January 31, Colombo (LNW): Vaiyapuri Gopalsamy, better known as Vaiko, the General Secretary of the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) and Member of Rajya Sabha, has called upon the Indian government to approach its relationship with Sri Lanka with careful consideration, particularly in light of China’s increasing presence in the island nation, The Hindu reported.

During an all-party meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi, Vaiko emphasised the strategic significance of China’s construction of a port in Hambantota, highlighting the potential threat that could emerge from the south.

In addition to geopolitical concerns, Vaiko drew attention to the alleged attacks on Tamil fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, expressing deep concern over the reported fatalities of over 800 fishermen.

He urged the Indian government to address this issue promptly, emphasising the importance of safeguarding the lives and property of Tamil fishermen.

During the meeting, Vaiko also took the opportunity to criticise Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi, accusing him of making inconsistent remarks on various issues.

Responding to claims that Governor R.N. Ravi attributed India’s independence to Subhas Chandra Bose, Vaiko pointed out the Governor’s clarification and suggested that the Minister may not have been adequately informed on the matter.

Furthermore, Vaiko expressed apprehension about the potential threats to Indian democracy, cautioning against the implementation of policies driven by “Hindutva forces,” such as one country, one election, one language, and one religion, which, according to him, could pose significant risks to the democratic fabric of the nation.

January 31, Colombo (LNW): The Police have arrested three additional suspects believed to be involved in aiding and abetting the recent shootings in Beliatta, where five individuals lost their lives.

Two suspects were taken into custody in the Hungama Police Division, while the third suspect was apprehended in the Matara Police Division on Monday (29), according to Police.

The arrested individuals, aged 28, 42, and 58 years, are residents of Negombo, Alawwa, and Boossa, respectively.

The police assert that these suspects played a role in disposing of the T-56 firearm used in the shootings and were also involved in financial transactions related to the incident.

All three suspects have been handed over to the Beliatta Police for further investigations into the tragic events that unfolded on January 22, 2024, resulting in the deaths of five individuals, including Saman Perera, the Leader of the ‘Our Peoples Party’ (Ape Jana Bala Pakshaya).

January 31, Colombo (LNW): In a continued effort to combat drug-related activities, the Police Special Task Force (STF) has arrested an additional 729 suspects in the ongoing islandwide special operation known as ‘Yukthiya.’

The Ministry of Public Security reported that the arrests took place during multiple raids conducted within the last 24 hours, concluding at 12.30 am today (31).

As part of these operations, law enforcement authorities also seized various narcotics, including 146 grams of heroin and 119 grams of crystal methamphetamine aka ‘ICE’.

Launched in December of the previous year, the ‘Yukthiya’ special operation aims to curtail and eliminate drug-related activities within Sri Lanka.

The recent arrests contribute to the sustained efforts of the STF in addressing the complex issue of narcotics trafficking and related crimes.

January 31, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) witnessed a significant change in its Board composition as Board members submitted their resignations.

This move comes in response to President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s recent directive to the Treasury Secretary to promptly reconstitute the SLT Board.

In an official disclosure to the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) on the matter, SLT PLC informed that Chairman and Independent Non-Executive Director Reyaz Mihular tendered his resignation, effective from January 29, 2024.

Additionally, five other Directors, namely Rohan Fernando (former SLT Chairman), Lalith Seneviratne, Ranjith Rubasinghe, Mohan Weerakoon, and Treasury representative K.A. Vimalenthirarajh, submitted their resignations in a separate filing to the CSE.

Notably, Rohan Fernando also stepped down as Chairman of SLT Subsidiary eChanneling PLC.

On January 26, under the directive of President Wickremesinghe, Secretary to President Saman Ekanayake announced the appointment of a new set of Board Directors for SLT.

The newly appointed members include K.D.D.D. Arandara (Chairman), Dr. K.A.S. Keeragala, Attorney-at-Law Dinesh Vidanapathirana, Prof. K.M. Liyanage, Dr. D.M.I.S. Dassanayake, and Chathura Mohottigedara as the Treasury Representative.

According to reports, this restructuring stems from the government’s concerns over SLT-Mobitel’s legal challenge against the proposed merger between telecom giants Dialog Axiata and Airtel.

January 31, Colombo (LNW): Measures are underway to introduce a minimum speed limit on expressways to address safety concerns arising from slow-moving vehicles, Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardena announced.

During the weekly Cabinet briefing, the Minister highlighted that while a maximum speed limit of 100 kmph is currently in place, there is no established minimum speed.

Gunawardana emphasised that many accidents occur when vehicles attempt to overtake slow-moving ones.

