Education Minister Dr. Susil Premajayantha has unveiled plans to ensure that only qualified teachers with government-stipulated qualifications will be allowed to engage in pre-school education in the future. Speaking at the inauguration of a national program to provide free school books to economically disadvantaged children at Bomiriya National School, the Minister emphasized the significance of pre-school education as the foundation of primary education.

Under the new initiative, approximately 40,000 pre-school teachers across 19,000 different pre-schools throughout the country will undergo specific training and receive a diploma. Only teachers with such qualifications will be permitted to establish and operate pre-schools.

Drawing inspiration from the Japanese education system, the Minister emphasized the importance of providing activity-based education to pre-school children, aiming to reduce the burden of exams and unnecessary learning pressure in subsequent educational levels. The Ministry of Education has already trained 13,800 primary teachers in 2022 and is continuing to train the same number in 2023.

Furthermore, a special program in collaboration with UNICEF is in place to develop primary education, and the use of English has been integrated into the curriculum from year one classes. The Minister highlighted the goal of strengthening pre-schools to achieve primary education development targets.

In addition to this, a pilot program will offer vocational training to students for six months after the A/L examination, commencing in 2024. The training courses will be conducted within respective schools, benefiting around 210,000 students who will sit for the A/L exam later this year.

Looking ahead, the Minister revealed plans for a pilot program to provide opportunities for 300,000 school students to pursue courses in Information Technology, English language, and vocational training of their choice after passing the Ordinary Level examination. These initiatives aim to enhance the overall quality of education and prepare students for future success in their academic and professional pursuits.

A devastating accident occurred this morning in Eriyagama, Thambuttegama, resulting in the loss of four lives as a van collided with a lorry, according to the police.

Additionally, four other individuals sustained injuries in the tragic incident.

In a move aimed at fostering economic growth and easing supply chain bottlenecks, State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya has revealed that import restrictions on an additional 300 items will be relaxed by the first week of September. This decision comes as part of the government’s efforts to stimulate trade and ensure a smoother flow of essential goods and commodities into the country.

1. Litro Gas Chairman Muditha Pieris says the world market price of LP gas has increased by over USD 85 per MT, and that a domestic LP gas price “revision” will be announced today: since 1st August, water and fuel charges have also been increased substantially: Central Bank firmly claims inflation has decreased significantly.
2. Former Public Security Minister and SLPP MP Rear Admiral (Retd) Dr. Sarath Weerasekera calls for the close monitoring of certain organisations in the light of the Government’s decision to lift the bans on 5 Islamic organisations which were initially imposed following the Easter Sunday terror attacks of 2019: asserts the decision to lift the bans, was “wrong” and that it may bring about various negative consequences.
3. State Finance Minister Shehan Semasinghe says SL intends to “conclude” the debt restructuring process in line with the 1st review of the IMF, which is due in September 2023: previously, several Govt MPs and Ministers had assured that the debt re-structuring would be completed by September 2022.
4. Nutritionist Roshan Dela Bandara says research conducted by Newcastle University in Australia has found that microplastics are mixing with food, drinking water and air: also says research results have revealed that a person consumes 5 grams of microplastics a week, which is the size of a credit card.
5. FUTA Chairman Professor Barana Jayawardena laments that there is a severe brain drain within the country’s universities: points out that in the last 6 months, around 600 university lecturers have left their respective universities.
6. Police say the remains of top SL businessman Onesh Subasinghe, 45, who was murdered in a serviced apartment in Jakarta, were brought to Sri Lanka and handed over to his family members: on 2nd February, Subasinghe who was on vacation in Jakarta with his Brazilian wife Rosa, her assistant (also a Brazilian woman), and their 4-year-old daughter, was found dead under mysterious circumstances.
7. Secretary General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera says Govt funds were not used for the “study tour” of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus to New Zealand: asserts the study tour was organized with the support of “development partners”: points out that the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus plays a “major role” in addressing the socio-economic and political issues of women in the country.
8. Colombo Stock Market records significant gains with the ASPI up by 130 points to 11,577: Turnover at Rs.6.6 bn: LKR continues its topsy-turvy journey.
9. Chief Incumbent of Mihintale Rajamaha Vihara Walawahengunawewe Dhammarathana Thera says the electricity supply to Mihintale sacred city has been disconnected due to “non-payment of arrears”: also says the CEB has taken this step at a time when a massive development project is in progress at the Minintale sacred city.
10. Afghanistan to host Pakistan for a series of 3 Cricket ODIs across 5 days in SL, with 2 games to be played in Hambantota on Aug 22 and 24, and the third taking place in Colombo on Aug 26.

