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President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized the importance of strengthening economic cooperation and regional integration from Japan to India, with a special focus on deepening ties with India. The President made these remarks while addressing the Head of State Session of the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit, held under the theme “An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future.”

Speaking from the President’s House in Anuradhapura virtually yesterday (17), President Wickremesinghe highlighted Sri Lanka’s strategic commitment to expanding economic partnerships across Asia, particularly through the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). The President noted that as the Bay of Bengal region emerges as a hub of economic growth, the significance of BIMSTEC continues to rise. Sri Lanka, as a member, seeks closer economic integration with India and is exploring economic cooperation agreements extending from Japan to India.

The conference, chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, brought together heads of state from various countries. During his address, President Wickremesinghe praised India’s efforts to strengthen the Global South, acknowledging that the West can no longer maintain its dominance in global leadership. He lauded the Voice of the Global South Summit as a crucial platform for fostering consensus on challenges facing developing nations.

Reflecting on Indo-Sri Lankan relations, the President emphasized the “Vision” statement shared between the two nations, which celebrates their historical cooperation and lays the foundation for future collaboration. He expressed optimism that this vision will lead to stronger integration between Sri Lanka and India across various sectors.

President Wickremesinghe also expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and the people of India for their support during Sri Lanka’s recent economic crisis. The President acknowledged that India’s assistance played a vital role in helping Sri Lanka navigate the challenges of the past two years and emerge from bankruptcy.

President Wickremesinghe further elaborated,

“Your Excellencies, Sri Lanka thanks India for hosting the third virtual seminar on Voices of the Global South. This series enables us to engage with each other to understand our different viewpoints while also helping us arrive at a common stance on many issues confronting the South. We have reached a point where the West can no longer dominate global leadership and, furthermore, has become part of the problem. Ukraine and Gaza are prime examples, which I will not address as they have already been discussed by previous speakers. In this context, we must appreciate India’s efforts to strengthen the Global South.

Your Excellencies, let me speak a few words about my country. Sri Lanka has reached agreements with the Official Creditor Countries, the Export-Import Bank of China, the IMF, the World Bank, and the ADB to emerge from bankruptcy. At this stage, I must acknowledge the generosity of Prime Minister Modi and India, whose contributions made it possible for us to survive the two years of bankruptcy, which imposed a heavy burden on our people. The Vision Statement agreed upon by both our countries outlines the path for closer relations, emphasizing our 2,000-year history of cooperation. This will ultimately lead to deeper integration between our nations across many sectors.

We will be finalizing the Comprehensive Economic and Technological Agreement. We will also inaugurate connectivity in power, transport, and land, and we will focus on the development of Trincomalee Harbour, among other projects we have agreed upon. These efforts will help us upgrade our knowledge and technology, enabling us to move towards a digital economy. I must express my gratitude to India for the assistance it has provided.

I must also mention the Bay of Bengal, which is becoming a growth centre, with BIMSTEC gaining increasing importance. As a member of BIMSTEC, Sri Lanka, with its close economic integration with India, seeks membership in the RCEP, aiming to establish economic cooperation agreements from Japan to India. We recognize the Bay of Bengal as essential for the development of our economies.

Given that many of the topics I intended to address have already been covered by previous speakers, I would only like to mention that the post-1989 era, started with the collapse of the Soviet Union, which was dominated by such views as the clash of civilization and the end of history, which highlighted the dominance of the Western system, has now coming to an end. This summit, along with similar gatherings, the expansion of BRICS, and the expansion of the G20, will pave the way for a new order where the Global South will leave a lasting legacy. I must thank India, which, since its independence, has worked to unite Afro-Asian countries and for the role it continues to play in forging closer unity among all of us. Thank you.” (PMD)

A new luxury airport bus service was launched today connecting the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake to several key areas in Colombo.

According to the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL), the luxury bus service connects the Katunayake Airport with Port City, Fort Railway Station, Colombo Main Bus Stop and the Makumbura Multimodal Transport Centre.

The new luxury airport bus service was launched under the patronage of Transport Ministry Secretary Ranjith Rubasinghe today, with the first bus commencing its journey at 11.45 am from the arrival terminal of the Katunayake Airport to the Makumbura Multimodal Transport Centre.

According to Ranjith Rubasinghe, the luxury bus service will commence from the Katunayake Airport and ply along the Colombo – Katunayake Highway without any stops, to the destinations in Colombo.

He further said that 10 buses have been allocated for the new airport bus service and will cost Rs. 3000 per passenger for a one-way journey.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe today (17) dared both Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake to reveal as to where they had been hiding

instead of coming forward to save the people as they were suffering without fuel, gas and electricity.

