February 27, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) indicates depreciation against the US Dollar today (27) in comparison to yesterday, as per leading commercial banks in the country.
At Peoples Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has increased to Rs. 305.23 from Rs. 304.99, and the selling price to Rs. 315.8 from Rs. 315.62.
At Commercial Bank, the buying and selling prices of the US Dollar remain unchanged at Rs. 304.77 and Rs. 314.75, respectively.
At Sampath Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has increased to Rs. 306.50 from Rs. 305.50, and the selling price to Rs. 315.50 from Rs. 314.50.
February 27, Colombo (LNW): Following President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s directive to launch an immediate investigation into the circular instructing overstaying Russian and Ukrainian tourists to depart within 14 days, the Russian Embassy in Colombo has issued a statement expressing its anticipation for the outcome of the investigation initiated by the President.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the embassy emphasised that, at present, there is no official information available on the matter.
The spokesperson reiterated that this issue is regarded as an internal affair between Sri Lanka and Russia, and unlike other nations, Russia refrains from intervening in such matters.
Meanwhile, the embassy, in a previously released press statement, reiterated its call for all Russian citizens in Sri Lanka, whether visiting for tourism or residing permanently, to adhere strictly to Sri Lankan laws and customs.
Earlier, a circular issued by the Department of Immigration and Emigration stipulated that Ukrainian and Russian nationals residing in Sri Lanka for an extended period must depart within 14 days.
This directive was issued in consideration of the halt in flights to their respective home countries following the Russia-Ukraine conflict outbreak.
These individuals had been permitted to stay in Sri Lanka since February 28, 2022, for a duration of two years, with visa extensions and without penalties for expired tourist visas.
However, President Wickremesinghe has ordered the revocation of this circular and initiated an investigation into the matter.
It is noteworthy that Sri Lanka relies on Russia as a significant tourism market, with direct flights transporting tourists from Russia to Sri Lanka.
A hotline (1908) and digital application form (www.tinyurl.com/urumaya) have been launched under the “Urumaya” program for individuals to secure freehold land rights: The initiative, part of the 2024 budget, aims to grant unconditional ownership to farmers and low-income earners, promoting fair land ownership and economic empowerment.
The Samagi Jana Balawegaya initiated a vote of no confidence against Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena: The motion accuses the Speaker of various charges, including mishandling the Online Safety Bill amendments from the Supreme Court and violating parliamentary procedures: Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and other prominent figures have signed the motion on behalf of the party.
NPP Executive member, former MP Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa says although the demands made by the health sector trade unions regarding a pay rise are fair, his party does not approve of long-term strike actions at this moment: stresses such strike actions affect the public: adds there is a reasonable doubt whether a political motive to clash trade unions against one another is in the works.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe orders an investigation into a circular asking overstaying Russian and Ukrainian tourists to leave within 14 days: The Russian Embassy in Colombo awaits the probe’s results, stating it’s an internal matter: Earlier, the circular permitted extended stays due to flight disruptions from Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Deshabandu Tennakoon appointed as the 36th Inspector General of Sri Lanka Police (IGP): The appointment has been made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in accordance with the provisions stipulated in the Constitution, according to PMD.
Cabinet suspends ‘Parate executions’ until December 15, 2024, following requests from the Ministers of Justice and Industrie: President, acting as Finance Minister, submits a memorandum, subsequently approved by the Cabinet. Relevant amendments to be presented to Parliament: Decision comes amid considerations to suspend Parate execution laws against micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
United Petroleum Australia Pty Ltd secures contract with Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Power and Energy to supply petroleum products: The company aims to enhance Sri Lanka’s retail petroleum sector standards: The billion-dollar enterprise plans to manage 150 existing fuel stations and establish 50 new ones: United Petroleum Lanka Pvt Ltd established for local operations.
A survey by the University of Peradeniya’s Economics and Statistics Department finds that nearly half of the telephone numbers provided to public service officials are inactive: Out of 589 numbers surveyed, 286 were inactive: Additionally, 22% of active numbers did not receive a response when dialled, while only 29% were answered.
