August 25, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries has reinstated its fertiliser subsidy programme to alleviate costs for tea growers in Sri Lanka.
This initiative, aimed at reducing financial pressures on tea cultivators, involves lowering the prices of five essential types of fertiliser produced by the State Fertiliser Company.
Under this new scheme, the cost of a 50kg bag of tea fertiliser has been slashed by Rs. 4,000, providing significant relief to tea planters nationwide.
The fertiliser types affected by this price reduction include T 200, T 750, U 709, U 834, and T 65.
Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries, Mahinda Amaraweera, announced that the programme will be funded with an investment of Rs. 2.4 billion from the Sri Lanka Tea Board, with no government funds being used.
This substantial financial commitment reflects the government’s dedication to supporting the tea industry and stabilising its input costs.
August 26, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe has issued a strong caution against any attempt to alter Sri Lanka’s agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), emphasising that the terms are not open for renegotiation.
The President highlighted the significance of the agreement, noting that it secures approximately US$ 700 million every six months from the IMF, Asian Development Bank, and World Bank, which is crucial for stabilising the nation’s finances until January next year.
Drawing comparisons with Greece’s economic crisis, Wickremesinghe underscored the potential dangers of deviating from the current programme, which was established to prevent Sri Lanka from sliding back into economic turmoil.
He expressed particular concern over proposals from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) to reconsider the arrangement, warning that any modifications could lead to the suspension of IMF funding in the coming year.
The President explained that restarting negotiations with the IMF would be a lengthy process, potentially taking up to three months, followed by a six-week waiting period for approval from the IMF Board of Directors.
Given the precarious state of the economy, Wickremesinghe argued that it would be unwise for Sri Lanka to endure such a delay in financial support.
The President made these remarks during a United National Party (UNP) meeting held yesterday (25) at the party headquarters, Sirikotha, in Colombo.
August 26, Colombo (LNW): Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the presidential candidate for the National People’s Power (NPP), has officially launched his election manifesto in Colombo, outlining his vision for the nation.
The manifesto, titled “A Thriving Nation, A Beautiful Life,” was unveiled at an event attended by party members, religious leaders, and other dignitaries.
During the ceremony, NPP parliamentarian Harini Amarasuriya highlighted the stark contrast between typical political promises and the NPP’s approach.
She expressed that many parties often disregard their manifestos once in power, but emphasised that the NPP’s manifesto represents a binding social contract between the party and the people.
According to Amarasuriya, this contract is not just a collection of promises but a commitment to governing in alignment with the values and policies set out within the manifesto.
The manifesto is seen as a roadmap for transforming the country, reflecting the party’s intention to remain true to its pledges if entrusted with leadership.
August 26, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Customs is on the verge of achieving a significant milestone by surpassing Rs 1 trillion in revenue within the next few days, according to its Director General, Sarath Nonis.
He made this announcement at the 40th Annual General Meeting of the Spices and Allied Products Producers and Traders Association, held recently at Hilton Residencies, Colombo.
Nonis emphasised the crucial role of export earnings in revitalising the nation’s economy during challenging times. He urged exporters to focus on producing value-added goods to maximise export revenue and tap into high-value markets.
“As the country navigates economic and social challenges, export growth is essential in stabilising our financial situation. The government is shifting towards an export-oriented economic model by implementing policies aimed at streamlining bureaucratic processes, attracting foreign investment, and enhancing low-cost industries.
Numerous trade agreements are also being pursued to provide preferential access to larger markets,” he said.
The Director General further highlighted the impressive achievements of the Customs Department, which recorded its highest-ever tax revenue of Rs 972 billion in 2023.
This year, the department targets Rs 1.5 trillion in revenue, and as of August, it has already reached Rs 975 billion, positioning it to achieve the historic Rs 1 trillion mark soon.
Addressing the spice industry, Nonis pointed out that Sri Lanka’s share in the European spice market remains minimal. He stressed the need for greater value addition to compete more effectively in lucrative global markets.
