Under the “Presidential Scholarship Program” initiated as a concept of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, approximately 3,000 out of 5,000 scholarships will be awarded to lay students, student monks, and Sheela Matha in Piriven and Sheela Mata educational institutions. This marks the first scholarship program of its kind for lay clergy students in Piriven. The initiative extends financial support to student monks studying up to the Piriven (Ordinary Level) and lay students up to the G.C.E. (Ordinary Level), providing them with Rs. 9,000 initially and Rs. 3,000 monthly for 12 months.
General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara said the SJB will face the upcoming Presidential Election as the strongest alliance in Sri Lanka’s political history.The relevant agreement will be signed on August 8.
A recent survey carried out by the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) on Household Drinking Water Quality has found that 20.3% of the household population in Sri Lanka lacked even basic drinking water facilities. It has also been revealed that the main source of drinking water for 16.1% of the household population in the country were unprotected wells.
The committee tasked with addressing salary discrepancies in the public sector has begun accepting suggestions for updating salary benefits. Accordingly, the proposals for revising the salary allowances will be accepted by the committee. Interested parties can access the application form on the official website of the President’s Office via http://presidentsoffice.gov.lk.
India-funded projects in the neighbourhood received the bulk of the allocation for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) under the Union Budget presented by Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Sri Lanka, which has a number of India-funded projects, has received 2450 million Indian rupees (INR), an improvement of INR 950 million over last year’s funding of INR 1500 million, according to The Hindu.
The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to publish the revised Online Safety Bill in the government gazette and to table it in Parliament. In line with the decision given by the Supreme Court on the draft bill on the security of online methods known as ‘Online Safety Bill’, and subsequent to being passed in Parliament, the Security of Online Methods Act No. 9 of 2024 is now in operation, the Department of Government Information (DGI) said.
The National Election Commission is reportedly scheduled to meet on Thursday (25), in order to discuss regarding the holding of the upcoming Presidential Election. The discussions will be preliminarily focused on deciding the date for the 2024 Presidential Election and following that, the election date will be announced.
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal that the government should apologize to the sections of society affected by the compulsory cremation policy enforced in Sri Lanka during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sri Lankan migrant workers in Bangladesh have not been harmed in the recent unrest reported in the country, Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara said. Nanayakkara said that the Sri Lankan Embassy in Bangladesh has informed that no Sri Lankans have been injured in the unrest in Bangladesh.
Sri Lankan track and field athletes Dilhani Lekamge and Aruna Darshana who have qualified for the Olympic Games in Paris have received financial aid from the Sri Lanka Army.Staff Sergeant Aruna Darshana of the Sri Lanka Artillery and Staff Sergeant Dilhani Lekamge of the Sri Lanka Army Women’s Corps received financial rewards from Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage at the Army Headquarters.
July 24, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts. A few showers may occur in North-western province.
Strong winds of about 50 kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee, Monaragala and Hambantota districts. Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times elsewhere of the island.
July 23, Colombo (LNW): In a major policy decision to facilitate growing tourism sector the government has granted approval for the importation of 1000 vehicles easing import restrictions.
According to the Cabinet decision, permission has been granted to import 750 vans which can seat 6-15 passengers, and are either electric or hybrid vehicles.
Permission has also been granted to import 250 buses that include small buses with 16-30 seats or large buses with 30-45 seats.
Sri Lanka imposed a ban on vehicle imports due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and subsequently, extended the ban due to the economic crisis faced by the nation.
However, the vehicle import ban has been relaxed from time to time providing exceptions, with the government authorizing select ministries and state agencies to bring in a handful of new vehicles.
In a significant move aimed at enhancing the transportation infrastructure for the tourism sector, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority yesterday gave away the first 10 approvals for travel and tourism industry players to import electric and hybrid vehicles.
Tourism Minister Harin Fernando handed over the first 10 approvals for travel and tourism related companies to import vehicles on the side-lines of an event.
On 1 April, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the importation of a total of 1,000 electric and hybrid vehicles, without special tax relief.
The decision allowed the tourism industry to import 750 vans with a seating capacity of 6-15 people and 250 buses, which include both small buses with 16-30 seats and large buses with 30-45 seats.
Speaking at the event, Minister Fernando highlighted the importance of this initiative in addressing the urgent need for modern and dependable transportation options to accommodate the increasing number of tourists visiting Sri Lanka.
“The decision to import these vehicles is a direct response to the pressing need for modern and reliable transportation options to cater to the influx of tourists. It represents a significant step towards boosting the sector with a new fleet of vehicles,” Fernando added.
