Category: News

All students of government and government-approved schools will be allowed to attend in-person lessons from tomorrow (March 14) as per usual.

A circular in this regard was issued by the Secretary to the Ministry of Education Prof. Kapila Prera earlier this week, giving necessary instructions to the authorities.

Previously, the in-person lessons in schools were conducted based on the number of students per class due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, a new circular was issued by the Education Ministry noting that all students should be summoned to schools as per usual from tomorrow.

The communiqué also stated that, if an issue with regard to the functioning of schools arises owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, it is possible to take necessary actions with the approval of the zonal director of education.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner-General of Examinations stated that the results of Grade 5 Scholarship Examination would be released within the course of the day.

The Russia Today (RT) international news channel has gone off the air in Sri Lanka.

The Russian state controlled channel was telecast in the country via Dialog TV. However, it suddenly went off the air this week and its slot has been taken over by German broadcaster DW-TV (Deutsche Welle).

“Dialog is not receiving the relevant satellite feed. We regret any inconvenience caused,” a Dialog TV official said in response to a query by the Sunday Times.

An industry source said Sri Lanka obtains its satellite feed from India, so any interruption or suspension of the feed would have occurred at that end and networks here had no say on the matter.

RT is among several Russian Government backed media outlets whose coverage has been restricted in Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The outlets have been accused by western governments of spreading disinformation and acting as propaganda for the Kremlin.

The crackdown has now spread beyond Europe, with YouTube announcing on Friday that it was now blocking access to YouTube channels associated with Russian state-funded media globally. “This change is effective immediately,” the company said. The affected YouTube channels belong to Russian networks RT and Sputnik.

Users in Sri Lanka too are now no longer able to access the YouTube channels of these networks. Anyone clicking on them will receive the message “This channel is not available in your country.”

Due to a prevalence of COVID-19 cases in the community, there could be changes to flights and airport operations at short notice. Lockdowns could be imposed in affected areas, and travel restrictions may also be imposed at short notice.

If you’re planning travel to Sri Lanka, find out what you need to know about coronavirus there in the Coronavirus section. You should also check the Entry requirements section for details on pre-travel health registrations, mandatory COVID-19 travel insurance, COVID-19 tests, and how to demonstrate evidence of your vaccination status.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

For information about COVID-19 vaccines, see the Coronavirus page.

The economic situation is deteriorating in Sri Lanka with shortages of basic necessities including medicines, fuel and food because of a shortage of hard currency to pay for imports. There may be long queues at grocery stores, gas stations, and pharmacies. Local authorities may impose the rationing of electricity, resulting in power outages.

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Sri Lanka. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. More than 250 people including tourists were killed in April 2019 in terrorist attacks that targeted churches and hotels. See Terrorism

Dengue fever occurs throughout the country. See Health

Sri Lanka can be affected by severe weather including tropical cyclones and monsoon rains. See Natural disasters

If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Source:https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sri-lanka

In Sri Lankan politics, changing party colours often or making ‘U’ turns on critical policies for one’s own political convenience is not something new when the ultimate goal is securing votes and retaining your seat. It could be one of the reasons why we have had only a handful of statespersons and plentiful of run of the mill politicians in our recent political history.

One such complete ‘U’ turn was witnessed this week when Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa declared in a letter to Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP M. A. Sumanthiran stating that the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act No 48 of 1979 (PTA) should be abolished completely without tinkering with the law and only making amendments to the substantive law.

Coinciding with United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions in the past few weeks and the report from the UN Human Rights chief on the continuous use of the PTA, the TNA is leading a country-wide campaign with progressive forces in the south to repeal the Act.

“We find that none of the many weaknesses of the PTA are addressed by the proposed amendments that have been placed on the Order Paper of Parliament. Therefore, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) rejects the proposed amendments in total. Our position is that the PTA cannot be tinkered with. It must be repealed, and a law that accords with international standards and effectively balances public and national security, and personal liberty must replace it”, the Opposition Leader said while stressing that this law was enacted as a temporary provisions act for six months in 1979, but has remained in statute books for 43 years and 12 years after the northern insurgency came to an end.

Not so long ago, addressing a rally in Ampara weeks after the Easter Sunday attacks in 2019, Mr. Premadasa, who was then Housing Construction and Cultural Affairs Minister reiterated that the PTA must be strengthened while suggesting that the then Yahapalanaya (Good Governance) Administration in which he was a fairly prominent member should suspend the reforming process of the law by replacing the PTA with a Counter Terrorism Act (CTA).

