March 19, Colombo, LNW: At the Presidential Secretariat, a significant step was taken as the Ministry of Education and Microsoft Company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the school curriculum. This partnership marks the inception of a pilot project aimed at offering students above grade 8 the opportunity to explore AI within the field of Information Technology.

The pilot project, set to commence in 20 selected schools across 20 districts, pledges to provide conducive classrooms and essential technical equipment. Microsoft has committed to deploying a dedicated team to support online educational activities as part of this initiative.

Education Minister Susil Premajayantha exchanged the agreement with Puneet Chandok, President of Microsoft’s India and South Asia region. Prior to the signing, discussions between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Microsoft representatives at the President’s Office highlighted the company’s steadfast support for incorporating AI into the educational framework.

Puneet Chandok expressed gratitude for President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s leadership in driving Sri Lanka’s progress through the integration of new technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence.

Minister Premajayantha disclosed that the program aims for full implementation by 2025. US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Mrs. Julie Chung, emphasized the significant opportunity this initiative presents for Sri Lankans and urged all to embrace it to its fullest potential. She also mentioned forthcoming support from volunteer groups aimed at enhancing English language skills among citizens and schoolchildren.

Distinguished guests including State Minister of Technology Kanaka Herath, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security Sagala Ratnayaka, as well as representatives from educational institutions and Microsoft, attended the event. Notable attendees included Wasantha Perera, Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dharmasiri Kumaratunga, Secretary of the Ministry of Technology, and officials from educational institutions such as D.S. Senanayake College, Colombo, along with students, teachers, and principals from Muslim Ladies’ College.

March 19, Colombo, LNW: During a parliamentary session, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha revealed plans to initiate a program providing free sanitary napkins to schoolgirls starting April this year. The Education Ministry aims to distribute these napkins to 800,000 girls above Grade six, with vouchers being issued for this purpose.

Minister Premajayantha emphasized the importance of integrating science and health as compulsory subjects in the education curriculum from Grade 6 to 9. Additionally, he highlighted ongoing efforts to promote awareness of sexual and reproductive health among students.

To further support this initiative, an additional reading book titled “16+” has been introduced for Advanced Level students. These measures underscore the government’s commitment to addressing crucial health and educational needs, particularly among adolescent girls, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

March 19, Colombo, LNW: The Sri Lankan government has made a significant decision to operate the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery as a distinct public enterprise, independent of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC). This decision, spearheaded by Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera, has received approval from the Cabinet of Ministers.

According to the Government Information Department, there is a recognized necessity for substantial investment to modernize the refinery, ensuring its operational viability for the next 25 years. As the sole oil refinery in Sri Lanka, established in 1969, the facility currently meets approximately 25 percent of the nation’s demand for refined petroleum products.

The separation of the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery from the CPC aims to facilitate essential investments from both domestic and foreign private sectors. This strategic move underscores the government’s commitment to ensure the refinery’s continued contribution to the country’s energy needs while fostering opportunities for enhanced efficiency and sustainability in the petroleum sector.

March 19, Colombo, LNW: The ‘1990 Suwa Seriya’ ambulance service in Sri Lanka has received glowing commendation from the World Bank, which hails it as one of the most digitally advanced, efficient, and free ambulance services globally. According to the World Bank Group’s South Asia Region Vice President Martin Raiser, the service has played a pivotal role in providing a second lease of life to millions of critically ill or injured individuals.

Raiser praised the service’s remarkable response time, noting that patients are rushed to the nearest hospital or primary care facility within 12 minutes of their call, a feat unmatched by many ambulance services worldwide. He emphasized the service’s crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting its transportation of nearly 175,000 COVID-19 patients to hospitals.

Despite its initial focus on urban areas, Raiser pointed out that 63 percent of Suwa Seriya’s emergency calls now originate from rural residents, showcasing its widespread impact. He attributed the service’s success to homegrown innovation and local funding, with technology developed entirely within Sri Lanka’s software development community.

