December 04, Colombo (LNW): TThe Cabinet of Ministers has approved the establishment of the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ Fund and a Presidential Task Forceto oversee its implementation, according to Cabinet Spokesman and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.

Speaking at this week’s Cabinet briefing, Dr. Jayatissa outlined that Sri Lanka is currently grappling with challenges across economic, political, social, spiritual, and environmental sectors. The ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative, conceived as a national mission, aims to address these issues while promoting reconciliation, progress, and the overall well-being of the nation.

Aligned with the new government’s vision of “A Prosperous Country, a Beautiful Life,” the programme focuses on fostering social, environmental, and ethical rejuvenation.

The proposal, presented by the President, includes:

• Implementing the initiative through the Presidential Secretariat.
• Establishing a Presidential Task Force to lead the programme.
• Creating the ‘Clean Sri Lanka Fund’ under the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development.

The fund will be managed by a Board of Governors to ensure the financial resources are effectively utilized to achieve the programme’s objectives.

December 04, Colombo (LNW):The Bharat Subcontinental Agri Foundation (BSAF) is set to host the South Asia Agri Forum 2025 from January 15-16 at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This significant event will focus on the evolving dynamics of pulses, grains, dry fruits, and spices in South Asia.

The forum will bring together key stakeholders, industry experts, and representatives from prominent organizations, including the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED), Wheat Products Promotion Society (WPPS), All India Roller Floor Millers Association, and Uttar Pradesh Floor Millers Association.

As South Asia’s agricultural sector experiences rapid growth driven by rising domestic demand and increasing export potential, the forum offers exporters an opportunity to explore market trends, regulatory updates, and advancements in technology. With a comprehensive agenda featuring expert panels, trade exhibitions, and B2B meetings, the event aims to address challenges and opportunities in the agri-commodity trade.

“Participating in the South Asia Agri Forum not only broadens your market reach but also positions your business at the forefront of the region’s agri-commodity trade. The industry participants can connect with key stakeholders and drive their export growth in one of the most promising markets globally,” said Vivek Agarwal, Managing Director of BSAF.

The 2024 edition of the forum was held in Bangkok, Thailand, and the 2023 edition took place in Kathmandu, Nepal. The Bangkok summit attracted over 1,000 delegates from nearly 50 nations, underscoring the forum’s international significance.

December 04, Colombo (LNW): A detailed report on renewable energy projects proposed for implementation has been submitted to the Ministry of Power and Energy by a government-appointed committee.

According to Professor Udayanga Hemapala, Secretary to the Ministry, the report was compiled after an in-depth study of approximately 40 projects. It includes several recommendations for their implementation, which will now be presented to the Cabinet for review.

Further steps toward implementing these projects will depend on the Cabinet’s decision. The Ministry highlighted that under the provisions of the new Electricity Act, renewable energy projects must begin by June next year, or they will be rendered invalid.

The projects outlined in the report are anticipated to collectively contribute over 250 megawatts of electricity to the national grid.

December 04, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Defence has announced a decision to limit the issuance of firearms to civilians, restricting ownership to a maximum of one firearm per individual. The policy follows ongoing investigations into the use of firearms provided to civilians.

Requests for additional firearms will be subjected to thorough security assessments conducted by intelligence units and agencies. Decisions on issuing more than one firearm will be based on these evaluations.

The Ministry emphasized that if a security assessment determines no significant threat to an individual’s life, previously issued firearms will be confiscated.

Currently, the Ministry is investigating firearms issued to civilians through its premises. Official records indicate that a total of 1,550 firearms have been distributed to civilians to date.

December 04, Colombo (LNW): Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara announced today (04) during the Parliamentary session that three key legislative proposals will be presented at the start of the next quarter. These include the Proceeds of Crime Bill, the Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Insolvency Bill, and amendments to the Audit Bill.

The Justice Minister emphasized that these measures aim to strengthen legal frameworks for asset recovery, combat money laundering, and curb drug trafficking. Additionally, the proposed amendments to the Audit Act are expected to enhance creditor confidence while safeguarding the rights of debtors.

These reforms mark a significant step toward modernizing Sri Lanka’s legal system to address contemporary challenges effectively.

December 04, Colombo (LNW): The Cabinet of Sri Lanka has approved the procurement of over 300 locally manufactured medicines and medical supplies for a one-year period. The decision, first approved on 14 October 2024, aims to support local manufacturers and enhance the availability of essential medical supplies.

Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa confirmed that the Ministry of Health and Mass Media has identified four categories of suppliers: the State Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Corporation (SPMC), joint venture partners with SPMC, buy-back agreement holders with the Ministry, and other non-contracted local manufacturers.

The procurement process, guided by the recommendations of the Cabinet-appointed Standing Procurement Committee, includes the following:

• Awarding the procurement of 42 types of medicines to SPMC for Rs. 5,398.83 million.
• Awarding the procurement of 131 types of medicines to local manufacturers with joint venture agreements with SPMC for Rs. 16,611.42 million.
• Awarding the procurement of 36 types of medicines to manufacturers with buy-back agreements for Rs. 9,022.10 million.
• Awarding the procurement of 130 types of medicines to 24 newly selected local manufacturers for Rs. 13,374.65 million.

This initiative is expected to strengthen the local pharmaceutical industry and improve the supply of medical products across the country.

December 04, Colombo (LNW): TThe Sri Lanka Navy has apprehended 18 Indian fishermen for illegally entering Sri Lankan waters in the Chundikulam Sea, located off the coast of Jaffna. The fishermen were found to have trespassed in the Sea of Sri Lanka. Along with the arrest, the Navy seized the vessel used by the fishermen.

This marks the latest in a series of incidents, with a total of 515 Indian fishermen apprehended and 67 vessels seized so far this year. The Sri Lanka Navy continues to monitor and enforce maritime boundaries to prevent illegal fishing activities in Sri Lankan waters.