May 04, Colombo (LNW): In the wake of China’s assurance to assist Sri Lanka in transforming the Port of Colombo, which is currently operating as a global container port, into a green port, container handling at the port has risen near 50 per cent, Sri Lanka Ports Authority announced.   

The Port of Tianjin in China has expressed its willingness to assist in transforming the Port of Colombo, which is currently operating as a global container port, into a green port.

On 29 April, a special delegation led by the Chairman of the Tianjin Port visited the Minister at the Ministry’s office.

The Port of Tianjin, now ranked ninth in the global container port rankings, has joined other major container ports across the world in launching efforts to become green ports to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

According to the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), scientific consensus affirms that increasing industrialisation and the associated rise in global warming caused by CO2 emissions are significant causes of natural catastrophes caused by climate and weather changes across the world.

As a result, there is a suggestion to prioritise the use of green ammonia to reduce dependency on different fossil fuels.

During the discussion, the Minister reportedly thanked the team for assisting the Port of Colombo in its transition to a green port. He praised the Port of Tianjin for exporting the ‘Green Port Concept’ to other ports across the world, utilising China’s expertise as a leader in industrialisation and port operations.

The conversation also included the delegation’s interest in supporting future improvements at the Port of Galle, as well as their complete support for the Colombo North Port’s future development plans.

In March, the Port of Colombo witnessed an increase in transshipments by 29.1 per cent year-on-year (YoY) in February, marking the third consecutive month of growth.

The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) has reported a record 48 per cent year-on-year (YoY) rise in container volumes in the first quarter (Q1 2024).

The total grew from 441,032 to 652,766 TEU. SLPA ascribed this spike to a number of issues, including the Red Sea crisis and its broader ramifications.

SLPA’s transshipment throughput in the first three months of this year totalled 582,403 TEU, a 49.81 per cent increase over the same period last year.

This growth contributed to the Port of Colombo’s (POC) overall transshipment volume, which reached 1.72 million TEU in the first three months of this year, a 24.20 per cent increase over the same period in 2023.

Keith Bernard, Chairman of the SLPA, emphasised that the port is ready to become a vital transshipment hub for the Middle East, as many shipping lines reroute boats to avoid current concerns in the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.

May 04, Colombo (LNW): Consequent to Sri Lanka and its external bond holders efforts to reach a consensus on the US$ 12 billion sovereign debt by mid-May or early June the USA and ADB have assured their fullest support in Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring process, State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe stated 

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) stands ready to support Sri Lanka’s discussions with international bondholders and will provide a formal assessment after the parties reach a tentative agreement-in-principle, an IMF spokesperson said

State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe met with Robert Kaproth, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the US Treasury at the Asian Development Bank annual meeting in Tbilisi, Georgia.

“The progress achieved in debt restructuring process was discussed at length. Mr. Robert Kaproth once again assured fullest support of USA to Sri Lanka and pointed out the importance of continuation with the reforms that will enable a stable economy and avoid any future crisis.

Semasinghe also met with Yingming Yang, Vice-President (South, Central, and West Asia) of ADB. “We discussed on the new Country Partnership Strategy 2024–2028 and the ADB’s support to the country’s efforts to restore macroeconomic stability.”

Progress of the economy and debt restructuring process were discussed, and Yang “reaffirmed the strong commitment of ADB to support Sri Lanka.” Semasinghe said on X

However the “Steering Committee” of the Bondholders and Sri Lankan authoritative team of officials will continue discussions with the international sovereign bondholders’ following the inconclusive talks recently in London, Deputy Secretary to the Treasury M P Rathnayake announced.  

These discussions will be continued with a view to reaching common ground ahead of the IMF board consideration of the second review of Sri Lanka’’s US$ 2.9 billion  EFF program  ,he said.

If an agreement on external debt restructure is not reached by June, Sri Lanka’s elections may complicate the negotiations or, delay the debt restructure deal till 2025. 

During the Meetings, it was agreed that the primary basis for the discussions would be the Group’s March Proposal. 

Sri Lanka expressed the main reservations it had in relation to the Group’s proposed Macro-Linked Bond (“MLB”) – while members of the Steering Committee put forward the reasons why they believed the terms of their MLB proposal were fair and reasonable.

They have suggested to include contingency clauses to increase payments to them if/when the country reaches positive economic results. These contingency clauses ensure more benefits for the private creditors if the country does well, but they do not include reduced payments if there is a negative shock, he added. 

May 04, Colombo (LNW): Lanka Mineral Sands Limited a fully state owned enterprise established  in 1992 has still been unable to export minerals in value added form due to its long term practice of  mining , processing and exporting heavy mineral beach sands.

This was highlighted in Auditor Generals latest report observing that lack of proper market research and a market plan, following an effective methodology for finding new buyers were the reason for the company’s failure to export value added mineral sands. 