To mitigate such incidents, he stressed that implementing a minimum speed limit on expressways is important.

He disclosed that consultations with experts in the field and relevant institutions, including the police, have taken place to address expressway accidents comprehensively.

The Minister further revealed that new rules and regulations pertaining to expressway safety will be officially published in a gazette notification within the next two weeks.

January 31, Colombo (LNW): Media and civil society organisations have jointly appealed to Speaker of Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, requesting careful consideration before endorsing the recently passed Online Safety Bill.

Expressing concerns about potential violations of freedom of expression and constitutional principles, the collective urged the Speaker to ensure full compliance with the directives issued by the Supreme Court.

In a letter addressed to Speaker Abeywardena, the Media, Civil Society, and Trade Union Collective to Rise against Oppressive Laws emphasised the need for a thorough examination of the legislation.

The letter highlighted the perceived haste in passing the Bill on January 24, without adequate discussion with stakeholders and, notably, without incorporating the Supreme Court’s directives.

The collective, representing various media and civil society groups, contested the parliamentary process, with opposition MPs asserting that the Bill was passed without due consideration of the amendments and guidelines mandated by the Supreme Court.

These directives had emerged from a series of 45 fundamental rights petitions challenging the draft Bill.

Expressing concern that such a scenario might constitute a violation of the Constitution, undermining the sovereignty of the people and potentially leading to contempt of court, the collective voiced strong objections to the legislation.

They emphasised their commitment to continuing the fight against regulations that impede freedom of expression and potentially harm the economy.

The groups accused the government of expediting the passage of the Online Safety Bill to counter opposition ahead of upcoming elections.

They urged Speaker Abeywardena to uphold his responsibility in ensuring parliamentary orders are followed, insisting on the incorporation of Supreme Court-directed amendments into the Bill before granting his approval.

As citizen activists and proponents of democracy, the collective respectfully requested Speaker Abeywardena to withhold consent to the Bill until full satisfaction that the Supreme Court’s orders and guidelines are seamlessly integrated.

The letter signifies their dedication to defending democratic values and safeguarding the right to free expression against regulations they deem detrimental to both democratic principles and economic well-being.

1. Govt starts acquisition of lands, mostly privately owned, for the Adani-backed 250MW Mannar Wind Power Project.
   
2. Group of undergraduates storm the main administrative building of the Kelaniya University in protest against police attacks on them: on the previous night, the students had demonstrated opposite the university against an invitation extended by the university administration to President Ranil Wickremesinghe to open a new administrative building at the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
   
3. International investors of SL ISBs say they are “extremely frustrated” over alleged Govt’s lack of engagement for months: allege that claims by Govt that it is making “good progress” on external debt re-structuring is a “distortion” and damages credibility & image of SL: value of ISBs increases from USD 12 bn to USD 13bn due to the delay so far in finalising settlement.
   
4. Police fire water cannons & tear gas to disperse SJB protesters near the Public Library, Colombo: one person injured & admitted to the Colombo National Hospital.
   
5. SLAF spokesman says 2 SLAF & 2 SL Army paratroopers suffered minor injuries due to their parachutes getting entangled while landing during Independence Day rehearsals.
   
6. SL Telecom Chairman Reyaz Mihular and 3 other directors abruptly resign: no reasons given: inside sources have indicated that Mihular & the other directors were asked to resign by the Govt which is the controlling shareholder.
   
7. Police attached to the Women’s and Children’s Bureau arrest a group of Parliament employees for allegedly abusing a fellow female staff member: Parliament Serjeant-at-Arms Narendra Fernando says these employees have already been interdicted as they were found guilty during an internal inquiry.
   
8. Head of the Tsunami Division of GSMB – Seismologist Nilmini Thaldena says people need not panic because the probability of a tsunami striking the coastal areas of SL is very low: also says even an earthquake is unlikely in SL due to its geological position.
   
9. Point Pedro Magistrate sentences 10 Indian fishermen to 2-year prison terms suspended for 5 years for poaching in the SL waters: also orders the owner of the trawler to be present in Court on 24th Oct’24 when the case will be next heard.
   
10. West Indies Under-19 Cricket team beats SL Under-19 team by 3 wickets in their encounter in the ICC Cricket Championship held in South Africa: SL Under-19s – 231 in 50 overs: Dinura Kalupahana 53, Supun Waduge 31, Malsha Tharupathi 42; WI Under-19s – 232/7 in 49.3 overs: Dinura Kalupahana 2-39, Vishwa Lahiru 2-32, Sineth Jayawardena 2-39.