News

Shasheendra Rajapaksa was sworn in as the State Minister for Irrigation and Water Resources Management before President Ranil Wickremesinghe a short while ago at the Presidential Secretariat – PMD

The government received notification that the vessel “Lorenzo Putha 4” previously lost in the Arabian Sea, has been successfully rescued by the Seychelles Coast Guard.

The Seychelles Navy officially communicated this information to the Chief of Presidential Staff and National Security Advisor Sagala Ratnayaka, today (29).

The multi-day fishing trawler “Lorenzo Putha 4” commenced its maiden voyage from the Dikovita fishing harbour on January 12, carrying six fishermen.

According to the Department of Fisheries, the vessel was hijacked by Somali pirates in the Arabian Sea, approximately 1,160 nautical miles from land.

Consequently, the Sri Lanka Navy informed the Combined Maritime Forces, consisting of 40 countries located in Bahrain, to investigate the missing vessel.

The Seychelles Coast Guard initiated a special operation to locate the “Lorenzo Putha 4,” successfully finding the vessel in the possession of Somali pirates.

In a commendable effort, the Seychelles Coast Guard arrested three Somali pirates, and all six fishermen aboard the “Lorenzo Putha 4” were safely rescued.

Under the guidance of National Security Advisor Sagala Ratnayaka, operations have been launched to bring the fishing vessel back to the country.

The Sri Lanka Navy, with special supervision, is overseeing this operation, and the Seychelles Coast Guard has informed that the vessel is currently en route to Victoria Port in Seychelles.

The preparation of the initial stage of the “Urumaya” program, involving the distribution of 10,000 land deeds, has been finalized, the President’s Media Division (PMD) says.

The Ministry of Tourism and Lands has announced the commencement of the “Urumaya” Freehold Deed Program, aiming to grant land ownership to deserving individuals.

H.M.B.P. Herath, the Secretary of the Ministry, confirmed that necessary steps have been taken to dispatch these freehold deeds to the relevant District Secretariats.

This progress was disclosed during an online discussion held on Tuesday (Jan.30), involving officials from the Presidential Secretariat, District Secretaries, and Divisional Secretaries.

The “Urumaya” program marks a significant step towards addressing land ownership issues in Sri Lanka. With 10, 000 freehold deeds set for distribution in the first phase alone; the program holds the potential to positively impact a considerable number of lives.

The swift action taken by the ministry to direct the deeds to the District Secretariats demonstrates a commitment to efficient and timely implementation, the PMD noted.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe will preside over the national ceremony on February 05 at the Rangiri Dambulu Stadium, marking the commencement of the “Urumaya” freehold deed program’s first phase, where 10,000 land deeds will be awarded.

As 2 million farming families prepare to receive freehold land under the transformative “Urumaya” program, the government has allocated funds for transportation and food, providing them to district secretaries.

The PMD says thishis move, instructed by the President’s office, aims to ensure smooth and convenient participation for all deed holders attending the upcoming event.

In accordance with the 2024 budget proposals, Rs. 02 billion has been designated for the “Urumaya” freehold deed program, facilitating the conversion of Land Development Ordinance licenses into freehold deeds for eligible farmers.

A group of officials, including Senior Additional Secretary to the President Chandra Herath and Land Commissioner Bandula Jayasinghe, also participated in this meeting via a virtual platform.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that the suspension imposed against Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has been lifted, with immediate effect.

Issuing a statement in this regard on Sunday (28 Jan.), the ICC said “The ICC Board has been monitoring the situation since the suspension and are now satisfied that SLC are no longer in breach of membership obligations”.

Earlier today, Sports Minister Harin Fernando announced that the ICC Had lifted its ban on Sri Lanka.

Below is the full statement issued by the ICC:

On 10 November 2023, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) were suspended for violation of responsibilities as an ICC Member, in particular, “the requirement to manage its affairs autonomously and ensure that there is no government interference in the governance, regulation and/or administration of cricket in Sri Lanka.”

The ICC Board met on 21 November and it was decided that Sri Lanka can continue to compete internationally both in bilateral cricket and ICC events, but the ongoing U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup was moved to South Africa, having initially been set to be played in Sri Lanka.

The ICC Board has been monitoring the situation since the suspension and are now satisfied that SLC are no longer in breach of membership obligations.

Former Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Mujibur Rahman is currently under observation at the Colombo National Hospital, SJB MP Harsha de Silva said.

Taking to ‘X’ MP de Silva confirmed that former MP Rahman had fallen ill during the SJB protest held in Colombo today.

