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India’s External Affairs Minister Jaishankar meets with President Rajapaksa

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India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar who is on a two-day official tour in Sri Lanka has met with Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa today (28).

The Indian External Affairs Minister’s visit is based on the BIMSTEC Summit scheduled to be held in Colombo today. Accordingly, Dr. Jaishankar will be attending the event tomorrow.

Expressing his pleasure on the Indian External Affairs Minister’s arrival, President Rajapaksa has also taken this opportunity to thank India for its debt assistance to Sri Lanka in these crucial times.

A number of celebrations have been organised this year to mark the 75th Anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations, including the issuance of a commemorative coin and a commemorative stamp, a statement by the President’s Media Unit revealed.

Another meeting was held between the Indian External Affairs Minister and Sri Lankan Finance Minister Basil Rajapaska today.

Meanwhile, Jaishankar is also set to visit Leader of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) R. Sampanthan.

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Transport Minister between a rock and a hard place due to train ticket prices and workers’ OT

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Focus has been paid on increasing the prices of train tickets as a solution to the financial crisis befallen the Department of Railway. Several days earlier, there was a sudden hike in train ticket prices but the move was reversed at the Transport Minister’s intervention.

However, trade unions responding to the Railway Department are highly against the idea of increasing train ticket prices and warning that trade union actions will be taken against any price hike.

In response, Subject Minister Dilum Amunugama stated yesterday (28) that the overtime payments of railway workers may have to be slashed should a price surge on tickets not be taken place. The increased loss incurred by the Railway Department amid the fuel price surge has to be recovered, the Minister went on, adding that in doing so, one of the above options has to be compromised.

However, the trade unions also demonstrate their objection against the slashing of overtime payments entitled to the railway workers, stating that their trade union actions will be intensified upon such a move.

Overtime has become an essential element in railway service to maintain the operations and if an action is taken to slash the overtime payments, the entire railway service will collapse instead of the resolving the crisis, warned S.P. Vithanage, President of the All Ceylon Railway General Employees Union.

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Ex-pack celebrates 25 years of exemplary growth and excellence

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Photo Caption:
Ex-pack Chairman Mr. Sattar Kassim

Ex-pack Corrugated Cartons PLC, a name synonymous with the corrugated cartons manufacturing industry in the country providing end-to-end packaging solutions to renowned organizations and brands both local and international, celebrates 25 years of progressive excellence and innovation amidst the many challenges faced throughout the years. And it is only growing more stronger and resilient.

To commemorate this, Ex-pack held a event at its state-of-the-art factory premises with the participation of all employees, who also received value-packs of essential items to share with their loved ones back at home. Mr Sattar Kassim, Chairman of Ex-pack extended his deepest appreciation and recognition to all the stakeholders who worked towards making Ex-pack emerge as one of the most preferred corrugated cartons supplier in Sri Lanka.
Having begun its journey during March 1997, Ex-pack gradually expanded its operation and went onto achieving record-breaking tonnage consecutively, and has become a formidable force in the Corrugated Carton Industry in Sri Lanka. Ex-pack caters to the domastic and international market in the Asian, African and middle eastern regions. It was also nominated as the best corrugated factory in Sri Lanka by PUM Netherlands.

Over the years, Ex-pack has been crowned with numerous recognitions such as NCE Gold Export Award for Most Outstanding Service Providers to Exporters (Large Category), CNCI Top 10 Award (Extra Large Category), Lanka Star ‘Innovative Packaging’ Awards including NCCSL-National Business Excellence Awards, Lanka CSR Awards and Green Awards.
Mr Sattar Kassim emphasized that the distinctive workplace culture at Ex-pack goes without saying, with core beliefs and values deeply rooted around diversity, equity and inclusivity. Its 300-plus strong workforce is actively encouraged and empowered, through various people-first initiatives including an open-door policy where anyone can walk in and discuss just about anything.

This has earned Ex-pack to be ranked among Best Workplaces in Asia for three consecutive years, by Great Place to Work in addition to being named Best Workplaces in Sri Lanka for the fourth time last year. This recognition is a testament to the tireless dedication, contribution and the admirable resilience displayed by all its employees even during the most unprecedented times.

The company’s quest to constantly innovate has enabled it to provide customers with solutions that wouldn’t have been made possible otherwise. Its commitment to uphold and enhance its quality and safety standards to that of international ones is well reflected in its ISO 9001-2015, ISO 14001-2015, FSC COC WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production) certifications.

Ex-pack also partnered with building engineering consultancy co-energi in obtaining LEED and Carbon Neutral certifications for their factory in Sapugaskanda, as part of its unwavering commitment towards sustainability, responsible production, and environmental conservation.

Its consolidated position in the packaging market led to the recent Public Listing on the CSE. With the heavily oversubscribed IPO, Ex-pack welcomed the public to join in their journey towards emerging as one of the most preferred corrugated carton supplier in Sri Lanka.

