July 14, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts, with fairly heavy showers above 50 mm being expected to occur at some places in Sabaragamuwa province and in Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (14).
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts in the evening or night.
Strong winds of about (40-50) kmph can be expected at times over the Western slopes of the central hills, Western, Southern, Northern, North-central and North-western provincesand in Trincomalee district.
General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
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 (30-40) 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 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. Naval and fishing communities are requested to be attentive in this regard. 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. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
July 14, Colombo (LNW): MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage announced that twelve members of the Parliament Committee on Public Finance (COPF) have rejected the report presented to Parliament by Committee’s Chairman Dr. Harsha de Silva, concerning the online visa issuance for tourists.
Among those disagreeing with the report are MPs Shehan Semasinghe, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Vajira Abeywardena, Suren Raghavan, Duminda Dissanayake, Nimal Siripala de Silva, Sita Arambepola, Anupa Pasqual, Johnston Fernando, and Madhura Withanage, as mentioned by Aluthgamage.
He further explained that due to conflicting statistics received by the committee about tourist arrivals, the group had requested the Chairman to postpone the presentation of the report to Parliament.
However, Dr. Harsha de Silva disregarded this objection and submitted the report, Aluthgamage stated.
Speaking in Parliament on Friday (12), Harsha de Silva highlighted that the COPF report revealed that VFS Global was selected without an official bidding process, resulting in the Department of Immigration and Emigration missing out on competitive rates for visa issuance.
July 14, Colombo (LNW): In a landmark event yesterday (13), preceding the Rugby league match between Isipathana College and Trinity College, Sports Minister Harin Fernando presented comprehensive insurance covers to the Rugby players of both schools.
This insurance scheme, a first in the history of the sport, will be available to all Rugby-playing schools in Sri Lanka for the under-19 and under-16 age groups.
The initiative is a collaboration with the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation.
Minister Fernando also presented a cheque for Rs. 3 million to the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Referees Union, part of a total Rs. 5 million allocation, aimed at enhancing their skills and upgrading the technology used in officiating Rugby matches.
Additionally, the Sports Minister officially handed over the Henry Pediris Park to the principal of Isipathana College.
July 14, Colombo (LNW): The Vehicular Emission Test Trust Fund (VET) for Motor Vehicles has declared that vehicles producing excessive smoke will be blacklisted.
VET Director Dasun Gamage announced that complaints regarding such vehicles can be reported via WhatsApp at 070 3500 525.
Gamage advised drivers against obtaining the smoke certificate solely for securing their vehicle revenue licence.
Despite attempts to acquire the certificate through dishonest means, both police and Motor Vehicle Department officials are conducting rigorous inspections across the island, He emphasised.
Gamage further explained that if a vehicle is found emitting excessive smoke, a maintenance order will be issued to the vehicle owner.
Should the issue remain unresolved, a prohibition order will be enforced on the vehicle in question, he added.
July 14, Colombo (LNW): A three-member panel of judges has been appointed to review a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition that seeks to halt the upcoming Presidential Election, citing improper passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.
The petition, filed by Attorney-at-Law Aruna Laksiri, will be considered by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, along with Justices Arjuna Obeysekara and Priyantha Fernando.
The petition is scheduled for review on Monday (15).
The petitioner contends that the 19th Amendment was not properly enacted in Parliament and calls for a referendum to confirm its legitimacy.
Named respondents include the Election Commission and its members, the General Secretary of Parliament, and the Attorney General.
The petition claims that the amendment altered Article 70 of the Constitution, removing the President’s power to dissolve Parliament after one year.
It argues that the amendment was not subjected to a referendum, despite a Supreme Court ruling that it should have been.
The petitioner asserts that without a referendum and Presidential assent, the 19th Amendment cannot be considered valid law and should not be enforced.
This development follows the Supreme Court’s dismissal of another FR petition on Monday (08), which sought to delay the Presidential Election until the court provided an interpretation of the election date.
That petition was filed by entrepreneur C.D. Lenawa on Wednesday (03).
July 14, Colombo (LNW): A vehicle transporting Parliamentarian Dilan Perera was involved in an accident on the Southern Expressway (E01) en route to a Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) rally in Mathugama yesterday (13).
The MP emerged unscathed, while his secretary sustained severe injuries and was admitted to Nagoda Hospital.
