June 26, Colombo (LNW): The Government will implement visa free policy to boost tourism following recommendations of the Inter-Ministerial Secretaries Committee appointed by President Ranil Wickremasinghe. 

Tourism Minister Harin Fernando yesterday anno-unced that the report on the process of granting visa-free status for select countries will soon be presented to the Cabinet for approval.

Last month, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal tabled by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to establish an Inter-Ministerial Secretaries Committee tasked with addressing the concerns surrounding the visa system and delivering recommendations within a month.

The committee led by Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake, was entrusted to recommend a well-coordinated framework in implementing a National Visa Policy. 

“Establishing a robust and transparent visa policy that aligns with national interests will promote tourism and facilitate international travel,” Minister Fernando told journalists at Presidential Media Centre.

The development follows intense criticism faced by the Government over the outsourcing of the visa system to a foreign entity which earlier operated under the supervision of the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

Industry stakeholders claimed that failure to implement attractive travel policies, pushed potential tourists to opt for competitive countries like Thailand, Singapore, Maldives and Malaysia.

A joint Cabinet paper by the Tourism Minister Fernando and Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry proposing visa-free status for citizens of 67 countries was submitted aiming to stimulate tourism and promote Sri Lanka as a preferred travel destination, aligning with the country’s goal of achieving 5 million tourist arrivals by 2030.

Fernando said that the introduction of visa free would definitely attract more visitors and enhance the overall economic impact of the industry.

“Over 990,000 tourists have visited the country so far in 2024,” he confirmed.Noting that the average tourist expenditure is currently $ 180, he said the aim is to attract 20% to 30% of visitors to spend between $ 300 and $ 400 next year. 

He also outlined that five global promotional campaigns have been carried out in key markets China, Japan, India and Europe, whilst adding that a ‘must visit’ initiative is underway to further promote Sri Lanka’s unique attractions.

, Sri Lanka has successfully entered the top ten lists of global tourist destinations. A notable 33% of tourists are repeat visitors, indicating strong satisfaction with their experiences in our country,” the Minister explained. 

“Efforts are underway to enhance maritime tourism, particularly focusing on transforming Trincomalee and Arugam Bay into hubs for maritime activities. We will take Trincomalee to the world as a brand. Arugam Bay is already a well-known brand,” he stressed. 

 The Minister also highlighted plans to promote deep-sea diving in Arugam Bay and Trincomalee as part of the marine tourism strategy.

In addition, he reiterated plans to launch domestic flight services aimed at further developing the tourism sector

June 26, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan Cabinet Spokesperson, Minister Bandula Gunawardena, confirmed that there will be no relaxation of vehicle import restrictions in 2024. While President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who also serves as the Finance Minister, expressed hope for easing restrictions in 2025, this will depend on a careful evaluation and meeting International Monetary Fund (IMF) requirements.

Sri Lanka’s extended fund facility with the IMF necessitates specific targets for foreign exchange reserves, with goals of $8 billion by 2025, $10 billion by 2026, and $14 billion by 2027. The government cannot risk depleting these reserves through increased vehicle imports.

Minister Gunawardena emphasized that a committee under the Finance Ministry is currently gathering information and formulating a plan for potential future easing of restrictions. No final decisions have been made, and any changes will prioritize maintaining healthy foreign exchange reserves.

June 26, Colombo (LNW): Teachers and principals unions initiated a sick leave campaign on Wednesday (26), protesting the government’s failure to address salary discrepancies.

Joseph Stalin, Secretary of the Ceylon Teachers’ Union, announced that a protest will be held at the Fort Railway Station at 11 am on Wednesday (26), with participation from principals, teachers, and educators. He stated that the government should be held accountable for the disruption caused to the school system by the sick leave campaign.

Stalin highlighted that the government had provided only one-third of the salary increase recommended by a special committee appointed to address salary disparities in the principal and teacher services last year. The trade union action demands that the government provide the remaining two-thirds of the recommended salary.

He pointed out that a government sub-committee had acknowledged issues within the teacher and principal salary structure and proposed solutions within six months. However, progress has stalled.

Stalin further criticized the government’s reliance on parents to shoulder additional education costs, arguing that such practices contradict the principles of a free education system.

June 26, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized the government’s special focus on integrating economic and technical sectors through advancements in computer and information technology. He highlighted the vision to transform Colombo Port City into a financial zone facilitating offshore activities and attracting investments in Sri Lanka, with a strong emphasis on enterprise development and digital technology utilization by both local and foreign investors.

