FAO, USAID, and the Ministry of Agriculture’s Department of Agriculture are developing a plan of action to increase the paddy productivity of the Dry and Intermediate Zones.
FAO held an initial workshop this week with experts and stakeholders from the International Rice Research Institute, Manila (IRRI), the government, academia, agriculture scientists, civil society, and the private sector.
Attendees developed a roadmap to create an enabling environment and to increase farmer access to technology and skills required to boost paddy productivity.
Speaking to the attendees, the USAID Mission Director for Sri Lanka and Maldives, Gabriel Grau, noted, “Collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture, the Private Sector, FAO, and USAID is more than about increasing food security in Sri Lanka.
Our combined long term objective is to transform Sri Lankan agriculture from subsidy-driven to market-based, private sector driven, competitive agriculture.
To achieve this, new technologies, more efficient systems, and the long term commitment of all stakeholders in the agriculture sector will be critical,”he said.
Commenting on the initiative, Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Gunadasa Samarasinghe stated, “The Ministry is committed to improving food security for Sri Lanka, and in order to achieve this we need to reduce our dependence on imports while stabilizing the rice market with increased production and buffer stocks.
The plan of action developed through this initiative and the valuable support of FAO and USAID will help us achieve this goal.”
“Technology will never replace the farmer, but the farmer with technology will – and should – replace the farmer without.
Smallholder farmers are the backbone of Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector and through this initiative, we are hoping to equip as many smallholder paddy farmers with the technology and skills required to increase their productivity and profit while utilizing less land and inputs.
Through the support of the Ministry of Agriculture, USAID, and smallholder paddy farmers, this plan of action could set Sri Lanka firmly on the path to becoming a food-secure nation.” stated Mr Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
The recommendations developed through the workshop will be presented to the Minister of Agriculture, Mahinda Amaraweera within two weeks to be taken forward with the continued support of FAO and USAID.
USAID, and FAO to boost Sri Lanka rice-based ecosystem productivity
Commercial Bank Spreads Valentine’s Vibe with 1st AI Powered Campaign in SL
Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC marked Valentine’s Day 2023 with a unique AI-driven campaign spearheaded by the Bank’s Vibe Youth Account. A special microsite, www.thevibeaccount.com, was launched, helping and encouraging the youth to “put their heart into words”, where anyone could have AI write a customized poem for their Valentine or loved one. Users simply had to provide their contact details and some interesting information about their loved one, and TheVibeAccount would then use AI to create a catchy, personalized and heartfelt poem. This initiative was powered by ChatGPT, the AI Language Model that is presently taking the world by storm, and was the first AIdriven campaign in Sri Lanka’s banking space. The facility remains available for public use, and is subject to moderation by the Bank.
Commercial Bank places a strong emphasis on innovation, and its Vibe Youth Accounts serve as an ideal platform to test out new concepts. Young people are generally open-minded and keen to try new things, which is why the bank is particularly excited about this segment. Valentine’s Day is an important occasion for the youth, especially for those who have a special person in their lives or wish to express gratitude to those who are important to them. Given that AI is a popular topic these days, with the potential to revolutionize the way we think and work, Commercial Bank was inspired to launch an AI-driven campaign. This innovative approach enables anyone to express their love and appreciation in beautiful words, making it accessible to all, and Commercial Bank is thrilled to have been able to offer this opportunity to Sri Lanka’s young people.
The Commercial Bank Vibe Savings Account provides a range of tailormade facilities and benefits for youth, including preferential interest rates on savings, fixed deposits, personal and housing loans, and leasing. The Vibe International Debit Card also provides year-round curated discounts and special offers, while the Vibe Credit Card has no joining fee and waives the 1st year annual fee. The full range of digital banking services is also provided free of charge, including ComBank Digital with no registration fees and the 1st year annual fee waived off. The youth-friendly Vibe proposition also offers other benefits such as loans for higher studies and access to laptops and computer hardware, along with Max Loyalty points for national and international achievements in sports. On top of all these benefits, there are also no limits on withdrawals or transfers and zero lock-in terms on deposits.
Sri Lanka’s first 100% carbon neutral bank, the first Sri Lankan bank to be listed among the Top 1000 Banks of the World and the only Sri Lankan bank to be so listed for 12 years consecutively, Commercial Bank operates a network of 269 branches and 943 automated machines in Sri Lanka. Commercial Bank is the largest lender to Sri Lanka’s SME sector and is a leader in digital innovation in the country’s Banking sector. The Bank’s overseas operations encompass Bangladesh, where the Bank operates 19 outlets; Myanmar, where it has a Microfinance company in Nay Pyi Taw; and the Maldives, where the Bank has a fully-fledged Tier I Bank with a majority stake.
