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TRCSL amendment Bill clears obstacles for the launch Starlink satellite services

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TRCSL amendment Bill clears obstacles for the launch Starlink satellite services

By: Staff Writer

July 02, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is gearing up to launch “Starlink” satellite internet services soon following the approval given by Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) in accordance with the TRCSL amendment Bill.  

Starlink, a satellite internet constellation operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, promises to deliver high-speed internet to even the most remote corners of the globe.

This development will revolutionise the country’s connectivity, opening up new horizons, especially for youth. With faster and more reliable internet, for them can access global education resources, collaborate on innovative projects, and thrive in this new digital age

In a step closer to the introduction of Starlink satellite internet service in Sri Lanka, the Committee on Public Finance has approved the Sri Lanka Telecommunications (Amendment) Bill subject to amendments to ensure consumers are ensured the benefits from advanced telecommunication technology.

The current law is amended in this manner for the first time in 28 years, providing for the regulation of the industry in keeping with advanced technology.

State Minister Kanaka Herath said this bill, if enacted, would provide for regulation of satellite based internet services in the country among others.

A statement from the Parliamentary Media Unit said approval was given when the Committee met recently under the Chairmanship of Dr. Harsha de Silva with the presence of MPs from both sides, Officials representing the Attorney General’s Department, officials of Technology, Telecommunication Regulatory Commission and other institutions (TRC).

The Speaker recently announced that the Supreme Court has made recommendations regarding the Bill, suggesting that certain sections need to be amended.

Accordingly, the officials who were present stated that amendments recommended by Supreme Courts have been accommodated. They have stressed that the legislation has to be amended to be in line with the technological trends in the globe.

The officials also stated that this Bill was prepared after extensive discussions with all stakeholders in the telecommunication sector in accordance with the accepted standards of the world. Thus, in a more competitive market, there is scope for a regulation that is fair to the consumer.

It was also disclosed that the legislation will provide provisions to introduce a mechanism to provide telecommunication frequencies under a competitive system.

It was also disclosed that in addition to the existing telecommunication system licences and frequency licences, 3 other types of licences will be introduced. Accordingly,

It will provide provisions to issue licences to companies that provide infrastructure, in addition to the companies that provide telecommunication services.

The officials also stated that the powers of the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission will be strengthened through these amendments.

Sri Lanka’s bondholder to finalise debt restructure agreement next week

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Sri Lanka’s bondholder to finalise debt restructure agreement next week

By: Staff Writer

July 02, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is optimistic on the finalisation of upcoming negotiations with the bondholders, which will assist the island nation to come out of the ‘preemptive default’ status as soon as possible. President Ranil Wickremesinghe said adding that an agreement can be reached on debt restructure as early as next week.

“Following the agreement, the discussions with the bondholders’ representatives are progressing well. Initially estimated to take about a month, these negotiations are proceeding smoothly and we anticipate completing them successfully by next week,”  President Wickremesinghe said. In addition to the official loans, Sri Lanka also borrowed from private individuals through bonds.

Last week, Sri Lanka inked the debt restructuring agreements with the official creditors and China. The government plans to present both the agreements to Parliament for approval. However, the specific details regarding the agreements would not be shared,he added. .

“While I can’t detail all aspects here, I plan to provide a thorough explanation. I have informed him that, following the discussions and scrutiny by the State Finance Committee, we will prepare a report for a parliamentary vote. It is crucial for all parties in Parliament to participate in this vote,” he said.

Pointing out that the international community awaits Sri Lanka’s decision on these agreements, if any party proposes an alternative approach, Wickremesinghe said he is willing to facilitate discussions with the International Monetary Fund for them.

“The government is willing to make arrangements to fund the necessary travel permits and accommodation for these discussions. They can proceed with their talks and if deemed beneficial, we will bring the matter to Parliament for consideration,” he said.

President Wickremesinghe went on to assert that Sri Lanka has successfully steered clear of bankruptcy and continues to manage the country’s debt responsibly.

Accordingly, through negotiations, Sri Lanka has secured concessions, where its total debt, currently at 108 percent of gross domestic product, will be restructured.

Once commercial debt restructuring, including the International Sovereign Bond debt and syndicated loans held by China Development Bank is also concluded, the overall debt restructuring process would be completed. This will enable Sri Lanka’s credit ratings to be rerated.

Sri Lanka Original Narrative Summary: 02/07

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Sri Lanka Original Narrative Summary: 02/07

