August 07, Colombo (LNW): In a significant decision by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), the payments for rooftop solar power plants will remain unchanged. 

According to a circular issued by Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) General Manager Dr. Narendra Silva, the price of Rs. 37 per unit of solar electricity, established in 2022, will continue to be applicable. 

The circular, dated July 29, adjusts the effective date for Rooftop Solar PV (RTSPV) schemes to October 25, 2022, while keeping the rest of the content intact.

This decision follows concerns raised by the Renewable Energy Protectors’ Association (REPA) about the Government’s decision to reduce tariff rates for new rooftop solar and renewable energy projects starting from July 1, 2024.

Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera announced the new tariffs, which are based on a 2022 formula considering the USD rate, interest rates, and other economic factors.

 In a post on X, Minister Wijesekera stated: “The revised rates aim to promote the development of rooftop solar projects and other renewable energy initiatives under 10 MW. This decision follows extensive stakeholder consultations and a detailed report from the tariff committee.”

The revised tariff rates for rooftop solar and other renewable energy feed-in tariffs are as follows:

Revised Rooftop Tariff (20-year flat rate):

Up to 500 kW: Rs. 27.06 per kWh

Over 500 kW: Rs. 23.18 per kWh

Revised Feed-in Tariff (20-year flat rate):

Solar: Rs. 25.48 per kWh

Mini Hydro: Rs. 30.53 per kWh

Wind: Rs. 29.86 per kWh

Biomass: Rs. 52.77 per kWh

Despite these revisions, the fixed tariffs for rooftop solar power plants will remain at Rs. 37 per unit for up to 500 kW, Rs. 34.50 for over 500 kW, and Rs. 34.50 for solar aggregation schemes, as per the CEB. Once the Power Purchasing Agreement (PPA) is signed, these rates will be fixed for the next 20 years.

Industry stakeholders have welcomed the stability in rooftop solar tariffs, believing this consistency will support the energy sector’s revival, bolster investor confidence, and encourage the growth of sustainable energy initiatives. They stress the importance of government support for renewable energy projects to ensure a reliable long-term energy supply necessary for economic development.

August 07, Colombo (LNW): The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), in collaboration with the Consultancy Procurement Committee (CPCM) of the Power and Energy Ministry, has issued a call for Expressions of Interest (EoIs) from eligible consultants experienced in providing consultancy services. to boost dam safety, emergency preparedness 

These services aim to implement a comprehensive standard procedure on dam breach analysis, preparation of inundation maps, evacuation plan and early warning systems for CEB reservoirs.

“The initiative aims to strengthen the CEB’s capacity in ensuring the safety and resilience of its critical infrastructure, aligning with best practices in dam safety and emergency management,” a top official said..

He also said the consultancy services will include a wide array of tasks including obtaining detailed geological reports, conducting thorough dam breach analysis, performing risk assessments, developing accurate inundation maps, formulating emergency response plans including evacuation strategies and recommending advanced technological solutions for early warning systems. 

Additionally, he said the consultants will be required to provide detailed cost estimations and Bills of Quantities (BOQs) related to these activities.

Interested consultancy firms are invited to submit their EoIs along with their general experience profiles, details of successfully executed consultancy assignments over the last decade, audited financial statements for the past five years and other relevant supporting documents. 

Further details and updates regarding this call for consultancy services can be accessed through the CEB’s official website at www.ceb.lk under the Tender Section. 

According to him, the application period for obtaining the registration documents is from 1 to 21 August, with a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 10,000.

Prior warning systems too need tightening to ensure that signs of dam failure are quickly communicated to those at risk and evacuation centers identified. 

As the boy scout motto says, we must ‘be prepared.’ Dam Safety cannot be a standalone program. It must be a part of the regional development strategy in all localities.

Apart from the dam managing organizations, other government agencies using the reservoirs for functions such as inland fishing, domestic water supply, tourism etc too have a role to play in dam safety.

Decision making during emergencies must take into account the risks to the public as well as economic, environmental, social, and cultural impacts.

