April 27, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Ministers has approved a landmark decision to entrust the management of Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport to M/s Shaurya Aeronautics (Pvt.) Ltd from India and the Airports of Regions Management Company from Russia or its affiliated enterprises. This arrangement, sanctioned for a duration of 30 years, marks a significant step towards revitalizing the airport’s operations and maximizing its potential.
The decision follows a comprehensive process initiated during a Cabinet meeting on January 9, 2023, where approval was granted for soliciting proposals from interested parties to utilize the facilities at Mattala Rajapaksha International Airport. Subsequently, five institutions submitted their proposals in response to the call for Expressions Of Interest.
After careful consideration and evaluation, the Cabinet of Ministers, upon the recommendation of the Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, has consented to the resolution. The negotiation committee appointed by the Cabinet of Ministers has recommended the joint management arrangement with the Russian and Indian firms, reflecting a strategic approach to leverage international expertise and resources in enhancing the airport’s operations and services.
This decision underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to fostering partnerships with global stakeholders to drive economic growth and development, particularly in critical sectors such as aviation. The joint management initiative holds the promise of unlocking the airport’s potential as a key hub for regional connectivity and economic activity.
April 27, Colombo (LNW): The Committee on High Posts has given the green light to several significant appointments, including a new ambassador, ministerial secretary, and chairpersons to state institutions. The recently approved appointments are as follows:
Mr. S.A. Rodrigo: Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Italy
Mr. A.C.M. Nafeel: Secretary to the Ministry of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development
Mr. W.A.D.S. Gunasinghe: Chairman of the Regional Development Bank
Mr. N.K.S. Jayasekara: Chairman of the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulatory Council
Ministers Dr. Ramesh Pathirana and Vidura Wickramanayake, along with MPs Rishad Bathiudeen, participated in the recent meeting of the High Posts Committee, chaired by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena.
April 27, Colombo (LNW): Alexis Taylor, the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), paid a courtesy visit to President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday, April 26th.
During their meeting, President Wickremesinghe was briefed on the ongoing dairy modernization program supported by the United States. Expressing appreciation for the initiative, the President noted that it would complement Sri Lanka’s existing efforts to expand dairy production across the island.
In turn, President Wickremesinghe outlined the government’s broader agriculture modernization agenda, stressing the importance of engaging youth in the sector. The U.S. delegation expressed support for these endeavors, affirming their commitment to providing necessary assistance.
The meeting underscores the collaborative efforts between Sri Lanka and the United States in advancing agricultural development and highlights the potential for further cooperation in this crucial sector.
In a keynote address at the Council Meeting of the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa presented a comprehensive plan to revitalize Sri Lanka’s export sector, which has been facing numerous challenges. Premadasa, the chief guest at the event, emphasized the need for a rational and expert-driven approach to address the issues plaguing the sector.
Ground Realities and Challenges The Opposition Leader highlighted several key challenges facing the export sector, including:
Low trade openness, with levels comparable to 1977
Stagnant export growth between 2000 and 2016
Limited high-tech product exports (only 1% of total exports)
Lack of product diversification
Limited export market diversification
High energy costs, making it difficult to compete with other Asian countries
Need to move towards knowledge-intensive exports
SJB’s Plan To address these challenges, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya proposes the following strategies:
Attract foreign direct investments (FDIs) for capital and knowledge transfer
Encourage exporting multinational companies to set up operations in Sri Lanka
Tap into global value chains to promote intra-industry trade
Pursue free trade agreements to diversify export markets
Expand into high-value exports
Focus on improving productivity and human capital development
Increase investment in research and development (R&D)
Support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in export promotion
Reform and revitalize institutions like the Export Development Board (EDB)
Inspiration from Other Countries Sajith drew inspiration from countries like Vietnam, which has significantly increased its exports through aggressive free trade agreements. He also cited examples from Japan, Taiwan, and especially India’s Karnataka region, which have successfully promoted export-oriented and IT-related growth through investments in education and infrastructure.
The Opposition Leader also emphasized the need for a collective effort to rebuild and make Sri Lanka great again. He expressed confidence in the SJB’s team of experts and specialists, who are committed to implementing a rational and well-planned approach to address the challenges facing the export sector.
April 27, Colombo (LNW): Medical professionals among Members of Parliament initiated the establishment of a new caucus named the Parliamentary Medical Consultant Members caucus. The caucus, aimed at leveraging medical expertise within the legislative body, was officially formed on Thursday.
