the news – SynergyY

‘Big Bad Wolf’ World Largest Book sale held in Sri Lanka from June 28 to July 8 at SLECC

For the second successive year, the worlds biggest 24-hour book fair ‘Big Bad Wolf’ will take place from June 28 to July 8 at the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre {SLECC).

One of Sri Lanka’s foremost recruitment agencies. B-Connected will partner with Big Bad Wolf to assist the staff of different categories to man the mega sale. The agency hopes to attract energetic, friendly and team-spirited people willing to work 12-hour shifts during the event. B-Connected Managing Director Felicia Adhihetty said they were pleased to partner with Big Bad Wolf this year.

“Those who come aboard with us can expect to have an exciting and educative experience. It calls for a lot of hard work, but will be a rewarding job.” she said. For inquiries contact Priyanthi Nirshanon 0777328123.

New Income Tax for Pay As You Earn (PAYE) in Sri Lanka for Year 2018

The New Inland Revenue that effective from 1^st April 2018 has changed the formulae of Pay As You Earn (PAYE) Tax Calculation on your employment profits.

See below table for tax calculations

Monthly Regular Profit from Employment	Tax
Up to Rs. 100,000	Exempted
Rs. 100,001 to Rs. 150,000	4% – Rs. 4000
Rs. 150,001 to Rs. 200,000	8% – Rs. 10,000
Rs. 200,001 to Rs. 250,000	12% – Rs. 18,000
Rs. 250,001 to Rs. 300,000	16% – Rs. 28,000
Rs. 300,001 to Rs. 350,000	20% – Rs. 40,000
Exceeding Rs. 350,001	24% – Rs. 54,000

As above detail is bit confusing to understand, let see below examples and calculate how much would be reduce from salary as PAYE Tax.

Example 1

If your Monthly Salary is Rs.80,000/-

You will be exempted from PAYE for monthly income. Let assume if you get Rs. 350,000 as Bonus than you will be taxable as below

Taxable Calculation

Annual Salary Rs.80,000 x12 Rs. 960,000/-

Bonus Rs. 350,000/-

Total Taxable Profit Rs. 1,310,000/-

Tax Exempted Rs. 1,200,000/-

Tax Calculation will be 1,310,000 x 4% = 52,400 – (4,000 Per Month x 12 Months)

So Final Tax Payment would be Rs. 4,400/-

Example 2

If your Monthly Salary is Rs.150,000/-

You will be liable for 8% Tax and reduction of Rs.10,000 per month of PAYE for monthly income. Let assume if you get Rs. 350,000 as Bonus than you will be taxable as below

Taxable Calculation

Monthly Salary Rs.150,000/-

New Income Tax for Pay As You Earn (PAYE) in Sri Lanka for Year 2018

PAYE from Monthly Income 150,000×8% – Rs.10,000 = Rs. 12,000-Rs.10,000 = Rs. 2,000/- Per Month

Bonus Rs. 350,000/-

PAYE for Bonus will be 350,000 x 20% = 70,000

Hope above Calculations are clear, please do write us a comment if you need any further clarifications

CBSL issues commemorative currency note for 70th Independence Day

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has issued a circulation standard commemorative currency note in the denomination of Rs.1,000 to mark the 70^th independence celebration in the country which falls on February 4. This is the 4^th commemorative note that was issued by the Central Bank.

The size, predominant colour and security features of this commemorative currency note are similar to the current circulating Rs. 1,000 note in 11^th currency note series, except for the following changes:

On the front of the note, a Celebrating Diversity logo is appearing at the lower left corner of the note, replacing the butterfly in the current circulating Rs. 1,000 currency note: images of a temple, mosque, kovil, and church are appearing at the centre of the note, replacing the image of Ramboda Tunnel: and prefix of the note appears as S70, replacing the prefix S.

A quantity of 5 million currency notes would be issued and the serial numbers of the notes would be from S70/1 000001 – S70/5 1000000. The date on the note is 2018.02.04.

The currency note would be legal tender in Sri Lanka for the payment of any amount and would he a liability of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka whilst in circulation. The currency note was officially presented to Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera by Central Bank Governor Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy on January 30.

The commemorative currency note would be issued to circulation through licensed commercial banks, commencing from February 6. At the same time, a limited number of notes with early serial number, in an attractive folder, would be sold at a price of Rs. 1,300 each at the Economic History Museum at No. 54, Chatham Street, Colombo 1 and Central Bank Regional Offices at Anuradhapura, Matara, Matale, Trincomalee, and Kilinochchi.

