September 06, Colombo (LNW):The Election Commission has released guidelines detailing leave entitlements for employees in both public and private sectors during the 2024 presidential election, which is set to take place on S eptember 21. The guidelines are designed to enable employees to vote without losing pay or affecting their personal leave balances.
Leave Entitlements Based on Distance:
40 kilometers or less: Half a day’s leave
40-100 kilometers: One day’s leave
100-150 kilometers: One and a half days’ leave
Exceeding 150 kilometers: Two days’ leave
For cases where voters need three days to travel to and from their polling stations, employers have been advised to provide a three-day leave.
The Election Commission also emphasized that employees must submit a written request to apply for this special leave. Employers are required to maintain a record of these leave requests, clearly displaying the duration of leave granted to ensure transparency at the workplace.
September 06, Colombo (LNW): The Renewable Energy Protectors’ Association (REPA) has called on the authorities to clarify their plans for addressing the challenges faced by the renewable energy sector.
This comes in light of the recent decision by the Power and Energy Minister to lower the tariff rate for solar energy projects to Rs. 27 per unit. REPA has also encouraged the public, particularly investors in solar and other renewable energy projects, to support candidates who present the most viable solutions to these challenges.
The General Manager of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), acting against a Cabinet decision and directives from the Public Utilities Commission, instructed officials to reduce the tariff rate for solar energy projects.
REPA President Darshana Liyanasekara criticized this move, stating that it discourages local investment in renewable energy, undermines the sector’s progress, and threatens the goal of sustainable economic growth through renewable energy initiatives.
In response, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) made a decisive move to keep payments for rooftop solar power plants unchanged.
This decision, communicated through a circular issued by CEB General Manager Dr. Narendra Silva, confirmed that the Rs. 37 per unit tariff for solar electricity, established in 2022, will remain in effect.
The circular, dated 29 July, also amended the effective date of the Rooftop Solar PV (RTSPV) schemes to 25 October 2022, while maintaining all other terms.
This development comes amid growing concerns raised by REPA over the Government’s decision to reduce tariff rates for new rooftop solar and renewable energy projects, effective 1 July 2024.
The new tariffs, announced by Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera, are based on a 2022 formula that considers the USD exchange rate, interest rates, and other economic factors.
In a statement on X, Minister Wijesekera explained that the revised rates are intended to promote the development of rooftop solar projects and other renewable energy initiatives under 10 MW, following extensive stakeholder consultations and a detailed report from the tariff committee.
REPA expressed concern over the country’s continued reliance on diesel-based power generation, which results in the loss of billions of dollars in foreign exchange.
While the Minister has reduced tariffs for solar energy projects, no efforts have been made to lower the prices paid for diesel-based power. Currently, the Government pays between Rs. 70 and Rs. 100 per unit for electricity generated from diesel. REPA argues that by investing in solar energy, the country could retain that money domestically rather than losing it as dollar outflow.
September 06, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the introduction of an online system for authenticating birth, marriage, and death certificates.
This initiative, launched on September 2, 2024, in collaboration with the Registrar General’s Department, marks a significant step towards digitalizing public services in Sri Lanka.
The new online process allows Sri Lankan citizens to apply for the authentication of these vital documents through the Consular Affairs Division’s online platform.
Once authenticated, the documents will be emailed directly to the applicant, eliminating the need for physical visits to government offices for application or collection.
Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, speaking at the launch event, emphasized the importance of digitizing document authentication services to improve public efficiency.
He noted that the Ministry’s digital journey began with the online verification of GCE O/L and A/L certificates, in partnership with the Department of Examinations, which was a major milestone in their digital transition efforts.
The Minister highlighted that the online authentication of birth, marriage, and death certificates issued by the Registrar General’s Department represents a further advancement in this digital transformation.
He pointed out that these documents, along with educational certificates, account for about 55 percent of the daily authentications carried out by the Consular Affairs Division.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also stated that the Consular Affairs Division has enhanced its online document authentication services by integrating its Electronic Document Authentication System (e-DAS) with several key government entities.
