May 20, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) has slightly appreciated against the US Dollar today (20) in comparison to last week, as per leading commercial banks in the country.
At Peoples Bank, the buying and selling prices of the US Dollar have dropped to Rs. 294.24 from Rs. 294.68 and to Rs. 304.20 from Rs. 304.66, respectively.
At Commercial Bank, the buying and selling prices of the US Dollar have dropped to Rs. 293.33 from Rs. 294.21 and to Rs. 303.50 from Rs. 304.50, respectively.
Sampath Bank also indicates a similar trend, with the buying and selling prices of the US Dollar dropping to Rs. 295 from Rs. 295.50 and to Rs. 304 from Rs. 304.50, respectively.
May 20, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka-China Friendship Association (SLCFA) recently hosted a ceremonial event to launch the book “Sri Lanka Cheena Mithudama” (ශ්රී ලංකා චීන මිතුදම) at the National Library and Documentation Services Board Auditorium in Sri Lanka.
The event was attended by distinguished guests, including former Speaker of Parliament Deshabandu Karu Jayasuriya, who delivered the keynote address, and Qi Zhenhong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka, who was the guest of honour.
Ananda Goonatilleke, President of the SLCFA and Attorney-at-Law, chaired the event, underscoring the longstanding relationship between Sri Lanka and China.
The SLCFA, initially established as the “Ceylon-China Friendship Union” on September 21, 1950, by the Ceylon Communist Party, has been instrumental in fostering people-to-people diplomatic ties.
The union’s first president was Lady Kusuma Gunawardena, mother of the current Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dinesh Gunawardena.
In his welcome address, Goonatilleke highlighted the comprehensive content of the book, which covers a variety of subjects including historical connections, Buddhist ties, diplomatic relations, literature, economic and cultural cooperation, Chinese cuisine, China’s support in the conflict against the LTTE, media, philately, photography, and more.
He expressed appreciation for the contributors and acknowledged the ongoing support from the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka.
Jayasuriya, in his keynote speech, emphasised the significance of the Rice and Rubber Pact in cementing the strong bond between Sri Lanka and China.
He praised the SLCFA for its seven decades of commitment to enhancing people-to-people relations between the two nations.
A notable moment of the event was the formal presentation of the first copies of “Sri Lanka Cheena Mithudama” by Goonatilleke to Karu Jayasuriya and Ambassador Qi Zhenhong.
The event also featured prominent individuals such as Dr. G. Weerasinghe, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Sri Lanka; Aruna Goonatilleke, SLCFA Executive Vice President; Vice Presidents Thilak Botheju, Daya Lankapura, and Premadara Dissanayake; along with SLCFA office bearers, civil society activists, and members of the public.
Attendees were presented with a complimentary copy of “Sri Lanka Cheena Mithudama,” commemorating the enduring friendship between Sri Lanka and China.
May 20, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe has conveyed Sri Lanka’s profound shock and sorrow over the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian, and other senior Iranian officials.
In a message on X, President Wickremesinghe stated, “I express my deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to the bereaved families, the government, and the people of Iran. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of President Raisi and his entourage during this difficult time.”
Sri Lanka is deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian and other senior Irani officials. I express my deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to the bereaved families, the government and the people of Iran.…
May 20, Colombo (LNW): During an official visit to Indonesia, President Ranil Wickremesinghe met with Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister of Maritime and Investment Affairs.
The meeting occurred on Sunday, 19 May, at the United In Diversity Bali Campus on Kura Kura Bali Island, the President’s Media Division (PMD) reported.
Discussions focused on critical issues such as the Global Blended Finance Alliance, Sri Lanka’s Tropical Belt Initiative, the Blue Economy, and the Seaweed Industry.
The conversation also highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation among Global South nations and establishing a collaborative research programme on mangrove cultivation.
