Colombo (LNW): Tragedy struck in the Jaffna district as an eleven-month-old infant and a student from Jaffna University succumbed to dengue fever while receiving treatment at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital.
The infant, a resident of Thanvadi in Jaffna, passed away yesterday, while the university student had succumbed to the illness two days ago.
Health authorities in the region have raised alarms about the rapid spread of dengue fever in the Jaffna district.
In a recent meeting held at the secretariat with Northern Province Governor P.S.M. Charles, health officials disclosed that the number of Dengue-positive cases in the Northern Province has exceeded 2,200, resulting in the unfortunate demise of five individuals.
The concerning rise in dengue cases has prompted heightened attention from local health authorities, who are actively working to address and mitigate the impact of the outbreak.
The loss of a young infant and a university student underscores the urgency of the situation, and efforts are underway to implement measures to curb the further spread of dengue fever in the Jaffna district.
Colombo (LNW): Feminism with time have become an abstract concept although it does have a proper definition. That had happened because with time any concept evolves for the better or for worse. Nonetheless in simpler terms Feminism means equal rights opportunities and status for women regardless of their race religion faith or sexuality.
What is quite unfortunate when speaking of feminism is that this battle particularly had been fought for a long time. With its first wave been in 1848. But still if you look at the society today there had not been much of a difference. Japan recovered faster after two atomic bombs than the progress Feminism had achieved over the years.
This topic is something that has been put to question very recently in popular media. With the increasing cases of physical assault and sexual battery. So why not give a fresh perspective on a timely matter.
Feminism in its core is a cry of frustration of an oppressed group of individuals who had been stripped from their rights and choices. It is a cry of freedom of liberalism. It had never been intended to surpass as a superior gender.
Although many popular media has adapted to have a female lead especially in period dramas where she strives for what is right and what should be hers ironically the real world is far behind fiction. No matter how great the movies are or how great the actors are the society is still quite primitive.
We still live in a society where the victim is mostly blamed for the sexual assault and unfortunately the majority of the victims are women. The common excuses that the other party would give is that it is the woman who lured them, it is the woman who seduced them, it is the woman who invited them with their clothing, it is the woman who needed them, asked them, begged them without actual verbal consent. And particularly after marriage people assume that rape doesn’t exist especially in the developing countries just because they are bound by a legal contract.
But it still does. No matter how many ‘no’s are repeated or shouted or yelled the majority goes unheard. The women are still seen as tools of pleasure, something to relieve stress.
What could be given as the best example is public transport. There’s hardly any woman out there who uses public transport can admit to not being subject to an uncomfortable sexual assault. It is rather pathetic how primal the society is but it is the truth.
Because of these extreme scenarios that is largely normalized it is still the woman who is stripped of her freedom. She has to dress appropriately even in the blazing sun to always be cautious no matter how tired she was, always be aware, be accompanied with someone at night and never be alone with strangers. Everything is a no-go.
Adults too in their idealistic mind to protect the female child tend to always blame her of anything happening to her, putting unnecessary load of restrictions on her. At the end of the day, one way or the other she will always be the one to be blamed.
Due to that the most basic help females get also is over exaggerated. The fact that men could be attentive to her moods on a particular hard day or asking for consent before invoking anything is glorified to the extent that it made them perfect. Women too unused to being treated equally or respectfully or attentively soak it up and further praise the actions. It’s almost as if common human courtesy is appreciated.
This further expounds on the true state of a woman in society. Although considered a part of it being the ultimate vessel of a new generation, she had not been considered quite human that even basic decency moves her to tears. Therefore, it is time to see a woman and see a person without just seeing her as a woman.
There are still lot of issues prevailing in the world for women specifically. Glass ceiling Pregnancy discrimination and Education etc. It is time for society to take a stand against such obvious oppression and treat them as fellow individuals. And for that to change the perspectives should be altered; in both men and women. To create a better world educating a one party has never been sufficient. That has been where the issue was. Let’s alter it and create a less problematic world.
Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has initiated a specialised operation with the objective of apprehending and repatriating 30 individuals involved in drug trafficking and underworld activities from abroad, Public Security Minister Tiran Alles disclosed.
Minister Alles pointed out that the government has received intelligence reports identifying 29 underworld members operating in Dubai and one in France.
