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Published on: May 24, 2024 President Participates in Multiple Vesak Celebrations in Colombo President Ranil Wickremesinghe participated in various Vesak programs held in Colombo yesterday (23) as the nation celebrated Vesak.

The ‘Buddha Rashmi’ Vesak Zone, organized by the Hunupitiya Gangarama Temple, was inaugurated under the patronage of President Wickremesinghe, yesterday.

The President arrived at the Gangarama Temple, where he offered flowers to the Buddha statue and participated in religious rituals. Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero, the Viharadhikari of the Gangaramaya Maha Viharaya, conducted the religious ceremonies and bestowed blessings upon the President.

Subsequently, the President inaugurated the “Buddha Rashmi Vesak Zone” by illuminating the electric lights.

Numerous guests from both domestic and international spheres, including diplomats, Foreign Ambassadors and High Commissioners, graced the occasion, engaging in cordial conversation with the President.

As part of the Buddha Rashmi National Vesak Festival, various events such as the Vesak pandals, Vesak lantern exhibitions, Bodu Bathi Gee, Vesak Dhansala, ‘Thovil and Devolmadu Shantikarma’, Flower procession, and mindfulness programs which was jointly organised by the Gangarama Temple, along with the Presidential Secretariat, Prime Minister’s Office, and the Maha Karuna Buddhist Association of Singapore. The Vesak zone will be held at Shangri-La Green, Galle Face and Presidential Secretariat Premises from May 23 to May 26. The festivities include cultural performances, folk songs and captivating lighting decorations.

To inaugurate the Vesak program, the Secretary to the President Mr. Saman Ekanayake, lit the ceremonial lamp, followed by a vibrant devotional Bathi Gee recital at the Presidential Secretariat.

Concurrently, President Ranil Wickremesinghe opened the ‘Maha Bath Dansala’ at the Shangri-La Green Grounds.

Additionally, yesterday afternoon (23), President Ranil Wickremesinghe participated in the opening of the inaugural Vesak Zone organized by the Peliyagoda Municipal Council and Community Development Foundation and the local trading community.

This Vesak festival, spanning from May 23rd to 25th, will feature a variety of events including a Vesak lantern competition, devotional Bathi Gee recitals, drama and rice dansals.

President Wickremesinghe, inaugurated the Vesak Zone by lighting the lamps, interacted warmly with attendees at the event.

State Ministers Prasanna Ranaweera, Sisira Jayakodi, and several others graced the occasion with their presence.

Meanwhile, President Ranil Wickremesinghe also inaugurated the Vesak Zone and the magnificent Vesak pandal organized by the Maradana-Suduwella United Buddhist Association in celebration of the Vesak Festival, yesterday.

Following the vision of former Municipal Council Member Mr. Kitsiri Rajapaksa and under the guidance of Ven. Yatihena Saddhaloka Thera the Chief Incumbent of Sri Dharmaloka Daya Maha Viharaya, this Vesak extravaganza showcases the grand Vesak pandal depicting ‘Manikara Kulupagatissa Jathakaya’. It will be on display at Maradana Junction until May 27th.

President’s Senior Advisor on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff, Sagala Ratnayaka, Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake, Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, Army Commander Vikum Liyanage, along with a delegation of political representatives and government officials, accompanied the President during these ceremonies.

Acting Finance Minister Shehan Semasinghe announced plans to introduce two significant bills to Parliament on May 22, aimed at bolstering the country’s economy.

These bills, the “Economic Transformation Bill” and the “Public Financial Management Bill,” are designed to enhance the management of public finances, thereby safeguarding against future economic downturns.

Minister Semasinghe made this announcement during a press conference at the Presidential Media Centre today, themed ‘Collective path to a stable country’.

Acting Finance Minister Shehan Semasinghe, further stated,

‘The government has scheduled the submission of two significant bills crucial for the country’s economy on May 22. One of these bills is the “Economic Transformation Law,” aimed at preventing future economic collapses. Notably, this legislation stems from the vision of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, rather than being proposed by the International Monetary Fund. The recent stabilization of the economy following previous downturns underscores the importance of preserving this stability going forward.

