October 27, Colombo (LNW): Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasuriya, has cautioned that figures associated with organised crime and drug trafficking are making concerted efforts to infiltrate the nation’s political arena.
Weerasuriya revealed that certain individuals with such backgrounds have already entered political circles and are positioning themselves to contest in forthcoming national elections.
He urged political parties to take immediate responsibility in addressing this concern, stressing the importance of carefully considering whether individuals with criminal affiliations should be granted party membership or nominations.
“This is not an issue confined to one political faction,” he remarked, calling for transparency, accountability, and collective action across all political movements.
The Police Chief further warned that these elements seek to exploit political authority as a means to legitimise their illegal enterprises, disguising their criminal activities behind a façade of public service.
“They present themselves as virtuous, yet their actions are anything but. Their true intent is to use politics as a cover for narcotics and organised crime,” Weerasuriya stated.
Police Chief Warns of Criminal Networks Seeking Entry into Politics
C.W. Mackie PLC Partners with the World’s Largest Bearing Manufacturer, SKF
By – Rashika hennayake
October 27, Colombo (LNW):
C.W. Mackie PLC, one of Sri Lanka’s leading and most diversified conglomerates, has entered into a landmark partnership with SKF, the world’s largest bearing manufacturer, to become its authorised distributor in the country. The announcement was made at a grand ceremony in Colombo on 10th October, attended by the senior management of both C.W. Mackie PLC and SKF India (Industrial) Limited. The collaboration unites two companies with strong legacies of trust, innovation, and international recognition.
The partnership further strengthens C.W. Mackie’s Industrial Products Cluster, complementing its existing collaborations with renowned global brands such as Danfoss (Denmark), Bitzer (Germany), Frascold (Italy), Telwin (Italy), Cebora (Italy), Chosun (South Korea), Castolin Eutectic (Europe), and Hempel Paints (Denmark). Founded in 1907, SKF operates in approximately 130 countries and has more than 17,000 distributor locations worldwide. As a pioneer in bearing technology, SKF has been making some of the world’s most innovative bearings, seals, lubrication systems, condition monitoring solutions, and services to reduce friction. It is one of Sweden’s largest companies and among the world’s top corporations, recognised for bearing technology and advanced industrial solutions.
“This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both companies and for Sri Lanka’s industrial landscape,” said Mr Mangala Perera, Director/Group Chief Operating Officer of C.W. Mackie PLC. “As SKF’s authorised distributor, we are proud to provide our customers with access to the world’s most advanced bearing solutions. This partnership not only strengthens our commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable products but also reinforces our mission to empower industries across Sri Lanka with innovative, world-class technologies.”
As part of the launch, SKF has also introduced a dedicated mobile application in Sri Lanka, allowing customers to instantly verify product authenticity and detect counterfeit items. This initiative underscores the commitment of C.W. Mackie and SKF to protecting customers, safeguarding industries, and ensuring that only genuine products reach the market.
“We are delighted to partner with C.W. Mackie PLC, a company with a long-standing legacy of trust and excellence in Sri Lanka,” said Mr Sujeeth Pai, Director for Industrial Markets, SKF India. “This partnership underscores the importance of authentic industrial distribution, ensuring that customers have access to genuine SKF products backed by reliable technical support. Together, we are committed to empowering industries and enhancing operational efficiency.”
C.W. Mackie PLC’s Industrial Products Cluster represents a diverse portfolio of world-renowned brands across multiple industries. Its Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Division is the exclusive distributor for brands like Danfoss (Denmark), Bitzer (Germany), Frascold (Italy), Roller (Germany), KD (Korea), Insulflex (Malaysia), Aerofoam (UAE), and Jintian and Hongtai Copper (China).
The Lightweight Machinery and Welding Electrodes Division serves as an authorised distributor for Cebora (Italy), Telwin (Italy), Chosun (South Korea), and Castolin Eutectic (Europe), delivering welding electrodes, MIG / TIG equipment, plasma cutters, and rock drilling tools. Since 2008, the company has also been the exclusive distributor of Hempel Paints (Denmark), supplying high-performance marine and protective coatings to both international and local shipping companies, as well as to the power, petrochemical, infrastructure, and construction sectors.
With SKF joining its network, C.W. Mackie PLC not only expands the range of solutions available to Sri Lanka’s industrial and engineering sectors but also strengthens its position as a cornerstone of reliability and innovation. This collaboration promises improved operational performance, wider access to cutting-edge technologies, and enhanced support for industries nationwide, further cementing its legacy as a trusted partner for over 125 years.