Professor Channa Jayasumana, representing the Anuradhapura District, was elected as the Chairman of the newly established caucus. The caucus also appointed notable figures in the medical field to key positions, including Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana and former Health Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne as Patrons.
Dr. Sudarshani Fernandopulle and Dr. Kavinda Jayawardena were elected as Vice-Chairmen, while Dr. Thilak Rajapaksa assumed the role of Convener and Dr. Upul Galappatti as Deputy Convener.
The formation of this caucus underscores the recognition of the importance of medical expertise in parliamentary decision-making and highlights a concerted effort to address healthcare-related issues from within the legislative framework.
April 27, Colombo (LNW): The national observance of World Malaria Day took place at the Kurunegala Malaria Control Unit premises, presided over by Health Secretary Dr. Palitha Mahipala. The event commenced with a public awareness walk through Kurunegala City on Thursday, underscoring the significance of collective action in combating malaria.
World Malaria Day, marked annually on April 25th, centers on the theme ‘Accelerating the fight against Malaria for a fairer world.’ Malaria remains a significant global health concern, impacting communities worldwide.
Sri Lanka achieved a significant milestone in public health when it was certified as a malaria-free country by the World Health Organization in 2016. However, in 2023, the country reported 62 malaria cases, primarily among individuals who had traveled to African countries.
The commemoration held particular significance as it took place at the site of the first Anti-Malaria Unit established in Sri Lanka in 1911. Dr. Palitha Mahipala highlighted Sri Lanka’s remarkable achievements in public health, noting the eradication of malaria from the country eight years ago, following 105 years since the unit’s inception.
While celebrating past successes, Dr. Mahipala emphasized the ongoing threat posed by malaria due to its persistence in neighboring countries. He affirmed the national commitment to sustaining efforts in malaria prevention and control, highlighting the importance of continued vaccination programs and collective responsibility in this endeavor.
Dr. Mahipala underscored the necessity of ongoing vigilance and education to prevent the resurgence of malaria in Sri Lanka, emphasizing the importance of referring suspected cases for investigation and strengthening anti-malaria initiatives as a national priority.
As Sri Lanka continues its journey towards safeguarding public health, the commemoration of World Malaria Day serves as a reminder of the importance of sustained efforts and global collaboration in eliminating this debilitating disease.
April 27, Colombo (LNW): Imthiaz Bakeer Markar, a Member of Parliament from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and former Media Minister, held a meeting with Pakistan’s newly appointed High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Major General (R) Faheem Ul Aziz, on Thursday, April 25th.
Their dialogue centered on fostering educational and cultural relations between the two nations. During the discussion, Markar extended an invitation to the High Commissioner to visit Masjidul Abraar, Sri Lanka’s first recorded mosque located in Markar’s hometown of Beruwala.
This interaction underscores the importance of diplomatic exchanges in strengthening ties between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, particularly in areas of mutual interest such as education and cultural heritage.
April 27, Colombo (LNW): During the weekly cabinet media briefing at the Government Information Department, Cabinet Spokesman and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana announced the Cabinet of Ministers’ approval of the Education Minister’s proposal to foster collaboration between Sri Lankan universities and foreign counterparts. These partnerships aim to advance higher educational cooperation and facilitate multidisciplinary research initiatives.
Among the approved agreements are:
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sabaragamuwa University and the University of Salford, United Kingdom, focusing on disaster resilience and promoting multidisciplinary research for integrated natural resource management.
Tripartite MoU involving the University of Jaffna, the National University of Singapore, and Singapore Health Services (Pvt) to establish a regional collaboration center dedicated to global health initiatives.
MoU between the University of Ruhuna and the Southern Health NHS Trust of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, pertaining to the Marie Project addressing the mental health impact of menopause on women worldwide.
A special meeting of the Members of Parliament representing the ruling party led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been held at the Presidential Secretariat. During the discussion, special attention of the MPs has reportedly been drawn to the government’s future course of actions, implementation of development projects and preparation of developmental plans covering all electorates.
Opposition Leader MP Sajith Premadasa has refuted media reports claiming that he had refused to meet the President of Iran Ebrahim Raisi during the latter’s recent visit to Sri Lanka.
