Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) has further appreciated against the US Dollar today (28) in comparison to yesterday, as per leading commercial banks in the country.
At Peoples Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 318.48 from Rs. 319.41, and the selling price to Rs. 329.58 from Rs. 330.60.
At Commercial Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 317.02 from 317.89, and the selling price to Rs. 328 from Rs. 329.25, respectively.
At Sampath Bank, the buying and selling prices of the US Dollar have dropped to Rs. 318.5 from Rs. 320 and to Rs. 327.5 from Rs. 329, respectively.
Colombo (LNW): During the centenary celebration of Badulla Guruthalawa Muslim Central College on the morning of the 27th, President Ranil Wickremesinghe addressed two significant challenges facing the nation—building a stable economy and addressing the ethnic problem.
The President extended an open invitation to all political parties, urging them to collaborate on these goals, regardless of their party affiliations.
President Wickremesinghe expressed his commitment to safeguarding the rights of all citizens and a desire to promptly resolve lingering issues related to reconciliation. He disclosed plans to make a special statement on these matters in March.
During his visit to Guruthalawa Muslim Central College, the only Muslim National School in the Uva Province, the President received a warm welcome from the students.
As part of the centenary celebrations, he inaugurated the college’s new website. The Principal, Mr. A. Sammun, presented the commemorative issue to the President, marking the centenary of the College.
The President took the opportunity to award medals to students who excelled in the GCE Ordinary Level and GCE Advanced Level exams. Congratulating the college on its centenary, he left a note in the commemorative book and posed for a group photo with the teaching staff.
Full Statement:
To secure a prosperous future for the children of our nation, it is imperative that the government’s initiatives are robustly advanced. We have garnered support from nations around the world to ensure the success of these programmes, which, if implemented effectively, will undoubtedly contribute to the establishment of a stable economy and the resolution of various challenges facing our country.
In pursuit of these goals, I earnestly appealed to all, irrespective of political affiliations, to rally behind us in our efforts to fortify the nation’s economy. Regrettably, the response fell short of our expectations. There are two paramount issues that demand immediate attention in our country. Regardless of political allegiance, I once again implore all to collaborate in addressing these challenges.
Firstly, the imperative is to build a stable and resilient economy. Secondly, we must seek solutions to the ethnic issues plaguing the nation. A thriving country necessitates both a robust economy and a unified community, with a confirmed Sri Lankan identity.
All individuals, irrespective of their ethnicity be it Sinhalese, Tamil or Muslim, are Sri Lankans. While the Sinhalese constitute the majority, our commitment is to progress while safeguarding the Sinhala identity, religion, and culture. It is crucial to avoid any form of discrimination against other races or religions, ensuring the protection of the rights of all citizens. The path to a prosperous nation lies in collective progress as Sri Lankans.
We have addressed various challenges faced by the Sinhalese people and are actively working on solutions for other issues. Additionally, the government is addressing concerns of other segments of the population. Despite the conclusion of the war, unresolved matters persist before the Human Rights Commission in Geneva and we have taken necessary steps to address these issues.
Efforts are underway to rectify the displacement of some individuals by allowing settlement based on the 1985 map. Land rights are being granted to those affected in the northern and eastern provinces, comprising Tamil, Muslim, and Sinhalese communities. The government is also focusing on addressing missing persons, providing compensation and resolving outstanding issues.
Furthermore, we are committed to developing the economies of the northern and eastern provinces. A robust economy is essential to prevent the recurrence of underlying issues even after their resolution.
Special attention is being given to the concerns of Hill Country Tamil people, with dedicated programmes focusing on their rights, including land and education development. Additionally, efforts are ongoing to address the issues faced by the Muslim community, including a thorough review of burial practices and the removal of Post – Easter Sunday attack restrictions.
We are actively working on these matters, including the preparation of a draft law to regulate Madrasa schools. Expression of opinions, not related to terrorism or attempts to incite revolution, should be protected under the law and steps are being taken to ensure this. Reports are being sought from relevant ministries and officials and I expect to make a comprehensive statement by February or March. Prior to that, consultations with religious and political leaders will take place and I trust that we will receive collective support in addressing these challenges.
