October 08, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Posts has announced the immediate cancellation of all stamps previously issued to members of parliament.
In a formal notification, former parliamentarians have been instructed to return any unused stamps to the Parliamentary Post Office without delay.
Each parliamentarian is typically allocated 10,000 stamps annually, with an approximate value of Rs. 500,000.
However, these stamps are now deemed invalid, and their use is suspended until the new parliament is constituted following the upcoming general election.
This decision forms part of a broader effort to streamline postal expenditures and ensure accountability during the transition period between parliamentary terms.
By cancelling the current allocation, the Department of Posts aims to prevent any misuse of resources, ensuring that the system remains efficient and cost-effective.
Additionally, the return of unused stamps helps the Department maintain accurate financial records and manage its inventory more effectively.
The cancellation of these stamps remains in effect until newly elected parliamentarians take office, at which point a fresh allocation will be considered.
October 08, Colombo (LNW): Reports have been compiled from 45 police divisions to assess the estimated funds required for security operations during the upcoming elections.
A senior police official confirmed that these preliminary figures will serve as the basis for calculating the final budget needed for election-related duties.
The police are preparing a comprehensive breakdown of security expenses, which will be promptly presented to the Election Commission.
This report will outline the financial requirements for ensuring the smooth and secure conduct of the elections, covering personnel deployment, logistics, and other related costs.
The proactive measures taken by law enforcement aim to support the Election Commission in ensuring a safe and well-coordinated electoral process, while also addressing the financial considerations tied to maintaining public order and protecting voters during the election period.
This coordination highlights the crucial role of the police in safeguarding the democratic process and maintaining security throughout the election cycle.
October 07, Colombo (LNW): We have been reporting on Sri Lanka Rugby and the associated frauds for a considerable time, and we are also pointing out sources that have connections beyond Sri Lanka even in Asia. We have also pointed out that while all that is happening and in the current political situation, in the system of government officials and in the political system, ignoring even judicial decisions, Rugby is being run in a low and illegal situation.
But the political authority of this country acted for the independence and pride of the country’s rugby, together with the people who added black marks to the rugby in Sri Lanka and incurred debts on its account, to give Asia authorities the right to limitless control of Sri Lanka Rugby from outside of Sri Lanka. We also pointed out how the public was silenced and removed in the process. The influence of Asia Rugby on Sri Lanka Rugby has been highlighted with evidence dating back nearly a decade. We have exposed how the mistakes in Sri Lanka’s rugby history were used to serve both the political agendas of individuals and politicians, without revealing their names. Despite this, a sports minister failed to take the necessary action.
This issue was strongly evident in Sri Lanka rugby during the tenure of Namal Rajapaksa through to Harin Fernando. There was not even an investigation of the people who were continuously accused, and not only politicians but also the top of the Asian administration were unhesitatingly coming forward to offer various privileges and responsibilities to those who made decisions that put the country at fault. We also wrote about opportunities.
Asia administrations purely considered politicians and bureaucrats to use international support and international interest to maintain all this while influencing matters of power and disclosure. So far, it is reported that investigations have been started focusing on the gross misconducts, including the English translations of the facts presented by the media like us, various media and other sources of information and the facts based on its financial control.
In the following article, you will uncover the depth of the cover-up, which includes the endorsement of Sri Lankan politicians and the backing of officials who have undermined both Asia and domestic rugby. This situation remained overlooked until Harini Amarasuriya.
At this moment, Sri Lanka Rugby, without fully grasping the judicial decisions, is under the control of the sports development department. Officers who were removed for failing to fulfill their responsibilities in rugby administration are still part of a setup that continues to operate under their influence. Additionally, the country’s new defense secretary is being misled and allowed to be a pawn in this situation.
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With these conditions it is clear to you that the world is rising up with Asia. From the audit reports that have been presented so far, it is tempting to mention that the Asian administration is immature. To understand how much of a crisis there is in these interrogations since the current chairman brought Asia rugby from Hong Kong to the United Arab Emirates, as well as the fact that the Asian headquarters from Hong Kong is not legally established in the Emirates, and therefore an account has been started for it. The reports also show that there is none, and that all transactions are done through the United Arab Emirates Rugby Administration Account as the Asian Rugby account.
