May 13, Colombo (LNW): In a bid to address the concerning influx of substandard and hazardous medicines into Sri Lanka via unregistered importers, such as the recent human immunoglobulin scandal, the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) is set to introduce a security sticker for future pharmaceutical registration certificates.
This decision comes in response to allegations surrounding the fraudulent acquisition of registration certificates by unauthorised importers or vendors, according to Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama, Chairman of the NMRA.
These allegations have surfaced amid ongoing legal cases, including the human immunoglobulin scam and the distribution of substandard eye drops, suggesting the falsification of NMRA-issued registration certificates.
Dr. Wijewickrama emphasised the gravity of this issue, prompting the NMRA to introduce a new security measure by affixing security stickers to all pharmaceutical registration certificates.
The initiative aims to prevent the entry of dangerous or substandard medicines into the country.
The Chairman disclosed plans to implement the security feature within approximately one month, stating that orders for the production of the new security stickers have been placed with the Government Press.
Implementation will commence promptly upon receipt of the new batch of stickers.
May 13, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is poised to triple its investment target for 2024, emphasised Investment Promotion State Minister Dilum Amunugama, citing the successful implementation of necessary initiatives outlined by the Finance Ministry for the first quarter of 2024.
Addressing a press conference on Friday (10), Amunugama expressed confidence in attracting over US$ 3 billion in investments to the country.
He emphasised that investments from projects signed in 2023, though not included in this year’s tally, will be executed during the current year.
Amunugama highlighted a remarkable 200 per cent improvement in Sri Lanka’s investment landscape compared to two years ago, asserting that the country has become increasingly favourable for investors.
Efforts to promote investment in foreign countries have been initiated this year, with the appointment of representatives to the investment board.
Notable successes have been achieved in countries such as Britain, Canada, France, Italy, and Germany through project promotion activities conducted via global forums involving Sri Lankan expatriate businessmen.
Amunugama highlighted the establishment of private industrial zones near Trincomalee, Mankulam, Paranthan, and Kankesanthurai, with the Kankesanthurai Private Industrial Zone being set up to commence operations.
A Sri Lankan business group based in Canada is leading this initiative with a US$ 500 million investment and is responsible for attracting projects to the zone, he added.
Additionally, sectors like solar and wind energy, along with green hydrogen, are expected to emerge as significant investments in Sri Lanka under the Trincomalee District Development Plan.
Amunugama stressed the importance of expediting this development project in collaboration with India following the completion of debt restructuring.
May 13, Colombo (LNW): In response to allegations of police officers abusing their authority within the “Yukthiya” (Justice) Operation and colluding with criminals for bribes, Public Security Minister Tiran Alles has affirmed that strict measures will be implemented against any officers found engaging in such misconduct.
Alles told Daily Mirror his zero-tolerance policy towards such incidents, stating that he has already taken action against certain police officers implicated in such allegations and their connections with criminal elements.
Recent events have underscored the decisive action he has taken against those found misusing their uniforms, the Minister affirmed.
Allegations of human rights abuses within the Yukthiya Operation surfaced, with several MPs raising concerns that innocent individuals, including school children, are being detained under the Yukthiya Operation for minor infractions in certain police stations and subsequently charged under Act 54 of the Criminal Procedure.
SLPP MP Samanpriya Herath highlighted issues faced by individuals in the Kurunegala district, where youths found loitering at junctions and roads are reportedly detained and charged under Act 54.
In response, Minister Alles refuted claims of wrongful detentions under the operation, suggesting that such incidents may occur during routine police operations rather than under the Yukthiya operations specifically.
Elaborating on the focus of the Yukthiya Operation, Alles clarified its primary objective of apprehending identified drug traffickers rather than individuals solely involved in drug consumption.
Addressing concerns over police conduct, Minister Alles acknowledged issues within certain police stations and committed to taking action against any officers found engaging in misconduct.
He asserted that while there are concerns within specific police stations, it is crucial to adhere to due process in addressing these issues.
The Minister emphasised that he remains steadfast in upholding the integrity of law enforcement and will not yield to political pressure.
Alles further reiterated his commitment to combating drug-related crimes and expressed confidence in public support for the government’s efforts.
However, he did underscore that any instances of police misconduct will be swiftly dealt with.
May 13, Colombo (LNW): In a speech delivered during the International Nurses Day celebration at Temple Trees, President Ranil Wickremesinghe outlined ambitious plans for Sri Lanka’s economic growth and government reforms.
The President expressed his aim to achieve a 3 per cent growth rate for the country’s economy by 2025 and announced forthcoming measures to raise the salaries of government employees.
He highlighted the introduction of four key laws aimed at propelling economic development, including legislation to grant autonomy to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) and foster an export-driven economy.
