July 06, Colombo (LNW): Showers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle and Matara districts. with showers or thundershowers being expected to occur at a few places in Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts in the evening or night, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (06).
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 provincesand 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 times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Matara via Colombo and Galle. Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the other sea areas around the island.
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 (50-55) 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.
July 05, London, UK (LNW): The recent political developments in the United Kingdom have been nothing short of historic. Sir Keir Starmer’s election as Prime Minister and Rishi Sunak’s resignation have marked significant shifts in the British political landscape, stemming a series of events that will likely shape the country’s future for years to come.
The general election held in the UK was a pivotal moment, with the Labour Party securing a decisive victory. The results marked a significant shift from the previous administration, reflecting the electorate’s desire for change amidst ongoing economic challenges and social issues.
The Labour Party, under the leadership of Sir Keir Starmer, managed to secure a majority in the House of Commons, winning 365 seats out of the 650 available. This victory signalled the public’s approval of Starmer’s vision for the country and a desire for a new direction in governance.
Starmer, formerly the Leader of the Opposition, has now taken on the mantle of Prime Minister. Starmer’s background as a barrister and his tenure as Director of Public Prosecutions have given him a reputation for being methodical and principled.
His leadership of the Labour Party has been characterised by a focus on integrity, social justice, and rebuilding trust in politics.
In his acceptance speech, Sir Starmer emphasised the need for unity and rebuilding the country after years of political turbulence. He highlighted key areas of focus for his administration, including the NHS, education, climate change, and economic recovery.
Starmer’s approach promises to be pragmatic and inclusive, aiming to address the needs of all segments of society.
Sunak steps down
Rishi Sunak, the outgoing Prime Minister, announced his resignation following the election results. Sunak’s tenure was marked by significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic downturns, and internal party conflicts.
Despite these hurdles, Sunak managed to implement several key policies, such as the furlough scheme, which provided financial support to millions during the pandemic.
In his resignation speech, the former UK Premier reflected on his time in office, acknowledging both the achievements and the shortcomings of his administration.
He expressed gratitude to his colleagues and the public, and pledged his support for the new government. Sunak’s departure was seen as a dignified exit, paving the way for a smooth transition of power.
The new administration under Sir Starmer faces a myriad of challenges. The economic landscape remains precarious, with inflation and unemployment posing significant threats. Addressing these issues will require robust economic policies and strategic investments.
Starmer has already outlined plans for economic reform, focusing on green energy, infrastructure development, and support for small businesses.
One of the central pillars of Starmer’s campaign was the revitalisation of the NHS and public services. The healthcare system, strained by the pandemic, requires substantial investment and reform.
Starmer has committed to increasing funding for the NHS, improving working conditions for healthcare professionals, and ensuring timely access to services for all citizens.
Education is another critical area of focus for the new government. Starmer has promised to prioritise education funding, reduce class sizes, and provide better support for teachers.
Additionally, he has emphasised the importance of engaging with the youth, ensuring that their voices are heard in the policymaking process. This includes expanding opportunities for higher education and vocational training.
The Labour Party’s manifesto placed a strong emphasis on tackling climate change and promoting sustainability. Starmer has pledged to make the UK a global leader in green energy, with ambitious plans to reduce carbon emissions and invest in renewable energy sources.
This commitment aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and positions the UK as a proactive player on the international stage.
Starmer’s leadership also promises a renewed focus on social justice and equality. He has vowed to address issues such as housing, poverty, and discrimination. Policies aimed at increasing affordable housing, raising the minimum wage, and ensuring equal opportunities for all are central to his vision for a fairer society.
Is there political stability in UK?
Restoring political stability and trust in government is another key objective for Starmer. The previous years have been marked by political turmoil and public disillusionment. Starmer aims to rebuild confidence in the political system through transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.
His approach includes reforms to ensure that government operations are efficient and that public officials are held to the highest standards of integrity.
On the international front, Sir Starmer’s government will seek to strengthen the UK’s relationships with global partners. This includes re-establishing ties with the European Union (EU), from which the UK departed under Boris Johnson’s administration, enhancing cooperation with Commonwealth nations, and playing a constructive role in international organisations.