MP Harsha de Silva further said that the former MP had faced breathing difficulties as a result of the tear gas fired by the Police to disperse the protesters.

“People inquiring re @adaderana news alert on Mujibur Rahman. It was I who answered his phone at National Hospital ETU and the basis for attributing story to me. Muji is under observation and hopefully leave later; breathing difficulties caused by strong tear gas attack,” he said, in a message on ‘X’.

The SJB staged a protest in Colombo today against the government, especially the high cost of living.

The Police fired water cannons and tear gas to disperse the protesters near the Public Library in Colombo.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe attended the Galle Literary Festival 2024 at the Galle Fort yesterday (27).

This international literary festival, featuring renowned authors, writers, journalists and publishers from around the world, resumed this year after a hiatus of several years.

Various activities, including workshops, discussions, and lectures, took place at the festival. President Wickremesinghe too participated in discussions with literary critics. He also visited book stalls and checked available books.

The Galle Literary Festival, which commenced on January 25, will conclude today, attracting a significant number of local and foreign tourists to the Galle and Koggala areas.

Four paratroopers were injured after their parachutes failed to open properly during Independence Day rehearsals at Galle Face Green.

Two parachutes collided in the sky, resulting in an accident.

Two paratroopers each from the Air Force and the Army sustained injuries in the incident.

Leader of Mawbima Janatha Party (MJP) Dilith Jayaweera has reacted to speculation that his party was going to ally with the president.

Addressing a party meeting in Anuradhapura yesterday (27), Jayaweera said Ranil Wickremesinghe would be the last person with whom he would form a union if such a thing happens at all.

He rejected Wickremesinghe’s remarks about developing the country by 2048 as an ‘empty slogan.’

“I am telling his crony Red brothers who try show it to be true that what we do is politics of honesty and love devoid of any hatred or mud-slinging.”

“We do straight politics. That is why, what I say about our party by making home-to-home visits is valid.”

Jayaweera renewed his call to NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake for an open dialogue, and hoped a positive exchange of ideas with him would be possible.

The MJP leader took examples from the western world and asked Dissanayake to come for a debate if he trusted his policies.

In a significant milestone for Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector, Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries Mahinda Amaraweera has announced that the country is now self-sufficient in rice production.

This means that Sri Lanka is not expected to import any rice in 2024, the President’s Media Division (PMD) reported.

This achievement is the result of years of dedicated efforts by farmers and government initiatives to boost domestic rice production. It not only bodes well for the nation’s food security but also represents a critical step towards reducing reliance on foreign imports and strengthening the agricultural sector.

The Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industry, Mr. Mahinda Amaraweera mentioned this while joining a press briefing held at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) on the theme ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country’ today (29).

Minister Amaraweera announced a renewed focus on supporting Sri Lanka’s agricultural and plantation sectors in 2023. His ministry implemented targeted programs aimed at boosting both industries.

One key initiative was a substantial financial investment in fertilizer subsidies. During the Yala and Maha seasons, Rs. 22 billion were allocated to ensure access and affordability for farmers.

Additionally, the government committed Rs. 13 billion to directly purchase paddy from farmers, providing valuable income and market stability.

This dedication paid off. Unlike 2022, when 08 metric tons of rice was imported, Sri Lanka achieved self-sufficiency in 2023. The people of the country consumed rice grown entirely by Sri Lankan farmers throughout the year.

This remarkable achievement, against the backdrop of economic challenges, underscores the resilience and success of the government’s agricultural development efforts.

Minister Amaraweera highlighted the significant investments made in 2023 to revitalize Sri Lanka’s agricultural and plantation sectors. The success of these programs, particularly in achieving rice self-sufficiency, demonstrates the importance of targeted support for farmers and the potential for further growth in these vital industries.

Echoing the devastation of the previous year, paddy cultivation once again fell victim to both drought and torrential downpours. A staggering 65,000 acres succumbed to the parched earth, while another 100,000 acres drowned under relentless floods. Recognizing the farmers’ plight, the government allocated Rs. One billion to compensate for drought-related losses, with 700 million already distributed. However, the fate of flood-damaged farmers remains uncertain, casting a shadow over their livelihoods and raising concerns about the future of this vital crop.

The recent surge in vegetable prices has been a major concern for Sri Lankans. This increase was primarily driven by the destruction of large-scale vegetable crops due to heavy rains. Farmers faced the unfortunate situation of replanting their seeds multiple times, only to see them washed away by the downpours.

