News

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) says there will be no power cuts for two days as the Water Management Secretariat has decided to release water from reservoirs to avoid possible spilling as heavy rains are expected in catchment areas.

Accordingly, no power cuts will be imposed today (Jan. 30) and tomorrow (Jan. 31) as a result, the Chairman of the CEB Nalinda Ilangakoon said.

Meanwhile the PUCSL Chairman says that on the request of the commission made on February 29th, the Water Management Secretariat has released adequate water to generate power without any interruptions on January 30 and 31.

A decision will be made on Wednesday (Feb. 01) for the rest of the Advanced Level examination days, Janaka Ratnayake said.

Earlier today, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) said that the Water Management Secretariat had agreed to release adequate amount of water from reservoirs in order generate sufficient hydro power for the next couple of days.

Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay says cooperation and working together would be very important for Sri Lanka and India on the journey that lies ahead for the two nations to celebrate the centenary of independence in 2047 for India and 2048 for Sri Lanka.

He made this observation on Tuesday (Jan. 24) addressing the gathering at the Rhythm of Harmony held at the Concert Hall of the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) to mark the 74th Republic Day of India with the participation of President Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

The UDX, a globally acclaimed musical band from Nagaland in the Northeastern part of India performed at the show along with the Sri Lankan Heavy metal Quintet Band Stigmata.

The high commissioner further stated that the two bands from Sri Lanka and India were selected to perform at the event to mark the close relationship between the two countries, shared civilization, shared aspirations of peace, progress, prosperity, friendship, and close ties between the two countries.

India is a vibrant growing economy and vibrant diverse democracy like Sri Lanka, high commissioner said further, adding that diversity and democracy are two things that Sri Lanka and India lived by and live for.

The high commissioner also mentioned that Sri Lanka is going to mark its 75th Independence Day early next month. “So as close friends, we should celebrate this event together signifying the real rhythm of harmony. It is not only the harmony of separate bands and music but also the harmony and symphony of India and Sri Lanka. So we celebrate our togetherness in celebrating 75 years of independence, and 75 years of diplomatic relations and also recommit ourselves to the journey ahead of both countries to celebrate the centenary of independence.”

He added that it is not only political leaders, professionals, scientists, diplomats, bureaucrats, and civil servants who should corporate and work together but also every section of society that would play a very crucial role in the shared prosperity that we are going to forge with everybody’s participation.

High Commissioner Baglay appreciated President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s presence at the event which was attended by ministers, state ministers, parliamentarians, and Indian and Sri Lankan nationals.

Veteran Sri Lankan dramatist and screenwriter K.B. Herath has passed away this morning (Jan. 29) at the age of 81.

K.B. Herath, who was born in Nawagaththegama of Kurunegala District, studied at Ibbagamuwa Central College. He began his career as a teacher after graduating in Arts, at Peradeniya University.

He had done a yeoman service to the Sri Lankan stage drama industry as a playwriter, producer and screenwriter.

Lanka Sathosa has slashed the prices of six essential food items, including dried chillis and lentils.

Accordingly, the revised prices will be effective from tomorrow (26 Jan.), at all Lanka Sathosa stores across the island.

Listed below are the price revised prices; Dried Chillis – Rs. 1,700/kg White Raw Rice (local) – Rs. 169/kg Red Kekulu Rice – Rs. 179/kg White Nadu Rice – Rs. 184/kg Keeri Samba Rice – Rs. 235/kg Red Dhal – Rs. 365/kg

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has informed the All Party Leaders' Conference on Reconciliation that the Cabinet was agreeable to fully implementing 13th Amendment, until the Party Leaders decide whether or not to abolish the Amendment.

This was reported by the President's Media Division on Friday (27).

President Ranil Wickremesinghe had said that he is bound to implement the existing law in accordance with the executive powers of the President.

He had said further that the 13th Amendment to the Constitution is being implemented accordingly or the Parliament should abolish the 13th amendment.

The President Wickremesinghe also pointed out that any parliamentarian could move a private member’s bill to abolish the 13th Amendment to the constitution and the same amendment would have to be implemented provided that the bill was voted against by the majority of the House.

The President stressed that he was not ready to divide the country.

President Wickremesinghe made these remarks at the All-Party Conference, which was held at the President's Office on Thursday (26) evening.

The statement made by the President is as follows:

It is my responsibility as the Executive to carry out the current law. For approximately 37 years, the 13th Amendment has been a part of the constitution. I must implement or someone has to abolish it by way of a 22nd amendment to the constitution by moving a private member’s bill. If the bill was voted against by the majority in the House, then the 13th amendment would have to be implemented.

“We can’t remain in a middle position saying that either we don’t implement the 13th amendment or abolish it,” President Ranil Wickremesinghe said.

