President Ranil Wickremesinghe addressing rally in Dambadeniya shares how a woman from Killinochchi gave him a cap as thanks for his aid during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis: reflects on his decision to take responsibility when the country lacked essential supplies and criticised political rivals for retreating: emphasises his priority was ensuring people’s survival before holding elections.
Former Minister and SJB MP Imthiaz Bakeer Markar says many Leftist countries have abandoned outdated policies to meet current needs, and SJB leader Sajith Premadasa will similarly focus on addressing contemporary issues: emphasises Premadasa’s capability to develop the nation and curb emigration, especially of youth and professionals, by implementing proper economic development plans.
The National People’s Power (NPP) expresses concerns that opposition forces might stage violent incidents after September 18, once election campaigning ends, blaming the NPP: JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva suggests security forces should investigate politicians predicting violence, implying they might orchestrate such acts: also links this potential conspiracy to past incidents, like the Easter attack, which brought Gotabaya Rajapaksa to power.
Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana endorses the National Minimum Wage of Workers (Amendment) Bill, which passed Parliament without amendments or a vote on September 3: The Bill, now recognised as the National Minimum Wage of Workers (Amendment) Act No. 48 of 2024, amends the 2016 National Minimum Wage Act and was endorsed under Article 79 of the Constitution.
Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and two others allegedly involved in importing substandard human immunoglobulin vials have been granted bail by the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court: Rambukwella was released on personal bail of Rs. 10 million and a cash bond of Rs. 100,000, with travel restrictions: The case involves 12 suspects, most of whom have been released on bail, except for one still in custody.
The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) will launch an islandwide strike on 18 September, protesting a disciplinary inquiry against Assistant Secretary Dr. Palitha Rajapaksa without a formal complaint: Black flags will be displayed in hospitals for seven days: demands the suspension of the inquiry, claiming Dr. Rajapaksa advocated for the public regarding shortages at Badulla Hospital.
Deputy Postmaster General Rajitha Ranasinghe announces over 10 million official polling cards for the 2024 presidential election have been distributed: The remaining cards will be delivered by 14 September: Voters who haven’t received theirs can collect them from local post offices with their National Identity Cards: There are 17.44 million registered voters for the election.
Election monitors raise concerns over the involvement of children in political campaigns, urging parties to stop using minors for canvassing: Manjula Gajanayake of the Institute for Democratic Reforms highlights circulating videos of such incidents: The Elections Commission also receives complaints, with Commissioner Saman Sri Ratnayake stressing the National Child Protection Authority’s role in addressing this issue: Concerns began to mount after a video circulating on Social Media revealing Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara allegedly questioning a minor on stage about the country’s situation at a public rally.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is investigating a former Sri Lankan Army Major for allegedly making threats towards members of other political parties in a video posted online: The probe was initiated after complaints from an MP and several organisations: The National People’s Power claims the video was manipulated: Authorities are verifying the video and voice authenticity through forensic analysis, and further investigations are ongoing.
Anton Roux, Sri Lanka’s men’s cricket team fielding coach, steps down from his role, with his last week concluding in August 2024: Roux, who joined in March 2022, reflected on Sri Lanka’s achievements during his tenure, including winning the 2022 Asia T20 Cup: He expressed gratitude for his time in Sri Lanka and praised the resilience of the national teams.
September 11, Colombo (LNW): Transport, Highways, and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana has warned that the 2025 budget could be at risk if SJB Presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa or NPP Presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake come into power. He made these remarks at an election meeting held at the Handapangoda junction, which was attended by Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs Minister Vidura Wickremenayake yesterday.
Minister Gunawardhana criticized the opposition candidates, stating, “Presidential candidates Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who have no experience in governing a country, have announced that they will dissolve parliament on the same day if they win the presidential election.”
He further warned that if the budget is not passed within 100 days from September 21, senior citizens may not receive their allowances by January 10, 2025. “The poor people who are struggling for a living will not be able to receive their Aswesuma or Samurdhi benefits if the budget is not passed,” he added.
The Minister also emphasized that government employees might not receive their salaries on January 25 if the budget fails to pass in Parliament. “Whoever comes into power, the 2025 budget needs to be passed in Parliament, and payments should be approved by Parliament,” he said, underscoring that the President does not have the authority to make any payments without parliamentary approval.
