February 09, Colombo (LNW): The Government has already disbursed more than Rs. 3.2 billion in compensation to livestock farmers whose operations were devastated by Cyclone Ditwah, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Namal Karunaratne disclosed.
Speaking to the media after the launch of the National Livestock Post-Disaster Emergency Vaccination Programme, the Deputy Minister said financial relief had been extended to farms that suffered losses of cattle, pigs, goats, broiler poultry and laying hens as a result of the cyclone.
He explained that the compensation scheme was only one part of a broader recovery effort, noting that an emergency vaccination drive had been introduced to stabilise the sector and prevent further setbacks. A sum of Rs. 2.5 billion has been earmarked for the programme, with funding support from the World Bank.
The vaccination initiative aims to safeguard surviving animals from the spread of disease in the aftermath of the disaster and is expected to be completed within roughly two months.
Deputy Minister Karunaratne also gave assurances that additional support would be made available to farmers to help rebuild damaged livestock facilities, stressing that restoring rural livelihoods remains a priority in the post-cyclone recovery process.
Ditwah Catastrophe: Over Rs. 3.2 Billion Paid to Livestock Farmers Hit by Cyclone
South Korea’s Ruling Party Expels County Leader After Offensive Remarks on Sri Lanka and Vietnam
February 09, Colombo (LNW): South Korea’s governing Democratic Party has moved to expel a local government head following widespread criticism over comments he made about bringing women from abroad to address falling birth rates in rural areas, foreign media reported.
The party’s top decision-making body voted unanimously on Monday to remove Kim Hee-su, the head of Jindo County in South Jeolla Province, citing remarks that were widely condemned as offensive and demeaning. Party spokesperson Park Soo-hyun confirmed the decision after the meeting.
The action follows comments made by Kim during a televised public forum last week, where he spoke of attracting young women from countries such as Vietnam and Sri Lanka to marry men in depopulated farming communities. The remarks quickly triggered anger on social media and across the political spectrum, with critics accusing him of reducing women to demographic tools.
Kim issued a public apology the next day, arguing that his comments had been poorly expressed and were meant to draw attention to long-standing structural challenges in rural regions, including population decline, limited opportunities for young people, and weakening prospects for marriage. He also linked the issue to his long-held view that closer administrative integration between South Jeolla Province and the city of Gwangju was needed.
The controversy, however, extended beyond domestic politics. Vietnam’s Embassy in Seoul formally protested to provincial authorities, expressing concern over the language used and its potential impact on perceptions of Vietnamese women. In response, South Jeolla Province conveyed its regret to the Vietnamese government, its citizens and particularly to women who may have felt insulted, acknowledging that the comments were inappropriate and hurtful.
Postal Charges Adjusted as Department Rolls Out New Pricing Structure
February 09, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Posts has announced a fresh round of changes to domestic postal tariffs, coming into force today (09), as part of a wider effort to update its pricing framework.
Under the revised rates, the cost of sending a standard letter has risen from Rs. 50 to Rs. 70. The fee for registering mail, however, remains unchanged at Rs. 60. The department has also amended weight limits: the base weight for ordinary and business letters has been increased from 20 grams to 30 grams, while the upper limit for leaflets and bundles of leaflets has been extended from 100 grams to 120 grams.
Special concessionary postage for letters posted by charitable, social service and voluntary organisations will also see an increase. From tomorrow, this rate will move from Rs. 30 to Rs. 50.
Meanwhile, the charge for the special registration facility used by Ministries and other Government Departments has been revised upwards from Rs. 110 to Rs. 130. The price of a postcard has doubled, rising from Rs. 20 to Rs. 40.
The Department of Posts confirmed that there will be no changes to charges for standard parcels or the Sri Lanka Post Courier service. Alongside these adjustments, updates have also been introduced for advertising mail, Telemail, stamped envelopes, mail bag services, and the minimum penalty applied to items that are unpaid or insufficiently paid.
Afternoon showers expected in several districts: Mainly fair weather to prevail elsewhere (Feb 09)
February 09, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Galle, Matara, Kaluthara and Rathnapura districts after 2.00 p.m., the Department of Meteorology said today (09).
Mainly fair weather will prevail elsewhere in the island.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-central provinces and in Badulla and Kurunegala districts during the early hours of the morning.
The 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 may occur at a few places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Pottuvil to Batticaloa.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kaluthara to Matara via and Galle in the evening or night.