Instead, he said; “I believe the moves taken to put forward the Counter Terrorism Act must be halted following the April 21 terror attacks which have marked the beginning of global terrorism in the country.” He emphasised that the PTA which played a supporting role in defeating terrorism which existed for three decades in the country, must be strengthened even further.

At that time, Mr. Premadasa had his own reasons to take such a stand: “The Armed Forces and the Police were able to take swift measures against those allegedly involved in the Easter Sunday attacks, because of the PTA. We can’t expect these officers to control terrorism by tying their hands behind their backs.”

In his more recent letter, the Opposition Leader also came up with recommendations as well. He is of the view that the 2016 proposals of the Sri Lanka Law Commission, a body comprising eminent members of Sri Lanka’s legal fraternity, be adopted as the starting point to repeal and replace the current PTA.

Commenting on the ‘U’ turn by the Opposition Leader, a Jaffna based political observer said the shift is clearly a political move to secure minority votes at the next Presidential polls. Whether that will be at the expense of losing the southern votes remains to be seen.

A threat of encroachment into the sovereignty of Sri Lanka is currently emerging with regard to the statements made by Dr. Subramaniam Swamy, a senior politician of the Bharathiya Janatha Party and Member of the Rajya Sabha of India.

Rajya Sabha member Dr. Subramaniam Swamy stated that the Adam’s Bridge cannot be controlled by anyone, and even the Supreme Court has issued a judgement on this, as he filed two petitions with regard to this issue; first being that nobody will be able to gain control of the area, which the Supreme Court approved, and the second aiming to declare it as a national heritage, which is due to be taken up on the 22nd of March.

Dr. Subramaniam Swamy’s statement is not one that can be considered trivial, not only because he is one of the most powerful advisers to the Indian ruling party, but because he is one of the closest allies of several powerful politicians in Sri Lanka.

While the Indo-Lanka border has been clearly demarcated and enjoyed by both countries for decades, the conversion of the Ram Sethu or Adam’s Bridge, which is also part of Sri Lanka, into an Indian National Heritage Site, can be considered as an encroachment on the sovereignty of Sri Lanka.

It is no coincidence that such an unprecedented proposal comes suddenly at a time when the country is in a state of economic weakness and is borrowing from other countries to import daily necessities such as food, fuel and medicine.

On one hand, a question arises as to why the leaders of Sri Lanka are afraid to utter a word against such statements that bring the country to its knees economically and leaves it vulnerable to be plundered.

India, China and the United States are more powerful and larger countries than Sri Lanka. However, it is in the best interest of Sri Lanka and its citizens to remember that their courage is mightier than the wealth of three countries, thus should never attempt to submit to others.

The sharpest depreciation of the rupee following the free float of the currency ignited across the board prices hike with cost likely to soar further if Ceylon Petroleum Corporation revises upwards its pricing whilst the Central Bank said spikes are temporary and its recent moves will usher longer-term benefits and stability.

Of the announced hikes, most centred around food on the basis that producers will incur higher prices on account of imported flour and other ingredients would be costlier following the near 30% depreciation of the rupee.

Forex markets and the private sector saw continued uncertainty as at interbank level the US Dollar was quoted at between Rs. 260 and Rs. 280. Dealers said the highest-level transactions were done at Rs. 265. However CBSL continued to quote Telegraphic Transfer rates at Rs. 249.96 (buying) and Rs. 259.99 (Selling).

Prima said that One kilogram of Wheat Flour was increased by a price between Rs. 35 to Rs. 45 whilst the other producer Serendib increased it by Rs. 35.

The All Ceylon Bakery Owners’ Association said the price of a loaf of bread has been increased by between Rs. 20-30 and a loaf would cost between Rs. 110 and Rs. 130. The price of a sweet bun has been increased by Rs. 10.

The All Ceylon Restaurant Owners’ Association said the price of a rice packet has been increased by Rs. 20; Kottu by Rs. 10 and Short Eats by Rs. 5.

Separately the Civil Aviation Authority said the price of airline tickets has increased by 27%

The Ceylon Cellular Vendors Association said due to the increase of the dollar, the price of phones and accessories will be increased by 30%.

The hikes are coming as inflation hit a record 16.8% in January with food prices up 25%.

Prices are likely to go up further as State-owned Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) under growing pressure to adjust its prices upward following global spikes. Lanka IOC revised its prices citing devaluation as well as rise in global prices. It increased diesel by Rs. 75 per litre and petrol by Rs. 50 per litre. Though losing Rs. 1,201 per litre of diesel, the CPC has avoided increases despite LIOC implementing two revisions within a month.

