July 03, Colombo (LNW): State Minister for Finance Shehan Semasinghe announced that all uncertainties surrounding Sri Lanka’s debt sustainability have been resolved. He highlighted that while the international community has shown optimism about Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring efforts, some local parties remain skeptical for political reasons.
State Minister Semasinghe made these remarks during a press briefing titled “Collective Path to a Stable Country” held at the Presidential Media Centre.
July 03, Colombo (LNW): The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), endorsed by the Green Environment Fund, has granted US$ 1.09 million to implement a sustainable and efficient e-mobility system in Sri Lanka.
Cabinet Spokesman and Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana announced that the Cabinet of Ministers approved his proposal to designate the Transport and Highways Ministry as the project implementing agency.
“Although the Environment Ministry was initially identified as the national entity for the project, the Transport and Highways Ministry can initiate the project more efficiently with all relevant parties since the project scope falls under its purview,” said Minister Gunawardhana.
July 03, Colombo (LNW): Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and Secretary of the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing W.S. Sathyananda signed and exchanged diplomatic letters on July 2 to formalize the modalities related to the Low Cost Transit Housing Construction Project at Madhu Shrine, Mannar. This follows the Government of India’s (GOI) decision to provide an additional grant of around LKR 100 million for the project, bringing GOI’s total commitment to over LKR 400 million.
In response to the economic challenges faced by Sri Lanka, GOI has decided to increase funding for nine ongoing grant projects to expedite their completion and mitigate the impact of rising construction material costs. The Low Cost Transit Housing Construction Project at Madhu Shrine is one of these initiatives.
With the additional funding, a total of 96 transit houses will be constructed at the Madhu Shrine to accommodate pilgrims. The project is currently in progress, with the proposed transit houses at various stages of construction.
July 03, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena recently emphasized that the government has laid the foundation for the economy to move forward. He made this statement during a ceremony at Arangala Sanasa Hall on June 30, where egg incubators from the Chinese government and coffee machines from the Decentralised Fund were distributed to societies in the Kaduwela electorate.
During his speech, the Prime Minister acknowledged the country’s resilience in the face of crises, comparing the current economic challenges to the hardships faced during the Second World War. He praised the commitment of the public, especially retired public servants, and highlighted the government’s efforts to maintain pensions and salaries even in difficult times.
Gunawardena noted that Colombo district had borne the brunt of recent economic difficulties, but he expressed confidence in the nation’s progress. He pointed out the government’s success in restoring international trust and the ability to conduct international transactions, despite the challenges faced.
He emphasized the importance of cooperatives, such as Sanasa, in providing security and support to their members, and highlighted the government’s allocation of funds for relief and development projects. He also mentioned the need to prepare for an aging population by starting various services to meet their needs.
Gunawardena highlighted the potential of egg incubators to provide income and nutrition to low-income households, with the support of the Chinese government. He also mentioned that China and Japan have pledged support to help Sri Lanka’s economic development and to resume suspended projects.
The event was attended by Colombo District Coordinating Committee Chairman, Members of Parliament Pradeep Udugoda and Yadamini Gunawardena, Kaduwela Divisional Secretary Sampath Idamgodage, Kaduwela Municipal Secretary, Executive Committee member of the MEP youth organization Chandana Pushpakumara, and representatives of community organizations.
July 03, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe felicitated veteran Language Instructor R. S. Jayasinghe at the Presidential Secretariat on Monday (1).
Before the Cabinet meeting, President Wickremesinghe presented a letter of appreciation to Jayasinghe, acknowledging his significant contributions.
Jayasinghe began his career at the Survey Department on August 1, 1961, and was appointed as a language consultant in the Cabinet Office on July 3, 1974. As of July 3, 2024, he has completed 50 years of service in the Cabinet Office. President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake was also present at the ceremony.
July 03, Colombo (LNW): Showers will occur at times in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts. Fairly heavy showers above 50mm are likely at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.
Several spells of showers will occur in North-western province.Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts in the evening or night.Strong winds of about (40-50) kmph can be expected at times over the Western slopes of the central hills, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
By: Staff Writer
July 02, Colombo (LNW): Dipped Products PLC (DPL), a global leader in sustainable, premium glove manufacturing and member of the Hayleys Group, announced the launch of the EVPRO Glove – the first ever product specifically engineered to meet the unique hand protection requirements of Electric Vehicle (EV) professionals.
Offering unmatched safety and mobility for electrical engineers, the EVPRO Glove provides crucial protection against electric shock during the handling and maintenance of electrical vehicles.
“Aligned with the Hayleys Group’s purpose of inspiring an inclusive world and a thriving planet, we have sought not only to enhance our internal capabilities for sustainable niche innovations, but also to engage with critical eco-friendly industries to help accelerate the green transition.
The EV market is one such priority industry, with global sales of electric vehicles soaring by 31% in 2023 up to 13 million units.
“Recognising the need for specialised safety gear tailored to the unique demands of this fast-growing sector we embarked on a journey of innovation to develop the world’s first EV glove.
With keen interest already generated among customers in the United States and Europe, EVPRO is poised to elevate DPL’s growth potential and global competitiveness as it makes its way to distribution channels worldwide,” DPL Managing Director Pushpika Janadheera said.
