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Secretary to the Ministry of Ports, Naval, and Aviation Services, K. D. S. Ruwanchandra, emphasized that Alphaliner, a prominent research publication in the shipping industry, recognized Colombo Port as the world’s fastest-growing port in the first quarter of 2024 due to its remarkable operational performance and 23.6% growth rate.

He added that the port generated an income of USD 50 million in the first quarter of 2024, emphasizing that the various trade union actions taken in the past did not impede this progress.

Addressing a press briefing held under the press briefing series titled “Two Years of Progress and Way Forward”, held at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) today (29), Secretary to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Services further elaborated;

“To begin with, I would like to highlight the significant progress in the operational performance of the Colombo Port, which achieved an impressive growth rate of 23.6% in 2024. As a result, Alphaliner, a leading research publication in the shipping industry, recognized the Colombo Port as the world’s fastest-growing port in the first quarter of 2024. We accomplished this progress despite various trade union actions, which did not hinder our operations.

In 2023, the Sri Lanka Port Authority reported a profit of USD 100 million, and in just the first quarter of 2024, it has already made a profit of USD 50 million.

All four terminals have significantly contributed to these operations, with on-going efforts to enhance their operational capacity. Construction of the Eastern Container Terminal (ECT) and the Western Terminal is in progress, with the Western Terminal expected to begin operations in February 2025.

Additionally, development work is underway at the Eastern Terminal and Northern Port. Meanwhile, development projects are being carried out at Trincomalee, Galle, and Kankasanthurai ports. A passenger ferry service from India operates every Friday using the newly constructed terminal building at the Kankasanthurai Port.

Airline operations have improved by 25% compared to 2023, with significant increases in both passenger and cargo services. The number of air service arrivals has risen from 36 in 2023 to 46 by July 2024.”

Eng. Athula Galketiya, Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. (AASL);

“By July 2024, there have been 4.3 million international passenger movements, and we anticipate that this number will reach around 9 million by the end of the next six months, reflecting a 26.10% growth compared to July 2023.

Additionally, international air traffic increased by 24.50% by June 2024 compared to June 2023, while air cargo movement rose by 28.96% in the same period. Our terminal handled approximately 10.8 million air passengers in 2018, but there are challenges in providing adequate facilities. Therefore, many short-term and long-term measures are currently being implemented to improve facilities for 8 to 9 million passengers.

The tender aims to improve the departure area of the first external terminal, with the award likely happening next month. Additionally, 30 more counters will be added to the departure area of the new building, along with the construction of four e-gates each for arrivals and departures, streamlining the immigration and emigration processes.

We expect to resume construction on the proposed second terminal for the Bandaranaike International Airport soon.

Negotiations with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are underway, and they are expected to provide the necessary loan facility by next month as promised. We plan to issue tenders by mid-September, begin construction by mid-next year, and complete it by the end of 2028, aiming to accommodate about 9 million more passengers.

The resignation of Air Traffic Controllers due to salary issues has been resolved with government intervention. However, approximately 80 Air Traffic Controllers have left the country. In response, the government has decided to recruit new Air Traffic Controllers. So far, a team of over 25 has been recruited, trained, and assigned to duty. Additionally, applications for another group have already been called.”

Air Vice Marshal Sagara Kotakadeniya (Retd), Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) Keith D. Bernard, and Director General of the Merchant Shipping Secretariat, Gen. Ajith Wijesinghe, along with other officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, were present at the press briefing.

The Elections Commission of Sri Lanka says that the Gazette notification regarding the announcement of the Presidential Election date will be published tomorrow (26).

“I hereby inform that the Election Commission, which convened today, has decided to publish the Gazette Extraordinary Notification to announce the date for proclaiming the Presidential Election and the nomination date in accordance with the provisions of the Presidential Elections Act, No. 15 of 1981, which will be declared on the 26th day of July 2024,” the chairman of the commission said.

Furthermore, it is announced that the Election Commission holds no responsibility for the statements made by various individuals and parties on the day of the presidential poll and other constitutional functions, the statement added.

The National Election Commission had convened a meeting today (25) to finalize the date for the upcoming Presidential Election and the date for the calling of nominations.

The meeting, chaired by Chairman of the Election Commission R.M.A.L. Rathnayake, was held to reach a final consensus on these crucial dates.

The commission had previously announced that the preliminary arrangements for conducting the presidential election have already been completed.

Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe today (29) stepped down as the minister of justice, prisons affairs and constitutional reforms to contest for the presidency.

He announced the decision to the media today (29) and said he would contest from a SLFP-led alliance.

Rajapakshe said accepting, resigning or getting expelled from cabinet positions was a thing normal to him.

He added that he had turned down portfolios on six different occasions.

Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and 05 other suspects implicated in the alleged importation of substandard immunoglobulin vials have been further remanded until August 08.

The order was issued after the defendants were produced before the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court today (25).

The former Minister of Health is currently in remand custody in connection with his alleged complicity in the procurement of substandard human intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) vials.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested Rambukwella on 02 February over his alleged complicity in the procurement of substandard IVIG vials.

