January 27, Colombo (LNW): In a comprehensive operation spanning the island nation, Sri Lanka Police have successfully apprehended 818 suspects within the past 24 hours. The operation, targeting various criminal activities, yielded substantial results, focusing on the capture of individuals involved in drug offenses, those with outstanding warrants, and wanted criminals.
The emphasis on combating drug trafficking proved highly effective, resulting in the arrest of 554 suspects connected to drug-related crimes. Notably, 10 high-priority targets on the watchlists of both the Police Narcotics Bureau and the Police Special Bureau were among those apprehended. Ongoing investigations, facilitated by detention orders, are in progress for one suspect, while eight identified drug addicts have been directed towards rehabilitation programs.
The crackdown also led to the confiscation of a significant quantity of illegal narcotics, including 159 grams of heroin, 112 grams of methamphetamine (ice), 8 kilograms of cannabis, 4,933 cannabis plants, 235 grams of Mawa, and 329 assorted pills.
Beyond drug-related offenses, the operation resulted in the apprehension of 264 individuals with outstanding warrants, including 25 specifically related to drug offenses and 231 pertaining to other criminal activities. Additionally, through fingerprint analysis, five suspects were identified and apprehended, and three wanted criminals were successfully captured during the operation.
As French President Emmanuel Macron is expected in India on 25 January for a two-day official visit, a French reporter who has been based in the country for more than 20 years is threatened with expulsion. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) urges the Indian authorities not to carry out their decision to expel her and to allow all foreign journalists in India to report without fear.
Based in India since 2001 reporting for such French-language media as the newsweekly Le Point and the newspapers Le Soir and La Croix, Vanessa Dougnac was notified by the Ministry of Home Affairs on 18 January of the imminent withdrawal of her status as an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI), a lifetime residency permit granted to foreigners who, like Dougnac, are the spouses of Indian citizens. She has until 2 February to challenge the decision, which – if confirmed – will force her to leave India.
The notice sent to Dougnac, which RSF has seen, accuses her of journalistic activities that are “malicious and critical in manner that they create biased negative perception about India” and are “inimical to the interested of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of India and to the interests of the general public.”
But RSF has learned that Dougnac has refrained from any reporting in India since September 2022, when she was told that her request for a work permit had been refused. Complying with this decision, Dougnac has since then only done reporting in neighbouring countries.
“How many foreign journalists will be able to continue working in India if a professional such as Vanessa Dougnac is expelled. None of the accusations leveled against her is supported. If the threat materializes while the French president is on an official visit, this would send a terrible signal for the future of journalism in India. We urge the authorities not to carry out this threat of expulsion and to allow all foreign media correspondents to work freely in India.
South Asia desk Reporters Without Borders
Overseas Citizen of India card holders were free to work as journalists until 2022, when the authorities made them apply for a special permit, which Dougnac was refused without any grounds being given. She was simply told: “Your application for OCI activity permission to undertake journalistic activity in India has been denied by the competent authority.”
Online smear campaign
Ever since it was first reported that Dougnac was facing probable expulsion, she has been the target of waves of attacks by trolls close to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), especially on X (the former Twitter). Dozens of them reacted to a post in support of Dougnac by John Reed, the New Delhi-based head of the Financial Times South Asia bureau.
The defamatory posts about Dougnac were also fuelled by a slanderous profile of her on the pro-BJP website OpIndia. Reaching as many as 45,000 persons at a time, or even more, the visibility of these online attacks is alarming.
Increasingly oppressive climate for journalists
The surreal accusations leveled against Dougnac are typical of the increasing authoritarianism displayed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, which seeks to bring journalists into line and discredit any independent media. Press freedom in the country that claims to be “the world’s biggest democracy” has declined steadily since Modi became prime minister in 2014. The government’s leading targets are independent media outlets and journalists in the northern Kashmir region, but India-based reporters for foreign media are not spared.
— REPORTERS SANS FRONTIÈRES/ REPORTERS WITHOUT BORDERS South Asia Desk [email protected] +33 144 838 470
January 26, Colombo (LNW): Muditha Peiris, President of Litro Gas Company, announced today that the company has recorded a profit of 7 billion rupees. Speaking at a press conference, Peiris mentioned that dividends amounting to 1.5 billion rupees will be disbursed to the Treasury in 2023.
Highlighting the company’s financial performance, Peiris stated that in October 2023, dividends totaling 1.5 billion rupees were already provided to the treasury. He further noted that a total of 3 billion rupees in dividends for the year 2023 have already been contributed to the treasury as part of the company’s commitment to its financial obligations.
January 26, Colombo (LNW): The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has distributed 1,600 chicks to 80 beneficiaries in Kandamalawa Grama Niladhari Division in Gomarankadawala, as part of the UNDP’s Sri Lankan project with the technical and financial assistance of the Government of Japan.
Meanwhile, foul pox vaccinations have been administered by cluster leaders in Anuradhapura recently under the programme.
