District Farmers’ representatives on behalf of 1.1 million farmers across the island, have urged President Gotabaya Rajapaksa not to reverse the steps taken to use organic fertilizer.
The farmers’ representatives highlighted that it was their absolute duty and responsibility to return to the traditional farming methods and provide the people with a non-toxic healthy diet. They added that citizenry will be grateful to the President for his decision to nourish a healthy next generation for Sri Lanka. The farmers’ representatives assured President Rajapaksa that all the farmers in the country would support the President in overcoming the challenge of going for an agriculture based on organic fertilizer, as a team, for the benefit of all people in Sri Lanka just like the country once faced the challenge of concluding the war against terrorism. I
No reversal of Ben on chemical fertilizer-Prez
Litro is Considerate for Consumers in December
Litro Gas Lanka has decided not to raise prices in December.
That is by considering the increase in gas consumption by consumers during the upcoming festive season.
In a press release in this regard, Litro Chairman Muditha Peiris said that according to international price fluctuations and the current exchange rate of the US dollar, the price of domestic LP gas cylinders should be increased by a higher amount, but the gas company decided not to do so.
Thus, the price of Litro gas cylinders will continue to be as follows.
• 12.5kg cylinder – Rs. 3,565
• A 5kg cylinder – Rs. 1,431
• 2.3kg cylinder – Rs. 668
Litro Company is one of the two leading suppliers of domestic Liquefied Petroleum (LP) Gas in the country.
Change in Opening and Closing Hours of Bars
The government is focusing on revising the opening and closing hours of bars.
State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said that it will be looked into in the future.
Also, according to the demand for liquor licenses, the minister further emphasized that the license fee should be increased to get more revenue for the government.
Motion passed: Sujith, Diana, and Rohana banned from Parliament
The proposal to ban State Minister Diana, SJB MPs Sujith Sanjay Perera and Rohana Bandara from the House for one month has been passed.
Today (02), the resolution was passed by 56 majority votes in Parliament.
Accordingly, 57 votes have been received in favour of the proposal.
There was only one vote against.
Three MPs have abstained from voting on the proposal.
The Parliamentary Committee on Ethics and Privileges has made these recommendations regarding their Behavior near the Library of Parliament.
Due to the incident in late October, State Minister Diana Gamage and SJB MPs Sujith Sanjay Perera and Rohana Bandara were recommended on December 01 to be suspended from their parliamentary services for a period of one month.
During the parliamentary session on October 20, Diana Gamage has accused SJB MP Sujith Sanjay Perera of assaulting her outside the chamber and demanded a comprehensive investigation. Later, both parties complained to the police.
However, the vote for the third reading of the budget is scheduled to be held on Wednesday 13th of next month at 6:00 pm and according to this ban, the ability of these MPs to use their votes will also be hindered.
State Minister Sanath Nishantha is currently facing a two-week ban due to misbehaviour in Parliament.
The Rumors of VAT Increasing to 24% is False
Minister of State for Finance Shehan Semasinghe says that there is no preparation to raise the government’s income by raising tax rates in the coming year.
The minister pointed out that the government’s expectation is only to expand the tax network and include the people who can pay taxes.
For that, he has emphasized that this country’s taxation system should be digitized.
He also said that the 2024 budget has allocated proposals.
Therefore, the state minister further states that the rumors that the VAT rate will be increased to 24% are false.
“Can’t wait any longer.. the enemy is at the door.” – President Tells the World (📹)
President Ranil Wickramasinghe emphasizes to the international community that it is essential for the countries of the world to act quickly to minimize climate change in order to ensure the survival of the earth.
Addressing the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference or COP28, the President said that a decisive agreement on whether ready or not to take the lead should be reached at this year’s COP28 conference.
The President pointed out that this cannot be delayed at all and the enemy is at the door.
The 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference or COP28 main conference started yesterday (01) at Expo City in Dubai with the participation of heads of state and representatives of 54 countries.
The following video shows the President’s full speech at the COP28 conference.
Another Tax has been Imposed on Many Goods from Today
A special Commodity Levy has been imposed on many products effective from today (Dec 01).
As the Minister of Finance, President Ranil Wickramasinghe has also issued the relevant gazette announcement.
These items include butter, dates, grapes (fresh and dried), apples, fish, curds and onions.
Levy on Yoghurt and Tuna, Skipjack Tunas, and Bonito (Sarda species) are the same as the previous.
