- President Ranil Wickremesinghe presides at ADB’s 55th AGM: says sky-rocketing food, fuel & fertilizer are consequences of supply chain shocks created by the Ukraine war: urges creditor and debtor nations to work collectively to promptly address this situation.
- Party leaders decide to debate the draft 22nd Amendment to the Constitution on 6th & 7th October.
- IMF Senior Mission Chief for Sri Lanka – Peter Breuer says a timeline on the IMF programme cannot be predicted: explains the process of debt relief discussions takes time: previously CB Governor Dr Nandalal Weerasinghe had claimed the IMF program is likely to be approved by the IMF Board by end December.
- Central Bank’s T-Bond Weighted Average Yields soar past 30%: places Government Budget and SMEs under very severe stress: 3 years – 30.9%: 5 years – 31.5%: 9 years – 30.1%: rates now more than double the rates in March 22: analysts say these rates will pose enormous risks to stability, sustainability and growth.
- Colombo Port City Commission finally issues operating rules: businesses to get licenses for annual fee of USD 2,000.
- SJB MP Eran Wickramaratne laments country is suffering from serious poverty, loss of employment, loss of income, malnourishment, etc: Wickramaratne was a strong advocate to raise taxes, restructure debt and submit to an IMF program which would invariably lead to very tough conditions.
- Vehicle Importers Association President, Indika Merenchige says vehicle prices are dropping rapidly due to the sharp drop in demand: attributes demand-drop to people not being able to afford.
- Police launch extensive investigations over involvement of some politicians who had encouraged certain ‘protester’ groups to overthrow the government by forcefully occupying Parliament and preventing a vote to elect a new President, upon resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in July.
- President of the Federation of Renewable Energy, Thusitha Peiris cautions Sri Lanka is in for a longer power blackout and a second electricity tariff revision within the next 4 months: urges authorities to settle the burning issues of the renewable energy generation sector.
- Study by Sri Lanka’s Health and Ageing Study Consortium reveals nearly 1 in 3 adult Sri Lankans have high blood pressure and require anti-hypertensive treatment.
SRI LANKA ORIGINAL NARRATIVE SUMMARY: 30/09
An announcement from the Meteorological Department about the rainfall
According to the Department of Meteorology, a slight increase in rainfall is expected in the southwestern part of the island today (30) and in the next few days.
Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle and Matara districts will experience rain from time to time, while the North-West province will experience several showers of rain.
In Uva province and Ampara and Batticaloa districts, rain or thundershowers will occur at a few places during evening or night.
In the western slopes of the central hills, in the northern, north-central and southern provinces, and in the district of Trincomalee, windy per km. Gusts around 50 are possible.
The department kindly requests the people to take necessary measures to minimize the dangers caused by temporary strong winds and lightning that may occur with thunderstorms.
President Ranil informs the ADB Governors about the situation in Sri Lanka
Ranil Wickramasinghe points out that the adverse consequences of the global economic instability created due to the covid epidemic as well as the war in Ukraine, the excessive rise in the prices of food, fuel and fertilizers created an unbearable situation.
The President also said that global political trends have further aggravated the economic crisis.
President Ranil Wickramasinghe stated this while addressing the main session of the 55th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank Governors held yesterday morning (29) at the Asian Development Bank headquarters in Manila, Philippines.
It was chaired by President Ranil Wickramasinghe. The central bank governors of the member countries attended the meeting, which was held with the participation of the Philippine President Ferdinand R.Marcos, Jr. and Asian Development Bank President Masatsugu Asakawa.
Addressing the meeting, President Ranil Wickramasinghe further stated that the increased food and energy prices are leading to lower growth of the middle class and further insecurity of vulnerable communities in the Indian Ocean region.
In the midst of great economic pressure, Sri Lanka is making an unprecedented financial effort to restore the country’s debt sustainability and it is expected that Sri Lanka’s creditors and all stakeholders will support these efforts to restore debt sustainability.
Sri Lanka is experiencing rising unemployment and declining purchasing power while undergoing these deep and pressing reforms, however the government is aware of the adverse effects on the most vulnerable members of society and accordingly every effort is made to allocate more funding and resources to social protection.
Ranil Wickramasinghe further pointed out that creditors and debtors should work with equality and collectively to ensure economic and financial stability throughout the world and especially in the Asian region.
The 55th Annual Meeting of Asian Development Bank Governors commenced on September 26 at the Asian Development Bank Headquarters and will continue until September 30.
Meanwhile, President Ranil Wickramasinghe joined the luncheon hosted by Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos-Junior for the Central Bank Governors of the member countries participating in the 55th annual meeting of the Asian Development Bank Governors as a special guest.
Petition lodged to the Supreme Court against the Bureau of Rehabilitation Act
A petition has been filed before the Supreme Court against the “Rehabilitation Bureau Bill” which has been submitted to the Parliament.
This petition, which has been filed naming the Attorney General as the respondent, has been submitted by a group including Father Jivantha Peiris, who was a front-line activist of the public protest.
It has been pointed out in the petition that certain provisions of this bill have given the authority to refer a person to the rehabilitation process without a court order and it has been pointed out that the fundamental right of individual freedom and expression is violated.
