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Inside scoop on SLPP and Presidential Election talks

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By: Staff Writer

May 20, Colombo (LNW): Whispers around town reveal that several hush-hush discussions took place between Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) national organiser, Basil Rajapaksa, and President Ranil Wickremesinghe about the looming presidential election.

These meetings were so secretive that only a select few attended, leaving the media in the dark about the juicy details. However, sources hint that the talks ended in a deadlock.

The scoop comes to light that when President Wickremesinghe took office, he allegedly promised to woo a significant number of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) members over to the government.

But guess what? That grand plan has not materialised yet.

Basil Rajapaksa reportedly nudged the President to fulfil this pledge by bringing in 25 MPs from the SJB before June 15, as the clock ticks down to the presidential election.

Rumours have been swirling for the past two years about SJB members jumping ship to join the government, but those rumours fizzled out faster than they started.

With the Election Commission poised to call the presidential election by mid-July, the SLPP believes any further delay in election preparations is a strategic misstep.

So, if Wickremesinghe fails to deliver those 25 SJB members by June 15, the SLPP will have to make its move regarding the presidential election.

As Vesak week begins and May draws to a close, the political scene is heating up. How will things shift as we edge closer to the election? Stay tuned, because this political drama is far from over.

Adapted from original article, “පොහොට්ටුව තීරණයක් ගන්න සූදානමින් – ගේනවා කියූ 25 ගේන්න බැසිල් රනිල්ට දින දෙයි !” by Ruwan Nelugolla published on 20.05.2024

Warning: Very heavy showers expected in several provinces as South-West monsoon conditions establish across island (May 20)

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By: Isuru Parakrama

May 20, Colombo (LNW): Due to South-West monsoon conditions are gradually establishing across the island, prevailing showery and windy conditions will continue further, the Department of Meteorology said in its weather forecast today (20).

Cloudy skies can be expected over most parts of the island.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western and Southern provinces and in Mannar district.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places elsewhere of the island.

Very heavy showers above 100mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy, Nuwara-Eliyaand Mannar districts, the Department warned.

Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times over the island.

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 times in the sea areas extending from Mannar to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle,heavy showersare likely at some places. Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the other sea areas around the island.
Winds:
Winds will be westerly to south-westerly in the sea areas extending from Kalpitiya to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota and wind speed will be (40-50) kmph. Wind speed may increase up to (60-70) kmph at times these sea areas. Winds will be south-westerly and wind speed will be (25-35) kmph and can be increased up to 50 kmph at times in the other sea areas around the island.
State of Sea:
The sea areas extending from Kalpitiya to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota will be very rough at times and other sea areas around the island will be fairly rough at times. Naval and fishing communities are also requested to be attentive in this regard. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.

Dr. Sanath Hettige wins WONCA South Asia Regional Five Star Doctor Award 2024

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May 20, Colombo (LNW): Dr. Sanath Hettige has won the WONCA South Asia Regional Five Star Doctor Award 2024.

This award honours in excellence of being a Team member, Care provider, Decision maker, Communicator, and a community leader, who is able to work harmoniously with individuals and organisations, within and outside of the health care system, to meet community’s needs.

Dr. Sanath Hettige is a well-known board-certified specialist in Family Medicine Sri Lanka. He has contributed to the field of Family Medicine both Locally & Internationally.

He also has won several national awards & some international awards for his inventions, including the Presidential Award for Best Medical Invention for the year 2013 in Sri Lanka at the 2016 Presidential Award Ceremony and won the silver award (Second place) for the recognition of the creative innovation of Papaya Leaf Capsule for Dengue Fever at the Indian international innovation fair (IIIF) 2016.

He has delivered two college orations as the College Orator in 2016 & 2018 Dr. M.P.M Cooray Memorial Award ceremony held by CGPSL.

He was invited as the Guest of Honour for the Pre-symposium of the Tradmed international conference and spoke about his knowledge and usage of cannabis in complicated medical conditions.

Dr. Sanath Hettige

He is an Honorary Senior Lecturer and an examiner, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, University of Sri Jayawardenapura, College of General practitioners of Sri Lanka (CGPSL), Independent medical practitioners association (IMPA) and University of Kothalawala Defense Academy (KDU). He is also the chief consultant of the Dermae research Medical Centre which is a recognised training centre by the PGIM for Undergraduate and Postgraduates’ trainees.

