President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized the importance of teachers being present in schools during school hours for the education of the nation’s children. He warned that if this commitment is not upheld in the future and school children are deprived of their education as a result, necessary measures will be taken to designate the teaching profession as an essential service.
Former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has left for China on a four-day official visit, during which he is expected to engage in discussions with several Chinese State officials, it was reported. According to media reports, Mahinda Rajapaksa embarked on the journey this morning on an invitation extended by Foreign Minister Wang Yi and is set to return on July 01.
The strike started by university non-academic employees continues on Friday (28) for the 58th day. Co-Chairman of the University Trade Union Joint Committee Dhammika S. Priyantha said the government is yet to respond to the strike which was launched in protest against the 15% salary cut and the non-increase of the monthly allowance.
The Supreme Court has decided to expedite and take up on 25 July the case on which it previously issued an interim stay order on the President and the Constitutional Council preventing them from nominating judges to the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka. On April 30, the Supreme Court had issued an interim stay order on the President and the Constitutional Council, preventing them from nominating judges to the Supreme Court, except for the position of Chief Justice.
Sri Lanka’s agreements with China and other creditor nations to restructure about $10 billion in bilateral debt brought it a step closer towards restoring debt sustainability, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Thursday. The island nation signed deals with China and other creditor nations to restructure about $10 billion in bilateral debt on Wednesday, helping it approach the end of a restructuring process that began in September 2022 after its reserves hit record lows and forced it to default on foreign debt for the first time.
The Official Creditor Committee (OCC) of Sri Lanka’s bilateral lenders has commended island nation’s efforts in implementing necessary reforms to ensure a sustainable economic path. The Official Creditor Committee says it now looks forward to receiving from Sri Lanka all information necessary for the OCC to ensure comparability of treatment.
Sri Lanka has proposed to establish a joint working committee comprising Sri Lankan and Russian officials to address issues concerning Sri Lankans deployed in the Russian war. The proposal was tabled when State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya met with his Russian counterpart Deputy Minister Andrey Rudenko and Deputy Defence Minister Colonel General A. V. Fomin in Russia
Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries Mahinda Amaraweera, announced that a national week for the implementation of the Youth Agri-Entrepreneurship Village Program will be held from July 01st to 07th. He also stated that the government has decided to provide free MOP fertilizer for paddy cultivation to farmers for the next two seasons.
Sanjay Rajaratnam announced that he has now retired from the position of Attorney General. The President’s recommendation to extend his service by six months was not approved by the Constitutional Council on two occasions.
The 2024 Lanka Premier League (LPL) will introduce an exciting new feature with the addition of a special power play towards the latter part of each innings. According to tournament organizers, this new innovation, named ‘Power Blast Overs,’ will provide each team with a two-over power play during the 16th and 17th overs of their innings.
June 28, Colombo (LNW): Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana has invited all staff of Jayewardenepura General Hospital and trade unions to collaborate in making the hospital the leading tertiary healthcare provider in South Asia by 2030.
A special discussion on the future development of Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital was held yesterday (27) at the Health Ministry under the Minister’s patronage. The meeting focused on the needs of all staff, including specialists, doctors, and nurses, the treatment services provided by the hospital, the introduction of new treatment services, the efficiency of specialist medical services, and the transportation needs of patients.
The Minister advised officials to implement services promptly and efficiently, prioritizing these needs. He also emphasized making correct decisions and maintaining the hospital as a quality and efficient institution.
The Health Minister was informed that the hospital staff, under the leadership of the current Chairman, Dr. Saranga Alahapperuma, aim to provide effective health services to the country.
Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital, which opened on September 17, 1984, with a 1,001-bed capacity, is a donation from the Japanese government. Built according to Japanese architecture, it was the largest fully equipped hospital in Asia at the time, valued at US$ 850 million. Currently, the hospital has a staff strength of 1,800.
State Minister of Health Seetha Arambepola, Health Secretary Dr. Palitha Mahipala, Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Additional Secretaries Sunil De Alwis and Sunil Galagama, Chairman Dr. Saranga Alahapperuma, Director Dr. Ratnasiri Hewage, and other staff members attended the meeting.
June 28, Colombo (LNW): The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations has modernized farms and introduced Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to over 600 smallholder vegetable farmers in Badulla, Monaragala, and Mullaitivu districts.
This initiative equipped targeted farmers with tools and knowledge to adopt modern, climate-resilient agricultural methods. Emphasizing GAP, participants received agriculture kits designed for 0.25 acres, including drip irrigation systems, plastic mulch, insect-proof nets, and Galvanized Iron (GI) pipes. These tools enable efficient resource use and cost reduction.
