President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday (March 22) instructed respective officials to ensure that the national “Urumaya” freehold deeds program be completed by June; empasized that it is the dream of every citizen to attain legal ownership of land, regardless of their background. He firmly believes that everyone should have this fundamental right. He made these remarks while attending the ‘Urumaya’ Freehold Deeds program held in the Ottagapulam, in Jaffna.
Opposition and SJB Leader MP Sajith Premadasa requested the government to consider revising the proposal to lower the age of capacity to consent to sex from 16 years to 14 years for female minors. As per the current laws, the Penal Code as amended in 1995 gives the age of 16 years as the age threshold of capacity of a minor under 18 years to give consent to sex. The Opposition Leader pointed out that there were objections from women-led societies in Sri Lanka over the said proposed amendments to the Penal Code and that the government must consider revising certain amendments.
Former President Maithripala Sirisena claims he is aware of the true mastermind of the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks and that he is prepared to disclose the information to the judiciary if inquired from him or issues an order regarding the matter.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has held a discussion with the founder of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa, where attention was drawn to the upcoming elections and the future political affairs. This meeting comes after President Wickremesinghe had informed the Cabinet of Ministers to make preparations for the presidential election first.
The Attorney General has informed the Court of Appeal that it expects to submit a comprehensive investigation report on all ‘Mahaviru Day’ celebrations held to date, commemorating the cadres of the now-defunct separatist group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) in the Northern and Eastern provinces.
Sri Lanka is close to finalising a debt treatment plan with India and the Paris Club, sources familiar with the negotiations said, pointing to a likely moratorium of up to six years and a reduced interest rate during the repayment period. As many as 17 countries that have extended loans to Sri Lanka formed the Committee last year for ease of debt restructuring negotiations.
Sri Lanka Police have announced cash rewards for informants assisting with the ‘Yukthiya’ special operations underway targeting drugs and underworld-related activities in Sri Lanka. Cash rewards are provided to informants to assist in the arrest of suspects with firearms or the discovery of firearms alone, with cash rewards ranging from Rs. 100,000 to Rs. 500,000.
The merchandise export performance in February 2024 amounted to US$ 983.7 million, recording a modest increase of 0.17 % compared to February 2023, the Export Development Board (EDB) says. In addition, export performance in February 2024 increased by 1.3% compared to the preceding month, January 2024.
The Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Mizukoshi Hideaki has expressed Japan’s support for the current program aimed at rebuilding the Sri Lankan economy. Drawing parallels between Japan’s historical journey and Sri Lanka’s current economic challenges, the Ambassador highlighted Japan’s resilience and economic resurgence as a model for Sri Lanka.
Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis both hit centuries as Sri Lanka fought back against Bangladesh to reach 265/7 a short while ago on the opening day of the first Test. The young Sri Lankan all-rounder Kamindu Mendis accordingly brought up his maiden hundred in Test cricket.
March 23, Colombo, LNW:Dr. Cornelius Boersch, a top German tech investor, has reaffirmed commitment and future investments in Sri Lanka.
Having invested in the tech sector for 30 years across frontier markets spanning South America to Asia, Dr. Boersch maintains that all markets exhibit similar dynamics. With this perspective, he first visited Sri Lanka in October 2021, emerging as one of the earliest global tech investors to commit to post-COVID recovery through Mountain Lion Ventures, alongside its General Partners, Asad Sultan and Love Yadav.
Despite the challenging times, Mountain Lion Ventures has invested close to a million US dollars of foreign investments into Sri Lanka, spanning prop tech, electric mobility, gender-smart funds and the development of an artificial intelligence-based tech platform for the Horeca sector.
Revisiting for a second time to assess the ground situation and review investments made by Mountain Lion Ventures, Dr. Conny, as he is referred to, alongside Love Yadav, commenced his journey at Hatch Works, a hub for start-ups.
Addressing a group of prominent businessmen in conversation with Nisthar Cassim, Dr. Boersch shared insights gained from navigating the COVID-19 pandemic globally over the past three years. While acknowledging Sri Lanka’s recent crisis, he advised against a prolonged negative mindset, citing his experience in other frontier markets where post-crisis growth typically exhibits a “hockey stick” pattern.
