May 18, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Savings Bank Ltd., (SLSB) is set to implement a voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) for its employees offering an alternative for those who opt not to retire by allowing them to be absorbed into the National Savings Bank (NSB).

The Cabinet of Ministers at its meeting on Monday approved the implementation of voluntary retirement scheme for emplyees of the Sri Lanka Savings Bank Ltd

Established as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the NSB in 2019, the SLSB will now see its assets and liabilities transferred to its parent organisation, NSB, along with the integration of its workforce. As at end of 2021, SLSB had 106 employees

Cabinet Co-Spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardena told journalists yesterday it was decided to introduce a VRS and make a payment taking into account the market factors for the employees who retire voluntarily.  

 “If there are employees who do not like to take the VRS offer, they will be absorbed into the National Savings Bank workforce,” he said, adding that SLSB only had a small number of employees. 

He said the process of transitioning employees from the SLSB to the NSB is already in progress. As part of the scheme, employees who choose to retire voluntarily will receive compensation based on market factors, providing them with a viable option for their future.

 The proposal was presented by the President in his capacity as the Finance, Economic Stabilisation and National Policies Minister.

SLSB was established in July 2006 under the Banking Act and incorporated under the provision of the Companies Act. It commenced business on 10 March 2008 as a state owned Licenced Specialised Bank. 

In 2010, SLSB was able to meet the deficiency in capital funds on 30 September 2010 with the merger of National Development Trust Fund (NDTF) Company. 

In October 2019 SLSB became a fully owned subsidiary of NSB. The major operations of the SLSB are deposit mobilisation, granting of loans (Microfinance/ commercial credit). 

In addition, the bank obtained leasing and pawning licence in 2012 and commenced leasing and hire purchase businesses in February 2012. Further, the CBSL granted approval to open three new branches in Matara, Mannar and Anuradhapura.

Total Assets as at end 2021 amounted to Rs. 8.7 billion and liabilities were Rs. 1.8 billion. As a result of increased profit and other reserves, the total equity of SLSB was Rs. 6.8 billion in 2021.

1. The United States assures that it stands in solidarity with all Sri Lankans, reflecting on the resilience and hope for a united future, on the anniversary marking 15 years since the end of Sri Lanka’s war.
2. General (Retd) Mahesh Senanayake, former Army Commander of Sri Lanka, has officially joined the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and will lead its newly established affiliate, the ‘Samagi Ranawiru Balawegaya.’
3. Swiss International Airlines, operated by Edelweiss, concluded its winter schedule in Sri Lanka handling 8,600 passengers from November 2023 to May 2024. After the successful completion of its winter schedule in Sri Lanka. Swiss International Airlines will resume operations in Colombo in the first week of November 2024.
4. The Economic Transformation Bill and the Public Financial Management Bill will be presented to the Parliament on Wednesday (22 May), according to the Secretary General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera. Issuing a statement, she said that the Parliament is scheduled to convene on Wednesday (May 22).
5. Sri Lanka’s Government must take meaningful action to determine and disclose the fates and whereabouts of tens of thousands of people who have been subjected to enforced disappearance over the decades and hold those responsible to account, a UN Human Rights Office report says. It calls on the Government to acknowledge the involvement of state security forces and affiliated paramilitary groups, and to issue a public apology.
6. Twenty Indian crew members and a Sri Lankan are stranded on board the Dali, the container ship that collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. For the last seven weeks, they have been confined to the vessel due to an ongoing probe. With their phones confiscated, they cannot even pay bills for their families back home, the Indian media reported.
7. In view of the 15th anniversary of Victory Day, the Sri Lanka Navy has promoted 3,146 senior and junior Sailors of the Regular and Voluntary Forces to their next ranks, Sri Lanka Navy said. The relevant promotions have been done by the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, with the approval of President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ranil Wickremesinghe.
8. Member of Parliament Udaya Gammanpila has urged the government not to accept the appointment of U.S. President Joe Biden’s nominee for Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Elizabeth K. Horst. Gammanpila pointed out that Elizabeth Horst’s responses to the questions raised by the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee on May 9 could have an adverse impact on the situation of the country.
9. The Ministry of Health has introduced the special hotline ‘1907’ for the public to inform of fake medical practitioners in Sri Lanka. Issuing a statement, the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) said that the hotline has been established to protect the public from these fake doctors.
10. The Sports Ministry’s Anti-Corruption Unit today informed the Colombo Magistrate’s Court that they are yet to receive the voice test report related to the investigation being carried on former Sri Lankan cricketer Sachithra Senanayake, over allegations of match-fixing. This was informed to the court when the relevant case was taken up before the Colombo Chief Magistrate Thilina Gamage.

