May 30, Colombo (LNW): A lecturer at the Kotelawala Defence University, was apprehended by the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) for allegedly making irresponsible statements on national security and sensitive community issues, Police said.

The arrestee, Dr. Punsara Amarasinghe, was accused of making controversial claims about four Sri Lankans recently arrested in India for suspected links to to ISIS during a televised interview on May 25.

Amarasinghe alleged that these individuals were on a list of 300 to 400 radical extremists identified by the commission investigating the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.

He criticised Sri Lankan law enforcement and intelligence agencies for failing to monitor these suspects adequately.

Additionally, Dr. Amarasinghe incorrectly stated that a 2020 ban on certain textbooks at Madrasas, which purportedly distorted religious teachings, had been lifted in 2023.

He later admitted this was a mistake.

He also made unsubstantiated claims about fundamentalist preachers named Zakir Hussain and PJ, and inaccurately reported on the legal status of an individual named Aadhil X, arrested in 2019, stating he had been acquitted when the case was still ongoing.

The police described Dr. Amarasinghe’s remarks as misleading to the public.

After recording a statement, he was arrested by the TID on Wednesday. Subsequently, he was granted bail by the Fort Magistrate’s Court.

May 30, Colombo (LNW): Trade Minister Nalin Fernando met with the Iraqi envoy, Mohammed Obaid Jabur Zahir Al-Masoudi, to discuss the upcoming ninth session of the Iraq-Sri Lanka Economic and Technical Cooperation forum, scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka this November.

This forum is expected to significantly enhance bilateral relations between the two nations, according to a statement from the Ministry.

During the meeting, Minister Fernando briefed the envoy on Sri Lanka’s current economic situation and emphasised the need for international support beyond just financial assistance, highlighting the importance of cooperation across various sectors.

The Iraqi envoy encouraged Sri Lankan investors to explore business opportunities in Baghdad and Kurdistan, noting that Iraq is a major importer of Sri Lankan tea and home to approximately 150,000 Sri Lankan workers.

The discussion also touched on the potential re-establishment of a Sri Lankan Embassy in Iraq to address issues such as visa processing and taxation on goods.

This initiative would be carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Additionally, the envoy highlighted the advantages of direct shipping routes, which would facilitate faster and more convenient trade between Sri Lanka, Europe, and Middle Eastern countries.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Ministry of Commerce, A.M.P.M.B. Athapaththu, and officials from the Department of Commerce.

May 30, Colombo (LNW): The certificate awarding ceremony for the DP Education IT Campus Programme in Hambantota District is scheduled for June.

This event follows successful ceremonies previously held in Matara and Kurunegala, and is expected to attract over 10,000 participants.

Due to the large number of attendees, finding a suitable venue in Hambantota that could accommodate seating for 10,000 people, along with a stage and tent, proved challenging.

Consequently, a decision was reached to host the event at the Angunakolapalassa Public Stadium.

The ceremony will commence at 08:30 AM on June 9, under the leadership of Dhammika Perera, the founder of DP Education.

The DP Education IT Campus Programme offers a comprehensive computer language course free of charge, valued at Rs. 2.5 million.

At this event, certificates worth a total of Rs. 4 billion will be awarded to students who have successfully completed various stages of the course.

May 30, Colombo (LNW): A group of ten Presidents’ Counsels and 80 members of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) have submitted a letter to the BASL Executive Committee and a five-member Inquiry Committee.

They insist that any individual implicated in misconduct related to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the BASL should be required to step down from their roles in the association if they do not voluntarily resign.

The letter asserts that this action is necessary pending the completion and final determination of the inquiry.

On 18 May, the BASL established a five-member committee consisting of Dr. K. Kanag-Isvaran PC, Dr. Faisz Musthapha PC, Ikram Mohamed PC, Rienzie Arsekularatne PC, and Geoffrey Alagaratnam PC.

This committee was tasked with investigating allegations concerning a BASL project funded by JICA aimed at promoting a transparent and competitive business environment (anti-corruption) in Sri Lanka.

The letter highlights the need for a thorough investigation to ensure full responsibility and accountability.

It stresses that recommendations should be impartial and accurately reflect the facts and findings, irrespective of the individuals involved.

To maintain credibility and public trust, the letter notes the importance of providing detailed and well-reasoned findings for each person allegedly involved.

This is essential for the association to fulfil its duties to the Bar, the public, and the country.

Furthermore, the letter underscores the necessity of considering any potential breaches of professional ethics as per the Supreme Court (Conduct and Etiquette for Attorneys-at-Law) Rules 1988 by the individuals involved.

Such consideration is vital for the Bar Council and its members to determine the appropriate measures to hold those individuals accountable.

May 30, Colombo (LNW): Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya announced that five companies have been identified for illegally importing gold into Sri Lanka this year.

These companies have been fined a total of Rs. 1,243 million.

One company, in particular, has been ordered to pay Rs. 179 million. The State Minister has issued a stern warning to all licensed companies importing gold products, urging them to cease such illegal activities immediately.

Siyambalapitiya emphasised that efforts are underway to stabilise the country’s state income by addressing loopholes that contribute to revenue loss.

