October 04, Colombo (LNW): With an increase in children displaying influenza symptoms, health officials are advising parents to take precautionary measures, including ensuring that children wear face masks. Pediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera has also reported a rise in hand, foot, and mouth disease cases, stressing the importance of following proper health guidelines to safeguard children from these infections.
Parents are encouraged to remain vigilant and prioritize their children’s health by practicing good hygiene and adhering to recommended safety protocols.
Renowned lawyer Panduka Keerthinanda, known for his outstanding contributions to several government ministries, resigned from his role as Chairman of the Land Reform Commission (LRC) yesterday. His departure was marked by an emotional farewell from the ministry’s employees, who presented him with a memento inscribed with the heartfelt message, “Dear Sir, thank you for being a leader who inspires positive change.”
Appointed to the position in 2023 by then Minister of Lands Harin Fernando and thereafter re-appointed by the former President Ranil Wickremesinghe Keerthinanda’s leadership at the LRC was characterized by a series of significant administrative reforms and a focus on efficiency and modernization. His tenure brought about remarkable improvements in the commission’s financial performance and operational effectiveness, setting a high standard for future leadership.
In an interview with The Morning Telegraph, Panduka Keerthinanda expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the Land Reform Commission, stating, “I am pleased to have had the chance to contribute to this vital ministry and help uplift land reforms. I extend my sincere best wishes to my successor and hope they will continue the positive work we’ve started.”
Achievements During His Term:
Financial Success: Under Keerthinanda’s leadership, the Land Reform Commission saw impressive financial performance. In 2023, the commission posted a profit of LKR 650 million, followed by a LKR 350 million profit by September 2024. Over the past two years, the commission remitted LKR 1.465 billion to the national treasury, including LKR 365 million in 2024 alone
Property Acquisition: One of his major accomplishments was the purchase of the LRC Head Office property located at 475 Kaduwella Road, Battaramulla, securing a long-term asset for the organization.
Land Distribution: In 2024, the commission successfully distributed 6,500 land deeds, improving land ownership and security for many citizens.
Modernization and Digitalization: Keerthinanda spearheaded a digital transformation initiative at the LRC in 2024. This included the introduction of a digital data system, the completion of the Land Ledger on May 22, 2024, and the integration of a Geomapper for efficient land management.
Policy Reforms: He also implemented new land alienation rules based on the government chief valuer’s circular, ensuring a more transparent and fair process for land allocation.
A Legacy of Service and Innovation:
Panduka Keerthinanda is not only celebrated for his recent contributions at the LRC but also for his broader role in the development of Sri Lanka’s legal and administrative landscape. He has worked extensively across various ministries, bringing a results-oriented approach to governance. His legal expertise and commitment to public service have led to many successful reforms over the years.
Keerthinanda’s tenure at the LRC exemplifies his dedication to enhancing public institutions through innovation, transparency, and efficiency. His leadership in initiating the digitization program and streamlining land distribution processes reflects his forward-thinking vision for the future of Sri Lanka’s land management sector.
As he steps down from his position, Keerthinanda leaves behind a legacy of positive change, with employees and colleagues alike praising his contributions. His impact on the Land Reform Commission will continue to be felt as the institution benefits from the reforms he put in place.
The high-level delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) visiting Sri Lanka met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo today, the President’s Media Division said. President Dissanayake reaffirmed commitment to IMF objectives and advocated for alternative solutions to ease the burden on people today.
Senior administrative officer, Aloka Bandara has been appointed as the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils, Local Government, and Labour. Aloka Bandara was officially appointed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The Election Commission of Sri Lanka says that steps will be taken to hold the Local Government Elections, in compliance with the Supreme Court order, as soon as the upcoming General Election is concluded. The announcement notes that the Election Commission has given due respect to the Supreme Court’s decision made on 22.08.2024, concerning the Fundamental Rights Applications related to the 2023 Local Government Elections.
Mahinda Amaraweera says that the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) is yet to take a final decision on how it will contest the General Election. He mentioned that they are also considering forming an alliance with several other parties for the upcoming General Election.
