February 18, Colombo (LNW): The Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) is gearing up to initiate a trade union action, commencing from Kandy on Tuesday (20).

The move comes in in an attempt to press the government to honour its commitment of providing the outstanding salary increment.

While the government had disbursed one-third of the agreed-upon instalment, they have failed to provide a clear timeline for the release of the remaining amount, Union Secretary General Joseph Stalin told media.

“Despite enduring 120 days of Aragalaya, we have only received a fraction of the promised increment. The escalating cost of living has exacerbated the financial strain on educators, making it increasingly challenging to sustain livelihoods. With no tangible progress in sight, we are compelled to resume our protest,” he told the reporters.

The forthcoming demonstration, set to kick off from Kandy, is anticipated to witness active participation from teachers, principals, and teacher trainers alike, as they advocate for their rightful entitlements.

February 18, Colombo (LNW): In a concerted effort to bolster Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, President Ranil Wickremesinghe conducted an observational tour of the Tangalle and Galle areas on the 17th of this month.

During the tour, President Wickremesinghe meticulously inspected several tourist hotels, actively engaging with proprietors to gain firsthand insights into their challenges.

Swift and decisive actions were taken as the President promptly addressed concerns raised by the business community. He liaised with relevant officials over the phone, orchestrating solutions and soliciting input on strategies for industry development.

The tourism sector in Sri Lanka encountered significant setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic hurdles. However, with the implementation of new government initiatives, there has been a remarkable resurgence in tourist arrivals.

Notably, in 2023 alone, Sri Lanka welcomed 1,489,000 tourists, marking a twofold increase from the previous year.

Capitalising on this momentum, the government aims to surpass the peak of 2.5 million tourists in 2017 by 2024, with comprehensive plans already underway.

In a strategic move to attract high-end tourists, characterised by a daily expenditure of $500, the government has initiated ambitious infrastructure projects and innovative tourism promotion programmes.

President Wickremesinghe actively exchanged ideas with the business community regarding these initiatives, receiving positive feedback on the transformative impact of government programs on their operations.

The President’s itinerary encompassed visits to renowned tourist hotspots along the south coast, including Seenimodara, Dikwella, Nilwella, Hiriketiya, Weligama, and Habaraduwa.

Additionally, he evaluated the activities of the Weligama Surf School firsthand, underscoring his commitment to understanding the intricacies of the tourism landscape.

At the Unawatuna Tourism Zone, President Wickremesinghe engaged in insightful discussions with foreign tourists, seeking their perspectives on measures to further promote the tourism industry.

Furthermore, he interacted with local tourists at Tangalle and Galle beaches during the weekend holidays, attentively addressing their concerns and soliciting feedback.

Accompanying the President on this pivotal visit was Mr. Jeffry Dobbs, an esteemed individual dedicated to enhancing tourist experiences for both local and international visitors.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s proactive tour exemplifies the government’s steadfast commitment to revitalising Sri Lanka’s tourism sector.

Through collaboration with stakeholders and a focus on sustainable growth, the administration endeavours to ensure the enduring prosperity of the industry.

By: Isuru Parakrama

February 18. Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces after 4.00 p.m., and mainly fair weather will prevail elsewhere, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (18).

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, Uva and Easternprovinces and in Hambantota and Kandy districts, the statement added.

The public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Marine Weather:

February 17, Colombo (LNW): In a significant revelation, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara announced that a forensic audit conducted by KPMG has unveiled several major irregularities in the sales and distribution of petroleum products from Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Ltd (CPSTL).

The forensic audit, initiated following a complaint filed by the minister with the CID in August 2022 regarding irregularities at Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and CPSTL, has brought to light numerous concerning findings. The CID, after preliminary investigations, recommended a comprehensive forensic audit to delve deeper into the matter.

The KPMG investigation officials conducting the forensic audit discovered over 1.3 million entries changed or deleted from the main database since 2010. Notably, a significant portion of these alterations occurred in 2022 during the peak of the fuel crisis. However, following the minister’s complaint to the CID in August 2022, the number of changes significantly decreased in 2023.

The irregularities identified have resulted in massive losses amounting to Rs. 28 billion in stock handling procedures in 2022. Minister Wijesekara stated that after filing the complaint, the losses reduced to Rs. 4 billion in 2023.

Furthermore, the audit revealed a lack of adequate data within CPSTL for smooth operations and the identification of irregularities. Outdated circulars and procedures were also identified as being in use. The comprehensive forensic audit report is expected to be submitted to the ministry by KPMG next week, after which it will be handed over to the CID for further investigations and appropriate legal actions. The report will also be shared with the Cabinet of Ministers, Parliament, Auditor General, and the Attorney General’s Department to determine the necessary steps moving forward.

February 17, Colombo (LNW): In a recent development, the National Physical Planning Department has officially recognized and designated 11 temples of profound archaeological, historical, and sacred significance as Sacred Sites. The announcement was made through the Government Gazette, following the submission of relevant documents to the Presidential Secretariat on Thursday (15), with the ceremony presided over by the Secretary to the President, Saman Ekanayake.

