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President Ranil Wickremesinghe, addressing the 30th Annual General Meeting of the Lanka Confectionary Manufacturers Association (LCMA) on Wednesday (24) at Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo emphasized the potential for Sri Lanka to become a global player in the confectionery industry. He encouraged Sri Lankan confectioners to expand their horizons and tap into international markets.

Acknowledging the success of Sri Lankan teas and cinnamon globally, the President posed the question, “How long before I can take chocolates and go?” He also encouraged the confectioners to explore the export market for chocolates, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said in a statement.

The President emphasized the significance of positioning Sri Lankan chocolates as a world-class product, similar to the renowned reputation of the country’s tea and cinnamon. His encouragement aimed to inspire the confectionery industry to embark on a journey towards global recognition and market presence.

Reflecting on the industry’s history, the President praised the pioneers and highlighted the growth and resilience of the vibrant confectionery sector. He expressed optimism about the potential for Sri Lankan chocolates to become globally recognized. The President urged the confectioners to explore new markets and export their products. He further noted the limitations for expansion within the country and suggested looking beyond borders, citing the success of the Kandos factory in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia in 1978.

Addressing economic challenges, President Wickremesinghe acknowledged the ongoing negotiations for an additional 20 years to address the economic crisis. However, he stressed the need for a sustainable solution and highlighted the importance of export-oriented strategies to overcome financial hurdles. He advocated for increased exports and identified the confectionery industry, particularly chocolates, as having the potential for international recognition.

President Wickremesinghe encouraged the confectionery industry to explore intercropping with cocoa, citing state plantations in Matale, Kandy, Mawathagama, and Dodangaslanda for potential expansion. He mentioned plans to collaborate with smallholders and discussions with the governments of Ghana and Ivory Coast for access to cocoa, the PMD mentioned.

The President outlined broader initiatives, including leasing state-owned plantations to Sri Lankan companies or Sri Lankan companies with foreign shareholders for the development of the food industry, encompassing confectionery. Virtually all the lands owned by Chilaw and Kurunegala plantation plus Elkaduwa with JEDB and SPC. He disclosed plans for modernizing agriculture, enhancing competitiveness through the National Productivity Commission and upgrading trade agreements with India and Thailand.

President Wickremesinghe pledged government support, including Rs. 8 billion for research and development, to foster a thriving confectionery industry urging collaboration, innovation and expansion into various areas of the food industry positioning it as a “low hanging fruit” for economic growth.

Acknowledging the substantial contributions of pioneering founders and manufacturers in the confectionery industry to the development of the Sri Lankan economy, President Wickremesinghe presented awards to esteemed individuals. Recipients of these awards included Mr. Hinni Appuhamy, Founder of Maliban Group; Mr. Arthur Von. Possner, Founder of Ceylon Cold Stores (Elephant House); Mr. Junius Motha, Founder of Motha; Deshamanya Mineka Wickremesinghe, Founder of Manchee; Mr. P.J.C Perera, Founder of Uswatte Group; Mr. Sinnasamy Muttiah, Founder of Luckyland; Mr. Upali Wijewardhena, Founder of Kandos; and Mr. Vidanage John Appuhami, Founder of Cherish.

Additionally, Chairman of the LCMA, Dr. Samitha Prerera, presented a special memento to the President.

During the event, Mr. Samitha Perera expressed gratitude for President Wickremesinghe’s substantial efforts in the economic recovery of Sri Lanka. He acknowledged the President’s presence as a source of courage and strength for the industry’s advancement. Mr. Perera appreciated the President’s endeavours to uplift the nation and emphasized the industry’s alignment with those efforts. Recognizing the challenges faced amid a tough macroeconomic environment, he affirmed the organization’s solidarity with the President. Mr. Perera underscored the pivotal role of increasing the country’s dollar income for sustaining current benefits.

Minister of Industrial and Health, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, accompanied by Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Mahinda Siriwardena, Senior Advisor to the President on Economic Affairs, Dr. R.H.S. Sanarathunga and various officials from LCMA, graced the event, according to the PMD.

