Colombo (LNW): A total of 1422 suspects were apprehended during the “Yukthiya” (Justice) operation conducted between 0030 hours on December 27, 2023, and 0030 hours on December 28, 2023.
Further investigations are currently underway for 35 suspects based on detention orders.
Additionally, illegal asset investigations have been initiated for three suspects, and 37 individuals identified as drug addicts have been sent to rehabilitation centres.
The operation also led to the arrest of 73 individuals listed by the Police Narcotics Bureau and the Special Bureau.
The seized quantities of illicit substances include 347g of heroin, 827g of crystal methamphetamine (“ice”), 5kg 475g of cannabis, 6691 cannabis plants, 208g of mawa, and 3574 pills.
World (LNW): Renowned actor and DMDK chief, Vijayakanth, aged 71, passed away on Thursday at a private hospital in Chennai.
The party confirmed that he had been on ventilator support after testing positive for Covid-19, though the hospital’s statement attributed his condition to pneumonia.
The hospital’s official statement read, “Captain Vijayakanth was on ventilatory support following his admission for pneumonia. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, he passed away in the morning on 28th December 2023.”
Vijayakanth was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday for a routine health check-up.
At the time, the party had asserted that he was in good health and expected to return home after the necessary tests.
Extremely saddened by the passing away of Thiru Vijayakanth Ji. A legend of the Tamil film world, his charismatic performances captured the hearts of millions. As a political leader, he was deeply committed to public service, leaving a lasting impact on Tamil Nadu’s political… pic.twitter.com/di0ZUfUVWo
Expressing condolences, Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the loss of his “close friend” Vijayakanth, stating that his passing creates a “void that will be hard to fill.”
As an actor, Vijayakanth earned recognition for his impactful performances in Tamil cinema during the 1980s and 1990s. Fondly known as “Captain” in the industry, he starred in numerous successful films and carved a niche for himself as an action hero.
In the realm of politics, Vijayakanth founded the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) in 2005 and entered active politics. He contested in various elections, including the state assembly elections, and held influential positions.
His transition from a popular actor to a significant political figure marked a distinctive chapter in his public life.
Colombo (LNW): SriLankan Airlines is set to enhance its fleet with the addition of a second aircraft from Air Belgium in mid-January 2024, a recent statement from the flag carrier disclosed.
The airline recently celebrated the arrival of a wide-bodied Airbus A330-200, which was wet-leased from Air Belgium. This strategic acquisition contributes to the expansion and efficiency of SriLankan’s fleet.
The newly acquired aircraft is configured with 22 Business Class and 240 Economy Class seats, reflecting a commitment to providing diverse travel options for passengers.
The Airbus A330-200 is slated to commence operations on key routes, including Frankfurt, Dhaka, and Dubai, starting from December 29, 2023.
This deployment is part of SriLankan’s ongoing efforts to optimise its route network and offer enhanced connectivity to its passengers.
Colombo (LNW): There is an increase in the number of measles cases across nine districts, the Health Ministry disclosed.
In response, Secretary to the Ministry of Health Dr. Palitha Mahipala has announced a targeted vaccination programme for infants aged 6-9 months.
The vaccination initiative is scheduled to be implemented in districts with a higher incidence of measles, including Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Kandy, Jaffna, Kurunegala, and Kalmunai.
The programme is set to take place on January 6th, from 9 am to 4 pm.
It is noteworthy that Sri Lanka achieved certification from the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2019, recognising the country as one that successfully eradicated measles.
The current vaccination efforts aim to address the recent uptick in measles cases and maintain the nation’s health achievements.
Colombo (LNW): The Department of Prisons has announced the transfer of prisoners from Matara Prison to Angunakolapelessa Prison as a preventive measure against the potential spread of brain fever.
In response to the identified risk, a decision has been made to administer antibiotics for brain fever to inmates in other prisons suspected to be at risk.
Dr. Hemantha Ranasinghe, Director of Prison Health Services, asserted that the implementation of this programme is imminent.
He further noted that the administration of antibiotics for brain fever has been initiated for both inmates and officials at Matara Prison.
Brain fever is predominantly affecting individuals with a history of drug addiction. Biosamples collected from several sick inmates at Matara Prison revealed one confirmed case of brain fever.
This proactive measure aims to contain the spread of the disease within the prison system.
Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka State Trading (General) Corporation has announced the dispatch of an additional 8 million imported eggs to SATHOSA outlets.
The Department of Animal Production and Health has granted approval for the stock of eggs, Chairman Asiri Walisundara asserted.
As a result of this approval, the eggs will be made accessible to customers through SATHOSA outlets starting today (28).
Walisundara acknowledged the heightened demand for eggs during the festive season, noting that numerous stores have depleted their egg inventory, prompting the daily importation of 1 million eggs to meet market requirements.
