The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka categorically rejects the statement made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on July 23, 2023, regarding a Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day. Sri Lanka asserts that Canada’s continuous reference to a false and distorted narrative of the past conflict in the country is merely a strategic move to gain local vote-bank electoral advantages, and it does not contribute to the broader goal of fostering communal harmony.

Sri Lanka calls upon Canada and its leaders to extend support towards the nation’s endeavors in ensuring stability, progress, peace, and reconciliation among all communities, both within Sri Lanka and among the Sri Lankan heritage communities residing overseas. The focus should be on working together to achieve unity and harmony, rather than perpetuating divisive narratives from the past.

The President’s Media Division (PMD) has announced the appointment of Senior Professor Pathmalal M. Manage as the Vice Chancellor of Sri Jayewardenepura University, with immediate effect. The appointment was made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe for a three-year term.

Before assuming this prestigious role, Senior Prof. Manage served as the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies at Sri Jayewardenepura University. He is a distinguished figure in the field of Zoology, holding the position of Co-chair of the Research Council and serving as the Director of the university’s Center for Water Quality and Algae Research.

Prof. Pathmalal’s academic journey boasts an impressive array of achievements. He earned his BSc (Honours) Degree with first-class honors from the University of Sri Jayawardenepura in 1992, followed by an MSc from the Department of Life Conservation Science in 1998. His quest for knowledge led him to complete a PhD in the Department of Microbial Ecology and Eco-toxicology at Ehime University, Japan, in 2001.

As a highly cited researcher in eco-toxicology, water quality, bioremediation of natural and xenobiotic chemicals, and cyanotoxin, Prof. Pathmalal has made groundbreaking contributions to the scientific community. His pioneering work has resulted in numerous world-first records within his field of expertise.

Internationally recognized for his contributions, Prof. Pathmalal holds honorary fellow scientist positions at Robert Gordon University, UK, and Sydney University, Australia. Over the years, he has been awarded various prestigious post-doctoral fellowships, including those at the Institute of Advanced Science and Technology, Japan (2004-2005), the Department of Phototoxin, School of Pharmacology, Robert Gordon University, UK (2006), and the Commonwealth Research Fellowship in the UK (2013-2014), among others.

With his wealth of experience and outstanding academic accomplishments, Prof. Pathmalal M. Manage’s appointment as Vice Chancellor heralds a new era of leadership and innovation for Sri Jayewardenepura University.

In response to the prevailing market shortage and ineffective price controls, the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has issued a special gazette notification lifting the maximum retail price (MRP) imposed on eggs. The move came into effect at midnight on July 25.

Previously, the CAA had set controlled prices for white and brown eggs, but these proved ineffective as vendors continued to sell eggs at higher prices. The president of All-Ceylon Egg Producers’ Association attributed the shortage to the MRP, expressing confidence that they can sell eggs at Rs. 50 once the price controls are lifted.

In light of the situation, Trade Minister Nalin Fernando announced that eggs imported from India will now be available at Rs. 35 per egg at all Lanka Sathosa outlets and Rs. 40 per egg at supermarkets. To meet the demand, the State Trading (General) Corporation has taken steps to supply imported egg stocks to Lanka Sathosa outlets and supermarkets starting from the same day.

Amidst these developments, members of the All-Island Canteen Owners’ Association staged a protest, demanding the prompt reduction of LP gas prices in front of the main office of Laugfs Gas PLC. Minister Fernando stated that the Cabinet of Ministers would be informed about the gas company’s failure to implement price cuts, while highlighting Litro Gas Lanka’s four consecutive price reductions this year, leading to the price of a 12.5kg gas cylinder now standing at Rs. 2,982.

