February 06, Colombo (LNW): The establishment of a fresh political alliance, incorporating the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) alongside several other political entities, has reached completion following the incorporation of amendments into the Constitution of the Podujana Eksath Peramuna (United People’s Front).

After thorough consultations on proposals from alliance parties, the SLFP now holds 25 percent authority within the leadership board and the working committee. This includes key positions such as the leadership of the alliance, Treasurer of the alliance, National Organizer of the alliance, and the Secretary of the alliance. The National Convention of the Podujana Eksath Peramuna is scheduled for next week, where these amendments will seek approval, and the future course of actions for the alliance will be outlined.

The working committee meeting of the alliance has officially endorsed the constitutional amendments to the United People’s Front. Numerous civil organizations, including the Sri Lanka Sama Samaja Party, Communist Party, as well as Tamil and Muslim parties, have expressed interest in joining this newly-formed alliance.

Former President Maithripala Sirisena is set to assume the role of chairman for the alliance, with alliance agreements expected to be signed with partner groups later this month. In a notable development, it has been reported that Maithripala Sirisena has decided to reactivate and reinstate the cancelled membership of Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga within the SLFP, a decision communicated to her in writing.

February 06, Colombo (LNW): In preparation for the upcoming Ramadan season, the Ministry of Public Administration has issued a circular outlining special changes to public sector work shifts to accommodate Muslim officers participating in prayers and religious activities.

Addressed to Ministerial Secretaries, Provincial Chief Secretaries, Heads of Departments, and Heads of State Corporations and Statutory Boards, the circular emphasizes the need to make necessary arrangements to enable Muslim officers to engage in prayers and religious activities during the Ramadan season, scheduled to begin on March 12 and conclude on April 11.

The communication instructs that work shifts should be adjusted whenever possible to allow Muslim officers the flexibility to participate in religious activities. Special leave may be granted only in unavoidable circumstances.

Furthermore, the circular directs the timely approval of the ‘festival advance’ for eligible Muslim officers in the public service, public corporations, and statutory boards. The advance is to be granted 14 days before the end of the Ramadan season, contributing to the facilitation of religious observances for the Muslim officers in the public sector.

February 06, Colombo (LNW):Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, currently in remand custody over alleged irregularities in a drug procurement deal, has been granted permission to consume home-cooked meals based on a doctor’s recommendation.

Prisons Spokesperson Gamini B. Dissanayake clarified that Rambukwella has not requested treatment in a private hospital. The former minister was taken into custody last Friday in connection with the controversial immunoglobulin procurement scandal, where allegedly non-functional drugs were purchased for state hospitals.

1. Foreign Minister Ali Sabry says SL expects to attract about USD 5 bn in foreign funds in the next 2 years after the re-structuring of SL’s overseas debt is finalised: as per the IMF programme report of 20th March’23, the aim was to negotiate a “write-off” of about USD 17 bn out of the Bilateral and Private debt of USD 28 bn, but that attempt seems to have failed so far.
2. Bribery Commission to investigate alleged financial irregularities amounting to nearly Rs.30 bn in the import of fuel & crude oil for the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation in the 2022: investigations to be based on complaints made by the Electricity Consumers’ Association.
3. A Senior official of the Suwa Seriya Foundation says many drivers & nurses of the “1990 Suwa Seriya ambulance service” have migrated recently: laments that almost 60% of the ambulances are not operating, as a result.
4. Ceylon Institute of Builders President Dr Rohan Karunaratne says the Export Development Board must support the “export of the construction industry” to boost forex earnings: laments over 60% of the construction industry in SL has halted: laments further than many contractors are disqualified from securing overseas projects due to the Central Bank restrictions of granting cross-border guarantees & capital funding to establish ventures abroad.
5. SJB Chairman Sarath Fonseka MP responds to SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa’s remark that those who criticize the party leadership & break discipline can leave the Party: says he did not have any other option but to voice his grievances in public when the party higher-ups are making unilateral decisions.
6. Provisional data of the Tourism Development Authority indicates that 208,253 tourists arrived in January’24: less than the target set for the month of 241,962: also lower than the 210,352 tourist arrivals in December’23 which was the highest for a month since the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.
7. State-Owned Enterprise Restructuring Unit says switching to “Daylight Saving Time” would reduce the country’s electricity night peak load demand by as much as a third, with consequent reduction in thermal energy generation.
8. NPP & JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake meets with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar & National Security Adviser Ajit Doval in Delhi, at the invitation of the Indian Govt: NPP delegation includes NPP General Secretary Dr Nihal Abeysinghe and National Executive Members Professor Anil Jayantha & Vijitha Herath MP.
9. SL Cricket appoints former Australian First Class Cricketer Craig Howard as the National Spin Bowling Coach.
10. SL beats Afghanistan by 10 wickets in its “one-off” Cricket test played in SL:
    AFG – 198 & 296: SL- 439 & 56/0: SL spin bowler Prabath Jayasuriya takes 5 wickets in each innings and emerges as the Man of the Match.

