January 13, Colombo (LNW): Japan’s Finance Minister, Suzuki Shunichi, concluded a two-day official visit (11-12) to Sri Lanka, aiming to deepen economic relations amid the economic challenges faced by the country. The visit is particularly significant as Sri Lanka implements comprehensive reform measures focused on macro stability and debt sustainability.
During the visit, Minister Shunichi expressed strong admiration for President Ranil Wickremesinghe, acknowledging significant improvements in Sri Lanka’s economy. Positive trends in GDP and inflation indicators were specifically attributed to the President’s strong leadership. The Japanese Finance Minister conveyed deep respect for President Wickremesinghe’s demonstrated leadership in achieving these economic improvements.
The talks between the two leaders covered future collaborations, emphasizing areas such as information-technological cooperation, maritime-security collaboration, resumption of stalled projects, long-term bilateral cooperation, finalization of debt restructuring agreements, and pipeline projects.
Both leaders expressed mutual appreciation for the ongoing support and cooperation between Japan and Sri Lanka. President Wickremesinghe conveyed his gratitude for Japan’s crucial role in addressing Sri Lanka’s debt issues, expressing confidence in the deepening ties between the two nations.
President Wickremesinghe emphasized the need for further collaboration in a competitive green economy and a digital economy. He stressed the importance of focusing on exports to enhance the trade balance and expressed optimism for the realization of a new economic model in Sri Lanka.
The discussions also touched upon the potential resumption of yen loans, which were suspended due to a debt crisis. Minister Shunichi outlined the possibility pending the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) and continued debt sustainability monitored by the IMF.
The meetings between the Japanese Finance Minister and President Wickremesinghe aim to fortify ties and lay the groundwork for a more robust and cooperative economic relationship between Japan and Sri Lanka.
President’s Media Division says the IMF has praised SL for successfully completing the 1st review, due to the positive start & commitment to reforms that have a substantial impact on the domestic population: also says the IMF has commended the SL Govt for its courage in publishing the Governance Diagnostic, considered a pioneering effort in Asia.
IMF Communications Director Julie Kozack says the goal of IMF’s current mission to SL is to follow up on program targets & commitments while SL is restructuring its debt after the country defaulted: however, Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardene has recently insisted at the Parliamentary Select Committee on Bankruptcy that he and CB Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe had not announced a “default’.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe leaves for Davos, Switzerland to participate at the World Economic Forum.
Billionaire businessman Dhammika Perera who has recently announced that he would be the Presidential Candidate from the SLPP, marks the establishment of the first “DP Silicon Valley IT Office” at the Uddhakandara Rajamaha Vihara, Tissamaharama.
SL Navy enlists its first batch of women’s cadets with 3 women officer cadets joining the executive branch of the SL Navy for the first time in its history.
One of the World’s largest Travel sites – Tripadvisor ranks Colombo as the world’s 7th best cultural destination for tourism: the ranking is based on readers’ votes received over a 12-month period in 2022.
Commissioner General of Rehabilitation says 24 inmates of the Kandakadu Rehabilitation Centre were hospitalised while 90 inmates escaped, following a clash at the facility: 62 escapees however apprehended by Police while 28 inmates are still at large.
Transport Minister Bandula Gunaardena says the Transport Board will introduce a “QR code enabled payment system” for state-run buses to mitigate losses of upto Rs.10mn per day: also says some bus drivers & conductors do not return the day’s total earnings to their respective depots, daily.
New Secretary to the Ministry of Technology Dr Dharmasri Kumaratunge also appointed as Chairman of the Telecom Regulatory Commission.
SL Under-19 Cricket team led by Sineth Jayawardena leaves for South Africa to take part in the ICC U-19 World Cup: Head coach Jehan Mubarak says the players have good potential & skills, but must develop a good “mind-set” for the World Cup.
January 13, Colombo (LNW): Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, the Princess Royal of the United Kingdom, wrapped up her three-day official visit to Sri Lanka and departed the island on Saturday (13) morning. The Princess left aboard the UL-505 aircraft of SriLankan Airlines after a series of engagements and meetings during her stay.
During her visit, Princess Anne had the honor of meeting President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the President’s House in Colombo, where discussions likely centered around the enduring relationship between the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka. Notably, the visit coincided with the 75th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two nations.
The Princess Royal’s presence in Sri Lanka underscored the importance of diplomatic ties and cultural exchange between the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka, as well as highlighting the collaborative efforts and historical connections that have strengthened over the past seven and a half decades. The visit likely contributed to fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries.
