December 01, Colombo (LNW): In response to the widespread flooding caused by recent heavy rains, the Agricultural & Agrarian Insurance Board (AAIB) has formed a dedicated team to evaluate the extent of damage to crops.
Initial reports indicate that approximately 390,000 acres of farmland have been severely impacted by the floods, threatening the livelihoods of many farmers across the affected regions.
Pemasiri Jasingarachchi, the Chairman of the Agricultural & Agrarian Insurance Board, announced that a specialised team will be deployed to the flood-stricken areas starting tomorrow.
The team’s primary task will be to conduct a thorough assessment of the damage to crops, which will be crucial in determining the scope of the losses and identifying the most effective forms of support for the affected farmers.
The heavy rains, which have plagued the country in recent weeks, have caused extensive flooding in key agricultural zones, particularly in low-lying areas.
This has not only resulted in the destruction of crops but also poses a long-term threat to soil health and irrigation systems, potentially disrupting the agricultural cycle for months to come.
Jasingarachchi highlighted the importance of the team’s rapid deployment to ensure a comprehensive evaluation, which will help inform decisions regarding compensation and recovery efforts for farmers who have suffered significant losses.
The board has assured farmers that every effort will be made to provide timely assistance and mitigate the effects of the flooding on their crops and income.
December 01, Colombo (LNW): The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO) unveiled new fuel prices, which came into effect from midnight yesterday (30).
As part of the changes, the price of 92 Octane petrol will decrease by Rs. 2, now priced at Rs. 309 per litre, while kerosene will see an increase of Rs. 5, bringing it to Rs. 188 per litre.
In contrast, the prices for 95 Octane petrol and Super Diesel will remain unaffected by this adjustment, according to a statement released by the CPC.
The full breakdown of the revised fuel prices is as follows:
92 Octane Petrol: Rs. 309 (reduced by Rs. 2)
Auto Diesel: Rs. 286 (increased by Rs. 3)
Kerosene: Rs. 188 (increased by Rs. 5)
95 Octane Petrol: Rs. 371 (no change)
Super Diesel: Rs. 313 (no change)
Additionally, the Lanka Indian Oil Corporation (LIOC) has also announced that it will align its fuel prices with the adjustments made by the CPC.
December 01, Colombo (LNW): Experts in marine pollution response assert that Sri Lanka has made considerable strides in strengthening its capacity to handle future maritime disasters, thanks to the lessons learned from past incidents such as the ‘X-Press Pearl’ and ‘New Diamond’ shipwrecks.
These catastrophic events, which involved the release of hazardous materials into the ocean, have highlighted the pressing need for improved preparedness and response strategies in the region.
Bethany Graves, a representative from the Ocean Country Partnership Programme, shared her insights at the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP) Symposium in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in late November 2024.
During her address, Graves stressed that the environmental damage caused by these two maritime disasters underscored the urgency for countries in the region to develop effective response frameworks for managing marine pollution.
Sri Lanka’s proactive approach, bolstered by international cooperation, is now seen as a key example of how regional nations can enhance their capabilities to mitigate the environmental impact of such disasters.
The ‘X-Press Pearl’ incident in 2021, which saw the vessel catch fire and spill hazardous materials into the sea, remains a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities posed by international shipping.
Similarly, the ‘New Diamond’ oil tanker fire, which occurred in 2020, further emphasised the need for quick and efficient action to minimise environmental harm.
W.K. Rathnadeera, Senior Programme Officer at SACEP, echoed Graves’ sentiments, acknowledging that while Sri Lanka has made notable progress, securing sufficient funding for marine pollution response programmes remains a critical challenge.
Rathnadeera pointed out that while local efforts are crucial, such disasters rarely remain confined within national borders, thereby highlighting the necessity for a collective regional approach to addressing these environmental crises.
The 2024 SACEP Symposium, which took place from November 18 to 22 in Colombo, brought together marine pollution experts, environmentalists, and government officials from across South Asia.
The event focused on enhancing regional collaboration and refining the region’s response capabilities to marine pollution incidents.
This year’s symposium marked a revisiting of the marine pollution response framework first established in 2015, with an emphasis on reviewing national preparedness levels and addressing operational gaps.
One of the main objectives of the symposium was to explore the challenges faced by individual nations in managing marine pollution and to identify areas where regional cooperation could be strengthened.