Chanditha Samaranayake, independent consultant of the Gates Foundation, met with the Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake at the Presidential Secretariat and engaged in a discussion. The Gates Foundation’s projects related to upliftment of agriculture in Sri Lanka, improvement of children’s nutrition including provision of school lunch, development of human resources in the public and private sectors, livestock, climate change etc. were discussed at length.
The Minister of External Affairs of India, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will be undertaking an official visit to Sri Lanka on 04 October 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed. During this visit, the External Affairs Minister of India is scheduled to pay courtesy calls on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, the statement said.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake affirmed his commitment to supporting public servants who dedicate themselves to creating an efficient, citizen-focused public service. He emphasized that unlike under previous administrations government officials working in the interest of the people will no longer face political retaliation.
Former MP Rajika Wickremesinghe and Daham Sirisena joined the Mawbima Janatha Party (MJP) led by entrepreneur Dilith Jayaweera. Rajika Wickremesinghe has been appointed as the MJP’s Kegalle District Organisers and Dedigama electorate organizer while Daham Sirisena has been appointed Polonnaruwa District Organiser.
The Department of Probation and Child Care Services has introduced a programme to provide birth certificates for children whose births have not been registered. Accordingly, officers of the Department have been assisting district child protection officers to identify such children and help with their school admissions.
Sri Lanka Tourism’s strategic promotional efforts have borne fruit, as the country has achieved its full year tourist arrival numbers from 2023 within the first nine months of 2024, Sri Lanka Tourism said in a statement. As of September 2024, the total tourist arrivals reached 1,487,303, surpassing last year’s total. September alone saw 112,140 arrivals, marking a 9% growth year-on-year.
October 04, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at a few places in Northern, Eastern and Uva provinces during the afternoon or night.
A few showers may occur in the coastal areas of Southern and Western provinces during the morning.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
October 03, Colombo (LNW): In light of the uncertainty occurred surrounding the government’s fertiliser subsidy initiative for paddy farmers, the Election Commission (EC) has clarified it has no objections to the scheme, a report by Daily Mirror disclosed.
The Rs. 25,000 subsidy, aimed at supporting farmers, had faced some controversy, but the EC has given its nod to the current government’s decision.
Saman Sri Ratnayake, the Commissioner of General Elections, told Daily Mirror that the original subsidy plan had been proposed by the previous administration.
At the time, the EC had halted the decision, perceiving it as a potential strategy to favour a candidate ahead of elections.
However, the present government’s move is seen as the continuation of a previously established policy, rather than a new initiative aimed at electoral gain, according to report.
In parallel, the Ministry of Agriculture has officially confirmed the allocation of the subsidy. Secretary to the ministry, M.P.N.M. Wickramasinghe, announced that paddy farmers will receive an allowance of Rs. 25,000 per hectare, ensuring financial relief during the ongoing agricultural cycle.
The fertiliser subsidy, which had been a focal point of debate, is now set to provide much-needed support to the farming community. This financial assistance comes at a critical time, as farmers have faced fluctuating agricultural costs and broader economic challenges.
However, the move raised eyebrows amongst rival political parties, in what they described it as part of the Ruling Party’s political agenda to win the upcoming General Election.
With the EC’s approval, the programme is poised to move forward without any legal or political hurdles, bringing clarity to an issue that had previously been mired in confusion.
October 03, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assured zero tolerance towards political retaliation under his leadership.
The President made this remark whilst assuming duties as the Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Livestock, Irrigation, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources today (03).
Addressing the meeting, the President assured that public servants will be honoured for their commitment to building an efficient and people-centred public service.
He emphasised that practices like political retaliation, unjust transfers, and blocked promotions, which have persisted in the public service, will no longer be tolerated under his leadership, and asserted that public servants must work towards creating a public service effective and efficient, earning the satisfaction and trust of the public.
Full Statement:
Honouring Public Servants Committed to Building an Efficient and People-Centered Public Service.
