- President Ranil Wickremesinghe has initiated efforts to identify areas occupied by plantation workers on state-owned plantation lands managed by the State Plantation Corporation and regional plantation companies. The goal is to draft legislation that will formally designate these areas as new settlement villages.A special discussion regarding this initiative took place at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (17), under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
- The Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa stated that multi-functional technology parks will be established in every Divisional Secretariat Division in the country, under a Samagi Jana Balavegaya Government. These multi-functional technology parks will house digital technology training centers, providing young people with access to the digital world, he said.
- Minister of Justice Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe has notified the Election Commission to enforce the Election Expenses Regulation Act No. 03 of 2023 for the forthcoming presidential election. Highlighting issues with the current Proportional Representation electoral system, the minister stressed that it has become ineffective in addressing illegal activities, bribery, and extortion during parliamentary elections.
- The Court of Appeal has granted bail for Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero, who had been sentenced to four years of rigorous imprisonment for making defamatory comments on Islam at Kuragala, until the hearing of the revision petition filed by him.
- Minister of Justice Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe has instructed his ministry’s secretary not to publish the Gazette notification on the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution until the Presidential Election is held. However, the Justice Minister has claimed that this decision was made in order to eliminate the uncertainty regarding the holding of the presidential election.
- The Supreme Court has concluded considering the Fundamental Rights petitions filed challenging the appointment of Deshabandu Tennakoon as the Inspector General of Police (IGP). Accordingly, the court will announce on July 24 whether or not to grant leave to proceed with the petitions.
- Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (SDIG) Nilantha Jayawardena has been sent on compulsory leave with immediate effect, until such time that the disciplinary investigation against him pertaining to the Easter Sunday terror attacks is concluded, the National Police Commission said.
- A comprehensive package of financial facilities was introduced today to revitalize micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) in Sri Lanka. The package, which includes both investment and working capital facilities, was launched under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat.
- Sri Lankan authorities continue to use the ‘notorious’ Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to target perceived opponents and minority communities without credible evidence to support the allegations despite repeated pledges to end the practice, claims Human Rights Watch (HRW).
- The opening ceremony of the first phase of the Polonnaruwa National Cricket Stadium took place, attended by the Minister of Tourism, Lands, Sports and Youth Affairs Harin Fernando, Sri Lanka, and former President Maithripala Sirisena and Cricket Board Chairman Shammi Silva. This new stadium was constructed under the Sri Lanka Cricket “National Development Pathway” program, which aims to provide equal opportunities for talented cricketers to represent the national team.
Sri Lanka Original Narrative Summary: 19/07
North Central Province Education Ministry Bans Private Tuition by Teachers and Principals
July 19, Colombo (LNW): The North Central Province Education Ministry has issued a circular prohibiting teachers and principals in the region from conducting private tuition classes for students during and after school hours. This decision comes in response to complaints that some teachers and principals are neglecting students who do not attend their private classes and seminars.
The circular highlights the physical and mental stress students face due to this practice, which also extends to their parents and guardians. The Education Ministry has taken these concerns seriously and issued the circular to address the situation.
To ensure compliance, the public is encouraged to report any violations of this circular by contacting the North Central Province Education Ministry at 025-2236331.
WEATHER FORECAST FOR 19 JULY 2024
July 19, Colombo (LNW): The prevailing windy conditions over the island are expected to continue further, due to the active South-west Monsoonal condition.
Several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts.
Strong winds of about (50-60) 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.
State Minister of Finance predicts over US$ 5 billion tourism revenue for 2024
By: Staff Writer
July 18, Colombo (LNW): State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe is optimistic about surpassing the US $5 billion mark in foreign reserves by the end of the year, owing to robust growth in the tourism sector.
He made this prediction following the tourism ministry revelation of the latest tourist arrival status recently.
Accordingly Sri Lanka has registered a significant increase in tourist arrivals, with over 85,000 visitors welcomed in the first 14 days of July, bringing the total number close to 1.1 million so far in 2024.
Speaking at the National Development Pride Conference of the Development Lottery Board, he highlighted the significant contribution of tourism to the economy. By 25 April, tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka had exceeded 757,000, bolstering foreign reserves and setting the stage to surpass $5 billion by year-end.
Semasinghe credited this positive trend to a favorable environment for economic growth and stability. Sri Lanka Tourism has set ambitious goals for 2024, aiming to attract 2.3 million tourists and generate over $4 billion in revenue.
In the first 28 days of April alone, the country welcomed 132,152 visitors, bringing the year-to-date total to 767,936. The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) identified India, Russia, and the UK as the top source markets for the year.
Building on this momentum, Semasinghe proposed reintroducing the Colombo Airport Super Draw lottery, a scheme offering participants a chance to win significant prizes. He believes such initiatives can further bolster economic recovery and stimulate consumer spending.
