- Venerable Mahanayakes of the Malwatte, Asgiriya, Ramanya and Amarapura Nikayas urge the President to desist from fully implementing the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which would devolve police and land powers to Provincial Councils.
- Treasury Secretary instructs all Secretaries of Ministries, PCs, Heads of Departments, District Secretaries, Heads of State Corporations, Statutory Boards & Govt. owned companies to cut down a minimum of 6% from budgetary allocations for 2023.
- Chinese Foreign Ministry rejects US Under Secretary Victoria Nuland’s remarks that the terms given by China to SL for getting IMF debt relief are not sufficient: says the Exim Bank of China has already expressed support for debt sustainability and that Sri Lanka had responded positively and thanked China.
- Colombo Fort Magistrate Thilana Gamage releases Convener of Inter-University Students’ Federation Wasantha Mudalige on bail in connection with 3 cases.
- Reports emerge that India has allocated INR 150 crores or 1.5 bn (approx. LKR 6.7 bn) to Sri Lanka in its budget 2023, as “grants”: Sri Lanka’s estimated expenditure for 2023 is Rs.5,819 bn.
- CEB gives undertaking to Supreme Court that power cuts will not be implemented, until the petition filed by the Human Rights Commission is supported.
- President Ranil Wickremesinghe directs that 108 acres of land in the North which was under the custody of security forces, be released and distributed among 197 families on February 03: move said to honour pledge made by the President to release these lands prior to the 75th Independence Anniversary.
- Colombo Stock Exchange’s ASPI goes up by 72 points to close at 9,022: first time ASPI closed above 9,000 since 14th October 2022.
- Former Archbishop of Colombo, Most Reverend Dr. Oswald Gomis, 90, passes away.
- Sri Lanka Cricket appoints Olympic Silver medalist Susanthika Jayasinghe as the Consultant of Mentoring and Development of Women’s Cricket.
Sri Lanka Original Narrative Summary: 03/02
KBSL in partnership with VMware creates a vision for the future of work with VMware Workspace One
Photo Captions:
- Ehantha Sirisena – CEO of KBSL, welcomed the attendees and highlighted the importance of digital transformation in today’s business landscape.
- Asghar Reza – Regional Sales Manager for Digital Workspace in Asian Emerging Markets
- The team from KBSL Information Technologies and VMware.
KBSL Information Technologies (KBSL), a leading provider of IT solutions in Sri Lanka, collaborated with VMware to host an event focused on the latest advancements in VMware Workspace One. The event held on January 18th which was mainly targeting the BFSI, telco, government and education sectors was attended by a diverse pool of IT professionals and business leaders.
The event began with Ehantha Sirisena, CEO of KBSL, welcoming the attendees and highlighting the importance of digital transformation in today’s business landscape. He also spoke about the role of KBSL in helping customers to stay competitive and stay ahead of the curve by providing the latest IT solutions and technologies.
Next was the keynote presentation by Asghar Reza, Regional Sales Manager for Digital Workspace in Asian Emerging Markets, who provided an overview of the VMware Workspace ONE platform and its capabilities. He highlighted how the platform can help organizations to easily manage and secure all their end-user devices, apps, and data from a single console, while also ensuring that all data is secure and compliant with industry regulations.
M. S. Raj – CTO of KBSL, took the stage next and highlighted on KBSL’s expertise in implementing VMware Workspace ONE in various enterprise customers in Sri Lanka. He discussed the value it brings to the customer by providing a unified endpoint management solution, enabling employees to work from anywhere, and providing a secure environment for the customer’s data.
One of the major highlights of the event was the customer testimonials from the attendees who have already implemented Workspace ONE in their organization. They shared their experience of how it has helped them to streamline their IT operations, improve productivity, and increase security. The event also provided an opportunity for attendees to network and connect with other IT professionals and business leaders in the industry.
As a leading systems integrator in Sri Lanka with over 35 years of industry experience, KBSL has established themselves as the partner of choice for companies looking to enhance their business processes. Their team of experts, technical competence and professionalism are the key factors of success in the industry. KBSL is committed to providing equal opportunity and diverse work environment for their employees and believe that diversity is a strength.
The event held at Courtyard by Marriott was a great success and provided valuable insights into the capabilities and benefits of VMware Workspace ONE. KBSL plans to host more such events in the future to help educate and inform customers about the latest IT solutions and technologies available in their technology offerings.
