President Wickremesinghe and Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar jointly unveiled a digital plaque commemorating the inauguration of 106 houses constructed under the Indian Housing Project in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Matale districts. Additionally, they handed over 24 houses from model villages in Colombo and Trincomalee to their respective beneficiaries.
Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Sarath Fonseka strongly criticized his party leader Sajith Premadasa, stating that Fonseka’s request to speak in Parliament had been rejected by the Chief Opposition Whip. “I made the request to speak three days ago and was informed that instructions had been given to prevent me from making any speeches. I was asked if I would work for Sajith Premadasa in the Presidential Election,” Fonseka said.
The Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health says that 5,000 Leptospirosis cases have been reported within the first six months of the year. Health officials advise the public to promptly seek medical advice if they experience a fever or exhibit symptoms related to rat fever.
Former President Maithripala Sirisena alleges that the Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith has not distributed any of the funds or financial aid received to assist the victims of the Easter Sunday terror attacks.
The Women’s Empowerment Bill was passed in Parliament with amendments, following its third reading. This was announced to the House by the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Ajith Rajapakshe. The third reading of the bill was passed without a vote.
The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval for the procurement of 2.3 million pre-printed Polycarbonate cards for printing National Identity Cards (NICs).
Arrangements have been made for the Colombo International Film Festival to be held from 08-14 July this year, under the joint initiative of the National Film Corporation and the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved proposal to amend the current circular related to the admission of children to the Grade 01 classes of government schools. Cabinet Spokesman, Minister Bandula Gunawardena stated that the admission of children to the first grade of schools is done transparently and in a manner that minimizes irregularities, in order to ensure equal access to education consistent with the circular issued by the Ministry of Education.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia for cooperation in promoting direct investment between the two nations. Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia reached an agreement to enter into a MOU to attract direct investment to the country and improve the investment environment of the two countries through policy and legal reforms, provision of advanced and integrated infrastructure facilities, process redesign, etc.
National Freedom Front (NFF) Leader MP Wimal Weerawansa demanded that the Government maintain transparency in its discussions with the visiting Indian Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar. Addressing Parliament, Weerawansa said that at least 10 to 12 projects are expected to be agreed upon during Jaishankar’s visit.
June 21, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan High Commissioner Kana Kananathan met with Prime Minister of Niger Ali Lamine Zeine to discuss the enhancement of bilateral relations between the two nations.
The discussions underscored Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening its cooperation with African nations, particularly focusing on fostering economic ties and exploring mutual opportunities.
During the meeting, both officials emphasized the importance of bolstering economic cooperation. They highlighted the significant potential for Sri Lankan businesses to invest in and engage with Niger’s renewable energy and mining sectors. Niger, known for its vast natural resources, including large deposits of uranium, gold, iron ore, and coal, presents lucrative opportunities for Sri Lankan entrepreneurs.
Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine welcomed the interest of Sri Lankan businesses and assured High Commissioner Kananathan of his government’s support in facilitating these ventures.
This meeting marks a pivotal step in reinforcing the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Sri Lanka and African nations. Both countries are committed to exploring new avenues of collaboration, contributing to the economic prosperity and development of their respective nations.
Additionally, Prime Minister Zeine and High Commissioner Kananathan reiterated their commitment to supporting each other in international fora, reinforcing their positions on global platforms and advocating for shared interests.
June 21, Colombo (LNW): Livestock Development State Minister D. B. Herath emphasized that under the effective leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the country, which had suffered collapse in every sphere, has experienced significant reconstruction.
During a press briefing at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) on Wednesday (19) under the theme “Collective Path to a Stable Country,” State Minister Herath urged the public to carefully consider the current Government’s concessional programmes aimed at bolstering the economy. He questioned whether these programmes should be jeopardized by entrusting them to an inexperienced party.
He stated that the Ministry acted responsibly to implement vital programmes aimed at revitalizing a country that had suffered across all sectors. During a period of food scarcity, decisive actions by the Ministry successfully mitigated the risks involved. Under the leadership of President Wickremesinghe, the Government and its Cabinet dedicated themselves to rescuing the country from the crisis.
