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PMB predicts high maha season yields better than projected

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PMB predicts high maha season yields better than projected

The Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) said there is a better harvest from the Maha season despite the fertiliser crisis and the forecast. 

“The 2021/22 Maha season commenced while facing several challenges. However, there is a bigger harvest than we expected for the season,” PMB Vice Chairman Duminda Priyadarshana disclosed. 

 Based on the data from the Department of Agriculture over 70% of the expected harvest has been reaped thus far. He said that the national program of purchasing paddy was implemented two weeks ago and the PMB has already bought over 35,000 tons during the past two weeks. 

As per the Crop Forecast Report issued by the Department of Agriculture 800,000 hectares of land was used for farming, expecting a harvest of around 3 to 3.2 million tons of paddy. 

However, due to the introduction of organic fertiliser and farmers protested use of it and only 70 percent of crops were forecasted. 

Priyadarshana said they could expect 2.3 million tons of paddy this year, which is sufficient for six to seven months of the rice demand. It was also pointed out that the Government had informed the PMB to secure a buffer stock of paddy with the competitive prices that were announced previously.  

Accordingly, the PMB purchased Nadu paddy from farmers at guaranteed prices of Rs. 90 per kg, Samba paddy at Rs. 92 per kg and Keeri Samba paddy at Rs. 95 per kg. 

He said the mechanism had encouraged the farmers to handover their crops to the Board regardless of the various claims. “We are optimistic that there will be no possibility of an unusual price increase in rice or any shortage this year,” he added. 

Prayadarshana also stressed that a transportation fee of Rs. 2 per kilo will be provided to farmers who bring their harvest to PMB centres. During last harvesting season farmers were only given Rs. 1.50 per kilo as transport allowance. 

There is a high probability that Hemasiri and Pujith will be acquitted of the cases against them – Legal experts

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There is a high probability that Hemasiri and Pujith will be acquitted of the cases against them – Legal experts

Former Defense Secretary Hemasiri Fernando and former IGP Pujith Jayasundara might be acquitted from the cases filed against them for failing to prevent the Easter attack, legal experts say.

Hemasiri Fernando and Pujith Jayasundara were charged separately before a three-judge bench comprising Justices Namal Balalle, Aditya Patabendi, and Mohamed Irshadeen, and 855 indictments were filed against each of the accused.

The indictment was handed down to them in October 2021 and the evidence of the complaint was examined till last January. Accordingly, the hearing of the complaint was concluded on January 19 and the decision on whether to release the accused without summoning the accused is due to be announced tomorrow (18).

Legal experts point out that there is a high probability that Hemasiri Fernando and Pujith Jayasundara will be acquitted of these two cases as they have failed to prove any of the charges filed by the Attorney General’s Department beyond a reasonable doubt.

It is not possible to end these crises by holding rallies and meetings – Bandulal

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It is not possible to end these crises by holding rallies and meetings – Bandulal

Former Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Bandulal Bandarigoda says that the government is being challenged to hold an election if possible instead of holding rallies with public money.

Former Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Bandulal Bandarigoda says that the government is being challenged to hold an election if possible instead of holding rallies with public money.

“It is not possible to end these crises by holding rallies and meetings. The government itself says it did not engage in politics for so long. They say that ruled the state and now they have begun politics. We do not care if they want to do politics. But this government does politics with public money. They hold rallies, distribute goods with public money. If the government is going to deceive the public through this, we challenge them to an election. We are ready at any time. Let’s see if there is a wave or a rebellion against the government. ”

Bandulal Bandarigoda stated this addressing a media briefing held yesterday (16)

Bandula Gunawardena leaves for Dubai

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Bandula Gunawardena leaves for Dubai

Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardena left the island yesterday (16) for an official visit to Dubai.

The purpose of the visit is to strengthen trade ties between the two countries. During the visit, he will also meet with the country’s Minister of International Trade, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Seidi.

Bandula Gunawardena will also be present at the opening of the Sri Lanka Export Brands Trade Fair at the Dubai Exhibition Center from February 17 to 19 and will be visiting the Dubai Expo.

Three Ministerial committees to secure essential imports

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Three Ministerial committees to secure essential imports

In the wake of rising expenditure of essential imports and the ever increasing cost of living due to shortage of essential commodities, the government is exploring the possibility of implementing alternative methods to import essential food items, raw materials required for export-oriented industries and industrial goods.

Sri Lanka’s import expenses increased to US$ 21.6 billion in 2021, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Ajith Nivard Cabraal has announced.

He pointed out that import expenses stood at US$ 16.1 billion in 2020 and US$ 19.9 billion in 2019. Cabraal further revealed that some individuals were now making an issue when Sri Lanka was prepared to pay its outstanding loans.

In October 2021, Sri Lanka imported US$ 97.7 million of foods and beverages down 20 percent from a year earlier.

However, investment goods were up 11.5 percent to $327 million and Intermediate goods were up 38.6 percent to $ 1,132 million.

