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Presidential and Parliamentary Elections in 2024: President

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Presidential and Parliamentary Elections in 2024: President

PMD: Addressing the Special General Convention of the United National Party (UNP), President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized his commitment to bolstering the country’s economy by positioning Sri Lanka as a smart nation.

The President outlined the timeline for upcoming elections in line with the constitutional provisions, detailing that the presidential election is slated for the following year, followed by parliamentary elections. Furthermore, local government elections are expected to transpire in the first half of 2025.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these remarks during his address at the Special General Convention of the United National Party held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo today (21).

The theme for this year’s UNP Anniversary convention was “Smart Country – 2048.” The vision behind this concept is a vision of an intelligent and prosperous Sri Lanka, where every citizen recognizes their potential, upholds virtuous goals, and embraces diversity while harnessing modern technology and nature to cultivate a nation of adept and resourceful individuals. The “Smart Country” concept envisions the creation of a prosperous nation.

Departing from conventional party politics vying for power, the main objective of this year’s UNP Special Convention was to adopt a nation-centric approach to reorganize the party for this purpose. Party leader President Ranil Wickremesinghe also presented an amended party constitution designed to facilitate this transformation.

A significant amendment allows the United National Party to establish an online presence and engage actively in social media platforms, thus facilitating the digital transformation of the party. The President emphasized the need for the UNP to evolve into a technologically adept and intelligent party, aligning itself with the broader vision of building both a smart nation and a smart party.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, leader of the People’s United Front, extended his congratulations to the United National Party Special Convention.

The Sugathadasa Stadium was packed to capacity, with attendees representing various regions of the island, including the North and East. The event was inaugurated with immense pride, featuring the party leader, President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The celebration also featured cultural and artistic elements, underscoring the diversity and richness of Sri Lanka’s heritage.

Minister Manusha Nanayakkara presented President Wickremesinghe with a “Let’s start with me” badge, symbolizing the collective effort needed to construct a smart nation.

During the ceremony, an archived edition of the “Siya Rata” newspaper was presented by its editor, Mrs. Maya Kalubowila, to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who, in turn, handed it over to the Secretary General of the party.

The President stressed the imperative need to eradicate corruption and emphasized the passage of long-awaited anti-corruption legislation, along with the introduction of multiple ordinances to combat corruption both within the government and political parties. He reiterated the United National Party’s strength in contributing to the nation’s economic development and emphasized the party’s role as a forward-looking entity that will serve the nation’s interests in the future.

Notable speakers at the conference included United National Party President and Member of Parliament Wajira Abeywardena, Deputy Leader of the Party Ruwan Wijewardena, National Organizer Sagala Rathnayaka, Deputy Leader Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara, Minister of Lands and Tourism Haren Fernando, along with General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara and former Minister Ravi Karunanayake.

A multitude of senior officials, United National Party members, former ministers, and religious dignitaries led by the Maha Sangha graced the occasion.

Today’s weather (Oct 22): Heavy showers about 100 mm likely to occur

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Today’s weather (Oct 22): Heavy showers about 100 mm likely to occur

By: Isuru Parakrama

Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur over most parts of the island after 1.00 pm, and showers or thundershowers may occur in Western, Southern, Northern and North-Central provinces during the morning too, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (22).

Heavy showers about 100mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Uva, Central, Eastern and Southern provinces, the statement added.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Marine Weather:

Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Hambantota via Galle and Matara, and from Puttalam to Trincomalee via Mannar and Kankasanthurai. Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the other sea areas around the island, particularly during evening or night.
Winds:
Winds will be south-westerly or variable in direction and wind speed will be (20-30) kmph.
State of Sea:
The sea areas around the island will be slight. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.

Free Maize seeds distribution for 40,000 Acres this Maha Season commenced

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Free Maize seeds distribution for 40,000 Acres this Maha Season commenced

Colombo (LNW): Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera has directed the Smallholder Agribusiness Partnerships Programme (SAPP) under the Agriculture Ministry to facilitate maize cultivation in three districts during this Maha season.

Starting from Friday (20), hybrid maize seeds for 40,000 acres in Hambantota, Anuradhapura, and Monaragala districts began distribution.

As part of the initiative, maize seeds were handed out at no cost at the Angunakolapelessa Agrarian Service Centre, with Minister Mahinda Amaraweera in attendance.

Last year, due to maize shortages for animal feed, production of meat, eggs, and milk faced challenges, leading to price hikes.

As a result, the government resorted to importing eggs from India. The Minister highlighted that numerous animal production farms shut down due to feed shortages.

To address this, the decision was made to amplify maize cultivation to boost animal feed production. The goal for this season is to cultivate maize on 40,000 acres through this specific project.

Farmers are set to receive the Pacific variety – a high-grade hybrid maize strain sourced from Thailand, costing 360 million rupees – free of charge, thanks to funding from the IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development).

Furthermore, 800 metric tonnes of urea fertiliser necessary for maize growth has been ordered, and it’s intended to be distributed to maize farmers at no cost.

