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The President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Dr. Tanaka Akihiko called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday (Feb 14).

During the meeting, Dr. Akihiko expressed gratitude for President Wickremesinghe’s commitment to the economic reform program, acknowledging its challenging nature.

In response, President Wickremesinghe emphasised his focus on ensuring the swift resumption of investment projects, including the expansion of the Katunayake Airport, the Light-rail transit (LRT), and the central expressway.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the President also conveyed appreciation for the continued support provided by the Government of Japan and JICA towards Sri Lanka during the economic crisis.

Meanwhile, Dr. Akihiko elaborated on JICA’s efforts, highlighting the priority of concluding debt restructuring while also aiming for the resumption of stalled projects.

President Wickremesinghe was accompanied by the President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka and Director of International Affairs Dinouk Colombage during the meeting.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has confirmed that both presidential and parliamentary elections are scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka this year.

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has announced plans to revise electricity rates before March, following public consultations and analysis of proposals submitted by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).

PUCSL Chairman, Manjula Fernando, confirmed that public comments will be gathered on February 15th at the Bandaranaike Memorial Conference Hall.

He stated, "After public consultation, the commission will meet and take immediate steps to reduce the rates."

This initiative follows a request by the PUCSL for the CEB to propose revised tariffs, considering 2023 profits and favorable hydropower capacity.

On January 16th, the CEB presented a proposal recommending a 3.34% reduction.

However, the PUSCL identified concerns in the CEB's proposal.

The proposal included a 100 MW electricity purchase without commission approval and from unlicensed sources.

Depreciation for power plants was included in capacity charges, even though these were built with government funds, leading to an inflated cost estimate for 2024.

The PUSCL deemed the proposed distribution cost for 2024 to be an overestimate.

The CEB's 2023 profit of 48.722 billion rupees was not factored into the proposed reduction.

The PUSCL emphasized its commitment to transparency and invited public input through oral comments at the Bandaranaike Memorial Conference Hall. The registration period for this session closed on Monday, 12th February.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe convened with members of Sri Lanka’s diaspora community in Perth, Australia this morning (Feb 09).

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), during the meeting, the President provided an update on the nation’s recovery efforts and discussed strategies for modernizing the economy.

Throughout the discussions, the diaspora voiced their eagerness to assist the Government in advancing economic development across various sectors, such as climate change and tourism.

Additionally, the President’s Chief-of-Staff, Sagala Ratnayaka, detailed plans for establishing the Office of Overseas Sri Lankans. He emphasized that this initiative would provide an avenue for the diaspora to engage constructively with the Government.

In response to various inquiries, the President affirmed the government’s dedication to executing longstanding policies.

Additionally, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry, provided further insight into initiatives aimed at facilitating programs in Sri Lanka that are backed by Sri Lankan expatriates.

Sagala Ratnayaka also underscored the ongoing IMF program, emphasizing the importance of the diagnostics report released last year. He appealed for the continued backing of the Sri Lankan diaspora in carrying forward the reform program.

Meanwhile, the President explained the efforts to revamp Sri Lanka’s education system, which includes plans for introducing private universities.

Accompanying the President were Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry, Senior Adviser to the President on National Security and Chief-of-Staff, Sagala Ratnayaka, Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Australia, Chitranganee Wagiswara, Member of Parliament Chinthaka Mayadunna and Sri Lanka’s Counsel General to Western Australia.

The President’s Media Division (PMD) on Tuesday made a special announcement on the upcoming Presidential Election and the General Election.

According to the communiqué, the Presidential Election is slated to be held within the mandated period.

However, the General Election is planned to be conducted in 2025 as per the current timeline, the PMD said further, noting that financial provisions for the General Election will be made in the 2025 budget.

Emphasizing that the Election Commission is responsible for conducting the polls, the PMD asserted the government will be communicating with the election body “as and when required”.

Member of Parliament Dr. Harsha de Silva has been reappointed as the chairperson of the Committee on Public Finance (COPF).

The Committee of Selection had nominated MPs to serve in the COPF and, as such, de Silva was selected yet again as the committee’s chair.

Earlier today (Feb.09), during the parliamentary session, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena announced members nominated to the COPF.

New members nominated to serve in COPF are as follows:

1. Shehan Semasinghe
2. Dr. Seetha Arambepola
3. Dr. Suren Raghavan
4. Anupa Pasqual
5. Johnston Fernando
6. Rauff Hakeem
7. Wajira Abeywardana
8. Vijitha Herath
9. Mahindananda Aluthgamage
10. Duminda Dissanayake
11. Chandima Weerakkody
12. Dr. Nalaka Godahewa
13. Nimal Lanza
14. M. A. Sumanthiran
15. Dr. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana
16. Mayantha Dissanayake
17. Harshana Rajakaruna
18. U. K. Sumith Udukumbura
19. Dr. Major Pradeep Undugoda
20. Isuru Dodangoda
21. Premnath C. Dolawatte
22. Madhura Withanage
23. M. W. D. Sahan Pradeep Withana

The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) has urged that the proper registration of SIM cards is employed by all mobile phone users.

According to the Director (Compliance) of the Commission Menaka Pathirana, every customer must ensure that their SIM card is registered correctly.

Speaking to the media today (12 Feb.), Pathirana emphasized the importance of verifying SIM card registration status with the respective phone companies, and thereby advised customers to contact their service providers to confirm the SIM cards registered under their names, particularly with regards to SIMS provided by companies they are no longer employed at.

