January 08, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe highlighted the vital link between religious harmony and economic progress during a meeting with religious leaders in the Northern Province at the Jaffna District Secretariat. He pledged to expedite development programs aimed at restoring revenues lost during the war, recognizing the pivotal role of religious leaders in fostering unity.

Acknowledging challenges faced by temples and churches in the region, President Wickremesinghe pledged to address these issues under the Security Forces’ purview, focusing on their restoration. He proposed constructing a larger temple if desired collectively by religious leaders and guardians associated with the Nallur temple.

The President also committed to resolving challenges encountered by Christian churches, notably emphasizing prompt actions for the Madhu Church. He highlighted efforts to facilitate the resettlement of Muslims who vacated the area during the war.

President Wickremesinghe emphasized the need for unity transcending racial and religious boundaries, urging political and religious figures to safeguard the rights of all individuals. He directed the Northern Province Governor to engage with religious leaders and ensure government actions foster religious unity.

Religious leaders expressed gratitude for the President’s consistent engagement and support, endorsing his efforts toward religious harmony and development. The Jaffna Inter-Religious Council presented proposals to the President, who assured appropriate actions under the All Religions Department, ensuring justice for all faiths.

Leaders from various religious denominations, including Ven. Meegahajandure Sivimala Nayaka Thera from Naga Vihara, Rev. Father P. J. Jebaratnam of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Jaffna, Rev. Shiva Sri Kandaya Kurukkal, and Raleem Moulavee, conveyed blessings and emphasized the necessity for political determination in fostering harmony and prosperity across communities.

Notable attendees included Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda, MP Angajan Ramanathan, President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake, Jaffna District Secretary S. Sivabalasundaran, President Trade Union Director General Saman Ratnapriya, President Community Affairs Director General Rajith Keerthy Tennakoon, among others.

January 08, Colombo (LNW): Dr. Palitha Mahipala, Sri Lanka’s Health Secretary, lauded the nation’s robust immunization campaign during an inspection tour of a measles vaccination site in the CMC area. The visit coincided with a nationwide initiative to administer an additional measles dose to infants aged between six and nine months, aimed at curbing the disease’s spread.

Highlighting Sri Lanka’s recognition by the World Health Organization for measles eradication in 2019, Dr. Mahipala noted a recent rise in measles cases, prompting the Health Ministry to collaborate with WHO and UNICEF in implementing the additional dose campaign.

The program extends beyond infants, encompassing general clinics countrywide for children aged nine months to fifteen years who lack prior vaccination. Dr. Mahipala announced plans for a subsequent round of the campaign in two weeks and expressed gratitude to the Epidemiology Department, WHO, UNICEF, healthcare, and field staff for their support and contributions.

The campaign spans 1,600 clinics across nine districts, namely Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Jaffna, Kandy, Kurunegala, and Ampara. Additionally, a proactive door-to-door awareness drive involving Health Secretary Dr. Asela Gunawardena and officials aimed to educate communities about the significance of the additional measles vaccine.

Earlier efforts involved Family Health Service officers visiting households in high-risk areas to disseminate information about the national vaccination program and clinic locations.

Noteworthy participants in these efforts included Deputy Director General Dr. G. Wijesuriya, Director Dr. Priyantha Athapattu, Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Samitha Ginige, and Chief Medical Officer of the Colombo Municipality Dr. Ruwan Wijemuni, alongside medical specialists.

January 08, Colombo (LNW): Transport, Highways, and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana officially opened the Eastern Province Postal Administration Complex in Batticaloa, a significant project constructed at a cost of Rs.450 million under the Department of Posts. The complex, spanning five storeys, is set to accommodate various vital departments such as the Eastern Deputy Postmaster General’s Office, Sub-Local Postal Superintendent’s Office, District Administrative Officer’s Office, and the Postal Training Institute.

