An anonymous letter has been circulated on social media to slander the Governor of Eastern Province Mr. Senthil Thondaman.

Some of the things in that letter have been pointed out as frauds committed by the Governor of the Eastern Province for two months.

It is mainly said that the Governor of Eastern Province is wasting government money by misusing government vehicles and using government employees according to his needs.

A letter signed by the Secretary of the Governor of the Eastern Province has been sent to the Chief Secretary of the Province to clarify the matter in this regard.

The letter sent by the Secretary states that the Governor of the Eastern Province does not use government vehicles improperly and uses the vehicles used by former Governors, these rumors are considered as hateful statements towards the Governor and false news is being spread to undermine public confidence in the Governor.

Eastern Province Governor’s Secretary LB Madanayake says that those who want to know true information in this regard can apply and get it under the Right to Information Act and should not be disappointed by false information.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been extended an invitation to participate in the upcoming Summit of the Group of 77 (G77) plus China, slated to take place in Cuba in September, as reported by foreign media sources.

The invitation was conveyed by the Cuban Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Andrés Marcelo González, who presented a letter from Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel to President Wickremesinghe during a diplomatic meeting. This announcement was made through Cuba’s official state news agency, ‘Prensa Latina,’ referencing diplomatic insiders.

Scheduled for September 15 and 16 in Cuba, the summit’s central theme is “Current Challenges of Development: Role of Science, Technology, and Innovation.”

Founded in 1964 as part of the Non-Aligned Movement, the G77 plus China comprises a coalition of 134 countries. This coalition seeks to advance the collective economic interests of its member states while also fostering increased collective negotiation power at the United Nations.

The group faces formidable developmental challenges, representing a significant global demographic with 80 percent of the world’s population and over two-thirds of UN member states. As the Summit approaches, the G77 plus China continues its efforts to address these challenges and enhance cooperation for the benefit of its member nations.

In a bid to foster transparent communication and information sharing, Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry addressed the Colombo-based diplomatic corps on Wednesday, August 16, providing insights into the current developments in Sri Lanka.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that this meeting was part of a series of regular briefings organized by the Ministry to ensure that the diplomatic community remains informed about the latest developments in the country.

Minister Sabry delved into key advancements, shedding light on recent measures to stabilize the nation’s finances, efforts towards economic recovery and growth, as well as significant legislative reforms. Among these reforms were the adoption of the anti-corruption bill, proposals for a truth-seeking mechanism, and the introduction of an anti-terrorism bill.

A focal point of Minister Sabry’s briefing was the President’s statement in Parliament earlier in August concerning the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. Furthermore, he provided an overview of the strides made in ongoing reconciliation initiatives and the notable work being carried out by independent mechanisms.

Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane, also addressing the gathering, outlined Sri Lanka’s active participation in multilateral platforms. She highlighted Sri Lanka’s constructive engagement in the 4th Cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), the examination of Sri Lanka’s Report under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the country’s continued involvement with the United Nations. Sri Lanka’s participation in the forthcoming 54th session of the Human Rights Council and the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2023 were also underscored.

The Foreign Secretary spotlighted two significant upcoming events: the Fifth Forum of Ministers of Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific scheduled for October 3 to 6, 2023, in Colombo, and the IORA Ministerial Meeting set for October 11, 2023. During the latter event, Sri Lanka is poised to assume the chairmanship of the organization for the 2023-2025 term.

The briefing included presentations by key domestic institutions. These included Dhara Wijayatilake, Chairperson of the Office for Reparations (OR); Mahesh Katulanda, Chairperson of the Office on Missing Persons (OMP); Deepthi Lamahewa, Director General of the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR); Asanga Gunawansa, Director General of the Interim Secretariat of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission; and V. Krishnamoorthy, Director General of the Office for Overseas Sri Lankan Affairs (OOSLA).

Additional Secretary of the Presidential Secretariat, Chandima Wickramasinghe, provided an update on the implementation of Sri Lanka’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security.

The briefing saw the active participation of High Commissioners, Ambassadors from Diplomatic Missions, and representatives from the United Nations based in Colombo.