Also, based on the measures taken when the Sri Lanka rugby challenged for its independence, the differences in attitudes towards Sri Lanka and Cambodia have also been brought into focus.
The attention of the World Rugby has been directed to take further measures according to the facts stated about the lack of credibility in terms of responsibility as well as in terms of the ambiguities of financial affairs.
But it is impossible to think that the current minister will say the same to the political staff who supported the politicians who wanted to implement the behavior of Sri Lanka rugby, which is still in a position to be protected by it, as well as the office positions of the sports ministry.
The people who have wronged the Sri Lanka rugby administration but are not punished, the people who are accused of the financial administration and the people who were expelled without even being admitted to their school because of such accusations, the banned people who were accused by the rugby administration themselves are again and again at the top of the game in Sri Lanka. There is a political culture of patronage.
In spite of that, it is not rare that the administrative systems and responsibilities in Asia are called for at a time when those involved in the administration are blessed. Birds of a feather flock together and bury the rugby in celebration.
As we have said before, Sri Lanka rugby, which is more than a hundred years old, dances according to the needs of the United Emirates and exposes the accused who should be sold out to maintain Sri Lanka and hide in the blessings of politics and public administration. If turned upside down, Rugby in Asia will once again be in a responsible position.
But like the revelations we are making with evidence about rugby in Sri Lanka, it seems that Harini Amarasuriya is also in a situation where she falls to the ground and falls to the ground. For her, it seems that they are related to the things that are escaping from the members of the political official boards who acted on political interests with past unholy and corrupt connections. The same goes for government officials. There is no indication that these facts are being taken into account, proving that it’s futile to expect justice by appealing to the thief’s mother in hopes of catching the real culprit.
October 08, Colombo (LNW): The Intertropical Convergence Zone (where winds from the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere converge) further affects the island’s weather, and as a result showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (08).
Showers or thundershowers will occur elsewhere at several places in the island during the afternoon or night.
Heavy showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva and Eastern provinces and in Galle, Matara and Puttalam districts.
The 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 several places in the sea areas around the island.
Winds:
Winds will be South-westerly in direction and wind speed will be (25-35) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to (45-50) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending fromKankasanthurai to Hambanthota via Mannar, Colombo and Galle.
State of Sea:
The sea areas around the island can be slight to moderate. The sea areas off the coasts extending from Kankasanthurai to Hambanthota via Mannar, Colombo and Galle can be fairly rough at times. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director Takafumi Kadono and a delegation met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, reaffirming ADB’s commitment to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery: discuss projects in tourism, particularly the Northern Region, energy, small-scale entrepreneurship, and the financial sector: emphasise its focus on developing tourism infrastructure and sectors critical for sustainable growth and long-term recovery.
SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa issues a statement criticising the recent arrest of YouTuber Kalpa Gunaratne at the Colombo International Bookfair on 3 October: questions the police’s actions and calls for an impartial investigation: emphasises citizens have the right to engage in citizen journalism, which should not be suppressed by authorities.
UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene refutes allegations against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, denying claims about foreign chefs, food, and security changes: condemns the social media smear campaign and affirms that Wickremesinghe’s security remains intact: clarifies Wickremesinghe and his wife did not misuse the President’s House and urges critics to focus on governing responsibly, rather than spreading false information.
The World Bank and Sri Lanka sign the Second Resilience, Stability, and Economic Turnaround (RESET) Development Policy Operation (DPO) for $200 million, supporting reforms to boost economic governance, growth, and protect vulnerable groups: This builds on a previous $500 million operation: Key measures include improving public debt management, tax reforms, enhancing services, export competitiveness, and revitalising social protection systems.
The Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations against Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), Kanishka Wijeratne, agrees to resign following the Supreme Court’s decision to allow three Fundamental Rights applications challenging his appointment to proceed.
Elephant deaths in Sri Lanka decrease this year, with 277 fatalities reported up to October, compared to 488 last year: The Department of Wildlife Conservation attributes many deaths to illegal electric fences erected by farmers: Removing illegal fences and improving standards for legal ones reduced electrocutions to 35, down from 70 last year: A journal was developed to reduce fatalities further.