  1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe announces Sri Lanka is pioneering the new debt sustainability analysis framework for middle-income countries to manage its $37 billion foreign debt: Agreements with official creditors, including India, Japan, France, and China Exim Bank, include extended grace periods and low-interest rates, reducing Sri Lanka’s remaining debt service to $5 billion.
  2. A gathering of SJB MPs unanimously decides against endorsing the formation of a national government under the current President, Ranil Wickremesinghe: The proposal, introduced by MP Buddhika Pathirana on the 2nd of this month, received unanimous approval from the SJB Parliamentary group.
  3. The remains of former Tamil National Alliance Leader R. Sampanthan will be brought to Parliament on July 3: His body will lie in state in the Assembly Hall from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm for members and staff to pay their respects: Consequently, Parliamentary sittings are cancelled: A special statement from the President will replace today’s scheduled debt restructuring debate.
  4. Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera announces the World Food Programme (WFP), guided by UNCTAD, will supply 55,000 metric tonnes of MOP fertiliser to Sri Lankan farmers for free: This fertiliser, crucial for paddy cultivation, will be used over the next two cropping seasons: The government reduced the price from Rs. 14,000 to Rs. 9,000 per tonne and secured Cabinet approval for distribution costs of Rs. 3.5 billion.
  5. Urban Development and Housing Minister Prasanna Ranatunga announces the Government settled Rs. 200 billion debt owed to construction contractors: This debt, stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic and economic crisis, delayed payments to contractors due to technical issues: Around 20% of Sri Lanka’s workforce is in construction, contributing 8-9% to the Gross National Product: Committees proposed 50 measures to revive the sector, with 14 areas prioritised for immediate improvement.
  6. The Colombo District Court issues an interim injunction against the SLFP’s expulsion of MP Dayasiri Jayasekara as party member and General Secretary: Jayasekara contested his removal, prompting the court action after SLFP’s chair, Maithripala Sirisena, notified him of a disciplinary inquiry: Jayasekara was ousted on September 5, 2023, but Sirisena clarified it was a temporary suspension pending further proceedings, offering Jayasekara other roles in the party.
  7. LITRO Chief Muditha Peiris announces a reduction in domestic LP gas cylinder prices from midnight today (02): The new prices are: Rs. 3,690 for the 12.5 kg cylinder (reduced by Rs. 100), Rs. 1,482 for the 5 kg cylinder (reduced by Rs. 40), and Rs. 694 for the 2.3 kg cylinder (reduced by Rs. 18).
  8. Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena says the Supreme Court ruled today that specific clauses in the Economic Transformation Bill are unconstitutional, requiring a parliamentary supermajority or referendum approval to pass: explains amendments could allow these clauses to pass with a simple majority, based on the court’s decision.
  9. The Sri Lanka Police announces the immediate transfer of fifteen senior officers, including six Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), due to operational requirements: This move, approved by the National Police Commission, affects DIGs G.I.D.R. Wijesinghe, G.A.N.L. Wijesena, I.B.T. Sugathapala, L.A.U. Sarath Kumara, A.L.U.N Liyanage, and A.S.P.C. Wedamulla: Additionally, the transfers involve six SSPs and three SPs, including the Director of the Police Special Bureau.
  10. Dasun Shanaka (46) and Angelo Mathews (37) powered Kandy Falcons to a six-wicket victory over Dambulla Sixes with 16 balls remaining in the Lanka Premier League opener: Chasing 180, Dinesh Chandimal scored 65 off 40 balls. Shanaka, who took 3/20 earlier, and Mathews added 72 runs for the fifth wicket. Dambulla’s Mark Chapman (91) and Chamindu Wickramasinghe (62) had set 179/4.

Court issues interim order against SLFP’s decision on MP Jayasekara

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Court issues interim order against SLFP’s decision on MP Jayasekara

July 02, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo District Court has issued a temporary injunction against the Sri Lanka Freedom Party’s (SLFP) decision to expel MP Dayasiri Jayasekara from party membership and his role as General Secretary.

Jayasekara, formerly the SLFP’s General Secretary, filed a complaint challenging the party’s decision to remove him from his positions.

The court action follows a letter from the party’s then chairman, Maithripala Sirisena, informing Jayasekara of an impending disciplinary inquiry and requesting his response.

On September 5, 2023, MP Dayasiri Jayasekara was summarily expelled from the SLFP and stripped of his role as General Secretary.

In response, former President Maithripala Sirisena clarified that Jayasekara’s membership was temporarily suspended pending further disciplinary proceedings.

Former President Sirisena expressed readiness for Jayasekara to remain a party member or assume any other position within the party, except that of SLFP General Secretary.

SJB unanimously rejects proposal for National Government

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SJB unanimously rejects proposal for National Government

July 02, Colombo (LNW): A gathering of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Parliamentarians has unanimously decided against endorsing the formation of a national government under the current President, Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The proposal, introduced by MP Buddhika Pathirana on the 2nd of this month, received unanimous approval from the SJB Parliamentary group.

Shrimps Turning Into Bosses And The Status Of Others

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Shrimps Turning Into Bosses And The Status Of Others

July 01, Colombo (LNW): We have heard examples of crabs being told to walk upright, evoking both sarcasm and humor. It is an open secret in Sri Lanka’s sports industry that unfit individuals occupy top seats. They are the ones who work closely with the president, making decisions about the country alongside relevant ministers. Even the officials who implement the policy decisions taken by the politicians work in confidence about them.

In this way, we have been defamed in this country by the game of rugby for about ten years and have been fined internationally. Deducting the fine to be paid from the international funds for the development of rugby in Sri Lanka, emptying the accounts of the rugby administration under a debt burden and that group continues to talk about more good governance so that they can increase their power and return to the Rugby administration.

