August 29, Colombo (LNW): Manjula Gajanayake, Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies (IRES), has raised significant concerns regarding three presidential candidates who have submitted nominations but remain unaccounted for ahead of the upcoming election.

During a discussion on Ada Derana’s “Big Focus,” Gajanayake highlighted troubling issues surrounding the organisation and transparency of the election process.

Gajanayake revealed that 39 candidates initially entered the presidential race, but one has since passed away.

He expressed concern over the absence of an official replacement for the deceased candidate, noting that a well-organised process would have provided for such a contingency.

“The failure to name a replacement reflects a lack of planning and transparency,” he remarked, criticising the apparent lack of a backup plan.

Beyond the issue of the deceased candidate, Gajanayake pointed out alarming discrepancies among the remaining 38 candidates. He stated that only 15 of these candidates have organised any form of public engagement, such as meetings.

The remaining 23 candidates have not even held a small gathering of supporters. “I can confidently say that only 15 candidates have bothered to organise even a pocket meeting,” he asserted.

Further investigation by IRES revealed that some candidates’ contact information provided to the Election Commission was either incorrect or non-functional.

“Two phone numbers were wrong, and one candidate simply hung up when contacted,” Gajanayake explained. This raises serious concerns about the credibility and seriousness of some candidates.

Moreover, Gajanayake disclosed that five of these 23 candidates do not have any presence on social media, particularly on Facebook, which is crucial for modern campaigning.

He also noted that at least three candidates have made no public statements about their candidacy, despite signing nomination papers and paying the required deposits.

This lack of visibility and communication further clouds the legitimacy of their participation in the election.

Gajanayake expressed frustration over the difficulties encountered in obtaining even the most basic information about these candidates.

He revealed that efforts to upload passport-sized photographs of all candidates on the IRES website were thwarted, as it proved impossible to secure images for 24 of the 39 candidates.

“This level of opacity is deeply concerning and undermines the integrity of the electoral process,” he concluded.

August 28, Colombo (LNW): The Finance Ministry has announced that over 1,850,000 families in Sri Lanka qualify for benefits under the Aswesuma welfare benefit programme. State Minister of Finance, Shehan Semasinghe, highlighted that beneficiaries of the Aswesuma programme now have the option to voluntarily contribute a portion of their received funds to government welfare projects.

Minister Semasinghe emphasized that beneficiaries can allocate part of their monthly benefits to specific government welfare accounts if they choose to do so. This provision has been communicated to all banks by Welfare Benefits Board Chairman Jayantha Wijerathna. Previously, instructions were given to banks to ensure that Aswesuma benefits were not used for any other payments.

The new directive allows beneficiaries to support government welfare initiatives, provided these contributions align with the objectives of the Aswesuma programme and do not contradict its primary purpose. This move aims to give beneficiaries more flexibility in how they use their welfare funds, while also enabling them to contribute to broader welfare efforts if they wish.

August 28, Colombo (LNW): The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to allow employees of the Samurdhi Development Authority (SDA) to be absorbed into the Department of Samurdhi Development (DSD). This decision was announced by Cabinet Spokesman and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana during the weekly Cabinet media briefing held at the Government Information Department.

The need for this move arises from the establishment of the Department of Divineguma Development under the Divineguma Act No. 01 of 2013, which had initially provided opportunities for SDA employees to transfer to the Department of Divineguma Development, with the option to retain pension benefits according to their preference.

Despite these provisions, approximately 3,000 SDA employees were unable to make this transition due to various circumstances. To address this, the Cabinet has now approved a proposal submitted by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to allow these employees to be absorbed into the Department of Samurdhi Development. This process will be carried out within the existing legal framework and in consultation with the Public Service Commission.

This decision aims to resolve the long-standing issue of employment status for these workers, ensuring they are integrated into the formal structure of the Department of Samurdhi Development.

August 28, Colombo (LNW): The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to enter into an agreement with the World Bank for a $200 million financing package to support the second stage of Sri Lanka’s comprehensive reform agenda under the Development Policy Financing Programme. This decision was announced by Cabinet Spokesman and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana during the weekly Cabinet media briefing held at the Government Information Department.

This financing initiative is part of a broader biennial programme aligned with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) funding facility, aimed at supporting Sri Lanka’s economic reforms. The first stage of this programme was successfully completed in 2023, leading to the World Bank’s agreement to provide additional funding for the second stage.

The $200 million will be provided as a special drawing right under the development policy financing programme. The proposal to enter into this agreement was presented by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his capacity as the Finance Minister, and received Cabinet approval.

This funding is expected to play a crucial role in advancing Sri Lanka’s reform efforts, helping to stabilize the economy and lay the groundwork for sustainable development.

