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High Court Lawyers Association responds to Minister, accuses him of compromising judiciary’s integrity

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High Court Lawyers Association responds to Minister, accuses him of compromising judiciary’s integrity

Colombo (LNW): The Colombo High Court Lawyers Association (CHCLA) has vehemently criticised Public Security Minister Tiran Alles, alleging that his recent public statement undermines the pivotal role of defence lawyers and compromises the integrity of the judiciary.

The CHCLA asserted that safeguarding the rights of suspects, irrespective of the charges levied against them, is an intrinsic constitutional entitlement enshrined in Article 13, which guarantees due process.

The association contended that the Minister’s statement unfairly singles out defence lawyers, erroneously attributing their endeavours to protect clients to personal deficiencies rather than recognising their commitment to their professional obligations.

Furthermore, the CHCLA highlighted the Minister’s omission of addressing systemic issues within the Sri Lanka Police, including allegations of corruption, characterising such oversight as disingenuous and detrimental to the overall integrity of the legal system.

The statement from the CHCLA robustly upholds the independence and impartiality of judges, underscoring their unwavering commitment to upholding the law and dispensing justice in an unbiased manner.

The Colombo High Court Lawyers Association urged the Minister to refrain from making statements that impede the legal profession’s ability to discharge its duties as outlined in the Constitution.

Emphasising the significance of preserving justice, fairness, and the rule of law, the CHCLA warned that any impediment to the work of legal professionals has the potential to undermine the foundational principles of a democratic society.

Wijeweera-induced leftism failed to see SL’s strategic imperative in collaborating with India for sustainable growth

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Wijeweera-induced leftism failed to see SL’s strategic imperative in collaborating with India for sustainable growth

The economic progress of a nation hinges on fostering relationships with external investments, rather than pursuing a path of increased isolation.

In the case of a relatively smaller nation like Sri Lanka, the cultivation of economic ties with a neighbouring economic powerhouse becomes paramount.

In this regard, India emerges as the immediate and geographically proximate candidate, boasting not only regional significance but also representing the world’s largest market.

The utilisation of Sri Lanka’s strategic assets, such as its ports and the Trincomalee oil tanks left by previous investors, for extensive industrialisation necessitates collaboration with neighboring India.

Given the impracticality of linking a remote island like Sri Lanka with the distant Western world, the intervention of a proximal economic giant like India becomes imperative.

Thus, the prudent approach for a diminutive nation like Sri Lanka is to seek investments exclusively from an economic powerhouse where its geographical location holds significance.

Situated in close proximity to India within the Asian continent, Sri Lanka historically served as an outpost for Western nations seeking access to the vast Indian subcontinent. This geopolitical positioning was driven by concerns that the island might pose a threat to established Indian rule if captured by a rival party.

It is crucial to note that Sri Lanka’s appeal did not stem from any inherent resources or intrinsic importance but rather its strategic location. Presently, global powers, including China, accord attention to Sri Lanka based solely on its impact on their regional rival, India.

Consequently, the strategic relevance of Sri Lanka lies in its geographical proximity to the Indian peninsula rather than any other inherent attributes. Therefore, Sri Lanka’s pursuit of economic viability should centre on its close association with India rather than distancing itself from the latter.

India, as the democratic market and industrial capital nearest to Sri Lanka, provides a unique opportunity. The imperative now is not to sever the diplomatic ties with India and succumb to tribal isolation but to engage in diplomatic collaboration with India to discover and enhance its own economic value.

*Adapted from original article “විජේවීර වාමවාදයේ විකාර සහගත ඉන්දියන් විරෝධය අදට වලංගුද?” by Priyashantha Rajapaksa published on 21.12.2023.

CEB delays probe into nationwide blackout amidst lightning strike suspicions

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CEB delays probe into nationwide blackout amidst lightning strike suspicions

Colombo (LNW): The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has not yet launched an investigation into the island-wide blackout that occurred on December 9, attributed to a lightning strike on the transmission line from Kotmale to Biyagama, reports said.

