President Ranil Wickremesinghe urges a political culture prioritising national interests over partisan politics for Sri Lanka’s advancement: emphasises the responsibility of political leaders to support economic initiatives free from political interference, citing recent strikes as politically motivated: calls for unity across political affiliations, drawing on historical examples of bipartisan cooperation for national progress and outlining goals for economic transformation and stability.
State Minister Lohan Ratwatte’s remarks on NPP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s presidential candidacy drew condemnation from Opposition MP Eran Wickramaratne: Ratwatte stated, “Has Anura Dissanayake constructed even a small culvert for the people? We won’t allow him to become President of this country as long as I am around in politics,” sparking criticism for undermining democratic principles: Wickramaratne emphasises no politician should dictate election outcomes, citing Sri Lanka’s history of electoral interference and violence: underscores the need for fair elections, regardless of political differences.
NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasises political protection of the underworld has fostered crime and drugs in Sri Lanka: pledges an NPP government would ensure equality under the law, aiming to create a peaceful environment free from fear: also highlights collaboration with senior ex-CID officials to combat crime and drug issues effectively.
Minister Vidura Wickramanayake announces plans for the repatriation of Sri Lankan artefacts, including the Tara statue, from the UK, highlighting cultural restoration efforts: underscores the importance of an education system aligned with local traditions to foster national pride: defends recent local government appointments, emphasising their procedural rigor over criticism of electoral motives.
Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardena announces the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) appointed 370 new drivers and conductors to fill vacancies in the Western Province: mandates new recruits remain at their assigned depots for three years, cautioning against union actions: stresses SLTB’s importance since nationalisation in 1957, warning of privatisation if profitability isn’t achieved by 2025.
Former CB Governor Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy criticises Sri Lanka’s Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA) for using a conservative growth rate, urging for a higher trajectory supported by reopened credit lines: highlights recent debt restructuring progress and praised Sri Lanka’s negotiation skills with bondholders: Emphasises macroeconomic stability and structural reforms and suggests these are key to surpassing a 3% growth rate and achieving fiscal health targets.
A Starlink representative visits Sri Lanka to finalise a licence for the satellite internet service: Discussions with local authorities, including the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, were positive: The visit follows recent legislative amendments enabling such operations: Despite delays, Starlink aims to commence operations soon after receiving final approval, expected within two weeks.
The Cabinet sanctions a one-time payment of Rs. 10,000 to all government employees below Executive Grade who reported for duty during the recent strike: The proposal, presented by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, also includes granting these government sector employees a certificate of appreciation.
The Railway Station Masters’ Union plans to decide today (16) on future trade union actions following unmet demands despite previous assurances from authorities: Union President Sumedha Somaratne expresses dissatisfaction with the Cabinet’s failure to address their issues as promised, prompting the union to convene this morning for a decision: Meanwhile, the Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) warns of potential strikes over unresolved grievances, citing government threats to deter their actions.
Madushani Herath of Nannapurawa MV Bibile sets a new long jump record at 6.32m in the girls under 20 category during the Junior National Athletic Championships at Diyagama Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium: surpasses her own previous record of 6.06m set last year at the same venue: Additionally, Sashini Perera of St. Bridget’s Convent Colombo achieved a new meet record of 30.42m in the under 16 Hammer Throw.
July 16, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has recently appointed 370 new drivers and conductors, with the ceremony held under the patronage of Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister, Dr Bandula Gunawardhana, at the Sri Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi Mandiraya Auditorium in Colombo.
These new recruits are set to fill vacancies left by drivers and conductors in the Western Province who have requested transfers after more than a decade of service.
Minister Gunawardhana stressed that these new employees must remain at their assigned depots for three years, with no changes allowed due to political pressure.
“Many in our country have relied on SLTB buses for commuting to school and work. Since the late Prime Minister SWRD Bandaranaike nationalised the bus services in 1957, the SLTB has provided invaluable service to the public. Drivers and conductors carry the responsibility for passenger safety and must perform their duties with integrity to minimise accidents,” said the Minister.
He also urged the new recruits to avoid trade union actions that inconvenience commuters, highlighting that issues can be resolved through dialogue with depot heads, provincial leaders, the Chairman, Ministry Secretary, or the Minister himself.
Gunawardhana pointed out that all loss-making government institutions, including the SLTB, are funded by taxpayer money. Despite being a semi-government entity, the SLTB has been included in the Rs.10,000 monthly allowance given to public servants, resulting in an additional monthly expenditure of Rs.275 million.
He noted that fraudulent activities by some employees exacerbate financial losses, threatening the institution’s viability.
