Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s flag carrier SriLankan Airlines has issued an apology to customers affected by recent travel disruptions that involved a series of cancellations and delays.

The airline faced challenges as two Airbus A330 aircraft were grounded for several days during a busy period.

One aircraft required an extended check, with a part replacement delayed due to a global supply shortage, whilst the other experienced a burst tire incident in Paris.

Simultaneously, delays in receiving two spare engines and a newly leased A320 aircraft further strained the operational fleet, leading to unavoidable flight cancellations and delays.

SriLankan Airlines acknowledged the inconvenience caused to passengers during the festive season and expresses regret for any disruption to travel plans.

The island nation’s flag carrier is actively working to expedite travel arrangements for affected passengers.

Looking ahead, significant improvements are expected in the coming days. The recently leased A320 aircraft has already been incorporated into the fleet, and two A320s are set to return to service with replaced engines in the next week.

Additionally, a backup A330 from Air Belgium is scheduled to arrive this weekend, with the airline anticipating the return of both grounded aircraft.

Colombo (LNW): Foreign Minister Ali Sabry has announced plans to enhance Sri Lanka’s global diplomatic presence by reopening some of its overseas missions that were previously closed and establishing new missions.

The Minister told Daily Mirror that he is intended to seek the Cabinet’s approval for the reopening of missions in Iraq, Frankfurt (Germany), and Cyprus.

Additionally, Sri Lanka aims to establish new diplomatic missions in New Zealand, Morocco, and Rwanda, showcasing the country’s commitment to fostering international relations and expanding its diplomatic footprint.

Colombo (LNW): In an unprecedented crackdown on narcotics trafficking and underworld activities, the “Yukthiya” (Justice) island-wide police operation has achieved remarkable success within just seven days of its launch.

13,666 suspects have been apprehended, in the law enforcement agencies’ commitment to addressing the pressing issues of narcotics and organised crime.

The government said it is determined to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens by dismantling criminal networks and disrupting illegal activities.

Colombo (LNW): With Christmas Day approaching, more than 2,300 churches nationwide are gearing up to hold masses, and special security measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of these gatherings.

Over 7,500 police personnel have been deployed to churches conducting Christmas Day masses.

The comprehensive security programme, spanning the entire country, aims to safeguard the public during the festive season.

Acting IGP Thennakoon has issued instructions to senior officers and OICs to coordinate necessary security arrangements, Police Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa asserted.

Circulars outlining security protocols have been distributed to Senior DIGs and Police OICs.

Recognising approximately 2,862 churches across the country, a Civil Committee has been established at each church, and local police authorities are coordinating with these committees to implement security measures.

The Acting IGP has directed the use of the Special Task Force for relevant security measures and has urged seeking assistance from the Army or other security forces if necessary.

To address security concerns, a dedicated hotline (0112472757) has been established at Police Headquarters for priests of churches.

The public is urged to take precautions for the safety of homes and business premises during trips or events, and special operations targeting reckless drivers will be conducted during the festive season.

Colombo (LNW): Former Indian State Minister of External Affairs, M.J. Akbar, has expressed India’s expectation for Sri Lanka and other independent countries in the region to prioritise the safety of neighboring nations in their policy decisions.

Akbar made these comments during a webinar organised by the Pathfinder Foundation, where he discussed India’s expanding influence beyond its traditional neighbourhood.

He underscored India’s ‘neighbourhood first’ policy, emphasising the importance of mutual understanding among nations.

While acknowledging Sri Lanka’s independence and unique perspective, Akbar urged the country to take into consideration India’s security concerns in its decision-making processes.

1. Public Security Minister Tiran Alles says some religious leaders & lawyers who may be having links with drug dealers & underworld leaders are trying desperately to thwart the “Yukthiya” programme launched by the Govt & Police to eliminate narcotics distribution & organized crime: asserts he & the President will not be deterred by such efforts: assures the Govt will relentlessly pursue the goal to rid the country of the menace of narcotics & organized crime.
   
2. Ministry of Public Security says that during the islandwide operation over the 7 days ending 23rd Dec’23, 13,666 persons were arrested, while 9.8 kgs of Heroin, 4.6kgs of Ice, 272 kgs of Cannabis & 65,924 pills were recovered: also say that “ill-gotten gains” including properties & vehicles, valued at more than Rs.293mn have also been seized by the Illegal Assets Investigation Division of the Police.
   
3. Police say bodies of 2 persons shot to death recovered from an abandoned land at Tunnana in Padukka: the dead persons have been identified as those of underworld figure Don Indika alias ‘Manna Roshan’ and his accomplice ‘Supun’.
   
4. Dambulla Economic Centre Trade Assn Secretary I G Wijenanda says skyrocketing vegetable prices have driven traders to display prices for lower quantities (100g) of vegetables in order to sell their wares.
   
5. Former Secretary to the Ministry of Education Dr Tara de Mel says the existing system of School and State university education is outdated and has ceased to be inspiring or capable of firing the imagination of students: asserts the system doesn’t adequately prepare students for newer jobs of the emerging decades of the 21st century.
   
