In a bid to alleviate the ongoing challenges faced by micro, small and medium-scale entrepreneurs (MSMEs) and industrialists amid the economic turmoil triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Easter Sunday attack, the Industries Ministry has announced a comprehensive plan.

To kick start the initiative, the Finance Ministry, upon the recommendations of the Industries Ministry, has devised a working capital loan scheme featuring a concessionary interest rate. 

The scheme seeks to inject renewed vigour into entrepreneurs and industrialists burdened with non-performing bank loans.

Against this backdrop, the Industries Ministry aims to gather crucial information about entrepreneurs and industrialists to better understand and address their lingering issues, a top official said. 

“For those grappling with non-performing loans (NPLs), the Industries Ministry has streamlined the application process for the working capital loan scheme. Interested parties can access the official website of the Ministry to download the application form,” he added.

Entrepreneurs and industrialists are urged to promptly submit information about their enterprises or industries to the Industries Ministry. 

“This can be done conveniently through the provided QR code or Google Link,” the official said, adding that alternatively, individuals can fill out the form and provide the required details to National Enterprise Development Officials at their respective Divisional Secretariats, Vidatha Officers, or Small Enterprise Development Officers affiliated with nearby Divisional or District Secretaries. 

Additionally, officials from the Ministry’s Regional Industrial Service Centre or Regional Industrial Development Board are available to assist in this process.

Submissions can be made via email to the Ministry or through the designated officials mentioned earlier.

“Entrepreneurs and industrialists are encouraged to take advantage of these resources to revive their businesses and contribute to economic recovery,” he added.

 Successful MSMEs usually evolve into large organisations, and such organisations contribute to economic growth immensely. 

MSMEs make an important contribution to the economy as a breeding ground for large firms, an employment provider, and a facilitator of innovation, thereby leading to inclusive and balanced growth.

Most successful economies comprise a healthy mix of both large and small firms. Large firms typically are more productive, have the capacity to invest in capital intensive projects, facilitate research and development on a larger scale, and in turn facilitate the creation of new knowledge contributing to yield growth episodes.

May 15, Colombo (LNW): Under the guidance of Health and Industry Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, a significant discussion on the proposed development plans for Maharagama Apeksha Hospital until 2030 unfolded at the hospital premises on the morning of May 15th.

The discourse commenced by delving into ongoing and forthcoming development endeavors concerning the 10-acre hospital premises, addressing both immediate and long-term initiatives.

H.W.P. Chandrasiri, the authorized architect from the Central Consulting Bureau (CECB) specializing in Special Projects, elucidated the blueprint for future development works at the hospital. He outlined existing challenges in project implementation and detailed steps taken to mitigate these issues, providing comprehensive insights to Minister Pathirana and other pertinent officials.

Highlighting a significant milestone, it was announced that the construction of a four-story children’s ward complex, initiated on September 21st, 2023, through funding from Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Dewalaya, is slated for completion in July this year. With an estimated cost of 150 million rupees and an allocated project duration of eight months, the Sri Lanka Air Force is overseeing project management and construction.

Also, the officials were informed about the ward complex which is intended to be constructed with the fund of Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Dewalaya with a donation of about 500 beds and after the construction of the ward complex, it will be possible to provide optimal and quality treatment services to the people.

Minister Pathirana personally inspected the construction progress of the children’s ward complex, leveraging the occasion to assess the utilization of allocated budgetary resources and the contributions from Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Dewalaya for Maharagama Hospital’s future development.

Emphasizing the importance of methodical and formal execution, officials received directives to ensure streamlined implementation of future development projects.

In attendance were Health Secretary Specialist Dr. Palitha Mahipala, Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Ministry of Health officials, Deputy Director of Apksha Hospital Dr. Buddhika Kulakulasuriya, Basnayake Nilame of Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Dewalaya Dishan Gunasekara, and representatives from the Central Consultancy Bureau for Engineering.