The All Island Poultry Farmers’ Association urges for the stabilisation of poultry feed prices, as excess egg supply and reduced demand, partly due to declining tourist arrivals, have caused market prices to drop below production costs: Association President Ajith Gunasekera warns without price stabilisation, poultry farmers may stop supplying eggs.
Sri Lanka’s Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) reports over 9,000 cybercrime incidents between August and September, with 80% involving social media: Engineer Charuka Damunupola highlights increasing cyber threats, including 1,400 online fraud cases, 85 involving child cyber-bullying, and 40 cases of online sexual abuse: The data underscores the urgent need for stronger protective measures and public awareness to combat rising cybercrime.
Tragedy befalls an 18-year-old student from an international school as she tragically fell to her death from the 29th floor observation deck of the Lotus Tower in Colombo: Police confirm that the student, in civilian clothes, jumped from the tower: Support services, including the National Mental Health Helpline and Sumithrayo, are available for those in crisis.
The ICC announces the nominees for September’s Player of the Month awards: For the men, Sri Lanka’s Prabath Jayasuriya and Kamindu Mendis, along with Australia’s Travis Head, are shortlisted: England’s Tammy Beaumont, Ireland’s Aimee Maguire, and UAE’s Esha Oza are the women’s nominees: The awards celebrate top performances in international cricket, with winners decided by the ICC Voting Academy and fans.
October 07, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s automotive component manufacturers have faced significant challenges since 2020, grappling with the economic crisis and the toughest business cycles in recent history.
While many manufacturers have managed to survive, some are still navigating the effects of reduced market demand and difficulties in sourcing raw materials, partially mitigated by the temporary suspension of imported brands.
In light of these challenges, the Sri Lanka Automobile Component Manufacturers Association (SLACMA) has expressed optimism about the National People’s Power (NPP) party’s policies aimed at revitalizing the industry.
According to SLACMA President Dimantha Jayawardena, the inclusion of automobile assembly and component manufacturing in the NPP’s policy framework is a positive step for the sector’s growth.
Jayawardena emphasized that the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for promoting local industry has been crucial in integrating Sri Lankan manufacturers into global supply chains.
The SOP mandates the use of locally manufactured components, requiring stringent adherence to quality standards set by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). This initiative has paved the way for local manufacturers to meet international standards and tap into global markets.
The presence of global automobile brands assembling vehicles in Sri Lanka is a testament to the progress made. This initiative is overseen by the Industries Ministry, supported by a Cabinet-appointed committee with representatives from various government bodies to ensure compliance with regulations.
Currently, Sri Lanka exports approximately $800 million worth of automotive components, including $200 million in auto components, $200 million in automobile wire harnesses and electric items, and $400 million in rubber components, tires, and solid tyres.
The Industries Ministry has also laid out a 20-year master plan to enhance the country’s position in electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, aiming to turn Sri Lanka into a hub for wire harness and electric component production for EVs.
SLACMA’s 60-member manufacturers are optimistic about the industry’s future, particularly with the NPP’s clear focus on developing automobile manufacturing and component production. They are committed to collaborating with stakeholders and policymakers to increase export-oriented revenue through global supply chains.
The government’s long-term vision, supported by the Industries Ministry, the Export Development Board, and the Board of Investment (BOI), is to achieve $3 billion in export revenue from the automotive sector within the next decade.
Jayawardena expressed confidence in meeting this target, highlighting the association’s efforts to certify manufacturers to international standards such as the IATF 16949. This initiative is partly funded by the Ministry of Industries to enhance competitiveness in the global market.
SLACMA’s short-term goals include fostering joint ventures and technical collaborations with regional and local partners to fast-track local manufacturers’ entry into global supply chains.
By securing financial support and upgrading infrastructure, SLACMA aims to strengthen Sri Lanka’s position as a competitive player in the global automotive component industry.
October 07, Colombo (LNW): Recent trends in Sri Lanka show an increase in both the use of credit cards and the rates of default on credit card payments, according to a local study.
The research highlights that improper management of credit card spending has led to significant changes in consumption patterns and buyer behavior among cardholders.
This has resulted in a surge in compulsive purchases, unrealistic optimism about financial capacity, and eventually unmanageable credit card debt levels. The consequences of these patterns include economic burdens and stress that are difficult to control.
The study suggests that while compulsive buying and unrealistic optimism play significant roles, other factors also influence credit card use, debt accumulation, and related stress.
