News

Japan has awarded a grant of 300 million yen for the Clean Sri Lanka project.

According to the Ministry of Finance, Planning & Economic Development, 28 new compactor trucks for waste transportation have been delivered to Sri Lanka as part of this initiative.

These trucks will enhance the waste management capacity of local government institutions in the Western, Northern, and Eastern provinces.

The official exchange of letters confirming the grant was signed recently at the Ministry of Finance.

The government has approved measures to employ additional staff to accelerate passport printing and reduce delays.

The move follows recommendations from a Cabinet-appointed committee addressing the ongoing passport shortage. Accordingly, a proposal to employ retired personnel of the Department of Immigration and Emigration on contract basis received Cabinet approval.

Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayathissa said the procurement process has begun to acquire 1.1 million “P” category chip-embedded passport booklets.

In order to eliminate issuance delays, the Department of Emigration and Immigration plans to operate 24/7 issuing 4,000 passports daily.

Accordingy, the proposal by the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs to recruit retired department officers on a contract basis and reassign existing government officers with the approval of the Public Service Commission and the Ministry of Public Administration, has received approval.

The newfound government is accelerating its efforts to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the country by providing much-needed infrastructure to existing and new investors.

The Horana Economic Processing Zone (HEPZ) is a center of attraction due to its location.

One key feature of the BOI zones is the provision of services that enable investors to operate their businesses smoothly, and investors always prefer the “turn-key nature” of these facilities.

Electricity, water, and drainage systems; inbound illumination systems; and internal roads are the key attractions to the investors.

These essential facilities enable investors to conduct commercial operations or constructions immediately after signing of agreement with the BOI.

The constituency of the Horana EPZ consists of more manufacturing-led investors, and the wastewater treatment plant (CWWTP) is an integral part of the operation.

Most importantly, the Horona EPZ’s long-term viability and compliance with the ESG framework of the organization make it even better at meeting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (Goal 15).

Hence, it was identified by the BOI that the capacity of the existing Common Wastewater Treatment Plant (CWWTP) needs to increase its capacity, which is used for the treatment of wastewater discharges from industries at HEPZ, and therefore, augmentation of CWWTP up to a capacity of 3000 m³ per day is essential to cater to the present influent volume of 1750 m³/day and forecasted additional volume of wastewater generated from the expansion of the existing projects and new projects to be established in vacant lands while uplifting the environmental sustainability of the zone and mitigating the health issues.

The BOI Capital Budget lists this project as a priority activity to reduce any possible environmental impacts and meet the CEA’s requirements for getting an Environmental Protection License (EPL) for the Horana Export Processing Zone.

The bids were invited through the National Competitive Bidding process, which had eleven (11) bidders that submitted the bids, and only four (04) applicants were eligible for the detailed evaluation.

Bids were evaluated; at the evaluation stage, the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) determined the least substantially responsive bidder that had fulfilled the relevant qualifications and experience required for awarding the contract.

Hence, the Cabinet of Ministers, by decision dated 05/06/2023, has granted approval for the proposed enhancement of the common wastewater treatment plant (CWWTP) at Horana Export Processing Zone, utilizing BOI funds, after the competitive bidding process and technical evaluation are completed.

On 9th December 2024, the Cabinet took the final decision and approved the contract award to Luminex PLC, located at No. 24, New Galle Road, Moratuwa.

The BOI always works with the Central Environmental Authority, takes necessary action to mitigate imminent adverse environmental and health issues, and follows instructions to maintain the treatment efficiency of the existing wastewater treatment plant at HEPZ.

Because of this, the proposed addition should make the treatment system efficient and effective, Further, it will strengthen the existing Common Wastewater Treatment Plant (CWWTP) and fully meet the discharge effluent standards and CEA requirements.

(boi.lk)

The Paddy Marketing Board has announced the guaranteed prices for purchasing paddy.

According to Minister K.D. Lalkantha, the prices are as follows:

Rs. 120 per kilogram for Nadu Paddy

Rs. 125 per kilogram for Samba Paddy

Rs. 132 per kilogram for Keeri Samba Paddy

Minister Lalkantha stated that only dry, weight-compliant paddy meeting the required standards will be purchased by the Paddy Marketing Board starting tomorrow (6th).

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya assured Parliament today that the government is committed to securing justice for the family of slain journalist Lasantha Wickrematunga.

Her comments come after a letter from Ahimsa Wickrematunga, daughter of the late editor, urging the Prime Minister to impeach Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe.

In her letter, Ahimsa accused the Attorney General of abusing power and neglecting duty by recommending the discharge of three suspects in her father’s murder case.

“I plan to respond to the letter personally,” Amarasuriya said. “Our government’s position on this case is very clear. We intend to seek justice for the murder of Lasantha Wickrematunga,” the Premier said noting that it has always been the position of her party.

She acknowledged Ahimsa’s concerns assuring that justice will be delivered. “I well understand Ahimsa’s concerns and the agony she must be feeling right now. But I will assure her that we will do everything in our power to ensure that justice is delivered on this matter.”

Amarasuriya added that while the government respects the independence of the Attorney General’s office, it is also exploring the possibility of filing fresh indictments in the case. She noted that extensive discussions had taken place, including a meeting between the President and those involved, to determine the next steps.

Responding to the Prime Minister’s remarks, MP Rauff Hakeem called for a parliamentary debate on the Attorney General’s Department, criticizing its handling of the case.

