July 31, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Defence, under the leadership of Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne (Rtd), has introduced extensive measures to ensure justice and lifelong care for soldiers injured in the war.
These measures include allowances, medical rehabilitation, and lifelong support.
Over the past two years, the Ministry has significantly contributed to the country’s economic and political stability, providing a secure environment for the populace.
General Gunaratne highlighted these efforts during a news conference titled ‘Two Years of Progress and Way Forward’.
He outlined the Ministry’s pivotal role in preventing human trafficking and drug trafficking, with the armed forces making substantial seizures of narcotics in 2023 and 2024.
The rehabilitation of war-injured soldiers has been prioritised, with centres established in multiple locations to provide necessary care.
Additionally, dependents of deceased military personnel are assured of financial support equivalent to their previous earnings.
Employment opportunities have been facilitated for retired soldiers through Rakna Arakshaka Lanka Ltd, and there are plans to deploy 550 Sea Marshals given the current situation in the Red Sea.
The Sir John Kotelawala Defence University has also seen enhancements in educational facilities and increased enrolment, including foreign students, reflecting its high standards.
The Ministry is also actively involved in disaster management, with the National Building Research Organisation identifying landslide-prone areas and implementing mitigation projects.
The armed forces continue to assist in religious shrine and school renovations, disaster response, and construction projects for health facilities.
The Ministry’s efforts extend to international cooperation, with peacekeeping missions resumed and steps taken to address human trafficking issues in Myanmar and the Ukraine-Russia conflict involving former military personnel.
Senior officials, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Major General C.A. Wickramasinghe, and Defence Ministry Senior Assistant Secretary A.M.C.W.P. Abeykoon, were present at the event, underscoring the Ministry’s commitment to these initiatives.
July 31, Colombo (LNW): Ninety-two MPs, including Ministers and State Ministers, have reportedly pledged their support for President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the forthcoming presidential election.
The President’s Media Division announced this commitment during a meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo yesterday evening (30).
Despite the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) politburo’s decision to field their own candidate, a faction of SLPP MPs and Ministers have declared their support for Wickremesinghe.
On July 29, a group of Ministers who opposed the SLPP politburo’s proposal met with the President and decided to back him in the election.
This meeting, held at the political office of UNP MP Vajira Abeywardena, included Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapakse, Minister Kanchana Wijesekera, State Ministers Dilum Amunugama, Anupa Pasqual, Geeta Kumarasinghe, and MPs Mahindananda Aluthgamage, S.B. Dissanayake, Premnath C. Dolawatte, among others.
On social media platform ‘X’, State Minister Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon reaffirmed his support for Wickremesinghe, citing the President’s role in stabilising the country.
Similarly, State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe highlighted the progress made under Wickremesinghe’s leadership and urged continued support to avoid reverting to past crises.
July 30, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka expects a significant increase in both local and foreign tourists visiting this year at eco-friendly destinations managed by the Department of Forest Conservation, according to Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Minister of Wildlife, Forest Resources Conservation, and Irrigation. The first half of 2024 saw 364,521 tourists, with 40% being foreigners.
At a press briefing titled “Two Years of Progress and Way Forward” held at the Presidential Media Centre, Minister Wanniarachchi highlighted the rising trend: 289,405 tourists visited these attractions in 2022, increasing to 444,053 in 2023. The current year is already showing promising numbers.
Foreign tourists comprised 19.8% of visitors in 2022, which grew to 27.8% in 2023 and reached 40% in the first half of 2024. The government has taken steps to boost eco-tourism by implementing regulations and legal amendments approved by Parliament.
Several new attractions were introduced to enhance tourism. In 2023, the 2,500-hectare Gal Oya National Park was opened, and an information center was set up at the Kudava Dorana Ela entrance in Sinharaja Forest.
In 2024, the Manigala Forest Lodge in Knuckles Forest Reserve and a bicycle path in Udawattakele, Kandy, were added. Additionally, the Bandarawela Falls Lodge and Galwila Ecological Park in Puttalam district were inaugurated.
To improve the experience for foreign tourists, dedicated sanitary facilities have been established at popular destinations like Sinharaja, Kanneliya, Hurulu, Knuckles, and Udawattakele. An online ticket reservation system, “Day Visitor E-Permits,” is available for several national parks, including Yala, Udawalawe, Horton Plains, Kaudulla, Minneriya, and Wilpattu.
