President Ranil Wickremesinghe outlined an ambitious vision for Sri Lanka’s economic future during his address at the centenary celebration of Al-Mubarak Central College in Malwana.

He emphasised the replication of the Biyagama Free Trade Zone’s success as a blueprint for modern commercial industrialization to be implemented nationwide.

This strategy aims to propel the country towards rapid development within the next 15 to 20 years.

President Wickremesinghe noted the significant progress made in the Biyagama region since the establishment of the trade zone and highlighted the nation’s potential to become a thriving investment hub. He unveiled plans to open up several new investment opportunities on a global scale, paving the way for Sri Lanka to emerge as a prominent investment destination.

The President’s remarks were delivered during the centenary celebration ceremony, where he also revealed that several areas, including Bingiriya, Hambantota, Kandy, Trincomalee and the Northern Province, have been earmarked for the establishment of industrial estates. These areas are set to undergo rapid development, transforming into vibrant commercial cities.

Furthermore, President Wickremesinghe stressed the commitment of local representatives to attract investment opportunities for the advancement of their respective districts. He cited the example of the Biyagama investment zone, which has evolved into the premier trade zone in South Asia. President Wickremesinghe asserted that replicating the success of industrialization seen in Biyagama and Katunayake across all provinces is crucial for alleviating economic pressures.

President Wickremesinghe also highlighted the Government’s dedication to strengthening the country’s economy while simultaneously creating employment opportunities for the nation’s youth.

During his visit to Al-Mubarak Central College, President Wickremesinghe was warmly welcomed by students. He inaugurated a new three-storied building at the college and issued a commemorative stamp to mark the centenary celebration. This historic visit marked the first time a sitting President had visited Al-Mubarak Central College. The President also left a commemorative note in the special guest book and inaugurated the college’s centenary memorial. Additionally, he recognized students who exhibited exceptional skills with awards and certificates.

Education State Minister Aravinda Kumar also addressed the ceremony, while State Ministers Prasanna Ranaweera and Kader Masthan, along with Principal of Al-Mubarak Central College Malwana S.H.M.Naim, staff, students past and present and other officials were present to mark this significant occasion.

A collection of Russian books was donated to the Homagama Mahinda Rajapaksa College Library on a request made by Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana.

Decisions taken by the Cabinet of Ministers on 04.09.2023

Route to cover all places of worship within Sacred City for Rs. 50

Service on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Poya Days

A special passenger bus service from the Anuradhapura railway station to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi was launched from the Anuradhapura Railway Station on a special request made by the Anuradhapura Atamsthanadhipathi,  Ven.Pallegama Hemarathana Nayaka Thera from Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister Dr.Bandula Gunawardhana yesterday.

Accordingly, with the commencement of this bus service, devotees will have the opportunity to travel from the railway station to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi for Rs.50. The bus is scheduled to run 15 times a day according to a railway-bus integrated timetable system.

The ‘Bo Samindu Vandana’ bus route has been planned to cover all places worship including the Sandahiru Seya, Isurumuniya, Abhayagiriya, Samadhi Statue, Jethawanaramaya, Thuparamaya,

Ruwanweli Maha Seya and Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi from the Anuradhapura railway station.There has been a need for pilgrims and tourists, especially on Poya days and weekends, who come to worship the Anuradhapura sacred city including the Atamasthana without any obstruction at a minimum cost from the railway station to Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi. Private transport facilities including three-wheelers have been there for a long time but it was pointed out a few weeks ago when Atamasthanadhipathi Nayak Thera met the minister that there had been an organized network of harassing pilgrims and tourists by forcing them into their vehicles and charging unbearably high fees. Critical news about this was published through various media and Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana had given instructions to the Sri LankaTransport Board officials to start a new bus service from Nikini Poya day.

Speaking on the occasion of launching this bus service, the Minister said; On Nikini Full Moon Poya Day, it is a pleasure to contribute to a special pilgrimage from the historical sacred city of Anuradhapura. With the Mahindagamana, the economic, social, cultural and religious history of this country began to change, with the sacred city of Anuradhapura as the foundation.

