Colombo (LNW): The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has submitted recommendations to the Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakse to repeal / amend sections 365 and 365A of the Penal Code of Sri Lanka which by many law enforcement bodies have interpreted to be criminalising consensual same-sex sexual conduct between adults.
In a letter addressed to the Minister dated November 23, 2023, the HRCSL stated in terms of section 10(d) of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Act, No. 21 of 1996 with reference to sections 365 and 365A of the Penal Code (Chapter 19), adding “Section 10(d) of the Act mandates the Commission ‘to make recommendations to the Government regarding measures which should be taken to ensure that national laws…are in accordance with international human rights norms and standards’.”
With reference to the private member’s bill proposing the decriminalisation of consensual same-sex sexual activities between adults tabled by Ruling Party MP Premnath Dolawatte and approved by the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, the Commission recommended that the Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Ministry consider supporting the enactment of the said Bill adopting the said Bill as a government proposal to ensure its expeditious passage.
Colombo (LNW): The Sectoral Oversight Committee (SOC) on Alleviating the Impact of the Economic Crisis has recommended the Insurance Regulatory Commission to enact client-protection regulations within one month.
Chaired by Member of Parliament Gamini Waleboda, the committee emphasised the need to protect insurance holders to safeguard the industry.
The SOC also urged attention to foreign insurance companies used for reinsurance and proposed a five-year action plan for the Insurance Committee under the Insurance Regulatory Commission.
Additionally, the Regional Development Bank (RDB) was advised to present its delayed annual reports for 2020 and 2021 to Parliament within one month.
The Committee also highlighted the vacant chairmanship at RDB, instructing notification to the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance.
MPs Sahan Pradeep Withana, Major Sudarshan Denipitiya, Chinthaka Amal Mayadunne, Samanpriya Herath, Manjula Disanayake, Gayashan Nawananda, Rohini Kavirathna, Jagath Samarawikrama, Vadivel Suresh, W.H.M. Dharmasena attended the meeting.
Colombo (LNW): BYD, the world’s foremost manufacturer of new energy vehicles (NEVs), has announced a strategic partnership with John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH), Sri Lanka’s largest listed conglomerate, to introduce cutting-edge NEVs to the Sri Lankan market.
The signing ceremony, symbolising this collaboration, occurred at BYD’s global headquarters in Shenzhen. Key representatives present were Mr. Liu Xueliang, General Manager of BYD Asia-Pacific Auto Sales Division, and Mr. Krishan Balendra, Chairperson of the John Keells Group.
During the ceremony, Mr. Liu Xueliang expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to welcome our Sri Lankan partner, JKH, to our Global Headquarters. Over the past 28 years, BYD has remained steadfast in its commitment to technological innovations and its green dream. We are striving to align diverse lifestyles with eco-conscious mobility choices globally. This collaboration allows us to introduce a range of advanced, eco-friendly passenger vehicles in Sri Lanka, furthering our mission to integrate eco-conscious choices with diverse lifestyles and make the ‘electric vehicle’ the ‘essential vehicle’ in people’s daily lives.”
Krishan Balendra, Chairperson of the John Keells Group, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the group’s dedication to sustainability. He stated, “ESG is firmly entrenched in our business processes, workplace culture, and community outreach. With our commitment to achieving a sustainable future for the country, we look forward to the exciting opportunities the partnership with BYD holds. Through this collaboration, we will bring advanced NEV models to Sri Lanka, allowing our people to experience the world’s leading NEV technologies and contribute to an eco-friendly and sustainable Sri Lanka.”
After decades of unwavering commitment to innovation and technology, BYD has attained remarkable expertise in the core technologies of the entire industrial chain of new energy vehicles, encompassing batteries, electric motors, and electronic controllers. BYD stands out as the sole global producer of NEVs that has independently developed powertrain systems, power batteries, drive motors, and motor controller systems.
Currently, BYD’s NEVs are present on six continents, in over 70 countries and regions, and more than 400 cities. In 2022 alone, BYD achieved global sales of over 1.86 million new energy vehicles. A notable milestone was reached on August 9, 2023, when BYD became the world’s first automaker to roll off its 5 millionth NEV from the production line.
Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) happens to have slightly depreciated against the US Dollar today (23) in comparison to yesterday, as per the official exchange rates issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).
Accordingly, the buying price of the US Dollar has increased to Rs. 323.51 from Rs. 323.47, and the selling price to Rs. 333.70 from Rs. 333.66.
The Sri Lankan Rupee has appreciated against several other foreign currencies, whilst indicating depreciation against Gulf currencies.
Colombo (LNW): Colombo-based independent policy think tank Advocata has expressed reservations regarding the recent policy implemented by Sri Lankan authorities to enforce minimum room rates for hotels in Colombo, effective from October 1st, 2023.