Under this set up, three separate Cabinet Sub-Committees have been appointed to identify alternative methods for this purpose while removing all restrictions imposed by the government on the importation of essential and non-essential goods.

Accordingly, the cash deposit restrictions imposed by the Central Bank on the importation of non-essential goods will be removed and importers should take strict responsibility in importing goods after this concession is granted, CB Governor Nivard Cabraal said.

The Central Bank on September 08 last year decided to impose a 100 percent cash margin deposit requirement against the importation of selected goods of non-essential and non-urgent nature made under Letters of Credit and Documents against Acceptance terms with Licensed Commercial Banks and National Savings Bank, with immediate effect.

The Governor of the Central Bank said the government will aim to increase Gross Official Reserves to cover a minimum of 4 months of imports by March 2022.

Among other objectives are to achieve stable exchange rate and stable interest rates and Real GDP growth of around 5% in 2021 and 6.5% in 1Q-2022 and to stabilize inflation at mid-single digits.

The Government has appointed three separate Cabinet Sub-Committees to identify alternative methods to import essential food items, raw materials required for export-oriented industries and industrial goods.

Foreign Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris will head all three committees to hold discussions with key import countries such as China, Japan and the Middle East. 

The committee appointed  to discuss imports with China included Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardena, Industries Minister Wimal Weerawansa and Plantation Industries Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana. 

The committee to discuss imports with Japan comprise; Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, Mass Media Minister Dullas Alahapperuma and Highways Minister Johnston Fernando, whilst the committee to hold discussions with Middle Eastern countries include Sports and Youth Minister Namal Rajapaksa and Justice Minister Ali Sabry. 

“This was a joint Cabinet effort. The Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa and Industries Minister Wimal Weerawansa tabled separate Cabinet proposals. 

The Finance Minister suggested appointing separate committees to hold discussions with the key import countries in a collective manner.

Central Bank has already released around $15 million to clear containers with essential foods as part of an ongoing process while foreign exchange is being progressively released for essential imports  Central Bank Governor Cabraal said.

Sri Lanka’s main importers have said about a thousand containers are stuck at the Colombo Port awaiting foreign exchange awaiting dollars releases by banks.

However others say about 300 containers are stuck due to problems with documentation and restricted items.

Media reports said potatoes and onions from India and Pakistan had been cleared this week, lowering some prices.

Sri Lanka has seen shortages of milk powder due to forex problems, LP Gas partly due to procedural delays, while prices of most goods are rising.

SL to settle the Indian fishermen poaching issue without going round in circles 

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SL to settle the Indian fishermen poaching issue without going round in circles 

Indo Lanka fishermen’s  issue of violating Sri Lankan territorial waters and continuing of illegal fishing has reached the boiling point as no concrete action has been taken by successive governments going round in circles for over five decades.  

The poaching by Indian trawlers in the waters of Sri Lanka and the fishing community protesting against the failure of the government authorities to prevent such intrusions have become  headache for both government at present , official sources said.

The Palk Bay and Palk Strait areas in Sri Lankan waters are relatively shallow and rich with prawns.  Sri Lanka loses an estimated Rs.5.3 billion each year due to poaching. 

This money could have lifted the standard of living of the Northern fishing community with potential fish exports and revenue in foreign exchange.

Northern fishermen protesting against Indian poaching in Lankan waters more than five decades ago, in June 1974, Sri Lanka and India jointly demarcated the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) between the two countries. 

Still, the poaching by Indian fishermen is continuing in the northern waters of Sri Lanka. The law enforcement agencies are regularly making attempts to prevent it. India and Sri Lanka had several discussions but were not able to find a lasting solution. 

All possible steps will be taken to prevent Indian fishermen from illegal fishing in the territorial waters of Sri Lanka, by breaching the maritime boundaries, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Fisheries emphasised on Wednesday (Feb. 16).

Discussions in this regard will be held with the Government of India in the coming weeks, Indu Ratnayake, the Secretary to the Fisheries Ministry categorically stated. The Indian Government has also agreed to hold discussions, according to Ratnayake.

The authorities are focusing on future steps that could be taken with regard to the vessels and fishing gear seized by security forces, 

The fishermen issue is a contentious one in ties between India in Sri Lanka, and the fresh arrests come as local immigration officials are making arrangements to repatriate 56 Indian fishermen who were arrested in December

The Sri Lankan Navy has detained 68 Indian fishermen and seized 21 trawlers off the Tamil Nadu coast over the last few days. 

The Indian  government urgently needs to dial Colombo and secure their release. It also needs to sit with the Tamil Nadu government and work out a solution to the crisis brewing in the waters between the Tamil Nadu coast and Sri Lanka.

Colombo has been accusing Indian fishermen of poaching in its waters. And its navy has been proactive in arresting Indian fishermen and capturing Indian vessels on charges of trespassing — last year, as many as 74 Indians were arrested and 11 boats seized. 