Established through a dedicated Act of Parliament in 2018, 1990 Suwa Seriya operates with the agility and independence of a private sector entity, thanks to bipartisan support and efficient governance structures. Raiser underscored the organization’s commitment to continuous improvement, driven by technology and supported by private sector volunteers on its governing board.

Highlighting the pivotal role of digitization, Raiser emphasized the service’s use of digital integration to enhance efficiency and speed. From utilizing algorithms to deploy the fastest available ambulance to digitally tracking fuel levels, Suwa Seriya has leveraged digital innovation to revolutionize emergency healthcare.

By bridging gaps in pre-hospital care and strengthening connectivity between emergency services and primary care facilities, 1990 Suwa Seriya is not only saving lives but also bolstering Sri Lanka’s healthcare system. Raiser concluded by lauding the service’s contribution to providing a second chance at life for millions of critically injured individuals.

March 20, Colombo, LNW: A temporary change in the prevailing dry weather in the island, especially in the southern half, can be expected after today.

A few showers may occur in the Eastern province.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts in the evening or night.

Mainly dry weather will prevail elsewhere of the island.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle and Kalutara districts during the morning.

By: Staff Writer

March 19, Colombo (LNW): The National Unity Alliance (NUA) has called for the initiation of a Presidential Commission to thoroughly investigate the tumultuous saga of SriLankan Airlines.

The NUA expressed serious concerns regarding the government’s recent endeavours to sell the beleaguered national carrier, shedding light on the staggering debt exceeding USD 1 billion that plagues the airline.

Attributing these financial woes to years of mismanagement exacerbated by political interference, the NUA underscored the pivotal role played by the tenure of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Specifically, the NUA recalled the appointment of Rajapaksa’s brother-in-law to the chairmanship of SriLankan Airlines, despite lacking any pertinent experience or expertise in aviation management. The result, according to the NUA, was nothing short of a disastrous mishandling of the national airline’s affairs.

Expressing dismay over the absence of any inquiry or Presidential Commission to scrutinize the actions of the former chairman and the mismanagement that ensued, the NUA raised suspicions of a concerted effort to conceal the transgressions of the Rajapaksa administration.

The absence of transparency, they argued, only perpetuates the cycle of impunity and shields wrongdoers from being held accountable.

“If there is to be pure transparency, one needs to have a full inquiry,” remarked a spokesperson for the NUA.

“The people of Sri Lanka deserve to know the truth behind the collapse of their national airline and the reckless squandering of their hard-earned money,” they added.

Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, the NUA cautioned against the prospects of salvaging SriLankan Airlines in its current state, asserting that any viable solution would necessitate a radical restructuring to ensure efficiency and fiscal responsibility.

National Unity Alliance political party dedicated to promoting unity, progress, and prosperity for all citizens of our great nation.

Ir is led by the esteemed M. Azath S. Salley, Former Governor of the Western Province of Sri Lanka, who serves as both leader and general secretary.

National Unity Alliance, believes that the only way to move forward as a nation is by working together, setting aside our differences, and focusing on what unites us.

The  party’s ideology is based on the principles of justice, equality, and inclusivity, and we are committed to working tirelessly to ensure that these values are upheld in every aspect of our society.

By: Staff Writer

March 19, Colombo (LNW): The Committee on Public Finance informed the Secretary to the Ministry of the Investment Promotion to intervene with immediate effect to arrive at a decision regarding a duty-free shopping mall to be established in the port city of Colombo, as the opinion of the Attorney General and the opinion of the Commission are contradicting with each other.

This was stated at the Committee on Public Finance Chaired by. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva, Member of Parliament which met recently in Parliament focusing on the legal authority of the Port City Economic Commission to establish a duty-free shopping mall.

Ms. Anoja Herath, Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Investment Promotion stated that the new regulations related to a duty-free shopping complex have been submitted to the cabinet for approval.

The Committee Chair also stated that the Attorney General has informed that the Commission does not have the authority to specify duty-free goods up to 5000 dollars.