Additionally, it is necessary to maintain optimal levels of public financial management to avert future economic crises. The “Public Finance Management Bill” is set to be presented to Parliament on the same day, with a focus on enhancing accountability in managing public finances. This legislative initiative aligns with recommendations from a collaborative program with the International Monetary Fund and holds significant importance for the country’s future financial management.

It’s important to underscore the critical significance of both these bills for the country’s future. These drafts contain numerous technical intricacies aimed at bolstering confidence in the economy and maintaining the trajectory of the new economic direction implemented thus far.

Further elaborating on the Economic Transformation Bill, it holds paramount importance for the country’s economic growth. Despite experiencing economic contraction in the second and third quarters of 2023, a notable growth rate of 4.5% was achieved in the fourth quarter. Consequently, the benefits of this economic upturn have started permeating to the grassroots level within the country.

Furthermore, it is imperative to enhance the economic competitiveness of the nation and adapt the economy to confront global challenges while fostering international cooperation and growth. Additionally, this bill addresses necessary changes in various sectors.

Specifically, the legislation encompasses reforms essential for international trade, trade agreements, and climate change mitigation efforts.

The establishment of a new Economic Commission in Sri Lanka, aimed at attracting investments to enhance competitiveness, fostering a conducive environment for investors, expanding international trade, establishing the National Productivity Commission, and developing export-related institutions, is also outlined in this bill.

Recently, Parliament endorsed the decisions made, particularly regarding economic transformation. In 2022, the public debt ratio stood at 128%, a figure slated to be reduced to less than 95% by 2032.

Similarly, the fiscal requirement, which was 34.6% of the gross domestic product in 2022, aims to be lowered to below 13% by 2032.

Effective debt servicing is paramount, with efforts focused on establishing Sri Lanka as a debt-sustainable nation capable of meeting its obligations. The aim is to reduce the debt payment ratio from 9.4% in 2022 to below 4.5% by 2027.

A proposed bill will outline specific national goals and actions taken to address economic challenges, providing a roadmap for sustainable economic growth, debt management, agricultural modernization, import-export regulation, and economic governance.

Additionally, considerable attention has been given to the Public Finance Management Bill, aimed at identifying weaknesses in the current legislation and proposing a robust legal framework to meet future needs.

The Department of Meteorology has issued a ‘red’ warning for strong winds and rough seas for naval and fishermen communities in the deep-sea areas in the South-eastern Arabian Sea and in the Bay of Bengal.

The ‘red’ alert states that a low-pressure area over south west Bay of Bengal has intensified into a Depression and lay centered near 15.0°N and 88.4°E at 05.30 a.m. of today (24 May).

It is likely to continue to move northeastwards and concentrate into a cyclonic storm over east-central Bay of Bengal by 05.30 a.m. of 25th may, 2024. Thereafter, it is likely to move northwards, intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm over same region by 11.30 p.m. of 25th May 2024, the advisory said.

Very strong winds 60-70 kmph, accompanied with heavy rainfalls and very rough seas are likely over the sea areas around the country and over the South-eastern Arabian Sea areas and Bay of Bengal.

Naval and fishing communities are advised not to venture into the sea areas marked by ‘RED’ color on the map below until further notice.

Those who are out at aforementioned sea regions are advised to return to coasts or moved safer areas immediately.

Naval and fishing communities are also requested to be attentive to future forecasts issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regard.

Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka, urged relevant officials to take immediate action to mitigate the risk of dengue in Colombo, particularly with the onset of the rainy season.

He also advised the preparation of a special awareness program to educate school children and parents through the Ministry of Education during the Dengue Prevention Week, which will run from May 26 to June 1.