Deepal Roshan Kumara Withanarachchi, a public health inspector who served as the Treasurer of the Public Health Inspectors’ Union (PHIU) fatally shot at his home in Elpitiya, Pathiraja Mawatha: The PHI was known for leading raids against traders selling unfit food: Police say the assailant used a pistol in the attack: Investigations led by the Elpitiya Police are underway to apprehend the suspects.
Minister Harin Fernando announces that all 72 registered sports in Sri Lanka have achieved ‘Total Autonomy’: highlights the absence of National Sports Associations (NSAs) under Interim Rule, bans by International Federations, or court cases, emphasising stakeholders’ freedom to elect officials.
February 27, Colombo (LNW): In a lamentable incident yesterday (26) morning, a 51-year-old Public Health Inspector (PHI) met his demise as a result of a shooting at his residence located in Pathiraja Mawatha, Elpitiya.
According to law enforcement authorities, the assailant, who arrived on a motorcycle, perpetrated the shooting at approximately 6:50 am.
Regrettably, the victim, identified as Karandeniya PHI Deepal Roshan Kumara Withanachchi, a father of three, succumbed to the attack.
Withanachchi, known for his commitment to public health, had been actively involved in numerous raids targeting unscrupulous traders who sold food items unfit for human consumption.
Investigations indicate that the assailant employed a firearm in the execution of this tragic act.
The Elpitiya Police have initiated thorough inquiries to apprehend the perpetrators responsible for this heinous crime.
It is worth noting that Withanachchi also served as the Treasurer of the Public Health Inspectors’ Union (PHIU), further underscoring the profound loss experienced by both his family and the public health community.
February 27, Colombo (LNW): Nearly half of the telephone numbers provided to public service officials are inactive and unreachable, a survey conducted by the Economics and Statistics Department of the University of Peradeniya disclosed.
The survey canvasses an island-wide coverage tracking telephone numbers publicly displayed on the website of the Regional Secretariat office of Grama Niladhari officials, Samurdhi Development Officers and Development Officers who are attached to each Divisional Secretariat of the country.
The survey scrutinised the operational status of the listed numbers, assessing whether they were in use and capable of responding to incoming calls.
Out of a total of 589 telephone numbers surveyed, 286 were determined to be inactive.
Moreover, the report indicates that 22 per cent of the active numbers failed to elicit a response upon dialing, while 29 per cent of the calls were answered.
These findings underscore the significant prevalence of inactive and unresponsive telephone numbers among public service officials, highlighting potential challenges in communication and service delivery.
February 27, Colombo (LNW): The Cabinet of Ministers has decided to suspend ‘Parate executions’ until December 15, 2024, following a request from the Ministers of Justice and Industries.
“In response to appeals from Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, PC, Minister of Justice, and Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, Minister of Industries, the President, acting as the Finance Minister, submitted a cabinet memorandum proposing the suspension of Parate executions until December 15, 2024, which was subsequently approved by the Cabinet. The Ministry of Justice announced that relevant amendments will be presented to Parliament in due course,” stated the Ministry of Justice in a press release.
This decision comes in the wake of reports last week indicating the government’s consideration of suspending the imposition of Parate execution laws against micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), in response to various pressures.
Parate execution, governed by the Banking Act No. 30 of 1988, is exclusively carried out by licensed commercial banks in Sri Lanka. It serves the purpose of assisting the banking sector in loan recovery in cases of default.
February 27, Colombo (LNW): Deshabandu Tennakoon has been appointed as the 36th Inspector General of Sri Lanka Police (IGP), confirmed the President’s Media Division (PMD).
“The appointment of Deshabandu Tennakoon as the IGP has been made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in accordance with the provisions stipulated in the Constitution,” stated the PMD.
