Sri Lanka will host its first-ever marine summit, Voyage Sri Lanka 2024, on November 26, marking a pivotal moment for the country’s marine sector. The event aims to bring together leaders, policymakers, and innovators to explore sustainable practices, technological advancements, and growth opportunities within Sri Lanka’s marine, boat-building, and offshore industries.

Organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB), Voyage Sri Lanka 2024 will serve as a key platform for professionals to discuss the future of Sri Lanka’s marine economy. The summit promises to offer valuable insights into emerging trends, cutting-edge technologies, and the potential for export growth in sectors like boat building, offshore services, and the blue economy.

With the event fast approaching, the SLEDB encourages both industry professionals and enthusiasts to register in advance at www.voyagesrilanka.lk. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from top experts in the field and network with a diverse group of professionals, ranging from seasoned industry veterans to new innovators.

In addition to the summit itself, foreign delegates will have the exclusive opportunity to explore key port facilities in Sri Lanka, including Trincomalee Port (on November 24) and Hambantota Port (on November 25), to gain a firsthand understanding of the investment opportunities available in these strategic locations. To participate in these port visits, delegates are advised to arrive in Sri Lanka by November 23. The SLEDB will assist with all logistical arrangements, ensuring a seamless experience for attendees.

This pioneering summit will emphasize the role of sustainable practices and technological advancements in the marine industry. Discussions will cover a wide range of topics, including Sri Lanka’s potential in offshore wind and renewable energy, the evolving challenges in shipbuilding and repair, and the growing opportunities in the fish export sector.

The event will also provide a platform for public and private sector collaboration, bringing together stakeholders from the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Board of Investment, the Sri Lanka Navy, and various private sector companies, including Colombo Dockyard and GAC Shipping.

According to Director General of the SLEDB, “Sri Lanka is uniquely positioned to leverage its maritime resources and expertise. We are committed to advancing our marine and offshore industries to meet global standards and attract international partners.”

Voyage Sri Lanka 2024 is poised to be a landmark event that will enhance the nation’s strategic position in the global marine industry. By focusing on the blue economy and exploring new avenues for growth, the summit will play a key role in shaping the future of Sri Lanka’s maritime sector.

November 07, Colombo (LNW):Thirteen suspects were arrested for allegedly conducting an illegal treasure hunt on temple grounds in Mapitigama, Dompe. Police reported that the individuals were found digging for treasure within the temple premises, and a variety of excavation equipment was seized during the operation. Authorities also confiscated a car, a van, and two three-wheelers used by the suspects.

The individuals, aged between 22 and 58, hail from various areas including Heiantuduwa, Siambalape, Malwana, Imbulgoda, Dompe, Kegalle, Homagama, Kaduwela, Kirindivela, Ambanwala, and Hanwella. Investigations are ongoing as police work to uncover further details surrounding the illegal excavation activities.

1. Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has congratulated the President-elect of the United States Donald Trump. Congratulating Trump, President Dissanayake said that he looks forward to engaging with the new US administration to realize common objectives that benefit the people of Sri Lanka and the United States.
2. The Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government says that there are more than 1,200 vacancies in several government executive services, including the Public Administration Service. The highest number of vacancies are in the Public Administration Service and Accountancy Service.
3. Sri Lanka’s Cabinet Spokesman and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath says that certain officials appointed to the country’s Foreign Service on a political basis have been instructed to return to the island by December 01. Addressing the Cabinet press briefing , he claimed that the children and spouses of MPs and Ministers have also been directly appointed to positions below top diplomatic positions.
4. Specialist Dr. Shafi Sihabdeen has been acquitted from all charges by the Kurunegala Magistrate’s Court. The case against Dr. Shafi, who had been accused of allegedly amassing assets through suspicious means, performing illegal sterilization surgeries and having links to terrorist activities, was taken up for hearing
5. Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been named as a respondent of the writ petition filed with the Court of Appeal challenging the previous government’s decision to purchase passports from two foreign companies. Wickremesinghe has been named as a respondent of the relevant writ petition filed by Epic Lanka Private Limited, through a motion submitted by the petitioning party, when the petition was taken up before the two-member Appeals Court judge bench comprising Justices Mohammed Laffar and P. Kumaratnam
6. The British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick has expressed eagerness to further strengthen the strong bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom. The British High Commissioner has proposed that steps be taken to educate Sri Lankan parliamentarians about the British parliamentary system to further enhance governance in Sri Lanka, while emphasizing the significance of the British local government system, noting its potential to reduce fraud and corruption.
7. The Colombo Magistrate’s Court ordered the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to carry out a full investigation into a false report published on the internet regarding the incumbent President during the recent presidential election. It is alleged that the report in question, published during the election period, had made false claims concerning the health of the incumbent President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
8. Russia’s Azur Air has officially resumed its seasonal winter flights to Sri Lanka, with the first flight arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake. The inaugural flight arrived at the BIA at 10:05 a.m. this morning, carrying 332 passengers.
9. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya recently met with key figures from the International Cricket Council (ICC) Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU), including Mr. Sumathi Dharmawardena, President’s Counsel and the newly appointed Independent Chair of the ICC’s ACU and Mr. Alex Marshall, General Manager of the ICC Integrity Unit.
10. The Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee has selected the following squads to take part in the upcoming Sri Lanka ‘A’ Tour of Pakistan. During the tour, Sri Lanka will play two four-day games and three one-day games. The team will leave for Pakistan on November 7, 2024

