Colombo (LNW): The 2023 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination is set to take place from January 04 to 30, 2024 based on student requests and directives from the President, and accordingly, the timetable for the holding of the examination will be made available tomorrow, Examination Commissioner General Amith Jayasundara told media today (05).

Starting tomorrow (06), an online system will be open for four days for exam applications, and students already registered for the exam will have a dedicated period to make adjustments if needed, he noted.

Jayasundara went on saying that the G.C.E Ordinary Level Examination has been rescheduled to May, 2024.

Meanwhile, preparations for the Grade 05 Scholarship Examination, scheduled for the 15th of this month, are in progress, he added.

“In the event of a disaster situation, such as power interruptions and transport, all arrangements have been made. We are working together with the Tri-Forces, Police Disaster Unit and other relevant bodies. A programme under the Ministry of Health has been implemented to transform examination centres into health-safe zones concerning dengue,” Jayasundara told media.

Colombo (LNW): On September 30, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry engaged in a thoughtful discussion with the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) at its main office in Washington DC.

The event was organised by Sri Lankan Ambassador to Washington DC Mahinda Samarasinghe.

Lisa Grande, Chief Executive of the USIP, greeted the Minister upon his arrival, and the discussion was facilitated by Taman Gali, Director of South Asia Programmes.

Afrin Akhtar, Deputy Assistant Secretary for South Asia and Office of Defence and International Affairs, spoke about the 75-year-long relationship between the two nations.

Minister Sabry provided insights into Sri Lanka’s present socio-political and economic landscape, as well as its future aspirations. He also addressed queries from the attendees, and underscored Sri Lanka’s keen interest in strengthening ties with the US.

“A pleasure to be hosted by USIP for a discussion commemorating 75 years of U.S.-Sri Lanka bilateral ties in Washington DC. The discussion touched on a range of key topics which was followed by a interactive session with the audience,” Sabry wrote on X.

The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) is an American federal institution tasked with promoting conflict resolution and prevention worldwide. It provides research, analysis, and training to individuals in diplomacy, mediation, and other peace-building measures.

Colombo (LNW): Saliya Wickramasuriya has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO) and the Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Ltd. (CPSTL), Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara revealed.

Managing Director of the CEYPETCO Darshana Rathnayake has also been appointed as the Managing Director of the CPSTL.

These appointments are effective from today (05) as announced by the Subject Minister on his official X account.

Wickramasuriya replaces Mohammed Uvais Mohamed who tendered his resignation yesterday (04).

He also serves as the Chairman of the Board of the Petroleum Development Authority and is also part of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission.

BTF: The Mullaitivu District Judge Saravanarajah resigned from all his judicial posts and fled Sri Lanka on 23 September 2023, facing a threat to his life and pressure to change the judicial decisions he passed. 

Judicial positions Judge Saravanarajah resigned are the Mullaitivu District Judge, the magistrate court judge, the family court Judge, the primary court Judge, the small claims court Judge, and the Juvenile court Judge. 

Following Judge Saravanarajah’s steadfast judicial uprightness and refusal to give in to the unlawful demands of a higher-up, the police protection he was legally entitled to was scaled down, and the Sri Lankan military intelligence service began keeping him under surveillance.

The Attorney General called him to his office on 21 September 2023 and pressured him to change the judgements he had already given in the Kurunthurmalai case where an ancient Hindu temple was destroyed and in its place a Buddhist temple was built under the false pretext of archaeological discovery, in a way contradictory to truth.

Two legal actions appear to have been filed against Judge Saravanarajah by the Sri Lankan State under his name on the Kurunthurmalai Vihara Decision in the court of appeal.

These developments are evidence of impunity, lack of judicial independence, and undermining the security for judges in the North-East.

British Tamils Forum

Colombo (LNW): The prices of three food items have been increased in response to the recent gas price hike, announced Harshana Rukshan, President of the All Island Canteen and Restaurant Owners’ Association today (05).

Accordingly;

• Plain tea – Increased by Rs. 10
• Koththu Rotti – Increased by Rs. 20
• Rice packet – Increased by Rs. 50

Colombo (LNW): State-run LP gas provider LITRO Gas Lanka and its private competitor LAUGFS Gas PLC have increased the prices of domestic LP gas cylinders, effective from midnight yesterday (04).

Revised Litro Gas prices;

• 12.5 kg cylinder price increased by Rs 343; new price Rs. 3,470

• 5 kg cylinder price increased by Rs. 137; new price Rs. 1,393

• 2.3 kg cylinder price increased by Rs. 63; new price Rs. 650

Revised Laugfs Gas prices;

•  12.5 kg cylinder price increased by Rs. 150; new price Rs. 3,985

• 5 kg cylinder price increased by Rs. 60; new price Rs. 1,595