Colombo (LNW): Plans are underway to confiscate illegally acquired property and wealth from drug smubbling and underworld operations within the next months, announced acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakkon.
Speaking at an event in Ambalangoda, Tennakkon highlighted the prevalence of underworld activities, particularly in the Western and Southern Provinces, constituting 7 per cent of the total.
He identified 1,091 individuals involved in such activities, with information on 790 gathered.
To curb escape attempts, CCTV cameras have been installed at airport exit terminals, he went on, adding concern that about 70,000 individuals with open warrants whose whereabouts remain unknown.
Colombo (LNW): A concerning discovery has emerged in Kerala leading to the existence of a JN.1, a sub-variant of COVID-19, which is currently making waves in the US and China, a report by Times of India disclosed.
This revelation stems from the vigilant surveillance conducted by INSACOG (Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium), according to report.
Dr. Rajiv Bahl, the Director-General of ICMR, disclosed that the case was detected in an RT-PCR positive sample from Karakulam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on December 8. Remarkably, the sample had initially tested positive on November 18.
The patient experienced mild symptoms of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) but has since recovered. The Union Health Ministry is actively liaising with state health authorities, closely monitoring the situation at key entry points.
In an assertive move, a comprehensive mock drill is underway across health facilities in various states through district collectors, part of a routine exercise to evaluate their public health and hospital preparedness. This initiative is set to conclude by December 18.
Notably, Kerala has witnessed a surge in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, attributed to an upswing in the number of samples from ILI cases referred for testing.
While most cases are clinically mild and recuperating at home, the global COVID-19 landscape has seen a marginal uptick in early December, as indicated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) dashboard.
Colombo (LNW): To meet festive season demand, Sri Lanka expects a shipment of 15 million imported eggs arriving on December 17, the Sri Lanka State Trading (General) Corporation confirmed.
The corporation plans to distribute 10 million quality-assured eggs to Sathosa outlets on December 18.
Chairman Asiri Walisundara asserted that the consignment will arrive tomorrow and will undergo testing before release.
Trade Minister Nalin Fernando granted permission for the State Trading Corporation to import eggs until April 2024 to curb rising prices.
Local producers recently stated eggs cannot be sold below Rs. 55 until Christmas.
Colombo (LNW): Showers will occur at times in Northern, North-central, Eastern and Uva provincesand in Hambantota district, with showers or thundershowers being expected at several places in other areas of the island after 1.00 p.m, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (17).
Fairly heavy showers about 75 mm are likely at some places in Northern, North-central and Eastern provinces, the statement continued.
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 Puttalam to Trincomalee via Mannar and Kankasanthurai.Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the other sea areas around the island.
Winds:
Winds will be North-easterly and wind speed will be (30-40) kmph. Wind speed may increase up to (50-60) kmph in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Batticaloa via Puttalam, Mannar, Kankasanthurai and Trincomalee.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Batticaloa via Puttalam, Mannar, Kankasanthurai and Trincomalee can be rough at times. The other sea areas around the island will be fairly rough. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
Air Chief Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana (Retd), Sri Lanka’s newly appointed Ambassador to Nepal, formally presented his credentials to President Ramchandra Paudel at “Sheetal Niwas” in Kathmandu on December 14, 2023.
In their meeting, Ambassador Pathirana conveyed warm regards from the Sri Lankan President, emphasizing the robust cultural bonds shared between Sri Lanka and Nepal. He stressed the imperative of bolstering economic relations between the two nations as a key agenda during his tenure. Additionally, he explored avenues for collaboration in education, healthcare, and technology to fortify the bilateral relationship.
President Paudel, while congratulating Ambassador Pathirana on his new role, underscored the enduring Buddhist and cultural connections between Sri Lanka and Nepal. He highlighted the historical friendship between the two countries and advocated for the initiation of direct air connectivity linking Colombo and Lumbini to benefit pilgrims.
Ambassador Pathirana boasts an illustrious career, commencing in the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) as an officer cadet in 1985. His educational journey includes a Master’s Degree in Operational Art and Science from Air University, Alabama, a second Master’s Degree in Defence Studies and Management from General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, and additional qualifications from institutions in Bangladesh, India, and the USA. Notably, he served as the 18th Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force until his retirement in 2023, having held various significant positions during his tenure.