These include social pressures, situational factors, depression, guilt, and family conflicts. The researchers emphasized the need to explore these additional elements to gain a deeper understanding of their impact on credit card behavior and financial wellbeing.
Consumer spending via credit cards is on the rise in Sri Lanka, with outstanding credit card debt in licensed commercial banks increasing by nearly one billion rupees in August 2024.
The total credit card debt now stands at Rs. 150.6 billion, reflecting a rise of Rs. 942 million compared to the previous month. However, this amount is still Rs. 736 million below the total credit card debt recorded at the end of the previous year.
In August, licensed commercial banks provided Rs. 135.2 billion in net credit to the private sector, more than double the amount extended in July.
Although credit card debt grew during this period, it accounted for only a small portion of the total increase in private sector credit.
There are currently fewer than 2.0 million active credit cards in Sri Lanka, which suggests limited recovery in credit card spending since the rates were dramatically increased in 2022, a move that almost halted consumer spending.
Following the rate hike to as high as 36%, many banks tightened their credit conditions, particularly on credit cards.
Although rates have since fallen by about 10 percentage points, they remain relatively high, limiting the resurgence of credit card-based spending when compared to other loan rates.
Despite these constraints, recent data from August 2024 indicates the beginning of a new credit cycle, hinting at a potential increase in credit card debt.
Promotional offers, discounts, and installment payment schemes are gradually returning after a two-year gap, potentially driving higher credit card use in the coming months.
The approaching festive season and recent decreases in energy, utility, and food prices may also encourage people to increase discretionary spending, further raising credit card debt levels.
As consumer confidence grows, credit card usage in Sri Lanka could see a significant uptick, leading to a complex balance between financial growth and the risk of rising debt.
Credit Card Usage and Debt Rising in Sri Lanka Create new Implications.
October 07, Colombo (LNW): The UN Global Compact’s regional flagship event, ‘Forward Faster Now | Asia & Oceania,’ held in Kuala Lumpur on August 5-6, was a milestone in advancing sustainable business practices across Asia and Oceania.
The event brought together top executives, government leaders, and sustainability experts to drive meaningful progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It emphasized collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the commitment of businesses to integrate sustainability into their operations.
Sri Lanka’s business community played a prominent role in shaping the narrative at this landmark event.
Organized by the United Nations Global Compact, in collaboration with 16 Global Compact Country Networks and Country Offices, the event aimed to accelerate the adoption of sustainable business practices and highlight impactful stories from across the region.
It provided a platform for Sri Lankan corporate leaders to showcase their influence beyond national boundaries, demonstrating their dedication to sustainable development and positioning themselves as champions of change.
Prominent Sri Lankan speakers delivered strong messages, reinforcing the country’s leadership in sustainability. They participated in dynamic sessions alongside their regional counterparts, discussing critical issues such as sustainable finance, food security, gender equality, and corporate governance.
The insights shared by Sri Lankan leaders not only highlighted their expertise but also contributed to advancing sustainable development throughout Asia and Oceania.
Sharhan Muhseen, Chairman of Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, served as a speaker at the session titled ‘investing for SDG Impact: Financial Decisions Driving Sustainability Transformation.’
He underscored the significance of sustainable finance in promoting economic growth and a more equitable society, sharing Commercial Bank’s approach to sustainable investing through green bonds and ESG initiatives.
CBL Group Managing Director Sheamalee Wickramasingha participated in the session ‘Food Systems Sustainability: Business Strategies to Future-Proof Food Security,’ emphasizing sustainable practices in the food industry to combat climate change’s effects on food security. Her insights highlighted the private sector’s crucial role in safeguarding food systems.
Jetwing Travels Ltd. Chairman Shiromal Cooray contributed to the session on gender equality, sharing strategies on achieving gender balance in leadership roles within the organization. UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka’s Executive Director, Rathika de Silva, reinforced the need for regional cooperation and sustainable practices in his closing remarks.
Additionally, Dr. Ravi A. Fernando, Chairman of Global Strategic Corporate Sustainability Ltd., represented Sri Lanka in discussions on SDG engagement within the wider business community. He emphasized aligning business strategies with global climate goals, urging regional businesses to embrace sustainable development as part of their core mission.