Experts underscored the importance of clarifying roles in emergency response, as well as finding ways to support mutual aid agreements among South Asian countries.
The collaborative nature of the event highlighted that maritime disasters, particularly those involving toxic spills or large-scale pollution, demand a swift and coordinated response from all parties involved.
The outcomes of the symposium will guide future strategies and partnerships aimed at enhancing the region’s overall ability to address marine pollution.
December 01, Colombo (LNW): The Cyclonic Storm “FENGAL” over the Southwest Bay of Bengal has entered India by crossed north Tamil Nadu -Puducherry coasts at 11.30 p.m. yesterday (30) as a cyclonic storm, and it is likely to move west-southwestwards slowly and weaken gradually into a deep depression during next 3 hours, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (01).
Influence of this system on the island’s weather is further gradually reducing.
Skies will be cloudy and showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Northern.
Several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa, North-western and North-central provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places elsewhere of the island in the evening or night.
Strong winds of (50-55) kmph can be expected at times over Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Central and Southern provinces.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
Naval and fishing communities are warned not to venture to the deep and shallow sea areas extending from Puttalam to Trincomalee via Kankasanthurai until further notice and be vigilant on this regard in the other sea areas around the island.
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the sea areas extending from Puttalam to Trincomalee via Kankasanthurai.
Winds:
Winds will be North-westerly to South-westerly in to the sea areas around the island. Wind speed will be (40-50) kmphin the sea areas around the island. Wind speed can increase up to (60-70) kmph at times in the sea areas extending from Puttalam to Trincomalee via Kankasanthurai.
State of Sea:
The sea areasextending from Puttalam to Trincomalee via Kankasanthurai will be rough to very rough at times. The other sea areas around the island will be fairly rough at times. The swell waves (about 2.5–3.0 m) height may increase in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Galle. (this is not for land area) Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
Naval and fishing communities have been advised not to venture into deep and shallow sea areas from Trincomalee to Puttalam via Kankesanthurai due to rough conditions caused by cyclonic storm ‘Fengal’: Wind speeds may reach 60-70 km/h, with heavy showers and swell waves up to 3 metres: The storm is expected to move westward, and its impact on Sri Lanka’s weather is diminishing.
UNP Leader and former President Ranil Wickremesinghe is set to decide on the National List parliamentary seat allocated to the New Democratic Front (NDF) upon his return from India: The NDF will finalise this decision after discussions with coalition leaders: Additionally, the appointment of Ravi Karunanayake to the seat will depend on a report from a four-member evaluation committee.
The government plans to develop Dr. Neville Fernando Teaching Hospital (NFTH) into a health tourism hub: During a recent meeting, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa decided to place the hospital under the Health Ministry’s oversight, with all staff, including specialists, reassigned: A committee, led by the Director General of Health Services, will submit proposals for the hospital’s future development by December 2024.
Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that if Laugfs Gas fails to import and supply LP gas, the government will intervene: He emphasised there is no shortage of gas from Litro Gas, but Laugfs Gas must address the shortage in the market: The government may consider changing gas cylinders or other measures to resolve issues faced by consumers if Laugfs Gas does not act.
As a cyclonic storm affects Sri Lanka, health experts warn of a rise in waterborne and communicable diseases due to heavy rains and flooding: Diseases like diarrhoea, leptospirosis, dengue, and typhoid are expected to increase: Dengue cases have already surged, with over 45,000 cases reported in 2024: Experts advise preventive measures, including drinking boiled water and improving sanitation, to reduce the spread of infections.
The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has revised fuel prices, effective from November 30: Petrol 92 Octane price has decreased by Rs. 2 to Rs. 309 per litre, while Kerosene has increased by Rs. 5 to Rs. 188 per litre: Prices for Petrol 95 Octane and Super Diesel remain unchanged: The Lanka Indian Oil Corporation (LIOC) will match these price changes.
Marine pollution experts at the 2024 South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP) Symposium in Sri Lanka highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and preparedness in addressing marine disasters, following the X-Press Pearl and New Diamond shipwrecks: They emphasised the need for effective response programmes, despite funding challenges, and revisited the 2015 marine pollution-response framework to improve regional collaboration and readiness for future incidents.
