By: Staff Writer

July 06, Colombo (LNW): Brazil, the country that gave the world natural rubber, has become the latest export market for CEAT tyres manufactured in Sri Lanka.

CEAT Kelani Holdings recently despatched its first export consignment of tyres to Brazil, the second country in South America to join the Company’s international footprint, which covers 16 countries.

The commencement of exports to Brazil was preceded by CEAT Kelani receiving the requisite INMETRO certification from the National Institute of Metrology, Standardisation and Industrial Quality, Brazil’s national standards body.

INMETRO requires manufacturers and suppliers to undergo stringent product safety testing, factory inspection and assessment to ensure compliance with production process requirements, and analysis of technical documentation. On establishing compliance, INMETRO issues a certificate as well as authorisation for the use of INMETRO’s Compliance Identification Seal.

CEAT is also the only locally-manufactured tyre brand to be IATF 16949:2016 certified by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF) for compliance with the International Standard for Automotive Quality Management Systems.

Additionally, tyres exported by CEAT Kelani are e-Mark certified by the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) – a mandatory requirement for all automotive components sold in the European Economic Area (EEA); and are compliant with the Indonesian National Standard SNI granted by the National Standardisation Agency of Indonesia (BSN) as well as the Indian national standard BIS issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards.

“Brazil is an exciting as well as a commercially-significant export market for us,” CEAT Kelani Chief Operating Officer Shamal Gunawardene said. “Each new market provides an opportunity to undergo rigorous testing for compliance with that market’s quality requirements, which can contribute to an improvement in processes or materials, or both, benefitting customers in the domestic market as well.”

He added that CEAT Sri Lanka has partnered with the top three agents in Brazil to promote its products. The company will initially export Passenger Car Radials and Industrial/Grader tyres and will expand to other categories such as Truck Bus Radial, Light Truck Radial, Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), and Commercial Van Radials thereafter.

CEAT Kelani exports tyres under the CEAT brand to countries such as Egypt, Kenya and Pakistan, while other destinations receive CEAT tyres under the brand names ORION and KELCEA. These destinations include the Philippines, Yemen, Chile, Bolivia, Mauritius, Jordan, Ghana, Syria, Nigeria, Seychelles, Nepal and Afghanistan.

The CEAT export products range from Sri Lanka consists of Truck and Bus Tyres, Light Truck tyres, Passenger Car Radials for cars and vans, Three-wheeler and Motorcycle tyres, and Agri and Industrial tyres.

By: Staff Writer

July 06, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe highlighted that the government, credited with rescuing the country from bankruptcy, is actively addressing public issues. He pointed out that an additional 200,000 individuals will benefit from the “Urumaya” freehold land title initiative.

The President underscored these initiatives, speaking at a ceremony held at the North Western Provincial Council Auditorium in Kurunegala, where symbolic deeds were presented to 463 recipients out of 73,143 eligible in the district under the “Urumaya” national program.

Addressing the gathering, he noted that he assumed leadership during a period of governmental uncertainty. He emphasized that the nation is now recovering from economic turmoil due to effective economic management.

He highlighted plans for inclusive development in Kurunegala district as part of advancing the country’s new economy.

Despite facing personal challenges akin to a house on fire, they prioritized community welfare and worked tirelessly to provide relief. Now, our country has emerged from bankruptcy. We have a four-year plan to repay our loans, offering reduced burdens and interest cuts that will yield USD 5 billion in savings.

We are currently in negotiations with private contractors. As a result, approximately USD 3 billion has been withdrawn. In total, USD 8 billion has been allocated for our use. Additionally, we have been granted USD 2 billion under relaxed terms. This does not account for funds expected from China or assistance from India. As a result, we have saved USD 8 billion over the past two years.

Before assuming office, during President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s tenure, India provided USD 3.5 billion on favourable loan terms. Bangladesh also contributed USD 200 million. Despite economic challenges, we managed to repay USD 200 million.

I’ve had to make tough decisions to rebuild our economy. Raising VAT wasn’t easy, but it was necessary to stabilize our economy. Some leaders urged people to protest and even burn houses, urging them not to support the government. Farmers were told to come to Colombo, but without fuel and fertilizers, they couldn’t come. We provided essential fuel and fertilizers to support them. Eventually, they were asked to come to Colombo without planting crops.

Furthermore, the “Aswesuma” program has tripled the benefits of the “Samurdhi” program for the people. These initiatives were implemented despite the country being bankrupt. Government employees were granted a stipend of Rs.10, 000. Attention will also be given to increasing salaries in the coming year, along with wage hikes in the private sector. Income from tourism has increased, supporting a modern tourism industry that has raised people’s earnings.