President Wickremesinghe made these remarks during the opening of the 2024 ‘DigiEcon’ Global Investment Conference, which commenced today (25) at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo. The conference, themed ‘Harnessing Sri Lanka’s Untapped Potential,’ aims to showcase the country’s investment opportunities.

He stated that Sri Lanka needs digital cooperation with India and China, who are giants in the field. “We are situated between two giants in this sector, China and India, covering both hardware and software. We need to utilize that knowledge and cooperate with these countries,” he said.

The President also outlined the government’s plans to build national infrastructure under the Science and Technology Development Act, which established the National Science and Technology Commission and the National Science Foundation. “We are now introducing new laws to supplement it. Firstly, we will create a Chief Technological Officer, who will be the chief technological advisor to the government of Sri Lanka. Then, we will establish the Technology and Innovation Council, which will fund commercializing research.”

He mentioned that the government will support pure and applied sciences through the National Science Foundation. “We aim to create a system for commercializing research. All government funding for pure and applied research will go through the National Science Foundation, which will set priorities and monitor performance,” he explained.

The President added that the government is establishing the Digital Transformation Agency. “Initially focused on computer and information technology, we are now integrating economic and technological aspects. The final new institution we are introducing is the National AI Centre.”

He further stated that Sri Lanka must establish the infrastructure for high-tech cities. “We are looking at one in the outskirts of Colombo, which should have at least 100 acres or more. Smaller areas like Jaffna and others could have their own cities, with about 25 to 50 acres, depending on the available land. One major high-tech city will be in Colombo, and if possible, another in Kandy.”

Following the opening session, a panel discussion took place, featuring Chief of Presidential Staff and Senior Advisor to the President on National Security Sagala Ratnayaka, Minister of State for Technology Kanaka Herath, and Minister of State for Investment Promotion Dilum Amunugama.

Additionally, President Wickremesinghe met with the Global CEO of IFS, Mr. Mark Moffat, in conjunction with the conference.

1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that the government is placing special focus on integrating economic and technical sectors through advancements in computer and information technology. He highlighted the vision to transform Colombo Port City into a financial zone facilitating offshore activities and attracting investments in Sri Lanka, with a strong emphasis on the development of enterprises and the utilization of digital technology by both local and foreign investors.
2. Opposition Parliamentarians Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka and Patali Champika Ranawaka have refuted reports claiming they are set to join the government. MP Fonseka also shot down reports of him supporting the presidential candidacy of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, stating that it is completely untrue and baseless. MP Patali Champika Ranawaka said that reports on local media about him joining the government “are baseless and unfound.”
3. National People’s Power (NPP) Parliamentarian Dr. Harini Amarasuriya states that their party will support the private member’s bill tabled by SLPP MP Premnath C. Dolawaththa to decriminalize same-sex relationships under the penal code.
4. The Speaker of Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena has informed all the Members of Parliament in writing to attend a special parliamentary sitting on July 2, 2024 at 9.30 a.m., the Parliamentary Communications Department said. The special parliamentary sitting has been called in pursuance of Standing Order No. 16 of the Standing Orders of the Parliament, as per a request made by the Prime Minister.
5. The Court of Appeal has decided for the writ petition filed by former Sri Lanka Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda over the alleged abduction of 11 youths in 2008 and 2009, to be taken up for hearing before a five-member judge bench. The petitioner’s attorney has alleged through this petition that despite the investigations into the case stretching out for 10 years and statements being recorded from over 150 persons, the police had failed to uncover evidence to prove his client guilty of abducting and killing the 11 youths.
6. The Ministry of Health has assured that Sri Lanka is equipped to deal with a bird flu outbreak and has already taken necessary preventive measures in this regard. Issuing a statement, the Health Ministry said that the World Health Organization (WHO) has not issued any special public health announcement in this regard yet.
7. The Ministry of Education has announced that the sub-committee’s recommendation has been received to increase the allowances provided for the teachers engaged in answer sheet evaluation activities of G.C.E. Ordinary Level and Grade 5 Scholarship examinations.
8. The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval for the development of Higurakgoda Airport as a full-fledged airport in accordance with international civil aviation standards.
9. Employees across various public service sectors are engaging in union action today over issues such as wages. The Joint Committee of Government Executive Officers and non-academic staff are participating, with executive officers reporting sick leave and school principals seeking parental support to maintain school activities.
10. One of the world’s oldest inter-club golf tournaments, the 121st Burdett Trophy, and the 87th Puffin Cup, will take place on July 6 at the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club.