Mainly fair weather will prevail in the other sea areas around the island.
Winds:
Winds will be north-easterly and wind speed will be (30-40) kmph.
Wind speed can increase up to 50 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kaluthara to Mannar via Colombo and Puttalam and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Kaluthara to Mannar via Colombo and Puttalam and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota will be rough at times.
Other sea areas around the island will be moderate.
Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
Fact Check: “Satanic Panic” at Winter Olympics?
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By: Isuru Parakrama
February 08, World (LNW): When the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics opened in early February 2026, organisers expected global attention to focus on sport, spectacle and Italian creativity. Instead, parts of the internet quickly seized on the event’s centrepiece—the Olympic cauldron—claiming it concealed “satanic” symbols and occult messages.
Within days, videos and posts alleging secret rituals and elite conspiracies had spread widely online. Yet, as multiple fact-checks and official sources have confirmed, these claims are rooted in misinterpretation rather than reality.
The controversy centred on the design of the Olympic flame. Social media users alleged that its expanding structure resembled an inverted “pentagram”, a symbol often associated in popular culture with satanism. Others argued that the fiery red-orange lighting invoked occult ceremonies linked to mythical figures such as Baal or Baphomet.
More elaborate theories followed, connecting the Olympic rings to “Saturn worship”, the dual cauldrons to mystical pillars from Solomon’s Temple, and even the entire ceremony to so-called “prison planet” narratives. Some commentators went further, tying these claims to unrelated conspiracy theories about global elites and scandals.
In reality, the cauldron was the product of years of engineering and artistic planning. Designed by Marco Balich in collaboration with Lida Castelli, Paolo Fantin and Fincantieri, the structure consists of 1,440 aluminium components and 244 pivot points. It expands from 3.1 to 4.5 metres in diameter, symbolising movement, unity and transformation. Far from forming a star, its kinetic shape was created to protect the flame and adapt to weather conditions while minimising emissions.
The lighting, meanwhile, drew inspiration from Dante’s Inferno, serving as a literary homage to struggle, resilience and renewal rather than any religious ritual. Designers also cited Leonardo da Vinci’s interwoven knot patterns as a major influence, reflecting harmony between nature and human ingenuity—an appropriate tribute in Milan, home to The Last Supper. Two identical cauldrons were lit simultaneously in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, a first in Winter Games history, to symbolise cooperation between the host cities.
Fact-checkers and historians were quick to dismiss the viral accusations. No pentagram exists in the design, no “occult pillars” were intended, and no credible evidence supports claims of ritual symbolism. The twin flames simply reflect logistical unity in a geographically divided Games. Olympic officials have repeatedly stressed that sustainability, safety and innovation were the project’s guiding principles.
What made the episode striking was not merely the spread of misinformation, but its familiarity. Many observers noted strong parallels with the “Satanic Panic” that gripped parts of the United States and Europe during the 1980s and early 1990s. That era was marked by widespread fears of organised satanic cults allegedly abusing children, despite the absence of credible evidence. Sensational media coverage, flawed psychological practices such as “recovered memory” therapy, and moral campaigning by religious groups fuelled the hysteria.
High-profile cases, such as the McMartin preschool trial in California, dragged on for years and destroyed reputations before collapsing for lack of proof. Heavy metal musicians, fantasy games like Dungeons & Dragons, and even children’s cartoons were accused of promoting devil worship. By the mid-1990s, FBI reports and academic studies had concluded that the panic was driven by suggestion and social anxiety rather than facts.
The Milano Cortina controversy fits neatly into this historical pattern. In times of uncertainty and rapid technological change, symbolic imagery is often reinterpreted through fear. Social media accelerates this process, rewarding sensational claims with attention and engagement. A visually striking design, stripped of context and reframed through conspiracy channels, can quickly become “evidence” of hidden plots.
Similar episodes have occurred before. The London 2012 and Paris 2024 opening ceremonies were both accused by fringe groups of promoting secret ideologies, only for such claims to be debunked. The 2026 Games simply provided a new canvas for an old narrative.
Ultimately, the so-called “satanic” symbolism of the Milano Cortina cauldron tells us far more about contemporary online culture than about the Olympics themselves. It reveals how easily artistic expression can be distorted in digital echo chambers, and how historical moral panics continue to resurface in new forms.
