Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe says bonuses to employees at Commercial Corporations, Statutory Boards & Govt owned companies may be paid only if the Govt entity has paid 30% of it’s profit after tax from the previous year to the consolidated fund.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe appoints 10 Ministry Secretaries & 2 Chief Secretaries: the appointments to be effective from 1st Jan’24.
President, National Trade Protection Council Mahendra Perera says the plight of 89% of the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises is worsening following stringent legal action taken by banks to recover their loans: also says 1,183 SME assets had been taken over by banks and auctioned, under parate execution during the past 11 months.
Doyen of Sinhala Journalism & Editor of Daily Lankadeepa for 33 years, Siri Ranasinghe felicitated by his friends, well-wishers and colleagues.
ITAK MP Govindan Karunakaran says President Ranil Wickremesinghe has promised the Tamil politicians to table the Truth and Reconciliation Bill to Parliament “to bring a long-term solution for the historical ethnic issues”.
SJB’s MP & “Economic Guru” Harsha de Silva says at least 18% of GDP should be collected as taxes, as opposed to the current 13%: laments SL’s expected taxes is only Rs.4,100bn & should be at least Rs.5,700bn: asserts it has to be increased by another 5% “to be comfortable”: Silva has been a strong advocate of an IMF programme, debt re-structuring after default, high interest rates, sale of SOEs, & a floating Rupee.
SL Telecom Trade unions demand a bonus amidst current financial challenges: their action impacts operations & clients of SLT: the Unions also want recent Govt nominees on the Board to be removed and the sale of the Treasury stake suspended.
Tea production in Nov’23 falls by 3.82% to 19,586,188kg from 20,364,487kg in Nov’22.
State Drama Advisory Council Chairman & veteran artist Parakrama Niriella makes dramatic exit from the Council: accuses Cultural Affairs Minister Vidura Wickramanayaka of interfering with the Council’s decisions.
Mumbai Indians Global Head of Cricket & SL Consultant Coach Mahela Jayawardene expresses satisfaction in securing Dilshan Madhushanka into the IPL Mumbai Indians’ team.
Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan government has to decide if it wants to collaborate with the Russian state-owned nuclear giant Rosatom, Ambassador of Russia in Sri Lanka, Levan Dzhagaryan said.
This decision is now up to the Sri Lankan authorities to set up a nuclear power plant in the island.
The possibility of nuclear power joining Sri Lanka’s energy mix resurfaced, with the Russian Ambassador, Levan S. Dzhagaryan, advocating for small-scale plant during a press conference on Thursday (21).
Dzhagaryan’s proposal centers around a 110-megawatt “floating or land-based” nuclear power plant, presenting it as a valuable alternative to Sri Lanka’s current reliance on coal and renewable energy sources susceptible to climate fluctuations.
He highlighted successful nuclear partnerships forged by Sri Lanka’s neighbors, ultimately reiterating that the decision rests solely with the Sri Lankan government.
Responding to a question raised during a media briefing on Thursday (Dec.21), the envoy spoke of the current status of the bilateral talks on nuclear power cooperation between Sri Lanka and Russia.
Ambassador Dzhagaryan mooted the establishment of a 110-megawatt small nuclear power plant, either floating or land-based, in Sri Lanka.
He said Sri Lanka needs alternative sources of power, and to stop relying heavily on coal and renewable energy which is susceptible to climate change.
Speaking further, Ambassador Dzhagaryan emphasized Russia’s fruitful nuclear cooperation with Sri Lanka’s neighbouring countries, such as Bangladesh, India and Myanmar as well as Turkiye and Iran.
When asked about the status of the talks on the joint venture on Mattala International Airport, Ambassador Dzhagaryan mentioned that their proposal is “still under consideration”.
He also highlighted the increasing number of Russians visiting the island nation as a key factor for his country’s interest in the Mattala Airport, and said at least 200,000 Russian tourists are expected to arrive in Sri Lanka by February 2024.
Sri Lanka will call for expressions of interest (EOI) in setting up nuclear power plants, its energy minister said on Friday, as it seeks cheap electricity to support its economic recovery.
The primary source of energy in the island nation is from imported oil and coal, and hydropower. The government aims to produce 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and it sees nuclear power as a low-carbon option for its energy mix. It aims to be carbon neutral by 2050.
The government intends to include the safe use of nuclear energy as a part of the long-term generation plans,” Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said in a post on the X social media platform, after meeting officials from the International Atomic Energy Agency in Colombo.
Tamil civil society groups consisting of – Tamil University Students, Victim groups, families of the disappeared, religious groups, labour unions, academics, women groups, and others have jointly rejected the “Himalaya Declaration” by Sanga for better Sri Lanka (SBSL) and Global Tamil Forum (GTF), for not addressing Tamil grievances.
“We carefully read with interest the Himalaya Declaration but was totally disappointed for completely ignoring Tamil grievances and the pain and suffering Tamils have undergone and are still undergoing,” said the groups.
