News

The ‘Saradiel’ theory of the red radical parties will consign the country from the third world to the world of hell, said Mawbima Janatha Party leader Dilith Jayaweera.

Addressing the party’s Kandy district convention at Sahas Uyana yesterday (07) he played down promises by radical parties to catch the thieves and hand people back their robbed money as empty talk.

Jayaweera stressed the need for a path of decency by all if the country is to achieve progress.

The traditional leftist and rightist politics do not have any flow to gain entrance to politics today, said the MJP leader.

According to him, more than 60 per cent of the people have now come out of the two traditional political camps and are questing for a new solution.

That new solution and if there is any positive entrance space for that solution need to be discussed now, he said.

Jayaweera renewed his invitation for NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake for a live debate on political issues.

Chairman of the party Dr. Sarath Amunugama also spoke.

During his official four-day visit to the Northern Province, President Ranil Wickremesinghe paid a visit to the Pooneryn area this afternoon (05).

As part of the visit, the President participated in a discussion at the Pooneryn Divisional Secretariat to assess the Pooneryn Town Development Plan presented by the Urban Development Authority.

In the 2024 budget, the Urban Development Authority was allocated Rs. 500 million for the development of the Pooneryn city. President Wickremesinghe instructed officials to promptly implement the designated development activities. Additionally, he emphasized the need for special attention to be given to promoting the tourism sector and enhancing the infrastructure required for renewable energy generation projects.

Subsequently, President Ranil Wickremesinghe toured the Pooneryn Fort. Additionally, he visited the “Vanni Cashew” production company, a high-quality establishment in the Pooneryn area.

Observing its operations, the President highlighted that this industrial company, managed by a young woman with a background in mechanical engineering, has generated employment opportunities for many youths affected by the war.

The company operates with cutting-edge technology and notably, all machinery involved in cashew processing, from shelling to the final product, has been developed by the woman in charge. Acknowledging the significant contribution of this enterprise to the national economy, President Wickremesinghe praised it as a commendable example for other young individuals in the country. (PMD)

Senior Consultant Physician Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama has been appointed as the new President of the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA).

Accordingly, Dr. Wijewickrama has assumed duties in his position as the 136th President of the SLMA.

Addressing the event while assuming duties in his position on Saturday (Jan. 06), Dr. Wijewickrama expressed that the shortage of drugs in the country is now gradually easing.

Furthermore, he mentioned that the specialist doctors are ready to work together with the Ministry of Health while providing necessary advice to the Ministry in order to further reduce the shortage of drugs.

Sri Lanka’s Official Reserve Assets increased to USD 4.4 billion (by 23.2%) in December 2023, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).

The CBSL reported that this was an increase compared to the USD 3.57 billion recorded in November 2023.

The Central Bank further said that the Official Reserve Assets reported for December 2023 included the currency swap amounting to around USD 1.4 billion with China.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe declared a prompt allocation of funds to tackle health and education issues in the North by giving priority to identified needs, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said in a statement.

Specifically, initiatives will be undertaken to allocate land for the teaching hospital in Jaffna and allocate funds for the recruitment of teachers to fill vacancies.

The President articulated this commitment during a discussion held yesterday (06) at the Jaffna District Secretariat with representatives from the health and education sectors, along with the youth community.

Nearly 300 individuals representing the health sector, education sector, and the youth community were in attendance as the President addressed and provided solutions to their concerns.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe assured his commitment to offering essential support to integrate the Northern Province into the national economy, urging government officials and the youth community to actively contribute to this initiative, the PMD mentioned.

A senior professor from the University of Jaffna handed over a proposal to the President addressing the deficiencies within the University and outlining recommendations for the enhancement of its physical and human resources.

In attendance on this occasion were Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda, Member of Parliament Angajan Ramanathan, President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake, Jaffna District Secretary S. Sivabalasundaran, present academic professionals of the University of Jaffna including Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jaffna Professor S. Srisatkunarajah, Former Vice-Chancellor Professor Vasanthy Arasaratnam and other officials, according to the PMD.

Following the discussion, President Ranil Wickremesinghe visited the Rio Ice Cream store in Jaffna, seizing the opportunity to taste ice cream.

A gathering of individuals who demonstrated excellence in the realms of education, sports, theatre, film arts and social media participated in this event titled “Meet-and-Greet.” During the occasion, the President engaged in friendly conversations with the participants, extending congratulations to them for their achievements, it added.

Police have opened a new public complaints desk to deal with abuses of women and children.

