The traditional ceremony to inform the Head of State on the successful completion of the historic Kandy Esala Perahera Festival took place at the President’s House in Kandy in the presence of President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday evening. Picture shows Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela handing over the Perahera Sandeshaya (Sannasa) to the President informing him of the successful completion of the perahera festival.

With the blessings of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the Gods:

“I will get country out of present crisis”

President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday said that despite facing a huge economic crisis, he will definitely get the country out of the crisis with the blessings of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the Gods.

The President also said that everyone should move forward with new hopes for a new economy that will ensure a better life for all.

The President added that the country has faced an unprecedented economic downturn and people from all walks of life have felt it. He stressed the importance of ending this situation in the country soon.

The President was speaking at a ceremony held at the President’s House in Kandy yesterday afternoon to mark the successful completion of the historic Kandy Esala Perahera Festival.

The President was received by Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela, Nilames of the Satharamaha Devalayasa and Pitisara Devalayas at the entrance of the President’s House. Thereafter, the Diyawadana Nilame handed over the scroll containing the Sandeshaya informing the President of the successful completion of the Perahera.

The President commended the Diyawadana Nilame for fulfilling the noble responsibility of conducting the festival successfully. “The Kandy Esala Perahera festival was organized with pomp after a lapse of two years,” the President said.

The final Randoli Perahera of the Kandy Esala festival paraded the streets today (11) night with the gaily decorated Sri Dalada Maligawa tusker Indi Raja carrying the golden casket of the sacred relics. The picture shows the Indi Raja tusker with the sacred casket of relics leaving the Temple of the Tooth for the final day.

Meanwhile, the official closing ceremony of the Kandy Esala Perahera will be held under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the President’s House in Kandy tomorrow (12).

President Ranil Wickremesinghe viewed the final Randoli Perahera of the historical Kandy Esala Festival today night.

Justice, Prisons Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, Chief of Presidential Staff and Senior Advisor to the President Sagala Rathnayake and former Central Province Governor Sarath Ekanayake were also present.

Following tomorrow’s perahera, Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa Pradeep Nilanga Dela accompanied by the Basnayake Nilames of the Devales will hand over the traditional Sannas Pathra to the President informing him that the Pehahera festival was concluded successfully.

Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister Hon.Dr. Bandula Gunawardane had a discussion

with the representatives from the film industry at the Ministry of Mass Media yesterday (10).

This discussion was held with the objective of obtaining the ideas for drafting a national cinema

policy in order to develop the Sri Lankan cinema industry.  Newly appointed chairman of the National film corporation Deepal Chandraratne, with expertise in the film industry, artists, producers and many others related to the field also took part in this discussion.

 Minister Dr.Gunawardane stated, that the young generation hardly goes to cinema halls and immediate measures should be put in place to develop the cinema industry in a way that will more youths.

He made these remarks when the All Ceylon Makkal Congress led by MP Rishard Bathiudeen, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress led by MP Rauff Hakeem, Thamil Makkal Thesiya Kuttani led by MP C.V. Vigneswaran and the Tamil Progressive Alliance led by MP Mano Ganesan met him for a discussion on the proposed All-Party Government at the President’s Office yesterday (10).

The group of MPs of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, who became independent in parliament a few months ago also met the President to discuss the same matter yesterday.

The President informed the MPs that the appointment of the Sectoral Oversight Committee is taking place these days while he has understood the necessity of appointing several other sub-committees as well.

He also said that it is the main aim to form the National Council and it needs the representation of all the political parties and the affiliated parties of the already formed political alliances.

President Wickremesinghe also explained to the participants the importance of granting the Chairmen of Parliamentary Committees the powers similar to Cabinet Ministers and their participation in the Cabinet meetings when needed.

At this meeting which was also participated by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardane and the Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake, the President requested the participated groups to inform him of their decision on whether they are willing to take part in the committee system or to join the government following internal discussions within their respective Parties.

The Army Headquarters at Sri Jayawardenepura on Tuesday (9) laid a red carpet welcome to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Ranil Wickremesinghe when he made his first formal visit to the HQ at the invitation of the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage after the former's recent assumption of office as the 8th Executive President of Sri Lanka.

