News

The Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) has stated before the courts that it will file objections requesting to invalidate the injunction issued preventing the suspension of Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka’s party membership and positions held in the party, and from taking disciplinary action against him.

Appearing for the Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, President’s Counsel Romesh de Silva communicated this to the Colombo District Court when a petition filed by SJB Chairman Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka in this regard was taken up this morning (04).

Accordingly, the Colombo District Judge Sandun Withana ordered the relevant objections to be taken up for consideration this afternoon.

The Colombo District Court, which considered a complaint filed by Fonsek recently, issued the relevant injunction on Leader of the SJB Sajith Premadasa, its General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara, National Organiser Tissa Attanayake and Treasurer of the party Dr. Harsha de Silva.

The construction of the first-ever railway underpass to conserve an elephant corridor commenced in the Getadiwula area in Galgamuwa today (Mar 01).

The project was launched under the auspices of Minister of Transportation Bandula Gunawardena.

It is reported that the government had decided to commence the construction of underpasses due to the high number of elephant deaths as a result of colliding with trains.

Accordingly, the government is set to identify elephant corridors along railway tracks to build the underpass.

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has approved the revision of electricity tariffs with effect from midnight today (04). The overall tariff reduction is 21.9 percent, the PUCSL said.

PUCSL chairman Prof. Manjula Fernando annoucend this during a press briefing held in Colombo today (04) to deliver its decision on the electricity tariff reduction proposal mooted recently by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).

He said the final decision was reached after studying and reviewed the proposals and cost data submitted by the CEB in this tariff revision, in accordance with the provisions of Section 30 of the Sri Lanka Electricity Act No. 20 of 2009 and the provisions of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka.

The CEB had proposed to reduce tariffs by 3.4 percent last January and then by 16 percent in a revised proposal presented on February 22. The commission said it decided to reduce the electricity tariffs by 21.9 percent, considering suggestions made during the public consultation and reviews that carried out by the PUCSL of the cost data submitted by the CEB.

According to this tariff revision which will be effective from midnight today, maximum relief has been provided to all consumer categories. Tariffs have been reduced by 33 percent for consumers who consume less than 30 units of electricity in the domestic sector, he said.

Accordingly, the bills of electricity consumers with monthly consumption between 61 and 90 units will be reduced by 30 percent. Those who belong to the category between more than 90 units and less than 180 units will get a 24 percent reduction while 18 percent reduction is given for those who belong to the category of more than 180 units. The PUCSL has decided to reduce the tariffs by 33 percent for religious places.

The tariff for the general-purpose consumer category will be reduced by 23 percent and by 22 percent for government institutions. Also, the tariffs have been reduced by 18 percent for hotel and industry sectors and by 20 percent for street lamps.

According to the new tariff revision, the monthly fixed charge of consumers who use less than 30 units will be reduced from 180 to 150 rupees. The unit price they pay has been reduced from Rs 12 to Rs 8.

The monthly charged of Rs. 360 has been reduced to Rs. 300 for the consumers who are between 31 and 60 units, and the unit price for that category has been reduced from 30 to 20 rupees.

The manner in which the monthly fee and unit fee have been reduced for domestic categories is given below:

The condition has also been imposed on CEB to pay the due payments and arrears of interest to owners of renewable power plants, including roof-mounted solar power plants, before the 31st of this month.

The PUCSL has also imposed conditions on the CEB to prepare plans to achieve the target renewable electricity generation by 2030 and submit them before June 30.

Along with the implementation of this tariff revision, the PUCSL has also imposed 13 other conditions to be implemented by the CEB.

An agreement for the development of a Hybrid Renewable Energy systems in three Islands in Jaffna was signed today (1), said Sri Lanka's Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera via a post on X.

Under a full financial grant of USD 10.995 million extended by the Government of the Republic of India, Delft, Analativu & Nainativu Islands will receive the hybrid renewable energy system by March 2025.

The project with 530 kw Wind power, 1700 kw Solar power, 2400 kwh Battery power and 2500 kw of stand by diesel power system will be constructed at the 3 Islands by USOLAR.

Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority, Government of Sri Lanka and M/s. U Solar Clean Energy Solutions Pvt. Ltd signed the contract for the implementation of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems in Delft, Nainativu and Analaitivu islands off Jaffna in presence of High Commissioner of India Santosh Jha and Minister of State for Power and Energy Indika Anuruddha.

The project, which is aimed at addressing energy needs of the people of the three islands, is being executed through grant assistance from Government of India (GOI). The hybrid project combines various forms of energy including both solar and wind, towards optimizing capacities.
GOI's assistance to the project for the people of the three islands, which are not connected to the national grid, underscores the significance attached by GOI to bilateral energy partnership as well as the human-centric nature of development partnership. It may be recalled that energy sector was identified as a priority area in the India-Sri Lanka Economic Partnership Vision document which was adopted during the visit of President H.E Ranil Wickremesinghe to India in July 2023. Several landmark initiatives such as the power grid connectivity, multi product two-way oil pipeline are currently under discussion between India and Sri Lanka in the energy sphere.