It is accessible via the telephone hotlines 109 and 0112 444 444, and email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

These facilities are available especially for the young, who are reluctant to go to a police station to lodge a complaint.

Open 24 hours a day, the public complaints desk is supervised by the director of the Bureau for the Prevention of Abuse of Children and Women and acts in coordination with all police stations and agencies.

Present at its opening were public security minister Tiran Alles and acting IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon.

The FSP has urged the government to halt its so-called ‘Yukthiya’ operation against narcotic drugs, alleging it to be an oppressive injustice in the name of justice.

Drug users are being hunted down, instead of dealing with drug kingpins, which cannot eradicate the drug trade, said its education secretary Pubudu Jayagoda at a media briefing on 06 January.

“Now, there is this comedy by Tiran Alles and Deshabandu. It has been given the name Yukthiya. No one seems to speak against this injustice in the name of justice.”

He said that as a party, the FSP has decided to raise a voice against it, with the media being made by the Ranil, Rajapaksa and Deshabandu gang to keep dead silence.

Jayagoda made special reference to the shooting at a hotel at Pelenda in Weligama, and accused the police of concealing the truth behind the incident.

He claimed the public security minister who was having a personal issue with the hotel’s owner Hardy Jamaldeen, was using the police to take revenge from him.

Similarly, acting IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon is said to have taken revenge from a former friend when he dismantled a hotel in Dehiwala, claiming it to be owned by a drug racketeer.

The FSP education secretary asked all parties to speak up against ‘Yukthiya’ operation.

Former Parliamentarian Sajin de Vass Gunawardena has been appointed as the Chief Organiser for the Ambalangoda Electorate and District Leader by the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).

Issuing a statement, the SLFP said this appointment was made with the defection of Shan Wijayalal de Silva to the Opposition, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) party on January 01, 2024.

Currently, Sajin de Vass Gunawardena functions as the Chief Organiser for the Matara Electorate and District Leader for Matara.

He is also the Assistant Secretary General and Secretary General of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party.

The Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake has implemented an Automated Facial Recognition System to detect individuals possibly engaged in criminal activities.

This initiative, led by Public Security Minister Tiran Alles and Acting Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon, aims to identify any individuals involved in illegal activities upon arrival or departure.

Trade, Commerce and Food Security Minister Nalin Fernando pledges a significant reduction of 75% in the cost of living burden on the people by the end of the first quarter this year.

He attributes this positive outlook to the initiation of 2024 with a positive economic growth rate.

Minister Fernando expressed his commitment to enhancing consumer rights by introducing a new program for the Consumer Authority, aiming to provide greater security for consumers.

The Minister’s remarks were made during a press conference at the Presidential Media Center (PMC) today (03) under the theme “Collective Path to a Stable Country”.

He acknowledged the impact of India’s halt on big onion exports, which has reverberated in Sri Lanka. However, the minister assured that the situation will be sort within the next two weeks when India relaxes its restrictions on onion exports.

Minister Nalin Fernando further commented:

“We embark on the year 2024 with a positive economic growth rate. Notably, by the end of the first quarter, the cost of living burden on the people is projected to decrease by 75%. The existing tax policy assures continued relief for citizens in the future.

While some argue against levying taxes for government income, it must be emphasized that such statements are counterproductive to the country’s economic growth. Citizens bear the responsibility of supporting government investments in the country’s future using tax revenue.

Critics often cite high taxes as a reason for leaving the country. However, taxation in our country stands at a modest 12%, significantly lower than the 38% to 43% in countries attracting emigrants. These nations have thrived due to their tax policies.

The interruption in big onion exports from India has impacted our country, but resolution is expected within the next two weeks when India relaxes export restrictions. Improper publicity surrounding tax amendments, including VAT, has led to unwarranted price hikes by intermediaries and some companies, placing pressure on the people.

In the first quarter of 2024, Lanka Sathosa aims to open five new mega stores and ten regular Lanka Sathosa stores. By year end, the plan is to expand the Lanka Sathosa outlet network to 500 outlets.

Expanding the network to 500 outlets serves the primary goal of enabling consumers to purchase goods at government subsidized prices without shortages. In 2024, the goal is to increase the total income of Lanka Sathosa Company to nearly Rs. 70 billion, achieving an operating profit of nearly Rs. 1.5 billion.

The company aims to secure a net profit of Rs. 500 million amidst the economic challenges.

A new program for the consumer authority is anticipated in 2024, aiming to enhance consumer rights. The Department of Measurement Units, Standards and Services will be fully computerized to meet people’s needs in the first four months of the year.”

