PMD: President Ranil Wickremesinghe has underscored the imperative for Sri Lankan cinema to attain global acclaim. In dedicated pursuit of this objective, the government is proactively engaged in the comprehensive restructuring of the National Film Corporation and all its affiliated institutions to seamlessly integrate with cutting-edge technologies.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe conveyed these sentiments during his attendance at the Presidential Film Awards 2023, held at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre in Colombo two days ago (14).

The President also articulated plans to institute a Public Entertainment Diversification Board in lieu of the Public Performance Board. He underscored the importance of eliminating the term ‘censorship’ from artistic creation.

The President highlighted the current challenge faced by artists, as artistic creations fall under various criminal laws. To address this issue, he proposed a program wherein films and television productions would be submitted to the Classification Board before enforcement. President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed the government’s expectation to implement these measures starting next year. This year’s Presidential Film Awards ceremony holds special importance as it marks a return after a 3 year hiatus.

Out of 42 films screened in 2019 and 2020, a total of 44 awards were bestowed upon actors and technicians. These awards were traditionally bestowed upon individuals meticulously selected by a jury comprising expert film critics and seven honorary doctors and professors. Furthermore, nine additional awards were presented during the ceremony, adding to the prestige of the occasion.

During the event, Dr. Nanda Malani was honored as the Best Playback Singer of 2020. Marking a distinctive moment when President Ranil Wickremesinghe went to the audience where Dr. Nanda Malani was seated to present her with the award for Best Playback Singer of 2020. This gesture added a special touch to the event, highlighting the President’s direct involvement in recognizing and honoring outstanding contributions to the field of cinema.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, addressing the audience, acknowledged Dr. Nanda Malani’s significant achievement of receiving an award for her background singing in Sri Lankan cinema at the Sarasavi Film Award in 1963. The President also shared that he had the privilege of participating in that event.

Emphasizing Dr. Nanda Malani’s noteworthy contributions, the President conveyed that she rightfully deserves the respect and gratitude of the entire nation for her valuable contributions to both the Sri Lankan cinema and music industry.

In recognition of exceptional contributions to cinema, a “Yuga Abhimani” special award was conferred upon Mr. K. Gunaratnam. President Ranil Wickremesinghe commemorated Mr. Gunaratnam during the ceremony. Additionally, the President presented “Swarnasingha” awards to distinguished individuals, namely Mr. Chandran Ratnam, Suvineetha Weerasinghe, and Cyril Wickramage, further adding to the prestige of the occasion.

The President conferred prestigious awards on notable individuals in the cinematic realm. In recognition of their outstanding performances, Mr. Kamal Addararachchi was honored as the Best Actor of 2019, and Mr. Kumara Thirimadura received the Best Actor award for 2020. Likewise, Ms. Samadhi Laksiri was recognized as the Best Actress of 2019 and Ms. Neeta Fernando received the Best Actress award for 2020, both presented by the President.

Acknowledging excellence in direction, Mr. Anuruddha Jayasinghe was awarded the Best Director for the year 2019, while Mr. Vishakesa Chandrasekharam received the Best Director award for 2020, both bestowed upon them by the President.

The film industry also celebrated outstanding cinematic creations, with the Best Film of 2019 titled “Ginnen Upan Seethala” and the Best Film of 2020 titled “The Newspaper,” both receiving accolades from the President.

The President further stated that:

“In my youth, as a student aged 12-13, I had the privilege of participating in the inaugural Sarasavi Film Awards ceremony. Similarly, I had the honor of attending the inaugural Presidential Film Awards ceremony. The disparity between those times and the contemporary era is substantial, marked notably by a significant technological revolution.

Presently, the landscape includes both cinema and television, formerly distinct entities that have seamlessly converged. The advent of mobile technology has further transformed how we consume content, with the ability to watch movies on portable devices. This connectivity has fostered a global cohesion in the realm of international cinema, turning it into a thriving industry. It is imperative that we progress harmoniously with this evolving industry. I hold a firm belief in the prowess of our film makers to navigate and excel in the competitive arena. Consequently, we must reconsider our perspectives and diligently prepare the nation’s cinema for a transformative journey ahead.

In our focus on the reorganization of the National Film Corporation, it is essential to recognize the film industry and television media as integral components of a unified industry. Concurrently, comprehensive development initiatives are imperative for all cinema halls and film production locations.

To streamline and provide efficient support, the government is actively consolidating these activities under a singular board. Beyond financial backing, a strategic program is in progress to bring globally renowned individuals to Sri Lanka, offering invaluable opportunities for artists, directors, and technicians to acquire international expertise.

Furthermore, proactive measures are anticipated Performance Board control. The existing Public Performance Board Act, with over a century in force, will be replaced by the establishment of a distinguished Entertainment Classification Board, marking a pivotal step towards modernization and efficiency in this sector.