Although the blackout was initially cited as the result of a lightning strike causing the transmission line to trip, the CEB has not undertaken a thorough inquiry to determine the precise cause.

The line, carrying about 500MW at the time, tripped, leading to a loss of one-third of the supply and triggering a severe under frequency, causing other generators to trip and resulting in a nationwide blackout.

Despite initial promises of a probe, the CEB has not taken action, raising questions about whether negligence played a role, critics pointed out.

A similar incident occurred in December 2020, and a committee was appointed to investigate, but it remains unclear why its recommendations were not implemented to prevent a recurrence.

The delay in investigating the recent blackout, which caused economic losses, has raised concerns. CEB spokesman Noel Priyantha mentioned that the committee’s appointment is pending, causing the delay.

TEA expresses concerns over the imposition of 18% VAT on the Tea Industry

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TEA expresses concerns over the imposition of 18% VAT on the Tea Industry

Colombo (LNW): The Tea Exporters Association (TEA) has expressed serious concerns over the introduction of an 18 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on the Sri Lankan tea industry, effective January 1, 2024.

Previously exempt from VAT, the industry now faces challenges, especially given that over 90 per cent of its production is intended for export.

The TEA urged the Finance Ministry and Inland Revenue Department to establish a mechanism for timely VAT registration for all tea manufacturers to prevent disruptions in the tea supply chain.

The industry, with its unique structure, involving smallholder farmers, regional plantation companies, tea manufacturers, exporters, and brokers, emphasised the need for better consultation with stakeholders before implementing such changes to sustain in the challenging global environment.

The TEA warns of potential administrative challenges and additional costs if all 600 tea factories are required to register for VAT and Simplified Value Added Tax (SVAT).

The industry stakeholders have requested more time for registration and proposed brokers as contact points for invoicing to ease communication with the IRD.

The TEA noted the skepticism surrounding the ability of tea factories to complete VAT/SVAT registration before January 1, potentially impacting the first tea auction of 2024 and tea exports, along with potential effects on smallholder farmers and foreign buyers.

The government gazette notification includes green leaves under VAT, but the industry seeks assurance that they may not be liable for VAT payment, considering them basic agricultural raw material.

SL receives US $787mn as loans in December 2023 for budget support and external buffers strengthening

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SL receives US $787mn as loans in December 2023 for budget support and external buffers strengthening

Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka in December 2023 received a second tranche of US $337 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), US $200 million from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for various programmes, and US $250 million from the World Bank, a statement by the President’s Media Division (PMD) disclosed.

The total disbursements, amounting to US $787 million, are intended to provide budget support and strengthen the country’s external buffers.

The Ministry of Finance emphasised that the substantial foreign exchange inflows of US $780 million to the government will contribute to reinforcing the country’s external buffers.

The gross official reserves are anticipated to exceed US $4 billion by the conclusion of 2023, surpassing earlier projections, the statement added.

Google enhances mapping services in India with new features and partnerships

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Google enhances mapping services in India with new features and partnerships

World (LNW): Google has unveiled a series of enhancements to its mapping services in India, introducing new features such as address descriptors, Lens in Maps, and Live View Walking Navigation, The Hindu reported.

The address descriptors feature facilitates location searches based on landmarks, utilising machine learning signals to automatically identify up to five relevant landmarks when users drop a pin on Maps.

Lens in Maps offers users information about nearby restaurants and cafes, including details like opening hours, ratings, reviews, and photos.

Live View Walking Navigation provides directions and distance markers overlaid on the Maps screen for pedestrians.

Google has also introduced a fuel-efficient routing feature, enabling users to choose sustainable routes for two and four-wheelers. This feature utilises AI to analyse real-time traffic data, road elevation, and the vehicle’s engine type to suggest the most fuel-efficient route.

Additionally, Google announced partnerships with ONDC and Namma Yatri to bring metro schedules and bookings to users.