NEWS

Spot fines for motor traffic related offences

The Transport and Civil Aviation Ministry has introduced spot fines for range of motor traffic related offences instead of prosecuting at the court.

The ministry issuing a Gazette Extraordinary has stipulated spot fines Hinging from Rs. 500 -Rs.3,000 for selected offences which previously required the institution and carrying on of legal proceeding in a court of law.

Accordingly, a spot fine of Rs.3,000 has been introduced for offences related to

Non-compliance with speed limits provisions – Rs. 3,000/-
Instructing without an instructor’s License – Rs. 2,000/-
Failure to comply with road rules – Rs. 2,000/-
Failure to obey directions and signals of police officers etc – Rs. 2,000/-
Failure to take precautions when motor vehicle is halted or left unattended or disabled on a road – Rs. 2,000/-
Non-use of seat belts – Rs. 1,000/-
Failure to wear protective helmets when driving – Rs. 1,000/-
Failure to carry a Driving License when driving – Rs. 1,000/-
Excessive emission of smoke – Rs. 1,000/-
Non-compliance with traffic signs – Rs. 1,000/-
Offences related to identification plates – Rs. 1,000/-
Not displaying revenue License on motor vehicles and not producing it when required – Rs. 1,000/-
Use of motor vehicles in contravention of the provisions of revenue License – Rs. 1,000/-
Failure to obtain authorisation to drive emergency service vehicles and public service vehicles – Rs. 1,000/-
Driving a special purpose vehicle without obtaining a license – Rs. 1,000/-
Failure to obtain authorization to drive a vehicle loaded with chemicals – Rs. 1,000/-
Hazardous waste and failure to have a License to drive a specific class vehicles – Rs. 1,000/-
Using inappropriate signals when driving – Rs. 1,000/-
reversing a motor vehicle for a long distance on a road – Rs. 1,000/-
exceeding the number of persons allowed in front seats of motor cars – Rs. 1,000/-
excessive use of noise from a vehicle – Rs. 1,000/-
Riding or permitting to ride on running boards of motor vehicles – Rs. 500/-
Carriage of persons in excess of authorised number in private coaches – Rs. 500/-
Goods other than personal luggage in motor cars or private coaches – Rs. 500/-
Exceeding the number of persons carried in a lorry – Rs. 500/-
Failure to carry the emission certificate or the fitness certificate in the vehicle. – Rs. 500/-

¬News ¬

NDB introduces Cash Recycle Machine at Hemas Hospitals, Wattala

The National Development Bank PLC launched a new generation of Cash Recycling Machines (CRM), of which the maiden CRM was deployed at Hemas Hospitals, Wattala. This CRM offers you serval new features on the standard ATMs. Cash recycle machine is complex machine that handle simple, but important task of accepting and dispensing cash.

And this CRM is enabling to cash deposits which are credited to the customer’s current or saving account on real time.

Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force Invitations Opens for Lady Officer Cadet

Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force invites applications for the Lady Officer Cadet, see below details for entry qualification and salary and other benefits.

Basic Qualifications

Should be an unmarried female citizen of Sri Lanka
Age should not be less than 18 years and not more than 22 years as at 06 February 2018.
Height should not be less than 5′ 3″(Those who have excelled in school / National/ International and all Island level sports will be considered for enlistment even if they do not fulfill the requirement of height).

Educational & Other Qualifications

Should have passed two subjects at the G.C.E. (A/L) Examination in one sitting and passed the G.C.E (O/L) Examination in two sittings with four Credit Passes including English and at least Ordinary Passes for Mathematics and Sinhala/ Tamil.
Should be an employee of the executive grade in the public/ private sector or possess an annual income of Rs.500,000.00.
Any other higher educational qualifications or achievements in sports will be considered as added qualifications.

Pay, Allowances & Other Benefits

Monthly gross pay of Officers in the respective ranks including allowances is as follows

Officer Cadet	Rs. 37,817.00
Second Lieutenant (Married Officers)	Rs. 70,797.70
Lieutenant (Married Officers)	Rs. 75,969.70
Captain (Married Officers)	Rs. 80,613.70
Major (Married Officers)	Rs. 85,657.70

Commissioned Lady Officers will be entitled to fringe benefits to cover expenses on transport, uniforms, medical, food and accommodation. They will also receive opportunities of serving overseas UN Peace Keeping Missions and to follow advanced courses.

