April 26, Colombo (LNW): Foreign Minister Ali Sabry is set to embark on a journey to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to participate in the World Economic Forum’s Special Meeting on Global Cooperation, Growth, and Energy for Development, scheduled to commence on April 28. This gathering, convened by the World Economic Forum, aims to assemble leaders from various sectors and industries for a comprehensive dialogue on pressing global issues.
During his visit, Minister Sabry will contribute as a panelist in two sessions titled ‘Building the Urban Future’ and ‘North to South, East to West: Rebuilding Trust.’ These sessions offer a platform for discussing critical topics and fostering meaningful exchanges of ideas.
In addition to his participation in the forum, Minister Sabry will engage in bilateral meetings with counterparts from several countries, including the host nation, Saudi Arabia. Moreover, he plans to connect with the Sri Lankan community in Riyadh and pay a visit to the Sri Lankan International School, underscoring the importance of fostering ties with the diaspora and supporting educational initiatives abroad.
April 26, Colombo (LNW): The call for applications to the Colleges of Education has yielded an overwhelming response, with approximately 60,000 individuals expressing interest in joining the esteemed Sri Lanka Teacher Service. Education Minister Dr. Susil Premajayantha announced this significant milestone, indicating a robust demand for opportunities within the education sector. Plans are underway to commence admission procedures next week to accommodate the influx of applicants.
Notably, the Colleges of Education have undergone a transformation, shifting from offering Teacher Diplomas to awarding degrees to students—a progressive step aimed at enhancing the professional qualifications of future educators. With this transition, an impressive cohort of 4,160 individuals is poised to graduate from these institutions in the near future, equipped with advanced academic credentials.
In parallel, efforts are being made to address the pressing issue of teacher shortages, particularly in rural areas. A recruitment drive targeting 23,005 graduates is underway, aimed at bolstering the teaching workforce and ensuring equitable access to quality education across all regions. This strategic initiative underscores the government’s commitment to bridging educational gaps and fostering a conducive learning environment for all students, regardless of their geographical location.
April 26, Colombo (LNW): a pioneering move, the Agrarian Development Department is spearheading Sri Lanka’s maiden venture into strawberry cultivation with the establishment of a model village in Nuwara Eliya. Agriculture and Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera championed this initiative, directing the Agrarian Development Department to embark on this endeavor as part of the government’s drive to introduce farmers to novel crops and cutting-edge agricultural techniques tailored for export markets.
Under Minister Amaraweera’s guidance, the Agrarian Development Department has meticulously crafted plans to kickstart strawberry cultivation in Nuwara Eliya. Forty farmers have been handpicked for this groundbreaking project, with the department facilitating financial support, provision of strawberry plants, and the dissemination of modern farming technologies essential for successful cultivation.
Each farmer’s investment in this endeavor amounts to approximately Rs. 1.3 million, with the Agrarian Development Department generously covering Rs. 750,000 of the total cost, requiring no reimbursement. The remaining sum of six lakhs is to be shouldered by the participating farmers.
With a commitment of Rs. 30 million earmarked for the initiative, the Agrarian Development Department is empowering these selected farmers to venture into strawberry cultivation within specially constructed net houses in Nuwara Eliya. Equipped with advanced automation capabilities controlled via remote applications, these net houses promise optimal conditions for cultivating strawberries.
Ahead of the cultivation launch, arrangements are underway to import the requisite strawberry plants before month-end, with each net house set to accommodate over 300 plants. A. M. H. L. Abeyrathna, the Commissioner General of the Agrarian Development Department, affirmed that cultivation will commence promptly upon the arrival of the plants in Sri Lanka.
This groundbreaking venture isn’t just for local consumption but also targets international markets, with the Agrarian Development Department facilitating avenues for farmers to sell their produce. Minister Amaraweera emphasized that the establishment of this pioneering strawberry cultivation model village aligns with the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurship Village program.
April 26, Colombo (LNW): State Plantation Enterprises Reforms and Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya announced a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s fiscal landscape, revealing that state revenue soared to an impressive Rs. 834 billion during the initial quarter of this year. Surpassing projected figures, this achievement reflects a commendable 6% growth. Speaking at a press briefing themed ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country’ held at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) on the 25th, Minister Siyambalapitiya highlighted the pivotal role of prudent financial management in sustaining this upward trajectory, expressing confidence in the country’s ability to meet revenue targets for 2024.