In yjis contect the Chair stated that a private law firm hired by the Port City Commission has informed the Committee on Public Finance in a letter that the Port City Commission has full legal powers to legislate for a duty-free shopping mall and that the opinion of the Attorney General is wrong.

It was discussed that it is concerning to have been notified that the opinion of the Attorney General is wrong through a private law firm and that exercise the power to make laws without the approval of the Parliament is also concerning.

Officials of the Attorney General’s Department who were present at the meeting stated that although the Commission has the power to make laws, it does not have such unfettered powers.

The Committee was also questioned at length about the process of purchasing goods from the duty-free mall, its practicality and impact.

Accordingly, the Chair also informed to conduct a comprehensive study and report on the possible impact on the business entities of the sale of goods in Sri Lanka and the impact on the tax process in relation to the Ministry of Finance.

Dr de Silva also expressed his displeasure that the Chairman of the Port City Economic Commission did not appear in the recent meetings of the Committee.

However, the Committee Chairman pointed out that the participation of the Chairman and the members of the Commission is important to discuss certain important issues, and thus, it should be looked into.

Furthermore, the attention of the Committee was drawn to the non-appointment of a permanent officer for the position of Director General of the Commission.

Furthermore, the Committee pointed out that although the Attorney General has informed that it is against the law to grant temporary licenses for the land parcels of the city, it will continue to happen. 

By: Staff Writer

March 19, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka will be entering into five Free Trade Agreements: A Path to Economic Stability and Growth

FTA talks underway between India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and China Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry disclosed.

By the end of 2024, Sri Lanka aims to finalize free trade agreements with India, China, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. These agreements have the potential to significantly expand market access for Sri Lankan businesses and attract even more foreign investment.

Sri Lanka and Indonesia formally launched the negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between the two countries recently. .

The Ministers conveyed that the commencement of the Sri Lanka-Indonesia PTA negotiations would serve as a step towards a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

He highlighted the recent FTA with Thailand as a historic step towards achieving President Wickremesinghe’s vision of a stable economy. He emphasized that this agreement has already provided Sri Lanka access to a USD 2.2 billion market, representing a significant advancement.

Sri Lanka and Indonesia Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) talks held virtually State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya led the Sri Lanka delegation and Indonesia’s team was led by its Vice Minister of Trade Jerry Sambuaga.

The Ministers conveyed that the commencement of the Sri Lanka-Indonesia PTA negotiations would serve as a step towards a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

They agreed that both countries are keen to strengthen bilateral trade relations and achieve meaningful market access under the proposed PTA. The Ministers expressed the hope that the PTA negotiations will be conducted

International Trade Office Chief Negotiator K.J. Weerasinghe revealed that following the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed with Thailand on 3 February, Sri Lanka was looking to enter into a PTA, with discussions in this regard scheduled for March.

As part of the Government’s drive to expand Sri Lanka’s inventory of trade agreements, it was announced recently that Sri Lanka would also be seeking to enter into an FTA with Malaysia.

According to Weerasinghe, the first round of talks between Sri Lanka and Malaysia is likely to take place end-March. However, he said that both parties were yet to agree on a date and location.

In addition to these PTAs being considered, Sri Lanka has also been negotiating with India to upgrade the existing trade agreement between the two nations.

While India and Sri Lanka have entered into the Indo-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA), both nations have since attempted to upgrade the agreement by entering into an Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA).

Accordingly, Cabinet Spokesman Bandula Gunawardana on Monday (19) revealed that the 14th round of talks between Sri Lanka and India on the ETCA was scheduled to be held in New Delhi soon.

March 19, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) indicates further appreciation against the US Dollar today (19) in comparison to yesterday, as per the official exchange rates released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).

Accordingly, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 299.29 from Rs. 300.05, and the selling price to Rs. 308.90 from Rs. 309.67.

The Sri Lankan Rupee indicates appreciation against several other currencies as well.