President Ranil Wickremesinghe says SL will become the first country in the region to adopt a green economy, as the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Power and Energy, and the Climate Change Office work together to introduce a green economic policy focused on renewable energy within the next two months.
Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara says seven companies have submitted EOIs for the proposed new refinery in Hambantota; asserts technical evaluation committee and other procurement committees will evaluate EOIs and issue the RFPs to suitable applicants.
Janaka Ratnayake confirms he has been officially briefed on the grounds on which he was removed from the position as the Chairman of the PUCSL; denies all allegations against him; adds that his response will be sent to the Finance Ministry in writing.
Health Ministry’s food inspection unit asserts the certification required for the release of the egg stock imported from India can be completed within this week; adds the process may take at least three days.
Chairman of the Parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, MP Ajith Mannamperuma says two opinions have been raised regarding the lodging of a lawsuit demanding compensation for the eco damage caused by the MV X-Press Pearl disaster; asserts the Committee will be working towards reaching a common agreement in the first week of April; laments no legal clearance is granted to inspect the place where the cargo vessel sank for the calculation of the damage.
Director of Verité Research and economic expert Dr. Nishan De Mel says some more steps need to be taken to build global confidence in Sri Lanka’s economy; adds the next challenges facing the island nation are to succeed its debt restructuring programme and to secure a higher credit rating.
The UNFPA congratulates Sri Lanka on its achievement in developing robust national evaluation capacities, at the policy, institutional, and professional levels: UNFPA delegation commends President Wickremesinghe’s leadership in promoting evaluation, particularly in the public sector, which they say will play a ‘significant role’ in addressing the challenges faced by the country.
Senior Director of the global human rights watchdog Amnesty International Deprose Muchena spills the tea by slamming the Sri Lankan government, in what he suggested as Sri Lanka “being one of the many countries that disrupted the right to protest of the people”; adds human rights came under attack, and repression has taken the course in the most ‘calculated order’; demands ‘transparency’ on the IMF deal so that everything that has been debated in within the public purview.
Veteran singer, songwriter and musician Prof. Sanath Nandasiri has passed away at the age of 81.
A coalition of leading South African human rights groups questions their government’s invitation to Sri Lankan delegates whom they described as individuals with links to alleged ‘war criminals’ for a study tour on reconciliation and transitional justice: A statement by the coalition emphasises that the invitation to Ministers Ali Sabry and Wijedasa Rajapaksa by the SA government is concerning in view of allegations of on-going human rights abuses, the suppression of civil society and a failure by the SL government to ensure criminal accountability for ‘gross human rights abuses’ perpetrated during the 1983 – 2009 civil war.
Sri Lanka’s Permanent Delegate to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Manisha Gunasekera presented her Letters of Credence to the Director General of UNESCO Audrey Azoulay on 21 March 2023 at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. The ceremony entailed the presentation of credentials followed by a meeting with the Director General.
At the meeting, Ambassador Gunasekera reiterated Sri Lanka’s strong commitment to maintaining its proactive engagement with UNESCO in areas of shared interest and relevance encompassing education, cultural heritage, environment and the sciences.
Recalling the country’s long standing close relations with UNESCO since the early days of the organization, Ambassador Gunasekera referred to the75th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s membership of the UN body which will be commemorated in 2024. Director General Azoulay welcomed Sri Lanka’s strong and abiding ties with UNESCO as a testimony to the enduring significance of the organization to member states.
The discussion focused on Sri Lanka’s collaboration with UNESCO in sectors of relevance and the means of further enhancing existing cooperation. Director General Azoulay appreciated Sri Lanka’s valued contribution and commitment to UNESCO, and expressed her support towards the country’s continued engagement with the organization.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry, accompanied by the Minister of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Wijeyadasa Rajapakse, concluded the 3 day working visit to South Africa from 21-25 March 2023.
It is recalled that the Cabinet of Ministers in January this year approved the concept of a Truth and Reconciliation mechanism as proposed by the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Reconciliation, which is chaired by President Wickremesinghe. The proposed concept states that an independent, domestic mechanism of truth seeking is identified as a meaningful way for Sri Lanka to advance and secure peace, after the country’s arduous journey of ending conflict of three decades. The Cabinet also authorized the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Justice to operationalize this concept and to initiate discussions and facilitate the drafting of a Truth and Reconciliation law. It is in support of this process, the current visit took place at the invitation of the South African Government.