The Sri Lanka Navy has deployed 10 relief teams to Ampara, Trincomalee, and Anuradhapura districts to assist communities affected by severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall: The teams are providing transportation, distributing meals, and conducting rescues in inundated areas: Additionally, 125 relief teams remain on standby to respond to emergencies in other flood-affected regions across the country.
A 41-year-old Sri Lanka Navy Lieutenant Commander was killed in a wild elephant attack near the Punewa Navy camp: The officer, from Nittambuwa, was returning to the camp after buying a meal when the attack occurred: He was rushed to Vavuniya Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival: Police are investigating the incident.
Tharushika Senaratne and Manuthi Irugalbandara, two young competitors from Anuradhapura Central College, won medals at the 11th Commonwealth Karate Championship in Durban, South Africa: Tharushika secured a silver medal in the under-21 50kg weight class, while Manuthi earned a bronze in the under-18 59kg weight class: Their achievements highlight Sri Lanka’s success in the competition.
November 30, Colombo (LNW): In response to the severe weather conditions that have devastated communities in Sri Lanka’s North and East, government ministers, officials, and Security Forces are taking urgent and coordinated action to provide relief to the thousands affected by the floods.
A team of Deputy Ministers and senior government representatives travelled to the Northern Province on Thursday to assess the situation firsthand.
Their visit aimed to monitor the implementation of relief efforts, ensuring effective coordination between government staff and service personnel working at the local level to assist those in need.
Following direct orders from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, all government officials, including those in the Disaster Management sector, have activated an extensive relief operation across the most affected districts.
The President had given clear instructions during a meeting with senior officials on Wednesday to prioritise immediate relief efforts for those affected by the recent floods.
On Thursday, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar, alongside Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), travelled to Jaffna to oversee disaster relief operations.
The duo, accompanied by Director General of the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) Major General Udaya Herath (Retd) and senior officers from the tri-forces, visited several temporary shelters, including Katkulam Vidyalaya and Point Pedro Central School, where flood victims have been housed.
During their visit, the Defence Secretary spoke directly with displaced individuals to better understand their needs, distributing dry ration packs to those affected by the flooding.
A strategic meeting was held in Jaffna with key officials, including Northern Province Governor R.N. Vethanayagam, local MPs, and senior military personnel, to discuss the ongoing relief efforts and challenges caused by the weather.
Simultaneously, Deputy Defence Minister Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) visited the Ampara district on Thursday to assess the extent of the flood damage.
A special session was convened at the Ampara District Secretariat, with senior officials from the DMC and tri-forces in attendance, to review the relief measures currently in place and to discuss strategies for mitigating the immediate risks posed by the flooding.
At the meeting, the Deputy Minister was briefed on the widespread damage, including loss of life and destruction to property, and the continuing difficulties faced by the district.
He emphasised the need for swift action to ensure essential services remain uninterrupted and urged officials to focus on restoring normalcy to affected communities as quickly as possible.
Additionally, disaster prevention strategies were a key topic of discussion, with plans being developed to reduce the risk of further damage should adverse weather conditions continue.
November 29, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s athletes have faced repeated setbacks in international competitions due to visa-related issues, often impacting their participation in events.
The most recent incident involved Sri Lankan runners being sent back from the Galaxy Entertainment Macau International Marathon after they were denied entry due to an oversight in visa arrangements.
The athletes, including marathon winners T. Ratnapala and Vatsala Herath, were informed that Sri Lanka was not on the list of countries eligible for on-arrival visas, despite previous assurances from event organisers.
This failure reflects a broader issue of mismanagement and delayed responses from both the Sri Lankan government and sports bodies. The country’s diplomatic channels, specifically in regard to Macau, which falls under China’s jurisdiction, were not sufficiently engaged.
Although Sri Lanka does not have direct diplomatic ties with Macau, its relationship is managed through China, and any visa-related matters should have been handled through this route.
The lack of early diplomatic intervention and reliance on an on-arrival visa system led to this avoidable situation.
The problem was compounded by the failure of both the Sri Lanka National Olympic Committee (NOC) and the Athletics Federation to ensure the necessary steps were taken in a timely manner.
Despite the organisers’ offer to cover travel expenses, the issue of the visa was only discovered at the airport, leaving the athletes stranded and unable to participate.
