The Committee on Public Finance (COPF) has slammed the officials of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission for failing to launch a website for the commission although it has been more than a year since it was established.
COPF chairman MP Harsha de Silva stressed the need for a proper online presence for the Commission, especially in a context where its registrations and submission of applications are expected to be carried out online.
Further, the Port City Economic Commission’s senior officials were denounced for failing to appear before the COPF without providing a notice of absence beforehand.
While emphasizing on the importance of the Port City project for the purpose of generating investments and the work done thus far, the COPF unanimously expressed its dissatisfaction and advised the officials to exercise a better sense of responsibility as professionals handling such project of importance.
Accordingly, the Secretary to the Port City Economic Commission was instructed to submit a by way of writing a reasonable explanation as to why senior officials were not present before the COPF when they had been summoned before the committee on December 21, 2022.
The COPF also inquired into the delay in the submission of audit reports, directing the commission’s officials to ensure the expeditious submission of the annual audit reports.
Colombo Port City (CPC) is projected to have around US $ 4.6 billion positive impact on the country’s balance of payments (BOP) per annum when it reaches the normal operational level after 2041 with an overall US
$ 11.8 billion contribution to GDP per annum, according to a study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
PwC highlighted that the country could earn US $ 4.6 billion in net foreign exchange revenue from tourism-related industries and service exports such as IT, maritime, logistics and other professional services.
It projected that service exports would contribute US $ 4.1 billion, followed by US $ 300 million net foreign exchange earnings from the residential sector and US $ 275 million from the retail sector.
PwC noted that US $ 4.6 billion, in addition to the country’s external sector, could significantly reduce the pressure on the BOP.
COPF takes to task Port City Economic Commission over some lapses
Sri Lanka imports increased in November 2022 in second consecutive M-o-M
Sri Lanka imports increased in November 2022 marking second consecutive month-on-month (M-o-M) gain and rising to highest since August.
As per external trade data released by the Central Bank recently imports in November amounted to US $ 1.44 billion, up 8 percent from $ 1.33 billion in October and highest since $ 1.48 billion in August.
November data also proves the M-o-M decline seen since August was short lived. However, in comparison to a year earlier, imports were down by 18 percent. In the first 11 months of 2022, imports were down by 8.3 percent to $ 16.8 billion.
CB attributed the decline in expenditure on investment goods mainly contributed to the dip in import expenditure in November 2022. However, it said the M-o-M increase indicates the impact of recent measures to relax some import restriction measures and seasonal demand for imports.
The import volume index declined by 22.7% (y-o-y), while the import unit value index increased by 5.9%, in November 2022, implying that the decline in import expenditure in November 2022, compared to November 2021, was mainly driven by the volume effect.
Expenditure on the importation of consumer goods declined by 27.2% in November 2022, compared to November 2021, driven by lower expenditure on non-food consumer goods.
This decline in expenditure on non-food consumer goods was broad-based but the drop in imports of telecommunication devices (primarily, mobile telephones); medical and pharmaceuticals (base effect of higher expenditure on COVID vaccines in 2021); and home appliances (primarily, televisions) was notable.
Expenditure on food and beverages imports declined by 3.6 percent in November 2022 (y-o-y), mainly with a decline in expenditure on sugar and oils and fats, driven by lower volumes.
However, a significant increase was observed in cereals and milling industry products (primarily, wheat flour). Expenditure on the importation of dairy products (mainly, milk powder) also improved to some extent.
Expenditure on the importation of intermediate goods marginally declined by 0.5 percent in November 2022, compared to a year ago, with a decline in import expenditure on most of the categories of industrial inputs being offset by a substantial increase in import expenditure on fuel.
Categories of intermediate goods that recorded a large decline include, textiles and textile articles (mainly, fabrics); rubber and rubber articles (both natural and synthetic rubber in primary form); plastics and articles thereof (mainly, plastics in primary form); mineral products (mainly, cement clinkers); food preparations (mainly, palm oil); and chemical products.
Import expenditure on fuel, which consists of crude oil, refined petroleum, and coal, increased by 32.6% (y-o-y) to $ 422 million due to non-existent crude oil imports in November 2021. The average import price of crude oil was $ 98.77 per barrel in November 2022.
Import expenditure on coal increased notably in November 2022. In addition, import expenditure on fertilizer increased significantly in November 2022 due to higher import volumes over November 2021, while expenditure on wheat grain also recorded an increase.