February 27, Colombo (LNW): Ambassador Amna Baloch, representing Pakistan to the European Union, Belgium, and Luxembourg, engaged in a discussion of mutual interest with Chandana Weerasena, the Ambassador (Designate) of Sri Lanka to Belgium and the EU, on Monday.
The courtesy meeting, hosted by Ambassador Amna at the Pakistani Embassy in Belgium, served as a platform for both envoys to reaffirm their dedication to bolstering bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Sri Lanka within the context of the European Union.
A statement from the Pakistan Embassy provided insights into the meeting, noting that both parties explored avenues to enhance bilateral cooperation during their discussions.
February 27, Colombo (LNW): Showers will occur at times in Nuwara-Eliya, Matale and Polonnaruwa districts, and several spells of showers will occur in Eastern and Uva provinces and in Anuradhapura district, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (27).
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Kandy, Galle and Matara districts in the evening or night.
Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times in eastern slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central, North-western, Southern,Uvaand Easternprovinces.
The public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers may occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Trincomalee to Pottuvil via Batticaloa. Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the sea areas extending from Colombo to Matara via and Galle in the evening or night.
Winds:
Winds will be north-easterly and wind speed will be (25-35)kmph. Wind speed may increase up to (50-55) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Colombo to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar and from Galle to Hambantota via Matara. Wind speed may increase up to (40-45) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Kankasanthurai to Hambantota via Trincomalee and Pottuvil.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coasts extending from Colombo to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar and from Galle to Hambantota via Matara can be rough at times. The sea areas off the coasts extending from Kankasanthurai to Hambantota via Trincomalee and Pottuvil can be fairly rough at times.
February 26, Colombo (LNW): The Original ‘Hunger Games’ was a series brilliantly written by Suzanne Collins and one loved by many readers throughout the world. (I very much included) It was so well received by the mass that its fandom is still very much active and had been for nearly the past two decades considering the first of the saga titled ‘Hunger Games’ came out in 2008.
In the series Collins envisions a dystopian world and being American her dystopian world is eerily similar in American values and in her latest adaptation to her OG trilogy she does mention that in more or less clarity that her world of ‘Panem’ was originally North America.
The original series titled as aforementioned ‘Hunger Games’ (2008) ‘Catching Fire’ (2009) ‘Mockingjay’ (2010) were delivered to the world in rapid succession. The story revolves around the 16 year-old-teenager (at least at the start of the saga) Katniss Everdeen and the world she lives in.
Katniss’s world is that of Panem. With 12 Districts (originally 13) in its wake the Capitol reigned over the power of the nation. After a bloody war between the Districts and the Capitol which temporarily forced the Capitol to lose its refine establishment called the ‘Dark Days’ ‘Hunger Games’ were introduced as a mean to the Districts to understand once and forever who really has the power when it reestablished itself.
The ‘Hunger Games’ is a broadcasted entertainment game true to its name driven by hunger. Out of the 12 Districts every year two tributes are sired; one male and one female to compete in the games. But the catch is this: out of those 24 only one could be crowned victor and is allowed to see the sunlight again. For that sole individual to survive every other tribute should die. It’s a merciless and cruel invention of an authoritarian government in their poor excuse to showcase the primal nature of humanity when in truth it is merely a showcase of power.
The entertainment factor garners bets and sponsorships and aids as in a typical game show but here at the cost of lives. The audience is kept entertainment by various precarious means. With artificially advanced world of future they manufacture creatures entirely with purpose to kill and scenarios with absolutely no survival. Every text book killing method is incorporated with novel innovation and creativity making it all the more deadly. Be it poisoning you have an entire forest of nothing but that or acid that makes you burn; you get the poisonous fog that harm the very roots of your nervous system or choking- well you get to choke on a blood rain or the sheer animosity of beings- well you have lions and monkeys and all sorts of other animals trying to chew out your life and pathetically humans (or your fellow tributes in this case) very much included. The game of survival of each individual shows the inherent sense of individuality and self-service one can occupy. At the most primitive stage of life a human is also just another lone animal finding a way to survive by any nefarious means… even if that entails eliminating another of their own.
