September 29, Colombo (LNW): During a high-level meeting at the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, global leaders renewed their commitment to tackling the severe threat posed by rising sea levels.

The meeting, led by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UN General Assembly President Philémon Yang, underscored the urgency of the crisis, with Guterres warning, “Our world is in dangerous waters.”

Guterres highlighted that global sea levels are now increasing at an alarming rate, faster than at any time in the past 3,000 years, due to the escalating impact of greenhouse gases.

This rise is largely driven by the warming of the planet, which causes seawater to expand and polar ice to melt.

Key outcomes of the session included a focus on addressing non-economic losses, such as the displacement of vulnerable communities, through loss and damage funds.

There were also calls for reforms in international financial institutions and the Green Climate Fund, with suggestions to streamline access to financial resources for affected nations and simplify the application process.

“The rising seas mean a rising tide of misery,” Guterres warned, as he pointed to projections from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

According to these estimates, global sea levels could rise by 15 to 30 centimetres by 2050, with once-in-a-century extreme sea-level events becoming annual occurrences by the end of the century.

For countries like Sri Lanka, this poses a significant threat, with projections of a sea-level rise between 0.2 and 0.6 metres by 2050.

Such changes would have profound implications for coastal communities, endangering both lives and livelihoods.

The meeting reinforced the urgent need for global cooperation and immediate action to mitigate the impacts of rising seas and protect those most vulnerable.

By: Isuru Parakrama

September 29, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Examinations has announced that applications for the re-scrutiny of the 2023 G.C.E. Ordinary Level results will be accepted from 1st to 14th October.

Students seeking re-evaluation of their exam results are encouraged to submit their applications within this period.

For any inquiries regarding the process or results, the department has provided a dedicated hotline (1911) along with several contact numbers: 011 2 785 922, 011 2 786 616, 011 2 784 208, and 011 2 784 537.

The re-correction process offers students the opportunity to have their examination papers reviewed, ensuring accuracy and fairness in grading.

By: Isuru Parakrama

September 29, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya has affirmed that the newly formed government will place education at the forefront of its agenda, with an emphasis on restoring public confidence in the system.

Speaking at a workshop for school principals held at Ananda College, Colombo, she addressed the critical challenges plaguing the current education system, highlighting a pervasive lack of trust as one of the most pressing issues.

“The trust in our education system has eroded, much like in many other sectors of our society,” Amarasuriya stated, reflecting on the growing disconnect between students and their education.

She emphasised that the younger generation no longer holds the same belief in the value of education, a stark contrast to previous generations. This growing scepticism, she added, requires urgent attention.

Amarasuriya, who also serves as Minister of Education, stressed the need to rekindle enthusiasm for learning among students while reassuring parents that the system can once again deliver meaningful results.

“We need to ensure that children are excited about their education, and parents should be able to trust that their children are in good hands.”

Amarasuriya also drew attention to the stark disparities within Sri Lanka’s education landscape.

Speaking directly to the school principals, many of whom represented prestigious institutions, she criticised the existence of a divided system where elite schools provide superior education while others are relegated to a status of ‘unpopular schools’.

She stated firmly, “This is not an acceptable situation. Our goal is to ensure that every school, regardless of its standing, delivers the best education for all children.”

Reflecting on Sri Lanka’s historic reputation for excellence in education, Amarasuriya lamented that the country has failed to maintain this standard in recent decades.

“Our education system was once a model for the world, but in recent years, we have fallen short of its promise. We must not only recover what was lost but also build upon it for the future.”

In her concluding remarks, the Prime Minister underscored that the failures of the education system were not the result of actions by teachers or principals but rather the responsibility of successive political leaderships.

She expressed optimism for the future, inviting the education community to collaborate with the government in implementing policy reforms aimed at restoring Sri Lanka’s education system to its former glory.

By: Isuru Parakrama

September 29, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur over most places of the Island during the afternoon or night, with heavy showers about 100 mm being expected to occur at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Kaluthara district, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (29).

Showers may occur in Southern province and in Batticaloa and Ampara districts during the morning too.

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:

By: Isuru Parakrama

September 29, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Examinations has officially announced the release of the 2023 General Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary Level (O/L) examination results.

Students and candidates who sat for the examination can now access their results by visiting the department’s official website at https://www.doenets.lk/examresults.

This year, a total of 452,979 candidates took the exam, which was conducted across 3,527 examination centres nationwide.

The large turnout highlights the importance of the O/L examination in shaping the academic and professional future of students in Sri Lanka.

The Department of Examinations has ensured that the online system is fully operational to accommodate the high volume of users, allowing for a smooth and efficient process for accessing results.

Additionally, students who require further clarification or assistance regarding their scores can contact the relevant authorities for guidance.

1. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake attends the “Colombo International Book Fair” on 28 September, celebrating its 25th anniversary: During the event, a draft of the National Policy on Children’s Books was presented to him by the Sri Lanka Book Publishers’ Association: The fair, featuring 400 stalls, saw a large turnout, and the President toured booths, engaging with the public.
   