These include local universities, the Sri Lanka Medical Council, the Sri Lanka Police, the Department of Motor Traffic, the TVEC, the Department of the Registrar of Companies, the British Council, and various trade chambers.
This integration aims to make document authentication more accessible and effective for the public.
The online authentication process is straightforward. Applicants are required to visit the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and submit an online application through the provided portal. Once the application details are submitted, a payment link is sent to the applicant.
The required fees for certificate generation and authentication can be paid online. After the transaction is completed, the authenticated document is emailed to the applicant. The customer copy of the authenticated document can then be submitted to relevant foreign missions as needed.
This new online system is expected to streamline the process of obtaining authenticated birth, marriage, and death certificates, making it more convenient for Sri Lankan citizens both at home and abroad.
September 06, Colombo (LNW): The Asia Pacific Retailers Conference and Exhibition (APRCE) 2024 commenced on September 4th at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo, marked by an engaging welcome ceremony that gathered key leaders and innovators in the retail industry.
Hosted by the Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association in collaboration with the Federation of Asia Pacific Retailers’ Associations (FAPRA), the event includes a knowledge forum, exhibition, and B2B networking sessions, continuing on September 5th and 6th at the BMICH.
The conference, themed “Redefining Retail in APAC: From Transactions to Transformation,” aims to delve into the evolving retail landscape, emphasizing its shift from mere transactions to a transformative force with significant societal, cultural, and economic impact.
The event attracted notable dignitaries from the APAC region, including Mr. Roy Mandey, Chairman of FAPRA; Mr. Ming Jiang, Deputy Chair of FAPRA and Chairman of the China General Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Murali Prakash, Deputy Chair of FAPRA and Convener of APRCE 2024; Mr. Charitha Subasinghe, President of the Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association; and Mr. Hirofumi Nomoto, FAPRA Executive Committee Member and Chair of APRCE 2026.
These leaders underscored the significance of the retail sector, which contributes 14% of GDP and employs 15% of the workforce, highlighting the conference’s role in fostering discussions around investments, connecting local vendors with international retailers, and sharing expertise to propel the industry as a key economic driver.
With over 350 foreign delegates in attendance, APRCE 2024 is set to be a cornerstone in redefining retail in the Asia-Pacific region.
The conference will focus on how retail can drive community development, inclusivity, and sustainability, with case studies and discussions that emphasize innovative strategies capable of generating lasting, positive impacts on both business success and societal well-being.
The event features an impressive lineup of speakers from renowned organizations, including the Asian Development Bank, McKinsey and Company, Euromonitor International, Alliance Technologies, Salesforce India, Sertis, Landmark Group, Seven-Eleven Japan, Whippet (London and Melbourne), AEON Vietnam, Tata starquick.com (India), Bigbasket, Easyhome New Retail Group Corporation, Oriental Coffee International Sdn Bhd, Dialog Axiata, Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company, Daimaru Matsuzakaya Department Stores, and Dmall International Business.
September 06, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka-Pakistan Business Council (SLPBC) has raised concerns over the potential strain on trade relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan due to Sri Lanka’s new visa policy. This policy, which allows visa-free entry to citizens from 38 countries, notably excludes Pakistan, creating challenges for business and tourism ties between the two nations.
Previously, Pakistani visitors, including investors and tourists, had a relatively straightforward process for obtaining visas to Sri Lanka, facilitated by an online system. However, after a court ruling led to the abandonment of this system, Pakistani visitors are now required to follow traditional, more cumbersome procedures. The SLPBC points out that there has been no clear guidance from Sri Lankan authorities on the new visa process, leading to confusion and delays.
This policy change has already had a noticeable impact. The SLPBC reports that in the past three months, trade activities between Sri Lanka and Pakistan have been limited to mere correspondence, with no significant business developments. The council, which has been instrumental in promoting bilateral trade for over three decades, finds itself unable to advocate for Sri Lanka as an investment or tourist destination due to the visa complications.
Pakistan has historically been a strong ally of Sri Lanka, providing critical support during times of need, such as during Sri Lanka’s civil war and more recently, by supplying fertilizers during a national shortage. Additionally, Pakistan has offered thousands of scholarships to Sri Lankan students in various fields, further strengthening the relationship between the two countries.
