Colombo (LNW): The US Embassy in Sri Lanka has issued a significant notice regarding the Diversity Visa (DV) programme for 2025.
There will be no charges to participate in the DV programme, but individuals should be wary of anyone or any service demanding payment, for such assertions about increasing the odds of selection are deceptive, the Embassy wrote on X.
Every valid application for the DV programme has an identical chance of being selected and applicants should only submit the entry, it added.
The application period is set from 12:00 p.m. EDT on October 4 to 12:00 p.m. EST on November 7.
Thinking about registering for #DV2025? Beware of those who offer to help you for money. There is NO fee to enter. Any individuals or services that claim they can increase your chances of being selected are being dishonest. DV selection is performed completely randomly from the… pic.twitter.com/omytpjkcha
Central Bank “burns” a massive 19% of its usable Forex Reserves of USD 2,465 mn as at end-July’23 by selling USD 467 mn to the Forex market to “defend” the LKR during August’23: IMF warns “Reserve accumulation has slowed in recent months”: analysts expect the CB’s LKR defence to be stopped soon, leading to a significant depreciation of the LKR in the coming months.
Chinese Ambassador in SL Qi Zhenhong says China will continue to firmly support Sri Lanka in pursuing a development path that suits its own national conditions while getting rid of the poverty & non-development trap, and safeguarding its independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity & national dignity.
National Cancer Control Programme Director Dr Ishani Fernando says 26% of cancer patients detected in SL are those with breast cancers: notes that 5,329 new patients with breast cancer were detected in 2020 out of 37,648 new cancer patients: also says 15,599 patients had died of cancer in 2019.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe orders a probe into the resignation of Mullaitivu District Judge and Magistrate T Saravanarajah, who heard the controversial Kurundimale Temple case: the Judge has cited “receiving death threats” as the reason for his resignation.
Electricity Users’ Assn Secretary Sanjeewa Dhammika claims factories would collapse with the increase in electricity tariffs: says the EUA rejects the proposal to increase the electricity tariffs: warns the country is running to the tune of the IMF.
Lady Ridgeway Hospital Director Dr G Wijesuriya says SL has not reported any cases of Nipah virus so far: emphasizes that people should not panic as a result of false reports circulating in the social media.
Sri Lanka Medical Assn representative Professor Samath Dharmaratne says lives of 400 children were lost in 2022 due to road accidents: laments if appropriate measures are not put in place, many more innocent lives will be lost in the future in a similar manner.
Govt to introduce a new system of issuing vehicle licences called “eRL2.0” in 5 provinces, excluding the Western Province, from 3 October onwards: the new system to be an important step in the “digitalisation” of SL.
Sources say there is a rise in the number of videos featuring Sri Lankan couples in leading porn websites, over the past couple of years: also express fears that most of the content has been filmed and uploaded or sold to porn websites, without the consent of both or one of the partners.
Govt to unveil a new “Standard Operating Procedure” for visits by foreign ships or aircraft, including military assets, as a part of its effort to address India’s concerns over port calls by Chinese vessels: SOP to include guidelines and details about the type of vessels to be allowed into Sri Lanka’s ports and territorial waters, and the duration of docking.
Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts, and fairly heavy showers above 50mm can be expected at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara and Puttalam districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (01).
Several spells of showers will occur in Anuradhapura district, the statement added.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places over elsewhere during the evening or night, and fairly strong winds about (40-50) kmph can be expected at times in Northern, North-central, and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.
General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo, Galle and Matara.
Winds:
Winds will be south-westerly and speed will be (30-40) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to (50-60) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Trincomalee via Kankasanthurai and Mannar and from Hambantota to Pottuvil.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Kankasanthurai via Mannar and from Hambantota to Pottuvil may be rough at times. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
Colombo (LNW): The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has raised concerns over the sudden resignation of Mullaitivu District Judge, T. Saravanarajah, and urged the government to probe the matter immediately.
In a statement, the BASL expressed suspicion that his decision to resign might have been influenced by external threats.
“The BASL is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and well-being of all members of the judiciary. We strongly believe in maintaining an environment where judges can discharge their duties without fear or intimidation,” the Association said.
Raising concerns on the gravity of the situation, the BASL urged the government to undertake an impartial and comprehensive inquiry into the alleged threats against Judge Saravanarajah.