Reflecting on past economic challenges, President Wickremesinghe emphasised the importance of bipartisan cooperation in driving the country towards recovery.
He urged unity in embracing the proposed legislative agenda, which includes laws to enshrine agreements with international financial institutions into law and steer the economy towards sustainable growth.
The President also underscored the need for significant investment in education and healthcare, stressing that these priorities could only be met through the successful implementation of the proposed economic programme.
Additionally, the President inaugurated the Sri Lanka Nursing University and announced enhancements to allowances for nursing staff.
He acknowledged the contributions of various stakeholders, including Venerable Dr. Muruththettuwe Ananda Nayaka Thero, and called for continued support for the nursing profession.
The event, commemorating the birthday of Florence Nightingale, highlighted the pivotal role of nurses in healthcare and society, under the theme ‘Our Nurses – Our Future, The Economic Power of Nursing’.
Notable dignitaries, including Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, were present at the celebration.
May 13, Colombo (LNW): Due to a low-level atmospheric disturbance in the vicinity of Sri Lanka, showery condition is expected to be enhanced during the next few days, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (12).
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in most provinces of the island after 1.00 p.m., with heavy showers above 100mm being likely to occur at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western and Uva provinces and in Galle and Matara districts, the statement added.
Showers may occur at a few places in the coastal areas of Eastern and Southern provinces during the morning as well.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning.
General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur atseveral places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Trincomalee to Galle via Batticaloa, Pottuvil, and Hambantota. Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the other sea areas around the island during the evening or night.
Winds:
Winds will be south-westerly or variable and wind speed will be (20-30)kmph. Wind speed may increase up to 40-45 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Kankasanthurai toTrincomalee via Mullaitivu.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coasts extending from Kankasanthurai toTrincomalee via Mullaitivu can be fairly rough at times. The other sea areas around the island will be slight. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
May 12, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is keen to expedite its economic partnership withUran and Russia, which has been severely impacted by U.S. sanctions, while for the island nation, increasing trade and securing foreign investments is critical at this juncture
Iran aims to navigate its limitations amid sanctions, with a focus on fostering trade, economic cooperation, and maritime connectivity, all of which are foundational to the emerging ties between Iran and Sri Lanka.
For many years, Russia has been a trusted friend and key partner in Sri Lanka’s development, consistently assisting without any conditions.
The country played a crucial role in transforming Sri Lanka into an industrial hub by assisting in the establishment of sugar, steel, and tire production industries within the country.
Sri Lanka will deal with Iran and Russia for investments and trade without being caught into the United States-led sanctions, the island nation’s Foreign Minister Ali Sabry said.
Sri Lanka has been hit by Western sanctions imposed on Iran and Russia. The island nation could not receive $450 million from Iran for a recently opened Uma Oya multipurpose project started before the sanctions.
Sri Lanka was also forced to buy light crude from Malaysia and Dubai instead of Iran after 2012 sanctions.
The Western economic sanctions have already prevented Russian tourists from using their usual payment system and discouraged some visitors from Russia visiting to Sri Lanka, tourism industry officials say.
“We are not going into their sanctions. There are number of areas where the sanctions do not get caught. So, a lot of countries work on that,” Ali Sabry told reporters on Wednesday (08).
“We will do in terms of international rules and regulations,” he said citing how Sri Lanka is paying pending import bill of $251 million for crude oil to Iran.
Sri Lanka now exports tea to Iran for no dollar payment. Instead, Sri Lanka tea producers are paid by the state-owned Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) in rupees for the pending crude oil import payments for Iran.
“It is important for us that these captive markets are not neglected,” Sabry said.Iran President Ebrahim Raisi visited Sri Lanka last month on a official tour to launch the Uma Oya project.
May 12, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka tea auction offerings recorded a fairly significant decline and totalled 4.9 million Kgs with improved demand and a dearer trend in prices for most teas on offer, perhaps triggered by the lower volume on offer in the backdrop of urgent shipments, tea brokers said.
The Colombo Tea Auction offering recorded a decline significantly, totalling 4.9 million kilogrammes.
There was improved demand and a dearer trend in prices for most teas on offer, perhaps triggered by the lower volume on offer against the backdrop of urgent shipments, Forbes and Walker Tea Brokers said. The Ex-Estate offerings were reasonably maintained and totalled 0.74 million kilogrammes.
The Westerns – Select Best, on offer were irregular and often easier, whilst the others together with the teas in the Below Best and Plainer categories, were often firm and Rs.20-40 per kilogramme dearer.
The Nuwara Eliyas were a weak feature and mostly unsold, due to a lack of suitable bids.The Uda Pussellawa BOPs were barely maintained, whilst the corresponding BOPFs appreciated by Rs.40-60 per kilogramme.
