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The Malaysian government has agreed to provide employment for around 100,000 Sri Lankans, said foreign employment promotion state minister Jagath Pushpakumara.

The state minister was in Malaysia at the invitation of the home affairs minister of that country Saifudeen Ismail last week.

During the talks, minister Ismail has promised to grant opportunities to Sri Lanka as well on security services which are given exclusively to Nepal at present.

Pushpakumara said he also had discussions with Malaysian parliament speaker Johari Bin Abdul on bilateral economic partnership and foreign employment matters.

Job opportunities for Sri Lankans also came up during his talks with human resources minister Tuan Sivakumar.

Sri Lankan high commissioner Sumangala Dias also participated in these talks.

The Returning Officers have issued new special gazette notifications, dated 08 March 2023, announcing a fresh date for the Local Government polls.

In a press release, the Election Commission mentioned that the Returning Officers have declared April 25, 2023 as the new date to hold the polls.

The Colombo High Court today (15) ordered the attorney general to decide the course of action against former finance minister Ravi Karunanayake with regard to the Central Bank bond issue.

A HC panel comprising judges Damith Totawatte, Manjula Tilakaratne and Mohamed Irshadeen instructed the AG to inform the court of his decision at the next hearing on April 27.

Panel chairman Totawatte noted the charges against Karunanayake cannot proceed in view of a previous ruling by the Court of Appeal, which was brought to the court’s notice by Karunanayake’s lawyer Shavindra Fernando.

President’s counsel Fernando submitted a copy of the appellate court’s verdict, which was examined by judges Totawatte and Tilakaratne, with both deciding the matter was up to the AG to decide.

Additional solicitor general Priyantha Nawana, who represents the AG, told the court that no decision has been taken yet to appeal that ruling.

Sri Lanka aims to announce a debt-restructuring strategy in April and step up talks with commercial creditors ahead of an International Monetary Fund review of a bailout package in six months, the nation's central bank governor told Reuters.

The crisis-hit island has secured financing assurances from all its major bilateral creditors, including India and China, and so has set the stage for the IMF to give its final approval for a $2.9 billion, four-year bailout package on March 20, the multilateral lender said on Tuesday.

The bailout is the culmination of months of negotiations as Sri Lanka looks to emerge from its worst economic crisis in more than seven decades.

"When you see the staff level agreement published - that will contain our commitment to debt restructuring and that will also reveal medium-term debt targets for us to restore debt sustainability on a long-term basis," central bank Governor P. Nandalal Weerasinghe said on Thursday.

"So somewhere in April we will announce ... how we are going to meet those medium-to-long-term (debt) targets. That is the next step."

Weerasinghe said the country would expedite negotiations with commercial creditors and announce the debt restructuring strategy in consultation with them, before finalising the debt restructuring terms.

"We are trying to finalise this in about the next six months' time, so before the next (IMF) review will be completed," he said.

Sri Lanka would need to restore debt sustainability over a ten-year period as per the agreement with the IMF and the latter will provide a roadmap to bring down debt levels over that period, Weerasinghe said.

Currently, Sri Lanka has to repay about $6 billion annually until 2029, President Ranil Wickremesinghe told parliament on Tuesday, but Weerasinghe said this amount will be reduced post-debt restructuring.

The central bank has also been gradually topping up reserves, with useable dollars reaching about $600 million at the end of last month - the highest in a year. Sri Lanka also has a $1.5 billion swap arrangement with China but that can only be used if domestic reserves support three months of imports.

"If we build up reserves we may be able to access the (China) swap, until then we don't mind keeping it in our books. If we meet the conditions of three months of reserves, we can use it."

Weerasinghe also said that inflation is likely to come down faster than earlier forecast, even by the central bank. Rising prices have been a key concern with the latest print in February showing inflation had eased, but remained above 50%.

"Earlier my expectation was for 4% to 6% inflation somewhere in December. I would now expect it in early Q4 rather than the end, the process will move faster, from about end October," he said.

Leave of all employees of Sri Lanka Railways cancelled with immediate effect, said the Superintendent of Sri Lanka Railway on Tuesday (14) afternoon.

The announcement came after the Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association of Sri Lanka Railways declared a 24-hour strike.

The strike will come into effect at midnight on Tuesday (14).

The Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association decided to go on strike in support of the mass strike that will launched by multiple trade unions on Wednesday (15), against the governments unjust tax policy, and several other social issues.

Lanka Sathosa has reduced the prices of seven grocery items with effect from Thursday (9).

One kilogram of Dried Chili has been reduced by Rs. 75/- to Rs. 1,500/-.

One kilogram of Dhal will now be sold for Rs. 339/-, a reduction of Rs. 19/-.

One kilogram of Wheat Flour was reduced by Rs. 15/- to Rs. 230/-.