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva met with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and took the opportunity to praise the country's economic reform efforts.

Georgieva highlighted the significance of the IMF Board's approval of the first review of Sri Lanka's Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program in December 2023. This approval, she stated, "was a recognition of the important reforms Sri Lanka has pursued."

Expressing optimism about the progress made, Georgieva further declared, "These reforms are starting to pay off!"

At a separate event on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, President Ranil Wickremesinghe offered a cautiously optimistic outlook on Sri Lanka's economic recovery, highlighting progress in debt restructuring and praising the IMF's recent program review.

Wickremesinghe described his surprise when a visiting IMF team acknowledged Sri Lanka's "over-performance" in tackling the ongoing economic crisis.

He underscored the severity of the crisis, stating that "it affected all adversely," and reiterated the importance of the debt restructuring agreement reached with the IMF.

"There is no other way out for Sri Lanka," Wickremesinghe emphasized, acknowledging the crucial role in facilitating negotiations with the country's creditors.

According to Wickremesinghe, all of Sri Lanka's official creditors have agreed in principle to restructure debt in line with the IMF's target requirements. The next hurdle lies in finalizing discussions with commercial creditors.

The successful completion of the IMF's first program review in December 2023 further emboldens Sri Lanka's optimism.

Wickremesinghe said this achievement is a turning point, paving the way for the economy to shift from stabilization to recovery and growth in 2024.

He emphasized the need for continued commitment to IMF-backed reforms and reiterated the importance of transparency and accountability.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe visited the home of late State Minister Sanath Nishantha and condoled with his wife and four children today (25th).

The state minister died in a motor accident on the Airport Expressway in the early hours of Thursday.

Foremer President Mahinda Rajapaksa also visited the home.

Sri Lanka's Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that the presidential pardon granted to former MP Duminda Silva by ex-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was unlawful.

Silva, alongside four others, was convicted in 2016 by the High Court for the 2011 murder of politician Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra.

All five received the death penalty, a verdict later upheld by a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court.

However, following his election victory in 2019, Gotabaya Rajapaksa unexpectedly granted a pardon solely to Silva.

Three separate fundamental rights petitions challenging the legality of the pardon were subsequently filed with the Supreme Court.

The fundamental rights applications were filed by Hirunika Premachandra, her mother Sumana Premachandra, and Former Human Rights Commissioner Ghazali Hussain, PC.

After careful consideration, the bench, comprising Justices P. Padman Surasena, Gamini Amarasekera, and Arjuna Obeysekera, unanimously concluded that the pardon process was flawed and therefore unlawful.

The Online Safety Bill is to be taken up for debate in Parliament today after 83 MPs voted in favour of debating the bill, while 50 MPs had voted against it.

Accordingly, the Second Reading Debate of the proposed Online Safety Bill will continue in the Parliament today (Jan 23).

Although the relevant debate was scheduled to be held in Parliament today, the parliamentary session which commenced at 09.30 am, took a 10-minute adjournment to convene a party leaders meeting for discussions on the proposed Online Safety Bill on the request of all Parliamentarians belonging to the Opposition.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa had requested for a Party Leaders meeting before the Online Safety Bill is taken up for debate, following which the Speaker adjourned Parliament for 10 minutes.

A vote was then taken in Parliament on whether or not to take up the proposed Online Safety Bill will be taken up for debate.

(Ada Derana)

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has highlighted the present as an opportune moment for investing in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy sector.

The President has expressed confidence in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy sector’s potential to yield substantial benefits for both stakeholders and consumers in the coming decades.

He further underscored that investors venturing into this sector can anticipate a comprehensive and unwavering policy framework in the realm of renewable energy.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these remarks during his address at the “Green Technology Forum”, coordinated by the Swiss-Asian Chamber of Commerce, which was convened on Monday (Jan 15) in Davos, Switzerland.