September 11, Colombo (LNW): The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the implementation of an IT Strategic Plan for the Inland Revenue Department, as announced by Cabinet Spokesman, Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana. The decision was disclosed at a press conference held at the Government Information Department yesterday (10).
Minister Gunawardhana explained that the Inland Revenue Department was required to develop an IT Strategic Plan as a structural measure under the Extensive Credit Facility Programme of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This plan, which aims to digitize the department, needed to be prepared and approved by the Cabinet of Ministers by the end of August 2024.
The proposal, presented by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization, and National Policy, outlined the implementation of the IT Strategic Plan for the Inland Revenue Department for the period from 2025 to 2027. The plan received Cabinet approval.
Minister Gunawardhana further explained, “The IMF’s extensive credit facility program has set future goals that include maintaining the government’s revenue at a level of 15 percent or more of the gross domestic product. To achieve this, the Inland Revenue Department, along with Customs and Excise Departments, will integrate revenue-generating institutions. Through digitization, it will be easier to reach higher revenue targets by closing gaps in income generation channels. The digitization proposal was approved to meet these IMF conditions.
September 11, Colombo (LNW): The Cabinet of Ministers has approved obtaining loan facilities from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to support Sri Lanka’s financial sector stability and reform programme, Cabinet Spokesman and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana announced.
Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media conference, Minister Gunawardhana stated that the approval was granted at the Cabinet meeting held on September 25, 2023, to secure a loan of US$ 400 million on a policy basis under two sub-programmes aimed at stabilizing and reforming the financial sector in Sri Lanka. Of this amount, US$ 200 million has been allocated for the first sub-programme, effective December 2023.
To obtain the remaining US$ 200 million under the second sub-programme, 12 pre-policy activities need to be completed. Minister Gunawardhana noted that most of these activities have already been completed or are in the final stages of completion.
September 11, Colombo (LNW): In a significant turnaround from a severe economic crisis, Sri Lanka has made strides in stabilizing its economy under the leadership of President Ranil Wickremasinghe. Inflation, which once soared to 70%, has now been reduced to single digits, signaling a positive shift.
The country’s borrowing costs have fallen, economic growth has exceeded expectations, and debt restructuring efforts have unlocked additional funding from international lenders like the IMF.
Minister of Transport, Highways, and Mass Media, Dr. Bandula Gunawardena, credited much of this progress to the new Economic Transformation Bill, passed unanimously in parliament. This law sets development targets and aims to prevent future economic crises by promoting national growth through public and private initiatives.
The legislation focuses on modernizing key sectors, such as agriculture, while pushing for Sri Lanka to become a competitive, export-oriented digital economy.
The bill introduces a national policy framework, supported by new institutions like the Economic Commission of Sri Lanka, Investment Zones, and the National Productivity Commission.
These bodies aim to implement structural changes to enhance the country’s economic competitiveness. Additionally, outdated laws, such as the Board of Investment Law of 1978, have been repealed to make way for these reforms.
Key goals outlined in the bill include achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, increasing female labor force participation to 50% by 2040, and maintaining a GDP growth rate of 5% annually until 2027, with an 8% growth target for the following 15 years. The government also plans to boost exports to 25% of GDP by 2025 and 60% by 2040.
Other objectives include lowering the unemployment rate to below 5% by 2025 and reducing the central government’s financing needs to less than 13% of GDP by 2032. The plan further targets increasing net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to 5% of GDP by 2030, with a significant portion of GDP driven by exports.
Additionally, new financial laws, such as the Public Financial Management Act and the Public Debt Management Act, are part of ongoing reforms aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in Sri Lanka’s fiscal policies. These reforms align with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program to improve the country’s financial accountability and stability.
Dr. Gunawardena emphasized that these legislative changes are crucial for Sri Lanka’s long-term success and are designed to remain effective even under future administrations. He further stressed that any political party seeking power must clarify its stance on these reforms.
September 11, Colombo (LNW): The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) yesterday called on the Government to urgently resolve ongoing challenges related to the issuance of short-term business visas, which have been halted since 2 August.
The JAAF noted that all official foreign business visitors, including buyers, machinery suppliers, and technical service providers, have faced significant hurdles entering Sri Lanka due to the lack of a proper business visa issuance system.
It said while tourist visas are available on arrival, there is currently no facility to issue business visas through this channel. Foreigners arriving for short-term business visits are not eligible for tourist visas, leaving a critical gap in the country’s ability to accommodate overseas business visitors.
