Hon. Minister Manusha Nanayakkara of the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment welcomed His Excellency Damiano Francovigh, the Italian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, for a meeting today to strengthen bilateral relations and address labor migration concerns.

The focal point of their discussion was the renewal of the bilateral Cooperation on Labor Migration agreement between the Government of the Italian Republic and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. A noteworthy outcome of this dialogue was the emphasis on establishing a training center, generously sponsored by the Italian Government. This center aims to provide pre-departure training for Sri Lankans seeking employment opportunities in Italy.

Additionally, Minister Nanayakkara addressed concerns related to Italy’s Job Quota system, highlighting the challenges faced by Sri Lankan job seekers in securing sponsors due to Italy’s unique referral-based quota system. His Excellency Francovigh clarified the absence of recruitment agencies in Italy, setting its job market apart from many other nations.

The meeting also delved into issues regarding the Family Reunion Visa process for Sri Lankans. Minister Nanayakkara pointed out the difficulties faced by Sri Lankan citizens, including prolonged delays, DNA requirements, and external interventions during the visa appointment process. The Minister commended the Ambassador for his proactive stance in curbing external interferences in these processes.

In response, His Excellency Francovigh discussed Italy’s challenges in obtaining authenticated certificates from Sri Lankan authorities.

Described as a “productive” and “fruitful” meeting, it also involved the participation of the deputy ambassador of the Italian Embassy in Sri Lanka, underscoring the importance of these discussions and the commitment of both nations to nurturing their partnership.

The Sri Lankan Rupee demonstrated fluctuations against the US Dollar at commercial banks, marking a shift compared to Thursday’s rates.

Peoples Bank maintained a stable buying rate for the US Dollar at Rs. 320.18, while the selling rate experienced a slight decrease from Rs. 332.42 to Rs. 331.91.

Commercial Bank reported an increase in the buying rate of the US Dollar, rising from Rs. 320.16 to Rs. 320.65, with the selling rate also increasing from Rs. 330.50 to Rs. 331.

Sampath Bank, on the other hand, held firm with unchanged buying and selling rates for the US Dollar at Rs. 322 and Rs. 332, respectively.

A fire incident occurred this morning, at a shop situated on 2nd Cross Street in Pettah, Colombo. The local police reported that the Colombo Fire Brigade has deployed seven fire trucks to the scene to combat the flames.

The affected establishment is reported to be a clothing store, and efforts are underway to extinguish the fire and mitigate any potential damage.

A fire broke out at a shop in Main street, Pettah. At least seven fire engines sent -Fire Department pic.twitter.com/gFGoj5c5ws

— NewsWire 🇱🇰 (@NewsWireLK) October 27, 2023

China’s former Premier, Li Keqiang, passed away from a heart attack at the age of 68, just 10 months after retiring from a decade in office. During his time in leadership, Li’s reputation as a reformist dimmed, as he was sidelined by President Xi Jinping, who consolidated power and shifted China’s economy toward greater state control.

Li, once considered a top contender for leadership within the Communist Party, had advocated for a more open market economy and supply-side reforms, often referred to as “Likonomics.” However, these reforms were never fully realized, as President Xi’s preference for state control gained prominence. Xi installed his own allies in powerful positions, diminishing Li’s influence.

State broadcaster CCTV reported Li’s sudden heart attack, which occurred while he was in Shanghai. The news prompted an outpouring of grief and shock on Chinese social media, with some government websites adopting a black-and-white theme as an official sign of mourning. The Weibo microblogging platform replaced its “like” button with a “mourn” icon shaped like a chrysanthemum flower.

Li served as premier and head of China’s cabinet under Xi for a decade before stepping down from all political positions in March. In August 2022, he made a notable speech at a statue of Deng Xiaoping, the leader who introduced transformative economic reforms to China. In that speech, Li pledged to continue reform and opening up, a statement widely interpreted as a coded criticism of Xi’s policies.

Li’s legacy also includes sparking discussions on poverty and income inequality in China in 2020 when he noted that 600 million people in the country earned less than the equivalent of $140 per month.

PMD: President Ranil Wickremesinghe addressing the National ICT Awards NBQSA 2023, held in Colombo, yesterday (25), organised by the British Computer Society the Chartered Institute for IT – Sri Lanka Section, emphasized the paramount significance of digital transformation in securing Sri Lanka’s economic prosperity. Drawing from his extensive background in information technology, dating back to the 1980s, President Wickremesinghe stressed that embracing IT is no longer a choice but a necessity.

