News

Mrs. Kusumalatha Mahagamasekara, the beloved wife of the late literary great – Mahagama Sekara, passed away today (21).

She was aged 88 years.

A graduate of Peradeniya University, Mrs. Mahagamasekara served as a language and literature teacher in various schools across the island for an extended period.

The remains will be placed for final respects at the ‘Restpect’ parlour in Borella, November 24, starting from 10.00am.

Final rites are scheduled to take place on Saturday, Nov. 25, at 10.30 am at the cremation grounds at the Kithulwatta Road entrance of the Borella Public Cemetery.

In a virtual address during the Leader’s Session of the Second Voice of Global South Summit, President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the invitation, acknowledging India’s pivotal role in organizing the event.

The summit was inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi and attended by distinguished leaders from various developing countries, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said in a statement.

Reflecting on the significance of the first Voice of Global South Summit, President Wickremesinghe commended India’s leadership and the positive impact it had on drawing international attention to the priorities of the developing world. He noted the successful outcomes of the G20 Summit under India’s presidency, which identified key priorities and diverse issues relevant to developing nations.

During his address at the First Summit, President Wickremesinghe highlighted common challenges faced by the Global South, particularly economic issues such as debt settlement difficulties and limited accessibility to international financial markets. He underscored the need for external assistance from multilateral institutions and developed economies, with India positioned as a bridge between developing economies and G20 countries to address these challenges, it said.

Updating on Sri Lanka’s economic progress, President Wickremesinghe mentioned the receipt of the first tranche of the IMF’s loan and progress in the Official Creditors’ Committee on Sri Lanka’s bilateral official debt. He emphasized the complexity of the issue of indebtedness, calling for collaboration between creditors and international financial institutions to find sustainable solutions.

Addressing the economic challenges faced by Sri Lanka, President Wickremesinghe presented the budget for the next year to the Sri Lankan Parliament, focusing on ameliorating the condition of the people, especially the vulnerable, amid the worst economic crisis in the country’s history.

Looking ahead, President Wickremesinghe highlighted the importance of attracting foreign investment and developing connectivity for long-term growth. The Vision Statement issued with Prime Minister Modi during his visit to India this year focuses on promoting connectivity between the two economies across all sectors and between the people of both countries for mutual benefit.

President Wickremesinghe suggested a special focus on cooperation in digitalization, recognizing India’s leadership in this sphere. He expressed eagerness for advancements in digitalization to contribute to both growth and entrepreneurship, as well as more effective governance. The President concluded by wishing the summit success in its deliberations on these crucial matters, according to the PMD.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has moved the Under 19 World Cup to South Africa from Sri Lanka, the Indian cricket news website Cricbuzz reported.

The decision has been taken by the ICC board in view of the administrative uncertainty in Sri Lanka Cricket. The ICC is currently meeting in Ahmedabad.

After a detailed deliberations, the board has decided to uphold the November 10 decision to suspend the SLC. The board said that while cricket involving the island team will continue uninterrupted, the suspension, however, will not be overturned, according to the relevant report.

“It was a unanimous decision by the board that the suspension cannot be lifted. Cricket in the country will continue as normal,” a well-placed source told Cricbuzz. Shammi Silva, the president of the SLC, has attended the board meeting, held at ITC Narmada in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, November 21.

The board has also decided that the Sri Lanka team will continue to play international cricket despite the suspension of SLC. The game will run through the suspended SLC, which will receive controlled funding, Cricbuzz added.

The Under-19 World Cup was scheduled to take place between January 14 and February 15. The dates will clash with the second edition of SA20, which runs from January 10 to February 10 but a top Cricket South Africa (CSA) official told Cricbuzz that both events can be organised simultaneously as the T20 league is being overseen autonomously by a body independent of CSA, Cricbuzz mentioned.

