Colombo (LNW): A number of diseases are rapid spreading among children due to the prevailing dry weather conditions in the island, warned health officials.
With dehydration being common within children these days, they could be vulnerable to these diseases, and therefore, should be kept hydrated with more liquids, Specialist Doctor at the Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital Dr. Deepal Silva pointed out.
Diseases like diarrhea can also spread widely among children due to the weather conditions, he added.
Colombo (LNW): The non-holding of an election is a serious issue affecting the country’s democracy, emphasised Chairman of the Delimitation Commission of Sri Lanka Mahinda Deshapriya.
He made this observation in response to the non-holding of the Local Government Election, which at the moment is being dragged in indefinitely.
Deshapriya pointed out that the authorities will take measures to hold at least one election out of the provincial council and local government elections this year, and expressed confidence that at least one of the two currently postponed polls may be held before World Democracy Day, which falls on September 15.
He reminded that the Supreme Court has ruled that it is unlawful that the country being ruled by governors, secretaries and commissioners without any mandate by the people and their representatives.
Colombo (LNW): A special Committee consisting of senior Police officers has been appointed to report to the Police Headquarters and the Ministry of Public Security regarding the measures that can be taken to eradicate the drug menace and underworld operations.
The Committee chaired by Senior Deputy Inspector General (SDIG) in charge of the Western Province Deshabandu Tennakoon has been appointed by Inspector General of Police (IGP) C.D. Wickramarathne on the orders of Public Security Minister Tiran Alles.
Colombo (LNW): The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), which is being restructured to be more cost-effective, is to incur around Rs. 33 billion in losses this year even after the introduction of the two new tariff revisions.
Apart from this, the outstanding amount due to be paid for the generation of renewable energy currently stands at a total of Rs. 29.7 billion.
In a letter to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), the CEB has requested approval for a price revision for the third time saying failure to do so will force the CEB to face serious losses.
The letter, which was made public by the PUCSL, also notes that the CEB will not be able to settle its arrears for renewable power generation and to its debtors.
The total tariff reduction cost as proposed by the CEB for the next six months was around Rs. 10 billion, but the new tariff reduction will have to minimize losses.
The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has rejected a recent request made by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), seeking another revision of electricity tariffs, in a bid to cover their losses.
The new tariff set by the PUCSL deviates from the cost reflective nature of the End User Tariff. Electricity demand fell by 22 percent to 4,516 Gwh during the first four months of the year 2023 from 4,935 Gwh in the corresponding period of the year 2022.
Nonetheless, the revenue generated from electricity sales for the respective period was more than doubled primarily due to the second upward price revision that took place with effect from February 15, 2023, with an average increase of 66 percent reflecting cost recovery adjustments, Finance Ministry report revealed.
Accordingly, the revenue generated from electricity sales was recorded as Rs.180,117 million for the first four months period of the year 2023.
In the future, CEB will implement a regular, bi-annual end-user tariff modification based on a forward-looking cost recovery basis in order to make CEB financially viable and minimize the budgetary burden on the government.
However, as a result of higher fuel and coal prices in the rupee terms, the direct generation cost was increased by 55 percent to Rs. 177,468 million in the first four months of 2023 compared to Rs. 114,460million in the same period in 2022.
Further,due to the increase in interest rates on thebank borrowings for the working capital requirements, the finance cost has increasedto Rs. 23,264 million in the first four monthsof 2023 compared to Rs. 5,876 million in the same period of 2022.
Even though the electricity tariff was increased, CEB incurred an operating loss of Rs. 29,797 million in the first four months of 2023 due to the delayed tariff increase being inadequate to fully compensate for the significant increase in generation cost.
Further, the cost per unit at the selling point also has considerably increased to Rs. 47.44 per KWh during the first four months of 2023 against Rs. 26.95 per KWh in 2022.
Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka government unveiled plans to reconstruct Talaimannar pier to facilitate passengers from Rameswaram, India in a bid to further improve people-to-people ties of both countries, Ports, and shipping ministry sources said.
