Battered by man made fertilizer crisis due to the stupid policy of shifting to organic farming overnight by banning chemical fertilizer imports, Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector gets a sigh of relief following the government’s efforts to modernize agriculture after reversing all previous policies.
These previous ill advised measures have devastated and hammered by losses as diminishing purchasing power of the people eats into agriculture-linked companies.
In order to develop the battered sector President Ranil Wickremesinghe has taken prompt initiative of agricultural modernization in 2023 to feed Sri Lanka’s growing population and become a net exporter of food, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said
Taking a cue from this initiative Agro World (AW), a game-changing agri-fin-tech start-up based out of Sri Lanka is set to address and solve some of the key pain-points faced by the agribusiness sector stakeholders.
The solution provided by Agro World addresses almost all the issues and challenges faced by the farmers of any scale, may it be a small-holder farmer, or a mid-sized commercial farmer, or even a plantation with over hundreds and thousands of workforce.
However, despite its significance, the sector has remained largely traditional and outdated, lacking access to financial and technological resources that could help the farmers and producers maximize their yield/output which in turn reflects in higher profitability.
The industry has long struggled with inefficiencies, wastages, post-harvest losses, and reduced profitability due to several reasons, but most importantly the lack of systematic coordination and collaboration among the farmers, suppliers, buyers, and government organisations related to the agribusiness sector.
The new IT solution of Agro World is aimed at connecting all the agribusiness stakeholders to communicate, and collaborate in real-time, unlocking the full potential of the industry and driving growth and mutually beneficial progression for all.
Agro World is a platform that connects farmers with investors and lenders, providing them with the most needed financial support.
Therfater it provides the farmers with the knowledge on scientific growing and best cultivation practices where the platform also connects the resources (quality agro input) required for cultivating, so that the farmer is facilitated with everything necessary for a thriving farmland.
The platform leverages on advanced algorithms such as; computer vision technology, machine learning to provide farmers with personalized recommendations, use of spectral technology for early identification of pest and disease detection.
It creates awareness on the use of blockchain for smart contracts, cost effective traceability and identification, satellite monitoring to capture heuristic data and insights of the farmland, which helps to make better decisions and increase their profits.
It also provides near-real-time data and analytics, allowing farmers to track their performance and make informed decisions based on those users friendly and easy to understand dashboard reports.
Agro World takes a proactive approach by pre-identifying the market conditions with various crops, supply and demand, and recommendations, ‘when’ and ‘what’ to grow, to get the maximum yield and benefit, in turn enabling to secure the best price for the produce.
Introducing and setting up the ‘Farm-gate to Buyer’ concept where the producer sells the produce directly to the buyer, which is done with an intent to shorten the travel time and distance which in-turn reduces the non-value adding costs and post-harvest losses.
SL agriculture modernization gets underway with Agri-fin-tech start up
Writ on LG Polls: Petitioner informs SC expediting hearing not necessary
By: Isuru Parakrama
Colombo (LNW): The hearing of the writ petition demanding the postponement of the Local Government Election in response to the ongoing economic crisis may not be needed for expedition, the lawyer appearing for the petitioner has informed the Supreme Court today (20).
He further noted that a motion was filed to expedite the hearing, which was scheduled to be held on February 23, due to the planned postal voting of the LG Polls scheduled for February 22, 23 and 24, adding that any further move in this regard may not be necessary given that the postal voting has been postponed.
Accordingly, the petition challenging the holding of the LG Polls will be taken up before the Supreme Court on February 23 as earlier declared.
Government to slash foreign travel expenses of senior government officials
By: Isuru Parakrama
Colombo (LNW): The government has decided to issue a circular banning business class foreign travels requisitioned by senior government officials including the President’s Secretary and the Prime Minister’s Secretary during official foreign tours.
The relevant circular will be issued within this week, and the move comes in in compliance with the government’s policy of slashing government expenditure to address the country’s economic crisis, revealed President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake.
