Business

‘Revenue collecting PCs had only Rs. 40 billion for public service in 2021’

Published

1 year ago

2024/02/22

Sahan Weerasooriya

Pasanda Yapa Abeywardena

By Sanath Nanayakkare

There wouldn’t be a better time for major political parties to discuss and arrive at a consensus for abolishing the revenue-collecting provincial council system which hasn’t done anything more than just distributing government-sponsored welfare goods to the people, Pasanda Yapa Abeywardena, chief organiser of Lankalokaya and former provincial councilor said at a press conference in Colombo on January 19.

Pasanda who enjoys familial relationships with political higher-ups in the country while being the current chairman of Sathosa said that the President of Sri Lanka can travel across the island by helicopter in just one and a half hours which is only the size of Virginia in the United States, but has so many layers of governance including executive presidency, parliament, provincial councils, district secretariats, local government institutions etc.

“It is a known fact that provincial councils are mere training centres for the offspring of senior politicians and there is a demand in the country for cost-effective small government. In such a context, all political parties should have a dialogue in the next six months to abolish provincial councils, and strengthen the local government bodies through district development councils administered by the central government. Such a mechanism would reduce administrative layers while expanding the effective understanding of policies made by the government. Then the decisions made by the cabinet of ministers will easily flow to the ground level and the implementation process will be more dynamic. The President also has expressed similar views in this regard, he said.

“In the year 2021, revenue of provincial councils amounted to Rs. 331 billion while total expenditure was Rs. 316 billion, out of which Rs. 279 billion was spent on the payroll without having to bear the costs of provincial councilors. All in all, the provincial councils had only about Rs. 40 billion to spend on public services,” he said.

“In fact, I know from experience that nothing meaningful could be achieved through provincial councils other than merely being an institution of the central government that distributes chairs, mammoties etc., given by the government where provincial councilors claim to be the benefactors.”

“Provincial councils came to its end of term in April 2019 and five years have lapsed since the defunct of the system. Nevertheless, there is no public outcry to restore the system. PC system has never contributed to making any laws of the country or has never initiated a good programme on its own. So, we urge the political parties to engage in a meaningful discussion in the next six months before the country goes to presidential and parliamentary elections.”

He pointed out that the abolition of the PC system would help reduce the tax burden on the people, and that decision has to be taken well before PC elections are held.

Pasanda added that neither the people in the North of Sri Lanka or the government of India are interested in provincial councils anymore though the system was introduced by then government as a means of power decentralisation in Sri Lanka.”

“India is keen to have an equitable solution to the ethnic issue in Sri Lanka. However, I have reliable information that India doesn’t see provincial councils in the North and East would be an enabler in that quest. So, the abolition of provincial councils won’t trigger any geopolitical tensions with India,” he said.

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Business

CEB urged to revise Draft Long Term Generation Expansion Plan, in view of renewable energy needs

Published

22 hours ago

2025/02/26

Sahan Weerasooriya

Damitha Kumarasinghe

By Ifham Nizam

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has instructed the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to revise its Draft Long-Term Generation Expansion Plan (LTGEP) 2025-2044, incorporating more robust projections for renewable energy and battery storage, while also reassessing LNG infrastructure and procurement strategies.

The Island Financial Review reliably learns PUCSL Director General Damitha Kumarasinghe emphasized the need for “more robust and realistic cost assumptions for Renewable Technologies and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).”

The Commission stressed that BESS should be valued not just as a renewable integration tool but also for its potential to mitigate power shortages.

The directive also calls for revisions in LNG infrastructure planning, including “a comprehensive analysis covering LNG fuel cost calculation, infrastructure development, procurement contracting options, and risks associated with supply and procurement.” PUCSL has specifically highlighted the importance of evaluating the financial and economic feasibility of a natural gas pipeline from Kerawalapitiya to Kelanitissa.

Kanchana Siriwardena, Deputy Director General – Industry Services, reinforced the Commission’s stance on renewable energy, stating that “further reductions in renewable energy curtailment should be explored by incorporating more BESS.”