The vehicle reportedly collided with the safety barrier.
According to the police, five individuals were in the vehicle at the time of the incident, including Dilan Perera and two security personnel.
July 14, Colombo (LNW): The upcoming wedding of Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Mukesh and Nita Ambani, has captured significant attention on social media, featuring a guest list filled with notable celebrities and sporting figures from around the world, including former Sri Lankan cricket captain Mahela Jayawardene and Ruling Party MP Namal Rajapaksa.
The extravagant celebrations for Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant commenced on Saturday, with a star-studded roster of attendees, including Hollywood celebrities, global business magnates, and two former British prime ministers.
The couple, both 29, are set to marry this weekend in Mumbai, India, following an extensive period of pre-wedding festivities.
Saturday’s events include a blessing ceremony at a 16,000-capacity convention centre owned by the Ambani family’s conglomerate, where the world’s elite will pay their respects to the couple.
This will be followed by a lavish party, with unconfirmed reports suggesting performances by pop stars Drake, Lana Del Rey, and Adele.
July 14, Colombo (LNW): The European Union (EU) has announced its support for Sri Lanka’s newly established Department of Cinnamon Development through the Export Agriculture in Sri Lanka project, as stated by the EU Delegation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
The EU’s statement highlighted that the International Finance Corporation (IFC) will contribute its expertise to enhance Ceylon cinnamon exports to premium markets by focusing on quality improvement initiatives.
The project aims to enforce quality standards, build the capacity of field officers and farmer organisations, and provide advanced technology to boost cinnamon production.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe recently inaugurated the Department of Cinnamon Development, which is dedicated to the cultivation and enhancement of cinnamon production.
This department seeks to increase cinnamon output by employing advanced techniques and support systems to elevate the industry.
During the inauguration ceremony, select cinnamon entrepreneurs were awarded Geographical Indications (GI) certificates.
These distinctions recognise the highest standards in cinnamon cultivation and production, setting a benchmark for quality and excellence in the industry, the EU delegation’s statement added.
July 14, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe reaffirmed his dedication to establishing a robust economic framework for Sri Lanka, emphasising the importance of long-term stability over short-term solutions that could lead to economic collapse.
His remarks were made yesterday (13) during the inauguration of a state-of-the-art swimming pool at Anuradhapura Central College.
Reflecting on past economic and political crises, President Wickremesinghe stressed the need for a national-level political structure capable of strategic governance beyond five-year electoral cycles.
He advocated for governance that focuses on sustainable national development rather than short-term power dynamics.
At the ceremony, President Wickremesinghe inaugurated the swimming pool and interacted with students engaged in various activities.
He formally handed over the pool premises to Anuradhapura Central College and acknowledged students who excelled in the 2023 GCE Advanced Level Examination, personally congratulating them on their achievements.
Principal Mr Percy Mahanama presented a donation of Rs. 10,000 to the President’s Fund, contributed by the students of Anuradhapura Central College, as a token of appreciation.
The President highlighted the government’s and the Alumni Association’s contributions to constructing the swimming pool, recognising the school’s historical significance as the first Madhya Maha Vidyalaya in the North Central Province, where educational reforms initiated by Mr C. W. W. Kannangara began.
President Wickremesinghe mentioned that the principal had requested a three-storey building, and he would personally notify the Ministry of Education to facilitate its construction.
Additionally, he announced plans to establish a fully-equipped fitness centre for the college, marking its 77th anniversary and the completion of the swimming pool.
During a student’s speech, the aspiration for a better future was prominently expressed, aligning with the President’s vision for sustainable development.
He warned that continuing on the current economic trajectory could lead to unsustainable debt and a severe economic crisis within 15 years unless a sustainable course is charted.
The President emphasised the need to transform the economy from one reliant on imports to one driven by exports, necessitating a fundamental overhaul of existing economic structures.
He introduced the Economic Transformation Act as part of this initiative, with agricultural modernisation being central to revitalising the economy.
Acknowledging the dedication of farmers who achieved successful harvests in recent years with essential fertiliser support, President Wickremesinghe announced the launch of the inheritance tax exemption programme for farmers in the North Central Province.
He highlighted the global population’s projected increase by 2050, underscoring the importance of modern technology in maximising agricultural output and ensuring food security.