Additionally, a technical team has conducted a monitoring session of the mini incubators in Vavuniya, while a Black Soldier Fly unit and Azzolla farming has been conducted successfully in the Anuradhapura District with beneficiary commitment, the UNDP said.
In the meantime, the UNDP pledged its technical assistance for the future progress of the health service in Sri Lanka, when the UNDP’s Resident Representative in Sri Lanka Azusa Kubota met with Minister of Health Ramesh Pathirana on Wednesday (24).
During the discussion, the use of modern technology for the future progress of the country’s health service was taken up at length.
Ms. Azusa Kubota had further expressed during the meeting that they will work towards assisting in the development of Sri Lanka’s health sector in collaboration with organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO),
Asian Development Bank (ADB), Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) by engaging in an efficient and transparent procurement process.
Sri Lanka, an island known as the jewel of the Indian Ocean, is currently facing a serious economic crisis. This is the worst crisis that the country has faced since 1948.
Millions have been affected – with 5.7 million people in desperate need of humanitarian assistance and almost 6.3 million Sri Lankans not knowing where their next meal will come from.
As conditions continue to remain dire, at UNDP, among other efforts, we have created a crowdfunding campaign to support the Sri Lanka population.
The health and food sectors are two of the most heavily affected sectors by this crisis. Supply chains have been disrupted, certain essential and non-essential medicines have become scarce and difficult to purchase, and as a result, at certain instances, some routine surgeries have been delayed throughout the nation as well.
These distressing conditions are making communities increasingly vulnerable. Global support is needed to rebuild this island nation. That means we need your help to help Sri Lankans rebuild!
January 26, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka confectionery industry has been directed to expand their horizons and tap into international markets while developing coca plantations
President Ranil Wickremesinghe, issued this directive while addressing the 30th Annual General Meeting of the Lanka Confectionary Manufacturers Association (LCMA) yesterday (24) at Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo,
He emphasized the potential for Sri Lanka to become a global player in the confectionery industry. He encouraged Sri Lankan confectioners to expand their horizons and tap into international markets.
The President disclosed the significance of positioning Sri Lankan chocolates as a world-class product, similar to the renowned reputation of the country’s tea and cinnamon.
His encouragement aimed to inspire the confectionery industry to embark on a journey towards global recognition and market presence.
He expressed optimism about the potential for Sri Lankan chocolates to become globally recognized. The President urged the confectioners to explore new markets and export their products.
He further noted the limitations for expansion within the country and suggested looking beyond borders, citing the success of the Kandos factory in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia in 1978.
He advocated for increased exports and identified the confectionery industry, particularly chocolates, as having the potential for international recognition.
President Wickremesinghe encouraged the confectionery industry to explore intercropping with developing citing state plantations in Matale, Kandy, Mawathagama, and Dodangaslanda for potential expansion. He mentioned plans to collaborate with smallholders and discussions with the governments of Ghana and Ivory Coast for access to cocoa.
The President outlined broader initiatives, including leasing state-owned plantations to Sri Lankan companies or Sri Lankan companies with foreign shareholders for the development of the food industry, encompassing confectionery.
Virtually all the lands owned by Chilaw and Kurunegala plantation plus Elkaduwa with JEDB and SPC. He disclosed plans for modernizing agriculture, enhancing competitiveness through the National Productivity Commission and upgrading trade agreements with India and Thailand.
President Wickremesinghe pledged government support, including Rs. 8 billion for research and development, to foster a thriving confectionery industry urging collaboration, innovation and expansion into various areas of the food industry positioning it as a “low hanging fruit” for economic growth.
January 26, Colombo (LNW): Under the auspices of the Minister of Transport, Highways, and Mass Media, Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Rehabilitation and Improvement project of the Ampara-Uhana-Mahaoya Road (A027) from Keviliyamadu to Mahaoya was launched. The event took place at Mahaoya 69 junction, marking a significant step towards enhancing the infrastructure in the region.
This ambitious project focuses on the 58 km-long road (A027), a vital connection from Mahaoya town through Uhana to Ampara. The completion of the 33 km section from Ampara to Keviliyamadu has been successfully undertaken by the Sri Lankan Government. However, the remaining 25 km stretch from Keviliyamadu to Mahaoya faces challenges with narrow pathways and inadequate drainage systems.
The initiative is made possible through the financial support of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), as part of the Badulla-Chenkaladi Road Improvement Project. The SFD-funded project, with a loan of US$ 60 million, has already facilitated the completion of the 87 km road section from Bibila to Chenkaladi. Now, utilizing the remaining funds, the 25 km stretch from Keviliyamadu to Mahaoya will undergo development in two contract packages, with a total project cost of Rs. 2,977,467,150.87.
