June 11, Colombo (LNW): The upcoming IMF Board meeting scheduled for June 12 will feature discussions on the Article IV consultation and second review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Sri Lanka.
The session aims to assess Sri Lanka’s economic policies and the progress of reforms.
Notably, a team from the IMF recently concluded the second review of the programme for Sri Lanka.
During the meeting, the IMF Executive Board will deliberate on the staff review to facilitate the disbursement of the third tranche of the approximately US$ 3 billion facility allocated to the island nation.
State Minister Shehan Semasinghe highlighted Sri Lanka’s anticipation for continued support from all countries to ensure a successful review and unlock the third tranche.
This disbursement is expected to further bolster economic stability, growth, and reform efforts in the country.
June 11, Colombo (LNW): The General Workers’ Association of the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has cautioned the public regarding the purchase of chicken amidst recent floods, citing an increased risk of contamination, a report by Daily Mirror reveals.
Ajith Jayasundara, General Secretary of the Association, denoted the submergence of numerous poultry farms, leading to the deaths of many birds, according to report.
Floodwater may carry various viruses, such as rat fever, posing a threat to these birds. Moreover, the spread of bacteria in floodwaters could further compromise their health, he explained.
Jayasundara further told Daily Mirror that the CAA had conducted inspections on chicken-selling stalls post-floods, uncovering deceased birds.
“Typically, prepared chicken exhibits a white skin tone with removed heads and drained blood. However, a reddish hue in the skin may indicate exposure to floodwaters,” he emphasised.
The Association has observed such discoloured chicken in select supermarkets and retail outlets situated in flood-affected regions.
Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the processing of various animals into meat products like meatballs and sausages.
The Association urged the CAA to swiftly investigate meat stalls.
June 11, Colombo (LNW): As floodwaters retreat, health authorities express concern over the surge in fly numbers, heightening the risk of diarrhoea outbreaks and the spread of contagious viral fevers.
Flooded areas, rich in organic matter, accelerate the hatching of fly eggs, leading to a swift rise in fly populations as waters recede, Consultant Dr. Deepal Perera explained.
These newly emerged flies, in search of sustenance, are drawn to faeces, rubbish, and contaminated surfaces, worsening the health crisis, he pointed out, warning that the consequences of this increase in fly populations are severe.
Flies are notorious carriers of pathogens, including bacteria and viruses responsible for diarrheal diseases and viral fevers,” the specialist emphasised.
Consumption of contaminated food and water sources can result in symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramps, nausea, and diarrhoea, he added.
Moreover, he highlights a heightened risk of contracting contagious viral fevers, characterised by symptoms like fever, headache, and nausea, particularly in areas with a high fly density.
To address the escalating fly numbers and curb associated health hazards, the public is urged to dispose of garbage in sealed containers and uphold clean water sources.
June 11, Colombo (LNW): The Constitutional Council has delayed granting approval for the President’s recommendation to extend Attorney General Sanjay Rajaratnam’s tenure by six months.
This decision was made after a council meeting held yesterday (10), where it was decided to postpone the discussion for further consideration.
Rajaratnam’s current term is due to end at the close of this month, and the President had suggested prolonging it for an additional six months.
However, the proposal necessitates approval from the Constitutional Council, which has been postponed.
Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana has confirmed that the Constitutional Council is slated to reconvene on the 18th of this month.
It is anticipated that a final decision regarding the extension of Attorney General Rajaratnam’s service will be made during this session.
June 11, Colombo (LNW): During his visit to New Delhi, President Ranil Wickremesinghe engaged in discussions yesterday (10) with India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar.
Jaishankar addressed the swift resumption of development projects in Sri Lanka, which had been paused midway due to Indian investments.
He expressed his intention to visit Sri Lanka soon to oversee the progress of these activities.
Moreover, Minister Jaishankar assured that he would visit Sri Lanka imminently to coordinate the Prime Minister’s visit and expedite the commencement of development projects funded by Indian investments.
Discussions also encompassed India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, with Jaishankar promising plans for an industrial zone in Trincomalee, facilitated by the Indian government, to attract Indian and potentially other foreign investors.
President Wickremesinghe disclosed that the new Economic Transformation Act would decentralise powers in agriculture, health, education, and economic management to the Provincial Councils.
Additionally, Wickremesinghe announced the forthcoming submission of the Truth and Reconciliation Bill to Parliament by next July.
The meeting also addressed the agricultural modernisation programme in Sri Lanka and ongoing issues among fishermen from both nations, aiming for a swift resolution.
Furthermore, President Wickremesinghe revealed plans to designate estate line rooms as estate villages through a gazette notification, facilitating their development under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Warm congratulations were extended to Minister S. Jaishankar on his reappointment.