Substantial efforts were made to steer the country in the right direction through the enactment of essential laws to reform the legal system. Measures were also taken to combat corruption and uphold the rule of law. These initiatives were successfully implemented with crucial international support. The guidance of President Wickremesinghe and fostering international relationships proved invaluable.
State Minister Herath highlighted that while many countries are still struggling to recover from the global economic collapse caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Sri Lanka successfully emerged from this crisis within two years. With support from allied nations, including the International Monetary Fund, the country overcame fuel and electricity shortages, eliminating long queues. The positive impacts of these actions have been evident to the people.
However, he noted that ahead of the Presidential Election, certain Opposition figures are making statements aimed at disturbing the country’s development process. Therefore, it is crucial for the public to evaluate whether assigning the responsibility of economic recovery to inexperienced parties could lead to setbacks in the country’s progress.
June 21, Colombo (LNW): Indian External Affairs Minister, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, met with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at Temple Trees .
The Prime Minister congratulated Dr. Jaishankar on the election victory of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. He expressed gratitude for India’s support during the difficult times following the Covid-19 pandemic and the economic crisis.
Dr. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of neighboring countries like Sri Lanka to India, highlighting the significant goodwill for Sri Lanka within India. He reiterated India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and stated that the primary purpose of his visit was to underscore India’s continued commitment to Sri Lanka as its closest maritime neighbor and time-tested friend.
The discussions between the Prime Minister and Dr. Jaishankar covered Indian investments, development projects, connectivity projects, and other mutually beneficial cooperation areas.
The Indian delegation included Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha, Additional Secretary (Indian Ocean Region) Puneet Agarwal, Joint Secretary Sandeep Kumar Bayapu of the External Affairs Ministry, and Deputy High Commissioner Satyanjal Pandey.
Sri Lankan attendees included Minister Douglas Devananda, MP Yadamini Gunawardena, Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake, Prime Minister’s Advisor Sugeeswara Senadhira, and the Foreign Ministry’s Director General (South Asia) Niluka Kaduragamuwa.
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, Hambantota and Monaragala districts.
June 21, Colombo (LNW): The Urumaya National Operations Secretariat has organized a mobile initiative across the country from June 26 to 30 to expedite the “Urumaya” national programme, which aims to provide two million freehold land deeds.
Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Chandra Herath, announced that government officials responsible for issuing freehold deeds will visit villages to gather information from residents and expedite the issuance of the freehold deeds. Herath shared these views during a press conference held at the Presidential Media Centre on June 20.
She elaborated that large numbers of land deeds have already been distributed under the “Urumaya” programme, and this mobile service aims to accelerate its progress. The mobile programme will be implemented nationwide from June 26 to 30. All government officials responsible for issuing freehold land deeds will participate, handling necessary measurements and documentation. The Registrar General’s Department, Survey Department, Divisional Secretariats, and District Secretariats are involved in this programme, and no fees will be charged from land licence holders.
Irrigation Ministry Secretary, Saman Darshana Pandikorala, mentioned that there are over 280,000 licences within the Mahaweli Zones. The Urumaya programme aims to provide freehold land deeds to all licensees residing in fifteen districts across ten Mahaweli zones. Currently, preparations are underway to issue deeds to around 60,000 people.
Land Commissioner General, Bandula Jayasinghe, noted that although the “Urumaya” Freehold Land Deeds programme has made significant progress, many rural residents have not fully understood its benefits. Some individuals keep their landowner’s licences at home, missing the opportunity to obtain a freehold deed. Licence holders are now advised to promptly meet with their Divisional Secretary to submit their licences and apply for a freehold land deed without any conditions.
To enhance efficiency, the Presidential Secretariat, Land Commissioner General’s Department, Mahaweli Authority, Survey Department, and the Registrar General’s Department have jointly organized this mobile service to cover every Divisional Secretariat and Grama Niladhari Division. Officials, including the Divisional Secretary, will visit villages. Residents are required to submit their land documents and receive a receipt, ensuring they secure their freehold land rights promptly under the Urumaya programme.
