October 04, Colombo (LNW): MillenniumIT ESP, a leading enterprise solutions provider, has established a Global Service Delivery Centre in Port City Colombo, marking a key milestone in its international growth. 

This centre, registered under its subsidiary, Millennium IT ESP Singapore, will serve as the hub for global solution delivery, reflecting the company’s commitment to meeting the increasing demand for its advanced technology solutions.

 CEO Shevan Goonetilleke emphasized that this strategic move strengthens their position as a leader in enterprise technology by leveraging Port City Colombo’s business advantages to drive growth and innovation.

The expansion aligns with the company’s broader strategy, which began in 2021 with a regional office in Singapore, followed by expansions into Bangladesh and Dubai. 

These initiatives are part of MillenniumIT ESP’s vision to strengthen its presence in the ASEAN and SAARC regions, enhancing its global footprint while delivering innovative, reliable technology solutions that empower businesses in the digital age.

MillenniumIT ESP CEO Shevan Goonetilleke said: “The launch of our Global Service Delivery Centre at Port City Colombo reflects our unwavering commitment to growth, excellence and more efficient delivery of services. 

This facility will not only enhance our ability to serve our international clients but also reinforces our position as a leader in Enterprise Technology Solutions. By leveraging the strategic advantages offered by Port City Colombo – as an international business hub – we are well-positioned to drive further growth and innovation, ensuring that we continue to meet the dynamic needs of our customers around the world.”

The launch of MillenniumIT ESP’s Global Service Delivery Centre at Port City Colombo is part of a broader expansion strategy that began in 2021 when the company took its first step towards global expansion by establishing a regional office in Singapore.

 This initial move was aimed at tapping into new markets and capitalising on the company’s unique resources, skill sets, and capabilities. MillenniumIT ESP has since built upon these foundations, expanding into Bangladesh in 2023 to cater to the SAARC region, and subsequently into Dubai. 

These expansions have been driven by the company’s vision to leverage existing partnerships and relationships in the ASEAN region, further strengthening its footprint in the international market.

MillenniumIT ESP said as it continues to expand its global footprint, the company remains dedicated to its core mission of providing innovative and reliable technology solutions that reimagine and reinvent the technology landscape, empowering businesses to thrive in an increasingly digital world

October 04, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Probation and Child Care Services has introduced a new initiative to ensure that children without registered births can obtain birth certificates. The programme, in collaboration with the Registrar General’s Department, aims to assist children facing challenges due to the lack of proper documentation, particularly in school admissions.

Officers from the Department are working closely with district child protection officers to identify these children and offer support. Despite these efforts, a significant number of children remain without birth certificates, continuing to face various difficulties.

Parents and guardians of such children are encouraged to seek assistance from child protection officers at their local district secretariats. The services provided under this initiative are free of charge, as confirmed by the Department of Government Information.

October 04, Colombo (LNW): India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, is set to embark on an official visit to Sri Lanka today. During his visit, Dr. Jaishankar will meet with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya to discuss matters of mutual interest.

The Indian External Affairs Minister is also scheduled to meet with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He will be accompanied by senior officials from India’s Ministry of External Affairs for this significant diplomatic visit, which aims to further strengthen ties between the two nations.

October 04, Colombo (LNW): With an increase in children displaying influenza symptoms, health officials are advising parents to take precautionary measures, including ensuring that children wear face masks. Pediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera has also reported a rise in hand, foot, and mouth disease cases, stressing the importance of following proper health guidelines to safeguard children from these infections.

Parents are encouraged to remain vigilant and prioritize their children’s health by practicing good hygiene and adhering to recommended safety protocols.

Leaves Behind  a Legacy of Change  

Renowned lawyer Panduka Keerthinanda, known for his outstanding contributions to several government ministries, resigned from his role as Chairman of the Land Reform Commission (LRC) yesterday. His departure was marked by an emotional farewell from the ministry’s employees, who presented him with a memento inscribed with the heartfelt message, “Dear Sir, thank you for being a leader who inspires positive change.”

Appointed to the position in 2023 by then Minister of Lands Harin Fernando and thereafter re-appointed by the former President Ranil Wickremesinghe  Keerthinanda’s leadership at the LRC was characterized by a series of significant administrative reforms and a focus on efficiency and modernization. His tenure brought about remarkable improvements in the commission’s financial performance and operational effectiveness, setting a high standard for future leadership.