November 07, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Northern and North-Central Provinces and in Puttalam and Trincomalee districts. Fairly heavy showers above 50mm are likely at some places in Northern Province.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Central, Sabaragamuwa, Uva and Southernprovinces during the evening or night.

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

November 06, Colombo (LNW): The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Brussels, in partnership with Siddhalepa Ayurveda Resorts and Spas, recently hosted an event titled A Journey of Healing and Rejuvenation to spotlight Sri Lanka’s wellness tourism and Ayurvedic heritage. Over 25 prominent professionals in wellness tourism—including tour operators, travel agents, travel writers, and journalists—attended the event, which showcased Sri Lanka’s holistic health offerings to the European market.

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Belgium, Chandana Weerasena, opened the event by emphasizing the island’s rich tradition of Ayurveda, which has been integral to Sri Lankan culture for centuries. Ambassador Weerasena encouraged the attendees to consider Sri Lanka as a unique destination for wellness tourism and to help elevate its profile among Belgian and European travelers.

Ushan Edirisinghe, Senior Marketing Manager at Siddhalepa Ayurveda Resorts and Spas, conducted an interactive presentation on the history and cultural importance of Hela Wedakama and Ayurveda in Sri Lanka. Edirisinghe highlighted Siddhalepa’s specialized treatments, wellness programs, and the generational knowledge embedded in their healing practices. The story of a foreign cancer patient who found recovery through Ayurveda treatments at Siddhalepa was shared through a video, demonstrating the profound impact of Sri Lankan Ayurvedic healing.

The event also featured a tasting of four traditional Ayurvedic elixirs, known as Arishtas, allowing guests to experience the flavors and medicinal properties of Sri Lanka’s traditional remedies. Additionally, a live cooking demonstration showcased the preparation of Sri Lankan dishes, spotlighting the health benefits of spices, coconut-based products, and local ingredients. Attendees expressed enthusiasm for the Ayurvedic beverages and cuisine, showing a keen interest in the nutritional and restorative qualities of Sri Lankan food.

This event marked a successful introduction to Sri Lanka’s wellness tourism sector, creating awareness of the island’s distinctive Ayurvedic offerings and reinforcing its appeal as a wellness destination in the European market.

November 06, Colombo (LNW): India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, and Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Palitha Mahipala inaugurated a newly constructed surgical unit at Batticaloa Teaching Hospital on November 4. The ceremony was attended by notable officials including Batticaloa Government Agent Muralidharan, Eastern Provincial Health Secretary Sivalingam, and the hospital’s Director, Dr. Kalaranchane Ganeshalingam.

The new facility addresses a longstanding need at the hospital, identified in 2015, to manage an increasing patient load and high demand for surgeries. At the time of proposal, over 1,280 patients were on waiting lists, with limited facilities leading to significant delays. Responding to Sri Lanka’s request, India pledged Rs. 275 million in grant assistance in 2016, later increasing support to Rs. 302 million.

The project involved constructing a two-story building with a floor area of 1,464 square meters, featuring four modern operation theaters and ten ICU beds. Additional essential infrastructure—IT systems, water supply, drainage, and electrical work—was also integrated. Despite challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and economic constraints, the project was completed, incorporating additional components like generators and medical gas systems at the hospital’s request.

Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Mahipala expressed Sri Lanka’s gratitude for India’s vital support, which he noted would meet a crucial healthcare need in the region. Dr. Ganeshalingam highlighted that the unit is expected to reduce surgical waiting lists by 50 percent, benefiting between 3,000 to 5,000 patients annually and significantly improving healthcare access.

High Commissioner Jha discussed a variety of ongoing bilateral projects in Sri Lanka, particularly in the Eastern Province. These include infrastructure and healthcare initiatives, such as the renovation of 4,000 houses under the Indian Housing Project and livelihood support for the fishing community. He emphasized that India committed Rs. 2.35 billion in multi-sectoral grant assistance for Eastern Province development last year, with 33 livelihood projects nearing finalization.

The surgical unit at Batticaloa Teaching Hospital joins a series of India-supported healthcare initiatives across Sri Lanka. Highlights include the Suwa Seriya 1990 ambulance service, a 150-bed multi-specialty hospital at Dickoya, and infrastructure upgrades at Jaffna and other district hospitals. These efforts underscore India’s enduring commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure in Sri Lanka.

November 06, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan government has announced a Rs. 20 billion fertiliser subsidy for paddy farmers in the 2024/25 Maha season, aimed at boosting rice cultivation across the country. Agriculture Commissioner General U.B. Rohana Rajapaksa stated that around one million farmers, covering 720,000 hectares of rice fields, will benefit from this support.

Under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s directive, the Treasury has increased the subsidy to Rs. 25,000 per farmer for the new season. Currently, Rs. 15,000 has already been disbursed to eligible farmers as the initial phase of the support, with the remaining Rs. 10,000 expected by the end of the month.

To date, Rs. 162.4 million has been transferred to the accounts of 36,500 farmers under this scheme. The subsidy rollout includes several phases:

• Phase One: Rs. 9.5 million was distributed to 670 farmers in Ampara and Kilinochchi districts on October 17, covering 638 hectares.
• Phase Two: Rs. 46.5 million was provided to 4,475 farmers across 12 districts on October 23, covering 3,102 hectares.
• Phase Three: Rs. 57.5 million was given to 4,219 farmers on October 28, covering 3,839 hectares.
• Phase Four: Rs. 48.7 million was disbursed to 4,804 farmers across 12 districts, covering 3,247 hectares.
• Phase Five: Scheduled for this week, Rs. 279.4 million will be deposited to support 22,419 farmers cultivating 18,627 hectares across 19 districts.

Rajapaksa highlighted that the subsidy distribution is being prioritized in districts where rice cultivation for the Maha season has started, as verified by local agriculture service centres. Districts such as Colombo, Kalutara, Galle, Mannar, and Polonnaruwa have not yet commenced paddy cultivation, largely due to recent rainfall delays.

This initiative builds on last year’s Rs. 11 billion subsidy, marking a significant increase in government support for paddy farmers. The programme aligns with the government’s strategy to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure food security.

November 06, Colombo (LNW): The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) announced on Monday that while reforms in the electricity sector will continue, there will be no privatization of state-owned electricity assets.

In an official statement, CEB explained that it had initiated a reform process last year, driven by external recommendations, due to decades of delayed internal reforms. However, the organization now sees an “unprecedented opportunity” to advance meaningful reforms in the energy sector, aligning with the social transformation mandate of Sri Lanka’s current president.

CEB’s Board of Directors has called on all stakeholders to collaborate in building a people-centric, clean, and secure electricity sector. The goal is to achieve the lowest electricity costs in the region within the next five years, under a strong single-buyer market model, with an Independent System Operator (ISO) and unbundled licenses for generation, transmission, and distribution. This vision will be implemented through amendments to the Electricity Act, with extensive public and stakeholder consultation.

In addition, CEB has proposed forming a committee representing employees at all levels to foster active involvement in the ministry’s future initiatives. An online awareness session on the reforms was recently conducted for CEB staff by the Chairman and Board of Directors, emphasizing that, “Change is a constant; timely changes are essential for any organization.”

The CEB emphasized that these organizational reforms aim to enhance service quality, customer satisfaction, and employee welfare, while ensuring economic returns that support both the organization and the national economy.