Such threats, if validated, can compromise the judiciary’s independence and erode public confidence in the justice system, the BASL went on, adding that the sudden exit of Mr. Saravanarajah might cast doubts over the security of Sri Lanka’s judicial personnel.
“BASL vehemently condemns and discourages any type of threats and violence to members of the judiciary,” it added, reiterating that the protection of the judiciary is pivotal for upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the rights of the people.
Colombo (LNW): The civil defence officer who was arrested over the accidental shooting of a female elephant named ‘Sita’ has been granted bail today (30).
The officer from the Civil Defence Department working with the Mapakada Wewa Wildlife Regional Office was arrested for shooting ‘Sita’, a female elephant that had been part of the annual Randoli Perahera at Mahiyanganaya Rajamaha Viharaya.
The incident occurred at about 3:30 am this morning when the officer mistakenly identified ‘Sita’ as a wild elephant after she crossed the river.
Despite being informed by bystanders that ‘Sita’ was not a wild elephant, the officer proceeded with the shooting.
After being shot, 48-year old ‘Sita’ was tethered to a tree near the Mahaweli River, and received immediate medical attention from the Wildlife Conservation Department’s veterinary surgeons post-injury.
The officer in question had used rubber bullets aiming to deter wild elephants in the area, unintentionally injuring ‘Sita’, said Director General of the Wildlife Conservation Department M.G.C. Sooriyabandara.
Colombo (LNW): A number of lawyers’ associations, including the Lawyers’ Collective and the Young Lawyers Association raised deep concerns about the recent resignation of T. Saravanarajah, former Magistrate of Mullaitivu based on alleged threats to his life, calling for an impartial investigation into the event.
In a statement, the Lawyers’ Collective pointed out that it is imperative, given the serious implications it has for matters pertaining to the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law, that the matter be fully investigated with measures to assure independence and impartiality.
In a statement, the Young Lawyers’ Association demanded that the Judicial Service Commission conducts an impartial inquiry into the allegations against the government and the Attorney General, which has been circulated in the media, whilst calling for an impartial investigation into the resignation of Mr. Saravanarajah.
Colombo (LNW): The Department of Irrigation today (30) extended the ‘Amber’ flood warning issued for the low-lying areas of Nilwala River, Gin Ganga and Kuda Ganga, in the backdrop where rainfall continues.
Accordingly, the flood warnings which were initially issued two days ago (28) for the following areas have been extended for another 24 hours effective until tomorrow (01).
• Kotapola, Pitabeddara, Akuressa, Pasgoda, Athuraliya, Malimbada, Thihagoda, Matara and Devinuwara Divisional Secretariat Divisions in Nilwala River basin
• Palinda Nuwara and Bulathsinhala Divisional Secretariat Divisions in Kuda Ganga sub-basin of Kalu River
• Welivitiya Divithura, Baddegama, Niyagama, Neluwa, Tawalama, Nagoda, Elpitiya and Bope Poddala Divisional Secretariat Divisions of Gin Ganga basin
Meanwhile, ‘Amber’ flood alert has been issued at 10.00 a.m. today for the low-lying areas of Attanagalu Oya in Gampaha, Minuwangoda, Ja-Ela, Katana and Wattala.
The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has also extended the landslide warnings issued for parts of Galle, Hambantota, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Matale, Matara and Ratnapura districts.
‘Amber’ (Level 2) warnings issued to the following areas will be in effect until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow (01):
• Galle District – Neluwa Divisional Secretariat Division • Kalutara District – Ingiriya Divisional Secretariat Division • Kandy District – Pasbage Divisional Secretariat Division • Matara District – Pitabeddara and Kotapola Divisional Secretariat Divisions • Ratnapura District – Kalawana, Ayagama, Eheliyagoda, Ratnapura, Kuruwita, Pelmadulla, Nivithigala, Kiriella and Elapatha Divisional Secretariat Divisions
“Yellow” (Level 1) warnings issued to the following areas were extended until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow (01):
•Galle District – Elpitiya Divisional Secretariat Division • Hambantota District – Walasmulla Divisional Secretariat Division • Kalutara District – Mathugama, Walallawita, Bulathsinhala and Agalawatta Divisional Secretariat Divisions • Kegalle District – Yatiyanthota, Ruwanwella, Deraniyagala, Dehiowita and Kegalle Divisional Secretariat Divisions • Matale District – Yatawatta Divisional Secretariat Division • Matara District – Mulatiyana and Athuraliya Divisional Secretariat Divisions • Ratnapura District – Kolonna and Imbulpe Divisional Secretariat Divisions
Colombo (LNW): US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung urged Sri Lankan authorities to prioritise the rights of the country’s citizens when considering the recently introduced Online Safety Bill and the Anti-Terrorism Bill.
