Applicants advised to provide accurate information to the concerned authorities immediately
The on-going information survey aimed at identifying eligible individuals for the welfare benefits payment program, as instructed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, will conclude on March 31, according to the Welfare Benefits Board.
The Welfare Benefits Board cautions that failing to provide data before the deadline, could result in the loss of benefits. They urge all applicants to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of their data by promptly providing it to the field officers conducting the Information Survey for the Welfare Benefit Payment Program.
The implementation of this program will align with the amended Welfare Benefit Payment Orders No. 1 of 2022, as per the provisions of the Welfare Benefits Act No. 24 of 2002. The Cabinet of Ministers approved this amendment, which was published in the Special Gazette No. 2302/23 dated 20 October 2022, as per the Special Gazette No. 2310/30 dated 15 December 2022.
The application process to identify eligible candidates for welfare benefit payments has concluded, with a total of 3,728,139 applications received. However, as of yesterday (01), only 102,143 applicants have provided accurate data.
To collect data for the information survey of the welfare benefit payment program and identify eligible beneficiaries, a total of 6,728 officers have been deployed across all divisional secretariats in the island. This includes 3,190 development officers, 494 economic development officers, 205 village officers, 1,127 other officers, and 1,712 temporary recruits.
To ensure their eligibility for the welfare benefit payment program, applicants must provide accurate information to the relevant officials and verify their identity with a National Identity Card, Electoral Register registration number, or a letter issued by the Divisional Secretary.
Additionally, clinic and medical records of kidney patients and disabled persons, as well as water and electricity bills, may also be submitted as supporting documents for the welfare benefit payment program application.
Once the data acquisition process is complete, carried out under the slogan “Let’s be truthful – let’s give benefits to deserving people”, applicants must sign a statement confirming the accuracy of their data. A QR code will be provided to every household, which can be used to monitor the summary of the data provided.
The newly appointed Ambassador-designate of Sri Lanka to the Republic of France and Permanent Delegate of Sri Lanka to UNESCO Manisha Gunasekera assumed duties at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Paris on Monday, 27 February 2023.
Her assumption of duties was marked by a simple ceremony organised by the staff of the Sri Lanka Embassy.
In her address to the staff of the Embassy, the Ambassador-designate referred to the longstanding vibrant relations between Sri Lanka and France; the celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries this year; the need to further elevate trade, investment and tourism ties as well as cultural cooperation; and expanding bilateral cooperation in the maritime domain. She also emphasised the importance of maintaining an efficient and effective consular service by the Embassy towards Sri Lankan nationals and the community of Sri Lankan heritage residing in France.
The Chief of State Protocol and Diplomatic Events of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ambassador Philippe Franc met Ambassador-designate Gunasekera at the Embassy on Monday 27 February. The Chief of Protocol welcomed the Ambassador-designate and assured her of his fullest cooperation as well as that of the French Foreign Ministry during her tenure in France. He extended his best wishes to the new Ambassador-designate. Ambassador-designate Gunasekera presented the open copy of the Letter of Credence of her appointment to the Chief of State Protocol, and deeply appreciated the warm reception extended to her, as well as the sentiments expressed.
Ambassador-designate Gunasekera has served in various portfolios in the Sri Lanka Foreign Service in her career spanning 27 years. She most recently served as the Additional Secretary/ Bilateral Affairs (West) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka. She has previously served as Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the Republic of Korea.
Ambassador-designate Gunasekera has a BA (Hons.) in English from the University of Delhi, an MA in International Political Economy and Development from the International Institute of Social Studies in the Hague, an MA in Women’s Studies from the University of Colombo, and a Postgraduate Diploma in European Studies from Sciences Po, Paris. She is a past pupil of Musaeus College, Colombo.
The First Session of the Joint Committee for Consular Affairs (JCCA) between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates was held in Colombo at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on 22 February 2023 with the participation of official delegations, representing Sri Lanka and the UAE. The meeting was conducted, as per the provisions of the Memorandum of Understating (MOU) signed between Sri Lanka and the UAE in November 2017.
The meeting was co-chaired by Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in charge of Consular Affairs and Political Affairs for Middle East & Africa U L Mohammed Jauhar, and Assistant Undersecretary for Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the UAE Faisal Eissa Lutfi Ali. The respective delegations comprised officials representing the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and other vital line ministries and agencies.
The meeting focused on a wide range of mutually important consular related areas, including human smuggling & human trafficking, illegal migration, deportation and repatriation of nationals in custody of both countries and expediting compensation payment to eligible persons. Both delegations agreed to enhance cooperation in combating human trafficking, including by sharing information.
