April 21, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has recently made a decision to import a significant quantity of onions from India through ‘Lanka Sathosa,’ a state-owned enterprise.
This decision comes in the wake of India’s announcement to lift the export ban on onions for its neighbouring nation, as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’.
India, accordingly, has agreed to supply a stock of 10,000 metric tonnes of onions to Sri Lanka.
Discussions regarding the logistics of importing onions were conducted at the Ministry of Trade, considering whether to engage the state or private sector for the procurement process.
Ultimately, it was concluded that the imports will be facilitated through Lanka Sathosa.
Sathosa Chief Pasanda Yapa Abeywardena confirmed that the initial consignment will consist of 2,000 metric tonnes of big onions.
However, Trade Minister Nalin Fernando emphasised that Sri Lanka’s monthly requirement for big onions stands at approximately 20,000 metric tonnes.
April 21, Colombo (LNW): Five years have passed since the tragic Easter Sunday terror attack in Sri Lanka, a day that scarred the nation and left over 270 innocent lives lost.
Yet, despite the passage of time, justice for the victims and closure for their grieving families remain elusive.
On April 21, 2019, coordinated bombings targeted churches and hotels across the island nation, ripping through congregations gathered for Easter Sunday worship and tourists enjoying their holidays.
The carnage, carried out by a local extremist group with alleged international connections, sent shockwaves not only through Sri Lanka but reverberated globally, drawing condemnation and solidarity from around the world.
In the immediate aftermath, Sri Lanka plunged into mourning as families buried their loved ones and the wounded fought for their lives.
Amid the anguish and grief, there was a collective call for justice to be served swiftly and decisively.
However, five years on, the quest for justice has been fraught with challenges, delays, and unanswered questions.
Investigations into the attacks have been marred by bureaucratic hurdles, political infighting, and allegations of intelligence failures. Whilst some suspects have been arrested and brought to trial, including key figures believed to have orchestrated the attacks, progress has been slow, and convictions remain elusive.
Many families of the victims feel frustrated and disillusioned by the lack of accountability and transparency in the judicial process.
Moreover, concerns have been raised about the adequacy of security measures implemented in the aftermath of the attacks to prevent future atrocities.
Questions linger about whether sufficient lessons have been learned and reforms enacted to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, regardless of their faith or ethnicity.
The pursuit of justice for the victims of the Easter Sunday terror attack extends beyond the courtroom. It encompasses addressing the underlying factors that led to such a horrific act of violence, including religious extremism, communal tensions, and socio-economic disparities.
It requires fostering a culture of tolerance, understanding, and solidarity among Sri Lanka’s diverse communities, rejecting the divisive ideologies that fuel hatred and division.
Concerns raised both locally and internationally especially in the backdrop where the British ‘Channel 4’ citing verbal evidence from an undisclosed Sri Lankan government official and a political refugee unveiled a detailed story that the genocide was orchestrated with the political motive of bringing a certain candidate to the forefront of the 2019 Presidential Election which followed immediately after the attacks, but the government of Sri Lanka maintains its regular policy of denial towards such reports.
As Sri Lanka marks the fifth anniversary of the Easter Sunday terror attack, it is imperative that the authorities re-double their efforts to bring all those responsible to account, to provide closure for the victims’ families, and to uphold the principles of justice and rule of law.
The memory of those who perished in the attacks must serve as a reminder of the fragility of peace and the urgent need for unity and reconciliation in Sri Lanka’s journey towards healing and recovery.
April 21, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-western 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 Uva province and in Anuradhapura, Vavuniya, and Mannar districts during the afternoon or night, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (21).
Showers will occur in the western coastal areas during the morning too, the statement added.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle and Matara districts 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.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Matara via Colombo and Galle in the evening or night.
Winds:
Winds will be South-westerly or variable in direction and wind speed will be (20-30) kmph. Wind speed may increase up to (40-45) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Puttalam to Kankasanthurai via Mannar.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coasts extending from Puttalam to Kankasanthurai via can be fairly rough at times. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
Meanwhile, heat index, the temperature felt on human body is expected to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern, Southern and North-Western provinces and Monaragala district, the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department said in a statement.
The public, therefore, is advised 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, wear lightweight and white or light-coloured clothing.