Related News: LANDMARK HOSPITAL EXPANSION UNVEILED IN SRI LANKA: HOPE FOR CHILDREN BATTLING CANCER

1. President Ranil Wickremesinge is expected to head to Bali, Indonesia next week to attend the World Water Forum. The 10th World Water Forum will take place from the 18th to the 14th of May, and is hosted by the Government of Indonesia. Wickremesinghe is expected to do bilateral discussions with the Indonesian President.
2. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa alleged that 56 out of the 322 ambulances belonging to the ‘1990’ ‘Suwa Seriya’ free ambulance service are now out of service.Premadasa urged the government to take immediate action to safeguard the ‘Suwa Seriya’ Ambulance Service from collapse.
3. The Government of India on Tuesday (May 14) extended the ban imposed on the now-defunct Sri Lankan militant group, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), for five more years. According to Indian media, The Hindu, the ban has been extended as it continues to foster a separatist tendency amongst the masses and enhance the support base for it in India, particularly in Tamil Nadu.
4. A/L classes to begin immediately after O/L exams. The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to commence Advanced Level (A/L) education immediately after the completion of the GCE Ordinary Level examination. The Department of Government Information in a statement detailing cabinet decisions noted that the Department of Examination currently takes at least three months to release O/L examination results.
5. President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena to look into the possibility of invalidating the nominations accepted for the postponed 2023 Local Government (LG) election. Joining the Cabinet press briefing, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardena stated that accordingly, President Wickremesinghe has called on the Prime Minister to seek legal advice from the Attorney General in this regard.
6. Colombo Magistrate’s Court instructed the Criminal Investigations Department to provide an update on the investigation into the death of businessman Dinesh Schaffter. The case was heard by Additional Magistrate Harshana Kekunawela. The CID reported ongoing investigations, while the victim’s lawyers requested access to mobile phones held by the police, citing sensitive family content.
7. Cabinet approval has been received to gazette the ‘Economic Transformation Bill’ and to present it to Parliament for approval, the Department of Government Information (DGI) reported.
8. The non-academic staff of state universities have decided to withdraw from the essential services of the university system including water and electricity services from 14th May. The strike action launched by the Joint Committee of University Trade Unions continued for the 13th consecutive day, citing wage issues.
9. The Court of Appeal ordered that the writ application filed by former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, seeking an order to invalidate the decision taken by the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court to remand him in custody until the conclusion of the trial related to the import of substandard immunoglobulin vials, will be taken up for consideration on May 31.
10. Sri Lanka opener Chamari Athapaththu has made notable progress in the ICC Women’s T20I Player Rankings after some fine performances over the past week. Nilakshi de Silva has moved up two places to 48th in the batting rankings, while Inoshi Fernando moved up five places to 19th and Udeshika Prabhodhani moved up five places to 30th.

PRESS RELEASE

Celebrating the significance of Vesak week, the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in New York hosted an almsgiving to the Buddhist Monks in the Tri-State area on 14^th May 2024.  20 monks representing Buddhist Viharas around New York, which included New York Buddhist Vihara, Staten Island Buddhist Vihara Meditation Center & Healing Garden, New Jersey Buddhist Vihara, Long Island Buddhist Meditation Centre, the New England Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Centre, Mahamevna Buddhist Meditation Centers of New York & New Jersey and Connecticut Meditation Center/Connecticut Buddhist Vihara graced the occasion and blessed the Ambassador and the mission team for their continued progress.

The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in New York is also organizing the International Day of Vesak 2024 in coordination with the Permanent Mission of Thailand in New York, in the ECOSOC Chamber of the United Nations on 20^thMay 2024.

This year’s Vesak Day celebrations will be special as its marks the 25^th Anniversary of the adoption of the historic Resolution 54/115 titled “International Recognition of the Day of Vesak.”  The commemorations in the UN will consist of statements by high level dignitaries including the Secretary General of the United Nations, President of the General Assembly and Foreign Ministers of Sri Lanka and Thailand in addition to those of the Member States. A blessing and sermon representing Mahayana and Theravada traditions respectively will also be held during this event. 