He demanded both explained as to why they fled in the face of the country and the people in dire straits.

The president was addressing his inaugural election rally at Salgadu grounds in Anuradhapura.

Wickremesinghe noted that he has successfully addressed the shortage of those commodities by now.

It was the responsibility of the opposition leader as well as other leaders in the opposition to accept the challenge if a government resigns, he added.

The deadline for the placing of deposits for the candidates contesting the 2024 Presidential Election has concluded at 12 noon today (14).

Four candidates have placed deposits within today, the final day for the placing of bonds, including MP Namal Rajapaksa from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Janaka Ratnayake from the ‘United Lanka Podujana Party’, Lalith De Silva of the ‘United National Freedom Party’ and independent candidate Sarath Kumara Gunarathne.

The Election Commission has stated that in total 40 individuals have placed deposits to contest the upcoming presidential election.

This includes 22 candidates from recognized political parties, 01 from other political parties and 17 independent candidates nominated by a voter.

The placing of deposits related to the presidential election commenced on July 26 and concluded at 12 noon today.

The acceptance of nominations for the upcoming presidential election is scheduled to begin tomorrow (15) from 9.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of Sri Lanka says that a total of 42 complaints have been received within the last 24 hours, pertaining to the 2024 Presidential Election.

Accordingly, 37 complaints related to election law violations and 03 other complaints were reported.

Among them, 20 complaints were filed with the National Election Complaint Management Centre, and 22 were reported to the District Election Complaint Management Centre.

Exceeding the campaign expenditure limit will result in even the president-elect losing the position, warned election commissioner general Saman Sri Ratnayake yesterday (16).

Speaking at a related workshop in Colombo, he said the regulation of the expenses are not being done as expected by the law.

He also said voters should not be allowed to become mere consumers at the election.

In a landmark keynote address at the University Lecturers’ Conference held at the Water’s Edge Hotel yesterday evening (13), President Ranil Wickremesinghe revealed plans to provide relief for personal income tax in the near future.

The President mentioned that two proposals, currently under review by the Treasury and the counter proposal by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are being considered to achieve the goal of providing some benefit to the middle segments like the academia.

In his speech, delivered under the theme “Transforming Sri Lanka’s Higher Education towards a Developed Nation,” President Wickremesinghe also announced a comprehensive reform plan aimed at transforming Sri Lanka’s higher education system as a key strategy to stimulate economic recovery.

President Wickremesinghe emphasized the critical role of higher education in driving the country towards development and highlighted the need for state universities to operate with greater independence to enhance the quality of education.

Addressing the gathering President Ranil Wickremesinghe further elaborated,

Before attending this event, I took part in an important discussion about the country’s economic situation. However, there may be some good news for you all as we proceed, which might help retain some of the lecturers in Sri Lanka.

The past two years have been very difficult, as the minister mentioned. It was thanks to the skill of our ministers that we survived the first year, virtually from nothing. We started from scratch and then built the economy up. Now we have signed agreements with the OCC, IMF, and others. There are many proposals in these agreements, but I believe the benchmarks are key. You should be aware of them because we have to operate within these benchmarks.

The macroeconomic benchmarks, agreed upon between Sri Lanka, 17 OCC countries, credit countries, China (represented by the Exim Bank), the IMF, the ADB, and the World Bank totalling 21 entities took over a year of negotiations. These benchmarks cannot be changed; how we achieve them is a different matter.

First, we must have a primary budget surplus of 2.3% by 2025-2032. Currently, we are at 0.6% of GDP, so our budget needs to be adjusted to achieve a surplus of 2.3%. The public debt to GDP ratio must be reduced to 95% by 2032, down from 111% today. The gross financing needs to GDP ratio must be 13% by 2032, while it is currently 27.8%, so we need to halve it. The forex debt service to GDP must be 1.3% compared to the current 9.2%. The tax revenue to GDP ratio must reach 14% by 2025, while we are currently at 9.5%. Our international reserves must be 15 billion USD by 2028; we are currently at 5.6 billion USD. Inflation must not exceed 5%, and treasury guarantees should be less than 75%. We have achieved these two targets for now.

We cannot have arrears in government payments beyond three months. Monetary financing by the central bank is not permitted. Cost-effective pricing of electricity and fuel must be maintained, and any losses in the CEB or CPC must be directly compensated through treasury transfers. Minimum expenditure thresholds on social safety net cash transfers must be maintained. We agreed to increase the number of beneficiaries from 1.6 million to 2.4 million. During the bankruptcy period, we provided more social benefits than before, and we need to continue this trend. These terms are non-negotiable.