Both parties agreed on the necessity of creating a bilateral task force to oversee these initiatives, considering Sri Lanka’s current role as the chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
The Sri Lankan delegation included Minister of Water Supply and Estates Infrastructure Development Jeevan Thondaman, Senior Advisor to the President on Climate Change Ruwan Wijewardene, Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aruni Wijewardane, Sri Lankan Ambassador to Indonesia Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage, and Chief Executive Officer of the Office of Climate Change Dr. Anil Jasinghe.
The Indonesian delegation comprised Ayodhia G.L. Kalake, Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Investments; Nani Hendiarti, Deputy Minister for Environment and Forestry Managements; Rachmat Kaimuddin, Deputy Coordinating Minister of Maritime Affairs and Investments in Infrastructure and Transportation; Firman Hidayat, Deputy Coordinating Minister for Maritime Resources; and Cherie Nursalim, Special Advisor on Climate Change.
May 20, Colombo (LNW): The All-Ceylon Prison Officers’ Union has commenced a trade union strike, reporting ‘sick leave’ from today, 20 May, until 22 May, in protest for higher wages.
The union is advocating for a salary increase of Rs. 25,000.
The industrial action highlights the ongoing dissatisfaction amongst prison officers regarding their current pay.
Concurrently, the strike by non-academic university staff continues unabated.
T. A. D. Suranjeeva, General Secretary of the Peradeniya University Trade Union Federation, has reported significant disruptions across the entire university system due to the ongoing strike.
May 20, Colombo (LNW): Over 650 employees at the Sapugaskanda Refinery, Sri Lanka’s sole oil refinery, are at risk of losing their jobs due to its impending transformation into an independent public enterprise, local reports claim.
Only around 200 of the current workforce will be retained for the newly formed entity, according to government sources.
The remaining employees will be placed in a pool, from which the new enterprise will select the necessary personnel to sustain its operations.
In March, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal to operate the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery as a standalone state-owned business entity, separate from the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO).
The government has recognised the need for a significant investment to modernise the refinery and extend its operational life by another 25 years.
Consequently, the decision has been made to operate the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery as an independent public enterprise and to seek Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for a strategic investment partner.
This partner will be responsible for upgrading the refinery’s infrastructure to address its current operational challenges.
The Minister of Power and Energy has also mentioned the potential relocation of the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery to Trincomalee in the future, with enhanced modern facilities and the development of the Tank Farm.
Established in 1969, the Sapugaskanda Refinery is the sole facility of its kind in Sri Lanka, meeting approximately 25% of the nation’s demand for refined petroleum products.
May 20, World (LNW): In a tragic turn of events, Iranian media has reported the death of President Ebrahim Raisi following a helicopter crash in a mountainous region in northwestern Iran.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday (19), has not yet been officially confirmed by Iranian authorities.
“The president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Ebrahim Raisi, had an accident while serving and performing his duty for the people of Iran and was martyred,” state media The Mehr News Agency announced.
This statement was echoed by several other media outlets within the country, adding to the gravity of the situation.
Details surrounding the crash remain sparse, with no official statement from the Iranian government or confirmation from President Raisi’s office.
The region where the crash occurred is known for its challenging terrain, which may have contributed to the tragic accident.
May 20, Colombo (LNW): Whispers around town reveal that several hush-hush discussions took place between Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) national organiser, Basil Rajapaksa, and President Ranil Wickremesinghe about the looming presidential election.
These meetings were so secretive that only a select few attended, leaving the media in the dark about the juicy details. However, sources hint that the talks ended in a deadlock.
The scoop comes to light that when President Wickremesinghe took office, he allegedly promised to woo a significant number of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) members over to the government.
But guess what? That grand plan has not materialised yet.
Basil Rajapaksa reportedly nudged the President to fulfil this pledge by bringing in 25 MPs from the SJB before June 15, as the clock ticks down to the presidential election.
Rumours have been swirling for the past two years about SJB members jumping ship to join the government, but those rumours fizzled out faster than they started.
With the Election Commission poised to call the presidential election by mid-July, the SLPP believes any further delay in election preparations is a strategic misstep.
So, if Wickremesinghe fails to deliver those 25 SJB members by June 15, the SLPP will have to make its move regarding the presidential election.
