By: Isuru Parakrama

Colombo (LNW): The deadline to submit appeals for the “Aswesuma” Welfare Benefit Scheme will end today (July 10).

As of now, more than 825,000 appeals have been received in this regard, according to Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe.

The Minister added that applications will be called again for the programme starting from the beginning of August, and that those who may have missed out on the previous round can apply again.

By: Isuru Parakrama

Colombo (LNW): The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka today (10) ordered that a report on the measures taken to compensate those affected by the maritime disaster due to the burning and sinking of the cargo vessel MV X-Press Pearl be produced before the Court before September 15, 2023.

This was when the petition filed on the disaster was taken up before the Supreme Court Bench comprising Justices Justices Murdhu Fernando, Shiran Gunaratne, Achala Wengappuli and Priyantha Fernando today (10).

Lawyers appearing for the aggrieved fishing community raised concerns that they are yet to receive compensation for the massive losses suffered due to the disaster two years ago, and Additional Solicitor General Nerin Pulle appearing for the AG’s Office said that measures are underway in this regard.

The Bench ordered that the process in this regard must be expedited and ordered the lawyers representing the aggrieved party to file the compensation requests before other relevant bodies including the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA).

The hearing of the petition was adjourned till October 05 and 06, 2023.

By: Isuru Parakrama

Colombo (LNW): The results of the 2022 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination will be issued by mid-August this year, and the results of the 2023 G.C.E. Advanced Level Exam before Christmas this year, announced the Education Ministry.

Education Minister Susil Premjayanth made this announcement today (10).

By: Isuru Parakrama

Colombo (LNW): The passenger bus that toppled at Kotaleeya Bridge in Manampitiya area yesterday was recovered this (10) morning and the death toll in the accident may likely to rise, sources said.

A search operation jointly conducted by the Navy, the Army and the Police Special Task Force (STF) has been launched to find out if there are more bodies, Police said.

As of now, there are 11 confirmed deaths from the accident and 41 injured.

Previous report:

The Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Finance expressed his gratitude to the Committee on Public Finance for the Committee’s disclosure of long-standing irregularities in the Sri Lanka Export Credit Insurance Corporation, as it has resulted in avoiding certain irregularities and improving the institution.

The Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Finance expressed his gratitude to the COPE Committee for the COPE Committee’s disclosure of long-standing irregularities in the Sri Lanka Export Credit Insurance Corporation, as it would be possible to avoid the related irregularities and improve the institution.

This statement was made when the Committee on Public Enterprises of the Parliament met recently (04) chaired by Prof. Ranjith Bandara to review the implementation of the instructions given to Sri Lanka Export Credit Insurance Corporation by COPE held on March 07 th, 2023.

The COPE Chair stated that the Committee considered the reports and documents submitted by the Sri Lanka Export Credit Insurance Corporation based on COPE instructions and the Committee is satisfied with the progress by the institution so far.

Streamlining staff recruitment

The Deputy Secretary to the Treasury stated that initial steps have been taken to implement the directives given by COPE and accordingly, the recruitment procedures required to fill the existing vacancies in the staff of the institution have been approved by the Department of Management Services and have been advertised.

Presentation of Annual Report and Composite Plan

The officials pointed out that they will speed up the submission of the annual report of the institute. It was emphasised that the company’s comprehensive plan has already been forwarded to the Department of Public Enterprise and subject to the approval of the Department of Public Enterprise, it can be implemented.

Enterprise objectives of the composite plan

The COPE Chair inquired about the strategy for achieving the enterprise objectives contained in the present composite plan. Officials stated that a strategic plan to achieve the company’s enterprise objectives is now expected to be prepared and implemented.

Preliminary Investigation of Irregularities

It was also stated that as per the recommendation of the Committee, a preliminary investigation has been conducted into the irregularities in the institution and an interim report has been submitted to COPE. Apart from that, the present officials pointed out that the General Manager, who is considered responsible for many irregularities in the institution, has now been sent on compulsory leave and an investigation is being conducted.