In a historic shift, Sri Lanka has successfully transformed its inflation levels from being the highest in Asia, hovering around 70% just a year ago, to becoming the lowest in the region. The Central Bank’s latest projection indicates that the current inflation rate of 6.2% is expected to further decrease to approximately 1% for a brief period before stabilizing around 4%.

This significant achievement can be attributed to the government’s strategic economic revival initiatives, combined with stringent monetary policy regulations enforced by the Central Bank, as stated by Dr. P. K. G. Harischandra, the Director of the Central Bank’s Economic Research Department.

While neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Afghanistan, and Maldives continue to grapple with higher inflation rates, Sri Lanka’s prudent measures have led to this impressive turnaround.

Dr. Harischandra acknowledged that external factors, such as fluctuating oil and gas prices and skilled labor migration, could potentially impact inflation in the future. Additionally, weather patterns affecting electricity generation and agriculture may exert pressure on maintaining low inflation levels.

Addressing concerns about the exchange rate and foreign debt servicing, Dr. Harischandra reassured that Sri Lanka has been granted a sufficient grace period for debt repayment after seeking an IMF bailout. The country’s foreign receipts, bolstered by bilateral aid and a surge in tourism revenue, along with increased foreign remittances channeled through formal banking channels, have eased pressure on the dollar and balanced the import-export dynamics.

As Sri Lanka forges ahead with its economic recovery, the nation stands poised to build on these positive trends and continue its journey towards financial stability and growth.

Except for a few showers in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts, mainly fair weather will prevail over most parts of the Island.

Fairly strong winds about 40 kmph can be expected at times in western slopes of the central hills, Northern, North-Central, Southern and North-Western provinces, and in Trincomalee district.

By: Isuru Parakrama

Colombo (LNW): The second Coconut Triangle would be launched in the Northern Province this year consisting of the areas of Jaffna, Mannar and Mulaitvu Districts in conjunction with World Coconut Day on September 2, Minister of Plantation Industries and Minister of Industries Dr. Ramesh Pathirana stated.

He expressed these views today (02) during a press conference themed ‘One Year of Progress’ held at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC).Additionally, according to Dr.Ramesh Pathirana, 290 million kg of tea are planned to be exported this year.

The Minister emphasized that Sri Lankan tea’s price per kilo on the international tea market is stable and that in order maintain it, Sri Lankan tea’s quality must be preserved.

Due to the fertilizer problem, exports from the plantation industry decreased last year.Fertilizer crisis and bad weather affected the plantation industry greatly.

 A bundle of 50 kilograms of urea went up to Rs. 30,000, last year. As of today, the government has worked to bring down the price of a 50 kg bundle of urea to Rs. 9000. By the end of this year, 300 million kilos of tea are expected to be exportable under these circumstances.

The sale of tea to the global tea market through the online system has already commenced. We will export tea worth 500 million USD to Iran in place of the fuel we received. It is anticipated to revive the Iranian tea industry through this strategy.

Their capacity to obtain tea is declining as a result of the conflict situation in nations like Pakistan, Russia, Ukraine, Iran, and Iraq, which are consumers of tea in Sri Lanka. Although the price of Sri Lankan tea is consistent on the global market, the enthusiasm of the tea-consuming nations is dwindling.