The JAAF points out that these visitors are essential to the nation’s economic recovery, particularly in sectors like apparel and manufacturing, where international engagement is vital for exports and business expansion.
Adding to the confusion, the immigration website remains outdated, offering no helpful guidance for business visitors seeking entry to Sri Lanka. This lack of clarity is creating further uncertainty, impacting the flow of international business.
Additionally, while there have been discussions around visa-free entry for 35 countries, the implementation of this policy has been delayed, further complicating the situation.
“Sri Lankan enterprises are at a critical juncture in their ongoing recovery efforts. At such a moment, it is incumbent on the Government to take all possible measures to streamline the flow of not just goods, but also personnel.
Business travellers often have specific requirements, including the need to carry samples, documents, and other material while travelling.
For the benefit of Sri Lanka’s business and export community, swift action is needed to implement a solution that facilitates international business travel and restores confidence in Sri Lanka as a business-friendly destination,” JAAF Secretary General Yohan Lawrence said.
The JAAF is urging the Government to authorise Sri Lankan Embassies overseas to issue short-term, single-entry business visas as an interim solution. This would ensure that genuine business visitors can legally travel to Sri Lanka on the appropriate visa, preventing further disruption to trade and industry.
Recent discussions with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) suggest that efforts are being made to resolve the issue.
However, no timeline has been provided, and businesses continue to experience significant delays and uncertainty
September 11, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has reaffirmed its dedication to constructive engagement with the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and various international human rights mechanisms. Himalee Arunatilaka, Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, voiced strong opposition to Human Rights Council Resolution 51/1, which authorized an external evidence-gathering mechanism without Sri Lanka’s consent.
Arunatilaka highlighted the country’s ongoing economic recovery following its most severe economic crisis, pointing out significant developments such as a 5.3% economic growth in the first quarter of 2024, a strengthened currency, and a sharp drop in inflation from over 70% in September 2022 to just 1.7% by June 2024. These advancements, she noted, have brought tangible benefits to the citizens of Sri Lanka.
While acknowledging the short-term negative impacts of budgetary cuts on vulnerable populations, Arunatilaka stressed that economic stability is key to ensuring the enjoyment of economic and social rights. Welfare programs like the “Aswesuma” cash transfer initiative and the national school nutrition program are aimed at cushioning these effects.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations praised Sri Lanka’s ongoing engagement with international human rights mechanisms.
During the 57th session of the UNHRC, Dr. Hind bint Abdulrahman Al Muftah, Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, delivered a statement on behalf of the GCC.
The Gulf nations expressed appreciation for Sri Lanka’s efforts to promote reconciliation, accountability for human rights violations, and economic recovery.
The GCC countries welcomed Sri Lanka’s positive interaction with human rights bodies and its establishment of the Joint Ministerial Permanent Committee on Human Rights, responsible for implementing international recommendations.
They also commended the country’s efforts to provide social support to poor families and bolster food security.
The GCC urged Sri Lanka to continue its progress with legislative reforms and to foster national reconciliation through effective dialogue. They also called for continued support through technical cooperation, capacity building, and constructive dialogue to enhance reconciliation and economic prosperity.
Transitioning from a debt-driven economic crisis toward stabilization and inclusive growth involves budgetary restrictions, which cause unfortunate short-term adverse impacts on various segments of society, particularly the vulnerable, Himalee Arunatilaka said. .
This is an unavoidable consequence of the financial crisis and the stringent measures required for economic recovery—a reality not unique to Sri Lanka. Strengthening the economy is vital to the enjoyment of economic and social rights as well as the right to development.
Welfare measures, such as the *Aswesuma* cash transfer program, which will support nearly two million people in 2024, the national school nutrition program, which covers 1.6 million students, and the *Urumaya* land ownership scheme, which aims to grant freehold titles to all communities across 25 districts,mitigate the effects of fiscal austerity on vulnerable groups.
In parallel with our economic recovery, the Government continues to take steps to heal past wounds and to address the residual issues affecting civilians from all communities arising from decades of conflict.
To promote national unity and reconciliation among our diverse communities, domestic initiatives such as the Office on Missing Persons (OMP), the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR), the Office for Overseas Sri Lankans, and the Interim Secretariat for the Truth and Reconciliation Mechanism (ISTRM) have been established.
September 11, Colombo (LNW): Nearly 14 years after the collapse of the F&G Group of companies (F&G Real Estate and F&G Property Developers) and the related downfall of Golden Key Credit Card Company, new revelations have emerged, causing further distress to the depositors and investors.
