August 10, Colombo (LNW): The U.S. Embassy has announced an additional commitment of US$ 24.5 million (Rs. 7.2 billion) from the American people to further support Sri Lanka’s development and strengthen the long-standing partnership between the two nations. The announcement was made during a visit to Sri Lanka by Michael Schiffer, Assistant Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Bureau for Asia, at an event held at the Finance Ministry. The event was also attended by USAID Sri Lanka and Maldives Mission Director Gabriel Grau and Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe.

The funds, allocated through a Development Objective Grant Agreement between USAID and the Sri Lankan Government, aim to bolster Sri Lanka’s market-driven growth, enhance environmental sustainability and resilience, and promote good governance practices. These efforts are expected to make a significant positive impact on the lives of Sri Lankans through partnerships with the government, non-governmental organizations, and civil society.

U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung highlighted the enduring commitment of the American people to investing in Sri Lanka’s economic growth and good governance: “Since 1956, the United States has invested in Sri Lanka’s people, empowering them in their entrepreneurial pursuits, strengthening Sri Lanka’s resilience to climate change and macro-economic shocks, and enriching lives across the country. This additional funding demonstrates our steadfast commitment to working with local partners in Sri Lanka. Together, we are building a foundation for lasting stability and prosperity for communities across the country.”

Michael Schiffer, USAID Assistant Administrator for the Bureau of Asia, emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Sri Lanka partnership: “The United States and the American people are proud of our longstanding partnership with Sri Lanka and its people. This funding is an investment to further support the country’s locally led initiatives to drive sustainable solutions for Sri Lanka’s development challenges.”

Since 1956, the United States has provided over US$ 2 billion (Rs. 598 billion) in assistance to Sri Lanka, supporting a wide range of sectors including agriculture, education, health, environment, water, sanitation, infrastructure, governance, and business development, as well as providing humanitarian aid. U.S. support has been instrumental in modernizing Sri Lanka’s diesel coaches, supporting the Thriposha supplemental nutrition program, developing electric vehicle charging stations, and empowering women entrepreneurs to drive economic growth.

August 10, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) will conduct a nationwide census on wild elephants across Sri Lanka from August 17 to 19. The survey, led by Wildlife Conservation Department Director General Chandana Suriyabandara, will monitor elephants at 3,130 survey centers established throughout the country.

The census will involve the participation of staff from the DWC, other government agencies, security forces, private sector employees, students from higher education institutions, and volunteers. The Director General confirmed that these participants have received the necessary training, and their security will be closely monitored throughout the census. Minimal facilities will be provided to ensure their comfort and safety. The data collected will undergo formal analysis, and the results will be released accordingly.

The primary objectives of this islandwide elephant census include establishing and enhancing protected areas, developing strategic plans to mitigate the human-elephant conflict, balancing development activities with conservation efforts, reaffirming Sri Lanka’s commitment to international conservation, and making predictions about the future of the elephant population in the country.

The last nationwide elephant census was conducted in 2011, revealing a minimum population of 5,879 elephants in Sri Lanka. The survey indicated that 55.09% of the population were adult elephants, 25.03% were young elephants, 12.04% were calves, and 6.04% were infants.

August 10, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that hunger is a non-partisan issue and urged all women in Sri Lanka to unite in creating a strong economy for future generations. Speaking at the “Kantha Ape Balaya (Women’s Power)” conference at the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre in Colombo on August 9, the President highlighted the sacrifices made by mothers who went without food to ensure their children could attend school. He also reminded the public of how some leaders who now speak of patriotism and the people’s suffering abandoned their responsibilities during difficult times.

The event, which saw the participation of leaders and representatives from major women’s organizations across the island, regardless of political affiliation, was organized to reinforce support for President Wickremesinghe’s plans to stabilize the country’s economy.

During his address, President Wickremesinghe highlighted the importance of advancing women’s rights, noting that the Women’s Empowerment Act has been approved, ensuring equal rights under the law. He called on the nation to set aside political differences and work together to address the needs of the people, emphasizing that hunger affects everyone, regardless of party affiliation.

