By: Staff Writer

March 24, Colombo (LNW): Aura Lanka Herbals (PVT) Ltd is grappling to continue a large-scale aloe plantation project  in the Rajanganaya Yaya ‘18 area amidst  environmentalists protests against t it over destroying the buffer zone of Wilpattu National Park.

This accusation has been made by environmental organizations as well as the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC). Surakimu Sri Lanka President Pahiyangala Ananda Sagara Thera.

They alleged that Viranjith Thambugala, Managing Director of Aura Lanka (PVT) Ltd, intends to acquire 125,000 acres in the Anuradhapura district under the guise of having an aloe vera plantation.

Leave aside the intended cultivation of aloe vera there remains a serious concern regarding the rightful ownership of the lands in the ‘18 area’ for the local populace.

Multimillion dollar mega Aloe Vera cultivation project for the export market is now entangled in legal and environmental breaching issues following allegations against local investor of the project

This incident was significant at a time where several leading environmentalists are carrying out a protest campaign demanding the government to US $ 783 million Aloe Vera cultivation project on more than 100,000 acres of land in the Anuradhapura District causing severe environmental damage.

It is expected to commence operations soon although the project has failed to obtain Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

However, according to company sources it has obtained the due approvals from relevant authorities under certain conditions.

Environmentalist Sajeeva Chamikara questioned the purpose behind this massive multimillion dollar investment and as to how Mr Thambugala has amassed such wealth.

The cabinet has approved this project on a proposal presented by then Minister of Finance Basil Rajapaksa and the former Minister of Lands S.M. Chandrasena handed over 66 acres of crown land to the venture promoter Aura Lanka Herbals Ltd. on a 30-year lease.

The Rajanganaya ‘18 area’ colonization scheme began in the 1960s, centred around the Rajanganaya reservoir.

Former Prime Minister Sirima Bandaranaike formulated the plans for it. Initially, this colonization scheme aimed to supply rice, vegetables, and fruits to the local market under the name of Rajanganaya.

However, this objective has not been realised as expected. Despite this past, Aura Lanka (PVT) Ltd is currently planning to cultivate aloe vera in the ‘18 area’ colony. Reports indicate that this aloe vera plantation is in the Wilpattu buffer zone, and licences for lands- where cultivation is to take place- have been granted to beneficiaries san the approval of the DWC.

Rajanganaya Divisional Secretary Upali Rajapaksa regarding this issue. He said, “the allocation of these lands and the commencement of aloe vera cultivation began around six years ago.

He noted that he is seeking clarification on whether these licences were granted within the wildlife zone and if aloe vera cultivation was permitted in the wildlife reserve.

Aloe vera cultivation is presently being carried out on licenced lands only; no cultivation is being done on lands without a licence. Farmers are engaged in aloe vera cultivation.

March 24, Colombo (LNW): Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe underscored the ongoing fragility of the country’s economy and emphasised its pivotal role as the main focal point in the upcoming election.

Addressing the media in Anuradhapura yesterday (23), the State Minister pointed out the necessity of electing individuals with strong economic management skills and a clear vision for the nation’s financial future.

He stressed that the recovery of the economy remains a paramount concern, requiring leadership that can navigate the challenges effectively.

The Minister noted, “The country’s economy should be the primary issue in the upcoming election. Priority should be given to individuals who possess the ability to manage the economy and have a clear vision, as the economy has yet to recover from its precarious state.”

March 24, Colombo (LNW): The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) will record a statement from former President Maithripala Sirisena regarding his recent controversial remarks concerning the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, according to IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon.

Tennakoon revealed that the statement is scheduled to be recorded tomorrow (25).

This development comes in the wake of heightened scrutiny surrounding Sirisena’s assertion that he possesses crucial information regarding the true mastermind behind the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks.

The CID’s decision underscores the seriousness with which law enforcement authorities are treating Sirisena’s comments, as they seek to ascertain any pertinent details related to the tragic bombings that shook the nation almost five years ago.