The President also noted the potential for solar energy projects and tourism development in the provinces. He mentioned the ambitious Trincomalee port development project in collaboration with India, benefiting Anuradhapura.
In line with a forward-thinking approach, plans are underway to establish three new technological universities with foreign institutions offering technical expertise. Embracing advancements in artificial intelligence, the government aims to chart a new course towards a prosperous future.
President Wickremesinghe criticised politicians who focus solely on gaining power or ousting rivals, leading to economic and political crises.
He emphasised the importance of collaboration across political divides to prioritise the nation’s well-being and urged representatives to focus on the future for collective national success.
State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe highlighted the significance of the swimming pool’s completion, noting the challenges faced during recent turbulent conditions. He credited President Wickremesinghe’s economic stabilisation efforts for securing the necessary funding.
The government, through effective decision-making and partnership with the International Monetary Fund, swiftly restored the economy and livelihoods.
Minister Semasinghe noted that President Wickremesinghe continues to lead reforms to safeguard the economy from future collapses, with new legislation and programmes underway.
He praised transformative initiatives enhancing infrastructure across education, healthcare, and the broader economy, fostering a brighter outlook for the nation’s future.
The ceremony was attended by North Central Province Governor Mahipala Herath, Members of Parliament S.M. Chandrasena, Duminda Dissanayake, Rohana Bandara, former Minister P. Harrison, former Chief Minister S.M. Ranjith, Anuradhapura Central College Principal Mr Percy Mahanama, staff members, parents, alumni, and students.
July 13, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is now set to implement Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) initiative towards building a comprehensive and inclusive digital future paving the way for social and economic development across the nation, former finance minister and president’s national organiser Ravi Karunanayake divulged.
It is aimed at providing secure and accessible digital services to citizens and businesses in achieving development goals its increasing efficiency in the public sector and unlocking innovation in the private sector.
More broadly, digital transformation of the government can improve policy implementation and widen the range of policy options.
The government has taken a significant step towards in its DPI initiative in partnership with the World Bank on the directions of President Ranil Wickremasinghe with a vision for a brighter digital future, he claimed. .
This digital leap is not digitalization of specific public services, but rather building minimal digital building blocks that can be used by government as well as private sector to enable society-wide transformation.
The DPI includes a digital identification layer including a unique identification and social security number a payments system running as a unified payment interface; a data exchange layer and other services.
Sri Lanka’s digital economy, projected to be worth US$3.47 billion, is developing, with more than 60 percent of the population owning mobile phones and an increasing number of internet users
Mr Kraunanayake noted that the ambition of the President is to create a technology-driven society, with a concentration on digital based governance, economy, and society at least by the year 2030. .Sri Lanka may not be able to compete immediately in artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous vehicles, but it shows potential in e-commerce and fintech he said adding that the government is gearing up to incorporate effective ways to meet digital economy goals.
Foundational digital public infrastructure (DPI), which includes unique digital identification, a payment system, and a data exchange layer, has the capability to transform the economy and promote inclusive growth.
Sri Lanka’s foundational DPI, has been utilised to encourage innovation and competition, expand markets, address financial inclusion gaps, increase government revenue collection, and enhance the efficiency of public spending, he revealed. .
The government will make use of DPI to efficiently manage social welfare programme which is being implemented to alleviate poverty in the island, he added.
Poverty rates continued to rise for the fourth year in a row, with an estimated 25.9 percent of Sri Lankans living below the poverty line in 2023.
Labor force participation has also seen a decline, particularly among women and in urban areas, aggravated by the closure of micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs).
Households are grappling with multiple pressures from high prices, income losses, and under employment. This has led to households taking on debt to meet food requirements and maintain spending on health and education. Poverty rates are anticipated to remain above 22 percent until 2026
In the first four months of 2024, the Government has incurred Rs. 152.8 billion on Social welfare and social security including household subsidies of Aswesuma, and other social welfare activities, finance ministry data showed.
Social security expenditure on Aswesuma and cash grants provided to low-income families in the first four months of 2024 amounted to Rs. 46 billion. An allocation of Rs. 205 billion is made for the expenditure for the Aswesuma and other categorical household cash grants for 2024
Apart from the using of DPI to efficiently manage social security expenditure, customs inland r revenue and excise department’s revenue collection, it helps Sri Lanka build an equitable tax system by streamlining filings, improving data collection, and enhancing transparency, he added.