1. Former Education Minister and Finance Deputy Minister S B Dissanayake says Dr P B Jayasundera and Ajith Nivard Cabraal would have steered Sri Lanka through the 2022 economic crisis if they were given an year to implement their strategies without interruption: also says the Treasury Secretary and CB Governor/State Minister duo had navigated the Sri Lanka economy through many crises during the period 2006 to 2014 and grew the GDP from USD 20 bn to USD 79 bn during that period.
2. Representatives of university academics, bankers, engineers, doctors and other professionals from 47 Trade Unions assemble at the President’s Office and seek a meeting with the President’s Secretary: demand a response to their request that the recently imposed taxes be reduced and redress be granted from the negative effects of the IMF programme.
3. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with PM Dinesh Gunawardene at a International Forum in Kumming, China: says China will help Sri Lanka to effectively address the challenge of financial debt.
4. Environmentalists claim that organised groups have deliberately set fire to over 25,000 acres of forests around the country this year in order to encroach forest land.
5. President Ranil Wickremesinghe says education in Sri Lanka will have to change drastically to fit into the future: also says Chinese, Hindi & English must be learnt by children in order to fit into the changing world: asserts that students in schools will also have to pursue their education through mobile phones and podcasts.
6. Public Utilities Commission grants approval for the Ceylon Electricity Board to procure 100Mw of generation capacity on a short term basis for a period of 6 months from 18August’23: the Electricity Consumers’ Association claims that numerous irregularities are likely to occur in the proposed emergency power purchase process and that they intend to bring that to the notice of the relevant parties, including the PUC and the Opposition.
7. A group of SJB MPs together with MPs from other parties initiate a move to bring MPs of all parties to form a joint group to be titled the “MPs Guild for Economic Justice’: the group is expected to make an announcement next week.
8. Primary Dealer company First Capital Holdings announces that it’s profits for the quarter ending 30June’23 has jumped to a phenomenal Rs.2,810 mn, from a mere Rs.96 mn last year: a 29-times increase: Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa has repeatedly claimed that Primary Dealers had made exceptional profits as a result of the Domestic Debt Re-structuring, while the EPF and other superannuation funds were made to suffer massive losses.
9. State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe asserts that receiving the 2nd tranche of the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility will portray a positive image of the economy in the future to foreign and local investors: also says the economy is on the right path and a ‘very reasonable’ stabilisation will be seen by Dec’23.
10. National Water Supply and Drainage Board urges the public to use water sparingly: also says the overall daily purified water supply capacity has decreased by 9%: the water supply to Kurunegala city to be limited from today.

Denis Chaibi, the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Sri Lanka, has emphasized the critical importance of expediting efforts towards global integration for Sri Lanka. The country’s future prospects could be at risk of falling behind regional counterparts if it loses access to the GSP Plus scheme, Chaibi warned.

In a recent address at a breakfast meeting organized by the Ceylon Motor Traders Association in Colombo, Chaibi highlighted the immediate need for Sri Lanka to capitalize on the present opportunity provided by the GSP Plus. He underscored that the scheme currently serves as a key channel for integrating Sri Lanka into crucial markets, and failing to seize this chance could lead to a significant disadvantage for the nation.

Chaibi emphasized that trade integration in South Asia remains relatively low, making it imperative for Sri Lanka to actively pursue comprehensive free trade agreements (FTAs) to bolster its position. He warned that once Sri Lanka loses GSP Plus status, the country would face restricted market access, exacerbating the absence of comprehensive trade arrangements.

Notably, recent developments indicate a positive outlook for Sri Lanka’s access to the EU markets. The European Commission has proposed a four-year extension to the existing GSP Plus scheme, extending it until December 31, 2027. This extension is attributed to ongoing negotiations between EU co-legislators regarding the new GSP Plus arrangement.

This extension is poised to secure Sri Lanka’s continued preferential access to EU markets under the existing framework until 2027, granting the country valuable time to strategize and enhance its trade integration efforts.

In a broader context, the EU had been expected to adopt a new cycle of the EU GSP regulation for the years 2024 to 2033. The new regulation was scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2024, covering the next decade and signaling an opportunity for Sri Lanka to solidify its trade relationships and economic positioning on a global scale.

In a bid to transform Sri Lanka into a thriving tourist hotspot, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has taken decisive steps to propel the nation towards attracting an impressive 5 million visitors annually. During a pivotal meeting at the Presidential Secretariat on August 17, President Wickremesinghe engaged with a committee tasked with evaluating the progress of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry enhancement program and formulating strategies to establish the country as a premier global destination.

The President’s Media Division (PMD) reported that comprehensive plans were meticulously discussed during the meeting, spanning short, medium, and long terms. These plans focus on enhancing the allure and comfort of Sri Lanka for tourists from around the world.

President Wickremesinghe’s proactive stance was evident as he inquired about ongoing plans and the involvement of the private sector in boosting the nation’s tourism sector. Officials provided detailed insights into current initiatives and emerging trends, underlining their commitment to fostering tourism growth.

Guided by recommendations from the committee dedicated to elevating Sri Lanka’s status as a top-tier tourist destination, the Ministry of Tourism, along with its affiliated bodies, is crafting a strategic roadmap up to 2025. Impressively, 95% of this comprehensive plan has already been accomplished, according to the PMD.

Further underscoring his commitment to enhancing the tourism landscape, President Wickremesinghe instructed officials to collaborate with the private sector in identifying an optimal location for a prestigious hotel school in Sri Lanka. This move is aimed at nurturing local talent and elevating the quality of hospitality services.

To expand lodging options for tourists, President Wickremesinghe issued additional directives, including a thorough investigation into currently underutilized buildings and historic bungalows. In tandem, a program will be explored to unveil hidden gems and conceive novel projects in tourist-centric regions.

