Govt declares Friday, June 30, a special bank holiday, leading to a 5-day bank holiday from June 29 to July 3: analysts say the govt wants a long weekend to provide a buffer for the potential adverse market reaction to the worrisome Domestic Debt Re-structuring announcement: CB Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe who had continuously insisted that domestic debt will not be re-structured, now says the safety of local deposits will be assured and interest will not be affected.
Parliamentary Affairs Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday to seek approval for the restructuring of domestic debt proposal: SJB MP Harsha Silva who was strongly advocating an IMF programme which has led to debt re-structuring, now says he is opposed to domestic debt re-structuring.
SJB Activist & Investment Advisor Niroshan Padukka reiterates that a massive scam occurred via the Treasury Bill issues totalling Rs.200 billion by the Central Bank on 31st May 2023 and 2nd June 2023: insists that the T-Bill Issues were made at interest rates of around 25% per annum when the secondary market rates of such T-Bills were around 16%: says the loss suffered by the Govt is around a staggering Rs.25 billion: also says a complaint in this regard will be lodged with the Bribery & Corruption Commission today.
Chief Govt Whip orders all ruling party MP to remain in Colombo this week: overseas travel specifically cancelled: order reportedly made since the debt re-structuring proposal is scheduled to be tabled in Parliament for adoption this week: analysts and stakeholders fear the worst, considering the anxiety of the ruling party in relation to the debt re-structuring.
Immigration Dept says 911,689 passports have been issued in 2022, the highest number in the last 5 years and 529,138 more than in 2021.
Airline Pilots’ Guild says the cadre of Pilots at SriLankan Airlines which should be 330 is only 250 as a result of shortsighted, arbitrary and callous decisions of the management: points out that SriLankan Airlines pays wages which are well below industry standards, to its Pilots.
Airport & Aviation Services Chairman G A Chandrasiri says 19 potential investors and strategic entrepreneurs have participated in the bidding process for Public-Private Partnership investment opportunities at Mattala Rajapaksa Int’l Airport.
Senior Consultant Physician Dr Ananda Wijewickrama says 75% of the reported dengue cases involve people older than 15 years: asserts over 47,000 cases have been reported since January: points out that the majority of the patients recorded so far are from the Colombo and Gampaha districts.
Sri Lanka defeats Ireland in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023 by 133 runs: Sri Lanka – 325 (49.5): Dimuth Karunaratne 103, Sadeera Samarawickrama 82, Dhananjaya De Silva 42*, Charith Asalanka 38; Ireland – 192 (31): Wanindu Hasaranga – 79/5: Hasaranga has now taken 5 wickets or more in 3 consecutive ODIs, a feat hitherto carried out by the great Pakistani fast bowler Waqar Younis, 33 years ago.
Sri Lanka, Scotland, Oman, Zimbabwe, Netherlands and West Indies qualify for the Super 6 stage of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier Tournament.
Today, the 26th of June, my father will turn 86. He’s not in the best of health and is in no condition to celebrate. My mother, brothers and perhaps some close relatives and friends will be there to wish him. I will be a few hours late. By the time I reach home from the airport he is likely to be asleep. That kills me because my father would always be a few hours early for my birthday and those of my brothers.
Eric Cooray, my father, was always surrounded by lots of people as a young man, but all that changed when he married my mother. From that day onwards he was absolutely devoted to her and later to us as well.
I can’t remember my baby days, but I vividly remember my first days at St Thomas’ College, Mt Lavinia. I insisted that I sit close to a window. He was strictly instructed to locate himself so that I could see him. He didn’t need to be told. I was extremely attached to him and he loved all of us very much, as I realised much later, for it was a pattern — he never let us down. He put up with all our nonsensical demands and quite happily too. Nothing has impressed me more than the fact that he has always been a family man, first to his wife, then to his sons and now to his daughters-in-law and grandchildren.
A few weeks ago, when he was in hospital, there were times I fell asleep out of exhaustion. I always woke up feeling guilty because I remembered how he stayed up by our beds when we fell sick, checking on us throughout the night. Then I understood and appreciated all over again the fact that he has always been my hero. He has set the standards that I aspire to achieve and maintain.
