May 06, Colombo (LNW): The 2023 General Certificate of Education (G.C.E.) Ordinary Level examination is set to commence today (06), spanning 3,527 centres across the island.
With an anticipated 452,979 candidates scheduled to sit for the examination, the Commissioner General of Examinations urges candidates to arrive promptly at their designated examination centres, equipped with their admission cards and valid identification documents.
May 06, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Cricket decided to recognise the achievement of the national rugby team, which won the Asia Rugby Division 1 Championship by beating Kazakhstan yesterday (04) in Colombo, with an award of US$30,000.
The decision to recognise the players and coaches who were involved in achieving this excellent win was taken by the President of Sri Lanka Cricket, Mr. Shammi Silva, and the Executive Committee, keeping in line with Sri Lanka Cricket’s continuous policy of recognising sporting excellence in the country.
Sri Lanka Cricket is extremely happy with this achievement, as it promotes the national rugby team into the top tier of the Asian Rugby circle, which augurs well for the country’s sports arena.
The Sri Lanka team defeated the Kazakhstan team in the final match with 45 – 7 points.
By: Isuru Parakrama
May 06, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 p.m., with showers or thundershowers being expected to occur at a few places in North-western and North-central provinces and in Mannar, Vavuniya and Mullaitivu districts during the afternoon or night, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (06).
A few showers may occur over the coastal areas of Puttalam to Galle via Colombo during the morning to0, the statement added.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces during the morning.
General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Meanwhile, The swell waves (about 2.5 m – 3.0 m) height (This is not for land area) and wave period (about 12s-16s) may increase in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kalpitiya to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle, and Hambantota.
There is a possibility that near shore sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Matara via Galle, may experience surges due to swell waves.
The sea areas off the coast extending from Kalpitiya to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota can be rough at times.
The naval and fishing communities who are engaged in fishing and naval activities in the above sea areas, therefore, are requested to be vigilant in this regard.
The adverse weather conditions are also attributed to by heat index, the temperature felt on human body, which is expected to increase up to ‘Extreme Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district and that values, expected to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces and Matale district.
The public, therefore, is urged to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade as often as possible, check up on the elderly and the sick, never leave children unattended, limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated, and wear lightweight and white or light-coloured clothing.
By: Staff Writer
May 05, Colombo (LNW): The second meeting of the strategic dialogue between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom is scheduled to be held in Colombo on 07 May 2024, at the senior officials’ level.
The meeting will review developments in foreign and security policies, as well as progress in the areas of bilateral engagement, including trade, investment, tourism, climate change, environment protection, migration, and maritime cooperation among others.
The meeting will also take stock of cooperation by the two countries at international fora, including at the United Nations and Commonwealth.
Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2023. The visit of Her Royal Highness Princess Anne this year to commemorate this occasion underscored the importance of our enduring friendship.
At the second Strategic Dialogue, the Sri Lanka delegation will be led by Director General Europe and North America of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Shobini Gunasekera. It includes bilateral talks with Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane.
The UK side will be led by Director/India and Indian Ocean Directorate at Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Ben Meller and will comprise High Commissioner Andrew Patrick, Head of Sri Lanka team in the FCDO Humairaa Haita and the High Commission officials along with officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant government agencies.
Sri Lanka participated in the inaugural UK-Sri Lanka Strategic Dialogue at the Foreign Secretary level on April 18, 2023 at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in London.
Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane attended the Dialogue on behalf of Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
UK Minister of State in the FCDO Anne Marie Trevelyan opened the dialogue, an dit was conducted with the participation of Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Undersecretary of the FCDO.
The inaugural Strategic Dialogue has been convened at the invitation of the FCDO at the important juncture of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom this year.
The Strategic Dialogue has provided a forum for both sides to discuss the multifaceted relations between the two countries.
On the sidelines of the dialogue, Foreign Secretary Wijewardane had a bilateral meeting with Assistant Secretary General of the Commonwealth Prof. Luis G. Franceschi and interacted with members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG).
By: Staff Writer
May 05, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s State owned Enterprises (SOE’s) including the Central Bank and state banks are to be brought under a legal framework for appointments, management, procurement and capital spending with the enactment of SOE Act in parliament soon, Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe divulged.
