Dr. Deepal Perera, a paediatrician at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, has expressed serious concern about the significant decline in the country’s birth rate over the past decade, warning of its potential long-term consequences.
“In 2013, there were 350,000 births. By 2024, this number has dropped to 228,000. This decline is alarming and could have far-reaching effects on the country’s future,” Dr. Perera stated.
He also highlighted an increase in hospitalizations among children due to various illnesses, a trend that was not prevalent two decades ago.
Rising Childhood Health Issues
Dr. Perera pointed out an increase in childhood health problems, including diabetes, cancer, and mental disorders.
Childhood Diabetes: The number of cases has risen considerably.
Childhood Cancer: Reports indicate a notable increase in diagnoses.
Mental Disorders: There is a growing prevalence of mental health issues among children.
“These trends suggest that if we do not act now, the future will not be promising for the next generation,” he warned.
Dr. Perera called for urgent attention to address the dual challenges of declining birth rates and deteriorating childhood health, emphasizing that proactive measures are essential to secure a better future.
The Colombo High Court yesterday (09) read the charge sheet filed by the Attorney General against former State Minister Diana Gamage, accusing her of obtaining a Sri Lankan passport using forged documents.
When the case was taken up before High Court Judge Manjula Thilakaratne, Diana Gamage pleaded not guilty to the charges.
During the proceedings, President’s Counsel Shanaka Ranasinghe, representing the defendant, raised preliminary objections. He argued that the document in question, allegedly forged, was created in 2003, and with the case being filed in 2024—over two decades later—there was no legal basis to pursue action based on such an outdated document.
Judge Manjula Thilakaratne stated that the preliminary objections would be considered during the trial, which is scheduled to commence on March 5, 2025.
The Appropriation Bill for the 2025 financial year was presented to Parliament today (09), detailing the government’s planned expenditure for the period from January 1 to December 31, 2025. The total estimated government expenditure for the year is set at Rs. 4,616 billion.
Below are the expenditure details by ministry:
Key Ministries
Ministry of Finance and Planning and Economic Development
Recurring: Rs. 484 billion
Capital: Rs. 229 billion
Ministry of Defence
Recurring: Rs. 382 billion
Capital: Rs. 60 billion
Ministry of Health and Mass Media
Recurring: Rs. 412 billion
Capital: Rs. 95 billion
Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government
Recurring: Rs. 463 billion
Capital: Rs. 33 billion
Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education
Recurring: Rs. 206 billion
Capital: Rs. 65 billion
Infrastructure and Development
Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation
Recurring: Rs. 52.4 billion
Capital: Rs. 421 billion
Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation
Recurring: Rs. 83 billion
Capital: Rs. 124 billion
Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing
Recurring: Rs. 3 billion
Capital: Rs. 98 billion
Other Ministries and Allocations
Ministry of Energy
Recurring: Rs. 1 billion
Capital: Rs. 20 billion
Ministry of Digital
Recurring: Rs. 6.7 billion
Capital: Rs. 6.8 billion
Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment
Recurring: Rs. 24 billion
Capital: Rs. 5 billion
Ministry of Women and Child Affairs
Recurring: Rs. 14 billion
Capital: Rs. 392 million
Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
Recurring: Rs. 6.2 billion
Capital: Rs. 5.2 billion
Special Spending Units
President’s Office
Operational Activities: Recurring Rs. 2.5 billion, Capital Rs. 354 million
Development Activities: Recurring Rs. 20 million, Capital Rs. 100 million
Office of the Prime Minister
Operational Activities: Recurring Rs. 1 billion, Capital Rs. 71 billion
Judges of the Superior Courts
Operational Activities: Recurring Rs. 451 million, Capital Rs. 30 million
The Bill highlights the government’s focus on economic stability, public services, and development, with significant allocations for defense, health, education, and infrastructure. The next stages will involve debate and potential amendments before the final budget approval.