Enlistment Procedure

On successful completion of basic training at the Sri Lanka Military Academy, they will be commissioned as Second Lieutenants and posted to respective Battalions.

Application Procedure

Those who are employed in government departments or private sector should forward their applications along with the recommendation of the head of the institution.

Unemployed applicants should certify annual income of Rs.500,000.00 attested by a Justice of Peace.

Applications prepared as per the specimen application with copies of documents mentioned below should reach “Recruiting Officer, Headquarters, Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, Salawa, Kosgama’ by registered post on or before 06 February 2018. The clause “LADY OFFICER CADET IN THE VOLUNTEER FORCE OF THE SRI LANKA ARMY” should be mentioned on the top left corner of the envelope enclosing the application.

Birth Certificate
Recommendation from the Head of the Department
National Identity Card
Two Character Certificates obtained recently
Grama Niladhari Certificate
Certificates of Educational and Professional Qualifications
Other relevant Certificates
Certificates of Sports and Extra Curricular Activities

For more details contact to Sri Lanka Army on 036-2255362/011-3188558 or see below image

Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force Invitations Opens for Lady Officer Cadet

Sri Lanka’s first pharma zone to open with US$ 10 million investment

I The Stale Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Corporation of Sri Lanka (SPMC) and Pharma Zone (Pvt) Ltd entered into an agreement on January 8, 2018, to build the first ever exclusive pharmaceutical manufacturing zone of Sri Lanka at Welipenna in the Kalutara district with an investment in excess of US $ 10 million.

Pharma Zone (Pvt) Ltd located on 50 acres is a BOI approved company whose principals are the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Ismail Ibni Sultan Iskandar and Patrick Lim Soo Kit, a leading Malaysian entrepreneur.

The Sultan’s investment vehicle, Inti Kemuncak Sdn Bhd is a well-established property development company based in Malaysia focusing on large scale property development in the Asian region. Inti Kemuncak is the innovative developer of major townships and urban regeneration projects including a coronation square, a US S 1.2 billion international class urban mixed development located within the prestigious Ibrahim International Business District (IIBD) in Johor Bahru.

The Pharma Zone will facilitate the local pharmaceutical manufactuers with sufficient land for manufacturing plants and basic infrastructure facilities for the manufacture of pharmaceutical products with a view to achieving the Governments target of localising production of essential pharmaceutical items to a value of US$100 million, thus saving valuable foreign exchange.

Chairman SPMC, Dr. Sayura Samarasundara said that with the completion of the Pharma Zone, envisaged to be in operation within one year, the country’s dependency on imported drugs will soon become a thing of the past.

The zone will be run and administered by Pharma Zone, headed by Patrick Lim Soo Kit, while the SPMC along with the Ministry of Health will set the standards and monitor quality.

Electricity, water, road infrastructure, security, waste water management, etc will all be provided to the companies operating within the zone, and it is the intention of Pharma Zone to attract overseas investors to set up operations within the Zone as well. “We will be marketing Pharma Zone regionally,” said Lim.

With the establishment of Pharma Zone it is hoped that most of Sri Lanka’s drug availability and cost issues will soon come to an end.

¬NEWS¬

2.116 Million Tourist Arrived to Sri Lanka in Year 2017

Tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka reached an all-time high of 2,116,407 in 2017 according to the latest data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.

The arrival figure for 2017 represents a 3.2 growth or 65,595 more arrivals over the preceding year when the figure crossed the 2 million mark for the first time.

The higher number of arrivals has been achieved despite serious set-backs to the tourism industry right throughout 2017. The first setback was the partial closure of the country’s main airport from January to April and then southern half of the country experienced devastating floods that cut off access to many resort areas resulting in adverse international media publicity that had an impact on forward booking.

This was followed by an unprecedented dengue epidemic centered around the commercial capital Colombo that lasted several months which too resulted in negative reports on international media resulting in at least one country issuing a travel advisory based on the

Further flooding and a severe drought in the central and northern parts of the country in the latter part of the year added to the climatic woes suffered by the tourism industry during the year which according to industry sources impacted forward bookings.

