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President addresses parliament on economic revival progress

Mar 6 (AD) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe arrived at the parliament this morning to deliver a special statement on the progress of SL’s economic recovery process. The parliamentary proceedings, presided over by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, commenced around 9.30 a.m. Addressing the Chamber, Head of State said the citizens are now benefitting from the strenuous efforts taken by the govt to revive the economy. “We made an economic plan with the IMF. more..

Sri Lanka plans to lift VAT from books, school supplies: President

Mar 6 (EN) SL is planning to lift value added tax from books, school supplies, and medical devices, Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe said in parliament. “We are expecting to exempt books, school supplies, medical devices and medicine from VAT,” Prez Wickremesinghe said. “We will be able to reduce the VAT charge in the future. The more the economy strengthens the more we take actions to make people’s lives easier.” A growing number of Sri Lankans, especially those who are hit by more..

Central Bank’s lowest ranking employee’s salary increased to Rs. 188,827

Mar 6 (DM) The gross salary of the lowest ranking employee of the Central Bank, that of an Office Assistant - Grade 1, has been increased by 29.53% up to Rs. 188,827, PM Dinesh Gunawardane said today. Responding to a question by SJB MP S.M. Marikkar, he told Parliament that the gross salary of the Deputy Governor has been increased by 76.97% upto Rs. 1,728,419. said the CB employees are entitled to housing loans, vehicle loans, welfare loans and medical facilities as well. more..

අපේ බෝට්ටු 69 ක් ඉන්දියාව රඳවාගෙන!

Parate Suspension: Sri Lanka’s debt recovery dilemma

Mar 6 (Island) Cabinet of Ministers is reported to have approved a temporary suspension of Parate Executions until 15 Dec 2024 aiming to alleviate the strain on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) grappling with financial challenges. Parate is a Dutch term which means immediate. It’s a non-court procedure. In this process, banks can take possession of borrowers’ properties but cannot own them. If the properties aren’t sold, the bank gets them at a nominal price (usually at Rs.1,000.00), more..

Adani wind project in Mannar and ecological threats

Mar 6 (FT) Having attended the 27 Feb WNPS hosted media conference that highlighted ecological threats faced in Mannar due to the proposed wind farm development by the Adani group, I am sharing my views below: First, I wish to present the synopsis of a public lecture titled, Mannar Wind Power and Avian Issues that I delivered seven years ago at the Institution of Engineers SL on 2 March 2017: Meeting the growing electric power demand presents Sri Lanka with challenging options. more..

CBSL comes under Parliamentary fire over steep salary hike

Mar 6 (FT) The Central Bank came under fire from MPs yesterday when officials of the monetary regulatory authority were summoned to justify the controversial decision regarding the significant salary hike for its employees. During the Party Leaders’ meeting convened on the matter, MPs voiced their discontent over the move, labelling it as a violation of the law. Separately the CBSL matter was taken up before the CoPF. more..

Activist raises concerns on Yukthiya to UNHRC

Mar 6 (TM) Human rights advocate and attorney Ambika Satkunanathan, this week, drew the international community’s attention to the alleged unlawful acts committed during the ongoing anti-drug and anti-organised crime operation Yukthiya (Justice). In a statement to the 55th session of the UNHRC, which was widely circulated on social media platforms, the former Commissioner of Human Rights Commission of SL pointed out a number of rights and law related concerns more..

Multidimensional challenges unique to SL households in each district

Mar 6 (FT) Stemming from an analysis of data based on the UNDP’s National Citizen Survey 2022-23 and Multidimensional Vulnerability Index 2023 (developed together with Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative), and National Multidimensional Poverty Index 2019, the MVI District Profiles were launched on Monday. The publication was officially handed over to State Minister Shehan Semasinghe by UNDP SL Resident Representative Azusa Kubota more..

Govt absorbs $ 512 m debt to dress up SriLankan Airlines for sale

Mar 6 (FT) In a significant move aimed at reinvigorating the agricultural sector, the Govt unveiled plans to modernise and transform the industry earmarking a budget of Rs. 650 million. Cabinet of Ministers cleared to implement the program, which aims to revolutionise the agricultural sector by introducing modern techniques and technologies, drawing inspiration from successful models adopted by other countries. more..

All South Asian countries have surpassed Sri Lanka: Imthiaz

Mar 6 (DM) While saying that SL is currently at an impasse, SJB MP Imthiaz Bakeer Markar called upon leaders and citizens to transcend political differences and unite for the collective betterment of the island nation. He made these sentiments in the thanksgiving address at the launch of his autobiography held at the Ananda College auditorium today (50). The event saw the participation of a plethora of dignitaries including PM Dinesh Gunawardena, Speaker Mahinda more..