This tax imposed on the following goods will be effective till December 31, 2024.
Below is the list of goods subject to Special Commodity Levy from today.
Speaker Indicates Possibility of Appointing Temporary Chairman for COPE Committee
In response to questions raised by Members of Parliament Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Dayasiri Jayasekara about the inactive status of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE), Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena mentioned the possibility of appointing a temporary chairman for the COPE Committee. The Speaker informed Parliament that the COPE committee would convene for discussions either today (01) or tomorrow (02) to address this issue.
The COPE Committee, chaired by Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Member of Parliament Professor Ranjith Bandara, faced criticism during the budget debate for the Chairman’s actions, his son’s presence in the committee room, and the perceived links with the Sri Lanka Cricket Board. This led to the temporary suspension of COPE committee meetings, and although they have now resumed, concerns remain about its functioning.
During recent party leader meetings, a decision was made to proceed with investigations related to the Sri Lanka Cricket Board without the involvement of the current COPE chairman. The controversy surrounding the COPE chairman’s actions and the temporary suspension of committee meetings have brought the issue of the COPE chairman into focus. Member of Parliament Lakshman Kiriella highlighted that, according to standing orders, the COPE Committee cannot have two chairmen, and the authority to appoint the COPE Chairman rests with the Members of Parliament. The situation is expected to be clarified through discussions in the coming days.
A New Gateway to Working in Japan: Sri Lanka Introduces SSW Test in Construction Field
In a groundbreaking move, Sri Lanka has unveiled a new skills test in the construction field, providing its skilled workforce with the opportunity to work in Japan under the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) category. The announcement was made today by Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment, Manusha Nanayakkara.
The SSW skills test in construction joins existing tests in Nursing Care, Food Service, and Agriculture, offering a diverse range of employment options for Sri Lankan nationals seeking opportunities in Japan. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance bilateral ties and contribute to the development of both nations.
Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, MIZUKOSHI Hideaki, Chief Representative of JICA Sri Lanka Office, AMADA Tetsuya, and the Chairman of SLBFE, A. A. M. Hilmi, were present at the announcement, underscoring the collaborative nature of this endeavor.
Minister Nanayakkara expressed gratitude for Japan’s longstanding support, highlighting Japan’s pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery during times of crisis. He emphasized the robust friendship between the two nations, noting Japan’s continuous efforts to provide job opportunities for Sri Lankan youth.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Nanayakkara outlined strategic measures to empower Sri Lankans for Japanese employment. Cabinet approval has been obtained to incorporate Japanese language into the school curriculum, aiming to prepare students for prospective jobs in Japan. The SLBFE has initiated a nationwide program to teach Japanese language skills, and individuals who invest in learning Japanese will be reimbursed when selected for a job in Japan.
Currently, the SSW system in Japan is open to Sri Lankans in the fields of Nursing Care, Food Service, and Agriculture. However, the Minister disclosed that efforts have been made to expand opportunities to the construction, building cleaning, and automobiles sectors. Meetings with relevant Japanese ministers have taken place, resulting in the inclusion of the construction sector in the SSW category for Sri Lankan workers.
Minister Nanayakkara emphasized the importance of Japanese language skills for those seeking employment in the construction industry in Japan. He encouraged individuals with such skills to take advantage of this new opportunity, emphasizing the exponential growth in job opportunities for foreign nationals in Japan over the next five years.
With these developments, Sri Lanka aims to strengthen its workforce while fostering a deeper economic collaboration with Japan, marking a significant step forward in the shared journey toward mutual prosperity.
Pastor Jerome has been Remanded
Pastor Jerome Fernando has been remanded until the 13th.
That is according to an order made by the Colombo Fort Magistrate Court.
He was arrested today by the Criminal Investigation Department based on a complaint received against the pastor who was accused of making insulting statements against Lord Buddha, Islam and Hinduism while conducting religious services.
That was when he went to the Secret Police for the second day today to give a statement in accordance with a previously issued court order after his recent arrival in Sri Lanka.
He was also interrogated for 8 hours yesterday.
Approval to appoint Acting Inspector General of Police
The Legislative Council has approved the appointment of Mr. Deshbandu Thennakone as Acting Inspector General of Police.
Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena informed Parliament of this today.
Education Minister Announces Release of GCE A/L 2022 Cut-Off Marks
Education Minister Susil Premajayantha has announced that the cut-off marks for the General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (GCE A/L) 2022 examination results will be released today (01). In a special statement made in Parliament, the Minister acknowledged the prompt efforts of University Grants Commission officials in providing information about candidates’ academic faculties to those who have applied for universities.