According to SLTDA data, arrivals in December grew from 224,791 in 2016 to 244,536 in 2017 reflecting an 8.8 growth rate which augurs well for the winter season ahead.

India continued to be the top source market with 384,628 arrivals (up 7.8%) followed by China with 268,952 (down 1%) and UK 201,879 (up 7.3%). Of the total number of arrivals 2,085,272 reached the country via B1A in Katunayake, 5,491 via MRIA in Mattala, 10,569, via Colombo Harbour, 14,099 via Galle Harbour and 976 via other ports according to statistics from the Department of Immigration and Emigrations.

Establishment of Scheduled Airline Operations for Domestic (Passenger) Air Services based in Sri Lanka – Expressions of Interest Called

National agency for public-private partnership, ministry of finance and mass media in conjuction with ministry of transport and civil aviation, request for expressions of interest (EOI) for Establishment of Scheduled Airline Operations for Domestic (Passenger) Air Services based in Sri Lanka .

Expressions of interest (EOI) are called from local and international business enterprises having required credentials and able to satisfy criteria mentioned below for setting up of scheduled airline operations for domestic (passenger) air services based in Sri Lanka, using the country’s domestic airport network. This initiative is intended to facilitate inland transport of local and foreign tourists to main tourism destinations in Sri Lanka.

The prospective investor shall be in a position to demonstrate the following:

Be a reputed and experienced international, local or joint venture business enterprise, with the latter having Sri Lankan shareholding.
Have adequate financial resources to fulfill actual and potential obligations arising from the proposed operation as per an Operating Plan to be submitted as part of this EOI, particularly during the initial years of the business when demand has to be generated to justify a scheduled service.
Be in a position to mobilize at least two modern turboprop aircraft, having not less than 12 passenger seats and satisfy all the published civil aviation requirements for operation of commercial air services. The aircraft shall hold Type Certificates issued by FAA or EASA.
Hold or be in a position to obtain an Air Operator Certificate issued by Director General of Civil Aviation, Sri Lanka, having satisfied the applicable requirements relating to Organization, Equipment, Personnel, Facilities, Services and Written Procedures published by the Director General of Civil Aviation in SLCAP-4100- “Air Operator Certification Manual”.(Refer Appendix L of SLCAP 4100 “Air Operator Certification Manual” published by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka for details or http://www.caa.lk/images/st0ries/pdf/0ps/slcap_4100_air_ 0perat0r_certificati0n_manual_3rd_editi0n.pdf).
Ability to hold a comprehensive insurance cover in respect of crew, passenger, baggage and cargo in conformity with the provisions in the Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules for International Carriage by Air in keeping with the Montreal Convention of 1999.
Operate daily scheduled passenger flights using Bandaranaike International Airport and Ratmalana Airport as bases to selected local airports and/or a ‘hop-on-hop-off’ service involving multiple airports.
Have demonstrated experience in domestic aviation in Sri Lanka or any other country or ability to procure such experience.

Prospective investors must submit the following information in order to register a qualifying Expression of Interest:

Company/consortium information including profile, date and country of incorporation, company address, relevant financial information to establish financial stability, list/details of key individuals – i.e. board members etc.
Experience and technical capacity relevant to this EOI.
An outline operating plan and terms and conditions required for successful operations. Preferred scheduled service routes and domestic airports and justification for selection.
Outline of benefits to tourism and domestic aviation sector from proposed operations.
Any other relevant information.

The detailed EOI document can be downloaded from www.treasury.gov.lk/web/guest/special-artides.

Expressions of Interests in this respect may be submitted to the Chairman, National Agency for Public Private Partnership on or before 1400 hours on 16^th February 2018 under sealed envelope with a heading on top left hand corner “Expressions of Interests for setting up of a domestic scheduled air service”.

Shortlisted parties may then be requested to respond to a detailed Request for Proposals (RFP) currently under preparation.

Further information can be obtained by writing to the National Agency for Public-Private Partnership at the below address or by emailing ch.nappp@gmail.com.

The Chairman, National Agency for Public-Private Partnership Ministry of Finance & Mass Media The Secretariat, Colombo 1 +94112484500

Or see below image for more details

Establishment of Scheduled Airline Operations for Domestic (Passenger) Air Services based in Sri Lanka – Expressions of Interest Called

Information about ETF

Ministry of Development Assignments at Employees’ Trust Fund Board (ETFB) made the facility of Employer -Employee Convenience our Galle ETF Regional Office is entering shifted to a New Premises.

