By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): A key milestone in Sri Lanka’s IT education was marked recently by the DP Education of Dhammika & Priscilla Perera Foundation (DP Foundation) and the University of Ruhuna (UoR) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the facilitation of free online program on data science, machine learning, and AI development and delivery.

The objective of this project is to provide opportunities for free learning and unlimited access to IT knowledge for IT enthusiasts in Sri Lanka.

DP Foundation, through its DP Education IT Campus arm, will facilitate the UOR on this new initiative by providing the required full funding, research input in curriculum development, and EdTech assistance for the online course delivery.

The program consists of five courses and they are: Foundation course; Data analysis; Machine learning; Data engineering, and Data science.

All courses would be offered completely for free for anyone of any age through an online platform.

The program will ensure the highest quality of content delivery aimed at offering job opportunities in computer engineering and computer programming.

The aim of the online program development between DP Education and the UOR is to increase the contribution of the IT sector to the GDP enabling economic growth in the country.

Furthermore, DP Education and the University of Kelaniya are also working on launching an open online course development and delivery in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) specialized in SAP. They are Foundation Course; ERP Functional Course; ERP Technical Course and ERP BASIS Course.

The University of Moratuwa in partnership with the DP Education has launched the world’s first free online skills program on Project Management.

The program is aligned with the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) Exam Content Outline of the Project Management Institute (PMI) of the USA.

The program comprises 12 modules Initially the program has been launched with the first four modules – Foundations of Project Management, Project Scope and Schedule Management, Project Communication and Stakeholder Management and Agile Project Management in ICT Projects.

The program incorporates the latest 2022 version of the PMI, USA curriculum.The online learning platform is available at open.uom.lk, and can be used by any university which is interested as well as hold the relevant exam.

The Certified Associate of Project Management (CAPM) is a globally recognized credential that opens the door to opportunities at every stage of your career in the field of project management.

As per PMI, 25 million new project management oriented employees are needed to meet global talent demands by 2030.

The launch of online learning of Project Management is the second collaboration between DP Education and Moratuwa University. Last year they launched the full stack developer online program which has been a major success with over 200,000 registering.

Murtaza Jafferjee, the Chief Executive Officer of JB Securities Ltd, emphasized the need to avoid “distortion” when implementing tax reform in Sri Lanka. He made these remarks during the two-day Tax Symposium organized by CA Sri Lanka, which focused on macroeconomics, IMF proposals, and the way forward.

Jafferjee highlighted the discrepancy in taxation between diesel and petrol in Sri Lanka, where diesel is taxed at a lower rate while petrol is taxed at a higher tier. He pointed out that in many other countries, diesel is taxed higher and is more expensive than petrol. The argument in Sri Lanka against increasing duty on diesel is that it would negatively impact the transportation sector and various other industries. Jafferjee also noted the “distortion” created by granting tax holidays to specific sectors and suggested the need for uniformity in such policies. As an example, he mentioned the disparity in taxes paid by Lanka Lubricants compared to LIOC in the lubricant business.

The symposium also featured a special segment where officials from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank provided insights into property tax and wealth tax proposals that will be implemented in Sri Lanka based on an agreement between the government and the IMF. Sebastian Beer, an Economist at the Tax Policy Division of the IMF’s Fiscal Affairs Department, shared his views on the impact of property taxation on the Sri Lankan economy. Alastair Thomas, a Senior Economist from the World Bank, delivered a detailed presentation on wealth taxation in developing economies, including capital income taxation and the benefits of introducing such taxes.

The symposium aimed to shed light on key tax-related issues and provide participants with a better understanding of proposed tax reforms and their implications for the Sri Lankan economy.

In a significant development, the Cabinet has granted approval to Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena’s proposal, allowing both local and foreign unpaid leave for government officials while ensuring their seniority and pension remain unaffected.

Minister Gunawardena, responsible for Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, put forth the proposal during a previous Cabinet meeting. The approval was granted, considering the potential benefits of granting unpaid leave to government officials without compromising their seniority and pension rights.

To implement this decision, the State Administration Circular 14/2022(III) was issued on July 13, 2023, under the signature of State Administration Secretary K.D.N. Ranjith Ashoka.

