News

A drop in production in paddy and tea last year due to the ban on chemical fertilizer has caused a loss of more than Rs. 245,000 million, a study has revealed.

Professor of economics at Peradeniya University Wasantha Athukorale has told ‘Lankadeepa’ that each farmer had lost around Rs. 100,000 of income in that year.

When compared to the productions in the corresponding periods in the previous year, paddy harvest dropped by 1,130,164 metric tons, or 36 per cent, in Yala season and 626,527 mt, or 30 pc, in Maha season, said Prof. Athukorale.

In both seasons, the production decreased by 1,756,691 mt.

Tea production too, declined by 47,000 mt, or 16 pc, last year, he said, adding the loss came to Rs. 60,840 million.

There were decreases in crop exports too – by 1.8 pc for rubber, by 5.9 pc for coconut, by 18.9 pc for spices and by 6.6 pc for vegetables.

The study also revealed the government had spent Rs. 84,800 million on importing organic fertilizer last year, Prof. Athukorala added.

The price of a liter of kerosene will be reduced by Rs. 50/- with effect from midnight on Wednesday (1).

The new price of a liter of kerosene is Rs. 305/-.

The price of a liter of Lanka Industrial Kerosene will be reduced by Rs. 134/-.

The new price will be Rs. 330/-.

However, the prices of Petrol and Diesel will remain at current prices.

Sri Lanka's Supreme Court on Friday (3) issued an interim order on the country's Finance Secretary, and the Attorney General who represents the Finance Minister preventing them from withholding any funds allocated by the 2023 Budget for the Local Government Poll 2023.

The interim order was issued after permission was granted to examine an application that was filed by General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balavegaya Ranjith Madduma Bandara.

The application was taken up in the presence of Supreme Court Justices P. Padman Surasena, Janak De Silva, and Priyantha Jayawardena.

The Supreme Court issued another Interim Order preventing the withholding of any funds from the Government Printer.

The application will be taken up for examination from the 26th of May 2023.

The Sri Lanka Rupee today (01) marked a record high against the US Dollar, with the buying rate at Rs. 351.72 and the selling rate at Rs. 362.95.

“This is the lowest rupee value against the US Dollar since 04 May 2022,” the Central Bank of Sri Lanka said.

The selling rate of the US dollar was declared as Rs. 371 on February 01, which has now dropped to Rs 362.95 on March 01.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that the only way to bring about a change of government is through a parliamentary election and not through street protests, stating that the latter is not a viable option for the parliament.

The President emphasized that a nation can become anarchic due to an economic collapse and urged everyone to prioritize safeguarding both the constitution and the economy of the country.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said this while addressing the commissioning ceremony of the Air Force Officer Cadets at the Trincomalee Air Force Base this morning (03).

Addressing the gathering, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said,

“I would like to first congratulate the Air Force all of you present here today.

After completing your education, you decided to join the Air Force and have successfully completed your training, leading you to this point in your career. It brings great joy not only to you, but also to your parents, that you have been able to overcome the challenges and join the ranks of the Forces. You may even be the first person from your village to become an Air Force Officer, which is a remarkable achievement.

However, with this achievement comes a great responsibility to uphold the dignity of your profession and avoid any activities that could tarnish its image. It is imperative that you remain vigilant and conduct yourself in a manner that reflects positively on the Air Force. Any misstep or incident that causes harm to the image of your profession will not only bring disrepute to yourself, but also to the Air Force as a whole. Therefore, it is your duty to maintain the highest standards of professionalism at all times.

Upon taking office, you made a solemn vow to uphold the constitution, and as members of the Air Force, you also took an oath. It is now your duty to ensure the protection of the constitution, and in doing so, protect the country as well. It is crucial to understand that without a country, the constitution holds no value and is merely a useless piece of paper.

Therefore, it is your responsibility to safeguard both the country and the constitution, as they are inextricably linked. Your commitment to protecting the constitution should be unwavering, as any harm inflicted upon it could have severe consequences for the nation. With your determination and dedication, you can help to ensure the continued prosperity and stability of the country, and uphold the values enshrined in the constitution.

As per the oath you took, it is imperative that you act with utmost loyalty towards the country, the constitution, and the republic. The very first paragraph of the constitution emphasizes the need to protect the unity of the country, which places a significant responsibility on your shoulders.

Therefore, it is your duty to remain committed to the preservation of the country’s unity and sovereignty, which is essential to the overall well-being of the nation. You must act in a manner that is consistent with your oath, and remain vigilant against any threats to the country’s security and integrity. With your unwavering loyalty and commitment, you can help to protect the country, uphold the constitution, and maintain the unity and prosperity of the nation.

The constitution is a crucial document that covers essential matters related to the sovereignty of the people, the national flag, and the national anthem. All of these are included to ensure the security and protection of the country, and there is simply no room for any activity that may jeopardize the nation’s sovereignty and independence.

During the period between 1980 to 2009, the country faced significant threats to its unity and territorial integrity. It was during this time that the armed forces and the police made immense sacrifices to safeguard the nation. Their unwavering commitment and dedication helped to protect the country’s sovereignty and independence, and ensured that its people could live in peace and security.