Efforts to increase forest cover from 29% to 32% by 2030 include acquiring around 144,000 hectares of new forest land. The Cabinet has approved legislation encouraging tree planting outside forests, and a draft has been completed.
Modern technology, such as drones, is being used to protect forests, and joint efforts are underway to safeguard non-reserved forests in the North Eastern and North Central Provinces. Forest boundaries are being identified and protected with boundary canals.
Mangrove restoration has been a priority, earning international recognition. Over the past two years, 326 hectares of mangroves have been planted, and Sri Lanka received the United Nations Flagship Award for its contributions during the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
The Department of National Zoological Gardens, despite the economic crisis, earned Rs.1,089.97 million in 2023. By June 2024, revenue increased by 66% compared to the previous year. The State Timber Corporation is also expected to record a net profit in 2024, with revenue reaching Rs.2,000 million.
Measures to control the elephant menace have been implemented, with over 4,700 workers maintaining 5,390 km of electric fencing. A survey on the country’s elephant population is planned for the first time in 13 years. Additionally, the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance has been amended, introducing new laws to combat wildlife crimes effectively.
July 30, Colombo (LNW): The Port of Colombo has been recognized as the best-performing port globally for the first quarter of 2024 by Alphaliner, a leading information platform for the liner shipping industry. This accolade highlights Colombo’s remarkable growth rate of 23.6%, the highest among ports worldwide.
The Port of Long Beach in Los Angeles, with a 23.3% growth rate, secured second place, while the Port of Tanjung Pelepas came in third with a 22.7% growth rate.
In the first half of 2024, the Port of Colombo demonstrated impressive performance. Domestic volumes increased by 19.2%, transshipment volumes grew by 9.6%, and total volumes surged by 12.5% compared to the same period in 2023.
K. D. S. Ruwanchandra, Secretary to the Ministry of Ports, Naval, and Aviation Services, emphasized that Alphaliner recognized Colombo Port as the world’s fastest-growing port in the first quarter of 2024 due to its 23.6% growth rate.
Ruwanchandra noted that the port generated an income of USD 50 million in the first quarter of 2024, despite past trade union actions. He elaborated on this during a press briefing titled “Two Years of Progress and Way Forward” at the Presidential Media Centre.
He highlighted the port’s 23.6% growth rate and Alphaliner’s recognition of Colombo as the fastest-growing port. He also mentioned the port’s resilience in maintaining operations despite trade union actions.
In 2023, the Sri Lanka Port Authority reported a profit of USD 100 million, and in the first quarter of 2024, it achieved a profit of USD 50 million. All four terminals have significantly contributed to these operations, with ongoing efforts to enhance their capacity.
The construction of the Eastern Container Terminal (ECT) and the Western Terminal is progressing, with the Western Terminal expected to begin operations in February 2025.
Development work is also underway at the Eastern Terminal and Northern Port, as well as at Trincomalee, Galle, and Kankasanthurai ports. A passenger ferry service from India operates every Friday using the newly constructed terminal building at the Kankasanthurai Port.
The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) terminals have been pivotal in driving this performance. From January to June 2024, SLPA terminals recorded a 23.6% increase in domestic volumes, a 15.5% rise in transshipment volumes, and a total volume growth of 17.7%.
The Port of Colombo, strategically positioned as a key maritime hub in South Asia, has several main container terminals, including the Jaya Container Terminal (JCT), Colombo East Container Terminal (CECT), South Asia Gateway Terminal (SAGT), and Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT).
These terminals collectively offer substantial capacity to handle increasing cargo volumes efficiently.
The JCT and CECT, operated by the SLPA, are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technology to ensure smooth and rapid cargo handling.
The SAGT and CICT, operated by private entities, further enhance the port’s capacity and operational efficiency, making Colombo a preferred destination for major global shipping lines.
July 30, Colombo (LNW): Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has requested Sri Lanka’s assistance in enhancing Cuba’s coconut industry.
Sri Lankan Ambassador to Cuba, Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne (Retd), visited President Díaz-Canel at his office in Revolution Square to commemorate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between their nations.
