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The Cabinet of Ministers has decided to allow visa-free entry to Sri Lanka for citizens of 35 countries, including the United Kingdom (UK), United States (US), Canada, Germany, Australia, Saudi Arabia, China, India, Russia, South Korea, and Japan.

This new visa-free policy will be in effect from October 01, 2024, and will remain in effect for a period of six months.

List of countries to be offered visa-free access to Sri Lanka:

1. United Kingdom
2. Germany
3. Netherlands
4. Belgium
5. Spain
6. Australia
7. Denmark
8. Poland
9. Kazakhstan
10. Saudi Arabia
11. UAE
12. Nepal
13. China
14. India
15. Indonesia
16. Russia
17. Thailand
18. Malaysia
19. Japan
20. France
21. United States
22. Canada
23. Czech Republic
24. Italy
25. Switzerland
26. Austria
27. Israel
28. Belarus
29. Iran
30. Sweden
31. South Korea
32. Qatar
33. Oman
34. Bahrain
35. New Zealand

A total of 736,589 applications have been received for postal voting in the forthcoming Presidential Election, the National Election Commission announced.

As per the Election Commission, among the postal voting applications, 24,268 have been rejected.

The Election Commission further said that, however, 712,321 persons are eligible for postal voting in the 2024 Presidential Election.

Postal voting for the upcoming Presidential Polls will be conducted on 04, 05, and 06 September.

Meanwhile, 11 and 12 September have been allocated as additional dates for those unable to cast their postal votes.

The 2024 Presidential Election is scheduled for September 21. A total of 39 candidates will contest the Presidential Election.

Parliamentarians Vadivel Suresh and Ali Zahir Moulana were sworn in as ministers before President Ranil Wickremesinghe today.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Badulla District MP Vadivel Suresh was sworn in as the State Minister of Labour.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Batticaloa district MP Ali Zahir Moulana was sworn in as a Non-Cabinet Minister of Development Projects.

In December 2023, MP Vadivel Suresh was removed as the SJB’s Passara organizer and was later appointed as a Senior Advisor to President Ranil Wickremesinghe. MP Vadivel Suresh has pledged his support for President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the 2024 Presidential Polls.

Last week, MP Ali Zahir Moulana pledged his support for the President in the upcoming polls. His support for the President comes despite the SLMC led by MP Rauff Hakeem having announced plans to conditionally support Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.

The world’s longest stamp, measuring 205 mm and symbolizing the historic Sri Dalada Perahera in Kandy, was released by the Postal Department of Sri Lanka on Tuesday (20).

The commemorative stamp was presented to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, according to the President’s Media Division.

(PMD)

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Thalatha Atukorale addressing Parliament said that she will be resigning as a Member of Parliament today, citing various differences of opinion within the party.

Atukorale said that members of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna who were previously branded as corrupt politicians, have now joined the SJB, prompting her decision.

The MP announced this decision delivering a special statement in Parliament today.

“If Sajith Premadasa remained patient for another five years for the sake of his own political future, we would not have faced this challenge. I tell Sajith Premadasa, that those pushing you towards this abyss, only want to enter Parliament next time, they don’t want to make you President,” Atukorale said.

Former Ministers Harin Fernando and Manusha Nanayakkara have been appointed as Presidential advisors by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, with immediate effect.

Harin Fernando has been appointed as advisor on sports, lands and tourism affairs while Manusha Nanayakakara has been appointed as advisor on labour and foreign employment

The daily news reports that these appointments have been made in accordance with the powers assigned to the President as per Article 41(1) of the Constitution.

Harin Fernando and Manusha Nanayakkara earlier lost their MP and Ministerial positions after the Supreme Court upheld the SJB’s decision to expel the duo from the party.

Former Western Provincial Council member Jayantha De Silva has passed away.

Jayantha De Silva was 78 years old at the time of his demise.

At the time of his passing, he was working as the co-organizer of Borella for the Samagi Jana Balawega (SJB).

Approximately 35,000 schoolchildren have visited various educational landmarks around Colombo, including the President’s House, over the past two years.

The educational landmarks include the Presidential Secretariat in the Old Parliament Building, Harbour City, the Central Bank, the Parliament, and the Lotus Tower.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), this unprecedented initiative was launched under the directives of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, guided by the Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake, and led by the Tri-Force Security Coordination Office of the Presidential secretariat. The program was a collaborative effort involving the Parliament of Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Education, and the National Youth Services Council.