Accordingly, the petitioners have requested the Supreme Court to rule that certain sections of the bill are unconstitutional.
India and SL commit to more cooperation in education and skills training at ITEC Day Celebration by High Commission of India
To mark 58 years of capacity building partnership between India and Sri Lanka through Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC), High Commission of India in Colombo celebrated ITEC Day 2022 on 28 September 2022.
2. Hon’ble Dr. Susil Premajayantha, the Sri Lankan Minister of Educationand Mr. Nihal Ranasingha, the Secretary to the Ministry of Education graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour respectively. The event was attended by over 100 participants, which included ITEC alumni from Sri Lanka, officials and professionals from diverse sectors who have participated in various training courses in India under ITEC programmes.
3. In his address, Hon’ble Minister of Education lauded the historically close relations between India and Sri Lanka for more than 2000 years. He appreciated India for the ITEC slots and the annual scholarships offered to Sri Lankan nationals, and thanked India for the financial support extended to Sri Lanka in recent months. Hon’ble Minister highlighted the scope for further cooperation between India and Sri Lanka in the field of higher education, skill development and capacity building, especially from India’s STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and IT sectors. He also referred to the comprehensive National Education Policy of India and its benefits for students and educators.
4. Speaking on the occasion, the High Commissioner noted the enormous interest shown by Sri Lankan officials for the ITEC programme over the years. He emphasised the importance of ITEC cooperation and remarked that “sky is the limit” for India-Sri Lanka partnership in education and skills training. High Commissioner highlighted India’s endeavour to help Sri Lanka in the education sector, including in higher education through partnership between higher education institutes in India and Sri Lanka, besides the current 402 ITEC slots and around 700 scholarships offered every year.
5. The participants reminisced and shared their experiences of ITEC training in India and appreciated the holistic content of the different ITEC programmes. Prof. (Mrs.) Ilmi Ganga Hewajulige, Additional Director General R&D of Sri Lanka’s Industrial Technology Institute, who had undergone ITEC training programme on ‘Science, Technology and Innovation Policy’ at the Indian Institute of Sciences (IISC),Bengaluru described the programme as ‘a package of knowledge and experience’. She added that the information gathered on policy drafting and I-STEM were highly informative and the learnings had already been put to use in Sri Lanka as Sri Lanka’s National Science Foundation (NSF) has started a similar concept on I-STEM to have collaboration with the Indian system. Mr. Rishad Akram Rafi, Manager of Cyber Security & Compliance at Sunshine Holdings Plc., who attended Young Leaders Neighborhood Fellowship Programme at the St. Stephen’s college, New Delhi highlighted the lectures and experience he received in India in diverse fields ranging from Economics, constitutions, Policy planning, Political science, Healthcare & Law. Mrs. Sasija Gayeshini Silva, Deputy Director of Education, Zonal Education Office at Chilaw, who attended the ITEC course on “Design Thinking Approach for Innovative Organizations” conducted by Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida said that the ITEC training motivated her to work for her motherland with renewed energy. Ms. Chathurdi Udari Withange, Career Counselor at University of Colombo,who attended the ITEC training program conducted by Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (SVYASA), Bengaluru termed the training as “life changing” experience and mentioned that she will use the training to help others to find their inner peace and happiness through Yoga. The participants also remarked that the training modules were synchronised with modern technologies and were social relevant.
6. ITEC is a flagship programme of the Government of India launched in September 1964 for extending technical assistance and enhancing capacity building of friendly developing countries. It has emerged as an important vehicle for India’s contribution to human resource development of partner countries with over 200,000 persons from 160 fellow developing countries having participated in the programme. Sri Lanka is currently allotted 402 training slots annually for the ITEC programme. Every year Indian diplomatic Missions celebrate this South-South partnership all over the world as ‘ITEC Day’.
****
Colombo
29 September 2022
Join 1 October protests in solidarity with brave women and men in Iran who have inspired the world
Outrage over the murder of 22 year old Mahsa Amini for ‘improper veiling’ has sparked unprecedented protests across Iran and the world. The slogans of these protests include: ‘We don’t want an Islamic government,’ ‘We don’t want an anti-women government,’ and ‘Woman, Life, Freedom.’ Images of women taking the lead, removing and burning their veils, united with men against the Islamic regime have inspired the world.
On 1 October, we call on you to join a global day of solidarity with the courageous protestors. In London, the protest begins at 2pm in Trafalgar Square. Please come and stand with those challenging theocracy of which compulsory veiling is a pillar.
There are many other things you can do, such as highlighting the protests and mobilising solidarity, including by using hashtags #MahsaAmina #WomensRevolution #IranProtests and by putting pressure on governments to politically boycott the Islamic regime of Iran.
