1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe congratulates Indian PM Narendra for the grand opening ceremony of the Ram Temple held in Ayodhya last month: underscores the long historical relations between the two nations on the economic and cultural front.
   
2. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says the Samagi Jana Balawegaya follows the policy of the abolishment of the executive presidential system, through which the rights of the citizens are violated, but disagrees with the government’s attempt of delaying the presidential election in the guise of abolishing it: laments the government violates the voting rights of the people by not holding the elections: stresses any move to abolish the executive presidency must follow the assurance of the voting rights of the people first.
   
3. Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna executive member Samantha Vidyaratne asserts that India has recognised the growing influence of the National Peoples Power and anticipates its future role in the governance of the country: emphasises that this acknowledgment led to an invitation extended to Party Leader Anura Dissanayake for a visit to India, predating his presidential candidacy.
   
4. Ex President Mahinda Rajapaksa says the Uma Oya project was the only major infrastructure project to which the ‘anti-establishment’ Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna contributed positively: adds the Uma Oya project’s 120 MW hydropower plant is set to commence operations this month, positioning it among Sri Lanka’s largest hydropower facilities alongside the Victoria, Kotmale, and Upper-Kotmale power stations.
   
5. UNP ex MP Ashu Marasinghe says President Ranil Wickremesinghe is likened to former Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, and Russian President Vladimir Putin: asserts Sri Lanka currently has a leader who consists of the personalities of prominent world leaders.
   
6. 72 health sector trade unions launch a strike today, demanding a Disturbance, Availability, and Transport (DAT) allowance similar to that of doctors: seek parity with the recently doubled allowance for doctors: The strike involves various health professionals and will include a protest in Colombo tomorrow.
   
7. The TRCSL issues a directive urging all mobile phone users to ensure the correct registration of their SIM cards: asserts customers should verify the registration status of their SIM cards with their service providers, particularly if they were provided by former employers: The Commission’s Director (Compliance) emphasises that there are risks associated with unregistered or illegally obtained SIM cards, and advises to promptly disconnect any such cards to prevent potential misuse for illicit activities.
   
8. The Central Bank’s trend of purchasing foreign exchange from domestic banks continued in January, with a notable acquisition of US $245.3 million and no sales: This builds on the record-setting purchases of US $1,895.87 million throughout 2023: These acquisitions lead to the reaching of US $4.4 billion reserves by the end of the year.
   
9. All Island Dairy Association (AIDA) urges the government to reconsider its decision to raise the VAT, warning of detrimental effects on both the sector and public health: highlights the potential impact on dairy production, emphasising the sector’s vital role in the country’s economy and rural livelihoods: laments that the proposed hike could exacerbate the sector’s challenges, including rising production costs and retail prices: proposes gradual implementation of the VAT increase with support measures to mitigate adverse effects, including promoting value-added products and facilitating imports of feed ingredients.
   
10. Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee selects 16-member squad led by Wanindu Hasaranga to take part in the T20I series against Afghanistan which will commence from February 17 at Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium under lights commencing from 7 pm.

February 13, Colombo (LNW): Yesterday (Feb 12) marked the inauguration of the inaugural executive batch of the special capacity-building programme for senior civil servants of Sri Lanka, organised by the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) of India, at New Delhi, India’s Press Information Bureau said in a statement.

Scheduled from February 12 to February 17, 2024, the programme convenes fourteen senior civil servant officers from Sri Lanka, encompassing roles such as Secretary to the Prime Minister, Deputy Solicitor General, Directors, and Executive Director, among others.

The NCGG, an autonomous institution under the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, Government of India, is dedicated to action research, studies, and capacity building in public policy and governance on both national and international fronts.

Aligned with the principles of ‘Vasudeva Kutumbakam’ and the ‘neighbourhoods first’ policy advocated by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, the programme aims to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among civil servants, particularly from neighbouring nations.

Focused on Digital Governance, Anti-Corruption Strategies, and Public Policy Institutions, the programme aims to equip participants with invaluable skills and knowledge.

Drawing from India’s best practices, participants will be empowered to drive positive change, enhance transparency, and fortify governance in Sri Lanka, thereby contributing significantly to the country’s progress and the welfare of its citizens.