The arrest came hot on the heels of pressure from civil society activists and health sector trade unionists, who called for the immediate apprehension of the lawmaker.

In October 2023, the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) revealed that forged documents were found to have been submitted for Customs clearance to procure a batch of vials containing human immunoglobulin, an antibody produced by blood plasma cells, which later failed the quality tests.

Prior to the apprehension of Rambukwella, seven arrests had been made in connection with the drug procurement scam. But the fifth accused was later released on bail.

As such, the former Health Secretary, the Director of the Health Ministry’s Medical Supplies Division (MSD) and three other officials of the same division, as well as the owner of the company, which is said to have supplied the substandard batch of immunoglobulin vials, were in remand custody.

Meanwhile, one of the suspects who was arrested and remanded in connection with the case was released on bail when the case was previously taken up on May 06.

Accordingly, the former Deputy Director of the Medical Supplies Division of the Health Ministry, Dr. Thusitha Sudarshana had been released on bail.

Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal today (25) ordered the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court to release on bail the former Director of the Health Ministry’s Medical Supplies Division, Dr. Kapila Wickramanayake, who was also in remand custody.

The Court of Appeal had issued the order to the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court to release Dr. Wickramanayake under suitable bail conditions, after considering a writ petition filed by his attorneys.

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that the issue regarding the appointment of the Inspector General of Police will be resolved within a week through consultation with the Speaker and the Chief Justice.

The President stated that he is fully committed to holding the presidential election on September 21 and will not consider postponing it beyond that date, as elections are an essential aspect of the people’s sovereignty and must never be violated.

Participating in the ‘Jayagamu Sri Lanka’ Colombo District program held today (27) at the Homagama bus station premises, President Wickremesinghe highlighted that, according to Article 106 of the Constitution, the Election Commission has the authority to conduct an independent and free election in the country. He emphasized that it is everyone’s absolute duty to provide full support for this process.

Addressing the gathering the President further elaborated,

It must be acknowledged that we are here today because of the contributions of migrant workers and the farmers who cultivated the Yala season of 2022 and 2023. Without these two groups, our country would not have advanced as successfully as it has. We all remember the state of the country when we assumed leadership. We are not a one-party government; as President, I formed a new government by bringing everyone together. This government is therefore equipped to accept challenges. With the support of international countries and financial organizations, we began stabilizing the economy of the country. We must not forget the emigrant community that brought in dollars, and for that, so I should thank you.

If we had not advanced the country’s economy in this way, the people would not be enjoying the concessions they have today. We have a responsibility to support workers returning from abroad to start their careers here. It is because of your past service that we can provide such relief to the people today.

We now have the opportunity to emerge from bankruptcy because we have successfully negotiated with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), lending countries, and bondholders, completing the debt restructuring process. Following the signing of these agreements, Japan announced that they would resume all previously halted projects in this country with the support of the Japanese government.

We have also reached an agreement with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to implement major projects, including the development of Trincomalee port. Additionally, the Cabinet has approved several energy projects. Consequently, we are ready to initiate these development activities with Japan and India.

I have also requested that China and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) resume their projects. As a result, the construction sector in this country is making significant progress.

Some people thought we wouldn’t be able to recover as a country, that holding an election would be impossible, and that we would descend into dictatorship. Now, we are holding the election. Some others said I would postpone it, but I was the first to deposit the candidate’s fee to ensure the polls could be held on time.

People ask me what will happen because of this crisis. Last week, a case was filed in the Supreme Court, claiming the system appointed by the Inspector General was wrong. An appeal and a request were submitted to the Supreme Court, as we need its approval according to the constitution. It was stated that the appeal could be made in the traditional way, which is nothing unusual. However, the Supreme Court announced that the Inspector General of Police would be removed from his post and suspended from work, despite there being no facts about it. But when you read it, you’ll understand that the petition presents the facts and that a petition has been submitted to the Supreme Court. The decision about the Inspector General of Police has been based on the pending petition.

The next day, the opposition leader brought up the matter in Parliament. The Speaker was absent that day, but when he returned, the Prime Minister raised the matter again. The Speaker then decided that the Constituent Assembly is part of Parliament, and therefore, the court cannot examine its internal workings. As a result, the Speaker stated that the appointment is lawful.

The Supreme Court says this is illegal and should be banned, while Parliament declares it is legal. With September 21 set as the election date, this situation could become a significant problem.

So, I discussed this with our Venerable Mahanayaka Theros, the Chairman of the Election Commission, and other leaders. They all agreed that we need to find a solution to this issue. We can’t let it collapse like this because it is the people who will be affected.

I view this issue from a different perspective. Rather than focusing on the appointment of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) or the Constituent Assembly meeting, I refer to Article 4 of the constitution, which states that elections are part of the people’s sovereignty. We must honour this sovereignty. According to Article 106 of the constitution, the Election Commission is empowered to conduct free and independent elections in the country. The period for holding such elections began on July 17. It is our absolute duty to fully support the Election Commission in conducting this free and independent election.