The UAE delegation also made a comprehensive presentation on the existing labour laws and regulations, with an emphasis on the rights of employees, the procedure to be followed in notifying authorities when labour contracts are violated, and providing relief to affected persons. It was also decided to include the updated UAE labour regulations in the SLBFE training modules, with a view to educating prospective migrant workers, in the UAE.
The heads of delegation emphasized the importance of continuing the interactions on mutually agreed matters at the JCCA sessions as per the provisions of the MoU and assured the implementation of the decisions arrived at the JCCA.
Assistant Undersecretary Lutfi Ali also paid a courtesy call on the Acting. Foreign Secretary, Yasoja Gunasekara. During the meeting, the UAE delegation expressed their utmost satisfaction about the successful completion of the First Session and also discussed in detail a variety of consular matters and practices, and other relevant topics. The UAE delegation visited the Foreign Ministry’s Consular Affairs Division in order to witness its attestation process and was briefed on the activities of the division, including the electronic document attestation system.
Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe has announced that a foundation is presently being established to advance Sri Lanka’s economy to a global level over the next five years by implementing green economic policies.
The President made this statement while attending the ceremony held today (02) for the opening of Volta Auto Tec Engineering Private Limited, Minneriya.
As a solution to the current fuel crisis in the country, when there is a need for electric motorcycles and three wheelers, Volta Auto Tec Engineering Private Limited has facilitated the purchase of assembled tractors, electric motorcycles and three-wheelers from today onwards.
At present, Volta Auto Tec Engineering Private Limited has established a collaborative production partnership with India, and has reported receiving orders from countries such as Vietnam.
During his visit to the factory, the President inquired about the assembly process of bicycles, electric motorcycles, and tricycles from the officials.
A representative from a local farmers’ organisation also presented a souvenir to the President marking this occasion.
Further speaking President Ranil Wickremesinghe said:
“I am delighted to have come to see the talents of the Volta Auto Tec Engineering Private Limited. The government is looking into ways of supporting this initiative. We should appreciate this step taken to create a green economy. All should work to shift the country’s economy to a green economy by implementing such projects. Now, the countries of the world are moving towards a green economy. As Sri Lanka, we should also embark on that journey.
Sri Lanka has the potential to achieve many advantages by moving towards a green economy in the next five years. In this regard, the country needs such investors and businessmen who stand up on their own. Therefore, I congratulate Mr. Jagath Makavita on this initiative.”
Minister of Sports Roshan Ranasinghe, Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera, State Ministers Dilum Amunugama, Siripala Gamlath, Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, Presidential Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayake, former Minister Ravi Karunanayake, former Member of Parliament Chandrasiri Sooriyaarachchi, Chairman of Volta Auto Tec Engineering Private Limited Jagath Makavita and others were present on this occasion.
The government and the global community must act to prevent the country’s children from ‘becoming a lost generation’, warns Save the Children.
By:Saroj Pathirana | Al Jazeera
Colombo, Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka’s economic meltdown has spiralled into a full-blown hunger crisis, with half of the families in the island nation forced to reduce the amount they feed their children, according to a child rights charity.
The Sri Lankan government and the international community must act now to prevent the country’s children from “becoming a lost generation”, Save the Children warned in a report published on Thursday.
Since late 2021, the South Asian island nation is in the grip of its worst ever economic crisis, fuelled by a lack of foreign reserves and mounting foreign government debt.
The country of 22 million people has sought help from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after defaulting on its $46bn debt last April.
“Since the Sri Lankan government defaulted on its debt nearly a year ago, soaring inflation and food, medicine, and fuel shortages as well as a lack of stable employment have left families unable to cope,” the report said.
While half of Sri Lankan households are cutting their children’s food intake, according to the charity, 27 percent of more than 2,300 households it surveyed reported adults skipping meals to feed their children.
Nine out of 10 households said they cannot guarantee nutritious food for their children, it said.
A father and son share a meal at their shanty in Colombo [File: Eranga Jayawardena/AP]
The Save the Children report came a day after thousands of workers went on a strike in defiance of a government directive declaring several services as essential to stop protests over the IMF bailout plan.
‘Heartbreaking stories’
Shashikala Madhuvanthi Silva, a 40-year-old mother of four in Kalutara district, 80km (50 miles) from the commercial capital of Colombo, told Al Jazeera none of her children is getting a proper meal since the crisis began.
“My husband is a tuk-tuk driver but he isn’t getting much income now as more and more people are choosing public transport due to increased cost of living,” she said.