Addressing attendees at the inauguration, Minister Gunawardhana acknowledged the project’s perseverance despite economic adversities: “Several development initiatives, including this complex, faced temporary halts due to the economic crisis. When I assumed responsibility for Postal affairs, I prioritized this project in a challenging funding climate. Despite approval constraints, the Cabinet sanctioned funds for its completion.”

He highlighted the efficient execution of the construction, managed without private contracts, through collaborative efforts between the State Development and Design Corporation and the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau (CECB).

Reflecting on the economic crisis from 2020 to 2023, Minister Gunawardhana emphasized the nation’s struggle with overwhelming debts and budget deficits, necessitating stringent financial restructuring.

He outlined the comprehensive debt repayment program, negotiated with international bodies and various nations’ leaders, revealing plans to settle 37% of debts within five years, 51% within six to twenty years, and the remaining 12% beyond two decades.

Gunawardhana stressed the necessity for consistent debt repayment regardless of the governing party until 2048 and emphasized the government’s commitment to an annual financial plan to sustain operations.

Highlighting upcoming initiatives, he announced allocated funds for resuming stalled road development projects nationwide and earmarked Rs. 50 million for rural road improvements, targeting the carpeting of 1,500 km of roads within the year.

The minister also emphasized the need to boost revenue from the Eastern Province, aiming for at least 10% of the department’s overall target, aiming to revitalize the region’s economic contributions.

Dignitaries present included State Minister of Mass Media Shantha Bandara, State Minister of Rural Road Development Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, State Minister for Food Security and Trade S. Viyalendran, Secretary to the Ministry of Mass Media Anusha Palpita, Batticaloa District Secretary J.J. Muralidaran, Postmaster General Ruwan Sathkumara, and several other distinguished guests.

January 08, Colombo (LNW): The Urban Development Authority (UDA) announced plans to grant title deeds to half of its apartment residents by the end of the current year. Nimesh Herath, Chairman of the UDA, highlighted that this initiative aligns with directives from Urban Development and Housing Minister Prasanna Ranatunga.

Out of the 14,542 individuals currently residing in UDA-owned apartments, the first phase targets issuing title deeds to 50% of them. However, certain legal and administrative challenges need resolution, which may extend the timeline for other units.

Herath emphasized Minister Ranatunga’s directive to expedite title deed distribution for the remaining residents after addressing prevailing legal and administrative barriers. Key agencies involved in housing initiatives for low-income groups include the Urban Development Authority, the National Housing Development Authority, and the Urban Settlement Development Authority.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscored the swift issuance of title deeds to flat owners in a recent parliamentary statement.

Herath conveyed these updates during discussions at the Urban Development Authority Auditorium in Sethsiripaya, addressing concerns and challenges pertaining to UDA schemes.

Additionally, Minister Ranatunga urged the UDA to explore the feasibility of transferring freehold rights to the offspring of original apartment owners as part of ongoing considerations.

January 08, Colombo (LNW): South Beach Weligama Properties and Sri Lanka’s Board of Investment (BOI) have inked an agreement for a high-end apartment complex venture, totaling a US$ 4.15 million investment.

This project, encompassing 106 beachfront apartments, was unveiled by the BOI on ‘X’, aiming to attract both local and international property seekers. The luxury apartment initiative specifically targets individuals from markets such as the US, UK, Australia, and India.

January 08, Colombo (LNW): Amidst a surge in daily dengue cases, the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) revealed an inventive approach: the introduction of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes into high-risk areas of Colombo. This experimental strategy aims to assess the potential of reducing mosquito populations and, consequently, curtailing the spread of dengue.

Dr. Sudath Samaraweera, Director of the NDCU, emphasized the urgency of the situation, with daily dengue cases escalating to a concerning 300.

January 08, Colombo (LNW): The Hambantota International Port (HIP) concluded 2023 by solidifying its status as the fastest-growing Roll-on/Roll-off (RO-RO) transshipment port in the region, witnessing a remarkable 26% increase in handled vehicles compared to the previous year. This outstanding milestone saw a massive 700,000 units transported through the port, positioning HIP as a dominant force in the fiercely competitive transshipment sector.