The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi located in Anuradhapura, which is a huge educational center centered on the Maha Vihara and Abhayagiriya, is known as the oldest tree worshipped by the

world’s largest number of people. A large number of people from remote areas of the country and even from foreign countries visit Anuradhapura daily to worship these special religious heritages and shrines including theAtamasthana.

The Nayake Thera of the Atamasthana had informed the heads of institutions and ministers and the heads of the security departments, since a long time about having to incur huge costs for travelling the short distance from the railway station, which is their main means of transport, to sacred areas including the Atamasthana and about the various persecutions and harassments devotees have to face. It is very reasonable to be blamed by the Nayake Thera for not looking into this. I took the responsibility of resuming this train-bus integrated transport service, which had been running for about a decade and had been discontinued, after paying attention to it. As the Minister in charge of Transport and Highways, it is my responsibility, duty and right.

Accordingly, we are happy that this bus service, which will be launched, has been able to provide solutions to a problem that was a big nuisance for the devotees. Accordingly, this joint bus transport service will operate only on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Poya days, and through this, the people who run three-wheelers will also be able to operate without any injustice being done to them.

“In order to rebuild the country, which is facing an economic crisis, we must work to create a public service that will stop theft, fraud and corruption and work with discipline”.

“We fulfill the responsibility of protecting and advocating for the employees as well as state property. I hope that the government employees as well as the local people will get the support of everyone for the work done with a good cause and for public welfare.

Anuradhapura Atamasthanadhipathi, Chief Sanghanayake of Nuwara Kalaviya,Ven.Pallegama Hemarathana Nayake Thera, Ruwanweli Chaityaramadhipathi, Chancellor of the Rajarata University, Venerable Eethalawetunuwewe Gnanathilaka Nayaka Thera, and Maha sangha, former Minister, MP S.M. Chandrasena, former Chief Minister of North Central Province Ranjith Samarakoon,Sri Lanka Transport Board Chief Executive Officer Mahesh Kulathilake, Deputy General Manager (Operations) Panduka Swarnahansa, and officials from the Railway Department as well as a large crowd of people were present on this occasion.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, addressing the Forum on Sri Lanka Sustainable Development Trajectories and Pathways, expressed unwavering confidence in Sri Lanka’s potential to develop independently and alleviate the burden on external assistance.

“I think we in Sri Lanka should no longer think of asking others for help. But let’s make it on our own as many countries have done,” President Wickremesinghe asserted, underlining the nation’s determination to forge its path.

The President underscored the importance of diversifying financial resources beyond traditional channels. President Wickremesinghe emphasised that Sri Lanka’s reliance extends beyond financing solely from multilateral development banks. The engagement of the private sector, along with encouraging investments, has been identified as a crucial factor in generating the necessary funds to drive the country’s sustainable development initiatives.

In a bid to foster competitiveness and navigate economic challenges, President Wickremesinghe highlighted Sri Lanka’s proactive efforts to overhaul its economy. Drawing inspiration from successful models such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, the nation seeks to attract foreign investments and capitalize on emerging markets.

President Wickremesinghe’s address at the Sustainable Development Forum conveyed an unwavering commitment to self-reliance, economic transformation, and sustainable growth, positioning Sri Lanka on a trajectory of progress and resilience.

Following is the full speech delivered by President Ranil Wickremesinghe; “When the speakers before me were explaining the Sustainable Development Goals and what we have achieved so far, the question that arose in my mind was: what is the future?

I will be one of those participating in the discussions at the United Nations, which have been called for by the Secretary General. While discussing these issues with some of them and with

some of my officials here, I had to raise a few questions that I thought I would also place before you. Where do we go from here? We have the Sustainable Development Goals that you all accepted, and now we are evaluating the results halfway through. But the world has changed a lot since then. In addition to the Sustainable Development Goals, we had the Paris Climate Summit and the Glasgow Summit, and thus the whole issue of climate change.