The President also reiterated his invitation to the Indian Prime Minister to visit Sri Lanka in the near future.
Amongst those present were President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake, Foreign Ministry Secretary Ms Aruni Wijewardene, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India Ms Kshenuka Senewiratne, and President’s Private Secretary Ms Sandra Perera.
June 11, Colombo (LNW): A notable surge in computer literacy is evident in Sri Lanka, reaching 39 per cent in 2023, provisional data from the Census and Statistics Department disclosed.
The Computer Literacy Rate in the country stands at 39.0 per cent, with the Digital Literacy Rate slightly higher at 63.5 per cent, according to report.
The ownership of desktop or laptop computers in households registers at 20.2 per cent, with urban areas demonstrating higher proficiency in both computer and digital skills.
When examining household computer ownership, approximately one in every five households possesses either a desktop or laptop computer.
In urban areas, this figure rises to 34.0 per cent, while rural and estate sectors show lower ownership at 18.1 per cent and 4.6 per cent, respectively.
Regional disparities are evident, with the Western Province reporting the highest computer availability at 33.5 per cent, contrasting with the Eastern Province’s lowest rate of 8.6 per cent.
The percentage of households owning computers has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 20 per cent and 23 per cent from 2021 to 2023.
Individuals aged between 5 and 69 are classified as computer literate if they can independently use a computer, encompassing activities such as playing computer games.
The gradual increase in computer literacy is reflected in the overall rate of 39.0% in 2023, marking a rise of 4.7 percentage points from 2021.
Urban areas exhibit the highest computer literacy rate at 52.9 per cent, contrasting with rates of 37.1 per cent in rural areas and 17.9 per cent in estate sectors.
Amongst provinces, the Western Province leads with a computer literacy rate of 49.9 per cent, while the Uva Province lags behind at 26.5 per cent.
In 2023, males display a higher computer literacy rate (40.9 per cent) compared to females (37.2 per cent), with the youth aged 15-19 exhibiting the highest rate at 79.4%.
Moreover, education level and proficiency in English correlate positively with computer literacy.
Among the employed population, the awareness and proficiency in computers reach 72.4 per cent in 2023, with senior officials, managers, professionals, technicians, and clerical support workers boasting higher rates.
Even individuals engaged in elementary occupations demonstrate a computer literacy rate of 39.0 per cent.
Digital literacy among individuals aged 5 to 69 stands at 63.5 per cent in 2023, surpassing computer literacy levels. Notably, 51.2 per cent of this age group used the internet at least once in the past year, with urban areas exhibiting higher usage rates compared to rural and estate sectors.
Data further reveals that individuals aged 20-24 have the highest internet and email usage, with 18.6 per cent of the household population using email at least once in the past year.
June 11, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Urban Development and Housing, under the direction of W.S. Sathyananda, has announced immediate actions to dismantle unauthorised constructions exacerbating flooding in Colombo and its environs.
At a briefing held at the Department of Government Information, Sathyananda outlined plans to issue a directive to all government bodies within a fortnight.
Highlighting the imperative of preserving Colombo’s wetlands and surrounding areas, Sathyananda underscored that the obstruction of small water channels and drainage systems significantly contributes to the recurring floods.
Hiran Balasuriya, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation, revealed ongoing initiatives aimed at flood mitigation in collaboration with the Urban Development Authority (UDA), Irrigation Department, Provincial Irrigation Departments, and local councils.
The comprehensive flood prevention strategy for Colombo and its surroundings will be implemented across short-term, medium-term, and long-term phases.
Projects include enhancing water supply systems beyond Colombo, an Urban Landscaping Project, Palangastuduwa Pumping Station Project, Flood Control Facility Implementation and Maintenance Project, integrating real-time control data centres, the Piliyandala Master Development Plan’s drainage enhancement, and the Battaramulla catchment area’s environmental improvement programme.
June 11, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle and Matara districts, with fairly heavy showers about 75 mm being likely to occur at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces, the Department of Meteorology said in its weather forecast today (11).
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva province in the evening or night.
Strong winds of about (40-50) kmph can be expected at times over the Western slopes of the central hills, Northern, North-central, and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee, Hambantota and Monaragala districts.
General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle.
Winds:
Winds will be south-westerly and wind speed will be (30-40) kmph. Wind speed may increase up to (60-70) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Trincomalee to Kalpitiya via Kankasanthurai and Mannar and in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Hambantota to Pottuvil. Wind speed may increase up to 60 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Pottuvil to Batticaloa.