In the lush vistas of Kataragama, where the sacred intertwines seamlessly with the everyday, I rediscovered the enigmatic allure of hope. This year, during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, a cherished invitation from my friend Dishan Gunasekera, the Basnayake Nilame of the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya, offered me a chance to revisit this spiritual sanctuary after decades.
My earliest memory of Kataragama was as a seven-year-old child, with the vivid impression of the Menik Ganga’s calm waters washing over me. This time, I saw the magnificent Menik Ganga, light brown, flowing just like our lives, with men and women from all walks of life dipping into it.
I was told that 2,300 years of history of the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya and the Menik Ganga were interwoven and devotees used to physically purify themselves in the river before stepping into the devalaya. Amidst this, looking at the Menik Ganga, I remembered my father, whom I lost 30 years ago. Just like my mother, who is 80 now, my father battled with decades of depression and religion was the only hope we had. It was a personal reflection of a man who shaped my thinking and let his life flow like a river, despite many hurdles.
That memory was followed by one of a triumphant visit with my school cricket team 31 years ago, a reward for winning the limited-over encounter against our archrivals. A set of youthful and rebellious youth, we all were calmed the minute we set foot on the Kataragama Maha Devalaya premises. It was magical then and it’s magical now.
Yet, this recent journey was different – it wasn’t about personal nostalgia but a more profound, communal calling. It’s a calling to serve once again.
The drive from Colombo took just two-and-a-half hours on the highway, but the transition was profound. As urban landscapes gave way to verdant groves, my conversation with my colleagues transitioned from the mundane to the spiritual, listening to evergreen Nanda Malini and Amaradeva and signature Sri Lankan calypso, touching on the nuanced overlaps of politics and societal beliefs.
True spirit of Kataragama
Upon arrival, Dishan insisted I partake in the 10.30 a.m. ‘puja,’ a morning ritual at the devalaya. Standing right in the middle of the Maha Devalaya amid the faithful – men, women, and children alike on either side – I was struck by the palpable air of devotion. Their eyes, filled with earnest hope, seemed to search for something far more significant than individual desires. It was in this collective yearning that the true spirit of Kataragama was revealed.
The bells chimed, their resonant frequencies ushering my mind into a meditative trance. This was not just a religious ceremony; it was a profound gathering of souls from diverse backgrounds – rich and poor, Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, and Muslims from across Sri Lanka, including Jaffna, Colombo, Kalmunai, and Matara. Here, social distinctions like caste and class dissolved into the background, overridden by a shared humanity and hope.
People were free from the burdens of the rat race of life. The smiles were everywhere. Eyes were talking with strangers. The differences were none. For once, the world was peaceful.
Just last week, I wrote about the ‘power of unity,’ yet standing in Kataragama, unity seemed too small a word to encompass the deep connections forged in this sacred space. I wanted to take a break from writing after the column titled ‘The power of unity’ last week, as I have been writing every Sunday since August 2023. Still, the Kataragama visit changed me and this is a story I could not have ignored because Kataragama taught me that the real ‘power of unity’ is practised at the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya.
Kataragama is a safe space. A space to be vulnerable. A place to remove your masquerade.
The power of hope
The following day, walking barefoot around the devalaya grounds with Dishan, I felt grounded by the earth beneath my feet, unbothered by the searing heat of the sand. This physical journey mirrored our spiritual path: resilience and humility. Kataragama humbles you. There is no space for ego. You are nothing amidst thousands of people. The mystery of hope connects everyone around.
Hope, often likened to a guide in the fog, remains one of humanity’s most profound yet elusive emotions. It is the silent engine of our psyche, powering us through uncertainty toward unseen horizons. Hope is not just an emotion but a necessary element of human survival, a psychological imperative as essential as air.
For many, hope is born from the depths of despair. In the darkest moments, when obstacles seem invincible, hope lends us the vision to see beyond immediate difficulties. It is a testament to our inherent resilience, the psychological muscle flexing against the weight of adversity. This mysterious force does not merely float in the ether of abstract positivity; it is rooted in the cognitive processes that govern our perception and actions.
