September 03, Colombo (LNW): The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a significant initiative to train 7,500 teachers in the fields of robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI), marking a crucial step in the nation’s digital transformation efforts.

During a recent Cabinet press conference, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardena highlighted that digital transformation is a key priority within the national education policy framework.

Recognising the importance of integrating cutting-edge technologies into education, the government has endorsed collaboration between public and private sectors to enhance the use of AI and other advanced technologies in schools.

The training programme follows a successful pilot project conducted by the Skills College of Technology (SCOT CAMPUS), an institution with a strong track record in delivering practical courses in information technology, mechatronics, and robotics.

The pilot’s success has paved the way for a broader initiative aimed at equipping educators with the skills necessary to teach the next generation of students in these critical areas.

The Cabinet has approved a joint proposal by the President and the Minister of Education to roll out this training programme in three stages.

The initiative will cover selected schools across all provinces, focusing on the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) concept.

Teachers will receive specialised training in subjects such as information technology, biotechnology, engineering technology, science, and mathematics at the SCOT CAMPUS.

By empowering teachers with the knowledge and tools to teach robotics and AI, the government aims to foster a new generation of innovators who can contribute to the nation’s technological and economic growth.

September 03, Colombo (LNW): In a significant move aimed at supporting the agricultural sector, the government has announced the immediate cancellation of all crop loans taken by farmers.

This decision comes in response to persistent requests from various farmer associations, reflecting the administration’s commitment to alleviating the financial burdens faced by those in the farming community.

According to a statement from the President’s Media Division (PMD), the government has recognised the critical importance of providing economic relief to farmers, particularly in light of the ongoing challenges that have impacted agricultural productivity and livelihoods.

The cancellation of these loans is expected to offer substantial financial respite, enabling farmers to focus on enhancing their crop yields without the looming pressure of debt.

By easing the debt load, the government aims to encourage sustainable farming practices and increase agricultural output, ultimately contributing to food security and rural development.

September 03, Colombo (LNW): The National Election Commission has issued a stern warning to media outlets, stating that punitive actions will be taken against those who fail to comply with election laws.

During a recent press briefing, Election Commission Chairman R. M. A. L. Rathnayake highlighted concerns over certain media institutions disproportionately promoting specific Presidential candidates, based on multiple complaints received by the Commission.

Chairman Rathnayake revealed that the Government Information Department has been closely monitoring candidate promotion across both mainstream and electronic media platforms.

Their analysis has indicated a significant imbalance in the airtime and coverage allocated to various Presidential candidates, with some receiving notably more exposure than others.

In response, the Election Commission has already advised these media organisations to correct this disparity.

However, Rathnayake warned that if these entities continue to disregard the Commission’s guidance and persist in favouring particular candidates, the Commission is prepared to take decisive action.

The potential measures outlined by Rathnayake include suspending the association between the Election Commission and the non-compliant media institutions, withholding media statements, excluding them from press conference invitations, and even suspending the release of election results through these channels.

The Chairman urged all media outlets to strictly adhere to the guidelines set forth by the Election Commission for the upcoming 2024 Presidential Election, emphasising the importance of fair and balanced coverage to ensure a transparent and democratic electoral process.

September 03, Colombo (LNW): Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe today (03) will provide a comprehensive briefing to all Members of Parliament on the nation’s current financial status.

This special session was announced by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, highlighting its importance in keeping lawmakers informed of the country’s economic trajectory.

This briefing is set to take place as part of the provisions outlined in the Central Bank Amendment Bill, which was passed by Parliament in 2023. The amendment mandates regular updates from the Central Bank to ensure transparency and enhance parliamentary oversight of financial matters.

The initiative is seen as a crucial step in fostering informed decision-making and promoting accountability within the legislative process.

Governor Weerasinghe’s address is expected to cover a range of topics, including recent economic developments, fiscal policies, and the overall financial performance of the country.

With Sri Lanka navigating a challenging economic landscape, the briefing aims to equip MPs with the necessary insights to address ongoing economic issues effectively.

The session will also provide a platform for MPs to engage directly with the Central Bank Chief, allowing for a constructive exchange of ideas and concerns regarding the country’s financial direction.

August 03, Colombo (LNW): In response to a significant rise in online financial fraud involving foreign nationals, particularly Chinese citizens, the Sri Lankan Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has enlisted the support of the Chinese Special Criminal Investigation Unit to bolster their investigative efforts.

The collaboration comes amidst increasing arrests of Chinese nationals linked to online financial scams across various parts of the island.

The CID’s investigations faced substantial challenges due to the suspects’ laptops and mobile phones containing data primarily in Chinese, impeding local authorities’ ability to proceed effectively.

To overcome this language barrier, the Sri Lankan Police, with the intervention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, requested assistance from the Chinese Special Criminal Investigation Unit.

This request has resulted in the arrival of ten Chinese officers, who are now working closely with the CID to advance the investigations.

The formal agreement for this collaborative effort was finalised earlier this week, with key figures including Deputy Inspector General of the CID, Rohan Premaratne, and CID Director, SSP Mangala Dehideniya, attending the event.