These revelations were made during an official event in Kirindiwela, where Alles confirmed that discussions are actively underway with the concerned countries to facilitate the extradition of these individuals to Sri Lanka.
Addressing inquiries about the nationwide ‘Yukthiya’ operation, the Minister clarified that there is no intention to suspend the operation, asserting the continuity of the operation.
He noted that objections to ‘Yukthiya’ come from those hindering its progress, and that the government aims to completely halt underworld and drug trafficking in the country within the next six months.
Elaborating on the actions against underworld members located in Dubai and France, Alles acknowledged the intricacies of legal procedures in these jurisdictions. He asserted that negotiations are currently in progress with the relevant nations, and the government has obtained red notices for their arrest.
Despite facing legal challenges, the government remains steadfast in its commitment to bringing these individuals to Sri Lanka, he added.
Colombo (LNW): The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has reportedly recorded a statement from former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella at his residence, as part of the ongoing probe into the sub-standard Immunoglobulin import matter, a scandal that has sent shockwaves through the nation.
Immunoglobulin, a vital medical product integral to the treatment of various health conditions, has become the centre of a controversy surrounding its quality and procurement processes during Rambukwella’s tenure as the Minister of Health.
Rambukwella denied any involvement with the scandal, regardless of the countless allegations levelled against the ex Minister by many concerned parties, including the Opposition, civil movements and activists.
The CID’s decision to question the ex Minister at his residence indicates the gravity of the situation and the determination to get to the bottom of the allegations.
The investigation has raised concerns about potential risks to public health, as sub-standard medical supplies pose serious threats, particularly to individuals with compromised immune systems who rely on Immunoglobulin for their treatment.
Colombo (LNW): In anticipation of heightened festivities during the holiday season, the Sri Lanka Police have proactively unveiled a comprehensive plan to ensure public safety.
This initiative involves the implementation of a special 24-hour operation specifically designed to apprehend individuals found driving under the influence of alcohol.
The primary objective of this initiative is to significantly augment road safety measures and address the inherent dangers posed by drunk driving.
Recognising the potential risks associated with an increase in celebratory activities during the festive season, law enforcement authorities are keen on taking proactive steps to safeguard the well-being of the public.
The initiative emphasises the importance of public awareness and education on responsible alcohol consumption.
Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is seeking transformative partnerships to thrust its trajectory towards energy sustainability.
The recent meeting between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and a World Bank delegation revealed a broadened discourse that extends beyond conventional boundaries, encompassing ports, trade, and crucially, support for initiatives in digitalization, renewable energy, and education.
The prospect of establishing power grid connections involving India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal emerged as a beacon of hope in the pursuit of a sustainable energy future.
Critical to Sri Lanka’s success in this transformative journey is the collaboration with international partners who not only understand local dynamics but also contribute to the country’s economic growth.
The Adani Group, the Indian conglomerate with a global footprint, has emerged as a noteworthy example. Renowned for its collaboration in developing large-scale projects worldwide, from Australia to Indonesia and Africa, the group aligns seamlessly with Sri Lanka’s development ambitions.
The Adani Group is presently involved in wind power initiatives in the Northern region of Sri Lanka.
Upon completion, these projects are expected to produce 1,498 gigawatt-hours per annum (GWh/year) of clean, affordable and sustainable energy, contributing to a decrease in Sri Lanka’s dependence on fossil fuels.
Moreover, the ventures are expected to attract significant investment on a large scale, bringing in substantial foreign exchange exceeding $732 million.
Furthermore, the projects will contribute to reducing ~1 million tons of CO2 emissions annually, thereby, enabling the country’s decarbonization goals.
The Adani Group’s significant investment of $700-$750 million in the Colombo West International Terminal at the Port of Colombo exemplifies its commitment to catalysing transformative change.
The recent announcement by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to provide financial support amounting to $553 million to Colombo West International Terminal Pvt. Ltd. (CWIT), a consortium of Adani International Ports Holdings., John Keells Holdings (JKH) and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, further solidifies the collaborative efforts from Port of Colombo’s infrastructure development perspective.
