In a groundbreaking achievement, the Sri Lanka Navy witnessed the successful completion of the first-ever basic parachute course by a group of women para jumpers. The group, comprising two lady officers and three women sailors, accomplished this historic milestone at the Sri Lanka Air Force Parachute Training School in Ampara on June 21, 2023.

This remarkable feat was made possible through the initiative of Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, the Commander of the Navy, who championed the idea to promote gender equality and showcase the prowess of women in the Sri Lanka Navy. The objective was to form a women para jumpers team from the Navy to participate in the Defence Services Free Fall Parachute (Skydiving) Tournament.

To prepare for this prestigious tournament, the lady officers – Lieutenant Iresha Madushani and Lieutenant Prasadi Nadeeshani – along with women sailors – Woman Able Physical Training Instructor Ayesha Wijayarathna, Woman Ordinary Seaman Maheesha Ranasinghe, and Woman Ordinary Seaman Kaushi Thisera – underwent the basic parachute course. They successfully qualified through a rigorous mental and physical fitness test, proving their readiness for this extraordinary endeavor.

The Basic Parachute Course No. 52, held from April 24 to June 21, 2023, saw the participation of a total of 43 personnel, including both men and women from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Police Special Task Force. Through theoretical classroom sessions, ground training, and practical exercises, the participants mastered crucial skills such as aircraft exit procedures, experiencing thrilling jumps from the Sri Lanka Air Force’s An-32 aircraft at heights ranging from 800 to 1000 feet above the Air Force Parachute Training School in Ampara. The course included five jumps, including a night parachute jump and a tactical equipment jump.

With the successful completion of the basic parachute course, this group of women para jumpers from the Sri Lanka Navy is now set to participate in the upcoming Skydiving Course scheduled to commence on July 2 at the Air Force Parachute Training School in Ampara. These accomplished women para jumpers will contribute to joint operations, training exercises, and parachute displays, representing the Parachute Pool of the Sri Lanka Navy, and further solidifying the recognition of women’s capabilities in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Peradeniya University’s prized possession, the Mahawamsa – The Great Chronicle, has been officially recognized as a world heritage by UNESCO. The announcement comes after the University’s History Department proposed the designation to UNESCO two years ago.

According to Prof. Rohitha Dissanayake, Head of the History Department, the Mahawamsa contains 99 chapters and covers historical events until the time of King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe’s surrender to the British. Interestingly, a portion of the last half of the Mahawamsa was written in the Kandyan Kingdom by a former Mahanayake Thera of the Malwatte Chapter. Notably, the name of the monk who wrote the Mahawamsa after Thibbattuwawe Nahimi remains unknown.

Dr. R. Maheswaran, the Librarian, highlighted that while copies of the Mahawamsa can be found in various locations across the country, the committee appointed by the government to assess them confirmed that Peradeniya University possesses the oldest and most comprehensive collection of the Mahawamsa.

The recognition of the Mahawamsa as a world heritage by UNESCO not only acknowledges its historical significance but also ensures its preservation for future generations. The Mahawamsa holds a special place in Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, and this prestigious designation further solidifies its importance on a global scale.

Chairman of the Export Development Board (EDB), Dr Kingsley Bernard, acknowledges that Sri Lanka, like many other countries, is currently experiencing a decline in export earnings due to the global economic downturn. However, he remains optimistic, expecting the situation to improve by the end of the year.

During the inauguration of the EDB’s first online application portal dedicated to the 25th Presidential Export Awards (PEA), scheduled for November 23, 2023, with President Ranil Wickremesinghe as the chief guest, Dr Bernard highlighted the reduced buying power of countries such as the USA and EU due to various economic and geopolitical challenges. This has had a negative impact on Sri Lanka’s apparel exporters, who are significant contributors to export revenue.

Despite the challenges, Sri Lanka achieved its best year of exports in 2022, surpassing the figures of 2021 and 2020, with earnings of USD 15 billion. Dr Bernard expresses confidence in the global economy stabilizing and sets a target of USD 18.8 billion in export revenue for 2023.

The chairman also mentions the introduction of new products in the export basket, particularly in the wellness, organic food, and pharmaceutical sectors. Additionally, he notes the increasing contribution of the service sector, ICT, and electrical and component manufacturing sectors to export earnings.

Regarding the online application portal, Dr Bernard announces that exporting companies can now submit their applications through the portal from today until August 7, 2023. The portal provides comprehensive information on award categories, guidelines, evaluation criteria, instructional videos for filling out applications, and testimonials from previous winners of the prestigious PEA Award.

The 25th PEA Ceremony, organized by the EDB, will be held at the BMICH and will recognize the country’s best exporters for the financial years 2021/22 and 2022/23. The awards will be presented in two main categories, comprising 13 overall awards and 51 sector-specific awards for each financial year. The selection process for the awards was carried out by a distinguished panel headed by a retired Supreme Court judge. The event is expected to gather around 1,500 attendees, including ministers, diplomatic corps, government officials, well-wishers, and exporters.