The SLPBC has been actively collaborating with the Pakistan Embassy to foster trade and cultural exchanges, organizing trade fairs, exhibitions, and delegations to promote bilateral business opportunities. In 2024 alone, two Sri Lankan delegations participated in major trade fairs in Lahore and Karachi, with more planned for later in the year. However, the recent visa policy shift has created significant obstacles for these efforts.
The council warns that the lack of clarity and the reversion to a time-consuming visa process for Pakistani nationals could lead to serious diplomatic and economic repercussions. Pakistani investors and tourists, who have shown increasing interest in Sri Lanka, may now look to other destinations, such as Turkey, which has seen a rise in Pakistani visitors due to its more accessible visa policies.
The SLPBC emphasizes that while they respect Sri Lanka’s security and legal protocols, there must be a clear and efficient system in place. The council, supported by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, cautions that failure to address the current visa issues could severely damage the longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.Sri Lanka’s new visa policy, which excludes Pakistan from the list of visa-free countries, is causing significant disruptions in trade and tourism relations between the two nations. The SLPBC urges the Sri Lankan government to provide clear guidance on visa procedures and to consider the potential diplomatic fallout if the situation is not resolved promptly.
September 06, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe inaugurated “The Mall,” the first urban duty-free shopping complex in the Colombo Port City, on September 5. This new addition features a variety of stores, restaurants, and retail outlets, including international duty-free retailers such as One World, China Duty Free Group (CDFG), and Flemingo, aiming to position the Port City as a premier shopping destination.
During the event, the President unveiled a commemorative plaque and toured the new facility. In his address, he emphasized the rapid development of the Port City, crediting his government’s efforts in achieving economic stability with support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He noted that this stability has facilitated growth in the Port City’s financial sector.
President Wickremesinghe highlighted that approximately 100 companies are now interested in investing in the Port City, with 74 expected to begin activities by the end of the year. In October 2023, the Sri Lankan government gazetted the requirements for conducting duty-free retail and shopping mall operations in the area, including a minimum investment of USD 5 million for a retail business and USD 7 million for a shopping mall.
In May 2023, Singapore-owned One World Duty Free signed agreements with Colombo Port City to operate Sri Lanka’s first downtown duty-free store, underscoring the area’s potential as a significant commercial hub.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe officially opened “The Mall,” a newly constructed duty-free shopping complex in the Colombo Port City area on Thursday (September 5). This marks the debut of the first urban duty-free shopping mall in the region, featuring a range of stores, restaurants, and various retail outlets
The blueprint 3.0 of the economic manifesto of the presidential candidate of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Sajith Premadasa has been unveiled. The SJB said that the original Blueprint, tabled in Parliament on 12 August 2022, spelled out their alliance’s thinking on how to stabilise the economy. Blueprint 2.0, published on 14 February 2023, described how to move beyond stabilisation towards sustainable and inclusive growth.
Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, emphasised that President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s proposal to increase public sector salaries is not merely an election promise. It has received approval from both the Treasury and the Cabinet. He highlighted that during the peak of the economic crisis, there were suggestions to reduce public servant salaries
The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has postponed the hearing of a plaint filed against the presidential candidate of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Namal Rajapaksa and several others over an alleged financial fraud. Accordingly, when the case was taken up before Colombo Chief Magistrate Thilina Gamage, it was ordered to be recalled for hearing on February 13, 2025.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has officially removed four State Ministers from their ministerial portfolios with immediate effect. Accordingly, State Minister of Ports and Aviation Services Premalal Jayasekara, State Minister of Power and Energy Indika Anuruddha, State Minister of Agriculture Mohan Priyadarshana de Silva and State Minister of Highways Siripala Gamlath have been removed from their respective positions with immediate effect.
The Governor of the Uva Province, A. J. M. Muzammil, says he has tendered his resignation as the Uva Province Governor in order to support SJB Presidential Candidate and Opposition Leader, Sajith Premadasa in the upcoming presidential election.
