May 15, Colombo (LNW): The Cabinet of Ministers has greenlit a proposal initiated by the President, acting in his role as Finance, Economic Stabilization, and National Policies Minister. The proposal involves entrusting the National Operations Office with the task of monitoring the performance of ten ministries with the highest budget allocations, along with the institutions falling under their purview.
Combining forces, the Project Management and Supervision Department, alongside line ministries, has meticulously crafted Ministerial Result Frameworks for these top-ten ministries and their respective institutions. These frameworks are designed to ensure the timely realization of development objectives and the attainment of anticipated benefits, all within the specific mandates of each ministry’s hierarchical responsibilities.
The implementation of Ministerial Result Frameworks aims to establish a results-oriented institutional architecture capable of gauging the efficacy of investments. This, in turn, will enhance the efficient fulfillment of public needs.
Consequently, the Cabinet has approved the President’s proposal to transfer the responsibility for achieving the goals outlined in these frameworks to the secretaries of the relevant line ministries. Furthermore, the monitoring of these ministries’ performance will be overseen by the National Operations Office, aligning with the government’s commitment to enhancing accountability and efficiency in governance.
May 15, Colombo (LNW): According to statements from Transport, Highways, and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana, circulated by Stock Market sources, confusion gripped the Stock Market, leading to a decline in trading. The cause? Rumors propagated by conspiratorial saboteurs suggesting an imminent dissolution of Parliament within the week.
Dr. Gunawardhana emphasized that such rumors were unfounded, clarifying that budget allocations have been earmarked for the Presidential Election scheduled for this year. He urged the public not to be misled by false statements, affirming the stability of the political landscape.
May 15, Colombo (LNW): Due to the low-level atmospheric disturbance in the vicinity of Sri Lanka, showery condition is expected to be continue further.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in most provinces of the island after 1.00 p.m.
Heavy showers about 100mm are likely at some places in Western, Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces.
Showers may occur in Western and Southern coastal areas during the morning too.
General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
May 14, Colombo (LNW): Death, as universally understood, is the closure of a lifecycle one brings into this world as they are born.
Medical science and modern technology help us live a healthy life till the inevitable closure to one’s lifecycle arrives.
Though death awaits naturally for all of us in due time, sometimes one meets death tragically too soon, either naturally or otherwise.
Despite medical advancements achieved throughout the course of time, cancer still remains an unpredictable adversary, regardless of one’s health. Remission is hope, but recovery against the spread of a malignancy still remains elusive.
‘Apeksha Hospital,’ the sole medical facility available in Maharagama, Sri Lanka to treat cancer, expects to soon open a new building reserved for children who are battling cancer.
As unbelievable as it may sound, currently the Apeksha Hospital performs surgery for children inside an establishment made of three containers. A building, solely reserved for children, therefore, is currently being prepared to open.
Basnayake Nilame of Ruhunu Kataragama Devala Dishan Gunasekara
The new establishment reserved for children at the Apeksha Hospital is not just a facility of routine medical checkups and surgeries, but consists of a wide-range of medical specialties, conceived by the concept of the Basnayake Nilame of Ruhunu Kataragama Devala, Dishan Gunasekara and funded by the charity money received by the holy place.
“There is a machine called the Linear Accelerator at Apeksha Hospital. It is a machine developed for the treatment of children. I was watching TV one day, when I heard a news that the machine was out of order. The day after the news was broadcast, I went to meet the hospital director and inquired about the matter. Upon query, the hospital director said that the Ministry of Health promised that it would be modernised within five days. Dr. Wasantha Ratnayake, who was there at that time, suggested another idea,“ Gunasekara said.
The Basnayake Nilame went on: “Dr. Wasantha Rathnayake told me that since the wards where children are being treated are very congested, the children and their parents face a lot of trouble, and it would be very valuable if a programme is implemented to prevent or curb the hassle. Then, I looked into this matter and learned the manner in which four children were kept inside a 10 x 12 feet room.”
