July 16, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Embassy in Kuwait has announced that 10,615 Sri Lankan nationals, who were illegally residing in Kuwait and had overstayed their visas, have left the country during the 2024 “general amnesty period.”
This amnesty, declared from 17 March to 30 June 2024, was the result of discussions between the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Sri Lankan Embassy.
During this period, “temporary passports” were issued based on minimal documentation to facilitate their departure.
July 16, Colombo (LNW): The Cabinet of Ministers has sanctioned a one-time payment of Rs. 10,000 to all government employees below Executive Grade who reported for duty during the recent strike.
This proposal, presented by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, also includes granting these government sector employees a certificate of appreciation.
July 16, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Tea Board has revealed that $60 million of the $251 million owed to Iran for fuel imports since 2011 has been repaid through tea exports.
This follows a strategic agreement between the Sri Lankan and Iranian governments to use tea exports as a debt settlement method, the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries said.
The fuel payment arrears accumulated over several years due to various economic challenges, including the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, European sanctions imposed since 2011, the collapse of the tourism industry after the Easter attacks, and a general economic downturn.
These factors led to a dollar shortage, hindering the payment process, the statement added.
Sri Lanka Tea Board Chairman Niraj De Mel confirmed that as of 15th July, $60 million of the outstanding payments had been settled through tea exports.
He also noted a significant increase in the volume of tea exported to Iran, which has tripled recently, aiding in the debt settlement.
De Mel further explained that the first five months of 2024 saw 4.98 million kilograms of tea exported to Iran, compared to 1.85 million kilograms in the same period in 2023.
The agreement not only reduces Sri Lanka’s financial burden but also strengthens trade relations between the two countries.
The ministry highlighted that this exemplifies how innovative economic solutions can address financial challenges and enhance bilateral ties.
July 14, Colombo (LNW): With the aim of holding the Sri Lanka Rugby office election, a writ has been issued preventing the discussion regarding the constitution of Sri Lanka Rugby in the general meeting held prior to it. Accordingly, in the General Assembly held on the 15th, although there is no issue with discussing the filling of the void caused by the dissolution of the Sri Lanka Rugby administration, it is not permissible to discuss changing the constitution there.
We pointed out long ago that this situation could arise. Many people, however, pointed to the desire of World Rugby instead. But if the common law of a country imposes any censorship on a particular field within that country, an international organization cannot override it. In this judgment, the facts pointed out to the court by seven provincial associations have been accepted that the provincial associations are being prejudiced in some way by disregarding the current Rugby constitution.
The Sports Minister has undertaken some progressive work. If Minister Roshan Ranasinghe had been there, perhaps none of the Olympic representations that people are celebrating with joy at this moment would have happened. But due to Harin Fernando’s commitment and guidance, as well as providing the necessary financial support, has managed to select a team of seven players to carry the flag of Sri Lanka at the Paris Olympics this year. Additionally, we appreciate the Minister of Sports for making significant interventions in rugby, including financial contributions to the referees’ association and insurance for school players.
But the Sports Minister, who acknowledges that the entire sports sector in Sri Lanka should be decentralized and formalized, and demonstrates support for this principle, does not appear to be addressing these concerns in rugby. It is unfortunate to observe that the Minister of Sports also supports the strategic intervention of several sports clubs in Sri Lanka to maintain them as their assets.
The constitutional changes proposed by the International Rugby Federation should be discussed within the framework of the existing constitution. It cannot be amended except by the will of the majority. At the moment when the country is unstable, our interpretation of handing over the president of the country to a person with one seat is wrong. Although the people did not directly express their will, the appointment occurred based on the majority will of the parliament elected by the people. The appointment shall be considered legal and enforceable based on the majority representation.
But what they are currently attempting to do is to disregard the majority opinion within rugby and assert that the amendments proposed by the Ministry of Sports and several sports clubs are in line with those brought by the World Federation, thereby exerting undue influence over rugby administration. It is a pity that the sports minister also believes that the major responsibility should be given to the major rugby clubs in his words.
Besides the first-class rugby teams, do those sports clubs field teams for the various grade matches played in Sri Lankan rugby? We also need to consider whether all the resources invested annually in the future of rugby through schools are being effectively utilized in the first grade. The teams competing in the second division serve as the foundations where players develop before advancing to the first division, and potentially even lower-level sports teams.