After August only rice sachet packets available, producers warn

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In the soaring of rice prices to the point of a kilo of Nadu, Sudu Kekulu and Rathu Kekulu being at the margin of Rs. 200, from next August, people may not have 05 – 10 kg rice packets to purchase but sachets carrying a quarter of rice, warned Muditha Perera, President of the United Rice Producers’ Association, speaking to a briefing held yesterday (27).

“Today, Sri Lanka has become a country that begs for rice before the rest of the world. The rice crisis in the country today is due to the frenzy for organic farming. Only two more weeks left till the Sinhala New Year. By now, local rice Nadu, Sudu Kekulu and Rathu Kekulu have reached the Rs. 200 mark. Some of them have even surpassed Rs. 200 in the selling. The price of a kilo of Keeri Samba is currently hitting the Rs. 300 mark,” Perera said.

He added: “In early January we made a revelation that the price of a kilo of rice may reach the Rs. 300 mark during the Sinhala New Year. We ask the Trade Minister if he feels ‘well‘ now. In general, 95 per cent of the small and medium scale rice producers in Sri Lanka have become inactive now. Rice queues may also be seen in the future. After August, you may not have 05 – 10 kg rice packets to buy, but sachet packets carrying a quarter of rice. We ask Minister Mahindananda whether nothing will happen to the two kidneys when eating rice from India which uses 25 per cent more chemical fertiliser than Sri Lanka. China uses 200 per cent chemical fertiliser than Sri Lanka.”

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Government replied to IMF’s 94-page report on Sri Lanka in one page: Opposition Leader (VIDEO)

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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released a very essential and lengthy 94-page report on the current situation in Sri Lanka but the government has replied to it by a single page answer, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa revealed, speaking to the Suriyawewa Business meeting organised by Opposition Leader of the Suriyawewa Pradeshiya Sabha Subhaka Pradeep yesterday (27).

Addressing the event, the Opposition Leader pointed out that this proves the government’s knowledge and intelligence on country building and dealing with the international community, alleging that the government is in a poor position with regard to diplomatic relations.

Suggesting that it is important to prioritise science over myth in agriculture, Premadasa noted that the results of an 11-year survey carried out by the Paddy Research Institute showed that the sole use of organic fertiliser could severely decline yields.

The result of a country being downgraded through international ratings was the loss of access to even an international debt, the Opposition Leader went on, adding that Sri Lanka may now have to face the same fate.

He added that Sri Lanka has failed to build international credibility with regard to debt and that the current regime is implementing the policy of auctioning the country. All sectors that supply Dollars to the country are in a state of disarray leading to a serious dollar crisis, he emphasised.

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Reopening of international flights at Ratmalana Airport a dream come true for Dhammika Perera

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The reopening of international air flights at the Ratmalana International Airport after a 54-year hiatus took place under the patronage of Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Namal Rajapaksa yesterday (27).

The Colombo International Airport, the new Subway in Ratmalana and the lined Airstrip were reopened yesterday and regional flights from the Ratmalana International Airport were also resumed from yesterday. Marking the reopening, a Maldivian government aircraft landed on the Ratmalana International Airport yesterday.

Dhammika Perera, one of the members of President Rajapaksa’s National Economic Council, also joined the opening event.

May be an image of 12 people, people standing and sky

Perera has been involved in the long-run feasibility study of the Ratmalana International Airport and even has submitted proposals to governments in line and the public.

Perera’s 2019 Dialogue Manifesto ‘Sri Lanka 2030 a Developed Nation’ reveals proposals regarding the Airport as follows;

Accordingly, the reopening of the Ratmalana International Airport at the current government’s patronage for international flights would be a dream come true for Perera, in his objective for an economic growth strategy to increase the gross domestic product per capita from US$ 4,000 to US$ 12,000 in Sri Lanka.

In contrast to many parties’ focus on increasing the number of tourists arriving in the country for tourism industry boost, there should be an interest in attracting tourists who are willing to spend more and providing them with the necessary facilities, hence the significance of Mr. Perera’s proposals to uplift the nation’s airlines.

Dhammika Perera’s ‘Sri Lanka 2030 a Developed Nation’ Dialogue Manifesto consists of separate proposals for 24 ministries. You can read the report here.

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SLPP loses vote at Multipurpose Co-operative Society in Horombawa, Kuliyapitiya

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The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has lost a vote held at the Multipurpose Co-operative Society in Horombawa, Kuliyapitiya.

Controlled by the SLPP, the Horombawa Multipurpose Co-operative Society held a ballot two days ago (26) in electing 92 members, but the Ruling Party managed to secure only 27 votes while a common entity consisting of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) acting as the Opposition secured 95 votes.

The SLPP has had to face such defeats in a number of co-operative elections held in the previous period and it also had to lose in a number of local government budget elections held last year amid the growing opposition against the government triggered by the economic crisis.

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India’s External Affairs Minister Jaishankar arrives in SL for a two-day official tour

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India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday (27) afternoon for a two-day official tour.

