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President Ranil Wickremesinghe stressed that the enhancement of the rural economy pivots on agricultural advancement. He highlighted the pivotal role of dedicated government officials at the grassroots level in ensuring the success of various government initiatives aimed at rural development, notably the agricultural modernization program.

The President made these remarks during his address at the ceremony held at the Temple Tress today (08), where 2100 new Grama Niladhari officers were awarded appointment letters.

Following the Grama Niladhari Service Examination held by the Department of Examinations on 02nd December, 2023, 2100 candidates with the highest scores at the Divisional Secretariat Divisional Level were granted Grama Niladhari positions.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe participated symbolically in distributing the appointment letters. He briefed the new GN Officers on government initiatives like “Aswesuma” and “Urumaya”, aimed at uplifting low-income individuals, urging them to actively engage in these programs for the economic development of their communities.

Commenting further President Ranil Wicremesinghe said;

Today marks a significant milestone as I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you who have been appointed as GN Officers. With this appointment, you embark on a journey as integral members of the government service, contributing to the betterment of our country. Your role as GN Officers holds great importance, serving as the cornerstone of our country’s basic administrative structure.

In our on-going efforts to revitalize the economy amidst its challenges, today’s implementation of a rapid development program is a crucial step forward. Collaborating with international bodies such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) signifies our commitment to overcoming obstacles and fulfilling necessary conditions for progress. This development initiative places the village at its core, recognizing its pivotal role in driving the development across the country.

Our recent strides in agricultural productivity serve as proof to the effectiveness of our development strategy. Successful harvests in both Yala seasons of 2022 and 2023, followed by another prosperous Maha season in 2023, have bolstered our economic resilience. These achievements highlight the pivotal role of agriculture in our journey towards economic strength and prosperity.

Today marks a significant juncture as we embark on the crucial task of appointing 2100 GN Officers, granting them the authority not only for administrative duties but also for spearheading rural economic development programs. This appointment underscores the pivotal role each of you plays in shaping the future of our communities.

In this endeavour, collaboration between Divisional Secretaries and GN Officers is the most important thing. I emphasize four key areas where joint efforts are essential. The implementation of the “Aswesuma” program stands as a cornerstone in our efforts to uplift low-income earners, with plans to triple allowances compared to Samurdhi. Completing the computerization of beneficiary information by year-end streamlines program execution, ensuring smoother operations from the following year. Additionally, expanding the pool of beneficiaries reflects our commitment to increasing relief efforts, thereby fortifying village economies.

Furthermore, enhancing income sources for these individuals is imperative, as their earnings contribute significantly to village economies. Initiatives such as providing 10 kilograms of rice to low-income families during the last New Year season not only alleviate financial burdens but also support local rice mill owners, thereby stimulating economic activity within villages. Sustaining and expanding these initiatives are vital steps towards fostering whole village development.

Also we have initiated another ground breaking initiative, granting free land rights to its residents, a move poised to revolutionize their economy. This progressive step towards land ownership marks a significant transformation, bringing forth newfound economic opportunities that extend throughout the village community.

Furthermore, the village’s economic landscape undergoes further strengthening through an ambitious agricultural modernization endeavour. Historically, the region boasted agricultural prosperity, with lucrative exports such as spices, including cumin, flourishing from Dambadeniya to Kandy. The colonial era saw a thriving export economy cantered on tea, rubber, and coconut, indicative of the region’s agricultural prowess.

In a bid to reignite the country’s economy, a comprehensive agricultural development strategy has been devised, starting at the Divisional Secretariat Divisional Level. Collaborating with the private sector, agricultural modernization committees have been established at Govijana Seva centers, inspiring local farmers towards progress. Presently, 25 Divisional Secretariats have been earmarked for this transformative initiative, each receiving substantial financial backing. The path is set for expansion, with plans to extend this initiative to 100 Divisional Secretariat Divisions by the following year, signalling a resolute commitment to agricultural revitalization and economic revival.

The eradication of village poverty pivots on the development of village agriculture, making the agricultural modernization program imperative. While certain southern regions have prospered through tourism, the overarching objective remains the development of the village economy. Active participation from all residents is crucial to drive these initiatives forward and foster economic growth within their respective areas.

Additionally, a rural education and health improvement program has been initiated, necessitating the collective engagement of the community. Efforts to streamline land deeds related to the “Urumaya” program are underway, with plans to introduce a mobile service for enhanced efficiency. It is anticipated that all land deeds will be successfully processed within the next two months, facilitating smoother implementation of the program’s objectives.

The Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) has approved, subject to conditions, the Recovery of Loans by Banks (Special Provisions) (Amendment) Bill which was amended to facilitate legal provisions for the suspension of Parate Law until December 15.

Accordingly, the banks’ practice of acquiring properties of whose loans are yet to be paid off will be suspended until December 15 and the Recovery of Loans by Banks (Special Provisions) Act No. 4 of 1990 will be amended to facilitate the necessary legal provisions.

The approval was given when the Committee on Public Finance met in Parliament recently (30) under the chairmanship of Member of Parliament (Dr.) Harsha De Silva, the Communications Department of Parliament said.

Officials representing the Ministry of Finance said that they hope to provide temporary relief to the creditors. Accordingly, the committee questioned the officials what action will be taken in this regard after December 15.

Thus, the officials present failed to give a clear answer in this regard and the committee recommended to provide a road map for the actions to be taken after December 15 to those subject to Parate Law.

Also, the committee recommended that all the parties who have done business with the banks subject to Parate Law should be given a fair opportunity to negotiate with the banks, the statement said.

The committee also questioned the officials about the distribution of loans under the Parate Law. The chair of the committee inquired about the manner in which the micro, small scale and medium scale enterprises in particular have received loans under this law and the criteria under which they are classified. The officials did not have the correct data about this and the chair of the committee instructed the officials to provide that data to the committee.

The committee also inquired the percentage of the sectors that were most affected. Furthermore, the committee asked the officials to provide data on the implementation of the Parate Law in other periods compared to the specific period in which there was an economic recession due to the impact of the corona virus in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

The officials present mentioned that the data on this matter this will be presented to the committee in the future.

Meanwhile, the committee has also given its approval for the orders under the Foreign Exchange Act No. 12 of 2017 and the regulations under the Sri Lanka Securities and Exchange Commission Act No. 19 of 2021. Also, the committee approved the regulations under the Import and Export (Control) Act No. 1 of 1969.

State Minister (Dr.) Suren Raghavan, Members of Parliament Premnath C. Dolawatta and Madhura Withanage participated in this committee.

Also, officials representing several government institutions including the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policy, the Auditor General’s Department, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, and Sri Lanka Customs were present in this committee.

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Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers decided to retain the existing $50 fee per person for a 30-day visa for foreign visitors entering the country.

Additionally, the cabinet decided to continue offering free visa services to citizens of seven countries: India, China, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.

At the same time, the Department of Immigration and Emigration will be responsible for issuing visas to foreigners upon their entry.

Sri Lanka’s primary gas dealer, Litro Gas Lanka has announced that the price of its 12.5kg domestic LP Gas cylinder will be reduced.

Litro Gas Chairman Muditha Peiris said the price of the 12.5kg domestic LP Gas cylinder, which is currently at Rs.4,115, will be brought below Rs.4,000.

He further said that Litro Gas Lanka will announce the price reduction tomorrow (May 03).

Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and 7 others have been further remanded until 20 May by the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court over the import of substandard human immunoglobulin vials.

This order was issued when the relevant case was taken up before the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court today (06).

Meanwhile, one of the suspects who was arrested and remanded in connection with the case was released on bail today.

Accordingly, the former Deputy Director of Medical Supplies Division of the Health Ministry, Dr. Thusitha Sudarshana has been released on bail.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested Rambukwella on 02 February in connection with the procurement of substandard human intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), when he arrived there, complying with a court order. He had been grilled for nearly 10 hours before being arrested.

The arrest came hot on the heels of pressure from civil society activists and health sector trade unionists, who called for the immediate apprehension of the lawmaker.

Prior to the apprehension of Rambukwella, seven arrests had been made in connection with the drug procurement scam. But the fifth accused was later released on bail. As such, the former Health Secretary, the Director of the Health Ministry’s Medical Supplies Division (MSD) and three other officials of the same division, as well as the owner of the company, which is said to have supplied the substandard batch of immunoglobulin vials, now remain in remand custody.

Sri Lankan Philosopher and Political Analyst Professor Nalin de Silva has passed away at the age of 79 years.

Professor Nalin de Silva also served as the Sri Lankan ambassador for Myanmar during President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s Government.

The Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoko Kamikawa conveyed Japan’s intension to further support Sri Lanka’s development by swiftly resuming existing ‘Yen loan projects’ once the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on debt restructuring is signed and the Sri Lankan government’s intention to swiftly conclude bilateral agreement is confirmed.