Minister Manusha Nanayakkara inquired the Election Commissioner if my photo could be posted on this platform. They requested to remove it. This isn’t a problem for me. We need to have discussions and debates about this. However, the Supreme Court also had a duty to consult the Election Commission on this matter. According to Article 106 of the Constitution, the Election Commission has to request police officers through the Inspector General of Police, not from the DIG. This must come from the Inspector General of Police.

Without an Inspector General of Police, how can we secure the necessary officers? The required number of police officers should be requested this week; if delayed, it will not be possible, and the election cannot be held. Therefore, this issue is very important.

Therefore, it was the Supreme Court’s primary duty to consult the Election Commission on this matter. Likewise, Parliament should have asked the Election Commission about these issues and provided a decision. The failure to do so has created a significant problem. I do not want the election to be postponed, and I am not ready to delay it beyond September 21. I am determined to hold this election as planned. Vote for whomever you prefer; it is not a problem and it’s your right.

We need to stop going to court now and find a solution. We must decide whether to defuse this situation or let it explode. We cannot allow it to blow up. It needs to be dismantled and deactivated piece by piece. Both Parliament and the Supreme Court must act accordingly.

Therefore, I ask that both the Speaker and the Chief Justice discuss and resolve this issue. I spoke to the Speaker in the morning, and he mentioned that he had sent a letter to the Attorney General and said he is ready to talk to the Chief Justice. I will also inform the Chief Justice to discuss this. We must solve this problem within this week.

Under Article 4 of the Constitution, the President is responsible for the country’s security. The Supreme Court punished President Maithripala Sirisena for failing to protect the country. We need the Police to ensure the country’s safety, and the Intelligence Division and the Special Task Force must be operational. What will happen if we lose these capabilities?

A new campaign to combat drugs is scheduled to begin this week, and it should start on time. Therefore, I declare that after discussing with the Speaker and the Chief Justice, this issue will be resolved, and the Election Commission will be able to hold the election on September 21.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena,

Today, the country is experiencing an economic awakening. I am grateful to Labour Minister for initiating such a program during a challenging period. By collaborating with the entire private sector, the minister made a significant contribution to the success of this program.

The situation in the country two years ago speaks for itself, and there is no need to dwell on it. President Ranil Wickremesinghe accepted the challenge of rebuilding the country. He took steps to achieve economic and governmental stability, integrating all sectors. When he took office, businesses were collapsing, but he stabilized the economy by working with the international community.

Minister of Transport, Highways and Mass Media, Dr. Bandula Gunawardena,

This program is unique in its implementation across the country. Two years ago, for the first time since independence, the people of this country faced an economic crisis, enduring long queues for fuel and gas. At that time, society was fraught with tension and resentment, primarily due to a shortage of dollars. Although there were some dollars available for importing essential goods, there were not enough to import fuel and gas. The current president secured support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the international community, bringing the country to a point where we can all breathe easier.

Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment, Manusha Nanayakkara,

When President Ranil Wickremesinghe took office, the country was facing a severe dollar shortage, and institutions were unable to pay salaries to officials. We appealed to foreign workers and those with work permits abroad to send dollars back home.

It was your children who sent dollars to our country, which is why we recognize their contributions. Out of love for their homeland, they supported us financially. Today marks the 24th event of the “Jayagamu Sri Lanka” program in the Colombo district. The 25th event was planned for the Jaffna district, but it had to be temporarily cancelled due to the election announcement.

We must prepare our children to thrive in the modern world. The Smart Classroom Program was initiated to train their minds for this purpose. We also revised labour laws, enabling many young people in our country to find jobs abroad through the empowerment of foreign work permit holders.

“Jayagamu Sri Lanka” program has significantly benefited the nation. The smart board distribution programs were not politically motivated; they were part of an initiative to help the country’s youth become entrepreneurs. Despite facing various accusations while implementing these programs, we remain committed to serving the people.

State Minister Jagath Pushkumara,

The “Jayagamu Sri Lanka” initiative began its first program in the historic Anuradhapura district. Today, all foreign employment agencies and officials are present here in the Colombo district. You didn’t come seeking jobs today; jobs have found you.

We had to make a strong effort to rebuild the country from the economic crisis it faced. At that time, we couldn’t even find USD 20 million.

We appreciate the contributions of foreign workers. This tribute is well deserved by you as parents.

I would like to thank all the officials and others who helped make this program a success.

Members of Parliament Premanath C. Dolawatta and Yadamini Gunawardena, former Minister Ravi Karunanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment Ananda Wimalaweera, General Manager of the Foreign Employment Bureau Priyantha Senanayake, along with a group of government officials, Principals, parents, school students, and others attended this event.

The report from the Cabinet Sub-Committee appointed to investigate and recommend effective utilization of the Revenue Administration Management Information System (RAMIS) was recently presented to President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the President’s Office.

Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization, and National Policy, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe, issued Cabinet Memorandum No. 24/0696/604/079 on ‘Revenue Administration Management Information System (RAMIS) – Obtaining Maintenance Services’ dated April 8, 2024. This Cabinet Sub-Committee was appointed following the Cabinet’s decision.

The sub-committee, chaired by the Minister of Power and Energy Mr. Kanchana Wijesekera, included Ministers Tiran Alles and Nalin Fernando as members. The Assistant Secretary to the President, Ms. Rasali Wijesuriya, served as the Secretary of the sub-committee.

