February 06, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka will embark on an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from February 10 to 13, 2025, following an invitation from the President of the UAE, Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The primary purpose of the visit is for President Dissanayaka to participate in the prestigious ‘World Government Summit 2025’, which is set to take place in Dubai.

During his time at the summit, President Dissanayaka is expected to deliver a key address, contributing to the global discussions on governance, innovation, and the future of public administration.

In addition to his participation in the summit, he will also engage in high-level bilateral talks with President Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

These discussions will cover a wide range of topics of mutual interest, aimed at deepening the existing cooperation between Sri Lanka and the UAE.

President Dissanayaka’s visit will also see him meeting with UAE’s Vice President and Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to discuss further strengthening of the bilateral relationship between the two nations.

In addition to the meetings with UAE officials, President Dissanayaka is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with heads of state and government from various countries attending the summit, further broadening Sri Lanka’s international diplomatic reach.

Furthermore, President Dissanayaka plans to meet with CEOs of major global companies across several sectors, including information technology, artificial intelligence, energy, tourism, finance, and media.

These engagements are strategically aimed at attracting foreign investments to Sri Lanka, fostering economic growth, and enhancing Sri Lanka’s position on the global business stage.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has emphasised that this diplomatic mission will contribute substantially to Sri Lanka’s international relations and economic development goals.

February 06, Colombo (LNW): Except for a few showers in Galle, Matara, Kaluthara, Rathnapura, Ampara, Matale and Badulla districts in the evening or night, mainly fair weather will prevail over the island, the Department of Meteorology said today (06).

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva and North-central provinces and in Galle, Matara and Kurunegala districts during the morning.

Marine Weather:

By: Staff Writer

February 05, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s corporate world is mourning the loss of two distinguished business leaders, Ken Balendra (85) and Harry Jayawardena (82), both of whom passed away yesterday after brief illnesses.

Their untimely demise on the same day has sent shockwaves across the country, with thousands paying tribute to their immense contributions to the national economy. Both were widely regarded as self-made legends who left an indelible mark on the private sector, serving as role models for aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals alike.

Ken Balendra, a dynamic corporate figure, held numerous leadership roles in Sri Lanka and beyond. He was the first Sri Lankan Chairman of John Keells Holdings Ltd., the nation’s largest conglomerate.

Affectionately known as ‘Ken’ to some and ‘Bala’ to others, he excelled as a schoolboy rugby player at Royal College Colombo, later coaching Royal Rugby team   and playing for CR & FC club.

His journey began in 1963 as a planter at Finlays, a well-established tea and horticultural trading company. In 1969, he joined John Keells Holdings—then known as John Keells Thompson White Ltd.—where his expertise as a tea broker led to his appointment as Director in 1974.

He eventually became Chairman in 1990, the first Sri Lankan to hold the position, and played a pivotal role in transforming the company from a colonial-era tea broker into the country’s most diversified corporate giant. Under his leadership, John Keells experienced unprecedented growth and expansion.

Beyond John Keells, Balendra served as Chairman of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, the Bank of Ceylon, the Ceylon Tobacco Company, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Insurance Board of Sri Lanka. I

n 2000, he was named the inaugural President of the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors. His contributions were recognized with the national honor of ‘Deshamanya’ in 1998, and he was later appointed Honorary Consul General of Poland in Sri Lanka.

He also received the prestigious Cavaliers Cross of the Order of Merit of Poland in 2007 and was named ‘Sri Lankan of the Year’ in 1998. In 2003, he was voted Sri Lanka’s Most Effective Business Leader since independence.

Harry Jayawardena, another towering figure in Sri Lanka’s business community, was the Founder Director and Chairman/Managing Director of the Stassen Group of Companies.

Known for his astute business acumen, he played a crucial role in the growth of numerous enterprises. He took the helm as Chairman of the Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka in 2006, after serving as its Managing Director for nearly two decades.

His leadership extended to various industries, including Melstacorp PLC, Aitken Spence PLC, Lanka Milk Foods (CWE) PLC, and Lanka Bell, among others.

Jayawardena also held key positions outside the private sector, including being a former Director of Hatton National Bank PLC and serving as Chairman of both the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and SriLankan Airlines.

His international contributions were recognized when he was appointed Honorary Consul for Denmark and awarded the prestigious ‘Knight’s Cross of Dannebrog’ by Queen Margrethe II of Denmark. In 2005, he was honored with the national title of ‘Deshamanya’ for his outstanding services to Sri Lanka.