The anticipated benefits of this project are extensive, including the creation of an efficient route between Ampara and Maha Oya hospitals, improved transport services for agricultural activities, and strengthened connectivity between Kandy, Mahiyangana, Ampara, and Mahaoya. Additionally, the development is expected to positively impact small towns, enhance transportation for tourists visiting areas such as Pasikuda and Arugambe, and contribute to rural economic development through direct and indirect employment.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Bandula Gunawardhana emphasized the need for a truthful understanding of governance and dispelled misconceptions about the allocation of tax money. He highlighted the economic challenges faced by the country and the efforts made to secure loans for development projects. The Minister urged against resorting to violence to address issues, emphasizing the importance of finding non-violent solutions to the country’s challenges.
January 26, Colombo (LNW): The Cabinet of Ministers has given its approval for Sri Lanka to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Thailand. The decision, made on Wednesday, comes after extensive negotiations between the two nations, initiated following a Cabinet decision on January 16, 2018.
The primary objectives of this FTA are centered around the development of supply capacity, attracting export-oriented foreign direct investment, and expanding international market access for Sri Lankan goods and services. Recognizing these strategies as crucial to Sri Lanka’s economic growth, the government has actively pursued discussions to foster stronger economic ties with Thailand.
Throughout the negotiation process, the National Trade Negotiations Committee engaged with various local stakeholders to ensure comprehensive perspectives were considered. After nine rounds of discussions, a comprehensive 14 Chapter draft Free Trade Agreement was formulated, covering aspects such as trade and investment improvement, compliance with local laws and regulations, and facilitating knowledge sharing.
The proposal has received clearance from both the Attorney General and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, further endorsing the legal and diplomatic aspects of the agreement. With all necessary approvals in place, the Cabinet approved the proposal presented by the President to sign the proposed Free Trade Agreement between Sri Lanka and Thailand.
January 26, Colombo (LNW):In a recent address during the inauguration of the ancient Bodhi Prakaraya and Golden Fence at Sapugaskanda Abeysekararama on the morning of January 25, President Ranil Wickremesinghe reaffirmed his commitment to guiding the country’s progress in the coming years. Drawing inspiration from the success story of Biyagama, the President reflected on his early political career in the Biyagama Constituency, emphasizing the positive outcomes of strategic economic decisions, particularly the establishment of the Biyagama Investment Zone.
President Wickremesinghe highlighted the remarkable progress achieved by Biyagama, once characterized by underdevelopment, as a testament to the efficacy of those decisions. Expressing his vision for national progress, he outlined plans to replicate such success nationwide by leveraging the advantages of an open economy. The President stated his intention to establish new investment zones across the country with the aim of significantly boosting the national economy.
During the event, which included the inauguration of the newly constructed ancient Bodhi Prakaraya and Golden Fence, President Wickremesinghe commended the efforts of the organizers, including Deputy Incumbent Ven. Banagala Vimalatissa Thera and Chief Incumbent Ven. Banagala Upatissa Thera.
President Wickremesinghe reminisced about his early political journey in the Biyagama Constituency, highlighting the region’s underdevelopment at that time. Despite initial challenges and skepticism, the President recalled the success of the Biyagama Free Trade Zone, which has evolved into a thriving hub with numerous factories, shops, and other businesses. He credited the belief in Biyagama’s potential for growth under an open economy and drew parallels with the successful model initiated by late President J.R. Jayewardene in Katunayake.
The President underscored the need to generate employment opportunities and enhance the country’s income, emphasizing the importance of establishing new industries and investment prospects. Inspired by the success of Biyagama, President Wickremesinghe expressed his commitment to replicating the development model in other provinces, including Dalugama, Kiribathgoda, Makola, Mawaramandiya, and Kadawatha, with the goal of amplifying the national economy tenfold.
The Chief Sanghanayaka of Japan, Venerable Banagala Upatissa Thera, highlighted President Wickremesinghe’s deep connection with Sapugaskanda, describing it as his political stronghold and the place where he initiated his political journey.
January 26, Colombo (LNW): In a statement to the Daily News on January 25, Rehabilitation Commissioner Major General Darshana Hettiarachchi highlighted the emergence of conflicts within the Kandakadu Rehabilitation Centre, primarily instigated by drug peddlers. Major General Hettiarachchi emphasized the heightened scrutiny on individuals involved in drug trafficking admitted to the center, revealing that recent disturbances, including the incident on the night of January 24, were linked to this specific group.
The Rehabilitation Commissioner disclosed that the conflicts prompted a swift response, and legal measures would be pursued to relocate the implicated drug traffickers to alternative facilities through the judicial system.
The Kandakadu Rehabilitation Centre primarily serves as a facility for the rehabilitation of drug users, occasionally admitting individuals involved in drug trafficking upon their arrest. Major General Hettiarachchi assured that the identification process for traffickers within the center was underway.
In response to the situation, Major General Hettiarachchi informed the public that steps would be taken based on the recommendations provided by the five-member committee appointed by Justice, Prison Affairs, and Constitutional Reforms Minister Dr. Wijayadasa Rajapakshe. Additionally, the Minister has already directed a change in the management of the center, underscoring the commitment to address and rectify the issues at hand.