Political retaliation will be a thing of the past.
Says the President as he takes on the role of Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Livestock, Irrigation, Fisheries, and Aquatic Resources.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake affirmed his commitment to supporting public servants who dedicate themselves to creating an efficient, citizen-focused public service.
He emphasized that unlike under previous administrations government officials working in the interest of the people will no longer face political retaliation.
The President made these remarks during a meeting with ministry officials after assuming office as the Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Livestock, Irrigation, Fisheries, and Aquatic Resources this morning (03).
In a comprehensive discussion with ministry secretaries and senior officials, the current state and future plans of the Ministry of Agriculture were thoroughly reviewed. The President highlighted the critical role the ministry plays in eradicating rural poverty, noting that the performance of government officials will be decisive in achieving this goal.
He also acknowledged that in this year’s presidential election, the public placed their trust in a new political direction, rejecting the old political culture. This shift, driven by the economic challenges citizens face and their dissatisfaction with the public service, marks a significant turning point in the country’s governance.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized his commitment to building an efficient, people-centered public service, stating that he will take all necessary steps to achieve this. He noted that the public believes widespread fraud and corruption have contributed to the country’s economic collapse and that the current mandate is focused on preventing such practices.
The President called on public servants to uphold the trust placed in them by the people and to dedicate themselves to fulfilling their responsibilities with integrity. He stressed that the fight against fraud and corruption in the state depends on the commitment of government officials.
President Dissanayake further underscored the importance of creating an effective and efficient public service that meets the needs of the citizens. He assured that under his leadership, there will be no room for political revenge, unjust transfers, or denial of promotions in the public sector. He urged public servants to work diligently to build a service that earns the confidence and satisfaction of the people.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized that the next forty days will be a transitional period, during which public servants must ensure the continuity of the public service without disruption.
He also indicated that new ministers will be appointed to these ministries following the next general election.
The President reassured public officials that he will not subject them to public questioning by the media, as previous leaders have done. He made it clear that he does not support such media spectacles and is committed to creating a public service that meets the needs of citizens while upholding the dignity of public servants.
October 03, Colombo (LNW): The incumbent Government, under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, justified its decision to retain key state officials despite earlier pre-election criticisms. Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Vijitha Herath, during the new administration’s first post-Cabinet media briefing, explained that removing these officials before the formation of a new government could disrupt vital state functions.
Herath emphasized the importance of the roles held by Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana, and Government Printer Gangani Liyanage, noting their involvement in essential state mechanisms.
Specifically, Dr. Weerasinghe and Siriwardana are overseeing the country’s International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, while Liyanage is responsible for managing the upcoming general elections, with her term ending in December 2024.
Responding to questions about whether retaining these officials indicated approval of their actions under former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s administration, Herath clarified that the priority was maintaining stability during the transition period. He further explained that the number of ministries has been reduced from 28, and many secretaries have been retained to avoid unnecessary disruption.
Herath acknowledged allegations against certain ministry secretaries and public servants, stating that while no immediate legal action would be taken during the interim period, such cases may be revisited in the future. He assured that the government would make careful decisions regarding public officials, especially in relation to sensitive matters like the IMF program.
Additionally, Herath highlighted the Central Bank’s independent functioning, with its governor appointed through a separate system, justifying the decision to keep Dr. Weerasinghe in his role.
The three officials Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriawardana and Government Printer Gangani Liyanage are currently involved in managing some of the critical functions in the State mechanism. The Government has assessed how we should act during this period and we do not wish to change everything immediately and disrupt the State machinery,” he stressed.
Herath said the Central Bank Governor and Treasury Secretary are involved in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, whilst the Government Printer is responsible for the upcoming General election, adding that her extended term is in any case coming to an end by December 2024.
The Sri Lankan delegation set to visit Washington, D.C., will include the President’s economic advisers Duminda Hulangamuwa, Anil Fernando along with the Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana and the Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinge.
Among the key issues on the agenda is a framework agreement on International Sovereign Bonds (ISBs), which is in the final stage of negotiation.
