November 19, Colombo (LNW): The Supreme Court has issued an interim order halting the release of results for the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination conducted on September 15 this year.
This decision follows allegations of irregularities, including a purported leak of three questions in the first paper prior to the exam.
The court’s directive extends to suspending the evaluation of answer sheets and annulling the authorities’ decision to award full marks for the disputed questions.
Additionally, the issuance of cut-off marks for student admissions to prestigious schools based on the exam’s results has been temporarily halted.
These actions stem from multiple fundamental rights petitions filed, urging the cancellation of the examination due to the alleged breach of fairness and transparency.
The court has permitted the hearing of four such petitions, underscoring the gravity of the matter.
During the proceedings, the bench directed Additional Solicitor General Viraj Dayaratne, representing the respondents, to explore the feasibility of invalidating the first paper and conducting a re-examination to restore credibility to the process.
The Supreme Court has scheduled further consideration of these petitions for December 02 December, providing an opportunity to deliberate on whether the contested paper should be redone and other measures to address the concerns raised.
November 19, Colombo (LNW): The newly-formed government has announced its decision to abolish the position of state ministers, opting instead to appoint 26 to 28 deputy ministers within the next few days.
This marks a significant shift from the practices of previous administrations and aligns with the pledges made in the government’s policy manifesto during the recent election campaign.
Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa confirmed the decision, noting that the move was part of a broader effort to streamline governance and improve accountability.
Whilst he refrained from specifying which Cabinet portfolios would receive deputy ministers, he assured that the appointments would soon be finalised.
In addition to restructuring the ministerial framework, the government is also reviewing its appointments of ministry secretaries. Jayatissa hinted at a potential reshuffle, with some secretaries being reappointed or replaced.
However, he clarified that a conclusive decision on this matter is yet to be reached.
Despite these changes, Mahinda Siriwardana will remain in his position as Finance Secretary.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, who was reappointed to the role, officially resumed his duties yesterday.
Dr. Jayatissa also stated that he would begin work in his own ministry office today.
November 19, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s government has reiterated its commitment to working with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to steer Sri Lanka toward economic stability while honouring the public mandate.
This assurance was conveyed during a high-level meeting held yesterday (18) at the Presidential Secretariat between senior IMF representatives and key members of the government, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).
Led by Senior Mission Chief Peter Breuer, the IMF delegation congratulated President Dissanayake and his team on their decisive electoral victory, expressing optimism about the partnership’s potential to address Sri Lanka’s economic challenges.
The discussions revolved around advancing the IMF programme in alignment with the priorities of the newly-formed government.
President Dissanayake emphasised that the programme’s success depends on regaining public trust through transparent and effective governance.
Stressing the importance of balancing economic reforms with social welfare, he urged the IMF to adopt an approach that acknowledges the burdens faced by ordinary citizens.
Under his leadership, the President assured, social spending would be prioritised, with a particular focus on alleviating child poverty and malnutrition, as well as improving support systems for differently abled individuals.
Responding to concerns raised by the IMF delegation about the underutilisation of allocated funds for social programmes in the past, he pledged to take proactive measures to ensure efficient allocation and impactful use of resources.
The dialogue also centred on governance and anti-corruption efforts. President Dissanayake reaffirmed his government’s determination to tackle corruption comprehensively, describing it as a cornerstone of the people’s mandate.
He outlined plans to strengthen legislative and institutional frameworks to enhance transparency and accountability, signalling a zero-tolerance stance toward corrupt practices.
The meeting, which included Minister of Finance President Dissanayake, Minister of Labour Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando, and MP Harshana Sooriyapperuma, alongside officials from the Ministry of Finance, marked a constructive step in fostering cooperation with the IMF.
November 19, Colombo (LNW): Showers will occur at times in the Northern, Eastern and North central provinces, and showers or thundershowers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, Uva and North-western provinces during the evening or night, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (19).
Heavy showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Northern provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Mannar to Hambanthota via Kankasanthurai, Trincomalee and Batticaloa. Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the other sea areas around the island during the evening or night.
Winds:
Winds will be Easterly or North-easterly in the sea areas around the island. Wind speed will be (15-30) kmph in the sea areas around the island. Wind speed can increase up to (40-45) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Mullaittivu to Puttalam via Kankasanthurai and Mannar.
State of Sea:
The sea areas extending from Mullaittivu to Puttalam via Kankasanthurai and Mannar can be fairly rough at times. The other sea areas around the islandwill be slight to moderate. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s government expresses readiness to collaborate with the IMF to support Sri Lanka’s economic recovery: Dissanayake emphasises the importance of rebuilding public trust, prioritising social spending, and addressing corruption: The discussions between the IMF delegation and the government focused on ensuring efficient resource allocation, transparency, and long-term stability, marking a positive step in the IMF partnership.