Shri V Srinivas, Director General of National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) and Secretary of Department of Administration Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), acquainted the participating officers with Administrative Reforms in India and Effective Redressal of Public Grievances, outlining the organisation’s progress, plans, and initiatives in recent years.

The programme will feature thematic sessions on various topics including Digital Public Infrastructure, Government Procurement Transparency, Healthcare Initiatives, and Capacity Building Initiatives, facilitated by senior bureaucrats from relevant ministries and sectors.

Additionally, cultural visits to landmarks such as the National Museum and Taj Mahal have been arranged to provide participants with insights into India’s rich history and heritage.

Supervised by the training team of the NCGG, this capacity-building initiative holds promise in fostering deeper collaboration and enhancing the skill sets of senior civil servants from Sri Lanka, ultimately contributing to the advancement of governance practices in the region.

February 13, Colombo (LNW): The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) has issued a directive urging all mobile phone users to ensure the correct registration of their SIM cards.

Customers should verify the registration status of their SIM cards with their service providers, particularly if they were provided by former employers, according to Menaka Pathirana, Director (Compliance) of the Commission.

Pathirana emphasised the risks associated with unregistered or illegally obtained SIM cards and advised promptly disconnecting any such cards to prevent potential misuse for illegal activities.

The TRCSL aims to safeguard the telecommunications network’s integrity by proactively disconnecting unauthorised SIM cards linked to individuals’ National Identity Card numbers.

By: Isuru Parakrama

February 13, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Eastern and Uva provinces and in Polonnaruwa, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya districts, and a few showers may occur in Northern province and in Anuradhapura district, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (13).

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 p.m., the statement added.

Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times in eastern slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-Central, Southern,North-western, Uvaand Eastern provinces.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning.

Marine Weather:

February 12, Colombo (LNW): In response to objections raised by various factions, Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles has announced plans to submit several amendments to the Online Safety Act to the Cabinet of Ministers.

Acknowledging concerns from multiple parties, including the opposition, Minister Alles stated that the proposed amendments will be presented either on Monday (12) or during the upcoming Cabinet meeting.

1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe visited the ailing former Minister Gamini Jayawickrama Perera at his home in Katugampala, checking on his well-being and engaging in a brief conversation. During the visit, the President also spoke with Jayawickrama Perera’s family to gather information about his health and offering support.
2. Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa has said that the opposition will not allow to postpone the Presidential Election schedule to be held this year, under the guise of abolishing the Executive Presidency. Added that SJB will not get caught to the mischievous motives of the President to extend his term, in the name of abolishing the Executive Presidency.
3. The Unified Payment Interface (UPI) services and RuPay card services will be rolled out in Sri Lanka and Mauritius at a virtual ceremony on February 12. The event will be joined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mauritian PM Pravind Jugnauth and Sri Lanka’s President Ranil Wickremesinghe, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
4. Minister of Public Security Tiran Alas says that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested a person who spread slander on social media. The concerned suspect had maliciously carried out these smear campaigns with the support of a politician.
5. President Ranil Wickremesinghe directs financial assistance from the President’s Fund for liver transplant surgeries for young children at the Ragama Teaching Hospital and cochlear implant surgeries at the Sri Jayawardenepura General Hospital.
6. The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) takes legal action against seven individuals, including five staff members of Motor traffic department for allegedly registered nearly 400 vehicles evading customs, causing significant financial losses.
7. The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) warns that the quality of air in parts of the island has dropped further to unhealthy levels.
8. Leader of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Maithripala Sirisena has assured the party’s support towards a proposal to abolish the Executive Presidency speaking at an SLFP media conference themed ‘We stand for freedom’ (‘Nidahasa Wenuwen Api’)
9. Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles said several amendments to the Online Safety Act will be submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers, after taking into consideration objections by various factions, at the next Cabinet meeting.
10. Australia secured their fourth ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup title with a dominant all-round performance against India, posting the highest total in a U19 Men’s CWC final and successfully defending it by dismantling India’s chase to win by 79 runs at Willowmoore Park, Benoni.