“All SLTB employees must ensure all earnings are properly accounted for, avoiding any theft or corruption. Efficient work can lead to profitability, allowing profits to be shared among staff and facilitating career advancements based on merit. If we fail to make a profit by 2025, international agreements may force us to privatise or close the SLTB, which would be detrimental to both the institution and the country,” the Minister warned.
July 16, Colombo (LNW): Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy, former Central Bank Governor, expressed concerns over the Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA) for using a conservative growth rate for Sri Lanka’s economy.
He argued that this conservative projection, alongside the reopening of credit lines to the government, should facilitate a higher growth trajectory.
Speaking at a virtual investor event on 9th July, hosted by CT CLSA and titled “Unlocking Potential: Sri Lanka’s Shift from Stability to Growth,” Dr. Coomaraswamy remarked, “If we maintain macroeconomic stability and implement structural reforms, coupled with the economic momentum in India, we can exceed a 3% growth rate.”
Sri Lanka has progressed significantly in its debt restructuring efforts, with recent agreements reached with International Sovereign Bond (ISB) holders and bilateral creditors.
Dr. Coomaraswamy praised the Sri Lankan authorities for their skilful negotiations, which have advanced the country towards completing its external debt restructuring.
He highlighted that bondholders had made concessions beyond their initial demands, reflecting the effective negotiation skills of Sri Lankan officials.
Emphasising the need for macroeconomic stability, structural reforms, and capitalising on opportunities from neighbouring India, Dr. Coomaraswamy stated that these elements are crucial for surpassing the 3% growth rate.
He noted that while the agreement with bondholders and other creditors aligns with the DSA targets set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), it is imperative to exceed these targets to ensure sustainable growth.
A key aspect of Sri Lanka’s economic strategy is achieving a primary surplus target of 2.3% next year. Dr. Coomaraswamy underlined the importance of meeting this target to avoid another round of debt restructuring.
He pointed out that enhancing tax revenue through improved administration and the removal of tax concessions could significantly bolster the country’s fiscal health.
The objective is to elevate the tax revenue to GDP ratio beyond 15%, providing the financial stability needed to support growth initiatives.
Gregory Smith, World Bank Lead Economist and Program Leader for Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Maldives, noted the political infeasibility of fiscal contraction.
Smith commented, “In Sri Lanka, you have 14% of GDP as revenue, and if you take out 7% as interest costs, you are left with 7% of GDP for public services. That’s just a recipe for protests and is not politically feasible.”
Sri Lanka possesses unutilised credit lines and robust bilateral ties that can be leveraged to maintain infrastructure investments at optimal levels.
While lending has been paused due to the ongoing debt restructuring, major lenders have not indicated any reluctance to restart or implement projects.
July 16, Colombo (LNW): A representative from Starlink, the satellite internet venture founded by billionaire Elon Musk, visited Sri Lanka this week and is expected to return next week to finalise the necessary licence for operations in the country, a report by Daily Mirror disclosed.
The Starlink representative, based in New Delhi, conducted initial discussions with relevant authorities, including the Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL), President’s Senior Advisor Ruwan Wijewardene told Daily Mirror.
“The initial talks were successful, and it is anticipated that everything will be finalised within a two-week period,” said Mr. Wijewardene.
Parliament recently passed an amendment to the telecom regulatory law, enabling Starlink to secure a licence to operate in Sri Lanka.
Despite applying for a licence in March 2024, Starlink had encountered delays due to the absence of a legal framework accommodating independent service providers.
The TRCSL had previously granted preliminary approval for Starlink to offer satellite-based internet services in Sri Lanka.
July 16, Colombo (LNW): Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs, Vidura Wickramanayake, has announced that numerous artefacts taken from Sri Lanka by the United Kingdom during the colonial era, including the statue of Tara, will be repatriated.
Speaking at a press conference titled “Collective Path to a Stable Country” at the Presidential Media Centre on the 15th, the minister stressed the need for an education system that resonates with the country’s culture, fostering national pride among citizens.
Minister Wickramanayake emphasised the role of his ministry in shaping responsible and patriotic citizens, noting that the perceived economic crisis is not the sole issue facing the nation.
He highlighted the importance of addressing the cultural disconnection caused by an education system misaligned with local traditions, which has contributed to a lack of national pride and a risk of subjugation.
The minister also mentioned the recent appointments of over a thousand long-serving local government employees, addressing a longstanding need despite criticisms of it being an election strategy.
He clarified that the process involved over ten cabinet papers and has been ongoing for more than five months.