During this educational field trip, students were able to view documentaries and artefacts that highlight significant milestones in Sri Lanka’s democratic history. They also had the unique opportunity to interact with the President, the Secretary to the President and Chief of the Presidential Staff and Senior Adviser to the President on National Security and Sagala Ratnayaka.

Students from over 160 schools across the island, including those from remote areas far from Colombo, have joined this field trip, and the program is ongoing.

Additionally, at the President’s invitation, several sessions of the Student Parliament and Youth Parliament have been held in the Chamber Hall of the Old Parliament, located in the Presidential Secretariat. The goal is to enhance students’ leadership skills by giving them a deeper understanding of the state governance system. Lectures were conducted to educate students on the themes of administration and the roles within government.

The session was chaired by President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake, with Speaker to the Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, several Ministers, the Secretary General of the Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera, and Parliament staff also participated.

The Diyawadana Nilame of Sri Dalada Maligawa Pradeep Nilanga Dela, handed over the Esala Perahera Scroll to President Ranil Wickremesinghe this afternoon (20) at the President’s House in Kandy. The Scroll highlights successful completion of the annual Esala Perahera at Kandy’s Sri Dalanda Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) and the Satara Maha Devalayas, a magnificent cultural festival celebrated with great reverence for ancient traditions.

Accompanied by the Nilames of Sathara Maha Dawala and Pitisara Dewala, the Diyawadana Nilame of Sri Dalada Maligawa Pradeep Nilanga Dela, arrived at the President’s House in a ceremonial procession. The Diyawadana Nilame was formally received and warmly welcomed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe them at the main gate of the premises.

In accordance with custom, the Diyawadana Nilame formally presented the Scroll of Memorandum to the President.

In keeping with longstanding customs, the President and the Nilames gathered for a group photograph.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe honoured the artists who participated in the Perahera by presenting them with traditional gifts and awards.

The President also provided financial support to the ‘Pitisara Devala’ through the “Esala Perahera Trust” marking a historic contribution of LKR 10.5 million, the highest amount ever given.

Additionally, the President received a copy of the book ‘Sacred Dalada Culture’, compiled by the Central Provincial Ministry of Culture.

At the event, President Ranil Wickremesinghe handed over the special exemption form for the transfer of the ‘Ehelepola Walawwa’ to the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy to the Diyawadana Nilame.

Senior Deputy Postmaster General Rajitha K. Ranasinghe issued a commemorative stamp, symbolizing the historic Sri Dalada Perahera in Kandy, which at 205 mm is the longest stamp in the world. Mr. Ranasinghe presented the stamp to President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Additionally, a collection of stamps, souvenirs, and first day covers related to the Sri Dalada Maligawa and Buddhist culture was presented to the Diyawadana Nilame for display in the Sri Dalada Maligawa museum.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe extended his gratitude to everyone who supported the Sri Dalada Perahera, particularly the Diyawadana Nilame who was instrumental in organizing the Perahara. He commended all Nilames of Sathara Maha Dewala for their dedication in preserving the historic Kandy Esala Perahara, a festival that is both a religious and national event, and a remarkable cultural celebration that showcases Sri Lankan heritage to the world. He emphasized that it is a collective responsibility to uphold this tradition.

The President also outlined the government’s plans to transform Kandy into a prominent cultural and art hub, focusing on its extensive development.

Addressing the gathering, President Ranil Wickremesinghe further elaborated;

We recently witnessed a highly successful and prestigious Perahera. Organizing such an event is no small task. While various processions are celebrated around the world, each with its own unique cultural traits, the historic Sri Dalada Perahera stands out as particularly significant. This festival is regarded as the premier cultural perahera in the country.

We extend our gratitude to Sri Dalada Maligawa and all the temples involved. As a government, we are committed to supporting individuals like the Diyawadana Nilame in advancing this tradition to new heights. Our goal is to elevate the Sri Dalada Perahara as a renowned religious event in South Asia and integrate it into the tourism industry. This endeavour requires collaboration between the central government, the provincial council, and the Kandy Municipal Council, with contributions from all Nilames of Sathara Maha Dewala, including the Diyawadana Nilame.

Additionally, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs is dedicated to supporting cultural centres that train artists. The Bellwood Institute, established four decades ago, should be developed into an art institute under the National Youth Services Council, providing valuable training and opportunities for local youth. With the on-going Perahara festival, Kandy is emerging as a hub for art and culture, and we are also implementing other initiatives to further enhance the city development.