GOI's overall development partnership portfolio stands at USD 5 billion with almost USD 600 million being in grants alone. While several flagship grant projects such as 1990 Suwaseriya Emergency Ambulance have already been completed, others such as the third and fourth phases of Indian Housing Project and Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity Project are under different stages of implementation.

Parliament is in a dilemma whether it can undo the salary hike implemented by the Central Bank for its employees in large proportions amidst fiscal austerity, the Daily Mirror learns.

The Central Bank recently increased the salaries of its employees by proportions of 29.53 percent to 79.97 percent under a triennial pay revision.

It happened when the government instructed all the state institutions to economize its expenses due to financial constraints. With the latest pay hike, the monthly pay of the Central Bank duty governor has been increased to Rs.1.7 million from Rs.974,965.

Following widespread criticism over the exorbitant pay hike, the Central Bank said it would clarify the matter to Parliament.

“In this regard, the Governing Board at its meeting held on 21.02.2024, requested the Governor of CBSL, acting in terms of Section 80 (2) (b) of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act No. 16 of 2023, to make a written request to the President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, through whom the CBSL normally communicates with Parliament, to seek an opportunity to apprise the Members of the Parliament through an appropriate parliamentary committee of the process and rationale pertaining to the recent revision of remuneration of CBSL staff.

The Governor has accordingly made a written request on 22.02.2024. CBSL will explain its position upon being offered the requested opportunity or on receipt of a request for information,” the Central Bank said.

The Business Committee of Parliament, a body headed by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena and represented by members from the parties, decided yesterday to summon the Central Bank officials for a meeting on March 5 to inquire into the matter.

Some MPS argue that Parliament has little to do in this regard because the Central Bank is an autonomous body and enjoys powers vested with it in terms of a law passed in Parliament.

However, another section of MPS holds the view that Parliament has the sole discretion to decide on public finance and therefore it can intervene in the Central Bank’s affairs in this regard.

(dailymirror.lk)

President Ranil Wickremesinghe made a visit to Wilgamuwa Pallegama Madhya Maha Vidyalaya today, February 29th, to assess the educational activities of the students.

The President’s visit coincided with his attendance at a discussion held at the Wilgamuwa Divisional Secretariat auditorium regarding the “Aswasuma” program. However, on his way to the auditorium, President Wickremesinghe spotted students at the Pallegama Madhya Maha Vidyalaya stadium and took the opportunity to engage with them in a friendly conversation, inquiring about their educational pursuits.

During his visit, President Wickremesinghe also conversed with the teachers at the school, discussing both the students’ academic endeavours and any identified shortcomings within the educational system. Drawing attention to some of the issues raised during his interaction, the President assured the students of his commitment to addressing them promptly.

Additionally, he offered his blessings for their future educational activities, encouraging them to strive for excellence.

Amidst his engagement with the students and school, President Wickremesinghe did not overlook the importance of involving parents and residents in discussions about the school’s welfare. He took the time to inquire about their perspectives and concerns, receiving their appreciation for his proactive approach in seeking information about the children’s well-being despite his busy schedule.

A significant meeting took place this afternoon (03), between the spiritual leader of the Dawoodi Bohras, His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin Saheb and President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the official residence of the President on Paget Road.

The Dawoodi Bohra community, numbering approximately one million worldwide, resides across various countries including India, Pakistan, USA, UK, Canada, Sri Lanka and Australia.

Dr. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin Saheb engaged in a warm and cordial conversation with President Ranil Wickremesinghe, expressing appreciation for the President’s efforts towards bolstering the economy of Sri Lanka.

During their interaction, Dr. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin Saheb brought to President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s attention the forthcoming Bohra Conference scheduled to be held this year in the vicinity of the Bambalapitiya Bohra Mosque.

As a gesture of goodwill, a book documenting various programs and religious services conducted by the Bohra community over the past four years was presented to the President.

Attending the event were a delegation comprising leaders of the Dawoodi Bohras, adding significance to the occasion with their presence.

The newly appointed Inspector General of Police, Mr. T. M. W. Deshabandu Tennakoon met with President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (29).

Upon assuming the duty as the 36th Inspector General of Police in Sri Lanka, Mr. Deshabandu Tennakoon met with the President.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe extended his felicitations to the new Inspector General of Police and engaged in a friendly conversation with him.

As a gesture of respect and tradition, the new Inspector General of Police presented the President with a customary memento.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscored the pressing need to address the challenges facing the agricultural sector, affirming a commitment to prioritize the concerns of farmers in the nation’s rebuilding efforts. Emphasizing the imperative of fostering a competitive agricultural industry geared towards crop exportation, the President announced plans for the imminent launch of the country’s most extensive agricultural modernization initiative.

President Wickremesinghe shared these sentiments during his participation at a paddy harvesting event in Galamatiyawa village within the Thambalagamuwa Divisional Secretariat, following an invitation from Trincomalee District Member of Parliament Mr. Kapila Athukorala.

Highlighting the significance of agriculture in the region, where approximately 9,000 acres of paddy cultivation have been undertaken, with 672 acres dedicated solely to Galamatiyawa village during the Maha season.