The option of holding the event in Oman and UAE were also considered, but South Africa was eventually preferred because of better infrastructure: the requirement was three grounds, and Oman only has one. Furthermore, moving the teams between UAE and Oman would have been an expensive proposition and the Board finally zeroed in on South Africa. CSA has agreed to spare three venues for the mutli-nation championship.

SLC chief Silva is of the opinion that the confusion could have been avoided but said cricket in the country will remain uninterrupted.

“I have requested the ICC board to allow the game to continue and the members have upheld our request,“ Silva told Cricbuzz.

He has also confirmed that Sri Lanka Under-19 team will take part in the U-19 World Cup in South Africa.

--Agencies

Former director general of health services, Dr. Palitha Mahipala, has been appointed as the secretary to the ministry of health.

He is due to assume duties on 20 November, after Janaka Sri Chandragupta retires in the position today (18).

Dr. Anil Jasinghe, presently secretary to the environment ministry, too, was spoken as a possibility for the health secretary position.

But, minister Keheliya Rambukwella has refused to release him, noting that he is presently involved in several important projects.

Chandragupta had asked for one year extension, but it had been rejected on the ground that his name is mentioned with the substandard immunoglobulin scam.

Courts have ordered a foreign travel ban on Chandragupta and eight others.

Minister of Education Susil Premajayantha states that the results of the 2022 G.C.E. Ordinary Level examination will be released within the next few days.

Commenting on this during today’s parliamentary session, the Minister emphasized that the release of the results was delayed owing to the delay in the commencement of paper-marking activities for around three months.

“Now the children are getting older due to the examinations being postponed”, he said.

“We released the Grade 05 Scholarship Examination results within a month. Never in history have the results been released within a month”, Premajayantha added.

Meanwhile, the Education Minister also expressed that all necessary arrangements have been made to hold the G.C.E. Advanced Level examination as scheduled.

“Actually, the A/L examination would have been held in November as previously planned, however, the release of results was delayed”, he said.

All meetings of the Parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) have been cancelled until further notice, the Parliament was informed today (Nov 17).

The announcement was made by the Speaker of the House Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena.

The Speaker further said that the COPE Committee will not be convened until issues concerning its Chairman are resolved.

He added that the final decision on the COPE Committee will be taken by its members who are vested with the necessary powers and as per Parliament protocol.

The decision was announced after Opposition Leader MP Sajith Premadasa had alleged that the COPE Committee had convened a meeting at 01.00 pm today, knowing that it was a time at which two of its Muslim members S.M. Marikkar and Rauf Hakeem could not attend.

MP Premadasa accused the COPE Chairman of having purposefully called for the COPE members meeting knowing that these two members cannot attend due to Friday prayers.

Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella also requested the Speaker to provide a proper solution to the issues concerning the COPE Committee, urging not to make it political.

Responding to the claims, the Speaker announced that all meetings of the COPE Committee have been cancelled until further notice.

Concerns have been raised in the recent past on the actions of the COPE Committee Chairman Prof. Ranjith Bandara, especially concerning Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

He was accused of signalling SLC representatives to allegedly refrain from disclosing information during a recent COPE Committee meeting, while it was also revealed that a private firm headed by him had offered its services to the SLC between 2017 and 2018.

Prof. Ranjith Bandara’s son Kanishka Bandara was also found to have attended the recent COPE meeting with the SLC resulting in the Opposition raising serious concerns over the matter and a violation of their Parliamentary privileges.

The current budget, characterized by formal economic management, has been unveiled to proactively avert the recurrence of severe economic crises within Sri Lanka, State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe said.

State Minister Semasinghe emphasized the dedicated focus within this year’s budget to extend relief to those significantly impacted by the economic downturn.

“There is a deliberate commitment to fostering the establishment and support of small and medium-scale businesses as part of the comprehensive economic strategy,” he pointed out.

State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe expressed these views during a discussion held on Monday (Nov 20) at the Ministry of Finance on the budget 2024.

