News

Amid a rejuvenated focus on revitalizing Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, President Ranil Wickremesinghe embarked on an observation tour in the Tangalle and Galle areas yesterday (17), underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing tourist facilities.

During the tour, President Wickremesinghe visited several tourist hotels, engaging with owners to understand their challenges first hand.

Swift action was taken as the President addressed the concerns raised by the business community, liaising with relevant officials over the phone to devise solutions and gather input on industry development strategies.

The tourism sector in Sri Lanka faced a rapid downturn due to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic challenges. However, with the government’s new initiatives, there has been a significant surge in tourist arrivals. In 2023 alone, 1,489,000 tourists visited Sri Lanka, marking a twofold increase from the previous year. Building on this momentum, the government aims to surpass the peak of 2.5 million tourists in 2017, with plans underway to achieve this milestone by 2024.

In a bid to attract high-end tourists, who spend $500 a day, the government has rolled out infrastructure development projects and innovative tourism promotion programs. President Wickremesinghe exchanged ideas with the business community regarding these initiatives, receiving positive feedback on the transformative impact of the government’s programs on their operations.

The President’s itinerary included visits to tourist hotspots such as Seenimodara, Dikwella, Nilwella, Hiriketiya, Weligama, and Habaraduwa, as well as the Weligama Surf School along the south coast, where he assessed their activities firsthand.

At the Unawatuna Tourism Zone, President Wickremesinghe engaged in brief conversations with foreign tourists, soliciting their perspectives on measures to further promote the tourism industry. Additionally, he interacted with local tourists at Tangalle and Galle beaches during the weekend holidays, attentively listening to their feedback and addressing their concerns.

Accompanying the President on this pivotal visit was Mr. Jeffry Dobbs, a foreigner dedicated to enhancing tourist experiences in the region for both local and international tourists.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s tour underscores the government’s proactive approach to revitalizing Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, fostering collaboration with stakeholders and ensuring sustainable growth in the industry. (PMD)

Former Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella, former Health Secretary Janaka Chandragupta and five others have been ordered to be further remanded until February 29, over the import of substandard human Immunoglobulin vials.

This order was issued when the case was taken up before the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court today (15).

However, the former Health Minister did not appear before the court today owing to medical reasons, and the Prison Commissioner and Spokesperson Gamini B. Dissanayake had confirmed that the parliamentarian was unable to attend court proceedings due to him being ill.

Meanwhile, President’s Counsel Anuja Premaratne, who appeared on behalf of Rambukwella, stated before the court that his client is suffering from a specific respiratory disorder which leads to sleep apnea. The President’s Counsel also claimed that oxygen should be provided to Rambukwella in such a case.

Claiming that necessary treatment for the relevant medical condition cannot be facilitated within the prison, the attorney also requested the court to release the former Health Minister on bail. He also presented a diagram indicating the position in which a person suffering from the said medical condition is required to sleep.

However, the Maligakanda Magistrate stated that if any suspect suffers from specific medical conditions, they must submit acceptable medical reports to the court and mentioned that pictures obtained from the internet which were presented to the court are not admissible evidence.

Therefore, the magistrate who rejected the bail request, ordered all seven suspects in the case, including the former Health Minister and the former Health Secretary, to be further remanded until February 29.

The Chief Prelates of the three Buddhist Chapters have raised deep concerns about a potential risk of emerging social insecurity due to the privatisation of state assets.

They communicated this in a letter addressed to President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sex education in schools will begin on 07 March, the parliament caucus on children has decided together with the health ministry.

The education ministry is yet to finish printing the subject textbooks required from preschool to GCE advanced level classes, said chairperson of the caucus Rohini Kaviratne.

It formulated the syllabus in collaboration with the National Institute of Education.

At its launch, the graphics for sex education prepared by the health ministry will be uploaded to the internet.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Former UNP minister Gamini Jayawickrama Perera has passed away, aged 83.

The remains are due to be kept at his home at Katugampola, Kurunegala.

