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Up one levelHuge percentage of arable land not in use for cultivation in Sri Lanka
(June 25) Sri Lanka Ministry of Agriculture sources say that a large amount of hectares of arable land is not utilized for cultivation due to various reasons.
Recorded harvest expected in Yala season
(June 22) Sri Lanka state expects a paddy harvest of 2.7 million metric tons in the coming Yala season, Ministry of Agriculture sources say.
රසායනික පොහොර වෙනුවට සරල කාබනික පොහොරක්
(දිනමිණ ජුනි 21) වී වගාවට නිර්දේශිත රසායනික පොහොර පරයියමාණයෙන් අඩකටත් වඩා අඩු කර දහයියා සහ පිදුරුත් වෙනත් කාබනික පොහොරත් කුඹුරට යොදා අක්කරයට වී බුසල් 150 - 200 දක්වා ඉහළ අස්වැන්නක් ලබාගත හැකිවෙයි.
The government to take back fertilizer subsidy
(June 20) Farmers of Sri Lanka suspect that the government is in preparation to abolish the fertilizer subsidy provided to paddy farmers who grow the country's major staple food.
Poverty not reduced despite economic growth in Sri Lanka
"The economy has been able to achieve a sustained growth of more than 6 percent per annum consecutively in the last three years of 2005-2007. However, it has not been possible to reduce inequity and poverty to tolerable levels," Sri Lanka Economic Association President Professor A.D.V.D.S. Indraratna said.
Sri Lanka discourages rice exports for the use of expatriates
Sri Lanka Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to a memorandum submitted by Ranjith Siyambalapitiya in his capacity as the Acting Minister of Finance and Planning to issue a Gazette notification specifying the minimum FOB price of a Metric Ton of rice which is being exported, to be Rs. 100,000 with effect from 10.06.2008.
Severe usurpation from fuel taxes
Severe usurpation from fuel taxes (May 30, 2008) Sri Lanka's major opposition charges that the government is levying Rs. 77 per liter tax from petrol. A liter of petrol is sold at Rs. 157 in the retail market. Meanwhile, the Divaina newspaper reported quoting Finance Ministry sources that the total tax levied from a liter of petrol is Rs. 56.90. It includes Rs. 24.50 per liter import tax.
Lanka Electricity Draft Bill to be taken up in Parliament on June 17
Sri Lanka Electricity Draft Bill to be taken up in Parliament on June 17. The proposed bill envisages doing away with the monopoly enjoyed by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and inviting the partnership of the private sector in power generation and distribution.
Paddy cultivation enhanced in the Western Province
(May 30, 2008) Western Province Deputy Director of Agriculture I.U. Mendis said at the Colombo District Agricultural Committee meeting that the paddy cultivation in the Western Province has increased by around three fold this Yala season.
Restrictions in mobility behind the rice crisis
(May 28, 2008) Sri Lanka government always prefers to point finger to the price escalation and the shortage of rice stocks in the market for the current rice crisis of the country.
Rangoon Kekulu on the way
(May 26, 2008) The first stock of rice imported to Sri Lanka from Myanmar is to reach the Colombo Port this week. The much awaited Rangoon Kekulu (Rangoon red raw rice) is to reach the market in the coming couple of weeks.
Tsunami housing requirement more than met, says the government
The government said yesterday that a total of 99,497 houses had been built to replace those destroyed by the tsunami. This is in excess of the total requirement of 98,525 houses The government says that Sri Lanka is far ahead of other tsunami affected countries in respect of the rehabilitation of tsunami victims.
Norochcholai in order to build a coal power station
These projects involve high risks for pollution in the affected areas and create the illusion that the future for the population will be better. In fact they are false promises that accentuate the miserable conditions in which many families live. The harsh blame comes from Catholic and Muslim religious authorities in Norochcholai, Puttalam district, north of Colombo, who are pursuing their battle against plans to build a coal power station.
Whither Ponni Samba?