There are no tests or punishments for any of that. It is evident that there is no discipline, which is why the warnings and guidance issued when such individuals are in leadership positions are not exemplary. As mentioned earlier, it’s akin to
teaching baby crabs to walk straight. Therefore, the new generation that joins the game with the basic opinion that they are not good people in relation to the people who are going to control them, does not focus on the top with sincerity and confidence. They are constantly in doubt.

Whether it’s a mistake, an omission, or a deliberate action, the temptation to think with a planned outcome is a situation that can arise in such circumstances. The objection raised in the mind is more serious than determining whether this disbelief is an actual mistake. Trying to dismiss the unfortunate incident in the school rugby match between Science College and St. Thomas’s is not extinguishing the fire; it’s merely brushing the ashes without considering the possibility of the fire reigniting.

It’s pointless to just wipe away the ashes when fires are ignited due to the responsibility of making rugby a widely respected game in the country. These fires must be extinguished. Whether a mistake is intentional or accidental, in an environment where trust is compromised, people respond with protest and anger that stems from their disillusionment with the mistake.

“You go to deceive the world by pretending that the people of another country are from Sri Lanka, and you keep those who have punished the country as gentlemen and come to teach us about discipline?” It is not the people in the room who are
affected by the question and the objection about it. Referees and the people who come down to the field representing Sri Lanka Rugby for various duties.

The current top-down opposition may rise further with this incident. Also, there could arise a situation where the government needs to intervene to ensure necessary measures are taken to protect the lives of referees during matches.

It is the duty of the sports administration whether the shrimps are allowed to continue to check the cleanliness of others or whether they check what is on the head of the shrimps. We wish a speedy recovery to the judges who were injured in the attack and are currently hospitalized.

*Adapted from original article, “ඉස්සන් ලොක්කන්වීම සහ සෙස්සන්ගේ තත්ත්වය” by Nishman Ranasinghe, published on 01.07.2024.

Police announce immediate transfers of 15 senior officers

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Police announce immediate transfers of 15 senior officers

July 02, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Police announced the immediate transfer of fifteen senior officers, which includes six Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs).

This decision, sanctioned by the National Police Commission, is based on operational necessities.

Among the transferred officers are DIGs G.I.D.R. Wijesinghe, G.A.N.L. Wijesena, I.B.T. Sugathapala, L.A.U. Sarath Kumara, A.L.U.N Liyanage, and A.S.P.C. Wedamulla. Additionally, the transfers involve six SSPs and three SPs, including the Director of the Police Special Bureau.

Supreme Court rules Economic Transformation Bill clauses need Constitutional review

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Supreme Court rules Economic Transformation Bill clauses need Constitutional review

July 02, Colombo (LNW): The Supreme Court has deemed several clauses of the Economic Transformation Bill as inconsistent with the nation’s Constitution, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena told Parliament today (02).

Accordingly, these clauses necessitate a special majority in Parliament and, in certain instances, approval via a referendum to proceed.

The Speaker further disclosed that with amendments to these contentious clauses, they could potentially be passed with a simple majority in Parliament, based on the apex court’s determination.

Sri Lanka utilises new debt analysis framework for middle-income nations: President

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Sri Lanka utilises new debt analysis framework for middle-income nations: President

July 02, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe speaking in Parliament this (02) morning disclosed that Sri Lanka has become one of the pioneering middle-income countries to adopt a new framework for debt sustainability analysis, specifically designed for nations in this economic bracket, in order to embark on debt restructuring.

In his address to Parliament, the President highlighted that Sri Lanka’s foreign debt stands at US$ 37 billion.

This includes US$ 10.6 billion in bilateral debt, US$ 11.7 billion in multilateral debt, US$ 14.7 billion in commercial debt, and US$ 12.5 billion in sovereign bonds.

Wickremesinghe emphasised that agreements were reached on June 26 with Sri Lanka’s official creditors regarding debt repayment, with authorised Cabinet officials signing these agreements on behalf of the country.

Detailing the specifics of the agreements with the official creditor committee chaired by India, Japan, France, and China Exim Bank, the President noted that the terms include a grace period for principal repayment extended until 2028.

He also highlighted that interest rates have been maintained at or below 2.1 per cent, with a full debt repayment grace period extended until 2043.

Moreover, under the restructuring agreements, the President explained that the repayment of the principal loan amount can be gradually increased, thereby deferring debt servicing costs.

As a result of these agreements, President Wickremesinghe stated that Sri Lanka’s remaining debt service amounts to US$ 5 billion.

LITRO announces another price reduction in domestic LP gas cylinders

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LITRO announces another price reduction in domestic LP gas cylinders

July 02, Colombo (LNW): The prices of LITRO domestic LP gas cylinders have been reduced, effective from midnight today (02), announced LITRO Chief Muditha Peiris.

The new prices are as follows:

  • The 12.5 kg cylinder has been reduced by Rs. 100, bringing the new price to Rs. 3,690.
  • The 5 kg cylinder has been lowered by Rs. 40, making the new price Rs. 1,482.
  • The 2.3 kg cylinder has seen a reduction of Rs. 18, now priced at Rs. 694.
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