Addressing a joint media briefing this afternoon (04) with her Sri Lankan counterpart, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry, Ms. Kamikawa expressed Japan’s intension to continue to support Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts for national reconciliation.

Meanwhile, she mentioned that various reforms that Sri Lanka is currently undertaking are all essential for the normalization of the Sri Lanka’s economy.

“Furthermore, Japan and Sri Lanka are both island nations surrounded by the sea. Japan intends to further strengthen co-operation with Sri Lanka in the maritime domain in order to realize an open Indo-Pacific”, the Japanese Foreign Minister expressed.

Additionally, she revealed that Japan will offer an equipped vessel to be used for compiling maritime data and charts based on a request made by Sri Lanka.

The Japanese envoy said Japan is hopeful that Sri Lanka will bring itself back on track for economic development as soon as possible and make further progress as the hub in the Indian Ocean.

“Japan will continue to stand by Sri Lanka through this endeavor”, she added.

The minimum daily wage in respect of the workers engaged in Tea Growing and Manufacturing Trade has been increased to Rs. 1,700.

A gazette extraordinary has been issued in this regard in pursuance of the powers conferred on the Commissioner General of Labour, by an order made by the Minister of Labour under section 33(1) (a) the Wages Boards Ordinance (Chapter 136).

Addressing a May Day rally held in Kotagala, President Ranil Wickremesinghe made this announcement and said this wage increment will come into effect from today (May 01).

President Ranil Wickremesinghe hailed the government’s decision to grant free land rights to the people as a ground-breaking step, emphasizing that no other nation has undertaken such a massive initiative to date.

The President made these remarks while participating in the inaugural event for distributing freehold land deeds to Mahaweli settlers as part of the “Urumaya” program at Polonnaruwa Royal Central College this morning (04).

Emphasizing the principle that as one section of the population benefits from the country’s economy, another should not be left to suffer, the President underscored that the revolutionary initiative of granting free land titles was launched to uplift low-income individuals.

He urged the people to actively participate in building the economy in collaboration with the government’s agricultural modernization program, highlighting the potential for Polonnaruwa to become a key export district in the country.

The President highlighted his achievement in swiftly stabilizing the country’s economy with the help of one group, despite inheriting a government initially opposed by all. He extended an invitation to all sectors to collaborate in bolstering the nation’s economy over the next two to three years, aiming to secure a prosperous future for the youth.

The Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority has outlined plans to prepare 204,002 freehold deeds, with on-going preparations at all regional levels. It is anticipated that 20,178 freehold deeds will be distributed to Mahaweli settlers by the end of May.

To commemorate its launch, 1340 freehold deeds were distributed to the residents of B, C, Madirigiriya, and Moragahakanda Mahaweli Zones in the Polonnaruwa District.

In a symbolic gesture representing the distribution of land deeds, the President personally handed out deeds to 30 individuals.

Addressing the gathering, President Ranil Wickremesinghe explained that those present, who entered the hall as licensees, would leave as landowners, as their land would become freehold that day. The president also emphasized the importance of land ownership in society and the significance of this change.

The President lamented the prevalent lack of legal land rights among many long-standing residents of the country, despite generational occupancy. He underscored the Urumaya program’s role in rectifying this, granting people freehold land deeds and securing their permanent rights, free from external interference or cancellation.

‘We’ve all faced numerous challenges over the past three years. Just like the country’s economy, our personal finances took a hit, and money became scarce. It was a tough time for everyone. However, we’re gradually overcoming these economic hurdles. We need to persist with this progress for another two or three years.

The government successfully raised the salaries of government employees by LKR 10,000. Similar salary increases were implemented in various public sector institutions. Furthermore, we’ve also ordered to increase wages in plantation sectors.

During past economic hardships, the impoverished population of the country faced significant challenges. In response, we launched the ‘Aswasuma’ program, with support from the World Bank. Through this initiative, we tripled the ‘Aswasuma’ allowance and expanded benefits to reach more people, increasing beneficiaries from 1.8 million to 2.4 million.

Additionally, we arranged for low-income individuals to receive 10 kilograms of rice each for two months during the Sinhala New Year. Amidst these efforts, as the country’s economy makes a steady recovery, it’s crucial to ensure that every segment of society reaps the benefits. Thus, we’ve undertaken the task of granting free land rights to all individuals currently residing on government-owned lands.