Cabinet approval has now been received to provide a portion of 10 perches of land to the tea plantation workers. Accordingly, the relevant land ownership is to be given to them in the future. After that, they have been given the opportunity to get credit facilities to build the houses they need.

In the last two years, it was possible to get an income of Rs. 1 billion from the export of rubber products.

Due to the ability to purchase rubber for the manufacture of gloves during the last corona pandemic, it was possible to generate a sizable export income.

But the demand for rubber goods is presently declining as a result of the global economic crisis. Therefore, it has been estimated that this year’s rubber-related export revenue will be around 900 million USD.

Additionally, coconut export revenue has significantly increased in recent years. The range of goods that can be found in our coconuts has led to an increase in demand. This year, it is anticipated that exports of coconut-related goods will bring in 700 million USD.

It is anticipated that exports of goods related to coconuts would generate 2 billion USD in revenue during the next ten years.

Thus, it is envisioned that Sri Lanka will develop a second coconut triangle. The Northern Province’s Jaffna, Mannar, and Mullaitivu regions will be included in this second coconut triangle.

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): Colombo Dockyard PLC announced yesterday it has been selected as an afloat repair service provider to the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Forces (JMSDF) at the Colombo Port.

This is the first time for JMSDF to repair one of their vessels at a foreign shipyard, and Colombo Dockyard is selected as the first shipyard in a foreign country to offer the repair facilities.

The afloat repair was successfully carried out from 21 to 25 July 2023 at the port of Colombo.

The JMSDF team was highly impressed and satisfied with the superior quality workmen-ship and the service level of Colombo Dockyard. The team also commended on the quality of the underwater diving work handled during this call.

Colombo Dockyard Chairman Hideki Tanaka, highlighted that we are proud and privileged to be selected as the first shipyard to provide repair services for the JMSDF fleet in a foreign country. 

He also took this opportunity to appreciate the support extended by the JMSDF, Embassy of Japan, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Ministry of Defence, and the Sri Lanka Navy to make this historic repair call a success.

Colombo Dockyard operating in collaboration with Onomichi Dockyard Co. Ltd. since 1993, has proven to be a remarkably successful partnership spanning 30 years, serving the regional and international owner’s requirements efficiently in the maritime industry.

Onomichi Dockyard Co. Ltd, Japan being a well-respected shipyard in Japan, being the mother company of Colombo Dockyard PLC, paved the way for Colombo Dockyard to enter into serving the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force vessels.

The COVID pandemic and the Sri Lanka economic crisis led to the cancellation of significant projects and they were at the risk of losing their standing in the international market, said Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC) Chairman Hideaki Tanaka.

“However, with the crisis settling in we managed to bounce back to business and the achievement of delivering ‘C/S Sophie Germain,’ Cable Laying and Repair Vessel ((CLRV)) serves as a powerful message to the international market that we are back in business,” he said.

CDPLC has  made history by delivering the first-ever CLRV to the European market from Sri Lanka. This vessel is built to Bureau Veritas (BV) classification society standards and regulatory requirements of the French Flag Authority.

The vessel is 100m in length with a beam of 18.8m and a depth of 7.15m and shall have a deadweight capacity of 1,800 DWT. The vessel can achieve an impressive speed of 14.5 knots and has accommodation facilities for 76 persons.

The vessel has three cable tanks to carry fibre optic and power cables. One of the three tanks is fitted with a Carousel system.

Colombo Dockyard delivered the first Cable Layer (CLV) to Japan in 2019. Now, with the delivery of “C/S Sophie Germain,” this becomes the second vessel of its category delivered by the shipyard.

This remarkable accomplishment establishes Colombo Dockyard as a leading player in the international market, earning a reputation for successfully delivering two Cable Layer vessels within a short span of just five years.

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s inflation rate reached single digits for the first time in 20 months, setting the stage for the central bank to slash borrowing costs further to support recovery.