Mahaweli Authority Director General, Mahendra Abhayagunawardena, and Additional Director of the Survey Department, K.R. Sarath, also addressed the gathering.
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, Hambantota and Monaragala districts.
June 21, Colombo (LNW): Showers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle and Matara districts. Fairly heavy showers above 75 mm are likely at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Nuwara Eliya, Galle and Matara districts.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few 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, Hambantota and Monaragala districts.
June 20, Colombo (LNW): Indian Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar met with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa in Colombo today (20).
During their discussion, Premadasa expressed his appreciation for India’s support and highlighted the long-standing friendship between the two countries, stressing the importance of its continuity.
Premadasa assured that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) would uphold this relationship with India if it came into power.
The Opposition Leader acknowledged India’s contributions, especially in housing projects and the Suwa Seriya ambulance service.
He also commended India’s education policy and expressed his intent to implement a similar modernised education strategy in Sri Lanka.
Sajith Premadasa extended his congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his reappointment.
Dr. Jaishankar conveyed Prime Minister Modi’s satisfaction with the Opposition Leader’s efforts to bolster bilateral relations.
He reaffirmed India’s commitment to maintaining close ties with Sri Lanka and expressed his enthusiasm for further developing this enduring friendship.
The meeting was attended by Parliamentarians Prof. G. L. Peiris, Eran Wickramaratne, Palani Thigamparam, Rauff Hakeem, Niroshan Perera, and V. Radhakrishnan, representing the Samagi Jana Balawegaya and Samagi Jana Alliance.
June 20, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced the establishment of a new development bank aimed at providing financial support to industrialists in Sri Lanka. This initiative will offer industrialists the opportunity to obtain loans at low interest rates.
Additionally, the President revealed plans to set up an Economic Commission to oversee these activities. A new institution, “Enterprise Sri Lanka,” will also be created to empower small and medium-sized entrepreneurs.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe made this announcement during the inauguration of the International Industry Expo 2024, the first event of its kind in Sri Lanka.
Organized by the Industrial Development Board under the guidance of the Ministry of Industry, and with the support of Industries and Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, the exhibition will run from today until June 23 at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike International Conference Hall.
Over a thousand international industrial entrepreneurs from various countries, along with local large-scale and medium-scale industrialists, are participating in this event.
The expo features 1,307 exhibition booths, with the special inclusion of a separate green industrial zone for the first time. Additionally, an experimental academic conference on green industrialization will be held during the exhibition.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe inaugurated the International Industry Expo 2024 by cutting the ribbon and the President engaged in a tour of the exhibition.
In his address, the President remarked that some individuals have become accustomed to taking every development initiative to court. He emphasized that such actions hinder progress and stressed that the country can only be developed through a consistent national policy.
We were once a bankrupt nation. However, in the coming weeks, we anticipate shedding this label entirely he disclosed.
Negotiations for the related agreement are also slated for completion in the near future, facilitating smoother dealings with private creditors. These achievements have been realized over the past two years.
Yet, we must not rest on these achievements. Our focus must now shift to debt repayment strategies, as we aim to settle outstanding loans over an extended period, ideally extending until 2042, he revealed.
In this shift towards an export-oriented economy, the manufacturing sector plays a pivotal role. This sector needs to evolve into a competitive and digital economy, aligned with our goal of achieving zero carbon emissions and fostering a green economy.
The Government’s immediate priority is to enhance the competitiveness of existing industries through strategic plans.
Achieving competitiveness cannot happen overnight; neighbouring countries like India, particularly in states such as Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, have made significant strides in industrial development he claimed.
June 20, Colombo (LNW): Top economist Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy yesterday cautioned that social and political stability can be at stake if there are reversals in on-going frameworks for macroeconomic policy-making and structural reforms.