In an interview with The Morning Telegraph, Panduka Keerthinanda expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the Land Reform Commission, stating, “I am pleased to have had the chance to contribute to this vital ministry and help uplift land reforms. I extend my sincere best wishes to my successor and hope they will continue the positive work we’ve started.”  

Achievements During His Term:

1. Financial Success: Under Keerthinanda’s leadership, the Land Reform Commission saw impressive financial performance. In 2023, the commission posted a profit of LKR 650 million, followed by a LKR 350 million profit by September 2024. Over the past two years, the commission remitted LKR 1.465 billion to the national treasury, including LKR 365 million in 2024 alone
2. Property Acquisition: One of his major accomplishments was the purchase of the LRC Head Office property located at 475 Kaduwella Road, Battaramulla, securing a long-term asset for the organization.
3. Land Distribution: In 2024, the commission successfully distributed 6,500 land deeds, improving land ownership and security for many citizens.
4. Modernization and Digitalization: Keerthinanda spearheaded a digital transformation initiative at the LRC in 2024. This included the introduction of a digital data system, the completion of the Land Ledger on May 22, 2024, and the integration of a Geomapper for efficient land management.
5. Policy Reforms: He also implemented new land alienation rules based on the government chief valuer’s circular, ensuring a more transparent and fair process for land allocation.

A Legacy of Service and Innovation:

Panduka Keerthinanda is not only celebrated for his recent contributions at the LRC but also for his broader role in the development of Sri Lanka’s legal and administrative landscape. He has worked extensively across various ministries, bringing a results-oriented approach to governance. His legal expertise and commitment to public service have led to many successful reforms over the years.

Keerthinanda’s tenure at the LRC exemplifies his dedication to enhancing public institutions through innovation, transparency, and efficiency. His leadership in initiating the digitization program and streamlining land distribution processes reflects his forward-thinking vision for the future of Sri Lanka’s land management sector.

As he steps down from his position, Keerthinanda leaves behind a legacy of positive change, with employees and colleagues alike praising his contributions. His impact on the Land Reform Commission will continue to be felt as the institution benefits from the reforms he put in place.

THE MORNING TELEGRAPH

1. The high-level delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) visiting Sri Lanka met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo today, the President’s Media Division said. President Dissanayake reaffirmed commitment to IMF objectives and advocated for alternative solutions to ease the burden on people today.
2. Senior administrative officer, Aloka Bandara has been appointed as the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils, Local Government, and Labour. Aloka Bandara was officially appointed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
3. The Election Commission of Sri Lanka says that steps will be taken to hold the Local Government Elections, in compliance with the Supreme Court order, as soon as the upcoming General Election is concluded. The announcement notes that the Election Commission has given due respect to the Supreme Court’s decision made on 22.08.2024, concerning the Fundamental Rights Applications related to the 2023 Local Government Elections.
4. Mahinda Amaraweera says that the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) is yet to take a final decision on how it will contest the General Election. He mentioned that they are also considering forming an alliance with several other parties for the upcoming General Election.
5. Chanditha Samaranayake, independent consultant of the Gates Foundation, met with the Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake at the Presidential Secretariat and engaged in a discussion. The Gates Foundation’s projects related to upliftment of agriculture in Sri Lanka, improvement of children’s nutrition including provision of school lunch, development of human resources in the public and private sectors, livestock, climate change etc. were discussed at length.
6. The Minister of External Affairs of India, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will be undertaking an official visit to Sri Lanka on 04 October 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed. During this visit, the External Affairs Minister of India is scheduled to pay courtesy calls on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, the statement said.
7. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake affirmed his commitment to supporting public servants who dedicate themselves to creating an efficient, citizen-focused public service. He emphasized that unlike under previous administrations government officials working in the interest of the people will no longer face political retaliation.
8. Former MP Rajika Wickremesinghe and Daham Sirisena joined the Mawbima Janatha Party (MJP) led by entrepreneur Dilith Jayaweera. Rajika Wickremesinghe has been appointed as the MJP’s Kegalle District Organisers and Dedigama electorate organizer while Daham Sirisena has been appointed Polonnaruwa District Organiser.
9. The Department of Probation and Child Care Services has introduced a programme to provide birth certificates for children whose births have not been registered. Accordingly, officers of the Department have been assisting district child protection officers to identify such children and help with their school admissions.
10. Sri Lanka Tourism’s strategic promotional efforts have borne fruit, as the country has achieved its full year tourist arrival numbers from 2023 within the first nine months of 2024, Sri Lanka Tourism said in a statement. As of September 2024, the total tourist arrivals reached 1,487,303, surpassing last year’s total. September alone saw 112,140 arrivals, marking a 9% growth year-on-year.

