August 04, Colombo (LNW): The Election Commission has suspended the ‘Urumaya’ land distribution initiative led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
According to sources from the President’s office, the programme is expected to resume following the Presidential election.
August 04, Colombo (LNW): Showers will occur at times in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its weather forecast today (04).
Several spells of showers may occur in North-western province.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places elsewhere in the island during the evening or night. Fairly heavy showers above 50mm are likely at some places.
General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
| Condition of Rain: |
| Showers will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Galle via Colombo. |
| Winds: |
| Winds will be westerly to south-westerly and wind speed will be (30-40) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to 50 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Kankasanthurai to Puttalam via Mannar and from Hambantota to Pottuvil. |
| State of Sea: |
| The sea areas off the coasts extending from Kankasanthurai to Puttalam via Mannar and from Hambantota to Pottuvil will be fairly rough at times. |
August 03, Colombo (LNW): The Montana National Guard and U.S. Pacific Air Forces, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Air Force and the Maldives National Defence Force, have commenced ‘Atlas Angel,’ a joint military exercise focused on enhancing preparedness and response to natural and man-made disasters. From August 5-9, over 70 U.S. personnel and two C-130 Hercules aircraft will participate alongside their Sri Lankan and Maldivian counterparts, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in disaster response and the U.S. commitment to fostering a resilient and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
Atlas Angel will feature six exercises, including urban and medical search and rescue, as well as airfield repair, culminating in a crisis management exercise on August 9. These activities aim to test and improve response capabilities across various scenarios, ensuring participants are well-prepared for real-world disasters. Following the main exercise, U.S. Air Force surgeons will engage in a knowledge exchange session at the Kotelawala Defence University in Colombo, sharing best practices with Sri Lankan military and civilian medical counterparts.
U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung applauded the disaster response cooperation, stating, “Disasters know no borders and are increasing in frequency and intensity worldwide. The United States is committed to enhancing disaster preparedness, recognizing the importance of international collaboration to minimize damage, protect lives and livelihoods, and foster resilience and prosperity in the region. By sharing our expertise through practical exercises like Atlas Angel, we strengthen communities’ abilities to respond swiftly and effectively when disaster strikes.”
Sri Lanka Air Force Commander, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, remarked, “Exercise Atlas Angel is one of the main combined exercises operationalized under the Montana State Partnership Programme. It provides space for greater engagement between Sri Lanka Air Force and Montana National Guard through subject matter expert exchanges, developing strategic foresight on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, as well as Search and Rescue missions, and promoting interoperability for collective security in the region.”
Montana National Guard Adjutant General Pete Hronek emphasized the critical role of training in disaster management: “Effective disaster management hinges on robust training that equips first responders, local authorities, and community members with the skills and knowledge they need to act decisively in times of crisis. Throughout this week, I look forward to working with regional counterparts and learning from their expertise as we go through realistic simulations, ensuring we are all ready to act in the event of an emergency.”
August 03, Colombo (LNW): The Oriental Dance Club of Asian International School (AIS) has achieved a remarkable milestone by being awarded the Best Performance Achievement at the 6th Korat International Folklore Festival Thailand Cultural Expo. This prestigious event was part of the Korat International Horticultural Expo, recently held in Bangkok, Thailand.
AIS dancers enthralled the audience with their high standard of dancing, exceptional execution, and impressive choreography. Their outstanding performance during the six-day festival earned them the Best Performance Award, showcasing their discipline and dedication.
Through their vibrant and colorful performances, the AIS dancers exhibited the beauty and traditions of Sri Lanka’s performing arts. The Colombo International Dance Festival Association played a crucial role in providing this exposure and recognition, helping to promote Sri Lanka’s rich cultural legacy to the world.
The AIS drummers added significant flair to the performances with their live music, making AIS the only country to feature live music at the event. This unique element set them apart and brought a special energy to the festival.
The talented dancers were expertly choreographed by Suranga Abeysinghe and Harun Suseru, under the guidance of the Oriental Dance Teacher-in-Charge, Ms. Prasadika Ediriweera. Their hard work and creativity brought Sri Lankan dance traditions to life on an international stage.