Dr. Boersch engaged with several companies in which Mountain Lion Ventures has invested, particularly highlighting Liwe Communities, a prop-tech platform digitising gated communities and Sling Mobility, an energy-as-a-service platform for electric vehicles, which he identified as having the potential to become Sri Lanka’s first unicorn.
Throughout his 36-hour visit, Dr. Boersch met with various start-ups spanning F&B, Healthtech, and beyond. Notably, he spent time with Hatch Works Co-Founder Jeevan Gnanam, reconfirming his admiration and long-term engagement with this world-class, homegrown co-working space and start-up ecosystem.
Dr. Boersch’s visit underscores his commitment to supporting the Sri Lankan digital ecosystem, pledging potential investments in promising start-ups and facilitating international market access and funding for such enterprises.
March 23, Colombo, LNW:The recent match between Sri Lanka and Papua New Guinea in the ongoing football tournament showcased both opportunities and challenges for Sri Lankan football. Despite Sri Lanka’s dominance in the game, they were unable to capitalize on their chances, resulting in a draw against the higher-ranked Papua New Guinea team. Adavan Rajamohan emerged as a standout player for Sri Lanka.
While Sri Lanka had numerous goal-scoring opportunities, they struggled to convert them into goals, with Dylan de Silva demonstrating commendable ball control but falling short in the final moments. The presence of foreign-born professional players in the Sri Lankan team has been seen as a potential solution to elevate the country’s football status internationally. However, some concerns have been raised about the reliance on foreign players and the need to focus on developing local talent.
The match highlighted the importance of harnessing the potential of both local and foreign players to achieve success in Sri Lankan football. It underscored the need for football administration and government sports authorities to create opportunities for professional players to compete in local leagues, thereby enhancing their professional value.
The match against Papua New Guinea prompted reflection on the state of Sri Lankan football and the path forward. As the country strives to reclaim its footballing identity, it is crucial for stakeholders to address underlying issues and maximize the potential of all players, both local and foreign-born.
Looking ahead, Sri Lanka’s upcoming match against Bhutan on March 25 presents another opportunity to showcase their capabilities. However, challenges such as inclement weather and field conditions must be addressed to ensure optimal performance. Despite setbacks, there is optimism for Sri Lanka’s footballing future, provided that efforts are made to nurture talent and foster a supportive environment for the sport’s development.
March 23, Colombo, LNW: Transport State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna announced that foreign individuals seeking driving licenses in Sri Lanka will soon have the convenience of applying for them directly at the airport starting from April 15. This initiative aims to streamline the process, allowing travelers to obtain their licenses swiftly upon exiting the airport.
Moreover, State Minister Alagiyawanna highlighted another significant program initiated on March 1, which facilitates prompt compensation for road accident victims without the need for judicial action. Victims can claim a maximum compensation amount of up to Rs. 500,000 by submitting an application to the relevant insurance company within one year of the accident, thereby easing the financial burden faced by victims and their families.
Addressing a press briefing titled “Collective Path to a Stable Country” at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC), the State Minister emphasized various projects aimed at curbing road accidents. These initiatives include raising awareness at the school level through road safety forums and rewarding students for their involvement in practical activities related to road safety.
Furthermore, arrangements are being made in collaboration with relevant authorities such as the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Civil Aviation Authority, and the Ministry of Tourism to facilitate the issuance of driving licenses for foreigners directly at the airport. The fees for obtaining a driving license range from USD 25 for one month to USD 200 for a year or longer.
Additionally, starting from April 10, post offices handling traffic violation fines will transmit details to the National Council for Road Safety’s data system. This will enable the council to send text messages and accident-related videos to relevant individuals via WhatsApp, promoting awareness about traffic rules and safety measures.
In a significant move, Transport Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana aims to elevate the National Council for Road Safety to a Commission, seeking Cabinet approval for this proposal, which is expected to be presented to Parliament shortly for the necessary approval. This step reflects the government’s commitment to addressing present-day challenges and ensuring road safety across the country.