We are currently in negotiations with Hilton to develop a new hotel while preserving the historical significance of the Bogambara Prison. We are also exploring the possibility of connecting the old post office with the Taj Hotel to create another new hotel. Furthermore, we plan to utilize other lands in the Bogambara area for tourism-related hotels and repurpose the Kandy South Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) for similar use.

There are also plans to modernize the existing Kandy market. Additionally, we aim to develop the Digana and Kundasale areas with a focus on tourism. To support these developments, I have requested the Japanese government to construct the Central Expressway from Galagedara to Katugastota without interruptions, which will contribute to the expansion of the area into a major urban area.

While we are discussing enhancements to Peradeniya Park (Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya), we are not addressing Udawatta Kele Sanctuary at this time. Our plans include attracting tourists to the Dalada Maligawa and Sathara Maha Dewala, and integrating these attractions with religious activities.

We aim to establish Colombo, Galle, Kandy, and Trincomalee as the main hubs of Sri Lanka. Our vision for Kandy is to develop it not only as a hub for culture and the arts but also as a prominent educational hub.

Minister Bandula Gunawardana, Governor of Central Province Lalith U Gamage, Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake, District Secretary Kandy Chandana Tennakoon, and other distinguished guests were present for this occasion.

A future National People's Power (NPP) government will remove the VAT on medicines, school items and food items through its first budget, NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said yesterday (17).

Speaking at the NPP inaugural rally in Tangalle, he said a simplified tax system will be introduced while steps will be taken to recover defaulted tax by businessmen such as liquor manufacturers.

"We will remove the VAT on medicines and medical tests. The VAT on school items and supplementary reading books will be removed while steps will be taken to remove the VAT on food items as well. We will do this from the first budget under the NPP government," he said.

Dissanayake said the NPP has to take over a country which has collapsed in all sectors and that the NPP government will rescue the country with determination.

He said the NPP will not take revenge from anyone and added that however, action will be taken against wrong doers and those responsible for fraud and corruption.

"We will stop fraud and corruption and take over stolen assets," he said.

(Daily Mirror)

A significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s energy sector unfolded today (20) with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between LTL Holdings Limited Sri Lanka and Petronet LNG Limited India. The MOU focuses on the development of infrastructure for the storage, regasification and supply of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) for the “Sobadhanavi” Combined Cycle Power Plant in Kerawalapitiya.

The signing ceremony took place this evening at the Galadari Hotel, Colombo. Chief Executive Officer of LTL Holdings Limited Mr. Nuhuman Marikkar and Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Petronet LNG Company Mr. Akshay Kumar Singh signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera highlighted that this initiative is a key part of President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s broader energy strategy. The initiative aims to ensure a continuous and high-quality electricity supply at a minimal cost, ultimately benefiting consumers across Sri Lanka.

The partnership between LTL Holdings and Petronet LNG Limited represents a significant step in Sri Lanka’s efforts to modernize its energy infrastructure, reduce dependence on traditional fuel sources, and transition toward a more sustainable and cost-effective energy future.

Minister Wijesekera noted that, despite the government’s difficult policy decisions regarding electricity tariffs over the past two years, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has become a debt-free, robust institution. This financial stability has attracted new agreements and encouraged both local and foreign investment in the energy sector.

As an interim solution for LNG supply to the Sobadhanavi Power Plant, the partnership has devised a technical arrangement to import LNG from Petronet’s terminal in Kochi, India, using cryogenic ISO containers. Once the LNG arrives at Colombo Port, it will be transported in ISO containers to the Kerawalapitiya storage and regasification terminal, which will be constructed adjacent to the Sobadhanavi plant.

The first phase of the Sobadhanavi plant is set to be commissioned in August 2024, with the second phase scheduled for the first quarter of 2025. Developed and operated by Lakdhanavi Limited, the power development arm of LTL Holdings, the plant will significantly enhance Sri Lanka’s energy generation capabilities. This project aligns with the government’s vision of a sustainable and economically viable energy future, marking considerable progress in the nation’s clean energy transition.

The use of LNG, a cleaner energy source, will play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, helping Sri Lanka meet its environmental targets. Additionally, the cost efficiency of LNG is expected to lower power generation costs, provide economic relief to consumers, and support the country’s broader economic growth.