President Wickremesinghe also reflected on his journey to the presidency, stating that he took on the role because others had shirked their responsibilities. He credited the support of three influential women—India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, and International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva—for helping Sri Lanka overcome its economic challenges. He also acknowledged the assistance of Samantha Power from the U.S. during the country’s fertilizer shortage.

The President expressed gratitude to these women, noting that without their support, Sri Lanka would not have made the progress it has. He urged the nation to focus on maintaining the relief provided through international support and to continue pushing forward for the betterment of the country and future generations.

Looking ahead, President Wickremesinghe announced plans for a large women’s conference next year, aimed at raising awareness on women’s issues and further advancing their rights. He called on all Sri Lankans to join efforts to lift the burdens of daily life and work together to develop the country.

August 10, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western province and in Galle and Matara districts.Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places elsewhere of the island during the evening or night.

Fairly heavy showers above 50 mm are likely at some places in Western, Northern and Eastern provinces.

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

Colombo, August 8, 2024 – In yet another display of disregard for judicial authority, Kasun Rajapaksa, the Managing Director of the DSI Samson Group, has been issued new summons for repeated contempt of court. This comes after a prior ruling in favor of Mr. Sajith Rajapaksa, the former Managing Director, who had challenged his illegal removal from his positions within the company.

In March 2024, the Colombo Commercial High Court, led by Judge Priyantha Fernando, scheduled an order to be issued on April 30, 2024, addressing Mr. Sajith Rajapaksa’s challenge against his dismissal. The judge also initiated an investigation into Mr. Sajith Rajapaksa’s complaint demanding legal action for contempt of court, as the defendants blatantly ignored the court’s directive to reinstate him to his former positions.

Court documents reveal that Kasun Rajapaksa, who holds the position of Vice Chairman of the Ceylon National Chamber of Industries, along with Dilshan Rajapaksa, a director at DSI Group and Vice President of the National Chamber of Exporters, engaged in dubious offshore business practices. These actions led to financial misappropriations exceeding Rs. 400 million, violating the group’s fiscal regulations and the country’s exchange regulations.

Despite these serious allegations and a court ruling in favor of reinstating Mr. Sajith Rajapaksa, Kasun Rajapaksa has continued to flout court orders with impunity. This ongoing contempt of court has necessitated further legal action. Other respondents implicated in the case include Chandula Janith Rajapaksa, Lasika Randika Rajapaksa, and Waruni De Silva.

The court order dated August 2, 2024, underscores Kasun Rajapaksa’s persistent lawlessness and his flagrant disregard for legal directives. His actions not only undermine the rule of law but also reflect a troubling pattern of Non Accountability, Transparency & Irresponsibility within the DSI Samson Group Leadrship & Board of Directors.

The current board of the DSI Samson Group includes figures such as President’s Counsel Uditha Egalahewa, who serves as an Independent Director in several companies and is a notable legal professional; Prof. Ajantha Dharmasiri, who holds director positions in several educational institutes in both the private and public sectors; and Mayura Fernando, who holds directorships in multiple corporates.

August 09, Colombo (LNW): Election Commission Chairman R. M. A. L. Ratnayake has requested an explanation from Public Administration, Home Affairs, Local Government, and Provincial Councils Ministry Secretary Pradeep Yasaratne regarding a circular instructing all ministry secretaries to pay state pensioners an interim allowance of Rs. 3,000 starting in September. This action was taken despite the Election Commission’s directive to postpone the payment until October due to election law constraints.

In a letter sent on August 8, the Election Commission emphasized that issuing the payment during an election period sets a negative precedent. The Commission had previously informed the ministry secretaries during a meeting that such payments should be deferred. However, the ministry’s circular contradicted this directive.

The letter also highlights that this move by the Ministry Secretary undermines the authority of the Election Commission and sets a concerning precedent for government employees. According to Article 104b(4)(a) of the Sub-Constitution, the Election Commission holds the authority to prevent the use of government property for political purposes during election periods. Article (b) further obliges officials in charge of government properties to comply with these regulations.