The President’s Secretary emphasised that the government officials too shall be making commitments when the people of the country are suffering.
The relevant circular will also be imposing a spending limit on the hotels checked in by government officials during their foreign visits.
Among the government officials entitled to business class foreign tours were the judges of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, the Cabinet Secretary, the Ministerial Secretaries, the Attorney General and the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).
Discipline and commitment needed to take charge of country’s future: President
Colombo (LNW): Discipline and commitment are needed to take charge of a country’s future, says the President while addressing the NCC Colour Presentation Ceremony.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that discipline and commitment are required in order to take charge of a country’s future, and plans will be implemented from next year to take Sri Lanka to a new dimension through a disciplined society.
The President stated that, while the people are currently experiencing economic difficulties, this should only be expected for a short time period, and that he will work to improve the country’s economy before year end.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated this while participating in the ceremony held today (19) at Rantambe National Cadet Training Centre for the awarding of the President’s Colours and Corps Colours to the National Cadet Corps.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe presented the President’s and Corps Colours to the National Cadet Corps, which has a 142-year history.
Following the presentation of the President’s and Corps colours, the President also joined in observing the Cadet Corps parade.
The President stated that a strong economy and a new society should be created in the country, and he expects the Cadet Corps to provide disciplined leadership for the new society that will be created for the country’s youth.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe further said:
Today is a special day for you. We recognize the national value of the National Cadet Corps. The President’s Colours and the Corps Colours were awarded to the National Cadet Corps in recognition of this achievement. This is a very old force. The Royal College established a cadet unit when the Sri Lankan Infantry was formed.
The Cadet Corps that began since then, has a 142-year history. The military officers who emerged from it took part in the First World War. Officers from this Cadet Corps served in the subsequent World War II as well as the country’s internal wars. Also, the members of the Cadet Corps have also made significant contributions to the armed forces. We are here today to show our appreciation on behalf of those activities.
The Cadet Corps evolved from the Ceylon Infantry to the Ceylon Defence Force and then to the Sri Lanka Army. As the then Minister of Education, I proposed to Parliament to name this force as the National Cadet Corps. And today I have the honour of presenting the President’s and Corps Colours to the National Cadet Corps.
The people needed for the country’s future are trained by this Cadet Corps. In addition to the Cadet Corps who joined the army, there are many people who have served in various sectors but are not in the army. Our Prime Minister, Mr. Dinesh Gunawardena, is the most prominent member of that group. I recall him attending those trainings in the evenings during the school days.
Today, as we confer this presidential colour on you, it is our duty to express our appreciation to those who founded this Cadet Corps, as well as those who contributed to its success, and to the entire Cadet Corps.
Today the Cadet Corps operates in many schools. I expressed the Defence State Minister and the Secretary of the Defence Ministry, that Cadet Corps should be established in every Central College. We must continue to develop this further. I believe that this will produce the disciplined citizens that this country needs.
It is also the government’s responsibility to ensure that the students in this Cadet Corps have a bright future. While the Minister of State is here, I suggest that the children in the cadet groups should be given a quota for training in government institutions. We must secure their future. We should be dedicated to provide training for you who move forward with discipline.
Also we have focused on your future. I am well aware of the difficulties that you, your parents, and the people of the country are currently facing. Economically, we all have to bear a heavy burden. We have no other option. People are experiencing difficulties today, but this should be expected to last only a short period of time. This situation will not only change before the end of the year, but we will also need to build a new economy.
We must build both a strong economy and a new society for the benefit of the country’s youth. To build such a new social system, a disciplined leadership is required. I am hopeful that the Cadet Corps will provide the required leadership.
To take on the future requires discipline and commitment. It should be noted that we are committed to developing this cadet force with qualified personnel and improving everyone’s future.
I offer my best wishes to everyone receiving the President’s and Corps colours on this occasion of the National Cadet Corps, which has served this country for 142 years.