Dates set for the postal voting
The Election Commission has announced the dates for the postal voting in the local government elections.
Accordingly, the Election Commission says that the postal votes can be held on February 22, 23 and 24.
11 Ambassadors and 6 High Commissioners presented credentials to the President
1 Ambassadors and 6 High Commissioners presented credentials to the President
Eleven newly appointed Ambassadors and six High Commissioners to Sri Lanka presented their credentials to President Ranil Wickremesinghe this afternoon (02) at the Presidential Palace in Kandy.
The Ambassadors have been appointed to Cote d’Ivoire, Uruguay, Mongolia, Serbia, Sudan, Armenia, North Macedonia, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Sweden, and Ecuador, while High Commissioners have been appointed to Jamaica, Tanzania, Malawi, Canada, Malaysia, and the Maldives.
The complete list of the newly appointed Ambassadors and High Commissioners is listed below:
1. Mr. N’dry Eric Camille
Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire based in New Delhi
2. Mr. Jason K. Hall
High Commissioner-designate of Jamaica based in New Delhi
3. Mr. Albeto Guani Amarilla
Ambassador-designate of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay based in New Delhi
4. Mr. Ganbold Dambajav
Ambassador-designate of Mongolia based in New Delhi
5. Ms. Anisa Kapufi Mbega
High Commissioner-designate of the United Republic of Tanzania based in New Delhi
6. Mr. Sinisa Pacic
Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Serbia based in New Delhi
7. Mr. Leonard Mengazi
High Commissioner-designate of the Republic of Malawi based in New Delhi
8. Mr. Abdalla Omer Elhusain
Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Sudan based in New Delhi
9. Mr. Eric Walsh
High Commissioner-designate of Canada based in Colombo
10. Mr Youri Babakhanian
Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Armenia based in New Delhi
11. Mr. Slobodan Uzunov
Ambassador-designate of the Republic of North Macedonia based in New Delhi
12. Mr. Robert Maxian
Ambassador-designate of the Slovak Republic based in New Delhi
13. Mr Badil Hashim Bin Adam
High Commissioner-designate of Malaysia based in Colombo
14. Dr. (Ms) Eliska Zigova
Ambassador-designate of the Czech Republic based in New Delhi
15. Mr. Jan Thesleff
Ambassador-designate of the Kingdom of Sweden based in New Delhi
16. Mr. Francisco Teodoro Guevara
Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Ecuador based in New Delhi
17. Mr. Ali Faiz
High Commissioner-designate of the Republic of Maldives based in Colombo
Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabri and President’s Secretary Mr Saman Ekanayake were also present on this occasion.
Following the acceptance of their credentials, President Ranil Wickremesinghe engaged in cordial discussions with the new Ambassadors and High Commissioners.
Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff to the President Mr Sagala Ratnayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mrs Aruni Wijewardane and a group of Kandy District Parliamentarians were also present at the event.
President’s Media Division (PMD)
Sri Lanka gets ready to go solar with Indian and ADB credit lines
In a bid to overcome the energy crisis, the Government has decided to equip a total of 11,219 State properties including education, religious and other buildings with rooftop solar panels.
The Credit Line of $ 100 million extended by the Indian Government for Renewable Energy, will be used for this purpose, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera announced via Twitter. As per him, 827 sites have already been surveyed.
The sites include; 374 National Schools, 25 State Universities, 20 National Colleges of Education, eight Teacher Training Colleges, 20 Technical Colleges (VTA/NAITA), 25 District Secretariats, 331 Divisional Secretariats, 79 Information Technology and Distance Learning Hubs (ITDLHs), 220 Tri-Forces and Police buildings, and 824 Piriwens.
In addition, a 5Kv solar system each for 9,176 other religious institutes and other key Government buildings will be provided.
Minister Wijesekera also said a separate program is being implemented via the Provincial Councils and the Ministry of Health to include all the other schools and hospitals keeping in line with the solar panel initiative.
Asian Development Bank (ADB) is also supporting Sri Lanka’s bid to increase the use of solar power and other renewable energy sources in providing electricity to the whole country and meet its commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change.
The government’s Battle for Solar Energy program envisions 1000 megawatts of solar power generation capacity by 2025—all from the rooftops of homes and businesses.