Myanmar: Documentary filmmaker sentenced to life imprisonment, symbol of the junta’s unbridled repression of the right to information
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) calls for the release of former journalist and documentary filmmaker Shin Daewe, who was recently sentenced to life in prison, the harshest term given to a journalist in Myanmar since the military junta regained by force its power almost three years ago.
On 10 January 2024, Shin Daewe, a Myanmar former reporter and award-winning documentary film director, was sentenced to life imprisonment by a military court held inside the notorious Insein prison located near Yangon, the former capital located in central Myanmar. She was handed the maximum sentence under section 50(j) of the Counter-Terrorism Law for allegedly “abetting” terrorism. It is to date, the severeness term handed down to a journalist since the junta returned to power in February 2021.
Shin Daewe, 50, was arrested and searched by soldiers on 15 October in a bus station in Yangon, while picking up a video drone she had ordered online to use in filming a documentary. During her detention, she was interrogated and allegedly subjected to torture, according to her husband, who noticed evidence of beating such as “stitches on her head and welts on her arms” during his two visits to the prison.
“By sentencing a documentary film director to life in prison under the pretext of terrorism, the military junta shows the extent of its arbitrariness and ruthlessness. We urge the international community to intensify its pressure on the Myanmar regime for her release, as well as on behalf of the 64 other journalists and press freedom defenders detained in the country.”
Cédric Alviani RSF Asia-Pacific Bureau Director
A renowned media professional, Shin Daewe covered the political and social issues affecting her country. In the past, she worked as a video journalist for Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) before embarking on a career as a documentary filmmaker. Several of her documentaries have won international awards, including the 2013 short film Now I Am 13, which tells the story of an uneducated teenage girl in central Myanmar.
Shortly after the military coup on 1 February 2021, the junta launched a policy of terror against journalism, rapidly publishing a blacklist of banned media. Since then, four journalists have been killed by the army: the founder of the Khonumthung news agency Pu Tuidim; the editor of the Federal News JournalSai Win Aung; and the two freelance photojournalists Soe Naing and Aye Kaw.
Myanmar, ranked 173th out of 180 countries in RSF’s 2023 World Press Freedom Index, is one of the world’s biggest jailers of journalists with 64 detained, second only to China. — REPORTERS SANS FRONTIÈRES / REPORTERS WITHOUT BORDERS (RSF) Aleksandra Bielakowska Chargée de plaidoyer du Bureau Asie-Pacifique / Advocacy officer, Asia-Pacific Bureau CS 90247 75083 Paris Cedex 02
The ICJ considers the government’s proposed bill to establish a Commission for Truth, Unity and Reconciliation unlikely to advance accountability for perpetrators and justice for victims and survivors of the 26-year-long armed conflict that ended in 2009 and involved widespread atrocities.
The ICJ is concerned that the lack of consultation with victim communities and the continued neglect of their demands deprive the Bill of legitimacy.
A draft Bill on Commission for Truth, Unity and Reconciliation was gazetted on 1 January 2024, to establish the Commission, amidst a climate of impunity for past human rights violations and abuses and intimidation of victim communities in the North and East of the country.
“Considering the repressive political climate in Sri Lanka, and the absence of the conditions that are necessary to ensure the success of the proposed Commission for Truth, Unity and Reconciliation, the Bill appears to be more of a legislative manoeuvre aimed at deflecting the attention of the Human Rights Council and removing Sri Lanka from further scrutiny rather than a genuine accountability measure.” said Melissa Upreti, ICJ’s Asia Director.
The Bill suffers from a lack of transparency regarding the consultation process and non-acceptance by victim communities.
If adopted, it would empower the Attorney-General to prosecute cases where the Commission makes a finding of responsibility for an offence. The ICJ is concerned that in the past the Attorney-General’s office has assumed potentially conflicting dual roles of legal advisor for the State and prosecutor of offences allegedly committed by State officials. The ICJ has previously noted how the Department had mishandled cases relating to serious human rights violations and abuses which has contributed to a climate of mistrust. The ICJ recalls that the years since the end of the conflict have been marked by near total impunity for conflict era crimes, owing to the failure of the Attorney-General’s Department to act to hold to account those responsible for serious crimes under international law.
The Bill provides that appointments to the Commission will be made by the President upon the recommendation of the Constitutional Council. The ICJ has previously noted that the governing party holds a majority in the Constitutional Council and that a majority of members are parliamentarians with only three members appointed from outside. Further, a representative of the smaller political parties (including parliamentarians representing the North and East) is yet to be appointed to the Council. The ICJ is concerned that these arrangements are conducive to creating a Commission that lacks independence and may be subjected to political pressures and considerations in carrying out its work. The situation is exacerbated by the Constitutional Council approving the appointment of the current Acting Inspector General of Police who had in December 2023 been held directly responsible for torture by the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka.