1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe unveils a significant educational initiative, presenting 200 smart classrooms and 2,000 tablet computers to schools in the Southern Province: Known as the Southern Province Smart Classroom Project, this endeavour, costing Rs. 300 million, aims to enhance learning environments: The project was initiated following a request from Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana.
   
2. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says although many countries prioritise the holding of an ‘international support conference’ after the end of a war, none of the leaders in Sri Lanka could convene one even after 15 years since the end of war: asserts an international support conference will be held covering the entire country under a SJB-rule, focusing on both the Northern and Eastern Provinces.
   
3. National People’s Power MP Vijitha Herath urges the Supreme Court to dismiss a petition challenging the Election Commission’s plans for the 2024 Presidential election: Filed by businessman Chamindra Dayan Lenawa, the petition questions the President’s term length under Article 30(2): Herath argues the petition misinterprets the 19th Amendment, which reduced the term to five years: asserts the Election Commission must proceed with the election as scheduled for 2024.
   
4. The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) is intensifying scrutiny on parliamentarians for potential tax frauds under new anti-corruption laws mandating asset declarations: As part of IMF-mandated reforms, Sri Lanka aims to boost state revenue through tax rate hikes and broader tax networks: Despite surpassing first-quarter revenue targets by six percent, authorities stress the need to strengthen mechanisms against tax evasion to achieve the 2024 revenue goal of Rs. 4,106 billion.
   
5. Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the UK Rohitha Bogollagama attends the Global Unity Dinner at The Dorchester Hotel: Organised by Regent Group, the event promotes peace and understanding: highlights Sri Lanka’s reconciliation efforts under President Ranil Wickremesinghe, urging diaspora support: praises Dr Selva Pankaj for initiatives like the Public Learn Education Platform in Sri Lanka and facilitated Pankaj’s acquisition of Sri Lankan citizenship.
   
6. CB Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe expresses optimism about the Economic Transformation Bill, highlighting its potential economic benefits and measures to enhance financial discipline and curb corruption: asserts despite Covid’s impact on creditworthiness, successful policies and IMF disbursements of US$ 660 million signify progress: stresses the need for economically viable, transparent development projects and a focus on boosting exports for Sri Lanka’s economic resilience.
   
7. Dr. CHUI Ho Kwong Samuel, Director of Hong Kong’s Environmental Protection Department, announces a collaborative agreement with Sri Lanka’s CEA and Chinese Academy of Sciences on water management: The MoU focuses on sharing advanced wastewater treatment technologies and expertise in pollution control: Hong Kong showcased innovations like seawater for toilet flushing at a workshop in Ratmalana, aiming to train Sri Lankan officials and improve air and water quality toward Sustainable Development Goals.
   
8. Sri Lanka and India plan to establish a joint venture for a power grid connectivity project linking Anuradhapura to Chennai via an undersea transmission line: The initiative includes a 130 km overland transmission line in India and aims to utilise Sri Lanka’s renewable energy potential: The joint venture will manage the project and secure funding following the completion of the Detailed Project Report.
   
9. Uma Kumaran, daughter of Sri Lankan refugees from Jaffna, makes history by becoming the first Tamil woman elected to the British Parliament for Stratford and Bow: Raised in London, she secured over 19,000 votes for the Labour Party, emphasising her family’s ties to trade unionism: pledges to represent her community, acknowledging their support and Labour values in her victory speech.
   
10. Sprinter Aruna Darshana qualifies for Sri Lanka’s Men’s 400m event at the 2024 Paris Olympics after securing second place in the Bahamas with a personal best of 45.90 seconds: joins Tharushi Karunaratne and Nadeesha Lekamge on Sri Lanka’s athletics team: Darshana also won gold at the Belt and Road Invitational Athletics Championship, showcasing potential akin to Sugath Thilakaratne.

July 06, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe this morning (06) unveiled a significant educational initiative, presenting 200 smart classrooms and 2,000 tablet computers to schools in the Southern Province.

Known as the Southern Province Smart Classroom Project, this endeavour, costing Rs. 300 million, aims to enhance learning environments.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the project was initiated following a request from Minister of Health Dr. Ramesh Pathirana.

July 06, Colombo (LNW): Dr. CHUI Ho Kwong Samuel, Director of the Environmental Protection Department of Hong Kong, announced a collaborative agreement between the Hong Kong Environment Protection Department (HKEPD), the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Central Environment Authority (CEA) of Sri Lanka.

