June 13, Colombo (LNW): The Kandy Chief Magistrate yesterday (12) acquitted former MP Ranjan Ramanayake of all charges related to an alleged fraud case involving Rs. one million and a promise of marriage to a teacher.
The case, brought forward by the Special Crimes Investigation Division of the Kandy Police, stemmed from a complaint filed by the said teacher.
Ramanayake was accused of deceiving the teacher with promises of marriage and subsequently defrauding her of Rs. one million.
Speaking to the reporters, the former MP asserted his commitment to truthfulness, stating that the court vindicated his innocence.
“I have always stood by the truth, and this verdict reaffirms it. This case was politically motivated. It was an attempt to tarnish my reputation,” he remarked.
The orchestrator of the scheme against him, a Cabinet Minister, is currently serving a prison sentence, he further claimed, adding that even the lawyer representing the plaintiff is incarcerated.
Ramanayake also said their aim was to portray him as a dishonest individual.
June 13, Colombo (LNW): The United Nations World Food Programme has expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s contribution of 300 tonnes of dates to assist vulnerable children in Sri Lanka, Arab News reported.
Facilitated through Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian agency KSrelief, these dates are designated for distribution among primary school children participating in the national school meal initiative.
A signing ceremony held on Tuesday between the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Sri Lanka and the WFP formally recognised this generous donation, as per an official statement.
Sri Lanka has witnessed a significant impact on its children due to the economic downturn that commenced in 2022, resulting in job losses and reduced incomes, thus hindering families’ access to nutritious meals.
Saudi Arabia’s contribution aligns with global efforts to aid the nation’s recovery, particularly in enhancing nutritional standards and bolstering human resources.
“In times of crisis, children often bear the brunt,” remarked Gerard Rebello, WFP’s country director for Sri Lanka.
“We appreciate the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s assistance in enhancing the variety of foods provided to children through the school meal programme.”
The school meal programme is crafted to meet up to one-third of a child’s daily nutritional requirements, serving as a vital resource for numerous families.
By covering 20 per cent of a household’s nutritional expenses, these meals offer tangible support to disadvantaged communities, facilitating their access to nutritious sustenance.
These dates, rich in nutrients, will supplement the school meal, comprising rice and curry, serving as a nutritious fruit addition.
Packed with vitamins, fibre, and protein, dates fulfil the energy needs of children, essential for their cognitive development and physical activity.
June 13, Colombo (LNW): The economic reforms imposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) disproportionately affect ordinary citizens, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and particularly women from low-income backgrounds, eminent economists warned.
During a public seminar titled “Is There Another Way? Debt Restructuring, IMF and Future of Sri Lanka,” Indian economist and International Development Economics Associates (IDEAs) co-founder Prof. Jayati Ghosh articulated these observations.
The event, organised by the ‘YUKTHI Collective’ coalition of civil society organisations and independent academics, aimed to ensure that Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring process respects public rights.
Prof. Ghosh, hailing from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA, and former Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India, argued that despite political assertions that Sri Lanka has no alternative to the IMF, numerous options exist to address the financial crisis, with examples worldwide.
Advocating for Sri Lanka’s alignment with other debtor nations at the international level, Prof. Ghosh urged resistance against the IMF’s influence, particularly in safeguarding the interests of private creditors within powerful nations.
She stressed the necessity of negotiating a fair debt restructuring that does not burden the general public, which bears minimal responsibility for the crisis.
Drawing from global contexts, Prof. Ghosh examined how the IMF encouraged Sri Lanka to borrow from international capital markets, including sovereign bond issuance.
She highlighted the charging of high interest rates by private creditors as compensating for the risk of loan default, a factor to consider in debt restructuring efforts.
Internationally recognised academics and experts shared insights into Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, the impacts of IMF reforms, and alternatives to manage the crisis better.
Former Minister of Finance of Argentina, Prof. Martín Guzmán, discussed elements of debt restructuring, drawing from Argentina’s experiences.
Prof. Guzmán, a Columbia University Professor, led Argentina’s 2020 debt restructuring, advocating for countries to develop their own debt restructuring programmes to counter the IMF’s approach.
He underscored the importance of national policies in negotiations and challenged the perception of IMF directives as inevitable.
Charles Abugre, Executive Director of IDEAs from Ghana, compared Ghana’s external debt crisis with Sri Lanka’s, highlighting recurring reliance on IMF programmes.
He stressed the need for Sri Lanka to engage with the IMF based on its national agenda rather than unquestionably accepting recommendations.
June 13, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe has taken decisive action by appointing a Committee of Inquiry to delve into the conduct of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), Chief of National Intelligence (CNI), and other relevant authorities concerning the handling of intelligence leading up to the tragic Easter Sunday terror attacks.
Led by retired Judge Ms. A.N.J. De Alwis, the Committee of Inquiry holds significant weight in its composition, reflecting a commitment to impartial investigation and accountability.
A comprehensive timeline has been prepared for the committee’s work, with a deadline set for September 15, 2024, to present its findings, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).
June 13, Colombo (LNW): The Health Ministry and the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) are actively seeking to tackle issues surrounding the proliferation of unregulated beauty products and cosmetics sold in Sri Lanka.
The move has been taken following concerns raised by the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA).
The GMOA’s recent appeal prompted the Health Ministry and NMRA to convene stakeholders to explore avenues for strengthening legal frameworks and regulatory standards, aiming to mitigate significant public health risks associated with substandard products, including skin ailments.
GMOA Secretary Dr. Haritha Aluthge stressed the need for collaborative efforts in addressing this pressing health concern, citing inadequacies in the current NMRA Act to effectively combat the issue.
