In a proactive move to combat the growing dengue epidemic in Sri Lanka, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha has unveiled plans for a special dengue control program to be implemented in several schools across the island. The initiative aims to create a safer environment for students before the start of the new school term.
Minister Premajayantha has disclosed that the program will be initially rolled out in 144 schools within the Colombo district over the upcoming weekend. Following its implementation in the capital, the program will be extended to schools in all provinces across the country.
The decision comes in response to the alarming increase in dengue cases reported in Sri Lanka in 2023. Shockingly, during the first two weeks of May alone, nearly 4,000 cases have been recorded, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive preventive measures.
The dengue control program in schools will focus on various strategies to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and promote awareness among students, teachers, and staff. It will involve thorough inspections of school premises, proper waste management practices, and educational campaigns on dengue prevention.
Colombo (LNW): At the invitation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently briefed key representatives of the IMF on recent economic developments in Sri Lanka, and their impact on the country’s economic trajectory.
The discussions centred on critical topics such as interest rates, exchange rates, foreign trade, and the general political climate.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for the IMF to gain insights into the perspectives of the business community regarding recent economic developments in Sri Lanka.
Hulangamuwa expressed the Ceylon Chamber’s appreciation for the IMF’s initiative in organizing the meeting, and the opportunity to share the business community’s perspectives towards shaping effective policies for Sri Lanka’s economic progress.
The meeting comprised high-level representatives of the IMF Deputy Managing Director Kenji Okamura,
Asia and Pacific Department Deputy Director Anne-Marie Gulde-Wolf, Office of the Managing Director Advisor Chad Steinberg, IMF Resident Representative for Sri Lanka Dr. Sarwat Jahan, while the Ceylon Chamber was represented by Vice-Chairman Duminda Hulangamuwa,
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has urged the public, political parties, trade unions and civil society to view Sri Lanka’s ongoing programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) positively and to support the reform process.
Noting that Sri Lanka cannot afford to revert to an unsustainable subsidy-driven economy and a Central Bank-financed fiscal deficit, the Ceylon Chamber has also urged the government to prioritise said reforms.
The announcement of IMF executive board approval for the EFF was preceded by a series of protests and strikes organised by trade unions against a sharp hike in progressive taxation. Some opposition parties and other actors have also spoken against cost-reflecttive tariff hikes.
The Chamber called for sharper focus on reforms such as tax administration, state-owned enterprises (SOEs), trade and competitiveness, labour and land reforms, which the organisation said need to be unlocked in order to pursue a sustainable growth path.
“The country will need to prioritize these reforms in meeting its fiscal targets, which will be central to the IMF programme and debt restructuring.
In focusing on revenue, the State should look at overall productivity improvement and curtailing of government expenditure where possible. These can be achieved by ensuring data driven and evidence based policymaking that will incorporate technology and digital tools,” the Chamber said.
The statement noted that the country must prioritize these reforms in order to ensure a successful 17th IMF programme which will complement the macro stabilization efforts undertaken.
“The country cannot afford any pauses in the programme, or returning for an 18th program with the IMF, where similar reforms will eventually and unavoidably need to be undertaken,” it said.
Colombo (LNW): The maiden international cruise vessel between Chennai and Sri Lanka “MV Empress” was formally flagged off by the India’s Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal in Chennai on Monday.
The occasion also marked the inauguration of an international cruise tourism terminal, set up at a cost of INR 172.1 million at the Chennai Port. The facility spread across 2,880 square metres would be able to host 3,000 passengers.
The launch of the cruise service comes in the backdrop of the memorandum of understanding signed between Chennai Port and Waterways Leisure Tourism for domestic and international cruise service at the Incredible India International Cruise Conference in 2022.
“With our rich heritage and culture around our coastal region, the potential of cruise tourism in India is immense. Today, as we launch the maiden cruise service between Chennai and Sri Lanka, it has ushered a new chapter in the cruise tourism sector in the country,” Sonowal was quoted as saying in a PIB release.
As the affordability and access to world-class cruise services become a reality, people can enjoy and relish luxurious amenities, entertainment and breathtaking views, he said.
The newly-launched cruise service would sail to three ports – Hambantota, Trincomalee and Kankesanturai in Sri Lanka. Sonowal said three new international cruise terminals were expected to become operational by 2024.
As more and more people are likely to experience cruise tourism in the near future, the government remains deeply committed to developing world-class infrastructure to support and enable the growth of cruise tourism and maritime trade, he said.
“I am happy to share that three new international cruise terminals are likely to be completed and become operational by 2024. We expect that the volume of cruise ships will increase from 208 in 2023 to 500 in 2030 and up to 1,100 by 2047,” he said.
