July 31, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) happens to remain steady against the US Dollar today (31) in comparison to yesterday, as per leading commercial banks in the country.

At Peoples Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 297.14 from Rs. 297.28, and the selling price to Rs. 307.80 from Rs. 307.95.

At Commercial Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 296.67 from Rs. 297.17, and the selling price to Rs. 306.50 from Rs. 307.

At Sampath Bank, the buying and selling prices of the US Dollar remain unchanged at Rs. 298 and Rs. 307, respectively.

1. 92 MPs, including Ministers and State Ministers, pledge their support for President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the forthcoming presidential polls, despite the SLPP politburo’s decision to field their own candidate: SLPP MPs and Ministers have declared their support, emphasising Wickremesinghe’s role in stabilising the country and progress under his leadership.
   
2. Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara places the deposit on behalf of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa to contest the 2024 Presidential Polls: Premadasa becomes the sixth candidate to place deposits for the Presidency.
   
3. NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake says many MPs seeking to ally with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) on August 8 were previously rejected by the National People’s Power (NPP): criticises these MPs for their negative political history and involvement in the country’s destruction: emphasises the NPP will not accept individuals who have supported harmful decisions and contributed to the country’s problems: Dissanayake makes these comments in the backdrop where one ex-military personnel accused of leading a battalion responsible for sexual exploitation of children during a peace mission in Haiti in 2005 is leading his tri-forces collective, and an academic whose claim of being a senior lecturer at Reading University in the UK was proven to be false is a member of his Party’s economic council.
   
4. Cabinet Spokesman Bandula Gunawardena says the National Agency for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) will collaborate with international organisations to create and manage PPP programmes: adds legal validation is needed to enhance the agency’s effectiveness and establish a legal framework for partnership agreements: confirms the Cabinet has approved a proposal by the President to instruct the legal Draftsman to prepare a Bill for these initiatives.
   
5. New Zealand agrees to support the development of Sri Lanka’s dairy industry following discussions with Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera: High Commissioner David Pine announces assistance in dairy farming, avocados, pineapples, and mangoes cultivation: With 60% of milk imported, boosting local production requires new technology and advanced techniques: New Zealand will also explore importing Sri Lankan pineapples and mangoes.
   
6. Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi says Sri Lanka anticipates a significant rise in tourists to eco-friendly destinations managed by the Department of Forest Conservation: The first half of 2024 saw 364,521 tourists, with 40% being foreigners: Initiatives to boost eco-tourism include new attractions, improved facilities, and online ticket reservations: Efforts to increase forest cover and mangrove restoration are underway: The Department of National Zoological Gardens and the State Timber Corporation have shown financial growth despite the economic crisis: Measures to control the elephant menace and combat wildlife crimes have also been implemented.
   
7. The Interim Secretariat for Truth and Reconciliation Mechanism (ISTRM) launches its website, with Secretary to the President, Mr. Saman Ekanayake, as the guest of honour: The ISTRM aims to address post-conflict grievances, promote reconciliation, and prevent future conflicts: It will implement recommendations from past commissions, such as the LLRC, and build legal frameworks for reconciliation: Nationwide consultations are ongoing to engage communities, and the website launch aims to enhance transparent communication and public involvement in the reconciliation process.
   
8. Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) files a fundamental rights petition with the Supreme Court against officials over alleged violations in procuring private entities to manage the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system: argues this breaches citizens’ rights to equality and information and could cause financial losses: The petition names several respondents, including the Minister of Public Security and the Attorney General, and highlights Mobitel’s efficient, cost-effective service since 2012.
   
9. The Colombo High Court sentences four individuals to death for the 2013 murder of a man attacked with clubs and stones: Judge Aditya Patabandige delivers the sentence on 30 July, targeting the accused from Orugodawatta: Of the original six defendants, one died during the trial, and another was acquitted: The prosecution proved their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
   
10. The Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee announces a 16-member squad for the ODI series against India, with Charith Asalanka continuing as captain: The squad includes Chamika Karunaratne and has been approved by Sports Minister Harin Fernando: The ODIs are set for 2nd, 4th, and 7th August 2024 at RPICS in Colombo: The squad comprises Charith Asalanka (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nishan Madushka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dananjaya, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, and Asitha Fernando.

July 31, Colombo (LNW): Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has lodged a fundamental rights petition with the Supreme Court, seeking action against procedural violations and abuse of public trust by officials in the procurement of private entities to manage the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for issuing visas to tourists.

Filed in the public interest, the petition addresses alleged transparency issues and non-compliance with guidelines in decision-making and procurement processes affecting tourism, the economy, and national security.

