September 25, (LNW) Colombo :
In particular, I would like to express my desire to inquire
about the reasons for my interest in the new president by
lankanewsweb. When I joined the Rugby administration
and attempted to combat fraud and corruption while
reducing the debt burden, even when a political leader who
treated Rugby as his family’s asset interfered, it was
LankaNewsWeb that reached out to me and gave me a
voice.
At that time, when I was striving to elevate Sri Lanka
rugby, despite that politician bringing the greatest disgrace
to Sri Lanka rugby on the international stage with the help
of influential figures in Asian rugby and even removing
sponsors, LankaNewsWeb stood as a courageous media
outlet that spoke out fearlessly, undeterred by political
pressure.
Rizly Illyas, former president of the Sri Lanka Rugby
administration and a prominent figure in the business
world, has stepped forward to speak about the new leader.
After spending much of my time at Isipatana College, I
later attended St. Peter’s College and rose through the ranks
by working hard and honestly, both in my profession and
in rugby. That’s why the traditional elites, politicians, and
administrators—who enriched themselves through fraud
and deceit—attempted to pull me down. This is the way
things are done across every field. Even now, similar signs
are emerging against the new president AKD and the NPP.
I firmly state that the people who have destroyed this
country to such an extent that they cannot even mention its
name, AKD and NPP cannot be allowed to do the same
against it.The people must come together.
I listened to everyone’s stiries up until the end of the
election. Most were engaged in self-praise, slandering
others, and acting arrogantly as if no one stood above them.
But, like AKD and the NPP, what stood out were the
discussions on real issues and the clear solutions they
presented from the platform. Impressed by that, I became a
supporter of this movement. They talk to those who say
they know. There was a devil in some people’s head that
they worked hard to get rid of. It’s similar to how I came
across your website. Neither AKD nor the NPP knows
about me here. I haven’t met them either, but I have done
what any responsible citizen who loves their country
should do.
Investing money in meaningful initiatives and
implementing development programs can sometimes be
thwarted by corrupt individuals who unite to obstruct these
efforts in Parliament. We seek to understand exactly what
he did without opposing him. Educated individuals who
know how to inform society about this must step in.
Likewise, I believe that AKD and the NPP have taken note
of the opinions expressed during this election. Even as he
addressed the nation as president, he emphasized his
responsibility to win over both those who voted and those
who did not.
A president was appointed for the country. Some people
said that they are talking about religion and race first. In
order to maintain power, the people of the country fought
and created divisions. However, the new president held a
brief ceremony and effectively conveyed what needed to
be said. AKD has the vision and ability to manage time and
get the most out of it from the little work done during this
time. We strive to protect this good man whom we
understand and feel for. In turn, he must also work to
maintain our trust in order to safeguard us.
There is a clear opportunity to address waste and
corruption, halt political interference in the administrative
system, and hold accountable those who have wronged this
country. From my experience, I believe we need to
minimize the amount of time the citizens lose in programs
where politicians are heavily involved. Similarly, we must
eliminate unnecessary expenses and impose limits on
politicians who exploit unlimited resources. Even if the
government’s income doesn’t significantly increase
through these measures, we can save a substantial amount
of unnecessary expenditures. These savings can then be
redirected toward development.
Even those who did not vote for NPP have a role to play in
the next election. We must send a capable group of
individuals to Parliament who are free from involvement in
theft, fraud, and corruption. Political parties also bear a
responsibility in this process. Do not give nominations
from your parties to accused people. The most crucial
aspect is that AKD’s victory has a significant impact on
society.
Finally, Illyas concluded his remarks by stating, “AKD has
this to say: We will unite as a people to protect you. Uphold
our trust and work towards making this country a just and
law-abiding society. Eliminate unnecessary expenses. Stop
wasting the people’s precious time at every turn. Just make
this country a rich country.”
That was Illyas’ vision. However, we are optimistic about
the future. Everything will finally be decided on the matter
of what is good and bad for the country.
We need to support AKD. And AKD mustuphold our trust as well – Rizly Illyas.
Sri Lanka’s New President Advocates for Neutral Foreign Policy
September 25, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s newly elected President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, announced on Tuesday that the country does not intend to be caught between major powers, especially China and India. In a statement signaling a firm and independent foreign policy, Dissanayake emphasized his government’s desire to avoid entanglement in global rivalries.
In an interview with Monocle magazine, Dissanayake outlined the National People’s Power (NPP) government’s plan to maintain balanced relations with China and India, two of Sri Lanka’s key neighboring nations, without aligning with any specific power bloc.