Fort Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali orders a reminder to the Government Analyst’s Department as the court has not received the report on former MP Sujeewa Senasinghe’s luxury vehicle, suspected to be illegally assembled: The case will be revisited on November 25, and Senasinghe’s defense lawyer requested the release of the vehicle, currently in CID custody, as the related court case has concluded.
The Election Commission of Sri Lanka confirms Ravi Karunanayake’s election as a Member of Parliament through the National List of the New Democratic Front (NDF), which secured two National List seats in the 2024 General Election: However, ex-President Ranil Wickremesinghe criticised the nomination as arbitrary, as it lacked consensus within the alliance: NDF representatives are set to meet today to finalise the decision.
The Attorney General informs the Supreme Court that the Office for Reparations has received Rs. 311 million in compensation for victims of the Easter Sunday terror attacks, as ordered by the court: The court instructed the Additional Solicitor General to report on the disbursement process by the next hearing, scheduled for February 27, 2025, when the related Fundamental Rights petitions will be revisited.
The Education Ministry decides to grant the first holiday of the first phase of the third school term on Friday (22): The decision was made in light of the GCE Advanced Level Examination: The next school term will commence on January 02, 2025.
All academic and non-academic trade unions affiliated with the University of Ruhuna announce a continuous strike commencing from today (19), demanding the immediate removal of the University’s Vice Chancellor: emphasise their strike action will be in effect until their single demand to immediate remove the VC is met: The Ruhuna University Science Teachers’ Association, Ruhuna Agriculture Faculty Teachers’ Association, Ruhuna Engineering Faculty Teachers’ Association, Ruhuna Management and Finance Faculty Teachers’ Association, Ruhuna University Fisheries Faculty Teachers’ Association, Ruhuna University Faculty of Technology Teachers’ Association, Ruhuna University Humanities and Social Sciences Teachers’ Union, CUTTA, Inter University Service, UTTUSL, UIOU, Library Podu Sewaka Sangamaya, Sri Lanka Nidhahas Sewaka Sangamaya, SLUTOU, Jathika Sewaka Sangamaya, Widhyagara Sahayaka Sangamaya and the Samagi Sewaka Sangamaya endorse this action.
Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera says a rise in fever cases among children has been observed in viral infections and a growing number of dengue cases: reveals that viral fever symptoms, including cough, cold, body aches and occasional vomiting, are commonly observed among children: advises parents to closely monitor their children’s symptoms and seek medical attention, particularly if a fever persist for more than three days.
The Supreme Court dismisses a fundamental rights petition filed by Ravi Seneviratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, challenging his arrest and remand in connection with a road accident: Seneviratne argued that his rights were violated by being placed in remand despite eligibility for bail: The Court accepted a preliminary objection, ruling the petition inadmissible.
Sri Lankan social media influencers Anushki and Kanushki Premachandra take legal action after an AI-generated video linked to them began circulating on social media: file a complaint with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), stating the video had been shared repeatedly by a particular group, causing severe harassment: The CID is investigating and taking action against those responsible.
Sri Lanka secured a thrilling 3-wicket win over New Zealand in the second ODI, sealing a 2-0 series victory with one match to spare: Kusal Mendis top-scored with an unbeaten 74, supported by Maheesh Theekshana’s 27, as Sri Lanka chased down New Zealand’s rain-reduced total of 209 with one over to spare: Mendis was named Player of the Match for his gutsy innings, which ensured Sri Lanka’s first series win against New Zealand in 12 years.
November 18, Colombo (LNW): Hambantota International Port (HIP) has successfully completed its maiden commercial ship-to-ship transfer of liquid cargo-an operation viewed as a significant milestone in the port’s ever-growing list of achievements.
It was in cooperation with Singapore-based Shipload Maritime and HIP facilitated the transfer for the Laugfs vessel ‘GAS CHALLENGER’ – demonstrating its ambition to be a key regional player within the liquid cargo market.
In this notable engagement, HIP undertook a transfer of 3,170 MT of LPG from vessel IVAN6 to its vessel, the GAS CHALLENGER, which is on charter by Laugfs Holdings. This transfer has been done upon the growing demand for LPG that has surpassed supply and to ensure a swift distribution to its Colombo facility, Laugfs.
Through collaboration with Shipload Maritime, HIP is in a position to offer intra-region STS services, currently offered in the Maldives. It positions Sri Lanka as a viable option for liquid cargo transfers, marking a new chapter in port service development to meet the ever-growing regional demands of energy and cargo markets.