The officials who commented on the inspection report pointed out that many administrative problems have arisen due to the activities of the current General Manager who has been working since 2006. In addition, the report revealed many other irregularities such as irregular recruitment, non-implementation of underwriting, non-giving of duty list to officers, unequal treatment of officers, cutting welfare of the organisation and continuous decrease in the performance of the organisation.

The COPE membership instructed to conduct a forensic audit or such in-depth investigation into the transactions of the institution as the investigation carried out was not substantial. The Chair also informed that Sri Lanka Export Credit Insurance Corporation will call again after 06 months to review the progress of the institution.

Moreover, COPE members also informed the Sri Lanka Export Credit Insurance Corporation to pay attention to the missing of some files of the institution and deletion of old digital data as well as information being reported.

MPs Eran Wickramaratne, Jagath Kumara Sumithraarachchi, Madhura Withanage, Rajika Wickramasinghe were present at the Committee meeting held.

1. Former IGP C.D. Wickramaratne granted a further service extension of three months, based on a recommendation by Public Security Minister Tiran Alles: The service extension granted by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
   
2. Ex Director General of CIABOC Sarath Jayamanna says the new anti-corruption act would establish “a truly independent commission”; asserts attempts to suppress this commission would be met with strong resistance from the people: urges the public to embrace this change and move away from “empty slogans” such as “thieves were not caught.”
   
3. The UDA signs an agreement to lease on long term the prestigious ‘Visumpaya’ property located at No. 25, Lillie Street, Colombo 02, to Azotels and Hunas Holdings PLC, in what the Authority described as far reaching development that seeks to revive the island’s heritage.
   
4. President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake urges the public to return any ‘Coats of Arms’ with archaeological or artistic value that belonged to Sri Lanka’s former governors and presidents: These items, deemed to have been lost during the July 09, 2022 uprising, are sought to be handed over to the Presidential Secretariat by July 31, 2023.
   
5. The Central Bank continues to maintain its stance that “domestic debt does not need to be restructured in order to achieve debt sustainability” as the local debt has already undergone restructuring in response to high inflation and significant currency depreciation experienced last year: Governor Weerasinghe says although the original position was against domestic debt restricting, some form of restructuring had to be accepted during the debt negotiation process.
   
6. The number of deaths attributed to dengue in Sri Lanka rises to 32: A total of 51,298 dengue cases reported during 2023. The highest number of patients recorded in the Western Province, with 11,206 cases reported in the Gampaha district alone: Within the last 8 days of July, 1,978 new infections reported: 43 PHI divisions designated as dengue high-risk zones.
   
7. “Thai Air Asia”, a joint venture of the Malaysian AirAsia and Thailand’s Asia Aviation, resumes operations from Bangkok (Don Mueang) to Colombo route: AASL says the new service will operate four times a week: The first flight arrived at the BIA at 2200 Sunday (09) with 134 visiting passengers.
   
8. Secretary to the Ministry of Buddha Shasana Somaratna Vidanapathirana says legal actions may have to be taken against anyone who exposes “isolated incidents” at Buddhist temples on Social Media, in prevention of the occurrence of unnecessary social unrest: Concern comes in following the assault on a Buddhist monk and two women in Nawagamuwa area: adds a decision on the monk in question can only be taken by the Chief Prelates and the Ministry, therefore, cannot make any interference.
   
9. SLPP MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage says in the wake of the world’s struggles, many countries collapsed and remained anarchic for many years, but President Wickremesinghe’s correct leadership led to the restoration of SL within a short period of one year: asserts July 09 will go down in history as the day President Wickremesinghe’s private residence was set ablaze and public property was destroyed.
   
10. SL records an emphatic 128 run win over Netherlands to win the final of the World Cup Qualifier cricket tournament at Harare Stadium, Zimbabwe: This is SL’s 10th consecutive win of the tournament: Netherlands bowled out for 105 in just 23.5 overs: Spinners Wanindu Hasaranga 2 for 35, becomes highest wicket taker with 22 wickets: Mystery spinner Maheesh Theekshana 4 for 31 in his 6.3 overs and 21 wickets: Dilshan Madushanka 3 for 18 in 7 overs and 03 wickets.