As the clock struck 9.00 am, the motorcade carrying the President, preceded by riders entered through the Army HQ main entrance where the visiting Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces cum the Head of the State was saluted in a drive-past Guard Turnout in front of the Defence Ministry building. Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Army waiting at the foyer afterwards extended a warm welcome to President Ranil Wickremesinghe before ushering him to the parade square to receive honours.

Prior to President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s arrival, Hon Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Hon Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Hon Minister of Public Security, Tiran Alles, Secretary to Ministry of Defence, General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne, Chief of Staff & National Security Adviser to the President, Mr Sagala Rathnayake, General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Staff of the Army, Deputy Chief of Staff and several Senior Officers were there to welcome the President.

Colourfully and elegantly-attired troops of the Gajaba Regiment (GR) after a while presented arms and saluted the day’s Chief Guest, President Ranil Wickremesinghe after he reviewed the Guard of Honour at the request of the Parade Commander from the special dais in keeping with military traditions. No sooner than President reviewed the highest military salute closely, made up of 04 Officers, 100 Other Ranks along with squads of President Colours and Regimental Colours.

At the main entrance to the AHQ, President Ranil Wickremesinghe was then introduced to the Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) of the Army HQ by Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Army. At the Commander’s office, both the visiting Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and the host, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage had a very brief exchange of views. Commander of the Army also availed himself of the opportunity to present the first editions of the "Sri Lanka Army Keystone Doctrines; Command, Operations Other Than War and Sustenance " to the visiting Commander-in-Chief.

Attaching more importance to the day's itinerary, the President in an appreciative move did not forget to meet a representative gathering of Army troops who performed their duties on that fateful day a few weeks ago when a violent mob tried hard to take control of the Parliamentary complex which is considered as the pinnacle of the Democracy and Sovereignty of Sri Lanka. Army soldiers on duty while trying to prevent their entry sustained injuries and some of them had to be admitted to hospitals for urgent treatment.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, addressing the gathering after a welcome note appreciated their timely intervention at the expense of their own lives and gave away certificates of appreciation to those heroic troops of the Army where he stated " Your actions that day preserved the Constitution, Democracy and Sovereignty of the country”.

Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage towards the end of the distribution of appreciative certificates among soldiers, showed his organization’s gratitude to the visiting Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces by presenting a special memento on behalf of all in the Army.

The country’s 8th Executive President Ranil Wickremesinghe afterwards made a complimentary note in the Visitors' Book before he posed for a couple of group photos with Senior Officers at the Army Headquarters on request.

Decisions taken at the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers held on 08.08.2022

01. Entering into a Memorandum of Understanding between the International Centre for Higher Education Innovation (UNESCO - ICHEI) and the Ministry of Education of the Government of Sri Lanka.

The International Centre for Higher Education Innovation implemented under the sponsorship of UNESCO has agreed to provide training across online methodology for enhancing the capacity of staff of technical and vocational education and training institutions in the state sector of this country. Under this facility, it has been agreed to facilitate a platform to access the sectors such as artificial intelligence, robotics, data analysis, mechanical vision, mechanical learning, digital graphic designing and digital enterprises. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval for the proposal submitted by the Minister of Education in order to sign a memorandum of understanding between the two parties to implement the said programme.

02. Introduction of cost-based water charges.

It has been recognized that a revision of charges to ensure the financial stability of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board and the supply of water services to the public continuously and without any disturbance is required. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the resolution furnished by the Minister of Water Supply in order to revise the water charges and sewage charges obtained at present so that the recurrent monitoring cost and the capital loan services responsibility of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board is covered.

03. Allocating plots of land from regional industrial zones in which infrastructure facilities were developed for the establishment of industries.

The Ministry of Industries implements the ‘Regional Industrial Zones Development Programme’ with the aim of promoting the industries at a regional level. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the resolution furnished by the Minister of Industries in order to allocate plots of land from 13 industrial zones for 25 investors selected under the said programme.