February 06, Colombo (LNW): In response to a government request, a capacity development mission from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is set to provide technical assistance on fiscal issues in Sri Lanka. Confirming the mission’s arrival, an IMF spokesperson informed News 1st on Monday (5) that the objective is to offer expertise and training to strengthen the capacity of institutions dealing with critical economic matters.

It’s important to note that this mission is distinct from program review missions, as clarified by the IMF spokesperson. While program review missions typically assess the progress of countries enrolled in IMF programs, the focus of the capacity development mission is to provide specialized assistance and training at the request of member countries.

The technical assistance and training offered by the IMF aim to enhance the capabilities of institutions in managing fiscal matters effectively. Such support is part of the IMF’s broader commitment to facilitating economic stability and development among its member countries.

Britain’s King Charles III has been diagnosed with a form of cancer and will postpone public engagements to undergo treatment, Buckingham Palace said on Monday, but added he remained “wholly positive” about the scare less than 18 months into his reign.

Charles, 75, who became king in September 2022 following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth, has begun a series of treatments, the palace said, adding he was looking forward to returning to fulltime duties as soon as possible.

The cancer revelation comes after Charles spent three nights in hospital last month where he underwent a corrective procedure for a benign enlarged prostate.

The palace said a separate issue of concern had been spotted during that hospital stay, but did not given any further details beyond saying tests had revealed the king had a “form of cancer”.

“No further details are being shared at this stage, except to confirm that his majesty does not have prostate cancer,” the palace said.

“Throughout this period, his majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.”

As such, Charles will continue to have meetings with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, while his wife Queen Camilla will continue with her engagements.

SMILING

On Sunday, the king gave no indication of the diagnosis when he was pictured smiling and waving to onlookers as he attended a church service with Camilla.

It was his first public outing since he and his daughter-in-law Kate left the same London hospital a week ago where they had both undergone planned treatments.

Kate, the Princess of Wales and wife to heir to the British throne Prince William, spent two weeks at the London clinic following abdominal surgery for an unspecified but non-cancerous condition.

She will not be returning to royal duties until after Easter. William, who has been looking after their three children as she recovers, will carry out his first public engagement since her operation on Wednesday.

While the royals usually closely guard details of their health, regarding it as a private matter, Charles has been open about his recent treatment.

“His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer,” Buckingham Palace said.

Sunak sent his best wishes to the King on X. “I have no doubt he’ll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well,” he said.

BIDEN CONCERN

The leaders of Australia and Canada, where Charles is also head of state, expressed their best wishes and hopes for the king to make a speedy recovery, while U.S. President Joe Biden said he was concerned by the news and planned to call Charles later.

“Navigating a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship takes hope and absolute courage,” Biden said. “Jill and I join the people of the United Kingdom in praying that His Majesty experiences a swift and full recovery.”

The monarch told his immediate family personally about his cancer diagnosis, and Prince Harry, his younger son, will travel to the UK to see him in the coming days, a source close to the Duke of Sussex said.

Harry now lives in California with his American wife Meghan and their two children after the couple stepped down from royal duties in 2020.

After waiting longer than any heir in British history to become king, Charles’ first year on the throne was dominated by his coronation – Britain’s biggest ceremonial event for generations, full of pomp and pageantry.

While before he became sovereign there were suggestions that the long-time environmental campaigner would bring a radical overhaul of the monarchy, Charles has generally followed in the style of his mother, while trying to add some of his own touches.

Polls suggest most Britons have a favourable view of his reign so far, although younger generations appear much less enthusiastic about the royal family in general.

Prior to his recent health issues, the biggest shadow over the royals was the ongoing fallout between his son Harry and the rest of his family, most notably Harry’s elder brother Prince William.

Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, said that for Charles, a workaholic who often worked until midnight on his papers, his recent health issues would mean he would have to take it more slowly now.

“His body will tell him he has to, and Camilla certainly will,” she said. “I think he’s mentally exhausted since the death of the queen. It’s been non-stop for him since then.”

While Queen Margrethe II of Denmark abdicated last month in favour of her son King Frederik X after 52 years on the throne, Seward said there was no chance Charles would follow suit.

“Absolutely not, 100% no,” she said.

Source: Reuters

February 06, Colombo (LNW): Mainly fair weather will prevail most parts of the island.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning.