The Provincial Chief Secretaries will be responsible for implementing the necessary measures outlined in this circular within the Provincial public service. Their actions will be conducted under the guidance and approval of the respective Governors. Additionally, the Ministry of Finance will issue instructions regarding the application of these provisions to officers working in public enterprises funded by the government.

The approval of this proposal highlights the government’s commitment to providing flexibility to government officials while safeguarding their entitlements and benefits, including seniority and pension rights.

During a recent meeting with Health Minister, Health officials, and Finance Ministry officials, President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscored the significance of ensuring timely access to medication and promoting transparency within Sri Lanka’s pharmaceutical sector. The President put forth a proposal to establish websites managed by the Health Ministry, providing real-time information about the availability of drugs across the country, including specific quantities in each hospital, which will be updated daily. To streamline the distribution process, a networking system will be implemented, facilitating the transfer of drugs between hospitals and bypassing bureaucratic hurdles.

President Wickremesinghe emphasized the importance of transparency, stating, “Let’s be transparent in what every hospital has. It will be very important, as you say, the transparency of it. Then the people can’t come and complain if things are available.”

Acknowledging the challenges arising from current procedures that lead to drug shortages, the President directed the Health Ministry to expedite the approval process for drugs endorsed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other countries. Additionally, he called for amendments to the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) Act to enable swift action and overcome obstacles in drug procurement.

During the meeting, various other issues were addressed, including the extension of the retirement age for doctors, consideration of Arts Stream candidates in nursing recruitment, budget allocations, and the need for fully equipped medical facilities. The President stressed the importance of utilizing existing resources effectively and promoting accountability.

Discussions also took place regarding outstanding payments and service agreements for medical equipment. A plan was devised to ensure timely payments and prevent the diversion of funds for other purposes, emphasizing the need for proper documentation and financial transparency.

The effectiveness and necessity of the NMRA came under scrutiny, leading to the appointment of a team of experts to assess its activities and provide recommendations within two weeks. The President suggested the possibility of directly ordering FDA and UK-approved drugs without going through the NMRA process, proposing an amendment to expedite the approval of such drugs.

Efforts were also made to address medical personnel who have not yet registered with the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC), with plans to amend regulations in the next two weeks. The meeting also highlighted the need to review procurement processes within the health sector to reduce government expenditure, with the President encouraging prompt decision-making and consulting the Attorney General for necessary actions and regulation amendments.

Overall, the meeting emphasized the intention to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and tackle the challenges faced by the NMRA and the healthcare sector as a whole.

It has been reported that “several leading private hospitals in Colombo “ are keeping a massive margin sometimes three times the supplier price and making an unethical killing.

At a time that Sri Lanka is going through an economic issue and the population has to tighten their belts, with high interest rates , high inflation, high taxes these hospitals have decided to add a 300% margin .

It was reported in the press that the NMRA is probing these hospitals.
The authorities should impose hefty fines for these businesses and even impose jail terms for their board of directors as it is truly criminal and unethical. If such laws are not present such laws should be drafted.

Families of loved ones are selling, mortgaging and borrowing to pay the hefty bills these hospitals are throwing at them . They are left helpless as the only other option is death.

Reliable sources state that these hospital owners have been mismanaging their businesses. In order to feed their egos, they take the lucrative profits of their hospitals and invest in other businesses where they have no knowledge. They have milked the cow dry and now have no option but to engage in these type of unethical practices of over charging .

The Department of Railways has successfully reopened the Anuradhapura-Omanthai stretch of the Northern Railway Line after six months of construction activities. The restoration of this 62 km railway line, with the assistance of Indian loans totaling Rs. 33 billion, marks a significant milestone for Sri Lanka’s rail infrastructure.

With the completion of the reconstruction work, trains will now be able to operate at a speed of 100 kmph on the Anuradhapura-Omanthai section. This development not only improves travel efficiency but also enhances connectivity and transportation options for the local community.

Furthermore, the Department of Railways has announced the resumption of the Jaffna-Colombo train seat reservation service, providing convenient booking options for passengers.