“The premium attached to getting it right this time is very high indeed given the sharp increase in income poverty and multidimensional vulnerability. Social and political stability can be at stake,” said Dr. Coomaraswamy, a former Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
“It is true that there has been impressive stabilisation of the economy from where we were two years ago. Sri Lanka is over performing on the IMF targets on several key macroeconomic indicators, e.g. growth, inflation, Government revenue and the primary balance, the current account of the bop, external reserves, etc.
However, it is very important to remember that we have been here before in a number of previous IMF programs when stabilisation targets were achieved,” pointed out Dr. Coomaraswamy.
He emphasised two points. One is on the previous occasions, the good work on stabilising the economy was undone by fiscal indiscipline, often supported by loose monetary policy, during elections. “Clearly, the same mistakes need to be avoided this time around,” he stressed.
The second point according to him is that previously there has also invariably been a very poor record of implementing the structural reforms required to deliver sustained growth and higher value employment, primarily through constructing a competitive and outward looking economy that delivers export transformation.
“There is no need to reinvent the wheel. Several countries in Asia have achieved this, though it must be conceded the overall external environment is more challenging now.
As against this, India is a bigger opportunity than ever before,” Dr. Coomaraswamy said. He noted that the Economic Transformation Bill seeks to reverse many of the past failures by pushing through structural reforms across a range of policy issues.
What is different this time, according to Dr. Coomaraswamy, is that clear frameworks have been set out for macroeconomic policy-formulation and they are being embedded in laws.
Equally, an attempt is being made to embed in law several of the long overdue structural reforms contained in the Economic Transformation Bill. Having clear frameworks for macroeconomic policy-making and structural reforms with ongoing efforts to embed them in laws is a major advance, he added.
“It is still too early to tell whether the demoralising legacy of non-implementation or even outright policy reversal has been overcome as it is still not clear there is consensus on continuity.
This time around, post-Aragalaya, there is likely to be far less patience with inconsistent and unpredictable policies, particularly those which have clearly failed in 1970-77 and 2020-22,” recalled Dr. Coomaraswamy.
June 20, Colombo (LNW): In what seems to be a preface to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s likely visit to Sri Lanka somewhere between July/August), External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar began his official visit to Sri Lanka today Thursday 20.
“Reaffirming India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, the visit underlines India’s continued commitment to Sri Lanka as its closest maritime neighbour and time tested friend.
The visit will add momentum to connectivity projects and other mutually beneficial cooperation across sectors,” said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The visiting Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the President’s House a short while ago.
Dr. S. Jaishankar is currently engaged in a one-on-one meeting with President Wickremesinghe, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said
Indian External Affairs Minister arrived in Sri Lanka this morning and he met the President this morning and discussed on wide-ranging issues of the partnership, the Indian High Commission in Colombo said.
This will be Jaishankar’s first bilateral visit after the formation of new Government under Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
“Reaffirming India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, the visit underlines India’s continued commitment to Sri Lanka as its closest maritime neighbour and time tested friend.”
The visit will add momentum to connectivity projects and other mutually beneficial cooperation across sectors, the PMD statement said
It is learnt that Jaishankar could also meet leaders across Sri Lanka’s political spectrum who are gearing up for national elections this year.
President Wickremesinghe was in Delhi on June 9 for PM Modi’s swearing-in ceremony for his third term as PM.
Jaishankar had called on Wickremesinghe on June 10 and they discussed the resumption of development projects funded and initiated in Sri Lanka with Indian investments which have been paused.
Jaishankar had also spoken about India’s plans for developing an industrial zone in the eastern part of Trincomalee.
It may be recalled that in a vision statement released during President Wickremesinghe’s visit to Delhi in July 2023, there was discussion on developing Trincomalee as a national and regional hub of industry, energy and economic activity.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Sri Lanka in August this year, officials from the President’s office told journalists here.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe who attended the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Modi had invited the latter to visit Sri Lanka when the duo met on Sunday at Rasthrapati Bhavan.
Both the President and the Indian External Affairs Minister discussed the visit of the Indian Leader during which it was revealed that the visit is likely to take place in August this year.
