July 24, Colombo (LNW):The Agrarian Development Department announced that 61,075 hectares of Keeri Samba rice have been cultivated during this year’s Yala season. This update was provided during a discussion held by Agriculture and Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera on Monday (22) to review the progress of paddy cultivation in the Yala season.

Recently, the country experienced a shortage of Keeri Samba rice, prompting the government to import a substitute variety. In response to this shortage, the Agriculture Department has planned to increase the cultivation of Keeri Samba paddy. Minister Amaraweera has instructed officials to implement measures to expand Keeri Samba cultivation in more paddy lands this year.

July 24, Colombo (LNW): The Sectoral Oversight Committee (SOC) on Environment, Natural Resources, and Sustainable Development discussed the collection of PET plastic bottles for recycling using a QR code system during its meeting on Friday (12) under the Chairmanship of MP Ajith Mannapperuma.

MP Ajith Mannapperuma highlighted that although 450,000 tons of plastic are imported into the country each year, only 50,000 tons are collected for recycling, with a significant amount being burnt in the open. He emphasized that special attention should be given to PET plastic. Approximately 1,200 tons of PET plastic are used in the country each month, yet only 400 tons are recycled, leaving 900 tons improperly disposed of in the environment, including rivers, canals, and open burning sites.

The main reason for the low collection rate of PET plastic bottles is the lack of public interest due to the low resale price of these bottles.

In response to this issue, newspaper advertisements were published seeking technical and financial proposals from industrialists and other stakeholders for a method of returning deposits for PET plastic bottles based on a QR code, with a submission deadline of July 18. However, stakeholders at the meeting argued that the given period was insufficient. They requested an extension for proposal submissions and suggested making the Extended Producer Responsibility system mandatory.

The Committee recommended extending the proposal submission period from July 18 to August 27 and making the Extended Producer Responsibility system mandatory.

Additionally, officials from the Ministry of Environment were instructed to conduct a study on international methods of collecting PET plastic bottles for recycling using QR codes and report their findings to the SOC.

MP Jayantha Samaraweera and Dr. Thilak Rajapakshe also attended the meeting.

July 24, Colombo (LNW): Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara informed Parliament yesterday (23) that Sri Lankans in Bangladesh have not been affected by the current crisis situation in the country.

The Minister stated that there are currently 2,835 Sri Lankans working in Bangladesh, and steps will be taken to bring them back if the need arises. He also mentioned that he is working closely with the Sri Lankan ambassador in Bangladesh to monitor the situation and gather information about the Sri Lankan workers there.

Minister Manusha Nanayakkara made these remarks while responding to a question raised by MP Rajika Wickramasinghe.

July 24, Colombo (LNW): Education Minister Dr. Susil Premajayantha announced that the results of the 2023 Ordinary Level Examination will be issued by September. He made this statement while participating in a ceremony held at Homagama yesterday.

In line with a recent court decision regarding the Development Officers attached to schools, these officers will be absorbed into the teaching service. The Minister mentioned that appointments could be made following the conclusion of the case next week.

Out of 23,000 Development Officers, 6,000 have already been appointed as teachers to fill current vacancies. Interviews will be conducted for the remaining officers to arrange their appointments. Minister Premajayantha assured that all teacher vacancies will be filled promptly.

July 24, Colombo (LNW):The Supreme Court has issued an interim order preventing Deshabandu Tennakoon from functioning as the Inspector General of Police (IGP). This order came after the Court granted leave to proceed with nine petitions challenging Tennakoon’s appointment, filed by various parties including Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith.

The petitioners sought an interim order to restrain Deshabandu Tennakoon from discharging the duties and functioning in the office of IGP, which the Court has now issued.

July 24, Colombo (LNW): The Monetary Policy Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has decided to reduce the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) by 25 basis points (bps) to 8.25 per cent and 9.25 per cent, respectively. This decision was made at the Board’s meeting on 23 July 2024, following a comprehensive assessment of current and anticipated macroeconomic developments, as well as potential risks and uncertainties on both domestic and global fronts. The aim is to maintain inflation at the targeted level of 5 per cent over the medium term while enabling the economy to reach its full capacity.

