By: Staff Writer

April 10, Colombo (LNW): A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) today inaugurated its brand new warehouse in Sri Lanka at Wattala, spread over 100,000 sq. ft.

Present at the inauguration were Vikash Agarwal, Managing Director, Maersk South Asia, Biju Ravi, Head of Maersk Sri Lanka and Dr Parakrama Dissanayake – Deputy Chairman & Managing Director, Aitken Spence PLC and other leaders.

This new facility is a testament to Maersk’s commitment to providing integrated supply chain solutions, offering a strategic advantage for various global customers and local suppliers in the retail and lifestyle sector.

“Our new warehouse in Sri Lanka represents a strategic milestone in our commitment to strengthen our operations in the country.

By leveraging Sri Lanka’s growing prominence as a logistics hub and investing in infrastructure that our customers have shown interest in, Maersk aims to deliver unparalleled value to its clients while contributing to Sri Lanka’s economic growth and development.”

Strategically located in Wattala, a mere 11 km from the seaport, Maersk’s new facility is poised to leverage Sri Lanka’s advantageous geographical position as a vital hub for trade routes connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe.

With the country’s thriving trade sector and government initiatives to improve infrastructure and ease of doing business, Sri Lanka presents an ideal environment for Maersk to strengthen its presence in this strategic market.

The 100,000 sq. ft. warehouse offers export consolidation and 3PL services, with 50,000 sq. ft dedicated to each. Maersk’s new facility will provide end-to-end supply chain solutions, including storage, inventory management, and distribution, serving global and local customers.

The 3PL facility allows suppliers to store their cargo and move quickly to consolidation points without losing time.

Maersk’s next-door empty yard provides faster movement of containers into the consolidation point and then to the port. This new warehouse will be able to serve almost the entire Colombo market within four hours.

Further, the facility features rainwater harvesting, LED lighting, and solar module compatibility for environment-friendly operations.

Meanwhile Maersk introduced its online shipping facility named Twill to participants at an online webinar recently conducted in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB).

Twill aims to offer small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a simple, reliable, and easy-to-use online platform to manage their logistics efficiently.

The objective of the webinar was to provide information on easy online shipping methods available for SME exporters in Sri Lanka, according to a joint press release by the EDB and Maersk.

Twill is a tailor-made, end-to-end customer experience built to serve SMEs, and has over 5,000 active customers. The platform provides greater control of shipments by offering instant price quotes and booking, transparency and tracking services, simplified paperwork, and proactive customer care.

By: Staff Writer

April 10, Colombo (LNW): The Inland Revenue Department is set to investigate undue profits by traders underscore the Government’s commitment to ensuring fair pricing and availability of essential commodities.

Trade, Commerce and Food Safety Minister Nalin Fernando revealed these measures which are underway, including potential intervention by The Inland Revenue Department to probe profiteering traders

The Minister reiterated efforts to curb profiteering by middlemen including issuing estimated price ranges and publicising price differentials from importation to retailing with the support of Sri Lanka Customs and the Finance Ministry through the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) every Tuesday.

The Minister apparently responding to the Parliamentary Committee on Ways and Means last week revealed the glaring disparities between essential goods market prices and import costs, shedding light on significant profits ranging from Rs. 100 to Rs. 1,000 per kilogram

The Committee on ways and means disclosed that since 2018, there has been a consistent decline in tax revenues generated from imported goods, attributed to a mismatch in the Special Commodity Levy (SCL) in accordance with the fluctuating value of the US dollar.

It also directed the IRD to take swift action to recover the Rs. 188 billion in tax arrears. Minister Fernando also said that special enforcement actions are also underway to curb price hikes, ensure product quality and deter market irregularities during festive seasons.

Minister Fernando also shed light on the economic challenges faced by Sri Lanka and measures undertaken to mitigate the impact on consumer prices.

He highlighted that despite economic challenges, the Government has effectively ensured an uninterrupted supply of essential goods to consumers, fulfilling its goal of averting shortages.

Fernando assured consumers of ongoing efforts to stabilise prices, highlighting successful interventions in the egg market where prices have been fixed between Rs. 35-40 per egg.

He admitted that the country witnessed a sharp increase in commodity prices in 2022, positioning it among the countries with the highest price levels globally.