MAS Holdings’ Head of Social Sustainability, Amanthi Perera, shared valuable insights during the discussion on the SDG Stocktake Report, stressing the need for leadership education on the urgency of the SDGs and fostering a stronger commitment to these goals.
Sri Lanka’s active participation at ‘Forward Faster Now | Asia & Oceania’ showcased its leadership in sustainable development and highlighted its growing influence in shaping regional sustainability practices. Through their engagement, Sri Lankan business leaders demonstrated their commitment to advancing sustainability and contributing to a diverse dialogue on global challenges.
October 07, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is steadily recovering from the setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic crisis of 2020-2021, and the impact of the Easter Sunday attacks in 2019.
The sector’s resurgence has been driven by the concerted efforts of the former leadership in the Ministry of Tourism, led by experienced professionals, including the former head of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), Priyantha Fernando, who has over 50 years of experience in the field.
The focus on revitalizing tourism highlights its crucial role in supporting Sri Lanka’s economy, especially in generating the much-needed foreign exchange.
In a recent shift in leadership, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed new chairpersons to the four major tourism bodies in the country.
Buddhika Hewawasam now leads both the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), while Dheera Hettiarachchi has been appointed as the chairman of the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM) and the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB).
These new leaders bring valuable experience from the travel and tourism sectors, aiming to introduce innovative strategies to further develop Sri Lanka’s tourism infrastructure and enhance its global reputation as a tourist destination.
Despite the challenges, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has made significant progress in the past nine months. The country earned $181 million from tourism in September 2024, which is a noticeable increase from the previous year’s earnings.
However, this figure was lower than August’s earnings, reflecting a dip in visitor arrivals. From January to September 2024, Sri Lanka welcomed nearly 1.5 million tourists, a substantial increase from the 1.02 million arrivals during the same period in 2023.
The country’s tourism sector aims to attract over 2 million visitors in 2024, with an expected revenue of $3 to $3.5 billion. Achieving these goals would significantly contribute to the country’s economic recovery, especially as tourism is a major foreign exchange earner with minimal outflows compared to other sectors.
Sri Lanka’s tourism earnings have already reached $2.34 billion in the first nine months of 2024, marking a 61.2% increase from the previous year.
One of the key challenges that affected tourism growth recently was the implementation of a new visa system, which made it more costly and complicated for visitors to travel to Sri Lanka. This issue led to a decline in arrivals and a subsequent drop in earnings.
However, with the government’s decision to restore the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, there is renewed optimism among tourism stakeholders.
The industry is also reflecting on its performance relative to the benchmark year of 2018, where earnings from tourism were significantly higher.
Although current revenues show a 28% decline from the 2018 levels, the progress made in 2024 indicates a steady recovery trajectory. Tourism remains a vital sector for Sri Lanka’s economy, contributing around 10% to the GDP and possessing the potential to expand significantly in the coming years.
Sri Lanka Tourism has set ambitious targets for 2024, aiming to attract 2.3 million visitors and generate over $4 billion in revenue. With just a few months left in the year, the industry will need to intensify its efforts to achieve these goals.
Industry leaders, including The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) and the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), have urged the new administration to prioritize global promotional campaigns to boost awareness ahead of the upcoming winter tourist season.
October 07, Colombo (LNW): Rohana Hettiarachchi, Executive Director of the election monitor People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL), has called on political parties and candidates to uphold peace and integrity during the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Speaking as the nomination process nears its conclusion, Hettiarachchi stressed the significance of continuing the peaceful environment observed during the recent presidential election.
“The nomination period for parliamentary elections is currently ongoing and will wrap up by the end of this week. We firmly believe it is possible to conduct these elections in a peaceful manner,” he said.
Hettiarachchi highlighted that the last presidential election was one of the most tranquil in the nation’s electoral history, setting a precedent that should be emulated during this next phase.
He further urged all political parties, independent candidates, and their supporters to act responsibly and avoid any form of violence or unrest, ensuring the parliamentary election reflects the same calm and civility as the presidential race.
He pointed out that the peaceful nature of the last election is a testament to what can be achieved when political figures and their supporters commit to respecting democratic processes.
Beyond this appeal for peaceful conduct, PAFFREL also emphasised the importance of maintaining transparency and fairness throughout the election process.