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has acknowledged the economic hardships faced by the public and assured that public servants would receive economic relief after the Thai Pongal celebration this year.

He emphasized that with the stabilization of the economy, relief measures are being extended to the entire population.

During the Jaffna and Kilinochchi district coordinating committee meeting yesterday (04), he addressed crucial issues concerning missing persons, land releases, and environmental conservation in Jaffna.

He emphasized the need for immediate attention and proactive measures to address these pressing matters.

The president noted the issue of resettling displaced persons cannot continue and that there should not be any displaced persons by 2025.

He instructed the officials to devise a plan to resettle all those displaced.

Furthermore, he affirmed that all outstanding bills resulting from last year’s economic reforms have been settled.

He highlighted the completion of necessary measures aimed at fortifying the economy throughout the upcoming four quarters.

Additionally, the president disclosed plans to elevate the economic growth rate to 3% by the end of this year, with a targeted increase to 5% in 2025.

President Wickremesinghe inquired about the status of missing persons, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The registered number for the missing persons is 1,788, encompassing all 15 divisional secretariats in the Jaffna district. A total of 1,289 families have been interviewed, but as of now, no reports have been received from the district secretariat. The president directed officials to expedite the process, aiming to conclude the remaining 500 cases swiftly.

Additionally, the President proposed contacting the missing person’s office for a resolution, setting a target to complete the task within the next six months.

Political authorities from Jaffna and Kilinochchi districts, along with government officials, actively participated in this meeting.

The discussions covered a comprehensive review of ongoing development projects, plans, and the challenges faced in these districts.

President Wickremesinghe specifically addressed key areas such as resettlement, education, health, land, fisheries, agriculture and forest conservation during the meeting.

He extended a special invitation to all MPs representing the Northern province, urging them to actively participate in the development programme.

Emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts, the he stressed the need for a concerted plan to expedite the Northern Province’s development and urged everyone to accelerate the collective program for building the country’s economy.

President Wickremesinghe also said that following the establishment of the new economic commission, individuals will have the opportunity to come to Sri Lanka and present proposals.

He expressed the intention to extend invitations to the diaspora abroad to participate in these opportunities.

The President highlighted the country’s strategic focus on energy export.

To achieve this, he mentioned plans to secure energy resources in the north, with Pooneryn envisioned as an energy centre for this purpose.

He also expressed his commitment to transforming the Northern province into a prominent agricultural centre in the country through the modernization of agriculture in the region.

He directed officials to expedite land release in the Northern Province and indicated that a definitive decision on the required land for the Palali Airport and security forces would be reached by February.

The president also instructed the officials at the Ministry of Lands to visit Jaffna and urged them to take immediate steps to address the land problem in the north.

Highlighting the allocation of funds in this year’s budget for two water schemes, aiming to resolve the water problem in the north, he noted that measures have been initiated to disburse funds for previously executed water projects.

The president also affirmed a commitment to resolving these issues promptly for the well-being and progress of the North.

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has defended the government's decision to raise the Value Added Tax (VAT) from 15% to 18%, citing the nation's dire economic situation and the need for fiscal consolidation.

Addressing the "Shilpa Abhimani 2023" Presidential Handicraft Awards ceremony, Wickremesinghe explained the rationale behind the controversial measure.

The government's decision stems from a crucial agreement reached with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). As President Wickremesinghe stated, the agreement restricts the government from resorting to bank loans and printing money, previously relied upon to finance its operations. This necessitated alternative revenue-generating measures.

To bolster the government's income, the administration aims to achieve a revenue equivalent to 12% of GDP this year, with an ultimate target of 15%. With the restriction on traditional borrowing mechanisms, the VAT hike emerged as the primary avenue to achieve this goal.

President Wickremesinghe acknowledged the potential difficulties the VAT increase may cause for consumers and businesses. However, he emphasized that it is a necessary step towards economic stability. He stated, "These measures, albeit challenging, are essential for generating the necessary income, ultimately strengthening the rupee." He further warned that inaction could lead to dire consequences, including an uncertain economic future marked by potential shortages and a collapsed economy.

Addressing potential criticism, President Wickremesinghe welcomed alternative programs for economic recovery, but emphasized that any such program must be accompanied by a clear strategy to garner IMF support. He stressed the importance of avoiding currency devaluation, which he warned would have detrimental consequences.

He expressed optimism about the potential for economic recovery, predicting a gradual strengthening of the rupee by the end of the year.