Illustrating the inflationary pressure, Fernando cited examples of price hikes in essential food items.

“The price of bread skyrocketed from Rs. 85 per kilo in 2019 to Rs. 485 in 2022, before stabilising between Rs. 195-200 at present. Similarly, the cost of dhal surged from around Rs. 120 per kilo in 2019 to Rs. 585 in 2022, now retailing at around Rs. 295,” he explained.

He attributed the past price hike to the appreciation of the dollar and reduced bank interest rates. Explaining the reasons behind the recent onion shortage, the Minister revealed diplomatic efforts to resume imports from India, Sri Lanka’s primary onion supplier.

By: Staff Writer

April 10, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is the only country in South Asia that does not recognise engaging in corrupt and fraudulent activities during procurement as a valid reason for blacklisting and it has not blacklisted contractors that have defaulted on contractual obligations despite having the

According to a study by Verité Research, a Colombo-based think tank, the main issue can be attributed to gaps in the procurement guidelines of 2006, which govern almost all public procurement in Sri Lanka — except in a few instances such as pharmaceutical procurement.

“The second issue – not blacklisting defaulting contractors – shows a lack of compliance with existing regulations. Sri Lanka has provisions not only to blacklist defaulting contractors, but also to publish their names in a public, online database.

However, this database, maintained by the Department of Public Finance has failed to update it. The research report disclosed.  

Verité Research indicates that the amount lost on public contracts due to corruption can amount to 10–25 percent of a public contract’s value on average.

The procurement process is fragmented among three layers in the government: departmental, ministerial, and cabinet levels with no mechanisms for ensuring procedural consistency, efficiency, or integrity.

Sri Lanka currently operates a highly decentralised procurement system. The responsibility for executing procurement is vested with secretaries of respective line ministries. Technical and bid evaluation committees are set up per the delegation of authority at the line ministry and Cabinet level.

New public regulatory frame work with clear transparency, accountability, and oversight rules will come into effect this year once the new legislation is passed in parliament to limiting corruption opportunities and mal practices in current public procurement process.

The reports of the Ministry of Finance, the Auditor-General’s Department, and the Department of Management of Audit indicate malpractices have led to inefficiencies and waste of scarce resources of the Government in the context of tight fiscal space.

In this context new Public Procurement Law that reflects international good practices will be enacted this year providing provisions to set up a new regulatory authority

The Procurement Management Information System (PROMISe) is being developed but is currently in a pilot phase.

PROMISe has the potential to be a key tool for improving the integrity of public procurement by enabling better processing, tracking, recording, reporting, and publicising procurement actions and outcomes. Sri Lanka currently lacks a formal legislative basis for procurement and it has contributed to high-levels of political engagement in the selection of procurement winners, poor contract management, limited transparency and a lack of oversight 

April 10, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Education has announced the schedule for the first term of the academic year 2024. For all government and government-approved Sinhala and Tamil private schools, the first phase of the term will conclude on April 10. Following this, the second phase of the first term will commence on April 24.

However, Muslim schools will have a slightly different schedule. The second phase of the first school term for Muslim schools will begin on April 17.

This schedule provides clarity and structure for students and educators across various types of schools, allowing for effective planning and implementation of educational activities throughout the academic year.

April 10, Colombo (LNW): Lanka Sathosa, a leading retail chain in Sri Lanka, has announced significant price reductions for eight essential commodities, aiming to alleviate the financial burden on consumers and enhance accessibility to basic necessities. The price reductions cover a range of staple items vital for households across the nation.

The prices of Dried Chilli, Imported Chinese Onions, Imported Indian Onions, Imported Pakistan Onions, Garlic, Potatoes, Dhal, and White Kekulu Rice have been reduced.

April 10, Colombo (LNW): Presidential DG (Community Affairs) Rajith Keerthi Thennakoon has provided insights into the Sri Lankan government’s substantial relief efforts to mitigate the impact of the economic crisis, particularly on vulnerable populations. Speaking at a special media statement, Thennakoon outlined the significant expenditures and initiatives undertaken to address the hardships faced by the populace.

