By: Staff Writer

May 07, Colombo (LNW): Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) is extending an invitation to the public to review and provide specific feedback on the proposed law regarding Proceeds of Crime Act.

TISL said is concerned that the published Report was drafted without any public consultation, demonstrating Sri Lankan Government’s flagrant disregard for public and civil society consultation in the formulation of a key anti-corruption legislation such as the POCA.

The POCA, designed to recover and manage stolen assets, is a crucial piece of legislation that requires comprehensive input from diverse stakeholders, including the public, civil society, and local experts, to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with democratic principles.

It is also concerning that the IMF, which was providing technical assistance to this process seems to have condoned the lack of a proper, transparent and consultative process.

TISL said such feedback can be submitted via email to [email protected] with the subject line “Feedback for the proposed law on Proceeds of Crime”.

While the exact timeline for the Bill’s presentation to Parliament remains uncertain, TISL commits to forwarding all received feedback to the Ministry of Justice for consideration.

TISL also called upon the Government to take adequate time and genuinely engage in meaningful dialogue with the public, local experts, and civil society actors to ensure that the legislation is robust, in line with the Constitution, upholds the rights of citizens, reflects the aspirations of the Sri Lankan people and serves as a valuable tool for transparency and accountability.

TILS said grand corruption has long plagued Sri Lanka, undermining the country’s economic development and eroding public trust in the Government.

Citizens have been increasingly vocal in their demand for justice, transparency, and the return of illicitly acquired wealth to benefit the nation.

 The Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) intends to provide a legal framework for tracing, seizing, recovering, and managing illicitly acquired assets hidden offshore, ensuring that perpetrators of corruption are held accountable and that stolen assets are returned to their rightful owners—the people of Sri Lanka.

Recognising the absence of a comprehensive and consistent legislative framework in Sri Lanka for the purpose mentioned, there has been a longstanding call for new legislation.

Recent stipulations from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as part of a structural benchmark necessitated the enactment of legislation on stolen asset recovery by March 2024, aligning with the standards set forth in the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).

The Ministry of Justice in its official website has now published the ‘Report of the Committee to Develop the Policy and Legal Framework and Draft Provisions of the Proposed Law on Proceeds of Crime’ dated 10 April, 2024. The 17-Member Committee is headed by Supreme Court Justice Yasantha Kodagoda, PC.

1. The Cabinet decides to maintain the current $50 fee for a 30-day visa for foreign visitors to Sri Lanka: The visa waiver for citizens of seven countries remains unchanged: This decision, aimed at supporting the tourism sector’s growth, follows appeals from industry stakeholders and was finalised during the Cabinet meeting chaired by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
   
2. A World Anti-War Alliance has been formed under the leadership of former Health Minister and current SJB MP Rajitha Senaratne: The inauguration ceremony was attended by representatives of political parties, religious leaders and representatives of civil organisations: MPs Duminda Dissanayake, Mano Ganesan, Rishard Bathiudeen attended the event, among others: Former UNP minister Ravi Karunanayake also attended.
   
3. Ben Mellor, the Indo-Pacific Regional Director of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, met with NPP leader MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the JVP Headquarters, along with other UK officials and MP Vijitha Herath: discuss Sri Lanka’s economic and political situation, regional geopolitical challenges, and cooperation between the UK and Sri Lanka.
   
4. Tourism Minister Harin Fernando expresses readiness to resign over the new visa process during a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Ranil Wickramasinghe: objects to the $18.5 service fee by VFS Global, advocating for a $50 all-inclusive 30-day single-entry visa: Following discussions, the Cabinet decides on a $50 flat rate for such visas starting May 7th: clarifies his stance on social media, denying a circulating resignation letter as false.
   
5. The Road Development Authority is investigating the concrete beam collapse on the Kadawatha-Mirigama stretch of the Central Expressway: The incident occurred on Sunday, prompting a halt to construction: A detailed report is forthcoming: Authorities are examining other structures along the route for safety: Suspicions of sabotage have arisen, but the cause remains undetermined.
   
6. Approval has been granted for 484 megawatt wind power stations in Mannar and Pooneryn, following an MoU with Adani Green Energy Limited: A negotiation committee will assess the project proposal, endorsed by the Cabinet, which includes a final price of US$ 8.26 per kilowatt for electricity generated: Adani Green Energy SL Limited will be awarded the project tender for 20 years.
   
