Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe has reportedly informed the Cabinet that he wishes to contest the upcoming Presidential Election as a candidate.
His affirmation on the matter was after a Cabinet meeting held yesterday (18), according to sources.
Asserting that his propaganda campaign will commence from January next year, Wickremesinghe requested the Cabinet of Ministers to extend their support, sources further said.
Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has refused entry to a Chinese research vessel intending to explore its territorial waters, including the Sea of Sri Lanka.
China sought permission for another research vessel, Xiang Yang Hong 3, to conduct research in the Indian Ocean region, but India has strongly objected to its activities.
The vessel, accused of using scientific exploration as a cover for intelligence gathering, is off the coast of Xiamen in the South China Sea and plans to travel via Malacca to Sri Lanka and the Maldives after obtaining permission.
The situation is complicated by political changes in the Maldives.
Colombo (LNW): Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, currently leading a Parliamentary delegation to India, met with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday at the Parliament House Complex in the national capital, India based ANI news agency reported.
Birla emphasised the strategic importance of Sri Lanka in the Indian context, highlighting the deep economic and cultural ties between the two nations.
He praised Sri Lanka as a crucial partner in India’s growth story and expressed optimism about the continued strengthening of bilateral relations.
Birla discussed areas of cooperation, including shared heritage in Buddhism and the potential for increased tourism.
He also underscored India’s advancements in technology and innovation. The Lok Sabha Speaker highlighted the role of parliaments in fostering economic and social development, urging the visiting delegation to contribute groundbreaking legislation.
Abeywardana acknowledged India’s assistance in various fields, emphasising ongoing infrastructural projects that aim to enhance Sri Lanka’s economic development.
He also commended India’s education system, expressing interest in collaborations benefiting Sri Lankan students.
Colombo (LNW): Former Health Secretary Janaka Sri Chandragupta who was arrested in alleged connection with the procurement of substandard immunoglobulin has been remanded till December 27.
This was when the ex Health Secretary was produced before the Maligakanda Magistrate Court yesterday (18) afternoon.
Chandragupta was placed under arrest after he produced a statement with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) yesterday.
By: Isuru Parakrama
Colombo (LNW): Showers will occur at times in Northern, North-central and Eastern provinces. Several spells of showers may occur in Uva province and in Hambantota district, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (19).
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in other areas of the island after 1.00 p.m, the statement went on, adding that fairly heavy showers above 75 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Eastern provinces.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Southern provinces in the morning.
The 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 several places in the sea areas around the island. |
| Winds: |
| Winds will be north-easterly and wind speed will be (25-35) kmph. Wind speed may increase up to (40-50) kmph in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Trincomalee via Mannar and Kankasanthurai. |
| State of Sea: |
| The sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Trincomalee via Mannar and Kankasanthurai can be fairly rough at times. The other sea areas around the island will be moderate. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers. |
Colombo (LNW): Janaka Chandragupta, the former Secretary of the Ministry of Health, has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The arrest is related to allegations of involvement in the importation of substandard immunoglobulin.
Chandragupta visited the CID this (18) morning to provide a statement regarding the accusations, and he was placed under arrest following the statement.
Previously, Dr. Kapila Wickramanayake, the Director of the Medical Supply Division of the Ministry of Health, was also arrested by the CID and is currently in remand custody in connection with the importation of substandard immunoglobulin.
Dr. Chamal Sanjeeva, the President of the Association of Professionals in Health and Civil Rights, has made claims that Chandragupta provided instructions to a company involved in the fraudulent production of immunoglobulin to similarly fake the production of three other drugs.
Colombo (LNW): A protest led by the All Ceylon School Development Officers Association took place in front of the Fort Railway Station this afternoon (18), calling for the immediate absorption of School Development Officers into teaching services.
Despite previous announcements from authorities indicating the absorption of these graduate school development officers into the teaching service, a concrete decision on the matter has been delayed, causing dissatisfaction among the demonstrators.
The protestors urged authorities to promptly make a decisive decision on this matter.
Photo Courtesy: Ajith Senevirathne
To view full photos, visit READPHOTOS
Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka State Trading (General) Corporation has initiated the release of 10 million imported eggs to the market starting today (18).
Approved by the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH), these eggs will be distributed to Lanka SATHOSA, ensuring an adequate supply for the public during the festive season.
An additional 15 million imported eggs are anticipated to arrive soon, undergoing quality inspections before distribution through SATHOSA outlets and selected supermarkets.