 The technical analysis of risks associated with a dam cannot be the sole decision-making factor. All stakeholders should participate in finalizing emergency preparedness plans. 

Inputs on all aspects are necessary when a warning is issued. Prevention of disaster and mitigation of impact can be achieved only through such collective action.

August 07, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) today officially announced its National Organiser, MP Namal Rajapaksa, as the party’s Presidential Candidate. SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam made the announcement moments ago at the party’s headquarters in Nelum Mawatha.

August 07, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Dhammika Perera has informed the party that he will not contest the 2024 Presidential Election as the SLPP candidate due to personal reasons, according to sources. Consequently, the party leadership has decided to name an alternate candidate.

SLPP National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa is tipped to be named as the party’s presidential candidate, SLPP sources reveal. The official announcement of the SLPP Presidential Candidate is scheduled for tomorrow morning (07). If Namal Rajapaksa contests, he will be the youngest candidate in this presidential poll.

 The demand for software engineering has surged significantly, doubling over the past three years, while the need for QA automation and DevOps professionals is also on the rise, according to the latest Employability Skills in the IT Industry Survey conducted by SLASSCOM and Deloitte.

Software engineering remains a leading profession; however, software quality assurance (SQA) has notably ascended from fifth to second place, and system/network engineering has fallen out of the top five. 

The survey reveals that the demand for software engineering has grown from 14% in 2021 to 30% in 2024. Conversely, there has been a decline in demand for project management and quality assurance roles, with QA automation no longer ranking among the top professions.

SLASSCOM emphasizes the critical importance of employability skills in the rapidly evolving technological landscape, particularly within the IT/software sector. 

Their recent survey aimed to assess the current skills landscape and evaluate the readiness of candidates from Sri Lankan universities and higher educational institutes for the IT industry. 

Conducted in partnership with Deloitte, the survey aimed to identify key trends, challenges, and opportunities in the industry, fostering collaboration between the industry and the education sector.

The survey included over 37 IT companies and more than 80,000 IT professionals with over 15 years of industry experience. 

This year, the survey exclusively targeted IT/IS companies, with IT product company representation reduced to 19%. Additionally, all surveyed companies in 2024 had over 50 employees, marking a shift from start-up participation.

The Employability Skills Survey had several objectives: to gather detailed data on the current state of employability skills within Sri Lanka’s IT market, to identify key industry trends and challenges, to understand specific skill demands of employers, and to capture IT professionals’ perspectives on their skills and job prospects. 

Key findings from the survey indicate that emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, cloud computing, and cybersecurity are top priorities for organizations, reflecting a high demand for skills in these areas. 

There is growing demand for technologies such as process automation, big data platforms, and machine learning, with frameworks and libraries like Automation Anywhere, React, .NET (5+), and Spring Framework gaining importance.

In terms of skill supply and graduate hiring, the 2024 survey shows an increase in graduate hires, though companies face challenges in filling these positions due to a limited talent pool and mismatched salary expectations. 

There is a clear preference for practical and applied skills over theoretical knowledge, with teamwork becoming essential to meet industry demands. Additionally, 41% of companies are investing between Rs. 100,000 and 250,000 per graduate hire, reflecting a strong commitment to developing new talent. 

The survey also highlights trends in tools and technologies, such as the prominence of cloud platforms, frameworks, and AI development tools, while noting that software engineering, AI, data science, and machine learning remain distinct tracks.

The survey underscores the increasing importance of soft skills, such as communication, public speaking, and collaboration, especially given the decline in these skills due to the reliance on online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 Based on the survey’s findings, SLASSCOM aims to improve IT education, develop talent, address skills gaps, and enhance the industry’s growth and competitiveness in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry commended the decision to suspend the e-Visa portal run by VFS Global, but urged the reinstatement of the old online system at the earliest to minimise inconvenience for tourists.

“We are pleased about the re-establishment of the “simple and user-friendly” Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA),” they said, while stressing the need for authorities to treat the system transition as top priority. 

Industry stakeholders acknowledged that tourists may face some issues in getting their visas sorted during this period. However, they assure that all possible measures are being rolled out to make the visa process as easy as possible.

The Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) and The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) said that they have told overseas tour operator partners and potential visitors that, in the absence of a functioning online visa platform, visas on arrival are available at the airport.

“If you have not obtained an online visa for your travel in the next few days, you can still travel and avail yourself of a ‘Visa on Arrival’ at the same eVisa fee of US$ 50 at the Immigration counters in the arrivals hall,” the associations told tour operators in a joint communique.

The electronic visa system has undergone intense scrutiny due to allegations of procedural violations, corruption, and breaches of public trust during the contracting process. The Supreme Court’s suspension of the Cabinet’s decision aims to address these concerns and restore transparency.

The suspension of the e-Visa system will remain in place until the court rules on the petition.The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka also ordered the reinstatement of the previously used ETA portal, which was operated by Mobitel, a Sri Lankan telecommunications company.

In a circular, the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) announced that the ETA system is expected to be operational “within the course of next week” and is “pleased about the reestablishment of the simple and userfriendly ETA system and will keep it’s members posted on any further updates on the progress of the reestablishment of the ETA system”.

Viyani Gunathilaka, the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Security, confirmed today that discussions are ongoing with officials from the Department of Immigration and Emigration to swiftly resolve this situation.

As many Sri Lankan diplomatic missions around the world are now making clear, including Sri Lankan embassies in the UK, Germany and Japan, tourists who do not have an approved e-Visa can apply for a visa on arrival in the country.

Nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, North Korea, Ghana, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Syria cannot obtain a visa upon arrival in Sri Lanka.

Applicants from these countries must submit their applications to the headquarters of the Department of Immigration through a representative.

The eVisa portal https://www.srilankgevisa.lk was suspended on Friday at 17:00 Sri Lanka time. All eVisa applications made after this time will receive a refund, and applicants need to share their application number and details to [email protected].

Currently, there is no platform for issuing eVisas online for tourists coming to Sri Lanka. All tourists without a visa will need to apply for a visa on arrival until the former ETA system is reestablished. 

There is no specific date for the ETA system’s return, but it is expected to be operational within the week.

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) -funded project has been launched to support Sri Lanka in monitoring and tracking progress of climate commitments

This initiative sets the stage, demonstrating Sri Lanka’s dedication to transparency and accountability while providing an opportunity to evaluate and strengthen climate targets, as Sri Lanka moves towards climate-resilient, net zero development pathways in the country. 

2024 marks a critical year for climate transparency as Parties to the Paris Agreement are required to submit their first Biennial Transparency Report (BTR 1) by 31 December 2024 under the Enhanced Transparency Framework of the Paris Agreement

Enhancing Transparency and Reporting on Climate Commitments in Line with the Paris Agreement2024 is a pivotal year for climate transparency.

As signatories of the Paris Agreement must submit their first Biennial Transparency Report (BTR 1) by December 31, 2024, under the Enhanced Transparency Framework. Sri Lanka, as a signatory, is required to submit its BTR to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is funding the project titled ‘Development of the First Biennial Transparency Report, the Second Biennial Transparency Report, and the Fourth National Communication of Sri Lanka to UNFCCC.’ 

This project, to be implemented by the Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka, aims to assist the government in preparing these reports.

To inaugurate the project, a signing ceremony for the Project Document took place today. Attendees included Mr. Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Secretary to the Ministry of Environment, and Ms. Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative, UNDP in Sri Lanka, along with other representatives from the Ministry and UNDP.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Prabath Chandrakeerthi emphasized, “Submitting the BTRs and national communications is crucial not only to demonstrate our commitment to the Paris Agreement targets but also to highlight our progress and strengthen our climate change efforts. This reflects our dedication to enhanced transparency, accountability, and global cooperation to address this urgent challenge.”

Ms. Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative of UNDP in Sri Lanka, highlighted UNDP’s role by stating, “Having supported Sri Lanka’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) previously, we are pleased to assist the government in translating their climate actions towards achieving net zero and SDG13.

