September 18, Colombo (LNW): At a recent Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) election rally in Anuradhapura, Presidential Candidate Sajith Premadasa announced key relief measures for the agricultural sector and other affected communities. He promised that an SJB-led government would write off farmers’ crop loans and provide a fuel subsidy to farmers, fishermen, three-wheeler drivers, school bus operators, and rice mill owners.
Premadasa also stated that farmers would receive 50 kg fertilizer bundles at a subsidized price of Rs. 5,000. Additionally, he outlined plans to implement a sustainable solution to the ongoing elephant-human conflict.
“We will formulate a national land usage plan, focusing on community-centered wildlife conservation, while also ensuring that tourism development is in harmony with these efforts,” Premadasa emphasized.
September 18, Colombo (LNW) The Commercial Bank of Ceylon recently organized an “Agri Modernisation Fair” in Vavuniya, gathering key players in Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector.
The fair aimed to introduce farmers to the latest technologies and promote the adoption of smart farming practices. Industry leaders such as Hayleys, AgStar, John Deere, DIMO, CIC, and Browns participated, alongside the Agrarian Production Centre’s Drone Unit.
The event attracted students, farmers, and entrepreneurs, offering them access to advanced agricultural resources and expertise.
The fair included lectures and practical sessions focusing on modern farming techniques, resource optimization, and sustainable practices.
Attendees were introduced to innovative methods like the use of drones for applying fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, particularly in paddy cultivation. These advanced solutions were presented to help farmers overcome pressing challenges, such as the increasing impact of climate change, labor shortages, and rising costs of farming inputs.
The bank highlighted the importance of supporting farmers through these technological advancements, stressing its role in the national economy. The event served as a continuation of the bank’s efforts to modernize Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector, following similar initiatives like a recent awareness program on the use of drones in the North Central Province.
Commercial Bank’s commitment to agriculture is supported by its 19 Agriculture and Micro Finance Units (AMFU) across various regions, including Ratnapura, Anuradhapura, and Vavuniya. These units are integral in understanding the specific needs of local farmers and entrepreneurs, offering them financial support for modern agricultural practices and micro-businesses.
In a separate development, Deen Brothers Imports Ltd. (DBL), Sri Lanka’s leading tool provider, has partnered with the Sri Lanka State Trading Corporation (STC) to bring top-quality tools to the market. This collaboration introduces renowned brands like UYUS Tools and Dongcheng Power Tools to STC’s stores, making professional-grade equipment more accessible.
DBL, established in 1940, has grown significantly under Managing Director M.N.M. Najeeb Deen, expanding its reach across Sri Lanka. The company supplies a wide range of products, including power tools, agricultural equipment, and construction machinery.
With over 500 dealers and extensive experience in global trade fairs, DBL ensures that its products meet the country’s diverse needs, importing high-quality tools from countries like the USA, Germany, and China.
This partnership with STC marks a significant step in DBL’s continued growth, aligning with its commitment to innovation and quality in the Sri Lankan market.
September 18, Colombo (LNW) Sri Lanka’s plantation industry, known for its long-term investment cycles, relies heavily on stable and rational policymaking for sustainable growth. At the 170th Annual General Meeting of the Planters’ Association of Ceylon (PA), outgoing Chairman Senaka Alawattegama emphasized the importance of policy stability and industry diversification for the long-term success of the Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs).
Alawattegama urged the government to root future policies in scientific and commercial realities rather than short-term political gains. He highlighted the need for flexible land-use policies that allow RPCs to make strategic decisions on transitioning from traditional crops like tea and rubber to more profitable ventures.
These ventures could include high-value crops, eco-tourism, or renewable energy projects. He stressed that these decisions should be backed by policies that enable long-term investments.
One of the central themes of Alawattegama’s speech was the importance of diversification for the industry’s future. Several RPCs have already begun diversifying into high-value crops like coffee, avocado, spices, and berries. These efforts open new revenue streams while mitigating the risks of depending on a single commodity.
Innovation and modernization were also highlighted as essential for staying competitive. Alawattegama stressed that by adopting technologies such as soil mapping, fertilizer optimization, and enhanced supply chain management, the industry can improve productivity and maintain its global competitiveness.