He reiterated the need for Sri Lanka to remain neutral, noting, “We won’t be a competitor in that geopolitical fight, nor will we be aligned to any party. We don’t want to be sandwiched, especially between China and India.
Both countries are valued friends, and under an NPP government, we expect them to become close partners. We also want to maintain relations with the EU, the Middle East, and Africa.”
Dissanayake underscored that this neutral approach is critical for protecting Sri Lanka’s sovereignty amid rising regional tensions. He affirmed that instead of engaging in power struggles between global superpowers, Sri Lanka will focus on building mutually beneficial diplomatic relationships.
in the past there were clearly defined lines dividing capitalist and socialist blocs. At that time, we adopted a non-aligned foreign policy.
But today there are many different blocs that have emerged. Under no circumstances will we get drawn into any geopolitical conflicts or become partners to any such conflicts. But our neighbour India is engaged in a geo-political race.
Hence when we formulated our foreign policy, we have taken into consideration the national security and concerns of India. Similarly, we also have to bear in mind the security concerns of others in the region.
Hence in our security policy, we have taken into consideration regional security as well. Our economic policy will give priority to projects that are favourable to our country and help us maintain foreign policy in which we build strong relations with all countries., he said.
It is not proper for a small country like Sri Lanka to have an isolationist foreign policy. Our foreign policy takes these issues into consideration.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a leftist leader, won the presidential election by defeating incumbent liberal President Ranil Wickremesinghe, securing 42.31% of the vote.
He leads the National People’s Power coalition, a diverse alliance of civil society groups, professionals, Buddhist clergy, and students.
Dissanayake was sworn into office on Monday after his victory, which marked the first presidential election since mass protests ousted Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2022 following Sri Lanka’s economic crisis.
Tourism Sector Congratulates New President, Urges Immediate Reforms to Boost Industry Growth
September 25, Colombo (LNW): The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) and the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), representing the formal hotel sector and inbound tourism, have congratulated Anura Kumara Dissanayake on his election as the 9th Executive President of Sri Lanka.
In a joint statement, the organizations expressed their confidence in the new leadership and pledged their full support to advance the country’s economic growth.
Tourism, a major driver of Sri Lanka’s economy, is recognized as the top net foreign exchange earner, with 100% of foreign income retained locally.
It has a unique multiplier effect, benefiting even the smallest stakeholders, such as micro-level restaurant and homestay operators. The industry is estimated to support more than 500,000 direct and indirect jobs, with over 10% of the population relying on tourism for their livelihood.
With a projected potential to grow into a $10 billion industry by 2030, tourism is a critical sector for Sri Lanka. The hotel industry alone represents private investments exceeding $20 billion, while inbound tour operators contribute significantly, bringing in around 65% of tourists and investing Rs. 3 billion annually to promote the destination internationally.
THASL and SLAITO emphasized the private sector’s contribution to tourism promotion through a 1% turnover contribution to the Tourism Development Fund, which supports public tourism institutions and marketing efforts without burdening the treasury. However, they also noted that tourism is highly sensitive to internal and external factors, which can quickly disrupt its growth.
The associations highlighted two key issues hampering the industry’s current performance: a recent decline in tourist arrivals and forward bookings. They attributed this downturn to the removal of an efficient online visa system, replaced by a more complex and costly process on April 17, 2024. The Supreme Court had ordered the reinstatement of the original Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, but the ruling had yet to be implemented.
Additionally, stakeholders called for the immediate launch of a promotional campaign, originally scheduled for early September 2024. They emphasized that September is a critical period for securing bookings for the upcoming winter season, and the campaign’s timely rollout would enhance global awareness of Sri Lanka as a tourist destination.
In their closing remarks, THASL and SLAITO urged the President to prioritize tourism as a key sector for national development. They requested his intervention to reinstate the user-friendly ETA system and ensure the promotional campaign proceeds as planned. Both actions, they argued, would unlock the full potential of the upcoming tourist season and drive long-term growth.
The associations reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the government in achieving inclusive growth and developing a thriving tourism industry that benefits stakeholders at all levels.’
SL’s IT Sector Set to Showcase Innovation and Forge Global Partnerships at GITEX Expand North Star 2024
September 25, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s IT industry is poised to spotlight its innovation and strengthen international partnerships at GITEX Expand North Star, one of the premier technology and engineering events in the Middle East, North Africa, and Asian regions. The event will take place from October 13 to 16, 2024, in Dubai, UAE.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in partnership with the Sri Lanka Consulate General in Dubai, is organizing a Sri Lankan pavilion at this prestigious event.