However, there is a glimmer of hope. By providing farmers with “net houses,” the government has enabled them to cultivate vegetables in a more protected environment, ensuring some level of supply to the market. This initiative, while not a complete solution, has certainly helped mitigate the impact of the heavy rains.

Looking ahead, the next two months offer some promise of relief. With the rainy season expected to subside, vegetable prices are anticipated to return to normal levels. This will undoubtedly bring much-needed respite to both consumers and farmers.

Meanwhile, the government has set its sights on boosting national food security through targeted crop production. In 2024, four key crops – paddy, maize, potato, and chilli – have been prioritized to meet specific national goals. This focus on these crops does not, however, signify neglect of other crops.

One interesting development is the renewed focus on red onion cultivation. The popularity of this variety had waned in recent years, partly due to the rise of B onions. To address this, the government is implementing initiatives to promote red onion production in specific regions such as Monaragala Thelulla, Jaffna, and Kurunegala Moragollagama and Niandagama.

This renewed focus on red onions aims to diversify Sri Lanka’s agricultural landscape and ensure a more balanced supply of essential vegetables.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries has embarked on a series of crucial initiatives this year, aiming to bolster the quality and yield of the country’s key plantation crops – tea, rubber, and coconut.

These efforts mark a significant departure from past approaches and hold immense promise for the future of Sri Lanka’s plantation sector.

Spearheading these endeavours is the B60 policy, implemented on 01st of January 2024. This targeted initiative focuses on enhancing the quality of tea leaves, a vital aspect of ensuring Sri Lanka’s tea maintains its global reputation for excellence.

Furthermore, the Ministry has launched a program to provide subsidized fertilizers to tea, rubber, and coconut plantations. This program leverages the expertise of Sri Lanka’s two government-owned fertilizer companies, the Commercial Fertilizer Company and Lanka Fertilizer Company.

Notably, a special subsidized fertilizer blend specifically formulated for tea cultivation was also introduced today, marking a dedication to tailoring solutions to the unique needs of each crop.

Finally, recognizing the critical role of fertilizer in maximizing tea yields, the Ministry has taken decisive steps to ensure domestic production of all tea fertilizers. This move empowers Sri Lanka to control the quality and availability of these essential inputs, paving the way for greater stability and growth in the tea cultivation sector.

In an effort to revitalize Sri Lanka’s tea industry, the government is making premium tea fertilizer more accessible to growers. Both the Colombo Commercial Fertilizer Company and the Ceylon Fertilizer Company, owned by the government, are producing high-quality fertilizers specifically for tea cultivation.

To support growers, these fertilizers are being offered at a significantly reduced price – nearly 50% less than the market price, or at least Rs. 2000 less than the price with VAT.

This price reduction applies to both T-200 and T-750 fertilizers, available for Rs. 5500 per bundle, and U-709 and U-834 fertilizers, priced at Rs. 7735 per bundle. This initiative goes beyond just making fertilizer more affordable. The government is also actively promoting new cultivation technologies alongside proper fertilizer application.

One such technology is the high-density cultivation system. With 59 successful projects already implemented, this approach has proven demonstrably effective, yielding an impressive 1350 kg of tea leaves per acre per month.

The government remains committed to supporting tea growers, allocating Rs. 1000 million this year to further bolster the high-density cultivation initiative. Through these combined efforts, Sri Lanka’s tea industry is poised for renewed growth and success.

A significant step towards boosting Sri Lanka’s tea production was taken today with the signing of a tripartite agreement. The Sri Lanka Tea Board and Small Tea Estate Development Authority joined hands with two state-owned fertilizer companies to provide subsidized tea fertilizer. This initiative is expected to be a major boon for tea growers, lowering their input costs and facilitating increased yields.

Credit for this crucial program goes to the visionary leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. The strategic merger of the Ministry of Plantation Industries with the Ministry of Agriculture in 2023 paved the way for this collaborative effort, demonstrating the power of unified action in driving national progress.

This agreement marks a promising chapter in Sri Lanka’s journey to enhance its tea cultivation and secure a stronger position in the global market.

The Uma Oya project is expected to add 120 MW of electricity to the national grid by February 15th, State Minister of Irrigation, Shasheendra Rajapaksa announced.

The State Minister said that this marks a significant step towards improving Sri Lanka’s energy security.

He made the remark at a Press Briefing held today (Jan 26), where he outlined ambitious plans to increase the country’s electricity generation and food production in 2024.

