In a passionate plea, SJB MP Ajith Mannapperuma called on State Transport Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna in Parliament to reconsider the suspension of driving licence facilitation for certain categories of differently-abled individuals. The State Minister had recently announced that the Motor Transport Department’s circular suspended the issuance of driver’s licences to differently-abled persons.

Expressing his concern, the MP emphasized that in other countries, disabled people are granted driver’s licences without being categorized as special groups. He urged Sri Lanka to adopt this inclusive approach.

Countries like Singapore and Australia already extend driving privileges to disabled individuals, a practice not yet adopted in Sri Lanka. MP Mannapperuma argued that it is unjust to halt this process and neglect the needs of differently-abled citizens. Instead, he asserted that the country should embrace an inclusive policy that supports the mobility and independence of all individuals, regardless of their abilities.

Faris Hadad Zervos, the Country Director of Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka at the World Bank, commended Sri Lanka for its remarkable progress in economic recovery. Speaking at a press club event held at the Blue of the Hilton, Zervos acknowledged the challenges the country faced just 13 months ago, including the demands of the youth for a better society, as well as the subsequent economic and political crisis.

Zervos praised the speed of Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, highlighting the significant decrease in inflation from 70% to 12%, with further expected reduction. He also noted the improvement in interest rates and the decline in negative growth rates, emphasizing that these positive indicators are indicative of a rapidly recovering country.

While acknowledging that there is still work to be done, Zervos expressed confidence in Sri Lanka’s trajectory, affirming that the nation is moving in the right direction. He emphasized the need for the people themselves to settle the man-made crisis, with politics playing a crucial role in facilitating the recovery process.

Zervos emphasized the importance of uplifting the poor and vulnerable segments of society, calling on the government to implement solutions that prevent a recurrence of past issues. He praised the efforts to promote good governance and combat corruption, highlighting the introduction of new rules and a praiseworthy banking act.

The World Bank’s positive assessment underscores the significant strides made by Sri Lanka in its economic recovery and reform initiatives, while emphasizing the ongoing need for sustained progress and inclusive development.

Parliament’s Role in Creating Financial Discipline Recognized by President

• President Presents Gold and Silver Awards to 65 High-Performing Government Institutions

During the gold and silver award ceremony held at the Parliament complex, President Ranil Wickremesinghe commended the Committee on Public Accounts (CoPA) for their exceptional efforts in enhancing efficiency within the public sector. He expressed gratitude towards Minister of State Lasantha Alagiyawanna for his dedicated leadership in this endeavour.

The President highlighted the Parliament’s special responsibility in ensuring financial discipline and stressed the importance of utilizing power effectively to prevent financial crises. He acknowledged the achievements of high-performing government institutions, which were honoured at the ceremony.

In his address, the President emphasized the significance of digitalization, innovation, and the need for unified efforts to drive economic progress. He called for effective control of public expenditure, maximizing value, boosting revenues, and strengthening the country’s economy through a robust administrative mechanism.

Furthermore, the President underlined the importance of joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and expanding relations with India as essential steps toward building a strong economy.

Addressing the obstacles faced in agricultural modernization, the President acknowledged the challenges arising from divided institutions. He urged the prioritization of programs aimed at overcoming these obstacles and achieving progress in the agricultural sector.

Each year, the computer network system developed by the Information Systems and Management Department of the Parliament evaluates the public accounting methods, financial control, and performance of state, provincial councils, and local governments. This evaluation process is overseen by the Committee on Public Accounts and investigated by the Auditor General. Based on the assessment, government institutions demonstrating outstanding performance are honoured with awards.

In 2019, a total of 833 government institutions underwent evaluation. Among them, 15 institutions received gold awards, while 30 institutions received silver awards. These accolades were presented across various categories, including Government Ministries, Government Departments, Government Special Expenditure Units, District Secretariats, Provincial Council Funds, Provincial Ministries, Departments, Special Expenditure Units, Provincial Council Statutory Bodies, Municipal Councils, and Regional Councils.

The award ceremony took place virtually via Zoom technology, with participation from over 1000 government institutions, including Ministries, Departments, Provincial Councils, and Divisional Secretariats.

During the ceremony, Mr. Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Chairman of the Committee on Public Accounts, commended all successful government institutions and highlighted that over 98 percent of them had made significant progress since 2015. The State Minister emphasized the importance of responsible financial management and urged everyone to actively contribute to President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s vision of transforming the country into a developed nation by 2048.