Using this occasion to convey an essential message, President Wickremesinghe urged all to recognize the significance of the future. He emphasized that the future lies within the hands of each individual and their accomplishments are intrinsically tied to the nation’s prosperity. He expressed his well wishes for the path ahead, stating, “The future is in your hand and your success is the country’s success.”

The President also outlined a definitive vision for Sri Lanka’s future, marking a pivotal shift towards collective responsibility and progress. As the nation looks forward to the upcoming year, the President stressed the importance of united efforts, underlining that success is contingent on collaboration between the government and its citizens.

Reflecting on his earlier efforts as the Minister of Education to introduce IT in Sri Lanka, the President acknowledged the missed opportunities and economic setbacks resulting from underutilizing the global IT wave. However, he underlined that it is time to move beyond past failures, with the present representing Sri Lanka’s final opportunity to partake in the digital revolution.

The President outlined a comprehensive vision for Sri Lanka’s digital future, centred on competitiveness, green transformation and digital transformation. He acknowledged that this journey is not devoid of challenges and necessitates not only favourable laws and regulations but also substantial investment in digital infrastructure and human capital development.

In building a highly competitive and contemporary economy, I’ve highlighted two additional crucial components. First is the promotion of a green economy, leveraging our renewable energy resources and embracing the global trend towards sustainability, recognizing the on-going global “green transformation.”

In the upcoming budget speech scheduled for next month, the initial phases of this reinvigorated economic vision will be delineated. Simultaneously, we will introduce legislation to facilitate this transition. It’s worth noting that our economic history witnessed a pivotal shift in 1977 when laws governing a state-controlled socialist economy were repealed, ushering in a market-oriented economic model.

President Wickremesinghe encouraged collaborative efforts between the private sector and the government to foster IT human capital across all levels, from postgraduates to skilled workers, recognizing that government initiatives alone may prove inadequate.

President Wickremesinghe emphasized the need for a well-defined roadmap and adequate funding to materialize this digital transformation. He also noted the potential requirement for foreign investments to expedite the process, given the rapid pace of technological advancements.

President Wickremesinghe called on the ICT industry to accept the challenge, drawing parallels with the transformative journey undertaken by the apparel industry in the past. He expressed optimism regarding the industry’s potential and underscored the urgency of advancing Sri Lanka’s progression towards a digital future.

In recognition of outstanding commitment toward the development of ICT products and services, several IT institutions received awards from President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Appreciating the presence of President Ranil Wickremesinghe Chairman of the British Computer Society (BCS) the Chartered Institute for IT – Sri Lanka Section Mr. Alanzo Doll presented a memento to the President. Furthermore, President Ranil Wickremesinghe posed for a group photograph with the officials of the BCS.

State Minister for Technology, Mr. Kanaka Herath, Executive Committee members, past Chairmen and other officials of the BCS Chartered Institute for IT – Sri Lanka Section, attended the event while Mr. Rashik Parmar, the Group Chief Executive Officer of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, addressed the gathering via an online platform from the United Kingdom.

A new office dedicated to combating smuggling, human trafficking, and maritime crimes in the Mannar district’s maritime areas was inaugurated on Thursday, the 26th. This office, constructed with a grant of 150 million Rupees from the Australian Police, is a significant step in controlling human smuggling and trafficking activities centered around the seas off the Mannar district.

The opening ceremony featured Senior Officer of the Australian Federal Police Colombo Post Detective Superintendent Robert Wilson as the Chief Guest, emphasizing the collaborative efforts to prevent individuals from embarking on risky journeys to Australia, where the chances of success are negligible.

Detective Superintendent Robert Wilson stated, “The main aim here is to stop people from getting on boats to travel to Australia, as there is zero chance of getting there. Working with the Sri Lankan Police and other agencies within Sri Lanka means that we try to prevent people from losing their money to people smugglers through scams and other frauds and cheats. Or if they do get on a boat, risking their lives. The boats they get on are not seaworthy, and there’s little chance of getting to Australia. If they do get the chance of getting near Australia, they’ll be turned back and returned to Sri Lanka.”

Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Navy extended a traditional welcome to the South Korean Navy vessel, ROKS ‘Gwanggaeto the Great’, which docked in the Colombo port yesterday (26) morning.

The ROKS ‘Gwanggaeto the Great’, a 135-metre destroyer, is manned by a crew of 249 and is under the command of Captain Kim Hyoung Churl.

A meeting was held onboard between Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation, Nimal Siripala De Silva, and several other dignitaries.

Chief of Defence Staff, General Shavendra Silva, and Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera also joined the discussions.

The crew of ROKS ‘Gwanggaeto the Great’ will be touring various Sri Lankan tourist sites during their stay. The vessel is set to leave the island on October 28.