February 01, Colombo (LNW): H.L.D. Mahindapala, the former Editor-in-Chief of Sunday Observer and Daily Observer newspapers, has passed away at the age of 93.

Mahindapala was a respected figure in Sri Lankan journalism, having worked alongside notable contemporaries like Clarence Fernando and Denzil Peiris, contributing significantly to the field in the 1950s.

In the 1970s, Mahindapala immigrated to Australia, where he continued his journalistic contributions by writing articles and features for the Daily News newspaper while residing in Melbourne.

His writings were recognised for their importance in shaping perspectives on Sri Lankan relations, not only in Australia but also in other countries.

Taking on the role of Editor-in-Chief of the Sunday Observer in 1990, Mahindapala brought various innovative writing techniques to the forefront as a columnist and editorial writer.

Known for his versatility, he demonstrated a profound understanding of politics and history. His personal library, housing thousands of books, reflected his commitment to knowledge and intellectual pursuits.

After leaving the newspaper, Mahindapala returned to Sri Lanka, concluding his residence in Australia. In recognition of his contributions, he received a prestigious lifetime award from the Sri Lanka Authors Forum.

Mahindapala’s unwavering passion and love for Sri Lanka were evident throughout his career, and he fearlessly advocated for the well-being of the country.

His final rites will be performed at Borella Public Cemetery on Friday (02) at 4 pm. His body will be laid to rest at the Borella Jayaratne Flower House from 9 am today (01), and the funeral procession will leave the Hall tomorrow (02) at 3.30 pm.

February 01, Colombo (LNW): Kushan Sampath Jayaratne officially commenced his role as the 7th Serjeant-at-Arms of the Parliament of Sri Lanka yesterday (31) morning, succeeding the retired Narendra Fernando, who served as the 6th Serjeant-at-Arms.

The handover ceremony, a traditional exchange, took place near the Silver Door leading to the Parliament Chamber.

During the ceremony, the outgoing Serjeant-at-Arms Narendra Fernando handed over the Mace and the Sword of the Serjeant-at-Arms to his successor, Mr. Kushan Sampath Jayaratne, according to a statement from the Parliamentary Communications Department.

Jayaratne brings a wealth of experience to the position, having served in the Sri Lanka Navy from 1994 to 2007. His naval service included extensive involvement in operations related to the Fast Attack Craft Flotilla. In 2007, he transitioned to the service of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, initially as an Assistant Serjeant-at-Arms. In recognition of his dedication and capabilities, he was promoted to the position of Deputy Serjeant-at-Arms in 2018, a role he held until January 30, 2024.

February 01, Colombo (LNW): A total of 72 trade unions within the health sector initiated an island-wide one-day strike at 6:30 a.m. today (01), urging the government to promptly address their concerns, the National Movement of Health Professionals said.

While doctors’ unions and the All Ceylon Nurses’ Union opted not to participate, citing the strike as a government conspiracy, they emphasised that their demands had been communicated to the authorities.

The unions gave the relevant bodies a one-month window to respond to their requests and warned of further trade union action if their concerns were not addressed.

The strike is rooted in the government’s decision, approved on January 8, to double the Disturbance, Availability, and Transport (DAT) allowance for government doctors.

The move sparked protests from various health sector professionals, leading to multiple strikes.

On January 23, the government temporarily reduced the DAT allowance for doctors, citing budget constraints.

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) had initially declared an indefinite strike starting January 24 but later withdrew the action when the decision to cut the DAT allowance was reversed.

February 01, Colombo (LNW): Students faced the rescheduled 2023 G.C.E. Advanced Level examination in Agricultural Science today, February 1, following the cancellation of the original test papers for both Paper I and II due to the discovery of leaked questions.

The cancellation was announced in two stages, with Paper II being annulled on January 12, followed by the cancellation of Paper I on January 17, prompting the Department of Examination to reschedule the entire examination.