According to the gazetted rates, 5-star hotels are required to set a minimum room rate of USD 100, 4-star hotels at USD 75, 3-star hotels at USD 50, 2-star hotels at USD 35, and 1-star hotels at USD 20.
In a statement issued by the Advocata Institute, the organisation scrutinised the policy and its potential impacts on the hotel sector, presenting its findings in a detailed policy brief accessible at https://www.advocata.org/. While authorities argue that the policy aims to counter underpricing, Advocata contends that it could pose a threat to the tourism sector, placing an additional burden on hotels already grappling with challenges resulting from the global pandemic.
The policy is viewed by Advocata as a potential detriment to competitiveness and an unnecessary intervention by the government, which could lead to customer dissatisfaction and the loss of clients compared to neighboring countries. Past attempts to enforce price controls have seen limited success, and these minimum rates could restrict flexibility, impede healthy competition, and overlook the diverse nature of accommodations, the institute argued.
Critically, the foundation for these rates, based on star classifications, is criticised by the Advocata Institute for neglecting qualitative aspects, and emphasised the importance of considering factors beyond star ratings to ensure a fair and dynamic pricing structure in the hotel sector.
Colombo (LNW): Going ahead with the sustainable development goals, the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Private Limited (AASL) has taken steps to enhance the renewable energy share to meet the growing challenges before the power and energy sectors.
Accordingly, the AASL commissioned its next solar photovoltaic project, a 100 kWp plant on the rooftop of the passenger terminal building at the BIA, by investing Rs. 19 million.
It is estimated that the daily power generation of 600 kWh energy units, or 18,000 kWh energy units per month, would be sufficient to power 200 ordinary houses in Sri Lanka.
One of the most important features of this solar project is that the entire design, planning and installation were done with the in-house expertise of the AASL. The payback period for the project will be about 20 months.
Currently, AASL has installed a 210 kWp solar PV plant, including a new addition, and next year it is planned to add another 1,800 kWp capacity to the system.
The BIA is one of the largest electricity consumers in Sri Lanka, and by the end of 2024, it is planned to increase the renewable energy share of BIA to 10% of the total energy unit consumption.
Several essential projects for the modernization and expansion of Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) were carried out yesterday (20) presided over by Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva and some other Ministers.
Among these projects were, the opening of the Friendship Road in front of the BIA, a new access road to the Airport Arrivals Terminal.
A new parking lot for departing passengers, the establishment of a new air traffic management system, a new solar power system for airport electricity needs, ‘Magster’ online system for passengers and visitors entering the airport and inspection of the new automated Immigration gate system were carried out.
For these projects, the funds of the Airport and Aviation Services Sri Lanka Limited were invested, in addition to the support provided by Sri Lanka Investment Board, Road Development Authority, Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation, Katana Pradeshiya Sabha and Katunayake-Seeduwa Municipal Council and many other private institutions.
Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said that by adding these new features to Katunayake Airport, this airport is becoming one of the most efficient airports in South Asia.
Colombo (LNW): The Department for Registration of Persons (DRP) has called a new tender for the procurement of 5 million Pre-printed Poly-carbonate National Identity Cards (NIC) on Wednesday November 1 until new bio metric NICs applicable to the whole population is ready for the issuance, department sources confirmed.
The DRP has officially informed the cancellation of the last tender for 1 million cards on October 30 called on April 2023 after four prospective suppliers submitted their bids at that time.
The closing date of the new tender for 5 million cards will be on November 22 and this action of cancelling the bids of four suppliers, around five months after receiving bids for the previous tender has bewildered the prospective bidders.
They told the Business Times the time period given for them was inadequate for companies to submit comprehensive offers.
According to DRP sources there are over 1.5 million cards pending issuance due to lack of cards at the department.
The Department of Registrar of Persons (DRP) called for 7 tenders within the last 8 years to purchase National ID Cards.
Out of 7 only 3 times, the department has placed the orders and balance 4 times citing various dubious reasons they cancelled the tender and extend the previous contract by two years.
In most cases the department has increased the tendered price with the connivance of the previous selected bidder.
According to the tender results, the department has never placed the order with lowest price but given preference to higher prices.
The DRP has given the contract to their preferred local supplier on two occasions one in 2016 and the other in 2O21, disgruntled bidders complained.
In 2018 and 2021 same local supplier and different foreign principals were given the NIC tender without considering the lowest bidder, they alleged.
According to the official report of NIC tender awardees, JIT was the preferred selected supplier of national identity cards for the DRP since 2018 up to October 2022.
DRP officials and technical evaluation committee members jointly issue the specs that others cannot qualify due to technical reasons as they set the specs for the Gemalto (presently known as Thales also represent by JIT local company), they alleged.
Colombo (LNW): High motor traffic accident fatality and injury rates on Sri Lanka’s roads are undermining the economic growth causing a massive economic loss of around Rs 300 -400 billion a year to the country, a finance ministry cost assessment report relating to the health sector revealed.