1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe extends the deadline for the nine-member Commission of Inquiry, chaired by former Chief Justice Priyasad Dep, to submit its final report on electoral reforms: The Commission, established to propose amendments aligning with contemporary needs, aims to enhance trust and accountability in the electoral process: Originally due by April 15, 2024, the deadline has been extended by two months to June 15, allowing more time for the Commission to formulate recommendations.
   
2. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa responds to criticism that he ‘talks too much’ in Parliament, asserting that his remarks do not stand for personal benefit but for the rights of 22 million people of Sri Lanka: criticises the government’s attempt of relegating girls’ age of consent for sexual behaviour from 16 to 14, and the attempt of easing punishment for men under the age of 22 convicted for sexual assault.
   
3. JVP Chief Secretary Tilvyn Silva expresses the NPP’s goal of forming a more robust government, stating that a simple majority is insufficient for social change and economic recovery: emphasises the need for stronger power to achieve their objectives, aiming to establish the first People’s Government in Sri Lanka with substantial public support to overcome potential sabotage by rivals.
   
4. Public Security Minister Tiran Alles instructs IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon to launch an immediate probe into ex-President Maithripala Sirisena’s recent statements about the Easter Sunday bombings: Sirisena claimed to possess information on the attacks’ ‘true mastermind’ and expressed readiness to disclose it to the judiciary if requested: The remarks raise questions about Sirisena’s prior knowledge of the bombings, amidst ongoing discussions about alleged political motives behind the attacks: The CID, meanwhile, will record a statement tomorrow (25) from the ex-President over the comments.
   
5. Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya announces a new strategy to stabilise prices and address currency depreciation concerns: Starting Monday, daily price disclosures for imported goods and VAT will be provided by the Consumer Affairs Authority: This aims to empower consumers with real-time pricing information: Measures are also in place to ensure a smooth supply chain during the upcoming festive season.
   
6. The Central Bank addresses controversy over salary revisions for its senior management and professionals, stating that the adjustment for 2024-2026 resulted from a collective agreement between CB’s Governing Board and employee representatives, made independently before any input from the COPF: In response, the COPF chairman suggested an independent committee review the agreement: CB reaffirmed its autonomous role in financial matters, emphasising its commitment to maintaining price stability and a stable financial system.
   
7. Health Minister Ramesh Pathirana highlights a surge in non-communicable diseases while launching the “Suva Udana” mobile health clinic program in Yakkalamulla, Galle: The initiative, the 14th of its kind this year, aims to provide vital healthcare services to rural areas: The mobile clinic offers various services, including dental care, laboratory tests, eye care, and screenings for blood sugar and blood pressure: Specialised clinics for kidney disorders, Ayurvedic medicine, and acupuncture are also available, focusing on early detection and referral of cases to government hospitals for further treatment.
   
8. Approximately 1,000 workers from Sri Lanka are set to arrive in Israel in March for agricultural work, particularly in harvesting citrus fruits: This follows efforts to address labour shortages in the agricultural sector, which were exacerbated by challenges after the October 7 Hamas incident: The arrival of Sri Lankan workers is expected to immediately alleviate labour demands in the agricultural industry and contribute to Israel’s food security.
   
9. Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe emphasises the ongoing economic challenges and the necessity for focusing on economic recovery in the upcoming election: stresses the importance of electing individuals with the capability to manage the economy effectively and provide clear vision, highlighting that the country’s economic situation remains precarious.
   
10. The Sri Lankan women’s cricket team, led by Chamari Athapatthu, departs for South Africa to participate in three one-day and three T20 matches: Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan under-19 women’s team is set to compete against England and Australia in Sri Lanka: Despite only one under-19 player, Vishmi Gunaratne, joining the national team for the South Africa tour, expectations are high for their performance against Australia and England in the upcoming tournament.

March 24, Colombo (LNW): The nation is confronting a surge in non-communicable diseases, Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana disclosed.