DPL’s journey into the realm of electrical safety gear began in 2006 with the introduction of their LINEPRO gloves range, an electrical insulation glove designed for high-voltage work, used by linesmen worldwide.
However, as the demand for EVs surged, the team responded to the emerging requirement of protection needed to meet the evolving challenges of the industry.
While maintaining LINEPRO’s essential electrical insulating properties, the EVPRO Glove introduces several unique features.
A distinctive textured surface for enhanced grip in wet and oil conditions ensures safety and performance in diverse working environments.
Additionally, it is 25% thinner than standard electrician gloves, providing improved dexterity, and offers a better hand fit for unparalleled comfort and precision.
The EVPRO Glove represents DPL’s commitment to empowering professionals and driving innovation in the ever-evolving EV industry. By providing EV professionals with cutting-edge safety solutions, DPL is playing a crucial role in ensuring the continued growth and sustainability of the industry.
By: Staff Writer
July 02, Colombo (LNW): The project for the production of hydrogen fuel from the ocean using solar power has been submitted to the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) which promotes the production of Hydrogen in which Sri Lanka is the current Chair
A discussion was held between Ceylon Italy Blue Economy Association President Vittorio Coco, Confederation of MSME Industries President Nawaz Rajabdeen and SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka Past President Macky Hashim on the launching of the joint venture. .
The concept of producing green Hydrogen fuel has been forwarded to Sri Lankan partners by Italian businessman Vittorio Coco who has also had negotiations with the Sri Lankan Government over setting up the project.
Coco said they plan to set up a world trade centre in Trincomalee and World Trade Centre Trieste Italy CEO Cristina Sbaizero, will partner with them in this initiative.
This will be a hub for trade and investment related to blue economy and hydrogen products and it would be created with the collaboration of the World Trade Centre.
An international hydrogen trade office too will be created and connected to the World Trade Centre network. He said they have had discussions and requested Foreign Minister Ali Sabry to take the lead as Sri Lanka is now the Chair of IORA.
Rajabdeen said this would be moving from fossil fuel to green fuel which is a requirement with the International Marine Organisation making it mandatory from 2030 that all cruiser vessels must use green energy for which Hydrogen is the base product produced from resources in the ocean using solar.
He said Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles and all island nations will benefit by having bunkering stations in their countries for the future of maritime trade. Rajabdeen said they would support the project as a Chamber and also use his regional network to support it which will provide a stepping stone for anybody coming into this picture.
He said this is the future and a flagship bunkering company in Sri Lanka too will be involved in the project.
The study examines the methods for producing hydrogen using solar energy as a catalyst. The two commonly recognised categories of processes are direct and indirect.
The heterogeneous photocatalytic process minimises the quantity of emissions released into the environment; thermochemical reactions stand out for having low energy requirements due to the high temperatures generated; and electrolysis is efficient while having very little pollution created.
Electrolysis has the highest exergy and energy efficiency when compared to other methods of creating hydrogen, according to the evaluation.
By: Staff Writer
July 02, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is gearing up to launch “Starlink” satellite internet services soon following the approval given by Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) in accordance with the TRCSL amendment Bill.
Starlink, a satellite internet constellation operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, promises to deliver high-speed internet to even the most remote corners of the globe.
This development will revolutionise the country’s connectivity, opening up new horizons, especially for youth. With faster and more reliable internet, for them can access global education resources, collaborate on innovative projects, and thrive in this new digital age
In a step closer to the introduction of Starlink satellite internet service in Sri Lanka, the Committee on Public Finance has approved the Sri Lanka Telecommunications (Amendment) Bill subject to amendments to ensure consumers are ensured the benefits from advanced telecommunication technology.
The current law is amended in this manner for the first time in 28 years, providing for the regulation of the industry in keeping with advanced technology.
State Minister Kanaka Herath said this bill, if enacted, would provide for regulation of satellite based internet services in the country among others.
A statement from the Parliamentary Media Unit said approval was given when the Committee met recently under the Chairmanship of Dr. Harsha de Silva with the presence of MPs from both sides, Officials representing the Attorney General’s Department, officials of Technology, Telecommunication Regulatory Commission and other institutions (TRC).
The Speaker recently announced that the Supreme Court has made recommendations regarding the Bill, suggesting that certain sections need to be amended.
Accordingly, the officials who were present stated that amendments recommended by Supreme Courts have been accommodated. They have stressed that the legislation has to be amended to be in line with the technological trends in the globe.
The officials also stated that this Bill was prepared after extensive discussions with all stakeholders in the telecommunication sector in accordance with the accepted standards of the world. Thus, in a more competitive market, there is scope for a regulation that is fair to the consumer.
It was also disclosed that the legislation will provide provisions to introduce a mechanism to provide telecommunication frequencies under a competitive system.
It was also disclosed that in addition to the existing telecommunication system licences and frequency licences, 3 other types of licences will be introduced. Accordingly,
It will provide provisions to issue licences to companies that provide infrastructure, in addition to the companies that provide telecommunication services.
The officials also stated that the powers of the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission will be strengthened through these amendments.