7. Concerns mount as Sri Lanka transitions to a new regulatory body for its petroleum industry, particularly regarding unauthorised entrants in the lubricant sector: The former regulator’s functions have ceased, leading to worries about oversight: Chevron Lubricants Lanka voices apprehensions about potential risks to licenced players and consumers: The Energy Ministry’s directive to remit lubricant licence fees directly to them raises further concerns: Despite this, the industry welcomes the initiative to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework: The Cabinet has approved the formation of a panel to draft legislation for the petroleum regulator, covering various petroleum products.
   
8. Public Security Minister Tiran Alles announces Singapore will send a five-member team to Sri Lanka on May 27 to assess and provide recommendations for improving the country’s airport and immigration systems: emphasises the need for Sri Lanka’s immigration services to upgrade to match Singapore’s standards: asserts while immediate implementation may be challenging due to economic constraints, the report will guide the adoption of feasible technologies.
   
9. Underworld kingpin ‘Manna Ramesh’ was brought back to Sri Lanka by the CID after being arrested in Dubai in March: Suspected in multiple crimes, including murders and drug trafficking, he was repatriated following a request for extradition: Further investigations to be conducted by the CID.
   
10. The Lanka Premier League 2024, set for July 1st to 21st, will host its player auction on May 21st at Hotel Shangi-La, Colombo: This year’s edition sees a shift from player drafts to auctions, with over 500 overseas players vying for selection: Key players like Tamim Iqbal and Tim Southee are among those registered: Each team can have 20 to 24 players, including six overseas, with one U23 Sri Lankan player mandatory in the playing XI.

May 07, Colombo (LNW): Minister of Industries and Health, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, announced that the upcoming “Industry EXPO 2024” is scheduled to be held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) from June 19th to 23rd, under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Moreover, the minister highlighted the introduction of the inaugural international conference alongside the esteemed “Industry Green Awards” ceremony, aimed at promoting sustainable practices within the industry.

Minister Ramesh Pathirana made these statements while addressing a media briefing at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) on Monday (06) under the theme “Collective Path to a Stable Country.”

He further remarked:

The forthcoming International Industry Exhibition, “Industry EXPO 2024,” is scheduled to run from June 19th to 23rd at the BMICH, with President Ranil Wickremesinghe attending the opening ceremony.

Featuring over 1300 booths representing 25 industries in Sri Lanka, this exhibition offers an insight into the forefront of innovation and technology across various sectors. Notably, a dedicated space for innovation has been incorporated into the event, showcasing cutting-edge advancements. With an expected significant turnout, the exhibition aims to host numerous foreign buyers and institutions, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Embassies, and the Department of Commerce, facilitating international collaboration and business opportunities.

In conjunction with the upcoming exhibition, a National Vehicle Parade involving over 25 vehicle assembly companies nationwide is slated to commence from Galle Face ground on June 18th, concluding at the BMICH premises. Simultaneously, the Industry Green Awards Ceremony, recognising sustainable green industries, will coincide with the inaugural international conference promoting a culture of sustainable industrial development, known as the Green Industry Initiative for Sustainable Industrial Development, on June 20th and 21st at the BMICH.

Throughout the five-day duration of the exhibition, a plethora of programmes such as the School Industry Entrepreneurship Circles, IDB Digital One Stop, Ceylon Plaza, Industry Credit Scheme, SEDA Startup, and SEDA Scaleup, facilitated by the Industrial Development Board (IDB), will be actively conducted.

Furthermore, it is imperative to acknowledge the collaborative effort of ministries, public and private institutions in contributing to and participating in this exhibition. Such collective engagement serves as a catalyst for the establishment of manufacturing industries, fostering the exploration of updated industry knowledge, novel business prospects, as well as attracting new investors and investment opportunities globally.

May 07, Colombo (LNW): The government has granted approval for the establishment of 484 megawatt wind power stations in Mannar and Pooneryn.

This decision follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Adani Green Energy Limited of India.

Consequent to this development, a negotiation committee has been appointed by the Cabinet to assess the project proposal submitted by the company.

Upon the committee’s recommendations, the Cabinet has endorsed the resolution put forth by the Minister of Power and Energy.

The resolution acknowledges the final price of US$ 8.26 per kilowatt for the electricity generated under the proposed project, with payment to be made in Sri Lankan Rupees based on the prevailing foreign exchange rate.

Adani Green Energy SL Limited will be awarded the tender for the wind power project for a duration of 20 years.

May 07, Colombo (LNW): Tourism Minister Harin Fernando raised concerns over the new visa process during yesterday’s (06) cabinet meeting, chaired by President Ranil Wickramasinghe, expressing his readiness to resign from his ministry if the system remains unchanged.

