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We do not take dollars from people’s accounts forcibly – CBSL governer

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We do not take dollars from people’s accounts forcibly – CBSL governer

The Governor of the Central Bank Ajith Nivard Cabraal has stated that no order has been issued to forcibly convert foreign currency including dollars in the bank accounts of Sri Lankans into rupees. He said this in a Tweet.

Cabral also said that rumors that foreign currencies were being converted into rupees without the knowledge of the relevant account holders were completely untrue.

Former Health Minister Rajitha infected with COVID19

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Former Health Minister Rajitha infected with COVID19

Former Minister of Health, Samagi Jana Balawegayaya MP Rajitha Senaratne has reportedly been infected with covid19.

Accordingly, he has been referred for home treatment.

Also, all his associates have been quarantined since January 01st.

I will not accept any government posts, instead, I will start writing a book – PB

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I will not accept any government posts, instead, I will start writing a book – PB

PB Jayasundera has stated that he will not accept the post of Government Adviser or any other government responsibility after retiring from the post of Secretary to the President.

He has stated that he is not looking for a government job as he is not an unemployed graduate.

He has further stated that after resigning from the post of Secretary to the President, he will compile a book on his long career experiences and has already completed the preliminary chapters.

Jayasundera also congratulated Gamini Senarath who is to be appointed as the new Secretary to the President. He said that Gamini Senarath is an efficient officer with experience and the ability to hold this position and he would like to provide any assistance he may need from outside.

Dr. PB Jayasundara has stated this in a statement given to the ‘Deshaya’ newspaper.

He submitted his resignation letter to President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa last December and is due to step down in January.

500 new buses to add the SLTB fleet with Indian credit line

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500 new buses to add the SLTB fleet with Indian credit line

Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has been directed to embark on additional revenue generation ventures while increasing its bus fleet to provide better service to commuters.

It will undertake vehicle repairs and modifications for the public and private sector institutions making maximum use of available resources as an immediate solution to its poor financial situation.

The government owned public passenger bus service is running at severe loss and currently it has sought Rs 1 billion from treasury several months ago  to survive till the end of last year, TransPort Ministry sources said.

The government will procure 500 more new buses for the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) under the Indian loan grant scheme.

The Cabinet of Ministers has  granted  approval to procure 500 new buses of 32 – 35 seating capacity to the Sri Lanka Transport Board under the Indian loan grant scheme. 

Accordingly, bids have been called from 03 institutions that accomplish pre requisite for the purchase of buses, the government said. 

The MinistrY of Transport will be purchasing 500 new buses with 32 seating capacity from Ashok Leyland Company of India, as per the recommendation furnished by the standing 

The SLTB has incurred a loss of Rs. 484 million last year as a  of mobility restrictions and country wide lock downs imposed due Covid -19 latest wave , Finance Ministry data shows.

Several proposals have been made at a high level meeting to make SLTB a profitable state owned public enterprise by devising a modern public transport and rapid transit plan and programme based on the government investment programme in Budget 2022.

A suggestion has been made to engage efficient motor mechanics numbering 4500 and workers of SLTB bus workshops in private and public vehicle repairs in addition to their normal duty by undertaking revenue generating contracts, a high official of the Transport Ministry said.

Preliminary measures are already initiated to undertake repairs of the damaged vehicles of state Corporations and public sector institutions to attract the public money into the SLTB restricting its flow into the private garages.

In addition to the repairing of buses and cars it will manufacture the seats, seat cushion covers and cushion for buses, manufacture spare nuts, and paint the completed buses and cars, he added. 

 Similarly, it will maintain a mobile service to repair vehicles after breakdowns on roads ,he said.

One of the proposals made at the meeting was to expedite the park and drive system enabling public and private sector officials using vehicles for office travel daily by introducing convenient luxury bus service from places where they park their cars.

Passengers are facilitated to park their cars in Makumbura Multi-modal Transport Center Vehicle Park free of charge and following the examination of the progress of the program, the space allocated for the cars is expected to be expanded.

School bus service will also be strengthened with a bus fleet painted with yellow colour while private and public passenger transport busses will be painted with two different colours.