Also, these first-tier sports clubs are currently anointing the power of the main chairs of Sri Lankan rugby so as not to harm the power of those sports clubs by maintaining the first-tier tournament under the dominance of those sports clubs and not allowing a new sports club to compete. Emphasizing the issue that Sri Lions Sports Club, the champions of last year’s second-tier tournament, which even received international broadcast coverage, lacks a playing field, thus preventing their promotion to the first tier.
The actual situation is that Sri Lanka Rugby does not have an official sports ground. As a result, they are compelled to play at Nittawela, the Reed Avenue ground, or the Kandy Sports Club ground, or any first-class rugby club ground in Colombo for international or national programs.
Mahinda Rajapakse took advantage of the Sri Lanka Rugby administration led by Lasitha Gunaratne during a critical political moment, promising to provide a playing field for Sri Lanka rugby, but the promise was not fulfilled. Mahinda Rajapaksa’s son became the sports minister and we thought that he would do it for the rugby game that that son led. But he influenced the independence of the rugby administration and tried to control it the way he wanted, along with the president of Asia, he banned Sri Lanka Rugby and issued a gazette notice.
It has been pointed out that Sports Minister Harin Fernando is also leading a similar action at this moment. The Minister does not receive any advice considering the current legal status of Sri Lanka Rugby as a sport under the constitution of Sri Lanka and under the International Olympic Committee and its orders.
It seems that the sports ministry does not have a humane vision to make a marriage and be happy as one family, just like a legal department that does a divorce and smiles like victory.
An institution and a minister who make political and policy decisions in sports should have the ability to look deeply into why they are trying to move certain things within the legal framework, taking into account the notes related to the law for every action as well as the unique issues that affect them. To achieve this, in legally paving the way forward, the shape of the law should be determined by considering not only legal principles but also the historical context and conditions inherited over time.
Currently, sports clubs wield significant influence by maintaining teams, operating member-exclusive restaurants, and serving as gathering places for the decision-making elite. Besides the army and the police, it appears they are not maintaining any other groups beyond the first-tier.
It is their practice to strategically stick individuals who represent the decision-making class for profitable outcomes. Under the rugby system, a portion of the funds provided internationally to elevate provincial-level games is withheld by the international body as installments towards fines imposed on Sri Lanka. We have to inquire here that the official who acted as if it is harmful to the rugby game to collect that amount in this way, and who is the international official who agreed to deduct it from the money for the development of rugby in the country as said.
We can see David Carigie as a leader in lobbying for the International Federation to change the constitution. He is the official who agreed to deduct Sri Lanka’s fine from the funds allocated for development, and who did not issue warnings or penalties for the disgrace caused to Sri Lanka Rugby by the officials involved in that matter.
Is it not possible to imagine whether there was any connection between these local and international parties in the way these events happened? Can’t it be seen that the same local and foreign groups that were together in agreement with the decisions of that day are also together today for the purpose of consolidating the power of several sports clubs? It is important to read them and understand the issues that can and cannot be interfered with in setting up a country’s rugby system as required by the international community.
Specially as a country’s sports policy, the most attention at the moment is to provide facilities for sports in areas where sports are not widespread. Primarily to expand the space in which sport takes place outside the narrow confines of elite culture. If that national policy is a structural requirement of the country’s sports administration, the world association cannot interfere with it in any sport. It does not interfere with it. Also, are there any cases in the history of sports where the World Sports Association has asked to legislate in a way that restricts the sports of a country to a few sports clubs that are engaged in that sport? Generally, the world sports associations and confederations tell the sports administrations of a country that it is necessary to spread the sport further in the country.
For that, if any world association talks about giving more power to a few sports clubs that have only a first-class team and paving the way to run the sport in that country, it is not the nature of a world association. Are there any other countries that have been advised by the World Rugby to condense the sport of a country into several sports clubs? Most countries’ sports governing bodies develop sports in a manner that is fair to all social groups within that country.
Even if a country has been sanctioned by the world due to a civil war situation or other human rights situation, the International Olympic Committee will take the support of developed countries and make arrangements to provide the opportunity for the talented athletes of those countries to form a team at the refugee level without being overwhelmed.