March 23, Colombo, LNW: In a commendable effort to provide recreational opportunities for rural children, the Chinese Construction Company involved in the Wayaba—Ela project has initiated the construction of a playground at Galapaula in Galewela area. This initiative aims to address the lack of suitable sports facilities in the region, enabling children to engage in physical activities and sports.
Upon completion of the playground, children from the local community as well as neighboring villages will have access to a dedicated space for sports practice and recreational activities. The construction work will utilize an abandoned granite pit, originally excavated for road construction purposes five decades ago, which stretches approximately 22 kilometers from Beligamuwa to Dambulla.
The unused quarry will be repurposed and filled with earth dumped along the Wayaba-Ela canal bund to create the anticipated playground. Relevant authorities have granted approval for this project, signaling the importance of providing recreational infrastructure for the well-being and development of rural communities.
With an estimated cost of around Rs. 5 million, the construction of the playground underscores the commitment of the Chinese Construction Company to contribute positively to the local community and promote the holistic development of children in the Galewela area.
March 23, Colombo, LNW: The unveiling of a new report on the study of strategic needs for business success and social engagement in Sri Lanka took place yesterday (22) at the Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo. This comprehensive study, conducted in collaboration with the European Chamber of Commerce (ECCSL), Sri Lanka’s Social Cohesion and Peace Strengthening Programme (SCOPE), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and the Ministry of Justice, Prison Affairs, and Constitutional Reforms, received financial backing from the European Union and the German Federal Foreign Office.
Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, PC, Minister of Justice, Prison Affairs, and Constitutional Reforms, underscored the pivotal role of private sector entrepreneurs and businessmen in driving a country’s economy forward. He emphasized the importance of fostering an environment conducive to business activities, emphasizing the government’s commitment to establishing the rule of law and ensuring the stability and reliability of the judicial system through necessary legal reforms.
The study, which encompassed interviews with 41 businesses across Sri Lanka’s nine provinces, delved into the transformative power of the private sector in shaping social dynamics. Minister Rajapakshe lamented the absence of extensive research on this topic in Sri Lanka in the past and highlighted the potential benefits of such studies in averting economic crises.
Expressing gratitude to the European Union and other supporting institutions for conducting the study, Minister Rajapakshe envisioned a brighter future for Sri Lanka’s economy and people’s lives as a result of this initiative.
The event saw contributions from prominent figures including Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabri, PC, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the European Union Carman Moreno, and President of the Sri Lanka European Chamber of Commerce Haten Rajabdeen. The presence of Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, N. M. Ranasinghe, private entrepreneurs, government officials, and other stakeholders underscored the importance of the report’s findings for the country’s socio-economic development.
March 23, Colombo, LNW: Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Mizukoshi Hideaki, has voiced Japan’s backing for the current program aimed at revitalizing the Sri Lankan economy. Speaking at a panel discussion chaired by President Ranil Wickremesinghe and organized by the “Geopolitical Cartographer,” Ambassador Hideaki drew parallels between Japan’s historical journey and Sri Lanka’s current economic challenges, highlighting Japan’s resilience and economic resurgence as a model for Sri Lanka.
In his keynote address titled “Japan’s Modernization and Lessons for Sri Lanka’s Economic Recovery and Governance,” Ambassador Hideaki shared insights into Japan’s historical challenges, its adaptation to modern changes, and its journey towards rapid development. He particularly emphasized Japan’s strategic reconstruction efforts post-World War II and the role played by former President J.R. Jayawardene in facilitating Japan’s reintegration into the international community.
Moreover, Ambassador Hideaki commended Sri Lanka’s ongoing anti-corruption initiatives and expressed Japan’s commitment to supporting these efforts financially, including aid through the United Nations Development Program and assistance from institutions like the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). He also highlighted the potential benefits of fostering bilateral economic ties between Japan and Sri Lanka.
Following the keynote address, Ambassador Hideaki participated in a panel discussion alongside representatives from the United Nations Development Programme and Colombo University. The discussion, themed “Economic Development and Modernization with Lessons from Japan,” explored strategies for economic advancement and drew on Japan’s experiences as a case study for Sri Lanka’s development journey.
March 23, Colombo, LNW: Several spells of showers may occur in North-central and Northern provinces.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places elsewhere in the island during the afternoon or night.