Starmer’s background in law and diplomacy positions him well to navigate the complexities of global politics.
As the country moves forward under new leadership, the legacy of Rishi Sunak remains a topic of discussion. Sunak’s handling of the pandemic, his economic policies, and his efforts to maintain stability during challenging times are acknowledged.
However, his tenure was also marked by controversies and criticisms, particularly regarding internal party dynamics and public dissatisfaction with certain policies.
A “new era” for UK? A common phrase over the decades
The election of Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister marks the beginning of a new era for the United Kingdom. With a clear mandate from the electorate, Starmer’s government is poised to tackle the pressing issues facing the nation.
The transition from Rishi Sunak’s administration to Starmer’s leadership represents a significant shift in the political landscape, with potential implications for domestic and international affairs.
The power transfer between the centre-leftist Labour Party and far-right Tory Party over the decades had been quite dramatic with numerous promises being made by each leader, bowing before the Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth the II and now King Charles the III, only to meet dissatisfaction by the public each time. But Starmer, on the other hand, has proved himself to be a true leader with his voice against discrimination and for equality during his tenure as a prosecutor and as the Leader of the Opposition, the people of Great Britain cannot hope more.
As the UK navigates this period of change, the focus will be on achieving economic recovery, social justice, and sustainable development. The coming years will be crucial in determining the success of Starmer’s policies and the overall direction of the country.
The public, having voted for change, now looks to the new government to deliver on its promises and guide the nation towards a prosperous future.
July 05, Colombo (LNW): The Export Development Board (EDB) has partnered with the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs of Switzerland (SECO) to launch the second phase of the Global Program on Textile and Clothing (GTEX2), targeting the apparel sector in Sri Lanka.
This five-year initiative, running from 2024 to 2027, is funded by the Swiss Government and involves collaboration with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDCA) and the International Trade Centre (ITC). A National Project Coordinator (NPC) in Sri Lanka will oversee the implementation.
The program aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the textile and clothing industry by improving operational capacities, adhering to social and environmental standards, adding value to products and services, and expanding exports. Besides Sri Lanka, other participating countries include Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and Tunisia.
Investment Promotion State Minister Dilum Amunugama highlighted the program’s potential to drive sustainable practices and enhance global competitiveness through advanced digital technologies.
He emphasized Sri Lanka’s strong, ethical, and sustainable textile and clothing industry, which generated over $4.8 billion in 2023, accounting for 42% of total merchandise exports. The sector, contributing 7% to the GDP, aims for an export revenue target of $8 billion by 2025.
Sri Lanka has led in sustainable manufacturing, implementing significant changes in processes, sourcing strategies, and product innovation. Ethical practices in the industry include the absence of child labor, forced labor, discrimination, and sweatshop conditions, earning the slogan “Garments without guilt.”
The industry is also notable for its environmental initiatives, with the world’s first custom-built green apparel factory, Asia’s first Carbon Neutral Certified factory, and numerous LEED-certified plants. Many factories pursue zero-carbon operations, zero-waste policies, and renewable energy investments.
The industry supports approximately 650,000 people, with 300,000 directly employed and another 350,000 indirectly supported, largely comprising rural women. The collaboration with SECO is seen as a significant step towards a more sustainable and digitally advanced textile and apparel industry in Sri Lanka.
EDB Chairman Dr. Kingsley Bernard expressed gratitude for the support from the Swiss Embassy and the Swiss Confederation.
He mentioned a comprehensive market research study facilitated by the Swiss Import Promotion Program (SIPPO) in 2022, which identified new market segments, product ranges, and sustainability impact areas for the Sri Lankan apparel industry. This success led to Sri Lanka’s inclusion in GTEX2.
Dr. Bernard expressed confidence that the program will contribute to economic growth and poverty reduction through sustainable trade and decent job creation along the textile and clothing value chain. He believes the initiative will provide the industry with motivation and guidance to realize its potential and achieve national targets.