The nature of hope varies widely among individuals and cultures, shaped by personal experiences and collective histories. For some, hope is a quiet sense of possibility that things will improve, while for others, it is an active belief in specific outcomes, like the healing of a loved one or the dream of a better life. Regardless of its form, the effect of hope on the human mind is transformative.
Kataragama is not the only place in Sri Lanka that provides hope. I have witnessed this at the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil in Jaffna, Koneswaram Kovil in Trincomalee, St. Anne’s Church in Thalawila, Madhu Church in Mannar, the Basilica in Ragama, and many Buddhist temples, including Kelaniya and Gangaramaya, around the country. The mosques, too, provide hope.
In the same way, there are plenty of people who use religion for their gains and those are the people who ruin the innocent religious beliefs of people. There are plenty of pseudo-prophets, arahats, and extremist moulavis nowadays and gullible people are flocking around them, fattening their wallets.
Irrespective of where you worship, it’s your mind that needs to be at peace and therefore religion has a pivotal role to play.
Where did Sri Lanka go wrong?
I often wonder why Sri Lanka, which is blessed with thousands of years shaped by Buddhist philosophy and the strong influence of Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam, had to go through centuries of mistrust and decades of violence.
Sri Lanka is perhaps one of the few countries in the world where all religions are interwoven into the fabric of society. You cannot miss a temple, church, kovil, or mosque anywhere you travel in this beautiful country. Where did it go wrong? I often think that if religious leaders had used their power to heal the people instead of creating their empires, Sri Lanka could have been a case study for the world.
However, the mystery of hope extends beyond its psychological and physiological effects; it encompasses its ability to foster communal bonds. Shared hopes can unite disparate groups, creating communities of action. Whether through collective movements for social change or support groups for those battling illness, hope can transform individual aspirations into powerful social currents that advance collective well-being.
Intriguingly, the capacity for hope can be cultivated. Like a muscle that strengthens with use, our ability to hope can expand through practices such as mindfulness, which enhances our awareness and appreciation of the present and allows us to visualise a better future. Literature and storytelling are other vehicles through which hope is often transmitted, offering examples of endurance and triumph that expand our reservoirs of hope.
Hope, therefore, is not merely wishful thinking but a dynamic cognitive process that propels us forward, equipping us to face life’s challenges with a belief in eventual success. It shapes our perception, moulds our physiological responses, and catalyses communal solidarity and action.
In its most profound essence, hope is the belief in the narrative of our own lives – that despite current struggles, the chapters ahead can bring fulfilment, joy, and peace. This mystery of hope, with its varied manifestations and profound effects, continues to fascinate and inspire, serving as a vital force in the saga of human resilience and progress.
Kataragama is unique because there are no barriers to entry. It is a place for anyone and everyone. It is a place for national unity.
Practical compassion
Dishan, well before the visit, in multiple conversations, shared his vision for the Maharagama Apeksha Cancer Hospital project – a guiding light of hope that would extend the sanctuary’s healing beyond spiritual to physical realms. The initiative to allow devotees to contribute directly to this cause instead of traditional donations to the devalaya was a testament to the evolving practices of faith – a fusion of devotion and practical compassion.
Practical compassion is key in a world where people, in the name of religion, muster millions for their benefit. Donating to the Cancer Hospital project is a path to practical compassion where a devotee can witness tangible results, providing hope for innocent people battling cancer.
In the last few months, devotees of the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya have donated Rs. 100 million for the cancer project. A four-storey hospital premises at Maharagama with 25,000 square feet and 76 beds is nearing completion. Many silently donated money and many more supported the hospital project in different ways. This is paving the way for an ambitious project to build a much larger hospital premises, due to the year-on-year increase in cancer incidence in the country.
The seven-storey building with 500 beds and facilities could cost Rs. 1 billion ($ 3.3 million). It looks like a significant amount; however, it’s simple: you need a million devotees donating Rs. 1,000 ($ 3.3) each. This same formula, one day, can be adopted by any charity, which could provide transparency. Rs. 1,000 is one beer and a cigarette; half of a movie ticket in a premium theatre; one-fifth of a buffet in a hotel.
Within five days, the core team of volunteers reached out to a few billionaires, entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and a set of people who didn’t have money to contribute but who would give minds, arms, and legs. A bank came forward to facilitate the donations; a multinational corporation committed technology to facilitate digital transactions; a digital media company came on board pro bono to build a sustainable narrative.