I’m acting in accordance with the decision delivered by the Supreme Court Bench regarding the 13th Amendment, in particular, Chief Justice Palinda Ranasinghe’s ruling. If we stick to that, we might say that we are in a ‘united’ state. I oppose a federal state but devolution of power. The provincial Councils in Sri Lanka have no at least the powers that are vested in the London City Council. Hence we can’t define this as a federal state.

The late President J. R. Jayawardena introduced many clauses along with the attorneys-at-law not to make Sri Lanka a federal State. So far, every President has decided to put this into action. So either we ought to get rid of the 13th amendment or should implement it.

A massive extension of land was under the government by the time the conflict came to an end in 2009 and thereafter most of those lands were released to the public under the reigns of former Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa and Mithripala Sirisena. The largest extension of lands in Jaffna was issued under the reign of former President Mithripala Sirisena. There is only a land extension of 3000 acres under the government as of now.

The release of that extension land too should be entrusted with the security forces to be done without causing interruption to the security activities. We discuss the release of those lands with the Defence Secretary, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Commanders of Tri Forces and acted upon their views.

The Land Commission needs to be established immediately. The draft bill in that regard could be moved by March. The Constitution has it that nine representatives from each province should be included while 12 are appointed by the President. Then a national land policy should be formulated. Thereafter the National Land Policy could be put into action by the Land Commission.

Thirty per cent (30%) or more of the country is covered in forest. Here the lands have been allocated suddenly for forests in an unorganized manner. However, we have deforested up-country as well as the areas where the Mahaweli, Kelani and Kalu rivers commence. Somehow, the forest cover should be increased. We should allow the Land Commission to decide on the extension of land required to enhance the forest cover in accordance with the government’s policy up to 30%. I am dedicated in that endeavour too.

If establishment of the National Police Commission instead of a Provincial Police Commission is objected, an amendment should be made. However either should be done.

The measures that would be taken in this regard would be presented to the Parliament on February 08. And if there are any suggestions, they could be made so before February 04th that they may be considered and submitted on February 8th.

Neither any of here nor I am ready to divide our country. We are all Sinhalese who are seating here. These individuals will not betray the Sinhalese. If there are Sinhalese, they should coexist with other ethnic groups such as Tamils, Muslims, and Burghers. I have no doubt that if we protect the notion in the line ‘Children of one mother’ in our national anthem, we could go forward united.

We shall work toward a consensus-based solution for the political and economic issues one step at a time. Let’s solve our political and economic issues step by step in a manner that could be accepted by all.

Let’s act as we agreed earlier without being stuck in this problem. We neither betray any nor divide the country and the country is united today.

Source: PMD

The Export-Import Bank of China has offered Sri Lanka a two-year moratorium on its debt and said it will support the country's efforts to secure a $2.9 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund, according to a letter reviewed by Reuters.

India wrote to the IMF earlier this month, saying it would commit to supporting Sri Lanka with financing and debt relief, but the island nation also needs the backing of China in order to reach a final agreement with the global lender.

China's Jan. 19 letter, sent to the finance ministry, however, may not be enough for Sri Lanka to immediately gain the IMF's approval for the critical loan, a Sri Lankan source with knowledge of the matter said.

Regional rivals China and India are the biggest bilateral lenders to Sri Lanka, a country of 22 million people that is facing its worst economic crisis in seven decades.

According to the letter, the Export-Import Bank of China said it was going to provide "an extension on the debt service due in 2022 and 2023 as an immediate contingency measure" based on Sri Lanka's request.

At the end of 2020, China EXIM bank had loaned Sri Lanka $2.83 billion which is 3.5% of the island's debt, according to an IMF report released in March last year.

"...you will not have to repay the principal and interest due of the bank's loans during the above-mentioned period," the letter said.

"Meanwhile, we would like to expedite the negotiation process with your side regarding medium and long-term debt treatment in this window period."

Sri Lanka owed Chinese lenders $7.4 billion, or nearly a fifth of its public external debt, by the end of last year, calculations by the China Africa Research Initiative showed.

"The bank will support Sri Lanka in your application for the IMF Extended Fund Facility (EFF) to help relieve the liquidity strain," the letter said.

The Sri Lankan source, who asked not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the confidential discussions, said the island nation had hoped for a clear assurance from Beijing on the lines of what India provided to the IMF.

"China was expected to do more," the source said, "This is much less than what is required and expected of them."

Sri Lanka's foreign and finance ministries and China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to questions from Reuters.

Sri Lanka's central bank chief P. Nandalal Weerasinghe said on Tuesday that the country hoped for assurances from China and Japan, another major bilateral lender, soon and complete debt restructuring in six months.

Parliament will be prorogued with effect from midnight today (27 Jan.), Ada Derana learns.

Accordingly, a Gazette in this regard is due to be published by the Presidential Secretariat shortly.

A committee is to be appointed to probe into issues that have arisen in connection with the white water rafting water sport in Kithulgala due to the Broadlands hydroelectric project, the President’s Media Division (PMD) reported.

Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake has issued instructions to appoint the committee to look into the problems that have arisen in connection with the water sport around the Kitulgala area and to make recommendations on possible solutions.

The President’s Secretary issued these instructions during the discussion held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (23) to find possible solutions to the said issues.

He also advised that this committee, comprising officials from the Ministry of Tourism and line institutions, conduct a field investigation into the issues raised and submit a report within two weeks.

White water rafting in the Kitulgala area has drawn a large number of local and foreign tourists.

According to those who provide related services, the Broadlands hydroelectricity project has had a significant impact on the operation of the Kithulgala water rafting industry. As a result, their livelihoods have been greatly impacted, and they have requested the authorities to help save this sport, which has the potential for earning foreign exchange for the country.

The Director of Broadlands Hydropower Project, who participated in this discussion, stated that steps have been taken to cooperate with the Kithulgala white water rafting service provider community in accordance with existing technical arrangements.

However, the President’s Secretary drew attention to the practical issues raised by the community providing relevant services and directed officials to provide solutions as soon as possible.

Member of Parliament Rajika Wickramasinghe, Secretary of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs K. Mahesan, Secretary of the Irrigation Ministry U.D.C. Jayalal, and officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Ceylon Electricity Board, Central Environment Authority, and other line institutions took part in this discussion.

Instructions from the President celebrate the 75th Independence celebration with pride, at minimal cost

• while estimating the required expenditure attention should be paid to the current financial position of the country

A pre-discussion was held this morning (26) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe regarding the Independence Day celebration being held in a grand and proud manner, but maintaining minimum cost.

Accordingly, in conjunction with the 75th Independence Day celebration, many special programs are scheduled to be implemented from February 2nd to the 19th. The special Dalada Pooja and Pirith chanting, religious ceremonies of all faiths, cultural show held at the Independence Square, the traditional Independence celebration main event held at Galle Face Green, the national parks and Zoo will be open to the public free of charge, the opening of the Jaffna Cultural Centre, the Kandy republic parade, the cycle race from Dondra Point to Point Pedro etc. have also been planned.

The President advised the officials that it is their responsibility as well as that of the political authority, to pay attention to the current financial situation of the country while estimating the expenses required for these activities and in spending in a practical manner and reducing expenses.

While pointing out that there is huge opposition among the people regarding the allocation of funds for the 75th Independence Day celebration, the President emphasized that efforts should be made to minimize the related expenses.

Expressing his views further, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said,

“We must celebrate the 75th Independence Anniversary, otherwise, the world will say that we are not capable of celebrating even our independence. Similarly, we need to attract tourists and investors to our country. We need to build a positive image of our country. Therefore, let us minimize our expenditure and celebrate our Day of Independence.

It has been planned to initiate a project to create urban forests in conjunction with the Independence Day celebrations. We expect to start the activities prior to attending the Climate Summit (COP28) in Dubai. In addition, we also expect to initiate several new institutions.

By the time the relevant laws would be passed and work could commence, it could be around August. Further, we have planned to establish the University on Climate Change, which will bring long-term benefits to the country.

However, the Treasury does not have enough funds to bear the full cost of these activities. Therefore, we will have to focus on other acivities only afer allocating funds for the main activities.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the President on National Security Sagala Ratnayake, Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake, Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake, Secretaries of Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Defence, Foreign Affairs, Education, Cultural and Buddhist Affairs, Media, Finance and the officials of the Treasury and the line Ministries participated at this discussion.

The Supreme Court today (24) sentenced retired Army Major Ajith Prasanna to four years of rigorous imprisonment and fined him Rs. 300,000 after finding him guilty to a contempt of court charge.

Failure to pay the fine will result in an additional six months behind bars, a three-member judges panel decided.

The attorney general filed the case against Prasanna over his criticism of a ruling by a five-member SC judges panel at a media briefing on January 19, 2020.

P.S.M. Charles has resigned as a member of the Election Commission.

She has tendered her resignation to the president, said sources at the Presidential Secretariat.

When contacted, the Election Commission said it was yet to be informed about the development.

The Constitutional Council that met yesterday (25) decided to call for membership applications for all the independent commissions.

The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) contributed a sum of Rs. 03 billion to the Treasury. Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara officially handed over the cheque to President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat today (23).

Considering the current economic situation of the country, the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau has provided this amount from the operational surplus received last year, to use for essential services such as to purchase of medicine, to purchase of paddy and the payment of government employee salaries.

Previously, the total amount of money given to the Treasury by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment was Rs. 3.38 billion, and this is the first time in history that Rs. 03 billion has been given in a single contribution.

The Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau has taken steps to make a grant of Rs. 500 million for the purchase of the necessary medicines for the Cancer Hospital, of which a cheque of Rs. 100 million was also presented to the President.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe handed over the cheque to Heath Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.

--PMD