Tragedy struck in Kanangama, Dehiowita, as a young individual lost their life after being attacked with a sharp weapon on Thursday morning (June 22), according to the police.
Reports indicate that the 26-year-old had visited the residence of a local moonshine seller in the neighborhood, seeking illicit liquor. However, a heated argument ensued between the two individuals, escalating the situation. In a desperate act of self-defense, the house owner retaliated by striking the youth with a sharp weapon, resulting in his untimely demise.
In a disturbing turn of events, the 57-year-old suspect then disposed of the victim’s body by dumping it into a nearby stream behind the house.
Upon receiving a statement from the suspect, the police promptly launched an investigation into the incident. The body of the deceased has been transferred to the mortuary at Avissawella Hospital, where a post-mortem examination will be conducted following the completion of a magisterial inquest.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has unveiled ambitious plans to finalize the debt restructuring process by September as part of a determined push to address Sri Lanka’s debt crisis and promote national reconciliation. Collaborating closely with Parliament, the President aims to develop a comprehensive strategy that will effectively resolve the nation’s financial burdens.
During his participation in the 40th anniversary event of the International Democrat Union (IDU) in London, President Wickremesinghe joined discussions with former Canadian Prime Minister and Chairman of the IDU, Stephen Harper. He emphasized the circumstances that led to his presidency and highlighted Sri Lanka’s journey towards economic recovery.
While debt restructuring remains a key priority, President Wickremesinghe stressed the importance of completing vital structural reforms. His primary focus lies in accelerating economic liberalization and attracting increased investments, with the aim of bolstering Sri Lanka’s financial prospects and driving a more favorable balance of trade in the long run.
Addressing concerns about the timeline for the process, the President expressed confidence in achieving substantial progress by 2024. He builds on the previous initiatives undertaken during his tenure as Prime Minister and actively engages with members of Parliament representing Tamil areas. Notably, agreements have been reached on crucial issues, including the establishment of a truth and reconciliation commission, the drafting of legislation, and the presentation of a new anti-terrorist law to Parliament. Disputes between the government and the opposition, including the definition of terrorism, have been resolved through a court ruling.
President Wickremesinghe highlighted efforts to address land-related concerns in the North and East regions, with significant progress being made in resolving these disputes. The Missing Persons Office has taken steps toward utilization, and potential solutions have been shared with Tamil parties. The President anticipates presenting a comprehensive process by the end of July, acknowledging the necessary legislative procedures that need to be followed.
Yesterday (22), the highly anticipated “Industry 2023” National Industry Exhibition took place at the prestigious Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall. The event, held in conjunction with the esteemed National Industry Day, was graced by the presence of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, who officiated the opening ceremony.
In a symbolic gesture, Postmaster General Ruwan Sathkumara unveiled a special commemorative stamp, which was then presented to Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, further accentuating the significance of the occasion. The exhibition boasted an impressive array of 750 exhibition stalls, showcasing the diverse sectors of the national industry.
Joining the Prime Minister in this momentous event were notable figures such as Industries Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, Mass Media State Minister Shantha Bandara, and Deputy Postmaster General (Operation) Rajitha Ranasinghe. Their presence underscored the government’s commitment to supporting and promoting the growth of industries within the country.
Public Security Minister Tiran Alles reveals that the government is taking stern measures to crackdown violent crimes happening in the Southern and Western Provinces. The move comes in following reports on a number of incidents involving shooting and other types of crimes in the said provinces.
The Cabinet has granted special approval to include the Japanese language into the school curriculum. This is in a move to groom future migrant workers targeting career opportunities in Japan, announced Foreign Employment and Labour Minister Manusha Nanayakkara in Parliament
President Ranil Wickremesinghe outlined plans to finalize the debt restructuring process by September in a determined push to address Sri Lanka’s debt crisis and foster reconciliation. President Ranil Wickremesinghe participated in the 40th-anniversary event of the International Democrat Union (IDU) in London on June 19 and 20.
“Industry 2023” National Industry Exhibition held in conjunction with the National Industry Day held at BMICH under the patronage of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. A commemorative stamp was issued by Postmaster General, Ruwan Sathkumara. The exhibition consists 750 exhibition stalls.
The World Bank is set to provide financial assistance of US $5.5 million to crisis hit Sri Lanka for the streamlining of primary health services.
Allegations involving medicines imported to Sri Lanka will be investigated and action will be taken, if any discrepancies are identified, assures Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella. He was responding to claims on Indian-manufactured drugs being the cause of several incidents of fatalities and vision impairment.
Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando has been appointed as one of the two Vice Chairs for the South Asia Commission of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
Indian energy company Petronet LNG has presented short-term solutions to meet the Ceylon Electricity Board’s (CEB) requirement for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), reveals Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera.
Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva welcomed the strong ownership by the Sri Lankan government to address the current economic challenges, on the sidelines of the “Summit for a New Global Financial Pact” held in Paris, France.
Sri Lankan fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera is unlikely to be available for Sri Lanka’s next game which will be played on June 23 against Oman in Bulawayo. He, who was rested for Sri Lanka’s first game against the UAE, has not fully recovered from shoulder pain.