1. A total of 24 candidates have so far placed cash deposits for the upcoming Presidential Election, says the Election Commission of Sri Lanka. This includes 11 candidates representing recognised political parties, 12 Independent candidates whose names have been nominated by a voter and one candidate from other political parties.
2. Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Presidential candidate Namal Rajapaksa will be the first national leader to gain youth support in the North and East, as his engagement and understanding of local issues have resonated with the citizens there, SLPP politburo member representing the Northern Province Geethanath Cassilingham said.
3. Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Ali Sabry is scheduled to undertake an official visit to Egypt from 07 to 09 August 2024, on an invitation extended by the Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. During the visit, Minister Ali Sabry will engage in bilateral discussions with his counterpart at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Cairo and also meet with Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade of Egypt, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
4. Former DIG Vass Gunawardena, his son Ravindu Gunawardena and three other police officers, who were convicted of several charges including the abduction and unlawful detention of Nipuna Ramanayake, a student of an IT Institute in Malabe in 2009, have been sentenced to 04 years of rigorous imprisonment by the Colombo High Court.
5. Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and 03 other suspects implicated in the alleged importation of substandard immunoglobulin vials have been further remanded until August 22. The order was issued after the defendants were produced before the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court
6. Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi has decided to support President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is contesting the upcoming Presidential Election as an independent candidate.
7. The ‘Tamil National Common Structure’, an alliance of Tamil political parties, has announced its decision to nominate former MP P. Ariyanenthiran as their common candidate for the upcoming Presidential Election. Several Tamil political parties and a group of civil society representatives had reached an agreement to nominate a common candidate for the forthcoming Presidential Election.
8. Minister of Health Ramesh Pathirana says there is a shortage of 52 essential medicines in Sri Lanka at present. Addressing the Parliament, Minister Pathirana said the Health Ministry had identified 862 essential medicines, stating that there was a shortage of 250 medicines last year.
9. The International Cricket Council (ICC) have confirmed that Sri Lanka player Praveen Jayawickrama has been charged with three counts of breaching the ICC Anti-Corruption Code. Jayawickrama allegedly failed to report to the Anti-Corruption Unit, without delay, that he was approached to carry out fixing during International matches and in the 2021 Lanka Premier League.
10. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has raised concerns over the safety of its Test team ahead of the three-match series against England, starting on August 21 in Manchester, due to anti-immigrant riots that have erupted in various cities of the United Kingdom.

August 09, Colombo (LNW): A group of civil activists and lawyers is reportedly preparing to file a case demanding the abolition of former President Maithripala Sirisena’s civic rights. This legal action stems from allegations of willful violation of the Constitution during the controversial formation of the 52-day government in 2018.

As the highest authority in the executive branch, the President is sworn to uphold the Constitution. The Executive President’s foremost responsibility is to adhere strictly to the Constitution, and any intentional violation is considered a grave offense.

In 2018, the Supreme Court invalidated the gazette notice issued by President Sirisena to dissolve Parliament following the establishment of the 52-day government. The Court ruled that this action was unconstitutional, clearly indicating a deliberate violation of the Constitution by the former President.

Sources indicate that the petition, which seeks to revoke Sirisena’s civic rights for life or for a significant period, is being prepared to set a precedent for future presidents and to ensure that such actions are not repeated. The petition is being filed by civil activists and lawyers who played a key role in bringing the good governance government to power, with the aim of safeguarding the constitutional integrity of the country.

August 09, Colombo (LNW): A new bill will be introduced to address bankrupt Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs.) as it was not feasible to indefinitely maintain the temporarily suspended Parate law.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe mentioned that the proposed bill includes provisions for restructuring loans taken by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

“Currently, the government has suspended the Parate law, but it cannot remain suspended indefinitely. Therefore, we are working on a new Insolvency Bill, which we have now presented. A copy will be made available for discussion

Additionally, a new institution named “Enterprise Sri Lanka” will be established to provide necessary support and assistance to Micro, Small and Medium-Scale Entrepreneurs. The President emphasised that the Government is committed to encouraging and empowering these entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka.