Gas Station Owners’ Assn President Shelton Fernando says although stocks in fuel stations are sufficient, sales have decreased: also says due to the decrease in fuel sales & increase in electricity bills, many fuel stations are now closed by 10pm: previously, fuel stations were kept open until 2am during the festive season.
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa praises the operation launched to net drug traffickers: claims it’s a progressive move by the Govt: says drugs have ruined the young generation.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has reportedly said that he is not saying he is coming or not coming forward at the Presidential election 2024.
Robocash, a leading “online lender” says there has been a substantial increase in the user base for online loan applications from 10,600 in Aug’21 to 1,300,000 by Nov’23: an exponential 125-fold surge in just over 2 years, at an average monthly growth rate of 19.5%.
Senior officer at Kalutara prison says the CCTV system at the prison had been disabled for a year due to financial issues: investigations into the recent death of a prison inmate reveals that due to this shortcoming, efforts to determine the cause of the assault have been hindered.
Pastor Jerome Fernando who was previously arrested in connection with a controversial sermon on 30th April’23, further remanded till 3rd Jan’24 by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court: investigations against Pastor Jerome Fernando are based on complaints that he has insulted other religions during his sermons.
Chief custodian of the Kataragama Devalaya Somipala T Ratnayake who was arrested by the Colombo Crimes Division, released on bail by Tissamaharama Magistrate: Ratnayake is the main suspect in the disappearance of a gold tray consisting of 38 gold sovereigns donated to the Kataragama Devalaya by a devotee.
“Smartwings” from Budapest, Hungary commences direct charter flights to SL: first charter flight arrives at BIA with 183 passengers: the charter to operate every Wednesday from 27th Dec’23 to 3rd Apr’24.
Emergency ambulance service 1990 Suwa Seriya partners with health technology provider Mediwave from Singapore to integrate its emergency response solutions: Mediwave’s Emergency Response Suite digitises emergency service processes, including the creation of Patients’ electronic health records using an AI-powered speech-to-text transcriber.
Public Security Minister Tiran Alles says a special operation has been launched to arrest and repatriate 30 criminals engaged in drug trafficking and underworld activities from overseas: also says the Govt has received intelligence reports on 29 underworld members operating in Dubai and 1 in France.
World (LNW): Sigrid Kaag, the former deputy prime minister of the Netherlands and a Middle East expert, has been appointed as the United Nations coordinator for humanitarian aid to Gaza, a region grappling with the impacts of war, Associated Press reported.
The announcement came from U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres following the Security Council’s resolution, which urged the swift appointment of a senior humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator for Gaza, according to report.
With over 2 million civilians facing urgent needs for food, water, and medicine, Kaag, who is proficient in Arabic and five other languages, is set to assume her duties on January 8.
Guterres highlighted Kaag’s extensive experience in political, humanitarian, and development affairs, as well as in diplomacy. Her role will involve facilitating, coordinating, monitoring, and verifying humanitarian relief consignments to Gaza.
Additionally, she will establish a U.N. mechanism to expedite aid deliveries through states not involved in the conflict.
A recent report by 23 U.N. and non-governmental organisations revealed that the entire population of Gaza is in a food crisis, with 576,000 people at catastrophic or starvation levels, and the risk of famine is increasing daily due to insufficient aid entering the region.
Israel had halted all deliveries of essential supplies after an incursion by the militant Hamas group in October.
The Israel-Hamas war has resulted in a significant loss of life, with over 20,900 casualties in Gaza, primarily affecting women and children. Despite some aid trickling in through Egypt under U.S. pressure, only a fraction of the food needs has been met.
Kaag’s appointment is anticipated to address and alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, leveraging her extensive background in the Middle East and her previous roles within the United Nations.