“Our penetration into key markets reveals that around 32% of our spice exports go to India, 24% to Mexico, 10% to the USA, and 5% to Peru. However, our share in the European spice market, projected to reach USD 7 billion by 2025, is currently a mere 0.6%. This indicates the untapped potential for exporting higher-value products.”
Nonis called for further studies to better understand the export performance of various sectors and the impact of value addition under export facilitation schemes.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts to combat malpractices in the export process, including enhanced detection of fraud and smuggling, which have generated substantial revenue through fines and improved Sri Lanka’s standing in international trade.
To improve operational efficiency, Customs has introduced automated cargo clearance systems and initiatives to minimise human intervention, thereby enhancing trade compliance.
“Our strategic plan for the next five years prioritises integrity and the development of high standards in our operations,” he added.
During the meeting, Christopher Fernando of Malwatte Valley Plantations PLC was elected as the new President of the association.
August 26, Colombo (LNW): Australia’s United Petroleum is planning a substantial investment of US$ 20-30 million in a food manufacturing venture in Sri Lanka, aiming to produce pies and other convenience foods under the iconic Australian brand ‘Pie Face’, a report by Daily Mirror disclosed.
This new venture is expected to commence by the first quarter of 2025, according to Dr. Prabath Samarasinghe, Director and CEO of United Petroleum Lanka (UPL), a fully-owned subsidiary of the Australian company.
While the exact location of the manufacturing facility is yet to be confirmed, Dr. Samarasinghe mentioned that the plant would be situated in a Board of Investment (BOI) zone.
The company’s strategic focus is on exporting 80 percent of its production to key markets such as India, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, and the Middle East.
To achieve this, UPL plans to relocate one of its four existing factories from Australia to Sri Lanka, primarily to cut down on logistics costs for exports to Europe and Asia.
Once operational, the plant is projected to produce an impressive 15,000 units of pies and other convenience food items per minute. The Pie Face brand is well-known for its premium French-style pies, which have garnered multiple awards for their quality.
United Petroleum’s venture in Sri Lanka also aims to tap into the Indian market, leveraging Sri Lanka’s geographic proximity and logistical advantages.
In addition to the food manufacturing project, UPL has plans to invest heavily in establishing 50 new fuel stations across Sri Lanka. This development is part of a broader mixed-use strategy that may include the creation of full-scale convenience centres featuring residential apartments, entertainment zones, and food outlets.
The company has already identified over 70 locations for these ventures, with ambitions to convert the sites into comprehensive convenience centres offering diverse services and real estate opportunities.
Dr. Samarasinghe highlighted that these ventures are designed not only to expand United Petroleum’s footprint in Sri Lanka but also to create a range of integrated services that align with evolving market needs and consumer preferences.
August 26, Colombo (LNW): The Indian Navy’s flagship warship, INS Mumbai, is set to arrive in Colombo today for a three-day visit, where it will be ceremonially received by the Sri Lanka Navy.
The visit, announced by the Indian High Commission, underscores the deepening maritime cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
INS Mumbai is the third vessel in the Delhi-class destroyers, a symbol of India’s naval prowess, built indigenously and commissioned into service on 22 January 2001.
Constructed at Mazagon Dock Limited in its namesake city, the ship recently completed a comprehensive mid-life upgrade and rejoined the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam on 8 December 2023.
This marks INS Mumbai’s maiden visit to Sri Lanka and the eighth call by Indian naval vessels to Sri Lankan ports this year, following earlier visits by INS Kabra, Karanj, Kamorta, and Shalki, alongside Indian Coast Guard ships Samarth, Abhinav, and Sachet.
A key highlight of this visit is the delivery of critical spare parts for the Dornier maritime patrol aircraft operated by the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF). The Dornier aircraft, inducted two years ago, plays a vital role in surveillance across Sri Lanka’s expansive maritime zones and significantly enhances search and rescue operations.
The Indian Navy has been instrumental in supporting the maintenance and operation of this aircraft, providing technical assistance, spares, and training for SLAF pilots and navigators. Earlier this year, Indian ships like INS Kabra and ICGS Sachet also delivered essential spare parts for the Sri Lanka Coast Guard vessel Suraksha.