In making this decision, the Board emphasized the importance of signaling the continuation of an eased monetary policy stance, thereby encouraging a further reduction in market lending rates to support economic activity amidst a benign inflation outlook. “The Board noted that, based on the available information, inflation is likely to remain below the inflation target of 5 per cent by a sizeable margin for the next several months before aligning with the targeted level over the medium term,” the central bank stated.

July 24, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe has directed the Ministry of Finance to release the funds allocated for the upcoming Presidential Election without delay, according to a senior official.

The 2024 budget includes an allocation of Rs. 10 billion for this election. Recently, officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Election Commission met to discuss the election-related expenses.

The Election Commission stated that the discussion primarily focused on the financial requirements for the election. Additionally, reports on estimated election expenses have been requested from 45 police divisions and forwarded to the Police Headquarters. These reports will form the basis for the final estimate of expenses, as confirmed by a senior official.

July 24, Colombo (LNW): The Renewable Energy Protectors’ Association (REPA) recently conducted a media briefing to express their concerns regarding the Government’s decision to cut tariff rates for new rooftop solar and renewable energy projects, effective from July 1.

REPA and other organizations cautioned that this decision might discourage local investment and impede the growth of the renewable energy sector. They stressed the crucial role of energy supply in economic development and called on the Government to back sustainable energy efforts.

REPA Chairman Darshana Liyanasekara highlighted the numerous advantages of renewable energy, stating that generating and using sustainable energy supports global goals and fosters international collaboration. 

“Solar power is highly viable due to the consistent sunlight and ample space available for installation,” he explained. “It involves low investment and maintenance costs, requires minimal foreign exchange, and is environmentally friendly. 

The revenue generated remains in the country, boosting the local economy and creating jobs. Solar power contributes to the 2050 zero-carbon energy goals, reduces production costs for local industries, and is essential for achieving the 70% renewable energy target by 2030.”

REPA Secretary Amal Sarathchandra addressed the obstacles to promoting solar energy, pointing out that local investors are discouraged by unfair price changes and delays in project approvals. 

“Trust is further eroded by the suspension of new project contracts and insufficient support for existing installations,” he said. “Financial relief is challenging to obtain, and the tax system imposes taxes on solar equipment like panels and inverters.”

REPA Vice President Suresh Galanga stressed the importance of supporting local investors. He argued that while foreign investments provide temporary capital, they have long-term financial drawbacks, similar to foreign debt. 

“Money paid for electricity from foreign projects leaves the country, much like expenses for diesel and coal,” he said. “Supporting local investors through prioritized procurement guidelines and assistance is crucial for rejuvenating the renewable energy sector.”

REPA Treasurer Chanaka Jayawardena noted that increasing renewable energy generation, including solar power, would significantly benefit the country economically, given the high costs of fuel-based power generation. “

In 2022 and 2023, Rs. 203.7 billion and Rs. 278.9 billion were spent on fuel-based power generation, respectively. 

This expenditure poses a threat to the economy both in the short and long term. Installing 1,000 megawatts of solar power could produce 1,320 gigawatt-hours annually at a cost of Rs. 48.8 billion, whereas generating the same amount with diesel would cost Rs. 92.4 billion.”

 Electricity Consumers’ Association President M.D.R. Athula and General Secretary Sanjeewa Dhammika also attended the briefing. They criticized the CEB’s General Manager for instructing officials to enter agreements under the revised tariff rates despite the Public Utilities Commission’s directive not to implement them.

July 24, Colombo (LNW):In a significant effort to drive digital transformation for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Dialog Enterprise, the corporate ICT solutions branch of Dialog Axiata PLC, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, GlobalLinker, and Databox Technologies.

 This collaboration centers around “Commercial Bank LEAP GlobalLinker,” an innovative web solution aimed at empowering entrepreneurs through digital marketing and e-commerce.

As the leading digital innovation facilitator for various enterprises, Dialog Enterprise partners with Commercial Bank as the technology provider for the Commercial Bank LEAP GlobalLinker e-commerce platform. 