Minister Fernando voiced dissatisfaction with the $18.5 service fee imposed by VFS Global and advocated for an all-inclusive 30-day single-entry visa priced at $50 until the Government finalises plans for free visas for over 50 countries.

Following deliberations among Cabinet Ministers and relevant officials, it was decided to issue a 30-day single-entry visa, inclusive of all charges, at a flat rate of $50.

Reports indicate that VFS Global has consented to the revised proposal for the single-entry visa, although details regarding the breakdown of the $50 fee remain unconfirmed.

Commencing May 7th, a 30-day single-entry visa without additional charges will be available for $50 until our proposal for free visas for more than 50 countries is finalised. Until then, seven countries will continue to enjoy free visas as before, Minister Harin Fernando announced on X.

Addressing concerns raised by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa regarding the initial VFS proposal, Minister Fernando clarified that he had objected to the proposal upon learning of the undisclosed VFS charges.

“It’s not surprising that the Opposition Leader wants to pin this on me rather than on the line ministry, which implemented this system while we were finalising the proposal for free visas for over 50 countries,” Fernando wrote.

Responding to a circulating letter on social media purportedly detailing his resignation, Fernando dismissed it as false, affirming that despite his reservations about the Cabinet decision, he did not submit a resignation letter.

“Letter circulating isn’t true even though I mentioned my intentions in cabinet, of not wanting to be apart of the decision to increase any visa fees. Date of the letter is also one month ago,” Fernando asserted.

Previous report:

May 07, Colombo (LNW): The Road Development Authority (RDA) has commenced a special investigation into the collapse of a concrete beam along the Kadawatha to Mirigama stretch of the Central Expressway, which was under construction and subsequently halted.

According to the Chairman of the Road Development Authority, a comprehensive report on the matter is expected imminently.

On Sunday (05), at approximately 5:45 PM, a concrete beam collapsed on the Central Expressway section between Kadawatha and Mirigama, specifically in the Kadaoluwawa area in Bemmulla.

The collapsed concrete beam, measuring around 35 metres in length, poses a significant concern for the ongoing construction project within this 17 kilometre section of the Central Expressway.

Similar constructions along this route are under scrutiny, with two additional beams reportedly identified as being in a precarious condition.

A senior official from the Road Development Authority has instructed the project director to furnish a detailed report addressing the incident, which will delve into construction delays and potential errors in the construction process.

Forensic experts from the Sri Lanka Police visited the site this afternoon to conduct an on-site investigation following allegations of sabotage by a certain group.

However, definitive explanations regarding the cause of the collapse have yet to be provided by relevant stakeholders.

May 07, Colombo (LNW): Ramesh Priyajanaka, alias ‘Manna Ramesh’, a prominent figure in the underworld criminal gang, was repatriated to Sri Lanka this morning (07) by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

According to the Police Spokesman, the underworld kingpin was brought back to Sri Lanka by a team of CID officers.

Accompanied by a special team of CID officers, the wanted criminal arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake earlier today.

The arrest in Dubai of Ramesh Priyajanaka, known as ‘Manna Ramesh’, was reported on March 06, with Sri Lankan security forces being notified of the development.

Subsequently, a group of police officers was dispatched to Dubai to facilitate his return to Sri Lanka, following a request made to the Dubai Police for his extradition.

‘Manna Ramesh’ is sought by the Sri Lanka Police in connection with numerous crimes, including multiple murders in the Avissawella area and its environs.

He is suspected to be a key figure in an organised criminal gang responsible for orchestrating various criminal activities while based in Dubai.

These criminal activities include homicides, drug trafficking, and extortion operations.

The CID will conduct further investigations into the activities of Ramesh.

May 07, Colombo (LNW): Following discussions at yesterday’s (06) Cabinet meeting, it has been decided to retain the current fee of US $50 for a 30-day visa for foreign visitors to Sri Lanka, reported the President’s Media Division.

Additionally, it has been reaffirmed that the free visa service extended to citizens of seven countries—India, China, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia—will remain in place.

The Government underscores that the Department of Immigration and Emigration holds full responsibility for issuing relevant visas to foreigners upon their arrival in the country.

Against the backdrop of significant strides in the nation’s tourism sector, various stakeholders in the industry have recently appealed to President Ranil Wickremesinghe to uphold the maximum visa fee for foreigners at US $50.

This decision is seen as pivotal support for the sector’s future growth.

Consequently, President Ranil Wickremesinghe arrived at this determination after presenting the matter at today’s Cabinet meeting, confirmed the PMD statement.