Providing incentives for SLTB employees, minimising waste and corruption, improving efficiency and making maximum use of unutilised lands owned by the board by leasing it out to investors for development were among the other proposals discussed at the meeting.

The review of current conditions will examine public transport routes and passenger demand, fare structures, ticketing systems, fleet conditions, subsidies and financial viability, and operational service standards.

 Surveys on bus speed and attitudes of customers will be carried out for the  assessment of future urban transportation needs, identification of improvements to public transport needed to address these needs.  

Sri Lanka’s tea industry to collapse despite some progress last year

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Sri Lanka’s tea industry to collapse despite some progress last year

Sri Lanka’s drive to become the world’s first 100 percent organic food producer threatens its lucrative tea industry and has triggered fears of a wider crop disaster that could deal a further blow to the beleaguered economy.

Tea production output could fall 40 percent in 2022 although it has managed to record excellent performance in the just concluded 2021, despite the many challenges faced by the stakeholders industry officials said.

“In 2022, all experts estimate that we will record reduction in tea exports over 40 percent,” Bathiya Bulumulle, President of Sri Lanka’s Planters’ Association representing managers of commercial tea plantations and factories, who was re-elected for a second time said at its annual general meeting.

 “With an immediate halt to use of fertilizer of agro-chemicals, the consensus is that there will be severe crop losses, and as a result, a reduction in export revenues by as early as the end of this year, he disclosed.

The Sri Lanka Tea Board  Chairman Jayampathy Molligoda, citing provisional numbers  said that the total export revenue from tea in 2021 was Rs. 264 billion (approximately $ 1.32 billion). 

The total export quantity was 288 million kilos. In 2020, export revenue was Rs. 230 billion ($ 1.21 million) and export quantity was 266 million kilos. 

“It is significant to mention the average fob price at customs, which was Rs. 867 per kilo in 2020 has further increased to Rs. 915.97 per kilo, whereas in 2019 it was only Rs. 823 per kilo of tea exported,” Molligoda said. 

The sales and tea production statistics for the month of December are yet to be finalised, however some 296 million kilos have been sold and closer to 300 million kilos of tea production has been achieved for the full year. Last year tea production was only 279 million kilos.

The negative side is that our tea estate productivity has been declining over a period of time. In 2000, the production was 305 million kilos and rose to 328 million in 2010. The highest crop of 338 million kilos was in 2013 and since then there has been a gradual decline amounting to 2.6% CAGR,” the SLTB Chairman revealed. 

According to Molligoda, the cost of production has been increasing due to many factors including low productivity, both land and labour, high overheads and adverse impact of climate change and COVID-19. 

He said that Kenyan tea production (the main competitor for Sri Lankan teas) has been increasing rapidly and that Sri Lankan tea production has been declining over the last 10-15 years. 

“This is due to lack of tea replanting and infilling undertaken and the producers’ inability to address climate change effects and other factors, as there has been a gradual erosion of soil and land degradation, despite application of fertiliser,” Molligoda added. 

Kenyan tea auction price in US Dollars is lower compared to Sri Lanka and their growers are getting lower tea prices, whereas in Sri Lanka, small holders are getting a reasonable price and it is being regulated under Tea Control Act No. 51 of 1957. 

SLTB said the Ceylon Tea was one of the most expensive teas in the global market – gram to gram – and as a result, there is a tipping point in the tea pricing structure for Sri Lankan tea exporters and marketers to be competitive in the global marketplace

New Anthoney’s Farms becomes first and only GHG verified poultry company in Sri Lanka

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New Anthoney’s Farms becomes first and only GHG verified poultry company in Sri Lanka

Photo Caption:

  1. New Anthoney’s Farms Chairman/Co-Founder Emil Stanley (L) and CEO Neil Suraweera

With the view of adhering to globally recognized sustainability practices, New Anthoney’s Farms (Private) Ltd, one of the leading names in the poultry sector was awarded the prestigious Greenhouse Gas Verification Statement from Netherlands-based Control Union Certifications, verified in accordance with ISO 14064-1:2018 standards.

