January 21, Colombo (LNW): Tragedy unfolded with a 24-year-old youth being shot dead in Malimbada, Thelijjawela, Matara last (20) night.

Two people arrived on a motorcycle at a mobile shop had opened fire on the victim, according to Police.

The victim was a resident of Welipitiya.

The Malimbada Police are conducting investigation into the incident.

The shooters and their motive are yet to be determined, Police added.

January 21, Colombo (LNW): Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday (20) to discuss the advancement of bilateral initiatives between the two nations.

This meeting took place in the Ugandan capital city of Kampala, where Jaishankar is representing India at the two-day summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which commenced on Friday.

Expressing his satisfaction, Jaishankar shared the encounter with President Wickremesinghe on social media, stating, “Pleased to call on Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on the sidelines of the NAM Summit in Kampala.”

“Appreciate his continued guidance for the advancement of our bilateral initiatives. India’s commitment is reflected in our Neighbourhood First and SAGAR policy,” he praised the Sri Lankan President.

January 21, Colombo (LNW): The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) is set to review the proposed revision of electricity tariffs submitted by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) during a meeting scheduled for January 22.

A definitive decision on the proposed tariff adjustments is expected to be reached during this meeting, with both the proposal and the PUCSL’s decision being expected to be disclosed to the public for a three-week period.

Following public scrutiny, the PUCSL will incorporate feedback into the proposal and subsequently present the final tariff revision to the CEB.

In a briefing held on January 20, the CEB asserted that electricity tariffs would be promptly adjusted once approval is obtained from the PUCSL.

By: Isuru Parakrama

January 21, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers may occur in North-central, Eastern and Uva Provinces, with showers or thundershowers being expected at several places in the Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 p.m, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (20).

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

The public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Marine Weather:

January 20, Colombo (LNW): Chief Government Whip and Urban Development and Housing Minister Prasanna Ranathunga has asserted the importance of avoiding political novices in the upcoming presidential election, stating that the country cannot be jeopardized again by electing someone inexperienced for the role. Minister Ranathunga personally expressed his belief that President Ranil Wickremesinghe should be granted another opportunity to address economic challenges and stabilize the nation.

Addressing questions from journalists after participating in the Matara District Coordination Committee meeting on Wednesday, Minister Ranathunga emphasized that the decision on whether Pohottuwa, as a party, will present a candidate for the presidential election is yet to be made. He underscored that the party will make this decision at the appropriate time.

Minister Ranathunga elaborated on the distinction between general elections and presidential elections, noting that the latter is crucial for resolving the country’s national problems. Citing historical examples, he pointed out that leaders like former President Mahinda Rajapaksa were elected to end wars, and former President Maithripala Sirisena was chosen to establish good governance. In the current context, he highlighted the significance of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s role in ensuring national security.

Expressing his personal opinion, Minister Ranathunga advocated for President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s nomination as the Pohottuwa candidate for the presidential election. He praised President Wickremesinghe for taking responsibility during the economic crisis when other leaders did not, and suggested that giving him another chance would be crucial for steering the country away from economic challenges and ensuring stability.

The meeting in Matara, where Minister Ranathunga shared his views, was attended by Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera, Matara District Coordinating Committee Chairman MP Nipuna Ranawaka, Southern Province Governor Dr. Willie Gamage, and other dignitaries.

January 20, Colombo (LNW): On Monday (15), Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne, engaged in discussions with Pakistan’s Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf. The talks centered around various crucial subjects, including mutual interests, the contemporary geopolitical landscape, and emerging challenges in maritime security. Both dignitaries underscored the enduring relationship between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, highlighting the consistent growth of bilateral ties over the past seven decades.

Admiral Naveed Ashraf emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts to uphold regional maritime security. Commending the strong leadership of the President of Sri Lanka, the Chief of Naval Staff assured Pakistan’s continued support to Sri Lanka in the years ahead.

In response, the High Commissioner expressed gratitude for the pivotal role played by the Pakistan Navy in ensuring maritime security in the region. The meeting reflects the commitment of both nations to fostering cooperation and addressing shared challenges in the maritime domain.

January 20, Colombo (LNW): Education Minister Dr. Susil Premajayantha has revealed significant proposals aimed at expanding Sri Lanka’s higher education sector during the ongoing education reform process. Among the key recommendations is the establishment of separate commissions to regulate State and non-State universities, as well as vocational education institutions.

Addressing the fourth graduation ceremony of the Nagananda International Institute of Buddhist Education as the Chief Guest, Minister Premajayantha highlighted the comprehensive efforts to enhance higher education, with reforms slated for implementation in four identified areas from the beginning of the upcoming year.

The Minister announced an allocation of Rs 8,000 million in this year’s budget for research across various disciplines. He emphasized that longstanding delays in the development of the higher education sector would soon be addressed through collaborative efforts involving the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Education Ministry, and all public universities. These efforts include fostering academic research relations with globally recognized high-ranking universities.

Minister Premajayantha underscored the need to reduce the time spent by students in school education by one year, providing them with expedited opportunities to attain degrees and post-graduate qualifications. He emphasized the urgency of closing the gap between Sri Lankan students and their counterparts in developed countries.

As part of the proposed higher education reforms, the Minister highlighted the intention to establish separate commissions for the regulation of public and private universities, along with vocational education institutions. Quality checks will be conducted by the National Education Commission, with relevant bills already drafted and submitted to the cabinet.

The ongoing education reform process aims to elevate Sri Lanka’s education sector, including vocational education, to internationally recognized standards of quality development.

Minister Premajayantha commended the noteworthy contributions of Ven. Dr. Bodagama Chandima Thera in establishing the Nagananda International Buddhist Educational Institute as a prestigious educational institution within a short timeframe. The graduation ceremony witnessed the conferment of degrees upon 97 students, including six foreign students. Dignitaries from Sri Lanka and abroad participated in the event alongside Vice-Chancellor Ven. Dr. Bodagama Chandima Thera.

January 20, Colombo (LNW): Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries, Mahinda Amaraweera, has raised concerns about a potential shortage of vegetables in June, even if the current shortfall is expected to ease in the near future. The minister attributes the looming issue to the possibility of a drought later this year.

In response to this anticipated challenge, Minister Amaraweera has directed the Department of Agriculture to promptly initiate a suitable program to address and manage the potential shortage of vegetables. The proactive approach aims to mitigate the impact of the predicted drought on vegetable production, ensuring the availability of essential food items in the market.

January 20, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Navy has successfully intercepted two fishing trawlers suspected of carrying a cache of narcotics, believed to be heroin, off the southern coast of the island. The operation, conducted by the naval intelligence unit, resulted in the impoundment of a local multiday fishing trawler and a one-day fishing trawler.

The seized vessels, along with the confiscated narcotics and apprehended suspects, are currently being brought ashore to the Galle Harbour. Further investigations will be carried out to determine the origin, destination, and individuals involved in the illicit drug trafficking operation.