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China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) to include Sri Lanka.

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China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) to include Sri Lanka.

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has conveyed its preparedness for the second phase of the Belt and Road Initiative, with China expressing a keen interest in extending the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) to include Sri Lanka.

This was revealed when the Special envoy of the Chinese President, State Counsellor Shen Yiqin made a courtesy call on Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Monday in Colombo.

The Chinese Special Envoy Yiqin stated that China is also prioritizing the extension of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor to Sri Lanka. Additionally, both parties agreed to expedite the implementation of the China-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement.

The China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) is a strategic economic development initiative under the broader BRI. It focuses on fostering economic cooperation and connectivity between China and Myanmar through the development of key infrastructure projects.

These projects include transportation networks, energy pipelines, and other initiatives aimed at enhancing trade and economic ties between China and Myanmar.

President Wickremesinghe also expressed gratitude for China’s support to Sri Lanka, notably acknowledging their assistance in the country’s debt restructuring programme. He extended sincere thanks to the Chinese President and the government for their invaluable support in this regard.

Special Envoy Yiqin reaffirmed China’s enduring support to Sri Lanka and emphasised her commitment to strengthening relations between the two countries.

According to a communique issued by the President’s Media Division, President Wickremesinghe has said that “countries such as Sri Lanka, participants in the Belt & Road initiative, are prepared to embark on the second phase of the initiative, which is expected to make a more substantial economic contribution.”

President Wickremesinghe also expressed Sri Lanka’s desire to augment cooperation between the two countries in the fields of tourism, sports and agriculture.

He highlighted that both the Hambantota Port and Port City are currently prepared for investment opportunities.

During the meeting, he detailed the steps taken by Sri Lanka to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to maintaining the Indian Ocean as a freely navigable and peaceful region, free from global geopolitical rivalries.

A courtesy call between State Councilor of China Shen Yiqin and Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena

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A courtesy call between State Councilor of China Shen Yiqin and Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena

A meeting between a delegation led by State Councilor of China Hon. Shen Yiqin and Speaker Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena was held at the Parliament Nov- (20).
Cabinet Ministers, State Ministers, Members of Parliament, Secretary General of Parliament Ms. Kushani Rohanadeera, Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General of Parliament Mr. Chaminda Kularatne, and Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Mr. Qi Zhenhong were present at the occasion.


The Speaker expressed his gratitude for the support provided for Sri Lanka's economic development as well as all kinds of cooperation provided by China in Sri Lanka. Also, the Speaker said that the development activities being carried out in the country with the cooperation of China, including the Colombo Port City, are being successfully implemented.

The speaker stated that he hopes to further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries.

State Councilor Shen Yiqin, who spoke here, stated that the Chinese government is eager to provide the necessary financial support for the emergency humanitarian assistance, including the provision of uniforms for the school children of Sri Lanka.

Also, State Councilor said that through the development of political, economic, cultural and people-to-people relations, the mutual trust and practical cooperation between the two countries will grow and thus the close relationship between the two countries will be further strengthened. She further stated that she hopes to work with Sri Lanka to conclude the Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement as soon as possible.

Member of Parliament Hon. Thalatha Athukorala informed the delegation about the measures taken by the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus for the advancement of women in Sri Lanka and requested China’s support for the future activities of the Caucus.

US$5 bn China oil refinery project in Hambantota kicks start with cabinet approval next week.

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US$5 bn China oil refinery project in Hambantota kicks start with cabinet approval next week.

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): Agreement for a 5 billion US dollar refinery to be built by China in Sri Lanka’s Hambantota district will be submitted to cabinet for consideration next week, Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said.

“We have included in the agenda of the cabinet the awarding of the contract for the Hambantota new oil refinery,” Minister Wijesekera told parliament.

“If the cabinet approves, after the agreement is signed, it will be the single largest investment project ever. A 5 billion US dollar investment.”

The project will take about four to five years to complete. “After it is completed, it will create jobs, provide energy security and give an opportunity to increase exports,” Wijesekera said.

Sri Lanka is giving state land in the Southern Hambantota district for the project. China’s Sinopec was awarded the project after the second short-listed contender pulled out, Minister Wijesekera said last month.

The tender for Sri Lanka’s proposed $5 billion oil refinery in the investment zone near Chinese built Hambantota port has been awarded to Sinopec, a state minister confirmed. .

China’s Sinopec and Vitol Asia based in Singapore are the two firms shortlisted out of seven companies that responded to an expression of interest early this year.