Accompanying the Ambassador to the credentials ceremony were Minister Counsellor Nilusha Dilmini and Attaché Madusha Gunasekara from the Sri Lanka Embassy in Nepal.
Dr. Thilani Rathnayake, Consultant Venerologist at Anuradhapura Hospital, shed light on Sri Lanka’s HIV landscape, revealing an estimated 3,600 to 4,000 individuals living with HIV in the country. Notably, 607 new cases of HIV infections were reported recently, underscoring the ongoing concern surrounding sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Dr. Rathnayake emphasized that more than 6,000 individuals seek treatment annually at 41 sexual health clinics across general hospitals for various STDs. Among these, genital herpes registers the highest number of cases, while Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, and genital warts remain common STDs.
Reflecting on the situation in the Anuradhapura district, Dr. Rathnayake disclosed that last year, 113 HIV cases were reported. In the sexual health clinics, 727 patients sought assistance, with 375 female and 352 male patients. Among them, 21 cases of Gonorrhoea, 13 cases of Syphilis, 94 cases of genital herpes, and 75 cases of genital warts were detected.
Highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, Dr. Rathnayake stressed that prompt intervention plays a pivotal role in HIV prevention, as well-controlled patients have a notably low risk of transmitting the virus. She mentioned two effective vaccines—Hepatitis-B and HPV—that serve as preventive measures against STDs.
Hepatitis-B vaccination is recommended for individuals with acute hepatitis-B infection, drug users, and HIV-positive individuals to curb new infections. Additionally, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, eligible for girls aged 9-12, is proven to prevent 90% of cervical cancer cases and the occurrence of genital warts, offering a significant shield against HIV-related complications.
Lady Ridgeway Hospital’s Consultant Paediatrician, Dr. Deepal Perera, highlighted a concerning uptick in childhood asthma, attributing it to prolonged rainfall spanning three to four months. He emphasized a surge in children grappling with viral fevers, directly associated with the persistent rain.
Dr. Perera underscored the importance of vigilance: urging parents to refrain from sending children displaying symptoms like cough, cold, or fever to school or day care centers. Explaining that these viral ailments predominantly affect the upper respiratory system, he also flagged an alarming rise in dengue cases among children.
In addition to respiratory conditions, Dr. Perera cautioned about the spread of eye diseases, urging parents to adopt stringent health measures to safeguard children from these escalating viral infections.
State Minister for Higher Education, Suren Raghavan, revealed President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s decision to establish a National Higher Education Authority. This new body will focus on conducting research and development studies, analyzing education reforms within the region and globally.
Addressing a press briefing at the Presidential Media Centre, Minister Raghavan disclosed plans to admit 41,000 students to state universities in the upcoming year. Emphasizing a novel approach, he indicated that students would be required to dedicate four months to social service related to their chosen field of study.
The State Minister highlighted imminent reforms in the humanities departments across the country’s universities, indicating a push for comprehensive changes in this domain.
Additionally, Minister Raghavan outlined intentions to introduce Deputy Vice Chancellors alongside Vice Chancellors to enhance the administrative framework within universities, aiming to fortify the overall management processes.
Colombo (LNW): Ontario-based American Clean Energy Solutions Inc. is set to invest US$150 million to develop a 100MW ground mounted solar power project in Nilaweli with its local partner 3W Power Management Limited.
American Clean Energy Solutions Inc. recently secured the energy permit approval clearance from Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA).
Last August, Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) awarded the contract to 3W Power Management Ltd in Trincomalee to develop a solar farm.
The land was earlier used by Deutshe Welle (DW), which closed down its shortwave relay station in 2011 and was handed over to the SLBC.
3W Power Management Limited’s Head of Business Development Indika Kumara Weerakkody shared that US$ 40 million would be invested in a battery storage unit which will enable an uninterrupted power supply to the grid.
The project is expected to save approximately Rs.8 billion per annum to the Ceylon Electricity Board by replacing the high-cost thermal power.
The project was realised following one and half years of effort which included a six-month environment feasibility study. As the next step, the developer is in discussions with the CEB to enter into a power purchasing agreement.
Weerakkody noted that the Canadian investor has also expressed interest in investing in some of other power projects including waste-to-energy.