During its stay, INS Mumbai will host a familiarisation tour for Sri Lanka Navy personnel to foster knowledge exchange and share best practices. Such collaborations have been ongoing, as demonstrated by the recent visit of Sri Lankan naval cadets aboard the submarine Shalki during a previous port call.
The Indian Navy also continues to provide specialised training, including in hydrography, aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of the Sri Lanka Navy.
INS Mumbai is scheduled to depart Colombo on 29 August 2024, concluding yet another chapter in the growing defence partnership between the two nations.
August 26, Colombo (LNW): The Election Commission of Sri Lanka has reported a significant rise in complaints related to the forthcoming presidential election.
As of 26 August, nearly 1,000 complaints have been registered, reflecting growing concerns over election conduct.
Between 31 July and 26 August, the Commission received 925 complaints. Of these, 901 pertain to alleged violations of election laws, one involves an act of violence, and 23 are classified as miscellaneous concerns.
The surge in complaints within such a short period has been described by the Commission as highly alarming.
In parallel, election monitoring bodies have expressed growing unease over the misuse of state resources during the campaign period.
The People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) has logged approximately 250 complaints in connection with election-related irregularities.
Its Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi noted that this figure is expected to increase as the election date approaches, underscoring the need for vigilant oversight.
The mounting complaints signal rising tensions and highlight the challenges of ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process as the country prepares for the critical presidential election, which is scheduled for September 21, 2024.
August 25, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Education has confirmed that the third term for government and government-recognised schools officially commences today (26).
This marks the beginning of the final stretch in the academic year, following the conclusion of the second term on August 16.
The Ministry outlined that the initial phase of the third term will extend until November 22, with this period being critical for students as they prepare for year-end assessments and exams.
Teachers and administrative staff have also been advised to focus on curriculum completion and revision sessions to ensure students are adequately prepared for the upcoming examinations.
This term is expected to be particularly intensive, as schools work to complete syllabus targets while balancing extracurricular activities and inter-school competitions scheduled throughout this period.
The Ministry has also reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all educational institutions adhere to the academic calendar, maintaining consistent standards across the board.
August 26, Colombo (LNW): The Postal Department is set to receive the reserved consignment of registered postal ballot papers today (26) in preparation for the 2024 Presidential Election.
This marks a crucial phase in the election process as postal voters across the country await the distribution of their ballot papers.
The distribution of official polling cards for the upcoming election will commence on 3 September, with 8 September designated as a special day to ensure widespread distribution.
As election preparations intensify, Deputy Postmaster General Rajitha Ranasinghe announced yesterday that all staff leave within the Department of Posts has been suspended until the election period concludes.
This measure aims to ensure the smooth handling of election-related duties. However, staff requiring leave for urgent reasons must obtain permission from the Deputy Postmaster General overseeing their region.
The Presidential Election is scheduled for 21 September, with postal voting set to take place on 4, 5, and 6 September.
Notably, 4 September is allocated for postal voting within District Secretariats, Election Offices, and the Police. Additional days, 11 and 12 September, have been set aside for those who are unable to cast their postal votes during the initial period.
Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake confirmed that 736,589 postal vote applications were received, out of which 24,268 were rejected, leaving 712,321 eligible postal voters.
August 26, Colombo (LNW): Esteemed filmmaker Sugathapala Senarath Yapa, a pioneering figure in the Sri Lankan film industry, has passed away at the age of 89.
Yapa was celebrated for his visionary work and for helming several critically acclaimed films that have left a lasting impact on the nation’s cinematic landscape.
His iconic productions, such as Hanthane Kathawa, Pembara Madhu, and Induta Mal Mitak, are considered milestones in Sinhala cinema, showcasing his adeptness at weaving profound social themes with artistic storytelling.
Yapa’s works not only resonated with local audiences but also garnered recognition at both national and international film festivals.
Throughout his career, Yapa’s unique style and commitment to authentic Sri Lankan narratives earned him widespread respect among peers and film enthusiasts alike.
He leaves behind a legacy as one of the nation’s most influential and cherished directors, whose contributions significantly shaped the evolution of Sri Lankan cinema.