Heavy showers above100mm are likely at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning.
General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
March 22, Colombo, LNW: New European Union (EU) regulations on deforestation-free products (EUDR) are applicable for Sri Lanka’s exports, the Foreign Ministry announced yesterday.
The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) was formally adopted and came into effect on 29 June 2023. Companies will have 18 months (until 30 December 2024) to be compliant, except for micro- and small undertakings for which the Regulation will apply from 30 June 2025
Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane chaired a meeting at the Foreign Ministry with the participation of the EU Ambassador Carmen Moreno to brief key industry stakeholders on the new EUDR.
As a direct beneficiary of the EU GSP+ concessions, Sri Lanka’s rubber exports to the EU market will have to adopt due diligence to prove that products do not originate from recently deforested land or have contributed to forest degradation.
The EU adopted the EUDR in June 2023, to ensure that agricultural products consumed by EU citizens do not contribute to global deforestation or forest degradation. The regulation will apply to the production of commodities like cattle, wood, cocoa, soy, palm oil, coffee, rubber, and their derived products.
The Foreign Secretary, in her introductory remarks, focused on the priority given by Sri Lanka to sustainable industry including in the rubber products exports sector, and sought technical assistance from the EU for adaptation.
The European Commission in Brussels Directorate-General for Environment participated in the hybrid Information Session, involving key Industry and government officials to discuss the EU Regulation on Deforestation-free products (EUDR).
They provided a comprehensive overview of the new regulation while Michelin Lanka Ltd, as the largest rubber tire exporter to the EU in Sri Lanka, provided their case presentation.
The Department of Forest Conservation made a presentation of measures taken to combat deforestation and increase forest cover in the country, to address climate change and protect biodiversity.
Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Plantation Industries, Ministry of Industries, and relevant government agencies including rubber industry associations, officials of the Sri Lanka Embassies in Brussels and Paris, and over 60 rubber-producing companies in Sri Lanka participated in the information session.
The information session provided a platform for a constructive exchange of ideas on EUDR to assist Sri Lankan rubber exporters with the new compliance procedure.
March 22, Colombo, LNW: In the wake of IMFs call for Sri Lanka to finalize the agreements with the official creditors and reach Agreements in Principle with the main external private creditors the government is close to finalising a debt treatment plan with India and the Paris Club, sources familiar with the negotiations said, pointing to a likely moratorium of up to six years and a reduced interest rate during the repayment period.
Peter Breuer, IMF Senior Mission Chie told a media briefing on Thursday 21, “The critical next steps are to finalize the agreements with the official creditors and reach Agreements in Principle with the main external private creditors in line with program parameters in a timely manner. This should help restore Sri Lanka’s debt sustainability over the medium term
“The discussions are at an advanced stage. A formal agreement on the terms can be expected very soon,” the Colombo-based source said after a recent discussion among members of the Official Creditor Committee [OCC].
Breuer clarified that delays in finalizing agreements with official creditors haven’t been flagged as a concern. He acknowledged that converting agreements in principle into formal agreements can take time. However, he emphasized the importance of this process for solidifying debt relief efforts.
Sri Lanka is close to finalising a debt treatment plan with India and the Paris Club, sources familiar with the negotiations said, pointing to a likely moratorium of up to six years and a reduced interest rate during the repayment period.
“The discussions are at an advanced stage. A formal agreement on the terms can be expected very soon,” the Colombo-based source said after a recent discussion among members of the Official Creditor Committee [OCC].
As many as 17 countries that have extended loans to Sri Lanka formed the Committee last year for ease of debt restructuring negotiations. China opted to stay out of the platform, but has been attending its meetings as an observer.
Meanwhile, Colombo has repeatedly assured the OCC that it would negotiate repayment of Chinese loans on comparable terms.
Finalising agreements with the official creditors and reaching “in principle” agreements with the key private creditors would be “critical next steps” in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery plan, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Thursday.
Authorities reached a staff-level agreement with the Fund on the second review of its four-year Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement. Upon completion of the IMF Executive Board’s review, Sri Lanka would have access to about US$337 million, taking IMF assistance it has received so far to US$1 billion, the Fund said in a statement.