The Minister said reliable transportation infrastructure is a key factor in promoting tourism and supporting the broader economic growth of the country.
He said already around 25 approvals are made for a total of 110 vehicles to be imported. “We hope to hand over 100 such approvals from this week onwards,” he added.
The introduction of these vehicles was seen as a timely intervention to support the recovery and growth of the tourism sector by the industry stakeholders, where they were battered by multiple challenges since 2019.
July 23, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Embassy in Jakarta organised a briefing session to discuss on “Indonesian investment opportunities for foreign investors” with the Directorate of Investment Promotion of Indonesia and the Ministry of Investments of Indonesia on 12 July.
The main focus of this session was on the construction, power and energy sectors, to provide Sri Lankan industry representatives with valuable insights on investment/tender opportunities available for foreigners in Indonesia in the construction and energy sectors, how a company can become a part of Indonesian projects, what the requirements are to be met, limitations in financial transactions and tax structure for foreigners.
The discussion was conducted for industry representatives of construction services and power and energy services sectors to make them aware of potential business partnerships in Indonesia. This awareness will help to Sri Lankan industrialists to develop effective business strategies for the Indonesian market in the coming years.
The guest speakers from Directorate of Investment Promotion of Indonesia and the Ministry of Investments of Indonesia to the discussion were Investment Promotion for East Asia, South Asia, Middle East and Africa Director Cahyo Purnomo and Hydro Energy PT PLN (Persero) Vice President Hendro Prasetyawan. They delivered industry presentations on “Investment Policy and Opportunities in Indonesia” and “Renewable Energy Procurement System in Indonesia.”
Purnomo highlighted that Indonesia’s competitiveness is upfront in the IMD World Competitive ranking and now in the top three countries in Asia as per economic performance, business competitiveness, government efficiency and infrastructure.
Also the five main sectors of investments from Sri Lanka during the last five years were the food industry, chemical, pharmaceutical industry, trade, and residential, industrial and office areas.
Also Indonesia is very open for capital movement and offers non-discriminatory treatment for foreign investors, taking a balanced approach on domestic investment and foreign investments. For electricity projects there is an investment scheme where the maximum allocation for foreign investments is 10MW up to 100% for EPC (Contractor), PPU (Private Power Utility), IPP (Independent Power Producer) and PPP Public Private Partnership).
The significant fact that for business fields in the green economy provides 100% foreign ownership. Highlighting the fact that Indonesia is opened for foreign skilled professionals under working visas/permits in the fields of engineering, directors and technical experts, and so on.
Prasetyawan, expressed that in the renewable energy sector projects, many investors come from Korea, Europe and China. They are contracted with local partners and engage in projects under open tenders. Representing the Sri Lanka Embassy First Secretary, Nilanthi K. Pelawaththage and Sri Lanka- Bangladesh Committee Chairman Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Deepak Samtani also participated. EDB Director (Export Services) Indumini Kodikara conducted the session and Assistant Director (Export Services) Kumuduni Irugalbandara coordinated the event.
July 23, Colombo (LNW): The Government of Japan is continuing its support for Sri Lanka by strengthening its health programs through effective and safe immunization in collaboration with national health authorities.
This effort is part of the project titled “Strengthening Immunization Programs in Pacific Island Countries,” which UNICEF and WHO, with their expertise and proven systems, will implement in five island countries.
The Ministry of Health in Sri Lanka has received nine refrigerated trucks procured by UNICEF, funded by the Government of Japan, to enhance the vaccine delivery system for children across the country.
The trucks were handed over by H.E. MIZUKOSHI Hideaki, the Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, and Ms. Begoña Arellano, Acting UNICEF Representative in Sri Lanka, during a ceremony at the Ministry of Health. They were received by the Minister of Health, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana.
Dr. Pathirana, speaking at the handover ceremony, expressed gratitude for the support from the Government of Japan and UNICEF. He emphasized that immunization is a crucial pillar of Sri Lanka’s healthcare system and that the refrigerated trucks would significantly improve the Ministry of Health’s ability to transport vaccines safely and promptly.
The trucks are part of a larger contribution totaling US$ 3 million from the Government of Japan. This funding has also provided cold chain equipment, including large walk-in cold rooms for storing vaccines at safe temperatures, portable vaccine carriers, and temperature monitors. These items have been intermittently handed over to the Ministry of Health since 2021.
MIZUKOSHI Hideaki, the Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, highlighted the significance of these refrigerated trucks as a symbol of Japan’s enduring commitment to Sri Lanka’s public health efforts. He noted that these trucks are vital for the seamless transportation of vaccines across the nation, ensuring every community receives necessary protection against preventable diseases.