Our creditors have agreed to provide debt relief up to about 10 billion USD. The IMF agreement gave us USD 2.9 billion over three years. Together with the USD 10.5 billion benefit, this aids us significantly, but we must meet the targets. This is why we have introduced the Economic Transformation Bill.

We should aim to make Sri Lanka an export-oriented and competitive economy. We are now in the next stage of discussing tax thresholds. We have had strong economic performance this year and hope to maintain it next year. We are considering adjustments to the personal income tax structure to provide relief to taxpayers.

Currently, there are two proposals. The Treasury’s proposal maintains a tax-free threshold of Rs. 1.2 million, widens the tax band from Rs. 500,000 to 720,000, and keeps the top tax rate at 36%. And the counter proposal by the IMF proposes that the tax-free threshold remains at Rs. 1.2 million, but the first tax band is widened from Rs. 500,000 to 1 million rupees, shifting all tax bands up by 500,000 rupees, with subsequent bands remaining at Rs. 500,000 rupees and the top tax rate remains at 36%.

We are evaluating these proposals and working towards one that provides relief. I am considering the IMF proposal. Our decision will be guided by what is best for the country and the people.

The economy is growing, but we need to accelerate growth. We must focus on maximizing the benefits of our human resources. To do this, we need a top-class education system. We are discussing improvements to the school system and post-school education. We plan to consolidate about 500 vocational training centres and nine provincial agencies into vocational education colleges. We are also considering university colleges of technology and management offering associate degrees.

Many students have asked why they were educated if they cannot find jobs. To address this, we propose associate degrees that are job-oriented, with the option to pursue bachelor’s or higher diplomas later.

We aim to elevate our universities to a higher standard. This will take time, but we need to start by restructuring state universities and providing more autonomy. Universities should have the freedom to manage their finances and attract foreign students. We could consider a model where the government funds local students while universities charge foreign students.

We are also planning new universities and expanding existing ones. We have proposals for four new technology-focused universities and potential collaboration with international institutions. As we expand, we may face a shortage of academics.

We also have non-government degree-awarding institutes that could be granted university status. We should consider new models for universities, including options for funding and management. The goal is to make Sri Lanka a key academic centre, capitalizing on the anticipated increase in demand for higher education in the region.

We have many plans and ideas for advancing education and economic growth. We need to continue building on what we have started and aim for success. I appreciate your time and am open to any questions you may have.

Minister for Education Dr. Susil Premajayantha,

The President assumed office in June 2022 during a time when the government declared its inability to support the education of the Sri Lankan people. At that point, His Excellency, along with the then-Prime Minister, invited me to take charge of the Ministry of Education, encompassing general education, higher education, technical education, vocational training, and science, technology, and research.

Despite inheriting a nation in crisis with fuel shortages leading to queues lasting over four days, 14-hour power cuts, delayed examinations, and a lack of basic resources like uniforms and textbooks we made significant strides within two years. Under the leadership of the President, with the support of our Cabinet colleagues, government officials, and dedicated professionals in the education sector, we managed to stabilize the situation. Today, we are proud to gather over 750 academics and professionals to discuss the future of education in Sri Lanka.

This event marks a crucial moment as we lay out plans to reform and transform general education, vocational training, skills development, and higher education. With the participation of Honourable President, former higher education ministers, state ministers, former vice-chancellors, members of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Directors (CVCD), representatives from the non-state sector, and academia, we are united in our mission. Together, we will ensure that all 17 state universities, five higher education institutions, and the non-state sector work in harmony to drive our education system forward.

Following the keynote address, President Wickremesinghe participated in a panel discussion alongside Chairman of the UGC Professor Sampath Amaratunga, Chairperson of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Directors (CVCD) Professor Sanjeewani Ginigaddara, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jaffna Professor S. Srisatkunarajah and President of the Non-State Higher Education Institutions Dr. Dayan Rajapaksha, where the President directly addressed questions raised by members of the higher academic community.

These included concerns over nutritional deficiencies, mental health challenges, and illnesses among students, as well as problems related to hostel facilities and the admission of foreign students to state universities in Sri Lanka. The lecturers also highlighted the need for introducing new courses, difficulties in forming international agreements, and the importance of granting universities the autonomy to select local students for admission. In response, President Wickremesinghe addressed these issues, affirming his commitment to providing solutions and improvements in these areas.

