Colombo (LNW): The Colombo Lotus Tower Management Company (Private) Limited announced yesterday (25) that a notable influx of visitors was observed at the Lotus Tower on the preceding day, with a total of 7,522 individuals partaking in the experience on the 24th.
Among these visitors, a substantial number comprised 7,285 local attendees, reflecting the keen interest and patronage from the domestic populace.
Additionally, the tower attracted 237 foreign visitors, indicating its appeal as a tourist attraction for individuals beyond national borders.
This recent surge in visitors adds to the cumulative numbers since September 15, 2022.
Over this period, an impressive 1.4 million (1,400,444) local visitors have explored the Lotus Tower, attesting to its popularity among residents.
Furthermore, 42,297 foreign visitors have contributed to the diverse and international appeal of this iconic landmark.
The consistent flow of visitors underscores the significance of the Lotus Tower as a noteworthy destination, symbolising its cultural and touristic significance in the region.
SL commemorates the 19th anniversary of the terrible Tsunami that occured on 26th December 2004, with 2 minutes silence across the country from 9.25am to 9.27am: more than 40,000 persons are estimated to have lost their lives on that day in Sri Lanka.
Former Peradeniya University Professor Desmond Mallikarachchi says the IMF is one of the global loan sharks of international finance, the other being the World Bank: laments 95% of Sri Lankan MP’s are ignorant about what the IMF is & think it is a “sympathetic benefactor of poor countries”, although it is actually a “predator”: asserts there is no country that has taken loans from the IMF that has achieved any development & a number of countries are consequently in a ‘zombie’ state.
Road Development Authority Director General L V S Weerakoon says the RDA has recorded a more than 40% revenue increase from users of expressways since 22nd Dec’23: Rs.46,457,600 collected from 140,791 total exits between 22 & 23 December.
State Minister of Women & Child Affairs Geetha Kumarasinghe says the Ministry will present a proposal to the concerned parties to set aside one day per week for the hearing of cases related to females & children in every court: asserts a large number of cases relating to incidents involving females & children such as domestic violence, sexual abuse & child abuse, are pending before courts.
SriLankan Airlines extends apologies to customers affected by recent travel disruptions involving a series of cancellations & delays.
Health Ministry says the threat of the new COVID-19 Sub-variant ‘JN-1’ leading to a pandemic situation within the country is minimal; also says the spread of influenza & other respiratory diseases can be mitigated by wearing masks, social distancing etc.
Govt likely to pass the Online Safety Bill which provoked controversy & a wide debate few months ago due to its apparent crude repressive nature, next month.
Sri Pada pilgrim season 2023/24 to commence today (Unduwap full moon Poya day): caskets of sacred relics & statues of the God & regalia to be taken from Galpottawala Sri Pada Rajamaha Vihara in Pelmadulla in 3 processions through – (a) Ratnapura, Palabathgala & Erathna route, (b) Ratnapura, Avissawella & Hatton route, and (c) Balangoda, Bogawanthalwa route.
Colombo Lotus Tower Management Company says the Lotus Tower had recorded the arrival of 1,400,444 local visitors & 42,297 foreigners since the opening of the Tower on 15th Sept’23.
Sports Minister Harin Fernando dissolves 5 National sports bodies with immediate effect: action to be taken to hold the respective sports bodies’ elections as soon as possible: the sports bodies are Archery, Bridge, Kabbadi, Roller Skating & Wrestling.
Colombo (LNW): An advertisement, characterised by a conspiratorial tone, recently surfaced in a prominent English weekend newspaper, ostensibly with the intent of besmirching the reputation of Ruling Party MP Dhammika Perera.
Perera’s name features among the candidates vying for the presidential election nomination under the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).
An advertisement featured in a Sunday newspaper encourages the public to actively participate in the campaign to encourage “President Dhammika Perera” to consider a presidential candidacy.
The advertisement purportedly originated from a private company, yet upon investigation, no such entity could be identified.
Consequently, the source responsible for disseminating this spurious advertisement remains elusive.
This incident underscores the intensification of the presidential election contest, signalling a heightened political atmosphere even prior to the onset of 2024.
National People’s Power (NPP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) is at present intensely focused on the need for a national liberation movement. According to him, when looking at the social, political, and economic realities of Sri Lanka, it is clear that what is needed today is social change; what is needed for the system change that people yearn for is not a political party, but a national liberation movement.
He explains that the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) is this party and that the NPP is the national movement.