This move follows recent price increases by local egg producers, prompting the government to resume egg imports from India to stabilise prices and prevent consumer inconvenience.
Geethani Kiriella (New York)
When pondering the eminent figures in Sri Lankan fine art, Dr. Sarath Chandrajeeva stands out as a prominent artist who has left a mark on the artistic landscape. From the Anuradhapura period to the contemporary era, Sri Lanka has witnessed numerous sculptors and painters, among whom Dr. Chandrajeeva emerges as a notable artist. His proficiency is matched only by his significant contributions that have redefined and elevated the culture of Sri Lankan fine art, pushing boundaries and introducing innovative concepts.
In 1991, my initial encounter with Dr. Sarath Chandrajeeva took place at the Aesthetic College, where he served as a sculptor teacher. As a sculptor major within a cohort of 12 classmates, Dr. Chandrajeeva inspired us to envision the possibilities despite the limitations of faculty facilities. Faced with challenges, he guided us in transforming David Painter’s horse stable into a sculptor studio.
During my second year of college in 1992, a crisis during the final exam led to the temporary closure of the college and the suspension of fifteen students, including myself as one of the two women among predominantly male peers in the same field. Dr. Chandrajeeva’s unwavering support during this tumultuous period left a lasting impression. Despite undergoing surgery and being advised to rest, he stood by his students, regularly visiting us outside the university and advocating for the reopening of the college before a judge.
Art, in Dr. Chandrajeeva’s perspective, goes beyond being a mere aesthetically pleasing image; it serves as a portal into the artist’s mind. This heightened sensitivity to his environment is showcased in his latest exhibition, “Visual Paraphrases,” hosted at Barefoot Gallery in Sri Lanka from November 24th to December 20th, 2023. The exhibition explores the evolution of his artwork, offering a glimpse into the sensory experiences that shape his creations.
In every piece of art that I’ve come across by Dr. Chandrajeeva, I see a glimpse of the beauty of humanity, the depth of his creativity, and a sort of serenity. Dr. Sarath Chandrajeeva has proven that he is one of the greatest artists of the 21st century.
By: Staff Writer
Colombo (LNW): Loss making SriLankan Airlines, the flag carrier of the country has recently recruited 106 young women as air hostesses ‘without pimples on face or marks on the midriff‘ which shows when wearing a saree, Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said.
These 106 flight attendants have been selected from around 6000 young women who faced the tough interview at the BMICH in Colombo.
He said that the national airline was advised to recruit women from around the country as air hostesses.
The Minister said that several young women from around the country responded to advertisements published in the media to join SriLanka Airlines as air hostesses.
According to the Minister, several qualified women attended the interview, but some had a “small pimple” on the face or a mark on the midriff which showed when wearing a saree and they were rejected.
The criteria that have been stated doe selection were aged between 18 and 27 years by 1 August 2023; should have passed six subjects at the GCE O/Level examination, especially have at least a credit pass; fluency in English or any other foreign language would be an added advantage.
Among the the other requirements were a minimum height of 157.5 cm and a minimum of 212 cm when standing on toes; the body BMI should be at the appropriate level; and the candidate should arrive for the interview dressed in a Kandyan saree (osariya) along with a short sleeved jacket with a ‘U’ shaped back.
There’s no such thing as hiring only fair and good-looking girls as air hostesses. The criteria for choosing a Flight-Attendant has no such requirements that the girl has to be ‘good-looking’ and ‘white skin-toned.’
Airlines are seeking for Girls who are Confident, has Good Interpersonal skills, Patient, Assertive, Empathetic, Approachable, Graceful, Able to work as a Team Member.
Unfortunately Asian carriers’ suchs as SriLankan Air Lines still hold on to the belief that aesthetic values are important. Candidates are evaluated by heights and weight, then followed by skin check and deportment, a high official of the aviation ministry said.
Appearance wise: air hostesses’ should have good skin (no obvious pimples/scars) good set of teeth, obviously dental braces are not allowed. No scars on hands/legs/back of neck/exposed part of chest in uniform/face.
Healthy hair. Natural coloured hair is preferred over coloured hair.Healthy BMI. They don’t really check, as long as you are slender and fit nicely into the uniform, it’s acceptable, he said.
Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva claimed the women who were rejected would come crying to the Ministry saying they were not selected.
He said that his advice has been for young girls is to look after their skin, and apply creams, if they want to look good when they grow up to become an air hostess.