High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India Milinda Moragoda met with Indian Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at the latter’s office in North Block, New Delhi to review the status of bilateral economic cooperation.
This was the latest of a series of meetings High Commissioner Moragoda has had with Minister Sitharaman since November last year on Indian economic cooperation and assistance to Sri Lanka in the context of the present crisis.
At the outset, High Commissioner Moragoda briefed Minister Sitharaman on Sri Lanka’s ongoing discussions with the International Monetary Fund and the present status of the country’s debt restructuring process.
He also briefed her on the drastic impact the present economic contraction is having on the poor and vulnerable segments of the population of Sri Lanka.
The High Commissioner once again thanked Minister Sitharaman for the unprecedented emergency assistance that India has extended to Sri Lanka and her personal interventions with bilateral and multilateral partners throughout this challenging and difficult period.
High Commissioner Moragoda and Minister Sitharaman also reviewed the status of bilateral economic cooperation and the High Commissioner emphasized that India could play a critical role in Sri Lanka’s economic revival through multi-faceted economic integration between the two countries by enhancing investments, tourism and trade.
Since the onset of Sri Lanka’s ongoing crisis, India has acted with alacrity to provide succor to the island nation.
With Colombo facing an acute shortages of funds, India extended $4 billion to keep the country’s accounts afloat. India has also vocally supported Colombo’s demands for an International Monetary Fund bailout package and restructuring of its debt.
In one instance, the Indian naval ship Gharial was deployed to deliver supplies of medicines, highlighting the expeditious manner in which India sought to extend humanitarian help to Sri Lanka.
The unprecedented humanitarian and financial aid provided by India on such short notice showcases the country’s unique position in terms of its proximity to Sri Lanka and its capacity as well as capability to extend aid at a strategic level.
Such assistance provided by India may well garner goodwill in Sri Lanka, but India’s long-term interests will be better served by weaving the geostrategic characteristics of the region into its Sri Lanka policy.
The maritime geography of the island nation provides immense potential in solidifying maritime linkages through capacity and capability building in the arena of maritime connectivity and security.
India and Sri Lanka review the status of bilateral economic cooperation
IUSF Convener Mudalige further remanded
Convenor of the Inter-University Students Federation (IUSF) Wasantha Mudalige has been remanded till tomorrow (13) pending instructions by the Attorney General.
Mudalige who was arrested under the controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) was produced before the Colombo Magistrate Court today (12) and his remand sentence was extended as per the order of Colombo Additional Magistrate Tharanga Mahawatta.
MIAP
BBC to close broadcast TV channels and move to ‘internet-only’ mode: Director-General
The BBC will close linear channels in the near future as it “consolidates activity under one simple, single brand,” he told the Royal Television Society.
BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three and BBC Four could be united under a single brand, which he described as “the BBC.”
The Corporation is planning to switch off its broadcast services, such as the Freeview digital terrestrial platform.
“The BBC will focus its effort on the digital world and over time this will mean fewer linear broadcast services and a more tailored joined up online offer,” Davie said.
“For the BBC, internet-only distribution is an opportunity to connect more deeply with our audiences and to provide them with better services and choice than broadcast allows.”
“It provides a significant editorial opportunities. A switch off of broadcast will and should happen over time, and we should be active in planning for it.”
Davie promised that “we must work together to ensure that everyone is connected, and can get their TV and radio via the internet. This isn’t something to resist. A fully connected UK has very significant benefits for society and our economy. It would unleash huge opportunities for innovation.”
He added: “Of course, there’s a bad way it could happen. Where access to content is no longer universal. Or is unaffordable for too many. Where the gateway to content is owned by well capitalised overseas companies.”
BBC sources said they expect linear TV, which was still widely valued, to continue into the 2030s but it was wise for the BBC to begin preparations for a future digital transition.
BBC
NDB facilitates repatriation of remittances via Delma Exchange in UAE
In the wake of reawakening of repatriation foreign remittances via proper channels by Sri Lankans working overseas especially in the Middle East, the country’s sate owned banks have been introducing novel foreign exchange transfer systems to facilitate their money transfers.
Sri Lanka workers’ remittances have significantly increased to US$384.4 million in November 2022 from $ 355.4 million in October 2022, the Central Bank said.