Addressing the audience, Mr. Saman Ekanayake, the President’s Secretary, acknowledged that the Constitution itself entrusted the Parliament with the responsibility of overseeing public finances. He also expressed appreciation for the leadership role played by Mr. Lasantha Alagiyawanna, the Chairman of CoPA.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapakse, Chief Organizer of the Opposition Lakshman Kiriella, Prime Minister’s Secretary Anura Dissanayake, Secretary of the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Sirwardena, Auditor General W. P. C. Wickramaratne, Secretary General of the Parliament Kushani Anusha Rohanadeera, Director of Information Systems and Management of the Parliament Mahesh Perera and others attended the event.

President’s Media Division (PMD)

English language tutor Sakvithi Ranasinghe and his wife, who were accused of operating an unauthorized financial institution and misusing deposits worth over Rs. 164 million obtained from the public, have pleaded guilty to the financial fraud charges. The couple appeared before Colombo High Court Judge Aditya Patabendi, where the revised charge sheet submitted by the Attorney General was read out.

Accordingly, Ranasinghe and his wife pleaded guilty to the revised fraud charges brought against them. As part of their agreement, they will repay the sum of Rs. 164,185,000, which they swindled from depositors, in 20 monthly instalments of Rs. 5 million each. The defense attorneys informed the high court judge that the first instalment would be settled immediately.

The financial fraud case revolves around Sakvithi Ranasinghe’s illegal financial company, S.R. Property Sharing Investment (Pvt) Ltd, which unlawfully acquired millions of rupees from unsuspecting depositors between January 01, 2006, and September 03, 2008. Ranasinghe, who began as an English language tutor, later ventured into the financial sector, luring depositors with higher interest rates.

His other company, Sakvithi Constructions, was allegedly involved in real estate transactions using forged deeds. The scam came to light when numerous complaints were filed with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, leading to Ranasinghe’s escape to Chennai, India. He was subsequently arrested by the Mirihana Police upon his return to Sri Lanka in August 2010.

In 2022, the Colombo High Court sentenced Sakvithi Ranasinghe to a 22-year rigorous imprisonment, suspended for five years, after he pleaded guilty to 11 charges. Additionally, he was fined Rs. 25,000 for each charge. Ranasinghe’s wife, who admitted guilt to one of the charges, received a two-year prison sentence, suspended for five years, and was fined Rs. 25,000.

The guilty pleas mark a significant step in the resolution of the high-profile financial fraud case, bringing some measure of justice to the victims of the scam perpetrated by Sakvithi Ranasinghe and his wife.

Hi-tech model plantations all over Sri Lanka

• Maize harvest of 60 MT by the end of 2026

• Paddy harvest to double in next six seasons

As a result of the new fertilizer policy of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, 512,000 hectares of paddy fields were cultivated in the Yala season after 10 years, Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera said.

The minister added that 80% of the nation’s agricultural production is expected to be produced by 2025 as part of President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s strategy to modernize the agricultural industry.

The use of contemporary technologies in agriculture can improve production of fruits and vegetables intended for export and reduce the amount of agricultural crops that are imported, Minister Amaraweera added.

He expressed these views July (17) during a press conference themed ‘One Year of Progress’ held at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC).

Minister Mahinda Amaraweera further commented; 

Within a year of taking office, President Ranil Wickremesinghe promptly fixed the farmers’ issues and tried to get them back to farming. Without a doubt, the country’s circumstances were dire when President Ranil Wickremesinghe assumed office and I took over the Ministry of Agriculture. Farmers protested on the roads demanding fertilizer. The youths of the farming families left the farms and moved to other areas. Some young people even left the country. The biggest issue in this case was guiding them back to the farmland. The public had no confidence in the Ministers. Even at the meetings on this problem, the farmers stayed away.

If they wish to return to the fields, they demand to be provided fertilizer. Although 275 000 hectares were supposed to be cultivated in that Yala season only 212, 000 hectares were cultivated. At that time, President Ranil Wickremesinghe negotiated with the Indian Government and arranged to provide 6,500 metric tons of fertilizer under the Indian loan scheme. However, the Indian loan arrangement does not allow for the provision of fertilizers. The fertilizer was imported from Oman. Only after learning that a ship carrying fertilizer was approaching the Port did the farmers venture back to their fields. This allowed for the cultivation of 512 000 hectares. It is now the most cultivated hectares in the Yala season after ten years.