Deputy General Manager (Traffic) of the Department of Railways, M. J. Indipolage, shared that the Yal Devi train commenced its journey from Mount Lavinia to Sammanthurai at 5.10 am on Saturday. Additionally, the Uththara Devi train is scheduled to depart from Colombo Fort to Kankasanthurai at 11.50 am. The night postal train is also set to embark on its journey from Colombo Fort to Kankasanthurai at 8 pm. Another train will leave Kankasanthurai at 1.40 pm on Saturday.

Arrangements have been made for a postal train to depart from Kankasanthurai at 7 pm as well. Starting from July 16th, train journeys from Kankasanthurai to Colombo Fort will commence at 5.40 am. In total, six train journeys have been scheduled, with three trains departing from Colombo Fort and Mount Lavinia, and three from Kankasanthurai to Colombo.

State Minister of Investment Promotion, Dilum Amunugama, announced that China’s Sinopec Company is set to commence the importation and distribution of fuel in Sri Lanka, starting on Saturday (15). Additionally, the company plans to establish 50 new fuel stations across the country.

Under the agreement previously made between Sinopec Company and the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, the necessary registration under the Board of Investment was completed, and related agreements were signed in Colombo on the previous day (14). This development signifies an important step in strengthening the energy sector in Sri Lanka and fostering closer economic ties between China and Sri Lanka.

The entry of Sinopec Company into the Sri Lankan fuel market is expected to enhance competition, improve fuel availability, and contribute to the country’s energy infrastructure. The opening of 50 new fuel stations will provide increased accessibility to fuel for the public and further stimulate economic growth.

This collaboration reflects the ongoing efforts to attract foreign investment and promote economic development in Sri Lanka, while expanding trade relations with China. The commencement of fuel importation and the establishment of additional fuel stations signify a positive development for Sri Lanka’s energy sector and the broader economy.

1. President Ranil Wickremasinghe’s Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayake, Ministry of Finance officials, and IMF officials take a decision to lift all import restrictions, other than on vehicles, from the first week of September: Analysts expect the LKR to take a nose-dive as a result.
2. Drug addicts suspected to have removed Rs.280 mn worth of copper wires, nuts & bolts from the new “Golden Gate Kalyani” Kelani bridge built with a massive loan from Japan
3. State Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya says the Govt will impose an excise tax of Rs.10 per liter on toddy: claims the tax is to increase Govt revenue: former CB Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal says instead of increasing taxes daily and imposing burdens on the beleaguered people, the Govt must seek ways to grow the economy, which would lead to higher Govt revenue, even at the current or even lower rates of tax.
4. President Ranil Wickremasinghe says Sri Lanka has invited UK’s former Paymaster General Francis Maude, who oversaw the creation of the UK Govt Digital Service in 2011, to visit the country and share his insights on digitalisation with a view to boosting state revenue.
5. Former Chief Justice Sarath N Silva says it would not be wise to give full independence to the Central Bank.
6. Colombo High Court Judge Namal Balalle sentences Garnia Bannister Francis (a local employee of the Swiss Embassy in Colombo) who had falsely claimed that she was abducted in 2019, to 2-years rigorous imprisonment & a fine of Rs.5,000: the prison sentence be suspended for 5 years.
7. SJB decides to lodge a complaint with the World Health Organization, seeking action against those responsible for weakening the country’s healthcare sector: SJB MP Kavinda Jayawardena says the Party is also mulling moving a no-confidence motion against Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.
8. NFF Leader Wimal Weerawansa says people who seek treatment from Govt hospitals have become “laboratory rats” due to the import of inferior quality drugs from India under emergency purchases.
9. SLPP MP Retired Rear Admiral Sarath Weerasekera rejects Bar Association allegation that his speech in Parliament on 7 July was an attack on the judiciary: asserts the Bar Association’s response shows their solidarity with the lawyers in Mulativu, without probing the relevant incident at Kurundi Buddhist Temple Complex.
10. SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva who stoutly stood for Debt Re-structuring and an IMF programme now says his stance is that domestic debt re-structuring must be avoided: adds that banks must bear the burden of re-structuring, instead of the EPF only bearing the brunt of the loss.