The key inflation rate nearly halved to 6.3% in July from 12% last month. The island nation’s statistics department released the numbers for Colombo district recently.

This is the first instance where inflation has dropped to single digits in over a year in the crisis hit Indian Ocean Island.

However the people of this country is still facing economic hardships as the prices of essential items have been at the same level before amidst high cost of living.

 Sri Lanka’s headline, core, food and non-food inflation was reported at 69.8%, 50.2%, 94.9% and 57.6%, respectively, in September 2022, while in June 2023, they were 12.0%, 9.8%, 4.1% and 16.2%, in that order.

This is a clear indication that although the price fluctuation rate of essential goods and services has declined to a single digit, the price increase is still at the same level with slight changes.        

Tight monetary and fiscal policy measures are being attributed for the attainment of Central Bank’s self-imposed target of 6%.In addition, in February this year, the government had changed the base year of inflation in its calculation from 2013 to 2021.

Sri Lanka had faced a runaway inflation of up to 70% recorded last year in September.

Inflation is a critical indicator of an economy’s health, but it can be misleading when not scrutinized closely.

A single-digit inflation rate may sound reassuring, but it is essential to examine the components contributing to this decline.

Is the decrease driven by essential goods and services, which have a direct impact on our daily lives, or is it attributed primarily to non-essential items that may not significantly affect the average citizen’s budget? Several eminent economists questioned.

While official inflation statistics might suggest a manageable cost of living, the reality may be starkly different.

The prices of essential goods such as housing, education, healthcare, and food might still be increasing at a pace that burdens the majority of Sri Lankans.

Despite the claims of falling inflation, many citizens continue to struggle to make ends meet, leading to growing concerns over their overall well-being, they pointed out.

The widening gap between the rich and the poor continues to be a pressing issue in Sri Lanka, exacerbated by a lack of job opportunities for many.

 Even with a single-digit inflation rate, income inequality persists, leaving a significant portion of the population marginalized and struggling to cope with the rising costs of basic necessities they claimed.  

This disparity further deepens the challenges faced by the vulnerable sections of society, perpetuating the cycle of poverty.

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): The Ports, Shipping and Aviation Ministry is considering increasing the container handling capacity of the Colombo Port, said Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva.

He was addressing an event for the initiation of the construction work of the operations building at the East Container Terminal (ECT) of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA),

The minister said that the current 8.5 million TEU handling capacity at the Colombo Port will be increased to 35 million with the completion of the ECT, Jaya Container Terminal V (JCT-V), Western International Container Terminal (WICT), and the proposed North Port Projects in the future.

The construction of the ECT operations building commenced on March 8, 2023. The 1300-metre terminal will be built at a cost of USD 580 million.

The gantry cranes required for operations at the terminal have already been ordered. The construction of the four-story main operations building at the terminal will cost Rs. 1,300 million and is planned to be completed by February next year.

Commenting further, he emphasized that the operations of the ECT should be carried out with semi-automation and with a minimum number of employees recruited for its operations.

“These opportunities should be made available to the skilled youth of this country.  They should have the potential to achieve maximum productivity through elevated efficiency in the operational process, especially by utilizing the most advanced technologies for port and terminal operations.

For this reason, everyone should well-identify the latest trends in the global commercial shipping industry, which runs in a very lucrative yet highly competitive business environment,” he added.

The Phase one of Colombo Port will operationalise by 2024. 60-70% of the transshipments at the Colombo port are linked with India.

He added that in the case of Western Container Terminal of the port, the Indian Government had no role as far as deciding of investor was concerned and it was a matter internal to Sri Lanka.

He elaborated the detailed timelines in the development of the WCT where Sri Lanka, India and Japan were involved in a trilateral arrangement initially.

The minister said that in early 2021, Sri Lanka had decided to go ahead with the development on its own, after which Adani group had expressed interest in development of ports in Sri Lanka. He said that Sri Lankan government then had negotiated the necessary agreement with Adani group.