Judging by the views expressed by Dissanayake at a recent interview with Meera Srinivasan, Colombo correspondent for Chennai-based influential English daily The Hindu, it is understandable that he is trying to say that the NPP – which was formed few years back under JVP leadership in alliance with more than 25 other parties, groups, women and youth rights organisations, and trade unions – will carry forward the national liberation struggle he envisions.
“Looking at developed countries, their progress was largely linked to the national liberation struggle. India had a great national liberation movement. Sri Lanka never had such a movement. When the British ruled the country, there was an opportunity to build a national liberation movement. After they left, there was another opportunity to build such a movement. Our leaders at the time missed both those historic opportunities.
“Now we have a third opportunity which should be used without fail to defeat the corrupt ruling political class. For this purpose, all communities – in the north, east, and south – should be united. The aim of this national liberation struggle is to free the country from a corrupt political culture. Our first priority is to free the country from the corrupt political elite that has been ruining the country for decades,” he explained.
Minorities and the NPP movement
Admitting in the interview that the NPP’s political work has been mainly among the Sinhalese people, Dissanayake appeals to the people of the north to join the national movement as an organic part.
The correspondent, pointing out that a political solution was yet to be found even after nearly 15 years since the end of the civil war, asked Dissanayake what message he would like to give to the Tamil people.
He replied that his party accepted that there were issues in relation to the Tamil and Muslim communities regarding their linguistic rights, cultural affairs, and participation in governance, adding that these problems should be solved.
However, he said nothing about devolution of power or the 13th Amendment, which has become highly controversial in recent times despite being part of the country’s Constitution for 36 years.
Dissanayake, who is widely seen as a potential frontline candidate at the next Presidential Election, should have made clear his movement’s current position on those issues, since many people might expect it.
It seems that the NPP ideal is to bring about social change in the country through a national liberation movement that will defeat the corrupt political elite, thereby finding solutions to all problems facing the country, including the ethnic problem.
Historical antecedents
The idea of finding solutions to problems through a national struggle that can bring together all communities is not a new approach. It was the approach that the traditional leftist parties put forth from the early part of the last century. History has taught us that the primary cause of their failure was communal politics.
There was also a time when old leftist leaders said that ethnic problems of minorities would disappear in a socialist society that could be brought about by a working-class revolution encompassing all communities.
Those leaders who started their political journey with the ideal of transforming society eventually fell into a communal quagmire in order to survive in parliamentary politics and miserably failed in the end.
In the political history of the world, we have seen that the leftist movements have been the natural and strong allies of the oppressed ethnic minorities. However, in Sri Lanka, the leftist parties did not play that progressive role after the first half of the last century, wherein communal politics came to the fore.
Even the JVP, which has taken on a new avatar as the NPP, is no exception in this regard. The JVP has a negative history of having thus far resisted all attempts towards finding a political solution to the ethnic problem.
The Rajapaksa regime was supported by JVPers due to carrying out the civil war. They also masterminded the severing of the north-east merger.
Even in recent times, they have not changed their longstanding position regarding the ethnic problem. Therefore, it is inevitable for the Tamil people to consider Dissanayake’s call to be a part of his national liberation movement based on how his party approached the ethnic question and their legitimate political aspirations and grievances throughout history.
Contemporary changes
Even after the experiences of a brutal war, the JVP has not been inclined to change its policy on the ethnic problem. NPP leaders often say that they should not be judged now based on their past politics. Upon realising that it is not enough to mobilise people locally in order to come to power and that the support of the international community, especially its superpowers, is also necessary, they have made major changes in their positions.
They justify their contemporary changes by saying that it is natural to change strategies to suit the changing international situation without compromising on fundamental principles.
In a recent interview, Dissanayake said that the NPP had changed to suit the new age and that there was a difference between theory and reality.
The NPP, which previously rejected international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank as being controlled by the US and Western imperialist countries, is now ready to work with them and has come forward to cooperate with the private sector, which it described as capitalist forces, and to welcome foreign investments.
Its leaders, who have changed most of their positions, are yet to make any change regarding their stance on the ethnic problem. They cannot progress even an inch in winning the confidence of the Tamil people simply by asking them to join the national movement.
Missed opportunities
Everyone is aware how the NPP behaved amid protests in the south earlier this year, following President Wickremesinghe’s declaration of his willingness to fully implement the 13th Amendment.
If the NPP had at least shown its willingness to support the President’s efforts to implement the 13th Amendment, it could have sent a positive signal to the Tamil people that it was ready to change its stance in relation to the ethnic problem.
The party also did not participate in the conferences of the parliamentary parties convened by the President thrice earlier this year.