February 05, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan High Commission in Kenya commemorated Sri Lanka’s 76th Independence Day with an illustrious morning event held at the Kempinski Villa Rosa Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. The gala was attended by distinguished guests, including Cabinet Ministers, the TRI Forces Chief of Kenya, and Deputy Governor of Nairobi City, His Excellency Njoroge Muchiri, who graced the occasion as the chief guest.

The event, attended by approximately 350 guests, saw the traditional Sri Lankan gesture of offering beetle leaves and Independence Day commemorative shawls to the attendees. High Commissioner Kana V. Kananathan hoisted the national flag, accompanied by the Sri Lankan national anthem played by the Kenyan Police Band.

Religious observances representing Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, and Muslim faiths were solemnly conducted, invoking blessings upon Sri Lanka. Most Venerable Gawaragiriye Premarathana Thero, from the Royal College in Colombo and Abhayarama Temple in Sri Lanka, added a sacred dimension to the event by conducting Buddhist religious observances.

High Commissioner Kananathan addressed the audience, emphasizing the significance of Sri Lanka’s 76th Independence Day and highlighting the country’s ongoing journey of economic recovery and development under the visionary leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. He expressed confidence in the deepening bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Kenya, fostering mutual growth and development.

An innovative activity that garnered attention was the lighting of the oil lamp, where Sri Lankan children aged 5-16 years from different ethnicities participated, deviating from the usual practice involving adults and VIPs. The Deputy Governor of Nairobi City, Njoroge Muchiri, praised Ambassador Kananathan’s efforts in strengthening diplomatic ties and facilitating Sri Lankan investments in Kenya and the broader African region, significantly enhancing trade and investments.

The celebration featured captivating cultural performances, showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich heritage and traditions, infusing vibrancy and festivity into the event. The attendees were treated to a brunch featuring Sri Lankan cuisine, providing a tantalizing taste of the island nation’s diverse culinary delights.

February 05, Colombo (LNW): In a significant move toward enhancing Sri Lanka’s maritime capabilities, Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, Nimal Siripala de Silva, stressed the importance of system development and technology transfer during the Implementation of the Port and Maritime Sector Capacity Development Project. The project, initiated by the Colombo Plan Secretariat of the United States Department of State, was inaugurated on January 31, 2024, at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel in Colombo.

Minister de Silva, serving as the Chief Guest at the event, acknowledged the remarkable transformation of the Port of Colombo into a modern facility but highlighted that there is more to achieve. Emphasizing the need to comprehend and integrate the latest technology into existing systems, he urged the preparation of the younger generation to embrace innovation. Minister de Silva expressed confidence that with the support of the U.S., the Colombo Plan, and other nations, Sri Lanka would excel in the maritime sector.

The Colombo Plan, backed by funding from the U.S. Embassy, introduced a three-year program to enhance the technical expertise of Sri Lanka Ports Authority staff and implement “smart” port operations at the Port of Colombo. A letter of intent was signed between the Colombo Plan and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority during the launch, and a detailed Memorandum of Understanding is set to contribute to the sustainable development of maritime and port operations in Sri Lanka. The program aims to introduce modern port systems, new technologies, and international best practices, supported by U.S. funding, thereby boosting productivity and competitiveness to position Sri Lanka’s ports as vital regional hubs in South Asia.

Minister de Silva also reflected on the challenging economic situation Sri Lanka faced, leading to seeking assistance from friendly countries, including the IMF, to achieve a permanent solution. Acknowledging the support of the USA, India, China, Japan, and the Paris Club during this difficult period, he expressed gratitude for the assistance in reaching a consensus with the IMF and navigating through challenging circumstances with courage and expectations.

February 05, Colombo (LNW): In response to recent allegations made by Public Security Minister Tiran Alles regarding a raid near a hotel owned by Lanka Realty Investments PLC in Weligama during the ‘Yukthiya’ anti-drug operation, the company has issued a clarification.

The Public Security Minister raised the accusation at a press conference on January 18, 2024, whereas Lanka Realty Investments PLC, categorically denying the claim, underscored that their hotel, W15, had no involvement in the mentioned raid.

The operation was conducted by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) on December 31, 2023, and the apprehended suspects were outside the hotel premises, the company emphasised.

In a letter addressed to the Minister of Public Security, Lanka Realty Investments highlighted that, at the time of the raid, all hotel rooms were reserved for foreign tourists due to December being a peak month for tourist arrivals.

Importantly, none of the individuals present in the hotel during the operation were arrested as suspects, it added.

The company emphasised that although there was some property damage during the shootings on the premises, neither tourists nor staff members were harmed.

Furthermore, Lanka Realty Investments clarified its standing as a listed entity on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), and W15 is a member of The Hotel Association of Sri Lanka (THASL), and stressed that neither entity has any association with drug-related activities or smuggling.