04. Programme to provide Japanese language competency at the school level.

In terms of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Government of Japan, Sri Lankans are eligible to apply for employment as technical in-service trainees and employment in 14 sectors under the programme with special skills. Competency in the Japanese language is an essential qualification for the purpose and should be qualified precisely from the examinations conducted in several stages. It has been planned to recruit approximately 345,000 labourers for employment in Japan for the next 05 years under the special skills employment programme whereas Japan has signed agreements with seven (07) countries including Sri Lanka for this purpose.

Considering the above circumstances, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution furnished by the Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment in order to inaugurate the teaching of Japanese language and English language under the technical subject stream implemented in the schools and to develop soft skills in the sectors of nursing, hospitality, building cleaning, agricultural activities, motor mechanism or electric and electronic mechanism etc, aiming at the employment opportunities in Japan.

05. Awarding contract for aviation insurance coverage for Sri Lanka Airlines

Sri Lankan Aviation Company Limited obtain insurance services under 04 categories of insurance coverages for their air crafts. Limited national competitive bids have been called from general insurance companies registered under the Sri Lanka Insurance Regulation Commission for those 04 categories of insurance coverages. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal submitted by His Excellency the President as the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation to award the relevant contract to Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation as per the recommendation of the Standing Procurement Committee appointed by the Cabinet of Ministers.

06. Provision of funds for the upcoming phases of the projects iROAD 1 and iROAD 2

implemented under the Consolidated Highways Investment Programme financed by the

Asian Development Bank

140 civil work contracts have been awarded for upgrading and maintenance of 6,250 kilometers of rural roads and 750 kilometers of national highways by iROAD 1 and iROAD 2 projects financed by the Asian Development Bank. Approximately 4,800 kilometers of rural roads and 300 kilometers of national highways have been completed by now. Therefore, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the resolution furnished by the Minister of Transport and Highways to hold discussions and enter into negotiations as well as take future actions with the Asian Development Bank in relation to obtaining USD 243 million for phase 5 of iROAD 1 program and USD 200 million for phase 4 of iROAD 2 program to enable implementation of project activities of the said projects without disturbance.

07. Submission of published gazette notifications for the approval of the Parliament.

The Cabinet of Ministers approved the submission of a gazette notification published in terms of the value added tax act No. 14 of 2002, two (02) gazette notifications including rules published under the excise ordinance (Chapter 52) and an order published under the Finance Act No. 25 of 2003 by the Hon. President as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies for the approval of the Parliament.

08. Amendment of the Motor Traffic Act to include provisions to enable registration of electric Three Wheelers.

Several parties have requested an opportunity to utilize electric Tuk Tuks in order to popularize vehicles run with electric power instead of utilizing fossil fuel within Sri Lanka. However, the motor traffic act needs to be amended since no required provisions are available in the present act. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution submitted by the Minister of Transport and Highways to take necessary measures to amend the current motor traffic act including the relevant amendments to enable the registration of electric Three Wheeled Vehicles.

09. Amendment of Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Act No.19 of 1954

Many business institutions such as Knowledge Process Outsourcing institutions, Business Process Outsourcing institutions, Back Office and ICT enabling Services have emerged in the country around major cities. According to the nature of those institutions, the employees working there have to work according to the time of other countries. However, according to the Act, women can be employed after 6:00 PM only in a limited number of employments. Therefore, it has been identified that the existing restrictive legal provisions on night work of women should be amended. Accordingly, the cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment to take necessary steps to amend the Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Act No.19 of 1954.

10. Formation of Cabinet Sub Committees.

It has been recognized that it is appropriate to establish Cabinet Sub Committees enabling a time frame for policy decisions to be made during cabinet meetings and to make recommendations to the Cabinet of Ministers regarding the subjects that need to be studied and decided upon in depth of legal and other matters. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposals presented by Hon. President to establish the Cabinet Subcommittee on Public Expenditure Management chaired by the President in order to submit policy recommendations to the Cabinet on the proposals related to public expenditure such as the initiation of new projects and procurement activities and to establish the Cabinet Subcommittee on Institutional Affairs chaired by the prime Minister to study matters related to institutional affairs such as appointments, promotions, transfers and disciplinary actions in the public service and submit policy study matters related to public service appointments, promotions, transfers and disciplinary actions and make policy recommendations to the Cabinet.

