By: Staff Writer

January 07, Colombo (LNW): The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) has announced that people should only buy mobile phones that have been approved by the Commission.

Addressing the media TRCSL Deputy Director of Compliance, Ms. M. Pathirana, requested consumers check the IMEI number to verify the phone they are hoping to buy has TRCSL approval.

The IMEI number is displayed on the cover of the mobile phone box. People can check the validity of the IMEI number by sending an SMS to 1909 (IMEI (space) 15-digit number and sending it to 1909). An instant reply message will be received stating whether the mobile phone is registered or not.

She requested that consumers buy only TRCSL-approved phones to prevent falling into trouble.

The TRCSL has announced that unregistered telecommunication devices equipped with a SIM card will be deactivated within the Cellular Mobile Telephone Operator’s Network.

The public is strongly advised to avail services exclusively from dealers who possess a vendor license issued by the TRCSL.

In accordance with the directives of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL), it is crucial for consumers to choose mobile phones that have received approval from the commission.

TRCSL emphasises the necessity of verifying the IMEI number before making a purchase.

This can be accomplished by sending a SMS to 1909 with the format “IMEI (space) 15-digit number.”

An instant reply message will confirm the registration status of the mobile phone. In a non-approved TRCSL phone, the dealer who sells unauthorised devices becomes unauthorised importer who has not paid any tax and the customer of such devices is likely, to be held responsible for relevant government taxes in case of any issues.

Failure to select a TRCSL-approved smartphone may result in various consequences for consumers.

These include the inability to claim warranties from suppliers, difficulties in obtaining one-to-one replacements, a shortage of spare parts for specific phone models, and, most critically, network and connection issues from telecommunications companies.

Such issues encompass frequency problems, bandwidth and coverage issues, as well as network connection losses.

Abans is a TRCSL licenced vendor, serving as the Authorised National Distributor for Motorola and OPPO brands, in addition to being distributors for VIVO and Techno, as well as the authorised reseller for Apple iPhones in Sri Lanka, assures customers that all its smartphones are imported only after obtaining TRCSL certifications.

The entire range of Apple, Motorola, and OPPO mobile phones imported by Abans undergoes rigorous testing by TRCSL to ensure network compatibility.

January 07, Colombo (LNW): Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in charge of Traffic Indika Hapugoda elaborated on the objectives of the ‘Yukthiya’ (Justice) operation, a special traffic initiative undertaken by the Sri Lanka police.

Deputy Inspector General Hapugoda clarified that the primary focus of vehicle checks within this operation is to curb narcotics smuggling, particularly beyond the boundaries of Colombo.

The initiative aims to prevent the illicit transportation of drugs from Colombo to other areas and to apprehend any wanted suspects attempting to flee from Colombo.

To facilitate efficient enforcement, DIG Hapugoda outlined a distinctive feature of the operation. Police officers will utilise a special sticker, affixed to the left side of the windscreen of checked vehicles.

This measure ensures that vehicles which have undergone inspection are easily identifiable at subsequent checkpoints, streamlining the overall monitoring process, he emphasised.

The ‘Yukthiya’ operation reflects a strategic effort by the Police to enhance traffic management, combat narcotics-related activities, and apprehend individuals with legal implications attempting to evade authorities by traversing from Colombo to other regions.

January 07, Colombo (LNW): The harvest festival of Pongal, traditionally celebrated by Tamils worldwide, unfolded a week early this year in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province, India’s Karnataka-based Deccan Herald reported.

The region made history by hosting its inaugural Jallikattu, a bull-taming sport, marking a significant departure from its roots in Tamil Nadu.

Eastern Province Governor Senthil Tondaman and the Tourism Bureau orchestrated the event, drawing the participation of over 200 bulls and 100 bull tamers.

Enthusiasts began queuing up at Trincomalee’s Sambur public playground as early as 7 am to witness the spectacle firsthand.

Thondaman inaugurated the event, where a temple bull was the first to charge through the vaadivaasal into the arena, prompting a flurry of young men attempting to tame it.

More than 200 adorned bulls, including those raised by Tondaman’s family, were successively released, with victorious tamers rewarded with household appliances such as mixer grinders, rice cookers, and ceiling fans.

Vaadivaasal, the narrow passage through which bulls enter for taming, facilitated the smooth progression of the event.

Although ethnic and plantation Tamils celebrate Pongal annually, Jallikattu has not traditionally been part of the harvest festival. This marked the first occurrence of the sport in Sri Lanka.