July 05, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka, strengthened by the recent agreement reached with international creditors for the restructuring of 5,6 billion dollars of debt, urges Japan to make further investments in the country, contributing to the revival of the Sri Lankan economy and guaranteeing Colombo a further point of diplomatic reference as well as India and China.
Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry declared this in an interview with the Japanese newspaper “Nikkei”.“We expect Japan-financed projects to start any time now” to the debt restructuring deal, the minister said.
He was , referring to a series of projects financed in recent years by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) but never started, including the construction of a light railway in Colombo and the expansion of the international airport serving the capital.
“The expansion of the airport is very important. We want to make it a global hub,” Sabry explained. In 2020, Japanese engineering group Taisei won a 62 billion yen ($383 million at current exchange rates) heat contract for the second phase of the expansion of Bandaranaike International Airport, about 30 kilometers north of Colombo. The contract also included the construction of a four-storey passenger terminal, with the works being completed in 2023.
As with other projects, however, the contract was terminated following the blocking of financing by the Jica agency, in the context of the acute financial and debt crisis experienced by Sri Lanka in the last two years. In addition to infrastructure, Sabry said, Sri Lanka offers Japan investment opportunities “in renewable energy, aviation and IT development.”
Tle Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka, Ali Sabry, accompanied by a delegation, is engaged in an official visit to Japan at the invitation of his counterpart Yoko Kamikawa, as announced in recent days by the Foreign Ministries of the two countries, according to which the visit will will end on July 7th.
The two ministers held talks on Tuesday 2 July regarding the progress of bilateral relations since their last visit in May. Sabry will also meet with other dignitaries, including Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi.
Sri Lanka’s Official Committee of Creditors (OCC) signed a memorandum of understanding on the country’s debt restructuring on June 26. This was announced by the Foreign Ministry of India, one of the countries that chair the Committee, together with France and Japan.
The signing of the memorandum is defined as “a milestone”, which confirms the progress made by Sri Lanka to stabilize its economy and bring it back to growth through a path of reforms.
India is committed to the stabilization, recovery and growth of Sri Lanka, as demonstrated by the “unprecedented” financial support offered of four billion dollars. India will continue to support its neighboring country by promoting long-term investments in key sectors, the note concludes.
July 05, Colombo (LNW): The government’s firm action plan to implement an alternative wage model for plantation workers to compensate workers based on productivity and attendance has faced a lagal snag following the Supreme Court order suspending the wage hike.
The Supreme Court yesterday issued an interim injunction order preventing the implementation of the Gazette notification issued by the Labour Minister increasing the daily wage of the plantation employee to Rs. 1,700.
The Supreme Court issued this order while allowing the hearing of an appeal petition filed by plantation companies including Agarapathana Plantations Ltd, against the relevant Gazette imposing a minimum wage for plantation workers.
The order was issued by a three-member Supreme Court bench consisting of Justices Gamini Amarasekara, Kumuduni Wickramasinghe and Janak de Silva.
The judgment also states that this interim order will remain in force until the hearing of the petition is concluded. After that, it was decided to call the petition for further hearing on August 28.
A petition had been filed by plantation companies seeking an order invalidating the gazette notification issued by the Minister of Labor stipulating a minimum daily wage for plantation workers.
The petition had been filed by 21 plantation companies including Agarapatana Plantations Ltd while the petitioners have named 52 individuals including Minister of Labor Manusha Nanayakkara and the Labor Commissioner as respondents of the case.
The petitioning plantation companies point out that the Minister of Labor has issued a gazette notification setting the minimum daily wage of a plantation worker at Rs. 1,350, together with an allowance of Rs. 300 and another allowance of Rs. 80, as minimum wage.
The petitioners claim that the decision taken by the Minister of Labor without consulting them, violates the legal principle of natural justice.
Accordingly, the petitioners seek an order invalidating the decision, claiming that the decision was made arbitrarily by the government.
Regional Plantaion Companies (RPCs) have been strongly rejecting President Wickremesinghe’s 1 May announcement of a 70% increase in the daily wage of estate workers to Rs. 1,700. Industry experts point out that tea producers are struggling to meet the increased daily wage due to the appreciation of the rupee since early this year.