State Minster of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, Governor of Central Province Lalith U. Gamage, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff of the President Sagala Ratnayake, Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne (Retd), Secretary of the Ministry of Education Nihal Ranasinghe, Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, Army Commander Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Director National Cadet Corps Brigadier Sudantha Fonseka and other officials witnessed the ceremonial event.
Critical petition on LG Polls to be taken up at SC today
By: Isuru Parakrama
Colombo (LNW): The writ petition filed by Retd. Col. W.M.R. Wijesundara demanding the postponement of the holding of the Local Government Election in response to the ‘current economic crisis’ is to be taken up before the Supreme Court today (20).
The petition was taken up on February 10 and any further consideration of it was dragged in till February 23, 2023, but based on a motion filed by the petitioner requesting the hearing of the petition be held before the designated date, it will be taken up before the Bench comprising Justices S. Thureirajah and Shiran Gunaratne today.
Showers to occur in a number of provinces: Met Dept
By: Isuru Parakrama
Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Eastern and Uva provinces and in Polonnaruwa and Matale districts, and showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-Western provinces and in Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts during the afternoon or night, announced the Department of Meteorology in a statement today (20).
Fairly heavy showers above 50mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces and in Ampara district.
General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
| Condition of Rain: |
| Several spells of showers will occur in the sea area off the coast extending from Hambanthota to Trincomalee via Batticaloa. Showers or thundershowers will occur at a few places over the other sea areas around the Island during the evening or night. |
| Winds: |
| Winds will be north-easterly and wind speed will be (20-30) kmph. Wind speed may increase up to 40 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Mannar to Colombo via Puttalam and from Hambantota to Pottuvil. |
| State of Sea: |
| The sea areas off the coast extending from Mannar to Colombo via Puttalam and from Hambantota to Pottuvil will be fairly rough at times. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers. |
President meets youth group to discuss Government’s Policy Statement and future plans
Colombo (LNW): On February 16th, President Ranil Wickremesinghe met with a group of youth to discuss his policy statement and the government’s plans for the country’s future. The group of young people expressed their views on the government’s policies in a newspaper article and the President had invited them over for a follow-up discussion along with the two young journalists, Anoushka Jayasuriya and Shannon Salgadoe who had written the article. During the discussion, they had expressed what they expect from the government, and discussed a range of issues with the President.
One of the major topics discussed was the shortcomings in the education sector, with the youth group highlighting the need for proper mental health education at the school level and a proper education mechanism for the inclusion of the differently-abled. They asked, “Will your government get some real mental health education in Sri Lanka, in schools especially?”
The President agreed that attention paid to mental health in schools was insufficient and acknowledged that much needs to be done with regard to those with mental health issues and those who are differently-abled. He noted, however, that one of the main issues facing the country is the lack of trained personnel in this field.
The youth group also brought up the issue of taxes, adding that while taxes are not a novel concept in many other countries, it is not so in Sri Lanka.
The President explained that the government budget can be examined by the Parliament to ensure they are adhering to it. He noted that there are many committees to examine the budget, such as the Committee on Public Enterprises, Committee on Public Accounts, and Public Finance Committee. He added that they are also bringing in the Parliamentary Budget Office Bill to strengthen the process further.
They questioned, “Transparency is a big question with the new taxes. People are feeling it because suddenly they are forced to pay a huge portion of their salary.”
“The transparency is there because in a big budget we have line items. If you read it, you can never say what it is. It’s in any budget, it’s the parliament that ensures the money is spent wisely, and it takes 2 to 3 years. So the parliament must exercise the powers now. Last time, I think the Opposition didn’t fill their quota of Chairman in the oversight committees. So all that went by board, even this time for selection, they hadn’t come to Parliament to the selection committee. But I think the remaining people just got some opposition names into it. So that is where the transparency comes in and nowhere else. You can ask them as to why you spend and all,” the President explained.
The President also discussed the country’s economic situation and the challenges the government faces, noting that Sri Lanka was in an abnormal economic situation and had to restructure debts to get out of it. He added that the government had to cut down on some expenditure and find money in other areas, such as raising the electricity tariff. The President acknowledged that it is not an easy job, but someone has to do it.