It is aimed at improving governance of state-owned enterprise by May 2024 as part of anti-corruption efforts following an International Monetary Fund (IMF) governance diagnostic assessment
A legislation is now being drafted to boost governance providing provisions to cut down fiscal powers currently given to board of governors and directors of state owned entities he elaborated.
Moreover the power of deciding salary structures and increments of the staff of SOEs including the Central Bank and state banks will be vested in the finance ministry and Parliament.
According to the draft SOE act, state owned enterprises will only be given administration powers and powers to take financial policy decisions on decisions. It will be not be given any authority to increase salaries of employees.
“SOEs are susceptible to mismanagement and corruption as wells due to possible conflicts between ownership and policy making functions of the government, undue political interference on policies and business practices, “he claimed.
All commercial SOEs are required to publish quarterly accounts and an annual report similar to listed entities.
In addition, these enterprises should continue to appear before COPE as is done now. Extending the capacity of Public Enterprises Department (PED) to consolidate SOE data and its ability to analyse and report on SOE sector performance will contribute to more effective governance.
The Government maintains ownership and control over somewhere between 300 and 500 entities (527 to be exact) that it characterises as public corporations.
A Public Enterprises Department has been established within the Ministry of Finance which collates the budgets, business plans, and financial reports of 52 SOEs –those which it considers to be the most strategically important.
130 SOEs have been ear marked for conversion into public liability companies of which 17 were defunct and state intervention is not needed for 87 enterprises, the ministry report indicated.
May 05, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka samurdhi banking system is to be regularised making it difficult for corrupt officials and politicians to pilfer money from the compulsory savings of poorer recipients, finance ministry sources said.
It will be upgraded to guarantee transparency and independence by implementing a credible and a practical empowerment plan to bring it under the purview of the Central Bank
The samurdhi bank has assets worth Rs.400 billion including the deposits of samurdhi recipients (compulsory savings) which were invested in banks and government securities
There are currently 1,050 samurdhi “banks” (branches) in Sri Lanka but they are not formally recognised as banks as they do not fall under the preview of the Central Bank.
These informal banks were used exclusively as distribution points for the samurdhi monthly cash transfers.
Many incidents of stealing money from these banks with the connivance of its managers and samurdhi development officers under the guise of poor relief programs have been reported in the recent past.
Details of all these fraudulent activities including bank robberies recorded in public domain and some inquiries are still pending.
The lack of financial inclusion of poorest of the poor has deprived most of them even obtaining a loan or any other financial facility from a samurdhi bank.
Considering all these factors the Government has decided to regulate the samurdhi banking system as a microfinance banking system of the Central Bank to provide the “Aswesuma” welfare benefit for the people
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has also directed the officials to look into the possibility of developing the samurdhi bank further into a state rural bank as it cannot be continued as an informal bank.
The Committee on Public Accounts has instructed the Samurdhi Development Department to provide details of the amount of money in the seven funds currently under the care of the Department and the services provided by those funds
Samurdhi Bank, which is under the purview of the Samurdhi Department, is not subject to state audit, and the COPA and the Office of the Auditor General have agreed that it should be audited although It has its internal auditing system.
Up to now, this banking system has no facility for cash transfer to the beneficiary accounts.
Therefore Government is not in a position to utilise the samurdhi banking system for cash transfers for the poor and the vulnerable, a senior official of the finance ministry said.
He said that action would be taken to make use of billions of rupees of samurdhi funds in a productive manner to provide immediate relief for vulnerable community.
So the immediate priority is to be given to upgrade it to a link system where the money can be transferred to the beneficiary’s account without third party involvement.
By Saliya Weerakoon
In the heart of Colombo, where the sky meets the turquoise Indian Ocean, a new jewel has emerged on the skyline – ITC Ratnadipa. Its inauguration was not merely an opening of another luxury hotel; it was a declaration; a statement of elegance and ambition that resonates with Sri Lanka’s heritage as the ‘Island of Gems’.
The launch was attended by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who took a nostalgic journey back to the era when Sri Lanka first welcomed the grandeur of five-star hospitality with the iconic Galle Face Hotel. I stepped into the ITC Ratnadipa and it was an architectural marvel with well-trained staff and luxury personified, well-equipped luxury rooms in coexistence with technology.