Several weeks ago, the government propaganda network gave wide publicity to the statements of the Essential Food Importers' Association that the imported 'Ponni Samba' rice would be sold at Rs. 42 per kilo. However, now they are in the market and sold at Rs. 54 and neither the government or media now remember what they said earlier. The essential food commodities importers of Pettah wholesale market say that they can sell a kilo of samba rice Rs. 42 to Rs. 43 per kilo if the government removes the Rs. 20 per kilo tax for imported rice. Government heeded to their plea. But the prices are further escalating. Only the traders and the politicians who pocket kickbacks are benefitting. Both the consumer and the farmer at loser's end.
Colonial rape of Uva-Vellassa: Is History Repeating Itself?
By Prof. Gananath Obeysekera This article is a response to the proposed allocation of 23,000 hectares of land (approximately 57,500 acres), for sugar cane cultivation in the area of Uva-Vellassa to the Booker Tate Co. Ltd, UK conjointly with their local agents listed as IMS Holdings located in Colombo. Uva-Vellassa is a vast area and by today’s reckoning consists of the districts of Badulla, Monaragala and Ampara. It was the area that heralded the famous rebellion of 1817-1818 and in its aftermath and was systematically destroyed by the British in what I have called the “rape of Uva-Vellassa.” I shall initially deal with a synoptic account based primarily on Paul E. Pieris’ work on the historic role of this region during the rebellion and then outline the proposals formulated for the “development” of this region alongside my criticisms of the project.
Unprecedented price increase for milk powder
Milk food importing companies say that milk powder price could be raised again in the first quarter of the next year due to price hikes in international market and the depreciation of local currency.
Unprecedented price increase for milk powder
Milk food importing companies say that milk powder price could be raised again in the first quarter of the next year due to price hikes in international market and the depreciation of local currency.
Eppawala phosphate to be mined by a government company
Sri Lanka government has decided to process phosphate from the Eppawala mine by Lanka Phosphate Company under a Rs.670 million loan from Bank of Ceylon. Single Super Phosphate will be processed under the project using Indian expertise and will be exported to manufacture fertilizer. The Minister of Industrial Development Kumara Welgama recently said that the potential legal mire sanctioned by the Supreme Court could be skirted around as the project would be funded and executed by government institutions.
Sri Lanka government breaks the backbone of the big onion farmers
Sri Lankans were used to call big onions 'Bombay Onions' one time since they were imported from Bombay (now Mumbai) in the past. Still large stocks of big onion are imported to Sri Lanka since the local production is not sufficient to cater the need.
HSBC loans to Sri Lanka: TO WHAT WHERE AND WHOM
What happened to the massive loan Sri Lanka obtained via HSBC Nov 21: Sri Lanka obtained a massive loan of US $ 500 million (Rs. 56 billion) through an international bond issue. HSBC, JP Morgan and Barclays banks handled this bond issue. The interest was well over 7% and the opposition contradicted the figures released by the overnment. Details about the bond issue were sketchy with different government officials making different claims about its tenure and terms.
Sri Lanka government breaks the backbone of the big onion farmers
Sri Lankans were used to call big onions 'Bombay Onions' one time since they were imported from Bombay (now Mumbai) in the past. Still large stocks of big onion are imported to Sri Lanka since the local production is not sufficient to cater the need.
Sri Lanka government initiates a programme to grow manioc
Sri Lanka government has taken steps to cultivate 15,000 acres of manioc in dry zone Anuradhapura district under Jathika Saviya programme. A Chinese company has agreed to invest Rs. five billion for cultivation and setting up factory for flour production. This is the first time manioc is grown as a commercial crop. Manioc flour is to be exported to China.
Sri Lanka discourages rice exports for the use of expatriates
(JUne 13) Sri Lanka Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to a memorandum submitted by Ranjith Siyambalapitiya in his capacity as the Acting Minister of Finance and Planning to issue a Gazette notification specifying the minimum FOB price of a Metric Ton of rice which is being exported, to be Rs. 100,000 with effect from 10.06.2008.
A mass scale robbery of paddy land for Weerawil airport
Reliable sources say that the government is planning to acquire more than 2,000 acres of paddy land for the construction of the proposed Hambantota International Airport despite the availability of a suitable land close by.