Rather than uncovering hidden rituals, the episode highlights a familiar truth: when fear and misinformation meet striking imagery, reason is often the first casualty. The Olympic flame, intended as a symbol of unity and renewal, became instead a mirror reflecting society’s ongoing struggle to separate fact from fantasy.
*Photos: Internet
Does the Epstein Scandal Reach Sri Lanka? Separating Fact from Speculation in a Global Controversy
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By: Isuru Parakrama
February 08, Colombo (LNW): The name Jeffrey Epstein continues to cast a long and troubling shadow over international politics, finance, and elite social networks. Years after the death of this convicted paedophile in a New York jail cell in 2019, fresh document releases and renewed media scrutiny have kept his case firmly in the public eye.
As millions of pages of records have been unsealed between 2024 and 2026, questions have emerged across many countries: was there any connection to Epstein’s network, and could local figures be implicated? In Sri Lanka, similar concerns have surfaced, fuelled by social media rumours and fragmented online claims.
A closer examination, however, suggests that the island nation has remained largely untouched by the scandal.
Recent analysis of the publicly released archive of Epstein-related documents indicates that Sri Lanka is mentioned 188 times across emails, travel notes, and correspondence, but these references are overwhelmingly incidental and carry no indication of criminal links or operational involvement in Epstein’s activities.
These mentions largely appear in passing contexts, such as individuals noting that they were “in Sri Lanka”, planning visits, or referring to time zones, residences, or professional backgrounds. Legal experts and media analysts have repeatedly stressed that such raw database “hits” are meaningless without proper context.
Importantly, none of the documents link Sri Lanka to Epstein’s trafficking network, abuse operations, or financial dealings. Nor do they suggest that any Sri Lankan individuals were involved in facilitating or concealing his crimes.
The references are scattered across thousands of files and do not form any coherent pattern. In practical terms, they reflect the global nature of elite travel and communication rather than any substantive connection.
Flight records and travel logs further reinforce this conclusion. Epstein’s documented movements between the 1990s and early 2000s, including those disclosed during the prosecution of Ghislaine Maxwell, show extensive travel across the United States, Europe, the Caribbean, and parts of the Middle East. Notably absent are any entries involving Sri Lanka or major regional hubs such as Colombo. There is no verified evidence that Epstein or Maxwell ever visited the country.
This geographical reality aligns with what is known about Epstein’s operations. His core activities were concentrated in specific locations: his Manhattan townhouse, Palm Beach estate, New Mexico ranch, and Little St. James island in the US Virgin Islands. These sites formed the physical backbone of his trafficking network. Asia, including South Asia, does not feature in serious investigative accounts of his criminal enterprise.
Despite this, fringe theories occasionally circulate online, suggesting hidden connections between Epstein and various countries, including Sri Lanka. These claims often rely on misinterpreted documents, anonymous blog posts, or recycled conspiracy narratives.
Similar to allegations about cannibalism or secret “client lists”, such stories thrive in the absence of context and in an environment of mistrust towards institutions. However, no credible investigative body, court, or journalistic outlet has produced evidence supporting such assertions in relation to Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan media organisations and independent fact-checkers have also examined the released files. Their conclusions mirror international assessments: references to Sri Lanka are casual and background-related, and no Sri Lankan names or entities are flagged for further investigation. In many cases, personal identifiers remain redacted for privacy reasons, meaning that country-level searches yield mentions without revealing any meaningful personal or legal significance.
The absence of Sri Lankan involvement does not, however, diminish the global relevance of the Epstein scandal. On the contrary, the case has highlighted systemic failures in law enforcement, judicial accountability, and elite oversight that resonate far beyond the United States. For countries like Sri Lanka, it serves as a cautionary example of how wealth and influence can distort justice, and how victims’ voices can be marginalised for years.
It also raises broader questions about transparency in international financial and social networks. Epstein’s ability to cultivate relationships across borders illustrates how globalised elite circles operate, often with minimal scrutiny. While Sri Lanka does not appear to have been part of this network, the case underscores the importance of regulatory vigilance, journalistic independence, and institutional integrity everywhere.
As of early 2026, no investigations have implicated Sri Lankan individuals in Epstein-related offences, and the US Department of Justice has stated that no verifiable “client list” exists. Ghislaine Maxwell remains imprisoned, and most inquiries have been formally closed due to a lack of prosecutable evidence. Victims’ advocates continue to demand full transparency, but nothing released so far suggests any connection to Sri Lanka.