Furthermore, the Director highlighted the risks associated with unregistered or illegally obtained SIM cards, and urged individuals to promptly disconnect any SIM cards issued without their knowledge, as these could be exploited for illegal activities. 

The TRCSL Director underscored the necessity of disconnecting unauthorized SIM cards linked to individuals’ National Identity Card numbers, adding that this proactive measure aims to curb fraudulent activities and safeguard the integrity of the telecommunications network in Sri Lanka.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe had brainwashed National People’s Power (NPP) and that is why its leader went before Indian leaders, Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said in Parliament today.

"Those who held lectures, on Indian expansionism have gone to meet Indian leaders today,” he quipped. “They who wore worn-out clothes are wearing full suits. We are happy about this move. This is because Ranil Wickremesinghe has brainwashed them," MP De Silva said.

"We can recall how these leaders criticized the government for going into business ventures with Adani group," he added.

He also said that around 200,000 tourists had visited Sri Lanka during the last month.

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At least 72 health sector trade unions, except doctors, are to launch a strike tomorrow (Feb 13).

According to the trade unions, the strike will be launched from 6.30 am on Tuesday.

The decision to launch a strike has been taken after a discussion with the Ministry of Finance held today had failed.

A discussion was held between the Finance Ministry and Trade Unions, on the latter’s demand for the Disturbance, Availability & Transport (DAT) allowance provided to doctors to be granted to healthcare workers as well.

In January this year, the Cabinet approved the President’s proposal to double the DAT allowance for doctors only, raising it from Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 70,000.

Following the decision, health sector trade unions demanded that the allowance be provided to them as well, threatening to resort to Trade Union action.

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) on Thursday (Feb.08) inked a power purchase agreement with Rividhanavi (Pvt) Ltd. for the 100MW Ground Mount Solar project in Siyambalanduwa.

The deal was signed in the presence of Power & Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Wijesekera said the investment is expected to be USD 132 million.

The project was advertised by the state-owned electricity supplier in September 2022, evaluated in 2023, and awarded to the lowest and most successful bidder by the end of 2023.

The minister said Rividhanavi would also build the transmission line of 27.5km for the project and transfer it to the CEB.

Rividhanavi (Pvt) Ltd. is a consortium of shareholders, Lakdhanavi Ltd., Windforce PLC and The Blue Circle PTE Ltd of Singapore, he added.

A momentous occasion unfolded today (12) at the Walukaramaya Buddhist Temple in Colpetty as President Ranil Wickremesinghe presided over the unveiling of the restored metal statue of King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe. The event, held under the auspices of Vichitra Bhanaka Ven. Maharagama Nanda Thero, commemorating his 70th birth anniversary and marked a significant milestone in the restoration of the temple’s sacred artefacts.

The restoration of the metal statue of King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe was made possible through the generous support of Thai donors, notably ascetic Luangphor Rishi Keth Kaw, under the guidance of Ven. Prakru Udom Dammanukul Vibanpaw Thero of the Supreme Patriarch descent of Thailand. The unveiling ceremony saw President Ranil Wickremesinghe unveiling the metallic statue, symbolizing a renewed dedication to preserving cultural heritage.

In tandem with this momentous occasion, statues of Most Ven. Welivita Saranankara Sangharaja Thero and Most Ven. Upali Maha Thero of Siam were also restored and unveiled by Ven. Maharagama Nanda Thero and Ven. Prakru Udom Dammanukul Vibanpaw Thero, further enriching the spiritual ambiance of the temple shrine.

Following the unveiling, Mahanayaka of the Sri Kalyani Samagri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha, Mahopadhyaya Ven. Malwane Pagngnasarabhidhana Maha Nayaka Thero, led the assembled gathering in reciting the five precept, while Ven. Maharagama Nanda Thero extended a warm welcome to the attendees and delivered an inspiring sermon.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed gratitude by presenting commemorative gifts to Ven. Prakru Udom Dammanukul Vibanpaw Thero, ascetic Luangphor Rishi Keth Kaw of Thailand and Professor Nuwan Kavinda Wijesinghe for their invaluable contributions to Buddhism in Sri Lanka and Thailand. In acknowledgment of his role, a special souvenir was also presented to the President.

The event was graced by the esteemed presence of the Maha Sangha from both Sri Lanka and Thailand, including Ven. Dr. Maitipe Wimalasara Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Parama Dhamma Chethiya Privena, Ratmalana; Ven. Amandoluwe Dhammarathana Thero, Chief Incumbent of Bodhirathnaramaya, Katunayake; Ven. Uduwela Kolitha Thero of Walukaramaya, Colpetty; Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Vidura Wickramanayaka; Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka; Member of Parliament Wajira Abeywardana; former minister Ravi Karunanayake; former member of parliament Dickson J. Perera and members of the donation council of the temple. (PMD)

SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa said that he believes, following Anura Kumara Dissanayake's visit to India, the JVP will support Indian investors coming into Sri Lanka.

MP Rajapaksa pointed out that the JVP in the past had played a key part in Sri Lanka losing several Indian and global investors due to its intervention.

He further said that the Sampur Power Project was an example of the loss faced by the country as a result of the JVP’s anti-India policies.

"However, the JVP has now reached a different view and has engaged in a tour to India, which is a good thing,” he said.

A JVP delegation led by Anura Kumara Dissanayake is in India for a five-day visit on an invitation extended by the Indian government.

The delegation is scheduled to visit three cities —New Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Thiruvananthapuram — and hold meetings with government officials, and members of the business community, in addition to visiting centres of excellence in agriculture and industry.

Dissanayake has already met several high-profile Indian officials, including External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.