Bindu Ranasinghe, HIP Group Deputy General Manager of Commercial and Marketing, said, “Partnership with industry leaders like Shipload Maritime and Laugfs enabled us to carry out this operation in the most safe and efficient manner.
While HIP has been competent in handling liquid cargo since 2021, this is considered the beginning of our STS liquid cargo journey.”
As demand for LPG and other liquid cargo grows steadily, HIP is ready to provide efficient and cost-effective services that benchmark with international operational standards.
HIPG CEO, Wilson Qu elaborated on the determination of the port towards innovation: “HIPG is working relentlessly to elevate Sri Lanka’s global maritime standing by handling diverse operations securely and cost-efficiently. Our aim is to secure Sri Lanka’s prominence on the global maritime stage.”
This first-ever STS operation reminds one that HIP indeed stands out for being a rapidly developing logistics hub in the Indian Ocean, with an ever-widening portfolio of services tailored towards regional and international needs.
November 18, Colombo (LNW): The newly appointed Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Senior Prof. D.B.P.H. Disbandara is to strike a balance in market development with strong regulatory oversight.
Further capital market potential to contribute towards the economic development of Sri Lanka remains a matter of priority in my agenda.
With challenges as well as opportunities lying ahead, my main goal will be to build a well-regulated, transparent, and dynamic capital market that is reliably founded for both investors and issuers alike,” added the new Chairman.
He said that his approach, as he embarks on this journey with the SEC, has been market development underpinned with strong regulatory oversight.
Ensuring that the capital market of Sri Lanka operates on a platform of fair, secure and efficient grounds is our number one priority. Innovation and growth are simultaneously encouraged, creating a tailored environment to support sustainable economic development”, reiterated Dissabandara with emphasis.
Towards fulfilling these mandates as prescribed in the SEC Act No.19 of 2001, a set of comprehensive plans are being finalized with the Commission members and a dedicated team at the SEC, namely:
Short-term plan: Immediate challenges at the market are addressed with a view to ensure that day-to-day operations run smoothly, while sustaining investor confidence and ensuring further stability of the market.
Medium-term plan: This focuses on selected key initiatives which are essentially critical for transforming our capital market arena, such as Demutualization of the Colombo Stock Exchange and Developing the Corporate Debt Market to offer a broader range of investment alternatives.
Product innovation in offering new and diversified products, Development of the Collective Investment Scheme industry, Strengthen participants through education, awareness, and training and Ensure new listings public and private for widening participation in the market are among the other targets.
Priority will be given to attract local and international funds to assure fluidity, Promotion of a Central Counter-party mechanism within the CSE to ensure market efficiency, establishing a multi-asset class derivatives exchange to enhance trading options.
Strengthening the regulatory framework to have a resistant market, Digital transformation in order to modernize market infrastructure, Developing strong market risk management practices for stability were among the other main areas.
Long-term plan by the new Chairman said with collaboration of all stakeholders. This kind of forward-looking strategy for the next two to three decades seeks adaptation of the capital market in Sri Lanka to the future needs of generations to come.
Our goal is to ensure that Sri Lanka emerges as a dignified player in the world financial arena, said SEC Chairman Dr. Nalaka Dissabandara in a special message to capital market players.
He invited all stockholders, investors, issuers, professionals in the financial services industry, and the general public, to join him and the SEC on the endeavors announced.
November 18, Colombo (LNW): Internal tensions within the United National Party (UNP) have escalated following the controversial recommendation of Ravi Karunanayake for one of the party’s two National List MP positions.
UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe is reportedly incensed by the move, which bypassed his efforts to delay the nominations and secure one of the seats for his close ally, Sagala Ratnayake.
Sources indicate that Karunanayake acted decisively to forward his name to the Election Commission via Shyamala Perera, Secretary of the New Democratic Front (NDF), under whose banner the UNP contested.
This action effectively pre-empted Wickremesinghe’s strategy, further straining relations within the party’s leadership.
In response, Wickremesinghe has reportedly sought legal recourse, instructing Faizer Mustapha PC and Ronald C. Perera PC, who are also on the NDF’s national list, to initiate court proceedings aimed at reclaiming control over the two parliamentary seats.
This development underscores the gravity of the rift, with Wickremesinghe allegedly considering revoking Karunanayake’s party membership as a punitive measure.
Adding to the drama, Wickremesinghe has called an emergency meeting of senior UNP leaders to address the crisis, sources disclosed.
The gathering, scheduled for this evening (18) is expected to determine the party’s stance on the matter and chart a course for resolving the internal discord.
