July 28, Colombo (LNW): Showers will occur at times in Sabaragamuwa province and in Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts, and several spells of showers will occur in Western and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its weather forecast today (28)
Strong winds of about (50-55) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee, Monaragala and Hambantota districts.
Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times elsewhere of the island.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Matara via Galle.
Winds:
Winds will be westerly to south-westerly and wind speed will be (30-40) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to 60 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Kankasanthurai to Puttalam via Mannar and from Hambantota to Pottuvil. Wind speed can increase up to 50 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Trincomalee to Kankasanthurai via Mullaittivu and Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coasts extending from Kankasanthurai to Puttalam via Mannar and from Hambantota to Pottuvil can be rough at times. The sea areas off the coasts extending from Trincomalee to Kankasanthurai via Mullaittivu, and Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle can be fairly rough at times. Naval and fishing communities are requested to be attentive in this regard.
The Sri Lanka National Federation of the Visually Handicapped welcomes the Election Commission’s announcement regarding the presidential election on September 21, 2024, and the measures being introduced to support voters with disabilities.
We commend the Election Commission for its commitment to providing crucial accessibility measures for the upcoming presidential election. Among these initiatives are the introduction of tactile ballot papers for visually impaired voters to cast their ballots independently, the issuance of identity cards in selected districts allowing voters with disabilities to be accompanied by a trusted individual to the polling booth, and the provision of 320 election-related sign language vocabulary terms for sign language users. These measures, once implemented, will significantly advance the democratic rights of all citizens, including those with disabilities, and contribute to a more inclusive electoral process.
It is crucial that these initiatives are effectively implemented and monitored. Therefore, we urge all stakeholders – election officials, presidential candidates, political parties, electronic and social media entities/activists, election observers/Civil Society Organisations, and the general public to prioritize the rights and needs of people with disabilities at every stage of the election process.
Specifically, we call upon:
• Election Officials to provide comprehensive training to staff on accommodating voters with disabilities.
• Presidential Candidates to ensure their campaigns are accessible, provide materials including election manifestos in accessible formats, ensure events are disability-friendly, and refrain from using disability-related slangs or derogatory terms, and refrain from promoting negative social attitudes and stereotypes.
• Electronic and Social Media Entities/Activists to ensure all election-related information and campaigns are accessible (particularly in sign language) and free from disability-related slangs or derogatory terms, and refrain from promoting negative social attitudes and stereotypes.
• Election Observers/Civil Society Organisations and the General Public to support and advocate for the full participation of people with disabilities in the electoral process.
Together, we can make this election a milestone in our journey toward a truly inclusive democracy where every citizen’s voice is heard and valued.
Founded on July 3, 1983, the Sri Lanka National Federation of the Visually Handicapped is dedicated to the welfare and empowerment of the visually impaired community in Sri Lanka. With branches across eight provinces and district branches in 21 districts, including specialized branches for women and youth, we serve nearly 8,000 regular members and approximately 3,500 associate members.
Supun Jayawardena
Head of Advocacy and Strategic Initiatives
Sri Lanka National Federation of the Visually Handicapped
July 27, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Navy successfully conducted mobile dental services for children in the Batticaloa area on 25th July 2024.
Organized by the Directorate of Naval Dental Services of the Sri Lanka Navy, these dental services were held for the benefit of children from Kirimichchaiodai Tamil School, Mathurankernikulam Tamil School, and Kokuvil Tamil School in Batticaloa. Around 156 children participated in these programmes, which significantly enhanced their knowledge of good oral hygiene practices.
The children and teachers who attended the programmes also received gifts, sponsored by Unilever Pvt Ltd and the Navy Seva Vanitha Unit. The occasion was attended by Commanding Officer SLNS Kashyapa, Commander ALGCN Sumedha, Captain Dental Services Department (East), Surgeon Captain Ariyawansha Herath, the Chief of the Village of Muhudu Veddas, Velayuthan, and a group of naval personnel.
July 27, Colombo (LNW): A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Mutual Cooperation in Criminal Matters was signed between the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Pakistan, and the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), Sri Lanka today in Colombo.
The MoU was signed at the office of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) in Colombo. The High Commissioner of Pakistan, Major General (Retd) Faheem Ul Aziz HI (M), signed on behalf of the National Accountability Bureau of Pakistan, while Director General W.K.D. Wijeratne signed for CIABOC.
This MoU aims to strengthen collaborative efforts against corruption and money laundering and to enhance capacity and institutional building between the respective institutions of the two countries.
July 27, Colombo (LNW): Help Age Sri Lanka (HASL) reaching the milestone of 50,000 free cataract surgeries this month is a notable mission, Minister of Health Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said.
Addressing the gathering at the event held to celebrate over 50,000 free cataract surgeries conducted by the Help Age Eye Hospital yesterday, Dr. Pathirana emphasized that despite the economic challenges Sri Lanka has faced, the government has consistently prioritized funding for health and education. He highlighted that in Sri Lanka, which has the highest proportion of elderly adults in the South Asian region, it is the collective responsibility of society to ensure the well-being of older adults.