One kilogram of White Sugar was reduced by Rs. 11/- to Rs. 218/-.

One kilogram of Local Red Kekulu Rice will be sold for Rs. 155/-, a reduction of Rs. 9/-.

One kilogram of Local White Nadu Rice will be sold for Rs. 188/-, a reduction of Rs. 7/-.

One kilogram of Big Onions will now be sold for Rs. 129/-, a drop of Rs. 6/- from the previous price.

The Election Commission of Sri Lanka has made a written request to the Minister of Finance that the funds required to hold the 2023 Local Government (LG) election be released.

Accordingly, the relevant request was sent to President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies, Chairman of the Election Commission Attorney-at-Law Nimal G Punchihewa confirmed.

This move comes shortly after the Commission was informed by the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance that no direct decisions pertaining to the release of funds can be made without the approval of the Minister.

Meanwhile, the Secretary to the Ministry also informed the Commission yesterday (11 March) that their request pertaining to the funds has been forwarded to the Finance Minister.

However, the Government Printer Gangani Liyanage has claimed that the Department of Government Printing is unable to commence the printing of ballot papers for the upcoming election, as they are yet to receive the required funds.

Thus, she noted that they are unable to hand over the postal ballot papers to the relevant post offices before 20 March owing to the current situation.

The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) appreciated further against the US dollar (USD) today (March 08).

Accordingly, the buying rate of the US Dollar has reached Rs.313.77 while the selling rate was recorded at Rs.331.05.

At the same time, the Middle Rate of the USD/ LKR SPOT Exchange Rate was recorded at Rs. 326.63.

The IGP has ordered an inquiry against the Bandarawela HQI for allowing the media to record the questioning of a young woman suspected of having abandoned her infant in a train lavatory.

Action against the chief inspector and the female officers present at the interrogation is to be based on a report expected within three days.

The HQI questioned the woman in the presence of three female officers, with the proceedings videoed with their knowledge and released to the media later.

Three months ago, the police chief instructed that investigations on women and children should ensure safeguarding their identities and interests.

Police intelligence launched a probe into the infant that was left abandoned in a train lavatory at Colombo Fort railway station on Friday (10).

The culprits were identified within half an hour and the woman was traced from Bandarawela on the following day.

Meanwhile, the media is coming under heavy criticism over the manner of its reporting of the incident.

A social media activist, Manohari Hewawasam took to facebook and shamed the media for destroying the future of two young people.

Another activist Wasantha Manthilaka blamed the HQI as the main culprit.

The Bakery Owners’ Association has decided to reduce the price of a loaf of bread weighing 450 grams.

Thereby, the price of a 450g loaf of bread will be slashed by Rs. 10 with effect from today (March 08).

The President's Chief of Staff and Senior Adviser on National Security officially launched a program today (12) aimed at reducing the environmental damage caused to the coast of Sri Lanka by the distressed X-Press Pearl vessel which caught fire.

The program also involves using machinery to remove garbage from the affected coast and the launch took place at the Crow Island beach in Mattakkuliya.

The program is jointly implemented by the Marine Environment Protection Authority, Department of Coast Conservation, Ministry of Provincial Councils and Local Government, Central Environmental Authority, Environmental Police, Sri Lanka Navy, and Tudawe Brothers Private Limited.

Expressing his views on this occasion, Ratnayaka said that Sri Lanka attracts tourists because of its beautiful beaches, environment, and cultural heritage. Therefore, he emphasized that it is everyone’s responsibility to contribute to the tourism industry by protecting the coast as well as protecting the environment for the next generation.

Ratnayaka added that he intends to continue implementing this coastal conservation program in a sustainable manner and that he anticipates receiving support from non-governmental organizations and resource persons in doing so.

The event was attended by Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Chairman of the Marine Environment Protection Authority Asela B. Rekawa, Chairman of the Clean Ocean Force Organization Jerome Fernando and other officials.

Steps will be taken to win women’s rights on par with developed countries of the world, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said, delivering a message for ‘International Women’s Day’ commemorated today.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the President said, “we cannot be satisfied with the status of women in the Asian region, but compared to other countries in the region, Sri Lankan women are ahead and that situation will be expanded further and work will be done to win women’s rights like in the developed countries of the world.”

The President highlighted that the National Policy on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, as well as the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, will aid in achieving this goal.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe also recognized three women within the international forum as ‘integral’ parts in providing Sri Lanka with the required foreign assistance during its most unprecedented economic crises.

The President acknowledged the efforts of India’s Minister of Finance – Nirmala Sitharaman, U.S. Secretary to the Treasury Janet Yellen and the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva in securing the funds and aid required by the island nation in its hour of need.

