Colombo (LNW): The Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) recently introduced will soon be gazetted announced Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry.
The new legislation will be in alignment with established international standards to ensure that it does not compromise the national security of the country, according to a statement by the President’s Media Division.
Furthermore, Minister Sabry underscored that the existing Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) has undergone substantial amendments with the primary objective of disseminating a balanced legal framework.
This framework has been designed to safeguard and uphold the fundamental human rights of our country’s citizens.
The Minister made this observation during his participation in a press conference convened at the Presidential Media Centre yesterday (13) under the theme of ‘A Collective Path towards a Stable Nation.’
Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) indicates further depreciation against the US Dollar today (14) in comparison to yesterday, revealed the official exchange rates list issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).
Accordingly, the buying price of the US Dollar has increased to Rs. 318.08 from Rs. 316.77, and the selling price to Rs. 329.57 from Rs. 328.53.
The Sri Lankan Rupee, meanwhile, indicates depreciation against several other foreign currencies, including Gulf currencies.
PMD: President Ranil Wickremesinghe is set to take the helm of the Sri Lankan delegation at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. President Wickremesinghe will address the General Assembly on September 21. His speech will revolve around the theme ‘Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all.’
Notably, President Wickremesinghe is slated to participate in a Heads of State/Government Leaders Dialogue during the 2023 SDG Summit. Here, world leaders will come together to provide crucial guidance on transformative and accelerated actions leading up to 2030. Furthermore, the President will lend his voice to the Climate Ambition Summit, convened by the UN Secretary-General, where a collective global will to hasten the transition to a more equitable renewable energy-based, climate-resilient global economy will be the central focus.
Adding to his packed agenda, President Wickremesinghe will deliver a keynote address at the High-Level Meeting on Financing for Development, highlighting the imperative of fostering debt sustainability and strengthening the global financial safety net.
During his stay in New York, President Wickremesinghe will seize the opportunity to meet with Mr. António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations and engage in discussions with leaders of member countries.
Moreover, the President’s visit will extend beyond diplomatic engagements. He is set to participate in a Roundtable Discussion on Economic Opportunities in Sri Lanka, joined by over 40 prominent private companies from the United States. In addition, he will take centre stage at the Ocean Nations: The 3rd Annual Indo-Pacific Islands Dialogue, an event organized by Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Sasakawa Foundation in New York.
President Wickremesinghe will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Mr. Ali Sabry P.C., Secretary to the President Mr. E. M. S. B. Ekanayake, Foreign Secretary Ms. Aruni Wijewardane and other senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Colombo (LNW): The University Grants Commission (UGC) has commenced the calling in of applications for university admissions from those who passed the 2022 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination for the academic year 2022/2023.
Accordingly, the applications will be accepted from September 14 to October 05, 2023, said UGC Chief Prof. Sampath Amaratunga.
These applications can be submitted online via the Commission’s official portal www.ugc.ac.lk.
The government intends to enrol around 45,000 students in state universities for the new academic year, he noted.
A total of 232,797 school applicants and 31,136 private applicants sat for the 2022(2023) GCE A/L exam, which was held from January 23 to February 17 this year.
A total of 166,938 candidates (149,487 school applicants and 17,451 private applicants) have qualified for university enrolment.
Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) indicates depreciation against the US Dollar at leading commercial banks in the country today (14) in comparison to yesterday.
Accordingly, Peoples Bank reveals that the buying price of the US Dollar has increased to Rs. 316.91 from yesterday’s Rs. 315.45, and the selling price to Rs. 331.14 from Rs. 329.62.
At Commercial Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has increased to Rs. 317.68 from Rs. 315.72, and the selling price to Rs. 328 from Rs. 327.
At Sampath Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has increased to Rs. 319 from yesterday’s Rs. 318, and the selling price to Rs. 329 from Rs. 328.
Colombo (LNW): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has commenced its first review on the extended fund facility (EFF) to Sri Lanka today (14).
The inaugural meeting for the IMF’s first review of the EFF programme was held at the Presidential Secretariat this (14) morning, and the government of Sri Lanka is collaborating closely with the IMF team throughout this process to overcome the challenges ahead of Sri Lanka, Finance State Minister wrote on his X (previously known as Twitter.)
He added that the Sri Lankan government is fully committed to establishing a sustainable economy and recognises the importance of working closely with all multilateral institutions, development partners and the friendly nations.
The successful completion of the first IMF review puts Sri Lanka in a strong position for economic recovery and sets a promising pathway for growth in 2024, he noted.
(1/2) We marked the inaugural meeting for the IMF's first review of the EFF programme at the Presidential Secretariat. We are collaborating closely with the IMF team throughout this process to overcome the challenges ahead of us. pic.twitter.com/zXrtzbWeXH
Colombo (LNW): Urban Development Authority (UDA) announced calls for Request for Proposals (RFPs) to restore and develop two unique and iconic properties in the city of Colombo.
It has commenced the renovation of the dilapidated and historical buildings island-wide that are designated under the Department of Archaeology as economically viable adaptive uses. UDA Chairman Nimesh Herath said
Shopping malls and tourism-related activities have been earmarked for these building reserving their original architectural features whilst adding modern features and amenities.