As Vesak week begins and May draws to a close, the political scene is heating up. How will things shift as we edge closer to the election? Stay tuned, because this political drama is far from over.
May 20, Colombo (LNW): Due to South-West monsoon conditions are gradually establishing across the island, prevailing showery and windy conditions will continue further, the Department of Meteorology said in its weather forecast today (20).
Cloudy skies can be expected over most parts of the island.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western and Southern provinces and in Mannar district.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places elsewhere of the island.
Very heavy showers above 100mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy, Nuwara-Eliyaand Mannar districts, the Department warned.
Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times over the island.
General 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 extending from Mannar to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle,heavy showersare likely at some places. Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the other sea areas around the island.
Winds:
Winds will be westerly to south-westerly in the sea areas extending from Kalpitiya to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota and wind speed will be (40-50) kmph. Wind speed may increase up to (60-70) kmph at times these sea areas. Winds will be south-westerly and wind speed will be (25-35) kmph and can be increased up to 50 kmph at times in the other sea areas around the island.
State of Sea:
The sea areas extending from Kalpitiya to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota will be very rough at times and other sea areas around the island will be fairly rough at times. Naval and fishing communities are also requested to be attentive in this regard.Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
May 20, Colombo (LNW): Dr. Sanath Hettige has won the WONCA South Asia Regional Five Star Doctor Award 2024.
This award honours in excellence of being a Team member, Care provider, Decision maker, Communicator, and a community leader, who is able to work harmoniously with individuals and organisations, within and outside of the health care system, to meet community’s needs.
Dr. Sanath Hettige is a well-known board-certified specialist in Family Medicine Sri Lanka. He has contributed to the field of Family Medicine both Locally & Internationally.
He also has won several national awards & some international awards for his inventions, including the Presidential Award for Best Medical Invention for the year 2013 in Sri Lanka at the 2016 Presidential Award Ceremony and won the silver award (Second place) for the recognition of the creative innovation of Papaya Leaf Capsule for Dengue Fever at the Indian international innovation fair (IIIF) 2016.
He has delivered two college orations as the College Orator in 2016 & 2018 Dr. M.P.M Cooray Memorial Award ceremony held by CGPSL.
He was invited as the Guest of Honour for the Pre-symposium of the Tradmed international conference and spoke about his knowledge and usage of cannabis in complicated medical conditions.
Dr. Sanath Hettige
He is an Honorary Senior Lecturer and an examiner, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, University of Sri Jayawardenapura, College of General practitioners of Sri Lanka (CGPSL), Independent medical practitioners association (IMPA) and University of Kothalawala Defense Academy (KDU). He is also the chief consultant of the Dermae research Medical Centre which is a recognised training centre by the PGIM for Undergraduate and Postgraduates’ trainees.
Dr. Hettige is a Researcher and a Scientist whose researches have being published in many international journals. He has many patented inventions Ex. Papaya leaf for Dengue Fever, Corona Hat to prevent the spread of corona viral infections and Oil of Dermae moisturising cream which is effective for keratinisation disorder. He holds the Platinum card from SLIC which is the highest-ranking position for inventors.
He has held the continuous medical education programme Communicable Disease Subcommittee & had been in many hearing committees including hearing committees of WONCA international conferences which was held in Sri Lanka 2016. He has also presented two papers in the WONCA conference held in Sri Lanka on 2016 & had been the senior lecturer uplifting the MCGP programme in CGPSL.
His professional achievements are not limited to medical profession only, but spread across many fields such as medical research, medical education and medical inventions as well as been a business entrepreneur in the manufacturing of medicine, cosmetics and into tourism and estates planation’s.
Dr. Hettige is also a business entrepreneur, & He is the managing Director of Earthians (Pvt) Ltd, Oil of Dermae Laboratories, Eco Jungle hideout (Pvt) Ltd and Kohilahgahadeniya Estate Plantations.
Considering these facts, Dr. Hettige truly has earned this award and we congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition.