Colombo (LNW): Showers or thunder showers will occur at times in Eastern and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district, with several spells of showers being expected in Northern, North-central provinces and in Matale and Nuwara-Eliya districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (28).
Fairly heavy showers about 75 mm are likely at some places in Ampara, Batticaloa and Hambanthota districts, and showers or thundershowers may occur at several places elsewhere of the island 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, North-western, Eastern, Uva and Southern provinces.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa and Western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning.
The public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Trincomalee to Hambantota via Batticaloa and Pottuvil. Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in other sea areas around the island during the afternoon or night.
Winds:
Winds will be easterly to north-easterly and wind speed will be (25-35) kmph. Wind speed may increase up to (50-60) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar. Wind speed may increase up to (40-50) kmph in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanthurai to Galle via Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Pottuvil and Hambantota.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar will be rough at times. The sea areas off the coast extending Kankasanthurai to Galle via Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Pottuvil and Hambantota will be fairly rough at times. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
Today marks the 56th birthday of Mr. Dhammika Perera, the distinguished founder and co-chairman of DP Education.
Born on December 28, 1967, Mr. Perera commenced his educational journey at Horana Thakshila Madhya Maha Vidyalaya. At the age of 19, while pursuing an NDT course at the University of Moratuwa, he entered the business realm. By the age of 45, he had ascended to the pinnacle of Sri Lanka’s business landscape, establishing an extensive business empire.
The ability to create a prosperous business is a rare skill, and Mr. Dhammika Perera stands out not only as a successful entrepreneur but as a unique figure in the context of Sri Lanka. His distinction is not solely derived from building a vast business network employing over 60,000 individuals and expanding into diverse sectors such as banking, finance, tourism, entertainment, plantation, electronic equipment, garment industries, ceramic products, both domestically and internationally, nor is it solely due to his role as the founder of a network of companies contributing significantly to the country’s export revenue.
Mr. Dhammika Perera’s uniqueness lies in his decision to relinquish personal gain for the betterment of education in Sri Lanka. He redirected his wealth towards improving the educational landscape for tens of thousands of children in the country, establishing the ‘DP Education’ social welfare programme. His dedication to providing formal, quality education through digital platforms has set a precedent for free education in the contemporary era.
Unlike those content with incomplete achievements, Mr. Dhammika Perera ensured the meticulous preparation of the DP Education programme, which has now emerged as Asia’s leading school education digital platform, surpassing even technologically advanced countries such as Japan, Korea, China, and India. This achievement is not merely a personal triumph; it is a victory for the children of the nation.
The accolades continue with the ‘Trainee Fullstack Developer’ online course, a collaborative effort between the ‘DP Education Coding School’ programme and the University of Moratuwa, earning an award-winning recognition from the European Union. The ‘DP Education IT Campus’ network, with over 100 branches and plans to establish a branch in every divisional secretariat by 2025, attests to the programme’s rapid expansion.
Mr. Dhammika Perera’s visionary aspirations include creating one million jobs in the IT sector through ‘Silicon Valley’ offices under the DP Education IT Campus and opening employment opportunities for an additional one million people through the ‘Language School’ and ‘Vocational Training Section’. These dreams, ambitious as they may be, are already materialising under his leadership.
In times of economic crisis and waning hopes for the country’s future, Mr. Dhammika Perera’s intervention is poised to be recorded as a historic event in Sri Lanka. The narrative of this historical chapter will ultimately be shaped by the people.
On this special day, we extend our heartfelt wishes to Mr. Dhammika Perera for a Happy Birthday!
Colombo, Sri Lanka, 27.12.2023: In commemoration of the 200th anniversary since the arrival of Tamil people of Indian origin in Sri Lanka, a population that has endured significant struggles and sacrifices in the pursuit of their rights and dignified living, there is a recognised need for the acknowledgment of the Hill-Country community in the contemporary context.
In response to this imperative, under the directives of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and along with Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Chairperson K. Annamalai, a commemorative stamp is set to be issued through the Indian Ministry of Posts, honouring the Hill-Country people and Tamil individuals of Indian origin residing in Sri Lanka.