National Development Bank PLC (NDB) has made remittance transfers via Delma Exchange more convenient and hassle-free to Sri Lankans living in the UAE by appointing an NDB representative in Dubai to boost this service.
Delma Exchange is one of the top foreign exchange providers in UAE that delivers regional gulf businesses engaged in international trade comprehensive foreign exchange management and international payment services.
This is also the most prominent service Sri Lankans use in the UAE for foreign remittance as its charges are low and competitive with other remittance services, NDB said in a media release.
Sri Lanka is presently experiencing a national economic crisis that has directly impacted the country and its citizens.
The bank said NDB bank’s – representative in Dubai is equipped to handle all matters pertaining to Delma exchange remittances and is committed to providing the needed and apt financial services to Sri Lankans residing in Dubai.
All non-remittance related services such as opening a savings account or other essential banking services will also be administered by NDB Bank’s representative in UAE in order to prevent any hassle and encourage Sri Lankans abroad to use their banking services in the most efficient manner.
Sri Lanka workers’ remittances have significantly increased to US$384.4 million in November 2022, the Central Bank said.
Accordingly, the cumulative figure for the first eleven months of the year (Jan – Nov) is reported as US$ 3,313.9 million.
According to the CBSL statistics, worker remittances had increased to US$355.4 million in October 2022 from US$317.4 in September 2022.
Sri Lanka’s officially calculated worker remittances grew 1.73 percent from a year earlier to 359.3 million US dollars in September 2022, official data showed.
Official remittances were also up from 325.4 million US dollars in August .Sri Lanka received around 446 million US dollars in remittances in August 2021, when the central bank tightened rules on how much banks could pay for remittances.
Overseas workers send money through unofficial channels when central banks in the region print money creating pressure on outflows and then imposes exchange controls, triggering parallel exchange rates.
PUCSL’s approved power cuts for Dec 12 revealed
The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has approved a power cut of two hours and twenty minutes for today.
Accordingly, zones A, B,C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V and W will meet a power cut of one hour during daytime and a power cut of one hour and twenty minutes during night time.
MIAP
Premadasa appointed SJB Leader for 2023!
Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa has been appointed as the Leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) for the fourth consecutive year.
The decision was made during the SJB’s annual Party Convention held at Campbell Park in Colombo yesterday (11).
Meanwhile, MP Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka was appointed as the Chairman of the SJB, and MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara was appointed as the Party’s Secretary General.
MP Dr. Harsha De Silva was appointed as the SJB Treasurer, and MP Tissa Attanayake as the Party’s National Organiser.
MIAP
FUTA calls for arrests over Peradeniya ex VC assault
The Federation of University Teachers’ Association (FUTA) has called for immediate arrests over the alleged assault on former Vice Chancellor of Peradeniya University, Prof. Athula Senaratne and his son.
Reports emerged that a group of about 300 students have assaulted the Peradeniya ex VC and his son, during an attempt to forcibly enter their residence two days (10) ago.
The assault was reportedly due to an argument with the ex VC’s son having escalated into a clash with the said students and the Prof. Senaratne and his son were hospitalised due to sustaining injuries.
The event has been captured by the CCTV installed at the ex VC’s residence, according to FUTA, and the Union urged the Police to arrest the group involved in the assault by using CCTV footage.
MIAP
Trade Unions hand over proposals related to economic stabilisation to National Council Sub-Committee
There has not been a programme to recover the loans given to the government institutions by state banks.
Opinions and proposals of trade unions and professional associations related to the economic stabilisation of Sri Lanka were discussed at the the National Council sub-committee on identifying short- and medium-term programmes related to economic stabilisation.
The Committee chaired by MP Patali Champika Ranawaka was recently convened.
General Secretary of the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) Dr. Haritha Aluthge, who addressed on behalf of the medical unions, pointed out that the solutions and proposals recommended by the Economic Stabilisation Committee regarding drugs, food and nutrition and the proposals presented by his association are very similar.
He also mentioned that according to the recently published data, the nutritional problems in Polonnaruwa, Matara, Galle and other areas where the nutritional problems were at a minimum level are also showing an increase in nutritional issues. Dr. Aluthge further pointed out that through systematic regulation, about 20 billion can be reduced from the current amount of 160 billion for the purchase of medicines.