Even without CPC hike, three-wheelers drivers are demanding that the base fare for the first kilometre must be Rs. 80 up from Rs. 60 implemented in early this year.

Under flak from the Opposition and economists for sheer mismanagement and late decisions, Central Bank Governor Nivard Cabraal took to video and CBSL Facebook to reassure markets and the public.

“We are aware of the implications of these moves. It will be short term and greater stability will ensure long-term benefits to all,” he said.

Cabraal said that recent policy rates hike and allowing flexibility of the exchange rate (depreciation) were made in ensuring economic and financial system stability which are core responsibility of the CBSL. “These decisions are not avoidable,” he said in discharging CBSL’s duties.

Stressing that a flexible exchange regime will boost foreign exchange inflows thereby help stabilise the economy, Governor however stressed that “CBSL stands ready to meet any challenges post devaluation.”

Difficult and challenging times. Maintaining macroeconomic stability is an arduous task. CBSL initiated a host of measures amidst the COVID pandemic to cushion the impact. He said that the Russia-Ukraine war posed the biggest setback globally. In that context CBSL had to opt for new tools to ensure macroeconomic stability. They included hiking interest rates and introducing flexibility for the exchange rate.

CBSL Head of Economic Research Anil Perera said a managed exchange rate since the pandemic helped the country to mitigate the impact of global and local shocks to the economy. However support extended to the economy and the public by way CBSL actions needed to be relaxed to ensure greater stability and sustainability.

He said that reforms were required especially since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war and resultant spike in oil prices. He said depreciation will cause short term challenges such as rise in prices but expected stability in the currency will help.

“Foreign inflows will increase and exchange rate flexibility will boost exports whilst discouraging imports,” Perera said, adding that the CBSL will closely monitor the behaviour of forex markets and take appropriate action to ensure further stability if necessary.

In continuation of Indian Navy’s endeavor to build ‘Bridges of Friendship’, with the Sri Lankan navy, four ships of the Western Fleet of Indian Navy under the charge of Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet (FOCWF), Rear Admiral Sameer Saxena, visited Sri Lanka from 09-12 March.

The indigenous guided missile frigate BRAHMAPUTRA along with frigate TALWAR entered Hambantota port while the advanced indigenous destroyer INS CHENNAI and frigate TEG entered Colombo harbor.

The ships were warmly welcomed in both these places by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with naval traditions.

The High Commissioner of India , Gopal Baglay hosted a reception onboard INS Chennai on 10 March 2022. Foreign Minister Prof G.L Peiris represented H.E Gotabaya Rajapaksa, President and Defence Minister of Sri Lanka, at the event. Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeyawardena also graced the occasion.

Welcoming the guests, High Commissioner Gopal Baglay highlighted the importance of oceans and how they bind the two countries to achieve common prosperity, security and also health in the present scenario. He reiterated the commitment of the Government of India to stand shoulder to shoulder with Sri Lanka in addressing these common challenges. He also highlighted that Colombo Security Conclave is a significant initiative in this field and cooperation through the forum needs to be developed further.

In his remarks, FOCWF highlighted the historic bonds of friendship between the two navies and emphasized the need for cooperative efforts to ensure Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).

Lankan Foreign Minister Prof G.L Peiris lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Neighborhood First’ policy. He appreciated the fact that the Finance Minister of India had assured priority to Sri Lanka in the sphere of economic cooperation. Prof. Peiris also called for deeper people to people ties, development of ports and harbors, cooperation in oil and gas, tourism and increased investments from India. He further emphasized that the future of the world lies in Indo- Pacific and BIMSTEC region and thus, through platforms like IORA and Indian Ocean Conference, Sri Lanka will strive to establish a ‘Rule Based Order’ for continued peace in the region. He also welcomed more such visits by the Indian Navy in future.

On 10-11 March, FOCWF made courtesy calls on the Foreign Secretary, Chief of Defense Staff & Commander of Sri Lanka Army and Commander of Sri Lanka Navy. Further, the visiting ships carried out various mutually beneficial training activities with the Sri Lanka Navy and other social engagements.

The visit of the Western Fleet to Sri Lanka strengthens the close bonds of friendship between the two navies and helped achieve greater interoperability through the conduct of various activities in harbor and at sea as part of Maritime Partnership Exercise including Flying Operations, replenishment approaches and tactical manoeuvres.