6. SL Banks Assn (SLBA) says banks exercise their legally-enshrined right to parate execution as a last resort: also says their objective is to protect depositors’ funds that had been lent to borrowers: asserts the parate execution remedy is aimed at recovering mortgaged assets from willful defaulters & businesses that are no longer viable.
   
7. Veteran actor Rex Kodippili, 85, passes away.
   
8. Statistics of SL Tourism Development Authority show that over 1,404,998 tourists visited SL by 21st Dec’23: in 2022, only 719,978 tourists visited SL.
   
9. A 30 ft. high Christmas tree with 2,000 live vegetable plants grown & sent by people from all over SL, erected at the Presidential Secretariat roundabout in Galle Face Green.
   
10. World Health Organization says SL ranks among the top 30 countries with the highest dengue endemicity worldwide: also says this year’s surprising spike in dengue infections represents a potentially high public health threat.

Colombo (LNW): The Human Trafficking, Human Smuggling, and Maritime Crimes Division of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) have identified three individuals involved in the trafficking of Sri Lankans to Myanmar.

Through comprehensive investigations, the suspects, residents of Aralaganwila, Wathuregama, and Dorathiyawa, were located, but they have reportedly fled the areas.

According to CID reports, these individuals facilitated the travel of a group of Sri Lankans to Myanmar using visit visas.

Recent reports highlighted that 56 Sri Lankans are forcibly detained in a Burmese terrorist camp, working as cyber slaves. Three escapees, who managed to return to Sri Lanka, provided statements to the CID.

The escapees, comprising four young men and a young woman, had initially travelled to Myanmar in April 2023 with the expectation of working as Data Entry Operators but returned to Sri Lanka on November 4, 2023, following their escape.

Investigations are ongoing to unravel the complexities of this human trafficking network and address the welfare of the victims.

Colombo (LNW): Police have reported the discovery of two lifeless bodies, both victims of gunshot wounds, on a vacant plot of land in Tunnana, Padukka.

The deceased individuals have been identified as underworld figure Don Indika, also known as ‘Manna Roshan,’ and his accomplice.

Authorities suspect that the death of the duo occurred as a result of a clash between two rival underworld gangs.

Investigations are underway to ascertain the details surrounding this incident and to identify any potential motives or individuals involved in the altercation.

Colombo (LNW): A recent meeting was held at the Presidential Secretariat, chaired by Sagala Ratnayaka, Senior Adviser to the President on National Security and Chief of the Presidential Staff.

The primary focus of the discussion centred on the ongoing responsibilities of the Sri Lanka Police Special Task Force on the nation’s expressways, specifically addressing issues related to accidents, fires, and crimes.

During the meeting, there was a thorough exploration of the potential reassignment of these responsibilities, considering the withdrawal of the Police Special Task Force from its current duties.

The participants engaged in discussions about creating an alternative system to efficiently handle these tasks.

Ratnayaka underscored the importance of a specific programme and urged Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva to lead the prompt preparation of such a programme.

The overarching goal is to ensure a more responsible and formal execution of these tasks, with proper oversight from the Road Development Authority (RDA).

In the course of the meeting, Ratnayaka directed officials to expedite the development and submission of the programme.

The meeting was attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, accompanied by senior officers from the Road Development Authority and the Sri Lanka Police Special Task Force.

Colombo (LNW): In his Christmas Day message, President Ranil Wickremesinghe extended an invitation for everyone to come together and shoulder their responsibilities, acknowledging the genuine challenges facing the nation.

This year’s celebration of Christmas occurs against a backdrop of numerous challenges, with Wickremesinghe emphasising the importance of focusing on the authentic significance of Jesus Christ’s birth in a manger.

The President underscored the theme of “sharing a meal with the less fortunate” as a key aspect of this significance.

Additionally, he emphasised that the true meaning of Christmas lies in spiritual transformation within ourselves.

President’s Christmas Day message:

“Christmas represents the celebration of hope. “The individuals who traversed in obscurity, burdened with tears and sighs, have witnessed a profound light.” In the pursuit of revitalising that hope, I extend my wishes for all of us to conscientiously fulfil our responsibilities and duties, fostering a Christmas that instils fresh hopes in our nation.

“Amid our celebratory mood, it is crucial to maintain focus on the authentic significance of Jesus Christ’s birth in a manger, encapsulated by the theme “Sharing a meal with the less fortunate.”

‘Christmas serves as a reminder of the birth of Jesus Christ, who, in self-sacrifice on the cross, redeemed humanity from sin. Guided by Christian teachings, we are urged to forgive those who oppose us, those who have wronged us and to relinquish all feelings of animosity and resentment.

“While the external festivities of Christmas may be apparent, I posit that its true significance remains elusive unless accompanied by a profound spiritual transformation within us.

“This year, as we commemorate Christmas amidst a backdrop of numerous challenges burdening our society, I extend an invitation to everyone to unite in shouldering their responsibilities, recognising the genuine adversities confronting our nation.

“I wish you all a blessed and meaningful Christmas!”

Ranil Wickremesinghe
President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka