February 16, Colombo (LNW): In a significant move aimed at improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of Sri Lanka’s electricity generation, the government has announced plans to establish a dedicated laboratory for testing the quality standards of coal used in thermal power plants.

The facility will be housed within the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI), marking a crucial step towards self-sufficiency in coal quality testing for the nation’s power sector.

The decision was made following a series of productive discussions between Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena, Minister of Science and Technology, and Eng. Kumara Jayakody, Minister of Energy.

The establishment of the laboratory comes at a time when coal, as an essential imported resource, plays a pivotal role in the country’s thermal power generation.

At present, Sri Lanka does not have a dedicated domestic laboratory to carry out tests on the quality of the imported coal, and such assessments are instead conducted in overseas laboratories.

This not only incurs additional costs but also leads to delays in obtaining critical data necessary for the efficient operation of power plants.

The new laboratory will serve as a key facility in ensuring that the coal imported for electricity generation meets the required standards for efficiency and safety.

By conducting these essential quality checks locally, the country is set to reduce its reliance on foreign laboratories, ultimately lowering costs and improving the turnaround time for test results.

The laboratory is expected to be operational in the near future and will play a vital role in supporting Sri Lanka’s energy sector, ensuring that the coal used in power plants is of the highest quality and suitable for efficient energy production.

February 16, Colombo (LNW): The relentless dry weather sweeping across Sri Lanka is forecast to continue throughout the remainder of the month, according to the Department of Meteorology.

Meteorologist Malith Fernando has confirmed that the prevailing hot and arid conditions are expected to affect many regions in the coming days, with little relief in sight.

Compared to the previous week, the perceived temperatures have risen markedly, and intense heat is predicted, particularly during the midday hours.

With little to no rain expected, the public is being urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to cope with the extreme heat and dryness.

To help mitigate the adverse effects of the extreme heat, the Meteorology Department has issued several guidelines for the public.

It is advised to avoid direct exposure to sunlight, particularly between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when the sun’s rays are at their harshest.

Experts recommend increasing fluid intake, staying hydrated with water and beverages that replenish lost fluids, and avoiding dry, salty foods that can worsen dehydration.

In addition, it is important to ensure good ventilation in homes and workplaces to promote air circulation and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Special attention should be given to vulnerable groups, such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, who are at greater risk of heatstroke or dehydration.

Authorities also warn of the heightened risk of forest fires during such dry spells and encourage the public to exercise caution in rural areas.

Small sparks or careless handling of fires can easily escalate into large, uncontrollable blazes in these dry conditions.

With extreme heat and dry weather expected to persist for the remainder of the month, it is crucial that everyone takes the necessary precautions to protect their health and well-being during this challenging period.

February 16, Colombo (LNW): Police Media Spokesman Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Buddhika Manatunga has firmly reiterated that a foreign travel ban remains in place for Daisy Forrest, who is implicated in the ongoing money laundering investigation involving Yoshitha Rajapaksa.

This statement comes in response to earlier claims made by attorney-at-law Premanath Dolawatte, who had suggested that no such travel restriction was ordered by the Kaduwela Magistrate.

Dolawatte further alleged that SSP Manatunga had violated legal protocols by disclosing information that had not been officially sanctioned by the court.

However, SSP Manatunga responded publicly on Saturday (15), asserting that he had provided accurate information regarding the matter.

He clarified that the travel ban against Forrest had indeed been issued and remains enforceable, underlining that the police had followed due procedure in relation to the investigation.

The case has drawn significant attention due to its connection to high-profile individuals, and the dispute over the foreign travel ban has only added to the public’s scrutiny of the ongoing investigation.

Whilst the legal representatives involved continue to debate the validity of the travel restriction, SSP Manatunga remains steadfast in his position, emphasising that the police are acting in accordance with the law and judicial orders.

February 16, Colombo (LNW): The highly anticipated 2025 Government Budget will be presented to the Sri Lankan Parliament tomorrow (17), marking a significant moment as it will be the first budget under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s administration.

Parliament is set to convene at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow for the presentation of the budget speech, which will outline the government’s financial plans and priorities for the upcoming year.

In the lead-up to the budget presentation, President Dissanayake chaired a crucial meeting on February 13 to finalise the details of the budget. The session was attended by several key ministers and senior officials, including Mahinda Siriwardana, the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance.

The discussions focused on finalising the key elements of the budget and ensuring alignment with the government’s broader economic and social goals.