ADB approved a US $50 million loan for Sri Lanka’s Rooftop Solar Power Generation Project, which would finance the development of rooftop solar photovoltaic systems and support the government’s target to increase the share of nonconventional renewable energy generation in Sri Lanka’s power generation mix.
The project provided the credit line that would enable businesses and households to finance the installation of solar PV generation facilities atop their houses and building.
The Ministry of Finance is managing the credit line, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Power, and Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority. Funds are channeled to the beneficiaries through selected participating financial institutions.
To ensure the smooth implementation of the investment project, ADB provided $1 million for project readiness activities. Financing came from ADB’s Asia Clean Energy Fund under the Clean Energy Financing Partnership Facility.
Project readiness activities included the preparation of technical guidelines and standards to be used in rooftop solar installations and the creation of a pipeline of bankable subprojects through the participation of financial institutions.
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka prioritize concluding PTA
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will soon enter into a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) following the decision to expedite negotiations and clonclude it shortly, official sources said.
The two countries have decided to accord priority to conclude talks on a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), a senior official who is closely connected to negotiations disclosed.
Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in Bangladesh Prof.Sudharshan Seneviratne accompanied by First Secretary/Commerce Srimali Jayarathne held a meeting with the newly appointed President of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) Sameer Sattar at the DCCI office in Dhaka.
DCCI President Sameer Sattar appreciated the positive growth of bilateral economic cooperation between the countries during the past five years.
He further emphasized the importance of exchanging technical know-how in the areas of Seaport Management, Infrastructure.
The DCCI is having positive hopes for the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) which is under negotiation between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
The President of DCCI pledged continuous support to arrange B2Bs and seminars, and organize other related activities in order to promote bilateral economic relations between the two countries.
The High Commissioner said concluding the ongoing PTA between the two countries, promoting tourism sector cooperation and attracting Bangladesh investments to Sri Lanka are the key priorities to promote economic cooperation.
He further proposed collaboration in the IT sector, shipping, parallel development of deep-sea ports like Trincomalee, Hambantota, and Matabari, and cooperation in the fields of Education, Agriculture, and Pharmaceuticals.
He also invited DCCI to explore the investment opportunities available in the Colombo Port City Project. The High Commissioner also underscored the strategic importance of the Bay of Bengal and the opportunities available to promote the Blue Economy.
If tariffs on the sensitive lists are eliminated, there will be modest export gains for Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in absolute terms. Sri Lanka will gain USD 24.7 to 49.7 million of exports to Bangladesh, while Bangladesh will gain USD 2.1 to 4.5 million of exports to Sri Lanka. Potential export gains are given in a range due to assumptions on elasticity values used in the partial equilibrium model.
Elimination of sensitive lists will generate a higher tariff revenue loss to Bangladesh, ranging between USD 13.5 million to USD 19.1 million. By contrast, Sri Lanka’s revenue loss will be slight at USD 1.4 million to USD 1.9 million
The current trade deals between the two countries are still partially restrictive. Both countries keep a sensitive list of products that are not eligible for tariff cuts.
Sri Lanka maintains a list of 925 products sanctioned by SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Area) while Bangladesh keeps 993 products. Sri Lanka’s sensitive list covers USD 6.2 million or 23.8% of imports from Bangladesh. The sensitive list of Bangladesh covers USD 77.6 million or 62% of imports from Sri Lanka.
Apparel sector ends 2022 with 22 percent growth in exports
Sri Lanka’s apparel sector has ended 2022 with 22% growth in exports to US $ 5.6 b and higher than pre-COVID’s $ 5.3 b but suffered dip in YoY growth in last quarter.
It has picked up in MoM performance between October and December but value trails 2022 peak performance of over $ 500 m from June and August.
Apparal sector analysts point to higher inventories both at store-levels and with consumers to low demand Forecast subdued performance till 2023 first half with greater access to emerging markets via FTAs could improve prospects for higher exports.
Sri Lanka keeping costs down will help manufacturer and export competitiveness. Amidst this set up the apparel industry has ended 2022 with a 22% growth in exports to $ 5.9 billion over 2021 but year-on-year growth dip in performance in last quarter has reinforced its struggle.