Tilak De Zoysa, Chairman of Help Age Sri Lanka, remarked that HASL is dedicated to enabling older people to lead dignified, active, healthy, and secure lives. “The Help Age Eye Hospital was established to tackle the growing vision-related issues, particularly cataracts, among the elderly. The hospital has doubled its capacity with 20 beds and conducts free surgeries four days a week, aiming for 320 surgeries per week and 3,840 surgeries annually. The hospital’s 22-member staff, led by Eye Surgeon Dr. Jayantha Vidanapathirana, is committed to providing exceptional care,” he added.
Established as a full-fledged eye hospital in 2009 and located at Sinsapa Road, Wellawatte, the Help Age Eye Hospital stands as Colombo’s only charitable facility offering such essential services. With the capacity to perform up to 20 free cataract surgeries daily, the hospital operates from Monday to Thursday for surgeries, with Friday designated as a clinic day for patient visits and post-surgery follow-ups. The hospital boasts state-of-the-art equipment, including the Vision Enhancement system from Bausch and Lomb, USA, ensuring optimal outcomes for all patients.
HASL has organized island-wide Mobile Medical and Eye Screening Programmes to restore vision and improve health conditions for senior citizens. Nearly 60% of elders suffering from refractive error will regain their eyesight with a proper pair of spectacles made to order by HelpAge’s Mobile Medical and Eye Care unit. Another 30% of elders suffering from low vision due to cataracts will be identified at these camps. Those diagnosed with cataracts are then directed to the Help Age Eye Hospital for further treatment.
July 27, Colombo (LNW): As the deadline for abolishing the Simplified Value-Added Tax (SVAT) system approaches on 1 April 2025, Sri Lanka’s Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) is urging the government to reconsider its decision due to the increasing strain on the apparel industry
. JAAF emphasizes that the sector, which constitutes nearly half of Sri Lanka’s export portfolio, is already facing significant challenges, including reduced export figures. The removal of SVAT without an effective refund mechanism could severely disrupt cash flows for exporters.
JAAF’s Sri Lanka Chamber of Garment Exporters Chairman, Bandula Fernando, warns that the policy change could exacerbate financial difficulties for the sector, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Despite legal requirements for VAT refunds within 45 days, many exporters still face delays, with some refunds pending since 2010. These delays, compounded by the Sri Lankan rupee’s depreciation, create severe cash flow issues for both SMEs and larger exporters.
JAAF Secretary General Yohan Lawrence acknowledges the government’s need to meet revenue targets under the IMF program but criticizes the decision to abolish SVAT based on incorrect assumptions.
He argues that the SVAT system does not contribute to revenue erosion as claimed, and its removal may actually lead to increased imports and reduced domestic value addition. The SVAT system has been instrumental in sourcing intermediary goods and promoting backward integration in the industry.
Industry experts note that abolishing SVAT could lead to increased cash flow challenges between exporters and the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), rather than enhancing revenue.
Historical issues with VAT refunds, including significant delays and fraud, highlight the effectiveness of SVAT in mitigating these risks. The system’s voucher-based approach limits potential misuse, unlike the traditional VAT refund system, which has been prone to fraud.
Reintroducing a VAT refund system could compel apparel exporters to import raw materials rather than sourcing them domestically, further straining cash flows and reducing incentives for local value addition. This shift could negatively impact Sri Lanka’s balance of trade and undermine the sector’s viability.
Lawrence also points out that reinstating a VAT refund system would place additional administrative burdens on the IRD and the industry, leading to increased costs and resource misallocation. He argues that the potential inefficiencies and increased costs of a new VAT refund system make it a counterproductive solution.
In summary, JAAF urges the government to reconsider the SVAT abolition to avoid further financial strain on the apparel industry, preserve domestic value addition, and maintain the sector’s competitiveness.
July 27, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka plans to fully operationalize its Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) by January 2026, following its establishment in the fourth quarter of 2024 under the new Public Debt Management (PDM) Law.
Thailand and Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Finance signed a Record of Discussion (RoD) to launch a Capacity Building Program for officials associated with the upcoming PDMO.
This development was discussed at a recent Committee on Public Finance (COPF) meeting. The PDMO will operate within the Ministry of Finance, as outlined in the proposed PDM Bill, and is expected to be set up by Q4 2024 according to guidelines from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Deputy Secretary to the Treasury, A.K. Senavirathna, mentioned that the proposed PDM bill would introduce a Medium Term Debt Management Strategy (MTDMS) for parliamentary approval.
This strategy will guide the government’s future debt-raising activities and will be updated annually along with the budget over a five-year period, based on the fiscal rules in the proposed Public Financial Management Bill once it is enacted.
Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe explained that the Minister of Finance, who will have exclusive authority to raise debt, along with the PDMO, will need to adhere to the Parliament-approved MTDMS.
