A meeting between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and officials of the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development was held today (14) at the Presidential Secretariat.

Discussions focused on enhancing the efficiency, integration and development of the manufacturing sector to strengthen the national economy, as well as addressing the challenges associated with these efforts, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).

Key topics included government-led initial investments and proper regulation to empower small and medium-scale entrepreneurs, the establishment of local small-scale industries within investment zones and challenges related to business loans faced by small and medium-scale enterprises.

The President directed officials to expedite the release of lands allocated to the Ministry of Industry that have not been released so far, the PMD said.

Further discussions were held on maintaining and regulating import restrictions to strengthen local industries, prioritizing local suppliers in construction industry procurement and resolving issues in the gem and jewellery sector to ensure its full contribution to the national economy.

The President also instructed officials to swiftly implement tax exemptions for tourists to boost the gem and jewelry industry, the statement added.

Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Thilaka Jayasundara and several other ministry officials attended the meeting.

–PMD—

An American Airlines flight departing Hawaii was hastily ordered to make an “expedited climb” to avoid crashing into mountainous terrain on Wednesday. 

Flight 298 had departed Honolulu, headed for Los Angeles International Airport, when an air traffic controller from Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport ordered the flight to “turn right and expedite your climb through terrain and then turn right,” according to broadcast audio from website LiveATC.

That order was made around 1 a.m. local time Wednesday.

The Federal Aviation Administration said that an air traffic controller instructed the flight to “perform an expedited climb after the crew did not make the assigned turn while departing from Honolulu International Airport.”

The FAA, which is investigating the incident, said the controller’s actions “ensured the aircraft remained safely above nearby terrain.”

American Airlines said: “During the climb out of Honolulu on November 13, the crew of American Airlines flight 298 requested and received right-turn clearance and complied with controller instructions.”

“There was no Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) alert as there were no issues with terrain clearance based on the trajectory of the aircraft,” the airline noted.

President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake has issued directives to all relevant authorities to expedite the implementation of the agricultural modernization program.

In a crucial meeting held on Thursday (21 Dec.) at the President’s Office, Ekanayake emphasised the need for tangible outcomes and avoiding interruptions seen in previous agricultural initiatives, thereby urging comprehensive guidelines for effective execution.

Addressing provincial heads, district heads, and the leaders of 26 selected Divisional Secretariat Divisions involved in the program, Ekanayake highlighted a proactive approach to swiftly address any challenges that may arise during the program’s implementation.

He assured that issues would be promptly communicated to the relevant line agencies for resolution.

Revealing strategic decisions at the national level, Ekanayake disclosed plans to establish an agricultural innovation secretariat office. This office, alongside the committee led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe and involving Prime Minister and ministry secretaries, will serve as a hub for agricultural modernization knowledge and services. Local agriculture committees are expected to play a pivotal role in this setup.

The President’s directive on legal drafts for private sector involvement in the program was underscored, demonstrating a commitment to broad-based collaboration. The initiative will harness the capabilities of 08 main ministries and will be executed in 26 regional secretariats with support from 08 departments.

During the discussion, Senior Professor Gamini Senanayake offered insights into the current agricultural challenges faced by Sri Lanka, enriching the discourse. Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga, the Presidential Adviser on Economic Affairs, emphasized that the necessary allocations have been secured through the Presidential Secretariat for enhancing agricultural productivity in 2024, extending beyond research and development.

Dr. Suren Batagoda, Senior Advisor to the President on Food Safety, along with Provincial Chief Secretaries, Heads of Line Agencies, District Secretaries, and Divisional Secretaries participating in the selected program areas, actively engaged in the comprehensive discussion. 

The meeting showcased a collaborative effort to propel Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector into a new era of modernization.

Minister of Justice, Prisons Affairs & Constitutional Reforms Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe on Tuesday (Sept. 12) emphasized the pressing necessity of formulating a national government policy to enhance the quality of education in Sri Lanka.

Dr. Rajapakse, who is also the chairman of Parliamentary Special Committee tasked with Providing Recommendations for the Expansion of Higher Education Opportunities in Sri Lanka, made this remark while addressing a press conference at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC).

Addressing the press conference further, the lawmaker underscored the challenge of nurturing the human potential of children in the absence of a competitive education system.

He said that as long as the country’s competitive education system persists, it remains challenging to nurture an altruistic community for our nation.

Rajapakshe pointed out that the children need to have a relaxed mindset in order to grasp the knowledge, adding that the pressure of competition often results in mental stress among the majority of university-bound children.

The minister stressed that the emphasis given to universities should also extend to early childhood development adding that ensuring a strong foundation during early childhood is paramount.

Speaking on the lack of organization in the country’s higher education system, the minister said with 16 state universities governed by the University Grants Commission, there exists some independence, but it’s vital to align the necessary provisions for these institutions. “Despite extending free education to the private sector, we have yet to establish a comprehensive system for its oversight.”

Drawing attention to the current demand for vocational training in the country, the minister advocated that institutions offering such education should receive recognition on par with universities.

“I find it disheartening to witness the youth community of our country discouraged from pursuing vocational education. In contrast, vocational training in other countries often leads to the attainment of degrees. This is why I strongly suggest a comprehensive overhaul of our country’s education system.”

The minister also pointed out that the inability to establish a high standard for higher education in the country has led some students to seek education abroad. In addition, the practice of leaving students idle for months after exams until results are released is a serious concern, he said emphasizing that the educational system, which wastes valuable time, must be reformed.

In light of these challenges, Rajapakshe says the government has proposed the establishment of a Higher Education Commission to replace both the University Grants Commission and the Vocational Training Authority. “Under this Higher Education Commission, there would be three units: public universities, private universities and professional universities, each with its own standards protected by a separate unit.”

Speaking further, the minister said the government aims to eradicate the perception of education being a commodity or lacking in quality. “We have put forth numerous suggestions to prevent the recurrence of issues in educational institutions. Additionally, we propose shifting the general level examination to the 10th grade and the advanced level examination to the 12th grade.”