The elimination of the term “censorship” from artworks is imperative. Presently, artworks are subjected to diverse criminal laws, causing challenges for artists. It is crucial to reassess and adapt to contemporary needs, acknowledging that adhering strictly to outdated regulations is untenable. To address this, a comprehensive program is underway, envisioning the submission of films and television products to the classification board as a preliminary step. These proposed regulations are anticipated to be presented next year. The collective support of all, irrespective of political affiliations, is sought, emphasizing the program’s significance for the future prosperity of the film industry”.

The event was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Ministers Dr. Bandula Gunawardena, Mahinda Amaraweera, President’s Counsel Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, Keheliya Rambukwella, State Ministers Shantha Bandara, Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Members of Parliament Wajira Abeywardena, Gayantha Karunathilaka, and Rear Admiral Sarath Weerasekera (Retired). Notable figures involved in parliamentary affairs, such as Presidential Adviser Ashu Marasinghe and Defense Ministry Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne (Retired), were also present, Media Ministry Secretary Anusha Palpita, National Film Corporation Chairman Deepal Chandraratne, Army Commander Major General Vikum Liyanage, several other heads of security departments, government officials, veteran film actors and esteemed film directors.

Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka High Commissioner in Australia Chitrangani Wagiswara paid an official call on the  Minister for Multiculturalism, Small Business, Lands and Property and Sport of New South Wales (NSW) Steve Kamper on 7 November 2023 at his office, the Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra said in a statement.

The minister spoke of the large number of Sri Lankan expatriates who have made their mark in NSW and noted that most of the Sri Lankans are very well educated and well integrated into the Australian Society. The minister has been closely involved with most of the activities which are organized by  Sri Lankan associations in Sydney. The High Commissioner stated that she was pleased to note the encouraging sentiments expressed by the minister.

The two sides discussed avenues for further cooperation and the need for the State government’s assistance in promoting links between Australia and Sri Lanka especially in the trade sector.  It was agreed that the High Commission and the State Minister’s Office would keep in close contact to facilitate and promote further links that would be mutually beneficial.

During the visit to Sydney, the President of the Sri Lanka Australia Chamber of Commerce Kalum de Silva organised a Business Round Table on 8 November 2023. Members from the Australia-Sri Lanka Business Council also attended the Round Table.

In his introductory remarks, Kalum de Silva highlighted the ongoing activities and programmes that are in place between Sri Lanka and Australia.  He also spoke of the visit to Sri Lanka by a business delegation organized in partnership with the Victoria State Government, the Aboriginal Economic Development Group (AEDG) and other stakeholders.  Meetings were held in Sri Lanka with Export Development Board, National Chamber of Commerce, SLASSCom and other stakeholders as well as visits to places of interest.

In addressing the participants at the Round Table, the High Commissioner outlined the areas of cooperation and potential that could be looked into by those interested in business and the investment sectors.

Some of those present at the Round Table raised issues that need to be addressed in promoting trade and investment links and made suggestions on areas that could be pursued.

The High Commissioner invited the members of the chambers and other interested parties to be in touch with the High Commission as well as the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Melbourne so that any assistance sought and networking opportunities could be arranged.

The High Commission of Sri Lanka welcomed a delegation from the University of Johannesburg as part of its cultural diplomacy programme, marking the second program in this initiative. The student delegation was led by Head of the Department and Associate Professor in the Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR) Prof. Bhaso Ndzendze. The delegation comprised 17 students, including PhD students, Master’s students, and undergraduates in the DPIR Department.

During the session, the High Commission delivered a presentation containing geographical and economic facts about Sri Lanka, followed by tourism and cultural promotional video clips. A question-and-answer session ensued, during which students asked numerous questions about Sri Lanka and its economic relations with South Africa and the African Continent. Many students expressed their interest in advanced educational opportunities in Sri Lanka and their willingness to visit the country to gain first-hand experiences at educational and cultural sites.

The delegation was treated to Sri Lankan traditional delicacies, including Kokis and Ceylon Tea.

Colombo (LNW): American ihub declared opened by American Ambassador Juli Jang and Senthil Thondaman, Governor of Eastern Province, today (15th) in Kallady, Batticaloa.

Purpose of this event is to centralise several development activities for the school leavers who completed their higher studies for improving their Technical Education Skills and promoting English knowledge. It is specially providing foreign scholarships to the youth.

Officials from American Embassy, Chief Secretary R.M.P.S. Rathnayake , L.P. Madanayake, Secretary to the Governor and other officers attended this event.

Dhammika Perera is preparing to start the ‘DP Silicon Valley IT Office’ to direct the students studying through the DP Education IT campus to the job market.