The 2022 exports figure points to the apparel industry doing better than the pre-COVID performance ($ 5.3 billion in 2019) but the 2022 last quarter exports value is lower comparatively.
Industry analysts pointed out that though growth is a high 22% between 2021 and 2022, in comparison to 2019, the improvement is only a low 5.3%.
Aa result of impressive performance in the earlier part of the year, exports overtook the 2019 figure within 11 months of 2022.
However, the fourth quarter performance reflects the industry struggle. Though month-on-month exports have improved between October and December 2022, it is far below the peak performance of over $ 500 million exports between June and August.
One reason for the YoY dip in the last three months of 2022 is higher inventories both at store-levels and with consumers. Rising inflation in key markets is another factor.
Due to these factors industry analysts said Sri Lanka’s apparel exports could continue to be lower YoY basis until the first half of 2023.
In the short- to medium-term, if exports were to increase new markets or greater access to emerging or high potential markets is key. I
In this regard, early finalization of proposed Free Trade Agreements proposed by the President Ranil Wickremesinghe-led Government is paramount, analysts stressed.
The other stimulant will be Sri Lanka manufacturers and exporters managing to keep their costs down for which the country’s macroeconomic fundamentals and indicators as well as ease of doing business need to improve.
Central Bank staff on a work to rule
It is reported that all trade unions of the Central Bank have started to ‘work to rule’ from today until further notice as the next phase against the unfair tax practice imposed to please the International Monetary Fund.
It is revealed that the central bank governor, who was very upset about this trade union action which was carried out with prior notice, has threatened to stop the SLTB service provided to the employees and suspend the welfare allowances such as allowances given during the festival periods.
It is reported that Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, the governor of the central bank, who is acting like this, has participated in foreign trips in addition to domestic trips and embezzled more than $10,000 for the past few months. Following a ‘double policy’, he gets two pensions and fattens his money.
Sri Lanka’s external sector performance remains resilient in 2022
Sri Lanka’s external sector performance has been resilient with high export earnings, decline in imports, lowests trade deficit, moderate foreign remittances and recovery in tourism in 2022.
Earnings from exports remained resilient during 2022 recording the highest ever exports, while expenditure on imports declined significantly in 2022, compared to 2021.
Merchandise trade deficit recorded the lowest in 2022, since 2010. Foreign investments in the government securities market and Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) recorded a notable net inflow during 2022 compared to net outflow in 2021.
The recovery in earnings from tourism persisted in 2022 and marked a noticeable growth, although workers’ remittances moderated in 2022, compared to 2021.
Sri Lanka’s gross official reserves stood at an estimated US dollars 1.9 billion by the end of 2022, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka said.
The bank disclosed that the gradual improvement in workers’ remittances, together with the revitalization of tourism, helped improve the external current account balance in recent months while easing excessive pressures in the domestic foreign exchange market.
As a result, the exchange rate has remained relatively stable, and recorded a marginal appreciation against the US dollar, thus far in 2023.
Gross official reserves were estimated at US dollars 1.9 billion as of end 2022, including the swap facility from the People’s Bank of China, equivalent to around US dollars 1.4 billion.
Workers’ remittances in 2022 amounted to US dollars 3,789 million, in comparison to US dollars 5,491 million in 2021, recording a decline of 31.0 per cent, though a notable recovery was witnessed during the latter part of the year.
Meanwhile, workers’ remittances increased to US dollars 476 million during December 2022, in comparison to US dollars 384 million in the previous month, recording the highest monthly remittances during 2022.
Total departures for foreign employment during 2022 were recorded at 299,934, contributed mainly by the unskilled (101,786), skilled (88,215) and domestic aid (73,781) categories.
Total departures for foreign employment were recorded at 23,407 during the month of December 2022.
A total of 719,978 tourist arrivals were recorded in 2022, compared to 194,495 arrivals in 2021, recording the highest tourist arrivals after 2019.
Tourist arrivals increased notably in December 2022 to 91,961, from 59,759 arrivals recorded in November 2022. Russia, India, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany remained the main source countries for tourist arrivals in December 2022.
Earnings from tourism are estimated at US dollars 1,136 million in 2022, compared to US dollars 507 million in 2021.
Earnings from tourism in the month of December 2022 are estimated at US dollars 127 million, in comparison to US dollars 81 million in the previous month and US dollars 233 million in the corresponding month in the previous year.
