July 08, Colombo (LNW): Animal enthusiasts nationwide are eagerly awaiting the approval of the Animal Welfare Bill in Parliament, according to the Veterinarians for Humane Management of Animal Population Association.
Dr. Chamith Nanayakkara, an advisor to the association, told Daily Mirror that advocates of the bill have been campaigning for its passage since 2000.
He emphasised that the proposed legislation is well-balanced, addressing concerns from the meat and dairy industries without negatively affecting them.
The focus is on ensuring the safety and welfare of animals.
“The bill’s delay was to guarantee a balanced and problem-free solution,” Dr. Nanayakkara explained. “The animal welfare committee conducted several discussions with stakeholders from the meat and dairy industries, perahera events, and various animal welfare organisations.”
The Animal Welfare Bill is set for discussion in the Cabinet tomorrow (9) and will be debated in Parliament on Thursday (11). Animal lovers are hopeful that the bill will finally be passed.
The association has previously declared that they will only support parliamentary members who endorse the Animal Welfare Bill, emphasising that animal welfare is not just a duty but a reflection of our compassion towards animals.
July 08, Colombo (LNW): The Education Ministry has launched an interest-free student loan scheme to support high school graduates who are unable to secure admission to state universities.
This initiative, part of the 2017 budget proposals, enables students to pursue degrees at non-state higher education institutions.
The scheme offers up to Rs. 800,000 without any interest. To date, 17,313 students from seven different cohorts have benefited, enrolling in 100 degree programmes at 17 Ministry-approved non-government institutions.
Among these students, 2,353 from the first three cohorts have completed their degrees, with honours degree candidates in the third group nearing completion.
Currently, 10,258 students in the fourth, fifth, and sixth stages are receiving loan payments, while 3,682 students in the seventh stage are pursuing 91 degree courses without financial barriers.
The Education Ministry and the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilisation, and National Policy have sanctioned all necessary approvals for the current batch.
Additionally, the student loan agreements with the Bank of Ceylon and People’s Bank are expected to be finalised next week.
To expand the scheme, proposals have been invited from non-government higher education institutions to enrol female high school graduates from 2022 as the eighth batch.
A meeting with relevant stakeholders is scheduled next week at the Ministry of Economic Stabilisation and National Policy.
Efforts are ongoing to ensure the provision of interest-free student loans for 2022 high school graduates to pursue their studies at non-state higher education institutions.
July 08, Colombo (LNW): Following the completion of three critical steps in its debt restructuring—finalising Domestic Debt Optimisation (DDO), signing agreements with the Official Creditor Committee and China Exim Bank, and reaching consensus with bondholders—Sri Lanka is now on track for a potential rating upgrade, Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe said.
He emphasised that while the next goal is a rating upgrade, the country must work diligently to achieve this and move past its current default status.
“We cannot dictate a timeline for the rating agencies to update us. Our role is to create an environment conducive for the rating agencies to evaluate,” said Semasinghe.
During a virtual briefing on Friday (05), Semasinghe highlighted that creating this favourable environment and completing the debt restructuring process in all aspects is essential for the rating agencies to consider an upgrade.
“We are confident in our ability to create a conducive environment for the rating agencies to review. However, as of now, an upgrade is not imminent. The rating agencies have their criteria and timelines, but we have certain areas that still need resolution,” he asserted, acknowledging the current situation.
Explaining the timelines, he noted that a specific timeframe cannot be set, as there have been instances where expected resolutions were achieved ahead of schedule.
“Certain timelines have been extended after bilateral discussions. No changes were made unilaterally; it was always a mutual decision. We consulted the relevant stakeholders and then made adjustments, even with the IMF,” he explained.
Semasinghe also mentioned that while some rating agencies have their own tracking mechanisms, they must understand the complexities of the situation. “It’s easier said than done,” he remarked.
Sri Lanka is currently classified under restrictive default and selective default, indicating that the country is not meeting part of its debt obligations.
Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe recently stated that the primary focus is to resolve this situation and complete the restructuring process to exit these defaults.
“The success of this effort will determine our next steps. With swift action, we can progress towards achieving credit ratings such as B, BB, or BBB,” he said.
July 08, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe honoured the late R. Sampanthan, former Leader of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and former Leader of the Opposition, recognising him as a champion of the rights of not only the Tamil community but all Sri Lankans.