My father, who hails from Paiyagala, was an extremely hard working man who lived a very tough life but faced all challenges with utmost calm and exemplary courage, never once compromising his principles.
A strong Catholic, he firmly believed that God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason. He spoke little and didn’t care much for those who overdramatised matters. Neither did he speak ill will of anyone. He may have had reservations about people, but he kept those to himself. It was clear however that he appreciated loyalty and honesty. Indeed, he taught us the virtues of both qualities, simply by affirming them in his life.
He worked hard and appreciated deeds more than words. He bore his crosses quietly, grieved in private. He knew who he was and what he was capable of. He never pretended to be someone he was not. He was proud of what he had accomplished but was not one to brag about it. His grit, discipline and faith saw him through the tough times, but he didn’t make a song and dance about it.
Family, as I said, was everything to him. He wanted to see his sons grow into strong men and responsible citizens and did everything to make this possible but didn’t let any of it detract from his love and loyalty to his wife, our mother.
Today, as I, now a father, struggle to do everything to make it possible for my daughters to grow into strong, intelligent, compassionate, and responsible young women, I find myself drawing extensively from my father’s life, thinking and ways of parenting. He has taught me even though he hardly ever lectured me about such things. I too want to be the bedrock of my family as he was the bedrock of his. I strive to cultivate his indomitable spirit and often wonder if I can ever emulate him.
It doesn’t matter, though. Whenever I have to make an important or difficult decision, I simply ask myself ‘what would Thattha have done?’ Invariably I remember many instances where he did things in a certain way and I get the answer I was looking for.
I don’t know if I ever lived up to his expectations, but then again he never insisted that any of us should be anything other than what we wanted to be. He was distant that way. Correctly so, I might add. He’s close in so many other ways; so close and such a giant too that he makes me feel very small, and so well protected by him even though he’s in his eighties and I am in my fifties.
In recent years, Europe has emerged as a global leader in the green transition movement, spearheading sustainable practices and renewable energy initiatives. Faced with the pressing challenges of climate change and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, European countries have taken bold steps towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.
One of the cornerstones of Europe’s green transition is the adoption of renewable energy sources. Across the continent, countries have made substantial investments in wind, solar, and hydroelectric power, harnessing the abundant natural resources available. Wind farms have sprouted across the North Sea, with countries like Denmark, the Netherlands, and Germany leading the charge. These wind farms not only generate clean energy but also create employment opportunities and contribute to regional development. Solar power installations have also witnessed significant growth, particularly in southern European countries like Spain, Italy, and Greece, where abundant sunshine offers an ideal environment for solar energy production. Additionally, hydroelectric power plants, such as those found in Scandinavia and the Alps, provide a reliable and renewable energy source.
To support the transition to renewable energy, European governments have implemented ambitious targets and policies. The European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive sets binding targets for member states, aiming to reach a 32% share of renewable energy consumption by 2030. Governments have also introduced feed-in tariffs, tax incentives, and subsidies to encourage investment in renewable energy projects. This comprehensive approach has facilitated the rapid expansion of renewable energy capacity, creating a more diverse and sustainable energy mix.
Beyond renewable energy, Europe’s green transition encompasses various sustainable practices aimed at reducing environmental impact. Energy efficiency measures have gained prominence, with initiatives focused on improving the energy performance of buildings, promoting energy-efficient appliances, and encouraging the use of smart grid technologies. The European Union’s Energy Efficiency Directive sets targets for reducing energy consumption and increasing energy efficiency, driving innovation in sectors such as transportation, industry, and agriculture.
European cities have emerged as pioneers in sustainable urban development. Urban planners and policymakers are promoting compact and livable cities, integrating green spaces, and prioritizing public transportation, cycling, and walking over private vehicles. Many cities have implemented congestion charging, low-emission zones, and electric vehicle infrastructure to reduce air pollution and promote cleaner mobility options. The concept of “smart cities” is gaining traction, leveraging digital technologies to optimize energy use, manage resources efficiently, and enhance the quality of life for citizens.
