Colombo (LNW): An inquiry has been initiated by the police into the tragic shooting incident that occurred last night in the Lunugamwehera forest reserve.
The victim, a 31-year-old resident of Tissamaharama, sustained serious gunshot injuries and succumbed to them after being admitted to Lunugamwehera hospital.
The incident unfolded as officials from the Kataragama, Karawila Wildlife Office were engaged in a raid within the protected area. The operation was intensified after nearby wildlife offices reported the escape of individuals from the reserved area.
Consequently, a search operation was launched to apprehend the fugitives in Zone No. 06, Left Bank Zone of Yala Park.
Preliminary police investigations indicate that the shooting occurred during the execution of the search operation.
A wildlife controller responsible for the shooting has been apprehended after voluntarily surrendering to the police along with his firearm.
Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) indicates a slight depreciation against the US Dollar at leading commercial banks in the country today (16) in comparison to yesterday.
At Peoples Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has increased to Rs. 322.90 from Rs. 322.17, and the selling price to Rs. 334.15 from Rs. Rs. 333.39
At Commercial Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has increased to Rs. 321.98 from Rs. 321.75, and the selling price to Rs. 333 from Rs. 332.
At Sampath Bank, the buying and selling prices of the US Dollar remain unchanged at Rs. 323 and Rs. 333, respectively.
Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province is to connect with the United States through a new American Innovation Hub (iHub) which was inaugurated yesterday.
The U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung inaugurated the new American Innovation Hub and welcomed the Governor of the Eastern Province Senthil Thondaman to join as a special guest.
A joint initiative between the U.S. Embassy and Dream Space Academy, the iHub in Batticaloa aims to empower the youth of the Eastern Province, foster knowledge exchange, and promote people-to-people ties between the United States and Sri Lanka.
In addition to the American iHub in Batticaloa, the U.S. Embassy has interactive American Spaces in Colombo, Kandy, Jaffna, and Matara.
“The Batticaloa iHub, our fifth American Space in Sri Lanka, will be a key link to connect the Eastern Province with the United States, as well as to cultivate connections between young people across the entire island,” said U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung.
“As we celebrate 75 years of bilateral relations this year, this space holds great promise for the youth and academic institutions in the region, fostering innovation, leadership, education, and collaboration.
This will be a space where all people feel comfortable and inspired, underlining the enduring and robust partnership between the United States and Sri Lanka.”
The Batticaloa iHub is designed to be a hub of intellectual engagement, providing access to a wide range of free-of-charge resources, including books, digital materials, multimedia content, and online databases.
It serves as a space where students, researchers, and enthusiasts can gather to expand their horizons, engage in discussions, and collaborate on projects that contribute to educational and social development.
The iHub also hosts a variety of free programs, workshops, and events focused on areas such as English language learning, entrepreneurship, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and American literature and history.
These activities not only enhance participants’ skills but also foster a deeper appreciation for the diversity of thought and ideas.
Located at 7A Saravana Road, Kallady, Batticaloa, the Batticaloa iHub will be open to the public from Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon.
All skills development programs and activities at the iHub will be conducted free of charge.
Colombo (LNW): The US has expressed its concern to Sri Lanka about a Chinese research ship likely to dock in the island country next month, a development India too finds concerning.
A special representative of Chinese President Xi Jinping Mrs. Shin Yi Chin is scheduled to visit the island on the 18th amidst reports of another research ship to reach Colombo port early next year.
The Chinese President’s special representative’s visit to the island nation is significant following the Chinese leader’s promise given to his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickreamsighe to provide assistance for Sri Lanka without any political motives, to buy more of the island’s exports and to increase investments.
President Xi also assured that China would provide friendly, practical and timely support for Sri Lanka’s debt optimization program.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Mrs. Shin Yi Chin will stay in the country until the 21st.
During that time, Ms. Shin Yi Chin is scheduled to hold discussions with high-ranking representatives of Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile China has sought permission from Sri Lanka for another one of its state-of-the-art research vessels to engage in research and survey in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Sea of Sri Lanka.
China is now requesting clearance for a vessel identified as Xiang Yang Hong 3.
Chinese officials have informed their Sri Lankan counterparts that the Xiang Yang Hong 3 is expected to engage in research within Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
According to reports, the Xiang Yang Hong 3 is to engage in the research and survey from January 5th to February 20th, next year.
The Xiang Yang Hong 03 is owned by the Third Institute of Oceanology, of the Chinese Ministry of Natural Resources.