The AIS crew was invited to this competition by the Korat International Folklore Festival and the Federation of Thai SME Nakhon Ratchasima, in collaboration with the Colombo International Dance Festival Association. This invitation provided an invaluable opportunity for AIS to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka.
This achievement is a testament to the talent and hard work of the AIS Dance Club, as well as the support and dedication of their mentors. It stands as a proud moment for the school and the entire country, celebrating the enduring beauty of Sri Lankan culture.
August 03, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced the immediate commencement of the “River for Jaffna” project, aimed at addressing the chronic water scarcity in northern Sri Lanka. This declaration was made during the inauguration of the Thalaiyady Seawater Desalination Plant, a component of the Jaffna-Kilinochchi Water Supply Project, on August 2.
Reflecting on the 15 years since the end of the civil war in the North, President Wickremesinghe emphasized the importance of ongoing collaborative development efforts. He expressed his ambition to transform the Northern Province into a developed region within the next 5-10 years.
The Thalaiyady Seawater Desalination Plant, managed by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board under the Ministry of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development, is financially supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Sri Lankan government. The plant is part of the broader Jaffna-Kilinochchi District Water Supply and Sanitation Project (JKWSSP), initiated in 2011 with backing from the ADB and the French Development Bank (AFD).
Currently, there are 2.5 million water connections nationwide, with the Water Supply and Sanitation Project aiming to add 60,000 new connections. The project’s primary goal is to provide safe drinking water to 300,000 people and improve sanitation facilities for 80,000 people in Jaffna and Kilinochchi districts. Since 2017, the project has completed the construction of 20 elevated water tanks, 186 km of water transmission pipelines, and 382 km of water distribution pipelines.
The contract for the desalination plant was awarded in January 2021, with the total project cost amounting to USD 266 million. The JKWSSP is expected to be completed by mid-2025.
President Wickremesinghe highlighted the significance of the new desalination plant, which will be the first of its kind in Sri Lanka. He expressed gratitude to the local residents who provided land for its construction and recommended establishing a separate Grama Niladhari Division for the village.
The establishment of the water purification plant is expected to significantly alleviate the drinking water issues in Jaffna. Future plans include the development of the Paliaru Reservoir to supply water to the Pooneryn area. The “River for Jaffna” programme, once fully implemented, alongside the desalination plant, aims to completely resolve the region’s water problems and restore the Vadamarachchi area to its former lush state.
To manage costs, the government plans to reduce expenses through solar energy projects and introduce Drip Irrigation Systems to promote modern agriculture. Additionally, efforts will be made to renovate the port of Kankesanthurai in collaboration with India, establish an investment zone at the former cement factory site, and develop Palali to boost tourism. The area’s potential for wind and solar energy production is expected to generate substantial income, contributing to Jaffna’s transformation into a developed region within the next 5-10 years.
President Wickremesinghe also noted that the provincial council has the capacity to establish universities in Jaffna, and urged unity in development efforts as the region moves beyond its war-torn past.
August 03, Colombo (LNW): The IMF announced yesterday that the recent Parliamentary approval of two significant pieces of legislation—the Public Financial Management Act and the Public Debt Management Act—will enhance fiscal discipline and prudent debt management, increasing transparency and accountability.
According to the IMF, developing a comprehensive debt management strategy and establishing a well-structured and integrated Public Debt Management Office will reduce the government’s financing risks.
In a statement following their visit to Sri Lanka from July 25 to August 2, 2024, the IMF delegation, led by Senior Mission Chief Peter Breuer, noted that the country’s recovery continues, with real GDP showing three consecutive quarters of expansion and growth accelerating to 5.3 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2024.
“The economic reform programme implemented by the Sri Lankan authorities is yielding commendable outcomes,” the statement said.
The delegation observed that inflation remains below the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s (CBSL) 5 percent target and that domestic borrowing rates have declined. Their visit focused on discussing recent macroeconomic developments and the progress in implementing economic and financial policies under the authorities’ economic reform programme, supported by the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement.
“Fiscal revenue collections increased during the same period. Going forward, these improvements need to translate into better living conditions for all of Sri Lanka’s people,” the statement added.