The retest for Agricultural Science Paper II took place from 8:30 a.m. to 11:40 a.m., followed by Paper I from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Admission cards for school applicants were distributed to respective school principals, while private applicants received their admission cards via post.

The rescheduling was undertaken to ensure the integrity and fairness of the examination process for all students.

February 01, Colombo (LNW): Continuing the relentless efforts of the countrywide anti-drug operation ‘Yukthiya,’ Sri Lanka’s police and security forces personnel successfully apprehended 878 suspects within the 24-hour period ending at 12:30 a.m. today.

The arrests include 649 individuals detained on charges related to narcotics, along with 229 others who were on the list of wanted criminal suspects.

During this operation, detention orders have been secured against six drug suspects, and four individuals have been referred to rehabilitation centres, the Ministry of Public Security said.

Seizures made during this period include 130 grams of heroin, 134 grams of crystal methamphetamine (‘ICE’), 1.2 kilograms of cannabis, and 2,211 narcotic pills.

February 01, Colombo (LNW): The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO) has disclosed adjustments in fuel prices set to take effect from midnight yesterday (31).

The revised prices are as follows:

• Petrol Octane 92: Increased by Rs. 5 to Rs. 371 per litre
• Petrol Octane 95: Reduced by Rs. 8 to Rs. 456 per litre
• Auto Diesel: Increased by Rs. 5 to Rs. 363 per litre
• Super Diesel: Reduced by Rs. 7 to Rs. 468 per litre
• Kerosene: Increased by Rs. 26 to Rs. 262 per litre

Simultaneously, Lanka IOC has also decided to adjust its fuel prices in alignment with the new Ceypetco rates.

Additionally, Sinopec Energy Lanka has announced its own revised retail fuel prices, effective midnight:

• Petrol Octane 92: Rs. 361 (increased by Rs. 5)
• Petrol Octane 95: Rs. 456 (reduced by Rs. 8)
• Auto Diesel: Rs. 360 (increased by Rs. 5)
• Super Diesel: Rs. 468 (reduced by Rs. 7)

The adjustments in fuel prices are a response to fluctuations in global oil markets and are implemented with the aim of maintaining stability in the domestic fuel sector.

1. Marumalarchi DMK General Secretary & Indian Rajya Sabha Member Vaiyapuri Gopalsamy (Vaiko) calls on the Indian Govt to approach its relationship with SL with care in the light of China’s increasing presence in SL: emphasises the strategic significance of China’s construction of a port in Hambantota: draws attention to the alleged attacks on Tamil fishermen by the SL Navy: urges the protection of lives & property of Tamil fishermen.
   
2. Analysts expect private consumption to slowdown in 1Q2024 due to higher taxes, thereby delaying any recovery in economic activity: also expect inflation to remain high amidst skyrocketing prices of vegetables & fuel: since 2Q2022, SL’s GDP growth has been recording high negative values, with soaring unemployment, business failures, poverty, inflation, interest rates, NPLs, and debt build-up.
   
3. Atlas Network VP Dr Tom Palmer says the current high-tax regime backed by the IMF could potentially impede economic recovery & constrict the tax base in SL: asserts countries that successfully recovered from debt crises often embraced simplified, low tax rates, diverging from the high tax rates prescribed by the IMF.
   
4. SLPP MP Shasheendra Rajapaksa appointed State Minister for Irrigation & Water Resources Management by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
   
5. CPC fuel prices revised once again: Petrol 92 increased by Rs.5 per litre to Rs.371 per litre: Petrol 95 reduced by Rs.8 to Rs.456: Auto Diesel increased by Rs.5 to Rs.363: Super Diesel reduced by Rs.7 to Rs.468: Kerosene increased by Rs.26 to Rs.262: in March’22, Petrol 92 was Rs,177, Auto Diesel was Rs.121, & Kerosene was Rs.87 per litre.
   
6. Census & Statistics Dept says overall rate of inflation measured by the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) on YoY basis increased to 6.4% in January’24 from 4.0% in December’23: Food inflation increased to 3.3% in January’24 from 0.3% in December’23.
   