The achievement was marked by the arrival of the Glovis vessel MV. HAE SHIN V.003B, carrying 3,626 units bound for Ulsan port in South Korea. Lance Zuo, General Manager Commercial & Marketing, attributes HIP’s success to its expanded capacity, strategic location, quality service, prompt berthing facilities, and competitive pricing formulas, making it an enticing prospect for customers.

Tissa Wickramasinghe, COO of HIPG, expressed pride in achieving this feat amidst challenges, citing the dedication of the RORO operations and marketing teams. He highlighted HIPG’s strategic vision to position HIP as a regional transshipment hub for RORO cargo, establishing partnerships with RORO lines, attracting new customers, and investing in advanced technology.

Wickramasinghe emphasized the investment in expanding yard space, modern equipment, frequent training sessions, and global quality standards adherence as pivotal factors in HIP’s success. He credited Team HIP’s collective effort and customer support for this remarkable achievement.

January 08, Colombo (LNW): In just 22 days since its launch, Operation Yukthiya by Sri Lankan authorities resulted in the arrest of 29,475 suspects, with 955 detained in the last 24 hours.

Under the Ministry of Public Security, 1473 detainees are held under orders, while investigations into illegal assets of 220 individuals are ongoing.

Notably, 2326 arrests targeted drug trafficking, focusing on suspects from the Police Narcotics Bureau and Special Bureau. Seized illicit drugs exceed 4,439 million rupees in market value.

Authorities also confiscated drug traffickers’ properties, valued over 619 million rupees, including vehicles (worth 389 million rupees) and gold (valued at 140 million rupees).

1. Head of the SMEs Organizations Tania Abeysundara says CB Governor Dr Nandalal Weerasinghe had orchestrated a scenario leading to the country’s declaration of bankruptcy unilaterally, hindering the functioning of businesses: also says there are Non-Performing Loans of about Rs.1.2 trillion solely due to the situation created by the CB Governor who pushed interest rates to record levels.
2. A well known research form announces that the Govt is planning to lift import restrictions placed on small cars with engine capacities of 1000cc & 1300cc: asserts the move to relax small vehicle imports comes in the wake of limited revenue collection by SL Customs in the backdrop of stringent revenue targets set by the IMF.
3. Senior FSP spokesperson Pubudu Jagoda says the FSP is urging political parties in Parliament to oppose the Govt’s decision to join the US-led coalition to protect commercial shipping in the Red Sea against continuing attacks by Yemen’s Houthi group: asserts that the move announced by President Wickremesinghe on 3rd Jan’24 had taken all political parties by surprise.
4. Following the Energy Minister’s instructions to the CEB to take disciplinary action against CEB employees involved in the 3-day trade union action, Unions say they would take legal action against the CEB management if any of the workers are suspended.
5. Official data reveals that SL has spent USD 326mn on vegetable imports from Jan to Nov’23, an increase from USD 297mn recorded for the same period in 2022.
6. Health Unions allege that available PCR or Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) are approaching expiration, with no orders being placed for new kits: also allege that ordering test kits has not been a priority due to the ongoing economic crisis.
7. A top SL Airlines official says the daily operations of the airline are currently being conducted by only around 17 Airbus aircraft, resulting in several flight delays being experienced each month: also says the airline must have a minimum of 24 aircraft to ensure smooth operations without delays.
8. Hambantota International Port proves itself as the fastest growing transhipment port in the region with 700,000 transhipment vehicles handled in 2023: marks a significant 26% increase from the 2022 figures.
9. Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe says the revised Anti-Terrorism Bill will be presented to Parliament in the first sitting week of the new year.
10. Public Security Minister Tiran Alles presents official appointment letters to 4 top Cricketers who transition to roles within the SL Police after their stint with the Police Cricket Club: Kusal Janith Perera & Chamara Silva to positions as Chief Police Inspectors: Ashen Bandara & Nuwan Pradeep as Police Inspectors.