11. Establishment of Cabinet Sub Committee on Cost of Living and establishment of Food

Security Committee.

The cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Hon. President to establish the Cabinet sub-committee on Cost of Living to provide recommendations on policy and practical solutions necessary to maintain the cost of living stable by ensuring that food and other essential materials are supplied to the market without shortage and to establish Food Security Committee. to assist the work of the sub-committee on trade and commerce and to form the committee under the chairmanship of the Minister of Food Safety.

12. Implementation of Food Security and Livelihood Restoration Emergency Assistance Project

The Project " Food Security and Livelihood Restoration Emergency Assistance Project" is planned to be implemented with the aim of protecting the food security and livelihoods of the poor and in disaster. In addition, the Japan Fund for a Prosperous and Resilient Asia and Pacific Region has agreed to provide a 3 million USD grant through the Asian Development Bank to finance the project activities. Accordingly, the cabinet of ministers approved the proposal presented by the Hon. president in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stability and National Policies to conduct negotiation discussions with the Asian Development Bank and enter into agreements.

13. Price Revised for domestic type gas

The cabinet of ministers approved the proposal presented by H.E. the president in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stability and National Policies to immediately implement a cost- representative price formula on the 5th day of every month for the purpose of ensuring continuous supply of gas and based on the said price formula to revise domestic gas prices.

14. Revision of Petroleum Products (Special Provisions) Act No.33 of 2002

On April 25, 2022, the Cabinet approved the amendment of the Petroleum Products Act No. 33 of 2002 to enable other competing parties to be granted licenses for the import of petroleum products in order to ensure the continuous supply of petroleum products due to the current severe foreign exchange deficit. Attorney General’s clearance has been received for the bill prepared by the legal draftsman accordingly. The cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by Hon. Minister of Power and Energy to publish this bill in the Govt. gazette and submit for parliament consequently.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has extended his well wishes to Ranil Wickremesinghe on his election as the Executive President of Sri Lanka.

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres issuing a special congratulatory message has said that the leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe will be crucial for building a favorable environment and stability to overcome the current challenges that the country is facing.

The UN Secretary-General has acknowledged the President’s commitment to forge a consensus among all political parties in formulating a national strategy to address these challenges.

He has also encouraged dialogue among all stakeholders, including consultation with the public, while ensuring respect for the rule of law and basic human rights principles.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said the United Nations is ready to support the government and people of Sri Lanka in meeting their immediate and long-term needs and is looking forward to continuing the cooperation of the UN in building peace, sustainable development and promoting human rights for all Sri Lankans.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has announced that he is planning to present an interim budget in the first week of September. President Wickremesinghe has said through the interim budget he will provide several concessions and relief to the people. The matter was conveyed by the President during a discussion held last evening with a group of Members of Parliament pertaining to the formation of an all-party government. The Head of State met representatives of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and another group including Parliamentarians GL Peiris and Dullas Alahapperuma. The President has said the aim of the all-party government is to convert the entire Parliament into a government and rebuild the country.

Meanwhile, President Ranil Wickremesinghe is scheduled to hold a special discussion with the representatives of the Samagi Jana Alliance this afternoon. The meeting will mainly focus on the formation of an all-party government, the proposed Parliamentary committee system and the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe received the blessings of Mahanayake of Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya Most Ven.Dodampahala Chandrasiri Thera at Sri Gothama Thapowana Viharaya, Rajagiriya.

Italy-based 27-year-old Abeykoon defied all expectations win a historic bronze medal in the men’s 100m final clocking 10.14 seconds behind Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala (10.02) and South Africa’s Akani Simbine (10.13).

Army Corporal Palitha Bandara (30) walked the talk to become the first para-athlete to win a medal in the Commonwealth Games when he claimed silver in the men’s Discus F42-44/61-64 event throwing a distance of 44.20 metres. Welshmen Aled Davies (F42 51.29m) and Harrison Walsh (F44 54.76m) claimed gold and bronze respectively.