It is well remembered that Dissanayake said at a seminar at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute last year that if the Tamils accepted the 13th Amendment as a solution to their problem, the NPP would have no problem in supporting it.
However, seeing the opposition to the President’s announcement, he changed his stance, feeling that any comments he might make in favour of the amendment would be a setback to his party’s growing support among the Sinhalese people.
The NPP leaders’ talks of a future NPP regime finding a solution to the ethnic problem that would be acceptable to people of all communities through a new constitution is simply a ploy to sidestep the problem at hand.
The policies and stances adopted by the JVP/NPP so far on the ethnic issue have only helped strengthen the hardline Sinhalese nationalist forces that refuse to accept even the minimal legitimate political aspirations of minority communities.
Dissanayake should desist from behaving like previous Sinhalese political leaders who ruined the country by lagging behind the people’s wrongful thinking for opportunist political advantages. Instead, he should explain to those people the political mistakes of the past and the adverse consequences that may arise from them. He should lead the people forward in a manner that is freed from the past.
Dissanayake should present himself as a leader who can bring considerable understanding among the Sinhalese people regarding the problems of minority communities. The national liberation movement he envisages will never be complete unless the support that is said to be growing in the south for the NPP today is wisely used to bring about such an understanding. Without such a move, it may end up simply being a movement intended for electoral purposes.
(The writer is a senior journalist based in Colombo)
Colombo (LNW): On this solemn day, December 26, we reflect upon the 19th anniversary of the devastating Tsunami disaster that struck Sri Lanka in 2004.
The indelible impact of this natural catastrophe lingers in our collective memory, serving as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the profound challenges faced by our nation.
The Tsunami, triggered by a powerful undersea earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, unleashed unprecedented waves that ravaged the shores of Sri Lanka and other countries in the Indian Ocean.
The catastrophic event claimed the lives of over 230,000 people, leaving behind immeasurable destruction and sorrow.
In Sri Lanka, more than 40,000 lives were lost, and countless families were displaced as waves pushed debris several kilometers inland, reducing buildings to rubble.
The aftermath was a testament to the resilience of a nation grappling with grief, loss, and the Herculean task of rebuilding.
Since that fateful day, December 26 has been declared “National Safety Day,” a poignant occasion when we join together to remember the lives lost not only in the Tsunami but also in various natural disasters.
As we observe a two-minute silence from 9:25 a.m. to 9:27 a.m., let us honour the memory of those who perished and express our solidarity with the survivors.
May the lessons learned from the Tsunami tragedy inspire us to prioritise safety, preparedness, and unity in the face of adversity.
As we commemorate this solemn anniversary, let us stand together in resilience and remembrance, fostering a spirit of compassion and support for those whose lives were forever altered by the relentless waves of 2004.
Colombo (LNW): The Human Trafficking, Human Smuggling, and Maritime Crimes Division of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) have initiated two special probes into the disturbing incident of cyber slavery involving a group of Sri Lankans in Myanmar, Police said.
Ongoing investigations are focusing on four suspects, including three Sri Lankans and a Chinese national, based on four complaints received by the police, Police Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa noted.
The victims of the event, primarily Sri Lankan youths, have reportedly been facing this tragic circumstance since 2022.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had previously rescued 32 such Sri Lankans on multiple occasions.
In response to the dire situation, the Ministry has sought the assistance of the Sri Lankan Embassy in Yangon to rescue those currently enslaved in Myanmar.
Amidst these developments, the Police are urging the public to exercise caution when considering overseas employment on tourist visas.
Meanwhile, the CID revealed that three individuals engaged in the trafficking of Sri Lankans to Myanmar have been identified through ongoing investigations. These individuals, residents of Aralaganwila, Wathuregama, and Dorathiyawa areas, are reported to have fled their locations. The investigations into these cases continue to unfold as authorities work to address the human trafficking network and ensure the welfare of the victims.
Colombo (LNW): The Road Development Authority (RDA) has experienced a remarkable revenue surge of more than 40 per cent from expressway users since last Friday, Director General of the RDA, L.V.S. Weerakoon disclosed.
During the period between last Friday and Saturday, a total of Rs. 46,457,600 was collected from 140,791 exits. Notably, Rs. 27,719,450 came from E-01 and E-02 interchanges, Rs. 14,655,950 from E-03, and Rs. 4,082,200 from E-04.