Addressing the long-standing issue of wage negotiations, Alawattegama reflected on the decade-long struggle for wage reform. Despite numerous challenges, the Planters’ Association remained steadfast in its calls for a productivity-linked wage system.
This culminated in the government gazetting a new wage structure, which sets a daily minimum basic wage of Rs. 1,350 and introduces a productivity-linked incentive where workers earn Rs. 50 for each kilogram harvested above set norms. Alawattegama regarded this as a “hard-fought win” for both workers and RPCs, enabling fair compensation based on productivity.
He also expressed regret over the delays in reaching a wage agreement, arguing that workers could have benefited from higher wages sooner if negotiations had been handled more collaboratively by the government and trade unions. Alawattegama called for future wage discussions to prioritize both the long-term sustainability of the industry and the welfare of the workers.
Aside from wage reforms, Alawattegama underscored the importance of addressing other critical issues like crop diversification and the potential for oil palm cultivation. He criticized the resistance to oil palm development, attributing it to misinformation, and called for more decisive action to harness the benefits of this crop. Alawattegama also acknowledged the struggles faced by the rubber industry, including unfavorable weather conditions and crop diseases like Circular Spot Leaf disease, which have hindered RPCs’ ability to meet wage demands.
Recognizing the growing global demand for sustainably produced goods, Alawattegama emphasized that Sri Lanka’s plantation industry must lead in sustainability practices. He encouraged doubling down on initiatives such as organic cultivation and environmental conservation to position the country as a global leader in premium, ethically sourced agricultural products.
He also advocated for incentives to support crop diversification and investments in research and development (R&D). In particular, he stressed the necessity of mechanization, precision agriculture, and agri-tech for the future sustainability of the industry.
September 18, Colombo (LNW) Sri Lanka’s economy expanded by 4.7% year-on-year (YoY) in the second quarter of 2024, marking consistent growth since September 2023. However, quarter-on-quarter growth slowed from the 5.3% seen in the first quarter of 2024.
The Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) attributed this growth to a strong performance in the industry sector, which accounted for 25.5% of the GDP and grew by 10.9%.
The service sector, representing 55.4% of GDP, expanded by 2.5%, while the agriculture sector, constituting 10% of GDP, grew by 1.7%. Taxes, less subsidies on products, which accounted for 9.1% of GDP, also saw an increase of 2.8%.
Several factors contributed to this economic expansion, including lower inflation, declining interest rates, and eased import restrictions, which made it easier for businesses to access working capital and raw materials. Additionally, while heavy rainfall negatively impacted key crops such as paddy, tea, and rubber, it boosted hydroelectric power generation, benefiting the energy sector.
Tourism played a crucial role in sustaining economic growth for the fourth consecutive quarter, following a rise in tourist arrivals since the third quarter of 2023.
In agriculture, growth was seen in sectors such as cereal production (22.7%), animal production (8.6%), marine fishing (7.7%), and vegetable cultivation (3.8%). However, some agricultural activities faced challenges, including a decline in plant propagation (-23.7%), rubber cultivation (-18.7%), and tea production (-8.8%).
The industry sector experienced significant recovery, with overall growth of 10.9% in Q2 2024, reversing the 11.7% decline seen in the same period of the previous year. The construction industry and mining and quarrying sectors posted notable growth rates of 15.5% and 21.5%, respectively.
Manufacturing also grew by 7%, with standout performances in metal fabrication (31.6%) and chemical products (24%).
The services sector, which grew by 2.5% in Q2 2024, recovered from the 0.5% contraction in the same period in 2023. Key service industries, such as accommodation and food services (21.1%), insurance (14.1%), and IT services (14%), showed robust growth.
Meanwhile, public administration and health services were the only sectors that contracted, declining by 3.1% and 2.3%, respectively.
In summary, while Sri Lanka’s economic growth in Q2 2024 was slightly lower than in Q1, it continued its upward trajectory, driven by industry and services sectors and supported by easing inflation and rising tourism
September 18, Colombo (LNW) Sri Lanka’s railways are set for a comprehensive modernization, focusing on upgrading stations and enhancing services through public-private partnerships (PPP), according to Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardana. This transformation is crucial as the 159-year-old railway department faces financial difficulties, operational losses, and a lack of investment.