During his tour, the Indian External Affairs Minister is set to meet with top authorities of the government.

India is currently providing a huge financial assistance to Sri Lanka amidst the economic crisis befallen the island nation.

MIAP

Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) faces a major financial crisis

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The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is facing a major financial crisis, official sources confirmed.

The annual loss of the Ceylon Electricity Board was between 80 and 85 billion rupees and by 2020 it was possible to reduce that loss to 45 billion rupees,A CEB official said adding that it is now aggravated to a crisis level with dwindling revenue.

He was addressing the Galle District Rural Infrastructure Committee under the National Program to Uplift the Rural Economy.

It costs Rs. 23.87 per unit to generate electricity in Sri Lanka. But a power unit is provided for Rs.16.60. Accordingly a loss of Rs. 07 per unit of electricity is incurred. The annual loss is around Rs. 16 billion,” he explained.

Especially for industrialists a unit of electricity generated at Rs. 23 is provided at a cost of Rs. 12.50.There are about 474,000 street lights in Sri Lanka. It will cost around Rs. 02 million. For 2.7 million low income families from 01 to 30 units are charged at Rs. 3.50

From 30 units electricity is charged at Rs. 5.50. As a result the CEB incurs a loss of Rs. 20 billion annually, he added.

A deepening financial crisis at Sri Lanka’s state-run Ceylon Electricity Board is forcing the utility turn on more expensive plants while cheaper plants which do not have cash to buy fuel is idle, informed sources said.

Under standard operating rules the CEB run thermal plants on a ‘merit order’ starting the cheapest plants first and the most expensive plants last, to supplement coal which is the main source of base load.

In general gas turbines are run last.The operating costs of a plant is based on the type of fuel (coal is cheapest) the type of plant, and in the case of a private plant the level of competition at the time it was acquired which will determine the price.

Some Independent Power Producers are cheaper than others partly because they are more efficient or they had bid lower at procurement due to competition and are offsetting energy costs with part of their capacity charge.

The CEB has now exceeded the 80 billion rupee credit limit given by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation.

Ceylon Electricty Board (CEB) is facing severe financial crisis following the dried up of money in a certain state bank accounts resulting in the return of cheques recently, CEB informed sources said.

This bank has already halted the granting of over drafts to the CEB and the finance manager the of the bank has ordered the finace division not to issue cheques of the particular bank which has no sufficient funds in CEB accounts.

This state bank has already granted a loan facility of Rs. 28 billion surpassing the normal limit of Rs 12 of such loans.

A senior official of the CEB said that the management of the electricity utility is facing cash flow problem making it difficult to pay even April salary of employees

Capital TwinPeaks opens great investment opportunity for investors .

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Capital TwinPeaks the mixed development project with twin towers with 475 luxury apartments and 40,000 sq. ft. of facilities and amenities for residents to live, work and play has been completed by by the Sanken Group.

Sanken Construction Managing Director Ranjith Gunatilleke stated: “This project has been completed at present with the value of materials and labour as per the last 3 or 4 years.

If you develop a similar project in the near future in the current economic situation the cost of the apartments will be at least 50 percent more than prices at Capitol TwinPeaks. And this is another key reason why Capitol TwinPeaks is a great investment opportunity today, he said.

The entrance level at the complex offers commercial services for all aspects of day-to-day living, while level 50 hosts an international standard of lounges and dining options.

All residents have access to a fully-serviced clubhouse on level 8, which offers a wide range of facilities and amenities including a function room with capacity for up to 250 guests.

Located in the central business district, TwinPeaks is neighboring leading hospitals and is in close proximity to schools, places of worship, dining options, entertainment, tourist attractions, malls, cinemas, the Galle Face Esplanade and Beira lake.

Colombo Port City, another key location that is expected to attract large foreign investment to Sri Lanka, is 2KM from TwinPeaks. The lifestyle experience at Capitol TwinPeaks is far beyond other projects in the area and the futuristic development concept positions it as one of the most lucrative investment options today.

Sanken, a homegrown giant in construction and property development, is responsible for the majority of high-rises in Sri Lanka. Maintaining operations for over 40 years in 09 countries and 3 continents, Sanken thrives on their experience and exposure.

Sanken’s credibility and successful track record continues to win the confidence of investors and while there are many one-time developments coming up today, the competition for Sanken is far and wide.

Apartment handover at Sanken’s flagship project Capitol TwinPeaks started in December 2021 and the Complex will be ready for occupation.

It is common knowledge that investing in property is a great way to beat rising inflation and the asset value appreciates over time. While construction costs and property prices have significantly gone up since the COVID 19 pandemic, the Sanken Group has done well to maintain costs and the last price adjustment for apartments at TwinPeaks was in December 2018.

This is a massive advantage for current investors as capital appreciation within the city limits has averaged at minimum 7% year-on-year. Many investors have identified the opportunity at Capitol TwinPeaks and the project has seen strong demand over the past 12 months.