In a closing remark, it should be noted that while Sri Lanka’s name appears sporadically in the vast Epstein document archive, these references are incidental and legally insignificant. There is no credible evidence linking the country, its citizens, or its institutions to Epstein’s crimes. The controversy remains a predominantly Western and Atlantic-centred scandal. For Sri Lanka, the story is not one of involvement, but of observation—a reminder of how global power, secrecy, and abuse can intersect, and why accountability must remain a universal priority.
*Photos: Internet
Attorney General Dismisses Claims of Pulling Out of Overseas Legal Actions
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By: Staff Writer
February 08, Colombo (LNW): The Attorney General has categorically denied reports suggesting that Sri Lanka is preparing to withdraw legal proceedings filed in foreign jurisdictions, including cases before the Singapore International Commercial Court.
Addressing the speculation with The Sunday Morning, Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe stated that there is no intention to abandon any ongoing litigation. He clarified that while certain strategic considerations are still under review, no decision has been taken to discontinue proceedings. Once these matters are settled, he said, the Government and the President will be formally briefed on the recommended way forward. At present, he noted, the only confirmed development is the recent order issued by the Supreme Court.
“With regard to suggestions that I am attempting to withdraw the case, there is absolutely no truth to them. We do not intend to withdraw any pending litigation. There are several strategic decisions to be made. Once those are finalised, we will advise the Government and inform the President of the appropriate course of action. For the time being, the only concrete development is the order issued by the SC,” he told The Sunday Morning.
He further explained that the dispute surrounding the sunken MV X-Press Pearl should not be viewed as one concerning responsibility, which he said has already been firmly established, but rather as a question of determining the appropriate level of compensation. Drawing on international practice in maritime pollution cases, he observed that such disputes are typically resolved through negotiated settlements rather than prolonged trials.
“These are not cases we expect to lose. In maritime pollution claims worldwide, the standard outcome is a negotiated settlement. You negotiate to secure the necessary compensation. The shipping company may initially refuse, much like an insurance company disputing a quotation for vehicle repairs, but matters rarely proceed to full trial. Ultimately, the fact that we suffered damage is beyond dispute. The ship sank, and we sustained significant injuries and losses. It is now simply a question of quantification,” he emphasised.
According to the Attorney General, the damage suffered by Sri Lanka is not in dispute, pointing to the sinking of the vessel and the resulting environmental and economic losses. The remaining task, he said, is to accurately assess and quantify those losses in monetary terms, a process that often involves extended negotiations with ship owners and insurers.
He also stressed that any decisions relating to enforcement or settlement would first be communicated within the Government. Emphasising the importance of protocol, he said the administration would be briefed directly before any further details are made public, adding that disclosures through official channels would follow in due course.
“Consequent to the SC order, our priority is to advise the Government. It is appropriate that the Government is informed directly rather than through the press. Once the Government has been advised, we will be in a position to disclose further details.”
Trade Unions Back Drive to Digitise Excise Operations and Boost Revenue
February 08, Colombo (LNW): All trade unions attached to the Excise Department have thrown their support behind a proposed programme to digitalise and modernise excise operations, aimed at strengthening revenue collection.
The agreement was reached during a meeting held on February 03 at the Presidential Secretariat, where officials from the Excise Department met with trade union representatives, the Revenue Administration Reform and Modernisation Bureau and the Secretary to the President, Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
Discussions centred on ways to improve efficiency within the department in order to enhance state revenue, with particular emphasis on the introduction of digital systems and updated operational frameworks. Participants examined a range of reform proposals, including the use of technology to streamline procedures and reduce delays.
The meeting also addressed the need to invest in human resource development, while ensuring the welfare and professional growth of excise officers as part of the modernisation effort.
Director General of Excise M. B. N. A. Premarathne, senior departmental officials and representatives from all recognised trade unions were present at the discussion, which concluded with broad consensus on moving forward with the reform agenda.
Sri Lanka Bank on Home Comforts as Ireland Open World Cup Campaign
February 08, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka begin their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 journey today (08) with a Group B clash against Ireland at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo, where the evening fixture is set to get under way at 7 p.m.