Additionally, Mr. Ratnayaka directed authorities to work on reducing the risk of dengue around public institutions, religious places and new construction sites. He emphasized the need for relevant departments to enforce regulations against those who do not comply with these preventive measures.

Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka issued these instructions during a progress review meeting on the current status of the dengue control program, held today (20) at the Presidential Secretariat.

The meeting was chaired by State Minister for Defence Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff to the President, Sagala Ratnayaka, along with Chief of Defence Staff, General Shavendra Silva, to review the implementation of the decisions taken in the previous meeting and assessed their current progress.

The measures implemented in the past period to control the spread of dengue and their effectiveness were discussed at length, with a particular focus on the health medical officer divisions in the Western Province, where an increase in dengue cases has been observed.

Secretary to the Ministry of Health Dr. Palitha Mahipala, commended Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka for his leadership and guidance in controlling dengue and affirmed that the Ministry of Health will extend its fullest support to this program.

Furthermore, there was deliberation regarding the complete removal of hazardous trees within the Colombo City or the trimming of branches to mitigate risks. Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka also recommended the development of a program aimed at replanting trees to compensate for those that are removed, along with the provision of progress reports on this initiative.

Additionally, a discussion concerning the upkeep of a pristine and appealing coastline, along with the identification of the most appropriate method for wastewater disposal into the sea, was convened this morning (20) under the leadership of Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka.

The central focus was to establish a task force dedicated to executing this program, in consultation with President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Various officials from relevant line ministries, heads of security departments and other stakeholders participated in these deliberations.

The Chairman of Aura Lanka, businessman Viranjith Thambugala, has been arrested by police over allegations of financial fraud.

He has been remanded until May 27 after being produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court.

Thanbugala is the Chairman of Aura Lanka Group of Companies and the former owner of the ‘Dambulla Aura’ team in the Lanka Premier League (LPL).

President Ranil Wickremesinghe delivered a compelling speech at the 10th World Water Forum, held in Bali, Indonesia today (20), highlighting the stark contrast between global funding priorities, pointing out the willingness of the Global North to fund death and destruction in Ukraine while showing reluctance to finance measures to combat climate change.

Accordingly, President Wickremesinghe proposed a 10% levy on the annual profits of global tax evasion assets deposited in tax havens, estimated at $1.4 trillion annually. He suggested that funds raised through this levy could support Blended Finance projects focused on climate change adaptation and mitigation.

In his opening remarks, President Wickremesinghe extended his gratitude to President Joko Widodo of Indonesia for hosting the event, which centres around the theme “Water for Shared Prosperity.” He praised Indonesia for its leadership in promoting the “Sustainable Management of Lakes” resolution at UNEA-5, emphasizing the collective responsibility in managing water resources, essential for all life and ecosystems.

Following is the speech delivered by President Ranil Wickremesinghe;

At the outset let me thank the President of the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Joko Widodo for hosting the 10th World Water Forum in Bali. The theme ‘Water for shared prosperity’ focuses on collective responsibility in managing water resources, the life blood of all living beings and ecosystem services. This follows the “Sustainable Management of Lakes” Resolution proposed by Indonesia at the UNEA-5.

During the UNEA -6 held this year, the European Union together with Sri Lanka brought about the resolution “6/13 Effective and inclusive solutions for strengthening water policies to achieve sustainable development in the context of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution”.

I also take this opportunity to congratulate the Government of Indonesia for taking the initiative during the G20 Presidency to launch the Global Blended Finance Alliance. Sri Lanka expresses its willingness to become a pioneering member.

Climate Change and water stress are two sides of the same coin. The cumulative effects of Climate Change are the main reason for what we see today as the water resource crisis. According to IPCC projected climate scenarios till 2090, Sri Lanka’s dry zone will get drier and the wet zone will get wetter in an unprecedented manner. Sea level rise will cause salt water intrusion in coastal areas resulting in salinization of land. I took this example from Sri Lanka while appreciating the fact that this is what is happening all over the world.