TISL claims that citizens’ fundamental rights to equality and information, guaranteed under Articles 12(1) and 14A of the Constitution, have been breached by the respondents’ actions and inactions.

The respondents named include the Minister of Public Security, the Controller General of Immigration, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, GBS Technology Services & IVS Global-FZCO, VFS VF Worldwide Holdings Ltd, the Cabinet of Sri Lanka, and the Attorney General.

TISL challenges the selection of private entities as authorised visa representatives, alleging that these agreements could result in significant financial losses and harm to the tourism sector.

The petition highlights that the existing partnership with Mobitel (Pvt) Limited, running since 2012, has been efficient and problem-free.

Mobitel’s proposal to improve the ETA system in August 2023 offered services at no cost to the government, with a fee of USD 1 per application, compared to the USD 18.50 charged by the newly selected entities.

The petition calls for accountability from the respondents for their illegal, arbitrary, and unreasonable actions in the procurement process.

July 31, Colombo (LNW): The New Zealand government has agreed to support the development of Sri Lanka’s dairy industry.

Following discussions with Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, New Zealand High Commissioner David Pine announced assistance in promoting dairy farming in Sri Lanka.

Their talks also covered the cultivation of avocados, pineapples, and mangoes. Currently, avocados are being grown in Sri Lanka’s central hills to meet high foreign demand.

With 60% of Sri Lanka’s milk still imported, boosting local production requires new technology, quality semen imports, and advanced dairy farming techniques.

The High Commissioner confirmed New Zealand’s commitment to providing the necessary technical support in collaboration with the Sri Lankan government.

Additionally, New Zealand will explore opportunities to import Sri Lankan pineapples and mangoes.

The passing away of the late Dr. Wickramabahu Karunaratna marks the end of the principled politics and leaves a vacuum in the left movement of Sri Lanka. The British Tamils Forum joins the large number of his admirers in paying its respects to a champion of the disadvantaged. To Dr. Wickramabahu Karunaratna, his principles and his commitment to the welfare of the mankind came before the pomp and pageantry associated with the high political offices.

Dr. Wickramabahu Karunaratna steadfastly remained committed to the founding principles of the “fourth International” – equality, fraternity and liberty. He was among a very small circle of Marxist politicians in Sri Lanka to acknowledge the inalienable right to self-determination of the Tamil nation in the island of Ceylon. This earned him the eternal gratitude and a deep seated respect of Tamils.

Old soldiers do not die – they fade away gracefully leaving behind the finest of the memories.

British Tamils Forum

July 31, Colombo (LNW): The Fourth Meeting of the BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs (BNSCs) and its Preparatory Meeting took place in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, last week.

Defence Secretary General (Retd.) Kamal Gunaratne represented Sri Lanka at the meeting on Friday (26).

The session, held in a retreat format, was inaugurated by Myanmar’s Union Minister and National Security Advisor, General Moe Aung.

Delegations from BIMSTEC member countries—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand—participated.

Key discussions centred on regional security challenges, maritime and cyber security, as well as future initiatives.

Progress in counter terrorism and transnational crime (CTTC) within the BIMSTEC region was also reviewed.

Sri Lanka advocated for increased cooperation amongst BIMSTEC nations in these areas.

General (Retd.) Kamal Gunaratne held bilateral meetings with Myanmar’s Prime Minister and Chairman of the State Administration Council, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, and Admiral Moe Aung, the National Security Advisor.

They discussed mutual interests in defence and maritime collaboration, as well as the exchange of delegations and trainee officers.

Gunaratne also requested Myanmar’s assistance in rescuing the remaining 54 Sri Lankans trapped in Myawaddy, expressing gratitude for previous help in this matter.

July 31, Colombo (LNW): The Interim Secretariat for Truth and Reconciliation Mechanism (ISTRM) launched its official website on 18th July 2024 at the Chamber Hall, Presidential Secretariat, with Secretary to the President, Mr. Saman Ekanayake, as the guest of honour.

The ISTRM was established to address post-conflict grievances and promote reconciliation, reparation, and sustainable peace in Sri Lanka.

The initiative aims to prevent future conflicts among the nation’s diverse communities.

The Commission will implement recommendations from past commissions, including the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), and the 2006 Consultation Task Force on Reconciliation Mechanisms.

The ISTRM is building the necessary legal and policy frameworks to support truth, reconciliation, and national unity.

Public and stakeholder engagement is a key focus, with consultations held nationwide to address community concerns.

The website launch is a pivotal step in fostering transparent communication and active public involvement in the reconciliation process.