Dr. Hettige is a Researcher and a Scientist whose researches have being published in many international journals. He has many patented inventions Ex. Papaya leaf for Dengue Fever, Corona Hat to prevent the spread of corona viral infections and Oil of Dermae moisturising cream which is effective for keratinisation disorder. He holds the Platinum card from SLIC which is the highest-ranking position for inventors.

He has held the continuous medical education programme Communicable Disease Subcommittee & had been in many hearing committees including hearing committees of WONCA international conferences which was held in Sri Lanka 2016. He has also presented two papers in the WONCA conference held in Sri Lanka on 2016 & had been the senior lecturer uplifting the MCGP programme in CGPSL.

His professional achievements are not limited to medical profession only, but spread across many fields such as medical research, medical education and medical inventions as well as been a business entrepreneur in the manufacturing of medicine, cosmetics and into tourism and estates planation’s.

Dr. Hettige is also a business entrepreneur, & He is the managing Director of Earthians (Pvt) Ltd, Oil of Dermae Laboratories, Eco Jungle hideout (Pvt) Ltd and Kohilahgahadeniya Estate Plantations.

Considering these facts, Dr. Hettige truly has earned this award and we congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition.

Commercial Bank in strategic partnership with Q&E to enhance SME capabilities.

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By: Staff Writer

May 19, Colombo (LNW): Commercial Bank has announced a strategic partnership with Q&E to enhance the capabilities of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through the Commercial Bank LEAP Global Linker platform.

The Commercial Bank LEAP GlobalLinker is a pioneering initiative in Sri Lanka, spearheaded by the bank itself. It’s a cutting-edge ecosystem designed to foster networking opportunities both domestically and internationally.

Developed with the backing of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), this platform is tailored to digitise enterprises and enhance business operations.

Aligned with global standards and leveraging the GlobalLinker platform, Commercial Bank LEAP GlobalLinker empowers SMEs and corporate clients to establish online stores at no cost, facilitating the sale of products and services.

Through this platform, businesses can broaden their customer base, connect with potential investors and suppliers worldwide, bolster networking efforts, explore foreign markets, and unlock exclusive perks from partners.

Additionally, it serves as a secure space for communication, fostering idea-sharing, collaborations, and knowledge exchange.

Under this collaboration, Q&E will play a crucial role in developing go-to-market strategies for SMEs, creating LEAP profiles and e-Stores, and enriching the LEAP Global Linker platform with specialised content and digital assets.

Commercial Bank Personal Banking/SMEs Assistant General Manager Ganeshan Sivasubramaniam emphasised the bank’s ongoing efforts to support SME growth: ”At Commercial Bank, we continuously strive to provide cutting-edge solutions to our customers. We invite SMEs to use the LEAP Global Linker platform to fuel their business success.”

“Q&E has over a period of three decades served several of the largest Sri Lankan corporate brands. Today, we are excited to expand our role by extending our service to the SME sector,” said Q&E CEO Dharshana Kumarawatte.

Empowering the SME sector is vital to Sri Lanka’s economy. Commercial Bank’s commitment to innovation and growth in the SME sector sets a new benchmark for development and support.

Interested SMEs should contact the Manager at their nearest Commercial Bank branch for more information and assistance, or visit the website directly at commercialbankleap.globallinker.com.

CEB records Rs. 88.3 billion in profits in 1Q24 amidst govt’s restructuring attempts.

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By: Staff Writer

May 19, Colombo (LNW): State run Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) under the hammer of restructuring into six separate entities and registering them under the Companies Act in accordance with the provisions of Sri Lanka Electricity Bill has recorded profits for the first quarter 2024.

The CEB has achieved this profitable status amidst the drop in demand due to high  electricity bills and the disconnection of power of around 1,063,566 customers, the overwhelming majority of these poor households.

Amidst widespread protests by CEB trade unions and social activists against the controversial Sri Lanka Electricity Bill, the government plans to bring down the electricity tariff in July for the benefit of consumers.