The Bill would further authorize the proposed Commission to seek the assistance of the police to conduct investigations and liaise with the National Authority for the Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses, which in turn depends on the police to provide support for the protection of victims and witnesses. However, a number of police officials have allegedly been responsible for recent cases of torture and ill-treatment and extra judicial killings. The government’s failure to initiate thorough and impartial investigations into these cases and to bring perpetrators to justice has deepened the public’s mistrust of the police and prosecuting agencies.
Successive UN Human Rights Council Resolutions on Sri Lanka have called for the establishment of transitional justice mechanisms with the active participation of all stakeholders, including women who have been at the forefront in leading victim demands for accountability, particularly for cases of enforced disappearance. Yet, protesting mothers and female family members of the disappeared are routinely detained, intimidated or put under surveillance and their voices suppressed.
The Bill lacks also provisions that are gender responsive and makes the establishment of mechanisms and procedures to address women’s concerns discretionary.
Existing transitional justice institutions such as the Office of Missing Persons (OMP) and the Office for Reparations have been ineffective. As underscored by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the OMP has failed to earn the trust of victims and their representatives. As recently observed by the High Commissioner, there has been little to no development regarding cases of past human rights violations and abuses.
“The victims of Sri Lanka’s 26-year armed conflict, replete with atrocities, have been forced to wait too long to learn the truth about their loved ones and to be granted justice. When the UN Human Rights Council considers a new resolution on Sri Lanka later this year, it must avoid blind acceptance of Sri Lanka’s flawed transitional justice process and institutions and adopt an approach that genuinely puts the interests of victims and survivors first,” added Upreti.
Background
The draft Bill provides for the establishment of the Commission with a Head Office based in Colombo and Regional Offices as necessary (clause 2). The Commission will have between seven to twenty-one members, who are to be appointed by the President upon recommendation by the Constitutional Council (clause 3). The term of the Commissioners is five years (unless removed earlier) and the President can extend their term on an yearly basis for an additional two years (clause 9). The Commission may conduct public or closed sittings as necessary (clause 7).
The stated objectives of the Commission are to investigate, inquire and make recommendations in respect of complaints or allegations or reports relating to damage or harm caused to persons or property, loss of life or alleged violation of human rights which occurred during the conflict in the Northern and Eastern Provinces between 1983 to 2009 or connected to such period or its aftermath and has a mandate to promote truth telling and make recommendations for reparations, and non – recurrence (clause 12). If it appears to the Commission that an offence under any Sri Lankan law has been committed it may refer the matter to the relevant law enforcement or prosecuting authorities for further investigation and necessary action (clause 13 (zd)). The Commission does not have the mandate to determine civil or criminal liability of any person (Clause 16 (1)) and instead the onus is on the Attorney-General to institute criminal proceedings regarding an offence in Court based on material collected by the Commission (clause 16 (2)).
The Bill also provides for the establishment of a Victim and Witness Protection Division (clause 28) and a Data Management Division (clause 29). The Commission may also appoint any mechanisms and procedure to address requirements related to women, children, persons with disabilities and disadvantaged groups and advisors relating to specific issues (clause 30).
The Bill also provides for the appointment of an advisory panel to advise the Commission on matters referred to the Panel (clause 32). This panel is to consist of a minimum of ten members appointed by the President on the Commission’s recommendation. Clause 39 of the Bill states that within one month of the interim report of the Commission being published the President shall appoint a monitoring committee to implement the findings of the report. Clause 40 states that such Committee be comprised of 11 members, of which six members are to be recommended by the Constitutional Council while the others are members ex-officio. Ex-officio members include the Secretaries of the Ministries of Defence, Justice, Law & Order, Finance, Public Administration & Women, Child Affairs and Social Empowerment or their nominees. The Committee is expected so submit bi-annual plans evaluating the implementation of recommendations of the TUR Commission and other previous Commissions of Inquiry.
Clause 49 of the Bill states that the Commission can defer its investigation regarding any disappearance of a person/s if requested to do so by the OMP until such time it can be resumed without compromising inquiries conducted by the OMP.
In September 2023, the ICJ joined eight other international human rights organizations in expressing their grave reservations about the proposed Truth, Unity and Reconciliation Commission and setting out prerequisites to be addressed before appointing any new Commission. The concerns relate to Sri Lanka’s legacy of failed commissions, lack of a conducive environment and confidence building efforts, lack of meaningful consultations with victim communities, the failure of domestic transitional justice institutions, and the blocking of prosecutions. None of these concerns have been addressed to date, which bring into question the newly proposed Commission’s likelihood of serving as an effective mechanism for accountability.
