Colombo, 13 January 2021: The much-awaited Prima KottuMee “Hot N Spicy Kricket” 2021 promotion recently ended on a successful note, celebrating their most loyal customers from all corners of Sri Lanka.
Prima KottuMee rewarded lucky winners who entered the competition from across the country with a host of valuable gifts – including smart watches, mobile phones, and cash prizes – on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
Winners were selected upon sending an SMS with the unique code found inside each sachet packet of Prima KottuMee to 2343. Out of this, two lucky winners were rewarded with smart watches on a daily basis, while eight loyal consumers received cash prizes worth Rs. 50,000 and more were awarded mobile phones each week.
Dulaj Dananjaya from Ragama emerged as the Grand Prize Winner of the 2021 Prima KottuMee “Hot N Spicy Kricket” promotion, winning an amazing cash prize of Rs. 250,000.
Prima KottuMee prides itself on being closer to its loyal consumer and delivering on its brand promise of “Prima KottuMee Fun Thamai”, going into 2022.
Colombo, 13th January 2021: Shoppers across the country have taken to the streets, demanding more than just a shopping experience. They want more – a more rewarding experience that transcends the boundaries of an average shopping experience, extending to shoppertainment and the rewards of an overall shopping adventure. More opportunities to watch, shop, play and explore are among the list of demands displayed by these shoppers.
As the leading e-commerce platform in Sri Lanka, Daraz has understood the need to provide an experience that surpasses the limitations of just shopping, in order to revolutionise the industry. Accordingly, Daraz is speculated to be entering a new phase of its journey as it sets the bar as more than just a shopping experience, introducing shoppers across the country to a new world of online retail – an immersive and inclusive experience.
Stay tuned for more information, as this unusual activity seems far from over.
Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris expressed Sri Lanka’s keen interest to transform Sri Lanka–Hungary bilateral ties into a results-oriented, multi-faceted partnership at a bilateral meeting with the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó on Wednesday 12 January. Minister Szijjártó was on a working visit to Sri Lanka.
The two Ministers had productive discussions on a multitude of areas of bilateral interest. Minister Peiris noted with appreciation Hungary’s empathetic approach towards Sri Lanka in addressing residual issues of reconciliation, and apprised the Hungarian Minister on progress in reconciliation and the credible domestic framework in process to promote and protect human rights, in keeping with the country’s international obligations. Minister Peiris also noted that Hungary is a member of the European Union (EU), with which Sri Lanka maintains an important and abiding partnership.
The two Ministers highlighted the importance of broadening and deepening economic relations, including the promotion of trade, investment and tourism ties in the current global context. Towards this end, the two Ministers agreed to convene the second session of the Sri Lanka-Hungary Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation (JCEC) at an early date this year. Minister Peiris referred to the need to optimize utilisation of the EU GSP plus facility in accessing the Hungarian market, as Sri Lanka’s key exports benefit from duty free access to the EU market. Interest was also expressed in the early conclusion of the Double Taxation Agreement between the two countries, as well as cooperation, inter alia, in science and technology, Ayruveda and renewable energy.
During the visit, Minister Szijjártó, who was accompanied by a substantive business delegation from Hungary, launched the Sri Lanka-Hungary Business Forum in partnership with the Minister of Trade Bandula Gunawardena, under the aegis of the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka.
Noting that development cooperation comprises an important element of the bilateral partnership, Minister Peiris conveyed Sri Lanka’s appreciation to Hungary for providing infrastructure development assistance to Sri Lanka through a soft loan of Euro 52 million. The current projects include the construction of flyovers at Kohuwala and Gatambe. At the invitation of the Minister of Highways Johnston Fernando, Minister Szijjártó visited the construction site of the Kohuwela flyover where the two Ministers laid the foundation stone for the project.
Another fruitful outcome of Minister Szijjártó’s visit was the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Sri Lanka and Hungary on Cooperation within the Framework of the Stipendium Hungaricum Programme for the Years 2022-2024. Under the programme, Hungary offers 20 scholarships annually to qualified Sri Lankan students to undertake undergraduate and postgraduate studies in a wide array of academic fields including engineering, sciences, economics and water management. Sri Lanka is the 86th country to benefit from the scholarship programme. Minister of Education Dinesh Gunawardena signed the MoU on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka.
In the sphere of bilateral cooperation, the two Ministers agreed on the need to convene regular political consultations between the two Foreign Ministries to discuss issues of mutual interest.
In addressing the shared challenges posed by Covid-19, Minister Peiris acknowledged the support rendered by countries in Europe through the EU and bilaterally, such as Hungary, to enable vaccine equity globally.