During the meeting, the President warmly acknowledged the milestone and expressed appreciation for Sri Lanka’s donation of 150 coconut seeds. He also sought Sri Lankan expertise to help advance Cuba’s coconut industry.
Reflecting on the Sri Lankan President’s visit to Cuba for the G77 Summit last year, President Díaz-Canel praised the strong bilateral relationship and thanked Sri Lanka for its international support.
He assured that Cuba would be well-represented at the 65th-anniversary ceremony at the Hotel Nacional on August 6, 2024, organized by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Havana.
Ambassador Ulugetenne conveyed greetings from Sri Lanka’s President and government, and thanked Cuba for its medical assistance during the tsunami and COVID-19 crisis.
He also expressed gratitude for the Cuban government’s fully funded medical scholarships for Sri Lankan students. Despite the geographical distance, he emphasized the robust ties between the two nations.
The Ambassador highlighted Sri Lanka’s interest in expanding trade relations with Cuba and mentioned that two investment proposals in the tourism sector have already been submitted by a prominent Sri Lankan company.
Additionally, he reported on a recent meeting with CubaPharma, a government pharmaceutical research institution, and committed to further strengthening trade and bilateral relations.
The Ambassador said that he was happy with the successful experiments carried out by the Sri Lankan Coconut Research Center and mentioned that he is working to get coconut saplings for cultivation in his country.
A donation of 200 coconut seedlings will be made to Cuba shortly. The Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka will also provide expertise to Cuba to develop its coconut industry.
The ambassador further stated that there is scope to develop cooperation in food production, farming and animal husbandry sectors in Sri Lanka.
Nestled in the heart of South Asia, Sri Lanka boasts a rich history intertwined with the coconut palm, earning it the moniker – The Pearl of the Indian Ocean.
Yet, despite its abundant coconut resources and time-honoured traditions, Sri Lanka’s full potential in the global coconut industry remains largely untapped.
As the world’s appetite for coconut-based products continues to grow, from culinary delights to skincare essentials, Sri Lanka stands poised to emerge as a key player in this flourishing market.
July 30, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has urged the Asia Pacific region to address the security implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
In his speech at the 31st Ministerial Meeting of the ASEAN Regional Forum in Laos, State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya emphasized the need for a unified approach to tackling the emerging challenges posed by AI and other new technologies.
He stressed the importance of taking preventive measures to prevent misuse and ensure that these technologies do not undermine peace and security in the region.
Balasuriya also highlighted the necessity of addressing cyber and network security challenges and combating transnational organized crime. He called for strong action against cybercrime hubs and employment frauds that are affecting parts of the region.
In addition to sustaining the Asia-Pacific region’s efforts to promote peace, security, and cooperation, the Forum must address challenges to cyber and network security systems and tackle transnational organized crime,” Balasuriya was quoted as saying in a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He “called for decisive action against cybercrime centres and employment rackets taking place in some parts of the region.”
During and after the country’s economic crisis several Sri Lankans travelled abroad on visit visas to find employment. Some groups fell prey to trafficking.
A group of Sri Lankans held in Myanmar were repatriated earlier this year with the help of the International Organization for Migration providing logistical assistance.
This year’s ARF Ministerial meeting attended by 27 ARF members, was chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith of Lao PDR, which holds the ASEAN Chairmanship.
In the meantime, election monitoring organizations have voiced concerns about the use of AI in the upcoming presidential election campaigns. The election period has begun, and it is expected that AI technology will play a significant role.
This election is poised to be historic, being the first to heavily incorporate AI technology, providing both new opportunities and challenges for voters and candidates alike.
The widespread use of AI in this election is unprecedented locally, though there are global examples. The upcoming presidential election, scheduled for September 21, will be a significant test of AI technology in the electoral process.
One notable development, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, has commented on the potential of AI in education and stressed the importance of learning from past mistakes in information technology.
He has advocated for the local development of AI and the integration of AI into educational systems.
Furthermore, on July 27, the National People’s Power (NPP) launched a website utilizing AI technology. This move marks a historic milestone as Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the NPP’s presidential candidate, will be the first in the country to leverage AI technology in his campaign.
