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Issue 02 | March 2021 | Second Week
Impetus for Jaffna
Chennai connectivity
Three new city railways
on track
A project that will see the construction of three new railway lines, the first new tracks to be built since the British colonial rule era has been rolled out.
The railway lines will be constructed from Ragama to Kirilapone via Colombo Fort; to Kelaniya via Moratuwa, Piliyandala, Narahenpita; to Hunupitiya via Kottawa, Pannipitiya and Thalawathugoda. The project a public Private partnership (PPP) is to be completed in four years at an estimated cost of US$ 5 billion.
Plans are afoot to resume direct flights between Jaffna and Chennai which were suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The resumption of flights between Pallaly, (Jaffna), Sri Lanka and Chennai, India would begin under the air bubble concept which is expected to be launched between India and Sri Lanka.
Peliyagoda fish market
reopens after renovation
million, was declared open by the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force, Basil Rajapaksa.
Cottage coir industries get market access
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa during his visit to Galle as part of his novel initiate to seek immediate solutions to issues faced by villagers called on officials to assist self-employed individuals in handicraft industries including Coir rope, mats, Coir and Coconut palm broom industries and to provide them with facilities and access to markets.
The Peliyagoda Wholesale Fish Market Complex, which was renovated at a cost of Rs. 54
The renovation work of the second phase of the retail complex, the establishment of a dry production premises and the commencement of work on the alternative road system were also carried out.
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500 more women to director boards
Sri Lanka will need 500 more women directors in boardrooms of listed companies to reach gender parity although the number of women joining
“We would need about 500 more directors to reach parity with men on boards of listed companies and the reason for this push is beyond a social and
leadership roles have steeply increased amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Washington-based International Finance Corporation said.
moral imperative there is a business case behind it,” Lopa Rahman, Corporate Governance Officer of IFC said.
Digital Discoverer
from Jaffna to Colombo Virtusa Corporation, has extended its Digital Discoverer Programme (DDP) to more universities in Sri Lanka after its successful conclusion at the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), University
of Colombo and University of Jaffna. The programme, includes mentoring by Virtuosa experts and sessions on core skills, emerging skills and project management.
Army troops renovate
Giribawa College playgrounds Responding swiftly to a plea by the people of Giribawa during President Gotabaya Rajapaksa ‘Gama Samaga Pillisandara’ programme the army has taken steps to initiate preparatory work for the complete renovation of the playground at the Giribawa Central College playground. Utilizing skilled manpower of 1 Field Engineer troops the project is to be completed soon.
Trade gap
narrows
Sri Lanka’s trade deficit in January 2021 was US$ 667 million compared to US$ 730 million in January 2020. This was achieved in spite of an 8%
2 | Blueprint - Documenting Development Weekly by www.mcnd.gov.lk
decline in merchandising exports earnings totalling US$ 924 million which represents an 11% decline. In addition import expenditure declined by 8% to US$ 1.59 billion
Sri Lanka’s first ever multi functional bus top
Sri Lanka’s first ever digitalized multi functional bus stop, a concept designed and manufactured by the Sri Lankan Army is now at Ethul Kotte. Accordingly the aim of the project is to develop a bus stop
with smart facilities including ATMs, Kiosk, special space for vendors, all of which will be powered by solar. The buses along the route will be computerized providing real time passenger information.
Altair
This will attract more commuters to use public transport when such facilities are made for their ease and convenience.
opens first phase
332 rural grounds
for sports
Prime Minister, Mahinda Rajapaksa inaugrated the ‘Gamata Pitiyak’ through Zoom technology at Temple Trees with the participation of Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa. ‘Gamata Pitiyak’ rural playground development is in line with the national policy statement Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour aimed at creating a healthy generation through sports. Accordingly 332 grounds in every divisional secretariat will be opened.
The first phase of the Altair mixed development project at Slave Island, Colombo, was declared open this week. The iconic high rise, a residential and commercial shopping complex, is 230 meters high and has 68 floors. It has 407 luxury apartments of four types and the commercial area is 30,000 square feet. It has a 600 car parking lot, a fitness centre, two swimming pools, ballrooms and standard sanitary facilities and a recreation park built on an acre of land.
Diamond in the rough
US $1 Billion industry
The Government is making efforts to strengthen the gem and jewellery industry to transform it into a US$ 1 billion export industry. According to Customs statistics, the gem and jewellery sector grew in January 2021 (US$ 29.3
million) compared to January 2020 (US$ 28.20 million). The Presidential Task Force on Gems and Jewellery met for the first time under Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to fine tune a strategy aimed at achieving US$ 5 billion in exports by 2025.
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Geneva Crisis the way forward
Digital dialogue
The Media Centre for National Development held its third digital dialogue this past week. The timely topic of discussion was on Sri Lanka's response to the Geneva - Human Rights & Geopolitical Coercion. Director General of Media Division Mohan Samaranayake and Foreign Secretary Admiral Jayanath Colombage held a candid digital dialogue encompassing a range of topics and particularly Sri
Geneva Crisis – The Way Forward compiled by the Ambassadors’ Forum was launched this week with the first copies handed over to Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and Foreign Secretary Admiral Professor Jayanath Colombage.
Lanka's response to the UN HRC resolution. Foreign Secretary Admiral Colombage said that the good work began by the previous government under President Maithripala Sirisena in setting up the independent commissions for reconciliation, reparation and integration is being empowered and continued under the present with recommendations being adhered to. Foreign Sec, Admiral Colombage confirmed that India has assured Sri Lanka of its support to upkeep and protect the territorial sovereignty of Sri Lanka during the UN HRC, as our closest neighbour.
This book contains 28 articles related to the Geneva Crisis compiled by Sarath Wijesinghe, PC and former Ambassador. The writers are key personalities including the incumbent Foreign Minister and Foreign Secretary, retired diplomats, legislators, and academics among others.
Homeshop headed by women only
In a landmark improvement to the landscape of local entrepreneurship, a Cabinet decision was approved to construct and develop a homeshop in every Grama Niladhari division. 25000 young women entrepreneurs selected from Samurdhi families will be chosen for this project. The aim of this is to increase the food distribution network whilst providing an income generation scheme to families in the locale. The proposed initiative is headed by the 100km Highway development program which spans the entire nation.
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Ministry of Mass Media
Ministry of Mass Media 163,Asi Disi Medura, Kirulapone Mawatha, Polhengoda, Colombo 05. Sri Lanka
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