January 26, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Urban Development and Housing has announced plans to lease several government-owned buildings in Colombo to the private sector for development purposes. W. S. Satyananda, the Secretary of the Ministry, revealed that this initiative includes prominent structures such as Visum Paya, the Gafoor building, the Tea Museum, and two parcels of land spanning 3 acres in DR Wijewardana Mawatha.

According to Satyananda, agreements with investors have already been finalized for the lease of these properties. Additionally, a government-owned building located in Nuwara Eliya is also included in the list of structures earmarked for leasing.

The objective behind this move is to foster development and effective utilization of these properties, transforming them into viable tourist attractions. The emphasis is on ensuring that the development does not compromise the archaeological and historical values associated with these buildings and lands.

By engaging the private sector in the rejuvenation of these properties, the government aims to enhance tourism and contribute to the overall economic development of the region. This strategic approach aligns with efforts to leverage both public and private resources for the collective benefit of the community and the nation as a whole.

1. International Cricket Council names Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu as the ICC ODI International Women’s Cricketer of the Year 2023.
2. Group of SLPP MPs calling themselves the “New Alliance” to launch a campaign to support UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe’s candidature at the forthcoming Presidential election: their inaugural rally to be held on 27th January.
3. Jagath Priyankara who is next in the list of Puttalam district winning candidates at the 2020 Parliamentary Election is set to fill the MP seat left vacant after State Minister Sanath Nishantha’s death: Priyankara is a member of the National Freedom Front led by MP Wimal Weerawansa.
4. Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera says a group connected to a political party is posting insulting posts on State Minister Sanath Nishantha’s tragic death, using “fake” accounts: observers say thousands of such fake accounts are being continuously used for quite some time by this political party to boost their image as well as insult others.
5. Deiyannadara Magistrate issues Detention Orders until 27th January for the suspect arrested from Akuressa over the killing of five persons at Beliatta.
6. SL Legislators seek State Finance Minister Shehan Semasinghe’s intervention as SL workers in the Maldives have to rely on “Undiyal” to send their remittances home: this is in response to Maldivian banks limiting dollar sales to customers amidst a forex shortage in that country.
7. Health workers excluding doctors in state-run hospitals await a resolution to their demand for an additional allowance similar to that of doctors: warn that a failure to resolve the issue could result in trade union action disrupting services: set 1st February as the fresh deadline for the Govt to meet their demands.
8. Govt to introduce amendments to the Penal Code to institute rape of male children as a criminal offence: amendments to also include strengthening laws on constitutional rape of females.
9. President Ranil Wickremesinghe outlines his vision to make SL a major global player in the confectionery industry; stresses the potential for “Made in SL” chocolates.
10. US Ambassador to SL Julie Chung says the new “On-line Safety Act” will jeopardize democratic values and undermine the economic growth that SL needs: says the US urges SL to prioritize transparency and ensure that legislation does not stifle the voices of its people.

January 26, Colombo (LNW): In a groundbreaking move, the Cabinet has approved amendments to the Penal Code, addressing a critical gap in the legal framework by criminalizing the rape of male children. Until this approval, male rape was not explicitly recognized as a criminal offense, leaving victims without proper avenues for justice.

The decision to introduce these amendments stems from the acknowledgment of the need for legal provisions to address the sexual assault of male children, aligning with the ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s legal framework related to sexual offenses.

The draft bill, having received clearance from the Attorney General, is set to be published and submitted to Parliament for approval. The proposed amendments not only aim to rectify existing shortcomings in the laws pertaining to the constitutional rape of females but also signal a commitment to inclusivity and protection for all victims of sexual violence, regardless of gender.

This decision reflects a significant step towards ensuring justice, protection, and legal recourse for male child victims of rape, fostering a more comprehensive and equitable legal system in Sri Lanka.

January 26, Colombo (LNW): Deindara Magistrate’s Court has granted permission to question the suspect under detention orders. The 54-year-old suspect is under investigation for his alleged involvement in the shooting incident that occurred near the Beliatta exit of the Southern Expressway on January 22nd.

Following the interrogation of the suspect, the Hakmana police have successfully seized crucial evidence related to the crime. This includes a motorcycle believed to have been used during the shooting and a van utilized by the suspects to escape from the crime scene. Additionally, the jeep used by the suspects to arrive at the location has been taken into police custody in Galle.

The shooting incident, executed with two T56 firearms, resulted in the tragic deaths of five individuals, including Saman Perera, the leader of the Ape Janabala Party. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are actively pursuing leads to bring those responsible to justice.

January 26, Colombo (LNW): The prevailing dry weather condition in Northern, North-central, Eastern and Uva provinces is expected to change from tomorrow onwards.

Mainly fair weather will prevail over the island.

There is a possibility of ground frost at some places in Nuwara-Eliya district during the early hours of the morning.

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

        High Commission of India, Colombo is inviting applications for around 200 fully-funded scholarships for Sri Lankan nationals, across various levels. These scholarships are being offered for studies in prestigious Indian Institutes and Universities across subject domains but not including Medical/Paramedical, Fashion Design and Law courses. The scholarships offered exclusively for Sri Lankan nationals are for 2024-2025 academic session.

2.     The schemes under which these scholarships have been offered are:

a)     Nehru Memorial Scholarship Scheme: This scheme covers Under Graduate/Post Graduate & PhD courses in various domains such as Engineering, Science, Business, Economics, Commerce, Humanities and Arts, among others.

b)     Maulana Azad Scholarship Scheme: Masters Degrees courses with preference to Engineering, Science and Agriculture.

c)     Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship Scheme: Under Graduate courses in specifically in the field of Information Technology, leading to a Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Technology.

3.     Each of the above schemes covers full tuition fees for the entire duration of the course, monthly sustenance allowance, and annual grant for books and stationary. In addition, air fare to the nearest destination in India and an annual grant for educational tours to various parts of the country, apart from several other auxiliary benefits are also offered. Selected candidates would also be provided hostel facility inside the respective campus.

4.     Government of India selects meritorious Sri Lankan nationals for award of these coveted scholarships. Selection of candidates is done in consultation with Ministry of Education, Government of Sri Lanka. Necessary details will be available on the website of Ministry of Education at www.mohe.gov.lk. Interested applicants and their parents are advised to approach the High Commission of India, Colombo ([email protected]) or Ministry of Education, Government of Sri Lanka to learn more about eligibility criteria and selection procedure.

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Colombo

25 January 2024

January 25, Colombo (LNW): The remains of the late State Minister Sanath Nishantha will be brought to Jayaratne Floral House at 5.30 pm today (25) to allow the public an opportunity to pay their final respects, announced Chief Organiser of the Ruling Party, MP Prasanna Ranatunga.

Subsequently, on the following day (26) at 10.30 am, the body will be conveyed to the residence of the deceased Minister in Puttalam.

The final rites are scheduled to take place on Sunday (28) in the Arachchikattu area, Ruling Party MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage said.

Tragedy unfolded when a freight container truck collided with the vehicle of Nishantha earlier this morning, claiming the lives of the State Minister and a Police Constable from his security detail.

The Minister’s driver, who suffered severe injuries from the accident, was hostpialised, and the driver of the freight container truck was arrested by the Police.