The pier is set to be reconstructed after 37 years, with the project having an estimated cost of Rs. 1.8 billion.
This was a significant strategic move designed to strengthen ties between Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh.
The intention is to streamline and foster people-to-people connections between the two nations, thereby nurturing bilateral relations.
The renovation of the pier coincides with a broader scope of plans, which includes the acquisition of approximately 10 acres of state-owned land adjacent to the port.
This acquisition will pave the way for the development of pertinent infrastructural projects, underscoring the country’s commitment to bolstering cross-border ties.
The Ministry statement disclosed that in parallel to the pier’s revamp, the development of a modern passenger terminal and warehouse facility would be a part of the scheme.
To facilitate these projects, requests for proposals will be solicited under a public-private partnership framework.
It’s notable that India has already finished enhancements to the Rameswaram Port and has been given the green light to inaugurate a passenger ferry service between Mannar and Rameswaram.
Nimal Siripala de Silva, the subject minister, paid an inspection visit to the Talaimannar Pier on Friday, August 4th.
During this visit, he stressed the importance of the pier’s development as a critical component in the strengthening of interpersonal connections between the neighboring nations.
In his statement, de Silva emphasized, “For this purpose, we need to repair the pier. This is a benefit we aim to provide to the people of the North and East, funded by the earnings from the Port of Colombo.
He noted that he firmly believes that the implementation of this project will yield numerous advantages”.
He added that this initiative is a testament from President Ranil Wickremesinghe to ensure equitable treatment across the North and South regions.
Issuing a statement in this regard, the Ministry revealed that parallel to the reconstruction of the pier, nearly 10 acres of state-owned land bordering the port will be acquired for the development of relevant infrastructure.
It was also highlighted that a modern passenger terminal and a warehouse facility will also be constructed.
Accordingly, requests for proposals to carry out these developments will be called for under a private-public partnership, the Ministry noted, adding that India has completed developments at the Rameswaram Port, and clearance has been declared to commence a passenger ferry service between Mannar and Rameswaram.
This is a benefit we are going to give from the money we earned from the port of Colombo to the people of the North and East.
Colombo (LNW): The Export Development Board (EDB) Advisory Committee on Gems, Diamonds & Jewellery sector has emphasized the importance of making Sri Lankan Gem & Jewellery traders more competitive and simplifying policy measures.
The renowned China Fort Gem Market located in Beruwala and Rathnapura are considered as bustling marketplaces for the gem trade in Sri Lanka.
They attracts over 500 merchants from various parts of the world from the Middle East, China, and Europe.
This gem markets provide an opportunity for small-scale miners to market their treasures. The miners and rough gemstone dealers from Rathnapura, Balangaoda, Nivithigala, Elehara, and Galle visit these markets to trade their gems.
Foreigners would visit Beruwala and Rathnapura to engage in gem trading activities, bringing their expertise, networks, and goods.
In addition, it serves as a platform where gemstones are evaluated, traded and sold, contributing to the overall growth and development of Sri Lanka’s gem trade. These markets are highly active with millions of dollars worth of gems being traded every day.
The advisory Committee Members pointed out that currently, the presence and influence of illegal foreign traders and buyers at the China Fort Gem Market and Rathnapura have become a major challenge to local Gem traders.
While these markets have brought new opportunities to the industry, it has also presented specific challenges that require careful navigation.
Members emphasized that the primary challenge faced by the Beruwala Gem Market and Rathnapura is the intensified competition from illegal foreign traders.
These foreign people arrive in Sri Lanka using a visit visa and engage in gem business. Also, they don’t occupy any license from the National Gem & Jewellery Authority which is a mandatory to engage in Gem trade.
This unlicensed gem trading could seriously damage Sri Lanka’s reputation as it can lead to lot of mal practices.
Members further emphasized that, these foreign traders have a wider range of buyer and seller access via online platform as they do more with online channels.
As foreign traders and buyers become more active in the Beruwala Gem Market and Rathnapura, it puts more pressure on the local traders and facilitates smuggled businesses.