Our Services:

Instructions / advices / solutions regarding ETF
Assistance given to check the balance in the ETF Account
Assistance to you to clarify / correct any differences / changes in your ETF Account
Receiving applications to obtain balance of your ETF Account with the Interest and Dividends
Consultancy services for the ETF payments and the benefits to be given
Facility and the convenience for the payments of monthly contributions / surcharges
Complaints regarding not paying the due EPF payments
Joining self-employed persons to the flow the social security system
Advices and consultancy regarding payment of contributions of internet

For further details: contact to ETF Board on 091-2245814 or see below image

No one can run Cable TV and Direct-To-Home Satellite TV Service without licence

Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka made a Notice to Cable TV and Direct-To-Home Satellite TV Service Providers.

In terms of Section 17 of the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act No. 25 of 1991 as amended “No person shall operate a telecommunication system in Sri Lanka except under the authority of a licence granted by the Minister on the recommendations of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka”

Every person who operates a Cable TV and Direct-To-Home Satellite TV Service without a valid license shall be guilty of an offence punishable under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act.

The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka intends to carry out physical inspections on the operations of Cable TV and DTH Satellite Services without a valid licence.

For more details contact to Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka on 011-2689345 or see below image

No one can run Cable TV and Direct-To-Home Satellite TV Service without licence

Requirement to register private medical institutions for year 2018

According to the stipulations of the Act No. 21 of 2006 on the Registration of private Medical Institutions, all private medical institutions in Sri Lanka should be registered under the Private Health Regulatory Council.

Maintaining unregistered private medical institutions is a punishable offense. Hon. Minister of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine has ordered the raiding teams to deploy and raid all the unregistered medical establishments in order to take legal actions against them. After 31^st January 2018, a payment of penalty will be charged for the institutions that will get delay for their registrations.

Categories of Private Medical Institutions

Private Hospitals, Nursing Homes & Maternity Homes
Medical Laboratories
Medical Centres / Screening Centres / Day Care Medical Centres / Channel Consultations
Full time General Practices/ Dispensaries/ Medical Clinics
Part time General Practices/ Dispensaries/ Medical Clinics
Fulltime Dental Surgeries
Part time Dental Surgeries
Full time Medical Specialist Practices
Part time Medical Specialist Practices
Private Ambulance Services
Other Private Medical Institutions including Blood Banks, Stem Cell Banks, Dental Laboratories, Home Care Nursing Services, Medical Man Power Training Institutions, Rehabilitation Centres, Physiotherapy Centres, Long Term Health Care Home and Private Nurses Training School.

Registration forms for year 2018 could be obtained from:-

From All Provincial and District Health Services Directors.

Secretary, Private Health Services Regulatory Council -No. 2A, cbm House, 4th Roor, Lake Dive, Colombo 08 or

downloaded from:- www.phsrc.lk , www.wpchealth.gov.lk, www.pdhs-sabaragamuwa.org, www.healthdept.sp.gov.lk and www.aphnh.com

Special Message to the public

When you seek services and care from any Private Medical Institutions in Sri Lanka, you are hereby requested to look for either ‘Registration Certificate’ or “Recognition Board” issued by the Private Health Services Regulatory Council.

Such registration and recognition indicate that the institution conforms to the standards stipulated by the Private Health Services Regulatory Council and are expected to provide safe, efficient and quality health care services to you, your family members and friends.

The Ministry of Health recommends that the public should prevent getting treatments from the unregistered and illegal medical institutions.

For further inquiries: 011-2672911,011-2672912,011-3083360 and 011-3133068

Or see below image

Requirement to register private medical institutions for year 2018

80% of fake FB accounts will be removed Computer Emergency Readiness Team Co-ordination Centre

The Principal Information Security Engineer of the Computer Emergency Readiness Team Co-ordinatioii Centre (CERT CC), Roshan Chandragupta said 80 per cent of the fake Facebook accounts would be removed by the end 2017 by the Facebook head office. he said” CERT had received 3.400 complaints by November regarding the creation of fake Facebook accounts. Mr. Chandragupta said most of die incidentswere reported to the Facebook Head Quarters by CERT and several other complaints were made by the real owners under whose name fake Facebook accounts were operating.