In pursuit of fostering an environment conducive to investment, the President unveiled a comprehensive plan that involves the establishment of an Investment Infrastructure Corporation, accompanied by the creation of a decision-making council. Recognizing the importance of Provincial Tourism Boards across all nine provinces, President Wickremesinghe advocated for the formation of regional committees under each board.

Minister of Tourism and Lands, Mr. Harin Fernando, disclosed that a series of dynamic tourism promotion initiatives have been devised ahead of the upcoming Asian Cup. He emphasized the untapped potential in the Central and Uva provinces, particularly highlighting the pristine air quality in the Central Province. Minister Fernando proposed the development of this province as a sustainable tourism hub, aimed at alleviating congestion concerns at airports and parks, while simultaneously enhancing visitor amenities.

With President Wickremesinghe’s visionary leadership and unwavering dedication, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is poised for a remarkable transformation, solidifying its place on the global travel map.

Several spells of showers may occur in Galle and Matara districts and a few showers will occur in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces.

Mainly fair weather will prevail elsewhere over the Island.

Fairly strong winds about (40-45) kmph can be expected at times in Northern, North-Central and North-Western provinces, and in Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.

       In commemoration of the 77th Independence Day of India and the strengthening of India- Sri Lanka relations, the Indian Navy Dornier aircraft was handed over today to the Sri Lanka Air Force. The High Commissioner of India, H.E. Gopal Baglay ceremonially handed over the aircraft to Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka, the Chief of Staff and Senior Adviser to the President on National Security at a solemn event at SLAF Base Katunayake. The event was also attended by senior officials from Sri Lanka Air Force and the Defence Adviser of India. The India-made Dornier is the second such aircraft to be deployed with SLAF on lease under Government of India grant. It replaces the first Indian Navy Dornier aircraft which returned to India for scheduled maintenance after one year of service since its ceremonial handing over to H.E. Ranil Wickremesinghe, President of Sri Lanka, exactly one year ago, on 15 August 2022.

2.     The induction of state of the art Indian Navy Dornier Maritime Reconnaissance aircraft would exponentially increase the surveillance capability of Sri Lanka and would be force multiplier for the Sri Lanka Air Force. High Commissioner, H.E. Gopal Baglay highlighted that India has remained committed towards capacity building and sustained development of Sri Lanka Defence forces, as a reflection of the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). He also mentioned that this engagement would be further cemented by sourcing of additional Dornier aircraft by Sri Lanka with Indian assistance in the future.

3.     The arrival of the Indian Navy reconnaissance aircraft is indicative of the growing cooperation and friendship between the two nations. In his remarks, H.E. Gopal Baglay emphasised that the Indian Navy Dornier deployed last year made significant contribution towards maritime reconnaissance and SAR missions. The aircraft’s operational availability was impressive and was able to streamline the SOPs between the two services. He further highlighted that securing our seas through the induction of this aircraft, will help in creating a peaceful environment for progress & prosperity of the people of our two nations and is symbolic of the high priority accorded to Sri Lanka as part of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.

4.     The Dornier aircraft with its advanced sensor fit would provide the Sri Lanka Air Force with improved capability to tackle common security challenges in the region such as Drug & Human Trafficking, Smuggling and Search & Rescue. It may be recalled that Maritime Security has been identified as a key pillar of the Colombo Security Conclave and induction of this platform into the Sri Lanka Air Force would positively contribute towards keeping the vast EEZ of Sri Lanka free from maritime threats.

***

Colombo

16 August 2023

By: Isuru Parakrama

Colombo (LNW): The Parliament of Sri Lanka vehemently denied the reports on pillows and mattresses being found inside a Parliamentary Committee room, stating that they are completely false.

In a statement, Secretary General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera said the media reports being circulated that two pillows and a mattress were found in a Parliamentary Committee room are completely false.

A committee consisting of three senior officials has been appointed to conduct a preliminary investigation into the reports published in media on July 30th 2023 and along the said date, regarding the Housekeeping Department of Parliament and an investigation is already underway, the Parliament Secretary emphasised.

She went on saying that at present, an officer who has been accused of the aforesaid issue has been suspended, and that the Parliamentary staff have been given the opportunity to meet the relevant committee members personally or to inform them about the related matters through telephone or e-mail.

Rohanadeera further noted that an internal circular has been circulated that information can be submitted to the Secretary General and Assistant Secretary General of the Parliament in addition to the relevant committee members.

Relevant committees are currently being probed impartially and strict action will be taken if an allegation against any officer is confirmed, she added.

Colombo (LNW): The supply of water may be restricted in several districts due to the prevailing arid weather conditions, announced the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB).

The distribution of water in several districts, including Kandy, Moneragala and Kurunegala, accordingly, will be taken place as per a schedule, facing restriction, said NWSDB Deputy General Manager Anoja Kaluarachchi.