Furthermore, we are also meeting in the aftermath of the adverse impact of COVID-19 worldwide. Sri Lanka is one of the worst-affected because COVID itself resulted in Sri Lanka becoming bankrupt. However, every country has suffered. There has been a significant setback to the global economy. Even if we look at the situation today, what progress do we see? In Europe, it is still stagnant. The US has been luckier with growth taking place and the on-and-off rise and fall of economic performance. China is still in the process of recovery. So the engines of world growth have come to a halt.

So, what is the cost of all this for us? How do we find the financial resources for the Sustainable Development Goals? How do we find the financial resources for climate change mitigation?

How do we find the financial resources for the global debt financing crisis? The engine itself, the engine of growth, has still not reached its fullest potential. It is in crisis. And with this engine of growth in crisis, we have also got to find the resources both for the Sustainable Development Goals and for climate change.

I am not speaking against these goals; these are goals that we have to fulfill. We have our commitment from the SDGs of 2030 to the climate change goals of 2050. Recently, the Secretary General called for an accelerated agenda. But all this requires the ability to find the resources. Some thought that the developer would be good enough to fund it. However, they are not. They certainly haven’t come up with the resources. And at the moment, I don’t think they have the resources, given the problems they are facing. So where do we find it? Is the world still ready for a period of fast growth? No. So we are in the middle of another crisis. So, first, we have to look at how to find the resources, what resources are available. We rely not only on financing from the multilateral development banks, but also from the private sector. The private sector needs to invest, and the private sector needs to issue bonds. Will that succeed in the case of many countries? Some may not be prepared to accept it, and the private sector may find that other countries are not suitable for investment. So, we are leaving about one third to 40% out of that. Then how does the rest grow? This is an issue we have to address. Where do we find the funding? Look at Sri Lanka. In 2019, we required an annual investment of 9% of GDP just to achieve the SDGs. In addition to this, we now have the climate change goals, and we are a country that’s bankrupt. So, where do we find the resources?

This is a question that all of us have. As far as Sri Lanka is concerned, we will make the best effort. As a result of the debt crisis we’ve had, we are now taking measures to completely restructure the economy.

We are following the path that Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam have taken, so that we become a highly competitive economy and learn to find our markets. We can no longer be the sheltered small economy that we were earlier. I hope that we will succeed, but it means reworking, starting from the beginning. We have to invest in new technologies and bring in foreign investment and capital.

This is what we want to do because if we can develop on our own, then fewer resources will be needed for Sri Lanka, and more resources will be available elsewhere. So let’s not be a burden. I think we in Sri Lanka should no longer think of asking others for help, but let’s make it on our own, just like many other countries have done. Take Vietnam, a country completely destroyed by war, which was still able to become a world power. There are many growing economies like Vietnam. There are numerous instances, and we are situated in the area

of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. We are in East Asia, Southeast Asia. We are observing growth taking place. India holds potential for growth, and the Indian Ocean region is anticipated to be the next area of growth. So, we will strive to succeed on our own. However, can the whole world be supportive?

They are after you. While Sri Lanka has its share of the Sri Lankan coast, it doesn’t necessarily mean that there will be ample resources available for others. With three distinct programs needing attention, it is prudent for us to consider an integrated approach to resolving this. We need to determine the areas that deserve immediate emphasis and those that can be addressed later.

I believe it’s time for all of us to review this situation. We should review the SDGs, assess climate change mitigation efforts, and examine the global debt crisis. The objective is not to abandon any of these but to bring them together and then find a way to regroup for the next phase. I intentionally use the term “regroup” because, in battle, after some time when your forces are scattered, you gather them all and regroup for the next assault. Similarly, we need to regroup, strategise, and move ahead. This is what I believe. This is what we have been contemplating, and I think it’s a serious option for us to consider.”

President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s interest in the religious and cultural revival, as part of the post-Independence resurgence, is enormous as evident from his attention to the minutest detail with regard to the implementation of the Maha Vihara excavation and the development of the Anuradhapura Sacred City, closely questioning the officials displaying his knowledge ability.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in a statement, has said: Sigiriya and Anuradhapura can be considered as our heritage. Sigiriya is our greatest achievement and our civilization lies in this City of Anuradhapura. The Maha Viharayaya takes precedence there. The Maha Viharaya is the headquarters of Pali Buddhism. This time, during my visit to India, I presented Prime Minister Narendra Modi with an English copy of the Tripitaka.