Government imports wheat flour
Sri Lanka has taken steps to import wheat flour from China. Once again it says that it will stabilize wheat flour prices in the market and will provide relief to the consumer.
Coca-Cola Urged to Close an Indian Plant to Save Water
NEW DELHI — A leading environmental research group based here has asked Coca-Cola to consider shutting down a bottling plant in the drought-stricken state of Rajasthan, saying that the plant is depleting scarce water supplies. The recommendation came in a report released Monday by the organization, Energy and Resources Institute. The report was commissioned by Coca-Cola in 2006 in response to reports that pesticide residues had been found in its products.
Sri Lanka is on the verge of food security crisis
Shortages of essential food and other commodities are beginning to spread in Sri Lanka market now recalling the closed market period from 1970 to 1977, in which the people suffered immensely.
Eight billion for Samurdhi recipients; 14 billion for the Ministers
The government of Sri Lanka spends only Rs. eight billion per year for 1.8 million Samurdhi recipient families. Samurdhi recipients are the lowest strata of the society in regard of the poverty. Nearly half of the population of the country is Samurdhi recipients. But the government spends Rs. 14 billion per annum to maintain the colossal 107 member cabinet.
Rs. 120,000 state debt on each Sri Lankan's shoulder
Reportedly, HSBC, JP Morgan and Barkleet banks have agreed to grant Rs. 56 billion loan to Sri Lanka government at an interest of 7% per annum. Opposition United National Party, the main force that entrapped the country in this vicious circle now weeps that the debt burden on each f citizen will be increased by Rs. 13,000 with this loan. Sri Lanka state had a mere Rs. 529 million debt in 1950 and the per capita debt was Rs. 73 then. State debt was Rs. 98.6 billion in 1977, the breakthrough year of economic liberalization of the country. The state debts have now increased to Rs. 2,771 billion and each individual of the country's population owes Rs. 120,000. But, what have we achieved through this massive debt?
Eight billion for Samurdhi recipients; 14 billion for the Ministers
The government of Sri Lanka spends only Rs. eight billion per year for 1.8 million Samurdhi recipient families. Samurdhi recipients are the lowest strata of the society in regard of the poverty. Nearly half of the population of the country is Samurdhi recipients. But the government spends Rs. 14 billion per annum to maintain the colossal 107 member cabinet.
Government pays attention towards dairy industry in the Eastern Province
What is this survey for?
Sri Lanka Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Services has planned to conduct an island wide survey on natural water sources. The survey is conducted by the Department of Peasants' Services via the Agricultural Research and Production Assistants.
Sri Lanka government re-establishes the Paddy Marketing Board
07 Aug, Colombo: Sri Lanka government will officially re-establish the Paddy Marketing Board with the patronage of the President Mahinda Rajapakse on September 03.
Sri Lanka government re-establishes the Paddy Marketing Board
07 Aug, Colombo: Sri Lanka government will officially re-establish the Paddy Marketing Board with the patronage of the President Mahinda Rajapakse on September 03.
More land for the multinationals in the name of Sugar Canes
A US company is seeking a million acres of land in Sri Lanka to produce sugar cane and from that ethanol as a by-product for use as a commercial fuel, its local representative said.
Workers rise against government's manipulation of judiciary to suppress trade union rights
Sri Lanka public service, semi-government and private sector trade unions staged a massive demonstrations in the afternoon of October 03,..
Workers rise against government's manipulation of judiciary to suppress trade union rights
Sri Lanka public service, semi-government and private sector trade unions staged a massive demonstrations in the afternoon of October 03,..
Sri Lanka in rice crisis next to wheat flour price hike
The price of a kilo of Samba rice went up drastically in Sri Lanka's market from 10 to 12 rupees following the price hike of wheat flour.
Sri Lanka fishermen leader killed due to faults of Sri Lanka and India governments
Canisius Fernando, the Treasurer of the All Lanka Fisher Folk Trade Union was shot dead by a Prison guard at India's Madurai Central Prison.
Increase the government guaranteed price for paddy
24 September: Movement of National Land and Agricultural Reform (MONLAR) urge the government to increase the government guaranteed price for paddy with immediate effect.