State of Sea:
The sea areas extending from Kankasanthurai to Kalpitiya via Mannar and from Hambantota to Pottuvil can be very rough at times. The sea areas extending from Pottuvil to Batticaloa can be rough at times. The sea areas off the coasts extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle can be fairly rough at times. Naval and fishing communities are requested to be attentive in this regard.Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
June 10, Colombo (LNW): The United States, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is supporting Sri Lanka’s efforts to improve its investment climate by enhancing access to commercial alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
This initiative has led to the US-sponsored training and accreditation of 23 international commercial mediators in Sri Lanka, doubling the number of qualified mediators in Sri Lanka capable of offering businesses a faster and less expensive alternative to traditional court litigation for resolving disputes.
Under USAID’s Efficient and Effective Justice (EEJ) project, these 23 mediators have undergone extensive training in key areas such as communication, problem-solving, managing emotions, and overcoming impasses.
The training was conducted by the Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC), a renowned independent, not-for-profit organisation specialising in ADR and ADR training.
Following a four-month mentorship program, these mediators will apply their new skills to facilitate around 100 commercial mediations in Sri Lanka by October 2026.
Commercial mediation, a key form of ADR, provides a quicker resolution for disputes between businesses, or between businesses and government or consumers.
This method is not only cost-effective but also aims to preserve business relationships. Additionally, it supports international trade by ensuring that international settlement agreements can be enforced more effectively.
At a ceremony honouring the newly trained commercial mediators, US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Doug Sonnek said: “
The United States is dedicated to collaborating with Sri Lanka to create a favourable investment climate by embracing international best practices.
This partnership not only equips mediators with essential skills to sidestep expensive litigation but also supports their ongoing development, thereby contributing to economic resilience and growth in Sri Lanka.”
USAID provides extensive support for ADR in Sri Lanka. The EEJ project collaborates with local and international experts to provide training in commercial mediation, negotiation, and ADR best practices to lawyers, law students, ADR centres, and companies.
Furthermore, EEJ is involved in pilot programs for judicial and court-referred mediation in partnership with the Court of Appeal and Commercial High Courts, aiming to resolve disputes swiftly and reduce delays and backlogs in the justice system.
Through these comprehensive initiatives, EEJ enhances the overall efficacy of the judicial process in Sri Lanka.
June 10, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s economy is projected to see moderate growth of 2.2% in 2024, showing signs of stabilization, following the severe economic downturn of 2022.
But, the country’s MSMEs representing over 75% of all businesses, account for 45% of employment and contribute 52% to the GDP is gappling to survice as they were badly git by economic crisis in 2022.
Representing the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the Sri Lanka United Business Alliance last week called on the Government to develop a comprehensive plan to promote entrepreneurship and tackle the challenges facing businesses in the current economic climate.
Speaking to the media, the small business leaders’ underscored the need for a cohesive strategy to encourage entrepreneurship, improve digital infrastructure and support struggling businesses to ensure sustainable economic growth.
Sri Lanka United Business Alliance Chairperson Tania Abeysundara voiced concerns over the lack of support for entrepreneurs. “We, the entrepreneurs, have become economic victims. There is no world beyond the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the Government now.
The IMF was essential to prevent the country from going bankrupt, but if it saved the economy, the President must create plans to promote entrepreneurship. Instead, the Government is only making plans that stifle the entrepreneur,” she stated.
Sri Lanka Shippers Council (SLSC) Chairman Sean Van Dort highlighted the difficulties importers and exporters face due to the reluctance to fully embrace digital solutions.
He noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, operations at Customs, Ports, and Airports were digitised, which allowed for smooth operations. However, post-pandemic, there has been a reversion to manual checks, leading to inefficiencies and corruption.
“We have to bow to these officers who don’t care about the country’s welfare but are more focused on personal gains,” Van Dort claimed.
He also alleged that the Board of Investment (BoI) verification office demands bribes and that Customs and Ports Authority are involved in undervaluation deals that deprive the Government of revenue.
Against this backdrop, Van Dort called on the Government to demonstrate strong political will and commitment to achieving 100% digitalisation, insisting on the need for a paperless environment to boost trade and competitiveness.
Footwear and Leather Industry Association President Buddhika Wimalasiri criticised the lack of support for industries amidst high electricity tariffs.
Wimalasiri also pointed out the thriving banking sector’s failure to support struggling industries, questioning the Central Bank’s regulatory role.
Small and Medium Enterprises Federation former Secretary Janaki Amarasinghe highlighted the plight of enterprises and individuals blacklisted by the Credit Information Bureau (CRIB).
“Those blacklisted by the CRIB are trapped in severe financial difficulties and it is truly shameful that none of the organisations are offering any support,” she said.