Full Statement:
“The majority of the community believes there is an economic problem in the country today. However, our ministry holds the responsibility of shaping the people of Sri Lanka into good citizens. Our ministry has the official mandate to work towards creating a better society.
Additionally, the country lacks an education system that aligns with our cultural needs, which has led to a societal crisis. This situation has resulted in the emergence of a group of people who lack love for their country and pride in their heritage, putting the nation at risk of becoming subjugated. Therefore, our ministry has implemented several programs to prevent this outcome and save the people.
Additionally, more than a thousand individuals who have served in local government institutions for many years received appointments today. This has been a longstanding need. Some critics claim this is an election tactic, but over ten cabinet papers were presented for their confirmation, indicating that efforts have been underway for more than five months.
Furthermore, many antiquities taken from our country by the United Kingdom, including the statue of Tara, are in the process of being repatriated. We are working to bring back these and other ancient treasures, and we have also received numerous similar items from the Netherlands.
Moreover, there are people in our country who constantly divide into opposing parties and accuse each other. What we need are individuals who recognise right from wrong and are dedicated to the betterment of the country and its people”.
July 16, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Embassy in Kuwait has announced that 10,615 Sri Lankan nationals, who were illegally residing in Kuwait and had overstayed their visas, have left the country during the 2024 “general amnesty period.”
This amnesty, declared from 17 March to 30 June 2024, was the result of discussions between the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Sri Lankan Embassy.
During this period, “temporary passports” were issued based on minimal documentation to facilitate their departure.
July 16, Colombo (LNW): The Cabinet of Ministers has sanctioned a one-time payment of Rs. 10,000 to all government employees below Executive Grade who reported for duty during the recent strike.
This proposal, presented by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, also includes granting these government sector employees a certificate of appreciation.
July 16, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Tea Board has revealed that $60 million of the $251 million owed to Iran for fuel imports since 2011 has been repaid through tea exports.
This follows a strategic agreement between the Sri Lankan and Iranian governments to use tea exports as a debt settlement method, the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries said.
The fuel payment arrears accumulated over several years due to various economic challenges, including the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, European sanctions imposed since 2011, the collapse of the tourism industry after the Easter attacks, and a general economic downturn.
These factors led to a dollar shortage, hindering the payment process, the statement added.
Sri Lanka Tea Board Chairman Niraj De Mel confirmed that as of 15th July, $60 million of the outstanding payments had been settled through tea exports.
He also noted a significant increase in the volume of tea exported to Iran, which has tripled recently, aiding in the debt settlement.
De Mel further explained that the first five months of 2024 saw 4.98 million kilograms of tea exported to Iran, compared to 1.85 million kilograms in the same period in 2023.
The agreement not only reduces Sri Lanka’s financial burden but also strengthens trade relations between the two countries.
The ministry highlighted that this exemplifies how innovative economic solutions can address financial challenges and enhance bilateral ties.
July 14, Colombo (LNW): With the aim of holding the Sri Lanka Rugby office election, a writ has been issued preventing the discussion regarding the constitution of Sri Lanka Rugby in the general meeting held prior to it. Accordingly, in the General Assembly held on the 15th, although there is no issue with discussing the filling of the void caused by the dissolution of the Sri Lanka Rugby administration, it is not permissible to discuss changing the constitution there.
We pointed out long ago that this situation could arise. Many people, however, pointed to the desire of World Rugby instead. But if the common law of a country imposes any censorship on a particular field within that country, an international organization cannot override it. In this judgment, the facts pointed out to the court by seven provincial associations have been accepted that the provincial associations are being prejudiced in some way by disregarding the current Rugby constitution.
The Sports Minister has undertaken some progressive work. If Minister Roshan Ranasinghe had been there, perhaps none of the Olympic representations that people are celebrating with joy at this moment would have happened. But due to Harin Fernando’s commitment and guidance, as well as providing the necessary financial support, has managed to select a team of seven players to carry the flag of Sri Lanka at the Paris Olympics this year. Additionally, we appreciate the Minister of Sports for making significant interventions in rugby, including financial contributions to the referees’ association and insurance for school players.
But the Sports Minister, who acknowledges that the entire sports sector in Sri Lanka should be decentralized and formalized, and demonstrates support for this principle, does not appear to be addressing these concerns in rugby. It is unfortunate to observe that the Minister of Sports also supports the strategic intervention of several sports clubs in Sri Lanka to maintain them as their assets.
