- The Sri Lanka Immigration and Emigration Officers’ Association has issued a statement calling for an investigation into senior officials responsible for the current passport crisis. The association’s statement highlights the department’s failure to disclose the true status of Passport issuance to the responsible minister, impacting both national administration and the government’s agenda.
- Two newly appointed Ambassadors to Sri Lanka presented their credentials to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat.Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt Adel Ibrahim and Ambassador of Japan ISOMATA Akio presented their credentials to the President.
- Senior Advisor to the President on Economic and Financial Affairs Prof. Anil Jayantha stated that the government will focus on reducing the VAT levied on school material including textbooks and essential foods and medicine. The professor said this while participating in the meeting of Gampaha district farmers organised by Sri Lanka Agricultural Development Council, chairman Sashika De Silva
- The Executive Director of the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) Rohana Hettiarachchi says that despite 8,888 candidates vying for positions in this year’s General Election, fewer than 1,000 are actively campaigning, reflecting a notable decline in political engagement. Hettiarachchi attributed this trend to a shifting public perception regarding the benefits of political involvement and a growing disillusionment with traditional party structures.
- Sri Lanka has been voted the Most Desirable Island in the World at the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2024 in London. At the prestigious Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2024 held in London, Sri Lanka emerged as the “Most Desirable Island in the World,” marking a significant milestone in its tourism recovery journey.
- Doctor Shafi Sihabdeen of the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital today filed a complaint with the Ministry of Public Security over his arrest and detention in 2019. Speaking to the media today, Dr. Sihabdeen said that he faced the ordeal due to false allegations made against him for political propaganda and that he has filed a complaint to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future.
- Sri Lanka’s Official Reserve Assets has increased to US$ 6.46 billion in October 2024 from the US$ 5.99 billion recorded in September this year. According to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), this was a significant increase of 7.9%.
- The Secretary to the Ministry of Trade M.M. Naimuddin handed over the report prepared by the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) on rice and paddy stocks in the country to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. This assessment of the rice stocks available within the country was carried out following the President’s directive to gauge the rice supply amidst a market shortage of several varieties, including Nadu, White and Red Raw rice.
- The public who have fallen victim to online financial scams through social media, such as WhatsApp, has been requested to inform the Police Computer Crime Investigation Division. Complaints can be filed by sending emails to the Police Computer Crime Investigation Division via [email protected].
- The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of Sri Lanka has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Secretariat for Non-Governmental Organizations to exchange information on investigations and prosecutions of Money Laundering (ML), Terrorist Financing (TF) and related crimes and of any persons connected.
Sri Lanka Original Narrative Summary: 08/11
WEATHER FORECAST FOR 08 NOVEMBER 2024
November 08, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Northern and North-western Provinces and in Puttalam and Trincomalee districts. Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the other areas of the island after 1.00 pm.
Showers may occur in the Western province and in Galle, Matara, Ampara and Batticaloa districts in the morning too.
Fairly heavy showers above 75 mm are likely at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya Leads Discussion to Boost Efficiency in Justice Ministry Operations
November 07, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya convened a high-level meeting with senior officials from the Justice Ministry and its affiliated bodies on November 5 to discuss improvements in operational efficiency and capacity building. The focus was on enhancing the Inspector General’s Department’s efficiency in delivering inspection reports and addressing key areas within the Attorney General’s Department.
Attendees included Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe, Prime Minister’s Secretary Pradeep Saputantri, and Ministry Secretary S. Aloka Bandara. Other prominent officials present were Solicitor General Ayesha Jinasena, Legislative Draftsman Dilrukshi Samarajeeva, Government Inspector Sandhya Rajapaksa, Prisons Commissioner General Thushara Upuldeniya, and Rehabilitation Commissioner General (Retired) Darshana Hettiarachchi.
The meeting underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening the justice sector’s efficiency, aiming for improved service delivery and capacity across various departments and agencies.
