August 19, Colombo (LNW): The Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) has formally announced its backing for President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the upcoming presidential election, citing his achievements over the past two years and his commitment to improving the lives of the upcountry community.

The decision was made public during a press conference held at the party headquarters in Hatton yesterday (18).

CWC General Secretary and Minister of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development, Jeevan Thondaman, praised President Wickremesinghe’s leadership in guiding the nation out of bankruptcy and implementing crucial initiatives focused on the livelihood, education, and healthcare of the upcountry people.

Thondaman highlighted that the President’s attention to the ongoing wage issues within the plantation sector has been particularly appreciated by the community.

The CWC President, Senthil Thondaman, further elaborated that a democratic discussion within the party had led to the majority’s decision to support President Wickremesinghe.

The party’s leadership emphasised that this choice is not just an endorsement but part of a broader collaboration, with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) set to be signed to formalise their partnership.

The MoU is expected to outline key demands from the upcountry community, focusing on long-term benefits.

Parliamentarian M. Rameshwaran echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the President’s efforts in addressing plantation workers’ wage disputes and expressing optimism about future development projects in the hill regions under Wickremesinghe’s governance.

The CWC’s alignment with the President is seen as a strategic move, potentially consolidating a significant voter base in the highlands, where the party holds considerable influence.

The CWC’s decision underscores the evolving political landscape as various factions weigh their options in the lead-up to the presidential election.

August 19, Colombo (LNW): The final Randoli Maha Perahera of the Esala Perahera festival in Kandy is set to take place today (19), marking the climax of one of Sri Lanka’s most revered cultural and religious events.

The following morning, the traditional water-cutting ceremony will be held at Getambe, symbolically bringing the festivities to a close.

The Esala Perahera will formally conclude with the noon parade on August 20.

Following the grand procession, the Diyawadana Nilame, accompanied by the Nilames of the Sathara Maha Devalayas and other rural devalayas, will lead a ceremonial procession to the President’s House.

There, they will present the Perahera Sandeshaya, a formal letter announcing the successful completion of the annual event, to the President.

The 2024 Esala Perahera began with the ‘Kap Situweema’ ceremony on August 5, marking the start of this centuries-old tradition at the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy.

The festival proceeded with five internal peraheras at the Devalayas before the first Kumbal Perahera took to the streets on August 10.

The Randoli Perahera, the most elaborate segment of the procession, commenced on August 15, drawing large crowds and international attention.

The Esala Perahera’s rich blend of spirituality, tradition, and pageantry remains a key cultural highlight in Sri Lanka, attracting thousands of devotees and tourists each year.

The concluding rituals and ceremonial presentations reaffirm the event’s deep cultural significance, preserving a legacy that spans generations.

August 19, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscored the need for enhanced regional cooperation and economic integration spanning from Japan to India, with particular emphasis on strengthening ties with India.

Addressing the Head of State Session at the Third Voice of Global South Summit, themed “An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future,” he highlighted Sri Lanka’s strategic focus on expanding partnerships within Asia.

Speaking virtually from the President’s House in Anuradhapura, Wickremesinghe drew attention to the growing importance of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) as the region emerges as an economic powerhouse.

He noted that Sri Lanka, as a key member, is committed to closer economic engagement with India and is actively pursuing regional cooperation agreements that extend across Asia.

The summit, chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, brought together global leaders to discuss challenges and opportunities for the Global South.

President Wickremesinghe commended India’s leadership in empowering developing nations, highlighting the diminishing influence of the West in global leadership and the importance of platforms like the Voice of the Global South Summit for shaping collective responses to pressing issues.

Reflecting on Indo-Sri Lankan relations, the President pointed to the shared vision statement between the two countries, which builds on their historical ties and sets the stage for future collaboration.

He expressed optimism that this strengthened partnership will drive greater integration between Sri Lanka and India in various sectors.

Wickremesinghe also conveyed his gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and the Indian people for their decisive support during Sri Lanka’s recent economic crisis.

He acknowledged that India’s timely assistance was instrumental in helping Sri Lanka overcome its economic challenges and chart a path towards recovery.

August 19, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan health authorities have heightened surveillance following the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) declaration of monkeypox as a public health emergency of international concern.

Despite the global rise in cases, local health officials report no significant surge within the country, maintaining that the immediate threat remains low due to existing preventive measures.

Additional precautionary measures are under consideration, according to Health Ministry sources. These include intensified monitoring at entry points like airports and seaports, given that most cases have been linked to international travel from regions with higher infection rates.

Monkeypox, primarily a self-limiting illness, typically presents symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, lasting between two to four weeks. Transmission occurs through direct contact with body fluids, lesions, or contaminated materials like clothing and bedding used by an infected person.

However, the outbreak has also fuelled stigma, particularly against the LGBTQIA+ community. The prevalence of cases among men who have sex with men (MSM) has led to misconceptions, with some incorrectly viewing the disease as exclusive to this group.

This narrative risks further marginalising the LGBTQIA+ community, overshadowing the broader public health approach needed to combat monkeypox.

Public health experts emphasise that the disease’s transmission is based on close contact, not sexual orientation, urging against discrimination and promoting accurate information to prevent unnecessary stigma.

August 19, Colombo (LNW): Opposition Leader and presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa has reaffirmed his commitment to revealing the truth behind the Easter Sunday terror attacks, addressing the long-standing concerns of Sri Lanka’s Catholic community.

During a visit to the residence of His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith in Colombo, Premadasa sought blessings from the Archbishop and Assistant Bishops while outlining his pledge for justice.

Premadasa, who met with the religious leaders as part of his presidential campaign, emphasised that his strategy for uncovering the truth has already been presented in Parliament.