Taking a statement to X (previously known as Twitter), Chung emphasised the importance of incorporating feedback from technology professionals, civic organisations, and a range of experts while deliberating the Online Safety Bill.
“As Sri Lanka deliberates the Online Safety Bill, it’s crucial to include input from the tech sector, civil society, and diverse experts. Preserving freedom of expression is essential—it’s a fundamental right that is non-negotiable and must be safeguarded,” she wrote.
The US Envoy went on: “We also urge the Sri Lankan government to honour its pledge to revise its anti-terrorism legislation in alignment with international standards & best practices in other democracies. Sri Lankans deserve both security & fundamental freedoms. Striking the right balance through effective legislation will ensure both, enabling lawful freedom of assembly & empowering law enforcement to tackle threats effectively.”
(1/2) As Sri Lanka deliberates the Online Safety Bill, it's crucial to include input from the tech sector, civil society, and diverse experts. Preserving freedom of expression is essential—it's a fundamental right that is non-negotiable and must be safeguarded.
Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka faces minimal risk from the Nipah virus that recently emerged in neighboring India, a statement by the Health Promotion Bureau of Sri Lanka said.
As per the Epidemiology Unit of Sri Lanka’s Health Ministry, Kerala, India reported 6 Nipah virus cases since the outbreak began in late August 2023, leading to two deaths. More than 700 individuals, suspected to have come into contact with infected patients, were quarantined and tested with no positive results as of September 22.
Kerala authorities have shut down certain public areas as a safety measure. This marks the fourth Nipah outbreak in Kerala in five years. Each time, effective and swift measures were taken to contain the virus.
Full statement;
Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus, transmitted predominantly from fruit bats and through food which has been contaminated by body fluids or secretions of infected animals, including directly from human to human via prolonged close contact. In infected people, it can cause a range of illnesses from asymptomatic infection to acute respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis.
Nipah virus was first recognized in 1998 in Malaysia during an outbreak among pig farmers. In total, around 265 people were infected. Thereafter, a small outbreak in Singapore was also reported with a total of 11 infected people. Since then, no further outbreaks had been reported in Malaysia. No spread to other countries was also noted during this period and both countries were able to successfully control the outbreak without international spread. From 2001, the virus again emerged in Bangladesh and frequent small-scale outbreaks have flared up on and off in that country since. The disease was also identified in eastern India (Bengal region) in 2001 and since then, few sporadic small-scale outbreaks have occurred. All such outbreaks have thus far been well controlled and not spread beyond the local area of origin.
The latest outbreak in the South Indian State of Kerala, emerged in late August 2023. Up to now, 6 people have been infected of which 2 have died. Over 700 people who were suspected to be potential contacts of the infected patients have been quarantined and tested for the infection, with no positive reports as of 22.09.2023. As a precautionary measure and to mitigate potential spread of the disease, the state authorities initiated closure of selected public places in the area of origin of the disease. This is the fourth Nipah outbreak to hit Kerala in the past 5 years. Each time, the disease has been well controlled and timely precautionary measures have been taken to ensure that there is no spread beyond the area of origin of the outbreak.
In general, transmission of the disease can occur in several ways – either through unprotected exposure to secretions/tissues from infected animals, or through consumption of fruits or fruit products contaminated with urine or saliva from infected fruit bats. Human to human transmission has so far only been reported mainly by close contacts of the infected patients, via the infected person’s urine, saliva, blood or other secretions.
Human infection ranges from asymptomatic infection to acute respiratory infection (mild or severe) and fatal encephalitis. Infected people usually develop fever initially, followed by headaches, myalgia, vomiting and sore throat. This can be followed by dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness and neurological signs indicating acute encephalitis. Some patients can also have pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses including acute respiratory distress. Seizures and encephalitis can occur in severe cases.
The incubation period is believed to range from 4 to 14 days. Most people who survive acute encephalitis make a full recovery, but long-term neurologic conditions have been reported in some survivors. The case fatality rate is estimated at 40 – 75%. However, this rate can vary by outbreak depending on the local capabilities for epidemiological surveillance and clinical management.