Import expenditure on investment goods nearly halved in November 2022, compared to the same month in 2021, resulting from a decline in all subcategories. The decline in the expenditure on machinery and equipment imports was led by office machines and machinery and equipment parts, among others.
Expenditure on all types of goods listed under building materials declined, with a notable drop in imports of iron and steel, cement and articles of iron and steel. In addition, lower expenditure on railway equipment imports led to the decline of import expenditure in transport equipment.
Mattala international airport transforms into a multipurpose business center
Mattala international airport on the southern coast is to transform into a multipurpose business center by implementing business opportunities related to air and non-air operations, official sources divulged.
This airport had the potential to be converted into a business center for foreign investors and therefore measures would be taken to effectively utilize the international airport facilities and assets to create private and public partnership investment opportunities, Government spokesman minister Bandula Gunawardena said.
A proposal by Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva to call for expressions of interest from investors in aviation-related enterprises was approved by the cabinet, he added.
The Sri Lankan government has offered a number of concessions for flights willing to land at Mattala and the airport resumed international flight operation last month after a lapse of two years.
The airport is built to carry out air cargo operations and is equipped with a store complex, special technological equipment, including two sophisticated scanners.
Thus, it has the ability to attract cargo companies by promoting these services and offering reduced tax.
Apart from that, establishing training centers related to the aircraft and aviation industry – flying schools, aviation services schools and aircraft maintenance and repair workshops – in the close vicinity can help attract more stakeholders in to the airport.
The focus is on taking measures to effectively utilize Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport facilities and assets by creating public-private-partnership (PPP) investment opportunities,” Minister Bandula Gunawardena said yesterday.
Following the post-war development agenda of making the country a hub in the Indian Ocean Region, Hambantota was planned as an air and marine exchange operation center.
The development of the MIA fitted into this plan. Given the preferable climatic and meteorological conditions, and basic facilities in conformity with international standards, it was expected to be a success with an increased cargo handling, passenger arrivals and air traffic operations, a feasibility study report revealed.
The MIA also expected to play a significant role in the development of the eastern and southern coastlines of the island with a plan of building an investment center in Hambantota.
It was also expected to facilitate the creation of economic and investment opportunities in the island.
The development of industries and businesses in the area is important to attract people who will use the airport as their transport link. In this regard, increasing the production of products to be exported through the MIA should be given adequate attention.
This requires additional investment to provide resources, consultation and training for small and medium enterprises.
According to the Tourism Board of Sri Lanka, every year, a significant number of tourists visit cultural sites and nature parks in close proximity to the Mattala Airport
The Supreme Court upholds the prison sentence of Maithrie’s former chief of staff
The Supreme Court today (11) upheld the prison sentences given by the three-judge High Court of Colombo to Kusumdasa Mahanama, the former chief of staff of former President Maithripala Sirisena, and Piyadasa Dissanayake, the former chairman of the State Timber Corporation.
That was after announcing the decision of the appeal they had filed.
In 2018, the two were arrested by Bribery or Corruption Investigation Commission officials while demanding a bribe of 54 million rupees from an Indian businessman and receiving 20 million rupees.
In relation to that, a case was filed against them under 24 charges before the three-judge High Court of Colombo, where Kusumdasa Mahanama was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment with hard labor and a fine of 65,000 rupees and Piyadasa Dissanayake was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment with hard labor and a fine of 50,000 rupees.
A program to raise awareness about parliamentary Procedures and Practices
A program to raise awareness about parliamentary Procedures and Practices was held at Hungama Vijayaba College, under the patronage of the Deputy Speaker Hon. Ajith Rajapaksa, January (09).
The main objective of the said program was to develop the knowledge of the school students about Parliamentary procedures and practices and the Assistant Secretary General of Parliament Mr. Tikiri K. Jayathilaka and Director Legislative Services and Director Communications (Acting) Mr. H.E. Janakantha Silva contributed as resource persons in the program.
Delivering a speech on the role of a Deputy Speaker of the Parliament the Deputy Speaker Hon. Ajith Rajapaksa stated that Parliament plays a big role in securing the democracy but the media does not properly communicate it to the citizens. Because of this, the attitude of the citizens towards the parliament is not appropriate currently. Therefore, he pointed out the significance of conveying the role of Parliament to the people through the media.