Colombo (LNW): The All-Ceylon General Ports Employees Union has announced the cancellation of the work-to-rule campaign initially scheduled to commence on December 28.
The union had intended to initiate a token strike on this day to advocate for salary increases.
Chief Secretary Niroshan Gorakana stated that union members are now planning to engage in a trade union action after January 09.
On December 27, the Colombo District Court issued an enjoining order against the trade unions affiliated with the Ports Authority.
This legal measure restrains them from conducting a token strike that could disrupt the operations of the Colombo Port.
Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) has further appreciated against the US Dollar today (28) in comparison to yesterday, as per leading commercial banks in the country.
At Peoples Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 318.48 from Rs. 319.41, and the selling price to Rs. 329.58 from Rs. 330.60.
At Commercial Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 317.02 from 317.89, and the selling price to Rs. 328 from Rs. 329.25, respectively.
At Sampath Bank, the buying and selling prices of the US Dollar have dropped to Rs. 318.5 from Rs. 320 and to Rs. 327.5 from Rs. 329, respectively.
Colombo (LNW): During the centenary celebration of Badulla Guruthalawa Muslim Central College on the morning of the 27th, President Ranil Wickremesinghe addressed two significant challenges facing the nation—building a stable economy and addressing the ethnic problem.
The President extended an open invitation to all political parties, urging them to collaborate on these goals, regardless of their party affiliations.
President Wickremesinghe expressed his commitment to safeguarding the rights of all citizens and a desire to promptly resolve lingering issues related to reconciliation. He disclosed plans to make a special statement on these matters in March.
During his visit to Guruthalawa Muslim Central College, the only Muslim National School in the Uva Province, the President received a warm welcome from the students.
As part of the centenary celebrations, he inaugurated the college’s new website. The Principal, Mr. A. Sammun, presented the commemorative issue to the President, marking the centenary of the College.
The President took the opportunity to award medals to students who excelled in the GCE Ordinary Level and GCE Advanced Level exams. Congratulating the college on its centenary, he left a note in the commemorative book and posed for a group photo with the teaching staff.
Full Statement:
To secure a prosperous future for the children of our nation, it is imperative that the government’s initiatives are robustly advanced. We have garnered support from nations around the world to ensure the success of these programmes, which, if implemented effectively, will undoubtedly contribute to the establishment of a stable economy and the resolution of various challenges facing our country.
In pursuit of these goals, I earnestly appealed to all, irrespective of political affiliations, to rally behind us in our efforts to fortify the nation’s economy. Regrettably, the response fell short of our expectations. There are two paramount issues that demand immediate attention in our country. Regardless of political allegiance, I once again implore all to collaborate in addressing these challenges.
Firstly, the imperative is to build a stable and resilient economy. Secondly, we must seek solutions to the ethnic issues plaguing the nation. A thriving country necessitates both a robust economy and a unified community, with a confirmed Sri Lankan identity.
All individuals, irrespective of their ethnicity be it Sinhalese, Tamil or Muslim, are Sri Lankans. While the Sinhalese constitute the majority, our commitment is to progress while safeguarding the Sinhala identity, religion, and culture. It is crucial to avoid any form of discrimination against other races or religions, ensuring the protection of the rights of all citizens. The path to a prosperous nation lies in collective progress as Sri Lankans.
We have addressed various challenges faced by the Sinhalese people and are actively working on solutions for other issues. Additionally, the government is addressing concerns of other segments of the population. Despite the conclusion of the war, unresolved matters persist before the Human Rights Commission in Geneva and we have taken necessary steps to address these issues.
Efforts are underway to rectify the displacement of some individuals by allowing settlement based on the 1985 map. Land rights are being granted to those affected in the northern and eastern provinces, comprising Tamil, Muslim, and Sinhalese communities. The government is also focusing on addressing missing persons, providing compensation and resolving outstanding issues.
Furthermore, we are committed to developing the economies of the northern and eastern provinces. A robust economy is essential to prevent the recurrence of underlying issues even after their resolution.
Special attention is being given to the concerns of Hill Country Tamil people, with dedicated programmes focusing on their rights, including land and education development. Additionally, efforts are ongoing to address the issues faced by the Muslim community, including a thorough review of burial practices and the removal of Post – Easter Sunday attack restrictions.
We are actively working on these matters, including the preparation of a draft law to regulate Madrasa schools. Expression of opinions, not related to terrorism or attempts to incite revolution, should be protected under the law and steps are being taken to ensure this. Reports are being sought from relevant ministries and officials and I expect to make a comprehensive statement by February or March. Prior to that, consultations with religious and political leaders will take place and I trust that we will receive collective support in addressing these challenges.
