President Ranil Wickremesinghe has issued direct instructions to government officials, including the Matara District Secretary, to assess the urgent needs of the flood-affected people in the Matara District, resulting from heavy rainfall. The President has emphasized the necessity of swiftly implementing relief measures.

The President’s directives also encompass the provision of vital facilities such as cooked meals and medication to those affected, along with the engagement of the armed forces to ensure the efficient delivery of aid.

Additionally, the President has alerted relevant agencies to formulate contingency plans for the safety and well-being of the populace in the event of worsening flood situations.

In the interim, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has issued directives to relevant government departments to remain vigilant regarding potential disaster situations that may arise in other districts due to adverse weather conditions.

A total of 9,448 individuals from 2,350 families across 16 Divisional Secretariat Divisions in the Matara district have been impacted by various calamities including floods, strong winds, landslides, heavy rains, rock falls and tree falls. Among these, 399 houses have sustained partial damage, with 37 other properties affected.

Community food processing centres have been established in Malambada, Akurassa, Kamburupitiya and Thihagoda to provide meals for those in need.

Currently, 6,967 families comprising 25,553 individuals are stranded due to the floods and the army is actively engaged in providing them with cooked food.

Simultaneously, the Sri Lankan Army has initiated a specialized relief program for the residents of the Malimbada Divisional Secretariat Division within the Matara District, which has been severely affected by the flooding.

Under the leadership of Major General Janaka Ranasinghe, Commander of the 61st Infantry Division, and Colonel Roshan Kannangara, Commander of the Matara Area, two army battalions have been actively engaged in relief efforts.

A total of 6 dinghies and 3 motor boats have been deployed to provide assistance to affected individuals, while special military vehicles are on standby for potential emergency rescue operations.

For reporting emergency situations and related information in the Matara district, individuals are urged to contact Major General Janaka Ranasinghe at 0766907042 and Colonel Roshan Kannangara at 0766907146.

Concurrently, a high-level discussion addressing the state of emergency in the Matara district and outlining forthcoming relief measures was convened yesterday (04) at the Matara District Secretariat following President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s directives. The meeting presided over by Minister of Power and Energy, Mr. Kanchana Wijesekera and included the participation of Southern Province Governor Willy Gamage, Member of Parliament Karuna Kodithuvakku, District Secretary Y. Wickramasiri, the Governor’s Secretary, Additional District Secretaries, all Divisional Secretaries of the Matara District and representatives from law enforcement, the armed forces and various government departments.

The discussion extensively covered immediate relief measures for affected individuals and strategies for the post-flood recovery process.

It was agreed that daily disaster management meetings would be held, uniting Divisional Secretariats and Pradeshiya Sabhas to coordinate efforts. Additionally, decisions taken during these meetings will be conveyed to the District Disaster Committees through Zoom technology on a daily basis.

Here below is the statement made by National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) on the The Online Safety Bill (OSB).

The Online Safety Bill (OSB), which can be a barrier to freedom of expression, should be withdrawn immediately.

We, as the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) demand the immediate withdrawal of the proposed OSB, which the Government is preparing to enforce with the aim of enacting laws that can be used to prevent the people from exercising their right to express ideas.

The much-disputed OSB creates legal provisions that can have a devastating effect on the right to speech and expression, a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution. It is also extremely serious that a committee which is proposed to be appointed by the Executive President under it may tamper with the judicial power, contrary to the principles of natural justice. This Bill contains a number of provisions that will cause the digital economy that is already growing rapidly day by day, and would be of great benefit for the country.

We also believe that there should be legal provisions to prevent situations that may be a threat to national security, and cause damage to individuals through the use of online platforms, and to prevent crimes that could be committed by misusing social media. There should be provisions to initiate legal action against those who commit such offences. Therefore, we very earnestly and responsibly request the responsible authorities to amend the relevant provisions in the Penal Code and other related ordinances in a timely manner. But, we are deeply concerned and surprised by attempts to suppress democratic rights under the guise of such interests, and we will oppose such attempts without any second thought.

We again request the Government to immediately withdraw the OSB, which can be a deadly attack on the freedom of expression. Instead of proposing such draconian pieces of legislation, steps should be taken to amend the relevant laws including the Penal Code in such a way that legal action can be taken against criminals who misuse social media platforms, and commit acts harmful to the well-being of the citizens.

Sunil Jayasekara
General Secretary
National Movement for Social Justice

Despite economic challenges and global competition, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, addressing the General Convocation of Sir John Kotelawala Defence University encouraged graduates to contribute to Sri Lanka’s growth.

The President Wickremesinghe emphasized the need for competitiveness and highlighted the significance of a highly educated and skilled labour force. He encouraged graduates to pursue advancements in technology, agriculture and various sectors critical to the nation’s growth.

The President expressed the importance of education and the government’s plans to establish additional universities focused on cutting-edge technology, especially modern technology and knowledge such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).

To build upon this foundation, the approach to education and skills development should be comprehensive, encompassing vocational training, technical education, and the strengthening of technical colleges. The aspiration for the National College of Technology, aligning with the Kotelawala Defence University model, signifies a strategic step toward achieving educational goals.

Highlighting the need to harness human resources and convert vocational training centres into university colleges, the President envisioned a Sri Lanka with skilled citizens, open to the world for a competitive economy through the integration of Artificial Intelligence and modern technology. He concluded with optimism about Sri Lanka’s on-going economic recovery and its potential for further strengthening.

President Wickremesinghe urged graduates to carefully consider their roles in advancing the country’s future, emphasizing the need for determination, strategic thinking, and a commitment to overcome challenges existed but also opportunities for those committed to building a competitive economic transformation and prosperous Sri Lanka.