“With Sri Lanka’s knife-edged recovery at a critical juncture, sustaining the reform momentum and ensuring timely implementation of all program commitments are critical to cement the hard-won economic progress to date and put the economy on a firm footing,” the IMF emphasized.
However, the delegation stressed that maintaining macroeconomic stability and restoring debt sustainability require further efforts to raise fiscal revenues.
“The 2025 Budget needs to be underpinned by appropriate revenue measures and continued spending restraint to reach the medium-term primary balance objective of 2.3 percent of GDP—a key requirement for restoring Sri Lanka’s debt sustainability. The planned relaxation of import restrictions on motor vehicles will support revenue mobilization in 2025,” the statement noted.
The delegation also suggested that tax administration reforms could further improve compliance, including the establishment of a functioning VAT refund system for exporters by April 2025. “Any proposed measure eroding the fiscal position needs to be offset by compensating measures of high quality. Avoiding new tax exemptions will reduce corruption risks and fiscal revenue leakages, ensuring a more predictable and transparent tax system. Continuing to maintain energy prices at cost-recovery levels is critical to avoid potential fiscal costs. Protecting the poor and the vulnerable through improved targeting and better coverage of cash transfers remains essential. Policy slippages could jeopardize the recovery,” the statement concluded.
August 03, Colombo (LNW):After a hiatus of nearly three years, Sri Lanka’s construction sector is showing signs of revival, with State-funded projects resuming activity that had been temporarily halted due to a shortage of both foreign currency and local funding amid the economic crisis.
At the onset of the economic crisis in 2020, the then government decided to suspend almost all construction projects and decided to redirect such money into providing relief to the mostly affected sections of the population from the economic crisis.
As construction requires a large amount of imported items, the limited foreign currency available in the country also put a prolonged damper on the industry.
Previously stalled projects, which were partially funded through bilateral agreements, are set to resume following the successful completion of the debt restructuring process.
It has been underscored the importance of this external debt restructuring in rejuvenating the sector which is vital for restarting halted projects.
“The bilateral debt restructuring is expected to inject nearly US $2.5 billion into the market, potentially boosting GDP by 3%,” Central Bank emphasised.
This financial influx is anticipated to provide essential liquidity, allowing large-scale infrastructure projects to proceed and stimulating economic growth.
The bilateral debt restructuring is expected to inject nearly $2.5 billion into the market, potentially boosting GDP by 3%,” Joshua emphasised.
Condominium projects in Colombo and surrounding areas are performing well, with many projects such as Trizen and Havelock City nearing full occupancy.
All pending government payments to contractors had been settled. The commencement of significant projects, including a large warehouse for Michelin is evident, even amid economic challenges.
According to Sri Lanka Purchasing Managers’ Index for Construction (PMI –Construction) reached 59.5 in June 2024, recording its highest indexvalue in thirty consecutive survey rounds.
Most of the respondents highlighted that the industry is mainly driven by projects funded by multilateral agencies, particularly related to road rehabilitation and water distribution, Central Bank’s PMI indicated.
New orders increased at a higher rate in June, indicating a positive outlook for future industry activity. However, Employment remained contracted during the month, yet at a slower rate compared to the previous month.
Meanwhile, the Quantity of Purchases increased with the accelerated demand for input materials. Further, many respondents mentioned that the price levels of most of the construction materials are in a decliningtrend.
In the meantime, Suppliers’ Delivery Time further lengthened in June The expectations for construction activities for the upcoming threemonths remain positive due to the gradual increase in project availability, it added. .However, many firms are cautious about the potential uncertainty associated with the upcoming presidential election period , Central Bank highlighted
The home secretary, Yvette Cooper, is under mounting pressure to airlift a group of more than 60 Tamil asylum seekersfrom a remote Indian Ocean island to the UK.
The Tamils, a mix of single adults and children who are part of family units, have been stranded on Diego Garcia, part of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), since October 2021.
They had fled persecution in Sri Lanka and were travelling in a fishing boat hoping to reach Canada to claim asylum. But their boat developed a leak and they were rescued by the Royal Navy who took them to Diego Garcia, where there is a US military base, for what they thought would be a few days.