A series of activities, such as business meetings, networking sessions, and field visits across Dubai, will be held to highlight Sri Lankan tech capabilities and foster international collaborations. These efforts aim to boost Sri Lanka’s reputation as an emerging hub for technological innovation on the global stage.
This year, 10 Sri Lankan ICT companies and startups will participate in the GITEX Expand North Star event.
For the first time, the EDB is facilitating the participation of Sri Lankan companies in this global investor program, focusing on promoting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups.
The initiative is geared toward increasing the visibility of Sri Lankan businesses and helping them enter international markets.
Along with the pavilion at Dubai Harbour, the event will feature additional support from the Sri Lankan Consulate General, the Sri Lankan Business Council in the UAE, and the Sri Lanka IT Professionals’ Association in UAE.
These organizations will work together with the EDB to coordinate visits to the broader GITEX Global exhibition, a one-day networking event, and trips to startup incubators in Dubai, all aimed at creating connections and opportunities for Sri Lankan tech entrepreneurs.
GITEX is widely recognized as a leading technology and engineering event in the MENA region and has gained international prominence for its ability to attract global visitors and participants. Recently rebranded as GITEX Global, the event has expanded its reach beyond the MENA region to include Europe and Africa.
The EDB has been organizing Sri Lanka’s participation at GITEX since 2008, with only a few exceptions in 2013 and 2018. The 2023 edition of GITEX drew over 170,000 attendees and featured more than 6,000 exhibitors from 180 countries. The event covered a wide range of technology themes through 24 conference streams.
The 2024 GITEX event will center around nine core technology themes: Artificial Intelligence, Telecommunications, Cybersecurity, Future Mobility, Coders/Developers, the Metaverse, YouthX, Sustainability, and the CTO World Congress.
Additionally, GITEX Global will include nine co-located events, running simultaneously from October 14 to 18. These events will focus on AI, future urbanism, blockchain technology, and more.
IMF Eager to Collaborate with Sri Lanka’s New President amid Debt Restructuring Efforts
September 25, Colombo (LNW): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expressed its readiness to cooperate with Sri Lanka’s newly elected President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, following the country’s preliminary agreement with international bondholders to restructure $12.5 billion in debt.
While the IMF acknowledged the progress made in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, it emphasized the importance of continuing reforms to build on the hard-won gains made since the 2022 economic crisis. The IMF also stated it would schedule the next review of Sri Lanka’s current program soon.
Despite historically opposing IMF policies, President Dissanayake recognizes the necessity of continuing the IMF program due to Sri Lanka’s economic troubles.
However, he has vowed to renegotiate certain conditions, aiming to make the program more “people-friendly” by proposing tax exemptions on essential goods and raising the personal income tax threshold.
His administration also plans to create more public sector jobs, which could raise government expenditures. While these populist policies could threaten economic stability, Dissanayake has promised to improve tax collection to fund his initiatives without jeopardizing the country’s recovery.
One of Dissanayake’s key promises is to renegotiate the $2.9-billion IMF bailout package, along with improving the terms of agreements with international creditors.
However, this renegotiation could create uncertainty and delay the inflow of funds from the IMF, posing challenges to economic recovery. Adding to the complexity, Dissanayake appointed a new prime minister, Harini Amarasuriya, following the resignation of the previous officeholder.
Sri Lanka’s economic outlook remains fragile, as the nation deals with mounting debt that consumes over half of government revenues. Dissanayake’s election has cast doubt on whether the current debt restructuring deal will be finalized. The IMF was expected to review Sri Lanka’s reforms by October, but this timeline may shift due to the political changes and the potential renegotiations.
Though Dissanayake’s pledges to tackle corruption and bring fairness to the political system have appealed to many Sri Lankans, his intentions to alter the IMF bailout program raise concerns. Investors worry that these moves could cause further delays in debt restructuring.
Moreover, his coalition holds only three out of 225 seats in parliament, making it difficult to pass legislation or secure significant political support for his reforms.
The prospect of snap parliamentary elections, promised within 45 days of Dissanayake taking office, adds another layer of uncertainty. While these elections could strengthen his political position, they may delay crucial economic decisions and reforms.
As Sri Lanka faces this delicate balance between debt restructuring, economic recovery, and political realignments, the IMF and international creditors remain cautious. Dissanayake’s administration has not yet engaged directly with bondholders or Sri Lanka’s bilateral creditors, further delaying resolution of the country’s debt crisis.
Despite the challenges ahead, the new president has vowed to change Sri Lanka’s political culture and work toward a fairer future for its citizens. However, his economic policies and approach to debt management will be pivotal in determining Sri Lanka’s path forward.