2. Former MP Angajan Ramanathan urges President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to reopen key roads in Jaffna, particularly in the Vali North High Security Zone, to promote harmony and regional development: His request follows the President’s recent order to reopen major roads in Colombo, including Sir Baron Jayathilake Mawatha and Janadhipathi Mawatha, for public access.
   
3. Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake announces postal voting applications for the upcoming parliamentary elections will be accepted from October 1 to 8: Postal voters must certify their applications through their institution heads and submit them to the district returning officer: This election will use the 2024 voter list, following guidelines from the Parliamentary Elections Act.
   
4. The Ministry of Education forms a seven-member committee to determine whether this year’s Grade 5 Scholarship Examination should be re-conducted, following allegations of a question paper leak: The decision, advised by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, will be based on ongoing investigations by the Examinations Department and Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
   
5. The National Audit Office reveals thousands of government-owned vehicles are missing or misplaced, particularly from state institutions like the Ministry of Health: Auditor General W.P.C. Wickramaratne announces an investigation, in collaboration with the Department of Motor Traffic, to prepare a comprehensive report: Recently, many vehicles used by former officials were also parked at Galle Face Grounds.
   
6. The Inland Revenue Department reminds taxpayers to make their final income tax payments for the 2023/2024 Year of Assessment by 30 September 2024 to avoid penalties and interest charges: Additionally, outstanding default taxes must be cleared by 30 October 2024, after which the Department will enforce strict collection measures, including legal action, for unpaid taxes.
   
7. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasises the government’s priority on restoring trust in Sri Lanka’s education system, acknowledging its current lack of public confidence: stresses the need for equitable education, eliminating disparities between elite and less popular schools: calls for reforms to rebuild the system’s former global reputation and urged collaboration in this effort.
   
8. The Bar Council of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) appoints Anura Maddegoda, PC, as BASL President and Razik Zarook, PC, as Deputy President: These appointments fill vacancies left by the resignations of former BASL President Kaushalya Nawaratne, PC, and former Deputy President Nalinda Indatissa, PC, according to BASL Secretary Chathura Galhena.
   
9. The President’s Media Division (PMD) announces the Gazette Extraordinary outlining the division of institutions and responsibilities under Sri Lanka’s new ministries has been published: Issued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake under Article 44(1) of the Constitution, this follows the recent appointment of the short-term Cabinet in the new government.
   
10. Sri Lanka dominates New Zealand on Day 3 of the second Test in Galle, bowling them out for 88 after posting 602 runs: Prabath Jayasuriya took six wickets, and Sri Lanka enforced a follow-on with a massive 514-run lead: New Zealand lost Tom Latham early in their second innings, and now face a challenging battle to avoid a 2-0 series defeat.

September 28, Colombo (LNW): Japan has committed to fully supporting Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption efforts and development goals, a priority of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s administration. 

Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Mizukoshi Hideaki, expressed this during a meeting with the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake. The ambassador reaffirmed Japan’s readiness to work closely with Sri Lanka, especially in combating corruption, which has been a central theme for the current administration.

In a significant development, the Japanese government announced the resumption of 11 stalled infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka, including key initiatives like the Kandy City Water Management Project and the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) Development Project. Other projects set to resume include improvements in healthcare, water supply, rural infrastructure, and the National Transmission and Distribution Network.

 These projects, once stalled due to financial instability, will restart following Sri Lanka’s successful foreign debt restructuring, allowing Japan to continue its yen loans and funding for the country’s recovery efforts.

Ambassador Mizukoshi highlighted the near completion of several Japanese-funded projects, such as the first phase of the Habarana-Veyangoda transmission line and the Anuradhapura North Water Supply Project. Japan’s recent funding efforts will also help finalize payments for the completed Kelani Ganga New Bridge construction.

The resumption of funding follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) and Sri Lanka on July 23, formalizing a bilateral debt restructuring agreement. Japan, which has been a strong supporter of Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring, co-chairs the OCC alongside France and India. 

Ambassador Mizukoshi noted that Japan is the first country to resume financing for suspended projects, with an initial tranche of $75 million for the eleven projects. This move is expected to unlock additional financing from countries like Korea, Spain, and Germany, as well as multilateral agencies.

Japan’s total loan portfolio in Sri Lanka is valued at $2.36 billion, with another $1.1 billion committed over the next five years for ongoing projects. Since 1965, Japan has provided $8.8 billion in Official Development Assistance for 120 projects in Sri Lanka.

Relations between the two nations had been strained in recent years due to Sri Lanka’s previous government canceling a Japan-India development project. However, Japan’s resumption of funding reflects a renewed commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s economic recovery following its financial crisis.