The Ceylon Electricity Board has not submitted the relevant proposals to the Public Utilities Commission to approve new tariffs

 In the wake of these issues, state run Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) for the first quarter ended 31 March (1Q24) has recorded a profit of Rs. 88.3 billion, which is a 349.8 percent change when compared with the Rs. 35.3 billion loss recorded in the corresponding period in 2023.

The entity generated revenue of Rs. 179 billion in 1Q14. Having provided no concessions to domestic customers, and witnessing a reduction of 28 percent in cost of sales, and a gross profit of Rs. 69 billion was recorded. In 1Q23, the CEB posted a gross loss of Rs. 17 billion.

With contractions in distribution cost (56 percent YoY), other expenses (32.7 percent YoY), and administrative expenses (14 percent YoY), CEB recorded an operating profit of Rs. 97 billion. This is a 608 percent change when compared to the Rs. 19.2 billion operating loss recorded in 1Q23.

While proceeds of interest bearing loans and borrowings recorded Rs. 4.8 billion, repayments of interest bearing loans and borrowings were Rs. 7.8 billion for the 1Q24 period.

In March, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) approved an overall tariff reduction of 21.9 percent based on a proposal and cost data submitted by the CEB.

However, the reduction came after having electrocuted consumers by massively increasing the electricity tariff from August 2022, a move to boost revenue of the entity. The charges were raised to be in line with International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditions.

A 75 percent hike was seen in August 2022, 66 percent hike in February 2023, and 18 percent in October 2023.

Adani’s Mannar wind power project challenged in Supreme Court.

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By: Staff Writer

May 19, Colombo (LNW): In a momentous move aimed at protecting the unique ecosystem of Mannar Island, the environmental protection organisation, Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS), has filed a fundamental rights application in the Supreme Court.

This legal action challenges the recent cabinet decision to award a wind power project in Mannar Island to Adani Green Energy Ltd., of India.

The petitioner WNPS is represented by President’s Counsel Sanjeeva Jayawardana with Prashanthi Mahindarathe, Revan Weerasinghe and Rukshan Senadheera, instructed by S.W.A. Amila Kumara.

Indian giant and the world’s biggest renewable energy producer Adani is to invest $ 442 million for two wind projects 250 MW in Mannar and 234 MW in Pooneryn.

WNPS, known for its staunch advocacy for environmental conservation, argues that the project poses a severe threat to the island’s unique biodiversity and pristine landscapes especially in the Mannar Island.

The island itself is home to several protected areas such as the Adam’s Bridge National Park, the Viduthalaithivu National Park and the Vankalai Sanctuary.

The former two were declared RAMSAR wetlands only a few months ago by Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi.

In addition, Mannar is the southernmost point of the Central Asian Flyway used by innumerable migratory species, while also being home to several indigenous water bird and bat species.

WNPS contends that the decision to approve the project was made without any appreciation of Mannar’s singular positioning as a biodiversity hub, violating both national environmental protection laws as well as international conventions.

The island’s diverse ecosystems, including mangroves, coral reefs, and wetlands, play a crucial role in maintaining the region’s environmental balance.

The organisation states that a severe threat exists that the construction and operation of the wind power project could lead to irreversible damage to these ecosystems.

The Petitioner contends that the manner and form of these actions by various authorities grossly abuse the doctrine of public trust reposed in authorities like the Forest Department and Department of Wildlife that have blithely ignored the irreparable ramifications of this project in a protected area replete with vulnerable species and war affected population struggling to survive.

The proposed Adani project will potentially raise the number of turbines on Mannar island to 82, supplementing the 30 turbines already existing as part of the Thambapawani project which has already caused staggering numbers of bird deaths, more than anticipated by the ornithologists consulted on the project.

If allowed to continue unabated the extension to the Adani project – titled Phase III – will pockmark Mannar island with 103 turbines across nearly 66% of Mannar’s land mass which has been declared Energy Development Areas.

Helicopter in a convoy carrying Iranian President crashed: State Media

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A helicopter in a convoy carrying the Iranian president has been involved in an accident, state media is reporting.

State media says President Ebrahim Raisi was on board a helicopter that experienced a hard landing on Sunday (19).

The Interior Minister said rescuers were still trying to reach the site due to the difficult weather conditions.