The International Day of Vesak celebrations will be live web-cast through UN Web TV for the general public.

New York

14 May 2024

FAO promotes Integrated Plant Nutrient Management in paddy farming for better yields.  

For four decades, Chandrasena, a seasoned paddy farmer in Ampara, has devoted himself to maximizing yields on the two-acre plot of paddy fields he inherited from his father. Despite facing myriad challenges he recently experienced a bountiful harvest thanks to Integrated Plant Nutrient Management (IPNM), part of the “RiceUP” project implemented by the Department of Agriculture and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with funding from the European Union (EU).

“Over the years I have witnessed how farmers face numerous difficulties trying to get better yields. We have faced drought, heavy rain, pests and diseases that destroyed our harvests. But this year has been a blessed year. This year’s harvest has been good. This Maha season we harvested 1800kg paddy per acre which is around 300kg more than the last season,” says Chandrasena. 

Besides increased yields, IPNM’s guidance in fertilization and soil management significantly reduced Chandrasena’s urea usage from 100kg to 60kg per acre, saving costs. With the assistance of Agriculture Instructor E M Dhammika Bandara, Chandrasena and 28 fellow farmers in Uhana, Ampara, learned IPNM techniques through Farmer Field Schools, resulting in a remarkable increase in yield despite adverse weather conditions.

“This is one of the best programmes we have come across during my tenure working in the field. The application of the Farmer Field School methodology has been successful. These farmers have cultivated 60 seasons in their life, but they have not come across the IPNM technology,” says Dhammika. “Chandrasena’s plot was the control plot. We managed to see better harvest from his field as he applied the IPNM practices exactly as taught. We could see a clear difference to non-IPNM plots, IPNM plots had a higher yield even with bad weather.”  

Chandrasena’s success story highlights the potential of IPNM to enhance yields and economic sustainability for smallholder farmers like himself. While he currently supplements his income with daily wage jobs, Chandrasena remains optimistic about the future of paddy farming, especially with his son’s support and potential continuation of the family tradition.

“My son is employed but supports my farming as much as possible, hopefully he will continue to cultivate paddy in the future.” 

Paddy Farmers get better yield with Integrated Plant Nutrient Management promoted by FAO

FAO promotes Integrated Plant Nutrient Management in paddy farming for better yield 

Being a paddy farmer for 40 years in Ampara is not just coincident. Chandrasena has poured his blood, sweat and tears to make sure his paddy field get better yield during these 40 years of time. Not a day has gone by without him tending to the paddy field to make sure he has enough income to look after his two children and his wife from the two acres of paddy field he inherited from his farther. 

“Over the years I have witnessed how farmers face numerous difficulties trying to get better yield. We have faced drought, heavy rain and pests and diseases and our farmland destroyed without us getting any harvest. But this year has been blessed year. This year’s harvest has been good,” says Chandrasena referring to the sustainable farming practice called Integrated Plant Nutrient Management (IPNM) introduced by the Department of Agriculture under a project called “RiceUP” implemented by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) with the funding from European Union (EU).   

Chandrasena says “IPNM practice has been successful because there is a proper way of guiding us on its application. We learned how to apply fertilizer on time and know our soil so well that we can better understand how to treat our paddy plants.”

He says that before learning IPNM, he used 100kg urea per acre of his paddy field. But this time he has applied only 60kg which saved more of his money spent on fertilizer. He says that this is because they applied compost fertilizer to the field thanks to IPNM practices. 

E M Dhammika Bandara is the Agriculture Instructor from the Department of Agriculture who facilitated the IPNM Farmer Field School imparting knowledge on IPNM to 28 other farmers like Chandrasena to start practicing IPNM in their paddy fields in Uhana area in Ampara. “This is one of the best programmes we have come across during my tenure working in the field. The application of Farmer Field School methodology has been successful. These farmers have cultivated 60 seasons in their life, but they have not come across the IPNM technology,” says Dhammika. He thinks not only the farmers need to be made aware of this kind of practices, but they need to be guided how to become entrepreneurial using a practice like IPNM. 