Further criticism is directed at the NOC for not proactively addressing the complexities of Macau’s visa policies. Whilst it is crucial that sports bodies remain independent of government interference, this incident highlights the negative impact of mismanagement and negligence on athletes.
If proper diplomatic engagement had occurred earlier, these issues could have been resolved before the event, sparing the athletes from unnecessary hardship.
The organisers of the marathon are also at fault for sending a generic invitation letter, which did not account for the differences in visa policies between countries. They failed to distinguish between nations eligible for on-arrival visas and those that are not, which contributed to the confusion.
However, Sri Lankan officials should have investigated Macau’s visa regulations beforehand, particularly since it is well-known that Sri Lanka does not fall under the on-arrival visa category for this region.
In response to this, the Athletics Association Secretary, Saman Kumara Gunawardena, expressed disappointment, stating that had the issue been identified earlier, the necessary diplomatic efforts could have been made to resolve it.
Despite this oversight, the National Olympic Committee appears to have dismissed the matter, potentially disregarding the damage done to the athletes’ careers.
The consequences of such administrative errors go beyond logistical issues; they affect the athletes’ careers and their opportunities to compete internationally.
Marathon runners, for instance, have limited chances to participate in top-level events, meaning that missing out on one race can significantly impact their long-term prospects.
The call for greater accountability from sports administrators is growing. Whilst it is important to maintain independence from political interference, these organisations must be held responsible for their actions, especially when their negligence directly harms the athletes they are supposed to support.
The NOC should take responsibility for this failure, ensuring such oversights are not repeated, and that future athletes are not subjected to similar setbacks.
November 29, World (LNW): The Olympic Games have evolved beyond their traditional role as a sporting spectacle, transforming into a powerful platform for social change and development.
The focus has shifted from merely showcasing athletic prowess to actively engaging in social interventions aimed at addressing global issues such as inequality, injustice, and ignorance.
In this new era, the Olympics is playing an integral role in advancing human and social development, using sport as a tool to unite communities and address pressing social challenges.
Under the initiative Olympism365, launched by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), a new approach to sports-based social development is being pursued. As part of this initiative, the IOC has recognised 12 innovative projects from around the world that are using sport to foster positive change.
These projects, which focus on critical areas such as health, education, and gender equality, have received a total of US $170,000 in funding to further their missions.
The selected projects span a diverse range of countries, including Somalia, Egypt, Palestine, South Sudan, Bolivia, Brazil, and Uganda. Each project is unique in its approach, addressing local issues whilst leveraging the universal language of sport to create solutions that resonate within their specific contexts.
The common goal is to empower communities by promoting positive social change through sporting activities, fostering values such as teamwork, resilience, and equality.
One standout example is Watoto Wasoka, a Ugandan organisation dedicated to mobilising, educating, and empowering children living in temporary shelters.
Through football, Watoto Wasoka aims to promote gender equality and teach good health practices, such as proper hand hygiene, in underserved communities.
By combining sports with education on hygiene, the organisation is not only improving the physical well-being of the children but also empowering them with the knowledge to make positive changes in their lives.
Francis Mugoya, the executive director of Watoto Wasoka, explained, “Our goal is to continue using football as a conduit for social transformation through education, whilst also bringing life-changing practices for proper hand hygiene to a wider community.”
The programme uses structured football sessions to engage children in meaningful activities, creating opportunities for them to learn, grow, and develop in a safe and supportive environment.
Watoto Wasoka, along with other organisations supported by Olympism365, exemplifies the growing trend of using sport to bring about transformative social change. From cycling to skateboarding, these organisations are creating safe spaces for children in some of the world’s most disadvantaged communities to not only play but also learn important life skills.
Through these initiatives, the Olympic movement is demonstrating its commitment to social responsibility and harnessing the power of sport to create a better future for the next generation. By empowering local leaders and activists who deeply understand the needs of their communities, Olympism365 is helping to create lasting social change.
November 30, Colombo (LNW): The deficit in the merchandise trade account narrowed to US dollars 544 million in October 2024 from US dollars 683 million recorded in October 2023, reflecting the positive impact of higher export earnings, Central Bank announced
However, the cumulative deficit in the trade account during January to October 2024widened to US dollars 4,745 million from US dollars 4,024 million recorded over the same period in 2023.