 As Sri Lanka prepares to update its third iteration of NDCs, this process will be key in identifying gaps and increasing the country’s climate ambition.”

This project underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to transparency and accountability, providing an opportunity to evaluate and strengthen climate targets as the country moves towards climate-resilient, net-zero development pathways.

August 07, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is gearing up to export Pharmaceuticals to Viet Nam as a major stride in tapping the East -Asian Market.

Ambassador of Sri Lanka to VietNam A. Saj U. Mendis, delivering the welcome remarks,at a  webinar on “Sri Lankan Pharmaceutical Industry” for Vietnamese pharmaceutical companies mentioned that although the pharmaceutical manufacturing in Sri Lanka is modest in its scale and scope when compared with VietNam, the quality of drugs produced in Sri Lanka is quite high.

 It is also adhering to the international standards such as ISO, WHO and EU GMP standards maintained by the industry, he said. .

Ambassador Mendis further stated that the Sri Lankan pharma companies are much eager and keen to associate, engage, form joint ventures, and to export to the Vietnamese market. 

He further noted that Viet Nam boasts a large pharma market in excess of US $ 10 billion and envisages it to reach $ 16 billion within the next couple of yeara. Mendis further added that Viet Nam is a rapidly developing economy, which could be described as amongst the fastest growing economies in the world, with a population of 100 million.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in collaboration with Export Development Board (EDB) organised a webinar on “Sri Lankan Pharmaceutical Industry” for Vietnamese pharmaceutical companies a couple of days before the Medipharm Expo 2024 in Ho Chi Minh (HCM) city. 

This was organised in order to raise the awareness as well as the potential of Sri Lankan pharma sector to leading importers and manufacturers of pharma in Viet Nam. 

The webinar was attended by over 100 pharma companies in Viet Nam, Drug Authority of Viet Nam and Viet Nam Pharmaceutical Association along with the Sri Lankan pharma companies which are participating at the aforementioned Medipharma Expo 2024.

The pharmaceutical Sector has been identified as one of the promising and emerging sectors in Sri Lanka, not only to be developed as an import substitution industry but also as an export oriented industry which could earn and save foreign currency.

Considering the importance of strengthening the Pharmaceutical industry and increasing the sector’s contribution to the economy, EDB is also planning to tap Cambodia as a gateway to the East -Asian untapped Market:

Cambodia is a country which is spending more on healthcare with economic development. Both the government and the development partners from all over the world are committed for improving health system. 

Cambodia has a potential economic gateway to the pharmaceutical market of over fifteen million consumers. Cambodia is a dynamic crossroad linking Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.

1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe says that if ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had released former PM Khalida Zia from jail long ago, she would still be the country’s Prime Minister. Addressing the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Summit 2024 held in Colombo, Wickremesinghe stated that he welcomes the fact that Khalida Zia had been released from jail.
2. The Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) led by MP Mano Ganesan has decided to support Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa at the upcoming Presidential Election. MP Ganesan said that they have reached a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the ‘Samagi Jana Sandhanaya’ led by the Opposition Leader, to pledge their support in the 2024 Presidential Poll.
3. Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna ( SLPP ) MP Dhammika Perera has informed the party that he will not contest the 2024 Presidential Election as the SLPP candidate due to personal reasons, sources said. Hence, the party leadership has decided to name an alternate candidate. Meanwhile, SLPP National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa is tipped to be named as the party’s presidential candidate, according to SLPP sources.
4. The Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) has expressed its displeasure over the performance of the Buildings Department and Ayurveda Department, when the committee met in Parliament recently under the Chairmanship of the State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna. The Committee Chair has pointed out during the meeting that COPA maintains a data system regarding the performance of government institutions under its purview and according to that data, the Building Department and the Ayurveda Department have been identified as the two institutions with the lowest performance.
5. The Election Commission says that a total of 121 complaints have been received since 31st July, pertaining to the 2024 Presidential Election. The election regulatory body said that this includes 68 complaints received by the National Centre for Election Complaint Management and 31 complaints received by the District Centres for Election Complaint Management.
6. The petition filed by plantation companies against the gazette notification issued by the Minister of Labor stipulating a minimum daily wage for plantation workers has been withdrawn.
7. The agreement for obtaining USD 300 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the implementation of power sector reforms and financial sustainability program has been signed by the Government of Sri Lanka and the ADB.
8. Cabinet approval has been granted for the integration of public sector information technology systems to enhance the efficiency and the quality of the public service. Issuing a statement, the Department of Government Information (DGI) said that it has been recognised that it is necessary to integrate information technology systems existing in the public institutions including corporations and Statutory Boards to perform the functions effectively and optimistically through the verification of information and minimization of duplication of data with the objective of enhancement of efficiency and quality of the public service.
9. Cabinet approval has been granted to enter into an agreement between the Governments of Sri Lanka and France for the establishment of a Regional Centre for Maritime Studies in Sri Lanka.
10. The track kit worn by Sri Lankan athlete Tharushi Karunaratne has been donated to be displayed at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland. The kit, autographed by 19-year-old Karunaratne is slated to be displayed in the Olympic Museum in honour of being the youngest athlete who represented the Asian region in the Women’s 800m event.