FUTA condemns appointing Deshabandu Tennakoon as new IGP

Mar 6 (CT) The Federation of University Teachers Association (FUTA) vehemently condemns the recent appointment of Mr. Deshabandu Tennakoon as the new IGP in Sri Lanka. This appointment not only disregards due process but also raises grave concerns regarding the independence and integrity of law enforcement in the country. Moreover, the newly appointed IGP has a troubling history that casts serious doubts on his suitability to lead the Sri Lankan Police Force. more..

හිරු ටීවී පත්තරේ විස්තරේ

Recent electricity tariff revision not given by the govt

Mar 6 (DM) The recent electricity tariff revision was not given by the incumbent govt or current political authorities but by the collective efforts of civil organisations, the public and the media, former Public Utilities Commission of SL (PUCSL) Commissioner Janaka Ratnayaka said. He praised the 21.9% electricity tariff revision announced recently by the current PUCSL chairman. He claimed that the PUCSL members or the political authority did not agree to provide this tariff revision. more..

Colombo Plan to further expand maritime sector

Mar 6 (DM) Dr. Benjami Reyes, Secretary General of Colombo Plan (CP) met with the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to SL Khalid Hamoud Alkahtani recently to discuss further cooperation in the maritime sector as a member country of the Colombo Plan. Lead Consultant to the CP Maritime Advisory Programme, Rohan Masakorala, joined the discussion where areas of infrastructure, capacity building and trade facilitation were the topics of concern. The Saudi Ambassador to SL has expressed optimism more..

Kandakadu says no to repeat rehabbers, other offenders

Mar 6 (TM) Following the frequent tense situations reported at the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre, the authorities have taken several steps to prevent clashes among the inmates of the centre. Noting this, the Commissioner General of Rehabilitation, Major General Darshana Hettiarachchi, said: “We have taken a large number of measures to deal with this situation. more..

Meta’s Instagram, Facebook hit by widespread outages on Tuesday

Mar 6 (Island) Users of Meta’s Facebook and Instagram platforms have experienced login issues in what appears to be a widespread outage. The social media platforms were down for hundreds of thousands of users across the globe from about 15:00 GMT on Tuesday, but the sites appeared to be returning to normal about two hours later. “Earlier today, a technical issue caused people to have difficulty accessing some of our services,” Meta spokesperson Andy Stone said in a post more..

Visa free travel to enhance tourism industry potential

Mar 6 (DM) Tourism in SL is on a high growth trajectory following a boost in the country’s potential as a must-visit destination. Visa free travel for tourists from China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia and Japan has provided the right nudge for tourists to put SL on the top of their travel bucket list. Nationals from these countries planning to visit SL need to apply for Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arriving, subject to granting of visa free of charge. more..

පඩි වැඩිකිරීම ගැන මහ බංකු අධිපති

Revised policy framework for customs bonded warehouses

Mar 6 (FT) Recognising the need to adapt to evolving warehousing technologies and enhance competitiveness in the supply chain process the Cabinet of Ministers approved enhancing the policy framework governing Customs Bonded Warehouses. The approved proposal empowers the Revised and Updated Policy Framework for Appointing Common Bonded Warehouses laid down under section 69 of Customs Ordinance. A Customs Bonded Warehouse serves as a crucial storage facility, more..

Cabinet clears lease of reservoir surface for two solar pilot projects

Mar 6 (FT) To support the transit for renewable energy sources, the Cabinet approved allocating sections of water surface areas from Chandrika Wewa and Kiriibban Wewa to install two pilot floating solar panel power plants in the Ratnapura district. Allocated water surface and areas, amounting to 0.99 hectares each on the reservoirs’ water surfaces along with plots of 0.1 hectares each from the reservoir reserves will be leased annually to SL Solar Energy Authority for the operation more..

Sri Lanka an outperformer but risks remain: Standard Chartered Bank

Mar 6 (FT) Standard Chartered Bank rates that Sri Lanka in the past year had outperformed the banking giant’s expectations and foreign investor interest is sprouting but urged for continuous improvement as certain risks still remain along with multiple challenges. “Global investor interest in SL is on the rise as opposed to a sense of indifference a year ago. Some of the key positives include success so far in the External Debt Restructuring more..

SL 149-150th out of 190 economies: WB

Mar 6 (CT) SL’s rankings in World Bank’s Women, Business and the Law 2024 Index remained unchanged at the 149th-150th position (equal) with Marshall Islands out of 190 economies over its previous year’s (2023) rankings with an unchanged score of 65.6 points out of a possible 100, the WB’s latest ranking in this regard, showed. Higher scores indicate greater equality vis-à-vis employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for women versus men and lower scores, the obverse. more..