During the visit, the two Ministers paid a Courtesy Call on the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and held bilateral meetings with the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa Naledi Pandoor and the Minister of Justice and Constitutional and Constitutional Development Ronald Lamola. They also met with former South African President Thabo Mbeki as well as Roelf Meyer, former Minister of Constitutional Development and one of the chief negotiators, along with President Ramaphosa, for the end of apartheid in South Africa and paving the way to the first democratic elections in the country. Meetings were also held with officials from the Public Prosecutions Office of South Africa, the Pan African Bar Association of South Africa, “Freedom park”, “In Transformation Initiative” and the “Institute for Justice and Reconciliation”.
During the call on President Ramaphosa, the South African President warmly recalled his friendship with President Wickremesinghe and said that he wishes to further consolidate the bilateral relations with Sri Lanka. He further stated that South Africa is committed to sharing their experiences in relation to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission with a view to assisting Sri Lanka in the reconciliation process.
Foreign Minister Sabry and Minister Pandoor exchanged views on important bilateral issues as well as the current situation in Sri Lanka. Minister Sabry especially briefed the South African Minister on the progress being made by the Government of Sri Lanka with regard to national efforts on reconciliation and the promotion and protection of human rights. While acknowledging that the South African model would need to be adapted to the Sri Lankan context, both Ministers agreed to work together in sharing experiences and expertise in developing the contours of a truth-seeking mechanism that would best suit the needs of the Sri Lankan people.
The interactions with the South African Minister of Justice and other experts provided valuable insights with regard to the South African experience in the establishment of their Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Uva, Southern and North-western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya and Mannar districts during the afternoon or night.
General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Colombo (LNW): Government has embarked on an ambitious and innovative programme to transform Sri Lanka as first green country in the region with a green economic policy plan.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has announced his plans to place Sri Lanka at the forefront of green economic policy, with a green economic policy being introduced in the next two months.
Accordingly, he stated that the island nation will become the first country in the region to adopt a green economy, with the Environment, Power and Energy Ministries and the Climate Change Office working together to introduce a green economic policy focused on renewable energy within the next two months.
President Wickremesinghe also committed to facilitating both local and foreign investors who attended the conference, adding that the green economic policy due to be implemented soon will be the first of its kind in the region.
Speaking at a meeting with investors who attended the Sri Lanka Green Energy Summit at the President’s Office on 27 March, the Head of State expressed his gratitude to the investors who participated in the Clean Green Energy Summit, and pledged to provide the necessary facilities to meet their investment requirements.
“Sri Lanka is currently facing two major challenges – debt restructuring and transitioning to green energy. While debt restructuring is already underway, the country must also act quickly to establish a green economy.
It has great potential to generate energy through renewable sources such as solar, wind, bio gas, and sea waves. President Wickremesinghe believes that transitioning to a green economy could be the key to building a stronger economy for Sri Lanka”, the President’s Media Division (PMD) stated.
Mr Wickremesinghe further emphasized on the need for legislation to be passed promptly pertaining to the new policy, adding that the green economic policy is not a short-term program, but a long-term initiative that requires a legal framework.
The President highlighted that Sri Lanka has the potential to become the first in Asia in green energy, thanks to its natural resources and the experienced investors present at the meeting.
He also mentioned the on-going discussion of bringing an oil pipeline from India to Trincomalee, and emphasized the importance of cooperation with South India in moving towards renewable energy.
According to the President, Trincomalee has been identified as a potential port for green hydrogen due to its proximity to the North, which has abundant sources of green hydrogen, renewable energy, and strong wind power in Sri Lanka.
He added that this would create development opportunities for the country and investors, leading to economic expansion and good returns on investment.
Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) had taken measures to empower women Led Businesses to enter international market by Branding through Packaging.
The Women Entrepreneurship Development Programme organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) was focused on the theme “Branding through Packaging” to support women-led businesses in Sri Lanka.
The program aimed at enhancing their knowledge on product branding and packaging to help them to enter the international market. The EDB collaborated with Slick, a leading company in Sri Lanka packaging industry, to provide valuable insights and guidance to the participants from their expertise in Branding and Packaging.
The program was organized to coincide with International Women’s Day and is part of the EDB’s efforts to support and empower women led businesses in Sri Lanka to enter the export market.
The Women Entrepreneurship Development Programme organized by the EDB included a knowledge-sharing workshop on “Branding through Packaging” for over 60 women entrepreneurs and a competition for export-oriented women-led businesses.
Six selected winners were awarded valuable certificates and gift vouchers from Slick for availing printing and packaging solutions for individual awardees. This was aimed at helping the women led businesses improve their branding and packaging to better compete in the international market.