Scheduled for a ceremony on the 30th of this month in New Delhi, India, the inaugural stamp will be presented by the National Leader of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Mr. J.P. Nadda, to the Governor of the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka and the Leader of the Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) Mr. Senthil Thondaman.
The Ministry of Posts of India has meticulously examined numerous documents and files pertaining to the migration of Tamils of Indian origin to Sri Lanka to incorporate relevant historical markers on the stamp. This initiative aims to provide an accessible avenue for the people of India to gain a comprehensive understanding of the detailed history of hill country Tamil migration to Sri Lanka.
This historic stamp, set to launch on the 30th of this month, will be available in over 155,015 post offices in India, boasting the world’s largest postal network.
While over 32,285,425 people of Indian origin have migrated from India and are dispersed across more than 210 countries, including those such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Bhutan, the Tamils of Indian origin residing in Sri Lanka for two centuries are accorded a recognition not extended to the aforementioned nations, signifying an honour bestowed upon the people of Sri Lanka.
Beyond the realms of assistance, obligation, and responsibility, it is imperative to demonstrate respect and recognition to our people. The issuance of a stamp for Tamil people of Indian origin living in Sri Lanka serves not only as an expression of friendship between the two nations but also as an indication that Sri Lanka has earned the respect of the Hill-Country people.
Governor of the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka and the Leader of the Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC), Mr. Senthil Thondaman has been invited to receive first inaugural stamp during the stamp release event.
Colombo (LNW): Heart to Heart International, under the direction of Ambassador Mahinda Samarasinghe, has donated the ninth consignment of urgent medicines worth approximately $644,160.128 USD (LKR 213,378,042.4) to Sri Lanka, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington DC and Heart to Heart International said in a joint statement.
The donation includes Amlodipine besylate for high blood pressure and Everolimus for various cancers.
The Embassy of Sri Lanka expresses gratitude for these generous donations, coordinated with the Ministry of Health.
The total in-kind donations by Heart to Heart International to Sri Lanka amount to approximately $46,806,029.58 USD (LKR 15 billion).
The donations are aimed at improving health access and are expected to reach Colombo by the end of December 2023, with all expenses covered by Heart to Heart International.
World (LNW): Acclaimed actor Lee Sun-kyun, known for his role in the Oscar-winning film “Parasite,” was discovered dead in an apparent suicide on Wednesday (27) amidst an ongoing investigation into suspected drug use.
A man in his 40s was found unconscious in a car at a central Seoul park at 10:30 a.m., later identified as Lee. A charcoal briquette was found in the passenger seat. Police received a prior report stating that Lee had left home after leaving a memo resembling a suicide note.
Upon pronouncing him dead, emergency services did not transport him to a hospital, a fire official stated.
Lee had undergone three rounds of police questioning regarding allegations of using marijuana and other illicit substances at the residence of a hostess from a high-end bar in Seoul’s Gangnam district, spanning several instances since the beginning of the year, with the latest occurrence reported last Saturday.
The actor contended that he was deceived by the hostess into consuming the drugs and was unaware of their nature. Despite testing negative in both the brief reagent test during police investigations and the lab-based drug test conducted by the National Forensic Service last month, Lee faced ongoing scrutiny.
The day before his death, Lee had submitted a polygraph test request to the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency, the authority overseeing the investigation, maintaining his innocence.
Lee Sun-kyun gained international recognition following the success of “Parasite,” which won multiple Academy Awards in 2020.
Colombo (LNW): The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has officially accepted responsibility for the recent island-wide blackout.
During a presentation before the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), CEB officials acknowledged their role in the disruption.
The CEB’s admission of responsibility marks a significant development in addressing the aftermath of the power outage.
Professor Manjula Fernando, Chairman of the PUCSL, announced that the commission will convene to discuss the next steps in response to the CEB’s presentation.
The island-wide blackout occurred on December 9th, triggered by a lightning strike on the critical Kotmale-Biyagama transmission line.
