Sri Lanka’s new International Trade Office, to be established on the directions of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, will resume talks on Free Trade Agreements (FTA) with a number of countries, the President’s Office said.
The Government has decided to reorganize the existing conventional institutional set-up and establish the International Trade Office (ITO) to obtain maximum output from the external trade sector to the national economy.
Realizing the untapped economic potential of trade and investment via linking with regional and global value chains is a major element of the Government’s economic revival programme, the President’s Office claimed.
Towards this end, the ambition is to first integrate into South Asia and then expand to the east; China, Thailand and Indonesia linking to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) which consists of 30 percent of the world’s GDP, trade and population.
“To achieve this overarching objective, there is no alternative but to formulate a strong institutional structure to manage Sri Lanka’s presence in international trade the President’s Office disclosed.
It will be e removing the existing compartmentalization of trade-related institutions and eliminating the gaps in the approaches taken by multiple institutions.
The ITO, once it is established through an Act of Parliament will be headed by an Ambassador of International Trade, supported by an eminent group of advisors who has expertise in international trade and the core structure of the institution will consist of designated officers from all the relevant institutions attached to it.
The National Trade Negotiation Committee which undertakes the Free Trade Negotiations will also be an integral part of the ITO.
Accordingly, taking immediate measures to operationalize Sri Lanka – Singapore FTA (SLSFTA) which entered into force in May 2018 but has not been operationalized till now, will be the first task of the ITO.
The Joint Committee set up in accordance with SLSFTA comprising designated officials from both countries will meet in January 2023 and finalize the modalities to agree on operationalization.
In parallel, by next January the ITO will resume negotiations of the three FTAs with India, China and Thailand. The 12th round of negotiations with India, the 7th round of negotiations with China and the 3rd round of negotiations with Thailand will be held during the first two months of 2023.
New International Trade Office to resume FTA talks with South & East Asia
General S.H.S. Kottegoda appointed as the Chancellor of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University
General S.H.S. Kottegoda (RTD.) has been appointed as the Chancellor of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University
President Ranil Wickremesinghe appointed General (Rtd.) S.H.S. Kottegoda as the Chancellor of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University.
The President made the appointment in terms of Section 7B (1) of the Sir John Kotelawala Defence Academy Act No. 68 of 1981 as amended.
He has been appointed for the position for a period of five years.
Cable car project revives by the Govt for visitors to World’s End
A cable car project has been proposed for the implementation by President Ranil Wickremesinghe for visitors to World’s End following the revival of an already approved project.
The President said that the cable car service will link Pattipola and Boralanda.He expressed these views while attending the Nuwara Eliya District Development Committee meeting held at the Nuwara Eliya District Secretariat on Thursday 22.
The measures to be taken for the promotion of the tourism industry in the Nuwara Eliya District were among the matters discussed at the meeting.
“Special programs are needed to boost the tourism industry in the Nuwara Eliya District. But nothing should be done in such a way as to harm the environment. Horton plain is the highest place in Sri Lanka.
Therefore, nothing can be done to destroy it. We hope to bring a new law to protect the Horton Plains. Also, steps are being taken to commence a cable car service between Pattipola and Boralanda for those visiting World’s End,” the President’s Media Division quoted the President as saying.
In 2021 the then Government had signed an agreement to initiate the country’s first-ever cable car project in Nuwara Eliya with an investment of around US$ 55 million.
The cable car project proposed at the time was to cover a distance of 4 km from Nanu-Oya to Nuwara-Eliya in two phases.
The first step towards building a four-kilometre-long cable car link between Nanu Oya and Nuwara Eliya with an investment of $ 55 million to boost tourism was finalized at that time .
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Urban Development Authority and Outdoor Engineering Lanka Ltd., a subsidiary of Sweden Outdoor Engineering Ltd., which has over 20 years of experience in handling several cable car links was signed. The project was to be handed over on a 30-year lease.
According to the Ministry, the project will be carried out within 18 months and in two phases. The MoU follows completion of feasibility study.
Cabinet of Ministers revalidated the project that was approved in 2019, subject to an assessment on environment, financial and operational feasibility.
The million dollar cable car project proposed under the government’s ambitious Nuwara Eliya tourism zone development initiative after receiving the cabinet approval, has got stuck in financial and environmental issues, according to official assessment reports and relevant documents.
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the project in 2019 during the previous regime and it was re-introduced under the then government’s tourism zone development initiative in 2021
There were costs overruns between the new project proposal of Outdoor Engineering Lanka Ltd and its previous proposal in 2019, raising issues of financial and operational feasibility, an internal government audit inspection divulged.