Gunawardana emphasized the importance of revitalizing the railway system to meet modern needs. A key component of this effort is the Railway Efficiency Improvement Project, a five-year, Rs 28.5 billion initiative funded by the Asian Development Bank.
The project is set to be completed this year, with Rs 1.21 billion earmarked for final-phase capital expenditure. The initiative aims to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency, offering benefits for the thousands of commuters who rely on Sri Lanka Railways daily.
As part of this transformation, the government has invited private investors to participate in the development of six key railway stations in Colombo, including Kollupitiya, Bambalapitiya, Wellawatte, Kompanyaweediya, Dehiwala, and Mount Lavinia.
These developments will be pursued under the PPP model, where private investors will lease railway department properties on a long-term basis and modernize the stations into “station plazas.” These modern facilities will improve infrastructure, provide better amenities for commuters, and generate revenue for the government.
Gunawardana shared that several expressions of interest (EOIs) have already been submitted, signaling investor interest. One prominent example is the redevelopment of Ella station, a popular tourist destination, which is being undertaken by Laksala, a state-owned enterprise.
The project has proven profitable for the government, generating not only land rent but also a percentage of the station’s turnover. This model highlights the potential profitability of the station plaza concept, which will be replicated across the railway network.
Gunawardana also pointed out that maintaining the railway department as a state entity has become financially burdensome. To make it profitable, the department should be transformed into an Authority, with governance managed by a board of directors rather than the current bureaucratic system.
He reassured employees that their job security and pensions would be protected, drawing a parallel to the successful partial privatization of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) and Sri Lanka Telecom.
An initial step in the transformation will involve enhancing revenue by leasing spaces above strategic railway stations, addressing illegal land occupancy, and increasing goods and parcel transport.
Additionally, the redevelopment of land around railway stations will include the creation of commercial facilities, such as shopping malls and cafeterias, directly integrated into the stations.
These modern facilities will be operated by the private sector, providing busy commuters with convenient access to shopping and dining options. The Ministry of Transport has called for EOIs from both local and foreign investors interested in leasing upper floors of railway stations for projects like super malls.
Proposals will be opened on July 15, and railway land occupants and new applicants have been requested to register with the railways department to confirm the legal status of their land usage.
This ambitious modernization project represents a crucial step in transforming Sri Lanka Railways into a more efficient, revenue-generating system, while improving the experience for daily commuters across the country
September 18, Colombo (LNW) Campaigning for the upcoming presidential election will officially conclude at midnight tonight, marking the start of the mandatory silent period, which will last until election day on September 21.
The Election Commission has instructed all candidates and citizens to cease any campaign-related activities during this period. Election Commissioner General Saman Sri Ratnayake warned that strict legal action will be taken against those who continue to campaign, including through social media, after the midnight deadline.
September 18, Colombo (LNW): Independent Presidential Candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe has called on Sri Lankan citizens to give him a mandate to further develop the country, emphasizing the dire state of the nation when he assumed office two years ago. Speaking to a large crowd in Mannar, Wickremesinghe recalled the severe shortages of food, medicine, fuel, and gas that plagued the country at the time.
“When I took over two years ago, there was no food, medicine, fuel, or gas. Neither Sajith [Premadasa] nor Anura [Dissanayake] stepped forward to address these crises. Where were they? What did they do when you were suffering?” Wickremesinghe asked, criticizing his main opponents for their absence during the critical period.
He emphasized his role in stabilizing the economy and restoring essential supplies, adding, “Today, gas, fuel, medicines, and fertilizer are available again. The economy has restarted. Now, those who avoided responsibility are demanding to take charge. They must be chased away with a broom.”
Acknowledging the hardships faced by the people due to tough decisions, Wickremesinghe praised their resilience and questioned the necessity of elections called by his opponents in the midst of ongoing challenges. He emphasized the improvements in the economy, including a stronger rupee and lower prices of goods, and appealed for a mandate to continue his work.
“We must continue to honour our agreements with the IMF,” Wickremesinghe stressed, countering claims by opposition leaders that breaking these agreements would help the country move forward. He urged the public to stay informed about the complexities of the current economic situation and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the nation through its recovery.
September 18, Colombo (LNW)The final campaign rallies for this year’s Presidential Election are taking place today, both in Colombo and across outstation locations.