The original series focuses on the 74th and the 75th Hunger Games both historical in its establishment as well as its results. The story follows Katniss who had been a sole breadwinner of a family of three when she was a child herself and her entire world is her little sister Primrose Everdeen. She hails from District 12 which is the most poverty ridden district in the entirety of Panem although in comparison to Capitol every other District seems to live in poverty as well. That explains to how different the two contemporary communities are. One overflowing with luxury and glory and one groveling to feed its population- or just have a population in the first place. Out of sheer necessity for survival they (the occupants or at least the majority of the occupants in every district) have to sign up for the Hunger games as it provides essentials for a temporary time period. Ironically offering to die was the way they could live.
Katniss once her sister’s name is reaped volunteers on her behalf and eventually partners up with her District mate Peeta Mellark ultimately making history in the games alongside him being the first two people to survive the games simultaneously selling a narrative of ‘Star crossed lovers’. The Machiavellian of the piece is Katniss’s nemesis President Snow the governor of Panem; coldblooded heartless and merciless. He is the blueprint of an authoritarian and obsessive dictator.
What makes this dynamic interesting is that both the heroine and the villain is wary of the other’s capabilities and seems to trust each other on their deeds. The President knowing that the whole ‘star crossed lovers’ was a fabricated survival strategy pushes Katniss to damage control what she had started with her and Peeta’s performance. Not necessarily just the love story but their sense of morality and innate kindness which they did display within the games by Katniss giving a heartfelt farewell to her ally openly defying the Capitol in the national television and Peeta just being a helping hand and refusing to commit the gruesome murder that he is forced within the games. In the gray world of humans they choose to lean towards white when President Snow eventually becomes the blackest of them all contrary to his name.
Unintentionally they have started a rebellion with Katniss at its center ‘The Mockingjay’ the voice of the rebellion and the fire that extinguishes the Snow. The saga continues until Katniss and Peeta and some of the fellow victors are thrown back into the arena as a form of punishment for the uprisings that is on the move as a way to show even the victors are dispensable and replaceable in the 75th addition which then ultimately leads to the actual rebellion that finally overthrows Snow power. The snow finally falls.
This original narrative has been a dear story to all of the readers exploiting the themes of power and death and violence as well as humanity and survival. It had been a discussed material to many in its portrayal of the civilization and governance of military and discipline. The saga was so infamous that it was almost immediately upon its release was adapted to a film saga staring the big names of Jennifer Lawrence in the titular role and Josh Hutcherson as Peeta and Liam Hemsworth as Gale; Katniss’s best friend and the third party of the triangular love story. The film series was also supported by well-known acting of Elizabeth Banks; Woody Harrelson; Stanley Tucci; Sam Claflin; Jona Melone etc. and the legendary Donald Sutherland played the great villain of the piece.
The 04 movies (Mockingjay was divided into part 1 and 2) was praised for its narrative and well directed cinematography and the amazing script which should be credited to Gary Ross and Francis Lawrence and the specific writers of each movie including the long list of Gary Ross; Billy Ray; Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games)- Simon Beaufoy; Michael deBruyun (Catching Fire)- Peter Craig; Danny Strong (Mockingjay). Upon its release the movies made a list of blockbuster records with its amazing storytelling and heart-wrenching action. The characters were portrayed seemingly flawlessly. Worldwide it became the third highest grossing film series based on young adult fiction having grossed over 3 Billion USD. It is also the 20th highest grossing film series of all time. And they were critically acclaimed grossing 84%; 90%; 70% and 70% respectively in its positive reviews in Rotten Tomatoes. Additionally it has won numerous Critics Choice Awards and MTV awards as a franchise as well as individualized acting. Needless to say it was a blockbuster hit.
Thus when the news of a prequel dropped in 2020 titled ‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ the world caught back upon the Hunger Games rage. And finally just last year (2023) its live action adaptation came to the audience.