President of the Association of Health Professionals Ravi Kumudesh pointed out that it is necessary to give more attention to the proposals related to elimination of corruption requested by institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He also pointed out that the authority of the National Procurement Commission in the procurement of medicines and equipment is not enough to overcome political interference.
Dr. Chandana Dharmaratne, editor of the Government Medical Officers Association, stated that due to the reduction of the retirement age of public servants, there will be early retirement of employees who are willing to work and who are able to work and there are preparations to close the opportunity for those who have left the public service to engage in private or foreign service.
According to the report issued by the Family Health Bureau regarding nutrition, it was emphasised that 50 per cent of children under 5 years are malnourished, and the body mass index of pregnant mothers is greatly reduced.
It was discussed that priorities should be identified at the level of Grama Niladari officials and Public Health Midwives and solutions related to this should be found and the committee chairman pointed out that the first report of the committee has proposed the electricity bill based method for preparing priority lists.
The representatives of the trade unions in the financial sector also pointed out that there was a severe economic collapse due to the political decisions made undermining the decisions of the Central Bank. They also pointed out that there has not been a program to recover the loans given to the government institutions by the state banking system.
It was also emphasised that about 80 per cent of the women work in the garment industry, and that industry suffers from extreme poverty. Committee Chief Ranawaka mentioned that even foreign banks have decided that doing business with Sri Lanka is dangerous. Therefore, he pointed out that even if the relevant large-scale companies decide to move their factories and offices to foreign countries, they do not try to take their employees who are suffering from poverty because those companies are interested in reducing their costs by getting cheaper labor from other countries.
Minister Nasir Ahmed and MP Ashok Abeysinghe were also present at this meeting.
MIAP
President emphasises importance of youth participation in finding solutions for crisis
President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasised the importance of youth participation in finding meaningful solutions to the current crisis facing the nation. He pointed out that solutions should be made to prepare the country to face the next 25 years. “Despite the economic and political situation of the country I decided to serve the voice of the youth and took over the country to create a better future for the youth. We have to look into solutions that suit the next 25 years which is a digitally developed future that will benefit the young generation.
Accordingly, necessary arrangements were taken to appoint a young member for oversight committees to look into the solutions for the current crisis facing the nation.
These remarks were made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the District 306 C2 Leos Mass Induction and Leo day Celebrations which were held at Nawaragahala, Royal College Colombo yesterday morning (11) to recruit over 6,500 new Leos members from around the country.
Speaking further the President said that in line with the 75th Independence Day celebrations in 2023, the National Youth Platform has been established and requested the future generation to join the platform to rebuild the country and the economy that would benefit the youth and work in line with Singapore, Japan, China and other developed countries in the region.
He also requested the Leos to join hands with the recently launched Climate Change Programme to obtain meaningful action from the youth to mitigate the climate change issues that have been a global crisis.
The President who inspected the exhibition which was organised by the Leo clubs of the District 306 C2 appreciated the most creative and talented idea of a seed paper done by Ananda College Colombo.
District President Leo Indunil Udara Palihawadana presented mementos to President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff of the President Sagala Ratnayake while the President also presented awards to the Leo members.
Mayor of Colombo Rosy Senanayake, Principal Royal College Colombo Mr. M.V. S. Gunathilake, Past District Governor Lion Lasantha Goonewardena, District Governor Lion Bannet Gamalath, and Head Prefect Royal College Colombo Leo Kavisha Ratnayaka were also present at this occasion.
PMD
Showers or thundershowers to continue in several provinces
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Northern, North-Central, Eastern and Uva provinces during the afternoon or night, and showers may occur in Puttalam, Ampara, Batticaloa, Mannar and Jaffna districts during the morning too, said the Department of Meteorology in a statement today (12).
A few showers are likely in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.
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 will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanthurai to Colombo via Mannar and Puttalam. Showers or thundershowers will occur in the sea areas off the coast extending from Batticaloa to Kankasanthurai via Trincomalee during the evening or night. |
| Winds: |
| Winds will be south-westerly to south-easterly and wind speed will be (20-30) kmph. The wind speed can increase up to 50 kmph at times in the sea area off the coast extending from Kankasanthurai to Colombo via Mannar and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambanthota. |
| State of Sea: |
| The sea area off the coast extending from Kankasanthurai to Colombo via Mannar and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambanthota will be rough at times. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers. |
MIAP