Speaking on the theme of “Paving the way to an energy secure Sri Lanka,” President Ranil Wickremesinghe highlighted the substantial potential of Sri Lanka’s renewable energy sector. He further outlined the government’s initiatives over the past two years to establish an investment-friendly environment in the renewable energy sector.

Emphasizing Sri Lanka’s dedication to addressing climate change, President Ranil Wickremesinghe elaborated on various measures, including the “Tropical Belt Initiative,” presented at the COP28 conference in Dubai.

Highlighting Sri Lanka’s commitment to sustainable and green development, the President emphasized the nation’s ambitious plans and determination to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscored the pivotal role of the rapid renewable energy plan, describing it as a key component of Sri Lanka’s comprehensive efforts towards sustainable development and a crucial step in ensuring energy security.

Following is the full speech delivered by President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Green Technology Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

I thank the Swiss Asian Chamber of Commerce and their partners in organising this event for the invitation to speak today.

Background: Green Energy and Climate Concerns

There is an urgent need for acceleration of global actions towards climate change mitigation. There have been multiple global forums which have resulted in numerous commitments towards this end. However, actions have fallen drastically short of commitments.

The fallout of this failure in global leadership is borne largely by developing nations of the global south. When periods of drought extend beyond normal, undermining agricultural production, our food security is in jeopardy. When hydropower gets disrupted due to delayed monsoons, our energy security is in jeopardy. Droughts are often followed by a deluge, leading to flash floods and landslides, disrupting lives and livelihoods of under-privileged communities in particular.

It is very evident that there is a disproportionate impact of the adverse outcomes of climate change on developing countries. This brings to light the issue of climate justice and the need for a stronger contribution from the advanced economies towards adaptation and mitigation efforts in the global south.

That being said, Sri Lanka will forge ahead with its efforts towards climate mitigation. We have also recently launched the Tropical Belt Initiative at the COP28 in Dubai – this creates a framework for catalysing private investment in forests, energy, oceans, mangroves, in the countries of the tropical belt.

Today I want to focus on one key aspect of such efforts, which is our drive towards renewable energy.

Renewable Energy in Sri Lanka: Building on History

In fact, Sri Lanka is a country with a long history of renewable energy. Since independence Sri Lanka developed an extensive network of hydropower, commissioning its first major hydro-power plant in 1950. Hydropower was able to provide for most of the country’s energy needs until the 1990s. Even today, hydropower accounts for around 40% of Sri Lanka’s installed electricity generation capacity.

With hydropower largely exploited to the optimal levels, there has been an increased effort to include wind and solar power generation to the national grid. The government is now accelerating this process to ensure that by 2030, 70% of Sri Lanka’s electricity needs are fulfilled by renewable energy sources.

To reach this target requires a large investment of up to USD 11.5 billion. However, until recently the framework for private investment in the renewable energy sector has not been very conducive. Over the last 2 years several measures have been taken by the government to correct these shortcomings and ensure an optimal investment climate for renewable energy is in place.

Financial Reform

The first step was to ensure cost reflective pricing. Between 2014 and 2022 electricity tariffs had not been adjusted. This resulted in major cash flow problems for the Ceylon Electricity Board that sometimes led to payment delays to power suppliers. However, from August 2022 we have shifted to a cost-reflective pricing structure. Accordingly, electricity tariffs are revised every quarter to reflect costs on a forward looking basis.

The CEB, which has long been a loss making entity, returned a profit in 2023, enabling it to settle significant levels of past debt along with some balance sheet structuring. The company now has a strong balance sheet, a far stronger cash flow position, and a pricing structure that ensures liquidity.

Rigidities in the feeding tariff has also been a concern of past investors. However, this has also been addressed with greater flexibility being introduced to the tariff options, including choices between fixed tariff and variable tariff formulas.