The SAPP initiative anticipates distributing maize seeds to 10,000 farmers in the Hambantota district and 14,000 in the Anuradhapura district in the coming days.

Israel offers 1,000 jobs to SL workers in Agriculture Sector

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Israel offers 1,000 jobs to SL workers in Agriculture Sector

Colombo (LNW): Roughly a thousand new job roles are emerging within Israel’s agricultural sector, disclosed Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara.

In a statement during a parliamentary adjournment debate regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict yesterday (20), the Minister also revealed that the government will prudently evaluate the current security situation there before proceeding with the employment of Sri Lankans in these roles.

During his speech, Nanayakkara stressed that all necessary provisions have been made by the government to aid the employment of migrant workers in Israel, adding that provisions are in place for those wishing to return to Sri Lanka.

He also indicated that trained individuals eager to work in Israel as migrant workers will be sent in the upcoming weeks. Over time, Israel has provided many job opportunities to Sri Lanka, markedly aiding the growth of the Sri Lankan economy, the Minister noted.

Furthermore, he spotlighted the longstanding bond between Sri Lanka and Israel, reaffirming the government’s dedication to fostering global peace.

“If this conflict continues, it will deeply influence the global economy and, in turn, the Sri Lankan economy,” Nanayakkara remarked.

He also highlighted the vital economic role played by the Middle East, including Israel, and the significant contributions made by Sri Lankan workers in these regions.

Interestingly, Minister Nanayakkara pointed out that both Israel’s government and its opposition demonstrated unity during the conflict, suggesting that this solidarity serves as an instructive lesson for Sri Lanka.

The Minister expressed regret that Sri Lankan political factions did not unite to address the recent economic challenges collaboratively.

Protests erupt over electricity tariff hike

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Protests erupt over electricity tariff hike

Colombo (LNW): Ven. Omalpe Sobhitha Thero has criticised the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), and alleged that the Board is sidestepping appropriate debt collection methods for its nearly Rs. 39 billion arrears, and instead is passing the cost onto its customers.

Protests emerged in various regions following a recent surge in electricity rates.

On Friday (20), the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) authorised the CEB to raise the electricity tariff by 19 per cent, the third massive increase in Power rates in about one year.

Electricity tariff hike:

Domestic category
0-30 kWh – increased from Rs. 150 to Rs. 180
31-60 kWh – increased from Rs. 300 to Rs. 360
61-90 kWh – increased from Rs. 400 to Rs. 480
91-120 kWh – increased from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 1,180
121-180 kWh – increased from Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 1,770
181 kWh and above – increased from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 2,360

Religious and charitable institutions category
0-30 kWh – increased from Rs. 150 to Rs. 180
31-90 kWh – increased from Rs. 250 to Rs. 300
91-120 kWh – increased from Rs. 600 to Rs. 710
121-180 kWh – increased from Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 1,770
181 kWh and above – increased from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 2,360

Colombo to experience 15-hour water cut

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Colombo to experience 15-hour water cut

Colombo (LNW): Many areas of Colombo will be experiencing a water supply outage for 15 hours, starting from 5 pm today (21), announced the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB).

Accordingly, Colombo 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 will experience this water supply cut from 5 pm today, to 8 am tomorrow (22).

The decision has been taken as an essential improvement activity is being carried out by the Ambathale Water Supply System Improvements & Energy Savings Project, it added.

200 state-owned entities failed to submit annual reports

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200 state-owned entities failed to submit annual reports

Colombo (LNW): About 200 state-owned businesses and institutions have not submitted their annual reports to Parliament in the last two years, disclosed the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Alleviating the Impact of the Economic Crisis.

The Committee has ordered the Department of Public Enterprises to take steps to submit the annual reports of those bodies to the Parliament before October 30, 2023, Committee Chief MP Gamini Waleboda said.

LNW honours Prasanna Vithanage for winning best picture for “Paradise” (PHOTOS)

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LNW honours Prasanna Vithanage for winning best picture for “Paradise” (PHOTOS)

Colombo (LNW): LNW hosted an honouring event for prominent filmmaker Prasanna Vithanage for winning the Kim Jiseok Award for the Best Picture at Busan International Film Festival 2023 for his film “Paradise”.

The event was held in Hilton Hotel, Colombo yesterday (20), with former Speaker of Parliament and Chairman of the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) Deshabandu Karu Jayasuriya as the Chief Guest.

Vithanage, one of the pioneers of the third generation of the Sri Lankan Cinema, was honoured by the former Speaker and appreciated for his tireless efforts on bringing the Sri Lankan Cinema to the global level.

Mr. Jayasuriya has also been appreciated for his commitment and contribution as the former Speaker of Parliament to uphold democracy and rendering an outstanding service to the nation within the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

Other dignitaries who attended the event include former Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) and former State Minister of Finance of the Government of Sri Lanka Ajith Nivard Cabraal, former Minister of Health, MP (Dr.) Rajitha Senaratne, Chairman of the Land Registration Commission (LRC) of Sri Lanka Attorney-at-Law Panduka Keerthinanda, Chairman of People’s Leasing Pradeep Amirthanayagam, Managing Editor of LNW Media Network Chandima Withanaarachchi, and the Editorial Staff of LNW Media Network.