In global terms the solution to water stress revolves around climate mitigation and adaptation. Combating the triple planetary crisis with specific measures aiming at water. In the Nationally Determined Contributions water is classified under the adaptation sectors. On the other hand, mitigation is equally important as emissions are the root cause. Combating the threats to water resources posed by climate change requires colossal amounts of financial resources.

The Global North has failed miserably in adhering to the commitments to provide financial resources for Climate Change. There is a notable lack of political will after the euphoria of the Glasgow COP was over. Climate Change denial is gaining ground in the West.

The establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund, after a long drag, if effectively implemented can help to bridge the gap. This is a big IF. The Summit for a new Global Financing Pact will hopefully reach a conclusion by September this year. Nevertheless, the final outcome will depend on the results of the US Presidential Elections in November.

The OECD in 2021 projected the investment for global water related infrastructure at US $ 6.7 trillion for 2030 and US$ 22 trillion for 2058. The UNEP Report 2023 “Underfinanced – Underprepared” estimate the under financed gap to combat climate change at US$ 194 – 366 billion per year. The Global North is willing to fund death and destruction in the Ukraine. But there is an unwillingness to fund measures to avoid death and destruction caused by climate change.

Since money is not coming our way in anticipated amounts and at anticipated pace, to overcome the resource gap, Sri Lanka presented to COP 28 the Tropical Belt Initiative. A novel concept of harnessing commercial investments in the natural forests, mangroves, swamps, grassland water bodies and other natural resources in the Tropical Belt towards tackling the triple planetary crisis. The Tropical Belt from the time of its existence has been a ‘shield’ for the whole world. It is a catalytic accelerator of solutions to the ongoing triple planetary crisis. Investment in the tropical belt will bring in transformative changes to combat the triple planetary crisis.

In this context, the Initiative on Global Blended Finance will enable the Global South to mobilise the much needed financial resources. The US$ 9.4 billion available to commence this fund is a good example of leveraging concessional finance. The Tropical Belt Initiative will also benefit from this facility. In this context Sri Lanka proposes a 10% levy on the annual profits of global tax evasion assets deposited in tax havens. The annual profits are estimated at US$ 1.4 trillion per annum. The levy can be enforced by imposing sanctions, similar to those imposed on Russian Banks on the Banks and the Financial Institutes which fail to implement the levy. The monies raised by these levies to be made available to be utilised by the Blended Finance projects on Climate Change adaptation and mitigation.

The Global Blended Finance initiative is a supplement to the Loss and damage funds – not an alternative. These two measures must work in tandem. Therefore at this forum, let us express our appreciation for the hard work done by Indonesia in proposing this Initiative at the G20 culminating the establishment of the Alliance Secretariat.

Again, our thanks to President Joko Widodo for his contribution both in respect to the management of water resources and for bringing together the Global Blended Alliance.”

The World Water Summit, themed “Water for Common Prosperity,” began on May 18 in Bali, Indonesia, bringing together world leaders, experts, academics, entrepreneurs, and policymakers. The conference aims to unite nations in a collaborative effort to address global water issues.

Since its inception in 1997, the World Water Summit has been held every three years, serving as a premier platform for countries worldwide to share experiences and knowledge on best practices for water management. The summit facilitates dialogues among stakeholders on water, sanitation challenges, and sustainable development goals.

This year’s event sees the participation of key United Nations organizations, including the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, the United Nations Environment Programme, the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the United Nations International Children’s Fund, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, and the United Nations Climate Change Organization.

Meanwhile, Indonesian President Joko Widodo hosted a dinner at the Bali Cultural Park yesterday (19) for the heads of state and representatives attending the conference. President Ranil Wickremesinghe was also in attendance.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe paid a visit to the Iranian Embassy in Colombo this morning (22) to extend his condolences on the untimely tragic passing of the late Iranian President, Ebrahim Raisi.

Upon arrival at the Embassy, President Wickremesinghe was warmly received by the Iranian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Dr. Alireza Delkhosh, and the Embassy staff.