Colombo, arguably one of the best cities in South Asia, has a lot to offer, but is certainly under-optimised. The emergence of ITC Ratnadipa and Shangri-La in Colombo, in addition to the other vintage properties, could undoubtedly lift the status quo for high-end tourism in Sri Lanka.
This event is a reminder of the potent alchemy between heritage and modernity that defines Sri Lanka today. It comes at a time when another local giant, John Keells, is set to transform the cityscape further with its upcoming ‘City of Dreams’. This mixed-development property promises to weave another layer of sophistication into the fabric of Colombo. What does this tell us? It tells us about the unyielding spirit of enterprise that drives the nation.
Ratnadipa and City of Dreams are two brands that are different, but they provide a grand narrative. Colombo was always a city of dreams. Colombo was the city to achieve the Sri Lankan dream.
Some critics took their fingers to social media and for them Ratnadipa was a bad brand and City of Dreams was bad in architecture. For me, Ratnadipa takes me back to the history of Sri Lanka and an 81-year-old Trinitian, a proud son of Sri Lanka, wove his magic to build City of Dreams. The man behind City of Dreams was Cecil Balmond – a global authority in architecture. In a world where everyone is an expert on someone else’s profession, critics are part of the deal.
Meanwhile, Dilmah, a homegrown global brand synonymous with Ceylon Tea, is branching out into the world of spices with Ceylon Cinnamon. This move is not just about expanding a product line – it’s about redefining identity and stretching the boundaries of what is possible from this fertile island.
But why does this matter to you and me? Because these stories are not isolated chapters. They are interconnected tales of resilience, ambition, and foresight that inspire a nation battered by economic storms. Each venture is a bonfire of hope, illuminating paths not only within the shores of Sri Lanka but also extending towards its vast diaspora. From every corner of the globe, Sri Lankans have excelled, reinforcing that the spirit of entrepreneurship is a universal passport to success.
So, as the scents of cinnamon mingle with the salty air and the skyline dazzles with new silhouettes, we must ask ourselves: what drives this relentless pursuit of innovation? Is it merely the desire to survive, or the burning passion to thrive, to carve out a destiny that honours the past while forging a future?
May Day developments
Consider this: while grand hotels rose and tea empires expanded, the country was also a stage for the theatrics of May Day. Political rallies pulled vast crowds, each a show of strength and a narrative of commitment.
President Wickremesinghe reiterated his stability mantra, reminding citizens of his inherited storm and the calm he promised to restore. Meanwhile, aspirants like Sajith Premadasa, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and Dilith Jayaweera painted visions of victory and change, each pledging to lead the island nation to a brighter dawn.
May Day rallies are often used to showcase political might and this year it was amplified by all parties. Some politicians from key parties declared that their respective rallies had more than 100,000 people in attendance. Nothing wrong; some humans struggle with zeros. Most of the political speeches were about how great they are, rather than their political enemies. The day of the workers should belong to the workers, not their masters.
Yet, beyond the spectacle, a crucial development unfolded: the President increased the daily wages of estate workers to Rs. 1,700 ($ 5.5) per day, a long-overdue acknowledgement of their toil. This decision, while a victory, poses new challenges for the plantation companies, balancing increased operational costs against fair compensation. Here lies a critical lesson in economics and empathy; a balancing act every aspiring leader and entrepreneur must master.
As the streets of Colombo burst into a kaleidoscope of colours and chants during the May Day celebrations, my mind travelled back to a pivotal chapter in my life. A moment etched in the annals of Sri Lanka’s labour history that echoes the undying spirit of its workforce. It was the late ’90s, a time of economic flux and fervent hopes, when I, as a young union branch leader of the Ceylon Bank Employees’ Union, found myself thrust into the throes of a protest that would mark both a personal and collective transformation.
Dressed in jeans and rubber slippers, armed with nothing but placards and our convictions, we took to the streets. Our battle wasn’t just about numbers on a paycheck; it was a fight for respect, for dignity in our labour. The city’s cacophony faded into the background as our voices rose in unison, a formidable force against an unbending management. The days stretched into months, each one a testament to our resolve.