He highlighted that both he and Sampanthan were committed to the vision of an undivided Sri Lanka and urged for the continuation of the discussions initiated with the late TNA Leader.
These remarks were made by the President while attending Sampanthan’s funeral at his residence in Trincomalee this yesterday (07).
The ceremony honoured the former Leader of the Opposition and member of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), as well as the late Trincomalee District Member of Parliament, and was attended by numerous political figures from both the government and opposition.
Wickremesinghe expressed his sorrow over the loss of Sampanthan, describing him as a long-time friend.
The President reiterated his commitment to addressing the issues faced by the Tamil people, which Sampanthan had tirelessly advocated for. He also announced that the draft of the National Land Commission Bill is ready to be presented to Parliament.
This commission will have the authority to resolve land issues affecting the Sinhalese, Tamil, and Muslim communities, in coordination with the Department of Forest.
The President praised Sampanthan’s role as Leader of the Opposition, noting that an opposition leader is essentially an alternative prime minister.
He commended Sampanthan for addressing the concerns of all Sri Lankans, not just the Tamil community.
On the subject of upcoming elections, President Wickremesinghe stated that despite any court challenges, the presidential election will be held this year.
Arrangements will be made to conduct parliamentary and provincial council elections subsequently.
Addressing the funeral gathering, the President shared memories of his friendship and professional relationship with Sampanthan, spanning several decades.
He recalled their early days in Parliament and their collaborative efforts in addressing the issues of the Tamil community post-2009.
He emphasised that Sampanthan never sought a separate state but always advocated for unity and resolving the Tamil people’s problems.
The President highlighted their joint efforts in past elections and Sampanthan’s steadfast commitment to a united Sri Lanka.
Wickremesinghe reiterated the need to continue and conclude the discussions initiated with Sampanthan. He outlined the government’s plans to implement the 13th amendment, hold provincial council elections, and address the issues raised by the Jana Sabha system and the Nawaz Commission report.
The President concluded his speech by calling for collective support to complete the important work started with Sampanthan, reaffirming their shared vision of an undivided Sri Lanka.
July 08, Colombo (LNW): Lionel Fernando, a renowned public servant and former Chairman of the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd. (ANCL), passed away on Saturday.
In 1994, he served as Chairman of the ANCL. His distinguished career included roles as Government Agent for Jaffna, Governor of the North Eastern Provinces, and Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Malaysia.
He also held positions as Ambassador to the Netherlands and France, Foreign Secretary, Chairman of the Ceylon Shipping Corporation, and Chairman of the National Insurance Corporation.
Fernando was married to the late actress and playwright Somalatha Subasinghe.
The public can pay their respects to Fernando at Jayaratne Respect Home from 9:30 am today (08). The funeral will be held at the Borella Cemetery at 5:30 pm today.
July 08, Colombo (LNW): The Supreme Court is set for today (08) to deliberate on a petition concerning the official term duration of the President.
The case will be reviewed by a five-judge panel, including Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, alongside Justices Vijith Malalgoda, Murdu Fernando, Preethi Padman Surasena, and S. Thurairaja.
The petition calls for an interim order to delay the forthcoming presidential election until the court clarifies the official term end date of the current President.
This petition was submitted by entrepreneur C.D. Lenawa last Wednesday (03).
Meanwhile, Rohana Hettiarachchi, the Executive Director of People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL), stated that any attempt by the government to delay the election would result in strict legal action.
The National Peoples Power (NPP) also lodged an intervenient petition against the aforementioned petition, standing by the Election Commission’s declaration on the election.
July 08, Colombo (LNW): More than 200 public sector trade unions, including Grama Niladhari officers and surveyors, will commence a strike by taking ‘sick leave’ today (08) and tomorrow (09), the Trade Unions Collective revealed.
Government employees from various sectors such as postal services, surveying, agricultural regulation, Grama Niladhari officers, development officers, and prosperity officers are participating in this industrial action.
N.M. Wijeratne, President of the State and Provincial Public Management Association, stressed that these unions are protesting to demand a salary increase.
Chinthaka Bandara, co-convener of the United Postal Trade Unions’ Front, noted that postal workers began their strike at 4 p.m. yesterday (07) in support of this movement.
Joseph Stalin, General Secretary of the Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU), mentioned that while the CTU reported to work today, they will join the strike by taking sick leave tomorrow (09).