Gunasekara revealed that it was this event alone that led him to conceiving the idea of establishing a whole new building reserved for children, after having talks with the doctor.
The new building is four-storied and is currently being constructed full throttle.
Approximately Rs. 110 million have been allocated for the procurement of materials and equipment necessary for the construction of this building, the Basnayake Nilame of Ruhunu Kataragama Devala, Dishan Gunasekara, told the reporters.
Gunasekara further emphasised that the labour force required for the construction of this new building is being given by the Sri Lanka Air Force. The priority-construction accomplished so far would have been impossible, were it not for the support exerted by the Air Force Commander and other military personnel, he added.
The Basnayake Nilame further noted that the foundation stone was laid in September 2023, and within a period of eight months, the building was constructed, pending the opening at the end of May this year.
“In comparison to government hospitals, this facility offers a comprehensive array of amenities tailored to accommodate 76 children, each with dedicated beds. Spanning four floors, the building houses these 76 beds across two of its sections. State-of-the-art sanitary fixtures have been installed in both children’s and parents’ restroom facilities. Additionally, a specialised bed has been incorporated to accommodate the child’s mother, designed to seamlessly integrate with the child’s bed when necessary, without obstructing medical examinations conducted by doctors or nurses,” Gunasekara explained.
He added: “Furthermore, a dedicated kitchen facility has been established within the premises. This kitchen enables both the child and their accompanying mother to prepare meals according to their preferences. Given that children arrive from various regions across the island for treatment, occasional visits by the child’s father or other relatives are accommodated, typically occurring once a month. Consequently, the mother or accompanying caregiver is empowered to store and prepare necessary food items as per the child’s requirements, ensuring accessibility and flexibility as needed.”
Gunasekara also revealed that the new building has a state-of-the-art and computarised laboratory, a library, and even a children’s playground.
With bonemarrow transplant, which is currently being performed only in private hospitals costing about Rs. 150,000 – 200,000, being available for four children in a row at four separate surgery rooms, this new facility revolutionises the cancer prevention movement in Sri Lanka, Gunasekara explained, adding, “These treatments are provided for free, with the equipment, the doctors and other facilities being available, and the government, therefore, has to bear a minimum cost.“
Consultant medical officers serving the Apeksha Hospital are already committed to providing a quality service at the new facility reserved for children. This new building, contrived with state-of-the-art technology, therefore, does not necessarily meet the requirement of enrolling new medical officers.
The inadequacy of essential facilities has posed challenges for children who need medical attention, their parents, as well as medical staff. Gunasekara expressed confidence that the inauguration of this new building will address these deficiencies comprehensively, alleviating the difficulties experienced by all stakeholders involved.
The Basnayake Nilame also disclosed that a foundation stone for the establishment of another building will be laid on the same day on which the new facility is declared open. This is mainly due to the recognition of the necessity to build another, given that out of 1,000 beds available for treatment at the Hospital, only five hundred beds are served modern medical facilities, with the rest being served poor facilities, he explained.
The new project will aim for the establishment of a seven-storied building with state-of-the-art facilities, the Basnayake Nilame went on, adding that the foundation stone will be laid for the building on the same day on which the children’s facility is declared open.
Building of which the foundation stone will be laid on the same day on which the children’s medical facility is declared open
Gunasekara also revealed that the Sri Lanka Navy will deploy the necessary labour force for the construction of the new building. He thanked the Navy Commander and other officers for their relentless contribution for this project.
Funding
Basnayake Nilame of Ruhunu Kataragama Devala Dishan Gunasekara disclosed that they have opened a new bank account named “Kadira Devapeksha” solely for the purpose of funding the project. Currently, the project is being funded by the charity money received by the Kataragama Devala. He added that a large sum of money has already been collected for the project.