Xiang Yang Hong 03’s home port is listed as Xiamen, Fujian Province, is 99.6 metres in length, and falls under the General survey vessel.
At the same time, the Chinese geophysical scientific research vessel Shi Yan 6 which reached the Port of Colombo in October in the midst of strong concerns from India, has once again indicated that it will be heading to Colombo.
However, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry said that it was not informed about the arrival of the Chinese geophysical scientific research vessel Shi Yan 6.The Shi Yan 6 continues to navigate in the Indian Ocean.
Over the years, over 17 state-of-the-art Chinese Research/Survey vessels reached the Sea of Sri Lanka since 2017.
The Xiang Yang Hong 3 had visited Sri Lanka for the first time on the 13th of December 2017, and remained in Colombo and Trincomalee for a period of 18 days.
The Xiang Yang Hong 3 returned to Sri Lanka on the 22nd of December 2019 and remained in Sri Lankan waters until the 5th of January 2020.
The Xiang Yang Hong 19 Scientific Research Vessel reached Sri Lankan waters on the 11th of February 2020 and was anchored for nine days.
Colombo (LNW): The Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) commended the Supreme Court verdict on November 14 that several top government officials led by former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa violated the public trust and breached Article 12 (1) of the Constitution of Sri Lanka, in their administration of the country’s economy, leading to the economic crisis.
In a statement, the TISL who was a petitioner to the aforementioned case noted that this would be a landmark judgement upholding the fundamental rights of the people of Sri Lanka.
Full Statement:
In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court today (November 14) held that former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa, former Governors of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Prof W.D Lakshman and Ajith Nivard Cabraal, former Secretary to the Treasury S.R. Attygala, former Monetary Board, and former Secretary to the President Dr. P.B. Jayasundera violated the public trust and breached Article 12 (1) of the Constitution, in their administration of the economy, leading to the economic crisis in the country.
The Court made some key observations in its judgment –
The conduct of Respondents directly contributed to the results that led to the crisis situation.
Respondents ought to have known and should have taken actions to resolve matters that negatively impacted the economy and not further aggravating the impact and are responsible to act in the best interest of the country.
Public officers have a responsibility to discharge their duties in the best interest of public.
Respondents are bestowed high power to uphold public trust and are duty-bound to discharge duties according to Directives of the Constitution.
Respondents cannot shirk responsibility by merely stating that the decisions they took were policy decisions.
It was within full power of Respondents to prevent such calamity as they had full knowledge.
It is clear that they did not act and take all measures to remedy the situation in the public interest.
Cumulative actions and inactions by Respondents led to the debacle.
The public trust reposed in Respondents was not a higher one and is bestowed on all officers, and therefore Respondents were obliged to act in a responsible manner.
Actions, omissions and conduct of Respondents contributed to the economic crisis.
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL), along with co-petitioners Chandra Jayaratne, Jehan CanagaRetna and Julian Bolling, filed this Fundamental Rights Petition (SC/FRA/212/2022) on June 17, 2022, calling for action against persons responsible for the economic crisis in Sri Lanka. It was filed in the public interest, considering the lack of accountability and transparency in high level decision-making that has brought Sri Lanka to its knees.
On the request of Respondents, the Court took up the petition along with another petition (SCFR 195/2022) which was similar in nature.
The case was heard before a five-judge bench comprised of Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, PC, B. P. Aluwihare, PC, Priyantha Jayawardena, PC, and Vijith K. Malalgoda, PC, and Murdu N. B. Fernando, PC. The decision was a 4-1 split, with Justice Priyantha Jayawardena, PC dissenting.
Given that Petitioners came to Court in the interest of public and did not seek compensation for themselves, the Court was not inclined to order compensation other than costs incurred by Petitioners.
The petition by TISL, Chandra Jayaratne, Jehan CanagaRetna and Julian Bolling claimed that the respondents named in the petition were directly responsible for the unsustainability of Sri Lanka’s foreign debt, its hard default on foreign loan repayments and the current state of the economy of Sri Lanka. The petitioners called for the respondents to be held accountable for their illegal, arbitrary and unreasonable acts or omissions which culminated in the unprecedented crisis.
The Petitioners argued that the fundamental rights of the citizens to equality, freedom of expression and the right to information guaranteed under the Constitution had been violated through the actions or inactions of the respondents, among other rights.
It added that the actions and inaction of the respondents led to the shortages of food, medicine, fuel and LP Gas in the country, victimising the entire population in an unprecedented manner.