Within hours, 32 powerful digital assets under our collective command committed to the cause. A few of my colleagues in different parts of the world committed to amplifying the narrative. A well-known audit firm will be called to scrutinise every transaction to create transparency. An iron-clad process is vital to uphold the sanctity of the initiative. People from all over the world are flocking. Isn’t this amazing?
The power of unity, the power of people, and the power of Sri Lankans with the support of non-Sri Lankans were on display.
I coined ‘Kanda Surindu Apeksha’ as a brand name for this initiative, tying the deep-seated spiritual identity of Kataragama with the tangible hope it would bring to countless battling cancer. This wasn’t just about building a brand; it was about crafting a narrative that would resonate worldwide, emphasising that hope can indeed triumph over despair.
The strategy was put into action immediately and I hope and pray that Basnayake Nilame Gunasekera will now be able to kickstart the initiative on a grand scale. The Basnayake Nilame, who is on a five-year tenure, has only 18 months left and told me that he wants to move on after 18 months and hand over the devalaya to the next Basnayake Nilame in good shape. In a world where everyone clings to position and power, I found Gunasekera to be an exception. In Gunasekara, I saw a content, powerful civic leader. I hope he will honour his word that he will not get into politics, and in hindsight, he is not cut out for the ruthless political sphere.
A tourism story
Kataragama is a beautiful place. Yala National Park, the wildlife epicentre of the country, is around the corner. Yala heals your mind with beautiful creatures that remind you of the power of the universe. Kataragama is the place for authentic Sri Lankan food; lush green trees of different shapes and sizes; amazing people from the village; and smiles of gold. This could be a tourism story.
Sri Lanka in its good year in 2018 attracted two million tourists. I often think, why not a million more for religious tourism, backed by art, design, culture, and heritage? What would it take to pull a part of millions worshipping in other South Asian countries given the airline connectivity to Colombo? Why not direct flights to Mattala Airport, which is struggling, to make any sense of the mammoth investment often touted as a white elephant?
I was talking to a few traders in Kataragama and they are reeling due to low business given the economic struggles of the people in the country, but a person like Kodituwakku, who has been selling sweets for decades, forgets the pain of running a business to serve customers with a smile. This is Asia’s century and this is Sri Lanka’s century too.
The people in the world are battling with depression, consumerism, and stressful life and Sri Lanka could be the place to breathe fresh air under blue skies, in 30-degree temperature, and with eight hours of sunlight, offering healing for the mind, body, and soul. There is no other country in the world that can offer what Sri Lanka truly can offer to the world.
Kataragama can be the catalyst. The same concept tested well can be extended to other religious places irrespective of religion. When you are willing to learn about other religions, you tend to understand why people behave as they do. When you learn about other religions, you tend to respect who they are. No religion professes violence and hate. It’s time to give space for other people’s beliefs and faith. The world will be a better place once you understand the true meaning of respect.
I always believed that you need a face to create a movement. I suggested that Basnayake Nilame Gunasekera be the face, which he politely declined, saying it should not be about him but that it should be about the concept. So this initiative will run without a face. Instead, I urged the team to get footage of thousands of testimonies which could reach millions of people around the globe. ‘Kanda Surindu Apeksha’ will be built by the people for the people. The power of belief of thousands of people from all walks of life can create a ripple of hope.
Faith, hope, charity
In reflecting on this profound experience, Sri Aurobindo’s teachings on the power of belief and the divinity of hope come to mind. In 2023, I visited Matrimandir in Pondicherry, which provided me with powerful learning about human psychology. He believed that our spiritual evolution was as inevitable as the blooming of the flowers around us. In Kataragama, where the sacred flame trees blossom in vibrant hues, their fiery petals are a reminder of the ceaseless cycle of life and regeneration. Just like these trees, our beliefs have roots that go deep, capable of weathering any storm.
As you read this, imagine yourself in Kataragama. Feel the magical waters of the Menik Ganga on your skin, hear the sacred bells chime, see the hopeful faces of devotees, and let yourself be moved by the powerful narrative of unity and faith that transcends all human divides. Here in Kataragama, hope is not just a concept but a living, breathing presence, woven into the very fabric of the place and its people.