Sixteen years ago on 8th January 2009, I received a phone call that Lasantha was attacked and taken to the Kalubowila Hospital. I was not a politician then but a Banker and a friend of Lasantha. Each year on 8th January I visit Lasantha’s grave to remind myself and commit to the pursuit of justice. The tension that filled the air on the day of his funeral still surrounds some of us as there has been no justice or closure for his family and friends. It was widely believed and later supported by evidence that his exposure on corruption on the purchase of military aircrafts was connected to his murder. Lasantha was due to give evidence in court on 12th January in defense of his exposure on the MIG transaction undertaken by the Ministry of Defense, which may have exposed those in authority, But prior to his appearance in court Lasantha was murdered on 8th January 2009. Now we have a government comprising of individuals when in opposition, always argued for media freedom and the safety of media personnel. We live in expectation that investigations and the judicial process will move quickly in bringing justice and closure to his murder. January 8th reminds us that 34 journalist and media personnel have been murdered or gone missing in recent times. The vast majority of them were Tamil speaking. Many journalists were murdered or intimidated during the 26-year civil war between Government and Tamil Tiger rebels. 50 Year old cartoonist Prageeth Eknaligoda who went missing on 24th January 2010 two day’s before incumbent President Mahinda Rajapakse’s Election has yet to be found. Sandya Eknaligoda, Prageeth’s wife is still relentlessly pursuing Justice. Keith Noyahr , the Associate Editor of the Nation, was abducted and severely beaten before been released in 2008. Krishantha Cooray, Keith Noyahr’s boss, pursued justice and spoke out troubling those in Authority. Krishantha was forced to leave the country as authorities attempted to frame charges against him in another case.There are many who have been forced to flee the country because of exposures of corruption, poor governance and murder.
Sri Lanka’s performance on media freedom as indicated in the World Press Freedom Index of Reporters Without Borders has deteriorated further within the past 5 years. The Online Safety Bill which was improperly forced through Parliament has been used by Government authorities to intimidate Journalist and social media activists. While we agree that there has to be media ethics, we need to establish a self-regulatory process rather than Government assuming that role. Let’s live in hope that the newly elected government whose members when in opposition were critical of attacks on media personnel and the Online Safety Bill, will protect the freedom of expression, media and social media activists and bring to justice those who have committed crimes, while promoting a democratic open society where every individual could live with dignity.
The evaluation of the 2024 Grade 5 Scholarship Examination answer scripts commenced last Wednesday (8) after resolving the controversy regarding the alleged leak of the examination paper.
The Examinations Department confirmed that the evaluation process will continue until January 12, with results expected to be released within 40 days.
The controversy arose following claims that three questions in the first paper of the examination, held on September 15, 2024, had been leaked prior to the exam. A group of parents subsequently filed Fundamental Rights Petitions in the Supreme Court, which delivered its judgment on December 31.
The Supreme Court directed the Commissioner General of Examinations to select and implement one of three proposed solutions: awarding free marks for the three disputed questions, removing the three questions entirely, or re-conducting the entire examination. The chosen recommendation has been implemented, enabling the evaluation process to proceed.
Labour Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe announced in Parliament yesterday that the upcoming budget will include a substantial salary increase for public servants. He emphasized that the proposed increment aligns with the cost of living adjustments and has not faced any objections from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The Deputy Minister made this statement in response to a question raised by MP Ravi Karunanayake about public sector salary increments.
He also highlighted that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe had proposed a Rs. 25,000 salary increase for public servants before the postal voting of the last Presidential Election. However, this increment was never implemented during his tenure from 2022 onward.
Jayasinghe further noted that recruitment to the public service has been suspended since 2022, and the Government intends to maintain its policy of limiting ad-hoc public sector recruitment in the future.
The Telecommunication Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) announced yesterday that mobile phones and communication devices not registered with the Commission will be banned in the country.
TRCSL Director General, retired Air Vice Marshal Bandula Herath, explained that this decision aims to curb the illegal smuggling of communication equipment, including mobile phones. To enforce the ban, the Commission plans to introduce an automated registration system by the end of January.
“It is the responsibility of the Commission to prevent the sale of such equipment to consumers, as people often face inconveniences after purchasing non-standard or non-compliant devices,” Herath stated.
The Director General reassured that mobile phones already in use within the country, as well as those brought in by foreign visitors, will not be affected by this program.
Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath announced in Parliament that Sri Lanka officially recognizes only two categories of visas for employment in Korea—E-09 and E-07. The E-09 visa, issued under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Korea and Sri Lanka, facilitates employment opportunities for Sri Lankans, while the E-07 visa is designated for Sri Lankan businesspersons conducting activities in Korea.
Responding to a query from MP Lakmali Hemachandra, Minister Herath clarified that the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau (SLFEB) has neither facilitated nor been informed about the issuance of E-08 visas. Consequently, the number of Sri Lankans who traveled to Korea under this visa category remains unknown, and SLFEB cannot intervene in cases where these workers face difficulties abroad.
Minister Herath disclosed that the E-08 visa category is not legally recognized for Sri Lankan workers in Korea. An investigation revealed that former Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara had signed an illegal MoU regarding E-08 visas with the Mayor of Wando Province County in Korea. The Minister highlighted irregularities, stating that the MoU was not approved by the Cabinet as required and appeared to have been adapted erroneously from an agreement between Pakistan and Korea.
The illegitimate MoU reportedly contained critical errors, such as referencing Pakistan for compensation procedures and repatriation in case of a worker’s death. Minister Herath alleged that Nanayakkara had signed the MoU without proper review, further compromising its validity.
Minister Herath assured Parliament that Sri Lankan workers will no longer be sent to Korea under the E-08 visa system. The government is working with the Foreign Ministry to establish relief programs for those affected. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of adhering to MoU protocols, ensuring all agreements are vetted and approved by the Cabinet before implementation. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting Sri Lankan workers abroad through transparent and legal processes, urging individuals to register with SLFEB to secure their rights and safety.
Rainy condition is expected to enhance over Northern, North-central and Eastern provinces and in Matale and Kandy districts, in next few days from today.
Showers will occur at times in Northern, North-central, Eastern and Uva provinces and in Matale and Nuwara-Eliya districts. Fairly heavy showers above 75mm can be expected at some places.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces and in Kandy district during the afternoon or night.
Fairly strong winds of (30-40) kmph can be expected at times over Northern, Eastern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Hambantota district.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and Uva provinces during the morning.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
January 09, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has issued a stern warning about fraudulent schemes targeting Sri Lankans seeking employment in South Korea.
The Bureau clarified that no jobs are currently available under the E-8 visa category, emphasizing the need to avoid falling victim to scams promising short-term employment, such as agricultural and fishing jobs, in South Korea.
Short-term employment under the E-8 visa requires formal agreements between the governments of Sri Lanka and South Korea, none of which have been signed.
Despite this, individuals continue to exploit unsuspecting job seekers with false promises of employment under this category.
SLBFE Chairman Kosala Wickramasinghe announced measures to repatriate Sri Lankans residing illegally in South Korea after their visas have expired.
He stated that information about these individuals would be shared with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further legal action.
Wickramasinghe also urged workers to refrain from overstaying their visas, as such behavior could impact Sri Lanka’s future employment quota in South Korea.
His remarks came during a ceremony at the SLBFE where airline tickets were handed over to 96 Sri Lankans departing for employment in South Korea’s manufacturing sector.
This marks the first group of workers traveling to South Korea in 2025 under legal arrangements.
According to Wickramasinghe, approximately 8,000 Sri Lankans are expected to secure jobs in South Korea in 2025, as the country focuses on sending highly skilled workers to compete with labor from 16 other nations.
In 2024, a total of 5,562 Sri Lankans were employed in South Korea under the Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries.
The majority (4,699 workers) were employed in the manufacturing sector, while others worked in fisheries (846), construction (16), and agriculture (1). Among them were 115 women.
The SLBFE highlighted the importance of legal migration, emphasizing that since 2004, Sri Lankans have been working in South Korea under the EPS-E9 visa category.
Additionally, private sector placements for specialized jobs, such as welding under the E7-4 visa category, have also been facilitated.
However, Wickramasinghe reiterated that no recruitment programs under the E-8 visa are implemented, as agreements with South Korean provinces for seasonal jobs have not been finalized.
Remittances from Sri Lankan expatriates, amounting to over USD 6 billion annually, play a vital role in the country’s economy.
The government expressed its gratitude to these workers while reaffirming its commitment to promoting safe and legal employment opportunities abroad.