Sri Lanka’s ambitious target of achieving 70% domestic electricity from renewable sources by 2030, with a long-term vision of complete reliance on renewable energy by 2050, underscores the nation’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s energy economy, plays a pivotal role in this transition. Operating in both primary and secondary energy provision, the CEB needs reliable international partners given the critical nature of the sector.
Independent Power Producers (IPP) like Adani Energy, with its track record of timely fulfillment of contractual obligations, financial stability, and commitment to sustainability, emerges as a top-tier candidate in Sri Lanka’s energy sector.
Colombo (LNW): The government initiated diplomatic discussions are continuing to rescue and repatriate the Sri Lankan youth who have been illegally detained in camps in Myanmar, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) announced.
Issuing a press release, the MFA said that the Ministry and the Sri Lankan diplomatic corps in Myanmar have continued to actively seek the assistance and cooperation of the Myanmar authorities on the safe repatriation of the Sri Lankan nationals who have been trafficked there and also stated that this situation has been an ongoing issue since last year (2022).
Meanwhile, as per the latest reports of the International Criminal Police Organisation, in Myanmar alone, it identified trafficking victims originating from at least 22 different countries, although most come from the country’s Kayin and Shan States.
According to the MFA, as a result of the rescue and repatriation efforts spearheaded by its Consular Affairs Division in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Embassy in Myanmar and the Myanmar Government authorities, a total of 32 victims were rescued between 2022 and this year (2023).
In a concerted effort to secure the release of Sri Lankan youths trapped in a Myanmar terror camp, Ambassador Janaka Bandara announced a collaborative initiative involving six nations.
The Ambassador said that the mission is working tirelessly alongside India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar itself, Thailand, and Nepal to bring the captive Sri Lankans back home safely.
Developments in the harrowing case of Sri Lankan youths trapped in a Myanmar terror camp took a shocking turn, with Ambassador Janaka Bandara revealing startling new information.
During discussions with counterparts from six nations, including India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar itself, Thailand, and Nepal, Ambassador Bandara learned that over 200 Indian youth are also suffering as cyber slaves in the camp’s clutches.
In a sign of potential progress, Ambassador Bandara reported that the he has planned talks with the Myanmar military Junta to discuss the release of the Sri Lankan captives.
Additionally, a meeting between Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabri and his Myanmar counterpart is slated for the near future, indicating intensified diplomatic efforts.
Adding a further layer of complexity, allegations surfaced of group selling Sri Lankans to the terrorist-controlled camp from Dubai.
Grieving parents pointed towards a woman named Juana, accusing her of facilitating their children’s enslavement.
The Chinese traffickers, involved in this global trafficking ring, are continuing their efforts to lure Sri Lankans into their cyber slave camps.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and Attorney-at-Law Nihal Thalduwa, spokesperson for the Sri Lankan Police, confirmed an ongoing investigation into alleged irregular migration attempts involving one Chinese national and three Sri Lankan citizens.
Speaking to the media, SSP Thalduwa stated that four related complaints have been received and are currently under investigation.
While no arrests have been made yet, he urged individuals seeking overseas employment to adhere to established procedures between countries instead of attempting irregular methods.
Colombo (LNW): The Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) has suggested the government to look at foreign direct investments with changing state policy decisions to have a more attractive and investor-friendly outlook to attract numerous investors from booming industries.
It was of the view on how the country can take further action to solve the foreign currency deficit by adopting different and dynamic strategies.
COYLE, believes Sri Lanka must look at foreign direct investments with changing state policy decisions to have a more attractive and investor-friendly outlook to attract numerous investors from booming industries.
They urge the Parliamentary Select Committee on Ease of Doing Business to reactivate and pursue proactive steps towards ensuring FDIs are secure in the country without further delay.
The Sri Lankan economy currently grapples with the significant challenges presented by a complex financial situation unfolding in unprecedented ways.
As the country tackles the intricacies of this economic turmoil to overcome fiscal obstacles, there is a prevailing sense of concern among the populace.
Against this backdrop, the nation contends with politically motivated decision-making that bears the marks of a presidential election at the end of 2024.
Despite these existing realities, COYLE remains optimistic about the rising potential through collective efforts and shared objectives driven by the nation’s private sector, aiming to revitalize the economy.
In the present circumstances, positive indicators emerge as macroeconomic policy reforms start showing concrete outcomes, signalling a promising phase of stabilization in Sri Lanka’s economic landscape.