According to local media, President Raisi was heading to the city of Tabriz, in the north west of Iran, after returning the border with Azerbaijan, where he opened the Qiz Qalasi and Khodaafarin dams.

Heavy fog is making the search difficult at the site where it is thought that the helicopter may have landed, according to a reporter with Fars news agency.

He said the visibility in the mountainous and wooded area was down to only about five meters.

The area is about 50km to the north of Tabriz.

Ahmad Alirezabeigi, Iranian MP for the city of Tabriz, has told reporters in Tehran that rescue workers have yet to find the location of the helicopter carrying the president.

The MP said the helicopter was also carrying Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian.

He added that the other two helicopters in the convoy landed safely.

BBC

Sri Lanka Original Narrative Summary: 19/05

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  1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe discusses implementing ‘Starlink’ in Sri Lanka with billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk during the 10th World Water Forum in Indonesia: asserts commitment to expediting the application process for integrating Sri Lanka into the global Starlink network, which aims to provide low-cost internet access to remote areas: Minister Jeevan Thondaman praises the collaboration between the two parties.
  2. SJB MP Nalin Bandara responds to NPP’s stance on a debate between the two Opposition parties, suggesting that a debate between the rival ‘economic councils’ should be held prior to the holding of another between the party leaders Sajith Premadasa and Anura Dissanayake: invites the NPP to select a convenient date from May 27 to 31 for the debate between the councils: adds a debate between the party leaders can be held on a convenient date from June 03 to 07.
  3. The CEB records a Rs. 88.3 billion profit in 1Q24, reversing a Rs. 35.3 billion loss from 1Q23, despite high electricity bills and the disconnection of over a million poor households: The profit comes amidst government restructuring efforts and widespread protests against the new Sri Lanka Electricity Bill: Revenue for 1Q24 was Rs. 179 billion, with significant reductions in costs: The CEB plans to reduce tariffs in July but has not yet submitted proposals for approval: Past tariff hikes were in line with IMF conditions.
  4. The Sri Lanka Army under the authorisation of President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as the Commander-in-Chief promotes a total of 114 officers and 1,395 other ranks of the Sri Lanka Army to their next ranks, in commemoration of the 15th Victory Day Anniversary: The promotions are effective from 19 May 2024, coinciding with the National War Heroes Commemoration Day.
  5. President’s senior advisor on climate change Ruwan Wijewardena says several countries around the world spearheaded by India and China have stepped into collaborate and contribute towards the establishment of International Climate Change University in Sri Lanka considering their responsibility for climate action.
  6. The government is set to resume “Suraksha” student insurance programme, which had earlier been on an economic hiatus: Starting the first week of June, it will cover all school students nationwide: The decision follows the approval of a Joint Cabinet Referendum from President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilisation and National Policy and Education Minister Susil Premajayantha.
  7. The Defence Ministry receives over 400 complaints about Sri Lankan citizens allegedly recruited by mercenary companies to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war: A probe was initiated after reports of Sri Lankans, especially ex-military, being trafficked for the conflict: A hotline was set up for families to lodge complaints, resulting in 411 received so far: Both ex-soldiers and civilians are said to have been recruited: The government is set to send a delegation to Russia to identify and repatriate these citizens.
  8. The Indian Coast Guard detain seven Sri Lankan nationals and their fishing boat for poaching in Indian waters off the Kanniyakumari coast: The suspects are to be handed over to the marine police for further legal action: This follows a similar incident on May 16, where 14 Sri Lankan fishermen were detained for illegal fishing of sea cucumbers.
  9. Lord David Cameron reiterates Britain’s commitment to improving human rights in Sri Lanka, reflecting on his 2013 visit to Jaffna and emphasising support for truth, justice, and accountability: British MP Thangam Debbonaire criticises Sri Lanka’s failure to investigate war crimes and called for British support for the Tamil community and action based on UN recommendations: Other UK politicians express solidarity with Tamils on Mullivaikkal Remembrance Day, stressing the need for justice for those killed in the conflict’s final phase.
  10. The fifth edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) player auction will take place on May 21 at the Hilton Hotel Colombo: 420 players are available, with the auction starting at noon and featuring 18 initial rounds focused on various player categories: has a total purse of $2.5 million from five franchises: The LPL tournament will run from July 1 to July 21, with more than 600 players registered, including international stars.