Rugby, an Olympic sport, is also bound by these values. For example, refugee players like Mo Mustafa come to the international arena, because of the decisions made to spread the space of the game widely in the world. It is a problem to say that in such a situation, a country is being asked to make a special impact and subject its rugby administration to narrower limits than it currently is. While the Ministry of Sports or the administration believes that the area spread in every sport should be enlarged and the facilities should be developed and the community with hidden talents should be found for the sake of the sport, the legal department of the Ministry of Sports does not show the legal possibility to implement the same in the rugby game and the World Association says this: If it is not done, it will be banned and the minister will be misled.
Instead of strengthening the game and strengthening the family, the legal department earns from divorces. This is a bad situation.
At the moment, as in every sport, rugby also needs to shorten the trunk of the white elephants in the game and widen the space for others to enter the game. For that, it is necessary to create a pattern that promotes the last team of the first division to the second division, and the team that comes first in the second division to the first division. This should be done without making excuses like the first division cannot be played without a sports field. Such changes will benefit the game. Presently, efforts are underway to transform the first team into an asset for several sports clubs, ensuring they consistently remain at the top and preventing any disruptions throughout the entire game. This constitutional change is brought in the name of strengthening it and taking away the right to protest and express opinions of local associations who speak against it.
The legal matters required for the above changes are to inform the World Association of the need for amendments in the country’s sports policy to Sri Lanka Rugby and to indicate to the World Association that they will intervene in the amendments necessary to expand the spread of the game and not to make the entire sport of the country an asset of a few sports clubs. A group falls from top to bottom because relative weaknesses abound.
In order to reset the situation and move forward and the second tier talents come to the first tier, the sports clubs representing the first tier and second tier rugby tournament should be decided every year. It is love for the game that contributes to take the game to a place where the quality of the competitive game rises. Otherwise, the hope of the constitutional change is to preserve the right of their Bumunu caste and keep their stable cultivation forever, and try to move to a system that handles the entire game as they want.
The country’s ministers and ministry officials are misguided when they divert funds intended for provincial sports development, which should rightfully compensate those impacted by illegal activities related to the country’s rugby, towards other development activities without legal consideration. This misuse bends the law to benefit criminals. Those responsible should prioritize the future of their children more seriously. Otherwise, the next generation will hate and reject their fathers as those who contributed to the destruction of a strong sport in the country in such a way that those children cannot face it.
In the first photo are former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe and David Carigie from the World Federation. In the second photo is Sports Ministry Advocate Chandimal Mendis. he legal status of this is to place it in a position where it can expand significantly beyond the current scope of rugby in Sri Lanka, leveraging international experience. He has been tasked with the responsibility to act on behalf of multiple sports clubs, ensuring not to cater exclusively to the demands of certain rugby clubs in the country.
July 16, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe has called for a political culture that prioritises national interest over traditional partisan politics to ensure the country’s advancement.
He stressed the significant responsibility borne by all political leaders, both in government and opposition, to support initiatives aimed at improving the national economy.
During a recent meeting at the Presidential Secretariat with a group of lawyers, President Wickremesinghe highlighted the necessity of unified support for the country’s economic development programme, free from political entanglements.
He stated that while everyone has the right to engage in politics, undermining the economic framework essential for the country’s progress is unacceptable.
The President noted that recent strikes, including those anticipated ahead of the presidential election following the agreement with the International Monetary Fund, were politically motivated.
Reflecting on the evolution of the political landscape over the past two years, he mentioned the formation of a coalition prioritising the country’s interests, involving individuals from various political affiliations.
He recounted instances from Sri Lanka’s history where political leaders set aside differences to support national interests, urging a similar approach today.
President Wickremesinghe emphasised the importance of consistency in policies for economic development, citing examples of countries like Singapore and Vietnam.
He outlined the goal of increasing the GDP from USD 85 billion to USD 350 billion by 2048 through economic transformation towards a modern, export-oriented economy.
He acknowledged the achievements of the current government, which have been recognised globally, and called for the continuation of efforts to maintain economic stability.
The President concluded by inviting all parties to unite and work towards the nation’s progress, setting aside partisan politics for the next five years.
July 16, Colombo (LNW): The Railway Station Masters’ Union is set to decide today (16) on their next steps regarding trade union actions due to unmet demands.
Union President Sumedha Somaratne noted that, despite promises from authorities, no adequate solutions have been offered.
The union had previously paused their strike after being assured that their issues would be presented to the Cabinet.
However, with their demands ignored by the Cabinet yesterday (15), the union will convene this morning to determine their future actions.