As a result, she is forced to feed her children less nutritious food. “Not that I don’t feed them but I can’t any longer afford egg, meat or fish every day.”
Silva recently started working at a nearby garment factory – her first ever job. “I get 900 rupees [$2.50] for a nine-hour shift,” she said. “What can you do with 900 rupees a day? But I have no choice.”
A woman sits by the fireplace at meal time in a shanty in Colombo [File: Eranga Jayawardena/AP]
Renuka (not her real name) is a teacher in the Western Province. Speaking to Al Jazeera on condition of anonymity, she described the situation at her school. In Sri Lanka, government workers including teachers can often be sacked for speaking to the media.
“It was a Monday. When I was about to have my lunch, I spotted a child looking at me in a sad way. He was almost in tears. When I asked what the matter was, he told me that he, his mother and his younger sister have only had several cups of tea during the weekend,” she said.
The teacher said from that day onwards, she started bringing an extra lunch box for the boy.
“One day, he asked me whether he could take his lunch home. Instead of having his meal at school, the boy wanted to take it to his mother and sister.”
“This is about just one family,” said the teacher. “There are many more heartbreaking stories.”
‘Emergency situation’
Muditha Dharmapriya, a nutritionist in Colombo, told Al Jazeera he agreed with the findings of the Save the Children survey.
“I don’t have the statistics but it is true that so many people, maybe 50 percent of the households as the survey says, aren’t having enough nutrition,” he said.
“As per the Food Guide Pyramid, a child needs to have two-three servings of meat, fish, and poultry [MFP] per day. But many households in Sri Lanka can’t afford that,” he added.
And it is not only protein that children are not getting enough due to skyrocketing cost of living. A person needs six to 11 servings of carbohydrates, through which the body gets 1,500-2,000kcal a day. Since the economic crisis, Dharmapriya says, that intake has been reduced to nearly 900kcal.
“People can no longer eat rice as they used to. Instead of eating a nutritious diet, what happens now is that people eat something only to stop feeling hungry. They may be eating a reduced portion of rice and no MFP at all,” he said.
However, journalist and political analyst Kusal Perera said the findings of the charity’s survey were “too generalised”.
“I think the sample of just over 2,300 households from nine districts does not actually represent every segment of the society in terms of income and social status,” he told Al Jazeera.
Meanwhile, Save the Children has warned of “a very real danger of a full-blown hunger crisis” in Sri Lanka.
“This is an emergency situation that requires an emergency response,” said Julian Chellappah, the charity’s Sri Lanka director.
Considering the serious issues faced by the country and the people today, we have not yet reached a situation where we can see an end to them. Therefore, we do not underestimate the distress that has arisen among the people. There is still no sign of a concerted effort to find a lasting and permanent solution to these serious issues.If we think that there are simple or immediate solutions to this crisis, it is also nothing but a great delusion.
As the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ), we understand the depth of the crisis we are facing at present and the fact that there are no short or quick solutions to come out of it. We are also sensitive to the serious problems faced by the people and have understood the tragic conditions they have to experience in many aspects of their lives. Moreover, we are trying to provide the necessary guidance to the parties who have to work towards finding proper solutions to these problems.
There are some great challenges that we, as a country, are facing. Foreign exchange deficit is the most important challenge before us. We consider the most painful experience that has arisen due to this is the helplessness of the people due to the lack of essential medicines. In order to find solutions to these problems successfully, the governance structure of the country must be properly managed, and no one should forget the challenge of strengthening democracy and strengthening the rule of law as a basis for the resolution of these issues.
We are well aware that there are four elections of national importance that should have been held and should be held, especially during the period of 2022-2024. They are provincial councils (PC), local government (LG) elections and presidential elections and general elections. It should also be emphasised that we have so far failed to find answers to a number of issues that need to be resolved as a country. In order to make some basic decisions that need to be taken in relation to the PC elections that have not yet been held as scheduled and the LG elections that are scheduled to be held, a parliamentary select committee has been established in the year 2022 according to a proposal made by us, but it has not yet been able to make the necessary decisions until now. We are very worried about that. It must be said emphatically that many such responsibilities have been neglected by the Parliament.
Even under such a situation, we believe that we should find solutions through the Parliament itself to overcome these challenges. Accordingly, it is our sole belief that in the current situation, they will not be able to find any solution by boycotting the Parliament or by taking measures to disable the country. All challenges must be won democratically and peacefully. There, the primary responsibility is assigned to the public representatives representing the Parliament.