Economic Transformation Bill Amidst Election Speculations

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By: Chavini Abeysinghe

May 19, (LNW) Colombo: President Ranil Wickremesinghe is set to introduce the Economic Transformation Bill to Parliament on Wednesday, a critical legislative move in the nation’s ongoing economic reform program supported by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This bill is crucial in fortifying Sri Lanka’s financial framework and ensuring adherence to transformative policies.

Government sources have indicated that the proposed legislation will require the President to ensure that, starting in 2025 and every five years after, the Cabinet of Ministers prepares and presents a detailed report to Parliament. This report will cover the policy framework, strategies, and legislative actions needed to sustain the National Policy on Economic Transformation.

When the targets set by the National Policy are not met, the government will be required to inform Parliament of the corrective measures being taken. A senior official from the Ministry of Finance highlighted that the bill is designed to enhance transparency in government policies and operations, contributing to robust public finance management.

President Wickremesinghe’s presentation of the bill comes amidst swirling rumours of an impending general election ahead of the presidential election. LNW sources close to the President confirmed that he intends to announce his candidacy for the next presidential election by mid-June.

Basil Rajapaksa, the strategist behind the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), has opted for a wait-and-see approach until the President confirms his candidacy. Additionally, sources suggest anticipated political crossovers from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) to strengthen President Wickremesinghe’s independent alliance in the coming weeks.

Despite the persistent rumours of a general election preceding the presidential one, President Wickremesinghe recently affirmed that the presidential election would indeed be held first. This declaration adds another layer of intrigue to the unfolding political landscape in Sri Lanka.

The Economic Transformation Bill is expected to be a cornerstone of President Wickremesinghe’s policy agenda, demonstrating the government’s commitment to sustainable economic reform and transparency. The bill’s introduction to Parliament marks a significant step in the country’s ongoing economic restructuring efforts.

India and China join several other countries to support Sri Lanka Climate Change University

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By: Staff Writer

May 19, Colombo (LNW): Several countries around the world spearheaded by India and China have stepped into collaborate and contribute towards the establishment of International Climate Change University in Sri Lanka considering their responsibility for climate action, senior presidential advisor on climate change Ruwan Wijewardena said.

President Wickremesinghe clarified that the university will not be confined to Sri Lanka; it will be an international stakeholder university, calling upon the international community to join hands in this endeavour, welcoming collaboration and contributions from around the world.

The International Climate Change University was one of the proposals Wickremesinghe made in the previous Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Egypt in 2022 and the government has already allocated 600 acres of land in the central Nuwara Eliya district.

It was launched at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) with an aim to promote climate related research and technologies.

During COP28, in Dubai, Sri Lanka’s President Ranil Wickremesing launched proposals for three new initiatives—a climate justice forum, a tropical belt initiative, and an international climate change university.

A Chinese research institute and two or three Indian universities have expressed willingness to collaborate in Sri Lanka’s climate related capacity building endeavour, he disclosed.

Universities from Yele to George Town, Chinese Research Universities, University of Geneva from Italy, and University from Gujarat, have been keen on coming in and establishing the university.

The British Council is ready to get the assistance of several British universities specializing in climate change as a subject to come together as one, so that they can take certain subjects of the Climate Change University, he revealed.

Bangladesh, Seychelles and Moldova have already pledged their support to the ICCU. He emphasized that climate action is not the sole responsibility of any single nation and called upon the international community to join hands in this endeavour.

The International Climate Change University would be a post-graduate institution solely focused on research and does not offer undergraduate courses. Any country or organization that contributes to the university becomes a stakeholder and gains membership on the Board of Governance.

The Korean Exim Bank has expressed interest in partnering with the university. President Wickremesinghe urged that all future research in the field of climate change should be conducted at this institution.

With the risk of other extreme weather events and climate-related disasters continuing to increase, the Government of Sri Lanka is scaling up its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change under the Paris Agreement.

Central to this approach is the recognition that adaptation and mitigation strategies represent opportunities rather than obstacles to sustainable development and green economic growth.