“We have issued the RFPs (request for proposal) for the two firms shortlisted. They have submitted the RFPs,” State Power & Energy Minister D V Chanaka said.

“There is a process which involves Cabinet approvals and Ministries. Our expectation is to award the tender within a minimum three weeks.”

Sovereign debt defaulted Sri Lanka has been struggling to attract foreign inflows. The refinery is part of a strategy to attract more foreign investments into the bankrupted nation.

Government sources say the refinery was awarded to Sinopec which has already started retail fuel supply and is competing with LIOC, a fully-owned subsidiary of Indian Oil Corporation.

Sri Lanka received seven responses to an expression of interest (EOI) to build the export-oriented oil refinery in Hambantota, in the island’s Southern coast of Hambantota and next to a Chinese-owned port.

Grant & Shearer Ltd from Nigeria, Sinopec from China, Petrichor Capital from Malaysia, Vitol Group from Singapore, Martin Tejarat from Iran, Dandeniya Engineering Sales and Service Syndicate, a local-based company and Sri Lanka’s Harree Management with UAE’s Marka Invest submitted their expression of interest early this year.

Commercial High Court Orders Footwear Company Directors to Respond to Contempt Charges

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Commercial High Court Orders Footwear Company Directors to Respond to Contempt Charges

Yesterday, the Commercial High Court directed five directors, including the managing director, and the company secretary of a prominent footwear company, to submit their reasons and objections within a month for not facing action for contempt of court. The order, issued by Judge Priyantha Fernando, concerns Kasun Rajapaksha, Thusitha Rajapaksha, Bhathia Amarakon, Asanka Rajapaksa, Nelani Rajapaksa, and Company Secretary Varuni De Silva.

This legal action follows allegations that these individuals obstructed Sajith Rajapakse, a director of the same company. President’s lawyer Chandaka Jayasundara emphasized his client’s commitment to the company, highlighting Sajith Rajapaksa’s significant contributions to the group’s profits and net assets over the past five years.

Contrastingly, the companies led by Kasun Rajapaksa reportedly experienced annual losses in the footwear sector, while Sajith Rajapaksa’s leadership in Samson Group’s subsidiaries, Samson Rubber Products and Samson Rubber Industries, led to substantial profits and global exports to over 75 countries.

The defamation case and three related lawsuits were presented before the court, with a team of high-profile lawyers, including Romesh de Silva, Navin Marapana, and Sugathkaldera, representing the cases. The judge scheduled further hearings for the 4th and 15th of the following month.

Brandix Sparks a New Era in Apparel with Artificial Intelligence

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Brandix Sparks a New Era in Apparel with Artificial Intelligence

Pioneering the Future with Copilot for Microsoft 365 


Stepping into the next frontier of innovation, Brandix is one of the first Sri Lankan companies to come on board with Copilot for Microsoft 365, the company’s cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistance feature. 

Sharing a vision of the transformative power of AI, Group CEO Ashroff Omar, said: “The world we live in is progressing at a pace where soon we may scarcely recognize the past. AI will completely redefine how we work. Copilot is a revolutionary feature that will free us from routine tasks and pave the way for genuine innovation. It enables us to remain curious, consistently evaluate our contributions, and infuse our daily tasks with passion, ensuring we move with intent and purpose.”

Last week, Brandix, conducted its inaugural Copilot AI training programme strengthening its foray into the sphere of artificial intelligence. Built on OpenAI’s GPT4 through Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, Copilot for Microsoft 365 is set to redefine how industries operate and become one of the most powerful productivity tools on the planet. 

Chief Operating Officer of Digital Services at Brandix, Oshada Senanayake, said: “Brandix has constantly sat at the forefront of driving innovation in the apparel industry, adopting nascent technologies to boost productivity across all functions. Our latest association with Microsoft is another feather on our cap that will disrupt conventional practices in the apparel industry. It will also infuse a lot of fun and efficiency to how we work.”

Brandix has spearheaded inspiration and growth in Sri Lanka’s apparel industry over the past five decades and was also the first Sri Lankan company to work with the software company during the deployment of Microsoft Enterprise in the early 2000s. Brandix has placed digitalization at helm of its transformation journey and will redefine its competitive advantage and progressive working culture based on adopting AI across the value chain. Adopting this cutting-edge technology is a part of the company’s digital transformation journey with a vision of a ‘Smarter Brandix’. 

Copilot for Microsoft 365 is the latest evolution from the global technology company, and it helps users optimize their time and energy. Copilot is now available for enterprises.