Therefore, CERT believes about 80 per cent of fake accounts would be removed by the Facebook,

Proposed Colombo LRT (Colombo Metro Service) Plan and Routes

Megapolis and western development ministry announces a their proposed Colombo LRT plans. The proposals to establish seven LRT lines in order to ease traffic congestion in Colombo and the suburbs such as below,

Kollupitiya to Maradana via Bambalapitiya, Boralla and Union Place (14.8km)
Colombo Fort to Peliyagoda via Maradana and Mat-takkuliya (11.5km)
Dematagoda to Bambalapitiya via Borella, Kirulapana and from Havelock town (10km),
Malambe to Colombo Fort via Battaramulla and Borella (15.3km)
Malambe to Kottawa ( 9.6km)
Malambe to Kaduwela (6km)
Peliyagoda to Kadawatha (13km).

The construction work of the project will commence in December next year while it is planned to be completed by 2030.

Once the project is implemented, the traffic of colombo city is expected to reduce.

Job Vacancy at UNDP Sri Lanka

in a fast paced environment, the ability to constantly learn and adjust in an ambiguous world needs to be a fundamental principle of any organization.

With over 50 years of development experience, the united nations development programme is re-inventing itself to adapt to emerging challenges and opportunities improve our business model and the way we work.

In Sri Lanka, UNDP has been working as a key development partner since 1967, to achieve sustainable human development in economic, social and environmental fronts.

To support national development, we are looking for individuals who are driven and passionate to join our dynamic team.

To apply visit www.lk.undp.org or see below image

Every Sri Lankan child is born with a half-a-million debt – Ministry of Finance

Shocking as it sounds, when this government came to office in 2015, it inherited a Rs. 7.4 trillion debt burden. Today’s accumulated public debt is equivalent to more than 5 times the government’s annual revenue in 2016. To make matters worse, Rs 1.7 trillion in debt service has to be paid next year, which would make it the highest ever debt-repayment in the history of our nation.

These reckless borrowings have burdened us with the responsibility of making debt-servicing payments amounting to 78% of our government’s expected revenue in 2018. This makes it extremely challenging to fund much required investments in infrastructure, health, education, and public goods. Rest assured, this government is committed to investing in the future of all Sri Lankans.

Having taken significant steps in the last two years to get the country back on track, we must harness the immense potential in every Sri Lankan and help them achieve their aspirations. So as a nation, we march on relentlessly towards becoming debt-free and our children can then live in a thriving Sri Lanka they’re proud of.

Every Sri Lankan child is born with a half-a-million debt – Ministry of Finance

Appointing members to the Office on Missing Persons

Under the provisions of the Office on Missing Persons (Establishment, Administration and Discharge of Functions) Act No. 14 of 2016 as amended by Act No. 9 of 2017, applications are called for the appointment to the Office on Missing Persons (OMP) from persons with previous experience in;

fact finding or investigation,
human rights law,
international humanitarian law,
humanitarian response,
or possess other qualifications relevant to the carrying out of the functions of the OMP.

The applications should be sent along with the curriculum vitae to reach

Acting Secretary General of the Constitutional Council,

Parliament of Sri Lanka,

Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte

on or before 06^th of November 2017 Published on the order of the Constitutional Council.

Acting Secretary General of the Constitutional Council,

Parliament of Sri Lanka,

Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte.

Appointing members to the Office on Missing Persons

Logo Design Contest for Colombo Light Rail (Metro)

Ministry of Megapolis and western development invites Logo design for Colombo Light Rail Service, the design logo and have the privilege to be a contributor to the revolution in public transportation of Sri Lanka.

Here’s a chance to showcase the artist in you.

The Minisry of Megapolis and Western Development is in need of a logo for the light Rail Transit (LRT) system which is to be implemented from “Malabe” to “Kollupitiya’

The proposed LRT system is a rail based elevated urban public transport system which is intended to enhance the public convenience by offering a high quality, accessible, reliable and an integrated service.

Entry criteria

Logo must be an original design
Needs to sit beside the word “CLR” (Colombo Light Rail)
Hand drawn designs will not be accepted.

Closing date for submission : 8^th November 2017 and the winner will be cash reward of Rs. 25,000/-

All the entries will be judged by a panel of representatives of the Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development

For more details see below image

Logo Design Contest for Colombo Light Rail (Metro)

Tuticorin, Colombo Ferry Service will start again sooner

The procurement process initiated in January had only attracted two proposals and the Ceylon Shipping Corporation and Cabinet Appointed Negotiating Committee had recommended that the previous procumbent process be cancelled and fresh bids be called for.