Following this, the number of passengers availing cruise services was also expected to rise from 9.50 lakh in 2030 to 45 lakh in 2047, he said.
“Plans are afoot to develop new cruise tourism terminals in Andamans, Puducherry and Lakshadweep circuits. We are also studying the feasibility of developing ferry circuits across India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar,” he said.
The Ministry was also working on rolling out pilgrimage tours in Gujarat, cultural and scenic tours and ayurveda wellness tourism and heritage tourism to boost demand for cruise services in the western, southern and eastern coasts of the country, he added .
Commemorating World Environment Day, Sonowal also launched an initiative to plant 2,500 tree saplings at the Chennai Port, the release disclosed.
The 100th flight service between Jaffna and Chennai was commemorated with cake cutting at the Jaffna International Airport.
There is no doubt that the start of air service between Jaffna and Chennai is a great service for the people of the north. However, it is expected that India should try to get the full benefits of that service to the people of the North.
On 2023-06-07, when the 100th service took place at Jaffna International Airport, Indian Consul General in Jaffna Hon. Rajes Nadraj and many other high officials of the airport participated and celebrated the service by cutting a cake.
It was also reported that more than 10,500 passengers have traveled since the start of Jaffna Chennai flight service till the 100th Alliance Air flight service to Jaffna.
It is said that this service will further strengthen relations between Indian people and Sri Lankan people and will not only encourage increased connectivity trade and investment, but will also help Sri Lanka’s economic recovery by stimulating tourist arrivals.
In the situation of the current flight service between the two countries is only 4 days in a week, it is requested for 7 days and also requested that Airbus A320 aircraft should be engaged into service instead of ARR 72 aircraft currently in service. Only 60 passengers can travel in ARR 72. On the other hand, if the Airbus A320 aircrafts is engaged in service, number of passengers can be increased to 150 to 180 passengers and the current 20 kg luggage per passenger will be increased to 40 kg.
At the same time, an ARR 72 aircraft currently in service requires 1500 meters of runway to land, If the airbus A320 aircraft is engaged in service a runway of 1800 to 1900 meters is a must.
There is no need to think about more land for 1900 meter runway at Palali airport. Because the Jaffna International Airport currently has 2000 meters of runway in hand and 400 meters of runway is not paved with stones and has not been prepared as a runway.
In spite of that, with the question of why India, which offered to take responsibility or provide assistance in the cost of repairing the route, did not complete the work. India should take constructive action to engage Airbus A320 aircraft in service instead of ARR 72 aircraft and one more fact was revealed while researching the obstacles to start the service.
It is pointed out that the crisis is seen in the establishment of passenger accommodation rather than the disruption or delay in the runway reconstruction work to increase the size of the aircraft involved in the flight service from Jaffna to Chennai to 150 passengers. This means that currently 55 people are traveling, so up to 110 people are staying at the airport at the same time. While there are enough facilities for this, it is pointed out as a crisis that office space facilities that can accommodate 350 people at a time should be established if 150 people are traveling.
It is known that Sri Lanka has not yet given the permissoin even though India is ready to provide funds for the construction of accommodation facilities for 350 people. The current expectation is that the Sri Lankan authorities and northern politicians should fix it and provide it.
Because, according to the air ticket sales agents, those traveling from Jaffna, not the Northern Province, to Chennai, while traveling from here, get a ticket to Jaffna to Chennai and they get return ticket of Chennai to Katunayaka, the main reason is the size of the luggage that are allowed to be brought.
Lanka Sathosa, the leading state-owned retail supermarket chain in Sri Lanka, has made an important announcement regarding the prices of 10 essential products. Effective from Friday (9), the prices of these items will be reduced, providing relief to consumers.
The identified products that will experience price reductions include Mung Beans, Dried Chili, Dhal, Red Nadu Rice, Thai Sprats, Import Bread Flour, Soya Meat (Bulk), Red Kekulu Rice, Gram, and White Sugar. The move aims to make these essential items more affordable and accessible to the public.
In a recent development, the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) has decided to delay the reviewing of the Betting and Gaming Levy (Amendment) Bill for a week. This decision comes as the committee awaits a clear timeline for the establishment of a regulatory authority for casinos.
The COPF held its first meeting of the fourth session of the ninth Parliament on Wednesday, with MP Dr. Harsha de Silva serving as the chairman. During the meeting, Dr. Harsha de Silva highlighted the importance of establishing a regulatory authority for the casino business, which had been previously discussed. The Finance Ministry had prepared a timeline for the regulatory authority, aiming to obtain cabinet approval by January 31, 2023. However, as this approval has not yet been obtained, the COPF concluded that a new timeframe needs to be established.