High Cost of Food Imports Compels Government to Embark on Domestic Food Production
Government of Sri Lanka announced a new agriculture policy on 3rd September and also a new programme for domestic food production. This programme has been named “ Api wavamu, Rata nagamu” ( Let’s grow and build the nation ) this is to be carried out under the Ministry of Agriculture, with Hon. Maithripala Sirisena taking responsibility. At the ceremony of declaring this programme the President spoke and also the Min. of agriculture. The objectives of the programme and the contents as described in “Silumina” were the following.
Moragahakanda people protest to the government
03 October: Hundreds of residents of 14 villages staged a protest in front of the Nawula Divisional Secretariat on October 02 in protest of the government's moves pertaining to Moragahakanda Project.
Sri Lanka in rice crisis next to wheat flour price hike
The price of a kilo of Samba rice went up drastically in Sri Lanka's market from 10 to 12 rupees following the price hike of wheat flour.
Sri Lanka civil society protests the Myanmar government's repression
A civil society group in Sri Lanka yesterday submitted a petition to H E Tin Oo Lwin, Ambassador for Myanmar, urging his government to cooperate with the actions recommended and decided by the United Nations to resolve the crisis in Burma.
Sri Lanka civil society protests the Myanmar government's repression
A civil society group in Sri Lanka yesterday submitted a petition to H E Tin Oo Lwin, Ambassador for Myanmar, urging his government to cooperate with the actions recommended and decided by the United Nations to resolve the crisis in Burma.
Workers rise against government's manipulation of judiciary to suppress trade union rights
Sri Lanka public service, semi-government and private sector trade unions staged a massive demonstrations in the afternoon....
CONTRIBUTING TO THE SOUTH ASIA POLICY INITIATIVE – “IMAGINE! NEW SOUTH ASIA”
Parallel to SAARC, there was an effort to bring together activists, scholars, academics, experts, and policy makers across South Asian countries to jointly press SAARC member-countries to fight the regional and global challenges together and go beyond enabling nationalism by creating a regional union – a new South Asia-
Increase the government guaranteed price for paddy
24 September: Movement of National Land and Agricultural Reform (MONLAR) urge the government to increase the government guaranteed price for paddy with immediate effect.
Sri Lanka fishermen leader killed due to faults of Sri Lanka and India governments
Canisius Fernando, the Treasurer of the All Lanka Fisher Folk Trade Union was shot dead by a Prison guard at India's Madurai Central Prison.
More land for the multinationals in the name of Sugar Canes
A US company is seeking a million acres of land in Sri Lanka to produce sugar cane and from that ethanol as a by-product for use as a commercial fuel, its local representative said.
Workers rise against government's manipulation of judiciary to suppress trade union rights
A civil society group in Sri Lanka yesterday submitted a petition to H E Tin Oo Sri Lanka public service, semi-government and private sector trade unions staged a massive demonstrations in the afternoon....
Sri Lanka civil society protests the Myanmar government's repression
A civil society group in Sri Lanka yesterday submitted a petition to H E Tin Oo Lwin, Ambassador for Myanmar, urging his government to cooperate with the actions recommended and decided by the United Nations to resolve the crisis in Burma.
High Cost of Food Imports Compels Government to Embark on Domestic Food Production
Government of Sri Lanka announced a new agriculture policy on 3rd September and also a new programme for domestic food production. This programme has been named “ Api wavamu, Rata nagamu” ( Let’s grow and build the nation ) this is to be carried out under the Ministry of Agriculture, with Hon. Maithripala Sirisena taking responsibility. At the ceremony of declaring this programme the President spoke and also the Min. of agriculture. The objectives of the programme and the contents as described in “Silumina” were the following.
CONTRIBUTING TO THE SOUTH ASIA POLICY INITIATIVE – “IMAGINE! NEW SOUTH ASIA”
Parallel to SAARC, there was an effort to bring together activists, scholars, academics, experts, and policy makers across South Asian countries to jointly press SAARC member-countries to fight the regional and global challenges together and go beyond enabling nationalism by creating a regional union – a new South Asia- referred to as – Imagine! New South Asia (INSA).