7. Former Army Commander, SL Ports Authority Chairman & Ministry Secretary General Daya Ratnayake joins SJB led by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa: appointed as a senior adviser of the Party on “Public Policy”: SJB Chairman & former Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka expresses disgust at the new appointment and publicly criticises the new appointee, Ratnayake.
   
8. SJB MP Kabir Hashim charges the Govt has drawn up plans to divest the profit-making Litro Gas Company, thereby creating a duopoly in gas distribution: previously, Hashim and SJB economic guru Harsha Silva had been ardent advocates of an IMF programme which has now led to the Govt’s privatisation effort.
   
9. Hambantota International Port announces that over 300 oil & gas cargo vessels visited the Port in 2023, recording a 132% increase in vessel calls compared to 2022: improved performance attributed to the Port’s bunkering partner, Sinopec.
   
10. Former Editor in Chief of the Sunday Observer & Observer (Daily) and veteran journalist H L D Mahindapala, 93, passes away: Mahindapala belonged to a different era in journalism and shared the limelight with legendary figures in the newspapers, such as Denzil Pieris and Clarence Fernando.

By: Isuru Parakrama

February 01, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Eastern and Uva provinces and in Mullaitivu, Matale and Polonnaruwa districts, and showers or thundershowers will occur at several places elsewhere of the island after 2.00 p.m, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (01).

Fairly heavy showers about 75 mm are likely at some places in Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts, the statement added.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central and Sabaragamuwa 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.v

Marine Weather:

By: Staff Writer

January 31, Colombo (LNW): The Government has adopted a multi-pronged approach to foster national stability and prosperity focused on empowering vulnerable populations, creating foreign employment opportunities and enhancing skills development. State Minister of Social Empowerment, Anupa Pasqual, disclosed.

Expressing optimism for a brighter future, State Minister Anupa Pasqual unveiled a comprehensive plan, “New Village, New Country, Entrepreneurial State,” that aims to unlock the potential of 1.2 million needy families and propel them towards economic independence.

Recognizing the potential of international opportunities, Pasqual mentioned about the plans to send 10,000 individuals proficient in Japanese to secure jobs abroad. This initiative leverages existing language skills to open doors to lucrative employment options in a new market.

Further enhancing the access to foreign jobs and cater to a wider range of opportunities, the government aims to provide 100,000 additional foreign jobs for Sri Lankan citizens this year.

This ambitious target underscores the commitment to investing in skills development and training programs, ensuring Sri Lanka’s workforce is prepared for the demands of the global market, the State Minister explained.

He highlighted the government’s dedication to building a more stable and prosperous future for Sri Lanka by empowering its people, both within the country and by connecting them to international opportunities,

Anupa Pasqual, State Minister for Social Empowerment further said that; the government’s mission for 2024 is to uplift Sri Lanka through Aswasuma, offering social security to 2.0 million beneficiaries and empowering 300,000 vulnerable families, laying the foundation for a prosperous “New village, New country, Entrepreneurial state.”

Empowering beneficiaries is our ultimate objective, and we’re moving beyond simply providing financial assistance to achieve it.

The  revamped system focuses on creating opportunities for foreign employment, with 10,000 Japanese Language Proficiency Test passers already placed abroad and a further 100,000 foreign jobs targeted.

In addition to equipping beneficiaries with vital professional skills through targeted training programs, we propose fostering the cultivation of high-value crops like tea, cinnamon, and pepper for export.

This dual approach, combining skill development and export-oriented agriculture, promises a sustainable path towards economic empowerment, he revealed.

In a concerted effort to enhance the Samurdhi Development Department, a comprehensive promotion program is being implemented, targeting over 25,000 individuals.

President Wickremesinghe’s ambition is to empower the department’s workforce, with 2,000 promotions already planned for next April, and ultimately pivots its focus from mere welfare provision towards entrepreneurial development. 

A significant step has been taken to bolster youth vocational training, with three agreements signed with China.