This MoU facilitates the exchange of expertise on water management issues, including wastewater treatment.

Dr. Samuel highlighted that the agreement will transfer advanced water treatment technologies to Sri Lanka, providing knowledge on pollution control and climate change mitigation.

Speaking at the Water Technology Awareness Workshop 2024, held at the Centre of Excellence for Water and Sanitation in Ratmalana, he introduced Hong Kong’s innovative use of seawater for toilet flushing—a cost-effective, low-energy solution that conserves potable water.

He expressed hopes that these models would train Sri Lankan officials and scholars in effective pollution control.

Professor Min Yang from the Chinese Academy of Sciences elaborated on the partnership’s goals, emphasising the sharing of water treatment expertise to improve Sri Lanka’s air and water quality.

He believed this initiative would help Sri Lanka achieve its Sustainable Development Goals.

CEA Chairman Venura Fernando reiterated Sri Lanka’s focus on improving water quality through various initiatives, including a five-year programme with a private organisation.

Highlighting the critical role of the Kelani River in supplying drinking water to over four million people, Fernando emphasised the importance of protecting water resources.

He acknowledged China’s support in several areas through the Belt and Road Initiative and expressed a desire to adopt similar technological advancements in Sri Lanka.

S. K. Weragoda, Director of the Joint Research and Demonstration Centre for Water Technology, stressed the workshop’s objective to educate officials on utilising technology to protect natural resources, particularly the marine environment.

He noted the participation of representatives from Hong Kong’s Environmental Protection Department, who brought extensive experience in environmental protection to the event.

July 06, Colombo (LNW): The BMICH hosted the National Member Convention of Sri Lanka Jama’athe Islami on Saturday, themed “Noble Life, Prosperous Land”.

The event, attended by the organisation’s President, Ash-Sheikh M. H. M. Ussair Islahi, comprised three sessions. The Guests’ Session featured notable attendees such as North Western Province Governor Hafiz Nazeer Ahmed, MP A. H. M. Fowzie, and former Speaker Deshabandu Karu Jayasuriya.

During the event, Ash-Sheikh M. H. M. Ussair Islahi presented a token of appreciation to Ven. Galkande Dhammananda Thera, Director of the Walpola Rahula Institute.

Prominent speakers included Ash-Sheikh Arkam Nooramith, General Secretary of All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama; Faisz Mustapha P.C., Chancellor of South Eastern University of Sri Lanka; Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne, President of Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement; Prof. Sumathi Sivamohan; Dr. Jehan Perera, Executive Director of the National Peace Council; M. H. M. Asmi; and Moulavia Najmun Nisa from the host organisation.

The convention also saw the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with three national organisations: Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement, Healthy Lanka, and IRES.

A documentary on Sri Lanka Jama’athe Islami was screened, and a commemorative souvenir marking the organisation’s 70th anniversary was unveiled.

The event was attended by 1,500 members and over 500 dignitaries from various ethnic and religious backgrounds.

July 06, Colombo (LNW): Rohitha Bogollagama, Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, attended “The Global Unity Dinner (GUD)” on 3rd July 2024.

The annual event, held at The Dorchester Hotel, is organised by Regent Group to promote unity, peace, and understanding among different communities and nations.

The event was hosted by Dr Selva Pankaj, CEO and Co-Founder of Regent Group, a London-based educational organisation offering various services in education, skills development, and consulting.

During his address, High Commissioner Bogollagama highlighted the Sri Lankan government’s commitment, under President Ranil Wickremesinghe, to national development through reconciliation.

He conveyed President Wickremesinghe’s message to the Sri Lankan diaspora, urging them to support reconciliation, equality, and equity.

He also expressed gratitude to Dr Pankaj for launching the “Public Learn Education Platform” in Sri Lanka on June 13, an initiative aimed at providing access to free courses from top global universities.

Dr Selva Pankaj and his wife, Tharshiny Pankaj, shared their thoughts on the importance of unity and peace. Dr Pankaj recounted his experiences growing up in Sri Lanka and moving to the UK in 1990.

He emphasised that engaging with Sri Lanka’s future requires a spirit of forgiveness, referencing the launch of the “Public Learn Education Platform”.

The event also saw Dr Pankaj and his wife receiving their Sri Lankan citizenship, facilitated by the High Commission.

As a gesture of welcoming overseas Sri Lankans back to their homeland, High Commissioner Bogollagama presented the Sri Lankan passports to Dr Pankaj and his wife.