The trucks will facilitate the transportation of vaccines from central to regional storehouses and onward to health facilities. Vaccine carriers and cold boxes have already been procured and distributed to Medical Officers of Health offices and hospitals.
Ms. Begoña Arellano, Acting UNICEF Representative in Sri Lanka, emphasized the importance of vaccination in protecting children from preventable diseases and ensuring their healthy lives. She noted that vaccines are temperature-sensitive and must be transported under appropriate conditions.
The refrigerated trucks will help ensure that every child in Sri Lanka receives the right vaccine at the right time. She also acknowledged the long-standing support of the Government of Japan and the collaboration with the Ministry of Health in improving the health of children in the country.
Over the years, the Government of Japan has made significant contributions to support the joint efforts of UNICEF and the Ministry of Health in addressing both the long- and short-term health needs of children in Sri Lanka.
July 23, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s agricultural export sector has seen significant growth in the first half of 2024, outperforming the previous two years, according to B.L.A.J. Dharmakeerthi, Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries.
This resurgence is credited to decisive actions taken to reverse the decline in agricultural export earnings noted in 2023 compared to 2022.
Dharmakeerthi highlighted that this progress was achieved despite challenging weather conditions. Proactive measures implemented in 2023 paved the way for substantial sector growth in the initial six months of 2024.
These advancements are particularly noteworthy given the adverse weather conditions, marking a significant triumph for the sector.
Dharmakeerthi provided specific examples of the sector’s recovery. Tea exports surged from USD 407.6 million in April 2023 to USD 450.5 million in April 2024.
Similarly, coconut exports rose from USD 212 million to USD 263 million over the same period. Rubber exports also showed robust growth, climbing from USD 299 million to USD 335 million by April 2024.
Additionally, cinnamon export income increased from USD 53.3 million to USD 56.1 million, while pepper export income rose from USD 13.3 million to USD 14.0 million during the corresponding period.
The agricultural sector, known for its volatility, faced challenges last season due to decreased tea production, which led to increased demand for fertilizers.
In response, a special program was launched to ensure an adequate supply of fertilizers. This initiative included subsidizing fertilizer costs by Rs.2000 per 50 kg bag. Currently, 10,000 metric tons of tea fertilizer have been distributed to growers, with plans to allocate the remaining 20,000 metric tons through collaboration with tea factory owners and other stakeholders.
To bolster tea production, a subsidy project supporting replanting and new cultivation across 745 hectares has been ongoing since 2022, with Rs.140 million disbursed to 324 growers thus far. Additionally, a new initiative commenced in 2024 to plant 800,000 tea saplings, backed by an allocation of Rs.60 million.
Under the financial oversight of the Sri Lanka Tea Board, the Small Tea Estate Development Authority is set to implement a direct tea cultivation project, with Rs.750 million earmarked for this purpose.
Coconut-related products have contributed equally to foreign income as coconut milk products. In 2022, coconut-related exports generated a record income of USD 817 million.
Despite a decline in coconut production in 2023 due to whitefly disease, effective regulatory and control measures ensured a country income of USD 700 million. As of April 2024, earnings reached USD 263.06 million, marking a 24% increase compared to the previous year.
In terms of rubber cultivation, new plantings covered 921 hectares in 2022 and 2023, while replanted areas spanned 2,743 hectares. Plans for 2024 include cultivating 1,135 hectares of rubber, with 605 hectares newly planted and 415 hectares replanted.
A provision of Rs.149 million has been allocated for supplying necessary plants for this expansion. Starting from 2023, the department discontinued the previous rubber cultivation subsidy system, opting instead to provide free plants as subsidies to growers.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe urges foreign employment agencies to attract tourists from countries employing Sri Lankans, with support from the Ministry of Tourism: praises economic recovery efforts and stresses the need for an export economy and worker training: Minister Manusha Nanayakkara highlights the role of agencies in securing US$ 12 billion in foreign exchange.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa urges for an urgent national strategy to combat child poverty in Sri Lanka: cites international data showing 25% of children live in poverty, with 42% facing multidimensional poverty: proposes a Presidential Task Force and localised action through District Secretariats, criticising the government’s inaction on this critical issue.
NPP anti-corruption activist Wasantha Samarasinghe claims the government is selling the Hilton Hotel in Colombo for significantly less than its original valuation: Initially valued at $124 million, it is now appraised at $41.5 million: alleges corruption involving senior officials and the President’s office, and questions the drastic price drop despite the Rupee’s appreciation against the Dollar.
