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.

April 10, Colombo (LNW): In a bid to bolster English language education across the nation, the Sri Lankan Cabinet has approved the recruitment of 2,500 English teachers under the ‘English for All’ programme. This decision comes as part of a broader initiative to enhance English language proficiency among students and meet the growing demand for English medium education in schools.

Announcing the Cabinet’s decision, Cabinet Spokesman and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana revealed that the government aims to address the shortage of English teachers by recruiting additional personnel. Currently, there is a requirement for 6,500 English teachers to teach GCE Ordinary Level (O/L) subjects in English, while only 4,441 teachers have been approved for this purpose.

To bridge this gap, the proposal jointly submitted by President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Education Minister Susil Premajayantha has been endorsed by the Cabinet. The plan entails increasing the number of approved English teachers to 6,500 by the year 2024, targeting the 765 schools where subjects are currently taught in the English medium. Additionally, the recruitment of 2,500 new English teachers will further support this initiative.

The ‘English for All’ programme underscores the government’s commitment to improving English language education nationwide, ensuring that students have access to quality language instruction and enhancing their opportunities for academic and professional success.

April 10, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Eastern province and in Hambanthota district. Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 p.m.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning.

General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka during 05th to 15th of April in this year. The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (10^th) are Tambuttegama, Medirigiriya, Ihala Puliyankulama, Rajanganaya, Eppawala, Vakarai at about 12:11 noon.