Currently, eleven projects valued at approximately $2.5 billion are being implemented under JICA loan assistance in sectors such as power, water supply, drainage, ports, transport, health, telecommunication, and rural development.

 Despite Sri Lanka’s economic and political issues, JICA has continued to support various projects, including a $300 million technical cooperation project with the Ministry of Health to combat COVID-19. This project provided essential equipment and training to targeted hospitals.

A senior finance ministry official confirmed that Japan’s recession would not impact JICA projects in Sri Lanka, as these were prior commitments. The Anuradhapura North Water Supply Project, backed by JICA, will also proceed unaffected by Japan’s economic situation.

September 28, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s central bank opted to keep its interest rates unchanged on Friday, a decision expected by many due to the ongoing domestic and global uncertainties. 

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) held the Standing Deposit Facility Rate at 8.25% and the Standing Lending Facility Rate at 9.25%. Despite these challenges, CBSL noted that inflation is projected to remain low, and the nation’s economy is performing better than anticipated.

CBSL Governor P. Nandalal Weerasinghe reported that the economy is expected to grow by over 3%, though no formal revision to the 2024 GDP forecast has been made yet. However, the government is expected to provide updated growth estimates when the new finance minister presents the national budget.

In its statement, CBSL highlighted that inflation is likely to stay below its 5% target over the next few quarters, with the possibility of deflation occurring in the near term.

 Weerasinghe mentioned that inflation might drop below the lower end of the central bank’s target range of 3% to 7% by the end of September, requiring a formal explanation to the government as mandated by law.

 The CBSL has already cut rates by 25 basis points in July as part of a broader effort to ease monetary policy. This has resulted in a total rate reduction of 7.25 percentage points since June 2023.

Financial analysts, like Udeeshan Jonas from Colombo-based research firm CAL, have noted that while credit growth remains steady, political instability has pushed up premiums on government securities. 

This may have influenced CBSL’s decision to maintain rates until further political clarity is achieved. Jonas also warned that inflation could pick up in the second half of the year, particularly with fiscal easing measures expected in the upcoming budget.

The central bank’s decision comes at a politically significant moment for Sri Lanka, following the recent election of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Known for his Marxist-leaning policies, 

Dissanayake has pledged to lower taxes, combat corruption, and reduce the cost of living. His election, however, has brought political uncertainty, particularly as he has dissolved parliament in hopes of gaining a stronger mandate in the upcoming general election on November 14.

On the international front, Sri Lanka is moving forward with its $2.9 billion bailout program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). President Dissanayake has stated that negotiations with the IMF will commence soon to advance the deal.

In addition, CBSL is preparing to shift to a single policy rate by the end of 2024, a move aimed at increasing transparency. 

The transition will involve consultations with market participants and technical assistance from the IMF. 

Some analysts have raised concerns that the shift to a single rate could increase volatility in the exchange rate, potentially destabilizing the economy. However, CBSL remains confident in the move and aims to implement the change before the year’s end.

September 28, Colombo (LNW):  Shangri-La Hambantota has made waves at the 8th edition of the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2024 by securing two prestigious accolades. 

The grand event, held on Friday, 20 September, at Aloft Kathmandu Thamel, brought together over 200 delegates and honoured more than 400 nominees across a variety of categories, highlighting the best of South Asia’s travel and hospitality industry.

Shangri-La Hambantota took home the awards for ‘Leading Family Resort in Sri Lanka’ and ‘Leading Wedding Resort’ in Sri Lanka. 

These recognitions are a testament to the resort’s unwavering commitment to excellence in hospitality, driven by the hard work of its talented team and the loyalty of guests who continually choose Shangri-La Hambantota for memorable family vacations and dream destination weddings.

“This is an incredibly proud moment for Shangri-La Hambantota, as we are honoured to be recognised for our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional family getaways and unforgettable weddings,” said Shangri-La Hambantota General Manager Refhan Razeen. 

“Receiving these prestigious accolades at the SATA 2024 underscores our dedication to crafting extraordinary guest experiences. We remain focused on setting new benchmarks in hospitality, ensuring every guest leaves with cherished memories.”

Representing Shangri-La Hambantota at the ceremony, Director of Operations Indika Gonawela proudly accepted the awards on behalf of the team.

Nestled in Sri Lanka’s picturesque Southern coast, Shangri-La Hambantota offers an unparalleled experience for both families and couples. 

The resort’s 274 elegant rooms and suites boast stunning views of the Indian Ocean, serene gardens, or the expansive 18-hole golf course, creating an idyllic setting for a peaceful getaway.

Families at Shangri-La Hambantota are treated to a unique mix of adventure and relaxation. With exciting attractions like the signature Flying Trapeze, a thrilling zip line, and the interactive Cool Zone Kids Club, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

 For those seeking tranquillity, Chi, The Spa offers rejuvenating treatments inspired by traditional Sri Lankan and Asian therapies, while the resort’s multiple dining venues serve a rich array of local and international cuisines.