He further noted that some importers have turned gold imports into a significant racket, indicating the existence of a mafia around this activity.

Despite facing various pressures and threats, the government remains committed to tackling this issue, the Minister went on, adding that the government has completed the first phase of addressing this problem and is now moving into the second phase without faltering under these challenges.

To combat illegal gold imports, a special gazette notification was issued in March of the previous year, imposing restrictions on gold imports.

This measure was implemented under the instructions of President Ranil Wickremesinghe with the aim of curbing gold smuggling in the country, Siyambalapitiya added.

May 30, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe has underscored that none of the current presidential candidates have expressed intentions to abolish the executive powers associated with the presidency.

Speaking at a forum for legal professionals, the President highlighted that the executive authority vested in the presidency has been instrumental in Sri Lanka’s economic development and in resolving the 30-year civil conflict.

While acknowledging both the benefits and drawbacks of the executive presidency, President Wickremesinghe noted a significant disconnect between the Executive President and the rest of the government during the period of the good governance government.

“The executive powers were crucial in maintaining stability during the ‘Aragalaya’. This was particularly evident when there was no clear successor for the premiership. On one occasion, when the President travelled to Trincomalee, there were calls for my resignation as Prime Minister,” he said.

“However, I made it clear that I could only resign if there was a parliamentary majority, and even then, the resignation would need to be submitted to the President. Resigning under external pressure or personal threats, such as those to my residence, would risk the rise of an undemocratic successor,” Wickremesinghe claimed.

He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to holding the presidential election in the future.

“None of the candidates seeking the presidency have proposed abolishing its executive authority. It is essential that we develop a programme aimed at strengthening the role and capabilities of the parliament,” he added.

President Wickremesinghe made these remarks during the “What’s New” dialogue on legal reforms with young legal professionals at a workshop held at the Presidential Secretariat on Tuesday.

May 30, Colombo (LNW): Thailand’s cabinet has endorsed new visa promotions aimed at attracting more tourists, including those from Sri Lanka.

Under this initiative, Sri Lankan tourists will no longer require a visa to enter Thailand and can stay for up to 60 days.

Effective from 1 June 2024, this measure is part of broader efforts to enhance Thailand’s appeal to international visitors, as reported by the Bangkok Post.

Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke stated that the Foreign Ministry proposed these measures to attract as many visitors as possible.

As a result of the recent changes, the number of countries eligible for visa-free entry has increased from 57 to 93.

The 57 nations that previously enjoyed a visa waiver can now receive a 60-day stamp on arrival:

1. Canada
2. Czech Republic
3. Denmark
4. Estonia
5. Finland
6. France
7. Germany
8. Greece
9. Hungary
10. Iceland
11. Indonesia
12. Republic of Ireland
13. Israel
14. Italy
15. Japan
16. Kuwait
17. Latvia
18. Liechtenstein
19. Lithuania
20. Luxembourg
21. Malaysia
22. Maldives
23. Mauritius
24. Monaco
25. The Netherlands
26. New Zealand
27. Norway
28. Oman
29. The Philippines
30. Poland
31. Portugal
32. Qatar
33. San Marino
34. Singapore
35. Slovakia
36. Slovenia
37. Spain
38. South Africa
39. South Korea
40. Sweden
41. Switzerland
42. Turkey
43. Ukraine
44. United Arab Emirates
45. United Kingdom
46. United States
47. Peru
48. Hong Kong
49. Vietnam
50. Saudi Arabia
51. Andorra
52. Australia
53. Austria
54. Belgium
55. Bahrain
56. Brazil
57. Brunei

The 13 nations whose citizens previously received a 30-day stamp on arrival will now receive a 60-day stamp:

1. India
2. Kazakhstan
3. Malta
4. Mexico
5. Papua New Guinea
6. Romania
7. Uzbekistan
8. Taiwan
9. Bhutan
10. Bulgaria
11. Cyprus
12. Fiji
13. Georgia

The six new nations whose citizens now enjoy a visa waiver and a 60-day stay are:

1. China
2. Laos
3. Macau
4. Mongolia
5. Russia
6. Cambodia

The 17 new nations now eligible for visa on arrival and will receive a 60-day stamp are:

1. Guatemala
2. Jamaica
3. Jordan
4. Kosovo
5. Morocco
6. Panama
7. Sri Lanka
8. Trinidad and Tobago
9. Tonga
10. Uruguay
11. Albania
12. Colombia
13. Croatia
14. Cuba
15. Dominica
16. Dominican Republic
17. Ecuador

By: Isuru Parakrama

May 30, Colombo (LNW): The prevailing showery and windy conditions over the island are expected to continue further, due to the active South West Monsoonal condition, and showers, therefore, will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Southern provinces, with several spells of showers being expected to occur in North-western province, the Department of Meteorology said in its weather forecast today (30).

Fairly heavy showers above 75 mm are likely at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa province and in Nuwara-Eliya district.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at a few places in Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts in the evening or night.

Strong winds of about (50-60) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in North-central, Western, Southern and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee and Monaragala districts.

Marine Weather:

Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times elsewhere of the island.