Assistant Secretary General of the Parliament Mr. Tikiri K. Jayathilaka delivered his speech on the topic of our Parliament and the contribution of the future citizen at the occasion while Director (Legislative Services) and Director Communications (Acting) Mr. H.E. Janakantha Silva delivered his speech on Duties of Parliament and Legislative Process.
This special awareness program is another phase in a series of awareness programs carried out by the Department of Communication of the Parliament of Sri Lanka over the past few years.
The discussion between the President and the Tamil political parties ends without an agreement
Selvam Adaikalanathan, leader of the Tamil Eelam Liberation Organization (TELO), says that the discussion held between President Ranil Wickramasinghe and representatives of Tamil political parties yesterday (10) ended without an agreement to find a solution to the national problem.
He mentioned that the government has asked for another week to reach an agreement on the three basic proposals presented by their side last month, including the return of acquired lands in the North East and the full enforcement of the 13th Amendment.
Accordingly, he said that the discussion round which was scheduled to be held on the three days of January 10, 11 and 12 ended yesterday.
Navy women cyclists win overall championship in cycling at 12th Defence Services Games
Sri Lanka Navy women cyclists won the overall team championship in cycling at the 12th Defence Services Games. The race started from the Air Force Base, Katunayake on 08th January 2023.
It covered 65km and 400m in distance, through Minuwangoda, Divulapitiya, Katana and Negombo before returning to the Air Force Base, Katunayake. The women’s cycling team of the Navy completed the race in 02h 02min 47sec winning the overall championship. The gold medal for the best woman cyclist was won by Woman Ordinary Seaman KASN Perera.
Director General Training, Rear Admiral Mahinda Mahawatte graced the event as the Chief Guest. A group of officers from tri-services were also present on this occasion.
Semasinghe says not to worry about the salaries of state employees
Minister of State for Finance Shehan Semasinghe says that priority has been given to welfare benefits including salaries, pensions and prosperity of public servants.
“It will take some time for the economy to fully stabilize and return to normal. The government is currently implementing the entire program for that. The Ministry of Finance has informed all the ministries to strictly limit the expenditure. Even when presenting the budget for 2023, money has not been allocated for other expenses except giving priority to essential expenses. We believe that with the approval of the IMF in the first quarter, the economic recovery will accelerate.
We are currently managing the allocation of money for the salaries of government employees, the payment of money for pensioners, the payment of money for Samurdhi and other subsidies. This is difficult management. We can convey the message that we are working to provide government employee salaries, pensions and welfare benefits without any cuts or delays. There should be no doubt about it. Arrangements will be made to receive them on those respective dates.
State Minister Shehan Semasinghe said this while issuing a statement to the media yesterday (10).
Sri Lanka Original Narrative Summary: 11/01
- Cabinet Spokesman and Govt’s Economic Guru Dr Bandula Gunawardena says the Treasury is short of funds: also says the economic crisis is worse than expected: admits tax income in the first 3 months of this year will be low: laments the Govt is unable to get loans as no one is giving and can’t print any more money: warns Govt has no choice but to take drastic steps until the situation improves.
- Canadian Govt imposes sanctions against former Presidents Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Mahinda Rajapaksa, Staff Sergeant Sunil Ratnayake, Lt Commander Chandana Prasad Hettiarachchi for alleged “gross and systematic violations of human rights”.
- Tamil Political Parties led by TNA give 7-day ultimatum to President Ranil Wickremesinghe to fulfil 3 demands: [a] full implementation of 13th Amendment to the Constitution: [b] release of all lands belonging to Tamils in the North and East occupied by Govt agencies: [c] release of all Tamil political prisoners.
- Foreign media reports that a Sri Lankan gemstone company that was key to sanctioned terrorist facilitator Ahmed Luqman Talib’s revenue generation in support of Al-Qaida has continued doing business after Talib was sanctioned and arrested.
- President Ranil Wickremasinghe informs Cabinet that 5% of the estimated expenditure under the Budget 2023 proposals from all Ministries will be curtailed.
- Cabinet Spokesman Dr Bandula Gunawardane says the payment of the ‘Samurdhi’ allowance may be delayed by 1 or 2 weeks: State Finance Minister Shehan Semasinghe contradicts by saying there shouldn’t be undue fears regarding payment of Govt employee salaries or welfare benefits, including Samurdhi.
