April 03, Colombo (LNW):Transport, Highways, and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana announced yesterday that the government has successfully settled an outstanding amount of Rs. 361 billion owed to contractors of the Road Development Authority (RDA).

Gunawardhana explained that this payment was a result of the government’s commitment to fulfill conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which stipulated that contracts cannot be executed on credit. “The government has given an undertaking to the IMF to settle such credit within a month,” he affirmed.

Highlighting the fiscal challenges faced by the government, Gunawardhana revealed that while the government’s revenue in 2023 amounted to Rs. 3 trillion, recurrent expenditure exceeded Rs. 4 trillion. Despite this, only Rs. 5 billion in outstanding payments remain to contractors.

The Minister assured that contractors were promptly paid, with funds directly credited to their bank accounts. He emphasized that there was no preferential treatment, and all contractors were treated equally.

Regarding the allocation for road construction in 2024, Gunawardhana disclosed that only Rs. 20 billion has been earmarked for this purpose. He warned that failure to settle outstanding bills could hamper the development of roads, estimating that approximately 18,000 to 20,000 kilometers of roads could be improved if debts were cleared.

Gunawardhana acknowledged the challenges faced by contractors due to delayed payments by the government. In response, he personally met with contractors and instructed them not to engage with the ministry’s accountants responsible for calculations, indicating a commitment to streamline payment processes and alleviate contractor grievances.

April 03, Colombo (LNW): The Environment State Minister, Janaka Wakkumbura, assured Parliament yesterday of a comprehensive investigation into whether proper permissions were obtained for transporting hazardous cargo aboard the container ship that collided with Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge in America en route to Sri Lanka.

Wakkumbura stated that the Central Environment Authority had not been notified of the ship’s arrival, raising concerns about its cargo.

Responding to inquiries from MP Prof. Charitha Herath and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Wakkumbura disclosed that the vessel, named Dali, was carrying containers filled with harmful toxic substances, prompting a special investigation.

He stressed the urgency of the situation, stating, “We have already informed the Sri Lanka Customs and the Colombo Port to conduct investigations immediately in this regard.” He further emphasized the necessity of a formal inquiry, promising to keep Parliament updated on its progress.

MP Prof. Charitha Herath expressed alarm over the revelation that 764 out of 4,644 containers on the ship contained dangerous toxins. He highlighted past crises and called attention to Sri Lanka’s adherence to the Basel Convention since 1992, which mandates notification of hazardous waste shipments passing through its ports. The failure to inform the Central Environment Authority of the ship’s arrival raised serious concerns.

Warning of the potential harm to the country, Herath urged decisive action from the authorities before the ship’s anticipated arrival between April 15 and 17. He raised suspicions regarding the multinational company acting as the ship’s Sri Lankan agent, suggesting a need for preemptive measures.

The government faces mounting pressure to address the situation swiftly and effectively to mitigate potential environmental and public health risks.

By: Staff Writer

April 02, Colombo (LNW): The U.S. Embassy in Colombo, in partnership with the Central Cultural Fund’s Maritime Archaeology Unit, has undertaken a significant step in preserving Sri Lanka’s rich maritime history through the conservation and documentation of the Godawaya Shipwreck, the oldest known shipwreck in the Asia-Pacific region.

The initiative, funded by the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, underscores the enduring partnership between the United States and Sri Lanka in cultural preservation and archaeological research.

U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, along with Counselor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy Heidi Hattenbach, and Senior Archeology Officer of the Central Cultural Fund’s Maritime Archaeology Unit Rasika Muthucumarana led an inspection dive to the ancient Godawaya shipwreck off the coast of Hambantota.

This venture is part of a broader effort supported by the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, which began funding the project in 2022 to study and safeguard the submerged cultural treasure dating back to the 2nd Century B.C.

Ambassador Chung expressed her awe and the importance of the mission, stating, “Witnessing the Godawaya shipwreck firsthand at 33 meters below the surfaces of the ocean was a breathtaking experience, shedding light on Sri Lanka’s significant history as a pivotal maritime hub.

The United States is proud to support this endeavor, enhancing the understanding of Sri Lanka’s historical role in global maritime trade and ensuring the preservation of its rich cultural legacy for future generations.”

Adding to the Ambassador’s sentiments, Counselor for Public Affairs Heidi Hattenbach highlighted the project’s unique value, “We are honoured to partner with the Maritime Archeology Unit on the study and preservation of this important site, a partnership that has supported skilled Sri Lankan divers and researchers to really dive deep into an important avenue of Sri Lanka’s maritime history.

Over the coming months, their dedicated efforts will deepen the understanding and accessibility of Sri Lanka’s underwater cultural heritage, paving the way for future archaeological discoveries and conservation initiatives.”

Senior Archeology Officer Rasika Muthucumarana, reflecting on the technical aspects and the depth of the project, added, “Collaborating with the U.S. Embassy on this Godawaya shipwreck excavation project has been an honour.

