July 27, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan government has approved a lease of Bird Island, located on Beira Lake, to the Sri Jinarathana Vocational Technical Training Centre for 50 years.

 The decision aims to transform the island into a cultural heritage site to attract tourists. The proposal was made by the Chief Incumbent of the Gangarama Temple and supported by the Urban Development and Housing Minister Prasanna Ranatunga, receiving Cabinet approval.

Bird Island covers 143 perches on the southwest part of Beira Lake and was originally transferred to the Urban Development Authority (UDA) in 2000 under the Beira Lake Restoration Project, part of the Colombo City Development Plan. 

The lease value is based on the government’s Chief Assessor’s valuation. Minister Bandula Gunawardena stated that this development would enhance Colombo’s cultural and tourist appeal, contributing to the city’s vibrancy.

Tourism and Lands Minister Harin Fernando revealed plans to transform the Beira Lake area into a major entertainment destination, inspired by Clarke Quay River in Singapore, featuring amusement, dining, and entertainment. 

The initiative, personally assigned by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, includes floating restaurants, street food corners, and other amusement options. The goal is to develop an active district while preserving the cultural value of the country.

The UDA will manage the cleaning and maintenance of Beira Lake to support the new operations. Additionally, Sri Lanka has partnered with Extreme, a global adventure brand, to introduce high-profile adventure sports like hot air ballooning, skydiving, and bungee jumping, aimed at attracting tourists and boosting spending on these activities.

Minister Fernando announced ambitious tourism targets, aiming for over USD 2.5 billion in revenue from 1.6 million tourist arrivals in 2023, with projections to increase to 2.5 million arrivals and USD 4 billion in revenue by 2024.

 This would position tourism as Sri Lanka’s second-largest foreign exchange earner, surpassing the apparel sector. The strategy includes attracting high-spending tourists from new source markets such as Japan, Korea, and Australia.

Fernando highlighted that 33% of Sri Lanka’s tourists are repeat visitors. The country has promoted itself with the marketing concept “Sri Lanka Come Back for More” and “Sri Lanka, a Safe Destination to Travel” on platforms like the World Travel Market (WTM).

The efforts have encouraged more airlines to add Colombo to their destinations, and several international hotel chains are showing interest in opening properties in Sri Lanka. As Minister of Lands, Fernando mentioned that land for these projects could be offered with minimal bureaucracy and favorable conditions, further boosting tourism development

1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized the crucial role of the Sri Lankan tea industry in transitioning the country towards an export economy. He underscored the need for a comprehensive promotion strategy, developed in collaboration with both public and private sectors. The President noted that “Ceylon Tea” is a world-renowned brand and should be further promoted through a new strategic program.
2. The National People’s Power (NPP) has launched an Election Monitoring Centre, following the official announcement of the Presidential Election to be held on September 21. The NPP has named an eight member operational committee comprising former ministry secretaries and retired senior Police officers.
3. The Sri Lanka State-Owned Enterprise Restructuring Unit (SOERU) has issued a statement clarifying what it said were inaccurate reports on the divestitures of Hotel Developers Lanka Ltd (HDL) and Sri Lanka Telecom PLC (SLT). Contrary to reports, the land involved in the divestiture of HDL, the owning company of the Colombo Hilton, amounts to 4.61 acres, with an additional 1.875 acres to be leased, not 7 acres as claimed, SOERU said. Dismissing the claim of a USD 124 million valuation, the statement said that the Government Chief Valuer’s previous assessment was in Sri Lankan Rupees and was lower than its current valuation.
4. Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP M.A. Sumanthiran says that the Ilankai Thamil Arasu Katchchi (ITAK) will not nominate a candidate for the upcoming Presidential Election. However, the party will hold discussions with the main candidates, he said.
5. Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has experienced a notable surge, with 127,925 tourists arriving in the past three weeks, according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. The majority of these visitors were from India, accounting for 30,442 arrivals. A high volume of tourists also arrived in the island from Britain, China, Germany, and the Netherlands.
6. As the upcoming presidential election has been announced by the Election Commission, State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon has instructed the security chiefs to take all necessary measures to ensure the security of the presidential candidates, citizens and the entire country during this election period.
7. Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane will lead Sri Lanka’s delegation to the Seventh Round of Bilateral Political Consultations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, scheduled to be held in Islamabad on 30 July 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. The Seventh Round of Bilateral Political Consultations will be co-chaired by Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane and the Foreign Secretary of Pakistan Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi.
8. The National Police Commission has rejected the Inspector General of Police’s request for the immediate transfer of 210 police officers. The decision was made because the relevant recommendations were not made in accordance with transfer policies.
9. The Sri Lanka Navy successfully conducted mobile dental services for children of Batticaloa area. The dental services, organized by the Directorate of Naval Dental Services of Sri Lanka Navy, were held for the benefit of children of 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 as well.
10. All-rounder Ramesh Mendis has been called up for the Sri Lanka T20 squad for the series against India. This decision comes as fast bowler Binura Fernando is suffering from a fever, putting his participation in the upcoming matches in doubt, according to sources.

July 27, Colombo (LNW): Leader of the House and Education Minister Dr. Susil Premajayantha told Parliament yesterday (26) that resolving the current issue regarding the position of Inspector General of Police (IGP) falls under the responsibilities of the Constitutional Council.

He made this statement while clarifying the interim order issued by the Supreme Court concerning the IGP’s position. The Leader of the House further elaborated, “The role of a Leader of the House is to support the operations of the House, which is what I am attempting to do. I explained the principle of separation of powers. The Speaker is the head of the Constitutional Council. The Constitutional Council confirms the names for positions mentioned in the schedule of the Constitution, which the President nominates.

“We can discuss the decision in a case. Otherwise, we cannot learn or teach the law. The Supreme Court can issue an interim order to suspend the IGP. According to Article 126, this is correct. As a lawyer, I agree with it. The suspension does not vacate the position but stops the function.

“Can an order be given to vacate the position? When taken as an argument, if it is an executive part, it should be referred back to the appointing body, and beyond that, the responsibility falls on Parliament. According to this process, the question is whether the IGP position is vacant or not. How can an acting appointment be made if the position is not vacant? The issue arises whether another person can be appointed to act when there is someone in the position. I suggest that this issue should be referred back to the Speaker.

“Accordingly, it is up to the Constitutional Council to decide whether to convene or not, and if the position is vacant, to appoint an acting official. If the position is not vacant, how can an acting official be appointed? There is no constitutional provision for appointing acting ministers when ministers travel abroad. However, appointments and other matters under Article 7(a) of the Constitution are different and fundamental to the Constitution. Therefore, the acting minister position when a minister travels abroad and the positions in this process are different. It is constitutional and cannot be violated.”

Dr. Premajayantha clarified these points to address the queries raised about the current situation regarding the IGP position in Parliament.

July 27, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Western and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.

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.

By: Staff Writer

July 26, Colombo (LNW): The government is set to implement the “National Agenda for Anti-Corruption” following the Cabinet of Ministers’ approval of President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Memorandum. This initiative aligns with the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) governance diagnostics and technical assistance report, aiming to strengthen legal, organizational, and strategic anti-corruption measures.

Key actions in the National Anti-Corruption Framework include:Implementation of Anti-Corruption Legislation: The anti-corruption legislation passed in 2023 will be comprehensively implemented. This includes developing an effective action plan, conducting semi-annual progress reviews, and ensuring sufficient budget allocations. A national anti-corruption strategy for 2025-2029 will also be created.

 A significant amendment to the National Audit Act (No. 19 of 2018) is proposed. This will expand the Auditor General’s authority to present comprehensive investigative audit reports to Parliament and authorize criminal investigations into fraud and corruption. The Auditor General will be empowered to hold senior officials accountable, including levying surcharges for failures in financial oversight and accountability.

: The framework includes regulations for conflict-of-interest rules and asset disclosure procedures. This involves defining conflicts of interest, mandating public disclosure, providing management guidelines, enforcing penalties for non-compliance, and requiring performance reporting. A dedicated website will be established for senior public officials to disclose their assets, with semi-annual and annual progress reviews.

Developing national strategies and policies for asset recovery from crime and money laundering is a critical component. This aims to support the effective functioning of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) and ensure proper handling of investigations and prosecutions, especially concerning Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs).

Plans include creating a comprehensive beneficial ownership register for transparency in company ownership and implementing a law requiring the publication of procurement contracts exceeding one billion rupees. Publicizing tax exemptions for all companies and temporarily suspending the Strategic Development Project Act until a proper evaluation process is established are also emphasized.

The agenda emphasizes public enterprise reforms to create trained and independent staff. Short-term anti-corruption measures by the Department of Government Revenue and new management functions for the Employee Provident Fund are included. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s direct management will be removed, and corporate controls in government-owned banks will be strengthened by improving the selection process for executive and board members and enforcing standards for the Judicial Service Commission.

Enhancing the right to information for greater transparency and accountability is also a priority.

The agenda incorporates recommendations from the IMF’s second review of the Extended Fund Facility, published on May 29, 2024. These recommendations aim to enhance the effectiveness of current anti-corruption efforts by focusing on supporting CIABOC, improving state revenue management, strengthening financial oversight and management of state assets, and preventing money laundering and terrorism financing.

The comprehensive framework aims to bolster anti-corruption measures through legislation, strategic planning, and international cooperation, ensuring accountability, transparency, and effective management of public resources.

By: Staff Writer

July 26, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has seen over one-fifth of its households pushed into debt due to the man-made economic crisis, according to a state survey report.

Approximately 22% of household units are currently in debt, as revealed by the Department of Census and Statistics. Additionally, the average monthly income for 60.5% of the total household units has decreased.

The 2023 report from the ‘Household Survey on the Impact of the Economic Crisis’ outlines that 54.9% of people aged 3 to 21 have been affected by the crisis, with 93.5% adopting strategies to mitigate its impact.

 Furthermore, 14.2% of people over the age of 15 have lost their jobs since March 2022, with job losses higher among males compared to females.