Ajith Abeysekara, Director General of the External Resources Department, noted that the IMF initially wanted Sri Lanka to create an independent debt management authority.
However, due to Sri Lanka’s traditional democratic setup, establishing an independent authority was considered challenging, leading to the creation of the PDMO with operational autonomy within the Treasury under the Finance Minister.
To enhance Sri Lanka’s fiscal framework and public debt management capacity, the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA) of Thailand and Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Finance signed a Record of Discussion (RoD) to launch a Capacity Building Program for officials associated with the upcoming PDMO.
This cooperation is a significant step towards efficient public debt management.
The agreement was signed following an invitation from the Department of External Resources of the Finance Ministry. A NEDA delegation, led by President Perames Vudthitornetiraks, met with Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana in Colombo.
This initiative is crucial as Sri Lanka aims to establish the PDMO by the end of the year to enhance its public debt management practices and ensure long-term fiscal sustainability.
Treasury Secretary Siriwardana noted the government’s fiscal and monetary policy initiatives that have significantly contributed to the country’s recovery from its recent economic crisis.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to preventing future economic crises and highlighted the longstanding cultural and religious ties between
Thailand and Sri Lanka, particularly through Theravada Buddhism. Siriwardana also expressed optimism about future development cooperation between the two countries.
NEDA President Perames Vudthitornetiraks praised the Sri Lankan government’s progress and affirmed NEDA’s readiness to share its expertise in public debt management.
The last line of the final chapter of conviction politics has just now been written. The muse of time has rested her pen and the mould from which such great men are made has been permanently cast away, never to be found or used. Our dear comrade has rested his head on the cold tomb stone, for the final time, at the ripe old age of 81 years.
The Late Dr. Wickramabahu Karunaratne, to those whose lives he touched, will ever remain as the greatest “head of state of Sri Lanka” never to be. Persons of his calibre cannot, by the rule of opportunistic politics, succeed. Dr. Wickramabahu Karunaratne remained true to the his political beliefs and consciously rejected the opportunities which were easily within his reach. His life, is the lesson and the legacy, he leaves behind. To be an insignificant part of his life and legacy is my pleasure and pride.
As a staunch “fourth internationalist” comrade Wickramabahu stood firm when a large section of the Samasamajists succumbed to the lure of a high political offices. As a brilliant engineer with a first-class degree from the then University of Ceylon and the PhD. from the University of Cambridge, he had the world at his feet; but he chose to serve the mankind, transcending the man made divides. He never wavered in his mission.
Death is a great leveler, and when it places its icy cold hands, even the king’s crown and the sceptre will tumble down. Only the good deeds will stand tall, smelling sweet forever.
July 27, Colombo (LNW): Scope Cinemas is set to revolutionize the cinematic experience in Sri Lanka with the grand opening of its new IMAX Theatre at Havelock City Mall on July 24. .
This eagerly awaited launch provided an unprecedented level of audio-visual immersion for Sri Lankan moviegoers, marking a significant milestone in the country’s entertainment landscape.
Globally renowned for its cutting-edge technology and unique film presentation, IMAX’s latest theatre at Scope Cinemas Multiplex will feature the advanced IMAX with Laser projection system.
This next-gen laser system, combined with IMAX Precision Sound and stadium-style seating designed for optimal viewing, promises the most immersive cinematic experience available today.
Scope Cinemas, Sri Lanka’s first multi-sensory luxury entertainment company, has been a leader in the local cinema industry since its inception in 2017.
The company initially gained popularity with its reliable online booking system, transforming how Sri Lankans purchase movie tickets by eliminating long queues and offering the convenience of selecting seats and ordering food online.
The customer experience was further enhanced with the introduction of a mobile app, enabling users to make reservations and food orders directly from their smartphones.
Beyond technological advancements, Scope Cinemas is dedicated to providing luxury and convenience. Its theatres offer gourmet cinema dining, including freshly made burgers, wraps, and various beverages, ensuring a complete dining experience alongside the movie.
The VIP Gold Class theatres elevate this experience with reclining seats, cozy blankets, and personalized service, offering a truly first-class movie experience.
The company is also known for its exceptional customer service, with staff trained to assist with ticket reservations and deliver food and beverages directly to guests’ seats seamlessly.
Scope Cinemas Director and CEO Thushan Rangana Meemanage expressed pride in the new IMAX Theatre, describing it as the crown jewel in their network. He highlighted Scope Cinemas’ ongoing mission to set international standards and provide unparalleled cinema experiences in Sri Lanka.
Bringing IMAX to the country represents a landmark achievement in this vision, and Meemanage looks forward to dazzling audiences with the new technology.
Executive Chairman Naveed Cader echoed this enthusiasm, emphasizing the company’s passion for offering Sri Lankans a revolutionary cinematic experience. Cader noted the hard work invested in preparing for the IMAX launch to ensure perfection.
He expressed excitement about elevating the cinema experience by partnering with IMAX, providing customers with a world-class, premium, large-format movie experience right in Sri Lanka