There was also an Officials’ Committee to assist the aforementioned Cabinet Sub-Committee, chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Technology, Dr. Dharmasri Kumaratunge.

During the “Ekwa Jaya Gamu – Api Galle” public rally held today (27) at the Galle Municipal Council Stadium, President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced for the first time that he will run in the upcoming presidential election and has already deposited the money.

The President highlighted that he has never shied away from challenges and stated that it is his political practice to fulfill his responsibilities quietly. He reaffirmed his commitment to moving the country forward as promised.

The meeting saw attendance from over 50 ministers and members of parliament from various political parties, including the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, as well as former ministers and more than 15,000 residents from the Galle district.

They gathered to learn about the government’s program and the path ahead, vowing to work toward the President’s victory in the presidential election.

In his address, President Wickremesinghe emphasized the importance of adhering to the current program agreed upon with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He asserted that any claims suggesting they are operating outside this framework are false and jeopardize the nation.

The President announced that he is running as an independent candidate in this year’s presidential election. He expressed his goal of uniting the country and urged all politicians to set aside their political differences in order to work together toward building a better Sri Lanka for the youth.

Ministers Ali Sabry P.C., Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, Manusha Nanayakkara; Minister of State Chamara Sampath Dasanayake; Member of Parliament Mahindananda Aluthgamage; Galle District Coordinating Committee Co-Chairman and Galle District Member of Parliament Sampath Athukorala and Member of Parliament Ishaq Rahuman, representing Samagi Jana Balawega, also addressed the public rally.

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to provide a special monthly allowance of Rs. 3,000 to pensioners starting from September 2024 until their salary anomalies are fully addressed, according to Minister Susil Premajayantha.

“A separate committee has been appointed regarding the salary disparities in the public service. The committee was appointed to solve the salary disparities in all fields at once. In the meantime, according to the committee’s own opinion, it was decided to give an allowance of Rs.3000 rupees to the pensioners from September. About 700,000 people will get that benefit”, said the minister.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his gratitude to all political parties in Parliament for supporting the adoption of the Economic Transformation Bill and urged them to unite in advancing this initiative. He highlighted that the bill includes the necessary governance and institutional framework for developing an export-centered digital and green economy in the country.

The President made these remarks during a ceremony today (26) at Rambukkana Parakrama Maha Vidyalaya, where he participated in providing smart classroom equipment for schools and pirivens under the “Digital Economy Strategy 2030” program, implemented jointly by the Ministries of Education and Technology.

According to President Wickremesinghe’s plan to expand digitization across the country, the Ministry of Technology has initiated the “Digital Economy Strategy 2030,” focusing on six key pillars: infrastructure, connectivity and access, skills, literacy, industry and employment, cyber security, security and privacy, digital financial services, e-governance, industry sectors, and digitization.

As part of this initiative, the first phase of digitization was launched in the Kegalle district, which included distributing smart classroom equipment to 42 pirivens and 62 schools.

This marks the first visit by a President to Rambukkana Parakrama Vidyalaya, a significant occasion during which students warmly welcomed President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Additionally, the President participated in an event today (26) at the Pinnawala Zoo premises to introduce the QR code system as part of a comprehensive program aimed at empowering over one million micro, small, and medium enterprises in the Kegalle district.

The Ministry of Tourism and Lands is set to develop seven new projects in the Rambukkana Divisional Secretariat under the Pinnawala Kithulgala Tourism Development Project. This includes the development of a pathway from the Hirivadunna Bridge to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, installation of streetlights around the orphanage and the Pinnawala Zoo, enhancement of the ancient tourist attraction at Iparanigama, development of the Kotavehera Temple as a tourist site, the establishment of a vehicle parking area and proposed retail complex near the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, improvement of sanitary facilities at the Pinnawala Zoo, and initiation of road development projects in front of the elephant orphanage.

During the event held at the Pinnawala Zoo premises, President Ranil Wickremesinghe also visited the DIGIECON exhibition stall and officially launched payments through QR codes.

Following this, the President toured the construction site of the Kotelawala Defence University at the Wagolla Agricultural Training Center.

The presentation of SLS certifications to entrepreneurs also took place under the patronage of the President.

Expressing his views at this event, President Wickremesinghe further stated,

“Today, as I visited this school, I was reminded of my own school days. Back then, all we had were blackboards and pieces of chalk. We didn’t have the facilities available today. I saw my first computer only after completing my university education. Today, you have modern equipment and smart classrooms. The world is rapidly changing in every sector, and we must acquire the knowledge needed to face these changes.

During the time of bankruptcy in our country, I often wondered how we could move forward as a nation after overcoming that crisis. I also questioned how we would secure the foreign exchange we need. We decided that we must quickly transition to a digital economy equipped with new technological knowledge. We need to start working towards that now.

We have taken steps to bring digitization to both the agriculture and business sectors, as well as schools. Accordingly, the program for establishing smart classrooms in schools and pirivens has been implemented. It’s essential that the benefits of this initiative reach rural areas as well. I invited Elon Musk to come to Sri Lanka to begin this work, and the necessary permits have now been issued. We hope to bring technological knowledge to our villages as much as possible. You must be ready to move forward using that knowledge.