The farmers arrived back at the farmland in this manner. A global food crisis was anticipated at the time, according to the warnings. Despite considerable success during the Yala season, 800,000 metric tons of rice had to be imported due to the fertilizer issue. The amount of rice that the government had to import was 300 million USD. For animal feed, another 100 million USD was invested. The farmers received fuel and financial aid to carry out the required farming tasks. Additionally, steps were taken to give small-scale farmers a supplementary urea fertilizer subsidy. Money was deposited to farmers’ accounts so they could also purchase organic fertilizers.

The Yala season has now begun. After three seasons, measures were taken to make mud fertilizer available without charge. The newly imported urea fertilizer is offered for Rs. 9000. A voucher of Rs.2000 is issued per one hectare to purchase Bundi fertilizer. The farmers have now received an unexpected subsidy. They did not request for free fertilizer. However, President Ranil Wickremesinghe is of the opinion that more help should be given to improve the status quo. 

There is a chance to advance the level of our nation’s agriculture on a global scale. Modern technology is being introduced to agriculture through many means. There may be several difficulties here. However, every effort is made to develop agriculture using contemporary technologies. Numerous individuals, both inside and outside of the political sphere, have criticized these actions. They have alleged that imported fertilizers to be substandard and the harvest to be poor.

There are still plenty of initiatives to dissuade farmers. Despite what they claim, the farmers have returned to their farms. The Agricultural Services Act is currently being amended. In addition to the current subsidies, steps are being taken to provide subsidies in the cultivation of other crops. There are several areas where paddy agriculture is not profitable. The government is ready to help them grow other crops. They have the potential to earn more income by switching to other crops.

The farmers in this country would not only have abandoned their fields if the President had not come into power, but many of them might have also taken their own lives. And we could have become a weak nation due to scarcity of food.

When the President assumed office a year ago, food inflation was nearly 90%. So far, food inflation has decreased to 4.1%. All the farmers of this country deserve the respect and praise of the citizens for being committed to create a renaissance in the country’s agriculture and creating food security in the country. Also, the country has saved 400 USD as the farmers have resumed cultivation.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe gave instructions to establish an Agricultural Modernization Secretariat for the modernization of the agricultural sector in the Presidential Secretariat in parallel to accelerate the country’s sustainable economic growth. The main responsibility of the Agricultural Modernization Secretariat is to solve problems related to various dimensions of modernization, including specific problems affecting various sub-sectors. It envisages preparation of roadmaps for each sub-sector to modernize agriculture with time-bound measures and performance benchmarks.

In order to formally implement this responsibility, the Agricultural Modernization Secretariat has been established by involving all ministries, private sector and universities related to the subject of agriculture. This Agricultural Modernization Secretariat has been operating since May 31 this year based on improving the production and productivity of the agricultural, livestock and animal products sectors using modern technology, increasing the farmer’s income, and increasing the export income.

A national policy framework is currently being prepared under the leadership of Professor Gamini Senanayake of University of Ruhuna as per the instructions of the President in order to get the agricultural sector’s assistance in creating a ‘Developed Sri Lanka’ by the year 2048 through sustainable agricultural development, production of export-oriented agricultural products, assurance of local food security and the transformation of the youth group into ‘Agribusiness Entrepreneurs associated with new technology’. The goal is to have this policy framework completed by the end of August 2023.

The average yield of paddy in this country is about 3.7 metric tons per hectare. A set of farmers from Hambantota have been able to obtain 10.25 metric tons of paddy per hectare by following good agricultural practices and using quality seed materials. Therefore, the primary goal is to double the current average annual yield for paddy by six seasons from 3.7 metric tons to 7.4. metric tons.

Average maize yield in Sri Lanka is about 3.7 metric tons per hectare. By the end of 2026, it is expected to increase it up to 60 metric tons. Steps will be taken to construct high-tech model cultivation plots as pilot projects for both crops and livestock in each province, with the help of the Provincial Council, the line Ministry, the Central Government, private sector and universities.

Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Gunadasa Samarasinghe, Director General of Agriculture P. Malathi, Agricultural Services Commissioner General A. H. M. L. Abeyratne, Chairman of Fertilizer Corporation Dr. Jagath Perera, Director of National Fertilizer Secretariat Chandana Lokuhewage were also present.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe recently engaged in discussions with Tamil parliamentarians representing the North and East regions, where he unveiled a comprehensive proposal to address the challenges faced by the Tamil people. The President’s Media Division (PMD) highlighted that the President’s proposal seeks to resolve the issues without any political bias and is open to discussion and consensus.

The proposal encompasses various bills and plans to improve the functioning of provincial councils, enhance national unity and reconciliation, establish a Truth-Finding Mechanism, and create the Office of Missing Persons. Additionally, the plan focuses on development initiatives for the Northern and Eastern provinces, including projects in renewable energy, water supply, infrastructure, investment promotion zones, and tourism.

President Wickremesinghe emphasized the importance of the full enforcement of the 13th Amendment, but clarified that the inclusion of police powers would require agreement from all party leaders in Parliament. He also stressed that a two-thirds majority in Parliament is necessary for certain decisions.

Regarding reconciliation efforts, the President revealed that the draft for the Office of National Unity and Reconciliation has been sent for constitutional review and will soon be presented to Parliament. The National Action Plan on Reconciliation, prepared by the Office of National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR), will also be submitted to the Cabinet.

In terms of the Truth-Finding Mechanism, the President announced the establishment of an Interim Secretariat with the appointment of the Director General. The process will involve inviting applications for key staff and commencing formal mechanisms after enacting relevant laws.

During the discussions, the President addressed concerns about the merger of Northern and Eastern provinces and clarified the government’s stance on involving foreign judges in the administration of justice in the North and East.

The President also addressed the Anti-Terrorism Bill and activities of the Office of Missing Persons, providing updates on the progress of ongoing investigations. He encouraged detailed information from the Office of Investigation of Missing Persons for forwarding to the Interim Secretariat for the Truth-Finding Mechanism.

In the context of development, President Wickremesinghe outlined projects for renewable energy production, water supply, infrastructure, and tourism promotion in the Northern and Eastern provinces. These initiatives are aimed at fostering economic growth and enhancing the region’s appeal.

The President’s comprehensive proposal and discussions with Tamil parliamentarians underscore his dedication to resolving long-standing issues and promoting development and reconciliation in the Northern and Eastern regions of Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan Rupee has maintained its stability against the US Dollar at commercial banks in Sri Lanka today (July 19), showing minimal fluctuations compared to the previous day.

At Peoples Bank, the buying and selling rates for the US Dollar remain unchanged at Rs. 314.34 and Rs. 329.80, respectively.

Commercial Bank reports a slight decrease in the buying rate of the US Dollar, moving from Rs. 315.99 to Rs. 315.22, while the selling rate remains steady at Rs. 327.50.

Sampath Bank, on the other hand, maintains the same buying and selling rates for the US Dollar at Rs. 315 and Rs. 328, respectively.

The steady performance of the Sri Lankan Rupee against the US Dollar indicates a stable exchange rate environment at commercial banks, providing stability and confidence in foreign currency transactions.

While fluctuations may occur in the currency market, the current rates demonstrate a relative stability in the exchange rate between the Sri Lankan Rupee and the US Dollar.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe is set to embark on an official visit to India on July 20 and 21, following an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit holds significant importance as both nations commemorate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties this year.

During his visit, President Wickremesinghe will engage in bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian President Droupadi Murmu, and other esteemed Indian dignitaries. The meetings will cover a wide range of topics pertaining to mutual interests between the two countries.

This visit aims to further enhance and solidify the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and India. It provides an opportunity to deepen cooperation, explore new avenues of collaboration, and foster closer ties in various areas of common concern.

Cabinet Spokesperson and Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana highlighted the significance of the President’s visit, stating that it will contribute to finalizing the necessary steps to establish a Memorandum of Understanding between India and Sri Lanka at the diplomatic level. Minister Gunawardhana further emphasized that discussions will encompass crucial matters such as debt restructuring programs, economic progress, social development, and cultural exchanges.

Acknowledging India’s significant support during the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crises, the Cabinet spokesperson expressed gratitude and emphasized that the visit will facilitate opportunities for further collaboration and cooperation.

The official visit of President Ranil Wickremesinghe to India signifies the commitment of both countries to strengthening their bilateral ties and fostering a constructive partnership for mutual growth and development.