The State Minister expressed optimism about economic recovery, noting that previous doubts about Sri Lanka’s ability to overcome its economic crisis have dissipated.
He emphasized the collective effort of all stakeholders in implementing internationally accepted reforms and achieving national development goals. Semasinghe highlighted the importance of mutual respect among stakeholders to drive the country forward.
He also predicted continued economic strengthening over the next three months, anticipating tangible benefits for the population as the country progresses towards sustained economic stability.
Sri Lanka has seen a substantial increase in tourist arrivals, with over 85,000 visitors in the first 14 days of July alone, pushing the total close to 1.1 million for 2024.
This surge is largely due to the Dawoodi Bohra International Convention held in Colombo, which concluded recently.
The first two weeks of July saw an average of 6,102 daily arrivals, with India being the top source market, contributing 23,498 tourists, followed by the UK with 7,703 and China with 5,317.
Other significant markets included Germany, Australia, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the US, and Canada. The SLTDA expects total arrivals for July to reach 220,950.
For the year, India has remained the leading source of tourists, with 207,966 arrivals, followed by Russia with 116,019 and the UK with 97,055. Sri Lanka Tourism is on track to achieve its 2024 targets of attracting over 2.3 million tourists and generating more than $4 billion in foreign exchange earnings, signaling a strong recovery and growth in the tourism sector.
Sri Lanka nears of emerging from a ‘restrictive default’ status: Economic experts
By: Staff Writer
July 18, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is on the brink of emerging from a ‘restrictive default’ status, a label that has deterred potential investors, several eminent economic experts claimed.
While Sri Lanka is poised to exit its restrictive default status, the journey ahead requires maintaining macroeconomic stability, implementing structural reforms, securing investments, and achieving significant fiscal health improvements to ensure sustainable economic growth and stability
The nation has undertaken significant and difficult measures to restructure its debt and is now awaiting the final nod from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to validate the negotiated terms with creditors.
This approval is crucial as it will indicate a change in the country’s economic status, an outcome eagerly awaited by the nation’s stakeholders.because the authorities have failed to fulfill the rheir commitments properly and change of governments they said adding that this time no turning back for the island nation.
Maninda Wickramasinghe, MD of Fitch Ratings Lanka, noted the substantial recovery progress Sri Lanka has made, a sentiment shared by international agencies.
He pointed out that once the restructuring of bonds and bilateral agreements is finalized, there should be no reason for rating agencies to keep the country at restricted default.
Wickramasinghe emphasized that his views were personal and did not represent Fitch Ratings Lanka’s official stance. He also mentioned that Sri Lanka should initiate a review process, which should be brief.
Wickramasinghe praised Sri Lanka’s resilience in restructuring its debt but stressed the importance of learning from past mistakes to avoid future economic pitfalls. Addressing the timeline for status change, he highlighted the complexity, noting this was the first time Sri Lanka approached the IMF while in default.
He remarked on the frequency of IMF engagements, indicating systemic issues that need addressing to prevent recurrence.
World Bank Lead Economist Gregory Smith shared similar views, stating that while exiting restrictive default is feasible, the real challenge will be achieving a rating upgrade afterward.
Smith pointed out the monumental task of reaching a B- rating due to high debt service to revenue ratios. He emphasized the need for Sri Lanka to regain market access by 2027 to repay the IMF and highlighted the necessity for substantial new investments.
Smith also underscored the difficulty countries face in returning to their pre-crisis status, noting the extensive work required and the importance of avoiding policy mistakes to foster economic growth.
Former Central Bank Governor Dr. Indrajith Coomaraswamy echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for macroeconomic stability, structural reforms, and leveraging opportunities from neighboring India to achieve a growth rate above 3 percent.
Coomaraswamy stressed that achieving a primary surplus target of 2.3 percent by 2025 is crucial to avoiding another debt restructuring.
He advocated for improving tax revenue through better administration and eliminating tax concessions, aiming to raise the tax revenue to GDP ratio beyond 15 percent. This financial stability is essential to support the country’s growth initiatives and economic strategy.
Hirdaramani Group to make Sri Lanka a textile production hub in the region
By: Staff Writer
July 18, Colombo (LNW): The Hirdaramani Group, a prominent name in apparel manufacturing and sustainability, recently declared opened a significant Rs. 10 billion investment in a new high-tech textile mill named ‘Mihila Tex’ in Pannala.
This cutting-edge facility is poised to transform the apparel industry and reinforce Sri Lanka’s status as a sustainable manufacturing hub.
Partnering with Hengda Textiles, a leading global textile manufacturer known for its innovation and sustainability, the Hirdaramani Group aims to enhance its apparel business in Sri Lanka.
This collaboration is intended to strengthen the local value chain, thereby reducing the need for importing raw materials and providing optimized apparel solutions to global customers.