The report that minerals with a high market value cannot be separated from sand as a result of using outdated machinery.

As per the cabinet decision dated 12 February 2020 the company should have paid attention on exporting value added products overseas without sending mineral sand in the  form of raw materials. 

But, necessary steps have not been taken till May 31 2023 on the date of government audit inspection and mineral sand was exporting in the form of raw material, the report added. 

According to government audit findings, the company had been involved for several years to construct a new mineral sand plant at Kokilai in the Mullaitivu district.

A land of 17.69 hectares was purchased on February 13 2013 for Rs 2.25 million, and before planning the plant operations a spiral machine was purchased for Rs.39 million and kept it idle at Pulmoddai plant. 

The operation of the plant has not been started until year 2022 and machinery is now in a dilapidated condition.

Sri Lanka’s economically viable mineral sands consist of quartz, graphite, and dimension stone. 

However, the country has no infrastructure to convert these raw minerals into finished products, a high official of the ministry of industries disclosed.  

Sri Lanka’s mineral industry is still depending on archaic technologies and practices, he said adding that this inaction has stalled the country from fully exploiting on its plentiful mineral fortune.

He emphasised the urgent need of  acquiring modern technology and machinery for the processing  of mineral sands to produce value added minerals of high quality by minimising waste.

May 04, Colombo (LNW): Adani Green Energy’s US$442 million wind power project in Mannar and Pooneryn is   undergoing a technical review of the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) following   Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) public consultation process

Several public complaints had been received relating to the impact on the Central Asian Flyway and migratory birds and marine life along with hiccups in the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) report. 

The Central Environmental Authority (CEA,) has undertaken a technical review after receiving the SLSEA technical response on public comments on the EIA report, a high official of the SLSEA said. 

Sri Lanka’s Board of Investment cleared the company’s two wind energy projects to add 250 MW in Mannar and 234 MW in Pooneryn to the national grid.

Eminent environmental lawyer Dr. Jagath Gunawardana said that the Adani Company has failed   stick to the basic EIA requirements of an EIA without indicating alternatives to the project in a meaningful manner as required under Section 33 of the National Environment Act.

Environmentalists and residents of Mannar alarm that the wind energy project could be danger to the biodiversity of the area and impact people’s livelihoods that are to the coastal environment.

The proposed wind farm will comprise 52 wind turbines of 5.2 MW capacity each will be spread across most parts of Mannar which will become a “death trap” for migratory birds, they added. 

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), including Birds and Bats Studies was carried out by the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA), under the leadership of, Senior Prof. Devaka Weerakoon Professor, Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences, University of Colombo.

The report was based after year-long on-ground studies and data sets of The Ceylon Bird Club (CBC), The Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka (FOGSL) and Ramsar data sheet were also considered. The EIA guides several steps for the developer to reduce the environmental impact.

Adani Group will deploy modern technology to not just minimize the project’s potential environment impact but also deliver it on time and budget, a spokesman of the company. Jamien Boulton said in an email. Message   

For the first time in the island nation, 5.2 MW Wind Turbine Generator (WTG), one of the most powerful onshore wind turbines in the world, will be used, providing higher generation at a lower overall footprint, he disclosed. . 

The project will implement AI-based radar systems to detect incoming flocks and automatically shut down turbines during high-risk periods, he said.

Acoustic and visual deterrents such painting the tip of the blades will be installed  to deter birds from flying into them, and also use taller turbines with slower blade rotation speeds, reducing collision risks, he reiterated

1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe has appointed a committee to look into the preparation of the national visa policy. Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando says that he suspects that the on-arrival visa issuance delay at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) on Thursday (May 02) could be an act of sabotage.
2. Former Minister Arjuna Ranatunga has refuted reports claiming that he has joined forces with the Opposition, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), as he had participated in the party’s May Day rally this week.
3. Sri Lanka has dropped fifteen places and ranks 150th in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, published annually by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Sri Lanka’s ranking was 135 out of 180 countries last year. Pakistan is ranked 152 while India is 159th this year.
4. Litro Gas Lanka reduced prices for domestic LP Gas cylinders, with the 12.5 kg cylinder now priced at Rs. 3,940, a reduction of Rs. 175. Laugfs’ 12.5 kg cylinder price also dropped by Rs. 275 to Rs. 3,840.
5. The Colombo High Court today announced that it will deliver its decision on May 31 concerning the plea filed by four defendants, including former Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal, seeking the dismissal of the case filed against them by the Bribery Commission and the release of the defendants. The defendants stand accused of allegedly causing a staggering loss of over Rs. 1.8 billion to the government of Sri Lanka through investments in Greek bonds in 2012.
6. The All-Ceylon Restaurant Owners’ Association has decided to reduce the prices of multiple food items including Kottu, Fried Rice and short eats. Accordingly the price of a packet of Kottu will go down by Rs. 20, while the prices of short eats have been reduced by Rs. 10.
7. Sports Ministry will award Rs. 1 million each to the families of the victims of the Fox Hill Supercross tragedy in Diyatalawa that happened last month and claimed the lives of seven and injured several more.
8. Police used water cannons in order to disperse the protesting medical students near the Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo 07. The protest march was organised by the Medical Faculty Students’ Action Committee against the establishment of private medical colleges in the country and the decision to establish a Faculty of Medicine at the National School of Business Management (NSBM).
9. Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha disclosed plans for the commencement of a ferry service from Nagapattinam to Kankasenturai, set to launch in just two weeks pending successful preparations.
10. Sri Lanka is ranked 7th in both the Men’s Test and One Day International formats with 83 and 93 rating points, respectively. According to the ICC, Sri Lanka is ranked 08th in the Twenty-20 format with 232 rating points.