The Ceylinco conglomerate, led by Lalith Kotelawala, saw its empire crumble, leaving around 7,000 depositors, many of whom still face financial hardship. Some have even passed away during their long struggle to recover their investments.
The liquidation of F&G in 2009 left depositors grappling to reclaim over Rs. 6 billion owed to them, despite the company’s assets being valued at approximately Rs. 7 billion by 2013.
This financial debacle led depositors to file a fundamental rights petition (FR 317/2009) in the Supreme Court, seeking judicial intervention to reclaim their funds. While the court issued orders in favor of depositors, recent developments suggest that F&G’s new management has failed to comply with these directives, deepening the frustration of those affected.
A key issue involves F&G’s current management and its dealings with ZRA Holdings, the company that took over F&G under Supreme Court supervision. Instead of prioritizing the repayment of depositors,
ZRA Holdings allegedly used F&G funds to invest Rs. 200 million into an 11% stake in a hotel property in Wadduwa, initially named Ocean Queen Hotel and later rebranded as Aryana Queen.
This hotel, co-owned by a Turkish investor and a local partner, had been struggling financially and could not repay its loans from the Bank of Ceylon (BOC). As a result, BOC prepared to auction the hotel to recover its dues.
ZRA Holdings reportedly intervened by making a partial loan repayment to BOC, utilizing funds from F&G depositors. Furthermore, sources claim that ZRA Holdings overvalued the hotel at nearly Rs. 1.2 billion and overpaid for the 11% share purchase, further misusing depositor funds.
This financial maneuvering, combined with other unsubstantiated withdrawals from the NDB Bank for unspecified business purposes, has outraged depositors.
The depositors are particularly incensed because ZRA Holdings had previously provided an affidavit to the Supreme Court in March 2021, assuring that any funds invested in F&G would remain unencumbered and be used solely for reviving the company.
This recent use of depositor funds for unrelated investments contradicts that commitment and raises questions about the integrity of F&G’s current management.
The Depositors Association, representing the interests of those affected, has continuously raised concerns with F&G’s management about these questionable financial decisions. However, the management has refused to meet with depositors’ representatives or disclose details of the transactions.
The silence of two directors, previously tasked with protecting depositors’ interests, has further fueled speculation that they might be benefiting from these underhanded deals.
Depositors, many of whom lost their life savings, initially had a glimmer of hope when the Supreme Court ordered the repayment of 51% of their deposits, though without interest.
Now, with evidence of mismanagement, they are preparing to seek further intervention from the Supreme Court, accusing ZRA Holdings of siphoning off depositor funds in direct violation of court orders.
As these allegations continue to unfold, questions remain about whether those responsible will be held accountable for the financial losses imposed on thousands of innocent depositors.
September 11, Colombo (LNW): An agreement has been reached to provide a daily minimum wage of Rs. 1,350 for plantation workers, along with an additional allowance of Rs. 50 for each extra kilogram of tea leaves plucked. The decision was made during a discussion held today (10) by the Wages Board, which included State Minister of Labour, MP Vadivel Suresh, estate owners, and plantation trade unions.
The Labor Commissioner will issue a gazette notification to implement this decision, effective immediately.
Commenting on the agreement, MP Vadivel Suresh stated, “We came to an agreement that the plantation worker should receive Rs. 1,552 per day, including EPF and ETF if they return to work.”
He emphasized that the workers should not be overburdened, adding, “That means Rs. 1,350 without EPF and ETF. Even though it is Rs. 1,350, plantation workers shouldn’t be given more work. We cannot limit the labour of the plantation worker. If they work more, they can earn more than the basic salary. We cannot limit it to Rs. 350.
September 11, Colombo (LNW): Ten individuals, including Madhushan Chandrajit, the convener of the Inter-University Student’s Federation, have been arrested for allegedly participating in a protest in front of the Colombo Fort railway station, reportedly in violation of election laws.
The protest, organized by the Inter-University Student’s Federation, was held to voice opposition to several issues, including the establishment of private universities. The protesters gathered on the main road outside the Fort railway station and attempted to advance forward.
According to a News 1st correspondent, police arrived at the scene and instructed the protesters to disperse. However, when the protesters continued to move forward, the police intervened, leading to the arrest of Madhushan Chandrajit and nine others.