The State Minister also revealed plans to utilize 31 identified reservoirs for floating solar power plants, with the potential to generate an additional 3077 MW of electricity. This innovative approach leverages existing infrastructure and resources to address the country’s growing energy needs.

He emphasized the Ministry of Irrigation’s commitment to enhancing food security, highlighting its role as a key contributor to national food production. He acknowledged the substantial budget allocation of Rs. 23,413 million for the Ministry, with Rs. 6,913 million dedicated to reservoir maintenance and Rs. 16,500 million earmarked for large-scale irrigation projects. This investment demonstrates the government’s prioritization of food security and sustainable agricultural practices.

State Minister Rajapaksa’s announcements indicate a future Sri Lanka powered by renewable energy and abundant food production. The Uma Oya project’s imminent completion and the ambitious plans for floating solar panels are promising steps towards energy independence. Additionally, the significant budget allocation for irrigation projects underscores the government’s commitment to food security and agricultural development. These initiatives offer hope for a brighter future for Sri Lanka’s economy and its people.

The Mahaweli Development Authority has received a significant boost with a local fund allocation of Rs. 4,678 million. Agriculture takes the lion’s share with Rs. 1,590 million, followed by Rs. 930 million dedicated to livestock development. These investments aim to revitalize Sri Lanka’s rural economy and enhance food security.

The Ministry of Irrigation continues to spearhead large-scale multipurpose development projects, largely funded by foreign loans. One such project, the Uma Oya project, is nearing completion and is expected to contribute 120 MW of electricity capacity to the national grid by February 15. This marks a significant step towards increasing Sri Lanka’s energy independence.

The government is placing strong emphasis on renewable energy sources like solar and hydropower. Several special programs are underway this year to integrate these sources into the national grid. Notably, the initiative to utilize solar cells on land, surface, and water, showcases the commitment to innovative solutions for a sustainable energy future, he said.

The State Minister pointed out that in essence, these initiatives highlight Sri Lanka’s multi-pronged approach to rural development, infrastructure upgrade, and clean energy solutions. The combined efforts of the Mahaweli Development Authority and the Ministry of Irrigation, coupled with the focus on renewable energy, promise a brighter future for the country’s economic and environmental well-being.

The Mahaweli Water Security Investment Program has undertaken significant infrastructure projects to address water scarcity issues in Sri Lanka. In collaboration with the Uma Oya project, this program aims to provide irrigation for both existing and new paddy fields.

One key initiative is the restoration of the Minipe Canal. Its embankment has been raised by 3.5 meters, significantly increasing its capacity. Additionally, the program is constructing the North-West Provincial Canal, a 90-kilometer long canal utilizing an 11-kilometer tunnel, further expanding water distribution capabilities.

The program is exploring the potential of solar power generation by identifying 31 reservoirs suitable for floating solar panels. This effort, involving both the Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority and the Irrigation Department, could harness 2524 MW of power from 14 Mahaweli Authority reservoirs and 553 MW from 17 Irrigation Department reservoirs. These initiatives, all implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Power and Energy, hold great promise for enhancing water security and sustainable energy production in Sri Lanka, he said.

The State Minister of Irrigation further said that the North Central Grand Canal brings life-giving water to both people and crops. It ensures year-round irrigation for 7 main tanks and 350 smaller ones, boosting agricultural productivity and food security. Moreover, clean drinking water now reaches 185,000 people, a testament to prioritizing their well-being.

Furthering this commitment to rural development, the World Bank has provided USD 25 million to empower farmers. This investment strengthens farmer organizations, equipping them with the tools and resources to thrive economically, creating a ripple effect that bolsters national food security. The Grand Canal, therefore, stands as a symbol of progress, nourishing both the land and its people, he added.

Retired Sri Lankan Army General Daya Ratnayake has joined forces with the main Opposition party, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB).

The retired General extended his support to the SJB after meeting Opposition and SJB Leader MP Sajith Premadasa today (Jan 29).

During the meeting, MP Premadasa appointed Daya Ratnayake as a senior advisor on public policy for SJB.

Daya Ratnayake served as Sri Lanka Ports Authority Chairman and as the Secretary for the Ministry of Industries under former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s government.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has urged all political parties to formulate a comprehensive plan for rebuilding the country, especially when gearing up for elections.

The President further emphasized that the nation’s economy has suffered due to the politics of promises.

President Wickremesinghe also urged political parties to unite for discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on potential alternative proposals.