The Election Commission has issued a notification outlining leave entitlements for employees in both public and private sectors during the 2024 presidential election, which is scheduled to be held on September 21. However, the election regulatory body stated that the relevant leave provisions will facilitate the voters to attend the polling stations for voting without any loss of pay or impact on their personal leave allocations.
Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumarathunga states that she will not back any candidate during the 2024 presidential election and will remain neutral. Issuing a statement, the former President said that she does not intend to support any candidate in the near future as well.
A new political alliance, the Podujana Eksath Nidahas Peramuna, was officially launched in a ceremony held in Battaramulla. The event saw the participation of several key ministers & mps from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) who are backing independent presidential candidate, Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Sri Lanka’s rising star Harshitha Samarawickrama has been joined by two of the most consistent performers from Ireland in being nominated for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for August.
September 06, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva province and in Batticaloa and Ampara districts during the evening or night.
Strong winds about (35-45) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Hambantota and Trincomalee districts.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
The sun is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka during 28th of August to 06th of September due to its apparent southward relative motion. The nearest places of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (06) are Hikkaduwa, Walasmulla and Hambantota about 12.08 noon.
September 05, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) indicates slight appreciation against the US Dollar today (05) in comparison to yesterday, as per the official exchange rates released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).
Accordingly, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 294.36 from Rs. 294.48, and the selling price to Rs. 303.59 from Rs. 303.70.
The LKR, however, indicates depreciation against several other foreign currencies, whilst it has appreciated against Gulf currencies.
September 05, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s pharmaceutical industry has expressed significant concerns about Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana’s Cabinet proposal to procure 37 drugs from India under the “Jan Aushadhi” scheme.
The National Chamber of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers of Sri Lanka (NCPMSL), led by Dr. Lohitha Samarawickrema, is apprehensive about the potential negative impact on local manufacturers, importers, and patients.
A primary concern is whether these imports will bypass the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) registration process, which is crucial for drug safety and efficacy. The chamber fears that circumventing NMRA regulations could undermine the regulatory framework and jeopardize medication safety in Sri Lanka.
Dr. Samarawickrema questioned the fairness of the proposal if Indian-approved drugs are exempt from NMRA procedures, stressing that local manufacturers and importers should also benefit from similar exemptions.
Moreover, Dr. Samarawickrema highlighted the NMRA’s requirement for site inspections of manufacturers with WHO GMP certifications, which seems to be overlooked, potentially compromising the procurement process’s transparency and credibility.
Concerns were also raised about intellectual property standards mentioned in the scheme, as the NMRA might lack the capacity for proper analytical validation, which could undermine the scheme’s integrity.
The chamber also expressed worries about HLL Lifecare Ltd., the company associated with the scheme, and the unclear relationship with the Jana Aushadhi program, raising concerns about potential pricing advantages and the selection process.
Dr. Samarawickrema emphasized the need for rigorous quality control, especially given the high rate of quality failures among Indian products, stressing that quality assurance is vital for public health protection.
There are fears that this scheme could harm local manufacturers if State purchases are concentrated through this initiative, potentially driving them out of business and weakening efforts to develop the local pharmaceutical industry.
In response, the NCPMSL recommended that all medicines be evaluated and registered by the NMRA, with local agents prioritized in procurement processes.
The chamber suggested a fast-track registration process for small-volume products and advocated for diversifying procurement sources to include local manufacturers and importers before considering international options.
Dr. Samarawickrema urged a reconsideration of the policy and called for constructive dialogue to address these concerns, reflecting the chamber’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of Sri Lankan pharmaceutical stakeholders and maintaining strong relations with India.
The NCPMSL remains opposed to the proposed policy and is prepared to take necessary steps to protect patient rights and health.
Similarly, the Sri Lanka Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industry (SLCPI) raised concerns, arguing that the proposal seems to favor a blanket importation strategy through a single company, HLL Lifecare Ltd., which could undermine the local pharmaceutical industry.
They recommended that all medicines be evaluated and registered by the NMRA, with exceptions only in rare cases.
Dr. Pathirana clarified that the Health Ministry is not planning to import unregistered or low-quality medications and that the Indian Government invited Sri Lanka to participate in the Jan Aushadhi scheme to procure drugs at fair prices after local registration.