During economic crises, household indebtedness rises due to income reductions, job losses, and financial uncertainties. This often forces households to borrow more to cover essential expenses, leading to increased debt burdens.

Repayment challenges emerge, resulting in late payments, defaults, or reliance on credit. High household debt levels cause stress and financial strain, affecting mental well-being and potentially leading to foreclosures or bankruptcy.

Managing this situation involves policies aimed at debt relief, financial education, and economic stimulus measures to support households and economic recovery.

The survey findings indicate that currently, 54.9% of households in Sri Lanka are indebted, highlighting significant financial obligations or outstanding debts.

 This indebtedness impacts household finances, budgeting, and financial stability, especially during economic challenges.

The survey also provides a percentage distribution of indebted households based on different lending sources.

The highest proportion of debt arises from mortgage matters (31.0%), followed by banks (21.9%) and money lenders (9.7%). Notably, 22.3% of indebtedness arises from loans taken to meet daily food needs, indicating severe financial constraints in fulfilling basic necessities.

 Additionally, 17.0% of indebted households acquired loans for constructing or repairing residences. Understanding these factors is crucial for policymakers and financial institutions to address these challenges and create interventions to ease economic burdens.

In 2023, the average monthly expenditure of 91% of the total household units in Sri Lanka increased, and 7% of the population changed their health treatment system, according to the Department of Census and Statistics.

The economic crisis has influenced household spending patterns, leading to variations in expenditure categorized as increases, decreases, or no changes. The primary reason reported by households for reducing their average monthly expenditure, accounting for 77% of responses, was to align expenses with the decrease in income. Households adjusted their spending habits to match the reduction in overall income.

1. A Cabinet Sub-Committee report on improving the Revenue Administration Management Information System (RAMIS) was delivered to President Ranil Wickremesinghe: The report, chaired by Minister Kanchana Wijesekera, recommends, Initiating an Expression of Interest (EOI) process; Creating a takeover plan before the current contract ends; Clearing the system backlog; Using the National Identity Card for tax identification; Integrating RAMIS with other government institutions; Enhancing the user portal; Amending laws for tax policy changes.
   
2. Tensions in Parliament rise after Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena affirmed the legitimacy of IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon’s appointment, despite a Supreme Court injunction barring him from serving in the post: The government maintained the appointment’s validity, which the Opposition deemed contempt of court: Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa demanded President Ranil Wickremesinghe appoint an Acting IGP as per the Court’s order, criticising the President for not fulfilling his constitutional duties.
   
3. In response to the upcoming Presidential Election on September 21, the National People’s Power (NPP) establishes an Election Monitoring Centre, appointing an eight-member operational committee: This committee includes former ministerial secretaries Ashoka Peiris, Tissa Warnasuriya, K.G. Leelananda, Attorney-at-Law Akalanka Ukwatta, and retired senior police officers SDIG Ravi Seneviratne, SDIG Gamini Navaratne, DIG J.A.K. Mark, and DIG D. Gajasinghe.
   
4. The Election Commission announces the deposit window for the 2024 Presidential Election, open from 8:30 am today until 12 noon on 14 August: Recognised political party candidates must deposit Rs. 50,000, while others need Rs. 75,000: Deposits can be made at the Election Commission Office: The election is set for 21 September 2024, with nominations on 15 August.
   
5. Political sources claim the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) will announce its choice for the 2024 Presidential Election on 29 July: The Election Commission has set the election for 21 September 2024, with nominations starting from 15 August: President’s Counsel Ronald Perera has submitted bonds for President Ranil Wickremesinghe to run as an independent candidate.
   
6. The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) urges the Government to reassess the e-Visa system’s pricing model to better support tourism growth, highlighting ongoing cost and procedure concerns: calls for collaboration between the Government, private sector, and stakeholders to enhance marketing efforts and improve the overall tourism experience.
   
7. The All-Ceylon Bakery Owners’ Association has announced that the price of a 450g loaf of bread will be reduced by Rs. 10, effective from midnight tonight (26).
   
8. Sri Lanka’s delegation to the Seventh Round of Bilateral Political Consultations with Pakistan, led by Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane, will meet in Islamabad on 30 July 2024: Co-chaired by Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi, the meeting will review bilateral cooperation across various sectors: Wijewardane will also meet Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar.
   
9. The Chief Magistrate of Anuradhapura directs the Assistant Director of Wildlife Conservation to capture and relocate the wild elephant Agbo from Thirappane to a forest reserve: This decision, following a police report, aims to protect both Agbo and local residents from potential harm: Additionally orders charges against an individual who used a drone to photograph the elephant.
   
10. Sri Lanka faces Pakistan in the Asia Cup T20 semi-final today at 7 pm, while India will play Bangladesh at 2 pm: Both Sri Lanka and India topped their groups unbeaten: Sri Lanka’s captain, Chamari Athapaththu, highlights the team’s readiness and strategic adjustments for the semi-final: India’s Shafali Verma and Bangladesh’s Mushida Kautan lead the tournament’s run charts, with top bowlers like Deepthi Sharma and Rabeya Khan also in form.