The newly designated Sacred Sites include Ambagaswewa Purana Rajamaha Vihara (Anuradhapura District), Pothuvatawana Maha Vihara (Puttalam District), Ampara Muhudu Maha Vihara (Ampara District), Maddegama Raja Maha Vihara (Gampaha District), Uddhakandara Rajamaha Vihara (Hambantota District), Sri Saddharma Yuktika Vana Senasuna (Trincomalee District), Dambadeniya Sri Vijaya Sundararama Raja Maha Vihara (Kurunegala District), Shanthi Viharya (Trincomalee District), Kabalewa Ambawa Sri Sudharmarama Purana Vihara, Gambhara Siddha Kabala Mul Soonyam Devalaya (Kurunegala District), and Yan Oya Rajamaha Vihara (Trincomalee District).

With these additions, the total number of recognized sacred places of worship in Sri Lanka has now reached 142. Secretary to the President, Saman Ekanayake, affirmed President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s steadfast commitment to upholding and protecting Buddhism in accordance with the Constitution. Additionally, the Secretary highlighted various government initiatives aimed at advancing Buddhism, including plans for archaeological excavations at the Maha Vihara, the establishment of Maha Vihara University, and the construction of an international Buddhist museum in Kandy.

The ceremony, chaired by Most Venerable Balangoda Sobhita Nayaka Thera, was attended by eminent figures in the Buddhist clergy, including Most Venerable Ganthune Assaji Maha Nayaka Thera and Most Venerable Medagama Nandawansa Thera. State Minister Shantha Bandara, MP Samanpriya Herath, and officials from related institutions were also present at the event. A charitable donation was made at the Presidential Secretariat in honor of the Maha Sangha as part of the occasion.

February 17, Colombo (LNW): The Maritime Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) has imposed a hefty fine of Rs.15 million on the MT Global Crest for the illicit and negligent discharge of oil in the Sri Lankan maritime zone. The incident occurred on January 26, as the vessel was en route from Kelang Port in Malaysia to the United Arab Emirates.

CLS Institute analysts from France utilized satellite technology to detect the illegal oil discharge on February 4, spanning a length of 11.25 km along the southern coast of Sri Lanka, covering an area of approximately 1 square kilometer. MEPA promptly initiated an investigation into the ship’s route, confirming its trajectory towards the outer Port of Colombo.

MEPA officials, in collaboration with relevant authorities, swiftly inspected the vessel on the night of February 6, confirming the unauthorized oil discharge. Subsequently, MEPA issued a Detention Order against MT Global Crest and informed various Sri Lankan authorities, including the Sri Lanka Navy and the Port Authority.

Under Section 26 of the Prevention of Marine Pollution Act No. 35 of 2008, MEPA wielded its authority to impose a fine of up to Rs.15 million on the responsible parties involved in such oil discharge incidents. MT Global Crest was directed to pay the imposed fine and cover the inspection expenses incurred by MEPA.

Following the settlement of the fine and associated costs on February 9, MEPA lifted the detention order on the MT Global Crest. The successful resolution of this case highlights the effectiveness of international cooperation through satellite analysis, as facilitated by the agreement between MEPA and the CLS Institute. MEPA Chairman Attorney Asela Rekawa emphasized the significance of long-term projects with international collaboration in addressing environmental challenges.

February 17, Colombo (LNW): In a momentous diplomatic encounter, Israel’s Transport and Road Safety Minister, Brig. Gen. Miri Regev, engaged in discussions with President Ranil Wickremesinghe, addressing critical issues related to the safe repatriation of Israeli hostages. President Wickremesinghe reassured Israel of Sri Lanka’s steadfast commitment to advocating for the hostages’ well-being.

Amidst the ongoing hostilities in Gaza, President Wickremesinghe took a strong stance, urging an immediate cessation of violence. He underscored the pivotal importance of fostering peace and stability in the region. The meeting served as a platform for both nations to collaborate on strategies to bring about a resolution to the current conflict.

President Wickremesinghe also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, expressing support for the establishment of a Palestinian State. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach to regional peace that considers both Israel’s security and the aspirations of the Palestinian people.

The diplomatic engagement was attended by Chief-of-Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake, and International Affairs Director Dinouk Colombage.

February 17, Colombo (LNW): Former Minister Gamini Jayawickrama Perera, aged 83, passed away this morning (17) after battling illness for some time.

Perera, a prominent figure in Sri Lankan politics, entered the political arena as a representative of the United National Party from the Kurunegala District. Throughout his political career, he held key positions, serving as the Minister of Irrigation and Water Management, Food Security, Sustainable Development, and Wildlife, as well as the Minister of Buddha Sasana. Additionally, he took on the role of Chairman of the United National Party.

The final rites for Gamini Jayawickrama Perera will be held at his residence in Katugampala, Kurunegala. The family will provide details about the funeral arrangements in the near future.

February 17, Colombo (LNW): Mizukoshi Hideaki, the Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, has emphasized the critical importance of debt restructuring in steering Sri Lanka’s path toward economic recovery. The ambassador highlighted the multifaceted nature of Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, deemed the most severe since its independence, and underscored the complexity of the challenges faced by the country.

The economic downturn in Sri Lanka necessitated a comprehensive approach to address debt sustainability issues, especially with major creditors like China and India, which are not part of the Paris Club, making traditional avenues for debt restructuring insufficient. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Japan, in collaboration with France and India, proactively initiated the official Creditors Committee.

Japan’s active involvement in facilitating negotiations resulted in an agreement in principle reached last November. Ambassador Hideaki reiterated Japan’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring initiatives. He emphasized the potential ramifications of failure on Sri Lanka’s development trajectory and its pivotal role as a hub in the Indian Ocean region, highlighting the broader implications for the international community.