Yet, the resolution of this conflict was bittersweet. While we secured a salary increment, it was a compromised victory, shadowed by the stark realisation of betrayal from within our ranks. Some of our comrades, those who once stood shoulder to shoulder with us, had traded their loyalty for personal gain, leaving behind a tainted legacy of the struggle.
This experience, though disheartening, was illuminating. It marked the last time I would participate in a trade union protest, not just because I never again worked where unions held sway, but because the sting of that betrayal lingered, a stark reminder of the complexities of human intentions and collective action.
Most of the senior bankers in Sri Lanka today were part of the late ’90s trade union action. They were mauled by the experience.
Trade unions and political games
As I reflect on those tumultuous days, I draw parallels with the present, where once again, the streets of Colombo are alive with the energy of May Day rallies. Political leaders and hopeful aspirants stand on their platforms, claiming solidarity with the working masses. They promise stability, reform, and prosperity. But beyond the pomp and spectacle, one wonders about the genuine commitment to the rights and well-being of the workers.
These events, both past and present, serve as a stark reminder of the enduring struggles of Sri Lanka’s workforce. They compel us to question: How much of the political rhetoric will translate into tangible benefits for the workers? Are these rallies a true celebration of labour rights, or merely a show of strength by political entities?
In the complex mural of Sri Lanka’s economic landscape, where each thread intertwines with layers of cultural, social, and political influences, the role of trade unions is becoming increasingly pivotal. Yet, this crucial institution, designed as a bastion for the rights and voices of workers, finds itself at a crossroads, caught between traditional roles of advocacy and the urgent need for evolution.
Imagine a bustling factory at the edge of Colombo, where workers, diligent and weary, weave through their daily routines under the relentless rhythm of machinery. Here, the trade union is not merely a representative body; it is a lifeline. But as the global market’s demands shift and the local economic pressures mount, these workers find their voices drowned out not just by the mechanical noise but by a cacophony of political agendas.
Trade unions in Sri Lanka, historically tied to various political factions, often find themselves embroiled in broader political games, sometimes at the expense of their own members’ immediate needs. This affiliation to political parties, while providing leverage in certain governmental negotiations, also divides and dilutes their focus, making it challenging to stay aligned with the workers’ real interests and the long-term sustainability of the organisations they help build.
However, envision a different scenario: a trade union that champions not just the cause of its members in isolation but advocates for the holistic growth of the entire organisation. Such a union would transform from a mere pressure group into a partner in progress, aligning workers’ aspirations with the strategic goals of the company.
Consider the story of a hypothetical apparel manufacturer in Galle, where a visionary trade union leader sees beyond the immediate skirmishes over wages and working conditions. She negotiates not just for fair pay but also for better training programmes, linking workforce development to increased productivity and higher quality outputs. Here, the trade union works hand in hand with management to tap into new markets, ensuring job security through company growth.
This collaborative approach could be revolutionary in Sri Lanka’s context, where economic challenges like high inflation and international competition are pressing. By fostering a union culture that prioritises organisational growth along with employee rights, both workers and companies can thrive, contributing to a more resilient economy.
As Sri Lanka navigates its recovery from economic setbacks, the need for such evolved trade unions becomes ever more apparent. These bodies must champion a dual cause: defending immediate worker rights while ensuring that their organisations adapt, innovate, and remain competitive on a global scale.
Shared prosperity and sustainability
For workers across this beautiful island, from the tea gardens of the central highlands to the tech offices in urban Colombo, the call is clear. They need unions that are not only shields against exploitation but also engines of shared prosperity. This reimagined role of trade unions could well be the linchpin in Sri Lanka’s aspiration to forge a sustainable economic future, where every worker not only survives but thrives.
As we navigate these complex waters, let us not forget the lessons learned from the struggles of the past. The betrayals and the partial victories are not just remnants of history; they are cautionary tales that must guide our actions and expectations. It is crucial for every citizen, not just the policymakers and the leaders, to advocate for transparency, accountability, and genuine progress.
In doing so, we honour not just the spirit of May Day but the very essence of what it means to fight for justice and equity in the workplace. As Sri Lanka continues to write its future, let us ensure that this narrative includes a fair and dignified chapter for every worker who has ever dared to dream of a better life.