The prequel focuses on President Snows’ life story from Coriolanus Snow the promising university student of the capitol to the bloodthirsty dicatator of Panem. It follows his story of how as a mentor of the 10th annual Hunger Games the 18 year old Coriolanus plays a pivotal role in accelerating the cruelty and viewership of the Hunger Games. Some of the brand new changes that haunted us in the OG series turns out to be the Presidents’ own innovations as a boy himself.
Snow’s wariness to Katniss is also given new depth in the prequel as it is revealed that he is assigned to the female tribute of District 12; Lucy Gray Baird; yes just like the Lucy Gray in William Wordsworth’s poetry who remains a spirit and a mystery even now in the world of Literature. The story almost seems an edition of a ‘Romeo and Juliet’ love story as the two start to depend on one another; trust one another; save and survive on one another to eventually love one another. Although the love in question seems superficial in more than one occasion despite the sweet sentimentality dripping from it.
The story also introduces us to Sejanus Plinth Coriolanus’s supposed best friend at the Academy; his loving cousin Tigris and the only other family member he has: Grandma’am (his grandma). It also shows Dr. Gaul who more or less plays the role of the mentor in transformin Coriolanus to the monster he becomes and his high as a kite Dean of the Academy: Casca Highbottom.
This new prequel provides a fresh perspective as the OG series was written in Katniss’s view meaning the districts and this is all Snow; finest of the Capitol.
The story is a good prequel to the high grossing franchise showing how a villain is made. How the struggling but dutiful Coriolanus who has the capacity to care and love his cousin; his family; his friends (although marginally) and his lover became the ruthless governor he is. Without any spoilers all that I can claim is that the book justifies what it was supposed to giving a nice flashback to the origin of the hunger games itself and the mastermind of the evil behind it. As an adaptation it has my full approval as a reader given its gripping narration and the inherent ability to tap into the most soulful of human emotions and therefore humanity itself. The action sequences are well descriptive and stolen moments of romanticism given that the story’s primary concern didn’t lie in it was beautiful and soulful. The depiction of characters made it all the more heart wrenching with the conclusion. So all in all it is ahighly recommended read.
The movie adaptation of this prequel however didn’t seem justifiable enough to the gripping story that Collins had narrated. Despite the direction of Francis Lawrence and the script of Michael Leslie and Michael Ardnt who had been previously associated with the former blockbuster hit of the actual franchise; the movie seems to be lacking.
The narration is wobbly and some of the most beloved scenes were taken out. (It is understandable that 300 something pages of words cannot be realistically cram into a 2 and half hours of visual representation but simultaneously some of the most pivotal and significant scenes as well as characters were not included which may have had a hand in the lousy narrative). The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (which I will call TBOSAS from now) was really dependent on Snows’ emotions and the interactions and experiences he had; thus taking away which might seem minute was a catastrophic for the storytelling.
Despite the long run time the story was hardly developed and Snow almost seemed a motiveless and insignificant villain when it truth his story was built in such grandeur by Collins. The action sequences seemed to rush so the entirety of the story could fit into the narration and the sentimentality of some scenes were taken out very harshly.
Despite the incredible acting of Tom Blyth as young Coriolanus Snow even he had inconsistency in his acting. The others of the main cast Rachel Zelger on the role of Lucy Gray; Josh Andres as Sejanus Plinth; Hunter Schaffer as Tigris Snow; Viola Davis as the brutal Dr. Volumnia Gaul; Peter Dinklage as Dean Highbottom were all fantastic but was either inconsistent or was not given enough screen time to resonate as characters with the audience. It cannot be denied that the movie was not a complete failure and it did tell the story t was supposed albeit minuscule but it definitely could’ve been better given the esteemed direction and screenplay as well as the stellar cast. It seems to be a bit of wasted potential with the slow paced narrative and the lousy storytelling.
Yet as a movie overall it was enjoyable but in comparison to the amazing book it was based on it was a mile away from doing it justice.