“Sri Lanka was in a very abnormal economic situation, and we had to get out of it. But to get out of it, we have to restructure debts. To restructure the debts we had to cut down our expenditure or find money for it. In some areas we have cut down, but for other areas, we have to find money. Like yesterday we had to raise the electricity tariff, but then there is a Rs. 230 billion loss. So if you don’t raise it, you won’t have power. We are all paying for the past sins. This is how we get out of it fast and this is what we have to do. I don’t think there’s any other way out.
It’s not a job, that anyone would like to do, but someone has to do it.”
The youth group also raised the issue of individual accountability and suggested that parliamentarians should have some degree of education. The President agreed but noted that it will take some time for this to happen. He explained that many younger people either have a degree or business experience and it is up to the voters to choose the type of member they want to elect.
“When the individual accountability is concerned, the members of Parliament, well you have a system where you can give a preference. If you don’t want any of them, you vote for the party and you can choose whom you want. However, it’s a very expensive procedure. So I want to appoint Committee to look into how we can have a better system of elections without spending all the money that we spend.
In a parliamentary election, the bulk of the money is spent by the individual candidates, not by the parties.”
The youth also asked the President “Why does everyone shout in parliament? Do you think they shout to avoid responding to questions posed to them?”
In response, the President said that it is done to get media attention and is not appropriate. He noted that he has seen similar behaviour in other countries and that it is not unique to Sri Lanka.
“That is bad. Now it’s done to get media attention. There are people when they argue, may shout at each other. But, not like this, they just keep shouting. Now, it’s bad and setting a bad example to the country. There is a price. When we look at the UK, it is not so. There are times when people cheer but this is just being done. I think we have to bring some control over it,” he added.
Overall, the meeting was an opportunity for the President to hear the views of the youth and discuss the government’s plans for the future. The youth group expressed their concerns and ideas, and the President listened and responded to their questions and comments.
‘Janaraja Perahara’ parades the streets of Kandy after 34 years
Kandy (LNW): The historic Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, which had not hosted the Janaraja Perahara for 34 years, held the procession on February 19th at 6:45 PM. The event was organised to coincide with the 75th Independence Anniversary Celebrations and was attended by President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardhena.
The procession commenced at the Magul Maduwa premises and followed a route that included Dalada Veediya, Yatinuvara Veediya, Kanda Veediya, Raja Veediya, and ended at the temple. The procession included cultural performances, such as dancing troops and caparisoned elephants, which added glitz and color to the event. A large crowd had gathered to watch the Janaraja Perahara procession.
Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, Ministers Nimal Siripala de Silva, Dr. Bandula Gunawardana, Vidura Wickramanayaka, Keheliya Rambukwella, Mahinda Amaraweera, Dr. Wijayadasa Rajapaksa, Ali Sabri, Manusha Nanayakkara, Thondaman, State Ministers Dilum Amunugama, Anuradha Jayaratne, Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the President on National Security Mr Sagala Ratnayake, Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake, Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne (Retired), Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, Army Commander Lt. Gen. Vikum Liyanage and many diplomats gathered to watch the event.
Sri Lanka Original Narrative Summary: 20/02
- Bar Association says all those responsible for interfering with the electoral process must be dealt with in accordance with the law: insists all elections are a vital part of the democratic process and must not be hindered.
- SriLankan Airlines Chairman Ashok Pathirage assures the Airline is committed to reaching an amicable settlement with all bondholders despite the default of its coupon payment on 25 Dec’22 on the USD175mn bond: insists the creditors have no reason to fear since the Bond is Govt-guaranteed.
- German MP Dr Peter Ramsauer, who is presently in Sri Lanka says Germany is seeking Sri Lanka’s support for a resolution at the UN against Russia: says he raised the issue with President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
- Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa says the JVP’s official website has stated that all private properties in the country will be confiscated and brought under the Govt in a future JVP rule.