Sri Lanka Relaxes Restrictions on Animal Transport Amid African Swine Fever Outbreak
November 07, Colombo (LNW): The Animal Production and Health Department in Sri Lanka has designated all Divisional Secretariat divisions as either affected or at-risk areas for African swine fever. In response, Director General Dr. Hemali Kothalawala issued a gazette notification on November 5, easing previous restrictions and allowing the transport of healthy animals. This directive remains in effect until further notice.
Under the new guidelines, animals from farms verified by veterinarians to be free from African swine fever can now be transported and slaughtered for meat, provided they are accompanied by a veterinarian-issued health certificate. Dr. Kothalawala explained that the decision to relax restrictions was based on significant containment progress in managing the outbreak.
PM Vows NPP Government Will Focus on Healing War-Affected Communities and Exclude Opposition Members from Cabinet
November 07, Colombo (LNW):Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that the National People’s Power (NPP) is committed to supporting war-affected communities, providing comprehensive humanitarian assistance, and facilitating reconciliation efforts in Sri Lanka. Speaking during her campaign in Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi on November 4, the Premier outlined the NPP’s plans to address the needs of the Northern Province, which continues to bear the scars of the civil conflict.
Amarasuriya also made it clear that the NPP-led government will not offer ministerial portfolios to members of other political parties who secure seats in the upcoming Parliamentary election. She criticized certain politicians from other parties who, she claimed, are misleading voters by suggesting they could join the NPP’s cabinet to serve the people after entering Parliament.
At a gathering in Kilinochchi’s Green Park, Amarasuriya reiterated, “The NPP, symbolized by the compass, will appoint only NPP-elected members to ministerial positions. We will not include individuals from other parties who have not delivered for the people.”
The Prime Minister also highlighted plans to support internally displaced persons (IDPs) and reopen roads in the North that were previously closed to the public, signaling a commitment to restoring freedom of movement as part of the reconciliation process. These measures, Amarasuriya noted, aim to strengthen trust and unity among communities impacted by the civil strife.
Court to review injunction against e-passport purchase; Ex-President Ranil named respondent
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been named as a respondent of the writ petition filed with the Court of Appeal challenging the previous government’s decision to purchase passports from two foreign companies.
Wickremesinghe has been named as a respondent of the relevant writ petition filed by Epic Lanka Private Limited, through a motion submitted by the petitioning party, when the petition was taken up before the two-member Appeals Court judge bench comprising Justices Mohammed Laffar and P. Kumaratnam yesterday (06).
During the hearing, the attorneys who appeared for the two foreign companies named as respondents stated that their clients have been critically prejudiced through the interim injunction issued by the court preventing the purchase of 5 million e-passports.
The attorneys, who pointed out that the relevant injunction will be in effect until the hearings of the petition are concluded, requested the court to issue an order lifting the injunction.
Meanwhile, appearing for the petitioning party, President’s Council Viran Corea argued that the process of purchasing the passports in question has been carried out under an informal procurement system.
Furthermore, the President’s Counsel objected to the lifting of the injunction issued, requesting for an expedited conclusion of the hearing of the petition and for a final verdict to be issued.
Following the consideration of the facts presented, the bench ordered the petitioning party to file objections related to the request to lift the injunction preventing the purchase of passports.
Later, the case was also ordered to be recalled on December 09 for the consideration of facts on whether or not the injunction should be lifted.
The petition has been filed by Epic Lanka Private Limited seeking an order invalidating the decision taken by the previous government to purchase 750,000 normal passports and 5 million e-passports from two foreign firms.
Thales and local partner Just in Time Technologies (JITT) have been awarded the contract to supply Sri Lanka’s biometric passports, which are planned for a rollout next year.
The first batch of 100,000 chip-based passports are scheduled for delivery by Thales by July 2025, with an agreement to supply one million passports annually over five years, according to local newspapers.
A previous government statement suggested the first biometric passports would be ready for issuance in January.