The Minister’s remarks appeared at the inauguration of the “Suva Udana” mobile health clinic programme in Yakkalamulla, Galle yesterday (23).

The “Suva Udana” initiative, marking the 14th such endeavour this year, is designed to deliver essential healthcare services to rural communities.

During his address, Pathirana underscored the escalating prevalence of non-communicable diseases nationwide.

The mobile clinic is equipped to provide a wide array of services, encompassing dental care, laboratory diagnostics, eye care, and screenings for blood sugar, lipid levels, body mass index, and blood pressure.

Moreover, specialised clinics focusing on kidney disorders, traditional Ayurvedic medicine, and Chinese acupuncture are also available.

With an emphasis on early detection and intervention, the Ministry of Health aims to refer identified cases to government hospitals for further medical attention.

March 24, Colombo (LNW): In response to growing concerns regarding the escalation of prices for essential commodities and the depreciation of the Sri Lankan Rupee against the US Dollar, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya has introduced a new strategy aimed at stabilising the market in anticipation of the upcoming festive season.

During a press briefing, Siyambalapitiya unveiled plans for the daily disclosure of prices for imported goods and Value Added Tax (VAT), effective from the forthcoming Monday.

This initiative will be overseen by the Consumer Affairs Authority.

The primary objective of this measure is to furnish consumers with real-time pricing information, enabling them to exercise greater financial prudence amidst the prevailing inflationary environment.

Additionally, the Minister assured the public that comprehensive measures have been put in place to ensure an uninterrupted supply chain of goods, thereby mitigating the risk of any potential shortages that could disrupt festivities during the upcoming season.

March 24, Colombo (LNW): India, the world’s leading exporter of onions, has extended its ban on onion exports indefinitely, a decision that has surprised markets and is poised to escalate prices in various international markets, Reuters reported.

Initially imposed in December, the ban was scheduled to conclude on March 31. However, an official order issued late on Friday has extended the prohibition until further notice.

The extension comes despite a significant drop in local onion prices, which have decreased by more than half since the implementation of export restrictions.

Additionally, the ongoing harvest season has brought fresh supplies to the market, leading traders to anticipate the lifting of export limitations.

An executive from a Mumbai-based export firm, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the extension as surprising and unnecessary given the declining prices and increased supplies from the new crop season.

Prices in major onion-producing regions like Maharashtra have plummeted from 4,500 rupees per 100 kg in December to 1,200 rupees per 100 kg currently.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government is entering an election season, with polls scheduled to take place over nearly seven weeks starting from April 19.

The decision to extend the export ban could have political implications as Modi seeks re-election for a third consecutive term.

The ban’s impact extends beyond India, affecting countries like Bangladesh, Malaysia, Nepal, and the United Arab Emirates, which heavily rely on Indian onion imports to meet domestic demand.

Consequently, these nations have grappled with soaring prices due to the restricted supply.

The ban has also created opportunities for competing exporters to capitalise on the market vacuum left by India.

With India typically offering shorter shipment times compared to rivals like China or Egypt, it accounts for more than half of all onion imports by Asian countries.

India’s onion exports reached a record 2.5 million metric tons in the financial year ending on March 31, 2023, underscoring its significance in global onion trade.

March 24, Colombo (LNW): In March, approximately 1,000 workers from Sri Lanka are anticipated to arrive in Israel to engage in agricultural work, primarily focused on harvesting citrus fruits.

This information was provided by the Director General of Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority.

Following the Hamas massacre on October 7, distress has permeated the agricultural sector.

Consequently, numerous efforts have been undertaken to address the resulting challenges.

These efforts include forging agreements with other nations to recruit foreign laborers and facilitating discussions between Israeli employers and embassy representatives.

The ministry has emphasised that the influx of Sri Lankan workers will offer immediate assistance in meeting the labor demands of this critical industry.

Furthermore, their contribution is viewed as instrumental in safeguarding the food security of the State of Israel.