The money brought in for the gem purchases is being brought without following any government rules and regulations and the purchased stones are also taken out unofficially without being regulated whilst the traditional Sri Lankan dealers are subjected to all taxes and regulations. As a result, the miners, dealers and brokers tend to sell stones to these foreigners for cash without any documentation. This has badly affected the exporters who are using the official channels to obtain merchandise for exports. Also this will reduce the Government tax revenue and employment opportunities.
Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is in talks with a Singapore based company to transform Colombo and give it a new look.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the vision to transform Colombo into a beautiful city is already in motion, with plans provided by Surbana Jurong.
Surbana Jurong Group is a global urban, infrastructure and managed services consulting firm, with over 70 years of track record in successful project delivery.
Headquartered in Singapore, the group has a global talent pool of 16,000 across Surbana Jurong and its member companies AETOS, Atelier Ten, B+H, KTP, Prostruct, RBG, SAA, Sino-Sun and SMEC, based in more than 120 offices in over 40 countries.
They include architects, designers, planners, engineers and other specialists driven by progressive thinking and creative ideas to help shape a better future.
President Wickremesinghe said that apart from Colombo, Surbana Jurong is also actively involved in creating a tourist zone from Verugal Aru to Batticaloa and Arugam Bay areas, contributing to the growth of the tourism industry.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these remarks at an international conference on Architecture, which was organized by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Chapter in Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Italian Embassy of Sri Lanka, on the theme: “Architecture: A Lasting Impact,” held at Cinnamon Grand, Colombo.
Despite some challenges posed by the recent crisis, the commitment to progressing these plans remains strong, with the hope of securing the necessary support to meet the country’s developmental needs.
“Envisioning the future, the potential for architects to participate in the development of the Port City holds significant promise.
A notable portion of the Port City land is under Government ownership and is slated for diverse utilization.
The involvement of the private sector in this initiative offers an added avenue to harness architectural expertise. This exploration requires collaborative dialogues involving relevant chambers and stakeholders,” the President said.
“The Government land that’s worth more than the buildings can be used for this purpose and to relocate people from there and give the land to private companies to build affordable homes and apartments.
This will also free up space in Colombo for other developments. It’s like a cycle – more buildings, more possibilities. Imagine what could happen if they repurpose places like Welikada Prison or even the railway area.
Some buildings on Mount Mary can be kept, but the rest can be used for new projects. Many areas could benefit from this.
And the cost of land today makes it feasible. The Treasury is working on the details, so starting maybe next year or the year after, as the economy gets stronger, this could become a reality,” he added.
PMD: The government intends to re cultivate 11,000 acres of abandoned paddy lands before the end of this year in order to prepare for a potential food crisis, State Minister of Agriculture Mohan Priyadarshana De Silva said.
The State Minister pointed out that the program for harvesting abandoned paddy lands is being implemented through the Department of Agrarian Development, and the government has allocated Rs.420 million for this purpose.
He expressed these views Agust (03) during a press conference themed ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country’ held at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC).
State Minister Mohan Priyadarshana De Silva, further commented;
The export of rice has been temporarily halted by Pakistan and India in order to deal with a potential future global food crisis. Some nations are also experiencing a rice crisis as a result of India stopping the export of rice.
Therefore, as a country, we must likewise get ready to deal with this calamity. The government cannot improve the country’s agriculture industry alone. Support from everyone is necessary for that. As a result, the government has chosen to replant the nation’s abandoned paddy lands. Under the initial phase, the Department of Agrarian Development is working to cultivate 11,000 acres. The government has allocated 420 million rupees for this purpose.
The agricultural sector is responsible for 7.5% of this nation’s GDP. As an agricultural country; there is an opportunity to raise this contribution to the country’s GDP to a higher value. Developing the agricultural sector is another way to boost the national economy.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has given many concessions for the farmers of this country. There are subsidies for fertilizers. The government offers farmers insurance free of charge. As a result, there is some increase in rice production in this country compared to the past. Additionally, necessary steps have been taken to streamline the farmers’ paddy purchasing mechanism.