Earlier this year, on January 09, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya introduced the Appropriation Bill, which serves to allocate funds for government expenditure for the 2025 financial year.

The budget speech, or second reading of the bill, will take place tomorrow, and the subsequent debate will run from February 18 to 25, lasting a total of seven days. A vote on the second reading will be held on February 25 at 6:00 p.m.

Following the second reading, the Committee Stage Debate on the Appropriation Bill will span 19 days, including four Saturdays, from February 27 to March 21. The final vote on the third reading of the bill is scheduled for March 21 at 6:00 p.m.

During the debate, daily sessions will run from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a half-hour window from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. allocated for questions for oral answers. Motions at adjournment time will be scheduled from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with the exception of February 25 and March 21, when votes are to be held.

In his remarks at a Cabinet press briefing on November 26, 2024, Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa highlighted that the 2025 budget would be crafted with an emphasis on bolstering public trust and advancing national development in line with the aspirations of the Sri Lankan people.

In this regard, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal from President Dissanayake, who also serves as the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, to ensure that the 2025 budget aligns with the various projects and initiatives identified by each ministry.

Furthermore, it will adhere strictly to the expenditure guidelines outlined by the Public Finance Management Act, No. 44 of 2024, and the Government Policy Statement.

The government is committed to a transparent and strategic financial plan that meets the expectations of the public while fostering long-term growth and stability for the nation.

February 16, Colombo (LNW): A notorious criminal, along with his wife, who had been evading justice by hiding in a foreign country, has been successfully brought back to Sri Lanka.

The 30-year-old suspect, a Colombo resident, faces multiple serious charges, including involvement in murder and other violent crimes.

Authorities have confirmed that he has now been returned to the island after an extensive manhunt that spanned several months.

According to police sources, the fugitive was a key figure in an organised crime syndicate and had been wanted for a series of heinous offences.

The repatriation was part of a broader initiative by Sri Lankan authorities aimed at bringing back individuals involved in organised crime who have fled overseas to avoid arrest and prosecution.

The ongoing operation, which is focused on tracking down and extraditing criminals, is being coordinated by the Sri Lankan police in collaboration with international law enforcement agencies.

Officials have expressed their commitment to ensuring that those who have evaded justice are held accountable for their crimes, regardless of where they may attempt to hide.

February 16, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya has revealed plans to set up an Education Council aimed at revolutionising the teacher training system in Sri Lanka.

Speaking at the inauguration of the refurbished library at the Kopay Teacher’s College, Dr Amarasuriya emphasised the crucial role the new council will play in improving and regulating the quality of education across the country.

The council, according to the Prime Minister, will work to modernise and streamline the teacher training process, ensuring that educators are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the evolving needs of students.

Dr Amarasuriya acknowledged the growing demand for a more robust and forward-thinking teacher training programme, underscoring the importance of enhancing both the scope and capacity of the current system.

In her speech, the Prime Minister stressed that a strong and well-organised framework for teacher development is essential for achieving long-term educational goals.

By creating a dedicated council, the government hopes to bring greater structure and consistency to the training process, with the ultimate aim of raising educational standards nationwide.

The opening of the upgraded library at the Kopay Teacher’s College, a key institution for teacher education in the Northern Province, further underscores the government’s commitment to improving the educational infrastructure.

The new library facilities are expected to provide a modern space for both learning and research, helping to support future educators in their professional development.

February 16, Colombo (LNW): Thirteen Sri Lankans who had been forcibly held in cybercrime camps across Myanmar have reportedly been freed, with authorities confirming their safety.

The group includes 11 young men and two women, all aged between 20 and 30. They are currently in good health, and plans are underway for their transfer from the Thai border to the Sri Lankan Embassy in Bangkok.

Once at the embassy, arrangements will be made to return them to Sri Lanka in the coming days.

The successful rescue operation marks a significant step forward, though four other Sri Lankans are still being detained in separate camps in Myanmar.

Sources within Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry have stated that efforts to secure the release of the remaining captives are ongoing, with diplomats working tirelessly to negotiate their freedom.

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has been actively involved in the rescue efforts, recently engaging in high-level talks with both the Thai Foreign Minister and Myanmar’s Deputy Prime Minister.

Herath’s appeal for assistance in freeing those trapped in cybercrime operations has seemingly borne fruit, with the latest developments seen as a positive outcome of these diplomatic exchanges.

Despite the progress, officials remain focused on ensuring the safe return of the remaining Sri Lankans. Further diplomatic measures are expected in the coming days as the situation unfolds.