* “It is understandable that the Buddhist clergy is unaware of Tamil grievances, since they live outside Tamil areas among Sinhalese and have no clue what Tamils have gone through and continue to go through.”
The groups further stated that “Since the war ended fourteen years ago, Tamils have expressed their grievances through mass rallies like, P2P (Pothuvil to Polihandy). P2P led a seven-day march across Tamil areas with around half- a-million Tamils joining despite attacks and intimidation by security forces and notorious military intelligence.”
Tamil University Students, victim groups, Families of the disappeared and other civil society groups held numerous protests, hunger strikes and marches to express Tamil grievances. None of their grievances were addressed in this “Himalaya Declaration.”
“We like to bring to your attention following Tamil grievances articulated by Tamils since the war ended fourteen years ago:”
1) Reduce armed forces presence in Tamil areas to the pre-war 1983 levels:
It has been over fourteen years since the war ended in 2009, but the security forces presence, including the notorious Military Intelligence, is being maintained as it was in the peak of the war in May 2009. * The security forces presence during Peacetime among the civilian population is creating numerous security and social issues for Tamils, especially for women. Tamils have faced atrocity crimes, including mass killing of Tamils amounting to Genocide and large-scale rape of Tamil women by the Security forces.
2) Stop the Destruction of Hindu temples, including ancient Hindu sites and stop Building Buddhist Temples in Tamil areas, where no Buddhists live.
3) Stop Government sponsored Sinhalese settlements in Tamil areas and stop land grab of Tamil lands by the government. Also, completely release all the civilian lands still occupied by the security forces.
4) As requested by UN officials, Refer Sri Lanka to the International Criminal Court (ICC):
Fourteen years have passed since the war ended, but not a single security force official or political leader have faced justice for the killings. Also, thousands of Tamils, including babies and children have Disappeared. * As requested by several UN officials, including a former UN High-commissioner for Human Rights, refer Sri Lanka to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
5) To prevent further bloodshed, hold an internationally conducted Referendum to solve protracted Tamil conflict:
The root cause for the protracted Tamil conflict since independence is due to lack of political solution. The Tamil conflict resulted in the recurrence of mass killing of Tamils in 1958, 1977, 1983 and 2009.
Several agreements between Tamil leaders and the Sinhala-dominated governments were unilaterally abrogated by successive Governments.
Even international mediation by India and Norway failed.
* As practiced in several countries around the world, hold an internationally conducted referendum to democratically find a permanent political solution to prevent further bloodshed.
1) Mr. A. Vijayakumar President – Student Union, University of Jaffna.
2) Mrs Y. Kanagaranjini President – Association for relatives of the enforced Disappearances, North and East Provinces.
Colombo (LNW): The number of dengue-related deaths in 2023 has reached 50, with reported cases surpassing 84,000 as of December 22.
The Colombo District leads in the number of cases, totaling 17,803, while the Western Province has the highest province-wise count at 38,673.
December alone has recorded 7,550 Dengue cases.
Dr. Nalin Ariyaratne, Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, expressed concern over the current situation, with an average of 250 daily reported cases.
He emphasised the importance of public vigilance in maintaining cleanliness to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites, especially during the ongoing rainy conditions.
Colombo (LNW): President’s Senior Advisor on National Security and Chief of President’s Staff Sagala Ratnayake has underscored the importance of prompt policy decisions regarding the transfer of home ownership in government apartment complexes to citizens through freehold deeds.
He revealed plans for an upcoming discussion chaired by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, involving relevant officials from line institutions, to address current challenges and establish a clear agreement.
This disclosure took place during a morning discussion at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (22), focusing on issues related to the transfer of ownership.
In line with President Wickremesinghe’s directive, the objective is to grant freehold deeds to 8,351 houses in 2024. Discussions during the meeting delved into concerns about land ownership, clearances, certificates, guarantees, and recommendations.
The participants in the meeting included Director General Shirantha Herath of the Chief of Staff Office, Urban Development Authority Director General N. P. K Ranaweera, Municipal Commissioner of the Colombo Municipal Council Ms J. M. Badrani Jayawardena, Chairman of the Condominium Management Authority Sarana Karunaratne, Commissioner General of the Land Commissioner General Department Bandhula Jayasinghe, Thimbirigasaya Divisional Secretary Ms Priyantha Dissanayake, and other officials from line agencies.
Colombo (LNW): Minister Manusha Nanayakkara has lauded the substantial improvement in Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves during President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s tenure.
The minister highlighted that upon assuming office, the current government faced a depletion of foreign reserves, but it has since made a remarkable recovery, reaching a noteworthy US$ 3.6 billion.
During a media briefing titled “Collective Path to a Stable Country,” held at the Presidential Media Centre yesterday (22), Minister Nanayakkara acknowledged the challenges inherent in making decisions that align with public sentiments.