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): During the period 06th – 17th June 2023, Project for Promoting Employment Support of Person with Disabilities (ESPD) conducted a training in Japan for the key leaders from Sri Lankan counterparts who are committed to introducing the concept of employment support for persons with disabilities (PWDs) to the Sri Lankan society.

This course focused on visiting a variety of companies and organizations which help workers with disabilities perform well by modifying the workplace environment and ways of work management. This internationally authorized concept, Supported Employment is crucial for promoting employment of PWDs, while it is recognized by few stakeholders in Sri Lanka. Work is not only a measure to gain money but a process of participating in society and advocating dignity and the human rights. The participants are expected to be a leader to introduce these ideas to the Sri Lankan society.

The participants are expected to take initiatives for inter-governmental organization actions for advocating the rights of PWDs and promoting the ESPD programs. By following the action plans developed in the training, Department of Manpower and Employment will try to expand their network with the private sector for the ESPD program, and National Secretariat for Persons with Disabilities will coordinate their program for supporting workers with disabilities with the ESPD program.

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW):The government has been urged to follow cautious approach toward domestic debt optimization calling for legislative amendment to protect holders of domestic debt in a possible restructure.

This appeal was made by SJBMP Harsha De Silva a press conference held at the Leader of the Opposition’s office, MP Harsha de Silva, expressing his thoughts and suggestions regarding the upcoming domestic debt-restructuring plan in Sri Lanka.

He divulged that opposition parties, while cautious about the potential consequences, would discuss the need for careful domestic debt optimization if deemed absolutely necessary. The government plan is set to be presented to the Cabinet on the 28th and will subsequently undergo deliberation in the Committee on Public Finance over the following two days. Pending agreement at the Party Leaders’ meetings, a special parliamentary session is planned for the weekend of July 1st and 2nd to debate the plan.

The government’s blueprint, published last year and revised earlier this year, stressed the need to guarantee the stability of Sri Lanka’s financial sector and prevent any unfair treatment of depositors, particularly the EPF and ETF. The Opposition firmly opposes any haircut on domestic debt and warned against it. He referred to a haircut as a ‘Do Not Cross’ line.

He said while his party was totally opposed to any plans that include a haircut on domestic debt, they remain committed to protecting the interests of the nation. They emphasize the importance of fair treatment for pension funds and depositors without causing further harm to the economy.

The government has indicated that only treasury bonds will be subject to optimization, not treasury bills. Thus, as treasury bonds carry higher risk, they demand a risk premium. Lowering the risk through the debt optimization program will subsequently lead to a decrease in interest rates, benefiting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and other businesses, revitalizing the economy. This urgency underscores the importance of implementing the domestic debt optimization plan as soon as possible.

MP Harsha de Silva and the opposition parties are prepared to draft laws and regulations in Parliament to safeguard the interests of the people and creditors

One of the potential positive outcomes of an effective domestic debt optimization program would be the revival of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. MP Harsha highlighted the importance of providing support and opportunities for these businesses, which are currently facing significant challenges. A well-executed debt optimization program could help uplift the MSME sector from its current state and foster growth and economic recovery.

Air China, the prestigious national carrier of the People’s Republic of China, has announced the resumption of flights between Chengdu, located in the vibrant Sichuan province, and Colombo, the bustling capital city of Sri Lanka. Commencing from July 3rd, the airline will offer convenient travel options connecting these two destinations.

The flights between Chengdu and Colombo will operate three times a week, specifically on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Travelers can look forward to the seamless air travel experience provided by Air China.

Passengers departing from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport will witness their flights touching down at the esteemed Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Colombo at 08:55 p.m. The return flights are scheduled to depart for Chengdu at 10:15 p.m., ensuring a well-rounded travel itinerary.

This renewed air route between Chengdu and Colombo signifies the growing importance of connectivity between China and Sri Lanka. It presents an excellent opportunity for business, tourism, and cultural exchanges, fostering closer ties between the two nations.

Air China’s decision to reinstate these flights reflects their commitment to providing enhanced travel options and contributing to the development of robust international air connectivity. Passengers can now enjoy the convenience and comfort offered by Air China as they embark on their journeys between Chengdu and Colombo.

by Amal JAYASINGHE

Heart-wrenching images of revered elephants and cattle eating plastic in Sri Lanka have prompted politicians to toughen pollution laws, but skeptical conservationists warn past bans were repeatedly ignored.

After an estimated 20 elephant deaths and countless other wild animals perishing due to single-use plastics in the past decade, officials say a law banning many such items is expected to come into force within weeks.

Bags, bottles and packaging are also blamed for clogging drains and causing urban flooding, as well as encouraging a surge in potentially deadly dengue—spread by mosquitoes that breed in stagnant water.

“We want to create an awareness about the responsible use of plastics,” Anil Jasinghe, the country’s top environment official, told AFP.