The President made these revelations at the Ceylon Federation of MSMEs organised “Critical initiative to revitalise Sri Lanka’s micro, small and medium scale economy” forum at the BMICH. 

The President stated that a copy of the new bill, which has already been drafted, can be provided to the Ceylon Federation of MSMEs. He requested that micro, small, and medium enterprises submit their views and suggestions on the bill.

Additionally, the President mentioned that an opportunity could be arranged to discuss the issues faced by micro, small, and medium enterprises with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation scheduled to visit Sri Lanka at the end of this month.

President Wickremesinghe further stated: “There have been many questions from you, the Micro, Small and Medium-scale Entrepreneurs, about the recent challenges. Before addressing your specific concerns, I want to explain the background that led to these issues. We need to find solutions based on this context.”

“During the recent past, the country’s economy faced a severe collapse, impacting all businesses, particularly small enterprises and causing widespread losses among micro-enterprises. The banking system was also at risk. Our immediate priority upon taking office was to stabilise the situation, negotiate with the IMF, and work towards economic recovery.

 They indicated that reaching an agreement with the IMF would allow us to move forward. Private creditors also agreed to address the framework once we had an agreement with the official creditors. Without financial support, making progress was impossible.”

“During that period, we had to agree on several key issues. We decided not to print more money or borrow from banks, as banks themselves were struggling. These practices had become our main sources of income, but we were advised to abandon these flawed approaches and adopt a new strategy.”

August 09, Colombo (LNW): An additional sum of US$ 590,000 has been received by the “Children of Gaza Fund,” which was established by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to provide for the basic needs of children displaced due to the current military situation in the Gaza Strip. 

The official handover to the Palestinian government took place yesterday (07) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The official documents were presented by President Wickremesinghe to the Palestinian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Dr. Zuhair M.H. Zaid, and the Resident Representative of UNDP in Sri Lanka, Azusa Kubota.

Following a proposal by President Ranil Wickremesinghe during the Cabinet meeting on March 4, 2024, the government of Sri Lanka agreed to provide financial assistance of US$ 01 million to cover the essential expenses of nearly one million children trapped in the Gaza Strip due to the war. The Cabinet of Ministers approved this grant.

As per the President’s request, funds allocated by ministries and government institutions for the last Iftar celebration were redirected to this fund. The US$ 01 million received was donated to the Palestinian government on April 01st, 2024, as part of the first phase.

Additionally, in response to the President’s request, business institutions, various organizations, and the general public contributed to the fund, with the opportunity to donate extended until July 31, 2024. As a result, the fund collected a sum of US$ 590,000 by the deadline, which was handed over to the Palestinian government yesterday.

Meanwhile, President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Presidential Secretariat expressed their gratitude to everyone who contributed to the Children of Gaza Fund. to the Palestinian Government

An additional sum of US$ 590,000 has been received by the “Children of Gaza Fund,” which was established by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to provide for the basic needs of children displaced due to the current military situation in the Gaza Strip. The official handover to the Palestinian government took place yesterday (07) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Following a proposal by President Ranil Wickremesinghe during the Cabinet meeting on March 4, 2024, the government of Sri Lanka agreed to provide financial assistance of US$ 01 million to cover the essential expenses of nearly one million children trapped in the Gaza Strip due to the war. The Cabinet of Ministers approved this grant.

As per the President’s request, funds allocated by ministries and government institutions for the last Iftar celebration were redirected to this fund. The US$ 01 million received was donated to the Palestinian government on April 01st, 2024, as part of the first phase.

Additionally, in response to the President’s request, business institutions, various organizations, and the general public contributed to the fund, with the opportunity to donate extended until July 31, 2024. As a result, the fund collected a sum of US$ 590,000 by the deadline, which was handed over to the Palestinian government