- Sri Lanka Medical Association and the Expert Committee on Tobacco, Alcohol and Illicit Drugs warn against the Govt move to legalise cannabis: asks the Govt “to be extremely cautious when considering any form of legalising cannabis .. for doubtful ‘economic’ benefits”.
- Ports Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva says the Govt will allocate nearly USD132mn for massive development projects in all Ports in the country: also says those investments would be made through revenue generated from Port operations.
- Lanka Coal Company General Manager Namal Hewage says payments have been settled for 13 shipments of coal imported to Sri Lanka: assures plans are afoot to bring down a total of 36 coal shipments this year: asserts the LCC is in possession of adequate stocks to ensure an uninterrupted supply of electricity.
- Another Japanese company Taisei Corporation decides to pull out as “Sri Lanka’s economic crisis makes doing business difficult”: in March 2020, Taisei won a contract worth JY 62bn (USD 462mn) for the construction of the 2nd phase of the BIA expansion: previously, Mitsubishi Corporation had also stated that it will exit Sri Lanka by March 2023.
- German Ambassador Holger Seubert says German companies operating in Sri Lanka have warned they would be compelled to withdraw from the country if the import ban continues.
- Kandy SC beat CR & FC by 29-10 to become Sri Lanka’s Rugby League Champions.
Israel agrees to recruit 2000 female Caregivers from Sri Lanka this year
A special delegation from Israel visiting Sri Lanka has assured the Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara, that their country will offer 2000 job opportunities for female caregivers from Sri Lanka, this year.
The delegation comprising Shiely Raisin Sason, director of Israel’s Population and Migration Institute and members Zindani Mary, Yaccow Kabilau, Margarita Gaorodnitsky among others met Minister Manusha Nanayakkara today. The minister during the meeting requested from the delegation to provide more job opportunities to caregivers from Sri Lanka and in response the delegation assured the Minister that their country will recruit 2000 female caregivers from Sri Lanka this year.
The delegation pointed out that according to the existing culture in Israel, women have more opportunities for patient care, and the number of opportunities for male caregivers is very limited, and accordingly, the delegation also requested the Minister to give priority to females when providing training in the caregiver sector in the future.
The delegation also pointed out the importance of accelerating the recruitment process for caregiver jobs. Accordingly, the Minister assured the delegation that only those who meet the relevant qualifications will be recruited for training. Here, the Israeli delegation informed the minister that Sri Lankan workers with English language proficiency, who have received professional training, will always get the opportunity for Israeli employment opportunities.
The delegation said their country is ready to give opportunities up to 8000 qualified workers on an annual basis.
Both parties pointed out the importance of recruiting workers through a transparent process. The minister pointed out that some private recruiters are acting like a mafia in the process of recruiting caregivers to work in Israel. The minister also clarified the facts about the allegations against some Sri Lankans in Israel regarding the recruitment process. The Minister also mentioned that there are allegations that some people are taking money for providing Israeli jobs.
The Minister also presented to the Israeli representatives the requests to open up the opportunities to hire caregivers for jobs in Israel by the private sector as well. Responding the delegation said that the process of recruiting caregivers should be carried out only with the intervention of the Foreign Employment Bureau.
The delegation from the Population and Migration Institution of Israel requested that any information regarding people who are taking money to provide caregiver jobs in Israel should be given to them to take necessary action. They also assured that the security and confidentiality of the persons giving such information will be fully protected. The delegation also assured that maximum action will be taken according to Israeli law against people who take money through the recruitment process.
The minister also mentioned that the safety of workers who leave for work abroad is always a high priority and added that there have been no allegations of harassment of workers who have left for work in Israel. The minister expressed his thanks to Israel in that regard.
In this discussion, the minister also asked the Israeli delegation that since there are many trained professionals in the country for jobs in the agricultural sector, it would be better if they were given an opportunity for that as well. Here, the Israeli delegation stated that they are not able to open jobs in the agricultural sector at this time, and that necessary steps will be taken in the future.