High Commissioner – designate Rohitha Bogollagama assumes duties

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High Commissioner – designate Rohitha Bogollagama assumes duties

The High Commissioner designate of Sri Lanka to the United Kingdom Rohitha Bogollagama who arrived in London on 19 November 2023 assumed duties at the High Commission at a simple ceremony on 20 November 2023. High Commissioner designate Bogollagama was received upon arrival at Heathrow Airport by Special Representative of the UK Foreign Secretary Kathryn Colvin.

In his address to the staff at the High Commission, after assumption of duties, the High Commissioner- designate emphasised the importance of advancing national interests and urged to work towards progressing the existing friendly relations between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom. The ceremony was marked by the lighting of the oil lamp and milk rice and sweetmeats being served in keeping with Sri Lankan traditions.

High Commissioner-designate Bogollagama then paid a visit to the London Buddhist Vihara where religious observances and chanting of seth pirith was conducted by the Chief Incumbent of the Vihara and the Chief Sangha Nayake of Great Britain the Most Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala Thero.

High Commissioner designate Bogollagama was a Member of the Parliament of Sri Lanka between 2000-2010 and has served in several key ministerial positions. He was appointed as the Governor of the Eastern Province from 2017-2019. While being a Member of Parliament Rohitha Bogollagama served as Minister of Industries (2001-2004), Minister of Advanced Technology and National Enterprise Development (2004-2005), Minister of Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion (2005-2007) and Minister of Foreign Affairs (2007-2010).

In addition, High Commissioner – designate Bogollagama served as the Chairman of the SAARC Council of Ministers (2008-2009) and contributed establishing strong diplomatic relations with other countries as a Member of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (2007-2009), Vice President of the Non-Aligned Movement (2009) and Chairman of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue Meeting (2009) among others.

Prior to contesting the elections in 2000, High Commissioner designate Bogollagama has served in key positions heading various Government and Private Sector Institutions. Some of the highlights in his list of appointments include serving as the Director of the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau (1989-1993), Chairman, Sathosa Printers Ltd., (1992-1993), Chairman, Sri Lanka Cement Corporation (1993-1994), Chairman and Director General, Board of Investment, (1993-1994) and Director, Sri Lanka Export Development Board during the same year, proving his expertise in diverse fields.

High Commissioner- designate Bogollagama entered the Sri Lanka Law College in the year 1973 to pursue a career in law. With the completion of successive examinations, he commenced his legal practice in 1976 with a special focus on criminal law. In 1987 Rohitha Bogollagama expanded his expertise on commercial law with overseas engagements in Shipping, Trade, Settlements, Arbitration and Negotiation. During this period he has been responsible for advising major international clients including Maersk Shipping of A. P Moller & Company, Denmark and Voice of America of the Government of United States.

High Commissioner Rohitha Bogollagama is a past pupil of Ananda College, Colombo.

High Commission of Sri Lanka
London

21 November 2023

Dollar rate in Sri Lanka today

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Dollar rate in Sri Lanka today

Sri Lankan Rupee experienced a slight depreciation against the US Dollar in various commercial banks today (Nov 22), compared to the rates observed on Tuesday.Here’s a summary of the changes at different banks:

  • At Peoples Bank, the buying and selling rates for the US Dollar increased slightly, standing at Rs. 322.66 for buying and Rs. 333.90 for selling.
  • Commercial Bank reported a drop in the buying rate of the US Dollar, which is now at Rs. 321.23, while the selling rate slightly increased to Rs. 332.25.
  • Sampath Bank saw an increase in both the buying and selling rates for the US Dollar, currently set at Rs. 324 for buying and Rs. 334 for selling.

Expressway Ticket Counter Personnel Commence Strike Over Demands

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Expressway Ticket Counter Personnel Commence Strike Over Demands

The All Ceylon Expressway Employees Union, led by Chairman Hasitha Munasinghe, initiated a strike at 7 AM on Wednesday (22), impacting the operations of the Expressway Ticket Counters. Munasinghe highlighted that the strike stemmed from various grievances, notably pension-related concerns among others.

Despite the walkout by ticket counter employees, the Road Development Authority (RDA) assured the public that the strike would not disrupt traffic flow along the expressway. L. V. S. Weerakoon, Director General of the RDA, confirmed that armed forces personnel have been deployed to safeguard the expressway. Additionally, military personnel will step in to manage the ticket issuance process, ensuring continuity of service despite the strike action.

British FM’s help to win US $3bn for Colombo Port city raise eyebrows.

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British FM’s help to win US $3bn for Colombo Port city raise eyebrows.