May 04, Colombo (LNW): In a diplomatic encounter held in Colombo, North West Province Governor Nazeer Ahmed engaged in discussions with Saudi Ambassador Khalid bin Hamoud Al-Qahtani. The meeting, which took place yesterday, saw the Ambassador extending his congratulations to Governor Ahmed on assuming his role.

Amidst congenial exchanges, the two dignitaries delved into various topics of mutual interest, reflecting the shared concerns and aspirations between their respective nations.

May 04, Colombo (LNW): Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda engaged in a crucial dialogue with Erik Solheim, President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s International Environmental Adviser and esteemed Peace Envoy appointed by the Norwegian Government during the turbulent period of the LTTE conflict, in Colombo on Wednesday (1). The focus of their discussion centered on Sri Lanka’s prevailing political landscape.

Minister Devananda underscored President Wickremesinghe’s pivotal role as the sole leader capable of navigating Sri Lanka through its current economic and political turmoil. Emphasizing the President’s internationally recognized political acumen, the Minister expressed confidence in Wickremesinghe’s dedication to crafting viable solutions tailored to address the unique challenges faced by the Tamil-speaking populace.

Reflecting on a conversation held 28 years prior with Erik Solheim, the Minister reiterated his stance that sustainable peace cannot be achieved through violence. He affirmed his belief that under President Wickremesinghe’s stewardship, Sri Lanka could chart a course towards robust economic progress while concurrently addressing the multifaceted concerns of Tamil-speaking communities and other ethnic groups.

Following his insightful political analysis, Minister Devananda earnestly implored Erik Solheim to leverage the support of the Norwegian Government in bolstering the country’s fishing community. Specifically, he urged measures to facilitate the provision of cutting-edge technology and fishing equipment essential for enhancing the livelihoods of fishermen nationwide.

May 04, Colombo (LNW): The Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Ministry have revealed ambitious plans for the transformation of Galle Port into a hub for tourism, marking a significant step towards bolstering Sri Lanka’s maritime infrastructure and tourism sector.

The proposed development includes the construction of two backwaters spanning 850m and 150m respectively, alongside dredging the harbor basin to a depth of 12.05m. Additionally, a state-of-the-art passenger terminal is slated for construction, aimed at enhancing the port’s capacity to cater to the growing influx of tourists.

In a bid to address environmental and wildlife concerns arising from the project, a high-level meeting convened by Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva was held on Thursday. The gathering saw the participation of Wildlife, Forest Resources Conservation, and Irrigation Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, as well as Health Minister Ramesh Pathirana.

During the meeting, Minister De Silva underscored the importance of expediting the project while ensuring robust measures to mitigate environmental impacts. Delays in the past, he noted, were attributed to inadequate strategies for addressing environmental and wildlife issues.

To fast-track the process, it was proposed that the Department of Wildlife submit an Environmental Impact Assessment Report within one week. Minister Wanniarachchi emphasized the urgency of this directive, urging officials to resolve all environmental concerns promptly.

Furthermore, Minister De Silva instructed the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) to solicit Requests of Interest from both local and foreign investors keen on contributing to the project’s development, contingent upon the Environmental Impact Assessment Report.

With an estimated investment of US$ 200 million allocated by the SLPA, the development initiative underscores the government’s commitment to fostering sustainable growth and enhancing the country’s maritime infrastructure.

The discussion, held at the auditorium of the Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Ministry, witnessed the active participation of key stakeholders including Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Ministry Secretary K.D.S. Ruwanchandra, Wildlife Ministry Secretary Gunadasa Samarasinghe, SLPA Vice Chairman Gayan Algewattege, Managing Director Prabath Malavige, and Additional Solicitor General Vikum de Abrew, reflecting a collaborative approach towards realizing the vision for Galle Port’s transformation.

May 04, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at a few places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara district after 2.00 p.m.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces, and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning.

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