Vinod Hirdaramani, Chairman of the Hirdaramani Group, emphasized the strategic importance of this investment in their long-term growth plan.
He highlighted the benefits the Sri Lankan apparel industry would gain from Hengda Textiles’ expertise and best practices. Additionally, this initiative will create over 800 jobs and further positively impact the Pannala community.
Zheng Jianfan, Chairman of Hengda Textiles, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting the potential for sustainable, faster, and advanced apparel solutions to propel the industry forward.
This collaboration is expected to leverage the strengths of both companies and the broader apparel sector, fostering long-term growth.
‘Mihila Tex’ is set to embody the Hirdaramani Group’s Future First Sustainability Agenda. The new mill’s green manufacturing practices will align with the Group’s goals of responsible operations, environmental protection, and community impact. The facility is projected to be fully operational by 2025.
The Rs. 10 billion funding will develop a state-of-the-art textile mill featuring advanced sustainable technologies to minimize energy consumption, reduce waste, and optimize resource management.
The mill will implement advanced water recycling and purification systems to minimize water usage, recognizing the critical importance of responsible water management in textile production.
The facility will utilize renewable energy sources, supporting both companies’ commitments to reducing carbon emissions and aligning with Sri Lanka’s renewable energy goals.
Hirdaramani Group and Hengda Textiles plan to obtain internationally recognized sustainability certifications for the mill, underscoring their dedication to environmentally responsible manufacturing.
The establishment of the new mill will generate numerous employment opportunities, benefiting the local economy and supporting the livelihoods of many Sri Lankans.
This venture marks a significant step in the Hirdaramani Group’s strategy to boost Sri Lanka’s apparel industry while adhering to stringent sustainability standards. By leveraging advanced technology and best practices, ‘Mihila Tex’ aims to set a new benchmark in sustainable apparel manufacturing.
Adani Power’s 234 MW renewable energy project in Pooneryn faces legal snag
By: Staff Writer
July 18, Colombo (LNW): Adani Power’s 234 MW renewable energy project in Pooneryn has encountered a legal challenge. The Court of Appeal has issued notices to various ministries and officials following a case filed by H.J.A.W. International Ltd. and Dutch Bay Holdings Ltd.
These Petitioners had planned a 50 MW wind power plant on the same site before Adani’s proposal. They challenge the State’s acquisition of their privately owned lands intended for their project, alleging misuse of the Land Acquisition Act and appropriation of their proprietary information. The Court has scheduled a hearing for 11 September 2024.
The Petitioners seek to have the acquisition process overturned if the Court rules in their favor. Legal representation for the Petitioners includes PC Navin Marapana, Kaushalya Molligoda, and Ruwantha Cooray, instructed by Sarravanan Neelakandan Law Associates
The acquisition was allegedly for the purpose of facilitating the Adani Group’s proposed wind power project in the area, leading to notices being issued to the Respondents.
The Minister of Lands, the relevant Divisional Secretary, the Secretaries of the Ministry of Power and Energy, and the State Ministry of Solar, Wind, and Hydro Power Generation Projects Development, and the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority were some of the Respondents named in the said application.
The Petitioners disclosed that they proposed to build, own, and operate a 50 MW wind power plant on the lands subject to acquisition, consequent to an invitation for proposals to generate and supply electrical energy from renewable energy resources on build, own, and operate basis by the State Ministry of Solar, Wind and Hydro Power Generation Projects Development.
Further, the Petitioners noted that despite the relevant authorities acknowledging the receipt of their proposal along with a detailed feasibility study and the requisite financial payment, they had received no response about the outcome of the proposal.
The Petitioners also submitted to the Court that they were shocked to learn that their lands were subject to acquisition by the Ministry of Lands for apparently the same purpose for which they proposed to utilise their own lands and that the Petitioners’ intellectual property and the proprietary and confidential information contained in their project proposal had allegedly been appropriated by the relevant officials in the said process.
The Petitioners accordingly submitted that the draconian provisions of the Land Acquisition Act have been wrongfully invoked by the State to acquire land otherwise earmarked for the same public purpose purportedly disclosed in the Gazette published by the State.
Sri Lanka Original Narrative Summary: 18/07
- President Ranil Wickremesinghe proposes a Cabinet paper to form a committee tasked with assessing threats to Presidential candidates and former Presidents, aimed at enhancing their safety during the upcoming elections: The plan, outlined by the President’s Media Division, includes appointing a Deputy Inspector General of Police to oversee security arrangements for this purpose.
- The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) raises concerns over a recent meeting between senior United National Party (UNP) members and Election Commission officials, calling for transparency: SJB MP Mayantha Dissanayake notes although the Election Commission will set the election date, details of the meeting are unclear: mentions speculation about the 2024 Presidential election potentially featuring two Cabinet members as candidates.