This trend continued, with revenue collections totalling Rs. 50,174,550 between Saturday and Sunday, involving 145,503 exits. The specific breakdown of this figure includes Rs. 31,496,800 from E-01 and E-02, Rs. 13,528,400 from E-03, and Rs. 5,149,350 from E-04.
The surge in revenue continued with Rs. 42,742,200 collected between Sunday and Monday, incorporating Rs. 27,783,750 from E-01 and E-02, Rs. 10,117,150 from E-03, and Rs. 4,511,300 from E-04, with a total of 121,418 exits.
Of particular note is the revenue recorded on Saturday, which marked the highest-ever single-day collection on the expressway, surpassing a typical day’s revenue by approximately 40 per cent.
This noteworthy increase in revenue indicates a substantial uptick in expressway usage during this period.
Colombo (LNW): Showery weather condition is expected to enhance over Northern, North-central, and Eastern provinces from today (26), with showers being expected at times in Eastern province and several spells of showers in Northern, North-central and Uva provinces, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (26).
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Western and Sabaragamuwa province and in Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 p.m, the statement added.
Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times in eastern slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-Central, Eastern and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Sabaragamuwa, Central and Western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during 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 may occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanthurai to Hambantota via Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Pottuvil.
Winds:
Winds will be north-easterly and wind speed will be (25-35) kmph. Wind speed may increase up to (50-60) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar. Wind speed may increase up to (40-50) kmph in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanthurai to Hambantota via Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Pottuvil.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar will be rough at times. The sea areas off the coast extending Kankasanthurai to Hambantota via Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Pottuvil will be fairly rough at times. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
Colombo (LNW): In observance of National Safety Day, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has announced the initiation of a new awareness programme aimed at educating the public about tsunami dangers.
Major General (Retd) Sudantha Ranasinghe, the Director General of the Disaster Management Centre, revealed that this awareness initiative will utilise a caller tune ringtone on mobile phones.
Tomorrow (Dec 26) marks the 19th anniversary of the 2004 Tsunami, a catastrophic event that remains one of the world’s deadliest natural disasters, impacting more than 10 countries in the Indian Ocean.
To commemorate this solemn occasion, a two-minute silence will be observed nationwide from 9:25 a.m. to 9:27 a.m. in memory of all those who lost their lives in the 2004 tsunami and other natural disasters in Sri Lanka, as per the DMC’s directive.
The 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami resulted from a powerful undersea megathrust earthquake with a magnitude of 9.1 off the coast of Sumatra Island, Indonesia.
The disaster claimed over 230,000 lives across multiple countries, with Sri Lanka being one of the hardest-hit nations, experiencing over 40,000 fatalities and significant property damage.
Since 2005, December 26 has been designated as “National Safety Day,” and commemorative events are held annually as a continuous national remembrance of those who lost their lives in Sri Lanka due to various natural disasters, including the devastating tsunami.
The newly launched awareness programme using mobile phone ringtones seeks to enhance public understanding and preparedness for potential tsunami threats in the future.
Colombo (LNW): The risk posed to the country by the JN-1 sub-strain of the COVID-19 virus in Sri Lanka is minimal, the Ministry of Health officially asserted.
This declaration follows the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) announcement on December 20, 2023, categorising the JN-1 sub-variant as a Variant of Interest (VOI) that warrants further investigation.
The WHO, while acknowledging the minimal potential public health threat posed by the JN-1 sub-variant, cautioned about the increased likelihood of respiratory diseases, including influenza, during the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere.
The JN-1 sub-variant has been identified in several countries, including India, China, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
In response to the global situation, the Ministry of Health has intensified respiratory disease prevention activities in 19 major hospitals and increased COVID-19 testing in collaboration with the WHO’s Southeast Asia Regional Office.
The Medical Research Institute has been tasked with conducting genetic tests to assess the risk of the JN-1 sub-variant spreading in Sri Lanka.
Recent tests conducted in Sri Lanka have shown a very low number of COVID-19 cases. Special attention has been given to collecting samples from major hospitals in the past few days, and all tested samples returned negative for COVID-19.
Based on the current data, it can be emphasised that the risk of an epidemic situation in Sri Lanka due to the JN-1 subtype of the COVID-19 virus is very low.
The Ministry of Health, following expert advice, encourages preventive measures to curb the spread of influenza and other respiratory diseases. These measures include wearing masks in closed, poorly ventilated, crowded places, frequent handwashing, maintaining social distance, and practicing proper cough and sneeze etiquette.
Special attention is urged for individuals over the age of 60, those with chronic illnesses, and pregnant mothers, as they are at an increased risk of complications from respiratory diseases.