Nonetheless, the path to recovery and inclusive growth relies on maintaining the ongoing momentum of these reforms.
Looking at the recent upgrade of Sri Lanka’s local currency rating from selective default (SD) to CCC+/C by S&P Global Ratings, there is a reflection of a more optimistic view of the country’s solvency.
The completion of the first IMF review under the 48-month Extended Fund Facility marks a significant milestone, unlocking access to SDR 254 million (about US$337 million) to support the country’s economic policies and reforms.
Notably, Sri Lanka’s performance under the program has been deemed satisfactory, with the majority of performance criteria and indicative targets met by the end of June.
Examining Sri Lanka’s net general government debt, which currently exceeds 100% of GDP and is projected to persist until at least 2028, there are challenges ahead.
It’s noteworthy that Sri Lanka’s Budget for 2024 presents ambitious targets, though they pose challenges, particularly with the projected wider fiscal deficit of 9.1% of GDP.
The government’s focus on achieving a primary surplus, excluding bank recapitalization, aligns with the IMF’s projections.
However, the expenditure target of 22.2% of GDP exceeds the IMF’s envisioned 19.7%. While this discrepancy may raise questions, it also reflects a commitment to ambitious goals, and successful implementation could enhance the budget’s long-term viability and effectiveness.
Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s 101 parliamentarians who received housing units from the Viyathpura government housing complex in Pannipitiya have defaulted their housing rents causing massive loss of millions of rupees to the national housing development authority.
According to Cabinet Decision No. 22/0970/502/019 dated 16 July 2022, 101 housing units had been given on an annual rent of Rs.69 million to the Members of Parliament from the housing project of 500 houses located in Weeramawata, Pannipitiya on an one year rental basis.
But the national housing development authority had not received the rent for these housing units even as at July 2023 Auditor General’s latest report revealed.
A sum of Rs.10 million had to be received by the authority for the maintenance costs to be paid by each house owner and the electricity, gas and water charges to be paid for the housing units by August 2023, it added.
Former President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa had advised the Urban Development Authority (UDA) to take over the Madiwela land for development purposes and instead allocate housing units to parliamentarians at housing schemes owned by the UDA that is closest to the parliament.
Moreover, the document states that the closest land to the parliament after the Madiwela housing complex is the Viyathpura housing complex and the value of these housing units has been estimated at a staggering Rs. 1795 million in 2022.
The Madiwela housing complex, owned by the parliament, has 120 housing units and is situated in the suburbs of Sri Jayawardenapura. This housing complex facilitates usage for outstation parliamentarians.
Sri Lanka’s housing minister Prasanna Ranatunga told Parliament that 76 MPs who lost their houses and property to arson following the unrest that broke out since May have been given temporary housing at the Viyathpura Housing Scheme in Kalalgoda.
He noted that these houses were given for a period of one year, with a monthly rental charged from the occupant MP.
“Not a single MP was given a house free of charge,” he told the house in response to a claim made by an opposition lawmaker.
The Minister said the complex comprises 106 houses for MPs, and 76 of them have been given on rent to MPs, and if any other MP has a requirement a vacant house can be provided on rent.
He also said that these houses can be purchased by MPs as well to be used as their permanent residences.
The document says that those Members of Parliament (MPs) whose houses were burnt down during the May 9 attacks were given priority at this housing scheme
The Urban Development Authority says it has also earned US$ 500,000 by selling eleven middle-class housing units at the Viyathpura Scheme under the government’s programme to sell the UDA-built apartments for foreign currency to Sri Lankan migrant workers.
The UDA added that Sri Lankans living in the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Fiji have purchased housing units.
Colombo (LNW): Commissioner General of Examinations Amith Jayasundara has announced that the final examinations for Buddhist Dhamma Schools, as well as Catholic, Hindu, and Islamic Sunday Schools, are scheduled for 28 and 29 December 2023.
A total of 669 examination centres across the island, as designated by the Department of Examinations, will host these examinations.
Student admissions for the examinations have already been dispatched to the respective schools through postal channels, Jayasundara noted.
Students anticipating participation in the examination but who have yet to receive their admissions can access the official website of the Department of Examinations, he added.