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): The newly appointed British foreign secretary and former Prime Minister David Cameron helped win US $3bn for the Colombo Port city project which is eagerly waiting for foreign investments.

The former prime minister visited Dubai and Abu Dhabi and lobbied potential investors on behalf of Port City Colombo, a development in the Sri Lankan capital that critics fear could become a Chinese military base.

It is part of the Belt and Road Initiative, Beijing’s flagship foreign policy aimed at extending Chinese trade and military influence, and was unveiled by Xi on a visit to the island almost ten years ago.

The developer’s parent company is China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), a state-run firm blacklisted by America for building military bases in disputed waters, British media reported.

US citizens and companies are banned from holding shares in the Beijing-headquartered company.

Cameron, the newly appointed foreign secretary, became involved in the port during a visit to Sri Lanka in January where he met Yang Lu, director of CHEC Port City Colombo, the CCCC-owned developer that has invested more than $1 billion.

The pair shook hands and posed for photos as part of a tour. Cameron, 57, also accepted a gift from Lu. A source close to Cameron said he could not remember what it was other than a “token with no value whatsoever”.

Speaking at back-to-back events at the Ritz Carlton in Abu Dhabi and the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, he implored delegates from Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds to pour money into the port

Cameron has said he was paid by the Washington Speakers Bureau, a US speaking agency, which was in turn contracted by the Sri Lankan branch of KPMG.

His spokesman said: “Mr Cameron has not engaged in any way with China or any Chinese company about these speaking events.”

The claims are challenged by Dilum Amunugama, the Sri Lankan investment minister, who was reported in local media last month as saying: “The whole event was handled by CHEC Port City. The government did not select David Cameron. He was selected by the Port City Company.”

The visits were brokered by Nirj Deva, a former Conservative MP and MEP who ran an EU-China Friendship Group and is an adviser to the Sri Lankan president. He said Cameron did “brilliantly”, demonstrating an intimate knowledge of the “clauses, currency controls and tax holidays” designed to lure investors.

A source close to the project said Gulf investors pledged $3 billion off the back of his visit, none of which has been publicly announced. The funding remains subject to legal agreement. Asked if the money could have been raised without Cameron, Deva, 75, said.

SriLanka’s all Air Traffic control and Radar operations digitized.

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SriLanka’s all Air Traffic control and Radar operations digitized.

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): In the wake of air traffic controller’s shortage at the Bandaranaike International Airport control tower, the aviation ministry has taken measures to fully digitalize air traffic operations.

The Main Air Traffic Control Tower and the RADAR Operations Centre at Bandaranaike International Airport have initiated operations utilizing full digital technology, the aviation ministry announced.

These advancements are integral components of the ongoing modernization process to enhance Air Traffic Control operations at the airport.

The financial investment made by Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd to establish this cutting-edge system amounts to approximately Rs. 1.2 billion.

Sri Lanka is on the brink of a major aviation ‘breakdown’ due to lack of Air Traffic Controllers’ who have migrated in large numbers to Oman and other countries for unmatched financial benefits.

An official from the Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (SLATCA) said Sri Lanka should have 150 air traffic controllers to man airports in Katunayake, Ratmalana, Mattala and Jaffna but they currently have only around 80.

It’s the Civil Aviation Authority that produces air traffic controllers and though it’s a one-year Course it takes around 10 years to produce a highly qualified staffer. Due to national security issues, the private sector is not keen to train Air Traffic Controllers.

Air traffic controllers organize the flow of air traffic and prevent collisions. “If an air traffic controller makes a mistake over a flight, it can crash, killing hundreds of passengers.”

With a view of tackling this issue and to modernizing the air traffic control system, the inauguration of this latest Digital Air Traffic Management System took place yesterday, presided over by the Hon. Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, Nimal Siripala de Silva.

Previously, Air Traffic Controllers manually documented information pertaining to departing and arriving aircrafts, a process managed between the Air Traffic Control Tower and the RADA Centre.

The introduction of the latest Air Traffic Management System facilitates real-time dissemination of essential data to pertinent nodes.

This innovation expedites and optimizes all air navigation services within Sri Lankan airspace, accommodating an increased volume of aircraft through the implementation of this state-of-the-art system.

In contrast to its predecessor, the new system boasts superior technological capabilities. While the former system could solely measure the cruising altitude, position, and airspeed of an aircraft, the latest system at the airport enables the acquisition of comprehensive data directly from the aircraft cockpit.

This enhancement results in a 100% improvement in data accuracy concerning the safety of aircrafts.

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