Several spells of showers will occur in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts.
A few showers may occur in Northern and North-western provinces.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts during the evening or night.
Fairly strong winds about (40-45) kmph can be expected at times in Western slopes of the central hills, North-central province and in Puttalam, Hambantota and Trincomalee districts.
General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershower.
The US Coast Guard has issued a major update, reporting that a debris field was discovered in the search area near the Titanic. Experts are said to be “evaluating the information”, and an update will be given at 8pm UK time.
Sky’s international correspondent John Sparks says he thinks the US Coast Guard’s announcement that debris has been found is signficant.
Speaking from Newfoundland, Canada, he says: “I think it’s highly likely to be very significant. It’s been put up by the US Coast Guard a couple of hours before they’re scheduled to hold their news conference.
“They are in charge obviously of this international search and rescue operation and I think they would have thought long and hard about putting out this message.
“If you think about it, the consequences, what people will read into this, they have put it out and they know how the world, the families, the media and various governments are likely to react to this news.
“They’ve said near the Titanic. That’s very interesting – we’re talking about a part of the North Atlantic with strong currents, with big swell.
“The fact that debris has come up near the Titanic, I think that’s significant.”
Sky’s US correspondent James Matthews says that while the details about the debris have not been confirmed, it doesn’t look good.
Speaking from Boston, he says: “Frankly the use of the word debris does not sound good at all. In a situation and at a depth where the water pressure is huge it can do considerable damage to vessels.
“So should the worst have happened and we don’t know if that’s the case yet, and that vessel was broken up somehow by the pressures at that depth then the word debris would absolutely fit that worst case scenario.
“It doesn’t sound good – it reads in a very dark way. The detail presumably will be fleshed out in time and indeed they are still analysing what has been found.
“But the details are yet to be confirmed, we don’t know what that debris is – that will be confirmed in due course but it doesn’t look good.”
says two growth engines: tourism and remittances “are humming now” Tourism Minister
Drives positive moves to cater for new tourism products and landscape. Issues a Twitter notice stating that musical shows can play Fridays and Saturdays till 1 am and on Sundays till 12.30 am subject to reasonable distance kept between religious places and schools. This should have been much earlier.
The country should remember that tourism is crucial . It is prudent to know that during Covid, tourism numbers fell the country didn’t have electricity, Gas and fuel. It is vital for the bureaucrats and governments servants to support in every way to increase tourism numbers. This should be the aragalaya now.
Gone are the days where tourism meant providing accommodation and food, surrounding our beautiful country. Tourist requirements are far more complex now with the young tourist, the millennials spending money and time in a totally different way. There are the digital nomads working from all over the globe and working remotely, specially after Covid.
The protectionist types are up in arms that foreigners are working without working visas / permits. However this is is a small minded theory supported by dinosaurs in the industry and the Jealous types backed by some ignorant media know it all conspiracy theorists.
We have to compete as a country with the other tourism products competing with us. If foreigners don’t come and do temp work, how do we evolve? did we know how to surf before? We need the foreign DJs to come and play so we know those new music genres. We need foreigners to invest and start restaurants so that we know what is in at the moment with other countries. Look at Bali how they cater to the foreigners, beach clubs, restaurants offering the right food. However we have become uncomfortable ? It is this small minded nature that has kept our tourist numbers at bay.
We need to evolve and play the game. If foreigners are working without permits, give it to them and structure a rule where they have to train 10 locals. Our system of stopping the businesses that are doing well for jealousy must stop.
Let us take this HSBC report to heart and know that driven in the right direction we can change . There is no doubt that RW knows what he is doing. Specially on tourism. Let’s give him that at least and thank him for stepping up.
Colombo (LNW): The government is taking stern measures to crackdown violent crimes happening in the Southern and Western Provinces, revealed Public Security Minister Tiran Alles.
The move comes in following reports on a number of incidents involving shooting and other types of crimes in the said provinces.
Accordingly, the Minister has instructed the Police to take immediate actions against such violence, particularly gun violence. Instructions have been given to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Senior Police officers to crackdown gun violence in the country.
Meanwhile, a grace period has been granted until July 31, 2023 to surrender unauthorised or unlicenced firearms held in possession, Alles added.
Colombo (LNW): The Cabinet has granted special approval to include the Japanese language into the school curriculum, in a move to groom future migrant workers targeting career opportunities in Japan, announced Foreign Employment and Labour Minister Manusha Nanayakkara in Parliament today (22).
Accordingly, measures are being taken together with the Education Ministry to include the Japanese language as a subject from Grade 06 at schools, the Minister revealed.
He added that the government of Sri Lanka has taken various measures with regard to foreign employment, including the launching of a programme to start a pool of 5,000 Japanese language trainees aiming the foreign market.
Colombo (LNW): Water supply will be interrupted for 16 hours in several parts of Colombo tomorrow (23), announced the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB).
Accordingly, water supply will be disrupted from 8 am tomorrow to midnight Saturday (24).
The move will affect Colombo 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 areas.