The Ministry of Tourism approves a Rs. 1 bn global marketing campaign for tourism, covering digital ads and infrastructure upgrades: Efforts include streamlining visa processes and improving tourist facilities with Rs. 113 million allocated for site improvements: The Ministry will issue permits for upgraded vehicles and introduce paying wards at hospitals: Tourist arrivals from July 1-21 totalled 127,925, with India as the top source market.
Education Minister Susil Premajayantha vows to address teacher-principal union grievances within the week: Several unions began a two-week work-to-rule campaign on the 22nd, protesting salary discrepancies: During this period, teachers and principals will only perform regular duties: assures school activities would remain unaffected, while Ven. Ulapane Sumangala Thero criticised unions for pursuing political agendas.
Sri Lanka’s inflation rate rose to 2.4% in June from 1.6% in May, driven by increased costs in transport, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco: Transport inflation increased to 7.5%, and alcoholic beverages and tobacco saw a rise to 27.1%: Food inflation climbed to 1.9%, while non-food inflation grew to 2.7%: However, water, electricity, and gas costs decreased.
Dr. Ranga Jayakody, a marketer and philanthropist, calls for lowering the public sector retirement age to boost efficiency, reduce state costs, and address strike disruptions: argues this change would alleviate youth unemployment, counteract the ‘Brain Drain,’ and improve public service delivery by introducing younger talent: also proposes legal reforms for mandatory retirement at age 50.
The Cabinet approves a programme to assist individuals who have pawned gold jewellery due to the economic crisis: The initiative includes a 10% annual interest subsidy for loans up to Rs. 100,000, taken on or before June 30, 2024: This measure aims to support low-income borrowers amid a significant rise in gold pawning.
The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment discusses a QR code-based system for PET plastic bottle recycling at a recent parliamentary meeting: Despite 450,000 tons of plastic imported annually, only 50,000 tons are recycled: The committee is exploring deposit-return schemes with QR codes and extending the proposal deadline: also recommends making the Extended Producer Responsibility system mandatory.
Sri Lanka and India’s unbeaten starts in the Women’s Asia Cup have propelled several players up the ICC Women’s T20I Player Rankings: Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu and bowlers Inoshi Priyadharshani and Udeshika Prabodhani made notable gains: India’s Harmanpreet Kaur, Shafali Verma, and Richa Ghosh also climbed the rankings: Meanwhile, England’s Sophie Ecclestone and Sarah Glenn, and Australia’s Beth Mooney, retain top positions.
July 23, Colombo (LNW): The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Sustainable Development has focused on a QR code-based system for collecting PET plastic bottles for recycling.
This discussion took place during a recent parliamentary meeting chaired by MP Ajith Mannapperuma.
Despite the annual import of 450,000 tons of plastic into Sri Lanka, only 50,000 tons are recycled, with the rest often being improperly disposed of, including burning in open environments.
Specifically, 1,200 tons of PET plastic are used monthly, but only 400 tons are recycled, leaving 900 tons polluting rivers, canals, and the soil.
The main obstacle to PET plastic collection is the public’s lack of incentive, as the bottles hold no value.
In response, the committee sought technical and financial proposals for a deposit-return scheme using QR codes, extending the submission deadline from 18th July to 27th August.
The committee also recommended making the Extended Producer Responsibility system mandatory.
Officials from the Ministry of Environment were tasked with studying international methods for QR code-based PET plastic collection and reporting back to the committee. MPs Jayantha Samaraweera and (Dr.) Thilak Rajapakshe also attended the meeting.
July 23, Colombo (LNW): The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to provide relief to individuals who have pawned gold jewellery in banks.
The Cabinet Office announced that the severe recent economic crisis has significantly impacted all sectors, leading to a rapid increase in gold pawning.
Mortgage advances have surged from Rs. 210 billion in 2019 to approximately Rs. 571 billion by March 2024.
Recognising the need to support low-income individuals with mortgage advances from licensed banks, a programme will be implemented to offer an interest subsidy of up to 10 per cent per annum for loans not exceeding Rs. 100,000 taken on or before 30 June 2024.
This proposal, presented by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as Minister of Economic Stabilisation and National Policy, has received Cabinet approval.
July 23, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) experienced a slight decline against the US Dollar on July 23, compared to the previous day, as per the official exchange rates released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).
The buying price of the US Dollar increased to Rs. 299.29 from Rs. 298.89, amd the selling price to Rs. 308.54 from Rs. 308.19.
Additionally, the LKR has depreciated against several other foreign currencies, including those from the Gulf region.