This makes New Anthoney’s Farms the first and only GHG (Greenhouse Gas) validated poultry producer in the country, adopting an eco-conscious mindset throughout its entire vertical supply chain. These GHG emissions are minimized by many of its initiatives such as energy saving optimization, responsible waste disposable systems, shifting to solar power consumption, reducing paper usage through automation, among others. It is also the first and only poultry producer to break away from conventional plastic or polythene materials to adopt compostable, bio-degradable packaging.

Emil Stanley, Chairman/Co-Founder of New Anthoney’s Farms, commenting on this achievement said ‘‘We take great pride in pursuing environmental-friendly industry-best practices since our inception and gaining the GHG verification is an incredible milestone not just for the company but for the country’s poultry sector overall. This reflects our ability and commitment towards minimizing greenhouse emissions and preserving our ecology for many generations to come.’’

This green certification was in recognition for the company’s commitment on advancing the haritha-ready produce of chicken. Its ‘HarithaHari’ chicken gives the natural freshness, the right taste and aroma, and the right nourishment one would expect. Its meat, enriched with essential amino acids, is produced using a 100pct all-natural process to ensure it’s safe and antibiotic-free, with intensive biosecurity measures. The animal welfare, safety and health standards comply with that of the National Chicken Council, USA.

‘‘Going green for us has always been beyond just a social responsibility, it is more of a moral obligation and requirement. This validation among the numerous other credentials we have acclaimed is a stepping-stone towards a long journey of providing the ‘right’ chicken for the wellbeing of all livelihoods,’’ added New Anthoney’s Farms CEO Neil Suraweera.

New Anthoney’s Farms is a GMP, HACCP, and ISO 22000 certified company, with local and international halal accreditations. Established in 1986, New Anthoney’s Farms has experienced tremendous growth and success over the years with a distinctive reputation for trust and quality, and this is well reflected in its strong, loyal relationships fostered among its stakeholders. The company is on an expansion drive to increase production capacity including an ambitious export-growth oriented strategy.

We did not say that we cannot stay in the government – Vasu’s story after the removal of Susil (VIDEO)

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We did not say that we cannot stay in the government – Vasu’s story after the removal of Susil (VIDEO)

Water Supply and Drainage Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara, a frontline member of the government’s rebel group, says he has no risk of losing his ministerial post like Susil Premajayantha.

“According to the concept of collective responsibility, anybody is not allowed to speak on different views or opinions. But I do not think it’s a good idea. If we cannot express our different views, it will do great harm to us and our politics. We have an agreement with the Pohottuwa party. So we are acting according to our agreement. He is a member of the Pohottuwa party. So he is affected by the rules of it.

Q. Were there any decisions yesterday’s Cabinet meeting that the portfolios would change?

“It was said about Minister Susil Premajayantha. His statement is in their opinion, a serious damage to the government. ”

Q. Will that affect you?

“No, I don’t think so. I have no risk of losing my ministerial post or being removed from the cabinet. So, if we are told directly to leave the ministry, we will accept that. The absolute power belongs to the President. I am even ready to accept another ministerial post instead of this one. ”

Q: If you are asked to leave if you cannot stay in the government

“No, that’s only if we cannot stay. I did not say we cannot stay ”

Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara stated this at a media briefing held yesterday (04) regarding the removal of Minister of State Susil Premajayantha from office.

The first cost of the crisis created by the President is 229 billion rupees – Harsha

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The first cost of the crisis created by the President is 229 billion rupees – Harsha

Dr. Harsha de Silva, Member of Parliament for the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, says that although he is happy that the government has provided some relief to the people when they are facing severe economic difficulties, this is not a solution to the crisis but the beginning of a vicious cycle.

“We are happy about giving people relief at this time. Because, these people should live. But this Rs. 5000 thing is not going to work. The government says last Friday that food inflation was only 22% this year. But that’s not the real story. It has now almost doubled.

In economics we say that there is a vicious cycle. That is, when the price of goods increases, wages are increased accordingly. It will only increase the price of goods. The injustice here is that these salaries increase only for a select group. Then the first round of the crisis created by the President was 229 billion rupees, which is about 12% – 14% of the total government revenue.