The PUCSL’s instructions also mandate incorporating clauses from the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Petronet India, which includes a temporary LNG supply for the Sobadhanavi Plant. The revised LTGEP must also factor in infrastructure costs related to the Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU) and pipeline networks as part of the overall LNG cost calculation.

The CEB is expected to resubmit the revised plan for PUCSL’s approval, ensuring alignment with Sri Lanka’s long-term energy security and sustainability goals.

The PUCSL directive also calls for a comprehensive evaluation of various LNG procurement options and associated risks. These include:

LNG infrastructure development and expansion

Contracting options for LNG procurement

Risks related to LNG supply and procurement stability

Robustness of natural gas demand calculations

Economic feasibility of the proposed natural gas pipeline from Kerawalapitiya to Kelanitissa, given the low plant factors of power stations at Kelanitissa.

Business

Nations Trust Bank ends 2024 with strong performance, achieving 24% ROE

Published

22 hours ago

2025/02/26

Sahan Weerasooriya

Nations Trust Bank PLC reported strong financial results for the twelve months ending 31st December 2024, achieving a Profit After Tax (PAT) of LKR 17 Bn, up 46% YoY.

Nations Trust Bank, Director & Chief Executive Officer, Hemantha Gunetilleke, stated, “The Bank’s performance for the twelve months ending 31st December 2024 showcases our continued growth and expansion across diverse customer segments. Our solid capital position, strong liquidity buffers, effective risk management frameworks, and steadfast commitment to service excellence and digital empowerment remain the key drivers of our success.”

Improvements in the macro-economic environment and successful management of the Bank’s credit portfolio resulted in total impairment charges decreasing by 69% and the Net Stage 3 ratio reducing to 1.6%.

The Bank’s financial performance is supported by its strong capital buffers, with Tier I Capital at 21.47% and a Total Capital Adequacy Ratio of 22.66%, well above the regulatory requirements of 8.5% and 12.5%, respectively.

A strong liquidity buffer was maintained with a Liquidity Coverage Ratio of 320.56% against the regulatory requirement of 100%.

The Bank reported a Return on Equity (ROE) of 24.22%, while its Earnings Per Share for the twelve months ending 31st December 2024 increased to LKR 50.82, against LKR 34.70 recorded during the same period last year.

Nations Trust Bank PLC serves a diverse range of customers across Consumer, Commercial and Corporate segments through multi-channel customer touch points spanning both physical and digital. The Bank is focused on digital empowerment through cutting-edge digital banking technologies, and pioneered FriMi, Sri Lanka’s leading digital banking experience. Nations Trust Bank PLC is an issuer and sole acquirer of American Express Cards in Sri Lanka with market leadership in the premium segments.

Business

Modern Challenges and Opportunities for the Apparel Industry: JAAF drives industry dialogue

Published

22 hours ago

2025/02/26

Sahan Weerasooriya

The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), in collaboration with Monash Business School and the Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM) successfully hosted the International Conference on the Apparel Industry 2025 recently in Colombo. This was the second time the event was held, following its inaugural edition in 2018, as part of JAAF’s commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration within the global apparel sector.

Themed “Modern Challenges and Opportunities for the Apparel Industry”, the three-day event brought together industry leaders, academics, and sustainability experts to discuss pressing issues such as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance, circular economy strategies, technological advancements, and workforce transformation.

A key highlight of the event was the panel discussion on “Current Actions and Their Impact on ESG-Related Outcomes in the Apparel Industry,” featuring:

Felix A. Fernando – CEO, Omega Line Ltd.

Nemanthie Kooragamage – Director Group Sustainable Business, MAS Holdings

Gayan Ranasinghe – Control Union,

Chamindry Saparamadu – Director General/CEO, Sustainable Development Council

Pyumi Sumanasekara – Principal Partner, KPMG Sri Lanka

Discussions emphasized how Sri Lanka’s apparel industry is adapting to global ESG standards, incorporating sustainable production methods, and aligning with evolving regulatory frameworks.