The Ministry of Public Security was set to procure the co-developed public key infrastructure and propose personalizing passports using their system on a fee-per-passport basis.
This change would incur additional fees for the new personalization services from the consortium.
The transition has brought new challenges to the Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka, which has introduced a mandatory prior online registration for new passport applications to reduce congestion at the head office.
Rice Shortage in Sri Lanka: Brewing Crisis as Raw Rice Diverted to Beer Production
The Small and Medium Scale Rice Mill Owners’ Association (SMSRM) has highlighted the growing rice shortage in Sri Lanka, attributing it to the increased diversion of raw rice for beer production.
The situation has been exacerbated by the entry of business magnate Harry Jayawardena’s Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka (DCSL) into the beer market, following its acquisition of Heineken Lanka Ltd.
DCSL, which now controls 99.4% of Heineken Lanka’s shares, purchased the company for €12 million (Rs. 4.2 billion).
This acquisition marks the start of DCSL’s expansion into the beer industry, where it plans to continue brewing popular international brands like Heineken, Tiger, and Anchor, along with its own Bison beer brand.
However, the move to increase beer production has had a significant impact on the availability of rice, particularly the ‘Nadu’ variety used in brewing.
According to SMSRM Chairman U.K. Semasinghe, as more raw rice is redirected for beer production, there is less available for regular consumption, which has contributed to rising rice prices in the market.
Farmers’ organizations have voiced similar concerns, urging the government to step in and stabilize rice prices. In response to the increasing shortage,
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake convened a meeting with large-scale rice distributors to discuss maintaining controlled retail prices to alleviate the strain on consumers.
DCSL’s entry into the beer market has also raised concerns about the future of Sri Lanka’s brewing industry.
According to Fitch Ratings, DCSL’s extensive market access, financial strength, and industry expertise position it to significantly expand Heineken’s operations in the country.
However, Fitch notes that such expansion will require substantial capital investment and could take two to three years to complete. In the short term, this expansion may impact the market share of Lion Brewery, the current leader in the Sri Lankan beer market.
Meanwhile, many shopkeepers have reported difficulty obtaining rice at the government-controlled price, further intensifying the market shortage. The rising cost of rice, especially the ‘Nadu’ variety, has put additional pressure on consumers who are already struggling with the economic fallout.
As the situation unfolds, both the government and industry players are under increasing pressure to find a balance between supporting new business ventures and ensuring adequate food supply for the population.
Ceylon Chamber of Commerce to Review Government Progress Annually
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) has committed to reviewing the government’s progress each year based on the Vision 2030 framework, a comprehensive policy document submitted to political parties before the recent elections.
Duminda Hulangamuwa, Chairman of the CCC, made this announcement during a media gathering, emphasizing the Chamber’s independent stance and its dedication to holding the government accountable to the commitments outlined in Vision 2030.
Speaking at the event, Hulangamuwa explained that the Chamber had issued the Vision 2030 document prior to the elections, with the expectation that whichever political party formed the government would adopt its recommendations over the next five years.
The document, he said, is designed to ensure stability and guide the country’s long-term growth. “We remain committed to this agenda. Once the government was elected, we issued a statement highlighting 10 key points from Vision 2030, identifying the direction in which the country should move,” he explained.
Hulangamuwa further emphasized that the CCC’s role would be to track and review the government’s progress in implementing these policies annually. “We told the political parties before the elections that we would review the progress of these policies each year to ensure that the country is moving in the right direction,” he added.
The Chamber plans to assess the success of the government in adhering to the Vision 2030 framework and provide feedback on the trajectory of the country’s development.
The Chamber also expressed its support for the broader reform programs initiated by the government, which include collaboration with international bodies like the IMF and the World Bank.
According to Hulangamuwa, the overarching goal is to implement essential reforms to achieve macroeconomic stability, foster sustainable growth, and ensure that development benefits all sectors of society.