As a result, it was decided that the COPF will reconvene in one week’s time to consider the Betting and Gaming Levy (Amendment) Bill. This additional week will allow for the necessary preparations to be made regarding the establishment of the regulatory authority.
Furthermore, the COPF granted approval for the regulation under Appropriation Act No. 30 of 2021 during the meeting.
The Betting and Gaming Levy (Amendment) Bill, proposed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization, and National Policy, received Cabinet approval in March 2023. The amendment to the Betting and Gaming Levy Act, No. 40 of 1988, had initially been approved by the Cabinet in April of the previous year.
The postponement of the review signifies the importance of establishing a regulatory framework to govern the casino industry effectively. The COPF remains committed to ensuring proper oversight and regulation of betting and gaming activities in the country, considering their impact on the economy and society as a whole.
In a tragic incident this morning, a head-on collision between a private bus and a lorry on the Colombo-Avissawella Road has resulted in injuries to 22 individuals. The Police have reported that among the injured are 20 bus passengers, the bus driver, and the lorry driver.
The accident took place in the early hours of the morning in the Embulgama area of Hanwella along the Colombo-Avissawella Road. Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene to provide aid to the injured parties.
Authorities have swiftly responded, and all 22 injured individuals have been rushed to the Homagama and Nawagamuwa hospitals for medical attention. The severity of their injuries is yet to be disclosed.
The Police are currently investigating the cause of the accident to determine the factors that led to this unfortunate collision. Traffic disruptions were reported in the vicinity as authorities worked to clear the wreckage from the road.
State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya says persons who open income tax files under the recent gazette will not be asked questions on tax returns not filed in prior years: the gazette is applicable to doctors, lawyers, vehicle owners and others who have to open income tax files from 1st June 2023 onwards: all persons over 18 years will also have to do so, from next year.
ADB DG for South Asia, Kenichi Yokoyama says the ADB is committed to further enhance its support for Sri Lanka: asserts Sri Lanka is now eligible for concessional and market-based financing, technical assistance, policy advice, and knowledge solutions that will address the crisis.
Fitch Ratings says weak operating conditions for Sri Lankan insurers raise near-term downside risks to their credit profiles: also says operating risks have risen due to the sovereign’s deteriorated credit profile: asserts the sparse foreign-currency liquidity in the local banking system could limit insurers’ ability to meet foreign-currency obligations.
President’s Office says, based on the recommendation of the Cabinet Appointed Special Committee, an agreement was signed between the Govt and RM Parks Inc., in collaboration with Shell for a long-term contract for the import, storage, distribution, & sale of petroleum products in Sri Lanka.
Long-standing Governor of the Sabaragamuwa Province Tikiri Kobbekaduwa resigns from his post.
Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara says 255 Ceypetco dealers failed to maintain minimum stocks for any products last week: instructs CPC to take legal steps against dealers who have violated conditions on agreements.
Police say the Court has issued an order preventing NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake & several others from holding protest demonstrations around the Elections Commission office.
Parliamentary Business Committee decides to hold a debate on the Anti-Corruption bill on June 21.
Airport and Aviation Services Chairman G A Chandrasiri says the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport is planning several new activities at the airport to boost revenues: such activities to include an aircraft dismantling center, aircraft parking, a maintenance repair & overhaul centre, cargo trans-shipment, Aircraft Dis-assembly and Re-cycling.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says MP Harsha de Silva’s appointment as the Chairman of the Public Finance Committee is welcome, but is a bad precedent as it violates Standing Orders since it was President Ranil Wickremesinghe who had come to Parliament to appoint him to the post.
Sabaragamuwa Provincial Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa has informed that he will resign from that position.
Accordingly, he has informed the President in writing that he will resign from that position from tomorrow (10).
Political sources say that a senior member of the United National Party will be appointed for that vacancy.
According to the Department of Meteorology’s weather forecast for Friday (June 09), the south-west monsoon has now settled over the island. As a result, showers or thundershowers are expected intermittently in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces, as well as in the districts of Galle, Matara, Kandy, and Nuwara-Eliya.
In specific areas of the Sabaragamuwa Province and the districts of Galle, Matara, and Kalutara, fairly heavy showers exceeding 75mm are anticipated. Additionally, the North-Western province will experience several spells of showers.
During the evening or night, showers or thundershowers will occur in various locations within the Uva province, as well as in Ampara and Batticaloa districts.
Northern and North-Central provinces, along with Hambantota, Puttalam, and Trincomalee districts, should expect strong winds ranging from 40-45 kmph at times.
To minimize potential damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers, the Department of Meteorology urges the public to take adequate precautions.