Also, it is the opinion of the majority of the society that the executive presidential system peculiar to our country, which has laid the foundation for the creation of many issues that we are facing today, must be abolished. For that, the responsibility of preparing the environment has been assigned to the Parliament. Moreover, the responsibility of dealing with the existing corruption in the country and recovering the huge amount of wealth that has been looted from the country is assigned to the people’s representatives. Drafts are currently being prepared in relation to several bills that may lead to the well-being of the country. We emphasise that these activities should be done without delay and with a strong foundation in a way that suits the modern world, and can achieve the desired goals.
Attending the event to open the new session of the Parliament, the President mentioned that the government expects to pass several important bills in the coming months. He mentioned a number of important bills including the Economic Stabilisation Act, the Foreign Exchange (Amendment) Act, the Excise (Amendment) Act, the Revenue Authority Act, the Public Property Management Act, the National Security Act, the Truth and Reconciliation Act, and the Narcotics Control Command Headquarters Act. Considering the current situation, it is very important to complete these tasks immediately.
If the aforementioned laws including the anti-bribery and corruption law as well as a new constitution, rules and regulations on new election systems and procedures can be passed by the Parliament in the coming months, the “system change” (social transformation) demanded by the aragalaya (people’s struggle) and civil society will naturally emerge.
As the NMSJ, we are in constant dialogue with many similar civil and professional level organisations that are not part of any power political system, as well as with religious leaders. We are focusing on the unfortunate situation that the country is facing as well as the measures to be taken as a country. Also, we have presented several preliminary reports about the political and economic reforms that must be introduced. By doing so, we hope to inherit a better country for our future generations.
Many lives and national resources have been destroyed due to this discord within and outside Parliament. We are deeply moved and shocked by the sudden death of Mr. Nimal Amarasiri, the candidate of the National People’s Power (NPP) led by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), who died while participating in a protest held in Colombo recently. It is the national duty of the government, the opposition and the people in general to ensure that such incidents do not occur.
To achieve that goal that the entire nation aspires to, we must unite before anything else. We should act collectively at least for a specific short period of time. It should be considered as an absolute responsibility not to contribute to any activity that may have any effect on anarchy in the country. Accordingly, the country needs a short period or a ceasefire.
Karu Jayasuriya Chairman National Movement for Social Justice 1 March, 2023
Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee has strengthened due to a number of key decisions taken by the government affecting the economy, said State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiaya.
Among the contributory factors are the political stability and a peaceful atmosphere established by the government led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the State Minister said, adding that Finance Ministry data reveal that Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves estimated to be US$ 1.7 billion as of September, 2022 have increased by 23.5 per cent to US$ 2.1 billion as of February, 2023.
Headline inflation previously recorded to be 94.9 per cent in September, 2022 has dropped to 60.1 per cent in January, 2023, and tourist arrivals have increased by 261 per cent, rising to 107,639 in February, 2023 from 29,802 in September, 2022, Siyambalapitiya cited data.
The Rupee exhibits appreciation amidst a number of growing crises contradictory to the Minister’s comments about ‘political stability’, in the backdrop where island-wide protests and strike actions are in operation in objection to the recent tax hike and electricity tariff revision implemented by the government in obedience to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) US$ 2.9 billion bailout. On the sidelines of the purported ‘economic stability’, the government of Sri Lanka is vehemently being criticised for the repressive measures it has taken against peaceful protesters, who are demanding the holding of the Local Government Election for the assurance of democracy.
Colombo (LNW): A water cut of 24 hours will be imposed on Saturday (04) from 2 pm, revealed the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB).
Accordingly, the water supply will be disrupted in the areas of Colombo 1 – 4 and 7 – 11, the NWSDB said.
Meanwhile, the interruption will also affect Kaduwela town and surrounding areas, the Kolonnawa Urban Council area, and the Wellampitiya and Kotikawatte areas.
World Bank Vice President for South Asia, Martin Raiser recently concluded his four-day visit to Sri Lanka reaffirming the World Bank’s continued support to help the country navigate economic challenges, implement critical reforms, and chart a path towards a resilient and inclusive recovery.
During his visit, Raiser met with Sri Lanka’s President and Minister of Finance Ranil Wickremesinghe, Secretary of the Treasury, Governor of the Central Bank, senior government officials, development partners, and key opinion leaders including members of Sri Lanka’s political opposition, thinks tanks, civil society organizations and academia, a World Bank statement said.