Moreover, Europe’s green transition extends beyond its borders through international cooperation and collaboration. The European Union has been actively engaged in global climate negotiations, advocating for stronger commitments and fostering partnerships with other nations. The Paris Agreement, a landmark international accord on climate change, received strong support from European countries, underscoring their commitment to reducing emissions and transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
The green transition is not without its challenges, and Europe continues to address them proactively. The intermittent nature of renewable energy sources necessitates investment in energy storage technologies, such as battery systems and hydrogen infrastructure, to ensure a reliable and stable energy supply. Grid infrastructure must be modernized and upgraded to accommodate the decentralized nature of renewable energy generation. Additionally, the phase-out of fossil fuels requires careful planning and consideration for affected industries and communities, necessitating a just transition approach that ensures no one is left behind.
In conclusion, Europe’s green transition represents a paradigm shift towards sustainability and renewable energy. Through robust renewable energy initiatives, ambitious targets, and sustainable practices, Europe is driving the global transition to a low-carbon future. By prioritizing innovation, collaboration, and long-term planning, European countries are setting an inspiring example for the rest of the world, demonstrating that economic prosperity and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. However, the journey towards a sustainable Europe is ongoing, and continued commitment, investment, and cooperation will be crucial in realizing a greener and more prosperous future for all.
USA (Commonwealth Union): Nineteen-year-old Indian American student Tanishq Mathew Abraham has now earned the title of doctor, marking a significant accomplishment in his academic journey. According to reports, as a student of biomedical engineering, he will be awarded his PhD from the University of California at Davis next week. Abraham, who successfully defended his dissertation in May, proudly declared his achievement on Twitter. He tweeted, “After 4 years 8 months in the @UCDavisGrad @UCDavisBMEGG graduate program, I am now Dr. Tanishq Mathew Abraham (at 19 years old)!! Very excited to share the news that I successfully defended my PhD research today!”.
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Abraham’s specialized focus throughout his Ph.D. program was the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) systems used in diagnostic pathology. His remarkable academic journey began when he started taking college courses at the age of seven while still in high school. At the age of ten, he completed high school, and four years later, at the age of fourteen, he officially graduated from UC Davis with an undergraduate degree. Born and brought up in an Indian American immigrant family, Abraham aspires to concentrate on the intersection of artificial intelligence and medicine. Expressing his commitment, he stated, “I think we are now in the AI revolution, and I want to continue to be a part of it.”
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The extraordinary accomplishments of Tanishq Mathew Abraham have left a lasting impression on those who know him, generating a strong sense of confidence in his future endeavors. Jean-Pierre Delplanque, the vice provost and dean of graduate studies at UC Davis, expressed his admiration, stating, “For Tanishq, to have already reached this milestone at such a young age is incredible. I know he will continue to accomplish great things in his life, and I cannot wait to see the transformative impact he will have on our world.” Further, in a symbolic tradition, Abraham had the opportunity to ring the bell at UC Davis, symbolizing the fulfillment of all the requirements for his PhD.
During the ceremony, Abraham’s sister, currently enrolled in a graduate music program at Indiana University, will perform the national anthem. Further, his 90-year-old Indian American grandmother, who obtained her own PhD in the 1960s as a veterinarian, will also be present to witness this momentous occasion. Demonstrating his dedication to furthering the field of medical AI, Abraham recently established the Medical AI Research Center in collaboration with professionals from Stanford and Princeton. The center has already made notable strides, publishing a paper on MindEye, a technology that generates images from brain activity.
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Tanishq Mathew Abraham credits his late grandfather, veterinary researcher Dr. Zachariah Mathew, and his grandmother as his sources of inspiration. His grandmother, reputedly the first Indian woman veterinarian to receive a PhD in the 1960s, has played a significant role in shaping his passion for academic excellence and research. With his accomplishments at such a young age and his unwavering determination to contribute to the AI revolution in medicine, Tanishq Mathew Abraham’s future holds immense promise, leaving the world eagerly anticipating the transformative impact he will undoubtedly make.
Colombo (LNW): The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) said it will not support the government’s domestic debt restructuring programme, which is due to be presented in Parliament in July this year.
