Colombo (LNW): The results of the 2022 (2023) G.C.E. Advanced Level examination have been released, announced the Department of Examinations.
Accordingly, the Advanced Level examination results can be accessed online via: www.doenets.lk.
Parliamentary Caucus for Children focus on SRH education for children and cyber violence
Colombo (LNW): The Parliamentary Caucus for Children chaired by MP Rohini Kumari Wijerathna which met recently in Parliament directed its attention towards the Reproductive Health and Sexuality Education of school Children and Cyber Violence Against Children in Sri Lanka.
The officials present stated that educating school children of Sri Lanka regarding Reproductive Health and Sexuality Education is initially aimed at being carried out online through modes of new media. The Caucus Chief Wijerathna commending officials of their efforts stated that the Caucus wish to launch this initiative by October officially.
The Caucus also discussed the need to create content pertaining to Reproductive Health and Sexuality Education for the purpose of catering to different categories and groups in the society for better understanding.
The Caucus also looked into the spread of drugs among children and the rights of children.
The Caucus also looked into re-introducing the complaint box kept in all schools where children can submit their concerns incognito. The Caucus further discussed to make aware of children on 1929 hotline service.
The Caucus also looked into the current context and the application of laws pertaining to Cyber Violence Against Children in Sri Lanka. The Caucus expressed that the Cyber Security Bill is in the draft stage and for the officials to submit their recommendations and observations accordingly.
The Caucus also looked into the harassment against children online and the existing measures to take action against such harassment. It was also disclosed that there are many child pornography sites, Facebook pages including other social media platforms with harassing comments against children which is concerning.
Moreover, the need for a proper Media policy in place was highlighted as many media reports on cases pertaining to children are been reported in a very unethical and an insensitive manner.
Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, MP Velu Kumar, Deputy Co-Chair of the Caucus MP (Dr.) V. Radhakrishnan, MP Eran Wickramaratne, and MP Thalatha Athukorala were present at the occasion.
Hydro-power generation soared to 14 per cent: State Minister
Colombo (LNW): Hydro-power generation in Sri Lanka has risen to 14 per cent, said Power and Energy State Minister Indika Anuruddha.
Hydro-power generation was at 11 – 12 per cent in recent times due to the dry weather conditions, but despite the intensified showery conditions in many parts of the island lately, areas surrounding hydro-power plants have not yet received enough rainfall, the Minister revealed.
He noted that engineers from the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau, the National Building Research Organisation and the Ceylon Electricity Board are conducting an investigation into the water leakages of the Samanala Wewa reservoir, and research activities are also ongoing to address the issue.
Earlier, it was reported that six water leakage points have been identified in the reservoir contributing to the dropping of the water level.
Eheliyagoda receives ‘Red’ alert landslide early warning
Colombo (LNW): A critical ‘Level 03’ Red alert for landslide risks has been issued for Eheliyagoda area in the Ratnapura District by the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO).
The NBRO also issued an ‘Amber’ landslide early warning for select regions across the districts of Kalutara, Kegalle, and Ratnapura. Specific areas include:
- Kalutara District – Bulathsinhala and Ingiriya Divisional Secretariat Divisions
- Kegalle District – Warakapola Divisional Secretariat Division
- Ratnapura District – Ratnapura and Kuruwita Divisional Secretariat Divisions
Further, the initial ‘Level 01’ warnings have been issued for several areas as follows;
- Galle District – Baddegama, Elpitiya and Nagoda Divisional Secretariat Divisions
- Kalutara District – Palindanuwara, Mathugama and Walallawita Divisional Secretariat Divisions
- Kegalle District – Bulathkohupitiya, Dehiowita, Deraniyagala, Yatiyantota and Ruwanwella Divisional Secretariat Divisions
- Ratnapura District – Kiriella, Ayagama and Kalawana Divisional Secretariat Divisions
These pertinent landslide warnings are slated to remain in place until 10.30 p.m., today (04), and residents living across the flagged areas are strongly advised to stay vigilant about the possibility of landslides, slope failures, rock falls, cutting failures and ground subsidence.
Advisory for strong winds and rough seas
Colombo (LNW): Due to the active south-west monsoon condition, wind speed may increase up to 60 – 70 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Hambantota to Pottuvil and in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Trincomalee via Mannar and Kankasanthurai, the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology said in a warning today (04).
Wind speed may increase up to 50 – 60 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle, the statement added.
The naval and fishing communities who are engaged in fishing and naval activities in the aforementioned areas are urged to be vigilant in this regard.