Addressing the challenges faced by the Department of Treasury Operations, Minister Siyambalapitiya underscored the constraints imposed by existing legislation, which restricts borrowing and currency printing. Despite escalating government expenditures driven by welfare and recurrent costs, effective financial strategies are underway to navigate these complexities.
A comparative analysis between the first quarters of 2020 and 2024 revealed notable spikes in recurring expenses, with a 35% increase overall. Noteworthy escalations include a 114% surge in loan interest repayments, a 60% rise in capital expenditure, and a staggering 177% growth in public debt repayments.
Turning to welfare spending, allocations for Samurdhi witnessed a substantial 25% increase from Rs. 93,670 million in 2020 to Rs. 117,107 million in 2024, indicating evolving fiscal priorities and burgeoning demands for social welfare provisions.
The buoyant revenue performance in the first quarter, surpassing initial expectations by reaching Rs. 834 billion, was buoyed by robust contributions from key revenue-generating agencies. The Inland Revenue Department led the charge with a contribution of Rs. 430 billion, followed by Sri Lanka Customs and the Excise Department, contributing nearly Rs. 354 billion and about Rs. 51 billion, respectively.
April 26, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western and Southern provinces after 2.00 p.m.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places over the coastal areas of Galle to Hambantota via Matara during the morning too.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces during the morning.
General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
April 25, Colombo (LNW): Amidst spiralling tensions in the Middle East, the Iranian President Dr. Ibrahim Raisi yesterday renewed his country’s further support to the progress of the Indian Ocean nation following an internationally widely observed and landmark visit to Sri Lanka.
In a whistle stop but highly secure tour to Sri Lanka, President Raisi inaugurated the US$ 514 million worth ‘Uma Diya Janani’ multi-purpose development project which boosts the critical electricity and irrigation sectors of the country.
President Raisi’s one-day official visit to Sri Lanka at the special invitation, marks the first by an Iranian President since former Iranian President Mohammad Ahmadinejad’s arrival in April 2008.
Until two days ago, the visit wasn’t confirmed as it was amidst mounting tensions in the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict involving Israel and Palestine and Iran’s own actions much to the charging of the Western world.
Despite visible alignment with the West on Israel and humanitarian gestures to Gaza, Sri Lanka by hosting Iranian President was endeavouring to prove to the world that it remains a non-aligned nation.
Dr. Raisi accompanied by Iran’s First Lady Jamile Sadat Alamolhoda, arrived in Sri Lanka at the Mattala Airport yesterday morning and the Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena along with other ministers warmly welcomed the Iranian delegation.
At Uma Oya, both Presidents unveiled a commemorative plaque and inaugurated the project, initiating the operation of electricity generators through digital technology.
Iranian President Dr. Raisi underscored that the project symbolises not only the friendship between the two countries but also signifies enhanced cooperation, integration, harmony, and unity among Asian nations.
The President of Iran affirmed its readiness to foster a strong partnership with Sri Lanka and expressed Iran’s willingness to contribute to Sri Lanka’s progress and development through the provision of technical and engineering services for large-scale projects.
He said that Iran is eager to forge a strong partnership with Sri Lanka, poised to contribute to its growth and development. Iran stands prepared to offer technical and engineering services for significant development initiatives in Sri Lanka,” Dr. Raisi said.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe affirmed readiness to impart the knowledge acquired by Iran over the past 45 years to foster the advancement and development of Sri Lanka
Wickremesinghe in his address expressed gratitude to Iran for their indispensable support, highlighting that without it, Sri Lanka could not have diverted water from Uma Oya to Kirindi Oya. He emphasised Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening ties with Iran.
Reflecting on the shared aspirations of the Global South for their unique identity and independence, Wickremesinghe stressed the importance of solidarity among these nations.
April 25, Colombo (LNW): Iran and Sri Lanka on Wednesday (24) signed five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), aimed at bolstering bilateral relations between the two countries.
Signed in the presence of President Ranil Wickremesinghe and President Dr. Ebrahim Raisi, the five agreements will cover cooperation between the two countries in the fields of film, media, tourism, cooperatives, libraries, and cultural, scientific, technical, and sports:
The Iranian leader is in Sri Lanka for a one-day official visit during which he participated in a public ceremony to declare open the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project (UOMDP). He later travelled to Colombo where he had one-on-one bilateral talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart.
Dr. Raisi was ceremonially welcomed by President Wickremesinghe along with a guard of honour and other pageantry at Galle Face Green.
The Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project (UOMDP) stands as a flagship initiative of national significance in Sri Lanka. Its primary aim is to divert around 145 million cubic meters (MCM) of excess water annually from the Uma Oya basin to the Kirindi Oya basin, addressing the issue of water scarcity in the south-eastern dry zone without adverse effects on the environment or water sources.
This initiative will facilitate irrigation for around 4,500 hectares of new land and 1,500 hectares of existing agricultural land in the Monaragala district. Additionally, it will fulfill the drinking and industrial water requirements of Badulla, Monaragala, and Hambantota areas, providing approximately 39 million cubic meters (MCM) of water annually.
Furthermore, the project will contribute to the national electricity supply by generating 290 GWh of electrical capacity each year.
Key components of the project include the construction of two reservoirs, Puhulpola and Dyaraba, a 3.98 km connector tunnel linking the reservoirs, a 15.2 km main tunnel, an underground power plant, transmission lines, and associated infrastructure.
The project was undertaken by Iran’s FARAB Engineering Company, with a total contract value of $ 514 million and it commenced on 15 March 2010.
The Export Development Bank of Iran (EDBI) initially contributed $ 50 million in funding until 2013.
However, owing to international sanctions imposed on Iran, the EDBI was unable to continue its financial support for the project. Accordingly, the Government of Sri Lanka opted to advance the project using state funds in collaboration with the respective contractor, FARAB Company.
When the project commenced on March 15, 2010, it was originally slated for completion by 15 March 2015. However, various challenges arose, including technical issues.
Consequently, the completion date of the project has been extended to 31 March 2024, along with an extension of the warranty period until 31 March 2025.
The basic phase of operations concluded in February and March 2024 while linking the units 01 and 02 to the national grid successfully. Trial operations commenced on 1 April 2024.
April 25, Colombo (LNW): The government rehired the largest Singapore based consulting firm Surbana Jurong Private Limited towards providing one-stop consultancy solutions across the entire value chain of urbanisation, industrialisation and infrastructure domains in Sri Lanka.
In a reactivation initiative of ongoing and stalled development projects launched since 2017, Surbana Jurong is now reviewing its previous three key development plans the Western Region Megapolis Plan, Eastern Development Plan Centered around Trincomalee, and the Southern Development Plan with Hambantota as its hub.
A group of 12 experts from Singapore based consulting firm Surbana Jurong have arrived in the island to draw a municipal plan for Sri Lanka.
Director General of the Urban Development Authority Prasad Ranaweera said their work will focus on Hambantota on Thursday (25).The planning activities focused on Colombo and Trincomalee on Wednesday (24).
The municipal plans are to be drawn for the Western Province, Eastern Province and the Hambantota District in the Southern Province.Ranaweera said a report on city planning, projects and project proposals is due in six months.
The Singapore based consultancy firm is to expedite the project identification, planning and implementation of urbanisation and infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka to attract top-rung investors, a senior official of the Urban Development Authority said
Through this initiative Surbana Jurong intends to tap on and build up a core local Sri Lankan technical base to support it’s urban and infrastructure consultancy works in Sri Lanka.
A high level technical team from this Singapore based leading firm in urban development and infrastructure consulting, visited Trincomalee on Wednesday 10 as part of an extensive review of Sri Lanka’s three mega polis plans for Colombo , Hambantota and Trincomalee.
They have already paid field visits to review the progress of projects in Colombo and Gampaha districts this week.
Sri Lanka’s ambitious US$40 billion Western Region Megapolis Planning Project (WRMPP) launched by the previous regime with the aim of re-developing the Colombo City and suburbs is now facing major obstacles in realising its 15-year vision, an official progress review report has revealed.
This project comprising 150 smaller projects will be revitalised in accordance with the present government’s vision and policy although the original plan may look good on paper, a senior Finance Ministry official said
Progress on these projects has been stalled due to the COVID-19 crisis, financial constraints and policy issues and is expected to be revised considering case by case basis based on the availability of funds, he disclosed.
It has been planned to establish a trade hub, a high-rise central business district including at least 60 new towers, a science and technology city, and a rapid transit system aimed at reducing traffic congestion in most populous Colombo City region.
The WRMPP has been planned to cover an area of 3,600 sq. km in the districts of Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara with the objective of reducing the unemployment rate from 4 to 2 per cent by 2020, and then maintain that rate until 2035 by creating 2.1 million employment opportunities.
Plans have been devised at that time for developing two tourist cities and improve living conditions of 70,000 families living in shanties and slums.