The constitutional changes proposed by the International Rugby Federation should be discussed within the framework of the existing constitution. It cannot be amended except by the will of the majority. At the moment when the country is unstable, our interpretation of handing over the president of the country to a person with one seat is wrong. Although the people did not directly express their will, the appointment occurred based on the majority will of the parliament elected by the people. The appointment shall be considered legal and enforceable based on the majority representation.
But what they are currently attempting to do is to disregard the majority opinion within rugby and assert that the amendments proposed by the Ministry of Sports and several sports clubs are in line with those brought by the World Federation, thereby exerting undue influence over rugby administration. It is a pity that the sports minister also believes that the major responsibility should be given to the major rugby clubs in his words.
Besides the first-class rugby teams, do those sports clubs field teams for the various grade matches played in Sri Lankan rugby? We also need to consider whether all the resources invested annually in the future of rugby through schools are being effectively utilized in the first grade. The teams competing in the second division serve as the foundations where players develop before advancing to the first division, and potentially even lower-level sports teams.
Also, these first-tier sports clubs are currently anointing the power of the main chairs of Sri Lankan rugby so as not to harm the power of those sports clubs by maintaining the first-tier tournament under the dominance of those sports clubs and not allowing a new sports club to compete. Emphasizing the issue that Sri Lions Sports Club, the champions of last year’s second-tier tournament, which even received international broadcast coverage, lacks a playing field, thus preventing their promotion to the first tier.
The actual situation is that Sri Lanka Rugby does not have an official sports ground. As a result, they are compelled to play at Nittawela, the Reed Avenue ground, or the Kandy Sports Club ground, or any first-class rugby club ground in Colombo for international or national programs.
Mahinda Rajapakse took advantage of the Sri Lanka Rugby administration led by Lasitha Gunaratne during a critical political moment, promising to provide a playing field for Sri Lanka rugby, but the promise was not fulfilled. Mahinda Rajapaksa’s son became the sports minister and we thought that he would do it for the rugby game that that son led. But he influenced the independence of the rugby administration and tried to control it the way he wanted, along with the president of Asia, he banned Sri Lanka Rugby and issued a gazette notice.
It has been pointed out that Sports Minister Harin Fernando is also leading a similar action at this moment. The Minister does not receive any advice considering the current legal status of Sri Lanka Rugby as a sport under the constitution of Sri Lanka and under the International Olympic Committee and its orders.
It seems that the sports ministry does not have a humane vision to make a marriage and be happy as one family, just like a legal department that does a divorce and smiles like victory.
An institution and a minister who make political and policy decisions in sports should have the ability to look deeply into why they are trying to move certain things within the legal framework, taking into account the notes related to the law for every action as well as the unique issues that affect them. To achieve this, in legally paving the way forward, the shape of the law should be determined by considering not only legal principles but also the historical context and conditions inherited over time.
Currently, sports clubs wield significant influence by maintaining teams, operating member-exclusive restaurants, and serving as gathering places for the decision-making elite. Besides the army and the police, it appears they are not maintaining any other groups beyond the first-tier.
It is their practice to strategically stick individuals who represent the decision-making class for profitable outcomes. Under the rugby system, a portion of the funds provided internationally to elevate provincial-level games is withheld by the international body as installments towards fines imposed on Sri Lanka. We have to inquire here that the official who acted as if it is harmful to the rugby game to collect that amount in this way, and who is the international official who agreed to deduct it from the money for the development of rugby in the country as said.
We can see David Carigie as a leader in lobbying for the International Federation to change the constitution. He is the official who agreed to deduct Sri Lanka’s fine from the funds allocated for development, and who did not issue warnings or penalties for the disgrace caused to Sri Lanka Rugby by the officials involved in that matter.
Is it not possible to imagine whether there was any connection between these local and international parties in the way these events happened? Can’t it be seen that the same local and foreign groups that were together in agreement with the decisions of that day are also together today for the purpose of consolidating the power of several sports clubs? It is important to read them and understand the issues that can and cannot be interfered with in setting up a country’s rugby system as required by the international community.
Specially as a country’s sports policy, the most attention at the moment is to provide facilities for sports in areas where sports are not widespread. Primarily to expand the space in which sport takes place outside the narrow confines of elite culture. If that national policy is a structural requirement of the country’s sports administration, the world association cannot interfere with it in any sport. It does not interfere with it. Also, are there any cases in the history of sports where the World Sports Association has asked to legislate in a way that restricts the sports of a country to a few sports clubs that are engaged in that sport? Generally, the world sports associations and confederations tell the sports administrations of a country that it is necessary to spread the sport further in the country.