About SKF
Since 1907, SKF has been making some of the world’s most innovative bearings, seals, lubrication systems, condition monitoring solutions, and services to reduce friction. Less friction means more energy saved and by reducing it, we make industry smarter, more competitive, and more energy efficient, building a more sustainable future where we can all do more with less. SKF is represented in approximately 130 countries and has around 17,000 distributor locations worldwide. Annual sales in 2024 were SEK 98,722 million and the number of employees was 38,743. www.skf.com
® SKF is a registered trademark of the SKF Group.
Image Caption:
(Second from right) Mr. Hemaka Amarasuriya (Chairman/CEO of C.W. Mackie PLC), and (Extreme right) Mr. Mangala Perera, (Executive Director – Group / Chief Operating Officer of C.W. Mackie PLC), receiving the symbolic memento to mark the occasion from (Second from left) Mr. Sujeeth Pai, Director ( Industrial Market (India) and Head – Commercial Excellence, ISEA Industrial Business of SKF). (Extreme left) Mr. Chetandeep Singh (National Sales Head – India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka & Nepal – Industrial Business of SKF).
SLBFE Marks 40 Years with Commemorative Stamp, Reaffirms Commitment to Migrant Workers
October 27, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) celebrated its 40th anniversary today (27) with the release of a special commemorative stamp, recognising the significant economic contributions of Sri Lankans working overseas.
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath highlighted the government’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding the welfare of migrant workers, reaffirming SLBFE’s promise to prioritise their rights and support.
He outlined plans for a dedicated contributory pension scheme for expatriates, aimed at ensuring long-term financial security for those working abroad.
Herath also reiterated the government’s pledge to extend voting rights to Sri Lankans overseas, allowing them to participate fully in the country’s democratic processes.
Acknowledging previous challenges within the foreign employment sector, the Minister noted that recent legal interventions and arrests have addressed past mismanagement and helped restore confidence in the system.
Deputy Minister Issues Legal Notice Over Alleged Defamatory YouTube Claims
October 27, Colombo (LNW): Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe has served a Letter of Demand to Waruna Rajapaksha concerning statements made on a YouTube channel, which are alleged to be defamatory regarding a distillery licence.
According to a statement from the Deputy Minister’s Office, the online content contained false claims targeting Deputy Minister Abeysinghe, prompting the legal notice as a means to seek redress for reputational harm.
The dispute centres on recent reports suggesting that Deputy Minister Abeysinghe, along with MP Najith Indika, met a businessman at the Kingsbury Hotel to discuss matters related to a distillery licence under allegedly irregular circumstances.
‘Amber’ Alert Issued for Strong Winds Across Several Sri Lankan Provinces
October 27, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Meteorology has issued an ‘Amber’ advisory warning of gusty winds affecting multiple regions of Sri Lanka.
The alert, released at 8.30 a.m. today (27), will remain in effect for the next 24 hours until 8.30 a.m. on Tuesday (28).
The advisory covers the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, Northern, North-central, and North-western provinces, as well as the districts of Trincomalee and Batticaloa.
Residents in these areas are likely to experience wind speeds reaching 50–60 km/h at times, influenced by the cyclonic storm “Montha” currently located to the northeast in the Bay of Bengal.
Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution and take necessary measures to reduce potential damage from the strong winds.
Jaffna Ranked Among World’s Top 25 Travel Destinations for 2026 by Lonely Planet
October 27, Colombo (LNW): Jaffna has earned a coveted spot on Lonely Planet’s list of the Top 25 Best Places to Visit in 2026, placing the northern Sri Lankan city alongside some of the world’s most celebrated destinations.
Renowned for its deep-rooted cultural heritage and unique character, Jaffna has seen a surge in visitor numbers in recent years, establishing itself as one of Sri Lanka’s most distinctive travel experiences. Its inclusion in the global travel guide highlights the nation’s historical and cultural richness while reinforcing efforts to position Sri Lanka as a premier international tourism hotspot.
The announcement was made through Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026, an annual publication that showcases 25 of the most inspiring destinations and experiences around the globe. The guide, brought to life through vibrant photography and local insights, offers curated recommendations from the travel brand’s expert team.
Founded in 1970, Lonely Planet remains one of the most respected names in global travel media, with more than 150 million guidebooks sold worldwide and a significant digital audience.
Other destinations featured alongside Jaffna include Peru, Cádiz, Botswana, Finland, Mexico City, and the Solomon Islands — further placing the Sri Lankan city in an elite league of must-visit locations for global travellers in the coming year.