August 07, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Economic Transformation Bill aims to convert Sri Lanka into a competitive, export-oriented, digital economy, with goals including sustainable debt, modernized agriculture, and inclusive growth.

The Bill targets a 5% annual GDP growth by 2027, a public debt to GDP ratio below 95% by 2032, unemployment below 5% by 2025, Net Zero emissions by 2050, and increased female labor force participation, reaching 40% by 2030 and 50% by 2040.

The Bill addresses the shortcomings of previous laws by providing specific sector-focused support, aimed at boosting investment and restructuring debt.

 However, concerns have emerged regarding the lack of penalties for failing to meet these ambitious targets, raising questions about accountability and enforcement. 

Nonetheless, setting high economic goals without penalties may foster a collaborative environment for developing favorable regulations between businesses and policymakers, finance ministry sources said.

The Bill proposes replacing the Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka Law with the Economic Commission to overcome inefficiencies, political interference, and inadequate support for diverse economic activities observed under the BOI. 

It also suggests establishing specialized bodies: the Economic Commission of Sri Lanka (EC), Investment Zones Sri Lanka (Zones SL), Office of International Trade (OLT), 

National Productivity Commission (NPC), and the Sri Lanka Institute of Exports and International Trade. 

Decentralizing functions and responsibilities among these autonomous bodies aims to ensure timely decision-making and efficient operation without the bottlenecks associated with a single large entity like the BOI. 

However, the success of these reforms hinges on competent individuals, not just the enactment of the Bill. There is a risk of creating ineffective bodies if flawed provisions allow political interference in appointing members to the Economic Commission and other institutions. 

To achieve true progress, appointments must be based on merit. Section 27(4) of the Bill allows the Economic Commission to sponsor training programs for personnel in investment and trade, enabling them to gain international perspectives and practices that can be implemented locally. 

An intriguing aspect of the Bill is the equal treatment of local and foreign investors, both eligible for the same incentives. Domestic investors must register their investments with the Economic Commission, ensuring they receive regulatory compliance assistance and access to incentives. 

The Bill mandates a 15-day response requirement for ministries and government departments to address inquiries or requests from the Economic Commission regarding approvals, authorizations, or permits for investors, streamlining processes and reducing delays. The lack of defined timelines in the BOI Law contributed to unpredictability and bureaucratic inefficiencies.

The establishment of ‘Invest Sri Lanka’ by the Economic Commission aims to help local businesses access potential investors and partnerships, enabling them to tap into new markets domestically and internationally. 

Section 50(e) of the Bill aims to create a dynamic, well-supported private sector by bridging the gap between local businesses and potential investors, fostering an environment conducive to growth and innovation. 

The Office of International Trade’s authority to accept development assistance from various sources, including organizations like the World Bank, IMF, or United Nations agencies, enhances its capabilities and resources. 

The Bill proposes investment zones for a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, technology, scientific research, high-tech agriculture, tourism, recreational enterprises, business services, and livestock enterprises.