NDB Bank is thrilled to announce the winners of its highly successful campaign, “Salli Ratin, Thagi Apen, Remittance Avurudu Wasiya,” aimed at incentivizing the use of Western Union for foreign remittances. After an exciting promotion period from 5th March to 10th April, the lucky winners have been chosen through a lottery draw.
Claiming the coveted 1st place prize is Thanuja Senavirathna from Nawalapitiya, followed closely by Wimalawathi from Kandy in 2nd place, and JM Nandawathie from Kuliyapitiya securing the 3rd place spot. Adding to the excitement, winners were greeted with their cash prizes delivered right to their doorstep on New Year’s Day, embodying the celebrative spirit of the Avurudu season.
In addition to the top three winners, NDB is delighted to recognise 20 more fortunate customers who have won complementary gifts in the form of Supermarket vouchers worth LKR 2,500 each.
Name
NDB Branch
Fathima Rikaza Nazar Mohamed
Kandy
Amila Dushmantha
Kalutara
Elangica Fernando
Pelawatta
Sudath Priyadarshana
Kotahena
S Janaka Sampath Senanayaka
Embilipitiya
Barath Manamalan
Boralesgamuwa
Kankanam Mudiyansela Inosha Dilruksh
Kuliyapitiya
H H P Predeepa Shanthi
Matara
P Thei Saraswathi
Handala
Sunethra Malkanthi Dandunnage
Battaramulla
Sajani Ishanka Jayam Warnakulasuriya
Wennappuwa
Hakim Farook
Nugegoda
Vallinayaki Nalliah
Chilaw
Mathivathani Sivaneswaran
Therunevely
Arul Jothy Jayapakash
Handala
Mary Sandanam Sagaya
Nawalapitiya
Nakandalage Don Wima Janani
Kandana
N Ravi
Katugasthota
Mohammadu Lebbe Ummul Abeeba
Narammala
Subasinha Pathiranne Danushka
Naththandiya
The “Salli Ratin, Thagi Apen, Remittance Avurudu Wasiya” campaign underscores NDB’s dedication to facilitating convenient and secure remittance solutions through its partnership with Western Union. By offering seamless access to remittances via the NDB NEOS app and other channels, NDB continues to empower individuals and contribute to the growth of Sri Lanka’s economy. NDB would like to extend their congratulations to the winners of this campaign.
As we celebrate the achievements of our winners, NDB Bank reaffirms its commitment to providing innovative financial solutions and promoting financial inclusivity for all Sri Lankans.
NDB Bank is the fourth-largest listed commercial bank in Sri Lanka. The Bank was named the Retail Bank of the Year (Sri Lanka) at Asian Banking & Finance Retail Banking Awards 2023 and the Best Corporate Bank 2023 by Asiamoney and also emerged as the Most Awarded Corporate in Sri Lanka in 2022 for the second consecutive year, as per the annual rankings of Sri Lankan publication LMD. The Bank was adjudged the Best Bank in Sri Lanka 2022 by Global Finance USA and Euromoney in their annual best bank awards programmes. Additionally, The Bank was named one of the “Top 50 Best Workplaces in Sri Lanka 2022” by Great Place To Work, USA. NDB is the parent company of the NDB Group, comprising capital market subsidiary companies, together forming a unique banking and capital market services group. The Bank is committed to empowering the nation and its people through meaningful financial and advisory services powered by digital banking solutions.
April 25, Colombo (LNW): During a meeting between a delegation from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) led by opposition leader Sajith Premadasa and a visiting delegation from the Chinese Communist Party (CPC), Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) Leader Mano Ganesan expressed the importance of China’s role in the contemporary Asian landscape.
Ganesan highlighted the significance of the BRICS grouping, consisting of China, India, Russia, and other countries, in shaping regional dynamics.
He emphasised the potential benefits for Sri Lanka in gaining entry into BRICS in the future and urged for Chinese support in this endeavour.
The sentiment was shared during discussions with Sun Haiyan, Vice Minister of the Central Committee of China, at the opposition leader’s office.
MP Ganesan articulated these aspirations for Sri Lanka’s enhanced regional engagement.
Productive meeting between #SJ_Alliance team (Led by Opposition leader SajitP) and visiting Chinese CPC delegation (Led by vice minister #Sun_Haiyan and her delegation including Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong @ChinaEmbSL).
“China plays a key role in the Asia Centric world today. Beyond this China, India, Russia plus countries are well placed in the BRICS grouping. Hence, in future, Chinese good offices should support Sri Lanka to get an entry into BRICS,” emphasised the Tamil Progressive Alliance Leader.
