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.

August 18, Colombo (LNW): Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), expressed confidence that over one million tourists are expected to visit the country in the last five months of 2024, aiming to meet the annual goal of 2.3 million arrivals.

Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo, Gajabahu noted the positive impact of recent tourism promotion campaigns, while also stressing the need for stable conditions within the country to realise this target.

He further announced the planned soft launch of a new mobile app for Sri Lanka Tourism in October, aimed at enhancing visitor experiences.

Nalin Perera, Managing Director of the SLTPB, added that focused digital marketing campaigns targeting five key markets will be launched in September, highlighting the agency’s strategic approach to boosting tourism in the remaining months of the year.

August 18, Colombo (LNW): Nandana Ranasinghe, co-chair of the Grama Niladhari Professional Association, announced today (18) that the ongoing work-to-rule and black protest week by Grama Niladhari officers will cease at midnight.

The officers will return to their regular duties until the conclusion of the presidential election.

Ranasinghe stated that, given their role as election officers, the Grama Niladhari officers will halt their protest actions to ensure they can continue to serve the public efficiently and impartially, in line with election regulations.

He also expressed a commitment to addressing unresolved professional concerns through dialogue with the incoming president.

Should these issues remain unresolved, Ranasinghe indicated that further professional actions could be reconsidered.

1. Venerable Ralapanawe Dhammajothi Nayaka Thero praises President Ranil Wickremesinghe for preserving the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and historic Maha Vihara in Anuradhapura during a sermon on 17 August: highlights Wickremesinghe’s role in constructing a second golden fence around the Bodhi in 2001 and commends his broader efforts to protect Buddhist heritage, expressing hope for further positive outcomes.
   
2. Chanchala Gunawardena, niece of the late Minister Mangala Samaraweera, joins the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) to support Sajith Premadasa in the upcoming presidential election: She has been appointed as the Matara District Organiser: Additionally, SLPP Matara District MP Karunadasa Kodithuwakku has also pledged his support to Premadasa, joining SJB’s rally in Akuressa, Matara.
   
3. National People’s Power (NPP) presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake meets with Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith at the Archbishop’s residence in Borella: The Archbishop, Assistant Bishop Maxwell Silva, Father Anthony, and Father Cyril Gamini discussed various topics with Dissanayake and offered their blessings for his presidential bid: NPP MP Vijitha Herath also attended the meeting.
   
4. Jennifer R. Littlejohn, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, will visit Sri Lanka, India, and the Maldives from 17 to 31 August: In Sri Lanka, from 19 to 21 August, she will engage with officials and review U.S.-backed conservation projects: In India (21-28 August), she will meet with various stakeholders on space, wildlife, and green technology, and discuss river restoration: Her visit concludes in the Maldives (28-30 August) with discussions on marine conservation and climate strategies: The trip aims to bolster regional cooperation in environmental and scientific fields.
   
5. Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Ali Sabry met with the Canadian High Commissioner to protest the foundation stone laying for a Tamil Genocide Monument in Brampton on 14 August: condemns the monument as promoting a “false narrative” and undermining reconciliation efforts in Sri Lanka: criticises Brampton City Council’s decision, urging Canada to reconsider to avoid straining diplomatic relations and to foster constructive dialogue.
   
6. Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), projects over one million tourist arrivals in the last five months of 2024 to meet the annual target of 2.3 million: notes recent tourism campaigns have been effective and expresses optimism about achieving the target: A soft launch of the Sri Lanka Tourism mobile app is set for October, and digital promotions for five key markets will begin in September, according to SLTPB Managing Director Nalin Perera.
   
7. The European Union will deploy an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Sri Lanka for the September 21 Presidential Election, following an invitation from the Election Commission of Sri Lanka: This marks the EU’s seventh mission to Sri Lanka, with the last one in 2019: Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, affirms the EU’s commitment to supporting transparent and democratic elections: Nacho Sánchez Amor, MEP, will lead the mission, emphasising the election’s significance in advancing Sri Lanka’s democratic and reformative processes post-crisis.
   
8. The National Building and Research Organisation (NBRO) issues a Level-3 (Red) landslide evacuation alert for Kalutara and Ratnapura districts due to ongoing heavy rainfall: Areas affected include Ingirya and Bulathsinhala in Kalutara, and Elapatha, Eheliyagoda, and Kalawana in Ratnapura: With over 150mm of rain recorded in 24 hours, residents are urged to evacuate to mitigate risks of landslides, rock falls, and ground subsidence: Immediate action is advised if heavy rains persist.
   
9. Nandana Ranasinghe, co-chairman of the Grama Niladhari Professional Association, announces the Grama Niladhari officers’ work-to-rule action and black protest week will end at midnight: adds they will resume normal services until the presidential election is completed: As election officers, they will focus on their duties while remaining neutral: plans to discuss professional issues with the new president, warning that unresolved matters might lead to renewed actions.
   
10. Former Sri Lanka captain Aravinda de Silva reminisces about the unique identity Sri Lankan cricket once had, shaped by legends like Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara: Despite a recent ODI series win against India, he highlighted current challenges, particularly in Test cricket: urges adopting England’s attacking approach: Former coach Mickey Arthur discusses difficulties in rebuilding post-golden era, stressing the need for stability and nurturing talent while preserving traditional flair, especially in Test cricket.

August 18, Colombo (LNW): Venerable Ralapanawe Dhammajothi Nayaka Thero, Chief Incumbent of Lankarama Vihara, lauded President Ranil Wickremesinghe for his dedication to preserving the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and the historic Maha Vihara in Anuradhapura.

The Thero’s remarks came during a special sermon, ‘Maha Sanghagatha Dakshinawa’, held yesterday (17) at the Sannipatha Hall in Anuradhapura, in the President’s presence.

The Thero highlighted Wickremesinghe’s longstanding commitment to safeguarding Buddhist heritage, recalling the President’s involvement in constructing a second golden fence around the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi during his tenure as Prime Minister in 2001.

Responding to a request from the Maha Sangha, President Wickremesinghe facilitated the project, leading to the establishment of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Development Fund.

With contributions from philanthropists, over LKR 10 million was raised in a single event, enabling the completion of the golden fence within a year.

The Thero expressed optimism that the President’s current visit would bring similar positive outcomes, emphasising the spiritual significance of Anuradhapura, where over 200 kings have been crowned.

He further commended Wickremesinghe’s efforts in renovating the historic Malwatu Maha Vihara, the birthplace of the Sambuddha Order in Sri Lanka, asserting that these initiatives reflect the President’s commitment to preserving Buddhist history and culture.

The event was attended by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, several cabinet and state ministers, Members of Parliament, and other dignitaries.

August 18, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Ali Sabry summoned the Canadian High Commissioner to voice strong opposition to the laying of the foundation stone for a Tamil Genocide Monument in Brampton, Canada on 14 August.

During the meeting, Minister Sabry condemned the monument, labelling it a promotion of a “false narrative” of genocide intended for political advantage in Canada.

He expressed Sri Lanka’s concerns over what it considers unverified and misleading claims, lacking backing from any credible authority.

The Minister described the decision by Brampton’s City Council to support the monument as an affront to efforts towards reconciliation, warning that it fosters division by glorifying terrorism.

Sabry stressed that such actions harm peace initiatives pursued by Sri Lanka following its conflict and undermine bilateral relations.

He urged Canadian authorities to reconsider their stance, underscoring the importance of preventing further strain on diplomatic ties and encouraging constructive dialogue between the two nations.