In a display of unity, residents, irrespective of political affiliation, ethnicity or creed, convened to express their grievances to President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Addressing their concerns, the President promptly directed relevant officials to investigate and provide solutions.

Foremost among the issues raised were the urgent need for a canal to ensure adequate water supply for crop cultivation and the installation of an electric fence to safeguard farmlands from elephant intrusions. In response, President Wickremesinghe disclosed plans for a comprehensive feasibility study to construct a canal, facilitating water distribution across nine tanks from Vendrasan to Puliyuthukulam. Additionally, he instructed officials to install street lights along area 94 to Palam Patar until the electric fence’s construction commences.

Furthermore, the President outlined initiatives to grant freehold deeds to farming families, allocate land to young agricultural entrepreneurs under the Agricultural Modernization Project, and secure ample grazing land for dairy farmers. He urged officials to address these demands promptly and positively.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe further said:

“We have initiated a special program in collaboration with India to develop Trincomalee. In addition to the Trincomalee oil tank complex, there are plans to establish a fuel supply from India via pipeline. Alongside tourism, efforts are underway to create an investment zone to expand employment opportunities. The aim is to elevate the Trincomalee port as a major port in the east and facilitate the exchange of products with South India, thereby contributing to the overall development of the Trincomalee district.

Furthermore, we are focused on developing the agriculture industry, animal husbandry, and fishing industry in the Trincomalee district. Today, we are here to gain insights into developing the agriculture industry in the area and to address the challenges faced by farmers. I have instructed the governor and your member of parliament to provide related reports. These development initiatives are expected to commence by 2025.

It is imperative to enhance the agriculture industry by creating highly efficient agricultural practices. Farmers should be empowered to restore and utilize small tanks, and attention should be directed towards enhancing crop yields. To achieve this, both the government and private sectors will establish agricultural modernization centers and agricultural service centers.

As part of an experimental phase, 25 centers have been selected, one agricultural service center from each district. We are receiving support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for this initiative, while India has provided technical assistance.

Modern-day youth are inclined towards ‘Smart Agriculture’, necessitating the adoption of new technologies. We aspire to restore the country’s past glory of exporting crops. Unfortunately, post-independence, adequate attention was not given to exports. Hence, we are launching the largest agricultural modernization program soon, with plans in progress over the coming months. Furthermore, we aim to prioritize inland fisheries and tourism in the region.

Under the ‘Urumaya’ program, we are granting freehold deeds for land. This program operates in three parts. This year, freehold land deeds will be allocated initially to licensees such as Swarna Bhumi and Jayabhoomi, who have completed survey work and have no disputes. Concurrently, surveying work has commenced on lands earmarked for surveying, and efforts are underway to resolve land-related disputes. Instructions have been issued to provide a minimum of 500-1000 deeds per day from each divisional secretariat.”

The event witnessed the presence of several distinguished figures, including Ven. Akkaragama Wimalajothi Thera, Governor of the Eastern Province Senthil Thondaman, Chief Secretary of the Eastern Province R. M. P. S. Rathnayake, Trincomalee District Secretary Chaminda Hettiarachchi, and Thambalagamuwa Divisional Secretary J. Sripathi.

Additionally, officials from Eastern Province Line Institutions, representatives of farmers’ organizations and a group of residents including farmers from the area also participated in the event.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe paid his last respects to the late former Finance Minister Ronnie de Mel, who was a philanthropic politician as well as an excellent economic expert.

Yesterday afternoon (28), the President visited the residence on Charles Drive, Kollupitiya, where Mr. de Mel’s body lay, extending condolences to the bereaved family.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who joined the family members in a short conversation, then penned a message in the condolence book.

In February 2024, Sri Lanka recorded a total of 218,350 tourist arrivals, marking the third consecutive month with over 200,000 arrivals, Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando has revealed.

Tourist arrival figure reported in February is over a 100% increase compared to the same period in 2023, where 107,639 arrivals were recorded.

It also incidentally the highest number of tourist arrivals reported since January 2020, where 228,434 tourists arrived in the country, pre-pandemic.

“Amazing two months in year 2024 , second consecutive month with over two hundred thousand arrivals, highest ever arrivals after taking over, in 29 days” Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando said.

During the 1st two months or 2024, 426,603 tourists arrivals have been reported, which is already 28% of total arrivals reported in 2023.

He also said Tourism income is estimated to be over USD 710 million for the first 2 months of 2024.

Deshabandu Tennakoon officially assumed duties as the 36th Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Sri Lanka, a short while ago.

Senior DIG and Acting IGP Tennakoon was appointed as the new IGP on Monday (Feb. 26).

This appointment, in compliance with the stipulations outlined in Articles 41C.(1) and 61E.(b) of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, has been made pursuant to the authority vested on President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the PMD reported.

Secretary to the President Mr. Saman Ekanayake had presented the official appointment letter to Mr. Deshabandu Tennakoon at the Presidential Secretariat.

Tennakoon had been appointed as the Acting IGP on November 29, 2023.