Sri Lanka, our Ratnadipa, is at a crossroads, rich in potential yet burdened by past mistakes. The question now is: how do we leverage this wealth of resources, human capital, and cultural heritage? How do we ensure that the rule of law, transparency, and credibility become the cornerstones upon which we build our future?
This is a call to action, not just for the leaders but for each citizen. It’s a plea to recognise the collective power of individual actions. How can we, as part of this gem of an island, contribute to its shine? Are we ready to be part of this monumental transformation task to ensure that when the world looks our way, they see a light of innovation and integrity?
It’s time to reflect on these questions to engage in a dialogue among ourselves and the world. As Sri Lanka stands poised to redefine its course, let us be the architects of that destiny. Let us be bold, let us be brave, and let us be brilliant. After all, isn’t that what it means to be truly deserving of the name Ratnadipa?
(The Morning)
By: Staff Writer
May 05, Colombo (LNW): Strategically placed Sri Lanka’s economic recovery is essential for stability in the Indo-Pacific region, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa said Saturday, urging Colombo to swiftly restructure its foreign debt.
After talks with her Sri Lankan counterpart, Ali Sabry, Kamikawa said that Colombo should secure agreements with bilateral lenders and international sovereign bondholders to unlock suspended foreign funding.
The Sri Lankan government which defaulted on its $46 billion external debt in April 2022, had hoped to finalize deals with foreign creditors by April but there have been no final agreements yet although talks will be continued in Colombo to arrive at a consensus by June this year.
Kamikawa said she “stressed the importance of reaching a debt restructuring agreement with all the creditors,” including China — the largest bilateral lender to the island.
She said Tokyo considered Colombo’s economic recovery to be crucial for the entire region. The island is located halfway along the main east-west international shipping route.
“The restoration of stability and economic development of Sri Lanka, which is at a strategic location in the India Ocean, is essential for the stability and prosperity of the entire Indo-Pacific region,” she added.
Sri Lanka must secure agreement from all official creditors and a majority of private bondholders to continue with a four-year, $2.9 billion bailout loan that began in March last year.
Japan, the second largest bilateral lender to the island, has expressed concern about China’s big infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka and elsewhere in the region.
The Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoko Kamikawa conveyed Japan’s intention to further support Sri Lanka’s development by swiftly resuming existing ‘Yen loan projects’ once the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on debt restructuring is signed and the Sri Lankan government’s intention to swiftly conclude bilateral agreement is confirmed.
Ms. Kamikawa expressed Japan’s intention to continue to support Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts for national reconciliation.
Meanwhile, she mentioned that various reforms that Sri Lanka is currently undertaking are all essential for the normalization of Sri Lanka’s economy.
Also Saturday, the two countries agreed to work to resume stalled bilateral projects, including a $1.5 billion Japanese-funded light railway. Sri Lanka pulled out of the rail project in 2020, when it was moving closer to China under Rajapaksa.
May 05, Colombo (LNW): The Parliament of Sri Lanka must immediately investigate into the ongoing monopoly by VFS Global for visa services in Sri Lanka, said Opposition MP (Dr.) Harsha De Silva.
In a statement, Silva questioned the justification behind paying what he termed as ‘monopoly rent’ amounting to approximately Rs. 18 billion over the next twelve months, and highlighted that the total fees per visa amount to US$ 25.77.
This prompts scrutiny into the terms of reference (TOR) specified for such services, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP emphasised.
The Opposition’s concerns centre on the lack of transparency surrounding the cost of service provided by VFS Global, a company that facilitates visa application processes for various countries.
Dr. Silva called into question whether alternative options were thoroughly reviewed before entrusting VFS Global with this responsibility.
The Opposition MP also urged Parliament to take swift action to probe the circumstances surrounding the agreement with VFS Global.
He further stressed that this matter has never been referred to the Parliament Committee on Public Finances (CoPF) which considers matters related to public finances.
He, therefore, clarified that the problem is far worse in the backdrop of data entry and billing being not transparent.
The issue raises broader questions about the government’s approach to outsourcing essential services and the need for comprehensive oversight mechanisms to safeguard public interests.
As Sri Lanka grapples with economic challenges and strives to enhance governance standards, it is imperative to address concerns related to procurement practices and ensure that public funds are utilised efficiently and effectively.
