May 05, Colombo (LNW): The Indian High Commission has announced the commencement of the International Election Visitor Programme (IEVP) organised by the Election Commission of India amidst the ongoing Lok Sabha 2024 elections, scheduled from May 4 to May 9, 2024.

A 10-member delegation from Sri Lanka will partake in the programme, a statement from the Indian High Commission disclosed.

This delegation comprises two representatives from the Election Commission of Sri Lanka and eight from PCOI (Presidential Commission of Inquiry to Make Recommendations for Election Law Reforms).

The IEVP serves as a vital platform for international election management bodies (EMBs) and organisations involved in the electoral field to gain insights into the robustness of India’s electoral system and to learn about the best practices adopted in the world’s largest democracy.

Previously, the Election Commission of India organised similar programmes during the Lok Sabha Elections in 2014 and 2019, aimed at familiarising foreign EMBs and international organisations with India’s electoral processes.

The programme encompasses briefing sessions covering various topics such as an overview of elections in India, EVMs & VVPAT, IT initiatives, and media and social media outreach.

Furthermore, participants will have the opportunity to travel to different states in groups to observe election procedures and witness polling in various stations.

This year, the Election Commission of India has extended invitations to 55 EMBs and organisations to participate in the IEVP 2024.

The programme offers a unique opportunity for participants to observe and interact with various stakeholders involved in the electoral process, thereby fostering greater understanding and collaboration in the realm of election management.

Through initiatives like the IEVP, both countries aim to promote transparency, integrity, and inclusivity in their respective electoral processes, contributing to the advancement of democratic principles and practices regionally and globally.

May 05, Colombo (LNW): Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamalkawa announced that Japan will recommence yen loan projects in Sri Lanka after the island nation formalises a deal with its bilateral lenders.

Minister Kamalkawa made these remarks after meeting with her Sri Lankan counterpart Ali Sabry in Colombo.

“Stability and economic development in Sri Lanka, strategically located in the Indian Ocean, are crucial for the stability and prosperity of the entire Indo-Pacific region,” stressed Minister Kamalkawa during a briefing in Colombo.

She further expressed Japan’s expectation for the prompt signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between the Officials Creditor Committee (OCC) and Sri Lanka, highlighting Japan’s co-chairmanship of the OCC.

“We stress the importance of reaching a debt restructuring agreement with all creditors transparently and comparably,” she added.

Minister Kamalkawa also conveyed Japan’s intention to resume existing yen loan projects swiftly following the signing of the MOU on debt restructuring and confirmation of the Sri Lankan government’s intent to conclude a bilateral agreement.

Diplomatic relations between Japan and Sri Lanka faced challenges after former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa unilaterally cancelled a $1.5 billion railway project.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe apologised to the Japanese government for this cancellation during his visit to Japan in May last year.

While Minister Kamalkawa did not specify if the cancelled Light Rail Transit (LRT) project would be among those resumed post-MOU signing, she underscored the importance of various reforms undertaken by Sri Lanka for the re-normalisation of its economy.

Furthermore, Japan, advocating for a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” plans to bolster maritime cooperation with Sri Lanka.

As part of this initiative, Japan will provide Sri Lanka with a vessel equipped with sonar technology for data compilation and charting, upon Sri Lanka’s request.

Related news:

May 05, Colombo (LNW): The Japanese government has recently concluded a plan aimed at enhancing Sri Lanka’s oceanographic survey capabilities by providing a vessel equipped with advanced underwater sonar technology.

This initiative was disclosed by Japanese Deputy Press Secretary Kaneko Mariko.

During a bilateral discussion between Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Sri Lankan officials held on Saturday, Minister Kamikawa formally conveyed Japan’s decision to provide this assistance to Sri Lanka.

Under this plan, the Japanese government will furnish Sri Lanka with a vessel integrated with a state-of-the-art sonar system, totalling approximately 01 billion Yen in value.

May 05, Colombo (LNW): The Examinations Department released the re-scrutiny outcomes for the 2022 (2023) General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level (O/L) Examination on the preceding day.

A cumulative total of 49,312 candidates applied for re-scrutiny, resulting in the examination of 250,311 responses.

The re-scrutiny findings have been made accessible through the official websites of the Ministry of Education, available at www.doenets.lk and www.results.exams.gov.lk.

For further inquiries or additional details, individuals are encouraged to reach out to the Examinations Department directly.

May 05, Colombo (LNW): The Archbishop of Colombo, His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, re-emphasised that the ousted President Gotabaya Rajapaksa cannot refute the contents of what he described as their ‘telephone conversation’ held in 2021.

The Cardinal’s remarks came in response to a recent statement by the ex-President, wherein he denied conveying to the Cardinal that recommendations from the Presidential Commission report could not be executed due to potential repercussions on individuals and organisations with close ties to him.

Highlighting the veracity of their conversation, the Cardinal asserted that both he and his secretary could provide evidence confirming the telephone exchange that took place on February 2, 2021.