Five “Ranilta Puluwan” (Ranil Can) rallies in support of independent candidate and incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe will be held throughout the day. The schedule includes rallies at 1 PM at Matara’s Uyanwatta Stadium, 2 PM at Galle’s Samanala Stadium, 3 PM at Kalutara Public Stadium, 4 PM in Homagama town, and the final rally at 5:30 PM at Kosgas Junction in Colombo.
SJB presidential candidate and opposition leader Sajith Premadasa will hold his final rally at 2 PM in front of the Panchikawatta Tower Hall Theatre. Similarly, NPP presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake will address supporters at 2 PM at Nugegoda’s Ananda Samarakoon open-air theatre.
SLPP presidential candidate Namal Rajapaksa will wrap up his campaign at Piliyandala Somaweera Chandrasiri Stadium, also at 2 PM. Meanwhile, “Sarvajana Balaya” alliance candidate Dilith Jayaweera will hold his final rally at Kottawa Bus Stand, starting at 2 PM.
The Police Media Division has announced a special traffic plan to manage congestion in areas where these rallies will be held.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe cautioned the public against making the “mistake” of transferring a “recovering patient”, who was in critical condition, to the care of an “unqualified doctor” after receiving emergency treatment, on September 21. He emphasized that, just as a doctor’s license can be revoked by the Sri Lanka Medical Council for refusing to treat a patient, the public should reject politicians who abandoned their duty to revive the country’s economy in 2022.
SJB presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa, addressing a rally, pledged to provide targeted fuel subsidies to essential workers, including farmers, fishermen, three-wheeler drivers and school van/bus operators. He emphasized that this support would only be directed to those in need, rejecting any provision of subsidies to wealthier citizens.
Presidential candidate of the National People’s Power (NPP), Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has warned of the possibility of attempts by certain elements to engage in conspiracies in the next couple of days, ahead of the country’s presidential election. He stated that it is up to them to expose that and to request their supporters not to get involved in any such conflict in any way, as well as to urge the police and the armed forces to prevent the spread of such things through the powers vested in them if any conflict occurs.
The Postal Department says that the distribution of around 97% of the official polling cards for the 2024 presidential election has already been completed thus far. If any voter has not received their official polling cards as of now, they can visit their local post office with their National Identity Card (NIC) after September 18 to verify their identity and obtain their polling card.
The Commissioner General of Examinations Amit Jayasundara says that investigations are to be held today into an incident where three questions similar to those on the Grade 5 Scholarship exam paper had allegedly been posted online via a model exam paper. He stated that if investigations uncover that the questions have in fact been leaked, these questions would be disregarded during the paper marking process.
The distribution of ballot boxes of the Presidential Election to returning officers, has been completed. The Election Commission said that ballot boxes have been issued for 13,421 polling stations across the island. Each polling station receives one ballot box.
The final election rallies are set to take place today across Colombo and outstations. Sajith Premadasa will hold his rally in Panchikawatte, while Anura Kumara Dissanayake will address supporters in Nugegoda. Namal Rajapaksa’s last rally is scheduled in Piliyandala, and Dilith Jayaweera will conclude his campaign in Kottawa.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe inaugurated the Western Automobile Assembly Private Limited (WAA) vehicle assembly plant in Kuliyapitiya, marking a significant milestone in the country’s automotive industry. This $27 million facility is now the largest vehicle assembly plant in South Asia, according to the President’s Media Division.
Sri Lanka Police says that video footage related to past incidents that had occurred at various times in various parts of the country are once again being circulated on social media these days from time to time. Police Media Spokesperson’s Office stated that videos such as those showing certain vehicles traveling towards the Katunayake Airport being searched by various individuals and videos taken during curfews imposed in the past are currently being reshared.
Sri Lanka Head Coach Sanath Jayasuriya has confirmed several changes to the national team’s lineup, particularly in the batting order, ahead of the upcoming Test in Galle. Kamindu Mendis, who has been performing consistently, will receive a well-deserved promotion to the number five position. Kusal Mendis will move down to number seven and will keep wickets.
September 18, Colombo (LNW):Several spells of showers will occur in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in Eastern and Uva provinces during the evening or night.
Strong winds about (40-45)kmph can be expected at times over the western slopes of the central hills and in North-central and Southern provinces.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