The details regarding the cut-off marks will be accessible through the University Grants Commission’s website. Additionally, the University Grants Commission (UGC) is set to notify students selected for universities based on the GCE A/L 2022 examination results about their assigned university and course through a text message today.
UGC Chairman Professor Sampath Amaratunga confirmed this process, highlighting the efficiency achieved by officials in swiftly releasing examination results and relevant information to candidates.
Minister of State Diana and MPs Rohana, & Sujith Face Suspension
It is reported that the report of the committee appointed to look into the rioting behavior that took place near the MPs’ library recently recommended that the parliamentary service of the three MPs related to the incident should be suspended for a month.
Accordingly, it is stated that the parliamentary activities of the Minister of State Mrs. Diana Gamage, members of Parliament of Samagi Jana Balawegaya Party Mr. Rohana Bandara and Mr. Sujith Sanjay Perera, are to be suspended for a month.
It is said that this has been recommended in the Parliamentary Privileges Committee report presented to the House by the Member of Parliament Mr. Chamal Rajapaksa.
Chaired by Deputy Speaker Mr. Ajith Rajapaksa, the members of the committee are Chamal Rajapaksa, Ramesh Pathirana, Gayantha Karunathilaka and Imthiaz Bakeer Markar.
Hurricane is Near – Warning for Strong Winds and Rain
The low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal has developed in to a depression. It is likely to intensify into a deep depression by 02 December 2023 and it will further develop in to a cyclonic storm by 03 December 2023. This system is likely to move west-northwestwards closer to northern coast of Sri Lanka towards North Tamil Nadu coast.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Northern, North-central, Eastern and North-western provinces and heavy showers above 100 mm are likely at some places.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in other provinces of the island after 01.00 p.m. Fairly heavy showers about 75 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces.
Showers may occur in Southern province during the morning too.
Strong winds about (40-50) kmph can be expected at times over the Northern, Northcentral, Northwestern and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
2022(2023) O/L Results are Released
The Examination Department of Sri Lanka states that the results of the General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) 2022(2023) examination were released today (01) in the morning.
394450 school applicants and 78103 private applicants appeared for this examination. Exam results can be obtained by visiting www.doenets.lk and www.results.exams.gov.lk.
It is possible to apply online for the certificates of this examination for local and foreign use from today (01).
The examination department states that the call for re-correction applications will take place from the 4th to the 18th.
en.newswave.lk-20222023-ol-results-are-released-20222023-ol-results-are-releasedA Change in Fuel Prices
The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has decided to revise the fuel prices with effect from midnight today (30).
New price revised accordingly below.
Fuel prices that are reduced,
Petrol 92 – From Rs. 10 (new price – Rs. 346)
Auto Diesel – From Rs. 27 (new price – Rs. 329)
Kerosene – From Rs. 02 (new price – Rs. 247)
Fuel prices that are increased,
Petrol 95 – From Rs. 03 (new price – Rs. 426)
Super Diesel – From Rs. 03 (new price – Rs. 434)
Accordingly, SINOPEC and Ceylon IOC companies have also revised the prices in a manner similar to the prices announced by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation.
Accordingly the newly revised prices are below.
Fuel prices that are reduced,
Petrol 92 – From Rs. 10 (new price – Rs. 346)
Auto Diesel – From Rs. 27 (new price – Rs. 329)
Kerosene – From Rs. 02 (new price – Rs. 247)
Fuel prices that are increased,
Petrol 95 – From Rs. 03 (new price – Rs. 426)
Super Diesel – From Rs. 03 (new price – Rs. 434)
A Green Light for Sri Lanka from the IMF
According to the Fund, the policy agreement reached by Sri Lanka with the creditor countries regarding the restructuring of the country’s debt will help to conclude the first review of the International Monetary Fund.
The IMF is due to conclude the first review next month.
Yesterday, the Official Creditors Committee (OCC) announced that it has reached an agreement with Sri Lanka to extend the deadlines for debt relief and debt repayment in relation to debt restructuring. The related agreement is to be signed in the near future.
The International Monetary Fund has reached this agreement about a month after Sri Lanka’s agreement with the Export-Import Bank of China to restructure the debt of 4.2 billion US dollars.
After the completion of this review, funds of about 334 million US dollars, i.e. the second installment of the financial fund, will be received.