The petition highlighted that the reduction in Government revenue caused by the tax breaks, failure to reverse the tax breaks, the decision to continue servicing sovereign debt without any restructuring, and the refusal to seek the assistance of the IMF were among the main factors that caused the economic crisis.
Chandaka Jayasundera, PC, appeared for the Petitioners along with S.A. Beling, Chinthaka Fernando, Sayuri Liyanasuriya and Manisha Dissanayake.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe says he has still not made a decision as to whether he would re-contest the Presidency: declines to confirm or deny his plans of a possible re-contest.
BOI Chairman Dinesh Weerakkoddy laments that over USD 4bn worth of BOI approved projects are on hold due to red tape: says many agreements were signed for investors to start new business ventures, but that he is ashamed, sad, & angry to admit that over 90% of new projects could not get off ground as they were unable to get the necessary approvals.
State Finance Minister Shehan Semasinghe defends the costly salary hike for state sector workers: says the Govt is pursuing the correct course of action & that decisions are made with foresight.
JJB MP Vijitha Herath says both State Ministers of Finance – Ranjith Siyambalapitiya & Shehan Semasinghe had been present at the finalisation of the budget proposals with President Ranil Wickremasinghe: insists that, as a result, SLPP can’t complain now about the Budget 2024.
SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam says the President keeps appointing Committees, but such Committees don’t deliver any positive outcome to the people & economy: also says those appear to be aimed at deceiving the people.
Fitch Ratings Agency says there are significant risks to the Govt’s Revenue goal for 2024: also says Revenue collection fell by 29% of the target in the first 9 months of 2023: analysts note that the Budget Deficit targeted by the Govt for 2024 is a huge 9.1% of GDP, even after the massive increases in tax rates & utility prices.
SJB MP Champika Ranawaka says the Inland Revenue Dept has not collected nearly Rs.1 trillion in taxes: also says only 50% of the tax revenue has been collected.
Police say a 6-year old student has been killed when the wall of the Wellampitiya-Weragoda school had collapsed: five other students admitted to hospital: the Principal of the school who had been assaulted by the locals in the area, also hospitalised.
SL premier blue chip John Keells Holdings’ Deputy Chairman Gihan Cooray says the Company plans to pass on the cost of the upcoming tax changes to consumers: expect the new taxes on cell phones & sugar to have large cost of sale implications on certain companies within the group: also says the Group hopes to maintain margins as part of the pricing strategy of the Group.
Public Health Inspectors’ Union Executive Member Roshan Kumara says his Union has decided to stay away from dengue control activities to protest the failure of the authorities to respond to their grievances: also says one of their key concerns is the Govt’s failure to increase the mileage rent & transport allowance provided for field duties.
PMD: President Ranil Wickremesinghe has underscored the imperative for Sri Lankan cinema to attain global acclaim. In dedicated pursuit of this objective, the government is proactively engaged in the comprehensive restructuring of the National Film Corporation and all its affiliated institutions to seamlessly integrate with cutting-edge technologies.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe conveyed these sentiments during his attendance at the Presidential Film Awards 2023, held at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre in Colombo two days ago (14).
The President also articulated plans to institute a Public Entertainment Diversification Board in lieu of the Public Performance Board. He underscored the importance of eliminating the term ‘censorship’ from artistic creation.
The President highlighted the current challenge faced by artists, as artistic creations fall under various criminal laws. To address this issue, he proposed a program wherein films and television productions would be submitted to the Classification Board before enforcement. President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed the government’s expectation to implement these measures starting next year. This year’s Presidential Film Awards ceremony holds special importance as it marks a return after a 3 year hiatus.
Out of 42 films screened in 2019 and 2020, a total of 44 awards were bestowed upon actors and technicians. These awards were traditionally bestowed upon individuals meticulously selected by a jury comprising expert film critics and seven honorary doctors and professors. Furthermore, nine additional awards were presented during the ceremony, adding to the prestige of the occasion.
During the event, Dr. Nanda Malani was honored as the Best Playback Singer of 2020. Marking a distinctive moment when President Ranil Wickremesinghe went to the audience where Dr. Nanda Malani was seated to present her with the award for Best Playback Singer of 2020. This gesture added a special touch to the event, highlighting the President’s direct involvement in recognizing and honoring outstanding contributions to the field of cinema.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe, addressing the audience, acknowledged Dr. Nanda Malani’s significant achievement of receiving an award for her background singing in Sri Lankan cinema at the Sarasavi Film Award in 1963. The President also shared that he had the privilege of participating in that event.