The Uva BOPs sold around last levels, whilst the corresponding BOPFs gained by up to Rs.100 per kilogramme. The High and Medium Grown CTCs – BP1s, in the High Grown category, had hardly any offerings, whilst the limited availability in the Mid Grown category was irregular and easier.
The PF1s – Better sorts, were firm and Rs.20-30 per kilogramme dearer. The others sold around last week’s levels, whilst the poorest on offer witnessed better demand and less withdrawals. The corresponding Low Grown types sold around last.
Less activity was seen from the shippers to the UK, Japan and South Africa. Improved activity from the tea bag sector was seen, whilst the shippers to the CIS continued to participate in the usual manner.
The Low Growns comprised of 2.07 million kilogrammes and the Leafy, Semi-Leafy and Tippy categories met with good demand.
In the Leafy and Semi-Leafy catalogues, the BOP1s together with the Select Best OP1s were firm, whilst the Best were firm to dearer.
However, the Below Best and teas at the Bottom were easier. The OP/OPAs, in general, appreciated. The Select Best PEKs were firm, whilst the Below Best were firm to dearer. The teas at the bottom were easier. The Select Best and Best PEK1s were easier, whilst the balance sold around last levels.
In the Tippy catalogues, the Select Best FBOP/FF1s were firm to selectively dearer, whilst the Best, Below Best and clean leaf teas at the bottom appreciated. The balance was easier, following quality.
In the Premium catalogues, the Very Tippy teas met with good demand and were dearer. The Below Best and teas at the bottom too appreciated to a lesser extent.
May 12, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is facing mounting pressure to maintain its current reform momentum, as experts continue to warn that any deviation from the path could potentially derail the country’s progress and plunge it back into crisis.
The Governor of the Central Bank Nandalal Weerasinghe, issued a cautionary message regarding potential changes to the country’s current economic policy.
Weerasinghe emphasized that any deviation from the existing policy framework could lead to a return to economic stagnation.
He reiterated this imperative, echoing similar calls from global agencies such as the World Bank (WB), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Just a month ago, these institutions stressed the absolute need for Sri Lanka to stay the course, emphasizing that there is no room to steer away from the current path.
The urgency of this call stems from the upcoming elections, which historically have been times when policies and reforms are often sidelined and sacrificed in favor of strategies to fetch votes.
Weerasinghe’s message was clear and firm, although he did not directly mention the impact of the upcoming elections on reform momentum.
Speaking at a panel discussion hosted by the Central Bank, he emphasized the critical need to sustain the stability that has been achieved so far.
“What we want to convey very clearly and very loudly is the need to sustain the stability that we have achieved so far. That’s the key message that we are trying to convey this time,” he stated.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining consistency in overall macro policies, including fiscal and monetary policy, as well as structural reforms.
“It is important to continue this reform momentum and move in the same direction, the right direction going forward to sustain stability,” reiterated Dr. Weerasinghe.
To achieve long-term gains, Sri Lanka must address several key areas in the short term. The Central Bank Governor stressed this includes completing the remaining parts of the external debt restructuring and ensuring the successful completion of the IMF review to provide assurance that the country is on track.
The completion of these tasks will be crucial in maintaining the confidence of global financial institutions and investors in Sri Lanka’s economy.
He stated that the country is currently undergoing the second review and anticipating the third tranche of the IMF program, and highlighted that while there have been alterations to the program since the staff-level agreement in September 2022, the fundamental objectives remain unchanged.
May 12, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka government is still to claim the exact amount of compensation for the massive marine pollution caused to the country from X-Press Pearl ship disaster 2years and 11 months ago although it can claim damages amounting to around $6,4 billion, official sources said.
According to the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN), the MV X-Press Pearl’s cargo contained 1,486 shipping containers. Of those, 81 were classified as dangerous goods, such as nitric acid and caustic soda.
The others have been reported to contain a mixture of several tonnes of potentially toxic epoxy resin, plastics, and oil, as well as metals such as lead and copper.
Sri Lanka has confirmed receiving further compensation of US$1.3 million from X-Press Pearl ship insurers for state beach cleaning program conducted to clear up the debris from its biggest marine disaster in history, to prevent environmental damage, Maritime Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) confirmed
The Government has allocated $ 10 million so far to cover legal expenses incurred by the Attorney General’s (AG) Department in the MV X-Press Pearl case filed in a Singaporean court last year to claim damages resulting from the ship disaster in May 2021.
However, despite the allocation, the AG’s Department is yet to submit the final compensation figure for the damages.
The total of around $ 10 million had been received by the government as interim payment made by the vessel’s insurers and ship owners to cover beach cleanup activities and compensate fishermen affected by the disaster Minister Wijedasa Rajapaksa said.
Sri Lanka Treasury has received $890,000 and 16 million Sri Lankan rupees (around $49,200 dollars) as interim payment for costs incurred by the Maritime Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) and for the affected fisherfolks,” the Minister said.