The State Minister further said “The budget presented this year has laid the groundwork for growth across various sectors of the economy. To foster economic growth, it is imperative to restore the country to the pre-crisis economic levels. The groundwork for this resurgence was established in the previous budget. The current year’s budget is designed to further fortify economic stability and the progress in achieving this stability can be verified by scrutinizing data provided by the Central Bank.

“During the presentation of the 2023 budget, the nation found itself in a precarious situation, unable to produce a comprehensive budget document. At that critical juncture, the country grappled with profound economic downturn and political-social turbulence, marking a significant crossroads in its history.

“It is noteworthy to acknowledge that the attained economic stability is a direct outcome of the 2023 budget document. Additionally, the government anticipates a 1.8% economic growth for the upcoming year, with aspirations to surpass that target and achieve a growth rate of 2% or more. The formulation of this year’s budget took into account agreements established with the International Monetary Fund and the nation’s creditors. Of particular significance is the commitment to achieving debt sustainability, thereby emphasizing meticulous attention to debt restructuring and various other considerations in the preparation of the budget proposals.

“The government has prioritized addressing the challenges faced by population groups severely affected by the ongoing economic crisis. Special consideration has been given to public servants, who have not seen a salary increase in many years. Consequently, the government has taken the initiative to grant an additional allowance of Rs. 10,000,” he said.

Stating that focused attention has been extended to various vulnerable groups, including low-income earners, kidney patients, individuals receiving disability allowances and those receiving elderly allowances, he said this comprehensive approach is expected to benefit approximately 3 million families.

“As per the economic crisis, small and medium-sized businesses, which faced significant challenges, have been a focal point. The current budget allocates over Rs. 30 billion for their rehabilitation. A structured system has been devised to facilitate their access to credit facilities, offering subsidized interest rates in the single-digit range. Furthermore, the government has lifted restrictions on imports, excluding personal-use vehicles, in a move aimed at fostering greater economic flexibility and adaptability,” he added.

Also addressing the meeting, the Director General of the President’s Trade Union, Saman Ratnapriya, commended President Ranil Wickremesinghe for steering the country from a challenging state, marked by fuel and gas queues, to a more stable condition.

Attributing this progress to the foundation laid by the previous budget, extending into the 2024 budget, Ratnapriya highlighted a proposal to increase government employee salaries by Rs. 10,000, acknowledging the existing pressures on the public.

“Acknowledging the current challenges faced by the populace, including the burden of elevated service charges, it is imperative to recognize the potential positive outcomes of advancing the President’s economic program. Despite the existing pressures, the belief is firm that adhering to this economic strategy will pave the way for the construction of a robust and sustainable economy,” he said.

On the fiscal front, W. M. G. Kumaratunga, Director of the Economic Stabilization Unit at the President’s Office, provided insights into revenue collection. Noting the significant milestone, he projected estimated state revenue of Rs. 3,101 billion by December 31, surpassing the Rs.3 trillion mark for the first time in history.

“Comparatively, the revenue as of last 17 stood at Rs. 2,394 billion, with contributions from the Inland Revenue Department Rs. 1,415 billion, Sri Lanka Customs Rs.832 billion, and the Excise Department Rs.147 billion.

“As the year draws to a close, an estimated income of Rs.3,101 billion is anticipated from the combined efforts of the Inland Revenue Department, Sri Lanka Customs and the Excise Department. Additionally, a further Rs.369 billion is expected to be generated in the coming days. This additional revenue comprises Rs.154 billion from the Inland Revenue Department, Rs. 136 billion from Sri Lanka Customs and the remaining Rs. 33 billion from the Excise Department.

“Consequently, by December 31 of this year, a total state revenue of Rs.2,719 billion is anticipated. However, if efforts align with the estimated target for 2023, this figure would represent the highest state revenue ever recorded in the country’s history,” he said.

Kumaratunga further said, that in addition to the ongoing efforts, the President’s Office has initiated special programs aimed at further augmenting state revenue.