“Despite claims by the previous Government that the ISB was finalised, it is still in its last phase of completion,” the Cabinet Spokesman said.
Herath said the delegation will also address domestic debt restructuring, following criticism and concerns about the current approach to managing the country’s debt.
October 03, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s primary dealers in government securities are heavily relying on the central bank’s standing facilities to fund their portfolios, even after being excluded from liquidity auctions, according to an International Monetary Fund (IMF) report.
These dealers, primarily non-bank institutions, have been using the Standing Lending Facility (SLF) extensively to support their holdings of government securities, with such activity accounting for 46% of SLF usage as of April 2023, amounting to approximately 76 billion Sri Lankan rupees (LKR).
The IMF recommends that the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) gradually reduce the availability of these monetary instruments to support the development of the LKR bond market.
According to the report, the central bank’s standing facilities should be limited to one-day transactions and not used as long-term funding sources. Ideally, primary dealers should clear their borrowings by selling securities to actual investors rather than continuing to rely on these facilities for extended periods.
In Sri Lanka’s unique market environment, Treasury bills are often offloaded onto dealers after initial auctions, leaving them without sufficient funds to pay for these securities.
This reliance on central bank liquidity contributes to systemic issues, such as balance of payments (BOP) deficits and inflation, as liquidity injected to support dealers, banks, or the government leads to unsustainable financial practices.
State-owned banks, in particular, have historically been the largest users of central bank credit facilities, contributing significantly to the country’s economic crisis.
While some private banks and foreign institutions maintain better reserves and are less reliant on these instruments, the heavy use of central bank credit by state-owned banks highlights the broader challenges facing Sri Lanka’s financial system.
In addition to monetary policy concerns, Sri Lanka is undergoing significant fiscal reform under the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF).
The government has agreed to introduce new taxes and reform existing tax structures as part of its efforts to achieve fiscal consolidation. One major change involves the introduction of an Imputed Rental Income Tax (IRIT), set to be implemented by 2025.
This tax will apply to rental income from owner-occupied and vacant residential properties, which are currently not subject to direct taxation.
The government plans to establish specific thresholds and a rate schedule for the IRIT under the Inland Revenue Act (IRA), and anti-avoidance measures will be introduced to prevent tax evasion through the use of residential companies and discretionary trusts. The capital gains tax exemption for primary residences will be replaced with a threshold that align
s with the IRIT threshold, while the exemption for listed companies on the stock exchange will also be removed.
In addition, an increase in stamp duties on land leases from 0.1% to 0.2% is under consideration, following a review of affordability and lease amounts.
The government is also exploring the introduction of an electricity usage tax by sharing data between the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).
Collaboration between the Surveyor General, the Government Valuation Department (GVD), and local authorities is expected to improve data collection on properties and taxpayers, which will help in implementing these reforms.
Furthermore, the treatment of residential property transactions under VAT will be aligned with international standards, exempting resale and rental contracts but taxing first-time sales.
Although these tax reforms are expected to increase government revenue, the short-term impact on reducing the need for central government transfers is expected to be minimal, at less than 0.05% of GDP.
October 03, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan Ambassador to the Netherlands, Rekha Gunasekera, recently met with Eppo Bruins, the Minister of Education, Culture, and Science of the Netherlands, to discuss the repatriation of a second set of colonial artefacts.
The meeting took place in The Hague, where Ambassador Gunasekera presented a list of artefacts identified by Sri Lanka for the next phase of repatriation. She highlighted that the first batch of returned artefacts, now displayed at the Colombo National Museum, has attracted many visitors, including Dutch tourists.
During the meeting, the Ambassador emphasized the importance of continued cooperation between the two nations in the process of returning colonial artefacts. She noted that this effort reflects the goodwill between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands and strengthens cultural diplomacy between the countries. Ambassador Gunasekera expressed her desire to maintain the positive momentum in this collaboration.