Earnings from merchandise exports increased by 24.8 per cent (y-o-y) to US dollars 1,158 million in October 2024.
This growth was primarily driven by industrial and agricultural exports.The increase in industrial goods exports in October 2024 (y-o-y) was broad-based, with notable contributions from garments and petroleum products.
However, declines were recorded in the categories of gems, diamonds and jewellery, as well as machinery and mechanical appliances.
Earnings from exports of agricultural goods increased primarily due to higher volumes and prices of tea, along with increased exports of spices and coconut-based products. Meanwhile, earnings from mineral exports declined in the same period.
Expenditure on merchandise imports recorded an increase of 5.7 per cent (y-o-y) to US dollars 1,702 million in October 2024. This increase was driven by higher spending on investment and consumer goods, while imports of intermediate goods declined.
Consumer goods imports increased in October 2024 compared to a year earlier, resulted by higher spending on both food (primarily edible oils) and non-food (primarily home appliances) consumer goods.
However, expenditure on intermediate goods imports declined primarily due to reduced fuel imports, as both the prices and volumes of refined petroleum and crude oil were lower compared to October 2023.
Expenditure on investment goods recorded an increase, driven by higher imports of machinery and equipment (mainly cranes and electric motors and generating sets).
Terms of trade, i.e., the ratio of the price of exports to the price of imports, improved by 1.8 per cent in October 2024 compared to October 2023, as the decline in the prices of imports surpassed thedecline in the prices of exports.
The export volume index improved by 31.7 per cent, while the unit value index declined by 5.3 percent, implying that the increase in export earnings in October 2024 compared to October 2023 can beattributed to higher export volumes.
Similarly, the import volume index increased by 13.6 per cent, while the unit value index declined by6.9 per cent, implying that the increase in import expenditure in October 2024 compared to October2023 was driven by the volume effect.
November 30, Colombo (LNW): China and Sri Lanka maintain a robust partnership underpinned by historical ties, economic cooperation, and forward-looking trade and investment initiatives. This relationship has evolved with mutual benefits, despite global challenges and critical scrutiny.
Economic Cooperation and Investments
After a dip in 2022, Chinese imports to Sri Lanka surged in 2024, with key imports including yarn, fabric, electrical items, household goods, and coal. Although China has refrained from offering new loans since 2021, Chinese State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) have been active in Sri Lanka. Notable examples include Sinopec’s distribution of fuel and its $4.5 billion oil refinery project in Hambantota, awarded by the Sri Lankan government.
China remains one of Sri Lanka’s largest creditors, with $4.7 billion in loans, $4 billion of which is managed by the Export-Import Bank of China (EXIM).
Landmark Projects and Their Impact
Chinese investments have driven several large-scale infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka, such as the Colombo Port City, Hambantota Port Development, and the Colombo Lotus Tower. Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong highlighted that these initiatives, often criticized as “white elephants,” were executed at the request of Sri Lankan governments. While some projects faced inefficiencies in operation, others, like the Lotus Tower, have turned profitable and become iconic landmarks.
The Ambassador also noted that ports like Hambantota and Colombo are poised to contribute significantly to government revenue. The Colombo Port City project, entirely funded by China, incurred no cost to Sri Lanka, exemplifying mutual trust and collaboration.
Addressing Concerns and Future Prospects
Ambassador Qi dismissed allegations of a Chinese “debt trap,” stating that investments were driven by longstanding friendship, not ulterior motives. He emphasized China’s role in aiding Sri Lanka during the United Nations Human Rights Council sessions, the COVID-19 pandemic, and economic crises.
Delays in signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two nations were attributed to concerns about market dominance. The Ambassador reassured that Sri Lanka could revise the FTA if unfavorable conditions arose, underscoring China’s flexibility and commitment to equitable partnership.
A Strengthened Relationship Ahead
In a joint statement in March 2024, both nations reaffirmed their dedication to sovereignty and nonaligned foreign policies. Ambassador Qi expressed optimism about future collaborations under the current Sri Lankan administration, envisioning a new phase of strengthened ties, mutual prosperity, and respect.
China’s enduring support, exemplified through infrastructure development and financial aid, cements its position as a reliable ally of Sri Lanka, fostering long-term economic and strategic growth.