“Notably, the daily income of Sri Lanka Customs has currently reached an impressive Rs. 5 billion. The aspiration is to achieve a revenue target of Rs. 3 trillion, a milestone that could significantly boost the country’s economy, leading to the creation of a surplus in the primary account,” he added.

This discussion involved the participation of key stakeholders, including Dr. P. K. G. Harishchandra, Director of the Economic Research Department at the Central Bank, Chairman of the National Youth Service Council, Pasindu Gunaratne and representatives from trade unions, the Youth Corps and the Youth Service Council.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe left the island a short while ago, the President’s Media Division (PMD) .

President left to Maldives to attend the inauguration ceremony of Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, president-elect of the Republic of Maldives.

The Special envoy of the Chinese President, state councillor Mrs. Shen Yiqin, and the delegation paid a courtesy call on President Ranil Wickremesinghe this morning (20) at the Presidential Secretariat. The primary focus of the meeting was to enhance tourism and trade relations between the two countries.

The President expressed gratitude for China’s support to Sri Lanka, notably acknowledging their assistance in the country’s debt restructuring program. He extended sincere thanks to the Chinese President and the government for their invaluable support in this regard.

Additionally, President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed Sri Lanka’s desire to augment cooperation between the two countries in the fields of tourism, sports and agriculture also highlighted that both the Hambantota Port and Port City are currently prepared for investment opportunities.

The President also noted that countries such as Sri Lanka, participants in the Belt & Road initiative, are prepared to embark on the second phase of the initiative, which is expected to make a more substantial economic contribution.

The President outlined the measures taken by Sri Lanka to access the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP, while further affirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to preserving the Indian Ocean as a free zone for navigation and ensuring it remains a peaceful region, free from global geopolitical rivalries.

The Chinese Special Envoy stated that China is also prioritizing the extension of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor to Sri Lanka. Additionally, both parties agreed to expedite the implementation of the China-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement.

Mrs. Shen Yikn reaffirmed China’s enduring support to Sri Lanka and emphasized her commitment to strengthening the relations between the two countries.

The President was accompanied by President’s Senior Adviser on National Security & Chief-of-Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake, and Director of International Affairs Dinouk Colombage. (PMD)

At least 74 schools, including Thurstan College in Colombo and Tangalle Balika Vidyalaya, are found to be with dangerous buildings, Minister of Education Susil Premajayantha said.

Addressing the Parliament today (Nov 16), the Education Minister said instructions have been issued for the school authorities to evacuate children from such dilapidated buildings.

He further said the school authorities have been advised to find alternative solutions for the children until the buildings are renovated.

Funds had not been allocated for schools in 2021 and 2022 due to the coronavirus pandemic and the economic crisis, the minister revealed in Parliament.

Minister Premajayantha added that school principals have been advised to identify dilapidated buildings and ensure the safety of the students.

He made the remarks while delivering a special statement on the death of a 06-year-old female student caused due to the collapse of a wall in a school in Wellampitiya this week.

Popular international vlogger ‘Nas Daily’ signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sri Lanka’s Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) today (Nov 20).

International vlogger ‘Nas Daily’ is currently in Sri Lanka on an invitation extended by the SLTPB.

Issuing a statement, the Tourism Ministry said the agreement signed with ‘Nas Daily’ is aimed at helping promote Sri Lanka Tourism.

Meanwhile, taking to ‘X’, Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando announced an agreement has been signed with ‘Nas Daily’ to produce three special videos promoting Sri Lanka Tourism.

Nuseir Yassin is an Israeli-Palestinian-Kittitian vlogger, known as ‘Nas Daily’, from the name used on his Facebook, TikTok and Instagram pages for his over 1,000 daily, one-minute-long videos.

He has previously produced three videos on Sri Lanka titled ‘This is Made of Poop’, ‘My Biggest Money Mistake’, and ‘The Key Board Warrior’.