Emphasizing Dr. Nanda Malani’s noteworthy contributions, the President conveyed that she rightfully deserves the respect and gratitude of the entire nation for her valuable contributions to both the Sri Lankan cinema and music industry.
In recognition of exceptional contributions to cinema, a “Yuga Abhimani” special award was conferred upon Mr. K. Gunaratnam. President Ranil Wickremesinghe commemorated Mr. Gunaratnam during the ceremony. Additionally, the President presented “Swarnasingha” awards to distinguished individuals, namely Mr. Chandran Ratnam, Suvineetha Weerasinghe, and Cyril Wickramage, further adding to the prestige of the occasion.
The President conferred prestigious awards on notable individuals in the cinematic realm. In recognition of their outstanding performances, Mr. Kamal Addararachchi was honored as the Best Actor of 2019, and Mr. Kumara Thirimadura received the Best Actor award for 2020. Likewise, Ms. Samadhi Laksiri was recognized as the Best Actress of 2019 and Ms. Neeta Fernando received the Best Actress award for 2020, both presented by the President.
Acknowledging excellence in direction, Mr. Anuruddha Jayasinghe was awarded the Best Director for the year 2019, while Mr. Vishakesa Chandrasekharam received the Best Director award for 2020, both bestowed upon them by the President.
The film industry also celebrated outstanding cinematic creations, with the Best Film of 2019 titled “Ginnen Upan Seethala” and the Best Film of 2020 titled “The Newspaper,” both receiving accolades from the President.
The President further stated that:
“In my youth, as a student aged 12-13, I had the privilege of participating in the inaugural Sarasavi Film Awards ceremony. Similarly, I had the honor of attending the inaugural Presidential Film Awards ceremony. The disparity between those times and the contemporary era is substantial, marked notably by a significant technological revolution.
Presently, the landscape includes both cinema and television, formerly distinct entities that have seamlessly converged. The advent of mobile technology has further transformed how we consume content, with the ability to watch movies on portable devices. This connectivity has fostered a global cohesion in the realm of international cinema, turning it into a thriving industry. It is imperative that we progress harmoniously with this evolving industry. I hold a firm belief in the prowess of our film makers to navigate and excel in the competitive arena. Consequently, we must reconsider our perspectives and diligently prepare the nation’s cinema for a transformative journey ahead.
In our focus on the reorganization of the National Film Corporation, it is essential to recognize the film industry and television media as integral components of a unified industry. Concurrently, comprehensive development initiatives are imperative for all cinema halls and film production locations.
To streamline and provide efficient support, the government is actively consolidating these activities under a singular board. Beyond financial backing, a strategic program is in progress to bring globally renowned individuals to Sri Lanka, offering invaluable opportunities for artists, directors, and technicians to acquire international expertise.
Furthermore, proactive measures are anticipated Performance Board control. The existing Public Performance Board Act, with over a century in force, will be replaced by the establishment of a distinguished Entertainment Classification Board, marking a pivotal step towards modernization and efficiency in this sector.
The elimination of the term “censorship” from artworks is imperative. Presently, artworks are subjected to diverse criminal laws, causing challenges for artists. It is crucial to reassess and adapt to contemporary needs, acknowledging that adhering strictly to outdated regulations is untenable. To address this, a comprehensive program is underway, envisioning the submission of films and television products to the classification board as a preliminary step. These proposed regulations are anticipated to be presented next year. The collective support of all, irrespective of political affiliations, is sought, emphasizing the program’s significance for the future prosperity of the film industry”.
The event was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Ministers Dr. Bandula Gunawardena, Mahinda Amaraweera, President’s Counsel Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, Keheliya Rambukwella, State Ministers Shantha Bandara, Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Members of Parliament Wajira Abeywardena, Gayantha Karunathilaka, and Rear Admiral Sarath Weerasekera (Retired). Notable figures involved in parliamentary affairs, such as Presidential Adviser Ashu Marasinghe and Defense Ministry Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne (Retired), were also present, Media Ministry Secretary Anusha Palpita, National Film Corporation Chairman Deepal Chandraratne, Army Commander Major General Vikum Liyanage, several other heads of security departments, government officials, veteran film actors and esteemed film directors.
Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka High Commissioner in Australia Chitrangani Wagiswara paid an official call on the Minister for Multiculturalism, Small Business, Lands and Property and Sport of New South Wales (NSW) Steve Kamper on 7 November 2023 at his office, the Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra said in a statement.