“Several generous individuals have made significant contributions, some donating millions. I extend an invitation to allocate a portion of your offerings to the ” Kadira Devapeksha” account, dedicated to the service of God Kataragama. Your contribution is viewed as a divine act of devotion. Furthermore, we extend our gratitude and special acknowledgment to the war heroes under the leadership of the Air Force Commander, who are actively participating in the construction of our current building project. We also express our appreciation to the war heroes, led by the Air Force Commander, who have pledged their assistance for future construction endeavours,” he said.
Sri Lanka Air Force Commander and Sri Lanka Navy Commander
May 14, Colombo (LNW): The Technology Ministry has collaborated with Mastercard for the DigiEcon Global Investment Summit 2024, which is aimed at catalysing the country’s economic resurgence by encouraging collaborations between global investors, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers.
Scheduled to be held on 25 June, the summit will focus on connecting domestic and foreign investors with Sri Lanka’s leading tech startups, allowing them to showcase their innovative products and services.
It will also facilitate knowledge sharing between the Government and industry, thereby supporting the vision of Sri Lanka becoming a digital-first nation.
The summit will include a host of activities, such as keynote addresses by subject matter experts, panel discussions involving Government and industry representatives, and one-to-one interactions between investors and startups.
The event will delve into subjects, such as emerging technologies, fintech, and the potential of the digital economy.
State Minister of Technology Kanaka Herath said, “The DigiEcon Global Investment Summit 2024 is a great opportunity to represent Sri Lanka as a prime investment destination for digital innovation.
The event will provide a strong platform to facilitate efficient knowledge exchange and provide a fillip to the country’s economic progress through digitalisation and investment opportunities. We look forward to welcome global dignitaries and industry leaders to explore the vast opportunities our tech ecosystem has to offer.”
Mastercard Country Manager – Sri Lanka and Maldives Sandun Hapugoda said: “With immense potential to drive tech advancements across sectors, Sri Lanka is on the verge of a digital transformation that will fuel its economic growth.
Mastercard is proud to collaborate with the Ministry of Technology to support DigiEcon Global Investment Summit 2024 as it will promote innovation and collaboration within the country’s tech ecosystem, he added.
DigiEcon Global Investment Summit 2024 will focus on connecting domestic and foreign investors with Sri Lanka’s leading tech startups, allowing them to showcase their innovative products and services.
It will also facilitate knowledge sharing between the government and industry, thereby supporting his summit is a must-attend for investors, innovators, and policymakers interested in Sri Lanka’s thriving tech scene.
The Ministry of Technology of Sri Lanka is organizing the event in association with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sri Lanka Ministry of Investment Promotions & also Finance Ministry. The event will be powered by Mastercard and the industry partners for the event will be Computer Society of Sri Lanka (CSSL), BCS The Chartered Institute for IT (Sri Lanka Section), SLASSCOM and FITIS.the vision of Sri Lanka becoming a digital-first nation.
May 14, Colombo (LNW): United States’ Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Lu, called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe last night (13) at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo yesterday.
During the meeting, extensive discussions were held regarding Sri Lanka’s economic recovery strategies, a statement said.
Issuing a statement, the US State Department stated last week that in his meetings, he will reaffirm the United States’ support for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, as well as the importance of a robust civil society as a cornerstone of a free and democratic society.
“President Wickremesinghe’s unwavering dedication and commitment to implementing the economic reform program was highly appreciated,” the President’s Media Division said.
The President was accompanied by the Senior Advisor on the National security and Chief of Staff, Sagala Ratnayaka, Secretary to the President, Saman Ekanayake and US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung.
US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu spoke with members of Sri Lanka’s civil society and discussed ongoing reforms and other issues.
The US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung said that the US delegation learned about their ongoing efforts to promote peacebuilding and strengthen democratic norms.
“We reiterated that good governance, inclusion, and reform should guide Sri Lanka’s economic recovery,” the US Ambassador said.
