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Japan commits to promoting economic governance through anti-corruption policy support in SL

Published

1 year ago

February 13, 2024

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Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka – Mr. Mizukoshi Hideaki and Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Sri Lanka – Ms. Azusa Kubota marked the launch of the new project titled ‘The Project for Promoting Economic Governance through Anti-corruption Policy Support’ through an official signing that took place in Colombo today, with the participation of senior government officials.

 Sri Lanka’s ongoing socio-economic crisis has reversed development gains achieved, with deep rooted transparency and accountability gaps identified as a key contributor to the economic crisis of the country. The new project will work towards strengthening the anti-corruption ecosystem in Sri Lanka, through time-bound, costed national policy reform, inter-stakeholder collaboration, and enhanced institutional capacity to deliver a necessary roadmap for the country to emerge from fragility towards a resilient economy and a trusted democracy.

‘The Project for Promoting Economic Governance through Anti-Corruption Policy Support’ is supported by the Government of Japan through the Japanese Supplementary Budget (JSB) of 137 million JPY (approximately 931,000 USD) will be implemented by Government of Sri Lanka and UNDP in Sri Lanka. The proposed action seeks to (1) strengthen legal and policy frameworks; (2) improve coordination among key institutions combating financial and tax crimes; and (3) enhance strategic institutional and individual skills and capacities around combating anticorruption through strategic action under three main outcomes.

Highlighting Japan’s commitment to support the people of Sri Lanka, mbassador of Japan to Sri Lanka – Mr. Mizukoshi Hideaki noted, “Anti-corruption measures are conducive for more business friendly environment for foreign investors. Japan would like to support improvement in this sense and expect to see expansion of our business relationship. I would like to affirm once again that the Government of Japan remains dedicated to supporting to promote Sri Lanka’s fairer economic governance and anti-corruption initiatives and we eagerly anticipate witnessing the tangible impact of our collective efforts.”

Targeted, time-bound, capacity development within the anti-corruption ecosystem will assist Sri Lanka to ensure a comprehensive approach to combatting corruption through prevention, investigation, and prosecution. This will contribute towards efficient and predictable public service delivery, upholding the rule of law that serves as a bulwark against corruption and encourage foreign direct investment which is critical to Sri Lanka’s recovery from the socio-economic crisis.

Commenting on the role of UNDP, Ms. Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative for UNDP in Sri Lanka highlighted, “It’s become evident that for Sri Lanka to effectively implement required reforms and restore its economy, accountable and transparent systems and institutions are absolutely essential. This partnership with Japan complements our ongoing and planned activities in support of strengthening economic governance and will promote a holistic approach that empowers institutions to collaborate seamlessly. The JSB support will serve as a catalyst, enhancing not only their individual capacities but, most crucially, their collective ability to unite in the fight against corruption. We in UDNP are deeply grateful to the Government of Japan for this opportunity”.

The interventions envisaged under the project will contribute significantly to the achievement of Goal 16 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG16), by promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

News

Govt. needs a plan to face US taxes – RW

Published

3 hours ago

April 16, 2025

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Former President – Ranil Wickremesinghe has emphasized that the Sri Lankan government needs to unveil a plan to face the situation created by the US reciprocal taxes.

Making a special statement, Mr. Wickremesinghe points out that although the taxes have been paused at the moment, it will not be scrapped altogether as it is a part of Trump’s manifesto.

As a direct consequence of these taxes, around 100,000 jobs are at risk, he warned, adding that the consequences would ripple across the broader economy.

“Even if the taxes imposed on Sri Lanka are slashed, we will be compelled to pay taxes of 25% – 30%, resulting in exports still declining” he said.

Noting that Sri Lanka will have to generate funds to start setting its debts by 2028 as per the debt restructuring programme, Mr. Wickremesinghe emphasizes that the Government will have to treat this as an emergency situation and come out with a plan to face the situation.

He emphasizes that firstly, discussions must be held with the US and secondly, it must be planned how to solve this issue domestically.

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50 schools in Kandy to be closed next week

Published

4 hours ago

April 16, 2025

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50 schools in Kandy town and surrounding areas will remain closed from April 21 – 25 in view of the special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the Central Province Chief Secretary and Education Secretary – Madhupani Piyasena said.

The special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic is scheduled to take place at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on April 18. Thereafter, it will continue daily for ten days, from 12:00 noon to 5:30 p.m.

The schools that will closed are as follows :

1. Gurudeniya Maha Vidyalaya
2. Vidyaloka Maha Vidyalaya, Thennekumbura
3. Dharmaraja College
4. D.S. Senanayake Maha Vidyalaya
5. Mahamaya Girls’ College
6. Berrewaerts College
7. Berrewaerts Primary School
8. Siddhartha College, Ampitiya
9. Dambawela Primary School
10. Gothami Balika Vidyalaya
11. Sri Rahula National School
12. St. Anthony’s College
13. St. Anthony’s Girls’ College
14. Sri Chandananda Buddhist Girls’ College
15. Vidyartha College
16. Thakshila College
17. Hemamali Girls’ College
18. St. Sylvester’s College
19. Gannoruwa Junior School, Denuwara
20. Eriyagama Pushpadana Vidyalaya, Denuwara
21. Samudradewi Girls’ College, Wattegama
22. Kandy Model School, Wattegama
23. Mahaweli Maha Vidyalaya, Wattegama
24. Kappetipola Vidyalaya, Kandy
25. Sanghamittha College, Kandy
26. Dharmasoka College, Kandy
27. Senkadagala Weerodhara Vidyalaya, Kandy
28. Rasindev Vidyalaya, Kandy
29. Vimalabuddhi Vidyalaya, Kandy
30. Lumbini Royal College, Kandy
31. Peradeniya Hindu College, Kandy
32. Peradeniya Junior Secondary School, Kandy
33. Peradeniya Central College, Kandy
34. Sarasawi Uyana Maha Vidyalaya, Kandy
35. Ranabima Royal College, Kandy
36. Mahanama College, Kandy
37. Kingswood College, Kandy
38. Seethadevi Girls’ College, Kandy
39. Dharmawickrema Girls’ College, Kandy
40. Siddhi Lebbe College, Kandy
41. Swarnamali Girls’ College, Kandy
42. Girls’ High School, Kandy
43. Viharamahadevi Girls’ College, Kandy
44. Madduma Bandara Vidyalaya, Kandy
45. Hindu Senior College, Kandy
46. Good Shepherd’s Convent, Kandy
47. Pushpadana Girls’ College, Kandy
48. Vivekananda Vidyalaya, Kandy
49. Wariyapola Sri Sumangala College, Kandy
50. Badi-Ud-Din Mahmud Girls’ College, Kandy

News

Norochcholai shuts down one generator

Published

4 hours ago

April 16, 2025

editor

The Norochcholai Power Plant has temporarily shut down one of its generators due to a decrease in daily electricity demand, according to Dhammika Wimalaratne, the spokesperson for the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).

This measure has been in effect since April 11th.

The CEB expects to reconnect the inactive generator to the national grid by April 21st.

According to reports, power plants that generate electricity using fuel have also been deactivated, prioritizing electricity generation from hydropower plants and renewable energy sources.

Disconnect only if an SMS is received

Meanwhile, the CEB has urged rooftop solar system owners to temporarily disconnect their units only if they receive an SMS notification from the board and only until 03.00 pm.

A statement by the CEB notes that they have decided that the electricity supply needs to be managed during the April holidays, following a detailed study on the forecast demand for electricity during the time period.