Minister Jeevan Thondaman is calling for decisive action against RPCs for failing to properly maintain the tea estates. Many plantation workers have already left the estate sector due to poor wages. Activists highlight the fact that tea pluckers work under very difficult conditions because most RPCs do not replant tea as required by the agreement.
July 05, Colombo (LNW): On a sombre Monday last month, a certain international school in Colombo 07 faced a devastating blow when two students tragically ended their lives by falling from a building.
The incident has not only shaken the school community but also highlighted a significant gap in the mental health support provided to the students. The tragedy fuelled headlines all over the Media in various forms, but LNW learned that the school’s administration team did not seem to give in much about the situation at all.
The parents of the students, therefore, have come together to demand urgent action to prevent further tragedies and to ensure the well-being of their children.
Change is demanded: Suicide is no joke!
In a letter addressed to the Chairperson of the school, parents have outlined their concerns and demanded immediate action.
They have called for a thorough assessment of the current mental health resources at the school and the implementation of a robust support system.
The petition highlights several key areas that need urgent attention:
Assessment and Enhancement of Current Mental Health Resources: Conduct a thorough review of existing programmes and identify gaps in the support system.
Implementation of Comprehensive Mental Health Programmes: Develop and introduce programmes that address the needs of students at all levels, focusing on prevention, intervention, and ongoing support.
Training for Faculty and Staff: Provide teachers and staff with the necessary knowledge and skills to identify and support students experiencing mental health issues.
Establishment of a Safe Space and Peer Support Systems: Create safe spaces within the school where students can freely express their feelings and challenges without fear of stigma or judgment.
Did Media play its role right?
Parents have also mounted concerns about the impact of Social Media and unrestricted internet access on the mental health of students.
They emphasise the need for monitoring and educating children about the dangers of unhealthy online content.
There is a call for a system where friends, parents, and teachers are equipped to understand deviations from normal behaviour and seek early intervention, one parent told LNW.
Whilst the urgency of the situation cannot be overlooked and demands immediate attention, parents are eager for a prompt meeting with the school’s administration to discuss the implementation of these necessary measures.
They also urged the Media – both digital and printed – to not sensationalise suicide, or attempts of suicide of any age, for the sole benefit of ratings and viewership swelling, thereby invoking for a more lenient and ethical coverage for tragedies of this nature.
“The role of the Media plays pivotally in the path to seek justice, but should be careful and sensitive to everyone without being subjugated to the so-called marketing strategies,” another parent pointed out.
They believe that by working together, they can create a supportive environment where students feel understood, valued, and safe.
This tragic event serves as a downright reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and support in educational institutions. The campaign initiated by the parents of the said school’s students is a crucial step towards ensuring that no more lives are lost to preventable tragedies.
Parents stress that it is a call to action for all schools to prioritise the mental well-being of their students and to create a nurturing environment where every child can thrive both academically and emotionally.
July 05, Colombo (LNW): Even as Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the field of education globally, Sri Lanka’s attempts at embracing this rapidly-evolving technology leave much to be desired.
In planning to introduce courses on AI to the education system, the Cabinet of ministers has decided that it was appropriate to introduce the proposed courses with the recommendations made by the task force appointed for the formulation of a national strategy and plan related to AI.
“As a part of the strategic plan, a pilot project is designed to introduce AI courses to general education,” the Government Information Department disclosed.
UNESCO believes that AI has the potential to address some of the biggest challenges in education, innovate teaching and learning practices, and accelerate progress towards the fourth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 4).
In its ‘Artificial Intelligence and Education: Guidance for Policy-Makers’ publication, it notes that the entry of AI into the world of education has meant that ‘intelligent,’ ‘adaptive,’ and ‘personalised’ learning systems are increasingly being developed by the private sector for deployment in schools and universities around the world.
However, questions remain on the feasibility of Sri Lanka’s plans for integrating and adopting AI into education, given the instability within the system that has been exacerbated since Covid disrupted education.