You can utilize this technological knowledge in implementing the agricultural innovation program. We must establish a green economy and a digital economy in the country. Last Wednesday, there was a debate in Parliament regarding AI technology, where many speakers drew insights from ChatGPT. Parliament is now in a position to address such matters. We need to leverage this technology effectively.

At times, this technology can distort religious issues, and we are currently developing relevant regulations to prevent such situations. Additionally, we have decided to seek support from India in introducing this new technology.

We also plan to establish technology-based universities. Our aim is to advance with new economic transformation in the country using this technological knowledge. To facilitate this, we have presented the Economic Transformation Bill to Parliament to draft the necessary laws. It was discussed in Parliament, where various opinions were expressed. Ultimately, it was adopted without opposition. I am grateful to all political parties in Parliament for coming together on this initiative. I declare that we will move forward collectively with this work.

Today, countries like India and China are rapidly undergoing digitization, with all their financial transactions conducted through mobile phones. We must also reach that level. In this context, the QR code becomes crucial. It is essential to raise public awareness and introduce this technology to them. Therefore, I want to emphasize the importance of this program.

In the future, I hope to provide opportunities for anyone in this country to collaborate with economies from all nations, including India, China, and Singapore. For this, we need to strengthen our currency and improve our foreign reserves. We are currently working towards these goals. By strengthening our export economy, we can increase our foreign exchange. With a solid foreign exchange reserve, we can engage in transactions with these countries without any issues.

With this program, we believe it is possible to establish a modern economy in this country within the next ten years. We will ensure that this development is not limited to Colombo but also extends to rural areas.”

Sabaragamuwa Province Governor, Attorney-at-Law Navin Dissanayake,

This marks the first visit by a President to Rambukkana Parakrama Maha Vidyalaya. On August 2, a computer course will be offered to 1,000 children in the Sabaragamuwa Province, with the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council allocating Rs. 50 million for this initiative. Additionally, the British Council will provide English education to 850 teachers and students, funding this program with another Rs. 50 million.

Furthermore, Rs. 50 million will be set aside to acquire necessary equipment for pirivens, and Rs. 20 million will be allocated for the construction of school buildings. These efforts aim to strengthen education and create an informed society.

State Minister of Technology Kanaka Herath,

“First of all, I extend my best wishes to the President. May you have a wonderful day today. Since Ranil Wickremesinghe assumed the presidency in 2022, his primary goal has been to rapidly introduce digitization to the country. Accordingly, he presented the “Digital Economy 2030” plan. This plan aims to promote digital literacy and create job opportunities.

The government has initiated a program to develop infrastructure and provide computer literacy to thousands of schools outside Colombo. Steps are being taken to introduce modern technology in piriven education, with 440 pirivens across the country being equipped with technological tools. By providing smart classrooms to remote villages, we hope to create a new generation equipped with technological knowledge. The government is also working to modernize education by introducing artificial intelligence technology. This effort aims to produce a generation of young people who can compete globally.”

The event was attended by Ven. Hemmathagama Sri Siddhartha Nayaka Thero, Chairman of the Kegalle District Shasanarakshaka Bala Mandalaya, State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, Member of Parliament Sudath Manjula, former Members of Parliament Champika Premadasa and Sandip Samarasinghe, Principal Jayampathi Bandara of Parakrama Vidyalaya, the school’s faculty, and a group of students.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to advancing Buddhist education in Sri Lanka, regardless of the challenges faced.

He made this declaration during a scholarship award ceremony held at Temple Trees today (24th). At the ceremony, 3,000 scholarships were awarded to assist student monks, Seela Mathas at Piriven and Seela Matha Educational Institutions, and lay students across the country. This was part of the “Presidential Scholarship Program” 2024, organized by the President’s Fund under the directives of the President.

Scholarships are being offered to student monks studying up to the Piriven (Ordinary Level), Seela Matha, and lay students studying up to G.C.E. (Ordinary Level). An amount of Rs.9, 000 has been directly credited to the accounts of these students, along with the outstanding instalments and future payments will be made monthly in instalments of Rs.3, 000.

Additionally, Rs. 6,000 per month will be awarded to student monks, Seela Matha, and lay students who pass the Piriven (Ordinary Level)/G.C.E. (Ordinary Level) exam and precede to the Piriven Pracheena or G.C.E. (Advanced Level) exams, up until the month they take the exam. Scholarships are to be awarded for a period of 24 months, and Rs. 18,000 was credited to each scholarship recipient’s account on the day of the scholarship ceremony, including outstanding instalments.

Instalment payments will be directly deposited into the bank accounts of other scholarship recipients who were not able to attend the ceremony in the near future.

All scholarship recipients have been selected with the full cooperation of each Piriven Parivenadhipathi Thero or Institute Director, with all activities supervised by the Pirivena Education Division of the Ministry of Education.

The President’s Fund allocates nearly Rs.300 million annually for this scholarship program.