Speaking to media today (25), SJB MP Dr. Harsha De Silva emphasised that his party will not back the domestic debt restructuring programme if the government wishes to go ahead with a debt haircut, which he described as “more or less writing off debts.”
“We are already of the opinion that the government should stay out of the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and the Employees Trust Fund (ETF). We will support the programme only if the government agrees to the conditions which we have laid down.”
He added that all opposition parties are set to meet tomorrow (26) to discuss the developments on the matter.
Colombo (LNW): More than 70 pilots resigned from SriLankan Airlines last year, with many more resignations pending due to the issues faced by the pilots, and the serious and critical issues occurred within the Airline have not been addressed by its Management, revealed the Airline Pilots’ Guild of Sri Lanka, in a statement issued as clarification over the accusations made by Minister of Civil Aviation Nimal Siripala De Silva on the delay of the island nation’s flag carrier’s flights in the recent past.
Subject Minister Silva had recently accused the Airline’s pilots of refusing to operate a flight after a first officer on duty had fallen ill.
In response, the Airline Pilots’ Guild of Sri Lanka stated that the Management of SriLankan Airlines not addressing the serious and often times critical issues resulted in the catastrophic state of affairs, adding that the pilots have been left in the lurch as a result of a spate of decisions by the Management compelling them to be overworked.
“The Airline requires at least 330 Pilots to function at full capacity for the designated flights. However, over 70 Pilots have resigned from the Airline in the last year(2022- 2023) with many more resignations pending due to the issues faced by the Pilots,” the Union said in its statement.
Full Statement:
We write with reference to the recent statements in Parliament by the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Services Nimal Siripala De Silva and other members of Parliament regarding the purported conduct of Pilots of the Airline.
Whilst iterating our commitment and dedication to our beloved Airline, the passengers of the Airline and the country as a whole we wish to state that there have been serious and often times critical issues which have not been addressed by the Management of the Airline resulting in the current catastrophic state of affairs.
The Pilots of the Airline have been left in the lurch as a result of a spate of decisions by the Management of the Airline compelling us to be overworked.
The Airline requires at least 330 Pilots to function at full capacity for the designated flights. However, over 70 Pilots have resigned from the Airline in the last year (2022- 2023) with many more resignations pending due to the issues faced by the Pilots. This has resulted in a complete depletion of Pilots.
The severity of the issue was witnessed in the recent incident where there were no Pilots on standby to be assigned to a flight which eventually departed more than 12 hours later than the scheduled time of departure.
SriLankan Airlines pays one of the lowest wages well below industry standards to Pilots. Prior to June 2023, the Pilots were paid their salaries at an arbitrary USD [ the contracted currency by which Pilots are remunerated] capped at the rate of initially LKR 188 then LKR225 subsequently LKR295(since December)which was nearly 40%below the rate of the Central Bank. This issue took years of union intervention and discussions to resolve.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Pilots’ salaries were approximately lowered by 50 per cent. Despite the said “salary cut” the Pilots continued to work helping the Airline generate revenue and most importantly providing our services for critical medical supplies and other essential and urgent requirements for the Country during the crisis.
Today however, despite all other departments in the Airline being given increments and ex-gratia payments(bonuses) the Pilots are yet to receive a substantial part of their contractually due salary package which was in place before the Covid outbreak.
These are despite predictions by the Chief Executive Officer of the Airline promising a profit of 50 Million USD this year. All Pilots of the Airline have educated themselves with private funding and have over the years borne the cost of their training at SriLankan Airlines.
The cadre of Pilots which should ideally be at 330 now only has approximately 250 as a result of the shortsighted, arbitrary and callous decisions of the Management. It is obvious that we as individuals and professionals focused on flight safety, cannot be expected to sustain the extra burden on each individual that the Airline now demands as a result of its own folly.
The recent issues regarding flights stem from these actions and/or inactions of the Management itself which the Management have continuously refused to pay heed to. We have as a body at all times raised these concerns repeatedly including by way of litigation due to the attitude of the Management of the Airline.
We urge that these matters be brought to the notice and the attention of the general public and all stakeholders of the Airline in order to facilitate the issues raised being addressed and resolved.
Colombo (LNW): The Election Commission said despite a change in the Commission administration being taken place, there will be no hindrance to the activities of the currently declared local government election.