Thomians go out firm favourites in Big Match

Mar 6 (DN) S.Thomas College Mt Lavinia led by Mahith Perera with an impressive record this season will compete in their 145 th Battle of the Blues against traditional rivals Royal at the SSC grounds from March 7 to 9 and this three day encounter most probably will bring about a decision. Not like two days big matches three day encounters can produce decisions and the two teams Royal and S. Thomas battle it out to win the game and most of the time positive approach brings about a result. more..

Chandana’s unique ways of raising fielding standards

Mar 6 (Island) All of us lovers of SL cricket agree that the national cricket team’s fielding standards have improved leaps and bounds in the last two months. After a horrible World Cup where the team dropped 16 catches in nine games, there was much criticism on poor fielding. However, fielding at the moment has been a breath of fresh air and the main man for that is none other than Fielding Coach Upul Chandana. more..

Govt unveils ambitious agricultural modernisation program

Mar 6 (FT) In a significant move aimed at reinvigorating the agricultural sector, the Govt unveiled plans to modernise and transform the industry earmarking a budget of Rs. 650 million. The Cabinet of Ministers at its meeting on Monday cleared to implement the program, which aims to revolutionise the agricultural sector by introducing modern techniques and technologies, drawing inspiration from successful models adopted by other countries. more..

Land Management Trust to streamline Govt land release

Mar 6 (FT) The Cabinet of Ministers approved the establishment of the Land Management Trust to address various challenges and inconsistencies surrounding the utilisation of Govt lands across the country. At present, the Govt owns around 82% of the total land area in the country, managed by various agencies tasked with protecting and controlling these lands. However, the absence of a unified approach has led to numerous issues in releasing Govt land for investment purposes. more..

තවත් සහන ළඟ ළඟම

CIMA President and AICPA Co-Chair in SL on official visit

Mar 6 (FT) Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) President and Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA) Co-Chair Sarah Ghosh is in SL on an official visit until 8 March. During her visit, Sarah will attend a number of high-profile events with CIMA members, CGMA candidates, corporate partners, and government officials, including: Attending a meeting with Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Governor of the CB, Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe; more..

GRI launches its next generation sustainable tires at the Green Impact 2024

Mar 6 (FT) GRI, a leading producer of specialty tires for agriculture, material handling and construction machines, unveiled its next generation of environmentally friendly specialty tires with very high sustainable material content. GRI’s sustainable agriculture tire range, the Green XLR Earth series, now comes with 87.3% sustainable material whilst the Ultimate Green XT the sustainable material handling tire boasts an impressive 93.5% sustainable material. more..

Armed forces assassins killing for an underworld payday not new

Mar 6 (ST) Organised crime gangs are recruiting ex-military men and even triforce service personnel as hitmen, as they can handle weapons and are combat-trained. The police said that gangs use many tactics to entice those who have a history of serving in the armed forces. Police spokesman, DIG Nihal Thalduwa, who is also in charge of the Crime Range, said gangs have always used people from the armed forces as well as deserters. more..

Reconciliation requires gaining trust, not only having vision

Mar 6 (Island) President Ranil Wickremesinghe addressing a conference of over 300 members from inter-religious committees from across the country summed up his plan for national reconciliation in less than 20 minutes. The president was clear in his articulation. He spoke with no notes. There were no superfluities in his speech. He noted how racism and bigotry have become convenient tools for politicians to wield power and for religious leaders to maintain their authority. more..

Work order to double paddy yield over six growing seasons

Mar 6 (Island) Following a request made by World Bank officials, Department of Agriculture, Director General Ms. Malathi Parasuraman has submitted a work order, prepared by the Department of Agriculture, to double the paddy yield in the country within six growing seasons. Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said that the World Bank has given the green light to assist in achieving President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s goal of doubling the paddy yield countrywide. more..

සටන: වත්මන් දේශපාලනය

Editorial: Heavy bags and empty stomachs

Mar 6 (Island) The pitiable sight of schoolchildren staggering under heavy backpacks saddens one beyond measure. Doctors often caution against overloaded school bags, which place children’s delicate spines at risk of injury, but sadly their warnings go unheeded. The detrimental effects of heavy backpacks on students’ spine health are making headlines, once again. The public debate on the ill-effects of excessively heavy schoolbags has been going on for decades, more..

Lankans in trouble overseas

Mar 6 (TM) This week, after a consolidated diplomatic effort, SL managed to get the Myanmar junta to rescue eight Sri Lankans who were held hostage and forced to work in cybercrime sweatshops under the penalty of torture. As the situation in Myanmar continues to spiral out of control, more Sri Lankans remain trapped in such illegal operations, near the Myanmar- Thailand border. It is reported that the eight Sri Lankans who were rescued were part of a group of 56 more..

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