Addressing the scholarship awards ceremony, President Ranil Wickremesinghe further elaborated;

“Today, we are launching a new phase of the “Presidential Scholarship Program”, which now includes provisions for student monks and seela matha. We have transferred all outstanding scholarship amounts to the recipients’ bank accounts.

This scholarship program has a significant background. I don’t need to elaborate on the hardships faced by the people over the past four years due to the economic downturn. With the stabilization of the country’s economy, it is time to provide relief to the people. To this end, we have implemented various initiatives such as “Aswesuma” and “Urumaya”.

We have also introduced several scholarship programs through the President’s Fund to help talented students from low-income families continue their education. Given the country’s economic situation, monks in rural temples are also facing difficulties. We cannot allow monk education to collapse, so we have implemented this scholarship program for the monks and Seela Matha.

In focusing on the Buddhist order, we must create the necessary conditions for nurturing a new generation of monks in the country. This scholarship program represents a significant initiative by the government toward that goal. Buddhist education should be preserved and enhanced. When the Piriven system was established, I had the opportunity to support it. I must emphasize that, despite the country’s challenges, we will never abandon this responsibility.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Ministers Susil Premajayantha, Prasanna Ranatunga, Bandula Gunawardena, MPs Vajira Abeywardena, Pradeep Undugoda, Western Province Governor, Marshal of the Air Force Roshan Gunathilake, Senior Adviser to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake, Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanyake, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration Pradeep Yasarathne, Senior Additional Secretary to the President and Secretary to the President’s Fund W.A. Sarath Kumara were also present at the event.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized the crucial role of the Sri Lankan tea industry in transitioning the country towards an export economy. He underscored the need for a comprehensive promotion strategy, developed in collaboration with both public and private sectors. The President noted that “Ceylon Tea” is a world-renowned brand and should be further promoted through a new strategic program.

President Wickremesinghe made these remarks while addressing the opening ceremony of the “Colombo International Tea Convention,” which commenced this morning (25) at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Colombo. The two-day convention, themed “Tea : A Lifestyle and a Livelihood,” has been jointly organized by the Colombo Tea Traders

Association and the Sri Lanka Tea Board. An exhibition featuring tea producers and related businesses in Sri Lanka was also part of the event.

Industry experts, leading brands, and social organizations from numerous countries, including Kenya, China, India, Japan, the United Kingdom, the Gulf countries, and the United States, gathered at the convention, representing the entire global tea value chain from crop to cup.

During the ceremony, Mr. Sanjay Herath, Chairman of the Colombo Tea Traders Association, presented a special souvenir to President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Addressing the gathering the President further elaborated,

As we are meeting here today, the Parliament is debating the Economic Transformation Bill. I need not tell you what we underwent in the last four years. But as we emerge from bankruptcy, we must remember that we still need foreign exchange to pay for our goods. The decision of the government is to transform the economy in the next decade into a highly competitive, export-oriented economy based on net zero and digitalization. The principles and institutions are contained in this bill, which is being debated today.

I hope both sides of the house will vote for it, though there is a big question mark. Nevertheless, I don’t intend to speak on the bill itself but to refer to the role that the tea industry has in achieving this transformation. Our transformation from a feudal economy to a modern economy in the 19th and 20th centuries was driven by our plantation industry, by tea. A lot of modernization methods may not have come into being if there had been no tea industry. And certainly, Ella would not have been a tourist attraction without the tea industry coming into being.

So now we are at the next stage. And let’s be realistic. We are a country that broke up our capital formation, which came out of land and plantations, for about 30-40 years. Now we are trying to recapture that and to bring plantations up to play a role in the future.

So let me first tell you the first step. I don’t think we need plantations. We need a thriving agro-business, both of smallholders and large management companies, who will look at the highest earnings possible. So that is the beginning.

We have to start reforming from inside. Of that, two measures I must mention: one, the need to resolve the issue of remunerations. We have to remember that those who worked in the plantations are some of the people who are at the worst end of the bankruptcy in the country. Secondly, to ensure that we transition to agro-business, we will now extract all the line room areas and the surrounding areas and take them back to the government to re-gazette them as villages so that the line room concept will disappear as people start building.

But then, that’s the part of the world we live in. No one lives next to a factory. They come from nearby. If you go to the coconut estates, we don’t have anyone living on the lands that belong to us. This is especially because the multi-dimensional poverty indicators in Nuwara Eliya are very high, higher than some of the northern areas that were affected by the war. So these are some of the issues we have to resolve.

Thirdly, there is the question of the debt incurred by some of the enterprises, especially the small enterprises, during this period and how we resolve it. Fourthly, a matter which concerns us and others is the access to the Russian market.

Sanctions have not in any way set back Russia; they have somehow or other come into Asia. The problem is for those of us who have to trade with Russia, and maybe those will require a new look. But we have to wait for the outcome of the US presidential election. Until then, you have to use your means of how you get your tea across to Russia, which I should not know.

But what is the model of our enterprises? We have the smallholders, and how does the plantation industry become agribusiness? Are we going to stay only with tea, or are we going to allow smart agriculture in your areas? Give your means. Those could include forestry, and in time to come, there will be land opened up in other parts of the country for agro-businesses to grow. So there are opportunities to explore.