Simultaneously, the Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) has indicated potential future strikes due to unresolved issues concerning teachers and principals.
CTU Chairman Priyantha Fernando warned that the government would be held accountable if strikes ensue.
“The President is attempting to thwart our trade union actions with various threats.
We will undoubtedly proceed within the school system, including large protests and significant agitations. This situation must not escalate to the point of strikes,” he said.
July 16, Colombo (LNW): The prevailing windy conditions over the island are expected to continue further, due to the active South West Monsoonal condition, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (16).
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts.
Fairly heavy showers about 75 mm are likely at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts.
Strong winds of about (50-60) 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.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Matara via Colombo and Galle.
Winds:
Winds will be westerly to south-westerly and wind speed will be (35-45) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to (60-65) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Kankasanthurai to Puttalam via Mannar and from Hambantota to Pottuvil. Wind speed can increase up to (50-55) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Trincomalee to Kankasanthurai via Mullaitivu and Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coasts extending from Kankasanthurai to Puttalam via Mannar and from Hambantota to Pottuvil can be very rough at times. The sea areas off the coasts extending from Trincomalee to Kankasanthurai via Mullaitivu and Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle can be rough at times. The swell waves (about 2.0–2.5 m) height (this is not for land area) may increase in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kalpitiya to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle, and Hambantota. Naval and fishing communities are requested to be attentive in this regard.Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
July 15, Colombo (LNW): The European Commission made a significant decision, prompted by a joint request from Sri Lanka and Indonesia, to permit regional cumulation between the two countries for selected textile and apparel products.
This much-anticipated favorable decision was achieved after a coordinated effort by the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Sri Lanka Embassy in Brussels, in collaboration with the Indonesian Government and the EU authorities, over several years.
This permits exports to the 27 EU member countries under the EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) scheme, opening new opportunities for Sri Lanka’s apparel exports to the EU market.
The European Commission’s thorough examination concluded that the conditions for granting cumulation between the two regional groups were met.
This favorable decision allows Sri Lanka to cumulate origin for certain materials (HS Chapters 51 to 55, 58, and 60) originating in Indonesia to produce certain textile products (HS Chapters 61 to 63) under regional cumulation, as long as both countries remain in the GSP scheme.
This decision not only strengthens trade relations with the EU but also demonstrates both countries’ commitment to adhering to strict origin rules and administrative cooperation.
The permission for regional cumulation will enable Indonesia to export fabrics to Sri Lanka for re-processing into apparel products that can then be exported to the EU market.
By leveraging Indonesia’s strong textile production capabilities, Sri Lanka can secure a consistent supply of high-quality materials. This boosts the competitiveness of Sri Lankan apparel in the global market, creates more employment opportunities, and fosters economic growth, making it a beneficial arrangement for both Sri Lanka and Indonesia.
The Sri Lankan export-oriented apparel industry has been a key driver of the national economy, significantly contributing to the country’s economic growth for nearly three decades.
In 2022, the apparel industry accounted for approximately 43% of Sri Lanka’s total exports value and was the largest industry in the country.
Earnings from apparel exports under HS Chapters 61-63 amounted to $5,591 million in 2022, a 10% increase compared to 2021. The EU is one of the top three buyers of Sri Lankan apparel in both volume and value. Additionally, the Sri Lankan textile and apparel industry employs nearly 350,000 workers directly and twice as many indirectly.
Despite this, Sri Lanka has a limited fabric supply base for its export-oriented garment sector, with only six companies involved in fabric production.
Due to insufficient domestic fabric manufacturing, the industry heavily relies on imported fabrics. In 2022, Sri Lanka imported fabrics worth $2,080.81 million, with the import value of five tariff lines excluded from the joint request accounting for 59% of the total fabric imports. Conversely, Indonesia is a significant textile producer with robust output in cotton, man-made fibers, and synthetics.
The European Commission’s decision will take effect on 8 August, requiring additional administrative measures from Sri Lanka and is subject to the Commission’s monitoring to ensure proper management.
July 15, Colombo (LNW): The apparel industry has faced global economic challenges, yet Sri Lanka has gained significant success in exporting to Italy.
In 2013, Sri Lanka’s apparel exports to Italy were valued at $408 million, representing 9% of the total $4.3 billion in exports. By 2023, this figure increased by 38% to $563.5 million, accounting for nearly 12% of Sri Lanka’s total apparel exports.