He emphasised that prioritising popular choices often posed setbacks for the nation.
Despite these challenges, the government has successfully navigated obstacles and guided the country toward economic stability, according to the minister’s statements.
“Politicians are often expected to make decisions that resonate with the public, as popular choices tend to garner widespread support. However, there had a pattern of groups including us, protesting against these kinds of popular decisions. But unfortunately, such kind of approaches has led the country into economic turmoil.
Even the opposition cannot escape criticism, as they have protested against decisions aimed at national development, dismissing them as mere populism. It is essential to acknowledge that such actions contribute to the country’s economic downfall.
In our case, when we assumed office, the country faced a severe economic crisis with no foreign reserves. Expatriate workers possessed more assets than the Central Bank’s dollar reserves. Despite the challenges, the government successfully increased foreign reserves to USD 3.6 billion, preventing a collapse due to a lack of dollars for imports.
Upon taking office, rampant money printing had led to inflation. We addressed this issue and stabilised the exchange rate, reducing the value of the dollar from Rs. 365 to 320. This prevented people from resorting to the black market for foreign currency transactions, ensuring accessibility for education and international transactions.
The government also tackled high-interest rates, lowering them from over 25% to a single-digit figure within a year and a half. This allowed the country to secure loans from banks and foster economic growth.
In the past, the country experienced negative economic growth, but now we have achieved positive growth. The agriculture, industry and tourism sectors have all seen significant improvements compared to the previous year.
Efforts have been made to address public demands for systemic change. Tax collection has been streamlined, ensuring that everyone pays their fair share. Emigrants are also contributing significantly through substantial taxes paid in their host countries. Building a country cannot solely rely on tax concessions, as witnessed in the ‘Samrudhi’ initiative.
The government has initiated operations against the underworld and drug trafficking, although these efforts are criticised as mere media shows. Numerous policy decisions have been implemented to bring about the desired systemic changes. A program emphasising respect for labour has been launched and the country is undergoing a digital transformation.”
Colombo (LNW): In a strategic move, Sri Lanka and India have reached an agreement to establish a submarine cable for connecting their power grids, veering away from the conventional approach of installing overhead transmission lines, according to a high-ranking official.
The official disclosed that the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and the Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd have concluded the technical report, slated to be submitted to the joint working group led by the secretaries of the line ministries in both countries.
This joint working group will be responsible for formulating the implementation modalities for the grid connectivity project.
Preferring to remain anonymous, the official highlighted that the CEB engaged in a virtual discussion with Indian authorities earlier in the week, culminating in the completion of the technical report.
The consensus was in favor of an undersea cable as opposed to overhead transmission lines.
The official justified this decision by pointing out that overhead transmission lines would incur additional maintenance costs in the future.
Additionally, the construction of pylons mid-sea poses logistical challenges.
While the technical aspects have been resolved, the specifics of the business model for project execution are yet to be finalised.
Colombo (LNW): Prisons nationwide are grappling with a severe issue of overcrowding as a consequence of heightened police operations, particularly the recent crackdown on drugs and underworld activities that resulted in the apprehension of over 10,000 suspects.
A staggering 30,000 inmates incarcerated in 30 prisons across the country, exceeding the intended capacity of approximately 13,000 inmates for these facilities, current data from the Prisons Department revealed.
Of particular concern is the fact that more than half of the prison population is awaiting trial, languishing behind bars due to prolonged delays in the legal process.
The recent island-wide police operation, aimed at curbing drug-related and underworld activities, led to the arrest of more than 10,000 suspects.
Individuals arrested for serious crimes, such as drug possession, will be detained in prison, while those accused of minor offenses may be released on police bail, according to sources from the Public Security Ministry.
Despite being constructed to accommodate around 13,000 inmates, the prisons currently house double that number.
Gamini Dissanayake, the Prisons spokesman, stated that officials are actively seeking temporary space within the prisons for suspects with short-term detention requirements.
Some inmates are also being relocated to prison camps to alleviate the pressure on conventional prisons.
Simultaneously, authorities are making efforts to expedite the release of individuals held for minor offenses after their court hearings, addressing the urgent need to manage the overcrowded prison conditions.
Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Power and Energy has instructed the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to suspend all scheduled power interruptions for non-essential maintenance work on weekends and during the holiday season.
Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekara, in a social media post, announced that this decision follows a thorough examination of consumer complaints regarding frequent power interruptions for maintenance purposes.
Instructions have been issued to CEB to suspend all planned power interruptions for non essential maintenance work on weekends & during the holiday season maintaining an uninterrupted supply of power.
New guidelines will be issued by GM CEB, in par with the international…
In collaboration with the General Manager of CEB, the Ministry will introduce updated guidelines in line with international standards for planned power interruptions during maintenance activities.
The primary focus is to minimise disruptions to the public and ensure a consistent and uninterrupted supply of electricity.