Since the disaster occurred, Sri Lanka has accepted payments totaling $7.85 million. The government received the first payment of $3.6 million in July 2021. Another $1.75 million followed in January 2022, and a third payment of $2.5 million given in September same year.
Sri Lanka initially filed for a compensation claim of $40 million shortly after the vessel sank off Colombo in June 2021. However, a 40-member expert committee convened by MEPA put the price of the environmental disaster at $6.4 billion in an interim report early this year.
On April 25, Sri Lanka announced that it had formally filed legal action before Singapore’s International Commercial Courts (SICC) to claim compensation for the massive environmental damage. At the time of the disaster, X-Press Pearl was registered in Singapore and operated by the container line X-Press Feeders.
The choice of filing suit in Singapore was controversial, as a Singaporean court could limit the total liability of the shipowner to the value of the vessel, about $14 million. If the suit had been filed in Sri Lankan courts, national environmental-protection laws would have applied, and the potential damage claim could have been higher.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe allocates Rs. 1 bn for research at the intersection of Buddha’s teachings and Artificial Intelligence (AI): The initiative, initially planned for this year, awaits AI regulation legislation: also pledges support for the restoration of the Moratuwa Buddhist Society Hall, celebrating its centenary emphasises aligning efforts against climate change with Buddhist teachings and exploring AI’s implications through Buddhist philosophy.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says Sri Lanka needs a plan to produce seeds as the price of seeds needed for the country’s agriculture has increased: reminds 2.4 million hectares of the country’s land-area, which is one-thirds of the island, is devoted to crop cultivation: adds, a future SJB-led government, therefore, will bring the country’s land, land development, agriculture, irrigation and etc. under one ministry to create a national agricultural policy.
Ven. Omalpe Sobitha Thera calls for the removal of MPs with dual citizenship before elections, citing recent Supreme Court ruling on former State Minister Diana Gamage: claims there are more than 10 MPs in Parliament with dual citizenship: urges party leaders to disclose such members: emphasises their lack of allegiance to the country: adds if not voluntarily removed, legal action may be pursued.
The Army declares a general amnesty period until May 20, 2024, for AWOL personnel: So far, 11,985 individuals who were AWOL have been temporarily discharged, and arrangements have been made for 81 others currently overseas to legally discharge during this amnesty.
The Sri Lanka Transport Board ramps up efforts to combat ticket fraud by deploying additional officials for targeted raids: These teams, supported by security forces, aim to address unfair ticket pricing and catch offenders: Chairman Lalith de Alwis emphasises adherence to ticket prices displayed for public transport services.
World Bank’s International Debt Statistics (IDS) suggest Sri Lanka, among other South Asian countries, sees a significant rise in its debt owed to China, largely due to loans for infrastructure projects: The debt owed to China by low-and-middle-income countries reached $180 billion by the end of 2022, surpassing their debt to the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development: China’s lending has focused more on neighbouring countries in recent years: However, its overall lending has reduced due to economic challenges and defaults by some borrowing nations: Sri Lanka’s interest payments, forming 54% of its revenue, highlight the strain caused by debt.
The count of Sri Lankan Retired Military Personnel casualties in the Russia-Ukraine conflict reached over 14: 134 complaints have been lodged concerning human trafficking of retired military personnel for the conflict: CID is probing this syndicate: A hotline (0112 441 146) has been set up for reporting: A suspect involved in trafficking was remanded until May 16: Seven suspects, including a retired major general and sergeant major, have been apprehended.
Concerns mount over the “Yukthiya” operation, targeting organised crime and narcotics trafficking, due to alleged human rights abuses: Human rights defenders point out while combating crime is essential for public safety and security, it must be done with full respect for human rights and the rule of law: The operation so far has led to the arrest of 111,074 suspects, with 4,472 individuals under detention orders for further questioning: Significant narcotics seizures include 41 kg of heroin, 43 kg of ‘Ice’, and 300,000 narcotic pills: Authorities also confiscate illegal assets worth approximately Rs. 1,500 mn.
Tharshan Selvarajah, a Paris-based baker from Sri Lanka, joins 10,000 torchbearers for the Olympic flame relay in France: Known for his award-winning baguettes, Selvarajah made history as Sri Lanka’s first torchbearer: His accolades include winning the “Grand Prize of the Traditional French Baguette” in 2023 and supplying baguettes to the French presidential palace.
Moose Clothing Company unveils Sri Lanka’s new T20 cricket jersey design at a grand event attended by national team players and dignitaries: Inspired by the country’s cultural heritage and landmarks, the design features symbols like the Blue Water Lily and the Royal Lion: The CEO expresses pride in the partnership, aiming to promote Sri Lankan pride globally and expand the company’s reach beyond national borders.