August 28, Colombo (LNW): A delegation of election observers from the European Union (EU), led by Head of the EU Election Observer Team Jose Ignacio Sanchez Amor and EU Ambassador Carmen Morena, met with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at Temple Trees on August 27. The meeting focused on the EU’s election monitoring efforts for the upcoming Presidential Election in Sri Lanka.

Jose Ignacio Sanchez Amor expressed gratitude to the Sri Lankan government for its support in facilitating the EU’s monitoring mission. He emphasized the significance of the upcoming election in reinforcing democracy in Sri Lanka, particularly following the political and economic crisis of 2022. “This election is important for Sri Lanka to continue making progress on its path of reforms and lasting recovery, in full respect of democratic values,” he stated.

Prime Minister Gunawardena reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring free and fair elections, highlighting the independence of the Election Commission in making all decisions related to the electoral process. He assured that the government has fulfilled its budgetary responsibilities, leaving the execution of the election to the Commission.

Ambassador Carmen Morena noted that the EU’s deployment of an Election Observation Mission in Sri Lanka this year underscores its long-standing commitment to supporting credible, transparent, inclusive, and peaceful elections in the country. The EU has previously conducted six election monitoring missions in Sri Lanka, with the last one being for the 2019 Presidential Election.

The EU delegation will deploy 26 observers across Sri Lanka to monitor the election campaign, and will issue an interim report immediately after the election, followed by a comprehensive final report. The meeting also touched on Sri Lanka’s economic situation, with Prime Minister Gunawardena drawing comparisons to the experiences of Spain, Greece, and other European nations during their economic crises.

The delegation from the EU included Deputy Chief Observer Inta Lase, Political Analyst Ralph-Michael Peters, and Press Officer Marek Mracka. The meeting was also attended by Prime Minister’s Secretary Anura Dissanayake, Additional Secretary Mahinda Gunaratne, Advisor Sugeeswara Senadhira, and Coordinating Secretary Kalana Gamage.

August 28, Colombo (LNW): Marking a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s energy future, President Ranil Wickremesinghe declared open the open cycle phase of the “Sobadhanavi” 350 MW Combined Cycle Power Plant at Kerawalapitiya, a short while ago, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

 The “Sobadhanavi” Combined Cycle Power Plant is the first Sri Lankan power plant to be operated on LNG as the primary fuel, according to the PMD.

The 350 MW LNG-based Combined Cycle Power Plant Sobadhanavi’ is a landmark power project currently underway in Sri Lanka, 

Once commissioned, it would be the largest IPP (independent power producer) in the country and the first power plant to operate with LNG, paving the way for the country to transition to greener forms of power generation from conventional thermal power,” it said.

India and Sri Lanka have signed an agreement to collaborate on power generation projects. This partnership aims to enhance energy cooperation between the two nations, focusing on sustainable and renewable energy sources. 

The agreement is expected to boost energy security, promote economic growth, and strengthen bilateral relations while contributing to the region’s overall development.

The Sri Lankan Minister of Power and Energy, Kanchana Wijesekera, and the Deputy High Commissioner of India, Satyanjal Pandey, signed the MoU at a ceremony here

The Sri Lankan government and a state-run Indian firm on Tuesday signed an agreement to develop infrastructure for storage, regasification and LNG supply for a combined cycle power plant in the island nation, according to the power and energy ministry here.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Sri Lanka’s LTL Holdings Limited and India’s Petronet LNG Limited for the infrastructure development of the Sobadhanavi Combined Cycle Power Plant at Kerawalapitiya, north Colombo.

The Sri Lankan Minister of Power and Energy, Kanchana Wijesekera, and the Deputy High Commissioner of India, Satyanjal Pandey, signed the MoU at a ceremony here.

Wijesekara said the power generation could be as low as fifty per cent less here than generation through fuel usage.

“MOU for the development of Storage facilities, Regasification unit in Kerawalapitiya and the supply of LNG for the Yugadhanavi, Sobadhanavi & other LNG power plants in Sri Lanka was signed today,” Wijesekera said in a post on X.

He said the initiative will “reduce the cost of energy from thermal power generation to the consumer from 2026, contribute towards the clean energy transformation, stabilise the grid for renewable energy integration, create a domestic market for LNG, facilitate LNG bunkering in the future & domestic other LNG requirements.”

“MOU between LTL Holdings Ltd Sri Lanka & Petro Net LNG of India aims to invest in development and implement the 18-month programme from the signing of the MOU to facilitate the LNG requirements through ISO container from Petro Net LNG Kochi Terminal to Port of Colombo and Kerawalapitiya to 1000 MWs of LNG power plants,” he said.