- JVP Chief Secretary Tilvyn Silva accuses Ranil Wickramasinghe and his team of creating doubts amongst the public to avoid facing the presidential election, asserting they know they cannot win: criticises attempts to delay elections through constitutional amendments, emphasising that the Election Commission holds the responsibility and power to conduct the election, not Wickramasinghe or the government.
- Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe anticipates Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves will exceed US $5 bn by year-end, driven by robust tourism growth: With over 85,000 tourist arrivals in early July and nearly 1.1 mn in 2024, Semasinghe credits tourism for bolstering reserves: highlights the sector’s vital role in economic recovery and proposes initiatives like the Colombo Airport Super Draw lottery to further stimulate economic activity and consumer spending.
- International human rights watchdog Human Rights Watch (HRW) criticises Sri Lanka for continuing to use the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to target perceived opponents and minority communities without credible evidence, despite promises to end such practices: laments the law allows for extended detention without adequate judicial oversight, contributing to arbitrary detention and torture of individuals: reminds efforts to replace the PTA with the Anti-Terrorism Bill (ATB) have raised concerns due to potential provisions that could facilitate abuse: International pressure to repeal the PTA persists amid ongoing human rights violations.
- Sri Lanka’s economic performance in Q1 2024 exceeds projections from the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) by the Asian Development Bank (ADB): Inflation forecasts for South Asia have been adjusted, with Sri Lanka’s revised down significantly to below 2%: Regional growth forecasts remain stable, though uncertainties linked to upcoming elections impact Sri Lanka’s growth outlook for 2024 and 2025.
- The Wildlife Department reports illegal fishing methods, such as bottom trawling, are causing the deaths of marine animals like turtles and dolphins in Sri Lankan waters: Ten dead turtles were found on the western coast last week, with postmortem exams revealing injuries and breathing difficulties: The department urges public vigilance and reporting of illegal fishing to protect marine life.
- Sri Lankan film directors, led by Jayantha Chandrasiri, are calling for a ban on mobile phones in cinemas after a film was illegally recorded and uploaded to social media: urge cinema owners to adopt this measure and request the Sri Lanka Film Corporation to issue a directive: A 24-year-old man from Kandy was arrested for uploading the film “Sinhabahu” to YouTube.
- The Mahāvansha chronicles, Sri Lanka’s primary historical records, housed at Peradeniya University Library, have been recognised as a world heritage: UNESCO’s Director-General presented the certificate to the university’s Chancellor, Professor G.H. Peiris, and received a memento from Vice-Chancellor Professor M.D. Lamawansa: The Mahāvansha, starting with Prince Vijaya’s arrival in 543 BCE, is a crucial historical document.
- Dilshan Madushanka was fined 10% of his match fee and received a demerit point for breaching Article 2.5 of the LPL Code of Conduct during a game between Dambulla Sixers and Galle Marvels on July 14th: admits to using language, actions, or gestures that could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon dismissal.
SJB demands transparency over meeting between UNP leaders and Election Commission
July 18, Colombo (LNW): The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has expressed concerns over a recent gathering involving senior members of the United National Party (UNP) and officials from the Election Commission.
SJB MP Mayantha Dissanayake highlighted the necessity for transparency regarding the discussions held between the UNP General Secretary, the Chairman, and members of the Election Commission, especially given the public calls by UNP leaders for early Presidential elections.
Dissanayake noted that although the Election Commission will eventually set the election date, the exact details of the meeting remain unclear and are anticipated to be disclosed in the near future.
Moreover, the SJB MP emphasised that the forthcoming 2024 Presidential election could be unprecedented, potentially featuring two members from the same Cabinet as candidates.
He alluded to speculation surrounding the current President’s candidacy, which is yet to be officially announced, and mentioned expectations that Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapakshe might also contest under an SLFP-led alliance.
Hence, the 2024 Presidential election could see a unique scenario with two Cabinet members competing for the presidency, he added.
Appeal Court grants bail to BBS General Secretary pending appeal
July 18, Colombo (LNW): The Court of Appeal has today granted bail to General Secretary of Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) Galaboda Atte Gnanasara Thera, pending the outcome of his appeal.
Gnanasara Thera had been sentenced to serve four-years of rigorous imprisonment by the Colombo High Court on 28 March for delivering a speech that insulted the religious beliefs of the Muslim community.
He has now been released on a cash bail of Rs.50,000, along with two sureties of Rs.500,000 each.
Previously, the Colombo High Court had denied the bail application for the Thera, stating that no exceptional circumstances had been presented to justify his release on bail.
Legal representation for Gnanasara Thera was provided by Anil Silva PC, along with Counsels Iresh Seneviratne, Sanjaya Ariyadasa, and Sanjaya Marambe.