State Minister of Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya, Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage and senior Foreign Ministry officials were associated with the bilateral meeting at the Foreign Ministry. Minister Szijjártó was accompanied to the meeting by Secretary of State for Trade Policy and Consumer Protection of the Hungarian Ministry of Innovation and Technology Péter Cseresnyés, MP, and other senior officials of the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
(New York, January 13, 2022) – The Sri Lankan government in 2021 suppressed minority communities, harassed activists, and undermined democratic institutions, Human Rights Watch said today in its World Report 2022. The government of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa failed to carry out legal reforms promised to its international partners and blocked accountability for grave violations, including past war crimes.
“President Gotabaya Rajapaksa seems determined to reverse past rights improvements and protect those implicated in serious abuses,” said Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “While promising reforms and justice to deflate international criticism, his administration has stepped up suppression of minority communities.”
In the 752-page World Report 2022, its 32nd edition, Human Rights Watch reviews human rights practices in nearly 100 countries. Executive Director Kenneth Roth challenges the conventional wisdom that autocracy is ascendent. In country after country, large numbers of people have recently taken to the streets, even at the risk of being arrested or shot, showing that the appeal of democracy remains strong. Meanwhile, autocrats are finding it more difficult to manipulate elections in their favor. Still, he says, democratic leaders must do a better job of meeting national and global challenges and of making sure that democracy delivers on its promised dividends.
The Rajapaksa government has disregarded its own pledges of reform and continued to target minority Tamils and Muslims. The government uses the Prevention of Terrorism Act, the country’s long-abused counterterrorism law, and policies that threaten religious freedom and minority land rights.
In March 2021 the United Nations Human Rights Council mandated the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to collect and prepare evidence of grave crimes committed in Sri Lanka for use in future prosecutions. But a resolution before the Sri Lankan parliament would drop human rights investigations begun under the previous administration. Additionally, the Rajapaksa government’s appointment of people with poor rights records to independent bodies, including the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka and the Office of Missing Persons, have undermined their credibility and independence.
Throughout the year, Sri Lankan security forces harassed and threatened human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers, and the families of victims of past abuses, and suppressed peaceful protests. Security agencies, including the police Terrorism Investigation Division, intrusively monitored and intimidated civil society groups and interfered in their funding sources on the pretext of combatting “terrorist financing.”
In June the European Parliament passed a resolution deploring the Sri Lankan government’s intensifying repression. The European Commission engaged in human rights talks with the government in which it renewed pledges to reform the Prevention of Terrorism Act. An assessment of Sri Lanka’s human rights record and its eligibility for continued trading privileges that are contingent upon respect for human rights, is expected from the commission in early 2022.
The government struggled to protect people from Covid-19 as cases surged several times throughout the year, which contributed to widespread economic distress, but a military-controlled response to the pandemic led to further serious rights violations. The police killed at least three people while purportedly enforcing Covid-19 lockdown regulations.
Transparency International Sri Lanka on Tuesday (Jan. 11) held the award ceremony of the Integrity Icon 2021 program at the BMICH in Colombo, to recognise and honour the public sector Covid heroes of Sri Lanka.
The event began with a moment of silence being observed in remembrance of the victims of Covid 19 in Sri Lanka as well as the numerous frontline workers who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty as the country battled to contain the Covid-19 pandemic.
Integrity Icon, a program conceptualised by Accountability lab which is a global organisation that seeks to support change makers to develop and implement positive ideas for integrity in their communities, was held for the 4th consecutive time this year.
Integrity Icon Sri Lanka 2021 marked a shift from the previous years. Acknowledging the vastly different circumstances we now live in due to the global pandemic, Integrity Icon 2021 was dedicated to celebrating COVID 19 frontline workers. The program aimed to champion public sector officials who serve with integrity and honesty, who go above and beyond the call of duty and make sacrifices in order to manage the pandemic.
The process of selecting the Integrity Icons of 2021 commenced in June 2021 with the appointment of an independent panel of judges. Nominations were then accepted from public sector frontline workers Islandwide and following a meticulous vetting process which included online and in-person interviews, 10 finalists were selected from over 250 nominations received.
The following individuals were recognized as Integrity Icons for the year 2021,
C.Nishari Anurudhdhika De Silva Grama Niladhari officer – Dambhaduraya,Seeduwa
Dr.Indika Ellawala Medical Officer of Health – MOH Office, Piliyandala,
Dr.Praneeth Thommadura District Medical Officer – District Hospital Karandeniya
K.G.G.P.K.Rathnayake PHI – Divison No 1 MOH Office, Colombo Municipal Council
Dr.Nishantha Padmalal Wedage Medical Officer of Health – MOH Office, Udugama
S.H.Ameer Public Health Field Officer – MOH office Muttur
Consultant specialist physician, Dr. Sarath Gamini De Silva who has served in numerous capacities throughout his lengthy public service spanning 30 years was the chief guest at the occasion and was on hand to felicitate the Integrity Icons as well as the top 10 finalists.