This initiative follows a major crackdown in June 2024, during which the CID apprehended a large group of Chinese and Indian nationals involved in financial fraud through online platforms while operating from within Sri Lanka. A total of 137 individuals, including 31 Chinese nationals, were detained during these operations.

The police also confiscated a significant amount of equipment, including 158 mobile phones, 16 laptops, and 60 desktop computers, further underscoring the scale of the fraudulent activities.

September 03, Colombo (LNW): Independent presidential candidate and current President, Ranil Wickremesinghe, has vowed to resolve the persistent delays in passport issuance by enhancing the country’s digital infrastructure.

Speaking at a special “Ask Me Anything” programme organised for professionals, Wickremesinghe reaffirmed his commitment to the ongoing digitalisation of the passport system, emphasising that the initiative will not be abandoned under his leadership.

Wickremesinghe also addressed concerns regarding Sri Lankans seeking employment abroad, underscoring the necessity of modernising the labour sector through digitalisation.

“The digitisation process should extend across all sectors, including labour,” he stated, highlighting his vision for a more efficient and connected workforce.

In a bid to increase opportunities for young Sri Lankans aspiring to work overseas, the President revealed ongoing discussions with East Asian nations to expand employment opportunities abroad.

He expressed his belief that more young people should be encouraged to explore international employment, with the government facilitating this endeavour.

Moreover, Wickremesinghe outlined a comprehensive training initiative aimed at preparing Sri Lankan youth for the global job market.

“We plan to offer financial assistance to 50,000 young people, enabling them to undertake vocational training at either government or private institutions, with a focus on securing foreign employment. This programme is designed to equip our youth with the necessary skills and opportunities to succeed internationally,” the President explained.

September 03, Colombo (LNW): Chief Incumbent of Sanchi Chetiyagiri Viharaya in India, Sri Lanka Mahabodhi Association President and Japan’s Chief Sanghanayaka Ven. Banagala Upatissa Thero recently (30) met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Lok Kalyan Marg, the Prime Minister’s official residence in New Delhi.

Ven. Banagala Thero, a longtime close associate of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recently visited New Delhi after attending the Eighth International Conference of “Dhamma Dharma” held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat and visited the Lumbini University in New Delhi, Sanchi Chethiyagiri Vihara Director Ven. Banagala Wimalatissa Thero said.

Ven. Wimalatissa Thero says that Ven. Banagala Upatissa Thero invited the Prime Minister to participate in the 72nd Sanchi Mahabodhi Festival, which was started at the request of then Prime Minister, Sir Javahalal Nehru, to be held next November.

A copy of the book titled Anjalikaraneyo written by the senior journalist of Mumbai Shakil Ahamed Siddiqui on Ven. Banagala Upatissa Thero was also presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by the author.

Ven. Banagala Vimalatissa Thero, along with Ven. Banagala Upatissa Thero attended the event.

Besides, writer Siddiqui, Ven. Banagala Thero’s sister Hema Wickramaratne also joined the occasion.

September 03, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Cabinet has greenlit the implementation of extensive salary revisions across the public sector, following recommendations from a Presidential Expert Committee led by Udaya R. Seneviratne.

This decision, aimed at rectifying long-standing pay discrepancies, will see substantial salary increases for government employees, effective from January 1, 2025.

The new pay structure introduces a minimum salary increase of 24 per cent for the lowest ranks in public service, with increments ranging up to over 50 per cent for higher-ranking professionals.

These revisions, as outlined by the President’s Media Division (PMD), are designed to bring more equitable compensation across various government roles.

For specific service categories, the following increments have been approved:

• Office Employees’ Service: Increases range from Rs.5,450 for Grade III to Rs.13,980 for Special Grade.
• Drivers’ Service: Salary boosts from Rs.6,960 in Grade III to Rs.16,340 in Special Grade.
• Samurdhi Development Officers: Enhancements of Rs.8,340 to Rs.15,685 across grades.
• Management Service Officers/Management Assistants: Increments between Rs.10,140 and Rs.17,550.
• Development Officers: Raises from Rs.12,710 in Grade III to Rs.25,150 in Grade I.
• Public Health Inspectors and Midwives: Increases between Rs.12,885 and Rs.25,275.
• Pharmacists and Radiographers: Boosts from Rs.13,280 to Rs.25,720.
• Nursing Officers: Salary hikes ranging from Rs.13,725 to Rs.26,165.
• Principal’s Service: Substantial increments from Rs.23,425 to Rs.39,595 across grades.
• Teaching Service: Raises for educators from Rs.17,480 to Rs.38,020.
• Sri Lanka Police: Significant salary boosts across ranks, from Rs.10,704 for Police Constables to Rs.23,685 for Chief Inspectors.
• Grama Niladhari: Increases from Rs.11,340 in Grade III to Rs.23,575 for Administrative GN Officers.
• Higher Administrative Roles: For roles such as Assistant Secretary, Assistant Director, and others, increments range from Rs.28,885 to Rs.57,545, depending on rank.
• Doctors: Major salary hikes with Grade III doctors receiving Rs.35,560, and Specialist Doctors up to Rs.70,200.

In addition to these adjustments, it has been recommended to double the value of salary increments annually for all government employees.

This pay rise will extend beyond the central government, applying to public corporations, boards, statutory bodies, universities, and the armed forces from January 1, 2025.