P Mathan, Chairman of the Eastern Province Tourism Bureau, revealed that over 5,000 participants engaged in the historic Jallikattu event.

Experts from Tamil Nadu and members of the Jallikattu Protection Committee collaborated with local organisers, ensuring the event’s successful execution, with the Animal Husbandry department overseeing the bulls’ fitness for participation.

Jallikattu, celebrated with fervor in various Tamil Nadu districts during the Tamil month of Thai (mid-January to mid-February), took on a novel dimension in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province this year.

January 07, Colombo (LNW): During the initial four days of this year, Sri Lanka experienced an influx of more than 25,000 tourists, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) announced.

From January 1st to the 4th, a total of 25,619 tourists visited the country, with the largest contingent of 5,060 arriving from Russia, followed by 3,333 from India.

The SLTDA further noted a considerable number of tourists arriving from diverse countries, including Germany, Britain, Australia, China, France, Netherlands, and the United States.

It’s worth highlighting that, in the preceding year, Sri Lanka recorded a total of 1,487,303 tourist arrivals.

This data illustrates the ongoing global interest in Sri Lanka as a tourist destination, contributing significantly to the country’s tourism sector.

January 07, Colombo (LNW): Four Sri Lankan cricketers have transitioned to roles within the Sri Lanka Police after their stint with the Police Cricket Club since the previous year.

Notably, Kusal Janith Perera and Chamara Silva have assumed positions as Chief Police Inspectors, while Ashen Bandara and Nuwan Pradeep have taken on roles as Police Inspectors.

These cricketers, who were part of the Sri Lanka Police Cricket team that achieved joint champion status in the recent Sri Lanka Cricket first-class competition, were officially appointed to their new roles.

Public Security Minister Tiran Alles presented the official appointment letters to the four players, with the ceremony witnessed by Acting IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon.

PMD: President Ranil Wickremesinghe assured on Saturday (06) that comprehensive solutions will be presented to tackle the challenges faced by businessmen in the Northern Province within the next two months.

He emphasised that officials from pertinent Ministries will conduct visits to the Northern Province in the coming two weeks to evaluate the situation. The government plans to establish a dynamic agency specifically dedicated to addressing the issues encountered by the business community in the province.

President Wickremesinghe conveyed these statements during a discussion held earlier today at the Jaffna District Secretariat, where he engaged with industrialists, fishermen, and farmers of the Jaffna District.

Approximately 300 representatives from the industrial, fishing and farming sectors in the Northern Province are actively engaged in this event, wherein they presented their challenges and proposed new ideas related to their respective industries to President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

President Wickremesinghe, attentively addressing the concerns raised, promptly initiated actions to provide solutions to certain issues.

Notably, the industrialists have appealed to the President for the establishment of an industrial zone in the Northern Province. In response, the President has directed officials to explore suitable land areas for this purpose.

Additionally, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has directed officials to expedite the establishment of a Provincial Business Promotion Centre in the Northern Province.

Acknowledging the crucial role of business development in the province’s active contribution to the national economy, the President has instructed officials to swiftly address the challenges hindering this progress.

Simultaneously, President Ranil Wickremesinghe engaged in a meeting with the academic staff of Jaffna University at the Jaffna District Secretariat, today (06).

Jaffna University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. S. Srisatkunarajah, along with the academic staff, including senior lecturers of the university, was in attendance. During the meeting, a comprehensive development plan outlining transformative changes for Jaffna University was presented to President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe proposed a comprehensive redesign of the university system, particularly emphasising technological advancements. He urged the implementation of diverse approaches to ensure English proficiency among all university students, advocating for the use of distance learning methods.

Acknowledging the challenge of human resources, the President suggested tapping into the diaspora, including retired individuals, and welcoming foreign lecturers who express interest. Support, such as tickets and residential options, would be provided based on individual preferences.

The President stressed the importance of understanding the expectations of those willing to contribute, and measures have already been introduced to facilitate their involvement. He encouraged clear communication of specific requirements to ensure a seamless process.

To address the human resource shortage, the President proposed exploring the option of attracting non-diaspora lecturers, possibly from Sri Lanka or other countries like India (Bangalore) or the United States. External lecturers would be engaged for a defined period, with Jaffna leading the initiative for other universities to follow.

The President also suggested considering agreements with other universities, allowing them to provide lecturers as needed. This collaborative effort would rely on the commitment of each university to implement these measures successfully. In terms of foreign students, universities were encouraged to decide on enrolment targets based on their willingness and capacity.