Last year Sri Lanka faced a severe financial crisis in 07 decades after a record decline in foreign exchange reserves.
Central Bank Governor Mr. Nandalal Weerasinghe had said that after receiving the money from the International Monetary Fund, Sri Lanka can get more money from the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank.
Inflation Rose in November
The Department of Population and Statistics announced that inflation rose to 3.4% last November.
Accordingly, the consumer inflation rate of the Colombo urban community has increased to 3.4% for the month of November 2023. It had been reported at 1.5% for October 2023.
Food category inflation has increased to -3.6% in November 2023. In October 2023, it was recorded as -5.2%.
Also, the annual inflation of the non-food category has increased to 6.8% for the month of November, which was recorded as 4.9% in the month of October 2023.
Backlogged Driving Licenses will be Issued in the next 06 Months
The motor transport department says that the backlogged driving licenses will be issued in the next 6 months.
Commissioner General Nishantha Anuruddha Weerasinghe said that a stock of more than 9 lakh driver’s licenses has accumulated.
Due to the lack of printers needed to print driver’s licenses, driver’s licenses have piled up.
The Commissioner General said that three new printers were received last Monday.
Accordingly, steps have been taken to start printing from this week.
20 Places in Colombo were Identified Even in Short Rains
According to the Colombo Municipal Council, about 20 water-filled places have been identified in the city of Colombo due to the heavy rainfall in a very short period of time.
Its Municipal Commissioner Bhadrani Jayawardena mentioned that it is difficult to fix such places due to unauthorized construction in the downstream areas of some places.
She also said that The Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation, Irrigation Department, Port Authority and Urban Development Authority have already taken steps to control this situation.
A Decision will be made Regarding SLTB
Transport and Highways Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardena says that if the Sri Lanka Transport Board does not make profits by next year, it will also have to be privatized.
In order to avoid that risk, the Sri Lanka Transport Board should be turned into a profit-making institution, the minister said.
The Minister of Transport also said that the Sri Lanka Transport Board has planned to implement many digital projects in the coming year.
The President is Scheduled to Leave for Dubai
President Ranil Wickramasinghe is scheduled to leave for Dubai today (30).
It was to participate in the United Nations Conference on Climate Change.
The United Nations Conference on Climate Change will be held from today to December 12 at the Dubai Expo City with the participation of government leaders, public private sector representatives, environmentalists and academics.
Sri Lanka has planned to present 03 proposals to this conference, including the implementation of the Climate Justice Forum for vulnerable and developing countries.
This year’s conference will be attended by President Ranil Wickramasinghe, three ministers representing the ruling party and two MPs representing the opposition.
Twenty youth representatives and a group of businessmen and media from the energy and environment sector are also going to participate in the UN climate change conference at no cost to the government.
“Certain Decisions Taken by Roshan About Cricket Cannot be Approved”
Former Sports Minister, Member of Parliament Dayasiri Jayasekara says that certain measures taken by former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe regarding cricket cannot be approved.
The MP mentioned that he feels that a resolution against the Cricket Board should not be brought to the Parliament and even passed.
MP Dayasiri Jayasekara pointed out that since cricket was a popular topic, the opposition also took it into their hands unnecessarily.
Member of Parliament Dayasiri Jayasekara further said that the cricket problem has changed from the way it should be solved.
What will happen to Public Sector Employees who Applied as Candidates in Local Government Elections?
The government focuses on reassigning the public sector employees who applied as candidates in the upcoming local government elections to their previous positions.
Minister of State for Provincial Councils and Local Government Mr. Janaka Wakkambura says that the relevant cabinet paper will be submitted.
The Minister of State stated that all public sector employees who have submitted appeals in this regard will be transferred to the same place where they previously worked.
State Minister Janaka Wakkambura said this while attending a press conference held at the Presidential Media Center.
7 Billion Rupees to the Treasury from the Foreign Employment Bureau
During this year, the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau has managed to provide an amount of 7 billion rupees to the Treasury.
According to this, an amount of 4 billion rupees has been handed over by the Minister of Labor and Foreign Affairs Mr. Manusha Nanayakkara to Mr. Ranil Wickramasinghe today.
In addition to this amount, the Foreign Employment Bureau had taken steps to provide another amount of 3 billion rupees at the beginning of this year.
Considering the current economic situation of the country, this money has been given for essential activities such as buying essential medicines and paying the salaries of government employees.