“Chandrasena’s plot was the controlled plot. We managed to see better harvest from his field as he applied IPNM practices exactly as taught. We could see in comparison to non-IPNM plots, IPNM plots have a higher yield even during impact of bad weather,” says Dhammika.  

“This Maha season we have 1800kg paddy for an acre. It is about 300kg more than the last season,” says Chandrasena. 

He is determined to continue the IPNM practices in the future making sure after four seasons doing a soil test as well. 

However, still the smallholder paddy farmers in Sri Lanka do not get enough income to sustain their families through paddy cultivation as the sole livelihood. Chandrasena too does daily wage jobs when he has free time because the income from the paddy field is not enough. However, Chandrasena thinks the future is brighter than he thought before. 

“My son does another job, but he is supporting my paddy farming as much as possible and hopefully he will continue to do paddy cultivation in the future.”

May 15, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has asserted that President Ranil Wickremesinghe has yet to provide a definitive response to their request for a General Election preceding the Presidential Election.

According to the SLPP, Founder of the party Basil Rajapaksa engaged in discussions with the President on Monday (13), specifically addressing this issue. The dialogue marked the seventh round of talks aimed at resolving existing disputes between the two parties.

During these discussions, the SLPP reiterated its position on the nation’s development trajectory, emphasizing the need for clarity and alignment in political agendas.

In a bid to mobilize its electoral base, the SLPP announced plans to commence its election campaign on May 26th, starting from the Kala Wewa constituency in Anuradhapura. The campaign will subsequently extend to other constituencies across the country.

The SLPP’s stance reflects a persistent push for electoral transparency and timeliness, highlighting the ongoing dialogue between political entities amidst the evolving landscape of Sri Lankan politics.

May 15, Colombo (LNW): The Joint Committee of University Trade Unions has announced a further escalation of their strike action, citing prolonged delays in addressing their grievances.

Co-Chairman Dhammika S. Priyantha declared that the association has unanimously agreed to intensify their protest by withdrawing from all voluntary services within universities. This includes suspending the supply of water, electricity, and internet facilities, effectively disrupting various operations across the university system.

Priyantha emphasized the need for authorities to take accountability for the destruction of samples maintained in university laboratories, attributing such occurrences to governmental actions. He warned that unless the administration addresses their concerns, the committee will reassess their voluntary activities within universities.

In response, Senior Professor Sampath Amaratunge, chairman of the University Grants Commission, called upon all employees to prioritize their responsibilities and focus on educating students amidst the ongoing turmoil.

The decision to escalate the strike underscores the growing frustration among university trade unions over unresolved issues, signaling a potential impasse between academic staff and authorities.

May 15, Colombo (LNW): Education Minister Dr. Susil Premajayantha has revealed ambitious plans to revolutionize the education system, including the establishment of 1,220 school clusters nationwide and the formation of 350 school boards to oversee their operations in the initial phase of educational administration reforms.

During a press briefing at the Presidential Media Centre, Dr. Premajayantha underscored the imminent presentation of a Cabinet memorandum detailing these reforms, with an accompanying circular slated for release soon.

Reflecting on challenges faced upon assuming office two years ago, Dr. Premajayantha highlighted fuel shortages hindering student attendance, disruptions caused by power cuts, and the upheaval wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite these obstacles, significant strides have been made. Textbooks and uniforms have been distributed, examinations are returning to their regular schedule, and discussions are underway to hold G.C.E. (O/L) and G.C.E. (A/L) Examinations in December and August respectively.

The ongoing G.C.E. (O/L) Examination is set to conclude, with paper marking commencing immediately and Advanced Level classes slated to begin for qualified students before exam results are released.

Under the educational administration reforms, school clusters and boards will be established, granting authorities the power to allocate students from year 01 to year 11 to leading schools within their clusters for Advanced Level education.

Efforts to address teacher shortages in key subjects are underway, with over 3,000 appointments made based on subject expertise, and plans to fill vacancies in science and technology subjects by June 1st.

