January 20, Colombo (LNW):Showers will occur at times in Eastern and Uva provinces and in Polonnaruwa and Matale districts.
Several spells of showers may occur in Northern province and in Anuradhapura district.Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 p.m.
Fairly heavy showers about 75 mm are likely at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces.Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning.
The public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
January 19, Colombo (LNW): Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB) have jointly initiated and implemented efforts to introduce Sri Lankan ICT companies to the Japanese market
As part of its dynamic approach to fostering global trade, EDB is actively engaged in identifying and cultivating potential markets for exporters worldwide.
Furthermore, the EDB is actively exploring opportunities for technical assistance from its international collaborators.
This includes harnessing cutting-edge technologies, adopting innovative business practices, and enhancing the overall competitiveness of the export sector.
EDB has solidified its commitment to advancing the ICT BPM sector by establishing a strategic partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
This collaboration is set to play a pivotal role in expanding and cultivating the Japanese market for Sri Lanka’s burgeoning ICT BPM industry aiming to create a network that goes beyond immediate economic benefits, promoting a culture of collaboration and knowledge exchange that transcends borders.
In 2020, EDB initiated a significant initiative in collaboration with JICA to enhance technological collaborations. After a comprehensive survey on Sri Lankan tech industry, a compelling proposal was submitted in 2022.
Marking a remarkable journey between two tech industries in both countries, the approval was received from JICA, with the agreement to extend the Japanese technical assistance for Sri Lankan tech companies by introducing Sri Lankan ICT/BPM companies to the Japanese market.
The project aims to assist approximately 30 SME ICT/BPM companies and tech startups in two cohorts over a two-year period starting in 2024 by providing market intelligence, business coaching and matchmaking support.
To provide technical consultancy, JICA assigned Mr. Yoichi KOGURE, Senior Consultant in the Consulting Division at Japan Development Service Co., Ltd. (JDS), and Mr. Malith Gunasekara, Technology Advisor specializing in Digital Financial Services, FinTech, and e-Health, to the project.
The technical consultancy will be multifaceted, by close collaboration with Sri Lankan tech companies to understand their unique capabilities, challenges and aspirations. At the same time the consultancy team will identify the potential areas of synergy and establish connections between two tech ecosystems.
Sri Lanka’s Export Development Board has worked tirelessly to establish the country’s IT BPM sector in the competitive Japanese market.. Through key events and meetings with influential Japanese institutions, Sri Lanka gained media exposure and recognition, leading to collaborations in software development ventures.
Recognizing the growing demand, EDB expanded its efforts to Central and Western Japan in 2023 with Osaka IT Week, resulting in successful business leads. The collaboration between Sri Lanka and Japan has become a success story, serving as inspiration for other nations.
January 19, Colombo (LNW): The Committee on Public Finance (COPF) has expressed its deep dissatisfaction with the Finance Ministry and the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) over the failure to collect foregone taxes from major corporations implicated in the Sugar scam, as outlined in the forensic report compiled by the Auditor General.
A meeting of COPF was convened under the chairmanship of Dr. Harsha de Silva, during which the committee members underscored its disappointment with the lack of action taken by the authorities despite a 99.5% reduction in the Special Commodity Levy on sugar imports, as stipulated on Extraordinary Gazette dated October 13, 2020.
The COPF emphasized that no accountability measures have been taken , allowing certain large corporations to unfairly benefit from the reduced tax rate at the expense of consumers.
Specifically, the COPF inquired about the extent of tax collection from the implicated companies and directed the Inland Revenue Department to submit a comprehensive report within one week. The COPF members said they aim to gain clarity on the current status of tax collection related to the Sugar scam.
Further addressing the issue, the committee highlighted its concerns over the proposed reversal of the tax policy, which aims to increase the Special Commodity Levy on sugar from Rs. 0.25/ per kilogram back to Rs. 50 per kilogram.
The Finance Ministry’s intention to collect Rs. 30 billion from the average Sri Lankan while allowing implicated corporations to evade responsibility was strongly criticized. The committee emphasized the need to hold wrongdoers accountable before imposing additional financial burdens on the general public.
Additionally, the committee engaged with officials from the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) to address concerns about the maximum retail price (MRP) not being adhered to by distributors.
The CAA officials revealed that despite conducting 342 raids and imposing fines on micro, small, and medium businesses exceeding the MRP, challenges persist in penalizing wholesale distributors due to the absence of a maximum wholesale price in the gazette.
The committee directed the CAA to conduct a comprehensive study on the imposition of MRP, considering factors such as the Special Commodity Levy and importer prices.
Furthermore, the COPF requested the CAA to propose a mechanism to address the ongoing issue of wholesale distributors selling above the MRP and engaging in fraudulent activities.
Additionally, the Committee delved into the implications of the Order under Section 22 of the Foreign Exchange Act No. 12 of 2017.