The collaboration will kick off with the launch of the Kochi metro on Google Maps, powered by Namma Yatri, by mid-next year.

The company will also integrate Mumbai and Kolkata local trains into its “Where is my Train” app, offering dynamic information such as train location, real-time status, and platform changes.

Miriam Karthika Daniel, VP of Google Maps Experiences, expressed excitement about the partnerships, emphasising Google Maps’ commitment to providing a digitised public transport experience in India.

The Address Descriptors feature is scheduled to roll out nationwide early next year, while Lens in Maps will launch in 15 cities in India by January, starting with Android.

The fuel-efficient routing feature is available for users seeking sustainable routes for their journeys.

SLPP Secy affirms Dhammika Perera is one of the four candidates considered for upcoming Presidential Polls (VIDEO)

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SLPP Secy affirms Dhammika Perera is one of the four candidates considered for upcoming Presidential Polls (VIDEO)

Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Secretary General Sagara Kariyawasam speaking to a briefing held at the Party Headquarters yesterday (20) addressed inquiries about potential candidates for the upcoming presidential election, affirming that the SLPP is currently evaluating four individuals, with MP Dhammika Perera being ‘one of them.’

Responding to queries regarding reports on social media suggesting Dhammika Perera as the potential presidential candidate, Kariyawasam stated that the party has not officially decided on the candidate for the next presidential election.

He emphasised the party’s commitment to presenting a capable leader with the strength to shape the country’s future and move it forward, and assured that the party would disclose the chosen candidate when the decision is made, highlighting that as of now, no final decision has been reached on this matter.

Pressed further on the possibility of Perera being the candidate, Kariyawasam clarified that the SLPP is actively considering three or four candidates, and Dhammika Perera is indeed one of them.

He affirmed the party’s intention to introduce the most suitable, winnable, and best candidate at the appropriate time leading up to the presidential election.

Today’s (Dec 21) weather: Showery routine to continue with thundershowers

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Today’s (Dec 21) weather: Showery routine to continue with thundershowers

By: Isuru Parakrama

Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and in Matale district, and showers or thundershowers will occur at a few places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts after 2.00 p.m, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (21).

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Southern provinces in the morning, the statement added.

The public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Marine Weather:

Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanthurai to Pottuvil via Trincomalee. Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the other sea areas around the island in the evening or night.
Winds:
Winds will be north-easterly and wind speed will be (25-35) kmph. Wind speed may increase up to (40-50) kmph in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar and from Galle to Hambantota via Matara.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar and from Galle to Hambantota via Matara can be fairly rough at times. The other sea areas around the island will be moderate. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.

Electricity Mafia goes all out to stall Renewable Energy Projects in Sri Lanka.

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Electricity Mafia goes all out to stall Renewable Energy Projects in Sri Lanka.

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): Bureaucrats from the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) along with what is dubbed the ‘Electricity Mafia’ are stalling Renewable Energy Projects in Sri Lanka and the government is grappling to counter it, power and energy ministry sources claimed.

Sri Lanka’s ambition for 70% renewable electricity by 2030 faces hurdles within the power sector, notably from alleged resistance within the Ceylon Electricity Board, sources said.

At present the Sri Lanka Renewable energy system has completely collapsed due to fraudulent agreements with the companies that run Diesel Power Plants.

Further, for 20 or 30 years it was said that electricity was to be generated from Renewable Energy from Solar Energy, However, this Engineering Mafia will not allow that to be a reality.

Despite the Government backing, utility-scale renewable projects are stalled due to opposition from CEB officials, causing a loss of 3,200 GWH annually worth Rs. 20 billion, as per estimate by industry sources.

The Government’s US $ 3 billion clean energy initiative encounters setbacks, delaying private investments in wind, solar and battery storage.

“The recent grid failure acts as a wake-up call. Sri Lanka must act promptly to avoid global stagnation. Breaking from the CEB-dominated system to encourage healthy competition among stakeholders is crucial.