According to the audit report, the estimated cost of the project indicated in 2019 cabinet proposal was U$50 million while in the new proposal it has jacked up to $63.1 million.
The cost for the project has increased by a staggering $13 million despite having no changes from the previous proposal, the audit query pointed out, as the government has to eventually pay the investor.
The closing date for the applications for the scholarship program for GCE (A/L) students under President’s Fund extended
The closing date for the applications for the scholarship program for GCE (A/L) students under President’s Fund extended.
The closing date for the submission of applications for the scholarship program, utilizing funds from the President’s Fund, for students who passed GCE (O/L) 2021/2022 and are sitting for the GCE (A/L) examination in 2024 has been extended to December 30.
It was earlier scheduled to accept the duly completed applications submitted to the Principals of the respective schools on or before December (23) for the scholarship program which was initiated as per the directives of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. However the closing date for the submission of applications was extended, considering the requests made to the President by the students and parents.
Hence the President’s Fund instructs the duly filled application forms to be submitted to the principals of the respective schools where the student sat for the GCE (O/L) examination before December 30.
The Presidential Secretariat has instructed the Education Ministry Secretary to formulate a mechanism to ensure that the applications are received from the offices of the schools during the vacation between December 23 and January 02, 2023.
The President’s Fund further informed that there will be no change in the days used for other activities related to selection even though the date of accepting applications has been extended to December 30.
President Media Division (PMD)
SRI LANKA ORIGINAL NARRATIVE SUMMARY: 24/12
- CEB Engineers’ Union to proceed with protest outside Norochcholai Coal Power Plant: insist coal stocks will run out on 31st December, leading to approximately 10-hour power cuts: assert the Ministry of Energy cannot take legal action against trade unionists for voicing concerns.
- Public Utilities Commission Chairman Janaka Ratnayake says the present stocks of coal will be exhausted by 2nd January 2023, and if new shipments do not reach the country, the power cuts as warned by the engineers will be a reality.
- President Ranil Wickremasinghe says land grants to plantations companies will be abolished but lands given to the people: hopes to have the activity completed by 4th February 2023.
- The Mahanayakes of the Malwatte and Asgiri Chapters say steps should be taken to reopen the Sri Lanka Buddhist and Pali University for educational activities after conducting urgent investigations into causes that led to the present situation in the University.
- SJB MP Sarath Fonseka says there is a campaign that attempts to instill fear about “born-again” Christians among majority Sinhala-Buddhists: asserts the “born-again” is a denomination of Christianity, similar to sects such as Theravada and Mahayana in Buddhism.
- President Ranil Wickremesinghe grants an year’s service extension to Army Commander Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage with effect from 31st December 2022: also appoints General H S H Kottegoda (Rtd) as the Chancellor of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University.
- CB Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe says India has underscored the need for “creditor equitability” from the time the “Sri Lankan government entered the provisional agreement with the IMF”: also says “we can manage without bridge financing, and that’s how we have been managing since July”: Weerasinghe has now served as Governor for nearly 9 months, but not been successful in obtaining a single dollar as a new inflow.
- Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission says if the electricity bill is increased in a way that violates the basic rights of the public, it is ready to intervene as a stakeholder, without a complaint.
- Census and Statistics Department points out that the economy has suffered a massive shock in the 3rd Quarter of 2022: decline in the industrial sector has been a massive 21.2%, while the agriculture sector suffered a decline of 1.7% and the services sector declined by 2.1%.
- South Korea Disaster Relief Foundation President Cho Sung Lea publicly reprimands the top invitee State Minister Anupa Pasqual who arrived late for a function: says if that delay had occurred in Korea, the person would have been removed from the position and deemed unsuitable.
A special discussion about amending the Police Ordinance
A discussion was held at the Ministry of Justice yesterday (23) on identifying the shortcomings of the existing Police Ordinance and amending it to suit the present.
It was headed by Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapaksa and Public Security Minister Tiran Alas.
Three committees headed by three senior DIGs have been appointed to identify the deficiencies in the Police Ordinance Act and it is said that the new bill is to be prepared taking into consideration the recommendations given by those committees and the draft prepared to amend the Police Ordinance Act in 2017.
Ashu Marasinghe resigns
The Presidential Adviser on Parliamentary Affairs, Professor Ashu Marasinghe has resigned from that position.
The Presidential Media Unit stated that he has resigned due to personal reasons.
Customs seizes drugs sent by post
Sri Lanka Customs on Friday (23) seized Rs. 165 Mn worth of narcotics sent to the country from Spain, UK, Germany, Canada, and the Netherlands.
A total of seven parcels that were not claimed for weeks were inspected in the presence of representatives from Sri Lanka Customs, Sri Lanka Post, and the Police Narcotic Bureau.