President Wickremesinghe expressed these views at the International Women’s Day celebration held at the Battaramulla Waters Edge Hotel today (08). The Ministry of Women, Child Affairs, and Social Empowerment organized the event under the theme “She is the pride of the Nation”.

During the event, State Minister of Women and Child Affairs Geetha Kumarasinghe presented the National Policy on Social Equality and Women’s Empowerment, as well as the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, to the President.

Also speaking at the event, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said the charter that is being unveiled today represents a significant step forward for Sri Lankan women.

“Sri Lanka has never faced the challenges it faces today. It is now obvious that the Government under the leadership of Ranil Wickremesinghe has worked very patiently to move the country forward. You, as women, strengthen the effort to create that economy,” he added.

Meanwhile, State Minister of Women and Child Affairs Geetha Kumarasinghe said the Cabinet has approved the women’s charter, on which President Ranil Wickremesinghe worked very diligently.

“It’s historic to present it to him on International Women’s Day. In society, a woman should not be isolated. They are all citizens of this country, regardless of their profession. They should understand that women are the pride of the country and treat women with respect who make up 52% of the population,” she added.

Full statement:

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that we cannot be satisfied with the status of women in the Asian region, but compared to other countries in the region, Sri Lankan women are ahead and that situation will be expanded further and work will be done to win women’s rights like in the developed countries of the world.

The President highlighted that the National Policy on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, as well as the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, will aid in achieving this goal. The progress made over several years of hard work will be unveiled on International Women’s Day, which will be a significant milestone for women in the country.

The President highlighted that the SAARC organization does not have any specific provisions related to women’s rights. To address this gap, Sri Lanka will be hosting a meeting of leading women activists from SAARC countries this year to advocate for the inclusion of women’s rights within the organization’s framework. Sri Lanka will take a leadership role in championing the rights of women in the Asian region, and are committed to working towards achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment in all areas.

President Wickremesinghe expressed these views at the International Women’s Day celebration held at the Battaramulla Waters Edge Hotel today (08). The Ministry of Women, Child Affairs, and Social Empowerment organized the event under the theme “She is the pride of the Nation”.

During the event, State Minister of Women and Child Affairs Geetha Kumarasinghe presented the National Policy on Social Equality and Women’s Empowerment, as well as the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, to the President.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe awarded honours to strong and accomplished female characters on International Women’s Day, 2023. Awards were presented to Dr. Sujatha Aththanayaka, Kalasuri Sriyani Amarasena, Rashmi Nimesha Gunawardena, and Anula de Silva. Certificates were given to the top 25 female entrepreneurs chosen at district level with the intervention of Sri Lanka Women’s Bureau.

President Wickremesinghe further said, “The Ministry of Women’s Affairs is celebrating International Women’s Day under the theme ‘She is the pride of the Nation’ for the year 2023.”

The President expressed gratitude to the State Minister, the Secretary, and all those involved in organizing the event. He also acknowledged the State Minister’s efforts in assuming a significant role in the on-going work by traveling across the country to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.

During the period between International Women’s Day 2022 and this year, significant changes have occurred in the country, primarily due to the economic collapse. The people of the country, including women and men, have suffered greatly, and there is currently a debate as to who is responsible for this situation. While various names are being called out in this discussion, the President noted that none of them are women. Therefore, women should not be held accountable for this incident.

The Governor of the Central Bank and I have signed a letter to declare agreement on debt restructuring, after consulting with supporting countries, as well as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. The International Monetary Fund responded positively to this development, as of yesterday.

When reflecting upon those who contributed to freeing the people from the sufferings experienced during the past, I think it is important to mention the names of three women who played a significant role.

I would like to acknowledge Nirmala Sitharaman, the Finance Minister of India, who played a vital role in providing a $3 billion loan to Sri Lanka after the country was declared bankrupt last April. Her decision to discuss the matter with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet and to provide the loan to a country in such a dire financial state was a remarkably courageous act. Without the availability of those funds during those three to four months, the current situation in the country would be far more challenging, and for that, we must express our gratitude to her.

Additionally, a crucial role was played by several key countries in supporting us during this challenging time. Notably, our talks with the United States, led by Janet Yellen, the Treasury Secretary, were instrumental in securing aid for our country. I extend my sincere gratitude to her for her efforts in this matter.

I must also mention that Mrs. Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, made a personal sacrifice for Sri Lanka by taking the lead to negotiate with the countries, the Paris Club, the World Bank and others. If these three women had not supported us, we would have been in a dire situation.

On the other hand, no women are among those responsible for this problem. Women, on the other hand, were among those who assisted.

When we focus on these three women, we wonder why they are in these places and not in our country. Not only those three women, but so are President of the European Commission Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen and President of the European Central Bank Christine Lagarde. The International Monetary Fund, the European Union, the US Treasury are all in the hands of women today. Women have been empowered to influence the economy.