Additionally, initiatives to resolve issues facing school principals, recruit personnel for Education Administration Service, and transition National Colleges of Education into universities are in progress.

Dr. Premajayantha’s comprehensive reforms signal a significant step forward in revitalizing Sri Lanka’s education sector, aiming to create a robust framework conducive to academic excellence and holistic development.

May 15, Colombo (LNW): Upon advisement from the National Operations Room, the Investment Promotion Ministry has been tasked with formulating a comprehensive strategy for the effective utilization of buildings constructed within Technology Parks in Kurunegala and Galle Districts by the Techno Park Company.

Discussions within the National Operations Room, led by Prime Minister’s Secretary Anura Dissanayake, revolved around addressing the challenges hindering the progress of development projects and devising methodologies to expedite their completion.

The suspension of construction at the Kurunegala and Galle Technology Parks was attributed to the lack of a sustainable method to cover the operational expenses of the Techno Park Company.

Highlighting the burgeoning potential of the information technology sector to generate employment opportunities, Prime Minister’s Secretary stressed the need for swift action.

Repeated deliberations in the National Operations Room underscored the urgency of presenting a viable project proposal to the Public Enterprises Department aimed at bolstering the Techno Park Company’s financial liquidity. Additionally, the National Budget Department was urged to explore avenues for governmental financial support until the company achieves profitability.

Despite challenges regarding financial allocations from the National Budget Department, stakeholders convened to devise an effective implementation strategy for future activities. Notably, loans totaling Rs. 1.5 billion secured in 2021 for Technology Park construction remain unresolved, with loan repayments and interest suspended since 2022.

To address outstanding obligations, the committee proposed utilizing funds from the Irrigation Ministry and Department, with potential referral for Parliamentary approval if needed.

Environmental concerns pertaining to the pollution of the Victoria Reservoir due to sewage from Pallekele Prison were also addressed. The committee instructed the Prison Department to collaborate with the Drainage Board to renovate the defunct sewage system within four months. Regular progress updates were mandated to ensure timely completion of the renovations and mitigate environmental impacts.

May 15, Colombo (LNW):Social Empowerment State Minister Anupa Pasqual has announced that the government will provide course fees as a soft loan through Samurdhi Bank associations to youths engaged in part-time or full-time jobs while pursuing studies in South Korea.

A collaborative effort between government and private sector institutions has launched a groundbreaking program allowing students to work while undertaking vocational training or graduate courses in South Korea, irrespective of their GCE Advanced Level Examination results.

State Minister Pasqual highlighted the government’s decision to offer concessional bank loans as an initiative to incentivize youth participation in the program, recognizing its significant benefits for both individuals and the nation at large.

Emphasizing the importance of cultivating a highly qualified workforce to access lucrative job opportunities globally, Pasqual underscored Sri Lanka’s commitment to fostering skilled professionals.

Pasqual conveyed these insights during the launch of a Korean language learning course at the historic Kande Viharaya in Kalutara. Initially targeting students in the Western Province who may have left school after Ordinary or Advanced Level Examinations, the course aims to equip participants with the language skills needed for employment while studying in Korea.

“This initiative holds the potential to generate high-income job prospects through specialized education,” Pasqual remarked, noting the collaboration between Troja International Management and Consultants, Royal Way International Vocational College, and Seiko International Institute in introducing the course with governmental support.

Ravindra Gayanath, Director of the Korean Language Educational Institute, elucidated that the introduction of new language courses seeks to guide Sri Lankan youth towards well-compensated job opportunities in Korea by enhancing their proficiency in the Korean language.

The inauguration ceremony witnessed the participation of notable figures such as Ven. Kim Yong Chul, President of the Korea–Sri Lanka Buddhist Centre, Korean educationists Hwang Yongguk, Pak Eunhee, Kho Mink Yong, Ven. Premarathana Thera, Incumbent of Kande Viharaya, and a multitude of attendees eager to explore these educational avenues.