But almost three years later they remain there, with their fate uncertain. A letter detailing a mass suicide attempt involving 22 people was written by Paul Candler, the commissioner for BIOT, who works out of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in London.
Tessa Gregory, a partner at law firm Leigh Day, representing some of the Tamils, said: “The camp is in crisis. Sadly, news of the mass suicide attempt and self-harm is not surprising to those who are aware of the conditions there.
“This is a group of extremely vulnerable individuals who fled their country seeking only safety and freedom. It is imperative that the foreign secretary and home secretary act now to end this cruelty and bring all of those on Diego Garcia to the UK without delay.”
Sulaiha Ali, of Duncan Lewis Solicitors, representing others in the group of Tamils, said a “complete crisis” is now unfolding in Diego Garcia
“We hope that a decision to bring all the migrants to the UK is now made without further delay,” she said.
“The decision now seems to rest with the home secretary. These desperate men, women and children plead with her to make that decision expeditiously.”
Lawyers in the UK have mounted a legal challenge, claiming they are being unlawfully detained on the island, held in a fenced-in area the size of a football pitch. It is guarded by G4S officers, and there is limited access to areas beyond the fence. The case is due to be heard in September.
At a hearing on Friday, the acting judge of the BIOT supreme court, Margaret Obi, granted the asylum seekers extended bail to allow them to access more parts of the island. She said: “The situation appears to be deteriorating rapidly.”
The Tamils are reported to be living in rat-infested tents, with self-harm said to be rife, and amid claims of child sexual abuse.
On Thursday Candler sent a letter to the Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty outlining the deepening crisis on the island.
He had initially requested that some, but not all, of the Tamils be urgently brought to the UK. Theforeign secretary, David Lammy, wrote to the home secretary on 16 July asking her to grant permission.
But as the situation on the island worsened after the mass suicide attempt by 22 Tamil men not part of family units, he sent another letter asking for everyone – 64 people in total – to be brought to the UK.
He warned Doughty of the risk of arson, riots and hunger strikes with the possibility of widespread disorder among those not in the initial group earmarked to be brought to the UK, as well as the reputational risk for the UK and Diego Garcia if action is not taken.
He urged Doughty to pursue his request urgently for all the Tamils on Diego Garcia to be brought to the UK with home office ministers. But there has not yet been a response to this request from the Home Office.
A government spokesperson said: “We are committed to finding a practical solution, which protects the welfare of the individuals involved and the integrity of Britain’s borders.”
August 03, Colombo (LNW): The final rites of the late Ven. Galaboda Gnanissara Thero of the Gangaramaya Temple will be conducted under state patronage on Monday, August 5, at the grounds adjoining the temple, as announced by the funeral committee.
The funeral committee also stated that the remains of the late Thero will be brought to the Gangaramaya Temple at 6:00 a.m. tomorrow, August 3, where it will lie in state for the public to pay their final respects until Monday, August 5.
Ven. Galaboda Gnanissara Thero, the Chief Sangha Nayake of the Colombo New Korale and Chief Incumbent of Hunupitiya Gangarama Temple in Colombo, popularly known as “Podi Hamuduruwo,” passed away today, August 2, at the age of 81. The Thero was reportedly receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo at the time of his passing.
August 03, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) has been honored with the “Best International Tourism Board” accolade at the Global Tourism Awards 2024, organized by Travel World Online (TWO). The prestigious event took place on August 2, 2024, at The Suryaa in New Delhi, India.
The Global Tourism Awards serve as a platform to honor and celebrate organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the tourism industry, shaping its landscape and driving positive change. With the industry’s leading experts as part of the jury, the awards promise to recognize the dedication and hard work of tourism professionals worldwide.
The event was expected to draw attendees from various sectors of the tourism industry, including travel agencies, tour operators, hospitality professionals, and government representatives. It promised to be an evening of celebration, networking, and recognition of the best in the business.
Travel World Online (TWO) organized the maiden edition of the Global Tourism Awards 2024, setting a benchmark for excellence in the tourism industry. The recognition of SLTPB highlights Sri Lanka’s significant efforts and achievements in promoting its tourism industry on an international stage.
