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Wildlife and Nature Protection Society and Canadian partners on environmental webinars

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The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society and the High Commission of Canada to Sri Lanka and Maldives last week announced their collaboration on upcoming environmental webinars.

“These joint virtual discussions will feature Canadian, Sri Lankan and Maldivian environmental experts and activists and will facilitate exchanges of best practices between the Sri Lankan, Canadian and Maldivian environmental conservation communities,” a press release issued in this connection said.

On February 22, WNPS and the High Commission of Canada will be presenting a joint edition of WNPS’ “Marine Chat” dedicated to marine plastic pollution and featuring panellists from Sri Lanka, Canada and Maldives. The “Marine Chats” are monthly discussions presented by WNPS showcasing some of Sri Lanka’s best marine scientists.

“WNPS and the High Commission of Canada also share the perspective that young people are key to protecting the planet and that we must support them and provide them with the tools and knowledge they need to advance environmental issues. It is with great pleasure that we announce the participation of world-renowned Canadian artist and activist Benjamin Von Wong in WNPS’ Youth Workshop on March 3, 2021, which will focus on the intersection between art and environmental activism,” the release said.

“Further, we are pleased to share that experts from Ocean Wise – a globally recognized Canadian ocean conservation organization – will be featured in WNPS’ monthly lecture series on March 18. Held every third Thursday of the month, the “Monthly Lectures” are among WNPS’ most popular activities, which give prominent environmental experts centre stage to share their knowledge on a range of issues with the Sri Lankan public.”

Speaking about the partnership, WNPS President Sriyan de Silva Wijeyeratne said “The WNPS is thankful to the High Commissioner and the broader Canadian Community for their support towards improving the conservation efforts in Sri Lanka. Our country is presently under siege and has seen more destruction in a year than possibly in a decade. Bringing back a balance requires a lot of education and appreciation for Nature and Conservation. Exposing global best practices and success stories and collaborating is the best way forward, and these initiatives will certainly help.” 

The Canadian High Commissioner David McKinnon highlighted that “protecting the environment is critical for our people, our planet, and our economies. We all face the challenge of building a more resilient future for the next generation, where they do not have to choose between clean air or clean water and good jobs. Through our partnership with WNPS, we are pleased to facilitate an international exchange of knowledge and best practices to enrich Sri Lankan, Maldivian and Canadian thinking on environmental conservation and contribute to the discussion on sustainable economic development.”



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Secretary to the President meets with heads of the Health sector

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A special discussion between Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and the heads of the health sector was held on Tuesday (18) at the Presidential Secretariat.

During the meeting, it was discussed that a committee would be formed to explore possible steps that could be taken through the President’s Fund to reduce the number of patients on long waiting lists for surgeries in government hospitals.

The committee is expected to submit a report on the matter within one month. Based on the findings, appropriate actions will be taken, as indicated by the Secretary to the President.

The discussion highlighted the significant number of patients, including those requiring cardiac, ophthalmic, and paediatric surgeries, who are currently awaiting procedures on long waiting lists at government hospitals.

Attention was also given to the potential support that could be provided by the President’s Fund and other relevant sectors to address the challenges faced by these patients.

Additionally, discussions were held regarding the possibility of conducting surgeries after regular working hours at government hospitals. The challenges faced by doctors and staff were also thoroughly discussed during the meeting.

The discussion was attended by several key officials, including Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Media Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Additional Secretary (Public Health Services) Dr. Lakshmi Somathunga, Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, along with directors and specialist doctors from major hospitals across the country.

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Govt. plan to boost revenue with taxes on vehicle imports unrealistic, warns Harsha

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Dr. de Silva

By Saman Indrajith

SJB Colombo District MP Dr. Harsha de Silva told Parliament yesterday that vehicle imports would be affected by unusually high prices. Commencing the Second Reading debate from the Opposition side, Dr. de Silva said that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had, in his Budget speech, projected a substantial portion of tax revenue from vehicle imports. “What is the feasibility of such expectations, given the current price surge,” the MP queried.

“Who can afford to import vehicles at these rates? I do not believe there are enough affluent individuals in Sri Lanka to sustain vehicle imports at these exorbitant prices.”

Providing examples of the dramatic price increase, Dr. de Silva pointed out that a Toyota Raize now cost Rs. 12.2 mn, a Toyota Yaris Rs. 18.5 mn, and a Toyota Prius a staggering Rs. 28.9 mn.

“Someone mentioned that a Toyota Vitz could be available at Rs. 1.4 mn.”

Dr. de Silva said that the government aimed to increase tax revenue by 1.6% of GDP with a significant portion expected from vehicle imports. However, he warned that achieving that target was unrealistic under current circumstances. The government must reassess its reliance on this sector for increasing tax revenue,” he said.

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SLN receives shallow water multi-beam echo sounder from Australia

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From left : Defence Advisor to the Australian High Commission in Colombo, Colonel Amanda Johnston, Australian HC in Colombo Paul Stephens, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda and Chief Hydrographer of SLNHS and Commander Southern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Kosala Warnakulasooriya

Giving a significant boost to Sri Lanka’s hydrographic capabilities, the government of Australia handed over a state-of-the-art Shallow Water Multi-Beam Echo Sounder to the Sri Lanka Navy Hydrographic Service (SLNHS) during a ceremony held at SLNS Rangalla today (18 Feb 25). The formal ceremony was held under the auspices of the High Commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka, Paul Stephens and the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, marking new chapter in the discipline of hydrography.

The Australian government provided the Sri Lanka Navy with this Multi Beam Echo Sounder to enhance its hydrographic capabilities. This advanced equipment will enable the Sri Lanka Navy Hydrographic Service (SLNHS) to conduct precise hydrographic surveys, essential for creating nautical and electronic charts for international use. The device will also facilitate the production of high-precision nautical charts, ensuring safer maritime navigation.

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