Jasinghe said regulations to be published soon will outlaw the sale of a string of single-use plastic items, including cutlery, cups, drinking straws and plastic flower garlands.

But it is not Sri Lanka’s first attempt to tackle the problem.

Repeated raids ineffectual

Jasinghe admits that implementation has been a problem, noting that a 2006 ban on super-thin plastic bags and food wrapping was openly flouted by manufacturers.

“Of course, we raid them time and again, but by raiding we cannot solve the issue,” he said.

“We need to have that environmental literacy, so that you change your production lines to better, more environmentally friendly production.”

In 2017, a notorious garbage dump on the edge of the capital Colombo was shut when a mountain of rotting rubbish collapsed, killing more than 30 people and damaging hundreds of homes.

Soon afterwards, Sri Lanka banned all plastic shopping bags—but the rules were once again not strictly enforced.

Similarly, a ban on plastic sachets—popular for small portions of everything from washing powder to shampoo—was sidestepped by manufacturers who increased the volume to just above the legal minimum.

In addition to manufacturers subverting laws, cash-strapped Sri Lanka also struggles to process what it produces.

The island’s unprecedented economic crisis that began late in 2021 means there has been a pile-up of trash because of a shortage of fuel for garbage trucks.

The United Nations says Sri Lanka recycles just three percent of the plastic products it consumes, less than half the world average of 7.2 percent.

Plastic bottles are not included in the ban, but the country’s largest recycler of them says it can handle nearly two-thirds more than it is currently processing—if it could collect the refuse.

“We have the capacity to recycle 400 metric tons a month, but currently we do only 250 tons,” said Prasantha Malimbadage, CEO of recycling at Eco Spindles.

The company is turning throwaway plastic bottles into polythene yarn that goes into the manufacture of clothing by top international brands.

At Eco Spindles’ recycling facility south of Colombo, nearly 350 workers sort bottles that are crushed and torn into small plastic flakes, the raw material for yarn.

“Ten bottles go to make a T-shirt and 27 bottles go to make a graduation gown,” Malimbadage said.

Haphazard disposal

A 2020 study by the local Centre for Environmental Justice showed single-use plastics such as bags, food wrappers, straws, polystyrene boxes, cups and cutlery made up almost 15 percent of urban waste.

The South Asian nation of 22 million people generates more than 1.5 million tons of plastic waste annually and half of it ends up in canals, rivers and eventually the Indian Ocean.

Cleaning up plastic and stopping more production will also aid health, campaigners say.

Health authorities say the spread of dengue fever has spiked dramatically, from 35,000 cases and 26 deaths in 2021, to 76,600 cases and 72 deaths last year.

“Where plastic containers are dumped, there is a spike in dengue,” said Lahiru Kodituwakku of the National Dengue Control Unit.

“There is a strong correlation between the spread of dengue and plastic waste”.

Regardless of whether the goal is better health outcomes or reducing pollution, anti-plastic campaigners say implementation remains the key.

“This is a good move,” said Nishshanka de Silva, founder of local environmental group ZeroPlastic Movement.

“But I am concerned if they will actually go ahead and enforce it.”

PHYS ORG

In a recent development, the Ministry of Health has announced its decision to extend the compulsory retirement age for specialist doctors in the public service to 63 years. This decision was conveyed to the Court of Appeal by the Attorney General on Tuesday during the hearing of a writ application filed by 176 specialist doctors challenging a Cabinet decision to revise the retirement age of government doctors.

Initially, on October 17, 2022, the Cabinet of Ministers had approved a revision to the retirement age of specialist doctors, setting it at 60 years. However, in response to the petition, the Health Ministry’s secretary informed the Attorney General that health authorities have decided to extend the retirement age to 63 years.

During the court proceedings, Additional Solicitor General Nerin Pulle, representing the Attorney General, informed the judge bench that the Cabinet of Ministers is also expected to make a decision regarding this matter.

President’s Counsel Sanjeewa Jayawardena, who represented the petitioners, expressed his appreciation for the decision taken by the health authorities to extend the retirement age for specialist doctors.

Considering the urgency of the situation, the Appeals Court judge bench, presided by Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne and Justice A. Marikkar, agreed to hear the petition today itself, as requested by the president’s counsel. This decision comes as some specialist doctors were scheduled to retire from service on June 30.

In a stable trading day, the Sri Lankan Rupee maintained its position against the US Dollar at commercial banks in Sri Lanka on June 28. The exchange rates remained relatively unchanged compared to the previous day.

At People’s Bank, the buying rate for the US Dollar slightly increased from Rs. 299.74 to Rs. 300.71, while the selling rate rose from Rs. 317.47 to Rs. 318.51.

According to Commercial Bank, the buying and selling rates for the US Dollar remained steady at Rs. 298.90 and Rs. 316, respectively.

Similarly, at Sampath Bank, there were no changes in the buying and selling rates of the US Dollar, which remained at Rs. 300 and Rs. 315, respectively.