Chinese and Bulgarian travelers set foot in the island signaling new boom
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority headed by well experienced tourism expert Priynatha Fernando, Sri Lanka has achieved the revised target of 700,000 million arrivals set for last year (2022).
Sri Lanka recorded over 100,000 tourists within the first 26 days of February 2023, Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando stated, making this the second consecutive month in which Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has seen such numbers.
As per the statistics retrieved by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), a total of 102,545 tourist arrivals were recorded in January this year
According to Sri Lanka Tourism it will not go for a global communication blitz in 2023 but focus on nine key markets identified to capitalize on the boost experienced by the industry over the past six months.
India, Russia, China, the UK, France, Germany, the Middle East, Nordic countries and Australia are the key focused markets where the tourism ministry hopes to conduct social media and PR campaigns by May 2023.
In this backdrop,115 Chinese tourists and 200 bulgarian tourists have set foot in the days Serendib Island – the Paradise of Adventures within two days this month signaling the new momentum of the world’s one of the best travelers destinations.
A SriLankan Airlines flight from Guangzhou, China has brought 115 Chinese tourists to Sri Lanka March 01 for the first time after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Commenting at the event, Tourism Minister Harin Fernando mentioned that SriLankan Airlines and China Eastern Airlines flights will arrive in Sri Lanka 09 times a week to Shanghai, Beijing and Gongshu, the three cities of China from April 04.
Minister Harin Fernando also explained the impact on tourists due to the ongoing strikes and trade union actions in the country.
Aitken Spence Travels (AST) yesterday welcomed a charter flight from Bulgaria to the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) with 200 holiday makers.
The visitors from Bulgaria will be discovering Sri Lanka with excursions to explore the vivid culture of the country including Kandy city, the cultural triangle, Pinnawela, the misty mountains of the hill country as well as the classic beaches during their nine days stay in Sri Lanka.
Their accommodation choices vary between 4- and 5- star properties along with boutique properties.
One of the leading tour operators in Bulgaria has partnered with AST for this charter flight operation.
The agent was privy to presentations made during sales calls last year by the AST team and with persuasion and convincing resulted in this charter flight operation becoming a reality.
Furthermore, the agent gained confidence after the successful charter operation from Uzbekistan and other countries handled by the company.
Further strengthening the partnership, this high-potential operator is looking forward to operating full capacity flights to Sri Lanka during the Winter season, this year.
IMF claims Sri Lanka tax hike to help creditors regain confidence
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has defended the income tax hike and other tax reforms as essential for fiscal stability critical for Sri Lanka while declaring that it recognizes the economic hardship of people.
According to statistics presented in the 2023 budget speech, the government expects to increase revenue from taxes to Rs.3.1 trillion (US$8.5 billion) from Rs 1.3 trillion 2021.
The document shows that income tax would go up three times from Rs.302 billion ($824 million) to Rs.912 billion rupees ($2.5 billion)
The value-added tax (VAT) applied on almost all goods and services was raised from 8.0 percent to 12 percent with immediate effect, while corporate taxes were also increased from 24 to 30 percent.
Sri Lanka’s recent tax rises are in line with international comparisons and needed to help creditors regain confidence, the International Monetary Fund said on Thursday, backing the crisis-hit country’s effort to lock down a $2.9 billion bailout.
An IMF statement said the hikes, which included an up to 36% rise in income taxes, were essential to tackle revenue collection that has been low by global standards.
External financing would not bridge the gap needed to fund essential expenditure, the statement added.
Efforts to increase tax revenues should be pursued in a growth-friendly manner while protecting the poor and most vulnerable,” the IMF said. “It is however also important that those who can most afford it make commensurate contributions to the financing of the necessary government expenditures.”
“We understand the hardship people of Sri Lanka are experiencing at this time. Increases in the cost of living, loss of employment and livelihood, and falling real incomes have hit large parts of the population, and particularly the poor and vulnerable who have no buffers to withstand these hardships,” said IMF’s Senior Mission Chief for Sri Lanka Peter Breuer and Sri Lanka Mission Chief Masahiro Nozaki.
Responding to recent media questions around income tax hikes, the IMF officials pointed out that the current economic crisis has a number of origins, including the Government’s inability to meet Government spending needs through its revenue collections.