Let us hold on to this hope, nurturing it within ourselves and extending it outwards, as we build not just temples or hospitals but a future where faith, hope, and charity are the cornerstones of our human community.
In Robert F. Kennedy’s renowned ‘Ripple of Hope’ speech on 6 June 1966 at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, he eloquently expressed the idea that each small effort contributes to the grand sweep of history, asserting: “Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centres of energy and daring, those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”
This sentiment resonates deeply with the story of Kataragama, where diverse groups of people, transcending their apparent differences, come together in shared spiritual practice and collective hope. In Kataragama, every prayer and every act of devotion adds to a powerful communal tide that upholds not just the sanctity of the place but also embodies a microcosm of the hope for unity and peace across Sri Lanka.
Like Kennedy’s ripples, each individual’s hope and faith in Kataragama contribute to a larger story of communal harmony and mutual support, echoing the possibility of overcoming larger societal challenges through solidarity and shared belief.
April 20, Colombo (LNW): The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank’s investment arm emphasized the importance of the private sector engagement in the recovery of the crisis-hit Sri Lanka’s economic growth.
Riccardo Puliti, the IFC’s Vice President for Asia and the Pacific said this when he met State Finance Minister Shehan Semasinghe and the island nation’s Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe on the sideline of IMF/World Bank Spring Meeting in Washington.
“Private sector engagement is key to boost Sri Lanka’s growth & pave the way for a resilient future,” Riccardo said in his X platform citing that the discussion was a “good exchange”.
The IFC last year pledged to provide Sri Lanka a $400 million cross-currency swap facility to Sri Lanka to help fund essential imports through three private banks.
Semasinghe thanked Riccardo for his “insightful perspective on the importance of private sector engagement for Sri Lanka’s growth and resilience”.
“We truly appreciate IFC’s commitment to our country, especially during these challenging times. Your continued investment and support are invaluable as we navigate through the economic landscape,” Semasinghe said.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s government has already chosen IFC to assist the overhaul of state-owned firms in accordance with an IMF programme to rein in losses from government-owned enterprises
International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) Regional Vice President for Asia and the Pacific Riccardo Puliti says private sector engagement is key to pave the way for a resilient future.
State Minister Shehan Semasinghe said Sri Lanka’s economic outlook and the progress of restructuring SOEs, for which Sri Lanka is receiving IFC assistance were discussed during the meeting.
Posting on X the State Minister said the IFC is considering making more investments and supporting financial sector stability in the country.The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is the private sector arm of the World Bank group
As the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in developing countries, IFC has invested close to $1 billion in Sri Lanka since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, helping businesses and sustaining jobs.
Recently, IFC provided a cross-currency swap facility of US$400 million to three of the country’s leading national banks that deal with over 30 percent of Sri Lanka’s remittances and exports.
The facility intends to support the private sector with critical financing, contributing to the country’s urgent need to stabilize the economy.
IFC will continue its efforts to promote private sector-led growth by supporting innovation, product diversification, and growth-enabling sustainable infrastructure as well as in deepening social and financial inclusion.
April 20, Colombo (LNW): BCC Corporation Japan, a leading conglomerate renowned for its global investments, has marked a significant milestone with the acquisition of a strategic stake in Hunas Holdings PLC, solidifying its position as one of the Top 5 shareholders in the Lankan entity.
Hunas Holdings PLC, a prominent player in Sri Lanka’s corporate landscape, operates across a spectrum of industries including agriculture, renewable energy, leisure, real estate development, manufacturing etc.
With this strategic investment from BCC Corporation Japan, Hunas Holdings PLC said it is poised to leverage enhanced resources, expertise, and global networks to fuel its ambitious growth trajectory.
Together, they are introducing a ground-breaking advancement using Blockchain and Non-Fungible Token (NFT) technology, poised to transform the way hotel accommodations are booked and managed.
The collaboration introduces an innovative technology platform, enhancing flexibility and investment opportunities for travellers and stakeholders alike.
This partnership marks the inception of a new era in the hospitality industry, leveraging cutting-edge technology to address common challenges faced by travellers and hotel operators.
At the heart of this collaboration is the introduction of a pioneering platform that offers unprecedented flexibility and investment potential: Nafutel Platform.