October 04, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at a few places in Northern, Eastern and Uva provinces during the afternoon or night.

A few showers may occur in the coastal areas of Southern and Western provinces during the morning.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 03, Colombo (LNW): In light of the uncertainty occurred surrounding the government’s fertiliser subsidy initiative for paddy farmers, the Election Commission (EC) has clarified it has no objections to the scheme, a report by Daily Mirror disclosed.

The Rs. 25,000 subsidy, aimed at supporting farmers, had faced some controversy, but the EC has given its nod to the current government’s decision.

Saman Sri Ratnayake, the Commissioner of General Elections, told Daily Mirror that the original subsidy plan had been proposed by the previous administration.

At the time, the EC had halted the decision, perceiving it as a potential strategy to favour a candidate ahead of elections.

However, the present government’s move is seen as the continuation of a previously established policy, rather than a new initiative aimed at electoral gain, according to report.

In parallel, the Ministry of Agriculture has officially confirmed the allocation of the subsidy. Secretary to the ministry, M.P.N.M. Wickramasinghe, announced that paddy farmers will receive an allowance of Rs. 25,000 per hectare, ensuring financial relief during the ongoing agricultural cycle.

The fertiliser subsidy, which had been a focal point of debate, is now set to provide much-needed support to the farming community. This financial assistance comes at a critical time, as farmers have faced fluctuating agricultural costs and broader economic challenges.

However, the move raised eyebrows amongst rival political parties, in what they described it as part of the Ruling Party’s political agenda to win the upcoming General Election.

With the EC’s approval, the programme is poised to move forward without any legal or political hurdles, bringing clarity to an issue that had previously been mired in confusion.

By: Staff Writer

October 03, Colombo (LNW): The incumbent Government, under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, justified its decision to retain key state officials despite earlier pre-election criticisms. Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Vijitha Herath, during the new administration’s first post-Cabinet media briefing, explained that removing these officials before the formation of a new government could disrupt vital state functions.

Herath emphasized the importance of the roles held by Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana, and Government Printer Gangani Liyanage, noting their involvement in essential state mechanisms.

Specifically, Dr. Weerasinghe and Siriwardana are overseeing the country’s International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, while Liyanage is responsible for managing the upcoming general elections, with her term ending in December 2024.

Responding to questions about whether retaining these officials indicated approval of their actions under former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s administration, Herath clarified that the priority was maintaining stability during the transition period. He further explained that the number of ministries has been reduced from 28, and many secretaries have been retained to avoid unnecessary disruption.

Herath acknowledged allegations against certain ministry secretaries and public servants, stating that while no immediate legal action would be taken during the interim period, such cases may be revisited in the future. He assured that the government would make careful decisions regarding public officials, especially in relation to sensitive matters like the IMF program.

Additionally, Herath highlighted the Central Bank’s independent functioning, with its governor appointed through a separate system, justifying the decision to keep Dr. Weerasinghe in his role.

The three officials Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriawardana and Government Printer Gangani Liyanage are currently involved in managing some of the critical functions in the State mechanism. The Government has assessed how we should act during this period and we do not wish to change everything immediately and disrupt the State machinery,” he stressed.

Herath said the Central Bank Governor and Treasury Secretary are involved in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, whilst the Government Printer is responsible for the upcoming General election, adding that her extended term is in any case coming to an end by December 2024.

The Sri Lankan delegation set to visit Washington, D.C., will include the President’s economic advisers Duminda Hulangamuwa, Anil Fernando along with the Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana and the Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinge.

 Among the key issues on the agenda is a framework agreement on International Sovereign Bonds (ISBs), which is in the final stage of negotiation.

“Despite claims by the previous Government that the ISB was finalised, it is still in its last phase of completion,” the Cabinet Spokesman said.

Herath said the delegation will also address domestic debt restructuring, following criticism and concerns about the current approach to managing the country’s debt.