This order outlines provisions designed to regulate the movement of funds and foreign exchange transactions for individuals and companies in Sri Lanka, with the overarching objective of sustaining economic stability and effectively managing foreign exchange reserves.
The migration allowance, as stipulated in the order, remains at USD 50,000 with a reduced allowance of USD 20,000 for temporary visa holders.
Officials from the Central Bank apprised the Committee of amendments to the previous gazette, including provisions allowing Sri Lankan individuals to purchase share options in their own overseas companies.
January 19, Colombo (LNW): The Attorney General’s Department said it will file objections before the British High Court of Admiralty on the 29th of January against the restrictions imposed on compensation for the damage caused by the fire and sinking of the X-Press Pearl vessel.
The Attorney General’s Department said the court had earlier limited the compensation that could be obtained from the company that owns the vessel to 19.5 million Sterling Pounds.
As a result, there were limitations to recover sufficient compensation for the damage caused by the sinking of the vessel.
A detailed statement is scheduled to be submitted to the Court on the 27th of January in relation to the lawsuit brought before the Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC) to recover compensation from the shipping company.
Even then, the U.K. would also limit compensation to 19.5 million pounds ($24 million). In Sri Lanka, however, there would be no such cap.
Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapakshe said the government would appoint a British lawyer to negotiate the compensation limitation set in the U.K. for the insurers. He reiterated the position that prospects for a favorable outcome are better in those overseas courts than in Sri Lanka.
The evidence in the case will be heard thereafter. The Attorney General’s Department added that the Harbor Master will be presented as the first witness.
The Singapore court has allowed the case filed by the Sri Lankan government against the company that owns the X-Press Pearl vessel to continue.
Accordingly, the case will be called before the Singapore International Commercial Court on the 29th of January.
The Attorney General’s Department said a detailed complaint should be filed before the court on behalf of the Sri Lankan government, prior to the hearing, and measures are being taken in this regard at present.
The Attorney General’s Department said court granted the relevant permission after the shipping company submitted preliminary objections in the case.
The case was filed to recover compensation for the damage caused to the marine ecosystem of Sri Lanka due to the X-Press Pearl fire and the sinking of the ship.
A 40-member expert committee convened by the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) to assess the environmental damage issued its second interim report in January this year, in which it put a price on the disaster: $6.4 billion.
Maritime rules require a claim for compensation to be filed within two years of the occurrence of the accident. The Singapore-flagged X-Press Pearl caught fire in Sri Lankan waters on May 20, 2021, and sank several days later.
But the long wait without filing action has caused anxiety among activists, who have criticized the government for not moving fast enough.
January 19, Colombo (LNW): The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has reached a decision to launch an investigation regarding the Aswesuma social welfare benefits programme.
HRCSL Commissioner Attorney Nimal Punchihewa said many complaints were filed in this regard, by individuals and organizations.
He said complaints were filed over the benefit not being granted to eligible groups, the fairness of certain eligibility criteria and the selection process.
Punchihewa said an investigation will be launched to determine if the guidelines were fair and if the selection process was carried out in a proper manner.
In the meantime, another 300,000 families have qualified to receive the Aswesuma welfare benefit, after considering 640,000 appeals and objections.
Acting Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe said the number of families receiving the benefit has exceeded 1.7 million.
5,209 families who were receiving the benefit have also become ineligible, following objections and appeals.
The Acting Minister added that Aswesuma payments from last July to December will be released to the families that were selected as eligible to receive the benefit, before the next Aswesuma payment is released.
The Acting Finance Minister said that nearly 1.1 million appeals and objections were received and they will be considered as soon as possible.
Another 300,00 families have been deemed eligible for the Aswesuma scheme, Sri Lanka’s targeted welfare benefits program, its State Finance Minister said.
“300,000 new families have qualified to receive “Aswesuma” benefits after completion of 640,000 objections and appeals submitted out of 1 million,” Shehan Semasinghe said on X.
“Accordingly, the number of families who will now receive benefit will exceed 1.7 million.”Semasinghe said that back payments from July to December will be transferred to the bank accounts of the newly selected families “in the near future”.
He pointed out that 5,209 selected beneficiary families had become ineligible and another 2,567 families had moved down from their beneficiary category after reviewing appeals and objections.50,882 families have moved up in their beneficiary category, he said.
Sri Lanka’s government launched the Awesuma programme last year in response to allegations that the existing welfare scheme system was too politicized, with criticism specifically levelled at the Samurdhi scheme.
January 19, Colombo (LNW): Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda has directed the temporary suspension of prior approval for the import of canned fish, effective from January 11, aiming to support the local canned fish industry. The decision follows a discussion between the Minister and representatives from the Canned Fish Producers’ Association, where concerns were raised regarding challenges faced by the industry.
The representatives highlighted difficulties in selling local canned fish due to large-scale imports in recent months. They attributed price increases to the imposition of VAT tax on local canned fish from January 1. Despite the local industry’s capacity to meet market demand, the surge in imported canned fish has adversely affected their operations.