The Cabinet approval has been received to hand over the management of Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport to Shaurya Aeronautics Pvt. Ltd of India and Airports of Regions Management Company of Russia or an affiliated company thereof for a period of 30 years.
Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Alexis Taylor, paid a courtesy call on President Ranil Wickremesinghe.During the discussions, the Sri Lankan leader was briefed on the ongoing dairy modernization program supported by the U.S.
The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has ordered the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to expedite the probes related to the ‘X-Press Pearl’ maritime disaster.
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Power and Energy to appoint a committee to study the matter and make recommendations to prepare a necessary legal framework for the introduction of a regulatory body for energy sector.
The Court of Appeal has deferred the verdict on the bail request made by the Director of Medical Supplies Division (MSD) Dr. Kapila Wickramanayake. Thereby, the decision on the bail request, which was slated to be delivered today by Appeals Court judge D.N. Samarakoon, is expected on 30 April.
Non Cabinet Minister of State Plantation Enterprises Reforms and State Minister of Finance, Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, announced that in the first quarter of this year, state revenue has reached an impressive Rs. 834 billion. This achievement not only surpasses the projected revenue but also indicates a growth of 6%.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe received official handovers of generous financial contributions for the ‘Children of Gaza’ Fund. This is an initiative the President established to alleviate the suffering of those affected by conflicts in Gaza.
Sri Lanka won the Bronze Medal in the Mixed Relay 4x400m at the Asian U20 Athletic Championship. The team, which consisted of Jathya Kirulu, Jithma Wijethunga, Themiya Rajapaksha and Takshima Nuhansa, finished the game third while China clinched the Gold, and India won the silver.
April 26, Colombo (LNW): Chinese state energy giant Sinopec is pushing for greater access to Sri Lanka’s market, where rival India is also seeking to expand its presence, as it looks to build its first fully-controlled overseas refinery, reflecting a change in the firm’s global strategy to compensate for slowing demand growth at home.
Sinopec, the world’s largest oil refiner, is expected to complete a feasibility study by June for a plant at the Chinese-run Hambantota port, after winning Colombo’s approval last November, official soureces confirmed.
While the China-based sources say the investment, which Colombo pegged at $4.5 billion as the country’s largest-ever foreign investment, is commercially driven, neighbouring India is pushing a rival plan to build a fuel products pipeline to the island nation southeast of the subcontinent.
This move, which is a major change in Sinopec’s foreign strategy, is perceived as a reaction to China’s slowing increase in demand.
The proposed investment, estimated at $4.5bn by Sri Lankan officials, would be the country’s largest-ever foreign investment.
While the initiative is commercially driven, it also places Sinopec in competition with India, which is promoting a rival plan to build a fuel products pipeline to Sri Lanka.
State-owned Indian Oil Corporation is currently the second-largest fuel supplier to Sri Lanka, following government-owned Ceylon Petroleum.
Sinopec’s investment in Sri Lanka, along with another project in Saudi Arabia, is part of a broader effort to leverage the company’s expertise and financial resources for global expansion.
This comes as oil demand in China approaches its peak amidst economic slowdown and the rise of electric vehicles.
The company’s international investment strategy has evolved following a decline in Chinese oil and gas investments abroad, which dropped to $344m in 2023 from a record $31bn in 2012, the report said, citing London Stock Exchange Group data.
In negotiations with Colombo, Sinopec is seeking greater access to the import-reliant Sri Lankan market, a critical factor for its final investment decision.
Sri Lanka, facing a foreign exchange crisis, desires a refinery that would satisfy 20% of its domestic fuel needs and allow for exports to generate hard currency.However, Sinopec believes focusing on domestic sales could be more profitable.
The company is considering constructing either a 160,000 barrels per day (bpd) refinery or two phased 100,000bpd plants, primarily producing gasoline and diesel.
Sinopec has been requesting more accommodating conditions for the project’s domestic marketing share for several months now, but Colombo has not agreed.
Sinopec declined to comment and requests for comments from India’s foreign ministry and Indian Oil Corporation did not elicit a response, the publication said.
Sri Lanka’s power and energy minister, Kanchana Wijesekera, has indicated that the government is maintaining its stipulation for the refinery’s output and expects Sinopec to sign an investment agreement by June.
Sinopec’s Hambantota project is a top priority, alongside a significant investment in expanding a refinery into a petrochemical complex at Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu port, in partnership with Saudi Aramco.