The annual rice requirement of this country is about 2.4 million metric tons. This year, it is predicted that 2.7 million metric tons of rice will be harvested. As a result, it is feasible to maintain a surplus of 300,000 metric tons of rice.
Furthermore, I do not believe that the nation will experience a food crisis in future. Additionally, the President has issued directives prohibiting the release of rice reserves for beer manufacturing.
The government has focused on enhancing the cultivation of new crops in addition to expanding rice production. The budget declaration from President Ranil Wickremesinghe states that the program to bring contemporary technologies to the agricultural sector has already commenced.
The establishment of agricultural villages for young entrepreneurs is another ongoing initiative with the goal of orienting the youth community in the agricultural sector. Additionally, measures have been taken to allow youth access to government-owned land that is not being used for agriculture.
Also, the work of drafting the National Agriculture Policy with amendments is in the final stage. It will eventually be presented to the Cabinet. Through the National Agriculture Policy, it is possible to do a great deal for the advancement of the agricultural sector in this country.
Colombo (LNW): Several spells of light showers will occur in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts, and showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Eastern and Uva provinces during the evening or night, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (06).
Mainly fair weather will prevail elsewhere over the Island, the statement added.
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 may occur at a few places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Matara via Galle.
Winds:
Winds will be south-westerly and speed will be (30-40) kmph. Wind speed may increase up to (50-60)kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Hambantota to Pottuvil and the sea area off the coast extending from Puttalam to Kankasanthurai. via Mannar. Wind speed may increase up to (45-50)kmph at times in the other sea areas around the island.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Hambantota to Pottuvil and the sea area off the coast extending from Puttalam to Kankasanthurai via Mannar will be rough at times. The other sea areas around the island may fairly rough at times. Increase of swell wave heights (about 2.0 – 2.5m) can be expected in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota.
Health authorities request Police to immediately intervene and not allow the sale of hundreds of thousands of fish that have died in the Mullaitivu Mallavi Tank due to exposure to the extreme hot sun: Police and Public Health Inspectors to take measures to arrest people who are selling such “dead” fish.
Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera says the Govt intends to restructure the CEB by September 2023, by unbundling all related institutions instead of running all the related entities under one institution: asserts that the management structure of the CEB will also undergo reforms to enable renewable energy generation to be promoted via private & public partnerships.
Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera says the entire recommended quantity of Muriate of Potash will be provided to all farmers, free of charge, for the next ‘Maha’ season.
SLPP MP and likely Presidential Candidate contender from the SLPP Namal Rajapaksa demands a clarification from the CEB in relation to an alleged unpaid electricity bill by him being circulated on social media under the letterhead of the CEB: requests the CEB to provide him with accurate details of the particular electricity bill so that he could respond accordingly.
A Committee, headed by Deshabandu Tennakoon, Senior DIG of the Western Province, has been appointed by the IGP under the guidance of Public Security Minister Tiran Alles, to investigate into and report on measures that can be implemented to combat narcotic drugs and underworld activities.
Small Hydro Power Developers Association says the industry recently received Rs.30 bn of arrears from the CEB, and the outstanding dues have now reduced to 10 months from 14: laments the industry is facing severe challenges as vested parties are funding NGOs to disrupt Small Hydro Power Developers, in order to achieve their own business ends.
All Ceylon Nurses’ Union claims that the Govt is trying to privatize nursing and that the first step is to reduce the qualifications of those who can enter the service: cites that the President has said the Govt will recruit to the service from among people who have studied Arts for the GCE A/L.
Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera says two well-known companies from India have submitted requests to invest money to produce chicken and eggs in Sri Lanka: explains it is more effective to give foreign investors the opportunity to produce eggs and poultry in SL, rather than importing eggs and poultry.
Self proclaimed Prophet Jerome Fernando’s iconic Miracle Dome welcomes a delegation of over 100 Japanese visitors on a spiritual tour: delegation welcomed by the Glorious Church Chairman Pastor Harin Perera.
SL Netball team fails to impress at the World Cup: lose to Singapore 46-49 in their last game of the tournament played at Cape town South Africa.