Miniter Kanchana Wijesekara further elaborated;

“During the last energy crisis, recognizing the urgent need for electricity in the country, various proposals were discussed to address the crisis and reduce costs, particularly through the use of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). As a result, in March of last year, when a delegation including the Secretary to the Ministry of Natural Gas and Petroleum of the Indian Government visited Sri Lanka, an initial proposal for this project was presented.

Following that proposal, the agreement was signed today, marking the culmination of several months of discussions. Within 18 months from now, we aim to deliver the benefits to the people of this country, with the necessary infrastructure development and the supply of LNG to the existing power plant system of the LTL Group, which has already been completed.

Once electricity generation using LNG begins, it will be possible to reduce electricity costs in the country. Power plants running on LNG can reduce costs by at least 40% to 50%. We plan to pass on these savings to consumers, thereby lowering energy costs in Sri Lanka. It is important to acknowledge, however, that this is not an easy task.

We aim to commence power generation activities at the Yugadhanavi and Sobadhanavi power plants at the beginning of 2026. However, the Sobadhanavi plant is expected to be operational by August 28. The reason for this timeline is the need to run the power plants on diesel and fuel oil during the first year before transitioning to natural liquefied gas for power generation. As a result of signing these agreements today, electricity consumers in Sri Lanka will experience significant benefits in the future. This initiative not only offers financial advantages but also helps reduce environmental damage.

We have established a policy to phase out the use of diesel, crude oil, and naphtha. Our plan is to meet 70% of the country’s electricity needs through renewable energy, while the remaining 30% will be supplied using LNG. We are working to create the necessary infrastructure to integrate renewable energy into the electricity grid.

Over the past two years, we’ve faced tough decisions, such as increasing electricity tarriff. We had to choose between allowing 16-hour power cuts or ensuring a continuous electricity supply while managing costs. Ultimately, we prioritized consistent power delivery, even if it meant making challenging adjustments to pricing.

Even a few hours of a power cut can cause significant damage to the economy and disrupt people’s lives, as we all know from experience. By 2022, the Electricity Board had incurred a loss of Rs. 300 billion, which included loans from two state banks and payments due to suppliers. By introducing a fee system that reflects those costs, we have managed to repay a large portion of the bank loans. Additionally, all payments owed to the suppliers operating the power plants have now been settled. It is also worth noting that we were able to pay off all the debts of the CPC due to the difficult but necessary decisions we made.

As a result, we can now reach such agreements and encourage both local and foreign investors to make new investments. Through these efforts, we aim to provide electricity to the people of this country at the lowest possible cost while ensuring a continuous and high-quality electricity supply. My sincere thanks go to everyone who contributed to this achievement.”

Deputy High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka HE Dr. Satyanjal Pandey;

“Ensuring a reliable, cleaner, and sustainable energy supply is crucial for driving growth and enhancing the quality of life for all citizens. Our joint efforts focus on bolstering energy security in Sri Lanka and reducing energy costs, which serve as key drivers of economic development. Connecting Sri Lanka to emerging regional and global grids, with India as a major transit point, can attract investments to unlock Sri Lanka’s vast green energy potential, generate additional revenue, and position the country as a major energy exporter.

Our current initiatives include the power grid connectivity, infrastructure connections, and a multi-product pipeline, for which discussions are advanced and ongoing. We are also investing in renewable energy projects, such as the solar power project in Sampoor. Both governments are working closely to swiftly turn these shared aspirations into reality. The signing of today’s MOU underscores our continued commitment to building on the strong foundation of our bilateral relationship by collaborating in areas essential to our energy needs and the future prosperity of our people.”

The event was attended by Secretary of the Ministry of Power and Energy Dr. Sulaksha Jayawardena, Chairman of LTL Holdings Limited U.D. Jayawardena, Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board Nalinda Ilangakoon, Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation Saliya Wickramasuriya along with other ministry officials, government representatives, investors, board members of the two respective companies, and other distinguished guests.

Nandana Ranasinghe, co-chairman of the Grama Niladhari Professional Association, announced today (18) that the work-to-rule action and the black protest week initiated by Grama Niladhari officers will conclude at midnight. They will resume providing their usual services until the presidential election is completed.

He mentioned that since Grama Niladhari officers have now become election officers, they will pause their professional activities to deliver public services effectively, adhering strictly to election laws as neutral and impartial peace officers.

He further expressed his intention to engage in discussions with the new president to address ongoing professional issues. If these issues cannot be resolved through dialogue, he warned that they may resort to professional actions once again.