May 29, Colombo (LNW): State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon emphasized that safeguarding the safety of school children, especially during weather-related emergencies, is a top priority in the government’s disaster management program. He made these remarks during a meeting at the Disaster Management Centre in Colombo on May 28, after discussions with senior state officials, including District and Divisional Secretaries, Education Ministry authorities, Environment Ministry officials, and INGO representatives.

Tennakoon highlighted the importance of updating and activating district committees to conduct risk assessments and inform the Disaster Management Centre, enabling the preparation of effective contingency plans.

He underscored the significance of the ‘Surakimu’ program, aimed at ensuring the safety of students in the country’s 10,126 schools. Tennakoon proposed the formation of Special School Committees under respective Principals, involving past pupils’ associations and parent-teacher associations to enhance school safety.

To improve disaster preparedness at the school level, plans include training at least two teachers from each school in basic first aid and ensuring the availability of properly equipped first aid kits.

During a discussion with INGO representatives, Tennakoon detailed the progress of active programs, including the ‘Surakimu’ program, and proposed new initiatives to benefit students during emergencies, seeking their assistance in these efforts.

Tennakoon also mentioned plans for consultations with various ministries to address legal barriers encountered during emergency disaster management activities. The meeting was attended by heads of the Disaster Management Centre and National Building Research Organization, along with several senior state officials.

May 29, Colombo (LNW): Investment Promotions State Minister Dilum Amunugama highlighted Sri Lanka’s significant potential for medical tourism, citing the country’s renowned hospitality, at the launch of the International Patient Care Connect Platform (IPCCP) by Rajagiri Hospital and Medicare Global Connections in Colombo.

Rajagiri Hospital, Cochin, India, which was established in 2014, has partnered with local company Medicare Global Connections to introduce its international patient connect platform in Sri Lanka.

Amunugama emphasized that the expanding tourism industry has created a promising foundation for medical tourism, which could greatly benefit Sri Lanka’s economy. He urged new investors to explore opportunities in this sector, leveraging the country’s hospitable reputation to foster rapid development in medical tourism.

The State Minister assured that the government, through the Ministry of Investment Promotion, will support new investors in this field, facilitating their entry and operations. He also expressed strong support for the IPCCP, which will provide Sri Lankan patients access to advanced medical treatments.

Rajagiri Hospital has earned numerous accolades for its commitment to healthcare excellence, including accreditations from the Joint Commission International (JCI), National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH), National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), and NABH certification for Nursing Excellence, as noted by Executive Director and CEO Johnson Vazhappilly.

May 29, Colombo (LNW): Water Supply and Plantation Infrastructure Development Minister Jeevan Thondaman announced that the Cabinet has mandated Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs) to pay a minimum daily wage of Rs. 1,700 to plantation workers immediately, as per Gazette No. 2385/14 published on April 21, 2024. Non-compliant companies risk lease termination and potential transfer to better-managed firms.

Thondaman criticized the local plantation companies for their reluctance to negotiate with the government and trade unions, viewing it as an exploitation tactic. Despite given a 15-day deadline to submit acceptable proposals following the preliminary gazette on April 31, 2024, the companies failed to comply.

Thondaman pointed out that some small tea estate owners already pay above the mandated minimum wage, suggesting no valid excuse for the larger companies’ non-compliance. He urged the companies to enhance productivity and income through mechanization, value addition, and diversification.

Commending President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s leadership, Thondaman emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring plantation workers receive a living wage and ending exploitative practices in the industry.

In contrast, the Planters’ Association proposed only a Rs. 200 increase, bringing the daily wage to Rs. 1,380, citing the industry’s financial struggles. They also offered a Rs. 5,000 monthly allowance during recent discussions with government authorities. Dr. Roshan Rajadurai from the association warned that the proposed wage hike could bankrupt the entire plantation sector. The association plans to consult their legal teams regarding potential government repossession of estates failing to meet the wage requirements.

May 29, Colombo (LNW): Cabinet Spokesman and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana revealed that 52 percent of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses are outdated and the institutions have deteriorated to the point where they can no longer secure credit facilities to purchase new buses. He shared this information at a press conference held yesterday at the Government Information Department to discuss the outcomes of the recent Cabinet meeting.

The Minister noted that 500 new buses have been acquired through the Indian loan scheme.

Additionally, Dr. Gunawardhana highlighted the dire state of the country’s railway service, emphasizing that rail tracks should be replaced every five years to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. He pointed out that funding for railway infrastructure has historically depended on foreign loans, with recent acquisitions, including 10,000 tracks, funded by the Asian Development Bank. The Northern Railway is currently undergoing repairs under the Indian loan scheme.

The government is negotiating with India to obtain 20 locomotives as a concession. However, until the debt restructuring process is complete, Sri Lanka will struggle to secure loans for purchasing locomotives.

Dr. Gunawardhana expressed gratitude to the railway engineers and staff for maintaining the service, despite the age of the equipment, some of which is 50 to 60 years old. He reiterated the challenge of replacing outdated buses and trains due to financial constraints but assured that efforts are underway to gain international cooperation and resume stalled projects once the debt restructuring is finalized.

“Although our economy is small, we are committed to fulfilling the necessary requirements for international collaboration. Once debt restructuring agreements are in place, we will be able to restart the stalled projects,” he concluded.

May 29, Colombo (LNW): Health Entomology Officer’s Association President Najith Sumanasena yesterday (28th) warned of a potential dengue epidemic as the Breteau index, which measures the density of dengue larvae, has surged to 25.

Sumanasena highlighted that the increased mosquito density could result in a dengue epidemic within the next six weeks, with some areas reporting Breteau indices as high as 30 to 40. According to the World Health Organization, the Breteau index should remain below 5 to prevent outbreaks.