Other development initiatives in the Anuradhapura Sacred Site region should be put into action based on this Maha Viharaya Development Plan.

During the time when S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike was Local Government Minister in 1947, the Anuradhapura Sacred Site was initiated. But up until now, we haven’t been able to complete this properly.

India began the construction of Nalanda University in the 1990s. Today, Nalanda University has been established as a major University. Many countries made contributions to it. Pakistan, a Muslim country, also built Taxila in the same way.

Despite the fact that Sri Lanka is a Buddhist nation, we were unable to finish the Maha Viharaya’s construction. We should all feel guilty about it.

New Law

The Department of Archaeology is sending me letters asking me to protect the archaeological sites. We are ready for it. But we must remember the basic work of this Maha Viharaya. A new city can be built at any time. But we have to proceed with the excavation work of the Maha Viharaya. These activities should be carried forward on the advice of the Maha Sangha of the Atamasthana.

A new law that will apply to Anuradhapura should be prepared. Additionally, a Committee is anticipated to be formed to carry out this activity with the concerned officials. Despite the existence of Departments and Corporations, this work is not overseen by a single administrative officer. We should focus on that as well.

If we start this project now, we can achieve some progress in the next ten years, but it will take at least 25 years to complete it. When these operations begin, Sri Lanka will develop into an archaeological hub.

Malwathu Oya is where the Sinhalese civilization first emerged. Before beginning the Malwathu Oya project, excavations at Maha Viharaya should be completed in the following two years. Retired archaeologists can be contacted if necessary. These initiatives are connected.

We have successfully completed the Sigiriya project with Senaka Bandaranayake, Roland Silva, and Shiran Deraniyagala. We should develop the City of Anuradhapura in the same way. When I went to Paris, I also discussed it with UNESCO.

We can also get assistance from Rajarata University in this regard. This area has to be developed so that visitors can remain for a few days. Therefore, it is important to prioritize and advance this programme. Once this is underway, we will receive support from around the world to carry out the project.

Anuradhapura has a rich history. While other countries emphasize their historical civilizations we have not paid adequate attention to it. If Dimbulagala excavations were done today, tourists from Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos would come to visit the place. Let’s first finish the Anuradhapura work.

We should be proud of our history and civilization. We should showcase our history to the world. Therefore, if we develop our heritage, we will be able to reap high benefits from tourism.

A showroom by the name ‘Rajarata Civilization’ will be built here. It is necessary to establish a separate location for Buddhist culture. I also spoke with the Indian Prime Minister about how Kusinara and Sanchi were built. Such locations have been constructed in Hindu countries to draw Buddhist tourists.

Additionally, we are now discussing the establishment of the Maha Vihara University. We intend to carry out those tasks in-depth in accordance with the old Pirivena education. The historical City of Anuradhapura will gain from these endeavours.

Atamasthanadhipathi and Chief Sanghanayaka of Nuwara Kalaviya Most Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Nayaka Thera as a leader who recognized the value of Anuradhapura, your efforts to re-establish the Maha Viharaya will be blessed by the Maha Sangha. Also, we express our appreciation for your desire to exchange Buddhist philosophy with other countries of the world as a centre of Theravada Buddhism in accordance with the international relations that existed in history.

In 1948 S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike gazetted and developed the Anuradhapura Sacred Site. President J.R. Jayewardene along with the Central Cultural Fund worked to restore Jethavanaramaya and Abhayagiriya temples. But no one’s attention has been focused on other temple complexes of the Atamasthana.

In the Anuradhapura Sacred Site Development Plan, it seems that no attention has been paid to Lankaramaya. Therefore, I remind the National Physical Planning Department, Archeology Department, and the Central Cultural Fund to prepare a proper plan for the development of Lankaramaya within two weeks and include it in the Anuradhapura Sacred Site Development Plan. Otherwise, this Anuradhapura Sacred Site Development Plan will basically fail.