Diagnosis is usually through clinical history and main tests involved include RT-PCR from body fluids and ELISA testing. Other tests include PCR assay and virus isolation by cell culture.
There are currently no specific drugs or vaccines for the Nipah virus. Mainstay of treatment is intensive supportive care to treat severe respiratory and neurologic complications.
Fruit bats are the natural reservoir for the Nipah virus. There is no apparent disease in fruit bats. The Nipah virus can cause outbreaks in some domestic animals, primarily pigs where it is highly contagious. An infected pig can exhibit no symptoms, but some can develop feverish illness.
Prevention is mainly through raising awareness of the risk factors and education of the community among the measures that can be taken to reduce exposure to the Nipah virus, by reducing risk of bat-to-human, animal-to-human, and human-to-human transmission. These include thoroughly washing fruits and peeling, prior to consumption including discarding of contaminated fruits or those with animal bites. When handling sick animals or their tissues, protective clothing including gloves and face shields should be worn. Important to avoid close unprotected physical contact with diagnosed Nipah virus-infected patients. Regular handwashing should be carried out after caring for or visiting sick people. Health care staff caring for patients with suspected or confirmed infection, or if handling specimens from them, should implement standard infection control precautions at all times. These measures should also be followed, especially by those travelling to infected areas/localities.
Considering the disease epidemiology, and current outbreak control measures that have been implemented in areas such as Kerala, in the current context, the risk to Sri Lanka is minimal and there is no need for the public to panic. Furthermore, the Health Ministry is closely monitoring the situation and will advise the public on measures to be taken as the need arises.
The development comes against the backdrop of a diplomatic row between New Delhi and Colombo last year over the docking of Yuan Wang 5, a vessel used by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to track satellites and ballistic missiles, at the Chinese-controlled Hambantota port
New Delhi The Sri Lankan government is set to unveil a new standard operating procedure (SOP) for visits by foreign ships or aircraft, including military assets, as part of efforts to address India’s concerns over port calls by Chinese vessels, people familiar with the matter said.
The SOP, which will include guidelines and details about the type of vessels to be allowed into Sri Lanka’s ports and territorial waters, are expected to be formally announced by authorities in Colombo soon, people familiar with the initiative in both Sri Lanka and India said on condition of anonymity.
The development comes against the backdrop of a diplomatic row between New Delhi and Colombo last year over the docking of Yuan Wang 5, a vessel used by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to track satellites and ballistic missiles, at the Chinese-controlled Hambantota port. Another PLA Navy vessel, Hai Yang 24 Hao, known to have surveillance capabilities, visited Colombo port in August 2023.
“The SOP will lay down the type of vessels that can make port calls. For instance, the class of submarines and warships that can make visits to Sri Lanka’s ports. The SOP will also state how long the vessels can remain in the country’s territorial waters and the type of activities they can engage in,” one of the people cited above said.
A second person familiar with the initiative on the Indian side said: “The guidelines and SOP are fine but what will matter are actions taken on the ground.”
The Indian side’s greatest concern that the Chinese vessels can use their equipment to snoop on Indian security facilities while in Sri Lankan waters, the people said.
Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe referred to the SOP while participating in the annual Indo-Pacific Islands Dialogue organised by Carnegie Endowment in New York this month. He contended the new SOP built on earlier procedures set by the Sri Lankan Navy and were framed following consultations with the Indian side.
“Recently, we had discussions with India and we’ve now taken on all the amendments. So, any ships that come in now are according to an operation procedure which we have done together with India. I can’t see any ship that’s a threat coming in through that operating procedure,” Wickremesinghe said.
He said only Chinese research vessels visit the island country under the terms of agreements between the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) and some universities of Sri Lanka. Such vessels have visited Sri Lanka for the past 10 years, he added.
Both India and the US have expressed concern about a planned visit to Sri Lanka by another Chinese research vessel, Shi Yan 6, described by China’s state media as a ship with a 60-member crew that conducts oceanography, marine geology, and marine ecology tests. China sought permission from Sri Lanka in August for a port call by the vessel, but the people said a final decision on dates for a visit is yet to be made.
While the Indian side conveyed its concerns to authorities in Colombo, US undersecretary of state for political affairs Victoria Nuland took up the matter with Sri Lankan foreign minister Ali Sabry during a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Shi Yan 6 is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka in October to carry out tests with NARA.