He attributed the rise in the index to several factors, including the festival season, school examinations, and temple festivals, which have led to a lapse in dengue awareness and environmental cleanliness.

The recent rains have caused water accumulation, promoting mosquito breeding. Sumanasena emphasized that maintaining a clean environment to prevent water stagnation can significantly reduce the risk of dengue.

May 25, Colombo (LNW): The prevailing showery and windy conditions over the island are expected to persist, driven by the active Southwest Monsoonal conditions.

Rain showers are anticipated at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western, and Southern provinces.

Some areas in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and the Nuwara-Eliya district are likely to experience heavy showers exceeding 100 mm.

Showers or thundershowers will occur in a few places in the Uva province and the Ampara and Batticaloa districts during the evening or night.

Strong winds, ranging from 50 to 60 kmph, can be expected at times over the western slopes of the central hills and in the Northern, North-central, Western, Southern, and North-western provinces, as well as in the Trincomalee and Monaragala districts.

By: Staff Writer

May 28, Colombo (LNW): The Lanka Premier League (LPL) announced the appointment of cricket legend Michael Clarke as its brand ambassador for the upcoming 2024 season.

The tournament will be held from July 1st to 21st, showcasing exciting matches and featuring top-tier cricket talent from around the world.

Clarke, a household name in cricket, brings a wealth of experience to the LPL. A right-handed batsman renowned for his elegance and grit, he played a pivotal role in Australia’s success for over a decade.

He captained the national team in both Test and One Day International formats, leading them to a historic victory in the 2015 Cricket World Cup.

Clarke expressed his enthusiasm for his new role: “I can’t wait to get back to Sri Lanka, a country I love playing in. Now, I have the opportunity to not just come and commentate but also to be an ambassador for the LPL. Can’t wait – so much talent, so many young players, and lots of good overseas players. There is no doubt this tournament will continue to be a success.”

Anil Mohan, Chairman of Innovative Production Group FZE, the Event Rights Partner of the Lanka Premier League, warmly welcomed Clarke: “We are thrilled to have Michael Clarke join us as the brand ambassador for LPL 2024.

His vast experience, leadership skills, and unwavering passion for the game will undoubtedly inspire players and fans alike. We look forward to his contributions in making this season a truly memorable one.”*

The Lanka Premier League 2024 promises to be an exhilarating event, showcasing the best of cricket with five competitive teams, including the newly restructured Dambulla franchise under new ownership.

The tournament aims to nurture emerging talent, foster sportsmanship, and deliver high-quality cricket entertainment for fans around the globe.

The LPL remains dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of cricketing excellence and integrity. With the support of esteemed figures like Michael Clarke, the league is confident in its mission to celebrate the true spirit of cricket and provide an outstanding experience for players, fans, and all stakeholders.

May 28, Colombo (LNW): Dr. Sarath Amunugama has reportedly resigned from his position as the Chairperson of Mawbima Janatha Party (MJP) formed by Dilith Jayaweera.

The move comes in objection to the new alliance formed yesterday (27), according to reports.

Amunugama tendered his resignation, asserting that he has no political journey with far racist politicians like Wimal Weerawansa and Udaya Gammanpila.

By: Staff Writer

May 28, Colombo (LNW): Elon Musk’s satellite internet service is expected to launch services in Sri Lanka this year on an invitation extended by President Ranil Wickremasighe when he met the billionaire businessman in Bali Indonesia recently, according to official sources.

Elon Musk’s Starlink internet is now open for pre-order in Sri Lanka, with the public able to reserve Starlink by paying a fully refundable US$ 99 deposit.

Starlink aims to commence service in Sri Lanka in 2024, pending regulatory approval.Orders will be fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis within each coverage area.

Starlink’s Internet Constellation is one of the biggest breakthroughs in commercial satellite history. It brings nearly broadband-capable speeds and performance using a novel configuration of small satellites that work as a constellation while orbiting the Earth much lower than traditional satellites.

As stated in an official tweet by SpaceX, Musk’s spacecraft company and the producer of Starlink, the broadband service is now available in 32 countries, including some parts of the US, Mexico, Germany, France and Spain.

According to the map posted by Starlink, countries marked ‘available’ will receive their Starlink installation package immediately. The map also has areas marked ‘waitlist’ and ‘coming soon’.

Among the countries marked ‘coming soon’ are Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh. And Sri Lanka

When entering Bangladesh as a pre-order service address on Starlink’s official website, the website brings up a deposit fee of $99, with a message saying that Starlink expects to expand service in the area in 2024.

It also adds the disclaimer that availability is dependent on regulatory approval and that orders will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis within each coverage area.

Starlink is a division of SpaceX that aims to provide high-speed, low-latency internet around the world. According to reports, Starlink services are especially effective in remote areas and places with little internet access.

Starlink utilises overhead satellites to boost internet connections. With the purchase of a Starlink subscription, the user will be given a satellite dish and a router. The user can then set up the devices at home to receive signals from space.

The dish can be installed on rooftops or in the backyard, and the router just needs to be connected to it. The setup of a Starlink home system is designed to be as simple as possible, with an Android and iOS Starlink app that can help users find the right location to mount the satellite dish.

According to SpaceX, Starlink is currently providing about 150 Mbps download speed and 20 Mbps upload speed with latency below 30 ms. Musk claims that when additional satellites are launched, the download speed should double to about 300 Mbps.

The first 60 Starlink satellites were released into orbit in May 2019. Since then, over 2,000 Starlink satellites have been launched, with the broadband service now being offered in 32 countries around the world.