June 26, Colombo (LNW): The Korean Government and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) have initiated a program to modernize the Plant Quarantine Service at the Seaport of Colombo. As part of this initiative, the Plant Quarantine Service at Colombo Port was expanded on June 25, with the inauguration of a new building constructed at a cost of US$ 1.3 million.

The opening ceremony was attended by Agriculture and Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, Agriculture Ministry Secretary Janaka Dharmakeerthi, Director General of the Agriculture Department Dr. Kamani Ranatunga, and other officials. Korean Ambassador to Sri Lanka Miyon Lee, KOICA Vice President Lee Yunyong, and KOICA Country Director Kim Miyungjin were also present.

From 2019 to 2024, the Korean Government has implemented several programs to modernize the plant quarantine service at Colombo Port, investing a total of US$ 7.5 million. The new building includes advanced technology, research facilities, and laboratories for import and export plant quarantine.

Minister Mahinda Amaraweera praised the Plant Quarantine Service staff for their efforts to maintain service standards despite numerous challenges. He emphasized the importance of preventing diseases and pests from entering the country through imported plants.

The Minister expressed gratitude to the South Korean Government and KOICA for their support in upgrading the Plant Quarantine Service. “Plant quarantine is essential for protecting the country from harmful organisms. Modernizing our plant quarantine service is crucial to mitigating potential negative impacts,” he stated.

June 26, Colombo (LNW): The Cabinet of Ministers approved the combined proposal presented by President Ranil Wickremesinghe as Defence Minister and Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva to take necessary measures to develop the Hingurakgoda Airport into a complete airport, Cabinet Spokesman and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana said.

Speaking to the media yesterday at the Government Information Department, Dr. Gunawardhana stated that Hingurakgoda Airport is currently managed by the Sri Lanka Air Force. The need to develop the airport in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards has been identified.

A committee consisting of representatives from the Sri Lanka Air Force, Sri Lanka Civil Aviation Authority, Airports and Aviation Company (Sri Lanka) (Pvt.) Ltd, and Road Development Authority has been appointed to prepare the master plan for the airport and oversee related tasks.

June 26, Colombo (LNW): Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe announced that the World Bank has approved US$ 150 million to improve health facilities in the country. Semasinghe added that this financial facility aims to enhance the quality of health services, reflecting the government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s healthcare infrastructure and ensuring better healthcare for all citizens.

Faris Hadad-Zervos, Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka at the World Bank, acknowledged Sri Lanka’s remarkable performance in the health sector and emphasized the need to provide necessary support to overcome upcoming challenges.

This financing will be used to strengthen health systems to meet the growing healthcare needs of the elderly in Sri Lanka, a country with an aging population in South Asia. Additionally, it will focus on effectively controlling non-communicable diseases, which account for 80 percent of deaths in the country.

June 26, Colombo (LNW):The government will implement a program to introduce digital technology to the Pirivena education system. Accordingly, steps will be taken to provide smart classrooms including at least two computers, a smartboard, and a printer for the 825 Pirivenas in the country, Cabinet spokesman Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana said.

Speaking at the weekly Cabinet press briefing at the Information Department, Minister Dr. Gunawardhana stated that the Cabinet of Ministers approved the joint proposal presented by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as Technology Minister and Education Minister Susil Premajayantha to implement the proposed program.

He noted that over 100,000 monks and lay students are studying in Pirivenas around the country, and this project will help these students utilize digital technology to conduct research and analysis on Buddhist heritage in the country.

“This proposal was presented during Poson Week. The arrival of Arhant Mahinda Thera marked the turning point of the nation. The civilization and education of the nation developed with the introduction of Buddhism to the country by Arhant Mahinda Thera,” the Minister said.

The Minister added that there is archaeological evidence that Maha Vihara and Abhayagiri operated as two international-level educational institutions. Sri Lankan education was based on the Pirivena education system, and these Pirivenas continued educational activities from generation to generation.

The Education Ministry is implementing a project to introduce digital education to 1,200 schools under Chinese assistance with the intervention of the President. The Pirivenas will also get these facilities.