Also, I see it as a work of great national importance if a system of rules and regulations particular to this land can be prepared and gazetted to protect this sacred Anuradhapura city for the future, he said.

Anuradhapura Sacred City was founded by Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike with the assistance of Nissanka Wijeyeratne, who was Government Agent of Anuradhapura District from 1958 to 1962.

At a time when the City of Anuradhapura was in a period of historic transition, the New Town of Anuradhapura was being built, and the residents of the old were being transferred to the new town. It was a time of some tension and of excitement. He managed this process of change with courage and remarkable political skills.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe met the President of Singapore Ms. Halimah Yacob at the Istana earlier today. The Singapore President said in a note on her official Facebook page that the two leaders had fruitful discussions, covering food security, renewable energy, and regional economic cooperation, amongst others.

“Our friendship is anchored by strong people-to-people ties and cooperation across various sectors. There is much scope to deepen our ties. I wish President Wickremesinghe a productive visit in Singapore,” she noted in her post.

Meanwhile, in a significant step towards reinforcing bilateral ties, Singapore’s Minister for Defence, Dr. Ng Eng Hen, called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe today during President Wickremesinghe’s two-day official visit to Singapore.

The meeting focused on amplifying security and defence collaboration between the two nations.

The discussions between Minister Ng Eng Hen and President Wickremesinghe underscored the paramount importance of strengthening security partnerships in the South Asian region.

Singapore’s Defence Minister Dr. Ng Eng Hen and President Wickremesinghe highlighted the necessity for consistent communication and coordination to effectively address common security concerns.

Both nations are set to harness their respective strengths to create a synergistic partnership that enhances the security landscape in the region.

President Wickremesinghe also met the Minister for Sustainability and Environment of Singapore Ms Grace FU Hai Yien.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the tourism industry is the leading sector that can quickly achieve the goals of building the country’s economy and the government has given priority to its promotion by taking many important decisions.

“While it takes time to get income from industry and agriculture, quicker earning can be obtained from tourism.”

President Wickremasinghe mentioned this yesterday at the opening of Hilton Yala Resort, the most luxurious hotel of the Hilton Hotel Group.

“During my trip to the Maldives in 1981, the country’s income from tourists was minimal but today arrivals have increased. While a tourist is charged around USD 200 per day in Sri Lanka Maldives charges about 700 dollars. Hence to develop the local tourism industry arrivals as well as the price should be increased.”

A large number of domestic and foreign tourists visit the Yala National Park on a daily basis and the President pointed out the need to develop the region in a comprehensive manner targeting them and to provide them with more facilities.

Wickremesinghe further said that the opening of Hilton hotel in Yala area as a high class luxury hotel gives the opportunity to attract tourists with high energy and create a new development in the tourism business and I am thankful to Melwa and Hilton Group for that. Our aim is to promote the tourism industry and take it forward. It is essential for everyone to contribute to that.”

Tourism should also be a source of employment and young people should be trained more. Many new proposals have been presented for the rapid development of tourism in this country. We also hope to deploy resources to generate short-term income and employment opportunities.”

Harin Fernando, Minister of Tourism and Lands said that as a result of the President’s visit to India, the largest number of tourists is coming to our country from India.

“Our airlines operate flights to India about 80 times a week to meet this demand. New airlines have started flying to Sri Lanka while others currently flying to Sri Lanka have added capacity.”

He also said that the Hilton Hotel Group will be opening new luxury hotels in Nuwara Eliya and Negombo soon and the tourism industry of this country will get a wide contribution from these activities.

In addition a large number of foreigners have started investing in Sri Lanka today because of their willingness and desire to stay in the country.

“Statistics show that 31% of tourists coming to Sri Lanka are repeat tourists. Sri Lanka does not have to be a country with a specific destination for tourists.”

President Ranil Wickremesinghe urged officials to accelerate efforts towards the goal of attracting 5 million tourists annually to Sri Lanka. These directives were issued during a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (16), where he engaged with a committee responsible for assessing the progress of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry enhancement program and proposing measures to establish the country as a prominent tourist destination.