“The people of Sri Lanka have been deeply affected by the macro and debt crisis affecting the country. The depth of the crisis has made it clear that Sri Lanka needs a new development model, but this requires greater confidence in and understanding of the government’s reforms”, said Martin Raiser.
He added “Improved communication and consistent implementation of the reform and adjustment program is urgent, as is faster international debt relief and financial support to ensure people don’t lose patience and the opportunity for a change isn’t lost.”
During the visit, Raiser discussed progress on reforms to transform economic governance in Sri Lanka through strengthened institutional and fiscal oversight and better debt management.
He also stressed that greater transparency, improved governance, support for job creation, as well as better targeted protection for the poorest are critical to garner and sustain public support for reforms.
Raiser also visited North Central and Northwestern Provinces to observe first-hand World Bank-funded projects in the health and agriculture sectors, and to engage with a broad range of stakeholders on Sri Lanka’s development needs.
The World Bank was among the first to respond to Sri Lanka’s economic crisis. The Bank’s emergency response repurposed $325 million from existing projects to protect the poor and vulnerable from the worst impacts of the crisis.
In December, the Bank approved Sri Lanka’s request to access concessional financing from the International Development Association (IDA).
This type of financing, offered at low interest rates, will enable the country to implement its government-led reform program to stabilize the economy and protect the livelihoods of millions of people facing poverty and hunger.
The World Bank Group has started preparing a new Country Partnership Framework for the next four years (2023-2026) with a focus on private sector led job creation, inclusion, preservation and strengthening of human and natural capital, improved governance, and a shift towards a greener growth path
. Representatives from the World Bank have assured that the World Bank will continue to support Sri Lanka’s development reforms program.
They stated that the World Bank will provide technical assistance in the drafting of laws for development policy operations, as well as work to provide additional guidance and support regarding the use of international media and welfare benefits.
Among the areas discussed by the WB team and SL authorities were improving financial supervision and credit management, improving tax administration, sovereign-financial sector linkages and reducing systemic risks; maintaining stability and confidence in the banking sector.
They also focused on the restructuring and divestment, reducing policy uncertainty and increasing competitiveness in the economy, mobilizing private capital and competition in the broadband market, strengthening the social security institution, delivery system and targeting.
With India looking very positively at becoming a manufacturing hub for electric vehicles (EV), joint venture partners are looking very closely at Hambantota International Port (HIP) as the key transshipment point for their markets in the east and west of the island.
HIP participated in the recently held ‘ET Auto Electric Vehicle Conclave 2023’ organised in Delhi and on the sidelines of the conference, they were able to connect with a large number of potential customers who would see the advantages of transshipping through Hambantota International Port.
“While location is a key factor, our health and safety protocols and zero tolerance to accidents is an attractive proposition for those who wish to use this southern Sri Lankan port,” says Bindu Ranasinghe, Deputy General Manager (Commercial and Marketing), Hambantota International Port Group Pvt Ltd. (HIPG) who attended the event held under the theme ‘Plug-In For Efficient Adoption’.
In this backdrop, the Sri Lanka government has decided to introduce Electric buses and three-wheelers as part of a “system change” to reduce the dependency on fuel operated motor vehicles.
Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardena said that battery powered electric buses are to be introduced to the Sri Lanka Transport Board as a pilot project.
He said that the Cabinet approved a resolution put forward by him regarding the implementation of a public-private partnership project for the operation of battery powered electric buses by the Sri Lanka Transport Board covering the Western Province centered on the commercial city of Colombo and the Gampaha district.
The implementation of the pilot project will be based on a formal feasibility study.Gunawardena also said that tenders have been called for, to convert 300 three-wheelers into electric vehicles with the assistance of the UNDP.
The Minister said that the Government is also looking at having electric trains in Sri Lanka.adding that Sri Lanka cannot address environment issues and the fuel issue without a “system change” by switching to electric vehicles.
Meanwhile, an initiative by ETAuto.com India, the conference was partnered by big names in the auto, tech and logistics industries. Speakers at the forum included the founder & CEO of Ola Electric, Managing Director, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Limited, and the Managing Director of Volvo Car India.
Other top brands in the industry also participated including Hero Electric, JBM Group, Lumax Group, Reliance Industries, Greaves Electric Mobility, Maruti Suzuki, Kinetic Green, and Panasonic India.
Bindu Ranasinghe had the opportunity to be part of the panel discussion on “Building a sustainable and self-reliant supply chain,” and also made a presentation on HIP’s developments and potential.
Since HIP sees beyond logistics and shipping, we need to understand the source market and the nuances involved in the marketing and manufacturing of electric vehicles and also connect with the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