The Commission’s comment comes in amidst the Constitutional Council’s decision to appoint five new members for the body and the RW-led regime’s controversial move to postpone the LG Polls indefinitely.
Meanwhile, Nimal Punchihewa, the current Chairman of the Election Commission, has been proposed to be nominated as a member of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL).
The appointment of new EC members nominated by the Constitutional Council will take place after President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s return to Sri Lanka.
Colombo (LNW): The insufficient machine capacity at the Department of Motor Traffic with the existing printing machines mainly contributed to the delay in the issuance of driving licences, revealed Commissioner General Nishantha Anuruddha Weerasinghe.
The Dept currently has five printing machines, but they are not sufficient to meet the demand, he lamented, revealing that a Cabinet paper has also been sent for the procuring of five printing machines to print driving licences.
Due to the lacking printing capacity, the printing of 800,000 driving licences is being stalled, and currently the DMT prints 4,000 cards per day, Weerasinghe revealed.
In order to meet the demand and stop the issuance of temporary driving licences, the Dept has to exceed the 4,000 threshold of printing driving licences, he added.
Colombo (LNW): More than 900,000 (911,689) passports have been issued in the year 2022 alone, making the issuance the highest number of passports in the last five years, disclosed the Department of Immigration and Emigration in its annual performance report.
529,138 additional passports were issued in 2022 compared to the year before, it added.
Last year, the number of people who left the country through the Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) was 2,008,066, and among them were 1,124,022 Sri Lankans and 864,648 foreigners, the Dept further noted.
01. Commissioner General at the Department of Motor Traffic Nishantha Anuruddha laments the main reason for the delay in issuing driving licences is “not having sufficient printing capacity with the existing printing machines”: adds a Cabinet paper has been sent for the purchase of five driving licence card printing machines.
02. Senior Consultant Physician Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama says there is a risk of a dengue epidemic with the upcoming monsoon, thus dengue control needs to receive “more attention from all sectors”: adds everyone’s assistance is important because neither the government nor the health authorities can control the virus on their own: More than 47,000 cases reported since January 2023.
03. IGP informs all senior Police officers that in a bid to expand the operations of seizing illegal firearms and hand grenades all Police personnel and private tippers will be encouraged by increasing the amount of cash rewards granted through the Police Reward Fund for a period of one month: Move comes in as per an order by Public Security Minister Tiran Alles.
04. Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Levan S. Dzhagaryan says a group of Russian delegates will arrive in Sri Lanka this September and October to initiate talks on establishing a nuclear power plant in Sri Lanka: expresses confidence that the outcome of the negotiations would be positive.
05. Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardena says by 2025, every depot belonging to the SLTB must be profitable; warns if not, the service cannot continue: laments while 90% of the depot employees are honest, about 10% do not hand over the fully daily collections to the depots; adds they allegedly keep a percentage of the collections and hand over the balance to the depots.
06. Foreign Minister Ali Sabry defends the appointment of ex Minister Rohitha Bogollagama as Sri Lanka’s next envoy to the UK, saying the move was well thought and was taken following discussion between himself and President Wickremesinghe.
07. The Department of Immigration and Emigration says 911,689 passports have been issued in 2022: reveals 2022 saw the highest number of passports issued in the last five years: adds 529,139 additional passports were issued in 2022 compared to the year before: In 2022, 1,124,022 Sri Lankans left the country.
08. The Election Commission says despite the change in the Commission administration, there will be no disruption to the activities of the currently announced LG Polls: The appointment of five new members to the EC nominated by the Constitutional Council to take place after President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s return to the island: Current Chairman Nimal Punchihewa nominated as a member of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka.
09. Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe says the final list of beneficiaries of ‘Aswesuma’ welfare benefit programme will be published after completing the evaluation of appeals and objections: adds different surveys have shown that approximately 30% of welfare benefits are received by people who do not qualify to receive the allowances.
10. All Ruling Party MPs urged in a special notice not to leave Colombo next week starting from tomorrow, due to a series of special meetings and ‘a special Parliament resolution’ pending being tabled; also instructed to halt their foreign travels as well.