“The Attorney General’s response is based on a weak argument regarding an error in the identification parade,” Hakeem said. “Your government pledged in its manifesto to establish an independent prosecutor’s office instead of allowing the Attorney General to directly handle such cases. We believe prosecutorial discretion is being used selectively to free certain individuals.”

Amarasuriya said the government is prepared to allocate a full day for a debate on the issue.

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has warned that air quality in Sri Lanka is expected to deteriorate over the next few days, with several cities reaching slightly unhealthy levels.

According to the latest Air Quality Index (AQI) report, air pollution in most urban areas was at a moderate level over the past 24 hours. However, forecasts indicate that AQI levels will range between 85 and 128, pushing many cities into the slightly unhealthy category.

The decline in air quality is attributed to polluted wind flow from northern regions, which may further increase pollution levels nationwide. Residents, especially those with respiratory conditions, are advised to wear face masks and seek medical attention if they experience breathing difficulties.

Cities expected to remain at a moderate level include Vavuniya, Nuwara Eliya, Puttalam, Mullaitivu, Polonnaruwa, and Anuradhapura, while other urban areas may see increased pollution levels.

The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for March 19 to consider the fundamental rights petition filed by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

This decision was made today by a three-judge bench comprising Justices P. Pathman Surasena, Janak de Silva, and Sampath Abayakoon.

Former President Rajapaksa filed the petition, claiming that his fundamental human rights were violated due to the reduction of his security without proper assessment.

During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Varunika Hettige, representing the respondents, requested time to obtain instructions and present objections.

The court granted this request, allowing both parties to submit their arguments.

President's Counsel Ali Sabry, representing Mahinda Rajapaksa, argued that the reduction of his client's security was done without any proper security assessment.

He emphasized that any decision regarding security should be based on a thorough evaluation.

The court, after considering the submissions, scheduled the next hearing for March 19 to further examine the petition.

Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya has emphasized that disciplinary action will be taken against officers and station heads who refuse to accept complaints at police stations.

In a circular issued recently, Acting IGP Weerasooriya stated that in addition to disciplinary measures, legal action could also be pursued against such officers under the provisions of the Police Ordinance.

The Acting IGP highlighted that he has received both written and verbal complaints indicating that certain officers are rejecting complaints presented at police stations, citing various reasons.

The circular issued by the Acting IGP underscores that it is the duty and responsibility of police officers to record and investigate complaints reported to police stations.

Ahimsa Wickrematunga, the daughter of slain journalist Lasantha Wickremetunga, has called for the impeachment of Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe.

In a letter to Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarsuriya today (06), Ahimsa raised serious concerns over the AG's recommendation to discharge three individuals who had been named as suspects in the death of her father.

"The facts of what transpired last week make clear that this decision was no accident. It was no innocent mistake. It is the result of the culture that Mr. Ranasinghe has fostered and allowed to flourish in several parts of the Attorney General’s Department – a culture of nonchalance, callousness, complacency and utter disregard for their duty to victims of crime and the witnesses who risk their lives to protect the integrity of our justice system," Ahimsa said.

Ahimsa further said that the only way to fulfill the government’s pledge to repair the justice system is to "impeach him before Parliament and seek his removal from office".

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, addressing Sri Lanka’s 77th Independence Day celebrations in Colombo, said that there is a need for a collective national effort to achieve economic, social, and cultural freedom.

“There is a struggle we must all take part in to secure true economic, social and cultural freedom for our motherland,” he said, addressing the national celebration at the Independence Square. “We must all dedicate ourselves,” he said calling on all sectors of society to renew their commitment to nation-building.

The President pledged to build a country that fosters pride and opportunity for its citizens, enriched with scientific, technical, and intellectual advancements. President Dissanayake also stressed on the importance of addressing injustices which he said have taken root in every corner of in society, and urged Sri Lankans to unite in achieving economic independence without yielding to external pressures.

“The country we pass on to you will not be the one we inherited from history. Instead, it will be a nation you take pride in—a country that honours its citizens and thrives on scientific, technological, and intellectual progress,” he said.

President Dissanayake said while Sri Lanka may not be the richest nation, it has the potential to be the richest in national spirit, equality, and freedom.

“Although Sri Lanka cannot become the richest country in the world, if we try, Sri Lanka is capable of becoming the richest country in national spirit, equality and freedom” the President said.

The Ministry of Ports and Aviation has reported that Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport continues to incur annual losses amounting to Rs 3.2 billion.

Deputy Minister Ruwan Kodithuwakku stated that plans are currently being developed to minimize these losses.

As part of these efforts, it has been decided to waive the landing fees for aircraft arriving at Mattala Airport.

This new decision has already garnered the agreement of six airlines to land their aircraft at the airport.

Mattala Airport has an annual passenger handling capacity of one million.

However, Deputy Minister Kodithuwakku pointed out that currently, only about 100,000 passengers use the airport annually. Plans are in place to increase this number to 200,000 within this year.

Additionally, Deputy Minister Kodithuwakku highlighted that the 17-kilometer-long security fence around Mattala Airport is in a state of disrepair. Steps are being taken to renovate the fence and ensure the security of the airport.

The initial step in the digitalisation of government services, ‘GovPay’, will be officially launched under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on February 7th, 2025, said the President's Media Division.

This ground-breaking initiative will streamline and modernize how government institutions handle payments, enabling seamless transactions through a secure and efficient digital platform, it added.