His trip will strengthen bilateral cooperation with each country and demonstrate U.S. support for a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
In Colombo he was scheduled to engage with officials from across the political spectrum and deepen the United States’ partnership with Sri Lanka.
In his meetings, he will reaffirm the United States’ support for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, as well as the importance of a robust civil society as a cornerstone of a free and democratic society.
May 14, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s one of the major concerns is the vulnerability to risks arising from climate change, which could cost a considerable percentage of GDP, according to a World Bank report.
The cost of climate change will account for a 1.2 percent loss of the annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Sri Lanka by 2050 according to estimates by the World Bank, Senior Presidential Advisor on Climate Affairs Ruwan Wijewardene said adding that it would be a multi-million dollar loss to the country.
Speaking during the ‘Environment Leaders of Tomorrow workshop’ organized by the National Youth Services Council over the weekend, Mr. Wijewardene said it is Sri Lanka’s agriculture which is mostly affected by climate change.
“Under the tropical built-in initiative, the President had proposed that all countries located along the tropical belt should come together to take up climate issues with developed nations.
It is the poor countries in the tropical belt which are affected as a result of emission of gasses from the factories built by developed nations.
President Wickremesinghe is of the opinion that small countries in the tropical belt should request developed nations write off a portion of debts which they (Small countries) owe those nations.
The small nations should also invite developed nations to invest in renewable energy projects in underdeveloped nations in the tropical belt as per the ideology of the President,” he stressed.
Yet another effect of climate change, pandemics are expected to occur more frequently with an even greater social and economic toll for climate-vulnerable nations like Sri Lanka.
According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), rising temperatures inhibit the spread of zoonotic vectors and diseases, exposing more people to vector-borne diseases.
In addition, land use changes that destroy wildlife habitats increase interactions between humans and animals, raising the probability of infectious diseases spreading to humans.
Sri Lanka’s low urbanisation rate, with only 18% of its population living in urban areas, renders it susceptible to zoonotic spillover events, further exacerbating pandemic risks.
To address the social and economic impacts of climate change in Sri Lanka evaluated thus far, it is necessary to consider reforms to its trade policy and the energy and food sectors..
Expanding this approach to other trade partners, particularly within BIMSTEC, can yield more favourable global trade outcomes than pursuing additional free trade agreements, given Sri Lanka’s limited product range and supply capacity.
May 14, Colombo (LNW): The new ‘Office of International Trade’ (OIT) established at the President’s office to explore economic potential of trade and investment via linking with regional and global value chains is grappling to fulfill its task at present due to shortage of experienced and expert staff, official sources revealed.
This office was set up as a major element of the Government’s economic revival programme. aimed at integrating South Asia and then expand to the east; China, Thailand and Indonesia linking to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) which consists of 30% of the world’s GDP, trade and population
How ever a high official of the newly established OIT has informed the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) that it has no sufficient staff members, COPF Chairman Dr. Harsha de Silva told Parliament yesterday.
The chief negotiator of the OIT A.G. Weerasinghe has informed COPF that it is not possible to carry out feasibility studies on pending Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with China and Thailand.
“A decision should me made whether the Department of Commerce should be continued or closed down. It will be possible to transfer officers of the Department of Commerce to the OIT if a decision is made to close down the Commerce Department,” he said.
On the directions of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Government has decided to reorganize the existing conventional institutional set-up and newly establish the International Trade Office (ITO) to interconnect all the relevant institutions and synergize their work to obtain maximum output from the external trade sector to the National Economy.
ITO is set to lead trade negotiations and strike deals with India, China, Thailand, Indonesia and Bangladesh with plans to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the President’s office said.
Sri Lanka has re-started trade negotiations with India, China and Thailand last year with a cabinet appointed National Trade Negotiations Committee headed by Chief Negotiatior
A twelfth round of talks with India, a seventh round of talks with China and the third round of talks are to be concluded this year. Sri Lanka also wants to conclude a preferential trade agreement with Bangladesh and Indonesia.