In order to move forward as a united and prosperous country, all individuals regardless of their ethnicity, religion, or cultural background must work together. Whether Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, Burgher, Buddhist, Catholic, Hindu or Muslim, it is essential that all citizens come together to work towards the greater good of the nation. Only by working together can we build a stronger, more prosperous future for our country and its people.

The legitimacy of Sri Lanka’s government is established by the executive, legislature, and judiciary. The judiciary plays a crucial role in upholding and enforcing the laws enacted by the legislature. All three institutions are focused on safeguarding Sri Lanka’s constitution and ensuring that the country functions in accordance with its laws and regulations.

It is the responsibility of every citizen to help protect these institutions, which are essential to the proper functioning of the government and the preservation of Sri Lanka’s democracy. Without these institutions, there can be no assurance that the country will remain stable and secure.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Election Committee received nominations today (Feb 28) for the upcoming SLC polls to elect office bearers for the national cricket board for the period 2023-2025.

The Election Committee, which comprises three members, was appointed at an Extraordinary General Meeting of the SLC by the membership, pursuant to a decision taken by the Executive Committee of the cricket board on November 23, 2022, to conduct the election on May 20, 2023.

Justice Malani Gunaratne, retired judge of the Court of Appeal; Shiromi Perera, retired judge of the High Court; and Sunil Sirisena, retired senior public official of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service (SLAS) serve as the SLC election committee members.

Accepting nominations, which commenced at 9:30 a.m. today, concluded at 3:30 p.m.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has announced that a foundation is presently being established to advance Sri Lanka’s economy to a global level over the next five years by implementing green economic policies.

The President made this statement while attending the ceremony held today (02) for the opening of Volta Auto Tec Engineering Private Limited, Minneriya.

As a solution to the current fuel crisis in the country, when there is a need for electric motorcycles and three wheelers, Volta Auto Tec Engineering Private Limited has facilitated the purchase of assembled tractors, electric motorcycles and three-wheelers from today onwards.

At present, Volta Auto Tec Engineering Private Limited has established a collaborative production partnership with India, and has reported receiving orders from countries such as Vietnam.

During his visit to the factory, the President inquired about the assembly process of bicycles, electric motorcycles, and tricycles from the officials.

Further speaking President Ranil Wickremesinghe said:

“I am delighted to have come to see the talents of the Volta Auto Tec Engineering Private Limited. The government is looking into ways of supporting this initiative. We should appreciate this step taken to create a green economy. All should work to shift the country’s economy to a green economy by implementing such projects. Now, the countries of the world are moving towards a green economy. As Sri Lanka, we should also embark on that journey.

Sri Lanka has the potential to achieve many advantages by moving towards a green economy in the next five years. In this regard, the country needs such investors and businessmen who stand up on their own. Therefore, I congratulate Mr. Jagath Makavita on this initiative.”

Cabinet approval has been granted for the establishment of a National Contributory Pension Fund for Public Service employees.

Cabinet spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardena stated that the Pension Fund will be established for new Public Service employees and those who have joined the Public Service after January 2016.

He further stated that the Pension Fund will see an 8% contribution from the employee and a 12% contribution from the employer.

The 14th contingent of the Sri Lanka Force Protection Company (SLFPC) in the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL) departed the country on 28th February 2023, the Sri Lanka Army said in a statement.

The group presented a ceremonial salute to Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage at the Sri Lanka Artillery (SLA) Regimental Headquarters parade ground at Panagoda.

After a warm welcome to the day’s Chief Guest, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage by Major General W.A.S.S Wanasinghe, Colonel Commandant of the SLA and Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force (SLAVF), he was invited to receive the Guard Turnout at the entrance, presented by SLA troops as a formality upon his arrival.

Subsequently, the Army Commander was formally ushered to the parade ground where the Parade Commander reported and requested him to review the ceremonial parade. After a while, the Army Chief took the salute in conformity with military traditions.

Adding symbolic importance to the Sri Lanka Army’s UN assignment, the Army Commander handed over the National flag, United Nations flag, Army flag and the Sri Lanka Artillery flag to the UNIFIL-bound SLFPC contingent Commander as part of the formalities, denoting that their preparations for the mission are now complete and ready to undertake responsibilities.

The 14th SLFPC contingent, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel D.P.I.T Kaluaggala and 2nd in Command, Major W.M.C.K Wanninayake is composed of 125 Army personnel, including 10 Officers and 115 Other Ranks.

Troops of the Sri Lanka Artillery (SLA), Sri Lanka Engineers (SLE), Sri Lanka Signal Corps (SLSC), Mechanized Infantry Regiment (MIR), Commando Regiment (CR), Special Forces (SF), Corps of Engineer Services (CES), Sri Lanka Army Service Corps (SLASC), Sri Lanka Army Medical Corps (SLAMC), Sri Lanka Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (SLEME), Sri Lanka Army Ordnance Corps (SLAOC), Sri Lanka Corps of Military Police (SLCMP), Sri Lanka Army Women’s Corps (SLAWC), Sri Lanka Army General Service Corps (SLAGSC) and the Sri Lanka National Guard (SLNG) are included in the contingent.