In addition to internal reform, we are also putting in place the framework to attract green financing. Sri Lanka has developed the Road Map for Sustainable Finance, Green Finance Taxonomy, the SDG Investor Map and the Green Bond Framework, that is currently under formulation, creates the enabling environment for Sri Lanka to have a robust engagement in climate finance. The availability of sustainable finance will be an added boost for renewable energy investments in Sri Lanka.

Legislative Reform

There have also been legislative barriers to large scale private investment in the renewable energy sector. Those legal hurdles have also been cleared through necessary amendments to the Electricity Act introduced in 2022.

Institutional Reform

Thirdly, the government is in the final stages of implementing unbundling of the Ceylon Electricity Board. This will result in greater financial and operational autonomy for the distribution, generation, and transmission arms of the CEB, resulting in competition and transparency. Whilst private participation in generation is already available, the unbundling process will open up opportunities for private participation in distribution as well.

This major reform, implemented with the support of the Asian Development Bank, will ensure the CEB operates at the frontier of efficiency, delivering the best outcome for consumers and the most competitive and efficient producers of electricity. The draft legislation for this reform was already been published last month.

Infrastructure Improvements

The ambition of 70% electricity from renewals also requires improved system efficiency and upgrades to integrate more renewable energy, particularly from 2026. Investments will be required in storage, transmission, and distribution, along with the ongoing private investments in generation. Plans for this integration up to 2030 are in place and have begun implementation.

Future Outlook

Following the major reforms implemented in the energy sector in the last 2 years, there has been renewed interest in this sector. There are already large scale solar and wind power projects that have commenced implementation. A major Indian player has commenced implementation of a 350MW wind power plant that is expected to be commissioned in 2025. The same player is considering a further USD 750 million investment in wind power.

Wind power is a major opportunity for Sri Lanka. A recent World Bank report indicates that off-shore wind power in particular has the potential to generate power far greater than Sri Lanka’s requirements. Considering this, Sri Lanka and India are in advanced stages of talks regarding grid inter-connection to enable Sri Lanka to export surplus electricity particularly to the fast growing industrial belt in the Southern part of India. There is also tremendous potential for the development of green hydrogen in Sri Lanka.

Conclusion

Sri Lanka has ambitious plans to fulfil its sustainable, green development agenda. By 2050 the country has committed to achieving net zero. The accelerated renewable energy plan is a key component of this overall effort and is also an essential step on the path towards energy security. Renewable energy will also drive down costs of generation since at present Sri Lanka is compelled to rely on high cost heavy fuels during the dry season. Sri Lanka is in the process of establishing an international climate university, which will continue to unlock opportunities in green energy.

It is clear that Sri Lanka’s renewable energy policy direction is underpinned by multiple motivations and drivers. Therefore investors can expect a high degree of policy continuity in this sector going forward as well. This is the best time to invest in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy journey, and I have no doubt such investments will generate significant value for shareholders and Sri Lanka’s consumers over the next several decades.

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has suspended its trade union action planned for tomorrow over the suspension of the Disturbance, Availability, and Transport (DAT) allowance for doctors.

The GMOA warned of launching an indefinite trade union action from 08.00 am after it was reported that the Director General of Health Services had issued a circular temporarily suspending the DAT allowance which was to be provided in the January salary.

However, the Director General of Health Services has issued directives in writing to the heads of health institutions to immediately revoke the decision.

The Director General of Health Services has also instructed to provide the DAT allowance via special vouchers to doctors who are not provided the allowance with their January salary.

Based on the decision of the Director General of Health Services, the GMOA has decided to suspend its indefinite trade union action planned for tomorrow.

The GMOA had decided to launch the trade union action after alleging that certain Financial Ministry officials were attempting to halt the payment of DAT allowance to doctors.

The Cabinet had recently approved to increase the DAT allowance by Rs. 35,000 for doctors only.

Ranil Wickremesinghe should be given another chance as the president to revive the economy and stabilize the country, said minister Prasanna Ranatunga.

The minister said that he personally believed Wickremesinghe to be the best person to resolve the prevailing economic crisis.