Minister Bruins echoed these sentiments, expressing his government’s commitment to the policy of returning artefacts that were taken during the colonial era.
He emphasized that the return of these objects goes beyond a symbolic gesture; it represents a sincere effort by the Netherlands to address its colonial past and promote a future of understanding and partnership with Sri Lanka.
The Minister assured that the list of artefacts would be forwarded to the Advisory Committee on the Return of Cultural Objects from Colonial Context for further review.
The recent collaboration between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands is part of an ongoing effort to repatriate artefacts taken during the colonial period.
In December 2023, the Netherlands returned six colonial-era items to Sri Lanka, including the Lewke Cannon, a Golden Royal Kasthane (a traditional Sri Lankan sword), a Royal Silver Kasthane, a Golden Royal Knife, and two wall guns.
These items, taken by the Dutch East India Company in 1765 following the siege of Kandy, had been part of the collection at the Rijksmuseum in the Netherlands for centuries.
The process of reclaiming these artefacts began with thorough international research conducted in April 2022, which confirmed their Sri Lankan origins.
The diplomatic initiative was spearheaded by Sri Lanka’s Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs, Vidura Wickramanayake, whose efforts helped facilitate the return of these precious items.
Sanuja Kasthuriarachchi, the Director General of the Department of National Museums, emphasized the significance of this return, noting that it showcases the importance of international collaboration in preserving cultural heritage.
The artefacts are now on display at a special exhibition gallery at the Colombo National Museum, further strengthening cultural ties between the two countries and paving the way for future returns of Sri Lankan treasures.
The artefact return represents a meaningful milestone in Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to recover its cultural heritage and serves as an important reminder of the power of international cooperation in addressing historical injustices.
October 03, Colombo (LNW): As per the provisional data released by the Sri Lanka Customs,otably, Apparel & Textiles exports surpassed the US$ 500 million mark in August 2024, after a gap of two years..Furthermore, export performance in August 2024 increased by 3.1 % compared to July 2024.
Earnings from export of Apparel & Textile have increased by 1.28 % to US$ 3,358.05 Mn during the period of January to August 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Further, earnings from export of Apparel increased by 2.31 % in January to August 2024.
Garment exports from Sri Lanka were valued at $2,206.3 million during the first six months of 2024, marking a decline of 1.4 per cent compared to the $2,236.7 million exported during the same period in the previous year, according to statistics released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
During January-June 2024, textile exports from the island nation dropped by 15.0 per cent year-on-year, totalling $146.6 million. The exports of other made-up textile articles were valued at $55.2 million during the same period, an increase of 7.3 per cent, as detailed in the bank’s report titled ‘External Sector Performance – June 2024’.
Exports of textiles, garments, and other manufactured textile articles collectively accounted for 49.78 per cent of all industrial exports from Sri Lanka during the reviewed period, the report indicated. All textile product exports amounted to $2,408.1 million in January-June 2024, while Sri Lanka’s total industrial exports were valued at $4,837.2 million in the same period.
In June 2024, all textile product exports from the country increased by 4.0 per cent year-on-year, totalling $447.2 million. Category-wise, garment exports increased by 4.0 per cent to $409.1 million, while textile exports rose by 4.3 per cent to $29.0 million. Exports of other manufactured textile articles edged up by 3.2 per cent, amounting to $9.1 million.
On the other hand, imports of textiles and textile articles increased by 11.2 per cent to $1,327.5 million, while imports of clothing and accessories edged up by 16.0 per cent, amounting to $99.0 million in January-June 2024. In June 2024, imports of textiles and textile articles increased by 20.2 per cent to $233.3 million, while imports of clothing and accessories rose by 4.2 per cent to $14.7 million.
In 2023, garment exports from Sri Lanka were valued at $4,440.6 million, which was 19 per cent lower than the exports of $5,483.1 million in 2022. The imports of textiles and textile articles had declined by 22.6 per cent to $2,371.2 million, and Sri Lanka’s imports of clothing and accessories were down by 21.1 per cent, amounting to $170 million in 2023.