The Army Chief soon after the ceremonial parade talked to the contingent and highlighted the significance of the overseas assignment to the country and the Sri Lanka Army. In his brief address to the UN-bound mission, the Army Chief underlined the importance of it and how the Sri Lankan contingent in the UNIFIL has become a prominent force.

“We started the Lebanon mission in 2010 and it is our training and experience that has placed us in an outstanding position, by which we have been able to sustain this mission throughout in an effective manner. “

“It is very relevant and important for our mission to maintain sound relations between UN peacekeepers and the general public in Lebanon for the promotion of goodwill. Ensure you too contribute to the growth of UN standards at all times,” he opined.

He further appealed to the contingent to maintain the highest levels of discipline and perform duties with dedication and commitment because they all are “ambassadors” for the country, and it would keep the Sri Lankan flag flying high, the Commander commented.

The 13th contingent of the Sri Lanka Force Protection Company in the United Nation Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL) upon completion of their tenure is expected to return to Sri Lanka soon after the new 14th contingent takes over their duties on Thursday, 2nd March 2023.

Major General C.D Weerasuriya, Chief of Staff, Major General D.G.S Senarath Yapa, Deputy Chief of Staff, Senior Officers and Other Ranks participated in the event.

Leader of the Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) Mano Ganesan has called on the UK to support hill-country Tamils to get more involved in the Sri Lankan national polity.

“They are the most underprivileged vulnerable segment of Sri Lanka, he said, adding that “We wanted to become full citizens.”

Ganeshan and secretary of the Ceylon Workers Congress, minister Jeevan Thondaman, have met with visiting deputy director for South Asia Department of the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Maya Sivagnanam and British high commissioner Sarah Hulton at Westminster House in Colombo.

The DPA leader said further that both Britain and India have their obligation and responsibility towards hill-country Tamils.

“Britain should use its good offices with Government of Sri Lanka to help us to achieve this Sri Lankan dream,” he urged.

Ganeshan also said,

“All that our community wants is that we wish to come further and further into the Sri Lankan national mainstream polity as full citizens. Our journey is an inward journey. Britain should use its good offices with the Government of Sri Lanka to help us to achieve this Sri Lankan dream.

The element of British responsibility begins from the fact that the British crown government started bringing us into this country from South India 200 years ago. Since then our people had put up unprecedented hard work and developed the most profitable plantation export industry and road and rail network and Colombo Port in then Ceylon and now Sri Lanka.

But in return, our citizenship and franchise rights to vote were taken away in 1948. Our people were forcibly sent to India from 1964 by the Sirima-Shastri Pact.

When such occurred, then Ceylon was a Dominion state under the British Governor General reporting to the British Crown's government. The 29th section of the British presented Soulbury constitution did not help us.

Hence, His Majesty's government of Britain today has a moral responsibility towards the wellbeing of our community.

Please don't leave it to the governments of Sri Lanka and India only. Indians too have their obligation and responsibility towards us. India is using its good offices, alright, but that's not enough. Their own concerns take priority over issues. We suffer being sidelined from the national mainstream. We require British support too. We strive to achieve just sociopolitical lost grounds within an undivided Sri Lanka.

Not less than one third of our community lives in the plantations. They are the most under privileged vulnerable segment of Sri Lanka. The surveys of UN organizations, WB, ICRC and UNHRC special Rapporteur confirm this sad reality. We request the Government of the UK to support our vulnerable segment on Affirmative Action principles.

We wanted to become full citizens. Please use your good offices with the Government of Sri Lanka on our behalf.

Your Sri Lanka policy should recognize the underlying fact that Sri Lanka is incomplete without our community, hill-country Tamils.”

A SriLankan Airlines flight from Guangzhou last night (01) brought 117 Chinese tourists to Sri Lanka for the first time after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ministers Harin Fernando and Tharaka Balasuriya and Chinese ambassador in Colombo Qi Zhenhong were among those who were present at the airport to welcome the group of tourists.

From April 01, SriLankan Airlines and China Eastern Airlines will operate nine flights per week between Colombo and the Chinese cities of Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou.

The Court of Appeal has ruled against a continuation of the two cases against former finance minister Ravi Karunanayake over alleged misappropriation of more than Rs. 50 billion of state funds at two Central Bank (CBSL) bond sales.

Appellate court judges Sobhitha Rajakaruna and Dhammika Ganepola today (28) issued a writ order to the attorney general against proceeding with the cases filed in the Colombo high court.

They were taking up two writ petitions moved by Karunanayake in connection with the indictments served by the AG against him and 10 others with regard to the two bond sales on March 29 and 31, 2016.

They related to alleged misappropriations of Rs. 36.8 billion and Rs. 15 billion of state funds respectively.

Karunanayake, former CBSL governor Arjuna Mahendran, Perpetual Treasuries Ltd. and its directors Arjun Aloysius, Geoffrey Aloysius and others were indicted on 32 counts.

In March 2022, they were released from 13 of the charges on the basis that the cases cannot continue under the Public Property Act.