Business tycoon Harry Jayawardena-controlled Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka (DCSL) has acquired the local operations of global beer giant Heineken for Euro 12 million or over Rs. 4.2 billion.
In a disclosure to the Colombo Stock Exchange, DCSL said it acquired 99.4% of the issued capital of Heineken Lanka Ltd., from Heineken Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. (Heineken) for a total consideration of Euro 12 million.
With this acquisition, Heineken Lanka Ltd., will change its name to DCSL Breweries Lanka Ltd. to reflect the new ownership.
The company will continue brewing beer under world-renowned international brands such as Heineken, Tiger, and Anchor under a Trademark Licence Agreement signed with the Heineken Company. It will also continue to brew its own brand, Bison beer.
“This acquisition and the continued production of world-renowned Heineken brands under license will ensure that consumers can continue to enjoy these brands,” DCSL said.
It also said the DCSL Group, a pioneer in the liquor industry in Sri Lanka with well over a century of producing quality products, will now add beer to its diverse product portfolio.
The impending deal was first announced by DCSL in November last year. Fitch Ratings in November said Heineken is a distant second in Sri Lanka’s beer market for now, but believes DIST has the industry know-how, market access and financial strength to elevate Heineken’s operations to a level that could weigh on Lion’s market share.
It said a large capacity expansion at Heineken Lanka would be required to compete effectively with Lion. Fitch estimated the expansion will require significant capital outlay and at least two to three years to complete.
Fitch said it believes DIST has the financial strength to fund the expansion, with its annual free cash flow, excluding dividends, averaging Rs. 10 billion-12 billion. DIST, as the largest spirits manufacturer in the country, already has extensive market access covering all forms of retail channels, providing easy market penetration compared with a new entrant.
Fitch said it expects the acquisition to be positive for DIST as it will help the company to strengthen its market position with a presence in both hard and soft liquor markets.
The acquisition will also allow DIST to take advantage of the lower excise duties applicable to beer on an alcohol-equivalent basis.
There has been a shift to beer from hard liquor in recent months due to the significant increase in excise duties. DIST could also benefit from the revival in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, as beer is more popular among tourists than locally made hard liquor.
Hayleys Solar, the renewable energy arm of Hayleys Fentons recently surpassed 150MWp of installations, a national record for rooftop solar PV capacity in Sri Lanka, setting a new milestone in the island’s transition to renewable energy.
By March 2023, Hayleys Solar crossed its milestone of 125MW and has continued to add new rooftop solar capacity to its portfolio, in various locations across the country.
Its 150MWp of solar capacity is enabling Hayleys Solar to save close to 151,835 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions released to the air every year.
Expressing his views, Hasith Prematillake, the Managing Director of Hayleys Fentons stated: “This achievement is the largest to be installed across the island by any single entity and supports us to empower the community making solar solutions closer to all via accessibility and affordability
Hayleys Solar continues to establish solar experience centres island-wide, adding to its portfolio of experience centres in Matara and Jaffna with new launches in Nawala, Katunayake, Kurunegala and Kandy soon, This will make it easier for people from different communities to access and learn about solar solutions.
These centres offer a comprehensive range of applications, including rooftop PV systems, batteries, and inverters, alongside live demonstrations of Solar-powered Water Pumps, Lighting systems and Solar Powered Hot Water Systems.
With high electricity tariffs, Hayleys Solar offers easy payment plans and loan facilities to support affordability for households and businesses to transition to solar.
Roshane Perera, the Executive Director and CEO of Hayleys Solar said, “By far, Hayleys Solar has become a top of mind household name and plays a major role as a trendsetter in the Solar energy sphere as the undisputed market leader.
Throughout our remarkable journey, we have empowered a diversified clientele including world-renowned organisations and thousands of households . We are very grateful to our loyal clientele who has placed their trust with us”
“We are also in the process of installing the largest battery of 2MWh which will be commissioned by January 2024. I believe it is our responsibility as the market leader to focus on innovation and bring in the latest technologies to drive growth to expand market share in this sector.”
In 2022, amid challenges in power availability, Hayleys Solar enabled the facilitation of a massive project of installing solar at 830 telecommunication towers across Sri Lanka, which supported the community to stay connected.
With its ongoing commitment to adding rooftop solar capacity to empower the community with electricity and energy self-sufficiency, Hayleys Solar is dedicated to improve the livelihoods of many Sri Lankans for generations.