I have no issue with that. Some of our companies have gone abroad and established themselves elsewhere. That’s not a problem with the government as long as we are the biggest player in the game. Subject to that, we can go ahead because Sri Lanka must have a dominating position in the market. But having said that, what is the future of tea? Are people going to drink tea the way we drink tea? What are the Millennials, Gen Z, and all going to do? Now that’s your future. And that future is not in Sri Lanka, except for the promotion and the R&D you are doing here. You have to carry your battle straight into these areas, into Europe and America. Are they going to drink iced tea? Are they going to have a tea drink? We do not know.

To help that, Sri Lanka will bring the climate change legislation and the new environment laws which will enable us to hit net zero even before the target date. So that is the help we can provide there. But what people are going to drink is something you all have to decide. Or will you be eating something with tea? We don’t know. We just can’t say what it is. And that is where the battle is.

So we now have to look at the TRI. What have they done, what should they do for the future, and make it a joint partnership between the government, which will provide funding, and the private sector. So I think, in a way, we have to look now not at the tea board or the tea smallholders. They are all there. They all have to be restructured. But the Tea Research Institute and how we will build it up.

Those are my thoughts on the industry. You ll are the ones who are in the game, and it’s for us to look at the future because many of the problems we have mentioned are capable of being settled by us. But we have a future out there. How are we going to keep those markets and expand them? So I wish you all the best in your deliberation.

Minister for Agriculture and Plantation Industries Mahinda Amaraweera,

Over the decades, we have embarked on a transformative journey to strengthen and sustain our tea sector. By the end of 2024, we will establish a globally accepted national sustainability standard for Ceylon tea. This is a significant milestone for the Sri Lankan tea sector and a testament to our commitment to addressing the challenges of climate change and ensuring the development and well-being of plantation workers and smallholder farmers. This new standard will guide the development and implementation of a regenerative agriculture model, promoting low-carbon tea production. This multi-procedure approach includes conducting a strong life cycle analysis to ensure our tea production processes are environmentally sustainable and economically valuable.

This convention is an important forum for Ceylon tea and global stakeholders. We are facing a critical time for tea worldwide, and the theme of this convention, “Tea: A Lifestyle and a Livelihood,” is timely and crucial for the tea industry. The conversations planned over the next two days are very important for the industry’s future.

My heartfelt gratitude goes to the Organizing Committee, the Colombo Tea Traders Association, and the Sri Lanka Tea Board for their effort and commitment to making this convention a success. I wish to thank everyone who has gathered here to shape a better future for tea and hope the convention will cover the entire tea value chain from crop to cup.

The event grace the presence of notable dignitaries including Chief of Staff to the President and Senior Advisor to the President on National Security Sagala Rathnayaka, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries Janaka Dharmakeerthi, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tea Board Niraj de Mel, Co-Chairmen of the Colombo International Tea Convention Mr. Ganesh Deivanayagam and Anil Cooke, along with tea plantation owners, tea factory owners, and local and foreign delegates from the tea industry.

Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka, Chief of Presidential Staff and Senior Advisor to the President on National Security, highlighted that policy changes during government transitions pose a significant problem in Sri Lanka. To address this issue, several structural reforms have been implemented across the government, financial, and governance sectors. He emphasized that every effort has been made to establish a stable economic system in the country. Notably, the Central Bank Act, Public Finance Act, and Public Debt Management Act have already been submitted, along with the Economic Transformation Law, which is now before Parliament for adoption.

Mr. Ratnayaka shared these insights while delivering the keynote address at the technical conference on the Port Entrance Expressway, organized by the Ministry of Transport and Highways, held today (24) at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel in Colombo. He noted the successful progress of the Port Entrance Expressway project and expressed confidence that its completion would significantly bolster the country’s economy.

Expressing his views further Mr Ratnayaka stated,

“Firstly, I would like to extend my gratitude for organizing this conference, which aims to contribute to the development of our country’s future generations. This project is particularly noteworthy for its technological advancements. However, it is important to acknowledge the numerous challenges encountered during its implementation.

The construction of this project had to be carried out within a very busy port premises, which posed significant logistical issues due to limited space. Despite these constraints, a comprehensive plan was developed to ensure the project proceeded without disrupting port operations. This included relocating the port headquarters to another location. Consequently, construction commenced in 2019.

The construction company demonstrated remarkable resilience, managing to continue work amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The subsequent economic crisis, particularly the foreign exchange shortage, presented even greater obstacles. Despite these difficulties, the project is now nearing completion with minimal delays. This successful execution not only marks a technological milestone but also significantly strengthens our economy.

Our highway system, planned nearly three decades ago, is progressing despite various challenges. Many sections are currently under construction, but the crucial component—the bypass system connecting all these highways—has yet to be completed. This bypass system will facilitate the smooth flow of vehicles in and out of the city without disrupting urban activities. The port entrance expressway, supported by elevated pillars, is a key part of this system. It will notably alleviate traffic congestion between Colombo Port and Katunayake International Airport.