In a landmark move to enhance artificial intelligence (AI) literacy among young students, the Technology Ministry yesterday announced the successful launch of AI Clubs in schools.
This initiative, part of the National AI Strategy 2024-2028, aims to equip students with essential AI knowledge and skills, preparing them for a future where AI competencies will be crucial.
The initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Technology Ministry, Education Ministry, AIClub, SLASSCOM and IronOne. AIClub CEO and a world-renowned pioneer in AI literacy Dr. Nisha Talagala, leads the program, bringing her extensive experience and leadership to ensure its success.
Addressing the gathering, State Minister of Technology Kanaka Herath highlighted the importance of this initiative.
“Our National AI Strategy is a five-year roadmap designed to address the challenges of AI adoption and take AI to the grassroots level.
The Technology Ministry is launching AI clubs in schools nationwide along with the Ministry of Education to promote AI literacy and innovation, with the aim of creating a thriving AI ecosystem in Sri Lanka that benefits all sectors of society,” he added.
The initiative envisions AI education accessible to all schools across the country, regardless of region or demographic.
The combination of a world-class platform, the expertise of AIClub, and the involvement of both the private sector and development agencies, supported by strong leadership and commitment from policymakers, positions Sri Lanka to be on par with advanced countries in AI literacy at school level.
July 05, Colombo (LNW): In a significant law enforcement effort, 1,403 individuals were apprehended within a 24-hour period during the second phase of Operation “Yukthiya,” which began yesterday (04).
Police Media Spokesman, DIG Nihal Thalduwa, announced that detention orders will be sought for 57 of the detainees to enable further investigation.
The arrests included 1,340 men and 63 women, according to the Sri Lanka Police.
Additionally, the operation led to the seizure of 1.086 kg of heroin, 782.7 grams of crystal methamphetamine (commonly known as ‘Ice’), and 3.74 kg of cannabis.
This large-scale operation underscores the authorities’ commitment to tackling drug-related crime and maintaining public safety.
July 05, Colombo (LNW): State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya has provided clarity on recent communications from the Inland Revenue Department regarding tax payments.
He stated that individuals with a monthly income not exceeding Rs. 100,000 are not required to comply with such requests.
This clarification was issued following reports that people possessing Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN) had received letters or text messages from the department demanding tax payments.
Siyambalapitiya reassured that those earning below the specified threshold are exempt from taxation.
He advised affected individuals to notify their nearest regional revenue office if they fall under this exemption.
The Minister also highlighted that around 2.3 million TIN numbers have been distributed so far, with 1.3 million issued in June alone.
The government aims to increase the number of issued TIN numbers to 7.3 million by the end of July.
July 05, Colombo (LNW): As part of ongoing efforts to foster economic diplomacy in Africa, Sri Lankan Ambassador Kananathan recently held discussions with Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio in Freetown regarding potential investment opportunities.
President Bio lauded Ambassador Kananathan’s role as an election observer during the 2023 Presidential Elections, recognising his dedication to enhancing diplomatic and economic ties between Sri Lanka and Sierra Leone. Their dialogue centred on identifying areas for collaboration, with both parties agreeing to boost efforts to achieve mutual benefits for their nations.
The President expressed his gratitude for the significant investments from Sri Lanka in Sierra Leone, highlighting the substantial venture by Browns Investments Ltd, a part of the LOLC Group.
This project, Sunbird Bioenergy (SL) Ltd, oversees a 23,500-hectare sugarcane plantation and operates a facility with the capacity to produce 22 million litres of ethanol annually.
This ethanol, a key ingredient in many alcoholic beverages, marks one of the largest sugarcane agricultural projects on the African continent, showcasing the productive economic partnership between the two countries.
Sierra Leone presents attractive investment prospects in various sectors including mining, manufacturing, agriculture, maritime, aviation, fisheries, and energy.
President Bio invited Sri Lankan investors to explore these opportunities, promoting a mutually beneficial relationship that would further strengthen economic ties.
Additionally, Sierra Leone’s recent election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2024-2025 term highlights the country’s increasing influence on the global stage.