Photo Courtesy: Ajith Senevirathne

To view full photos, visit READPHOTOS

China expresses willingness to help Sri Lanka without political conditions

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China expresses willingness to help Sri Lanka without political conditions

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): China is willing to offer assistance to Sri Lanka without political conditions and buy more of its exports, President Xi Jinping told his Sri Lankan counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Beijing on Friday (Oct. 20), foreign media reported.

Further, the two sides have agreed to strengthen the coordination on international and regional affairs.

According to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing, the two leaders have pledged to further consolidate the strong partnership and expensive cooperation between Sri Lanka and China.

The Sri Lankan president arrived in Beijing on October 16 to attend the 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.

A stream of leaders from emerging market countries reached Beijing for the meeting organized by the Chinese government to mark the 10th anniversary of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation kicked off on Wednesday (Oct. 18) under the auspices of President Xi Jinping, marking a significant milestone in international cooperation.

During the conference, President Xi unveiled a set of comprehensive policies, aligned with the BRI, reflecting its commitment to fostering global partnerships.

During the bilateral discussions, the two leaders have pledged to further consolidate the strong partnership and extensive cooperation between Sri Lanka and China.

Sri Lanka has informed the Chinese leadership about its interest to enter into a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China.

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang expressed profound gratitude for Sri Lanka’s enduring support through the historic Rubber-Rice Agreement with the People’s Republic of China.

He emphasized that the Chinese people will always remember this gesture of goodwill and assured that China remains committed to extending its supportive hand to Sri Lanka.

The bilateral discussions between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Chinese Vice Prime Minister Ding Xuexiang took place in Beijing.

During this meeting, the Chinese Vice Prime Minister reaffirmed China’s unwavering support for the development of the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port within the framework of the “Belt and Road Initiative”.

He also expressed confidence in the successful realization of both projects under the leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscored the historical significance of the China-Sri Lanka Rubber-Rice Agreement, the first foreign commercial agreement entered into by Sri Lanka.
He emphasized the importance of establishing new commercial relations that align with the shared principles of both nations.

Thailand and Sri Lanka to fortify bilateral halal trade endeavours

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Thailand and Sri Lanka to fortify bilateral halal trade endeavours

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka and Thailand are now set to fortify export US dollar revenue and enhance the burgeoning ties between the two countries.

The Government of Thailand hosted a Sri Lankan trade delegation recently with a primary objective of fostering constructive discussions on bilateral trade involving halal certified products.

The aim of this momentous visit was to fortify export US dollar revenue and enhance the burgeoning ties between Thailand and Sri Lanka.

The delegation, comprised of nine distinguished members, represented by key corporate entities which included, the Royal Thai Embassy, the Halal Accreditation Council, John Keells Holdings, Pyramid Wilmar, Transtrade International, Benjarong, and Pulses Splitting & Processing Industry, all of whom brought their expertise and enthusiasm to the table.

The meetings and engagements that transpired during this delegation visit have paved the way for an exciting new phase of economic collaboration between Thailand and Sri Lanka.

Indications suggest that a formal ratification of a free trade agreement (FTA) between these two nations will take place in early 2024, further solidifying their economic partnership.

The Government of Thailand has harnessed its halal industry to boost export revenue and establish itself as a global heavyweight in the halal market.

Notably, halal food exports from the country experienced a remarkable surge from $ 247 million in 2003 to an astonishing estimated figure of $ 6.1 billion in the year 2021/22, underscoring its pivotal role in driving this phenomenal growth.

Moreover, Thailand has confidently secured its position as the world’s 15th largest exporter of Halal products, further strengthened by the certification of over 4,000 F&B manufacturing facilities by the Central Islamic Council of Thailand (CICOT), which encompasses an impressive array of 166,000 products.

Highlighting its unwavering commitment to nurturing the halal food industry, the Thai government took the pioneering step of establishing the Thai Halal Science Centre within the esteemed Chulalongkorn University.

Recognised as the “World’s First” institution of its kind, it seamlessly combines theology, science, and technology to elevate the global halal sector through innovation and cutting-edge research in creating halal food and ingredients.

During the delegation’s visit, they engaged in extensive trade-related discussions with representatives from prominent institutions such as The Thai-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce.

The Mexican-Thai Chamber, and the Pakistan-Thai Chamber. Additionally, the delegation actively explored potential business opportunities with CPF Food & Beverage Company Ltd. and KCG Corporation Public Company Ltd., both renowned manufacturers of halal-certified products.

In Sri Lanka, the Halal Accreditation Council has left an indelible mark by certifying over 240 manufacturing facilities, producing a staggering 8,000 halal-certified products.

These products contributed significantly to an estimated $ 1.7 billion in exports in 2022, constituting 60% of total food and beverage exports and 13% of the country’s overall exports. With the global halal market valued at an impressive $ 2 trillion.

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