The representatives emphasized that imported canned fish is priced lower than locally produced counterparts, jeopardizing the viability of their businesses. In response, Minister Devananda instructed the Fisheries Department Director General to temporarily suspend prior approval for canned fish imports and explore the possibility of imposing additional taxes on previously imported stock.
Furthermore, the Minister directed officials to facilitate the import of fish canning necessities during periods of increased local fish prices. Various issues raised by canned fish producers were addressed during the discussion, and the Minister emphasized the importance of monitoring market prices and ensuring a steady fish supply to prevent inconvenience to consumers. The meeting was attended by Ministry Secretary Kumari Somarathne, Fisheries Department Director General Susantha Kahawaththa, and Additional Secretaries to the Fisheries Ministry Anusha Gokula and Dhammika Ranathunga.
January 19, Colombo (LNW): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) representatives underscored the critical need for precise implementation of economic reforms during a review meeting chaired by Sri Lanka’s Acting Minister of Finance, Shehan Semasinghe. Minister Semasinghe expressed satisfaction with the progress made in addressing the economic crisis through the ongoing reforms directed under his leadership.
Discussions at the meeting centered on the reforms’ specifics and their timelines, with the IMF delegation, led by senior mission head Peter Brewer, providing valuable insights. Minister Semasinghe highlighted ongoing dialogues to refine the reform agenda.
It was emphasized that these reforms are vital for the country’s economic development, transcending political affiliations, and the delegation pledged to communicate this importance to all political entities, including the opposition. Minister Semasinghe also noted the delegation’s input from their visits to the North and East regions, emphasizing the imperative of incorporating regional perspectives into the reform process.
January 19, Colombo (LNW): The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has announced its commitment to continue the annual ‘Sadaham Yathra’ religious program, with over 800 programs already successfully conducted across temples, churches, mosques, and kovils nationwide in recent months. Tissa Attanayaka, the SJB National Organiser, highlighted the program’s objective of engaging with religious leaders from various faiths to discuss SJB’s future development plans for the country.
Attanayaka emphasized the SJB’s special focus on addressing the economic crisis affecting the country, particularly the soaring prices of essential food items. He outlined steps taken by the SJB to find a permanent solution to the economic challenges, aiming to alleviate hardships faced by a significant percentage of the population, especially children.
The inaugural ‘Sadaham Yathra’ religious program for the year commenced at Dambadeniya Purana Viharaya in the Kurunegala District. Ven. Thirivanpola Seelawansa Thera, the Chief Incumbent of the temple, praised the initiative, acknowledging its positive impact on the development of individuals’ minds, regardless of their religious beliefs. He expressed gratitude to the SJB leadership for consistently organizing the program across diverse religious places.
January 19, Colombo (LNW): In a statement delivered at the NAM Ministerial Committee on Palestine in Kampala, Uganda, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ali Sabry, PC, reaffirmed the country’s unwavering support for a just and comprehensive negotiated political settlement to the Palestine issue. Minister Sabry emphasized Sri Lanka’s commitment to the relevant UN resolutions, advocating for two States coexisting based on the 1967 borders.
Addressing the ongoing crisis in Gaza, Minister Sabry expressed deep concern over the hundred days of escalating violence and the tragic consequences, including an unprecedented level of civilian casualties and mass displacement. He underscored the urgent need for unhindered humanitarian aid entry into Gaza to prevent famine, disease, and malnutrition.
As the Chair of the UN Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices, Sri Lanka continues to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian cause and acknowledges the legitimate right of the Palestinian people to statehood. Minister Sabry welcomed the high priority given by the 19th Summit of NAM to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the broader issue of Palestine.
Expressing dismay over the double standards in the international response to the crisis in Gaza, Minister Sabry called for a united front and a collective voice from the international community to alleviate the humanitarian disaster. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing the safety, dignity, and rights of both Israelis and Palestinians in the pursuit of stable and sustainable peace.
Minister Sabry acknowledged the legitimate security concerns of both Israeli and Palestinian peoples and urged sincere dialogue between both sides to break the cycle of violence. He concluded by echoing the words of the UN Secretary-General, emphasizing the critical importance of ending the ordeal of the people of Gaza and the collective responsibility of the international community to achieve this goal.
January 19, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has announced plans to eliminate illegal settlements and buildings within the city limits of Colombo. Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Ruwan Wijemuni, stated that official notices have been issued to the owners of these illegal structures, and steps are underway to relocate the affected residents to newly constructed housing schemes provided by the Urban Development Authority (UDA).
Dr. Wijemuni identified several relocation sites, including the Kirula Abeyarama Housing Complex in Thimbirigasyaya, the Gunananda Housing Complex, the Colombo 13 Housing Complex, and Housing Complexes in Maligawatte, Kotahena, and Jumma Majid Road. The move aims to address the issue of unauthorized constructions within the city while ensuring proper housing solutions for those affected.