He highlighted the growing public demand, especially within the Catholic community, for transparent investigations and full disclosure of the facts surrounding the tragic event.

The Opposition Leader assured Cardinal Ranjith and the Bishops that he is determined to pursue justice without bias.

Premadasa outlined a comprehensive plan to identify and hold accountable all those responsible, promising to deliver the maximum punishment for those involved.

His’s remarks signal his intent to prioritise this issue should he be elected, as he continues to garner support from key religious and community leaders across the country.

August 19, Colombo (LNW): A delegation of election observers from the European Union (EU) and the Commonwealth has arrived in Sri Lanka to monitor the upcoming presidential election scheduled for 21 September.

The mission, invited by the Election Commission of Sri Lanka, underscores international support for transparent and credible elections amid the country’s ongoing political and economic recovery.

This marks the EU’s seventh election monitoring mission in Sri Lanka, with their last observation during the 2019 presidential election.

The head of the observer group emphasised the importance of this election in reinforcing democracy following the political crisis in 2022.

The observers see the election as a pivotal moment in Sri Lanka’s path towards reforms and stability.

The EU’s mission comprises a core team, including a Deputy Chief Observer and nine experts who have already arrived in Colombo.

They will be joined by 26 long-term observers stationed nationwide, with an additional 32 short-term observers deployed during election week to ensure comprehensive coverage.

This election, where over 17 million registered voters will participate, will decide the country’s next executive president.

Among the main contenders are incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and the NPP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, as Sri Lanka prepares for a pivotal moment in its political landscape.

August 19, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (19).

Fairly heavy showers above 75 mm are likely at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places elsewhere over the island during the evening or night.

Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Hambantota district.

General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Marine Weather:

By: Staff Writer

August 18, Colombo (LNW): Pakistan, Sri Lanka’s second largest trade partner in the region, has indicated interest in expanding its free trade agreement (FTA) trade with the island, creating growth in bilateral trade, which already exceeds the US $ 460 million mark, according to Sri Lanka’s trade ministry.

The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Karachi in collaboration with the Department of Commerce of Sri Lanka facilitated Sri Lanka’s participation at the 19th My Karachi – Oasis of Harmony Exhibition held from 2 to 4 August at the Karachi Expo Centre.

Sri Lankan exporters, including Maliban Biscuits, Tea Talk, Orange Electrics, and SriLankan Airlines joined the Consulate General to showcase their products and services at the event. The participation of Sri Lanka aimed to boost Sri Lankan exports to Pakistan and encourage more Pakistani tourists to visit the country.

The Sri Lanka pavilion received an enthusiastic response from Pakistani businesses and extensive media coverage. Government officials, key chamber heads, and the Sri Lankan Consul General Jagath Abeywarna were among the distinguished visitors to the Sri Lanka stall.

In a statement the ministry said that Pakistan’s High Commission had indicated Pakistan looks forward to expand FTA trade by reducing sensitive items, thereby creating more opportunities for Lankan exporters.

It also stated that the composition of Pakistani working group for this year’s Ministerial level Joint Economic Commission (JEC) session had been finalised and the teams will span across four sectors namely, automotive, investment, customs cooperation and trade.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s trade ministry pointed out that a range of new Lankan products have penetrated into the Pakistan market after the implementation of the PSFTA. Among them are fresh pineapple, MDF boards, sports goods, tamarind, edible oil, porcelain tableware and kitchenware, ceramic tiles, furniture, electrical switches and sockets and herbal cosmetic products.

Pakistan’s first-ever international FTA partner was Sri Lanka when the Pakistan Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (PSFTA) came into force in June 2005.. Sri Lanka’s main exports to Pakistan include natural rubber, copra, tea, coconut, spices and betel leaves while main imports are cement, cotton, wheat, cane/ beet sugar, medicaments and iron and steel.

By: Staff Writer

August 18, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is experiencing a significant transformation in its age structure associated with the youth bulge as well as population ageing. These population trends create many challenges as well as opportunities. UNFPA policy dialogue held in Colombo recently revealed.

The UNFPA Sri Lanka, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization, and National Policies, recently organized a policy dialogue titled “Shaping the Future: A Policy Dialogue on Population Dynamics in Sri Lanka” at the BMICH in Colombo.

The event brought together key stakeholders, including policymakers and experts, to discuss the country’s demographic challenges, such as aging, low fertility, and migration.

With Sri Lanka facing significant demographic shifts, including a declining fertility rate and a rapidly aging population, the dialogue emphasized the need for comprehensive national policies to address these issues.

Experts highlighted that by 2041, one in four Sri Lankans will be over 60, and the ongoing migration trends add complexity to the population landscape.

The dialogue also marked the launch of UNFPA’s 2024 State of the World Population Report and an Issue Brief on Sri Lanka’s population dynamics.

Life cycle deficit is the difference between the consumption of goods against the generated labour income.This deficit is serviced by transfers, which are economic mechanisms and social institutions that facilitate the reallocation of resources across age

Reserch results show that between ages 30 – 69, people earn more than they consume, showing that Sri Lanka’s labour force, exceeds beyond the current retirement age of 60.

Sri Lanka is experiencing a significant transformation in its age structure associated with the youth bulge as well as population ageing. These Population trends create many challenges as well as opportunities.

As the population ages, the number of working adults who contribute to the economy will reduce in the future. This means the reliance on government and the social welfare system will increase

National Transfer Accounts (NTA) show that older people have accumulated real assets that can be used later in life, through assets or savings.

To ensure that the ageing population will have sufficient private assets/savings, SriLanka must raise labour productivity and invest in education and healthcare to capture the benefits of the second demographic dividend.. UNFPA suggested. Older people having more assets might depress interest rates or boost productivity As the share of children in the population declines, it becomes easier for society to invest more in each child.