He expressed readiness to extend an invitation to the Managing Director of the IMF to visit Sri Lanka for this crucial dialogue.

The President made the remarks while addressing the ‘International Customs Day’ celebrations at the Sri Lanka Customs headquarters in Colombo today.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s full statement:

“The Customs Department holds a significant historical position, being considered one of the oldest government departments in Sri Lanka. Historical records indicate that customs taxes were collected around 2000 years ago at the ancient port of Manthai. From the Anuradhapura era, through the Kotte era and into the Kandy era, customs revenue has played a pivotal role in the nation’s existence.

I express my gratitude to the Customs Department for their contribution in helping us overcome the economic crisis faced in 2022. Customs duties, VAT and income taxes stand as the three primary sources of income for nations globally. In the contemporary landscape of international trade agreements, regional trade agreements and free trade agreements, our focus should be on enhancing income. To achieve this, the current customs services need to operate with efficiency.

While we are unable to allocate additional staff to your department, your commendable performance highlights the potential for substantial revenue improvement. There is a considerable journey ahead, and the government is firmly committed to the comprehensive modernization of customs and other revenue departments, which includes the imminent introduction of new legislation.

This initiative is a crucial component of the measures undertaken to steer the country out of the economic crisis. The decisions made in 2023 have paved the way for recovery from the economic downturn of 2022, although the journey is on-going. By the end of this year, our aim is to elevate the country’s income to 12% of the GDP. By 2026, we target a further increase to 15%.

To achieve this, income must be generated from the existing economy, necessitating economic development. The pressing question today is how to facilitate this economic growth. The out-dated economic system is incapable of propelling the country forward. The reliance on daily loans led to the collapse of the country’s economy. It is imperative to overhaul this economic system for sustainable progress.

We are still grappling with challenging times. In 2021, we faced shortages of essential goods, including medicine, fertilizer and fuel. Today, these necessities are available, with associated costs. The Cost of living is still felt by everyone. Economic development is crucial to alleviating these issues. While it is a wish that the economic damage of 2022 could be swiftly undone, the reality is that we need to transition to a new economy.

To stimulate economic growth, we must focus on a competitive market, bolster exports, and increase foreign exchange reserves. An agreement with Thailand is set to be signed on February 3rd, marking an opportunity for collaboration. While Thailand shares a Theravada Buddhist heritage with Sri Lanka, our respective economic paths have diverged, leading to discernible differences today.

Our actions today shape the future economy of our country. It necessitates thoughtful consideration and discussion. Political parties should engage in meaningful dialogue, especially when preparing for elections, understanding the intricacies of addressing the country’s challenges.

It is imperative to carefully consider the future trajectory of our nation’s economy through open discussions. Political parties should engage in thorough deliberations, articulating strategic steps to address the challenges facing our country. Achieving solutions demands thoughtful discourse and a united commitment to charting a realistic economic path forward. Our emphasis should be on comprehensive discussions, steering away from impractical endeavours—symbolized by the metaphorical notion of bringing rice from the moon. Continuous evaluation and, when needed, adaptation of existing programs should be integral to our on-going conversation and collective dedication to progress.

Our country has recently entered into an agreement with the International Monetary Fund, a pact signed by numerous countries, including 15-20 others. It is an agreement we cannot simply walk away from, necessitating collective discussion and consideration. However, the unfortunate reality is that our political landscape often resembles the fleeting nature of “papadam” —put in the pan, enjoyed when it blooms, and soon forgotten. The cycle repeats, with new issues emerging, gaining momentary attention, and eventually fading into oblivion.

We raised concerns on social media, vehemently opposing certain drafts, only to witness them become law despite public outcry. The Anti-Terrorism Act is now looming on the horizon, met with similar protests, yet risks being consigned to collective amnesia. Similarly, the introduction of the TRC Act sparked fears about the demise of free education, but these worries, too, eventually dissipated. This cyclical nature of political discourse has contributed to the challenges our country currently faces, a reality we must not lose sight of.

We must have the strength to transcend our current predicament, recognizing that this decision impacts not only our own future but also that of our children. Hence, I urge all political party leaders in parliament to engage in discussions regarding our stance on the agreement with the IMF and whether any amendments are deemed necessary.

Following these discussions, I am willing to extend an invitation to the Managing Director of the IMF to participate in a collective dialogue here. Let us collaboratively explore different perspectives and propose modifications if deemed beneficial. While the amendment process is open for consideration, it is imperative to acknowledge the existing agreement and work towards its implementation.