The government has pledged its fullest commitment to attain significant advancements in Sri Lanka’s gem industry within the next two years.
To achieve this goal, the government intends to implement a new program. Emphasizing the program’s positive impact on both the national economy and industry stakeholders, President Ranil WIckremasinghe highlighted plans for extensive modernization within the gem and jewellery sector.
President Wickremesinghe underscored the importance of not only providing tax concessions but also transforming the gem and jewellery industry into a pivotal sector that contributes significantly to the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
The President conveyed these aspirations during his attendance at the opening ceremony of the “Gem Sri Lanka 2024” Gem and Jewellery Exhibition organized by the China Fort Gems and Jewellery Trade Association yesterday (11).
The exhibition, hosted at the Bentota Cinnamon Bay Hotel, will run until January 13. President Wickremesinghe, inaugurating the event, actively participated in exploring trade stalls and engaging in friendly conversations with gem industrialists to better understand their challenges
Addressing the ceremony, President Wickremesinghe emphasized the need for a new economic system in the country that is geared towards exports, aiming to generate foreign exchange and foster economic growth.
In the forthcoming two months, diligent efforts are underway to craft this policy framework, signalling a significant stride toward the prosperity of our nation’s gem industry. Sri Lanka, with its vast potential in gems, stands poised for remarkable progress.
As Ian Fleming once immortalized diamonds by saying “diamonds are forever,” we proudly affirm that Sri Lanka’s gems, including the enduring sapphires, share a timeless legacy, he said.
Reflecting on the global landscape, it’s notable that the Chinese market, particularly represented by the Shenzhen Jewellery Association, is still in its early stages.
The government’s focus on gem re-export, value addition, and augmenting foreign exchange inflows necessitates a modernized gem industry.
Recognizing the associated challenges, it’s crucial to address them strategically. While tax relief has been a customary request, merely granting concessions without substantial sectoral growth is inadequate.
The key lies in concurrent development and strengthening of economic foundations for everyone involved in the industry, alongside fostering knowledge enhancement for gem polishers.
The restoration of essential services, facilitated by foreign exchange, marks a significant achievement. However, it’s crucial to note that this foreign exchange is sourced from institutions like the World Bank and the support of nations, such as the American government’s provision of fertilizers in 2022.
The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) is set to explore methods for diversifying its investment portfolio with the aim of generating a higher risk-adjusted rate of return while ensuring the overall safety of the overall fund, Central Bank announced..
“As Sri Lanka’s largest superannuation fund, with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka as its custodian, the EPF showcased resilient financial performance throughout 2023, navigating challenges such as economic uncertainties and the impact of the domestic debt optimization (DDO) operation,” the Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe said.
He made these revelations when he unveiled the ‘Annual Policy Statement 2024’ on Wednesday10. The fund effectively carried out the provision and facilitation of refund payments, member-related services and various other services despite the obstacles.
Looking ahead, the EPF focuses on improving operational efficiency to deliver efficient and effective services to its stakeholders.
A key initiative involves implementing of a near-paperless operating system equipped with real-time document scanning to enhance service quality.
Additionally, efforts to strengthen the electronic collection procedure, providing multiple payment avenues for employers, will continue to offer flexibility.
He said a comprehensive Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solution is on the horizon for the EPF to re-engineer and modernize the existing process.
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) plans to modernise operations of the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) through digital enhancements and diversify the fund’s investment portfolio to generate higher risk-adjusted returns.
CBSL said in its Annual Policy Statement for 2024 that the EPF will go “near-paperless” in 2024, with a number of technological enhancements also on the cards.
“Going forward, the EPF is committed to enhancing operational efficiency to deliver efficient and effective services to its stakeholders. Service quality is to be improved through the implementation of a near-paperless operating system with real-time document scanning,” he added.
The initiatives taken to strengthen the electronic collection procedure by providing multiple payment avenues would continue to provide more flexibility to employers, the bank said.
“A comprehensive ICT solution would also be implemented at EPF with the view of re-engineering and modernising the existing process. EPF is to seek avenues to diversify its investment portfolio to generate a higher risk-adjusted rate of return while ensuring the safety of the overall fund,” CBSL said.
The island nation’s largest pension fund has almost 21-million member accounts including 18.3 million non-contributing accounts due to some members having multiple number of accounts. As of end-2022, the fund is worth 3.38 trillion rupees or 10.6 billion US dollars.By end 2022, a majority — 95.7 percent — of this was in government securities, while 84.1 billion rupees was invested in listed companies in the Colombo Stock Exchange, according to official data