Nafutel platform, developed jointly by Hunas Holdings and SBCC Pte Ltd., a subsidiary of BCC Corporation Japan, presents a multifaceted solution that caters to the diverse needs of travellers and investors.
At its core, the platform enables travellers to book hotel nights with the assurance that they won’t lose their money if their plans change.
In the event of unforeseen circumstances preventing them from utilising their booked dates, travellers have the option to sell their room reservations on the platform, effectively recouping their investment.
In addition to offering flexibility to travellers, the Nafutel platform introduces an innovative investment opportunity for individuals and organisations.
By purchasing hotel room nights ahead of time, investors can capitalise on the fluctuating demand in the hospitality industry, strategically upselling their reservations during peak seasons for maximum returns.
“At Hunas Holdings, we feel the time is apropos to join forces with BCC Corporation Japan to introduce this game-changing technology to the hospitality industry,” said Hunas Holdings Chairman Ohanuka Samarasinghe.
BCC Corporation Japan President Nagata Tetsuji said: “We are confident that Hunas Holdings PLC will drive this pioneering transformative technology in the market.
The Nafutel platform represents the convergence of innovation and opportunity, providing a seamless solution for travellers and investors alike. Together, we aim to set new standards of excellence in the hospitality industry.”
The strategic partnership between Hunas Holdings PLC and BCC Corporation Japan underscores their shared commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and sustainable growth.
By harnessing the power of technology and collaboration, they are poised to reshape the landscape of the hospitality industry, offering unparalleled value to all stakeholders involved.
April 20, Colombo (LNW): Consequent to the restructure of Sri Lanka’s state-run Ceylon Electricity Board by unbundling it to several separate private sector entities, the state owned electricity provider is losing qualified engineers at an alarming rate, union officials said.
The exodus of CEB engineers has been increased after a currency collapse and new progressive taxes slapped on the debased salary, and they are not coming back, they disclosed.
Ceylon Electricity Board has a cadre of around 1,000 engineers but 159 of them left the country for greener pastures since January 2022 up to now after obtaining levae or resigning from service
105 engineers have resigned from the CEB and 54 other engineers have obtained leave from service. 13 of them have submitted their resignation letters during the first few days of this month.
The total number of engineers leaving the country for foreign countries is expected to increase up to 200 in the coming months leading to serious gaps in some branches with engineering staff down to about 750, Dhanushka Parakramasinghe, President of the CEB Engineers Union revealed.
“Engineers are not coming back,” Parakramasinghe said. “Some are coming back to resign. Some who left on leave having got PR, have sent resignation letters from abroad.”
Engineers are leaving for Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, to work in utilities and also the mining sector.
Sri Lanka’s coal power complex needs 96 staff and they are now down to 70, he said. CEBruns in shifts, round the clock.
Coal plant staff can easily get jobs in the mining sector in many countries including South Africa, where heavy machinery is in operation, he said.
“But our people usually like to go to Australia or Western European countries,” Parakramasinghe said.
Those who are leaving are offered jobs from 4,000 to 8,000 dollars based on experience and type of jobs, he added.
Engineers working in operations and maintenance (O & M) in transmission and generators are also in high demand abroad, he said.
An entry level engineer gets around 150,000 to 170,000 rupees, at the CEB. It works out to around 5 dollars a day. At the central bank, which debases money, office assistants were paid 186,000 according to disclosures made in parliament.
Sri Lanka’s progressive taxes under an International Monetary Fund program, apply from around 3 dollars a day (100,000 rupees) through pay-as-you-earn taxes.
On one side senior staff are retiring and the CEB is seeing a drain of middle level staff who have about 10 years of experience, who are next in line, the Union said.
CEB will have problems maintaining service if the staff go abroad at this level, Buddhika Wijayawardhana, joint secretary of the CEBEU said
April 20, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Defence has clarified that the general amnesty period announced from April 20 to May 20 for members of the tri-forces marked as Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL) does not extend to Commissioned Officers.
In a press release issued on the 19th, the ministry specified that the amnesty applies solely to Other Ranks personnel who have not reported for duty without leave on or before December 31, 2023. Those who voluntarily report during this period will be legally discharged from their respective services.