1. The Sri Lankan rupee has turned into Asia’s worst-performing currency from being the best in the first half of the year, and is poised to extend losses amid headwinds from interest-rate cuts and the loosening of import controls. The currency has tumbled more than 6% this month as it fell a 14th day on Monday, on track for its longest daily losing streak in almost five years, Bloomberg reports.
2. A new committee of experts to be appointed to put forward proposals for the restructuring of Sri Lanka Railways. Department of Sri Lanka Railways has been recognised as an institution that needs to be restructured, in order to maintain the service at a precise level by minimising issues.
3. The Cabinet has granted approval to enter an agreement with the World Bank to obtain US $ 200 million for welfare benefit. The scheme will be granted in three components, namely US $ 185 million for the ‘Aswesuma’ welfare benefit scheme, US $ 07 million for a pilot project to economically assist selected beneficiaries, and US $ 08 million to strengthen the entire project management and social security system under the project.
4. Sri Lanka has marked a significant rise in its export revenue from the gems, jewellery, and diamonds sector, recording a 32% increase compared to the same period the previous year. The Chairman of the NGJA, Viraj de Silva, announced that the total revenue generated from gems, jewellery, and diamonds exports from January to the end of May 2023 reached US$ 222 million.
5. The need for for continued cooperation among member states and the importance of further developing the public health sector in the region was emphasized on during the meeting between BIMSTEC Secretary-General, Tenzin Lekphell, and President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
6. The Gazette notification issued earlier this year stipulating a Maximum Retail Price (MRP) for eggs will be withdrawn, according to the Ministry of Trade. The announcement comes following Trade Minister Nalin Fernando’s comments that the stock of eggs imported from India will be sold at Rs. 35 per egg at all Lanka Sathosa outlets from today.
7. The All Party Conference (APC) convened by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to make the Party Leaders aware about the programmes implemented and programmes expected to be implemented with regard to the national reconciliation will be held in the afternoon today at the Presidential Secretariat.
8. The Provincial Councils and the Local Government Ministry has decided to immediately confirm the 10,000 employees who have not been confirmed in the Local Government institutions.
9. The proposed Sri Lanka – Thailand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is expected to be signed in March 2024, in accordance with the action plan concerning the proposed agreement, Sri Lanka’s cabinet spokesman said. Sri Lanka and Thailand have held five rounds of talks on their trade agreement with the last in July.
10. Sri Lankan-born Kalya Kandegoda Gamage, who is a South Otago student has become the youngest-ever winner of a Mountbatten medal yesterday (24), after the heroic rescue of his younger brother from heavy surf in New Zealand. He was presented with the Commonwealth Mountbatten Medal for bravery in a surf rescue, during a special assembly at Tokomairiro High School, in Milton.

During a Cabinet decision notification press conference at the Government Information Department, Cabinet Spokesman and Mass Media Minister, Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana, emphasized that the only viable solution in the current economic climate is to establish a robust manufacturing economy. He urged for efforts to produce every possible product within the country’s borders.

Minister Gunawardhana highlighted the heavy reliance on foreign imports, leading to significant foreign exchange expenditures, particularly on finished products. Notably, essential food items such as rice, potatoes, onions, chillies, and lentils are among the commodities that contribute to the import bill. Due to insufficient dollar reserves and foreign exchange, the country faces challenges in sustaining such imports.

The ongoing deficit in the current account of the balance of payments is identified as one of the primary reasons behind the country’s economic hardships, compounded by a severe foreign exchange and balance of payments crisis. The continuous deficit is attributed to the country’s inability to generate enough export income to offset import costs.

Minister Gunawardhana emphasized that the traditional approach of settling deficits by securing loans from abroad is no longer sustainable. With limited access to loans and Letters of Credit, the importation of essential goods like medicines, fertilizers, chemicals, machinery, and food becomes increasingly challenging.

The Minister advocated for a pragmatic approach and emphasized that the most viable solution lies in creating a manufacturing economy. By encouraging domestic production and reducing dependence on imports, Sri Lanka can work towards self-sufficiency and bolster its economic stability. The promotion of local industries and products will not only strengthen the nation’s economy but also enhance its resilience to external economic challenges.

The Provincial Councils and the Local Government Ministry have taken a decisive step to provide job security to 10,000 employees who have not been confirmed in Local Government institutions.

State Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government, Janaka Wakkumbura, announced that casual and contract employees in Local Government bodies will soon be granted permanent employment status.

With approximately 12,000 vacancies currently existing within Local Government institutions, efforts are underway to fill these positions with permanent appointments. The program’s implementation is pending approval from the relevant Ministers.

This move aims to address employment uncertainties and enhance the stability of the workforce within Local Government, ensuring a more secure and reliable public service sector.

Showers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts.

Mainly fair weather will prevail elsewhere over the Island.