The minister spoke of the large number of Sri Lankan expatriates who have made their mark in NSW and noted that most of the Sri Lankans are very well educated and well integrated into the Australian Society. The minister has been closely involved with most of the activities which are organized by Sri Lankan associations in Sydney. The High Commissioner stated that she was pleased to note the encouraging sentiments expressed by the minister.
The two sides discussed avenues for further cooperation and the need for the State government’s assistance in promoting links between Australia and Sri Lanka especially in the trade sector. It was agreed that the High Commission and the State Minister’s Office would keep in close contact to facilitate and promote further links that would be mutually beneficial.
During the visit to Sydney, the President of the Sri Lanka Australia Chamber of Commerce Kalum de Silva organised a Business Round Table on 8 November 2023. Members from the Australia-Sri Lanka Business Council also attended the Round Table.
In his introductory remarks, Kalum de Silva highlighted the ongoing activities and programmes that are in place between Sri Lanka and Australia. He also spoke of the visit to Sri Lanka by a business delegation organized in partnership with the Victoria State Government, the Aboriginal Economic Development Group (AEDG) and other stakeholders. Meetings were held in Sri Lanka with Export Development Board, National Chamber of Commerce, SLASSCom and other stakeholders as well as visits to places of interest.
In addressing the participants at the Round Table, the High Commissioner outlined the areas of cooperation and potential that could be looked into by those interested in business and the investment sectors.
Some of those present at the Round Table raised issues that need to be addressed in promoting trade and investment links and made suggestions on areas that could be pursued.
The High Commissioner invited the members of the chambers and other interested parties to be in touch with the High Commission as well as the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Melbourne so that any assistance sought and networking opportunities could be arranged.
The High Commission of Sri Lanka welcomed a delegation from the University of Johannesburg as part of its cultural diplomacy programme, marking the second program in this initiative. The student delegation was led by Head of the Department and Associate Professor in the Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR) Prof. Bhaso Ndzendze. The delegation comprised 17 students, including PhD students, Master’s students, and undergraduates in the DPIR Department.
During the session, the High Commission delivered a presentation containing geographical and economic facts about Sri Lanka, followed by tourism and cultural promotional video clips. A question-and-answer session ensued, during which students asked numerous questions about Sri Lanka and its economic relations with South Africa and the African Continent. Many students expressed their interest in advanced educational opportunities in Sri Lanka and their willingness to visit the country to gain first-hand experiences at educational and cultural sites.
The delegation was treated to Sri Lankan traditional delicacies, including Kokis and Ceylon Tea.
Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has taken legal action against Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Roshan Ranasinghe, citing “persistent and damaging” defamatory statements made against the cricket board.
In an official statement released on Wednesday (15), SLC expressed its strong response to the ongoing defamatory remarks by Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe, stating that it has taken decisive measures to safeguard its reputation and integrity.
On November 13, 2023, the President, Vice President, and Treasurer of Sri Lanka Cricket jointly filed a defamation lawsuit in the District Court of Colombo, seeking damages amounting to Rs. 2.4 billion on behalf of the cricket board.
SLC emphasised that the continuous dissemination of false and harmful statements by the Sports Minister has significantly harmed the image of Sri Lanka Cricket, both domestically and internationally.
The cricket governing body, represented by its top leadership, reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and fair play in all its activities.
The legal action is aimed at addressing the unwarranted damage inflicted on Sri Lanka Cricket’s standing in the sporting community. The Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket views this step as essential to protect the organisation’s reputation and its members, while remaining focused on promoting the spirit of the game.
The legal proceedings against the Minister of Sports highlight the organisation’s dedication to upholding its principles and shielding its stakeholders from baseless allegations.
Sri Lanka Cricket affirmed that it will continue prioritising the best interests of the sport and its supporters throughout the legal proceedings. Updates on the case will be provided as the situation unfolds.
Minister Ranasinghe previously suspended the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), alleging corruption among its officials. An interim committee was appointed to administer Sri Lanka Cricket. The International Cricket Council (ICC) imposed an immediate ban on Sri Lanka cricket at the request of SLC officials. However, the country’s Appellate Court later stayed the Minister’s order and reinstated Sri Lanka Cricket.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed the Chairman of the Ministerial Sub-Committee for Cricket to lead efforts aimed at lifting the ban imposed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sri Lanka Cricket.