Addressing recent statements by Rajapaksa, the Cardinal stressed discrepancies between the former President’s claims and the factual contents of the Commission’s report, particularly concerning the recommendation to ban certain non-Islamic organisations.

Moreover, the Cardinal accused the former President of orchestrating the transfer of intelligence officers involved in investigating the Easter Sunday attacks.

He further criticised the present government for its failure to implement the Commission’s recommendations and questioned the lack of action against former President Maithripala Sirisena, despite recommendations for disciplinary measures against him.

Expressing concerns about the current government’s handling of matters related to the Easter Sunday bombings, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith urged for transparency and accountability in addressing the aftermath of the tragic events.

The genocide occurred on April 21, 2019 through a series of suicide bomb attacks targeting prominent Catholic churches and luxury hotels in Sri Lanka took away more than 270 lives.

Despite recommendations from commissions appointed to probe the event and several prosecutions made, justice for the victims of the carnage and their families remains elusive.

The dialogue on the Easter Sunday attacks intensified on both local and international platforms following a detailed story unveiled by British ‘Channel 4’ citing verbal evidence from a political refugee and an ‘undisclosed’ senior government official, accusing that the carnage was executed with the political intent of developing unrest amongst nationalities across Sri Lanka aiming the bringing of a certain candidate favoured by Sinhalese Buddhists to the forefront of the presidential election held months after the carnage.

The dialogue further led to the escalation of political upheaval when former President Maithripala Sirisena recently claimed that he has ‘knowledge’ on the mastermind behind the attack.

May 05, Colombo (LNW): The upcoming second meeting of the strategic dialogue between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom is slated to convene in Colombo on May 7, 2024, at the senior officials’ level.

The dialogue will focus on a comprehensive review of developments in foreign and security policies, alongside an assessment of progress within various realms of bilateral engagement.

These areas include trade, investment, tourism, climate change, environmental protection, migration, and maritime cooperation, among others.

Moreover, the meeting will delve into an evaluation of the collaborative efforts undertaken by both nations on the international stage, particularly within forums such as the United Nations and Commonwealth.

Notably, 2023 marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom.

The commemoration of this milestone witnessed the visit of Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, underscoring the enduring significance of the bilateral friendship.

Heading the Sri Lankan delegation at the second Strategic Dialogue will be Shobini Gunasekera, the Director-General of Europe and North America at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside bilateral discussions led by Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane.

On the UK side, the delegation will be spearheaded by Ben Meller, the Director of the India and Indian Ocean Directorate at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO).

Joining him will be High Commissioner Andrew Patrick, Head of the Sri Lanka team at the FCDO, Humairaa Haita, and other officials from the High Commission, in collaboration with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other pertinent government bodies.

By: Isuru Parakrama

May 05. Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts in the evening or night, and misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces during the morning, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (05).

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

Marine Weather:

The naval and fishing communities who are engaged in fishing and naval activities in the above sea areas, therefore, are requested to be vigilant in this regard.

May 04, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has witnessed a notable decline in press freedom, plummeting fifteen spots to 150th in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, an annual report published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Last year, the country held the 135th position out of 180 nations, indicating a concerning trend.

Comparatively, Pakistan ranks 152nd while India stands at 159th this year, underlining a broader challenge faced across the region.

The index evaluates countries based on the ability of journalists to operate freely and independently, shedding light on the state of media freedom worldwide.

Reporters Without Borders’ assessment of Sri Lanka highlights lingering issues stemming from the civil war that plagued the nation until 2009, coupled with unresolved cases of violence against journalists during the conflict. The report notes a media landscape lacking diversity and heavily influenced by prominent political factions, perpetuating risks for journalists in the country.

Despite legal provisions ostensibly safeguarding freedom of expression, the report underscores the absence of concrete protections for journalists. Furthermore, recent legislation granting the president the authority to appoint members to the Online Safety Commission has raised concerns. The commission, operating under the pretext of national security, possesses the power to censor dissenting voices on social media and breach source confidentiality.

Safety remains a paramount concern, with numerous journalists having fallen victim to violence or disappearance in past decades. While no journalist has been killed since 2015, past atrocities remain unresolved, perpetuating a climate of impunity.

The report highlights a troubling surge in attacks on journalists, particularly those based in regions with historical Tamil presence, where surveillance and harassment by authorities persist. Independent media outlets are often marginalized, exacerbating challenges faced by journalists operating in these areas.

Globally, the Asia-Pacific region emerges as one of the most perilous for journalists, with Myanmar, China, North Korea, Vietnam, and Afghanistan among the top ten most dangerous countries for media personnel.

In contrast, Europe showcases relatively robust press freedom, with countries within the European Union leading the pack. Notably, Ireland’s drop in the rankings underscores challenges facing media freedom within the EU, while Germany ascends to the top ten countries.

The overall decline in political indicators has impacted the top performers, with Norway maintaining its position at the summit despite a dip in its political score. Conversely, Ireland’s descent in the EU rankings underscores mounting pressures faced by media outlets.