American Clean Energy Solutions Inc. is a privately held company engaged in waste-to-energy, solar farm park, and water business ventures
The SLBC recently awarded the Energy Permit Approval clearance letter received from Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SES) to the Canadian Investor.
Regional Director of the American Clean Energy Solutions Inc., Mohamed Hussain received the award letter from SLBC Chairman. Hudson Samarasinghe in the presence of Minister of Transport, Highways and Mass Media Bandula Gunawardana; Secretary, Ministry of Mass Media; Anusha Pelpita, Chairman SEA, Eng. Ranjith Sepala, Director General of SLBC Nalin Kumara Nissanka and Director General J.M Athula.
Chief Guest Minister Bandula Gunawardana said that Sri Lanka should attract more foreign direct investments to come out from the present economic crisis.
He invited all investors to provide required support to develop the Renewable Energy drive of Sri Lanka and appreciated the efforts made by 3 W Power Management Limited Executive Director/Vice President Indika Kumara Weerakkody and Executive Director/General Manager Warnapriya Wijesundara.
The Minister said that it is essential to initiate new business opportunities to bring FDIs to Sri Lanka.
Nilaveli Solar project has been planned to develop on an unutilized land extent that belongs to SLBC and generate additional income to the SLBC.
Minister also pointed out the enormous benefits from this solar power project as it reduces the requirement of fossil fuels to generate electricity.
It was informed that the project will save approximately Rs. 8,000 million per annum to CEB by replacing the high-cost thermal power.
Vice President of the 3 W Power Management Limited Mr. Weerakkody appreciated the support received from all the government officials such as Kuchchaveli Divisional Secretary, CEB, SEA, CEA and especially SLBC during the initial approval process of the project.
GDP expands by 1.6% in the 3rd Quarter of 2023, on the back of the massive contraction of 11.8% in the 3rd Quarter of 2022: massive job and livelihood losses continue unabated.
UNDP study shows SL among the top 5 “most un-equal countries” in Asia Pacific: study also reveals the top 1% owns 31% of total personal wealth, while the bottom 50% owns less than 4%: UN’s Food & Agriculture Organisation says nearly one-third of SL’s 22 mn population is “food insecure”: also says 66,022 families in Colombo live in 1,506 shanty dwellings, without proper sanitary facilities: further says most workers in the tea & rubber estates do not receive even Rs.1000 a day.
Professor of Economics at the Paradeniya University Wasantha Athukorala says a study carried out by the University shows a 3-fold increase in poverty over the past 3 years: in 2019, nearly 3 mn people lived below the poverty line, but had increased to 9.6 mn by Oct’22: adds that 42% of people are currently living in poverty.
SLPP led by the Rajapaksa family vows to secure victory in all upcoming elections & return to power, forming a stronger Govt to rebuild Sri Lanka: holds its 2nd National Convention at which former President and MP Mahinda Rajapaksa was re-elected as its Leader.
Opposition SJB MP Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka says it’s not possible to change Govts by carrying out struggles: asserts he is ready to accept an invitation from the people to run for the upcoming Presidential Election.
State Finance Minister Shehan Semasinghe says work on over 200 foreign funded development projects, halted midway, will recommence in 1st Quarter of 2024: analysts say that since the “default announcement” on 12th April’22, SL is in arrears of over USD 6,000 mn to Bilateral and Private Creditors, and hence it’s very unlikely that any further bilateral project loans would be forthcoming next year.
Supreme Court holds that the former IGP Chandana Wickremaratne had violated the Fundamental Rights of the former OIC of Thelikada Police station in the Galle District by unreasonably transferring him to the Tangalle Police Division at the behest of persons involved in alleged illegal activities in Gin Ganga and forests in Thelikada.
Authorized mobile phone importers express deep concern over the Govt’s decision to remove mobile phones from the VAT exemptions list, leading to the VAT of 18% being imposed on their products from 1st Jan’24: lament that the dual impact will pose substantial challenges for the industry.
Cabinet approves the appointment of an authorised agent for online submissions of visas from those seeking Sri Lankan visas.
Prasad Silva and Bimandee Bandara named as the Top seeds of the Men’s Open and Women’s Open singles at the National Table Tennis Championship to be played this weekend, in Kandy.