Traffic jams result in delays, which translate to financial costs. To mitigate these delays, we are relocating our logistics centers outside the city, which incurs additional time and expense. Utilizing these highways can significantly reduce both time and financial waste. However, Colombo’s development has not adequately allocated space for future expansion.

Unlike countries such as Malaysia and Singapore, where road systems were constructed with future expansion in mind, Colombo, as an older city, lacks such planning. Furthermore, inconsistent policies during the city’s development have prevented the maintenance of necessary space. Consequently, Colombo faces significant traffic congestion today.

A highway system alone cannot resolve our transportation challenges. Relying solely on roads is insufficient; we must also consider developing a high-speed rail system. The options include upgrading the existing railway, constructing an elevated rail system, or building a subway system. Although a subway system is the most effective solution, it is also the most expensive. An elevated rail system is less costly, while upgrading the existing railway is the least expensive option. Experts need to evaluate and recommend the most suitable approach for long-term sustainability.

Moreover, we must consider the commercial viability of these projects and how to finance them. Ticket sales could cover some costs, but given the current income levels of our population, it is unrealistic to expect people to afford tickets that fully cover the expenses. Transitioning to such a state will take time, so we need innovative funding methods.

In Hong Kong, for instance, the government allocated land with railway stations to investors, who developed the subway system. They constructed underground railway stations and carried out mixed-use developments such as shopping malls, office complexes, and residential projects above ground. This approach helped cover costs and kept ticket prices affordable. We need to find a similarly suitable method for our country. Efforts are already underway, but more attention is needed.

Previously, we initiated a light rail project with Japanese aid, but it was halted due to policy changes following a government transition. This highlights a significant issue in our country: policy changes with new governments lead to project disruptions. To address this, we implemented several structural reforms during the recent economic crisis, focusing on financial and governance sectors. These reforms aim to enable independent functioning, minimizing government interference and policy shifts. Key reforms include the Central Bank Act, State Finance Act, and State Debt Management Act. Additionally, the Economic Transformation Law has been submitted to Parliament, incorporating several regulatory measures.

To facilitate the business activities of foreign investors and ensure transparency, we have implemented an efficient system for quick decision-making and approvals. This new law encompasses crucial elements to steer our economy in the desired direction, contributing to the gradual development of our country.

Currently, the country has achieved a certain level of stability. During the crisis, many people faced hardship and suffering. Some criticized our agreement with the International Monetary Fund, claiming we were following their directives without question. While we had to implement some measures reluctantly, it was all for the country’s benefit. We negotiated extensively with the IMF to adapt their recommendations to our unique circumstances. The economic reform bill we have introduced goes beyond these recommendations, aiming for rapid development of a stable economy.

At the time of the country’s economic collapse, we were heavily reliant on imports, which caused prices of essential goods and services to skyrocket due to the rupee’s depreciation, while incomes remained stagnant. Our goal is to make the cost of living more affordable through rapid economic growth, for which an integrated transportation network, including a robust highway system, is vital.

Our improving relationship with India is another positive development, poised to bolster our economy. The proposed construction of a bridge between Sri Lanka and India, spanning approximately 50 kilometers across the sea, is a key component of this connectivity corridor. The technology discussed today is essential for this project, which is planned along the historic route of Adam’s Bridge. This project will provide valuable knowledge and job opportunities for our future engineers, and significantly boost our economy by enhancing port and logistics operations.

With this bridge, we aim to facilitate trade and logistics activities for South India’s imports and exports through Sri Lankan ports, reducing their supply costs by 50%. This will also open up numerous opportunities for port-related services in Sri Lanka.

In conclusion, our country has a promising future, but it is crucial to adhere to stable policies. We must unite and work together to achieve this vision.”

Minister of Transport, Highways and Mass Media Dr. Bandula Gunawardana,

“In 2019, Mr. Sagala Ratnayake, the current Chief of Staff to the President, made a significant contribution to initiating this project. The port entrance expressway, built on elevated pillars, marks a transformative chapter in Sri Lanka’s road development history. This project was funded by a loan of approximately 300 million US dollars from the Asian Development Bank. Despite the suspension of all credit facilities during the economic crisis two years ago, the Asian Development Bank continued to provide loan assistance for this project, enabling it to reach its final stage successfully.

Next Thursday, the Economic Transformation Bill will be debated and voted on in Parliament. For the first time in Sri Lanka’s history, performance targets specified by this Act will be enshrined in law. Regardless of who comes to power, these goals will have to be pursued. President Ranil Wickremesinghe, as a national leader with a clear economic vision, has introduced a national program aimed at elevating the per capita income to over 20,000 US dollars by 2048, transforming Sri Lanka into a developed country. This ambitious program is expected to be legislated and implemented soon.

The port access expressway will significantly enhance the country’s efforts to establish an export-oriented economy. It will attract direct foreign investment and leverage modern digital technology, utilizing local talent and creativity for national development.”

The event was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake, Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Highways Engineer Ranjith Rubasinghe, Asian Development Bank Sri Lanka Representative Takafumi Kadano, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Chairman Liu Weimin, as well as other ministry secretaries, professors, university students, and school students.