Dr. Aluthge underscored the importance of adhering to scientific guidelines in manufacturing beauty and cosmetic products to ensure their safety and efficacy within existing legal frameworks.
A senior Health Ministry official acknowledged the existing legal provisions within the NMRA Act, which prohibit the importation and distribution of unregistered cosmetics and devices, as well as manufacturing and storing cosmetics without proper registration and adherence to approved standards.
Despite regulatory measures, the official admitted the persistent influx of unregistered cosmetics into the market through various channels, necessitating concerted action.
In response, the Health Ministry is proactively engaging in discussions with relevant stakeholders to address these challenges and safeguard public health.
June 13, Colombo (LNW): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has greenlit Sri Lanka’s second review within the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme, paving the way for the country to access approximately US$ 330 million in its third tranche, confirmed Foreign Minister Ali Sabry.
In a statement on ‘X’, Sabry hailed the approval as a testament to Sri Lanka’s commitment to driving forward economic reforms for the betterment of all Sri Lankans.
IMF's approved the 2nd review of Sri Lanka’s program. This achievement is a testament to our dedication to driving forward economic reforms and securing a prosperous future for all Sri Lankans. Onward and upward! 🇱🇰 #Progress#SriLanka#IMF
Julie Kozack, the Director of the IMF Communications Department, verified that the Article IV Consultation and the second review under the EFF were slated for discussion during the IMF Executive Board meeting on June 12.
During a press briefing on June 6, Kozack expressed confidence that Sri Lanka would soon secure agreements with external commercial creditors in line with programme parameters.
On March 21, an agreement was reached between IMF staff and Sri Lankan authorities on economic policies, marking the conclusion of the second review of the economic reform programme and the 2024 Article IV Consultation.
State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe noted June 12 as a pivotal moment for Sri Lanka’s economy, expressing optimism that international partners would continue to support the nation’s efforts.
He underscored that a favourable outcome from the review is expected to unlock the third tranche, further bolstering confidence in ongoing economic reforms and growth.
Furthermore, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) expressed confidence in the IMF’s approval of the third tranche under the EFF programme, with Assistant Governor Dr. Chandranath Amarasekara stating that they anticipated an announcement from the IMF regarding the release of the tranche.
In a subsequent statement, the IMF disclosed that the Executive Board had completed the second review under the 48-month EFF Arrangement, enabling authorities to draw approximately US$ 336 million.
This brings the total IMF financial support disbursed so far to about US$ 1 billion. Additionally, the Executive Board concluded the 2024 Article IV Consultation with Sri Lanka.
The EFF aims to restore Sri Lanka’s macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability, mitigate the impact on the poor and vulnerable, rebuild external buffers, safeguard financial sector stability, and strengthen governance and growth potential.
Despite signs of economic recovery, vulnerabilities remain, underscoring the need for continued reform efforts.
June 13, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts, with showers or thundershowers being expected to occur at a few places in Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts in the evening or night, the Department of Meteorology said in its weather forecast today (13).
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.
General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle.
Winds:
Winds will be south-westerly and wind speed will be (30-40) kmph. Wind speed may increase up to (60-70) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Trincomalee to Puttalam via Kankasanthurai and Mannar and in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Hambantota to Pottuvil. Wind speed may increase up to 60 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Pottuvil to Batticaloa. Wind speed may increase up to 50 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle.
State of Sea:
The sea areas extending from Kankasanthurai to Kalpitiya via Mannar and from Hambantota to Pottuvil can be very rough at times. The sea areas extending from Pottuvil to Batticaloa can be rough at times. The sea areas off the coasts extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle can be fairly rough at times. Naval and fishing communities are requested to be attentive in this regard.Temporarily strong gusty win
Daily News : President Ranil Wickremesinghe will launch a digital education platform titled publiclearn.lk, on 13 July at the Presidential Secretariat, making it easier for Sri Lankans to find free courses and achieve their education and professional goals via digital means. Public Learn is a one-stop shop signposting users to free courses from some of the world’s leading universities.
The Platform has been put together by Regent Global. Regent Global’s joint CEOs Tharshiny Pankaj and Dr. Selva Pankaj, they were both born in Sri Lanka and spent their early years in the country before leaving for the UK. Public Learn democratises learning by inducting hundreds, if not thousands, of formal outside-in education courses on almost any subject.
Outside-in education is the process of acquiring new knowledge. PublicLearn also gives Sri Lankans access to several courses that offer inside-out education. Inside-out education is about growing as a person; developing the character, attitude and mindset needed to succeed in life.
Sir Gavin Williamson, Former Secretary of State for Education UK will do a virtual address.
The time has come to lay a strong foundation for the future of our motherland.
1. Since the beginning of the national movement for a just society, we have continuously and courageously advocated for building a just government and society, creating national harmony, and abolishing the title of Executive President.
2. In order to build mutual trust between the North and the South, we have appealed to the honorable President and various political party leaders to take steps to solve the burning issue of racism and bigotry before the next election from the 9th Parliament, without deferring it to the next generation and the diaspora.
3. Since the Leader of the Opposition made a public statement about this yesterday, and since the Janatha Vimukti Peramuna and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa have mentioned this a long time ago, we once again request that an all-party roundtable discussion be convened to resolve this issue without further delay.
4. We believe that since a significant group of the diaspora has come forward in good faith and received the majority of Sri Lankan society’s support, we can garner the support of that group as well.
We respectfully point out that all serious political leaders have a special responsibility to solve these problems face to face, without boycotting the proposed discussions for any reason.
We again appeal to the entire Parliament, led by the President, to take advantage of this opportunity, setting aside narrow political interests. We believe that future generations will inevitably accuse us of neglecting this opportunity as an act of treason.