These parcels were stuffed inside toys and food cans, and concealed inside these items were drugs worth Rs. 165 Mn.
Sri Lanka Customs Spokesperson Sudaththa Silva stated that 4.673 kg of Kush worth Rs. 70 Million was discovered.
In addition, a total of 9,586 Crystal Meth pills valued at Rs. 95 Million were also seized.
The Police Narcotic Bureau is conducting further investigations.
Rashika Hennayake
ILO opens maritime sector doors for SL migrant worker returnees
In response to strengthening the socio-economic resilience of the returning migrant workers, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has identified the maritime sector as having the potential to generate ample employment opportunities for the returnees and aspirant migrant workers.
The Mahapola Port and Maritime Academy, supported by the ILO, Government of Japan, with the facilitation of the National Union of Seafarers of Sri Lanka (NUSS), has successfully conducted the graduation ceremony for the 22 trainees who completed the Training Course on Maritime and Seamanship on 20 December.
This training course provided systematic and organised training to assist trainees in acquiring the skills and knowledge required to assist deck officers on a daily basis.
The training covered all routine operational activities, such as hands on experience to operate deck-rated machinery and equipment and to assist the deck officer on watch, and watch-keeping duties.
Attending the certificate award ceremony, Japanese Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki said: “I am pleased to see that Japan’s assistance can be of help to the migrant returnees to obtain actual employment and skill-up opportunities.
Through the project, the Government of Japan aims to strengthen the returnees’ practical skills and encourage their entrepreneurship.”
ILO Country Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives Simrin Singh applauded both the idea and the energy put together by the Port Authority,
Mahapola training centre and National Union of Seafarers who joined hands to deliver a training package that will result in the creation of much needed jobs and also improve the lives of the vulnerable.
She congratulated the first batch of graduates who have successfully completed their learning and reinforced the ILO’s longstanding commitment to create more decent employment for Sri Lankans.
This initiative has been initiated through the ILO’s ‘Socioeconomic Reintegration of Sri Lankan Migrant Workers Project’ with the support of the people of Japan.
“Silver Spirit,” luxury cruise ship calls over the Colombo port boosting nautical tourism
The Tourism Ministry is planning to promote nautical tourism and the luxury passenger cruise ship arrivals harnessing the potential in the economic Development of Sri Lanka.
All ingredients already provided by nature, it is time, Sri Lanka to take a special interest in emphasizing that Sri Lanka really concentrates on developing Nautical Tourism as a special niche in its new phase of Tourism Development”.
The Tourism Ministry also explores the possibility of partnering top blue-chip companies to enter the lucrative 40 billion dollar cruise line business that is estimated to carry 22.3 million passengers, with the market growing at 3.2 percent in volume.
Aitken Spence Travels will boost -up cruise tourism with the arrival of “Silver Spirit,” a luxury cruise ship calling over to the port of Colombo on the 23rd of December 2022.
Under the ownership of the Lefebvre Family (Rome, Italy), “Silver Spirit” is operated by Silversea Cruises and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCCL). The local ground operations will be managed by Micato India and Aitken Spence Travels.
Silver Spirit consists of 270 cabins and 412 crew members will be on board to serve the cruise guests. This luxurious cruise ship can carry 608 passengers (on double occupancy) and 648 (maximum passengers) onboard.
The 16-day voyage, will be operated under the theme “New Year cruise”, will call at the port of Colombo on the 23rd of December, and at the port of Trincomalee on the 26th of December 2022.
Aitken Spence Travels will be offering an array of Sri Lankan shore excursions covering major cities and attractions across the voyage, allowing the visitors to explore and discover the goodness Sri Lanka has to offer.
During their time in Colombo, the tourists will be enjoying the taste of Ceylon tea, the Colombo city walk, the Temple of Kelaniya, unique shopping experiences coupled with live music, and high tea.
The ship will then be docked at the port of Trincomalee on the 26th, allowing the clients to bask and enjoy the Eastern splendour of Sri Lanka. Leaving the port of Trincomalee Silver Spirit will be continuing its voyage across Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.
“Silver Spirit” will be the fourth cruise ship handled by Aitken Spence Travels in 2022, offering excursions exclusively to passengers stepping ashore to explore the country.
Since November 16th, the company has handled 4 ships with a combined number of 5000 guests who have come to Sri Lanka to experience the country’s hospitality and explore the wide range of excursions on offer.
The ports of Colombo, Hambanthota, and Trincomalee have been used for cruise calls and some of the captains have given incredible testimonials about how beautiful our ports are.
Aitken Spence Travels will welcome 19 other cruise calls and end the cruise season by May 2023.