Kuwait Airways Resumes Flights to Sri Lanka After Four-Year Break
October 27, Colombo (LNW): Kuwait Airways recommenced its services to Sri Lanka today (27), marking the end of a four-year suspension.
The airline’s A320 Neo aircraft touched down at Katunayake International Airport at 8.40 a.m., arriving from Kuwait City, and was greeted with a ceremonial water salute to mark the occasion.
The inbound flight carried 94 passengers and six crew members, while the return journey to Kuwait City departed an hour later with 105 passengers and the same crew complement.
The event was attended by Sunil Jayaratne, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, Kuwait’s Acting Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Al Muhana, and several representatives from the aviation sector.
Regular operations between Kuwait City International Airport and Katunayake are now scheduled to take place four times a week — on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays — reinstating a key air link between the two nations.
Rumesh Tharanga Crowned Best Male Athlete at South Asian Championships
October 27, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga was named Best Male Athlete at the fourth South Asian Athletics Championships, which concluded in Ranchi, India, last evening.
Tharanga delivered an outstanding performance in the men’s javelin final, securing the gold medal with a remarkable throw of 84.29 metres.
Fellow Sri Lankan Sumedha Ranasinghe earned the silver medal with a throw of 81.62 metres, while India’s Uttam Patil took bronze with a mark of 76.30 metres.
India emerged overall champions of the tournament, collecting 20 gold medals to lead the standings. Sri Lanka followed closely in second place with a strong showing — 16 gold, 14 silver, and 10 bronze medals — underscoring the nation’s continued excellence in athletics across the region.
Sri Lanka Launches Global Drive to Boost Tourism and Direct Hotel Bookings
October 27, Colombo (LNW): In a significant step towards revitalising its tourism industry, the Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) has introduced an international digital campaign aimed at drawing more overseas visitors and promoting direct hotel reservations through modern online platforms.
Developed in partnership with leading digital agency eMarketingEye, the initiative seeks to strengthen Sri Lanka’s visibility across emerging markets such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, with further countries expected to be added in due course.
The three-year project, backed by Nations Trust Bank (NTB) and American Express, is designed to appeal to high-spending travellers and promote tourism beyond the traditional peak seasons. Central to the effort is the “Truly Sri Lanka” website, which connects potential visitors directly with participating hotels, enabling them to browse exclusive offers and book stays without intermediaries — boosting both brand exposure and revenue for local establishments.
THASL President M. Shanthikumar noted that while the association continues to advocate for a comprehensive national marketing programme, it has chosen to act independently in the interim to target key source markets and attract premium visitors for long-term industry stability.
Rajitha Dahanayake, Founder and CEO of eMarketingEye, explained that the campaign focuses on regional markets within a four to five-hour flight range, noting their strong potential for sustained visitor traffic throughout the year.
Valued at around USD 50,000, the campaign’s first phase will run for three months and aims to position Sri Lanka as an appealing destination for year-round travel.
Sheahan Daniel, Executive Vice President of Consumer Banking at NTB, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing tourism as a national priority and enhancing Sri Lanka’s profile on the global stage.
Representing over 70 per cent of the country’s formal hotel workforce, THASL continues to influence policy and drive strategic growth across the hospitality sector. Despite steady increases in tourist arrivals by mid-2025, a fall in average visitor spending highlighted the need to attract higher-value travellers. Through this initiative, THASL hopes to secure more sustainable revenue for the industry while reinforcing tourism’s vital contribution to foreign exchange, public finances, and employment.
Cyclone Montha Set to Strike Andhra Coast with Gale-Force Winds
October 27, Colombo (LNW): Cyclone Montha, currently gathering strength over the southeast Bay of Bengal, is predicted to develop into a full-fledged cyclonic storm by later today.
Meteorologists anticipate it will hit the Andhra Pradesh coastline near Kakinada, between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, tomorrow evening or night, bringing wind speeds of 90 to 100 kilometres per hour and gusts reaching up to 110 km/h.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of heavy rainfall across several southern states, including Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, over the coming days.
The weather system, which recently intensified into a deep depression, is forecast to strengthen further into a severe cyclonic storm within the next 24 hours.
Authorities have mobilised emergency and disaster response teams, placing additional units on alert for rapid deployment should conditions worsen. The IMD has also urged fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea along and off the coasts of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, and Odisha between 26 and 29 October, as rough sea conditions and high winds are expected.