It was pointed out that not much interest had been generated towards the project initially due to inadequate publicity provided to it.

The Ferry Service which used to operate prior to the war came to a standstill with the breaking out of hostilities in the North. In 2011, the government decided to relaunch it but was soon stopped due to less traffic.

But the Foreign Affairs Ministry this year said it will also consider freight service in addition to passenger services, to make it more economically viable. The ferry service is an important project for both countries across the Palk Straits as an initiative which will not only increase connectivity between the two countries but also one that would be both culturally and economically significant.

Land Prices in Colombo

It has been observed that land prices in Colombo have increase day by day. And the shocking truth that the prices are unimaginable for an ordinary man to buy a house in Colombo now days.

See below table for the update Average Price per Perch in Colombo

Colombo District Number	Average Price per Perch
Colombo 1	Rs. 18 Million Upwards
Colombo 2	Rs. 12 Million Upwards
Colombo 3	Rs. 16 Million Upwards
Colombo 4	Rs. 10 Million Upwards
Colombo 5	Rs. 6 Million Upwards
Colombo 6	Rs. 8 Million Upwards
Colombo 7	Rs. 12 Million Upwards
Colombo 8	Rs. 4 Million Upwards
Colombo 9	Rs. 1 Million Upwards
Colombo 10	Rs. 4 Million Upwards
Colombo 11	Rs. 10 Million Upwards
Colombo 12	Rs. 4 Million Upwards
Colombo 13	Rs. 1 Million Upwards
Colombo 14	Rs. 1 Million Upwards
Colombo 15	Rs. 1 Million Upwards

All the Above prices are approximate and the prices are change depend on the location and accessibility

Colombo City & its Traffic – Detail Analysis based on Ministry of Mega polis & Western Development

Ministry of Mega polis & Western Development stated that 1.9 Million passengers enter the Colombo metropolitan region daily from the 7 main corridors as now. This expected to increase by 4.4 Million in 2035. The huge traffic movement will cause delay in speed as 12km per hour speed in 2035 which is 17Km per hour as now.

Therefore the Ministry of Mega polis & Western Development has done projects to manage the traffic and vehicle moments in Colombo City and make it easy movement of traffic with the new road developments and passenger management.

Further the statement stated that 48.1% of passengers using Bus transport to enter Colombo and 17.9% by Motor Cycles and 16.3% by Three Wheelers and 14% by Cars. And the Taxi is only used by 0.3%.

Currently 7 Main Corridors and 4 Non Corridors are used by passengers and in 20.35 passengers will use7 Main Corridors and 5 Non Corridors including Baseline Road.

Therefore it is always advice to public to used public transport such as Buses, Trains to enter Colombo to have a hassle free journey.

Chalmers Graneries Land in Pettah Goes to Mixed Development Project by Urban Development Authority (UDA)

UDA wishes to request proposals from potential bidders in order to undertake mixed development project in a prime land located within the Colombo city. The proposed development should be in line with the UDA guidelines and the selected bidder should eventually enter into a lease agreement for a period of 99 Years with UDA for the leasing of the said land. The based price of the land is Rs. 19 Billion.

The Bidd should be submitted on or before 11^th November 2017 upon a payment of non-refundable fee of Rs. 100,000/- and a Bid bond amounting to Rs. 250 Million to be paid in cash or bank guarantee.

For more details contact to Chairman, Cabinet Appointed Procurement Committee, Ministry of Megapolies & Western Development, 18^th Floor, Suhurupaya, Sri Subuthipura Road, Battaramulla.

~NEWS~

Vocational academic stream for A/L students

The Education Ministry will introduce its novel pilot project of vocational academic stream for the students who wish to follow the stream from October, 2017.

The ministry will launch the new stream aiming 5,000 students at 42 selected schools countrywide covering 25 administrative districts of the country. Kurunegala District UNP Parliamentarian and Education Minister AkilaViraj Kariyawasam told to the News that the students who complete the vocational academic stream will have NVQ 04 qualifications.

They can get lucrative jobs locally and globally as there is an increasing demand for skilled and professionally – qualified technologists and technicians. A technologist can earn around Rs. 350,000 monthly, the minister said.