May 18, Colombo (LNW): The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has called on all citizens to refrain from using polythene papers and plastic covers for Vesak decorations, including lanterns, pandals, banners, and posters, to mitigate environmental harm. The CEA’s request comes in light of the significant negative impact these materials have on the environment, rivers, lakes, and other waterways.

A recent CEA survey revealed that over seven million tons of non-degradable polythene and plastics flow through rivers, waterways, and streams, ultimately reaching the ocean. This pollution severely affects marine life, including crucial fish populations.

CEA Chairman Venura Fernando emphasized the public’s responsibility to avoid non-degradable materials for Vesak decorations. He pointed out that a variety of degradable raw materials, readily available in the country, can be used instead. These materials can be recycled or safely burned after use, unlike non-degradable polythene and plastics, which persist in the environment for thousands of years, causing extensive harm to fauna and flora.

Additionally, the government has issued a special gazette notification prohibiting the use of polythene and plastics for political, social, and cultural events, reinforcing the CEA’s appeal. Chairman Fernando urged the public to consider the long-term environmental impact and opt for sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives for their Vesak celebrations.

May 18, Colombo (LNW):Sri Lanka made a significant impact at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024 in Dubai, highlighting the country’s attractions and offerings. Organized by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), the Sri Lanka pavilion showcased the nation’s unique tourism potential to a global audience.

Arabian Travel Market, one of the leading global events for the travel and tourism sector, attracted over 41,000 attendees and featured 2,300 exhibitors from 165 countries. This year’s theme, “Empowering Innovation – Transforming Travel through Entrepreneurship,” set the stage for showcasing cutting-edge developments in the industry.

The Sri Lanka pavilion was inaugurated by key dignitaries, including the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the UAE Udaya Indrarathna, Consul General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and Northern Emirates Alexi Gunasekera, and Chairman of SLTPB Chalaka Gajabahu. With over 60 travel agents, Destination Management Companies (DMCs), and leading hotels and resorts from Sri Lanka participating, the pavilion aimed to attract the diverse and cosmopolitan market of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and international visitors.

In a bid to enhance air connectivity and facilitate seamless travel experiences between the two countries, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with Emirates Airlines at ATM 2024 on May 7. The MoU was signed by the SLTPB Chairman and Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations West Asia and Indian Ocean, in the presence of Tourism, Lands, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Harin Fernando, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka in the UAE, and the Consul General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and Northern Emirates.

A press briefing by Minister Fernando highlighted Sri Lanka’s tourism potential and collaborative efforts with UAE stakeholders to boost tourist arrivals. He announced significant progress in re-establishing the tourism industry post-Covid-19, supported by airlines. Minister Fernando also highlighted the recent opening of the luxurious ITC Rathnadipa hotel in Colombo and the availability of several other high-class hotels and 700 villas across the country, offering personalized experiences and diverse adventures for tourists.

Ambassador Udaya Indrarathna emphasized coordinated efforts to enhance Sri Lanka’s tourism industry sustainably. Consul General Alexi Gunasekera highlighted the UAE’s importance as a hub for luxury, independent, leisure, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism, underscoring the value of events like ATM for networking and sharing best practices within the industry.

SLTPB Chairman Chalaka Gajabahu invited everyone to experience Sri Lanka first-hand under the new destination branding “You will come back for more,” reinforcing the country’s appeal as a premier travel destination.