This initiative mobilizes the digital marketing landscape for SMEs in Sri Lanka. GlobalLinker, a B2B business networking platform with commerce capabilities, and Databox Technologies, the managed service provider ensuring seamless integration and technical support, join this partnership to elevate the digital marketplace for SMEs in Sri Lanka.

The initiative provides digital marketing and e-commerce facilities, allowing entrepreneurs to create their own online stores, connect with others, and engage in local and international trade. 

This network hub is designed to meet the specific needs of SMEs, offering the necessary tools and support for them to thrive in the digital economy. By leveraging GlobalLinker’s reach, the project aims to empower existing and new SMEs on the platform with advanced communication and digital technologies to enhance their business capabilities.

Navin Pieris, Group Chief Enterprise Officer of Dialog Axiata PLC, stated: “We are excited to partner with such innovative and dedicated companies towards a common goal. This solution demonstrates our commitment to driving digital transformation and equipping SMEs with the technology needed to succeed in today’s digital landscape.”

Sivasubramaniam Ganeshan, Assistant General Manager of Personal Banking III/SME at Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, commented: “This partnership is a significant step in empowering small and medium entrepreneurs.

 By creating a comprehensive digital marketplace, we are not only providing business loans but also enabling a robust ecosystem where SMEs can thrive. We look forward to the positive impact this collaboration will have on the entrepreneurial community.”

Under the MoU, Dialog Enterprise will utilize its technological expertise to support the platform’s infrastructure, while Commercial Bank will lead market creation and the onboarding of entrepreneurs. 

GlobalLinker will oversee e-store creation, ensuring the platform’s development and technical robustness, and Databox Technologies will provide managed services, including payment gateway integration and ongoing technical support.

 This partnership represents a crucial milestone in the digital transformation journey for SMEs, offering them a powerful, user-friendly platform to expand their reach and grow their businesses.

July 24, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is adopting innovative measures to leverage information technology for tourism, aiming to meet the needs of travellers worldwide, according to Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).

Key strategies include smart destination management and the Internet of Things (IoT), which have become essential to meet travellers’ expectations.

The country has completed almost all short-term tourism development initiatives, setting the stage to achieve the target of 2.5 million tourists and US$4-$5 billion in revenue this year.

Tourism Minister Harin Fernando has accused JVP/National People’s Power (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake of harming Sri Lanka’s tourism image, which has been built with great effort over the past two years by dedicated officials and the tourism ministry. 

Fernando insists that Dissanayake should be cautious with his words when speaking abroad, as it could backfire on the country.

Fernando challenged Dissanayake to reveal the sources of funding for his recent foreign trips and expressed disappointment in Dissanayake’s understanding of the tourism sector and the progress made

. Dissanayake had recently criticized Fernando, claiming that despite his numerous foreign trips, there has been no significant increase in tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka.

At a press conference, Fernando clarified that of the 14 overseas trips he has taken as Tourism Minister, only two were government-funded, with the rest financed personally. 

He described Dissanayake’s allegations as unfounded and challenged him to provide evidence for his claims, urging him to disclose details of his own recent trips and their funding.

Fernando emphasized the achievements in tourism under his leadership, noting that targeted marketing efforts have resulted in over 1.11 million tourist arrivals, despite facing over 23 adverse travel advisories when he took office. 

He highlighted the resilience of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, which has rebounded from setbacks like the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings and the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In 2023, there was a significant increase in tourist arrivals, generating nearly USD 2 billion in earnings, a hopeful sign for a sector that once achieved USD 4.4 billion in revenue in 2018.

To sustain this momentum, Fernando stressed the need for Sri Lanka to address key areas for improvement, aiming for sustained growth and competitiveness in the global tourism landscape. 

He also mentioned that when he took office, many airlines had stopped operations to Colombo due to a fuel shortage. However, leading airlines have since resumed and even increased their frequencies, recognizing the profitability of routes to Colombo.

Fernando reiterated his commitment to boosting Sri Lanka’s tourism industry and defended his international engagements as essential for fostering partnerships and attracting visitors. He called for a more informed and constructive dialogue on the matter, instead of resorting to baseless allegations.

Overall, Fernando’s statements underscore the significant efforts and progress made in revitalizing Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, while urging caution and accuracy in public statements that could impact the country’s image.