During the discussion, comprehensive plans spanning short, medium, and long terms were thoroughly deliberated upon to enhance Sri Lanka’s appeal and comfort for tourists. President Wickremesinghe inquired about ongoing plans and the role of the private sector in promoting the nation’s tourism industry. Officials briefed the President on current initiatives and emerging trends.

According to the recommendations set forth by the committee tasked with establishing Sri Lanka as a leading tourist destination, the Ministry of Tourism and its affiliated bodies are formulating a strategic plan for up to 2025. Remarkably, 95% of this plan has already been completed.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe also directed officials to identify a suitable location, in collaboration with the private sector, for the establishment of a high-class hotel school in Sri Lanka.

To enhance lodging options for tourists visiting Sri Lanka, the President issued additional directives. Officials have been tasked with investigating and compiling a report on currently unused buildings and historic bungalows. Additionally, they are to explore a program to unearth unexplored destinations and conceive new projects in tourist-centric areas.

With the aim of fostering a favourable investment climate, the President’s plan involves the establishment of an Investment Infrastructure Corporation, alongside the formation of a decision-making council. Emphasizing the significance of Provincial Tourism Boards across all 09 provinces, the President advocated for the creation of regional committees under each board.

Minister of Tourism and Lands, Mr. Harin Fernando, shared that several tourism promotion initiatives have been devised in anticipation of the forthcoming Asian Cup. He highlighted the unexplored potential in Central and Uva provinces, particularly in the Central Province where air quality remains pristine. Minister Fernando proposed developing this province as a sustainable tourism hub.

Addressing congestion issues at airports and parks, Minister Harin Fernando underscored the focus on enhancing visitor amenities.

Attending the event were key figures including Presidential Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka, Presidential Secretary Mr. Saman Ekanayake, Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Lands Mr. H.M.B.P. Herath, as well as heads of various agencies. Also in attendance were committee Chairman Mr. Kavan Ratnayaka and other officials appointed to guide the transformation of Sri Lanka into a premier tourist destination.

Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana yesterday said in order to recover the country from the economic crisis, efforts should be made to limit the expenses and increase the income using new tactics and strategies.

The Minister was speaking during the launch of a new bus to operate from the Mattegoda, Kudamaduwa area, acquired under the Indian credit line to enhance public transport in rural areas. The new bus will be operate from the Kesbewa depot on the from Mattegoda to Kudamaduwa, Polgasowita and Piliyandala.

The Minister speaking at the event said “in the current situation, it is very difficult for the people to use private transport modes at a big cost. As the Minister in charge, I know people in every area are facing difficulties due to transportation difficulties”.

“When I took over the responsibility of the Ministry, SLTB had become a loss-making institution. The main reason was the financial irregularities and frauds carried out by a handful of people. A large number of people had to be suspended due to the ongoing investigations.

As of last week, we had to disband the SLTB flying squad due to confirmation of information that it was involved in frauds”.

“Currently, the SLTB is being revamped according to a new system with the contribution of the current chairman and other officials. By 2025, we must make SLTB profitable.”.

The purpose of getting 500 new buses under the Indian loan scheme is also an effort in this direction”.

“Throughout history, there has been no Government that has not borrowed from foreign countries. Most of the development activities carried out in the country have been done with foreign loans obtained in this way”. The amount of tax revenue collected from the people was only to pay salaries, pensions, subsidies and loan interest. In the end, the country was unable to pay the loans taken after the Covid epidemic, the Easter attack and other situations. Due to this, the people had to face situations like fuel gas queues, electricity restrictions”.

“Even though the crisis has subsided, it has not been completely resolved. No matter who is in power, we should have a plan to pay this debt for another twenty or twenty-five years. An economic solution is needed for this economic problem. We should work for a program to limit the expenses and increase the income by using new tactics and strategies” he said..

Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana and Director General of Government Information Dinith Karunarathna, at the media briefing to announce Cabinet decisions yesterday.