Today’s (Sep 04) official exchange rates
Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee today (04) indicates somewhat a fluctuation against the US Dollar in comparison to last week as revealed by the official exchange rates list issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).
Accordingly, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 313.93 from last week’s Rs. 314.19, but the selling price has increased to Rs. 326.28 from last week’s Rs. 325.86.
Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan Rupee has also appreciated against several other foreign currencies, including Gulf currencies.
Digital Nomad Visa to boost tourism industry
- Public Security Minister Tiran Alles springs into action as Cabinet approves visa scheme for key tourism segment
- 1-year visa at $ 500 and extendable if applicant shows monthly income of $ 2,000
In a proactive move to bolster the tourism sector and attract a new wave of remote workers, the Cabinet of Ministers has given its seal of approval to a range of visa programs, including a novel offering known as the “Digital Nomad Visa” (DNV).
Under the Digital Nomad Visa program, applicants are required to demonstrate a minimum monthly income of $ 2,000, which must be channelled through the Sri Lankan banking system. This visa is renewable annually, subject to certification of the requisite funds. The application fee for the DNV is set at $ 500, and it encompasses the visa holder’s spouse and dependents.
This initiative comes in response to a noticeable shift in people’s attitudes towards online business and the newfound ability to work remotely, anywhere with an internet connection. Several factors have driven this change, including technological advancements, the flexibility of work-life balance, global connectivity, and evolving work cultures.
The breakthrough move was proposed by and secured Cabinet approval by Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles.
Sources said notably, many countries in the region and beyond have introduced DNV to attract a distinct type of tourism. For instance, Germany offers a freelance visa tailored for self-employed individuals. Malaysia has its “DE Rantau Nomad Pass,” which also mandates a monthly income of $ 2,000. New Zealand refers to its visa as a “Working Holiday Visa,” requiring proof of $ 2,700 in funds. Norway’s Digital Nomad Visa spans two years and necessitates a monthly income of $ 3,140. Portugal’s version is initially valid for one year and can be extended up to four years, with a monthly income requirement of $ 2,950. Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa calls for a monthly income of $ 2,215.
Thailand’s Digital Nomad Visa entails an annual income of $ 80,000 and grants a 10-year stay. Additionally, numerous countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Taiwan, Seychelles, Romania, Saint Lucia, Panama, Montserrat, Namibia, Mexico, Mauritius, Malta, Latvia, Iceland, Grenada, and Hungary, have introduced Digital Nomad visas or similar programs to stimulate their tourism sectors by attracting remote workers and digital nomads.
“By promoting these initiatives proactively and effectively, Sri Lanka can position itself as an appealing destination for remote workers, freelancers, and digital nomads, harnessing their economic contributions to bolster its foreign exchange reserves and boost the overall economy,” sources said. “This strategic approach can help the country diversify its revenue streams, reducing its vulnerability to external economic fluctuations and contributing to long-term economic stability,” they added.
Source: DailyFT
LITRO announces revised LP gas prices
Colombo (LNW): State-run LITRO Gas Lanka today (04) announced a price revision on domestic LP gas cylinders.
Accordingly, the revised LP gas prices were revealed by LITRO Chief Muditha Peiris at a press briefing a short while ago.
The revised prices:
- 12.5kg LP Gas cylinder increased by Rs. 145; new price – Rs. 3,127
- 05 kg LP Gas cylinder increased by Rs. 58; new price – Rs. 1,256
- 2.3 kp LP Gas cylinder increased by Rs. 26; new price – Rs. 587
LKR value against USD in commercial banks today (Sep 04)
By: Isuru Parakrama
Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) after a series of appreciations over the past few days once again displays a slight depreciation against the US Dollar at leading commercial banks of the country today (04) in comparison to yesterday.
Accordingly, Peoples Bank reveals that the buying price of the US Dollar has increased to Rs. 312.39 from Rs. 311.42, and the selling price to Rs. 327.07 from Rs. 326.05.
However, at Commercial Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 312.26 from last week’s Rs. 313.72, and the selling price to Rs. 324.50 from Rs. 326.
At Sampath Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has increased to Rs. 314 from last week’s Rs. 312, and the selling price to Rs. 325 from Rs. 323.
SINOPEC to invest in new oil refinery in Hambantota
By: Isuru Parakrama
Colombo (LNW): The Chinese energy solution SINOPEC recently joined hands with the government of Sri Lanka will invest in the proposed oil refinery to be established in Hambantota, announced Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara, speaking to reporters yesterday (03).
The project proposal in this regard will be submitted within next week, Wijesekara told media, after attending a meeting with the local distributors of SINOPEC and the representatives of the SINOPEC Refinery yesterday.