Addressing the gathering he stated “how the public servants rose to the occasion in the face of unprecedented challenges due to the COVID pandemic shows the innate goodness of man. Their integrity, honesty and being guided by strong moral principles by many, especially in the state health services, is worthy of admiration.”
He also noted that, “with corruption rampant at all levels, with no transparency at all, and when wrong doers are not punished when detected, it is extremely difficult to maintain an honest service by the public servants. Generally, good honourable service is not rewarded to encourage them. Thus this initiative of the local chapter of the Transparency International and the Integrity Icon programme to name and fame those public servants who went the extra mile in the service of humanity is praiseworthy.”
Transparency International Sri Lanka Executive Director, Attorney-at-Law Nadishani Perera speaking at the occasion stated that, “These role models of integrity play a critical role in the fight against corruption. They demonstrate how a public official can stand against the tide of corruption and render a great service to the nation.”
“Integrity Icons bring the most needed hope and encouragement to that integrity can still prevail over corruption.”
We salute our frontline workers who have been instrumental in curbing Covid 19 in Sri Lanka and continue to do so putting their lives as well as the lives of their loved ones at risk for the sake of the people of Sri Lanka. TISL hopes and believes that the Integrity Icons of 2021 will continue to serve the nation with integrity and serve to be a shining example for all public officials in the country.
His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, the Archbishop of Colombo, expressed his suspicions over the bomb discovered in a church in Borella, in what he described as a possible ‘plot to intimidate’ the Catholic Church, speaking to a briefing held in Colombo today (13).
Pointing out that the Police’s conduct towards the chain of events is also suspicious, the Cardinal added that the ‘unknown figure’ appeared in the Church in the morning of the incident as revealed in the CCTV footage must be disclosed.
Innocent people like the cleaning man and caretaker of the Church, who was arrested in connection with the bomb recovery, should not be hunted down in a situation like this and the truth should be uncovered, the Cardinal emphasised.
He went on saying that police officers shall be honest not bidding the will of politicians, confronting that they should be leaving their posts if they are unable to stand up for the truth.
Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa donated shoes for 500 school children in Chavakachcheri Madduvil School, in celebration of his birthday yesterday (12).
Addressing the occasion, Premadasa emphasised that education is the foundation of the future of the country and his foremost policy to build a strong and developed nation is to provide all necessary facilities for education.
MP Maithripala Sirisena should stop criticising the government and make a clear decision, said State Minister of Women and Child Development, Preschools & Primary Education, School Infrastructure & Education Services Piyal Nishantha De Silva, speaking to media today (13).
These questions will be answered very soon, the State Minister said, suggesting that Sirisena is a person whose fantasies are wondrous rather than actions.
‘Janadhipathi Thatta’ a book written by his daughter about him must be read to understand Sirisena, De Silva added.
Former Prime Minister and UNP leader Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe says
that a programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is necessary to minimize the impact of the growing debt repayment crisis, because homegrown solutions are not effective.
Furthermore unlike in the past, Sri Lanka’s debt problem has increased at a time when there is a global debt problem. This makes the situation even more challenging and complex. Sri Lanka is a highly import-dependent economy and that compounds the crisis further he noted. The former Prime Minister said that this crisis is largely self inflicted due to poor economic management. The reduction of tax was uncalled for and increased the budget deficit
exponentially. Further he noted that he is so surprised as to why the government did not go for an IMF program in early 2020 knowing very well the foreign income was going to plummet. He further noted that the IMF will not recommend solutions that will aggravate the current economic crisis . SLPP sources say it was PB Jayasundara, Prof Lakshman and SR Attygalle who led the economic strategy and they are responsible for this unprecedented economic crisis. The rating agency Moody has pointed out that funding the latest relief package with reallocations from the budget in part reflects this limited fiscal space, which will constrain the government’s ability to use fiscal policy to mitigate the impact of economic shocks.
A Chinese expert is set to arrive in Sri Lanka to inspect the faulty generator at the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant, revealed the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).
Upon troubleshooting the machine, it would be possible to restore the generator out of order, said Chairman of the CEB M.M.C. Ferdinando.
Accordingly, a continuous capacity of 300 MW will be added to the national grid and then a continuous supply of electricity can be provided, he added.
The occasional power outages evident in the recent were mainly due to the collapse of power generation at the Plant. Hydrocapacity has also dropped and meanwhile problems have arisen at the Kelanitissa Thermal Power Plant as well.
Ferdinando added that there is no crisis regarding the application of coal required for power generation, for the CEB has the required stocks of coal until next May. Steps are being taken to import coal for the rest of the year, he added.