After deals with South Asia and East Asia is done, Sri Lanka wants to start talks to enter the RECEP
The ITO, has been established through an Act of Parliament and it is headed by an Ambassador of International Trade, vut it is lacking supported staff with an eminent group of advisors who has expertise in international trade and the core structure of the institution as well as designated officers from all the relevant institutions attached to it.
“A Skynet funding bill is passed in the United States Congress, and the system goes online on August 4, 1997, removing human decisions from strategic defence. Skynet begins to learn rapidly and eventually becomes self-aware at 2:14 a.m., EDT, on August 29, 1997. In a panic, humans try to shut down Skynet.“
Those were the words of a reprogrammed T-800 model terminator sent back in time to protect John Corner, future leader of the human resistance of a fictitious world we all watched as little kids in “Terminator 2: Judgement Day.“
The franchise was fun to watch, and the concept of artificial intelligence (AI) thereafter became widely popular around the globe.
But.. are we truly safe? From online concept arts to advanced machinery sent to space, AI is everywhere. Have humans depended upon technology into a depth from which they cannot escape? Or is it just a fictitious fear developed within human conscience, articulated by Hollywood?
The concept of artificial intelligence (AI) achieving ‘self-awareness’ and viewing humans as a threat has long captured the imagination of science fiction writers and futurists.
However, the feasibility of such scenarios in reality remains a topic of speculation and debate among experts in the field.
At its current stage, AI technology operates within pre-defined parameters and lacks the cognitive complexity necessary for true self-awareness or emotional responses.
As noted by computer scientist Stuart Russell in his seminal work “Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach,” contemporary AI systems are designed to perform specific tasks based on algorithms and data inputs, without possessing consciousness or subjective experiences akin to human beings.
Nevertheless, the question arises: Could AI eventually evolve to a point where it achieves self-awareness and perceives humans as potential threats?
This inquiry delves into the realms of philosophy, cognitive science, and computer science, where differing perspectives abound.
Some researchers, such as neuroscientist Christof Koch, emphasise that consciousness arises from the complex interactions of neural networks and information processing mechanisms, suggesting that AI could theoretically attain consciousness through sufficiently advanced computational architectures.
However, the path to achieving true self-awareness in AI involves overcoming significant technological hurdles.
Cognitive architectures capable of supporting subjective experiences and higher-order cognition are still in their nascent stages of development.
As highlighted by philosopher Nick Bostrom in his work “Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies,” the gap between current AI capabilities and the level of sophistication required for genuine self-awareness remains substantial.
Moreover, the notion of AI perceiving humans as threats pre-supposes a level of motivation and intentionality that exceeds the capabilities of contemporary AI systems.
AI algorithms operate based on predefined objectives and optimisation criteria, devoid of emotional states or self-preservation instincts.
Psychologist Steven Pinker, in his book “How the Mind Works,” elucidates the intricate interplay between evolutionary psychology and cognitive processes, underscoring the fundamental differences between human and artificial cognition.
To mitigate potential risks associated with AI development, ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks are essential.
Philosopher Nick Bostrom advocates for the establishment of robust governance mechanisms and value alignment frameworks to ensure that AI systems align with human values and preferences.
Similarly, computer scientist Max Tegmark emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and societal engagement in shaping the trajectory of AI development.
In conclusion, while the prospect of AI achieving self-awareness and perceiving humans as threats remains speculative, it underscores the need for responsible AI research and governance.
By addressing ethical concerns and fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, society can navigate the complexities of AI advancement while minimising potential risks.
May 14, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) experiences a further depreciation against the US Dollar today (14) in comparison to last week, as per the official exchange rates released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).
Accordingly, the buying price of the US Dollar rose from Rs. 294.15 to Rs. 295.67, while the selling rate from Rs. 303.78 to Rs. 305.23.
Additionally, the Rupee showed depreciation against a range of foreign currencies, including Gulf currencies.
