January 18, Colombo (LNW): A proposed bill formulated to categorise public images for the preservation of freedom of speech, expression, and creative rights, has been submitted to President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake.

The legislation was drafted by a committee appointed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe and chaired by Saman Athaudahetti, the former Chairman of the Board of Directors of Public Performance Board, and aligns with international standards, according to reports, a statement by the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Committee members, including Ashoka Handagama, Rajitha Dissanayake, Anoma Rajakaruna, and Jagath Wickramanayake PC, contributed to the legislation through consultations with stakeholders in film, theatre, and performing arts.

Envisaged as an amendment to the 1912 Public Exhibition Control Ordinance, the Act is expected to address issues related to artistic creation and ensure comprehensive protection of creative freedom.

January 18, Colombo (LNW): A total of 40,590 suspects were apprehended in the preceding month concluding on Wednesday (17), as part of the islandwide special operation ‘Yukthiya’ (Justice) conducted by the Police Special Task Force (STF).

Accordingly, 38,225 were detained on charges related to drug offences, and notably, 1,703 detention orders have been secured, with 1,867 individuals addicted to narcotics being relocated to rehabilitation centres.

Investigations into illicit assets have been initiated against 225 suspects, while 2,801 individuals are subjects of interest for both the Police STF and the Narcotics Bureau.

The estimated value of the confiscated drugs from the raids is reported to be Rs. 4,791 million, and the seized illegal assets, at Rs. 725 million.

A comprehensive list provided to the Crimes Investigation Unit resulted in the arrest of 2,365 suspects, encompassing 536 individuals with open warrants for drug offenses and 1,499 individuals with open warrants for other criminal activities.

149 missing suspects were apprehended through fingerprinting, and an additional 181 suspects wanted for criminal offenses were successfully taken into custody, according to authorities.

January 18, Colombo (LNW): Senior Mission Chief of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for Sri Lanka Peter Breuer engaged in substantive discussions with Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera on Wednesday (17).

The meeting, attended by officials from the Ministry, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), and the Ministry of Finance, focused on the extensive reforms initiated by the government in the electricity and energy sectors.

The deliberations included an in-depth analysis of the cost-reflective fuel pricing formulas, addressing the crucial aspect of aligning fuel prices with the actual costs incurred. The IMF’s insights and recommendations in this area can potentially contribute to the sustainability of the energy sector.

The meeting touched upon the importance of conducting forensic audits to ensure transparency and accountability in the operations of the power and energy sectors. The IMF, known for its global expertise, explored avenues for enhancing governance and financial oversight.

Discussions extended to scrutinising balance sheets and evaluating the overall financial health of entities within the power and energy sectors. Examining financial indicators is crucial for understanding the economic viability and sustainability of these sectors.

The potential impact of taxes on the electricity and energy sectors was a key aspect addressed during the meeting. IMF officials and the Sri Lankan authorities engaged in a constructive dialogue to assess the implications of taxation on the overall economic dynamics.

The meeting provided a platform to delve into the various sectoral reforms undertaken by the government. Evaluating the effectiveness of these reforms and identifying areas for further improvement were central to the discussions.

The comprehensive nature of the discussions reflects the mutual interest in fostering transparency, sustainability, and efficiency within Sri Lanka’s power and energy sectors.

By: Staff Writer

January 18, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka will go all out to lure private investments, particularly in infrastructure development and the divestment of state-owned enterprises, President Ranil Wickremasinghe disclosed.

He highlighted lucrative opportunities for potential investors in key sectors such as telecommunications, financial services, and energy.

The collaborative efforts with India on renewable energy projects, focusing on offshore wind and solar sources, underscored the commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

Plans for a high-capacity power grid and bidirectional electricity trade further showcased the dedication to energy and power connectivity.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe took centre stage in a recent roundtable discussion organized by the Consortium of Indian Industry (CII) and World Economic Forum yesterday (16), unveiling a comprehensive economic vision for Sri Lanka.

Bilateral trade and economic engagement were central themes, with plans outlined for liberalizing trade in goods and services, customs cooperation, and trade facilitation with India.

The emphasis on technology cooperation and the use of the Indian rupee for trade settlement reflects a commitment to strengthening economic ties. Sri Lanka’s vision also extends to tourism and people-to-people connectivity, fostering cultural and educational collaborations.

The President emphasized the successful resolution of supply bottlenecks, the removal of import restrictions and the restoration of foreign exchange liquidity as key factors contributing to sustained economic growth.

Sri Lanka is actively expanding its trade agreements, with a recently completed comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Singapore and an upcoming FTA with Thailand in February. Ongoing discussions with India, China, and Southeast Asian nations highlight the nation’s commitment to global economic integration.

Engaging with top Indian CEOs across various sectors, President Wickremesinghe discussed opportunities in supply chain efficiency, healthcare, consumer products, telecom, and clean energy.

The roundtable positioned Sri Lanka as an attractive destination for diverse investments. Recognizing the importance of digital technologies in logistics, the President highlighted the potential for collaboration in enhancing infrastructure efficiency. In conclusion, President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s dynamic vision, shared during the roundtable, underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to economic prosperity, regional collaboration, and sustainable development. The dialogue with Indian CEOs lays the groundwork for robust partnerships and investments, fostering a new era of economic growth for Sri Lanka.