Moreover, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Director-General of the World Trade Organization, and Cindy McCain, the new Director-General of the United Nations World Food Programme, are both women.

As a result, the majority of the work in this economic field that provides us with food and assistance is done under the leadership of women. We can rejoice that women have stepped forward in the past 50 years. This is due to the policies of European countries and the United States.

We have commenced programs aimed specifically at promoting women’s rights. That is the distinction between Sri Lanka and other Asian countries.

When we focus on Sri Lanka, our first woman MP was elected 92 years ago. In 1960, the world’s first female Prime Minister, Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike was appointed. But we have not made progress. Today, in some countries, the representation of women in the political field is at least 20% – 25%. We have not reached that stage.

Women have come forward in our administrative department. There is no question about it. Women’s educational representation has also grown. However, a lack of women participation exists especially in the business sector.

To rectify this situation, two committees were formed together with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs in preparing policy statements. Discussions were also held with the Women’s Caucus of the Parliament. We must go further.

The Cabinet has approved the reports of these two committees and handed them over to me. Today, the National Policy for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment and the National Action Plan on Women Peace and Security for 2023-2033 were both presented. We will not stop here. We will have a thorough discussion and solicit feedback on the proposed amendments.

Similarly, three drafts were prepared in response to our request in consultation with the Women’s Caucus of the Parliament.

The Gender and Equality Act and the Women’s Empowerment Act are two bills that the National Commission should discuss this month and pass into law at least by June or July.

In addition, Mr. Karu Jayasuriya is working on a bill concerning non-government public assemblies. It is suggested that the women’s group in Parliament and the Ministry meet with him to discuss and include women’s representation and rights in it.

Apart from that, we hope to establish a women‟s and gender institute. This will enable us to carry out women’s promotion programs. I hope to continue doing this work for women. It is a requirement of our policy.

Simultaneously, a large conference with women representatives from various sectors is expected to be held to discuss women’s rights. We will identify those areas by comparing our female MPs caucus, the Ministry Secretary, and the relevant officials. I believe 500-1000 people will congregate there. We should talk to them about it.

Today, International Women’s Day is celebrated across the country as well as the Ministry of Women’s Affairs. Politics causes some of them to compete with one another, yet everyone should come together for women’s rights and its implementation. The new program of the ministry entails carrying out next steps for those promotional programs.

But we must remember one thing. We are not in America or Europe, but in Asia. Similar initiatives have not been carried out in Asia. Women haven’t spoken up in this way before. Looking at Asia as a whole, Korea, the Philippines, and Myanmar all had female heads of state. The rest are from South Asian countries such as Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. There are seven such women including Sonia Gandhi. But, we are not content with the rights that women enjoy in these areas.

Afghanistan has suffered a setback today. Women are not allowed to go to school or work. They are unable to exercise their rights. In this context, we will discuss this matter as South Asia; notably India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka as the SAARC organization makes no mention of women’s rights. We have discussed together how to acquire these rights and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have mutually decided to host a meeting of the leading women activists of these nations in Sri Lanka this year.

Moving only Sri Lanka ahead in this situation won’t be effective. It should be implemented in the area concerned. We are inspiring others to follow the same path.

Let’s put these women’s rights into action and gain them for women like in other developed nations. Women currently make up the majority of the population in this country. The rights of all of them must be upheld. Let’s discuss this within and outside the parliament and move forward.”

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said, “The charter that is being unveiled today represents a significant step forward for Sri Lankan women. Sri Lanka has never faced the challenges it faces today. It is now obvious that the Government under the leadership of Ranil Wickremesinghe has worked very patiently to move the country forward. You, as women, strengthen the effort to create that economy.

I suggest that the banking system in Sri Lanka should be liberalized so that women can enter the banking system to achieve the determination of women empowerment. Accordingly, every woman in Sri Lanka will be given the opportunity to open a bank account.”

State Minister of Women and Child Affairs Geetha Kumarasinghe said, “The Cabinet has approved the women’s charter, on which President Ranil Wickremesinghe worked very diligently on. It’s historic to present it to him on International Women’s Day. In society, a woman should not be isolated. They are all citizens of this country, regardless of their profession. They should understand that women are the pride of the country and treat women with respect who make up 52% of the population.”

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Minister of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation Pavithra Wanniarachchi, State Minister of Fisheries Piyal Nishantha, State Minister of Social Empowerment Anupa Pasqual, State Minister of Health Seetha Arambepola, State Minister of Tourism Diana Gamage, Members of Parliament Sudarshani Fernandopulle and Yadamini Gunawardena, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung, Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Mizukoshi Hideaki, foreign Ambassadors and High Commissioners, a delegation representing various United Nations organizations, and officials including the Secretary to the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs Mrs. Yamuna Perera participated in this event.