The event was graced by the presence of Minister Bandula Gunawardena, State Minister Suren Raghavan, Member of Parliament S. B. Dissanayake, Chief of Presidential Staff and Senior Advisor to the President on National Security Sagala Ratnayaka, Advisor to the President on Parliamentary Affairs Prof. Ashu Marasinghe, and prominent members of the higher academic community, including Vice-Chancellors, Directors, and members of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Directors (CVCD). Representatives from both state and non-state higher education institutions, as well as a group of university lecturers, were also in attendance.

Prevailing showery condition are expected to continue in the south-western part of the island due to the low-level atmospheric disturbance in the vicinity of Sri Lanka.

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval for the proposed salary revisions across all sectors of the public service.

An expert committee, chaired by former Presidential Secretary Udaya Seneviratne, was previously appointed to prepare a report with recommendations for implementing these proposals in the 2025 budget.

The committee engaged with major professional associations of public officials and the broader public sector, analyzed relevant data, and finalized the report.

Based on its recommendations, the Cabinet has approved the President’s proposal to include these salary revisions in the 2025 Budget.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has appointed Justice R. M. Sobitha Rajakaruna as the Acting President of the Court of Appeal.

Court of Appeal Justice Rajakaruna took oaths this morning (16) before the President at the Presidential Secretariat.

This appointment will remain in effect until the return of Justice Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne, the President of the Court of Appeal, who is currently abroad.

Secretary to the President Mr. Saman Ekanayake was also present during the swearing-in ceremony.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Kalutara District MP Dr. Rajitha Senaratne has met President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Gangarama Seema Malaka, a short while ago, and pledged his support for the upcoming presidential election.

President Wickremesinghe and MP Senaratne also signed an agreement on the matter during the event.

Speaking to the media, Senaratne said he will work to ensure the victory of President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the 2024 Presidential Election.

Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Batticaloa District MP Ali Zahir Moulana has met with President Ranil Wickremesinghe and assured his support at the upcoming Presidential Election.

The Deputy Leader of the SLMC has met with President Wickremesinghe at his political office on Flower Road, Colombo this afternoon (16).

Chief of Staff to the President and National Security Advisor Sagala Ratnayaka emphasized Sri Lanka’s commitment to nature conservation and sustainable development.

Speaking at the launch of the “Sri Lanka 30×30 – Conservation and Prosperity: for Nature and People” initiative recently at the Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo, he highlighted the nation’s dedication to ensuring a healthy planet for future generations through sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.

Ratanayaka noted that Sri Lanka’s mangrove restoration program has received international acclaim for its success. He highlighted that the government has implemented several such projects aimed at protecting sensitive ecosystems and reinforcing the country's commitment to environmental conservation.

He emphasized that the “Sri Lanka 30×30” program showcases the nation's commitment to supporting local communities and contributing to global conservation efforts. He stressed that cooperation and partnerships are crucial for protecting Sri Lanka's unique ecosystems and achieving the program’s ambitious goals.

The implementation of these projects, overseen by Sagala Ratnayaka, is a top national priority. The initiative was coordinated by the Presidential Secretariat Climate Change Office. Key government departments involved in the design of the projects included the Department of Wildlife Conservation, Forest Department, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and several others dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable development.

This initiative aimed at conserving the nation’s unique biodiversity while promoting sustainable economic prosperity. This landmark approach to develop a set of projects while balancing conservation and development is a significant step towards Sri Lanka’s commitment to sustainable development and green economic revival.

The “Sri Lanka 30×30” program is designed to attract over USD 1.5 billion in investments between 2025 and 2030. The launch event witnessed the participation of over 95 government entities, local and international non-governmental organizations, and corporates, all unified in their support for this ambitious initiative.

The program aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), adopted by Sri Lanka and 195 other countries in 2022 at the COP15 biodiversity conference in Montreal. The GBF outlines 23 targets focusing on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, aimed at benefiting both nature and people.

As part of the “Sri Lanka 30×30” initiative, the government has identified nine national priority conservation programs, each designed to address critical environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices including; Improve the protection and connectivity of wet zone ecosystems; Halt forest loss in the dry zone by increasing protection; Restore degraded forest and mangrove habitats; Sustainably develop and enhance protected area tourism to fund conservation. Improve human-elephant coexistence; Enhance the health and productivity of river systems, starting with the Kelani River basin; Enhance conservation of marine ecosystems for the benefit of nature and people;

Strengthen sustainable fishery management practices and reverse the Ensuring sustainable use of fish stocks and reversing the decline of key commercial species; Protect marine megafauna by reducing disturbances to whales caused by whale watchers and ships.

Sri Lanka’s rich natural capital offers immense potential for a green economic revival. By conserving its biodiversity and promoting sustainable resource management, the country aims to build a resilient economy that benefits future generations.