News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Public interest litigation activist, Nagananda Kodituwakku has been removed from the position of Attorney-at-Law.

The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka today disenrolled Nagananda Kodituwakku’s name as an Attorney-at-Law.

It is reported that the decision was announced after Kodituwakku was found guilty of professional misconduct.

The verdict was issued by the Supreme Court three-judge bench consisting of justices Priyantha Jayawardena, Preethi Padman Surasena, and S. Thurairaja.

The justices issued the verdict after taking up for consideration a complaint that had been filed against Nagananda Kodituwakku.

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

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

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

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

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

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

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has underscored the ongoing efforts to nurture female entrepreneurs capable of adapting to the country’s economic transformation.

The President highlighted the significant role women entrepreneurs can play in fostering the digital and green economy, affirming the government’s commitment to supporting the empowerment of the women business community.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these remarks addressing the ‘Prathibhabhisheka Women Entrepreneur Awards 2023’ held in Colombo on Tuesday (Feb 27).

Hosted by the WCIC, this awards ceremony honoured remarkable female entrepreneurs and aimed to enhance their businesses and market access. Additionally, women from the SAARC region were provided with an opportunity to compete in a special category.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe presented awards to ten outstanding female entrepreneurs in the National Category, while Prof. Maithree Wickramasingha presented the SAARC Category awards.

Established in 1985, the National Chamber of Commerce for Women in Business aims to boost women’s contribution to Sri Lanka’s economy and promote their involvement in key business endeavours. The WCIC, initially comprising a handful of professional women running successful businesses, has now expanded to over 300 members.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, offering further remarks, extended his congratulations to all the award winners and acknowledged the commendable efforts of all participants. He emphasized the challenging nature of the past few years, noting the economic difficulties faced by everyone, including the business community.

Anticipating some economic growth in 2024, President Wickremesinghe highlighted the positive economic growth achieved in the last two quarters of the previous year. However, he acknowledged that this growth has yet to reach the level observed in 2018, estimating it would take about two more years to achieve that milestone. This marks the first year of expected positive growth since the last economic crisis, which warranted difficult decisions.

Recognizing the imperative to create an economic environment conducive to all, the President underscored the inability to print or borrow money, prompting the need for tax collection. He also outlined efforts to strengthen the Sri Lankan Rupee and reduce inflation rates.

Emphasizing the necessity for rapid economic transformation, President Wickremesinghe stressed the importance of transitioning to a new economic system, leading the country towards a competitive export economy.

Additionally, he reiterated the government’s commitment to providing maximum support to entrepreneurs. Hence, measures have been taken to defer the implementation of the Parate Law until the year’s end.

“Women entrepreneurs are significantly contributing to the nation’s economy, and the government is committed to providing them with all necessary support. The commendable efforts of your association in promoting women entrepreneurs are also acknowledged.

“We firmly believe that careful development of the country’s economy can be achieved through women’s empowerment. To this end, the government has launched a comprehensive program aimed at nurturing women entrepreneurs. Women can play a pivotal role in the nation’s economic growth, making their contribution indispensable for its transformation. In anticipation of the digital and green economy’s rise, the government has devised strategies to nurture women entrepreneurs capable of adapting to these changes.

“Today, numerous women are actively involved in businesses of varying scales, while the tourism sector has experienced significant growth. By fostering more opportunities within this sector, we can nurture robust entrepreneurs. It is imperative to systematically develop tourism, and the government stands ready to support entrepreneurs in this endeavour. Additionally, efforts are underway to ensure that individuals in the tourism industry earn a minimum of $500 per day. The responsibility in this initiative also lies with the WCIC,” he said.

The President further said that the government is actively modernizing the agricultural sector and has plans to leverage artificial intelligence in the future.

“The demand for entrepreneurs in these fields is expected to rise. As technology continues to advance globally, Sri Lanka must keep pace remaining competitive. The government has already laid the groundwork for economic advancement through technology and artificial intelligence.

“Efforts are also underway to grant freehold deeds to secure land rights for the people, with approximately 2 million individuals set to benefit directly. This initiative will significantly contribute to the nation’s economy.

“Consequently, they can make a direct contribution to the modernization of agriculture. Through these collective efforts, there is a potential to fortify Sri Lanka’s economy,” he added.

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

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

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

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

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

Former Finance Minister Ronnie de Mel (98) has passed away this evening.

Ronnie de Mel holds the record for the largest number of budgets presented by a finance minister. He was the Minister of Finance from 1977 to 1988 in the United National Party government led by President JR Jayawardena.

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

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

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

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

Actor-politician Uddika Premaratne has resigned from his parliamentary seat.

He tendered his resignation to the speaker this morning (27), reports said.

He was elected an MP for Anuradhapura from the NFF at the last general election.

Recently, he said in a speech to the House that he has found politics to be completely repulsive.

Thereafter, his vehicle was fired at, but no suspects have been arrested so far.

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

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

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

A vote of no confidence against the Speaker was initiated today by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya.

The motion cites various reasons, including the Speaker's failure to appropriately present the amendments proposed by the Supreme Court for the Online Safety Bill before its passage.

The motion also accuses the Speaker of violating the Constitution, Parliamentary Standing Orders, and the privileges of Parliamentarians, among other charges, said a post on Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa's Facebook page.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran, Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kieirella, Professor G. L. Peiris, Tissa Attanayake, Chandima Weerakkody, Shan Wijayalal de Silva, and others have signed the motion on behalf of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya and Samagi Jana Alliance.