In a magnanimous gesture, Bandara rushed to congratulate Abeykoon soon after he finished in the third position in the 100m final. “All of Sri Lanka had a lot of hopes on Yupun. At that moment as a Sri Lankan I felt very proud more than my event when Yupun won,” said Bandara.

Abeykoon said his medal was a little gift from him to the people of Sri Lanka who had rooted for him all the way. “I want to thank everyone for supporting me all the way. For everyone who watched me running and everyone in Sri Lanka, this is a little gift,” said Abeykoon who could not believe his eyes when he finished third in the final.

“My team and I had already achieved the target when we entered the semifinals,” said Abeykoon who was the fastest in the heats clocking 10.02 seconds before finishing fourth in the third semifinals barely advancing to the final as one of the fastest qualifiers returning a time of 10.20.

“My coach told me to relax during the finals because we had already achieved our goal,” said Abeykoon, who considers the medal a bonus.

He expressed his eternal gratitude to the people of Sri Lanka who blessed him every step of the way.

“Lot of people were looking forward to it. They believed in me. I want to thank everyone for supporting me all the way. For everyone who watched me running and everyone in Sri Lanka, this is a little gift,” he reiterated.

On becoming the first South Asian athlete to run a sub-10 of 9.96, Abeykoon said: “I planned three years for it. I told you earlier, I have achieved my target. Everything else is a bonus. Medal is also a bonus. I have achieved my target already,” he said basking in the glory.

With the aim of providing instant news to readers, the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (ANCL) has taken steps to commence an SMS news alert service in all three languages.

Accordingly, subscribers can type Reg(space)DIN and SMS it to 77010 to activate Dinamina news alerts. Similarly, by typing Reg(space)DAILYNEWS and sending an SMS to 77010, Daily News news alerts could be activated and for Thinakaran news alerts subscribers should type Reg(space)TKN and send it to 77010 to activate Tamil news alerts.

Secretary to the Ministry of Mass Media and ANCL Chairman Anusha Palpita officially launched the SMS news alert service on August 3.

Addressing the gathering at the launch of the SMS news alert service, Palpita noted that as the new generation is more inclined towards new media, ANCL as a media organization should adapt to new media methods and communicate information to the readers accordingly.

He said that the sources of information communication should be changed while adapting to new technological methods, and information should be communicated promptly to the loyal readers who have been with Lake House for many years. He compared the newly commenced SMS news alert service to a sprouting plant and expressed confidence that it would grow into a mighty tree.

The Chairman pointed out that the rising cost of printing due to the current economic crisis is becoming unbearable for all printing establishments, adding that if a peaceful atmosphere can be maintained in the country, this situation would normalize to some extent in the future.

Meanwhile, the Editorial Director of Lake House Senior Journalist Sisira Paranathanthri said that there is no doubt that this SMS service will be a crucial crossroad in the history of ANCL, where it reaches its readers instantly, whereas readers were reached only once a day previously through newspapers.

ANCL Director of Legal Affairs Janaka Ranatunga, Director of Financial Affairs Professor Harendra Kariyawasam, Editors of ANCL newspapers, Deputy General Manager of Advertising Prasanna Sukho Jayasumana and several others participated in this event.

Cabinet Spokesman Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardane told reporters on Tuesday (3) that a resolution has been furnished by Industries Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana for granting duty concessions on imports by local garment manufacturing equipment or appliances.

Speaking to the media at the weekly Cabinet media briefing, Minister Gunawardane said that the granting of duty concessions to the garment industry has become one of the main sectors earning foreign exchange to Sri Lanka even amidst COVID-19 pandemic circumstances.

However, due to the price hike of raw materials and the prevailing unfavorable economic environment experienced in the country, local garment manufacturers are compelled to deal with a number of challenges when importing appliances required for garment manufacturing that are not produced locally.

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal made by the Industries Minister to grant duty concessions on imports by local garment manufacturing equipment or appliances or items not manufactured locally and coming under 19 harmonized system (HS) codes; as a remedy to the prevailing situation.