However, certain categories have been excluded from the amnesty due to expenses incurred for their specialized training and the challenges in maintaining operations in their sectors. The excluded categories vary across the Army, Navy, and Air Force and include healthcare professionals, technicians, and specialized personnel.
The ministry also outlined criteria for absentees currently abroad to obtain discharge without returning to their regiments, provided they meet specific conditions and have no pending disciplinary actions besides being AWOL.
Additionally, Other Rank personnel abroad seeking discharge during the amnesty period can appoint a representative with a Power of Attorney, duly attested, to facilitate the process either at the Embassy of Sri Lanka or through a qualified legal professional in the respective foreign country.
The clarification aims to ensure a smooth implementation of the general amnesty while addressing the unique circumstances of AWOL personnel and streamlining the discharge process for those seeking to return to civilian life.
April 20, Colombo (LNW): Coca-Cola has appointed Kaushali Kusumapala as the new Country Director for Sri Lanka and Maldives, marking a significant milestone as the first woman from Sri Lanka to assume this role.
Effective April 1st, 2024, Kusumapala succeeds Pankaj Sinha, who previously led the region in 2019.
In her new capacity, Kusumapala aims to cultivate close partnerships with various stakeholders across Sri Lanka and Maldives, including bottling partners, customers, industry peers, consumers, and external collaborators.
With a career spanning back to 2009, Kusumapala brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having amassed diverse expertise through her tenure with esteemed organizations such as Leo Burnett, Fonterra Dairy, and Domino’s Pizza.
Expressing her excitement for the appointment, Kusumapala underscores her commitment to collaborating with Coca-Cola’s bottling partners, Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka, and Male’ Aerated Water Company, along with other key stakeholders.
Kusumapala holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Melbourne, reflecting her strong academic background.
Coca-Cola boasts a longstanding presence in Sri Lanka, dating back to 1961. The company directly employs over 400 individuals and maintains an extensive network comprising over 80,000 shops in the region.
April 20, Colombo (LNW): Highly anticipated super-luxury ITC Ratnadipa Colombo hotel is poised to open its doors on next Thursday (25 April) under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.The landmark hotel is their first project outside India for ITC.
The ITC Ratnadeepa Hotel project is a noteworthy venture as it signifies the maiden development in Sri Lanka by WelcomHotels Lanka Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of the prestigious ITC Ltd.
The introduction of this super-luxury hotel promises a new level of opulence and service excellence in Colombo, catering to discerning travellers seeking an indulgent and world-class experience.
ITC Hotels was first launched in 1975, and has since grown to become one of India’s premier luxury hospitality chains with more than 115 properties in over 80 locations across the country.
The company is also championing the cause of sustainable luxury in the industry, and according to ITC Ratnadipa general manager Sujeet Kumar, this makes ITC the greenest and largest luxury hospitality chain in the world.
ITC Ratnadipa is the first ITC hotel to be established outside of India. Located in the heart of the business district of Colombo, Sri Lanka, with an unobstructed view of the Indian Ocean beyond the Galle Face Green promenade, Ratnadipa dominates the city’s skyline.
Kumar explained that this property will bring about transformational change and a more sustainable future for hospitality. In addition to creating many job opportunities in the country, the establishment of ITC Ratnadipa is envisioned to strengthen the positive ties between the two countries as well. The property will be under the Marriott Luxury Collection portfolio.
The hotel comprises 352 rooms with large private balconies in all of them. According to Kumar, this property will have the largest room size amongst Colombo’s city hotels. Ahasa – Ratnadipa’s key architecture differentiator, is the bridge suspended between Sapphire Residences and the hotel tower, 100 meters (330 ft) above the ground and 15 meters (50 ft) in length, with two sky pools above, and the bar below.
This will be a novelty in Colombo. The banqueting venue – Sangam, is a 15,000 sq.ft. Pillarless ballroom with floor to ceiling windows, allowing in loads of natural light and spectacular views of the surroundings.
ITC Hotels is one of the most popular brands in India. Given that India is one of the leading source markets for Sri Lanka, the management is confident of hosting destination weddings and several MICE conventions, through which ITC Ratnadipa can be established as the leading hotel for both MICE and exclusive weddings in addition to serving high-end luxury business travelers.