During his visit, the President engaged in brief conversation with the Iranian Ambassador and others present, conveying his heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Sri Lankan government and himself to the Iranian government and people for the loss of the Late President Ebrahim Raisi.

Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and seven other suspects have been further remanded over the purported importation of inferior Immune Globulin vaccines.

The eight suspects were further remanded until June 03, 2024, by the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court today.

The suspects were arrested and remanded after the Criminal Investigations Department launched an investigation into allegations that a pharmaceutical company had imported 22,500 vials of substandard Immune Globulin vaccines by creating forged documents with the assistance of the two senior state officials.

Investigations revealed that financial fraud of Rs. 130 million had occurred via the imports of the said substandard medicine, under the tenure of Keheliya Rambukwella as Health Minister.

Based on the investigations, several Health Ministry officials, including Rambukwella, were arrested and remanded over the matter, while Rambukwella’s revision application seeking bail has been rejected several times by the Colombo High Court.

However, in the beginning of May, the 11th suspect named in the case, Deputy Director of the Supplies Division of the Health Ministry Dr. Thusitha Sudarshana, was granted bail.

The government plans to initiate two pilot projects, the ‘Temporary Agricultural Electric Fence’ and the ‘Village Electric Fence,’ to protect villages and farmlands experiencing significant elephant-human conflicts.

This announcement was made during a discussion held yesterday (20th), led by Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, alongside the heads of line agencies, focusing on recent measures to mitigate wild elephant-human conflicts.

In addition to the existing electric fences built and maintained to mitigate elephant-human conflicts, pilot projects have been initiated in several conflict-prone districts to protect farmlands within regional secretariats’ jurisdictions. These farmlands will be safeguarded only until the harvest season, with a focus on the construction of temporary agricultural electric fences (Agro Fences).

Furthermore, there was an in-depth discussion about the pilot project for constructing electric fences (Village Fences) around villages that experience frequent human-wild elephant conflicts, aiming to protect these communities.

Furthermore, it was decided during the discussion that the agricultural electric fence (Agro Fence) should be dismantled by the respective farmers after harvesting and that the Department of Agricultural Development would assume responsibility for its maintenance and custody. Maintenance duties will also be delegated to the respective divisional secretariats.

Additionally, attention was given to the preservation of a group of trained elephants for cultural events and parades, besides addressing the issue of private elephant ownership.

Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka further instructed the pertinent authorities to compile and present a comprehensive report outlining the challenges encountered in executing these resolutions for review by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The meeting was attended by Gunadasa Samarasinghe, the Secretary of the Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Conservation, as well as representatives from various line agencies and members of the Wild Elephant Human Control Committee, including Dr. Sumith Pilapitiya and Dr. Prithiviraj Fernando.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that the government plans to transform Sri Lankan agriculture using modern technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI). The government is committed to support the private sector entrepreneurs interested in this initiative.

The President further mentioned that 100 Divisional Secretariat Divisions have been selected this year for the Agricultural Modernization Program. In the first phase, 25 Divisional Secretariat Divisions will receive the necessary facilities, while the second phase will extend modern agriculture practices to an additional 75 Divisional Secretariat Divisions.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these remarks during an observation tour of the AiGrow Company’s greenhouse in Nelumdeniya, Kegalle this morning (17). The inventor of Vega Car and the Group CEO of Vega innovations Dr. Harsha Subhasinghe accompanied the President on this visit. The AiGrow greenhouse is the first in Sri Lanka to utilize artificial intelligence technology.

With over seven years of experience in Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector, the AiGrow Company applies AI in both greenhouse and open cultivation, utilizing automated methods to enhance efficiency and productivity

The company designs and constructs customized greenhouses to meet specific customer requirements, offering continuous service and maintenance support for these facilities.

The company’s inaugural greenhouse, located in Nelumdeniya, Kegalle, comprises three sections where tomatoes, bell peppers and lettuce are cultivated. Additionally, AiGrow operates a separate greenhouse for mushroom cultivation.