It promises enhanced service quality and reliability, crucial for Sri Lanka’s continued growth with relevance on the global stage,” source said.

Companies have already announced plans to commit $ 25 billion in investment up to 2030 in the renewable energy sector in the country, according to the Board of Investment.

Potential private investments over the next three to four years through FDI could include $ 3 billion in utility-scale wind, solar and battery storage projects; Sun Power leading with $ 1.5 billion, followed by Adani Green with $ 900 million, Orbital Energy with $ 200 million, WindForce with $ 150 million and balance by a consortium of private developers.

The wind power project alone promises annual savings of $ 50 million. However, the internal resistance, coined as a ‘mafia’ within the CEB, aims to thwart progress, posing a threat to both economic growth and renewable energy targets.

The recent grid failure emphasizes the urgency for change to encourage competition and enhance reliability in the power sector.

Sri Lanka grapples with rising electricity generation costs, lacking the benefits seen in neighbouring countries with Independent Power Producers (IPPs).

Inadequate transmission planning revealed by grid failures contrasts with advanced private setups in India, emphasizing technology-driven customer empowerment.

To advance, Sri Lanka’s CEB-dominated sector requires reforms, inviting private players under robust oversight to balance growth and consumer needs.

Amid these challenges, IPPs like Adani for example could offer a substantial 30% cost reduction, dropping unit costs below $ 0.10 according to an industry source.

“This benefit can be passed on to the users. With over 500,000 red notices issued to households over non-payment of their electricity bills, is it time that Sri Lanka looks for more sustainable alternatives,” the source emphasized.

Construction contraction continuity contributes low GDP for SL economy.

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Construction contraction continuity contributes low GDP for SL economy.

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): In a bid to revitalize the currently struggling construction sector for survival, the Finance Ministry is planning to propose catalytic inputs including easing taxation on building materials next year.

13 far-reaching proposals aimed at increasing the construction industry’s GDP contribution to the economy by providing emergency relief have been submitted to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Urban Development and Housing Ministry Secretary W.S. Sathyananda disclosed.

20 per cent of the country’s population livelihood depends on the construction industry and it is essential to prevent the total collapse of this sector from the present set back, he added.

Despite a modest rebound in the overall economy in the third quarter, Sri Lanka’s construction sector, a crucial segment known for generating significant employment across all levels, has continued to contract.

This marked the sector’s ongoing streak of contraction, now stretching for two consecutive years into the third quarter of 2023.

According to the latest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data, the construction sector, which accounted for 6.3 percent of the economy, contracted 5.5 percent in the July – September quarter from a year ago, bringing the nine-month decline in the sector to 24.8 percent.

However, the sector decline slowed significantly from the 23.1 percent contraction seen in the second quarter, reflecting that the sector is nearing the end of its down drift which lasted for two years.

The sector also faced challenges arising from shortages in foreign exchange, a consequence of repeated disruptions to economic activities, and also the large outflow of foreign exchange by way of debt repayments.

These prolonged foreign exchange shortages forced the authorities to ration the supply of foreign currency, creating limited supplies and shortages in imported items for the industry, sending their prices to exponential levels, putting a long lasting damper on the industry.

The sector woes became much more intense from 2022 when the economy came to a complete standstill after running out of nearly all foreign currency reserves the country had. As a result, import restrictions became broader based and pronounced.

The government, which had been the largest spender in the construction sector, suspended large-scale infrastructure projects and re-directed its budgetary allocations towards providing relief to the masses who were badly affected by the economic crisis.

Furthermore, the sharp increase in interest rates from the previous year had a chilling effect on the sector, given that construction is a highly interest rate-sensitive industry.

However, there are emerging indications that projects, particularly those financed by multilateral agencies and the government are resuming, presenting the potential to lift the sector out of recession.

The construction sector Purchasing Managers’ Index for October, which came out a few weeks ago showed an index value of 50 indicating a neutral level where neither expansion nor contraction had taken place after two years of contraction.

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