While the depths of our explorations present unique challenges, the shared commitment to unveiling the truths and preserving the history of ancient maritime routes and trade practices creates a strong bond between our teams. This partnership is a model for future cultural preservation endeavors.”  

Located in Galle, the Maritime Archaeology Unit (MAU) is dedicated to the preservation and exploration of Sri Lanka’s rich underwater cultural heritage, conducting extensive research, and applying advanced conservation techniques. 

1. The President’s Defence Division rescues a woman who attempted suicide by throwing herself into the sea: The Defence Division team rescues the woman near the flag pole of Galleface Green.
   
2. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says even though it has been 05 years since the Easter Sunday attack, the government has failed to implement or consult the recommendations made by the Malalgoda Committee report, the Presidential Commission report and the Parliamentary Special Committee report on this heinous attack: alleges that parts of the report on this genocide have been concealed even from members of Parliament and various people are making controversial comments due to the naming of masterminds who were picked without sufficient evidence.
   
3. Sri Lanka’s Tamil political parties aim to nominate a minority candidate for the upcoming presidential election in the last quarter of 2024, seeking a credible solution for Tamil minority issues: TNA Leader R. Sampanthan raises the importance of supporting a candidate committed to resolving these issues: While the TNA proposes a Tamil candidate, Sampanthan acknowledges challenges in garnering widespread support and emphasises the need for a credible political solution, including addressing the merger of north and east provinces.
   
4. Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe says Sri Lanka has progressed well in its debt restructuring programme, with the second review by the IMF approved at the staff level: adds however that obtaining the third instalment has become challenging: asserts under President Wickremesinghe’s leadership, an extended arrangement with the IMF was approved to support economic policies and reforms, aiming to restore stability and sustainability while protecting the vulnerable: adds plans for relief benefits distribution and addressing public concerns about reduced prices are underway.
   
5. Laugfs Gas slashes the prices of its domestic LP gas cylinders, with a reduction of Rs. 625 for a 12.5kg cylinder in the Colombo district: The price adjustment follows positive economic factors such as the strengthening Sri Lankan rupee, lower interest rates, and ample foreign exchange availability.
   
6. Five export associations in Sri Lanka collectively address challenges posed by the recent strengthening of the Sri Lankan rupee against the US dollar: cite concerns such as reduced export competitiveness, increased operational costs, and pressure on worker wages: criticise the mandatory conversion of export earnings into local currency and urged the Central Bank to reconsider its policy to support export growth and economic development.
   
7. Sri Lanka awaits clarification on hazardous materials aboard the Singapore cargo ship Dali, which collided with a Baltimore bridge: Among known cargo are 57 containers with dangerous goods: The US National Transportation Safety Board is assessing the ship’s manifest: SL anticipates its arrival post New Year: The SLPA chairman outlined port protocols, indicating transshipment likelihood: Meanwhile, concerns persist regarding hazardous waste entry, subject to Basel Convention regulations.
   
8. In the fiscal year 2022/23, government revealed foregone revenue of Rs. 978 billion due to tax concessions, representing 56% of total tax revenue collected that year: This disclosure, reported by PublicFinance.lk, aims to enhance financial transparency and align with international standards: Additionally, the government pledged to regularly disclose firms benefitting from tax exemptions through the Board of Investment and the Strategic Development Projects Act.
   
9. Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya orders the transfer of all officers from the Excise Department’s Narcotics Prevention Unit after four excise officers were arrested for transporting a large quantity of cannabis: The arrestees have been suspended pending further investigation, and a thorough probe into the incident has been launched: The arrests were made by the Police Narcotics Bureau, and 45 kilograms of cannabis were seized along with an Excise Department van used in the operation.  
   
10. Sri Lanka dominated Bangladesh in the second Test match at Chattogram, with Asitha Fernando shining with 4 wickets for 34 runs, limiting Bangladesh to 178 all out in their first innings: Despite SL’s initial struggle in their second innings, they managed to secure a lead of 455 runs by the end of the third day: Debutant Hasan Mahmud impressed for Bangladesh with 4 wickets for 51 runs: Today, on the fourth day, Bangladesh faces pressure with a significant deficit.

April 02, Colombo (LNW): Five police officers, including the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of Horowpothana Police, presented a traditional Sinhala-style apology before the Supreme Court during proceedings related to the release of three individuals from the Horowpothana area.

These individuals had been arrested and detained on suspicion of involvement in the Easter Sunday terror attacks.

The Supreme Court convened to address the fundamental rights petitions filed by Zeynul Abdeen Irfan, Zeynul Abdeen Khalifatullah, and Noor Zakaria.

These petitions alleged violations of their fundamental rights due to their unlawful arrest and detention, which extended beyond six months.

During the hearing, the Deputy Solicitor General, representing the implicated police officers, assured the court that there would be no further interrogation of the individuals concerning the incident.

The petitions were brought before a bench comprising Justices S. Thurairaja, Kumuduni Wickramasinghe, and Achala Vengappuli.