These complexes are functioning as public spaces for shopping, hospitality, leisure and sports activities.
Herath emphasised UDA receives numerous requests from world-renowned hospitality sector operators for amenities, particularly for foreign visitors.
They want to establish specific amenities without compromising the location’s character. Historical structures are popular among tourists due to their historical significance and unique identities.
Several buildings with historical value which were constructed in the colonial period in Colombo and other main cities of the country such as Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle, Matara etc., are vested with the UDA.
These historical buildings often have unique and charming architectural features that have adaptive reuse market value and can be converted into high-end hospitality and leisure developments with conservation for future generations.
Therefore, UDA expects to explore these investment opportunities in the renovation of old dilapidated colonial buildings with the collaboration of the private sector investors while facilitating those investors for the said activities without Government financial support.
One notable project underway is the renovation of a building situated at No. 11, Sir Baron Jayatillake Mawatha, Colombo 01.
On the Colombo Fort map of 1840, this land parcel is bare land and in the 1867 map, it was marked as a post office and telegraph office. In 1906 it functioned as a DPI office and library.
It was built for the public library in 1914 and used as a Government office since 1948. In the 1970s and early 1980s, it was the Department of Information. Before being vested with the UDA, the building was occupied by Home Guard Headquarters under the Ministry of Defence.
Another exciting project on our horizon is the development of a high-end boutique hotel at No. 25, Independence Avenue, Colombo 07.
In line with a decision taken by the Cabinet of Ministers, the property was vested with UDA to open the premises to the general public.
This property, nestled in the residential Cinnamon Gardens, stands as a testament to British colonial rule.
Surrounded by lush lawns, it was once exclusively enjoyed by the British executive community in Sri Lanka, the clubhouse is still patronised mainly by the upper classes of society.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe exchanges greetings with India’s West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the Dubai Airport: asks her whether she will lead India’s Opposition Alliance.
Sectoral Oversight Committee on Alleviating the Impact of the Economic Crisis – Chairman Gamini Weleboda promises to intervene to present amendments to Pay As You Earn tax in the upcoming budget.
Former CB Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal denies allegations by certain politicians that he had “potential links” to the Hamilton Reserve Bank which is suing the SL Govt in the USA for defaulting on its debt: asserts he consistently maintained the Govt stance that sovereign debt would be paid: also says President Ranil Wickremesinghe had also warned it would be highly damaging if SL were to default.
Road Development Authority Director General L V S Weerakoon says Hungary has discontinued construction work on the Getambe and Kohuwela fly-overs: Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardene says a large number foreign funded projects have stopped as a consequence of the debt re-structuring by the SL Govt.
Securities and Exchange Commission says it has approved the creation of a separate Listing Board and Listing Rules at the Colombo bourse to facilitate the entry of State-Owned Enterprises to the Capital Market.
Railways Dept say it has ordered the 84 railway engine drivers who are on strike to report for duty immediately, failing which they will be considered as having vacated their posts: Railways Locomotive Operating Engineers’ Union says their strike has been called off.
SLPP requests President Ranil Wickremesinghe to allocate funds through the upcoming Budget for 2024. for MPs to conduct development projects in their districts.
Russian Embassy in SL says it has handed over a consignment of 352 MT of sunflower oil to support those affected by the economic crisis in Sri Lanka.
IMF to kick off the 2nd review of the SL reform process today: the IMF team to be in Sri Lanka till September 27.
Display of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Trophy to be at the World Trade Center from 9am today.
PMD: President Ranil Wickremesinghe delivering the keynote speech yesterday (12) at the inauguration of the new “Alfred House Wing” and the launch of the coffee table book “Journey of Care” at Durdans Hospital in Colombo recognized Durdans Hospital’s significant contributions, including the construction of new buildings. The President emphasized that the hospital’s true achievement lies in the institutions it has built and the pride they bring to the nation as the first private hospital.
President Wickremesinghe acknowledging the doubts surrounding the transition from the construction industry to healthcare, commended Durdans Hospital for showcasing that such a transition is not only possible but can also lead to the modernization of the entire private healthcare system. The hospital’s commitment to incorporating cutting-edge technology was particularly highlighted.
Addressing the technology gap, the President urged Durdans Hospital to keep up with technological advancements and emphasized Sri Lanka’s need to catch up with technologies, including AI. He discussed plans to establish technology-focused universities to bridge this gap and ensure the country’s healthcare system can meet the challenges of new innovations and technologies.
Discussing the rapidly evolving field of medicine, President Wickremesinghe stressed that continuous investment is essential, considering the constant changes and innovations in the healthcare sector. He noted that the advancements in the last decade have surpassed those seen in previous generations.
President Wickremesinghe expressed his hope that others would follow the example set by Ajith Thudawe and the Board of Directors of Durdans Hospital. He thanked the entire hospital team for their role in building this outstanding institution and wished them success in the future.
Chairman of Durdans Hospital Ajith Thudawe presenting the coffee table book “Journey of Care” to President Wickremesinghe, marking the occasion of the new “Alfred House Wing” inauguration.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including State Minister Tharaka Balasuriya, Parliamentarian Feld Marshal Sarath Fonseka, and former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya and distinguished guests including the Chairman, Board of Directors and the staff of Durdans Hospitals.