Decisions on Central Expressways taken after careful study said byRDA Chairman

The decisions regarding the construction of the expressways, specially whether those expressways should be built on the concrete columns or on the filling lands, were taken after a series of careful studies and researches. They were carried out by engineers, environmentalists, surveyors, scientists and technicians attached to the Road Development Authority, Ministry of Higher Education and Highways, Central Environmental Authority, Land Reclamation Cooperation, and Geological Department.

The statement added that these officers are being considered as highly reputed government officers and veterans of that particular study fields.They had taken those decision considering one hundred years of past and future weather patterns, floods, and natural diasters etc.

At present, the Road Development Authority makes arrangement to construct the Central Expressway according to the recommendations. Especially in concrete columns and filling lands made by the experts. The RDA will implement the most suitable and optimum costs system to build the Central Expressway under the instructions of the Ministry of Higher Education and Highways, the statement said.

Andhra Pradesh to set up industrial corridor in SL on sea foods, pharmaceuticals and tourism sectors

The Andhra Pradesh Government of India is contemplating setting up an industrial corridor in Sri Lanka, the Indian Express reported recently.

Officials also said Sri Lanka was the best bet for AP for conducting trade in sea foods, pharmaceuticals and tourism sectors as Sri Lanka is strategically located. And the news said the Sri Lankan government may allocate land to the AP government in Jaffna or Trincomalee for this purpose.

The Sri Lankan government is also planning to invest in AP in the textile and aviation sectors through a mutual trade agreement. “The MoU will be signed shortly for implementing the AP special economic zone in Sri Lanka. There are good opportunities to invest in the pharmaceutical and tourism sectors in Sri Lanka,” Industries Minister Reddy said.

Colombo Kandy Office Shuttle on Friday

Arrow Taxi introducing new facility of office shuttle services to Kandy on Friday evening 5.30 Pm from Colombo Fort.

Say bye to the hustle of crowded buses or trains and say hi to arrow office shuttle and enjoy below benefits

Air Conditioned Vehicles
Onboard Free Wi-Fi
adjustable seats
priory seats on request

Cost – Rs. 995/- per person

Departure – 5.30 pm from Colombo Fort

for more details see below image or contact to arrow taxi on 0763 94 7772

Are you feeling Lonely and stressed or depress call 1333 for talk someone

Are you feeling Lonely and stressed or depress & need someone to talk to, call 1333 where trained telephone counsellors are available to listen and help empower you to resolve your problems. If required counsellors will also refer you to other related service for further support.

You can call 1333 between 9.00 am to 9.00 Pm on 7 days a week for more details see below image

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Ratmalana to become third international airport of Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan aviation history will be re written when the Ratmalana airport is converted to an international airport with flights to China via the Maldives.

An official from the Transport and Civil Aviation Ministry said the first flight to the Maldives airport will fly out from Ratmalana operated by maldivian Airlines. It will also offer connections to China, Dhaka, Bangkok and Chennai making Ratmalana the third Sri Lanka airport after Colombo and Mat-tala to offer connections.

maldivian Airlines will operate a 60 seater DS aircraft for this operation. The Airport and Aviation Authority has also looked at the runway and other facilities and have approved the safety standards at the Ratmalana airport.

He said Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva was working to revive the Ratmalana airport and negotions were going on with Maldivan government as well as the Air Force in this regard. He said Maldivian Civil Aviation Minister Moosa Sameer was also in Colombo last month and the final MOU in this regard will be inked. “We have now taken the entire control of the airport from the Air Force and it will a commercial airport now.” He said the second terminal building that was idling is also being refurbished.

New Customs, Immigration counters, new fire engines, aviation fuel filling facilities, medical facilities, cafeterias and all other international facilities will be introduced within the next two weeks. “We would also have facilities for six duty free shops and are keen to offer it to the private sector immediately.’’

The Minister is now negotiating with an Indian government airline and also a private operator to explore the possibility of launching Indian flights to new destinations from Ratmalana.

He said that Ratmalana will also be the only airport in Sri Lanka where a passenger will be able to get a connection to Jaffna via Heli Tours which operates from Ratmalana “This will also entice private operators which already have hangars in Ratmalana to begin their operations with international flights coming in.”

He said that it took less than Rs.10 million to convert Ratmalana from a domestic airport to an international one. “The main aim was to promote tourism and charter flights too will be entertained at Ratmalana.”

NEWS