“Sri Lanka is among the countries to collect the least amount of fiscal revenue in the world, with tax revenue to GDP ratio at only 7.3% in 2021. External creditors are not willing to provide financing to fill this gap,” IMF officials added.
In that context they emphasized that: “Tax reforms are needed to correct this imbalance and only with appropriate tax receipts will the Government be able to fund essential expenditures, and avoid further slashing of critically important outlays. These reforms will also help regain the confidence of creditors.”
IMF officials said efforts to increase tax revenues should be pursued in a growth friendly manner while protecting the poor and most vulnerable.
“It is however also important that those who can most afford it, make commensurate contributions to the financing of the necessary Government expenditures,” they added.
The tax package the authorities have introduced, including the new tax rate schedule for the personal income tax, IMF officials said “helps to meet these objectives. The tax rates proposed under the authorities’ program are also in line with international comparison.”
Sri Lanka Original Narrative Summary: 03/03
- President Ranil Wickremesinghe announces 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.
- SL’s foreign reserves estimated US$ 1.7 billion as of September, 2022 increase by 23.5 per cent to US$ 2.1 billion as of February, 2023: Headline inflation previously recorded 94.9 per cent in September, 2022 drops to 60.1 per cent in January, 2023: Tourist arrivals surge by 261 per cent, rising to 107,639 in February, 2023 from 29,802 in September, 2022: State Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya says the Rupee has strengthened due the ‘political stability’ and a ‘peaceful’ atmosphere established by the government: Despite the purported stability, the government is vehemently being criticised for the repressive measures it has taken against the Opposition and protesters, who are demanding the assurance of democracy.
- Chief Opposition Whip and SJB MP Lakshman Kiriella says the popularity of the government has dropped to 08 per cent as per the latest survey, and the government, therefore, is afraid of holding elections.
- The President’s Media Division says the government will be digitising investment information to facilitate easy access for investors and efficient use of state-owned land to boost agriculture, in a desperate bid to direct the cash strapped country towards the reawakening of investment promotion and development.
- Parliament to hold a two-day debate on the proposed postponement of the LG Polls as agreed during a special Party Leaders’ meeting hosted by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena: The debate is scheduled for March 09 – 10.
- Reports storm that media giant Dilith Jayaweera is entering public politics; claim he has secured a registered political party previously owned by Hemakumara Nanayakkara for his future political journey: Jayaweera previously seen establishing a movement namely “Aramuna” and holding awareness campaigns on how to face the economic crisis.
- The Election Commission scheduled to meet today to discuss the problematic situation regarding the date of the LG Polls: Chief Nimal Punchihewa says its members M.M. Mohammed, S.B. Diyaratne and K.P.P. Pathirana will participate in the meeting.
- Child rights charity “Save the Children” says Sri Lanka’s economic meltdown has spiralled into a full-blown hunger crisis, with half of the families forced to reduce the amount they feed their children; warns the Sri Lankan government and the international community must act now to prevent the country’s children from “becoming a lost generation.”
- Media reports ‘heated exchange’ of words between the lawyers appearing for the plaintiff and the respondent in a case against State Minister Diana Gamage: A complaint urging a probe into her passport in question called in before the Colombo Magistrate Court: Police accused of ‘challenging’ the Magistrate’s request to proceed with an arrest by citing ‘lack of evidence’: Case adjourned by Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis.
- Expolanka Holdings says its latest acquisition of the Trans American Customhouse Brokers LLC and its related companies will help further consolidate its position in the key North American market: EFL Global LLC, a leading global supply chain and logistics solutions company owned by Expolanka, acquired 100 per cent equity interest in Trans American Customhouse Brokers LLC for a purchase consideration of US$ 42.5 million on a cash-free, debt-free basis.
Election Commission meets to discuss the problematic situation in LG elections
The Election Commission is scheduled to meet today (03) to discuss the problematic situation regarding the date of the local government election.
The chairman of that commission, Nimal Punchihewa, mentioned that its members, M.M. Mohammed, S.B. Divaratne and K.P.P. Pathirana will participate in this meeting.
Earlier, the local government election was scheduled to be held on March 09, but the election commission had announced that it could not be held on that day due to lack of financial allocation.
Data census to identify eligibility for welfare benefits ends on March 31
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.
President’s Media Division (PMD)
Ambassador-designate of Sri Lanka to France assumes duties
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.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
France
01 March 2023
SL and the UAE hold First Session of Bilateral Joint Committee for Consular Affairs in 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.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
02 March 2023
President emphasises the need for an urgent transition to a green economy
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.