May 18, Colombo (LNW):The Agriculture and Plantation Industries Ministry has taken significant steps to boost youth involvement in agriculture by allocating Rs. 1,600 million for the establishment of 160 villages across 25 districts, with six Youth Agri-Entrepreneurship Villages in each district this year.

Agriculture and Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera announced that the programme aims to establish 160 Youth Agri-Entrepreneurship Villages, covering all 25 districts. Under the first phase, each village will receive Rs. one million. The initiative seeks to attract youth to agriculture, introduce them to new agricultural technologies, target local markets and exports, and direct them towards high-demand agricultural products.

A discussion regarding the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurship Village Programme was held at the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agricultural Research and Training Institute on Thursday (16), chaired by Minister Amaraweera. Officials from the Agriculture Ministry, provincial agriculture departments, and affiliated institutions participated.

The Cabinet has approved the programme, and projects in these villages will include vegetable and fruit cultivation, other crops, plantation crops, fish product industries, sheltered house cultivation, and livestock-related products.

Minister Amaraweera emphasized the need to reverse the trend of youth moving away from farming. “To attract the youth community to agriculture, they need to establish their confidence in it. I informed the Cabinet and presented the project report on the Youth Agri-Entrepreneurship Village Programme. The Government has responded positively.”

He called for everyone’s support in implementing the programme. State Ministers D. B. Herat, Mohan Priyadarshana Silva, and Ministry Secretary Janaka Dharmakeerthy also attended the discussion.

May 18, Colombo (LNW): Deputy British High Commissioner in Colombo, Lisa Whanstall, conducted an inspection of the ongoing mangrove restoration efforts at Anavilundawa Wetland Sanctuary, supported by the Blue Planet Fund. During her visit, she also met with stakeholders involved in the restoration and improvement of these vital ecosystems.

May 18, Colombo (LNW): Showery and windy conditions are expected to enhance during the next few days from today, due to pre-monsoonal conditions over the country and surrounding sea areas.

Cloudy skies can be expected over most parts of the island.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, North-western and Southern provinces and in Kandy and Nuwara-eliya districts.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places elsewhere of the island after 12.00 noon.

Heavy showers above 100mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.

Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times in Southern province.

General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

May 17, Colombo (LNW): Major General Aruna Deshapriya Gunawardena and four other accused have been acquitted by a three-member High Court bench in connection with the Rathupaswala incident. This verdict was announced 11 years after the events in question.

The case involved the killing of three individuals and the injuring of approximately 50 others during a protest in the Rathupaswala area of Weliweriya on August 1, 2013. The protest was sparked by local concerns over drinking water quality.

The acquittal was based on the failure of the Attorney General to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. This decision marks the conclusion of a prolonged legal battle stemming from the tragic incident.

May 17, Colombo (LNW): In a recent development, Sri Lankan opposition leader Sajith Premadasa took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify a misquoted statement published by the Daily Mirror, which sparked controversy and widespread discussion.

Premadasa’s tweet read: “.@Dailymirror_SL is a mockery of journalism. Deliberately misquoted me and later changed the article, no correction issued. I said I will cancel liquor licenses issued as bribes not ban liquor stores if we come to power. What I will ban is @Dailymirror_SL from any press briefings.”

The opposition leader was addressing a report that initially stated he would ban liquor stores if elected to power. Premadasa emphasized that his actual intention was to cancel liquor licenses that had been issued as bribes, not to implement a blanket ban on liquor stores.

The Daily Mirror subsequently removed the article from its website, but did not issue a formal apology or correction, leading Premadasa to label their actions as a “mockery of journalism.”

However, the concluding statement in Premadasa’s tweet, which suggested barring the Daily Mirror from future press briefings, drew significant criticism from advocates of press freedom. They argued that such a move would undermine the principles of a free press, essential for a functioning democracy.

This incident highlights ongoing tensions between political figures and the media in Sri Lanka, raising important questions about journalistic integrity and the balance between correcting misinformation and preserving press freedom.