The budget said it would not bring in supplementary estimates next year. So where does this money come from? ”

Dr. Harsha de Silva stated this while expressing his views to the media in Colombo yesterday (04).

Double games cannot be allowed within the government, please leave and join the opposition – Rohitha (VIDEO)

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Double games cannot be allowed within the government, please leave and join the opposition – Rohitha (VIDEO)

Ports and Shipping Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena has said that those who are in the government can point out the government’s mistakes but cannot play a double game while in the government.

“They can sit inside the government and talk about the government’s mistakes. However, double games cannot be played from within the government. However, those who keep their backs straight and their legs on both sides cannot be in this government. Please give up the privileges, and go to the opposition. If this government does not suit them, what is the point of this? Please leave.”

Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena stated this while expressing his views to the media yesterday (04).

Sri Lanka private sector takes a bold initiative to enhance bilateral trade with Pakistan

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Sri Lanka private sector takes a bold initiative to enhance bilateral trade with Pakistan

Sri Lanka private sector takes a bold initiative in further strengthening friendly ties between Sri Lanka and Pakistan and enhancing bilateral trade relations between the two countries.

 The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) towards this end. .

The MOU which was signed last month by Manjula de Silva, CEO of the Ceylon Chamber and Sohail Altaf, Group Leader of the RCCI was followed by the inking of nine agreements between Pakistani and Sri Lankan companies, in the areas of education, pharmaceutical production, automobiles, information technology and automobile spares, the chambers announced. .  

Minister of Trade Bandula Gunawardena who was the Chief Guest at the event stated that tourism and information technology are two sectors that could potentially be profitably developed between the two countries. 

Mr. Alftaf meanwhile announced that the visiting delegation, comprising of more than 100 delegates, was keen on identifying viable projects to invest in Sri Lanka, including in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. 

Mr. de Silva welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with the RCCI in order to further promote trade and commercial activities between the private sectors of the two countries.

The MOU will facilitate the dissemination of relevant information in order to enhance bilateral trade and business, including initiating and promoting joint ventures, partnerships and other business linkages, as well as the provision of technical expertise, trade delegations between the two countries and other economic promotion activities such as business webinars and B2B meetings. 

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has to-date signed 140 Memoranda of Understanding to expand and further strengthen strong relationships with overseas trade promotion organisations for the benefit of the business community in Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile a high-level trade delegation from Sri Lanka, led by Sri Lankan Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardhana, will be visiting Pakistan by the end of this month to help explore business opportunities in Pakistan.

This was disclosed by the Chairman of the 33rd International Achievements Awards and Business Opportunities Conference of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (RCCI) .

An over 100-member business delegation from Pakistan was led by RCCI group leader Mr Sohail Altaf along with President RCCI Ch. Nadeem Rauf and Chairman Mr. Usman Shaukat.

Usman Shaukat said a total of nine MoUs were also signed between Pakistan and Sri Lanka’s leading business entities in sectors of education, pharmaceuticals, automobiles and information and technology.

In addition, MoUs were also signed between the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Sri Lankan Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FCCISL) to strengthen bilateral relations at the chamber level.

The conference explored opportunities of trade and investment in various sectors to achieve the shared aspirations of the two countries.

Pakistan acting high commissioner Tanvir Ahmad said there was immense potential for both countries to expand trade under the FTA.

RCCI Group Leader Sohail Altaf said that they were exploring opportunities to expand tourism and aviation between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

RCCI President Nadeem A. Rauf said the FTA of the two countries could not reach its full potential due to technical disputes, whilst expressing commitment to enhancing trade relations by removing various impediments.

Chairman Usman Shaukat gave a detailed presentation on investment opportunities for Sri Lankan entities in Pakistan in sectors such as IT, pharmaceuticals, textiles and CPEC related projects.

State minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Tharaka Balasuriya and representatives from various local companies were also in attendance at the event.

On the same day, the 33rd International Achievement Awards ceremony was held to honour the leading corporate entities from Pakistan and awards were presented by the Chief Guest Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa

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