It’s worth noting that the government’s decision to grant land rights to the people marks a revolutionary move. Unlike in other countries, such comprehensive land rights initiatives are rare. Therefore, this represents a significant revolution. These land rights extend beyond just agriculture; they encompass housing as well. Even those residing in apartments now have rights to their homes. Consequently, this program can be seen as revolutionary on a global scale, a liberation for our citizens.

We discussed expediting the issuance of these land deeds in the Cabinet this week. The Prime Minister has taken charge of these efforts. I urge the chairpersons of District Development Committees to oversee this matter and provide updates. We aim to complete this program within the next two months. The Land Commissioner’s Offices, the Ministry of Mahaweli, the Department of Survey, along with District Secretaries and Divisional Secretaries, must collaborate to drive this program forward.

Furthermore, upon obtaining these lands, it is imperative that you participate in the government’s agricultural modernization program. It is the responsibility of each of us to contribute to advancing the country’s agriculture, leading it towards a competitive agricultural export economy through modernization efforts.

The Agriculture Modernization Program stands as a flagship initiative of the government, and the upcoming visit of the Japanese Foreign Minister aims to explore potential support. Additionally, representatives from the World Bank will visit next June to assess the program’s progress and plan for the next three to four years. Therefore, it is essential to formalize these activities as we need to present plans for the program’s continuation. Through these efforts, we are committed to advancing our nation.

I urge everyone to actively participate in this program. The Polonnaruwa district holds immense potential to emerge as a significant export district in Sri Lanka. We’ve already initiated steps towards that goal. Some may question what has been accomplished in the past 76 years. However, it’s crucial to recognize the development efforts undertaken, such as the establishment of waterways, provision of electricity, and settlement of people to achieve self-sufficiency in rice production.

Yet, I have taken on the responsibility to provide the development that these provinces have lacked. I extend an invitation to all to join in this endeavour.

I firmly believe in the unity of our government. Today, we have an exceptional administration. Despite facing initial resistance, we embraced a government that was initially rejected by many. However, we have now initiated collaborative efforts to strengthen the country’s economy together. Therefore, I appeal to all of us to work collectively towards building a robust economy over the next two or three years, ensuring a bright future for our youth.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena praised the Urumaya Program, which is based on President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s vision, as a transformative initiative that promises a significant revolution in the country.

Acknowledging the challenging circumstances inherited, Prime Minister Gunawardena commended President Wickremesinghe for his leadership in steering the nation from chaos to stability, both politically and economically. Despite facing criticism, President Wickremesinghe remained resolute, advancing the country’s progress without yielding to detractors.

In the past two years, farmers encountered numerous challenges, including a shortage of fertilizer. However, the current president implemented fertilizer subsidies, demonstrating a steadfast belief in the agricultural sector. The Prime Minister emphasized the pivotal role of farmers in ensuring the country’s food security, particularly during times of crisis.

Hence, measures were initiated to distribute freehold deeds to farmers in Polonnaruwa under the ‘Urumaya’ program. The progress achieved in the agricultural sector has bolstered international confidence. Therefore, we seek your continued support in nation-building, ensuring the trust bestowed upon us is upheld.

Minister of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation and Irrigation, Ms. Pavitradevi Vanniarachchi, emphasized that President Ranil Wickremesinghe is instituting a comprehensive system that addresses the fundamental needs of households, including land, food, and water. With the provision of freehold land deeds, families can effortlessly establish themselves, creating economic empowerment. When 2.0 million of freehold land deeds are granted, it generates significant economic strength. President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s ‘Aswasuma’ program empowers the people of this country to stand independently. The President has emphasized through the President’s Secretary that the agricultural modernization program should be the government’s top priority.

In the past, we encountered numerous challenges due to the inability to grant land rights to the people. However, today, not only have these rights been bestowed, but the government’s primary focus lies in modernizing the agriculture industry. When compared to other nations globally, we lag behind, prompting our President to offer guidance and assistance, facilitated by the Asian Development Bank, to foster economic growth.

Reflecting back about two years ago, our country faced a severe economic downturn, leaving the people bewildered and uncertain about the nation’s future. However, under the leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, we witness the nation’s remarkable advancement, driven by his expertise, experience and tangible results. It is incumbent upon us to express our gratitude to him for steering the country out of that tumultuous period.

Religious leaders, led by Maha Sangha, and government officials, including State Minister Lohan Ratwatte and State Minister Siripala Gamlath, along with Member of Parliament P. Harrison, former Deputy Minister Chandrasiri Suriyarachchi, former Member of Parliament Nalaka Kolonne, North Central Province Governor Mahipala Herath, Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake, Secretary of the Ministry of Irrigation Saman Darshana Padikorala, Director General of Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority Mahendra Abeywardena, and security force representatives, as well as other delegates and attendees, were present at the event. (PMD)

Academic activities will immediately commence following the conclusion of the GCE Ordinary Level Examinations this year for students wishing to pursue the Advanced Level, Minister of Education Susil Premajayantha said.