The Ministry of External Affairs negotiated their release but the problem is far from settled.The crux of the matter seems to be overcapacity on the Indian side and the building scarcity in the Palk Strait due to over fishing.

Colombo has been complaining that Indian trawlers violate the IMBL (international maritime boundary line) and fish in Lankan waters, depriving its own boats of catch. 

In October last year year, Lankan fishermen, most of them Tamils, launched a flotilla from Mullaitivu to Point Pedro in the north to protest the alleged poaching. 

Sri Lanka’s fisheries minister, Douglas Devananda, reportedly raised the issue in a meeting with US diplomat Martin Kelly recently. New Delhi and Colombo had instituted a Joint Working Group (JWG) to address issues related to fishing in 2016.

Easter Genocide: Zahran Hashim’s wife questioned for five hours

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Easter Genocide: Zahran Hashim’s wife questioned for five hours

The wife of Zahran Hahsim, who is believed to be the mastermind of the Easter Sunday massacre, has been questioned again by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) yesterday (15).

Abdul Cader Fatima Hadiya has produced statements to the CID for about five hours.

Hadiya is currently being held in the women’s ward of Welikada Prison and Meryl Ranjan Lamahewa, the head of the Special Investigation Unit of the CID, and a group of officers have visited the prison and recorded her statements.

MIAP

Statement by former PM Wickremesinghe regarding the state of the economy and upcoming debt repayment

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Statement by former PM Wickremesinghe regarding the state of the economy and upcoming debt repayment

Statement made by former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe regarding the state of the economy and upcoming debt repayment

The economy is still deteriorating. The dollar deficit has not been resolved. The rupee deficit has not been resolved yet. Today the real value of the rupee is actually Rs. 250 to the dollar. Even more so. This way it can go up to Rs. 275. If we do not stop there, it will reach Rs. 300 before the end of the year.

The middle class is facing hardship, many are being pushed down the economic ladder. down and lives hard. The agriculture sector has been destroyed. Small and big businessmen are unable to procure goods to do their work. This is the problem faced by the citizens. By June and July we will have to repay the foreign loans again. We have a total of US $6 billion to repay this year. We have not yet discussed the situation with the IMF.

So we have to find the money to repay the loans in June and July. New problems are continuing to arise and this is why the banking system has been abandoned.

So there are a number of issues. Under Article 4 of the IMF’s Constitution, each member state is required to discuss and report on its economic situation once a year. The IMF team arrived in Sri Lanka last December. We know that the report will be presented next week.

As soon as the Government receives that report they have to present it to Parliament. Once it is presented it to Parliament we must hold a debate on it. The proposals put forth in the report must be discussed. From there we will see if we can come to a consensus on this and the basic principles. It is our duty.

Our country has only one national resource. That national resource is the younger generation (Millennials and GEN-Zs). We need to think about that group. They want to create a future, but they have lost faith. The government has broken its trust in Parliament.

We have to have a plan for the future. We also need a short-term plan, as well as a medium to long term plans are needed to take this forward. We need to have an economic framework that we agree on which will help implement these plans.

It is our duty to take 10,15,20 years. We can’t escape that. If we run away, the youth of this country will curse us. “You have ruined the future of the country and you have ruined our future.” So we have to fulfil that responsibility handed to us by the public.

Another Ruling Party MP tests positive for Covid

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Another Ruling Party MP tests positive for Covid

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Kegalle District MP Rajika Wickramasinghe has tested positive for Covid-19. Her status has been confirmed upon a test as she has sustained minor symptoms.

The MP is currently being home quarantined and no severe symptoms have appeared.

Wickramasinghe, who is fully vaccinated, has attended to a number of Parliament sittings over the period.

Over the last few weeks, about one hundred employees working in the Parliament premises have tested positive for the virus.

Lanza’s disillusion shakes government to core?

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Lanza’s disillusion shakes government to core?

Reports claimed yesterday that Ruling Party MP Nimal Lanza has decided to resign from his post as the State Minister of Rural Roads and other Infrastructure. Follow-ups claimed that he had removed the accessories from his ministry office.

Reports on the State Minister’s resignation have shaken the government to the core, mainly due to Lanza being a close friend to the President as well as the Prime Minister.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has asked Lanza to meet him to discuss the situation, but the Ruling Party MP has refused, reports add. So far, Lanza has not agreed to meet the President.

Sources claim that Lanza has decided to serve as an independent MP in Parliament.

Lanza was offered the post of Minister of Highways during the Cabinet reshuffle proposed to take place in January, but the Minister turned it down, stating that the post of a Cabinet Minister is useless in the event that Johnston Fernando the incumbent Highway Minister has already prepared all the future plans of the Ministry for this year and handed the contracts over to the parties he desired.

Lanza’s frustration comes upon his ministry not being entitled to adequate powers and funding. Compared to last year, the financial allocation for his state ministry has been cut by more than half.

The State Minister was also disappointed in the fact that the investigations into the Easter Sunday Massacre were being delayed.

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