In 2020, ‘Nas Daily’ named Sri Lanka as ‘The Most Generous Country During Covid’, via a video produced of the same name.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe addressing the Budget 2024 Forum under the theme A Tightrope Walk organised by the Colombo University MBA Alumni Association stressed the importance of Sri Lankan universities being world-class and acknowledged the challenge of balancing financial considerations with the goal of providing quality education. He presented a broader perspective on the budget, drawing inspiration from President Roosevelt’s New Deal approach, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive strategy beyond a traditional budget.

The President in his capacity as the Finance Minister highlighted efforts to stabilize and reconstruct the economy, including negotiations with the IMF and bilateral discussions, aiming for positive results in December.

Delivering the keynote address at this event held at the Shangri La Hotel in Colombo, the President defended the budget as more focused on building a new economy that benefits the people rather than being labelled as an election budget. He discussed pay increases for government servants, adjustments in the private sector and increased expenditure on social programs like Samurdhi and support for SMEs. He underscored the importance of paying for quality government services while ensuring assistance for those who cannot afford it.

President Wickremesinghe revealed a significant three-fold increase in Aswesuma benefits in the budget as part of a new social construct. He also acknowledged the extensive nature of the country’s current crisis, adding that it surpasses the government’s capacity to address it within a single budget. He stressed the importance of adaptation, highlighting the necessity for embracing change and emphasized that this commitment to change is the direction the government is currently heading.

In this comprehensive address, the President outlined key initiatives, including the largest privatization in Sri Lanka, granting 2 million acres to the people and converting permit holders into land owners. The President emphasized the dispersal of ownership and wealth among the population, aligning with constitutional principles. Additionally, plans for partial privatization of banks was also discussed, with a focus on employee and depositor participation. President Wickremesinghe highlighted the importance of a highly competitive and digitized economy, urging private sector involvement. He outlined goals for digitalization and discussed the privatization of Sri Lanka Telecom.

Energy transformation was also emphasized, with a focus on green energy, setting the stage for Sri Lanka to lead in this area. The address also covered plans for agriculture modernization, particularly in the dry zone and the expansion of fisheries. Tourism was identified as a potential growth sector, with an aim to attract 5 million tourists at a targeted rate.

President Wickremesinghe also outlines diverse areas of focus for economic development. Acknowledging the need for competitiveness in manufacturing, he discusses engagements with India, RCEP, ASEAN countries and the EU. Recognizing challenges in competing with mass-producing countries like Bangladesh and emerging economies, the President advocated for a leapfrog approach and emphasized the importance of education reform to support economic shifts.

A comprehensive change in the education system was revealed, with a 10-year timeline and a focus on opening new universities, including collaboration with India for an IIT campus in Kandy. The President highlighted the potential for regional logistics by developing Sri Lanka as a hub, particularly focusing on the main port and potential developments in Trincomalee. He noted that the goal is to reorient the economy to achieve a modern economy by 2030-2035.

President Wickremesinghe emphasized that the budget is just one part of the broader economic plan, discussing the need for periodic statements and new laws to address the evolving economic landscape. Stressing the importance of change, the Minister encouraged collaboration with the private sector, foreign assistance and retired professionals to overcome implementation challenges and mobilize the country for economic progress. The President also placed the onus on the collective willingness to move forward, acknowledging that without such commitment, the government’s role is limited.

The members of the panel at this forum were Mahinda Siriwardana – Secretary to the Treasury, Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Ms Chiyo Kanda – Country Manager World Bank Sri Lanka and Maldives, W.A. Wijewardena – Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, Kulendran Sivaram – President of the Colombo University MBA Alumni Association, Bingumal Thewarathanthri – CEO Standard Chartered Bank, Sri Lanka, Krishan Balendra – Chairperson John Keels Holdings PLC, Channa Manoharan – Country Managing Partner, Deloitte, Sri Lanka and Maldives, the Moderator, Nisthar Cassim – Editor/CEO, Daily FT and several other dignitaries.

--PMD--