Funeral arrangements are to be notified later

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

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

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

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

In a significant diplomatic encounter, Israel’s Minister of Transport and Road Safety, Brig. Gen. Miri Regev, convened with President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The meeting delved into crucial matters concerning the safe return of Israeli hostages, with President Wickremesinghe affirming Sri Lanka’s unwavering commitment to advocating for their safety. Furthermore, amidst the ongoing hostilities in Gaza, the President called for an immediate cessation of violence, underscoring the paramount importance of peace and stability in the region.

Highlighting Sri Lanka’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, President Wickremesinghe reiterated the nation’s support for the establishment of a Palestinian State. He also emphasized the significance of ensuring Israel’s security, fostering a balanced approach to regional peace.

Accompanying the President were Chief-of-Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake, and Director of International Affairs Dinouk Colombage, underscoring the significance of the discussions held between the two nations.

The meeting signifies a continued effort by Sri Lanka to engage diplomatically on pressing international issues, reflecting the country’s commitment to fostering peace and stability on the global stage.

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

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

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

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

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

The National Physical Planning Department has designated 11 temples of significant archaeological, historical, and sacred importance as Sacred Sites in the Government Gazette.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), thereby, the total count of sanctuaries recognized as sacred places of worship in Sri Lanka has now risen to 142.

These areas, now recognized as sacred sites, had their respective documents submitted to the Presidential Secretariat on Thursday (Feb 15), presided over by the Secretary to the President, Saman Ekanayake.

Ambagaswewa Purana Rajamaha Vihara belonging to Horovpatana Divisional Secretariat Division of the Anuradhapura District, Pothuvatawana Maha Vihara belonging to Dankotuwa Divisional Secretariat Division of Puttalam District, Ampara Muhudu Maha Vihara of Pottuvil Divisional Secretariat Division of Ampara District, Maddegama Raja Maha Vihara belonging to Dompe Divisional Secretariat Division of Gampaha District, Uddhakandara Rajamaha Vihara belonging to the Tissamaharamaya Divisional Secretariat, Hambantota District, Sri Saddharma Yuktika Vana Senasuna (Monastery) belonging to the Kuchchaveli Divisional Secretariat division of Trincomalee district were designated as sacred sites.

Further, Dambadeniya Sri Vijaya Sundararama Raja Maha Vihara belonging to the Narammala Divisional Secretariat division in Kurunegala district, Shanthi Viharya belonging to the Kuchchaveli Divisional Secretariat division of Trincomalee district , Kabalewa Ambawa Sri Sudharmarama Purana Vihara and Gambhara Siddha Kabala Mul Soonyam Devalaya in the Kuliapitiya West Divisional Secretariat division of the Kurunegala District and Yan Oya Rajamaha Vihara belonging to Trincomalee Kuchchaveli Divisional Secretariat Division, Sagara Pura Samudragiri Vana Senasuna which belongs to Kuchchaveli Divisional Secretariat Division of Trincomalee District were also declared as sacred sites.

President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake affirmed President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s unwavering commitment to upholding and protecting Buddhism in accordance with the Constitution.

Additionally, the Secretary to the President highlighted various government initiatives aimed at advancing Buddhism, guided by the President’s directives.

These include plans to initiate archaeological excavations at the Maha Vihara, the epicenter of Theravada Buddhism, establish the Maha Vihara University, and construct an international Buddhist museum in Kandy.

The gathering was chaired by Most Venerable Balangoda Sobhita Nayaka Thera. Also in attendance were Most Venerable Ganthune Assaji Maha Nayaka Thera, as well as Most Venerable Medagama Nandawansa Thera.

Minister of State Shanta Bandara, MP Samanpriya Herath, Secretary of the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Somaratne Vidanapathirana, Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs, Director-General of the Physical Planning Department, along with officials from related institutions and donors of temples, attended the event.

Prior to the presentation of the ‘Puja Bhumi Sannaspathra’, a charitable donation was also made at the Presidential Secretariat in honour of the Maha Sangha who graced the occasion with their presence.

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

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

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

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

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

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