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

Colombo (LNW): The calling in of an all-party meeting by President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday (26) at the President’s House to settle an accord on national reconciliation has met with diverse responses from the Opposition, days after it once again raised the debate on the 13th Amendment to the Constitution and the simultaneous national crisis.

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) declared that it will be attending the President’s all-party meeting as long as it serves the interest of the people but will not fall prey to political schemes. The SJB will not hesitate to unplug itself from the talks were it to sense any political play behind the negotiations, assured Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa.

The National People’s Power (NPP) said it would be boycotting the meeting as the President has already failed to fulfill the promises made so far with regard to the national crisis.

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) said it would attend the meeting tomorrow, but the Tamil National People’s Front held a different opinion, saying that it would be boycotting the meeting.

A number of other political parties in Parliament including the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and the Jathika Nidahas Peramuna (NFF) asserted that they will attend the all-party conference called in by the President, whilst the debate on the 13A finds its entry into a burning political arena, leading to contrast and diverse opinions by different political envoys.

Cabinet Spokesman Bandula Gunawardena told media that the President is of the opinion that a decision pertaining to the 13A would be reached only after discussing the matter with the Parliament and the party leaders.

The 13th Amendment to the Constitution was introduced to Sri Lanka as an outcome of the Indo-Lanka Peace Accord of July 1987, signed between then Prime Minister of India Rajiv Gandhi and then Sri Lankan President J.R. Jayawardena, proposing the devolution of power, in an attempt to resolve the longstanding ethnic conflict. The outcome of it was the establishment of Provincial Councils.

The Accord proposed the devolution of power by sharing it, but none of the Provincial Councils in Sri Lanka are in operation and are only exercised by the governors appointed by the President himself. This led to a longstanding debate on the non provisions of powers to the Provincial Councils, and arguably, India’s intervention on the matter continues to heat up the scenario.

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has marked a significant rise in its export revenue from the gems, jewellery, and diamonds sector, recording a 32% increase compared to the same period the previous year.

The country’s ability to leverage its rich natural resources and skilled craftsmanship has played a vital role in this sector’s growth, despite global economic challenges and the. Serious threat posed to the industry by Unlicensed foreign traders.

However the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) reports that the revenue from these exports has increased dramatically.

The Chairman of the NGJA, Viraj de Silva, announced that the total revenue generated from gems, jewellery, and diamonds exports from January to the end of May 2023 reached US$ 222 million.

The figure indicates a substantial surge in comparison to the same period in 2022, which saw approximately $161 million in revenue.

The Export Development Board (EDB) said Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery sector is under serious threat, due to a surge in foreign traders’ involvement in key gem markets without the required licences, threatening the sector’s integrity and sustainability.

An advisory committee of the export promotions agency pointed out that the presence and influence of illegal foreign traders and buyers at the China Fort Gem Market and Ratnapura have become a major challenge to the local gem traders.

“While these markets have brought new opportunities to the industry, it has also presented specific challenges that require careful navigation,” the advisory committee on the gems, diamonds and jewellery sector of the EDB said in a statement, yesterday.

The primary challenge faced by the Beruwala Gem Market and Ratnapura is the intensified competition from illegal foreign traders.

According to the committee, the so-called foreign traders arrive in Sri Lanka using a visit visa and engage in gem business without any licence from the National Gem and Jewellery Authority. Obtaining the necessary licence from the authority is mandatory to engage in gem trade.

“This unlicensed gem trading could seriously damage Sri Lanka’s reputation, as it can lead to a lot of malpractices.

These foreign traders have a wider range of buyer and seller access via online platforms, as they do more with online channels,” the committee added.

The increasing participation of the foreign traders and buyers in the Beruwala Gem Market and Ratnapura adds pressure on the local traders and pushes towards smuggling, the committee cautioned.

Further, the money for gem purchases is being brought into the country without following any government rules and regulations. Similarly, the purchased stones are also taken out unofficially without being regulated.

Traditional Sri Lankan dealers on the other hand are subjected to all taxes and regulations, the committee pointed out.

As a result, the miners, dealers and brokers tend to sell stones to these foreigners for cash without any documentation. “

This has badly affected the exporters, who are using the official channels to obtain merchandise for exports. Also, this will reduce the government tax revenue and employment opportunities,” the committee cautioned.

The committee called on the government to focus on making local traders more competitive by addressing such issues.