DP Education, Sri Lanka’s leading digital education provider, held a certificate awarding ceremony for the students who completed the projects of the DP Education IT Campus branch at Nanasaran Education Center, Sri Seethavanarama, Nuwara Eliya, with the participation of over 1200 people on 11th November 2023 at Nuwara Eliya Town Hall. There, a prize was awarded to a winner of the cording competition held in conjunction with the 2023 Children’s Day.

Dhammika Perera, Founder and Chairman of DP Education, Nuwara Eliya Katumana Seethavanarama Viharadhi, President of Susarana Lanka Social Development Foundation, Royal Pandita Darshanapati Venerable Galahitiagoda Sumanarathana Thero and many other dignitaries participated in the certificate awarding ceremony.

Dhammika Perera, the founder and chairman of DP Education, who delivered the keynote speech, explained the importance of the knowledge gained by the students studying in the DP Education IT campus and said that smart classrooms have already been set up in 675 schools for school development.

Dhammika Perera said that the necessary activities have already been started to bring up the children through digital education. He said that 92 DP Education IT campuses are open all over the island and more than 80,000 students are studying in those campuses, and in addition, more than 125,000 students are studying online. He said that his goal is to provide digital education to one million children and 20% of them are already being educated.

Perera’s speech highlighted the fact that he has already planned to orient the students studying through the DP Education IT Campus to the job market. Accordingly, in the future, DP Education will set up centers called DP Silicon Valley IT Offices in the IT campus centers to provide them with opportunities to work in the job market. He further explained that it can bring foreign exchange to the country.

A delegation of 159 Parliamentarians took a significant step in the Palestine issue by submitting a formal letter to the United Nations Office at the UN Headquarters on November 14, marking a pivotal moment in diplomatic efforts.

Following this submission at 11:00 a.m., a duplicate copy was also delivered to the Palestinian Ambassador in Colombo, reinforcing the Parliamentarians’ unified stance on the matter.

In a pivotal move, the Agriculture Ministry of Sri Lanka sanctioned a groundbreaking initiative proposed by local investors to cultivate strawberries for export purposes. The approval was granted during a discussion held at the Agriculture Ministry, with key participation from Agriculture and Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera and Minister of Transport and Mass Media Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana.

The discussion highlighted the global demand for strawberries, which stands as an untapped opportunity for Sri Lanka. While the country currently ranks 57th among strawberry-exporting nations, the domestic production, often lacking modern technology, hasn’t met international standards. However, the fruit’s popularity and the rising market demand offer a promising avenue for export.

As a first step, the Agriculture Ministry agreed to allocate one hectare of land in Nuwara Eliya for a pilot project. Based on its success, the project could potentially expand to encompass up to ten hectares for strawberry cultivation.

Utilizing cutting-edge technology, the project anticipates significant economic gains. With an estimated income projection of US$117,600 per hectare annually and a potential yield of 120,000 kilograms from the same area, the initiative presents an enticing prospect. The investment required for cultivating one hectare is approximately Rs. 250 million.

Minister Amaraweera emphasized the forthcoming year’s focus on agricultural enhancement. Acknowledging the President’s contribution through the new budget, he underscored the government’s commitment to revolutionizing agriculture by integrating advanced technology.

Janaka Dharmakirthi, Ministry Secretary, was also present during the discussions, signifying the collaborative effort toward this progressive venture.

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW):The proposed removal of Value-Added Tax (VAT) exemptions has raised concerns about the potential application of VAT on power and energy from January of next year.

Prior to the budget, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a 3 percent VAT hike to 18 percent effective from January 1, 2024, and said most of the VAT exemptions would also be removed.

The 2024 budget presented to parliament on Monday said almost all the VAT exemptions barring education, healthcare and food will be removed.

“The VAT rate will be increased up to 18 percent in January 2024 along with elimination of almost all VAT exemptions other than for products relating to health, education, and a few essential foods,” the budget speech said.

As of now, VAT is not applied on power and energy products—meaning on petrol, diesel and electricity.

When queried about the application of VAT on fuel and electricity with the proposed VAT exemption removal, Advisor to the Finance Ministry Deshal de Mel said it was not right for him to comment on it as the 2024 budget is yet to be passed in parliament, and pointed out that changes could occur at the committee stage of passing it.

He said this during a post-budget webinar organized by the Centre for Banking Studies, yesterday.

“Since the exemptions are only for education, health and food items, as mentioned in the budget, I believe VAT will have to be applied on power and energy from the beginning of next year, unless the government decides to make a change before passing the budget,” a tax expert told Mirror Business on the grounds of anonymity.

VAT is a consumption tax levied on goods and services ultimately paid by the end consumer. It is often considered a regressive tax because it tends to have a disproportionate impact on lower-income individuals and households.

According to the 2024 budget estimates, the government plans to raise Rs.2,235 billion from taxes on goods and services, substantially higher from the 2023 estimate of Rs.1,376 billion.