- Ministry of Public Administration directs all District Secretaries to temporarily suspend accepting deposits from candidates for the upcoming Local Govt elections: recalls letter shortly afterwards.
- UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara says the UNP and SLPP have arrived at a general consensus to contest the Colombo Municipal Council, Kandy Municipal Council and Puttalam Urban Council under the “Elephant” symbol during the upcoming Local Govt Elections.
- Committee to investigate Sri Lanka Men’s Cricket Team’s participation in the ICC T20 World Cup and relevant incidents, hand over report to the Sports Minister: report said to contain observations on financial misappropriation, influence of social media, influence of religious factions and several other matters.
- India wins the 1st Cricket ODI against Sri Lanka by 67 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the 3 match series: India – 373/7 (50): Sri Lanka – 306/8 (50), Dasun Shanaka – 108*.
Canada imposes sanctions on Sri Lankan state officials including Rajapaksa brothers for human rights violations
January 10, 2023 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada: The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced Canada imposes targeted sanctions under regulations pursuant to the Special Economic Measures Act against four Sri Lankan state officials responsible for gross and systematic violations of human rights during armed conflict in Sri Lanka, which occurred from 1983 to 2009.
The regulations pursuant to the Special Economic Measures Act impose on listed persons a dealings prohibition, which would effectively freeze any assets they may hold in Canada and render them inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
Despite continued calls from Canada and the international community to address accountability, the Government of Sri Lanka has taken limited meaningful and concrete action to uphold its human rights obligations. This jeopardizes progress on justice for affected populations, and prospects for peace and reconciliation.
Victims and survivors of gross human rights violations deserve justice. That is why Canada continues to call on Sri Lanka to fulfill its commitment to establish a meaningful accountability process.
These sanctions send a clear message that Canada will not accept continued impunity for those that have committed gross human rights violations in Sri Lanka.
Canada will continue to collaborate alongside international partners, including through relevant multilateral bodies to advocate for human rights and accountability in Sri Lanka, which is an important step toward securing a safe, peaceful and inclusive future for the country. Canada, as part of the Core Group on Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council will continue to advocate for the full implementation of resolution 51/1 and support efforts towards attaining accountability and peace on the island.
Canada supports efforts towards urgent political and economic reforms to alleviate the hardships faced by the people in Sri Lanka. We strongly encourage the Sri Lankan government to promote democracy, human rights and maintain the rule of law as it works to address this crisis.
In addition to today’s announcement, and in response to the humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka, Canada announced $3 million to the appeals launched by the United Nations and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to address immediate needs, including food security and livelihoods, shelter and non-food items, as well as nutritional assistance and primary healthcare services for vulnerable children and women. Canada has also readjusted ongoing international assistance projects to address pressing needs, providing support, for instance, to the World Health Organization for the procurement of essential medical equipment and supplies.
Quotes
“Over the past four decades, the people of Sri Lanka have suffered a great deal due to the armed conflict, economic and political instability, and gross violations of human rights. Canada is steadfast in its support to attain peace, reconciliation, justice and accountability on the island. Canada has taken decisive action today to end international impunity against violators of international law. Canada stands ready to support Sri Lanka’s path to peace, inclusion and prosperity through the advancement of accountability, reconciliation and human rights, including international assistance to address the domestic crisis.”
– Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Quick facts
- Canada regularly expresses concerns on issues related to accountability and the advancement of human rights with senior Sri Lankan officials.
- Through support provided to various non-governmental organizations, Canada continues to help advance human rights in Sri Lanka, including in such areas as language rights and the rights of women and girls, among others.
- Canada has been working closely with its like-minded partners, including as a member of the Core Group on Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council since 2018, and will continue to do so. Canada is committed to continuing its collaboration and advocacy alongside our international partners.
- Together with core group members, Canada is pleased to have led the adoption of the resolution on Sri Lanka at HRC Session 51 in September/October 2022 underscoring the ongoing international commitment to the advancement of meaningful progress on reconciliation and accountability in Sri Lanka.
- Canada is closely monitoring the evolving humanitarian situation and has provided support to Sri Lanka to help address immediate food and medical needs.
- Canadian assistance in Sri Lanka is helping to procure emergency medical supplies and medicines, and to provide nutritious school meals for vulnerable primary school children.