SportUnleash Schools Sports Awards 2022
Press Release | 26th January 2023
Photo Captions:
- The group photo of the award winners
- Minister of Education Susil Premajayantha as chief guest
- Talavou Alailima, Chairman of SportUnleash, addressing the event
It was an unforgettable night for 15 of the most outstanding sportspersons in fifteen sports and the athletes of three outstanding sports performances for 2022. The SportUnleash School Sports Awards 2022, sponsored by SportUnleash, the organization which scientifically identifies the sports talent of children between the ages of 9 and 11, and organized by SPORTSINFO, was an event that made a profound impact on the landscape of the sports arena of Sri Lanka.
Making its debut as the first-ever annual national schools sports award ceremony in Sri Lanka, the event was held at the BMICH on Monday, 23rd January 2023. This brainchild of Thilan Rangana, the Chairman of SPORTSINFO, backed by the former National Record holder Talavou Alailima, Chairman of SportUnleash and founder of Power World Gyms, is the explosive partnership that brought to life this Sports Awards, which without a doubt will be a prized event for champion athletes each year.
The chief guest of the event was the Minister of Education, Hon. Susil Premajayantha who highlighted the timely need for a change in the country’s education system, stressing that it is paramount that a child’s education and sports should go hand in hand to build a healthier and more productive nation. The former Minister and present Member of Parliament, Hon. Eran Wickramaratne was the guest of honor for the event. Many heads of Sports Associations, Principles of leading schools, Sponsors of Sports, and Captains of business were also present.
“If we plan to impact the world in sports, then we must identify the sports talent of our children at an early age and support them throughout their school sports journey. These winners were the best of the best in 2022, and their sports talent has been proven for years; their resolve, determination, passion, and grit have been tested by fire to be the best in their sport for 2022. There is absolutely no doubt that these are the athletes who will bring honor to Sri Lanka in the next ten years. If there are athletes that a sponsor should back, it is these winners, as their investment will provide the best return for their brand and organization,” added Talavou Alailima.
Thilan Rangana of SPORTSINFO said that “for years, we have seen only a couple of sports recognizing their best athletes. However, I believe that if Sri Lankan sports is to achieve its potential, we must honor the performance of all school sports, as they are the cradle of our future National sports performances. Today we have achieved that vital milestone, and we will strive each year to make this event a special day for our future national champions so that they will never give up their sport but keep driving themselves to achieve their very best for Sri Lanka”.
For 2022, the following Athletes were awarded the Most Outstanding Award. ATHLETICS – Track events Nadun Kaveesha Bandara of Royal College, Colombo, and Ashmika Keshan Korala of Yoshida International School, Sapugaskanda, for Field Events. BATMINTON – Viren Nettasinghe of St. Peter’s College. BASKETBALL – G. G. Minoli Mariya Direkze of HFC Bambalapitiya. BOXING – Pasindu Umayanga Mihiran, Nalanda College. CHESS – L. M. Susal T de Silva, Nalanda College. CRICKET -Dunith Wellalage, St. Joseph’s College. KARATE – C. A. Tharuki Sashindi, Sapugaskanda Visaka Vidyalaya. NETBALL – Hiruni Heshani, HFC Kurunegala. ROWING – Shaylon Shayan Gunaratna, Asian International School. RUGBY – Dinupa Seneviratna, D. S. Senanayake College. SWIMMING – Ganga Seneviratne, Visaka Vidyalaya. TENNIS – Dinara de Silva, St Bridget’s Convent. VOLLEYBALL – Kavishka Madushanka, Rajasinghe Central College, Ruwanwella. WRESTLING – Nethmi Ahinsa Fernando, Welpalla Sangharathana Maha Vidyalaya, Giriulla. COACH – T. S. Suranga Kumara. SPORTING SCHOOL – Nalanda College.
The Jury Medals for Sports Excellence, headed by Co-Chairman Dr. Harsha Abeykoon and Rear Admiral Prof. Shemal Fernando, were awarded to Danindu Chirath Sellepperuma of Ananda College and Vishmi Gunaratne of Rathnawali Balika Vidyalaya, Gampaha for their noteworthy performance in cricket for 2022, and to Tharushi Karunarathne of A. Ratnayake MMV, Walala in Athletics.