August 28, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is positioning itself as a regional hub for technological innovation, sustainability, and competence. 

The country aims to create an environment where the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector contributes significantly to the national economy, advances social progress, and ensures an inclusive digital society. 

A key goal is to develop a robust ecosystem of tech businesses, from startups to established companies that can compete globally and drive innovation.

Just In Time (JIT) Group, under the leadership of CEO Neranjan Dissanayake, is dedicated to playing a pivotal role in this transformation. JIT is committed to supporting the ICT sector through its vision of leading Sri Lanka’s digital ambitions by blending innovation with empathy.

The company aims to build long-term partnerships with clients, guiding them from project initiation to completion. 

According to Dissanayake, JIT’s strategy involves a deep understanding of business challenges and creating tailored solutions that address current needs while anticipating future challenges.

JIT ensures that its solutions are not only technologically advanced but also aligned with clients’ strategic business goals, promoting long-term growth and digital transformation. 

This approach positions JIT as more than just a service provider; it becomes a trusted partner invested in its clients’ long-term success. 

By helping organizations effectively leverage technology, JIT contributes to the advancement of Sri Lanka’s ICT industry, ensuring that the country and its businesses meet global digital standards and compete effectively on an international scale.

Incorporating global trends like Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the local business landscape is crucial for building a sustainable and equitable digital economy in Sri Lanka. 

ESG principles encourage organizations to adopt greener technologies, reduce carbon footprints, and ensure ethical governance, aligning with global standards of sustainability and social responsibility. 

The adoption of sustainable IT practices, such as energy-efficient data centers and e-waste management, can significantly contribute to environmental sustainability.

Furthermore, integrating SDGs into the ICT sector can guide businesses to focus on impactful areas such as quality education, industry innovation, and responsible consumption and production. 

This alignment can help companies contribute to sustainable development and create a positive societal impact.

Sri Lanka’s adoption of emerging technologies like Fintech, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT) promises to revolutionize various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and retail. 

Additionally, the deployment of 5G technology, blockchain, and cloud computing can further enhance the country’s digital infrastructure, offering improved connectivity, security, and efficiency. 

These advancements will play a critical role in driving Sri Lanka’s digital transformation and ensuring its competitiveness on a global scale.

August 28, Colombo (LNW): In the lead-up to Sri Lanka’s September Presidential Election, a significant majority of citizens identified the economy and inflation as their primary concerns, according to the IHP Sri Lanka Opinion Tracker Survey (SLOTS) conducted from April to July 2024.

 However, concerns about unemployment have risen since the start of the year, while fewer people are citing corruption and drug issues as top national problems.

Sri Lanka’s GDP is projected to grow by 1.9% in 2024 and 2.5% in 2025, with per capita GDP growth expected at 2.2% in 2024 and 2.4% in 2025, according to the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) April 2024 report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

In Colombo, the annual inflation rate increased to 2.4% in July 2024, up from 1.7% in June, marking the highest rate since February 2024. Prices rose in sectors such as food and non-alcoholic beverages, health, and miscellaneous goods and services, while the rate of deflation slowed for housing and utilities. Prices for alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and transport, however, eased.

The unemployment rate in Sri Lanka climbed to 4.5% in the first quarter of 2024, up from 4.3% in the last quarter of 2023. Historically, the country’s unemployment rate has averaged 7.35% since 1991, peaking at 16.6% in 1992 and hitting a low of 3.7% in 2013.

The SLOTS survey revealed that from April to July 2024, 59% of respondents identified the economy as a primary concern (up 3 points from January to March 2024), while 55% cited inflation (down 7 points).

 Unemployment was mentioned by 38% (up 9 points), and 21% named high taxes as a concern (down 0.5 points). Fewer Sri Lankans pointed to corruption (6%), health (6%), drugs (5%), and education (4%) as top concerns. Notably, none of the respondents listed the Presidential system, constitution, or democracy as priority issues.

There are differences in concerns between wealthier and poorer Sri Lankans. The poorest third are more likely (69%) to prioritize the economy, while the richest third (63%) are more concerned with inflation. Unemployment is a priority for only 18% of the poorest Sri Lankans compared to half of the middle and affluent population.

Economic concerns and inflation are common across all age groups. Younger Sri Lankans (ages 18–29) are most concerned about inflation (60%), while concern for the economic crisis increases with age, peaking at 67% among those aged 60 and older. Job-related worries are most prevalent among younger people but decline with age.

The SLOTS survey, conducted by the Institute for Health Policy (IHP) in Colombo, was led by Dr. Ravi Rannan-Eliya, a Harvard-trained public opinion polling expert.