The report serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of upholding press freedom globally, urging concerted efforts to safeguard the fundamental right to freedom of expression and the vital role of journalists in fostering democratic societies.

May 04, Colombo (LNW):  The Four A’s Advertising Festival, powered by Unilever Sri Lanka and globally connected by SriLankan Airlines, is gearing up to be a transformative event for the advertising and creative industry this May.

With Unilever Sri Lanka as its driving force and the global mileage facilitated by SriLankan Airlines, the festival promises to be a remarkable milestone for Sri Lanka, making this event highly anticipated and significant for the local advertising and creative community, as it has been a while since an international-scale learning festival of this magnitude was held in the country.

The Four A’s Advertising Festival happening at Taj Samudra Colombo on 30 to 31 May, along with its accompanying awards, adds to the anticipation and importance of this event, given that the recognition of creative excellence within the Sri Lankan advertising community has come about after some time.

The two-day learning festival is designed to serve as a source of new ideas, innovation, and inspiration. 

Through engaging learning sessions, workshops and panel discussions, participants will have the opportunity to interact with top-tier professionals spanning the entire spectrum of creativity. 

This exposure to diverse perspectives and expertise is bound to ignite new ideas and approaches within the local industry.

These top-tier creative talents bring their experience and expertise to the festival, which would inspire and elevate the standards of advertising creativity in Sri Lanka.

“This is a big moment for Sri Lanka. The objective of this festival is to raise the bar for creative learning and recognition while establishing the country as a hub for creative excellence in the Asia-Pacific region,” The Four A’s President Alann Lopez said.

Central to the festival’s mission are The Four A’s Awards, which underscore the commitment to recognising creative excellence within the Sri Lankan advertising community after many years. With a focus on recognising excellence in creativity, The Four A’s Awards aim to inspire and motivate practitioners, ultimately fostering a culture of continuous improvement and creative innovation.

“With the advertising industry experiencing rapid changes globally with Gen AI and facing serious economic challenges locally, giving local staff international-quality training opportunities is almost impossible.

 The Four A’s Advertising Festival seeks to help solve this problem by bringing world-class training to Sri Lankan advertising and marketing professionals,” The Four A’s Board Director and Co-Festival Director Dilshara Jayamanna said.

The impact of this event extends far beyond its immediate scope, with lasting benefits expected to resonate throughout the Sri Lankan advertising landscape.

Through enhanced learning opportunities, networking avenues, and prestigious accolades, The Four A’s Advertising Festival is poised to propel the industry towards greater heights of recognition and success on both national and international stages.

May 04, Colombo (LNW): Tourism Minister Harin Fernando yesterday revealed that the minimum room rates (MRR) imposed on hotels will be scrapped by the end of this month and allow competition to return to the industry. 

“There is good news, we are taking out the minimum room rate from the 31 of this month,” he told journalists.

He stated his belief in the operation of market forces, noting that the reintroduction of the MRR by Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) was prompted by the unfair practices of destination management companies (DMCs). 

The Minister pointed out issues with DMCs charging higher rates to customers without passing on the benefits to hoteliers, resulting in significantly higher margins than usual.

“We had already planned to review and terminate the MRR by March. However, prior to that, the industry stakeholders initiated two lawsuits against the SLTDA and Tourism Ministry concerning the MRR,” Fernando said.

Looking ahead, he asserted it is crucial for hotels to actively pursue their marketing strategies.“Even if we impose the MRR, Shangri-La and all sell for much higher rates – they go $ 180-200. 

With ITC opening they have lifted the benchmark further. It is now up to the hotels to work on their own marketing strategies,” the Minister stressed. 

SLTDA Chairman Priantha Fernando stated that they had successfully met their goal of increasing the revenues of city hotels. 

“We achieved our objective. The city hotel’s occupancy went up from 46% to 71% over the past six months. There has been a 33% increase in income within the city of Colombo. 

Therefore, in terms of dollar earnings, our objectives have been accomplished. It is now the responsibility of hoteliers to sustain the demand for this policy,” Fernando added.

On 1 October 2023, the SLTDA reintroduced the MRR regime as a way to give a lifeline to the struggling city hotels. The move sparked disagreement within the industry, where 

The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) has endorsed the MRR, whilst the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) contended that it favoured only a cartel of hoteliers.

The city hoteliers attributed the sharp rise partly to the introduction of MRR since October last year by the Government. From a low of $ 137 million in October, earnings have soared to $ 346 million by February.

For 2024 Sri Lanka Tourism has set a target of $ 4 billion in earnings in 2024 on a base of 2.3 million tourists.

 Industry analysts noted that to reach the $ 4 billion target for 2024 would require continuity of the momentum seen thus far. City hoteliers opined that continuity of the MRR will be critical in this trajectory.The MRR excluding breakfast is $ 100 for 5-star hotels, $ 75 for 4-stars, $ 60 for 3-stars and $ 50 for others. In recent months, the Bread and Breakfast (B&B) rate in hotels and resorts in tourist areas outside Colombo was averaging $ 200 or more per night