EDB Chairman Suresh de Mel stated that Sri Lankan women are more powerful and have the ability to resist any circumstances from their genes. He further added that they need some encouragement and support to awaken their potential and achieve their targets.
The EDB has identified three main areas for development in women entrepreneurship – Capacity Development, Product Development, and Market Development.
These components are crucial to enable leading businesswomen to achieve global success. Many Women Led Businesses face various economic, social, and physical barriers to enter the international market.
The Women Entrepreneurship Development Programmes organized by the EDB since 2018 have helped women entrepreneurs to enhance their knowledge and skills in various areas related to entrepreneurship and identify opportunities in the international market.
Women Led Businesses play a crucial role in driving economic growth and development in a country. Therefore, it is important to support and empower them, especially those with export potential, as they can contribute significantly to the foreign exchange earnings.
Chairperson of Ramya Holdings (Pvt) Ltd,Mrs. Ramya Weerakoon, emphasized the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and constantly improving one’s skills and knowledge to remain competitive in the market.
Krishna Ravindran, Director of Printcare Digital Solutions (Pvt) Ltd, also shared him insights. The participation of Ms.Linda Mense, Regional Expert Import Promotion Desk – Germany and Dr. Dilhan S. Jayatilleke, Executive Committee Member, Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing, Mrs. Malani Baddegamage, Acting Director General of the EDB and Officers of the EDB further added value to the program.
Colombo (LNW): Learning from one of the world’s most desirable wellness destinations in Sri Lanka’s approach to tourism, the authorities have taken measures to put itself in the global wellness map with the support of the European Union (EU).
Commonly known among tourists as a heavenly wellness destination that attracts weathered travellers from around the world,the government will be taking every possible step to promote wellness tourism in the country.
As part of the EU response to support the revitalization of the Tourism Industry in Sri Lanka, two Train the Trainer workshops were held in March
The aim is to prepare for the launch of new wellness tourism courses followed by a certification ceremony on 24 March with representatives from the Delegation of the European Union,
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, and the Sri Lanka Wellness Tourism Association in attendance.
This initiative is a part of the EU-funded project ‘Capacity Development for the Wellness Tourism Industry of Sri Lanka’ that aims to raise the quality standards of wellness tourism and will aid in better positioning Sri Lanka as the preferred destination for well being.
Following a national call for applications, over 50 people from hotels, resorts, Ayurveda centres, colleges and universities received a comprehensive training covering both theoretical and practical aspects on implementation of the new curriculum.
The trainers were given hands-on training on how to coach and the mentor therapists and spa/wellness centre managers were taught key techniques, know-how and skills to upgrade and strengthen the efficiency and quality of their services.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Beatrice Bussi, Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation to Sri Lanka stated, “Wellness tourism is about responding to the growing wish that vacation is used to revitalize oneself.
Sri Lanka offers a unique experience for wellness by combining rich biodiversity, healthy and tasty food, as well as spiritual practice rooted in cultural heritage. The EU has set up this training programme to support Sri Lanka’s efforts to become part of the global wellness map”.
The project supported by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and the Sri Lanka Wellness Tourism Association is part of the broader EU support of 2,8 billion rupees extended to the tourism sector.
Moreover, recognizing the importance of promoting Sri Lanka as a tourist destination, the EU is launching a special campaign building on the work carried out through the 8 ongoing EU-funded projects to help revive the tourism sector.
The EU has provided around Euro 1 billion (approximately LKR 390 billion) of assistance to Sri Lanka so far, through a variety of bilateral, regional, and global programmes in different sectors. Financial support is based on the country’s policies and priorities, as well as EU strategic interests and values.
Colombo (LNW): The Government has made a commitment to the International Monetary Fund to unlock the US$2.9 billion bail out loan. It will roll back the state’s involvement in the state owned enterprises and restructure it in public private partnerships or selling such assets to private investors.
But all previous regimes were compelled to continue to expand its holdings and tighten its control with their politically appointed stooges as heads of such state enterprises.
This practice has led to the downfall of these entities making it loss making institutions and burden to the country.
Sri Lanka will adopt a competitive bidding process for asset sales and will shortly call for expressions of interest from transaction advisors to support the divestment program, the state enterprise re-structuring unit sources divulged.
All assets will be sold through a competitive bidding process and no unsolicited bids will be accepted.The first step will be to select transaction advisors.
It will work with development financial institutions and qualified and experienced consultancy firms to provide transaction advisory services after the transaction advisors study the companies, the unit will call for bids.
Sri Lanka’s cabinet of ministers has given the go ahead for the sale of SriLankan Airlines including Sri Lankan Catering which has large volumes of debt from losses after it was taken back to state management from Emirates.