The FAO also facilitated capacity building through Farmer Field Schools (FFS), empowering farmers with the expertise to achieve GAP certification. Using extension approaches and organizing exposure visits to successful GAP farms, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of modern agricultural methodologies. Smallholder farmers received cash assistance through the World Food Programme (WFP) to meet their food and nutrition needs during the transition phase.
The initiative has yielded tangible results, with over 71 percent of participating farmers reporting significant improvements in crop quality and reduced pesticide and agrochemical usage. Insect-proof nets decreased pest infestations and diseases while reducing damage from wild animals like monkeys, peacocks, and wild boar, enhancing crop resilience and sustainability.
Additionally, over 70 percent of farmers reported increased total income, with over 24 farmers achieving profits exceeding Rs. 1,000,000 in a single cultivation season and more than 150 farmers surpassing the Rs. 500,000 mark. These figures highlight the significant economic impact of the program. The initiative also resulted in a 48 percent reduction in the average usage of chemical fertilizers per 0.25 acres of land, yielding substantial environmental benefits.
This intervention is part of a joint food security initiative funded by the UN Sri Lanka SDG Fund. The Fund promotes innovative, catalytic, and transformative initiatives that align with national priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2023-2027). It is supported by Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, the Peace Building Fund, and the Joint SDG Fund.
Celebrating the farmers’ achievements across all three districts, an awards ceremony was held in Thanamalvila under the patronage of Australian Deputy Head of Mission Lalita Kapur, Agriculture Provincial Secretary Upali Jayasekara, and FAO Assistant Representative (Programme) Nalin Munasinghe. The event recognized exemplary achievements and underscored the pivotal role of GAP certification in enhancing market demand and fostering sustainable agricultural practices.
June 28, Colombo (LNW): Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff, Sagala Ratnayaka, has been directed to investigate the causes of the recent flooding in the Colombo district. He has instructed that reports be collected from all Grama Niladhari Divisions in the district and directed the Divisional Secretaries to prepare a preliminary report based on these findings and submit it to the Presidential Secretariat within two weeks.
Ratnayaka also announced plans to consult with the heads of relevant institutions to develop immediate strategies to address the identified issues.
These announcements were made during a meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat on Wednesday (26). The meeting, attended by the heads of various line agencies, aimed to identify the causes of the recent flooding in the Colombo district due to adverse weather conditions and to formulate appropriate solutions.
Ratnayaka stated that President Ranil Wickremesinghe, along with political representatives from the affected areas, surveyed the flood-damaged areas in the Colombo district. It was determined that both natural causes and irregular human activities contributed to the flooding.
Consequently, the President has instructed the preparation of short-term, medium-term, and long-term programmes to prevent future floods, he added.
MP Premanath C. Dolawatta, Water Supply Ministry Secretary A. C. M. Nafeel, heads of relevant institutions, and a group of residents from the areas affected by the floods in the Colombo district also participated.
June 28, Colombo (LNW): Member of Parliament Dr. Harsha De Silva stated yesterday that the SJB did not vote against the agreements made by the government with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and never opposed the government’s move to enter into an agreement with the IMF.
He also challenged detractors to prove if the SJB had acted contrary to this stance. Dr. De Silva recalled that it was the SJB who initially advised the government to seek IMF support to address the economic crisis.
“It was the SJB which said from the beginning that the support of the International Monetary Fund is essential to find solutions to the economic crisis. The country would not have gone bankrupt if the government heeded the SJB’s advice then,” he added.
June 28, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle and Matara districts.
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, Northern, North-central and North-western provincesand in Trincomalee, Hambantota and Monaragala districts.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe announces the finalisation of agreements to restructure Sri Lanka’s external debt with bilateral creditors, including a $5.8 bn agreement with the Official Creditor Committee and a $4.2 bn deal with the Export-Import Bank of China: emphasises the importance of these agreements in enhancing international confidence and improving the country’s fiscal stability, urging unity to strengthen the economy.
The SJB criticises the government’s plan to develop wind power stations in Mannar and Pooneryn with India’s Adani Green Energy: Former MP Ajith P. Perera accused President Wickremesinghe and Minister Wijesekera of financial malpractice, citing the $0.0826 per KW power purchase agreement with Adani: Perera highlighted WindForce PLC’s cheaper proposal at $0.0488 per KW, questioning the lack of a competitive tender.
Teacher-principal trade unions continue their strike today (27) in response to police brutality, where tear gas and water cannons were used to disperse their protest in Colombo on June 26: The strike, initially prompted by various demands, caused significant disruption in schools nationwide, leading to low attendance and students being sent home: The Education Ministry states schools will operate as usual.
Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera announces a national week for the Youth Agri-Entrepreneurship Village Programme from July 1 to 7, aiming to promote agricultural entrepreneurship in 160 villages: Rs. 10 million per village will fund developmental projects: Key strategies include doubling rice cultivation, distributing 160,000 chicks to boost egg production, reducing coconut oil import charges, and providing free and subsidised fertiliser.
The IMF praises Sri Lanka’s recent debt agreements with major official creditors as a vital step towards debt restructuring and sustainability: IMF’s Peter Breuer noted this milestone brings Sri Lanka closer to resolving its financial issues: The agreements, totalling US$ 10 bn, include restructuring with key bilateral lenders and mark significant progress in stabilising the country’s economy.
The Sri Lanka Central Bank’s Financial Intelligence Unit penalises DFCC Bank and Sampath Bank for non-compliance with the Financial Transactions Reporting Act: DFCC was fined Rs1 million in March for inadequate Customer Due Diligence, while Sampath Bank was fined Rs2 million in April for creating untraceable accounts and failing to freeze assets per UN regulations.
In response to rising public complaints about poor food quality in school and hospital canteens, Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) are increasing nationwide inspections: PHI Union President Upul Rohana noted widespread dissatisfaction and numerous complaints: Despite guidelines to limit unhealthy foods, enforcement has been lax: The public is encouraged to report issues to Medical Officers of Health or via the hotline 0112112718.
The High Court in Colombo upholds the dismissal of an appeal by Ven. Thiniyawela Palitha Thera against ex Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal and former President’s Secretary Lalith Weeratunge: The appeal concerned a US$ 6.5 million payment to a US Lobby Firm in 2014: This ruling affirms the Fort Magistrate’s Court’s earlier decision to dismiss the complaint.
Two Supreme Court judges recuse themselves from the contempt of court petition against ex State Minister Diana Gamage, filed by Rehan Jayawickrema: The petition concerns Gamage’s remarks following a Supreme Court ruling disqualifying her as an MP: Justices Janak De Silva and Kumuduni Wickremasinghe stepped down, and the case will be recalled on August 5.
Chris Silverwood, head coach of the national cricket team, resigns for personal reasons, citing the need to spend more time with his family: thanks the players, coaches, and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for their support: During his tenure, the team won the 2022 T20 Asia Cup and reached the 2023 50-over Asia Cup finals. SLC wished him well.
June 27, Colombo (LNW): India says it will continue to support Sri Lanka’s economic recovery including by promoting long-term investments in its key economic sectors.
Following the approval by the IMF for the Extended Fund Facility (EFF Programme) for Sri Lanka on 20 March 2023, the Official Creditors Committee (OCC) was launched on 13 April 2023 to hold talks among Sri Lanka’s bilateral creditors to finalize a plan for restructuring Sri Lanka’s debt.
After several rounds of engagements, the OCC signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on debt restructuring on 26 June 2024.
“This milestone demonstrates the strong progress made by Sri Lanka in stabilizing its economy and moving towards reform and growth,” the Indian Government said.
As one of the Co-Chairs of the OCC, along with France and Japan, India has been steadfast in its commitment to the stabilization, recovery and growth of the Sri Lankan economy.
“This was also demonstrated by India’s unprecedented financial support of USD 4 billion to Sri Lanka. India was also the first creditor nation to convey financing assurances to IMF which paved the way for Sri Lanka to secure the IMF programme,” the Indian Government said in a statement.
Sri Lanka signed a deal with creditor nations to restructure about US$5.8 billion in bilateral debt, the office of the country’s president said on Wednesday (Jun 26), in a move that would help stabilise its crisis-hit economy.
Officials from the cash-strapped South Asian nation signed the agreement in Paris with the Official Creditor Committee (OCC), which is co-chaired by Japan, India, and France.
Sri Lanka also signed debt treatment agreements in Beijing with China’s Exim Bank, Wednesday, to restructure USD 4.2 billion of debt.
The Framework Agreement related to this was signed between Sri Lanka and China in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
“India was Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner in 2022. Sri Lanka’s exports to India have also grown. The use of Rupees for trade settlement is further helping Sri Lanka’s economy. These are concrete steps to help Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and growth,” the statement noted. India was once again the largest source of tourists for Sri Lanka last year with over 100,000 tourists, it added. “Around one in every five to six tourists in Sri Lanka is an Indian.
June 27, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe says that today marks an important day in the country’s recent history and a unique turning point, as Sri Lanka reached final restructuring agreements for its external debt owed to bilateral creditors.