This massive sum of money is spent on treating the injured, providing medical facilities at state hospitals, and importing spare parts to repair the damaged vehicles and insurance expenses.
Available data shows an average of 40,000 motor traffic accidents reported annually in Sri Lanka resulting in around 3,000 deaths and 8,000 serious injuries. But along with unreported accidents and as per insurance company reports, it could be as high as 400,000.
When considering this high number of 400, 000 motor traffic accidents, the actual economic loss could be around Rs. 700 billion, Sri Lanka Medical Association’s Prevention of Road Traffic Crashes (PRTC) expert committee convener Dr. Thushara Matiwalage claimed.
The estimated annual road crash deaths per capita is the highest among its immediate neighbors in South Asia and five times that of the best performing countries in the world, a World Bank report highlighted.
The impact of road accidents on economic performance is immense as over two thirds of road crash victims are productive, working age adults between 15-64 years of age, This situation is worsened by the rapid growth in vehicle ownership and the diversity of motorised and non-motorised traffic of varying sizes and speeds.
This leaves vulnerable road users without adequate protection – more than 90% of crash victims are pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
If this trend continues, as expected, crash fatalities and injuries will steadily climb— unless urgently required measures are implemented.
This is an issue vital to the country’s health, well-being, human capital, and economic growth.
The World Bank estimates that road crash fatalities and injuries could cost countries like Sri Lanka between 3-5% of GDP annually.
One-fourth of the deaths reported in Sri Lanka are due to road accidents, the Traffic Administration and Road Safety Division of Sri Lanka Police reveals.
Director of the Traffic Administration and Road Safety Division, DIG Indika Hapugoda disclosed that most of the road accidents involve motorcycles.
“About 12,000 people die a year in Sri Lanka. A quarter of these deaths, numbering around 3,000, are caused due to accidents involving reckless motorists and motorcyclists who violated traffic regulations, he pointed out.
According to the statistics of the Traffic Headquarters of the Sri Lanka Police, 1,500 people have lost their lives in 1,427 fatal road accidents between January 01 and August 31, 2023.“ 630 motorcyclists have died in 612 accidents.
Colombo (LNW): The Government of Japan has agreed to provide grant assistance worth Rs. 435 million (¥ 200 million) to empower the fisheries industry in Northern and Eastern provinces.
This funding is part of the Japanese Government’s Economic and Social Development Program to provide supportive equipment for the fisheries industry finance ministry announced.
The objective of this grant was to develop cold chain facilities and equip the fisheries sector with modern electronic equipment.
It will be realising high value-added marine products and contributing to the upgrading the living standard of the fishermen in Northern and Eastern Provinces.
Under this grant assistance, ice making machines, digital platform scales, sets of fishing nets, refrigerator trucks and prefabricated refrigerators/freezers will be provided.
This grant assistance will be a great patronage to reduce the constraints that exist in the value chain and increase the competitiveness, by promoting private sector investments in the fisheries industry.
The Exchange of Notes pertaining to the above grant was signed by Finance, Economic Stabilisation and National Policies Ministry Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka, while Japanese Ambassador MIZUKOSHI Hideaki signed on behalf of the Government of Japan.
As one of the main development partners, the Government of Japan extends the hands of friendship to Sri Lanka whenever the help is needed.
The Government of Japan has donated various aids to Sri Lanka to ensure food security, quality of health care facilities, and the social wellbeing of the people amid the ongoing economic crisis.
The fisheries sector in Sri Lanka has the potential to be competitive in the global markets and increase employment opportunities, food security and export earnings in a sustainable manner.
In line with the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy framework, the Government envisages achieving the objectives of increased per capita fish consumption, reduced post-harvest loss.
This grant will also be used to generate employment opportunities, improve quality of life of the fisher community, increase foreign exchange and ensure long-term sustainability of the fisheries industry.
Considering the above fact, the Government of Japan has agreed to provide grant assistance.
Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda and State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe were also present at the signing ceremony yesterday.
In early this year ,The Government of Japan has also agreed to provide the largest ever Grant Assistance to Sri Lanka , amounting to Japanese Yen Five Billion (approximately USD 46 Million) under the Japanese Economic and Social Development Program to supply fuel (mainly Diesel) for the health care delivery system to ensure the essential and emergency health care services without disturbances.
Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) happens to be steady against the US Dollar at leading commercial banks in the country today (23) in comparison to yesterday.
At Peoples Bank, the buying and selling prices of the US Dollar remain unchanged at Rs. 322.66 and Rs. 333.90, respectively.
At Commercial Bank, the buying and selling prices of the US Dollar have increased to Rs. 322.24 from Rs. 321.23 and to Rs. 332.50 from Rs. 332.25, respectively.
At Sampath Bank, the buying and selling prices of the US Dollar remain unchanged at Rs. 324 and Rs. 334, respectively.