Sri Lanka Telecom, Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation, Litro Gas Lanka Ltd/Litro Gas Terminals Pvt Ltd, Canwill Holdings Pvt Ltd which owns the Grand Hyatt building, Hotel Developers (Hilton) are also in the list.
The total loss of the key 52 SOEs was Rs.726.9 billion for the first eight months of 2022 of which 31 SOEs recorded a profit before tax of Rs. 134.9 billion and the balance, 21SOEs reported a net loss of Rs. 861.7 billion.
Notably, 99 percent of the total loss has been generated by three SOEs namely, CPC, CEB, and Sri Lankan Airlines (SLA) totaling a cumulative loss of Rs. 854.5 billion from these entities. These three entities have been loss making for years which has resulted from debt overhang warranting cost reflective pricing for CPC and CEB and restructuring of SLA to mitigate large fiscal risks.
The levy/dividend collection dropped to about Rs. 17.8 billion in the first eight months of 2022 due to the contraction of the economy.
The transaction advisors will assist in “sell-side due diligence, valuation, data room creation, transaction strategy and marketing” of the firms, according to a statement from the re-structuring unit.
In addition to getting immediate cash from asset sales, helping boost cashflows, the government will also bet a share in any higher future profits under private management through corporate income tax, not counting turnover taxes.The debt of SriLankan Airlines will be re-structured before a divestiture.
According to IMF program related documents, a plan to restructure debt of several state companies including SriLankan Airlines has to be approved by cabinet by June 2023 under a structural benchmark involving a World Bank program.
Sky News: Mr Yousaf beat Ash Regan and Kate Forbes in the contest to replace Nicola Sturgeon as SNP leader – and become the first Muslim to lead a major UK party. He will now face a vote at the Scottish parliament before being formally confirmed as the country’s sixth first minister.
Humza Yousaf is expected to be declared Scotland’s new first minister later today.
Mr Yousaf is now set to face a vote at Holyrood before being formally confirmed as the country’s sixth first minister.
After winning the SNP leadership race on Monday, he said if he is elected as first minister there will be “no empty promises or easy soundbites”.
He said: “I will work every minute of every day to earn and re-earn your respect and your trust. I will do that by treating you, the people of Scotland, with respect.”
How will Scotland’s new first minister be appointed?
Any MSP from any party can be nominated for the vote, which is due to take place in the afternoon.
Following brief speeches, MSPs will then vote for their preferred candidate.
Voting could take place over a number of rounds as the winning candidate must receive more votes than their rivals combined.
The new first minister is expected to be announced by the end of the day.
The presiding officer will then submit their name to the King, with the new leader of Scotland expected to be formally sworn in at the Court of Session in Edinburgh on Wednesday.
In the unlikely event of the Scottish parliament not being able to elect a leader within 28 days, an election will be held.
‘Bruising’ leadership contest
Mr Yousaf is the first Muslim to lead a major UK party.
Image: Mr Yousaf triumphed over Ash Regan and Kate Forbes in the SNP leadership race
The leadership election was decided by the single transferrable vote system with 50,490 of the SNP’s 72,169 members casting a ballot.
After Ms Regan was eliminated in the first round, Mr Yousaf defeated Ms Forbes by 52% to 48% in the second round, with the health secretary receiving 26,032 votes and the finance secretary 23,890.
Speaking after the result was announced at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, Mr Yousaf pledged to work to unite the SNP after a “bruising” leadership contest.
He said his “immediate priority” would be dealing with the cost of living crisis, as well working to “recover and reform our NHS and other vital public services”.
He also pledged to “move quickly” on campaign pledges made to extend childcare, improve rural housing and provide greater support to small businesses.
And he stressed he was “determined” to secure independence for Scotland, saying: “The people of Scotland need independence now more than ever before, and we will be the generation that delivers independence for Scotland.”
Colombo (LNW): In an unexpected move, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO) has reportedly ceased the distribution of fuel, as correspondents witness tanker trucks carrying fuel being driven out of the premises.
Tanker drivers told media that no fuel distribution will take place today (28).
The move comes in amidst the passive resistance launched by CEYPETCO workers against the Ranil-Rajapaksa government’s decision to privatise the state fuel distributor.
The resistance continues for the second consecutive date today, in what they demonstrated as an objection to the Cabinet’s move of approving three foreign companies for the issuance of fuel to the local market.
The licence received by these overseas companies to import, store, distribute and sell petroleum products in Sri Lanka is said to be valid for a period of twenty (20) years.