The co-hosts come into the tournament eager to steady the ship after a sobering home series against England, which ended in a 3–0 sweep. That result exposed several frailties, but familiar surroundings in Colombo offer Sri Lanka a timely chance to reset and rediscover their edge.
Local conditions are expected to play a significant role, with the Premadasa surface traditionally rewarding quality spin. Much will therefore rest on Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, a pairing capable of controlling the middle overs and exploiting any grip on offer as the night progresses.
Preparations have not been entirely smooth, however. Fast bowler Eshan Malinga has been sidelined with a shoulder injury picked up during the England series, forcing a late change to the squad. Pramod Madushan steps in, returning to T20 international cricket after a lengthy absence, and will be keen to make an immediate impression.
Sri Lanka’s biggest question mark lies with the bat. Their recent outings against England were marked by inconsistency, ranging from modest totals in the low hundreds to a more assertive display that still proved insufficient under the Duckworth–Lewis calculations. Finding rhythm at the top of the order will be crucial if they are to capitalise on home advantage.
Ireland, by contrast, arrive in upbeat mood following a clean sweep of the UAE in Dubai. Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker have anchored the batting with authority, while Matthew Humphreys and Barry McCarthy provide balance and bite with the ball.
The two sides last met in a T20 World Cup contest in 2022, when Sri Lanka cruised to a nine-wicket win, guided by a fluent unbeaten innings from Kusal Mendis. While history favours the hosts, Ireland will see this fixture as an opportunity to test themselves against a side still searching for momentum.
Sri Lankan Workers Emerge as Russia Looks to South Asia to Ease Deepening Labour Shortage
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By: Isuru Parakrama
February 08, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is increasingly coming into focus as Russia turns to South Asia to address one of the most severe labour shortages it has faced in decades, driven by demographic decline and the prolonged war in Ukraine.
For years, Russia depended largely on migrant workers from Central Asia to sustain its workforce. That model is now shifting as the country grapples with a shrinking working-age population and rising demand for labour across key sectors. Russian officials estimate that the economy will require as many as 11 million additional workers by the end of the decade to maintain even modest growth.
As a result, recruiters are expanding their search well beyond traditional source countries. South Asia has emerged as a priority region, with Sri Lanka now being viewed alongside India and Bangladesh as a potential supplier of much-needed manpower.
Recruitment agencies report growing interest in Sri Lankan workers for roles ranging from construction and manufacturing to hospitality and municipal services.
This change reflects a broader recalibration of Russia’s labour policies. During President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi late last year, Moscow signed agreements aimed at easing procedures for temporary labour migration.
Even before those arrangements, work permits issued to Indian nationals had risen sharply, while overall permits for foreign workers reached their highest level in years in 2025.
Although Central Asian states such as Turkmenistan continue to send workers, a significant share of new arrivals now comes from farther afield. In major Russian cities, South Asian workers have begun appearing in public services, construction sites and restaurants, highlighting what recruiters describe as a structural transformation of the labour market.
Recruitment firms are also adapting. Some have begun scouting actively in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, seeking workers willing to commit to fixed-term contracts tied to specific employers. According to industry sources, this approach is preferred by Russian companies, as workers from visa-free countries are more likely to switch jobs frequently.
Training initiatives are also expanding. Agencies have set up overseas centres to prepare recruits in technical skills and basic Russian language proficiency before deployment. For certain industries, bilingual supervisors act as intermediaries on job sites, reducing communication barriers.
Russia’s labour crunch has been intensified by the war in Ukraine. Hundreds of thousands of working-age Russians have either been absorbed into the defence sector or have left the country altogether, while tighter migration rules introduced after security concerns in 2024 further reduced the inflow of foreign workers. At the same time, unemployment remains near historic lows, leaving employers with few domestic options.
Major Russian companies are already feeling the strain. Mining, shipbuilding and heavy industry firms have publicly acknowledged staff shortfalls running into the thousands, forcing some operations to scale back production despite offering comparatively high wages.
Cost considerations are also shaping recruitment. Employers often find that hiring from South Asia, including Sri Lanka, is more affordable, particularly for skilled trades, without compromising productivity.
Based on comments by analysts, Russia’s labour shortage is unlikely to ease anytime soon. With an ageing population and declining birth rates, the reliance on foreign workers is expected to become a long-term feature of the economy. For Sri Lanka, this shift could open new overseas employment opportunities, provided recruitment is managed responsibly and worker protections are ensured.