AiGrow exports a significant portion of its harvest and supplies its branded products to local supermarkets.

Furthermore, the green agricultural automation devices produced by this company are being promoted to both local and international markets.

Additionally, AiGrow collaborates with local universities to provide educational opportunities in the field of applying AI to modern agricultural practices.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe conducted a visit to the AiGrow Company’s Nelumdeniya, Kegalle Greenhouse this morning, where he observed first-hand agricultural operations and production activities carried out using the modern technology.

During his visit, President Wickremesinghe also observed the electric three- wheelers and motorcycles developed by Dr. Harsha Subhasinghe.

Subsequently, the President participated in a discussion held at the premises, where he reiterated the government’s commitment to introducing modern agriculture to the country. He emphasized the government’s willingness to provide necessary financial support and training for this endeavour.

Additionally, President Wickremesinghe instructed officials to propose a bank loan system to facilitate this initiative

“The integration of modern technology, particularly AI, into agriculture signifies the progression towards a sustainable green economy. Presently, the government is actively engaged in implementing a comprehensive agricultural modernization program across the nation, leveraging AI technology in collaboration with private entrepreneurs.

As part of this initiative, it has been planned to allocate 100 Divisional Secretariat Divisions for modern agriculture this year. The first phase will involve the provision of necessary facilities to 25 Divisional Secretariat divisions, followed by the inclusion of 75 additional divisions in the second phase.

Private entrepreneurs are encouraged to participate in this program, with the government committed to providing essential training and financial support”.

Currently, one acre of land worldwide produces food for 155 people. By the year 2050, this figure needs to increase to 255 people per acre. To achieve this, countries must prepare and leverage modern technology to enhance food production. It is imperative to utilize advanced agricultural techniques to maximize yields within limited land resources, thus necessitating the adoption of modern agricultural practices. I firmly believe that by implementing the program initiated today, we can pave the way for the development of a sustainable green economy in our country.

The event was attended by State Ministers Ranjith Siyambalapitiya and Kanaka Herath, Member of Parliament Udayakantha Gunathilake, District Secretary Kegalle Ranjan Jayasinghe, Senior Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga, the inventor of Vega car and the Group CEO of Vega innovations Dr. Harsha Subasinghe and several other dignitaries.

The Colombo District Court has issued an interim order preventing Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe from functioning as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and Keerthi Udawatta as Acting General Secretary of the party.

This order was issued today by Colombo District Judge Sandun Withana after considering a plaint submitted by Member of Parliament Duminda Dissanayake.

On May 16, the Colombo District Court had rejected the petition filed by Dissanayake seeking an interim injunction preventing Minister Rajapakshe from functioning as the Chairman and Udawatta as Acting General Secretary of the SLFP.

Accordingly, the Colombo District Court refused to issue an injunction restraining the party, its organizations and officials from acting on the decision taken to appoint Minister Wijayadasa Rajapakshe as the Chairman and Attorney-at-Law Keerthi Udawatte as the Acting General Secretary of the SLFP.

However, Colombo District Judge Sandun Withana had stated that the complainant has the opportunity to amend his plaint and confirm the facts for the relevant injunction.

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The Gampaha High Court Trial-At-Bar today acquitted four suspects from the Sri Lanka Army who were implicated in the Rathupaswala shooting incident, where three people were killed during a protest in 2013.

Issuing the verdict, over 11 years after the incident, the Trial-at-Bar consisting of High Court Judges Nimal Ranaweera, Nishantha Hapuarachchi, and Sahan Mapa acquitted an Army officer and three soldiers from the case.

Three persons, including two school children, were killed and 45 others were injured during a protest by villagers demanding clean drinking water in the Weliweriya area in Rathupaswala, Gampaha on August 01, 2013.

The victims were killed after Army personnel opened fire at villagers who were protesting against a factory that was contaminating drinking water in the area.