Showers or thundershowers will occur at a few places in Sabaragamuwa, Central and Western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.

A few showers may occur at some places in Northern province and in Trincomalee district.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Colombo (LNW): Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Sajith Premadasa highlighted the shortcomings of the Legislative Assembly in its failure to appoint an Inspector General of Police (IGP) and several judges.

He underscored that despite the President’s statements in Parliament, the Assembly is not akin to the working committee of the United National Party, nor does it function at the President’s sole discretion.

Regarding the appointments of the IGP, while the Assembly approved and appointed nominees on two occasions, the President later declined temporary appointments, insisting on a permanent appointment for the third submission.

This rejection led to confusion, for which the Legislative Assembly bears no responsibility, as stated by the Opposition Leader.

Mr. Premadasa also criticised the President for allegedly misrepresenting facts concerning the IGP appointments.

He clarified that during the tenure of previous Speakers, such as Mr. Karu Jayasuriya, emergency appointments such as this were not made, highlighting the disparity in the President’s claims.

Furthermore, Mr. Premadasa emphasised that attributing decisions to the country’s failure based on the Assembly’s actions is unwarranted, affirming that the Assembly isn’t a passive entity but holds its autonomy.

Additionally, he pointed out the disparity in the government’s response, noting the absence of a select committee to investigate the Easter attack, contrasting it with the swift establishment of a committee to address the economic crisis.

Colombo (LNW): A 16-hour water supply suspension will occur for certain areas of Colombo, effective from 5:00 p.m. tomorrow until 9:00 a.m on Saturday, the National Water Supply & Drainage Board (NWSDB) announced.

The affected areas include Colombo 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15.

The interruption is necessary for essential maintenance work as part of the Ambatale Water Supply System Improvements and Energy Saving Project.

Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe has highlighted the challenges posed by China’s distinct approach to the island nation’s debt treatment, during an interview with India’s FirstPost.

The President emphasised that Sri Lanka’s economic situation remains complex. Acknowledging China as the largest bilateral creditor to Sri Lanka, Wickremesinghe underscored that the primary creditors are the international sovereign bonds held by private entities.

He explained that negotiations with China are conducted separately, reflecting China’s dissatisfaction with the terms offered by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. China seeks a more significant role in the IMF and has chosen to pursue a separate path, complicating matters for debtor nations, the President noted.

He clarified that the challenges arising from China’s independent stance are not unique to Sri Lanka but impact all nations grappling with debt. Wickremesinghe also characterised this situation as an issue to be addressed by major players on the international stage.

In essence, the Sri Lankan President conveyed that China’s actions signal a message to the IMF and other entities, leaving it to them to navigate and resolve the complexities arising from this distinctive approach.

Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Embassy in Ankara actively participated in the 6th Travel EXPO Ankara 2023 at ATO Congresium from November 16 to 19.

The event, inaugurated by Deputy President Cevdet Yilmaz, Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, and Ankara Chamber of Commerce Chairman Gursel Baran, featured the Sri Lanka stall showcasing the country’s cultural richness through art, handicrafts, and sculptures.

Nearly 2000 visitors were captivated by the display, enjoying Ceylon tea while learning about its unique flavours.

The Ambassador of Sri Lanka, S. Hasanthi Urugodawatte Dissanayake, engaged in interviews, promoting tourism, Ceylon Tea, and cultural diplomacy.

With over 70,000 attendees, the Travel EXPO provided a platform for diplomatic engagement and cultural exchange among Turkish nationals and expats in Türkiye.

The event was organised by Atis Fair, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye, Turkish Republic Ankara Governorship, and various Chambers of Commerce and Tourism Sector Associations.

By: Editor (LGBTIQ)

Colombo (LNW): The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has submitted recommendations to the Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakse to repeal / amend sections 365 and 365A of the Penal Code of Sri Lanka which by many law enforcement bodies have interpreted to be criminalising consensual same-sex sexual conduct between adults.

In a letter addressed to the Minister dated November 23, 2023, the HRCSL stated in terms of section 10(d) of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Act, No. 21 of 1996 with reference to sections 365 and 365A of the Penal Code (Chapter 19), adding “Section 10(d) of the Act mandates the Commission ‘to make recommendations to the Government regarding measures which should be taken to ensure that national laws…are in accordance with international human rights norms and standards’.”

With reference to the private member’s bill proposing the decriminalisation of consensual same-sex sexual activities between adults tabled by Ruling Party MP Premnath Dolawatte and approved by the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, the Commission recommended that the Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Ministry consider supporting the enactment of the said Bill adopting the said Bill as a government proposal to ensure its expeditious passage.

Colombo (LNW): The Sectoral Oversight Committee (SOC) on Alleviating the Impact of the Economic Crisis has recommended the Insurance Regulatory Commission to enact client-protection regulations within one month.

Chaired by Member of Parliament Gamini Waleboda, the committee emphasised the need to protect insurance holders to safeguard the industry.

The SOC also urged attention to foreign insurance companies used for reinsurance and proposed a five-year action plan for the Insurance Committee under the Insurance Regulatory Commission.

Additionally, the Regional Development Bank (RDB) was advised to present its delayed annual reports for 2020 and 2021 to Parliament within one month.

The Committee also highlighted the vacant chairmanship at RDB, instructing notification to the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance.

MPs Sahan Pradeep Withana, Major Sudarshan Denipitiya, Chinthaka Amal Mayadunne, Samanpriya Herath, Manjula Disanayake, Gayashan Nawananda, Rohini Kavirathna, Jagath Samarawikrama, Vadivel Suresh, W.H.M. Dharmasena attended the meeting.