Colombo (LNW): The Fundamental Rights (FR) petition lodged by Ministers Harin Fernando and Manusha Nanayakkara challenging the decision by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) to suspend their party membership is set to be heard before the Supreme Court on October 12, 2023.
This was when the case was taken up before the three-member Supreme Court Bench today (10).
As per the Constitution of Sri Lanka, the attorneys for the respondents emphasised that the case should be resolved within two months of its filing.
The ministers had their party membership suspended in May 2022 after accepting ministerial roles while facing potential disciplinary action from the SJB.
Although they later resigned from their positions in July 2022, they were reappointed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe shortly after.
Colombo (LNW): Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Komura Masahiro, during his meeting with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, expressed Japan’s commitment to support Sri Lanka’s economic recovery.
Masahiro praised Sri Lanka for its rapid economic stabilisation and the ongoing structural reforms aimed at fostering a conducive environment for foreign investments.
While in Sri Lanka for the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) meeting, he assured full support to Sri Lanka during its tenure as IORA Chairman.
Premier Gunawardena highlighted the strategic significance of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean and stressed close bilateral cooperation.
He also voiced concerns over the ongoing conflict in Gaza and its potential global ramifications. Additionally, he thanked Japan for its assistance in debt restructuring.
World (LNW): Israel has called up over 300,000 troops and closed off the Gaza Strip’s borders, signaling a possible ground incursion into Gaza, according to foreign reports.
Israeli military operations continue in Gaza with the intent of weakening Hamas’s stronghold. The conflict’s death toll has surpassed 1,600 in just three days, with more than 700 Palestinian and over 900 Israeli casualties, including 50 foreign nationals.
Amidst the ongoing conflict, the Palestinian Health Ministry urged for secure routes to transport essential medical supplies as hospitals face critical shortages.
Meanwhile, the United Nations reported that around 187,000 Palestinians have been displaced, many seeking refuge in makeshift camps in schools.
There have also been intermittent skirmishes on Israel’s northern border with Hezbollah militants, and violent confrontations on the West Bank near Jerusalem, resulting in numerous casualties.
Colombo (LNW): Thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in North-central, Eastern and Central provinces and in Badulla, Kegalle, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Mannar districts during the evening or night, warned the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology in an advisory statement today (10).
There may be temporary localised strong winds during thundershowers, the statement added, urging the public to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by lightning activity.
It added that people should seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees, avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms, avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms, avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc., and beware of fallen trees and power lines.
Colombo (LNW): UK’s Indo-Pacific Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan is on a three-day visit to Sri Lanka, marking 75 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
This is her inaugural trip to Sri Lanka in this capacity.
Trevelyan highlighted the UK’s commitment to the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Ministerial hosted by Sri Lanka, emphasising collaborative programmes on climate mitigation, biodiversity, and the Glasgow Pact from COP26.
She praised the UK-Sri Lanka partnership on climate action, peace-building, and human rights and expressed a desire to boost security in the Indian Ocean region.
Trevelyan will be meeting key Sri Lankan officials, including President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, to discuss bilateral ties, climate finance, human rights, and justice reforms.
Her itinerary also includes a trip to Jaffna in the Northern Province to interact with regional representatives and inspect a UK-supported demining project.
Following Sri Lanka, Trevelyan will proceed to India to further the UK’s Indo-Pacific relations.
Colombo (LNW): The body of the veteran Actor, Artist and Musician Jackson Anthony is currently placed at the “Jayaratne Respect Home” in Borella Jayaratne Flower Hall for the public to pay their respects.
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, along with several other politicians and artists, attended the event today (10) to offer their final respects to the late artistic giant.
The significant turnout is a testament to the widespread admiration and love he commanded.
The body of Mr. Anthony will remain at the “Jayaratne Respect Home” for public homage until 11 pm tonight, after which it will be taken to his residence in Ragama.
The funeral rites are scheduled to be held tomorrow (11) and the subsequent Thursday afternoon at the St. Peter and Paul Church.
Prior to the final rites, the body will be at his residence located at 90/A, 58 Vanigasuriyawatta, Ragama Road, Kadawatha.
Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) indicates slight appreciation against the US Dollar today (10) in comparison to yesterday, as per the official exchange rates list issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).
Accordingly, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 317.91 from Rs. 318.30, and the selling price to Rs. 328.74 from Rs. 328.93.
Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan Rupee indicates fluctuation against several other foreign currencies, including Gulf currencies.
Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s geographic position and its human resources play a pivotal role in driving the island nation’s economic prosperity, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) Kandy branch yesterday (09).
He underscored the potential of harnessing these human resources for national development.
Drawing parallels, the President noted how nations like Singapore and Hong Kong have surged ahead by effectively utilising their human capital.
The newly inaugurated Kandy branch of SLIIT is a seven-story private institution, boasting advanced laboratory facilities, conference halls, research laboratories, and residential accommodations.
Following the ceremonial unveiling, Wickremesinghe embarked on a tour of the university campus, engaging with students and gaining insights into their academic endeavors.
He also took the opportunity to appreciate the diverse talents of the student community.
In his address, President Wickramasinghe envisioned a future for Sri Lanka anchored in a technology-driven, highly competitive digital economy which is environmentally conscious.
He further emphasised the importance of modernising Sri Lanka’s university system to produce tech-savvy graduates and spoke of forthcoming plans to establish new public and private universities.
Colombo (LNW): In a significant achievement amidst economic crisis, Sri Lanka’s aviation sector has posted a substantial profit of Rs. 22 billion in the period spanning from January to August 2023, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva revealed.
The Minister highlighted that approximately Rs. 10 billion from this profit has already been contributed to the Treasury, providing a much-needed boost to the country’s finances.
The Minister highlighted the success of operations at Palali International Airport, emphasizing that the airport has completed 200 flights.
This achievement underscores the airport’s increasing significance and efficiency in handling air travel.
The Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by the aviation sector in the past, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, reduced tourist arrivals, and a dollar crisis that affected fuel supply for airplanes.
He mentioned that, at one point, fuel for airplanes had to be procured by sending aircraft to Madras to obtain the necessary fuel.
To address these challenges, the Minister of Petroleum and Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva intervened and facilitated the import of aviation fuel by the private sector, ensuring a stable supply of fuel for airplanes.
Additionally, modern technology was employed to develop Bandaranaike International Airport, earning it recognition as a prominent airport in Southeast Asia.
Efforts were made to increase the frequency of flights by different airlines operating in Sri Lanka. This likely contributes to improved connectivity and accessibility for travellers.
These developments in the Sri Lankan aviation sector signify a positive turn in its financial performance, reflecting resilience in overcoming challenges.
The government’s interventions, such as facilitating fuel supply and enhancing airport infrastructure, have contributed to this success.
Increased profitability in the aviation sector is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s overall economic stability.
“Additionally, it is noteworthy that the operations at Palali International Airport continue to demonstrate remarkable success.
Specifically, the flight operations between Madras and Palali, which are scheduled three times a week, have already completed a total of 200 flights, underscoring the airport’s increasing prominence and efficiency.”
The Minister pointed out that Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake, once a scarcely frequented facility, has now evolved into a bustling aviation hub.
Notably, in the month of August, it catered to the needs of over 650,000 passengers.
This surge in passenger traffic has contributed significantly to its financial prosperity.
In parallel, a strategic initiative is currently underway to attract potential investors to the Mattala Airport.
Furthermore, measures have been put in place to actively mitigate the airport’s operational losses, thereby ensuring its long-term sustainability and financial health.”