This development underscores the growing influence of AI in Sri Lankan politics and its potential impact on future elections.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe thanks MPs for their support on social media, acknowledging those who backed him from the start, joined midway, or are considering future support: highlights their role in overcoming the country’s crises and urged unity beyond party politics to build a prosperous Sri Lanka: welcomes new supporters and expresses gratitude for their dedication and commitment to the nation’s future.
The Court of Appeal will deliver its decision on August 09 regarding Keheliya Rambukwella’s petition to overturn the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court’s order remanding him over the alleged import of substandard medicine: His bail application will also be addressed: Rambukwella was arrested on February 02 for his alleged role in procuring substandard IVIG vials, following pressure from civil society and health sector trade unionists.
Despite the SLPP politburo deciding to field their own candidate for the upcoming Presidential election, several SLPP MPs and Ministers, including State Ministers Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon and Shehan Semasinghe, declare their support for President Ranil Wickremesinghe: commend his leadership during crises and aim to continue supporting his vision: A group of ministers met with Wickremesinghe, opposing the politburo’s decision, and confirmed their backing for his re-election.
Foreign Affairs State Minister Tharaka Balasuriya calls for strong measures against cybercrime and employment scams in ASEAN regions during the 31st ASEAN Regional Forum in Laos: emphasises tackling security issues related to new technologies, promoting regional cooperation, and addressing climate challenges: highlights Sri Lanka’s historical ties with ASEAN and its active role, urging for climate justice programmes and stronger disaster response mechanisms.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries doubles the tea fertiliser subsidy to Rs. 4,000 to boost production from 260 million to 300 million metric tonnes: The previous Rs. 2,000 subsidy was insufficient: Minister Mahinda Amaraweera directed this increase, effective from the Maha season, funded by Rs. 2 bn from the Ceylon Tea Board: The State Fertiliser Company will adjust prices accordingly.
The Election Commission has allows the 2025 annual transfer procedure to proceed if it doesn’t disrupt the presidential election: The Ministry of Public Administration announces transfers for Combined Services officers, and Deputy Postmaster General Rajitha Ranasinghe arranged for 8,000 officers to distribute ballot papers: Despite a ‘work-to-rule’ campaign, Grama Niladhari officers will support election activities.
Separate operations by the Navy and Coast Guard near Koneshwaram and Chapel Point, Trincomalee on 27 July resulted in the arrest of 27 individuals for illegal fishing: Five dinghies and unauthorised gear were seized: The Eastern Naval Command detained 17 individuals, while SLNS Mahaweli and the Coast Guard apprehended 10 more: The arrested individuals and confiscated equipment were handed over for legal action.
The Ministry of Health lauded the Sri Lanka Navy for its support to people living with thalassaemia: The Navy, instrumental in developing affordable infusion systems for chelation therapy, supplies 3,166 units since 2011: 375 new systems were handed over, with Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana and Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera attending, highlighting the Navy’s healthcare commitment.
The Cabinet approves drafting legislation to address issues within Sri Lanka Cricket based on the K.T. Chitrasiri report: A revised constitution has been prepared, and the Cabinet endorses a joint proposal from the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Power and Energy, Labour and Foreign Employment, and Public Security: The Legal Draftsman will now prepare a bill to implement the new constitution.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) awards the National Women’s Cricket Team US$ 500,000 for their Asia Cup T20 tournament victory: SLC praised the team’s dedication and teamwork on social media, celebrating their first Asia Cup title after defeating defending champions India by 8 wickets: This historic win marks a significant milestone for women’s cricket in Sri Lanka.
July 30, Colombo (LNW): The Election Commission has confirmed that the 2025 annual transfer procedure can proceed, provided it does not disrupt the presidential election process.
Following this, the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils, and Local Government has announced the 2025 transfers for Combined Services officers.
The relevant circular was issued by the Director General of Combined Services to all Ministry Secretaries, Heads of Departments, District Secretaries, and Divisional Secretaries yesterday (29).
In addition, Deputy Postmaster General Rajitha Ranasinghe has arranged for 8,000 officers to distribute the official ballot papers for the presidential election.
A special programme has been set up to ensure the swift delivery of postal ballots and essential election-related correspondence.
Meanwhile, Nandana Ranasinghe, president of the All-Island Grama Niladhari Officers’ Association, stated that despite their ongoing ‘work-to-rule’ campaign, they will continue to support the presidential election activities.