In 2023 alone, the government disbursed nearly Rs. 200 billion (approximately USD 1 billion) to provide relief to those affected by the economic downturn. This aid encompassed various forms of assistance, including aids, loans, and allowances under the Samurdhi program, targeting seniors, disabled individuals, patients with kidney disorders, and others in need.

The total expenditure on social welfare initiatives in 2023, including appeals and outstanding payments, amounted to approximately Rs. 189.6 billion. Notably, additional disbursements totaling Rs. 13.7 billion were earmarked following the review of appeals, further aiding impoverished individuals.

Since President Ranil Wickremesinghe assumed office in July 2022, the Samurdhi Development Department has disbursed Rs. 129.93 billion, with substantial allocations for subsidies benefiting the underprivileged. The government has also initiated nutritional schemes for schoolchildren, support initiatives for expectant mothers, and distributed free rice to impoverished families.

Thennakoon emphasized the government’s commitment to eradicating corruption, mismanagement, and bureaucracy in social welfare programs, aiming to establish a transparent and accountable social security framework. Plans are underway to introduce over 30 distinct social security initiatives nationwide, focusing on transparency and accountability.

In support of these relief efforts, the World Bank has extended a loan of USD 200 million, structured for repayment over 30 years, with a grace period of five years. As of March 31, 2024, the total number of beneficiaries under the relief program is projected to reach 1,854,308, highlighting the scope and impact of the government’s relief measures.

Overall, Thennakoon’s statement underscores the government’s concerted efforts to provide essential support to vulnerable populations and alleviate the socioeconomic challenges posed by the economic crisis.

April 10, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena recently announced increased support for elderly artistes in Sri Lanka, aiming to alleviate financial hardships and honor their contributions to culture and the arts. Speaking at a ceremony held at Temple Trees to enroll artistes in the retirement program for aged artists, organized by the Tower Hall Theatre Foundation, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of recognizing and supporting the country’s veteran artists.

Currently, 102 elderly artistes receive a monthly retirement allowance of Rs. 7,500 under the retirement program. Following discussions led by Prime Minister Gunawardena, who also chairs the Tower Hall Theatre Foundation, the Board of Trustees has decided to raise this allowance to Rs. 10,000 per month. This increase reflects the Foundation’s commitment to improving the well-being of elderly artists amid the economic challenges faced by the country.

Expressing gratitude to the artistes for their invaluable contributions to Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, Prime Minister Gunawardena assured them of ongoing support and efforts to enhance the retirement program. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by these artists and reaffirmed the government’s respect and appreciation for their dedication to various art forms.

In addition to the increased retirement allowance, the Tower Hall Theatre Foundation annually provides essential goods for New Year celebrations to elderly artistes, a gesture that underscores the Foundation’s commitment to the welfare of these individuals.

The ceremony was attended by Minister Vidura Wickramanayaka, Prime Minister’s Secretary Anura Dissanayake, Cultural Affairs Secretary Somaratne Vidanapathirana, members of the Tower Hall Theatre Foundation’s Board of Trustees, and a host of veteran artistes from across the country. This event not only symbolized the government’s recognition of elderly artistes but also demonstrated its commitment to preserving and promoting Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

April 10, Colombo (LNW): During a recent Cabinet meeting, consent was granted to President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s proposal to extend admission to local students for the medical degree programme at the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU). This decision, announced by Cabinet Spokesman and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana at the weekly Cabinet media briefing, marks a significant expansion of educational opportunities in the medical field for Sri Lankan students.

Starting this year, local students will have the opportunity to pursue medical studies at KDU based on their ‘Z score’ obtained in the GCE Advanced Level Examination and other relevant qualifications. However, admission will be provided on a payment basis, reflecting the university’s existing model for enrolment.

The General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, established through the General Sir John Kotelawala State Defence Training Institute (Amendment) Act No. 27 of 1988, has played a vital role in providing education and training to cadet officers for service in the armed forces and police. In 2011, the university expanded its offerings with the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine, primarily to train cadet officers as medical professionals and confer degrees in Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) in alignment with the service requirements of the Armed Services.

Until now, admission to the medical degree programme at KDU has been open to cadet officers and qualified foreign students on a payment basis. With the Cabinet’s recent decision, the university is poised to welcome local students into its medical programme, further enriching the educational landscape and contributing to the development of healthcare professionals in Sri Lanka.