Delivering a special address to the nation on Wednesday (26) evening, the Head of State said that the country is benefitting from the positive results of the hard work carried out by the government in the recent past.
He said that this morning, Sri Lanka reached a final restructuring agreement for USD 5.8 billion of debt with its bilateral lenders’ Official Creditor Committee in Paris, France.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka today also signed debt treatment agreements with the Export-Import Bank of China (EXIM) in Beijing to restructure USD 4.2 billion of debt.
He stated that the necessary formal procedures are currently being implemented.“For those who truly love the country, this is a ‘good news’. Sri Lanka won,” he declared in the televised speech.
Wickremesinghe states that as Sri Lanka has reached agreements with the bilateral creditors, the international trust in the country will be increased.“This is an international assurance in a certain way”, Wickremesinghe expressed.
“The international communities, who didn’t even accept the letters of credit from us, are now at a situation which gives us a certification of trust”, he added.
Commenting further, the Head of the State highlighted that both the agreements reached today will be tabled in the Parliament by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena during the special parliamentary session to be convened on July 02.
The President urged all the members representing the Parliament, who are patriotic to the country to help pass these agreements in Parliament”, said.
Meanwhile, Wickremesinghe emphasized that the country cannot find solutions to the economic issues through strikes or threats, but by joining hands for strengthening the economy.
n his special statement, President Wickremesinghe announced that debt restructuring agreements will postpone all bilateral loan payments to foreign countries until 2028. Additionally, Sri Lanka will have until 2043 to repay these loans on concessional terms, he said.
The President also highlighted that in 2022, Sri Lanka allocated 9.2% of its GDP to foreign debt payments. However, with ongoing efforts, this percentage is expected to decrease to less than 4.5% between 2027 and 2032, reflecting significant fiscal improvement, he said.
Wickremesinghe said that Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena will present these agreements to Parliament on July 2nd, and urged all patriotic MPs to help ratify them.
President Wickremesinghe stated that “while a few are trying to disrupt the country’s progress, they will one day have to face shame before their children for betraying their nation.”
The President noted that as the country’s economic conditions improved, relief was provided to the people. He emphasized that continuing on the correct path to strengthen the economy can further alleviate existing difficulties, adding that issues cannot be resolved through protests and threats.
June 27, Colombo (LNW): Flinders University, a public research university based in Adelaide, South Australia, with a footprint extending across 11 locations in South Australia and the Northern Territory is expected to ‘significantly enhance the country’s educational offerings and provide local students with greater access to world-class education, official sources said.
Port City Colombo is set to establish a potential successful partnership with Flinders University, upon approval and finalisation by the Government of Sri Lanka and the Colombo Port City Economic Commission.
Flinders has been a centre of inspiring achievement: from pioneering research and excellence in teaching to the positive impact in the communities.for over 50 years,
Inspiration leads to innovation. But innovation is more than just a buzzword at Flinders. It extends from our founding Vice-Chancellor Peter Karmel’s entreaty to ‘experiment and experiment bravely’ through to the creative, trailblazing work of our staff, students and alumni.
Vice Chancellor of Flinders University, Professor Colin J. Stirling, recently visited Port City Colombo as part of the ongoing discussions regarding the educational investment opportunities available within this visionary master-planned city development.
He was accompanied by a delegation of officials, including Dr. Harsha Alles, Chairman, Gateway International School Group.
The delegation was welcomed by Thulci Aluwihare, Deputy Managing Director, and other representatives from CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt) Ltd.
Professor Stirling’s visit to Port City Colombo was preceded by Flinders University’s milestone meeting with President Ranil Wickremesinghe regarding the set-up of an offshore international campus, which took place earlier that day.
The Flinders University delegation also met with Anura Dissanayake, the Secretary to the Prime Minister, and recently appointed Commission Member at the Colombo Port City Economic Commission, and Hon. Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, Minister of Health.
The visit encompassed a curated tour and detailed presentation at the Port City Colombo Sales Gallery, where the delegation was briefed on the scope of the project, construction progress, and future projections as an upcoming regional business hub and financial centre within South Asia.
The presentation also elaborated on how Port City Colombo would incorporate a dynamic cross-cultural network for international and local students to build connections, foster impactful skillsets, and pursue a rewarding academic tenure, which would prepare them for challenging careers in the future.
The Flinders University delegation was further provided an experiential tour of particular locations at the project site, including the Marina Promenade, the Downtown Duty-Free Mall development, and the 2.5 Ha land plot allocated to the International University campus.