Over the past two decades, while overall Sri Lankan apparel exports grew by 86%, exports to Italy surged by 658%, making Italy the largest buyer of Sri Lankan apparel in the EU.
Italy’s appreciation for quality craftsmanship has driven this growth. A key player in this success is Omega Line Ltd., which has been instrumental in fostering close ties with the Italian market.
Omega Line was established in 1999 when the Calzedonia Group, founded by Italian entrepreneur Sandro Veronesi, sought alternatives to sourcing from Eastern Europe.
Positive recommendations about Sri Lanka’s work ethic and commitment helped secure a $350 million investment, starting with a factory employing 55 people. As Calzedonia expanded to over 5,500 outlets worldwide, Omega Line grew to employ around 15,500 people.
Omega Line’s expansion included the launch of Sirio Ltd. in 2002, followed by a dedicated plant for men’s briefs in 2005 and Alpha Apparels in 2007, which focused on men’s briefs and t-shirts.
Additionally, the establishment of Benji, a facility for local production of underwear and bra cups, contributed to the local economy. A state-of-the-art facility in Vavuniya was opened in 2013, employing over 2,700 individuals, further supporting regional development. Despite post-COVID challenges, Omega Line increased its workforce by 25%.
Innovation and sustainability have been core to Omega Line’s success. In 2004, they introduced a modular production system, reducing lead times significantly. Omega Line has aligned with the “Fashion Pact” to reduce carbon output and uses solar energy in its main factory.
They are also incorporating recycled fabric and thread into production processes. The company has invested $1.85 million in a photovoltaic plant to generate approximately 2,300 kW of power, showcasing its commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
Human capital is central to Omega Line’s achievements, with extensive training programs fostering loyalty and excellence among employees. As new EU regulations approach, compliance could position Sri Lanka as a preferred supplier.
Looking ahead, Sri Lanka should leverage its strategic advantages to attract investment from key markets like Germany, the Netherlands, and Holland.
This requires proactive government measures to create an attractive investment climate, including infrastructure development and regulatory reforms. By improving the ease of doing business and eliminating bureaucratic obstacles, Sri Lanka can enhance its appeal as a manufacturing hub.
July 15, Colombo (LNW): The latest round of the Gallup style ‘Mood of the Nation’ poll of Verité Research revealed that over three times as many people approve of the government and feel better about the economy and the country’s economic trajectory compared to four months ago, the Verité Research said.
The survey revealed that the approval rating of the government more than tripled to 24% in July, up from 7% in February 2024, Verité Research said.
“The current economic conditions were rated as either “good” or “excellent” by 28% of respondents, marking a threefold increase from 9% in February 2024.
The share of people who believe that the country’s economic conditions are “getting better” has also tripled, with 30% of respondents holding this view, up from 9% in February 2024,” the research revealed.
Verite Research said the positivity in July 2024 is around the same level or a little higher than it was in June 2023, which was the highest level recorded since January 2022.
“Government Approval Rating | 24% | To the question, “Do you approve or disapprove of the way the current government is working?” 24% of the respondents said that they approve (with an error margin of ± 2.73%). The approval rating was higher than in June 2023, when it was 21%.
Economic Conditions Rating | “Good” or “Excellent”: 28% | When asked to “Rate the economic conditions in the country today as either excellent, good, or poor, 28% said it was “good” or “excellent” (with an error margin of ± 2.87%). This was around the same as June 2023, when it was 27%.
Economic Outlook | “Getting Better”: 30% |To the question, “Do you think that the economic conditions in the country as a whole are getting better or getting worse?”, 30% of respondents believed that the economy was “getting better” (with an error margin of ± 2.91%). This is around the same as June 2023, when it was 29%,” the research said.
Verité Research has already launched a groundbreaking initiative titled ‘Blueprint for a Rational Government in Sri Lanka,’ aimed at restructuring the country’s governance framework for optimal efficiency.
The blueprint, presented in the format of a government gazette, encompasses all necessary aspects of governance, as outlined in a 2020 white paper by Verité Research titled ‘A Rational Method for Cabinet Formation in Sri Lanka.’
Through meticulous analysis and strategic planning, Verité Research aims to equip all major political parties in Sri Lanka with the tools necessary to design a government structure that optimally serves the nation’s interests.