“The key objective is to guide the country through a process of reform, bring about macroeconomic stability, and ensure that growth is inclusive,” he stated, stressing the importance of including rural communities and fostering a vibrant village economy.
The CCC’s Vision 2030, launched recently, and outlines a comprehensive five-year economic plan aimed at transforming Sri Lanka’s economic landscape.
The document identifies critical sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and logistics, with targeted goals for each.
It also highlights vital enablers like tax reforms, digitalisation, trade reforms, and power and energy sector changes, which are seen as key to driving the country’s long-term development and competitiveness.
Through Vision 2030, the CCC aims to steer Sri Lanka towards a sustainable, inclusive, and diversified economy by the year 2030, fostering growth that benefits all segments of the population.With its focus on long-term economic stability and reform, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce’s annual reviews will be crucial in tracking Sri Lanka’s progress toward these ambitious goals
SLEDB to Launch Groundbreaking Marine Summit: ‘Voyage Sri Lanka 2024’
Sri Lanka will host its first-ever marine summit, Voyage Sri Lanka 2024, on November 26, marking a pivotal moment for the country’s marine sector. The event aims to bring together leaders, policymakers, and innovators to explore sustainable practices, technological advancements, and growth opportunities within Sri Lanka’s marine, boat-building, and offshore industries.
Organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB), Voyage Sri Lanka 2024 will serve as a key platform for professionals to discuss the future of Sri Lanka’s marine economy. The summit promises to offer valuable insights into emerging trends, cutting-edge technologies, and the potential for export growth in sectors like boat building, offshore services, and the blue economy.
With the event fast approaching, the SLEDB encourages both industry professionals and enthusiasts to register in advance at www.voyagesrilanka.lk. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from top experts in the field and network with a diverse group of professionals, ranging from seasoned industry veterans to new innovators.
In addition to the summit itself, foreign delegates will have the exclusive opportunity to explore key port facilities in Sri Lanka, including Trincomalee Port (on November 24) and Hambantota Port (on November 25), to gain a firsthand understanding of the investment opportunities available in these strategic locations. To participate in these port visits, delegates are advised to arrive in Sri Lanka by November 23. The SLEDB will assist with all logistical arrangements, ensuring a seamless experience for attendees.
This pioneering summit will emphasize the role of sustainable practices and technological advancements in the marine industry. Discussions will cover a wide range of topics, including Sri Lanka’s potential in offshore wind and renewable energy, the evolving challenges in shipbuilding and repair, and the growing opportunities in the fish export sector.
The event will also provide a platform for public and private sector collaboration, bringing together stakeholders from the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Board of Investment, the Sri Lanka Navy, and various private sector companies, including Colombo Dockyard and GAC Shipping.
According to Director General of the SLEDB, “Sri Lanka is uniquely positioned to leverage its maritime resources and expertise. We are committed to advancing our marine and offshore industries to meet global standards and attract international partners.”
Voyage Sri Lanka 2024 is poised to be a landmark event that will enhance the nation’s strategic position in the global marine industry. By focusing on the blue economy and exploring new avenues for growth, the summit will play a key role in shaping the future of Sri Lanka’s maritime sector.
Thirteen Arrested for Illegal Treasure Hunting at Temple in Dompe
November 07, Colombo (LNW):Thirteen suspects were arrested for allegedly conducting an illegal treasure hunt on temple grounds in Mapitigama, Dompe. Police reported that the individuals were found digging for treasure within the temple premises, and a variety of excavation equipment was seized during the operation. Authorities also confiscated a car, a van, and two three-wheelers used by the suspects.
The individuals, aged between 22 and 58, hail from various areas including Heiantuduwa, Siambalape, Malwana, Imbulgoda, Dompe, Kegalle, Homagama, Kaduwela, Kirindivela, Ambanwala, and Hanwella. Investigations are ongoing as police work to uncover further details surrounding the illegal excavation activities.