As the graduates embark on their futures, President Wickremesinghe further emphasized the critical decisions they now face. With some entering the Armed Forces as recruiting officers and others representing civilian sectors, the choice between staying or leaving the country in pursuit of opportunities becomes paramount.

Highlighting the current economic challenges, the President encouraged graduates to reflect on their choices—whether to stay and contribute to Sri Lanka or explore opportunities abroad. He urged them to envision a better Sri Lanka and contribute to its growth, leaving the final decision in the hands of the graduates.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe addressing the recent graduates at the General Convocation of Sir John Kotelawala Defence University which held at Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) yesterday (04), acknowledged the institution’s unexpected growth and success. He commended the graduates who have played significant roles, especially during the war, showcasing their courage and determination.

He acknowledged the difficulties faced by the nation in recent years and the uncertain circumstances, prompting many to contemplate their futures. The President affirmed that Sri Lanka is on the path to stability and economic recovery, although the journey may not be easy. The President addressed the need to balance revenue generation with inflation control, indicating that 2024 marked the year for restarting economic growth.

The President commended the institution’s remarkable journey from its humble beginnings. He acknowledged the unforeseen role its graduates played in the nation’s victory over adversity. Reflecting on the growth of the university, the President expressed awe at its transformation into an academic institution welcoming both military personnel and civilians.

The President also underlined the unpredictability of global events over the next few years, including potential economic challenges for developed nations said “In the current economic climate, it appears that the situation in the UK is challenging, and similar sentiments are being expressed about the economies of Canada and Europe. It’s important to acknowledge that many developed economies are facing difficulties. When considering your future in this economy, it’s crucial to recognize that it poses a challenge. However, the decision ultimately rests with you. If you choose to continue your career here, be prepared to take on the responsibility of contributing to the country’s development and making it a better place than it is today. In conclusion, I encourage you all to reflect on your choices carefully. While I offer my perspective, the decision is ultimately yours to make”.

The ceremony, attended by key officials including Minister of State for Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff to the President Sagala Ratnayaka, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence General Kamal Gunaratne (Rtrd) Chief of Staff of the Triforces General Shavendra Silva, Army Commander Lt. Gen. Vikum Liyanage, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa and other officials.

Today, on October 6, the Sri Lankan Rupee maintains its stability against the US Dollar at various commercial banks in Sri Lanka, similar to the rates observed on Thursday.

At Peoples Bank, the buying and selling rates for the US Dollar remain consistent, standing at Rs. 316.18 for buying and Rs. 329.37 for selling.

Commercial Bank also reports no changes, with the buying rate for the US Dollar remaining at Rs. 317.68 and the selling rate staying steady at Rs. 328.

Similarly, at Sampath Bank, there are no fluctuations in the exchange rates for the US Dollar. The buying rate remains at Rs. 318, while the selling rate remains at Rs. 328.

This stability in the exchange rates suggests a level of consistency in the currency market for the Sri Lankan Rupee against the US Dollar on this particular day.

The proceedings in Parliament were brought to a standstill as members of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) staged a protest concerning a pressing matter related to pasture land in Batticaloa.

The issue at hand was initially brought to light in September by Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam. He raised concerns about the protest organized by dairy farmers from Mayilathamadu, shedding light on the illegal settlements encroaching upon the area.

MP Rasamanickam emphatically pointed out that these farmers had been vigorously protesting against the alleged illegal occupation of grazing lands they’ve utilized for over six decades. Furthermore, there were alarming reports of settlers unlawfully seizing these lands, leading to the distressing incidents of cattle killings and land fires.

In an effort to address this dire situation, several TNA Parliamentarians, including MP Rasamanickam, convened in Parliament today to call upon state authorities to intervene promptly and prevent further destruction of both cattle and land in Mayilathamadu.

The protest by the TNA MPs escalated in intensity due to the government’s unresponsiveness, partly attributed to the absence of the subject minister during the day’s proceedings.

Opposition MP Dr. Harsha de Silva reported that a heated argument ensued between ruling party MPs, including MP Pillayan, and MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam during the protest, underscoring the gravity of the matter.

Ultimately, the protest concluded when Leader of the House MP Susil Premajayantha provided assurance that the issue would be brought to the attention of the Minister of Irrigation for immediate action.

At least 22 individuals have sustained injuries following a collision involving a passenger bus, a container truck, and a fuel bowser in the vicinity of Nittambuwa.

The accident unfolded in the Kajugama area, situated along the Colombo-Kandy main road. Law enforcement authorities have reported that the injured victims are currently undergoing medical treatment at Wathupitiwala Hospital.

The initial collision transpired between a passenger bus, which was traveling from Ampara to Colombo, and a container truck, resulting in a head-on collision of immense impact. The situation further exacerbated as a container truck, en route to Colombo, subsequently rear-ended the already beleaguered bus.

Four of the injured individuals have been classified as being in critical condition. These casualties have been admitted to the Wathupitiwala Base Hospital, where medical teams are working tirelessly to provide them with the necessary care.

As Sri Lanka joins the world in celebrating World Teachers’ Day today. This year’s theme, “The teachers we need for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage,” underscores the critical need for more teachers in the country.

With over 4.3 million school children to educate, Sri Lanka currently has just 247,000 government teachers, highlighting a stark mismatch in teacher-student ratios. The shortage of 45,000 teachers has posed significant challenges for the education sector, with trade unions pointing out disruptions in academic activities.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Ministry of Education has announced several measures to address the teacher shortage. Applications have been invited to recruit 5,450 teachers specializing in A/Level science, mathematics, and foreign languages. Additionally, the ministry plans to fill the gaps created by teachers who retired or resigned this year by hiring 4,000 more teachers. Furthermore, a decision has been made to recruit 542 academic graduates to bolster the teaching service.