Minister Premajayantha said that the measures are being taken as part of the Education Ministry’s efforts to cover the school academic syllabus that had been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

He further said that it was also part of the Ministry’s measures to normalise the timeframe of state school examinations, such as the GCE Ordinary and Advanced Level Examinations in the future.

The Education Minister added that such steps were also being taken to prevent delays in university admissions for school children.

The All Ceylon Restaurant Owners’ Association has decided to reduce the prices of several food items in line with the reduction in gas prices.

Litro Gas Lanka and Laugfs PLC announced a reduction in their gas prices effective from midnight today (May 03).

Accordingly, the All Ceylon Restaurant Owners’ Association announced that the prices of Fried Rice, Rice & Curry, and Koththu will be reduced by Rs. 20.

The Association further said that the prices of short eats will also be reduced by Rs. 10.

The All Ceylon Restaurant Owners’ Association said that even though prices of food items have been reduced, there will be no revision to the prices of plain tea and milk tea.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized the government’s aim to create a highly competitive, export-oriented economy based on market economy, expressing full faith in the business community of the country. He pointed out that the current challenge facing the nation is not about maintaining the executive presidential system but rather about building a robust economic framework.

The President underscored the importance of allowing the people to decide the country’s economic trajectory, highlighting that this opportunity should not be missed by anyone.

These remarks were made during his presence at the International Rotary District Conference 2023/24 of the District 3220 Club for Sri Lanka and Maldives held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall in Colombo yesterday (26).

The district conference featured a keynote address by Mr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, Minister of Information Technology and Digital Services of Tamil Nadu, India.

District 3220 Rotary International for Sri Lanka and Maldives, established in 1929, comprises over 17,000 members. The club has been actively involved in numerous community and social welfare initiatives, as well as projects aimed at fostering social and economic development across the country. President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been a member of the District 3220 Colombo West International Rotary Club since 1994.

Addressing the gathering the President further said,

We are living at a time when Sri Lanka has reached a crossroads, deciding which path to take. This decision lies in the hands of the people of this country. Are we moving forward? Are we staying stagnant? Or do we wish to regress?

Allow me to recount an incident today when a young person asked me, “What plans do you have for the country? What plans do you have for the educated people? What plans do you have to develop the physical infrastructure?” To which I replied, “I have no fixed plans.” I can only envision a market economy where market forces will determine the course. Within that framework, we can establish policy guidelines, outline three or four-year programs, and adapt as needed.

Thinking of a rigid plan to spur growth seems implausible to me. We must understand how to influence market forces, perhaps even manipulate or direct them. If we aim to progress, we must first decide on the economic system we desire. Do we want a government-led approach, following a five-year plan? We’ve tried numerous plans in the past, yet remained impoverished. Vietnam, once poorer than us, changed its course after the war. The Minister of Industries from Vietnam sought advice on promoting foreign investment, a scenario I now find myself reversing.

We often aspire to emulate countries like Malaysia or Singapore, yet hesitate to make the necessary decisions. It’s time to confront our reality. We must decide on the type of economy we want. For me, only one model is viable: a highly competitive, export-oriented economy. Despite lacking the vast markets or mineral wealth of other nations, we’re strategically positioned in the Indian Ocean, regaining significance as an economic hub.

We cannot afford to dwell in illusions. Economic stabilization measures undertaken will soon be finalized. Are we continuing with an import-dependent economy, rendering past efforts futile? This is the decision we must all make; there’s no escaping it. Today’s decision for the country isn’t about retaining or abolishing the executive presidency; those are secondary concerns.

Issues like educational reform are important. What matters most is our future trajectory. If we desire a competitive economy, we must embrace competition. I have faith in Sri Lankan businesses; we can overcome challenges. It’s with this confidence that I advocate for our ability to succeed.

At the event, distinguished guests including Mr. Per Hoyen, representing the President of the Rotary International and conference president Mr. Kumar Sundararaja, alongside District 3220 Rotary International District Adviser Mr. Pradeep Amirthanayagam, Past Presidents including Mr. R. Ravindran, representatives of Rotary International, office bearers of the District 3220 Rotary International, members and a gathering of esteemed guests graced the occasion.