President Dissanayake Holds Key Discussion on Economic Stabilization with CBSL Governor
September 25, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held an important discussion with the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, and the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Mahinda Siriwardene, to address the country’s ongoing economic challenges.
The meeting, which took place last evening (24) at the Presidential Secretariat, focused on the current economic situation and explored measures to stabilize the economy. According to the Department of Government Information, the discussion covered a range of critical issues impacting the nation’s economic health.
The President, CBSL Governor, and Finance Secretary deliberated on potential strategies to support economic recovery, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to finding solutions to the financial difficulties facing Sri Lanka.
Indian EAM Jaishankar Congratulates Vijitha Herath on Appointment as Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister
September 25, Colombo (LNW): Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar extended his congratulations to Vijitha Herath on his recent appointment as Sri Lanka’s new Foreign Minister. In a post on X, Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening the deep-rooted civilizational ties and close bonds of friendship between the two nations.
Jaishankar stated, “Congratulate Vijitha Herath on his appointment as Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka. Committed to reinforcing our civilizational ties, strengthening our traditionally close bonds of friendship, and expanding our multifaceted cooperation for the benefit of both our peoples.”
Herath’s appointment came as part of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s new government formation. On Tuesday, Dissanayake also appointed Harini Amarasuriya as Sri Lanka’s 16th Prime Minister. Amarasuriya, an academic and social justice advocate, is a key figure in the National People’s Power (NPP) party and becomes the third woman in Sri Lanka’s history to hold the office of Prime Minister, following Sirimavo Bandaranaike and Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.
Harini Amarasuriya entered Parliament in 2020 through the NPP national list and has been a prominent voice for educational reform and human rights. Her appointment is seen as a significant milestone in Sri Lankan politics, signaling a new direction under President Dissanayake’s leadership.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to Deliver Special Address to the Nation Tonight
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is set to deliver a special address to the nation tonight at 7:30 PM, where he is expected to outline his administration’s future plans and key initiatives.
The address comes following significant political developments, including the appointment of Dr. Harini Amarasuriya as the new Prime Minister yesterday.
The President also announced the formation of a streamlined Cabinet, comprising 15 ministries under the leadership of three ministers. This new structure reflects the administration’s commitment to efficient governance and targeted policy implementation.
The nation eagerly awaits President Dissanayake’s address, which is expected to set the tone for his government’s future direction.
Sri Lanka Original Narrative Summary: 25/09
- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is expected to make a special statement while addressing the nation at 7.30 pm today (25 September), according to the Department of Government Information.
- Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says that he was unanimously chosen as the Prime Ministerial candidate of the ‘Samagi Jana Sandhanaya’ for the upcoming General Election. Furthermore, he stated that there would be no collaboration between former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and him.
- The Extraordinary Gazette notification issued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake dissolving the Parliament of Sri Lanka effective from midnight yesterday (24), has been published by the Department of Government Printing. The proclamation dissolves Parliament with effect from midnight today and summons the new Parliament to meet on the November 21, 2024. It has also fixed November 14, 2024 as the date for the election of the new Members of Parliament.
- New President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held a high-level meeting today with Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe and Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana to discuss pressing economic matters.
- The All Share Price Index (ASPI) of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has increased by 237.31 points to close at 11,334.12.The market turnover was recorded at Rs. 2 billion.
- Sri Lanka’s new three-member Cabinet of Ministers was sworn-in before President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya was sworn-in as the Minister of Justice, Education, Labour, Industries, Science and Tech, Health and Food Security, shortly after taking oath as the new Prime Minister.
- The Election Commission has confirmed that 35 presidential candidates will lose their security deposits. According to Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake, this decision is due to the candidates not achieving the minimum requirement of 12.5% of the vote in the recently concluded presidential election.
- Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Israel has requested Sri Lankan nationals residing in Israel to exercise caution due to recent shelling and rocket attacks from Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah targeting Israel.
- The overall rate of inflation, as measured by the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI), has decreased to 1.1% in August 2024, compared to 2.5% in July 2024, according to the latest data released by the Department of Census and Statistics. Meanwhile, food inflation has decreased to 2.3% in August 2024 compared to 2.9% in July 2024 and the Year-on-Year inflation of the non-food group increased to 0.2% in August 2024 from 2.2% in July 2024.
- Nishan Pieris has been added to the Sri Lanka squad for the second Test against New Zealand as a replacement for left-arm paceman Vishwa Fernando, who developed an injury as stated by the Sri Lanka team Management.
Several spells of showers expected in Western Province
September 25, 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 Ampara and Batticaloa districts 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 Northern, North-central, North-western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee, Matale and Monaragala districts.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.