The Government Medical Officers’ Association and the Nurses’ Association have opted not to participate in the strike, ensuring that healthcare services continue uninterrupted.
Despite this, there is a significant risk of disruption to public services due to the planned strike action by trade union representatives today.
July 08, Colombo (LNW): A new scholarship initiative from the President’s Fund, aimed at supporting students from low-income families across grades 1 to 11 and G.C.E. (A/L), will commence at the district level starting 12th July 2024.
The programme will be managed by district secretaries in cooperation with zonal education offices and school principals, announced the Presidential Media Division (PMD).
Specific details, including the dates, times, and venues for the scholarship awards in each district, as well as the list of selected recipients, will soon be available on the official Facebook page of the President’s Fund.
The list of students selected for the G.C.E. (A/L) scholarship programme has already been published on the President’s Fund Facebook page.
A total of 6,000 students will receive scholarships, with 60 students chosen from each educational zone. Each student will be granted Rs. 6,000 per month for a period of 24 months.
At the award ceremonies, the selected students will receive an initial grant of Rs. 30,000, which includes any outstanding payments.
Subsequently, Rs. 6,000 will be provided monthly until the students sit for their G.C.E. (A/L) examinations.
The scholarship programme will also cover all 10,126 schools island-wide, providing support from grade 1 to grade 11 for 12 months.
Each selected student will receive Rs. 3,000 per month, totalling Rs. 36,000 over the year.
An arrears payment of Rs. 12,000 will be disbursed at the award ceremonies, followed by monthly payments of Rs. 3,000.
The President’s Fund encourages the public to follow its official Facebook page for updates on these scholarship programmes and to receive timely information on these significant educational initiatives.
July 08, Colombo (LNW): The prevailing showery conditions are expected to continue today in the south-western part of the island, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (08).
Showers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts 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 Matara via Colombo and Galle.
Winds:
Winds will be south-westerly in the sea areas around the island. The wind speed will be (30-40) kmph and it can increase up to (50-60) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Trincomalee to Puttalam via Kankasanthurai and Mannar and from Hambantota to Pottuvil. The wind speed will be (25-35) kmph in the other sea areas around the island.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coasts extending from Trincomalee to Puttalam via Kankasanthurai and Mannar and from Hambantota to Pottuvil will be rough at times. The other sea areas around the island will be moderate. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
July 07, Colombo (LNW): SLASSCOM and IIT Madras Pravartak have inked a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing collaboration and fostering innovation in Sri Lanka’s startup ecosystem.
The agreement was facilitated by Dr. Shankar Raman from IIT Madras Pravartak and SLASSCOM Chairman Jehan Perinpanayagam, Rajendra Moortha and SLASSCOM Vice Chair Nishan Mendis.
The MoU between SLASSCOM and IIT Madras Pravartak encompasses a comprehensive set of initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka.
It includes identifying and supporting high-potential startups through IIT Madras Pravartak’s incubator program, offering mentorship and resources to accelerate their growth.
SLASSCOM will establish a new incubator in Sri Lanka modelled after IIT Madras Pravartak’s successful framework, focusing on mentorship, funding, and skills development.
The collaboration will also drive collaborative research in technology, sustainability, and healthcare sectors, while promoting cross-border exchanges through internship programs.
Additionally, joint efforts in funding, mentorship, and market access initiatives aim to bolster Sri Lankan startups’ entry and expansion into the Indian market, leveraging synergies between both organisations’ networks and expertise.
IIT Madras Parvartak Technologies Foundation CEO Dr. Shankar Raman stated, “We are excited about the potential of this partnership to ignite a new wave of innovation and entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka.
By combining SLASSCOM’s industry expertise with IIT Madras Pravartak’s proven incubation model, we aim to create a fertile ground for startups to thrive and scale. This MoU is not just about sharing resources and knowledge; it’s about shaping the future of Sri Lanka’s tech landscape.”
“This collaboration represents a pivotal moment for SLASSCOM and Sri Lanka’s startup ecosystem.
Together with IIT Madras Pravartak, we are poised to unlock unprecedented opportunities for local startups, equipping them with the tools and support needed to compete on a global stage.
We look forward to fostering a culture of innovation and excellence that drives sustainable economic growth. We also extend our gratitude to the Indian High Commission for their support in facilitating this collaboration,” added SLASSCOM Chairman Jehan Perinpanayagam.
