissolve the Rugby administration at that particular moment may have been viewed as the most viable course of action to prevent the aforementioned issues from being extensively discussed in Asian Conference sessions. Even though the decision to dissolve the Rugby administration was revoked by the court, it appears that the Asian chairman made a decision to leverage his authority in implementing a ban until the court case concludes. This could be seen as an attempt to prevent scrutiny or questioning of his influence in potentially impacting the independence of Sri Lankan Rugby within the Asian Council.
Subsequently, the court granted permission for a re-election to take place. However, members of the Sports Minister’s National Sports Council and certain members of the Stabilization Committee, appointed by the Minister, expressed their protests against this decision. Despite their objections, their efforts to influence the outcome were unsuccessful. To prevent the issue from reaching the Asian Council, Rizly Illyas was once again banned. However, despite facing the ban, Rizly Illyas remained resolute and did not back down from his position. As a result, there was an increased risk of potential long-term detention. Based on that situation, Roshan Ranasinghe, the current Sports Minister for the second time, also intervened to dissolve the administration of Rugby and do what the Asian President wanted. In addition to the opposition from the Rugby administration led by Illyas, the National Olympic Committee also expressed its disagreement with this decision. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the administration sought the intervention and assistance of the court to address the matter.
Today, the court made a significant ruling by canceling the dissolution and delivering the final verdict. However, during the proceedings, the Attorney General’s Department broke with tradition and revealed that the Asian Federation had imposed a ban on Rizly Illyas in order to protect the Sports Minister.(what they don’t know is that the Incidentally, the Asian President is to defense against rugby game in this country). Presenting a report issued by the Asian Federation.
It is a very wonderful surprising moment that the decision regarding the ban was issued on the same day as the judgment of the case in which the Sports Minister was asked to dissolve the administration of Sri Lanka Rugby and cancel the gazette notification issued by the Sports Minister. At that moment, Sumathi Dharmawardhane, lawyer of the Attorney General’s Department, had the opportunity to present it to the court. There was even more of a miracle.
Either way, it appears that the second phase of justice is ready. Currently, Sri Lanka Rugby has informed the International Rugby Federation about the scope of activities of the Asian Federation President. Also, the National Olympic Committee is currently working to notify the Asian and International Olympic Committees. Therefore, instead of investigating complaints, they are following the Asian tradition of unilaterally making decisions without an examination, and ignoring all other conditions. It is likely that the ministers will get the same decision as they got from the court. it is possible that the Asian Rugby President, Quais Al Dalai, may face similar consequences as Namal Rajapaksa and Roshan Ranasinghe.
It seems that the court has recognized the importance of preserving the autonomy and integrity of the game, acknowledging that political interference should not encroach upon it. The International Rugby Federation will now retract the decision taken in the same way and allow the rugby game to continue working free from the influence of the minister who was the political authority.
The judges who demonstrated the presence of independence within the country’s judicial system deserve appreciation, as their actions have garnered respect for the judiciary as a whole. The efforts of President’s counsel Dr. Faiz Mustafa and President’s counsel Faizer Mustafa, who presented strong arguments against the dissolution of rugby based on factual evidence, should be acknowledged. Additionally, the contributions of lawyers Panduka Keerthinanda and Kirthi Thilakarathne should be recognized for their efforts in the case. Their dedication and commitment to presenting a compelling case before the court have played a significant role in upholding the principles of justice.
The decision indeed carries historical significance. Rizly Illyas demonstrated tremendous resilience by withstanding the pressures and accusations surrounding his management of rugby. His dedication to the sport and his desire to rectify any tarnished aspects of his relationship with rugby played a vital role in this process. Rizly Illyas ‘s decision to rely on the law and stand up for his conscience in the face of political pressures reflects his commitment to upholding principles of lawfulness within the game of rugby. It is crucial that the focus remains on the game itself and ensuring its proper functioning. With the anticipated agreement of the international conference, Rizly and his team can resume their work, bringing an end to the inactive period of the Stabilization Committee, which had only been symbolic until now. The immediate objective is likely to be preparing for upcoming events such as the Asian Games, where efforts will be directed towards achieving success in the tournament.
The most important thing to ask the sports minister is because of your decision to remove the journey aimed at a medal for hearing by the court? Or was the World Rugby Federation stuck because of your decision to ban rugby in Sri Lanka.
Due to this delay, if the Asian President’s country comes instead of Sri Lanka, which was close to a medal, you will be left with a question to ask your conscience. Or you will be left with a question that you will feel hurt that the people who voted for you will ask you. Have planned with him knowingly or unknowingly. Are you happy with that?
PMD: The aim of the government is to create a critical Sri Lankan who is a global citizen to find out answers to modern and futuristic problems, State Minister of Higher Education Dr. Suren Raghavan said.
“Internationalization of our higher education is a number one priority we have. We want to infuse the international standards to our universities so by at least 2030 Sri Lanka universities will be respected universities in the region, if not in the world.” The State Minister said.
The government would facilitate overseas Sri Lankan scholars to travel to Sri Lanka and engage in university lecturing in state universities while on vacation or sabbatical as a measure to encourage their involvement in higher education.
“In this method, we are creating a mechanism so that at least ten Diaspora members will engage in teaching in the 17 government universities in Sri Lanka, which will inculcate their professionalism and experience with our government universities.”
He expressed these views two days ago (14) during a press conference themed ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country’ held at the Presidential Media Center (PMC).
Meanwhile discussions are underway with three prominent international universities to open their branches in Sri Lanka, he added.
“Sri Lanka has always poised to be one of the best hubs for education. South Indian market alone; Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana is going to have 350 million populations by 2030 and their economy is growing. Where will they go to fulfill their educational needs? It is easy for them to come to Colombo than go to Delhi. We need to look at that market.” State Minister of Higher Education Dr. Suren Raghavan said.
Further, the government has held non regulatory discussions with tuition teachers requesting them to provide their set of recommendations and guidelines to regularize the quality of the private tuition education and the safety of students attending these classes, the State Minister added.
“The Advanced Level tuition market is 65 billion. Tuition teachers, parents A/L students are all citizens of this country. So this is a citizen to citizen understanding they have to do. Why should the government get involved?” the State Minister said.
Dr. Raghavan also emphasized the importance of understanding the 21st century’s human rights and added that it is the responsibility of the state is to provide higher education to every student who wants to pursue higher education.
Colombo (LNW): The populist Opposition will be appointing a genuine alternative committee to probe the bankruptcy status in Sri Lanka, instead of the bogus roguish committee pretending to investigate the causes behind the situation, said Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa in a statement issued yesterday (15).
This alternative committee to probe the country’s economic crisis and those responsible will be appointed based on the decision of the Executive Committee of the Opposition Collective, Premadasa said.
“This committee, to be appointed by the Opposition, will take steps to formally investigate about all parties responsible for the economic ruin and report to Parliament. Any Member of Parliament may contribute and support in good faith for the functioning of this committee and this committee will arrange to gather information from every party required for the purpose. Also, arrangements will be made to facilitate anyone willing to provide information, to do so” it added.