The country is not in a situation to experiment, which will only worsen its collapse, he told local government representatives in Minuwangoda and Gampaha.

(lankadeepa.lk)

Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana announced a staggering 91% vaccination rate for measles among children, a crucial step in combating a recent resurgence of the disease after eradication. This achievement demonstrates the country’s dedication to proactive healthcare, he said.

Speaking at a media briefing on Monday, Dr. Pathirana outlined further health priorities for 2024. Disease prevention takes centre stage, with plans to bolster primary healthcare services and improve efficiency for patients. Prompt access to essential resources is also a key focus, he stressed.

However, tackling non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remains a major challenge. Over 20% of Sri Lankans battle diabetes, and the country holds the dubious distinction of having the highest prevalence of high blood pressure among over-35s in South Asia. Addressing these concerns and their associated complications like heart disease and stroke is critical for Sri Lanka’s long-term health, the minister said.

Amidst a rapidly aging population, Sri Lanka is proactively addressing the rise of non-communicable diseases like memory impairment, eye diseases, and bone diseases through dedicated programs. Dengue fever, another pressing concern, is being tackled with special efforts, seeking increased public collaboration alongside support from health and security departments, he emphasized.

“Combatting the rapid spread of dengue fever is a top priority, and we’re calling for all hands on deck! While we’re working closely with health and security departments, public cooperation is crucial to curbing this outbreak”, the minister said.

“Following a concerning rise in measles cases in Sri Lanka, we launched targeted programs and successfully vaccinated 91% of children in a matter of weeks, effectively shielding them from this preventable disease.”

Recognizing the existing drug shortage, the government is actively importing essential medicines, with shortages gradually decreasing. “Imagine a medical supply system free from opaqueness; we’re working with the IT Departments of Moratuwa and Colombo Universities to develop an online platform that will bring transparency and efficiency to the entire supply and procurement process,” Minister Pathirana added.

-PMD-

There is ‘certain injustice’ to the people due to the VAT increase from 15 per cent to 18 pc, said former finance minister Ravi Karunanayake.

“Now, IMF representatives are here. VAT has been increased on their instructions. They are saying income and expenditure should be balanced.”

“There is certain injustice in the VAT increase from 15 pc to 18 pc. The three pc increase to earn Rs. 146 billion is for paying the salaries of 1.4 million public sector workers,” he said in reference to the increasing cost of living.

Therefore, Karunanayake said, the productivity of the VAT increase should be reconsidered.

Instead of increasing VAT, what is needed is to create productivity and end wastage, he said.

The IMF should be told to let us decide the way to earn income.

Have no undue fears over TIN

Speaking further, Karunanayake said people should have no undue fears with regard to the mandatory taxpayer identification number (TIN).

Having a TIN does not necessarily mean having to pay tax, he said, adding that only those falling under the taxpaying category will have to pay taxes.

It is a shame that only 18,000 out of 120,000 companies and between 200,000 and 300,000 out of 22 million people pay taxes.

Almost 94 pc will not have to pay after they register for TIN, said Karunanayake.

For 75 years, the country had no professional basis for progress and what is being done now is to take it out of bankruptcy, he added.

Leader of Apey Janabala Party, Saman Perera, is among five people gunned down in Beliatta this morning (22).

Four were killed on the spot in the incident that occurred around 8.30 am, while the other died at Tangalle Hospital.

They had been travelling in a white-colour Defender jeep, and the assailants had come in a green-coloured cab.

Mahinda Kodituwakku, the self-proclaimed ‘Awalokiteshwara Bodhisattva’ in Sri Lanka has been arrested by Police.

“The person who claims to be the ‘Avalokithesvara’ arrested by the CID in Pannipitiya” Police said without providing further details.

Last week an overseas travel ban was imposed by the Fort Magistrate’s Court when the case filed against Kodituwakku was taken up for hearing.

The Fort Magistrate’s Court also issued an order to probe his bank accounts.

Mahinda Kodituwakku is accused of committing irreligious activities against Buddhism.