At the time of providing the 3 billion rupees, the Foreign Employment Bureau had taken steps to provide an amount of 100 million rupees for the purchase of medicines to Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.
Although the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau has given an amount of 3382 million rupees to the treasury on several occasions before, this is the first time that an amount of 7 billion rupees has been given in one year.
Meanwhile, the minister also pointed out that during the past 18 months, 7.5 billion US dollars were received as foreign remittances.
Another Door Opens for IMF Second Tranche
Following the launch event in April 2023, 17 countries formally formed, on May 9, an Official Creditor Committee (OCC) co-chaired by India, Japan and France (as chair of the Paris Club) to respond to the Sri Lankan authorities’ request for a debt treatment. The committee includes India and Hungary in addition to Paris Club creditors. Since then, the OCC has engaged extensively with the Sri Lankan authorities, the IMF, the World Bank as well as China, and Sri Lanka’s private creditors.
The OCC and Sri Lanka agreed on the main parameters of a debt treatment consistent with those of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement between Sri Lanka and the IMF. This agreement will allow the IMF staff to present to the IMF Executive Board the first review of Sri Lanka’s EFF arrangement and open the way for approval of the second disbursement under the arrangement. The OCC commends the Sri Lankan authorities for their continuous efforts in implementing the reforms necessary for their country’s return to a sustainable path.
The OCC stands ready and looks forward to formalizing this agreement in the coming weeks in a Memorandum of Understanding with the Sri Lankan authorities. The OCC expects other bilateral creditors to consent to sharing, in a transparent manner, the information necessary for the OCC to evaluate comparability of treatment regarding their own bilateral agreement. The OCC also expects that the Sri Lankan authorities will continue to engage with their private creditors to find as soon as possible an agreement on terms at least as favourable as the terms offered by the OCC.
These engagements will ensure that the overall debt treatment granted to Sri Lanka is consistent with the IMF program parameters.
Deshbandu to the Post of Acting Inspector General of Police
Sources revealed that Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Deshbandu Tennakoon has been appointed as Acting Inspector General of Police.
Mr. Deshbandu Tennakoon is scheduled to visit the Gangarama temple after receiving the relevant appointment at the President’s Secretariat. It is for religious purposes.
Police information also revealed that many police officers are waiting at the Gangarama temple awaiting the arrival of the Acting Inspector General of Police.
The Latest Decision Regarding the Post of IGP
A proposal to limit the tenure of the officer appointed to the post of IGP to a maximum of three years is to be submitted to the Cabinet.
If the officer appointed to the post of Inspector General of Police does not complete 60 years of service, the above decision shall apply to that officer.
According to this decision taken by the Cabinet of Ministers, the service period of any officer appointed as Inspector General of Police will be limited to a maximum of 3 years.
Relief to Sri Lanka From a Group of Countries
A news agency in Japan has reported that there is a possibility that a group of countries that have given loans to Sri Lanka will reach an agreement on providing debt relief to Sri Lanka and extending the loan repayment periods.
The group is co-chaired by Japan, France and India.
China is Sri Lanka’s largest bilateral creditor but has avoided joining the group as a formal member.
However, the loan guarantee received after the agreement will help Sri Lanka to receive the second tranche of the International Monetary Fund.
With this latest situation, it is assumed that Sri Lanka will be able to receive 330 million US dollars as the second loan installment of the International Monetary Fund.
No Rain in the First Few Months of 2024
According to the Department of Meteorology, there may be a decrease in rainfall in the first few months of 2024.
Anusha Varnasuriya, director of research and climate change at the Department of Meteorology, said that the situation could last until May.
Therefore, she says to follow the instructions given by the Department of Agriculture and save the water in the tanks for farming.
Pastor Jerome Arrived Sri Lanka
It is reported that Reverend Jerome Fernando arrived in Sri Lanka from Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning (29).
Pastor Jerome Fernando had filed a fundamental rights petition to the court through his lawyers last May 26, requesting that he be prevented from being arrested while investigations are being carried out under the complaints of making insulting remarks against other religions during a church service.
After examining it, the Court of Appeal ordered the Criminal Investigation Department on November 17 not to arrest him at the airport after his arrival in Sri Lanka.
Based on that court decision, he must give a statement to the Criminal Investigation Department within 48 hours of his arrival in Sri Lanka.
However, Pastor Fernando left for Singapore two days before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court banned him from traveling abroad on May 16.