For more information, on protests, see ‘This is a woman’s revolution in the making,’ which includes an interview with our Spokesperson Maryam Namazie. Also see:
Maryam Namazie Explains What’s Been Happening in Iran? Sunday Scoop with Harris and Sultan
Maryam Namazie with Andrew Castle on LBC Radio on Mahsa Amini and Iran Protests
Maryam Namazie interview with John Pienaar
Protest for Iranian Lesbians on death row met with shouts of Allahu Akbar in Cologne
Protesters against the death sentences of lesbian activists Zahra Sedighi-Hamadani and Elham Chobdar in Iran were met with aggressive shouts of Allahu Akbar on September 10. The two women were found guilty of promoting homosexuality but the aggressive hecklers were more concerned with our signs than the lives of these two women. You can read more about it here.
Please sign a petition to help save the two who are facing execution for who they love. #LoveIsNotACrime
Maryam Namazie wins IBKA’s Sapio Award
IBKA, the International League of Non-Religious and Atheists, awarded Maryam Namazie its Sapio Prize for outstanding merits in advocating freethought, separation of state and church, and rational thinking in Cologne, Germany on 10 September 2022. Find out more here.
MR hosts dinner for BJP Senior Delegate Subramanian Swamy
Dr. Subramanian Swamy, a senior delegate of the Indian Ruling Party Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has met former Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday (28) at his official residence.
The event was also attended by former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and several members of the Rajapaksa family.
Several members of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and a group of political leaders of the plantation community have also joined this occasion and the former Prime Minister has also hosted a dinner for them.
Swamy arrived in Sri Lanka to participate in the conference of the International Research Centre of Kotalawala Defense University today (29). The annual conference was held this year for the 15th time and the keynote speech was delivered by Dr. Swamy.
Swamy’s name swarmed across Sri Lanka following his controversial tweet on the country being entitled to military assistance by India to suppress the anti-government protests, which he referred to as ‘a mob,’ in support to the Rajapaksas, and unconfirmed sources claimed that Swamy’s visit to the Rajapaksa family is also part of the ousted dynasty’s plan to regain power by re-electing Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Prime Minister.
“Both Gotabaya and Mahinda Rajapaksha were elected in a free election with thumping majority. How can India allow a mob to overturn such a legitimate election? Then no democratic country in our neighbourhood will be safe. If Rajapaksa wants India’s military help we must give,” Swamy wrote on his Twitter handle on July 10.
MIAP
Archaeology Dept to file lawsuit against unauthorised constructions at Galle Fort
Archaeological authorities have decided to take legal actions against unauthorised establishments around Galle Fort, a world heritage declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
These establishments were built near the Galle Stadium and were not authorised by the Department of Archaeology. Authorisation should be obtained for any establishment, including those of a private land, at a location designated as an ‘archaeological reserve,’ and those who had built these constructions at the Stadium not consulting the Dept officials prior to any action would be a serious problem, the Department emphasised.
It would be extremely serious to have a problem of this nature in the backdrop where probes are underway regarding the non-implementation of the instructions given by UNESCO regarding the Galle Stadium, said Prof. Anura Manatunga, Director General of Archaeology.
Despite receiving instructions by Wasanthi Alahakoon, the Galle District Assistant Director of Archaeology, to cease the operations immediately after learning about these unauthorised constructions, the parties responsible for these establishments continued with their operations, and the authorities, therefore, have acted with the Police to suspend the activities.
The Director General of Archaeology has given instructions to take legal actions against these establishments and legal advice, accordingly, is currently being obtained, Mrs. Alahakoon noted.
MIAP
Indigenous Chief Uruwarige Wannila Aththo demands the holding of an Election!
Sri Lanka’s Indigenous Chief Uruwarige Wannila Aththo speaking to reporters after attending a function in Badulla said the young protesters engaged in the people’s struggle ‘Aragalaya’ demand a change, and such a goal can only be accomplished by the holding of an election that allows them to elect public representatives of their preference.
A General Election, accordingly, will pave the way for the young generations to hold up to their expectations of solving the crisis in the country, the Indigenous Chief emphasised, following the same demand being made for many months by multiple parties, including the general public and political parties of the Opposition, who claim that neither Ranil Wickremesinghe the current President of Sri Lanka nor the Regime is favoured by the people.
In addition to Wannila Aththo’s comments, many people are already of the opinion that the Parliament of Sri Lanka does not represent the actual mandate and a parliamentary election, therefore, must be held to establish one that actually does.
The government, on the other hand, does not wish to hold a General Election whatsoever and expects to cling until its term ends.
The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), which not very long ago held the strongest majority power in Parliament since 1977 and secured a tremendous 6.9 million mandate, is currently facing many internal crises, evident of which a number of political factions have already separated themselves from the SLPP-mainstream by now.
In the backdrop, the SLPP fears risking its bid on power at any general election, hence the unwillingness to hold one anytime soon, according to sources.
MIAP
Annual levy of US $ 2000 charged from Port City businesses
The Colombo Port City Economic Commission has decided to charge an annual levy of US $ 2000 for businesses operating at the Colombo Port City.
A special gazette declaration signed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilisation and National Policy has been issued regarding the issuance of licences for operating businesses at the Port City, and these licences will be issued after careful assessment of the applications submitted for business operations expected on the grounds.
The investors are also expected act in compliance with the regulations by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), the Colombo Port City Economic Commission stated.
MIAP