For that, if any world association talks about giving more power to a few sports clubs that have only a first-class team and paving the way to run the sport in that country, it is not the nature of a world association. Are there any other countries that have been advised by the World Rugby to condense the sport of a country into several sports clubs? Most countries’ sports governing bodies develop sports in a manner that is fair to all social groups within that country.
Even if a country has been sanctioned by the world due to a civil war situation or other human rights situation, the International Olympic Committee will take the support of developed countries and make arrangements to provide the opportunity for the talented athletes of those countries to form a team at the refugee level without being overwhelmed.
Rugby, an Olympic sport, is also bound by these values. For example, refugee players like Mo Mustafa come to the international arena, because of the decisions made to spread the space of the game widely in the world. It is a problem to say that in such a situation, a country is being asked to make a special impact and subject its rugby administration to narrower limits than it currently is. While the Ministry of Sports or the administration believes that the area spread in every sport should be enlarged and the facilities should be developed and the community with hidden talents should be found for the sake of the sport, the legal department of the Ministry of Sports does not show the legal possibility to implement the same in the rugby game and the World Association says this: If it is not done, it will be banned and the minister will be misled.
Instead of strengthening the game and strengthening the family, the legal department earns from divorces. This is a bad situation.
At the moment, as in every sport, rugby also needs to shorten the trunk of the white elephants in the game and widen the space for others to enter the game. For that, it is necessary to create a pattern that promotes the last team of the first division to the second division, and the team that comes first in the second division to the first division. This should be done without making excuses like the first division cannot be played without a sports field. Such changes will benefit the game. Presently, efforts are underway to transform the first team into an asset for several sports clubs, ensuring they consistently remain at the top and preventing any disruptions throughout the entire game. This constitutional change is brought in the name of strengthening it and taking away the right to protest and express opinions of local associations who speak against it.
The legal matters required for the above changes are to inform the World Association of the need for amendments in the country’s sports policy to Sri Lanka Rugby and to indicate to the World Association that they will intervene in the amendments necessary to expand the spread of the game and not to make the entire sport of the country an asset of a few sports clubs. A group falls from top to bottom because relative weaknesses abound.
In order to reset the situation and move forward and the second tier talents come to the first tier, the sports clubs representing the first tier and second tier rugby tournament should be decided every year. It is love for the game that contributes to take the game to a place where the quality of the competitive game rises. Otherwise, the hope of the constitutional change is to preserve the right of their Bumunu caste and keep their stable cultivation forever, and try to move to a system that handles the entire game as they want.
The country’s ministers and ministry officials are misguided when they divert funds intended for provincial sports development, which should rightfully compensate those impacted by illegal activities related to the country’s rugby, towards other development activities without legal consideration. This misuse bends the law to benefit criminals. Those responsible should prioritize the future of their children more seriously. Otherwise, the next generation will hate and reject their fathers as those who contributed to the destruction of a strong sport in the country in such a way that those children cannot face it.
In the first photo are former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe and David Carigie from the World Federation. In the second photo is Sports Ministry Advocate Chandimal Mendis. he legal status of this is to place it in a position where it can expand significantly beyond the current scope of rugby in Sri Lanka, leveraging international experience. He has been tasked with the responsibility to act on behalf of multiple sports clubs, ensuring not to cater exclusively to the demands of certain rugby clubs in the country.
July 16, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe has called for a political culture that prioritises national interest over traditional partisan politics to ensure the country’s advancement.
He stressed the significant responsibility borne by all political leaders, both in government and opposition, to support initiatives aimed at improving the national economy.
During a recent meeting at the Presidential Secretariat with a group of lawyers, President Wickremesinghe highlighted the necessity of unified support for the country’s economic development programme, free from political entanglements.
He stated that while everyone has the right to engage in politics, undermining the economic framework essential for the country’s progress is unacceptable.
The President noted that recent strikes, including those anticipated ahead of the presidential election following the agreement with the International Monetary Fund, were politically motivated.
Reflecting on the evolution of the political landscape over the past two years, he mentioned the formation of a coalition prioritising the country’s interests, involving individuals from various political affiliations.
He recounted instances from Sri Lanka’s history where political leaders set aside differences to support national interests, urging a similar approach today.
President Wickremesinghe emphasised the importance of consistency in policies for economic development, citing examples of countries like Singapore and Vietnam.
He outlined the goal of increasing the GDP from USD 85 billion to USD 350 billion by 2048 through economic transformation towards a modern, export-oriented economy.
He acknowledged the achievements of the current government, which have been recognised globally, and called for the continuation of efforts to maintain economic stability.
The President concluded by inviting all parties to unite and work towards the nation’s progress, setting aside partisan politics for the next five years.