The passing of these two esteemed business leaders represents a significant loss to Sri Lanka’s economy and corporate sector.

Their visionary leadership, strategic decision-making, and unwavering commitment to national development helped shape the country’s business landscape for decades.

Their absence leaves a void that will be difficult to fill, and their contributions will be remembered for generations to come.

The nation mourns the loss of two trailblazers who not only built thriving enterprises but also inspired countless individuals to strive for excellence in business and beyond.

February 05, Colombo (LNW): Professor Neelika Malavige has been named the President-Elect of the International Society for Infectious Diseases (ISID), a prestigious position she will officially assume in 2027, the University of Sri Jayawardenapura said.

Each term in the role lasts for two years, and her appointment reflects the high regard in which her work is held globally.

A renowned expert in the field of infectious diseases, Professor Malavige has made invaluable contributions, particularly in the areas of COVID-19 testing, viral sequencing, and the identification of emerging virus strains.

Her pioneering research has significantly advanced the understanding of the molecular epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2, especially in Sri Lanka, where her work played a critical role in tracking and studying the virus’s spread.

In recognition of her exceptional scientific achievements, Professor Malavige was recently named among the top 2% of scientists worldwide, as ranked by Elsevier-Stanford.

This acknowledgment places her in an elite group of researchers, underlining the global impact of her work.

Beyond her research on COVID-19, Professor Malavige has also conducted extensive studies into dengue fever, with a focus on its immunopathogenesis, biomarkers, and immune responses related to protection.

Her contributions to clinical trials and molecular research have been instrumental in advancing the global understanding of dengue, a disease that continues to affect millions around the world.

February 05, Colombo (LNW): The number of drug quality failures in 2024 was notably lower compared to the previous year, according to the Medical Supplies Division of the Ministry of Health.

A total of 87 drug quality failures were reported in 2024, with the majority of the problematic products being imported from India.

Of the drugs that did not pass quality tests, approximately 47 were sourced from India, while 12 had been produced locally.

The remaining substandard drugs came from various countries, including China, Kenya, Pakistan, Japan, and Bangladesh.

Some of these drugs have been withdrawn from circulation, while others have been withheld or discontinued altogether in an effort to safeguard public health.

The issue of substandard drugs gained widespread attention in 2023, when the country experienced its highest-ever number of quality failures, with 124 incidents reported.

These failures contributed to a number of serious health complications and, in some cases, fatalities, prompting urgent calls for reform within the pharmaceutical supply chain.

As of early 2025, there have already been 13 drug quality failures reported, a figure that has raised concerns despite the relative reduction compared to the previous year.

In light of these ongoing challenges, a senior official from the Ministry of Health has confirmed that steps are being taken to tighten regulations around drug imports.

These measures include enhanced quality control protocols and more frequent testing of pharmaceutical products before they reach the market.

The Ministry is also planning to increase its scrutiny of pharmaceutical suppliers, ensuring that only the highest quality products are allowed into the country.

February 05, Colombo (LNW): Major General Chandana Wickramasinghe has been appointed as the new Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army, a role he will officially take up on February 09, 2025.

His appointment follows an extensive and distinguished military career, during which he has held several key positions within the Army.

Prior to his new role, Major General Wickramasinghe served as the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army.

He also held the position of Director General of General Staff at Army Headquarters, where he played a critical role in overseeing military operations and strategic planning.

Wickramasinghe’s military journey began with his training at the prestigious Indian Military Academy, where he completed the Regular Intake 87 course. He further honed his skills at the Sri Lanka Military Academy, completing Intake 31 before receiving his commission as a Second Lieutenant.

His initial posting was with the Gajaba Regiment, where he served as an Infantry Officer, embarking on a path that would see him rise through the ranks due to his leadership and strategic expertise.

February 05, Colombo (LNW): In a bid to streamline the registration process for the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), the Department of Labour has introduced a new programme designed to facilitate smoother registration for employees.

The initiative, called AH Registration, allows individuals to book appointments ahead of time, ensuring a more organised and efficient experience when registering for the EPF.

H. K. K. A. Jayasundara, the Commissioner General of Labour, announced that those wishing to register can now easily schedule an appointment by calling the designated number, 011 2202 201.

He emphasised that this advance booking system would significantly reduce wait times and help applicants complete the registration process without unnecessary delays or complications.

By offering a structured approach to registration, the Department of Labour aims to improve efficiency and accessibility for all individuals seeking to participate in the fund.