November 18, Colombo (LNW): The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office has updated its travel advice for British travelers heading to Sri Lanka, warning of a possible threat to Jewish or Muslim communities due to rising global tensions connected to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.
According to the advisory, terrorist organizations such as Al-Qaida and Daesh have urged their followers to carry out attacks in response to the conflict, potentially inspiring individuals to launch assaults.
The advisory emphasized that Jewish or Muslim communities, as well as the interests of Israel and its allies, could be targeted, while also warning that attacks could occur indiscriminately and without warning.
The travel advisory specifically highlights that locations frequently visited by tourists and foreign nationals, including hotels, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, beaches, tourist sites, religious sites, and crowded public spaces—like large events, holidays, and religious gatherings—could be vulnerable.
This is a reminder of the tragic Easter Sunday attacks in April 2019, when over 250 people, including 8 British nationals, were killed in coordinated bombings at three churches and three hotels across Colombo, Negombo, and Batticaloa.
The advisory, last updated on October 23, reinforces that the risk of terrorism remains heightened in Sri Lanka, with a strong likelihood that attacks may occur. As a result, travelers are urged to exercise vigilance, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
Beyond terrorism-related concerns, the advisory also highlights a rise in opportunistic crime in Sri Lanka, linked to the country’s economic difficulties.
These crimes include thefts from hotels, guesthouses, and incidents of bag-snatching in public spaces. Travelers are encouraged to be cautious with valuables and remain aware of their surroundings. Although violent crime remains relatively low, precautionary measures are advised.
The Foreign Office also raises awareness of potential drug-related dangers, cautioning visitors about the use of substances like date-rape drugs, including GHB. Travelers are advised to always watch their drinks and avoid leaving them unattended.
Additionally, credit card fraud is identified as a frequent problem in Sri Lanka. Travelers are urged to keep their cards in sight during transactions and to use ATMs only at banks or major hotels.
British citizens planning to visit Sri Lanka for tourism will need to secure a tourist visa. This visa can be obtained online prior to travel, starting at $50, or upon arrival for a fee of $60, though obtaining it at the airport may involve delays depending on the volume of applications.
November 18, Colombo (LNW): Billionaire Businessman Harry Jayawardena led Aitken Spence PLC, the regional leader among leading conglomerates under the guidance of billionaire businessman Harry Jayawardena, has recorded an EBITDA of Rs. 8.9 billion for the first half of 2024, a growth of 10.4% from last year.
Profit from operations excluding foreign exchange impacts for the period surged appreciably by 38.7% to Rs. 3.5 billion from Rs. 2.5 billion.
Maritime and Freight Logistics had a more challenging year, with a PBT of Rs. 2.3 billion, owing to lower business volumes and rupee volatility.
The Strategic Investment sector reported a PBT of Rs. 728 million, more than a two-fold increase from last year’s value. This was due to strong returns from its hydropower investments and the rollover of interest from renewable energy investments.
Aitken Spence’s Tourism sector reflected an improvement, with losses reducing by 36.9%, principally due to improved occupancies and higher room rates.
The destination management arm, however, faced challenges emanating from macroeconomic pressures: an 18% VAT introduction that could not be factored into existing tour packages, and disruptions in the Red Sea affecting cruise tourism.
The Services business booked a loss of Rs 52.1 million due to increasing costs in the elevator business and lower average exchange that negatively affected money transfer services.
However, the consolidated PBT for the Group, before foreign exchange effects, had an excellent turnaround from a previous period loss of Rs 1.2 billion to a profit of Rs 1.5 billion.
Aitken Spence continues to focus on ensuring sustainability through a Sustainability Council spearheaded by its Executive Director Dr. Rohan Fernando.
The council, comprising senior management, oversees environmental and social objectives. In the quarter under review, the Council worked towards mapping onto IFRS S 1 and S 2 standards.
In line with the Disaster Risk Management Strategy of the Company, Aitken Spence carried out its first earthquake and night-time fire drills at Aitken Spence Towers.
The environmental monitoring by the Group increased by 16% in total energy usage, due to the expanded scale of operations in Tourism and Strategic Investments; water consumption was reduced by 34%, reflecting strict conservation measures.
Aitken Spence also contributes to broader climate actions through hosting meetings of the UN Global Compact’s Climate Emergency Task Force in its efforts to drive business-led climate action.
To develop professional growth, the HR team initiated a mentoring program, ‘Spence Luminary,’ at Aitken Spence and trained 50 senior leaders on mentorship skills. An online platform was given to connect the employees with their mentors.
As part of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion objectives for the representation of women in leadership positions to reach 30% by 2030, 40 female managers underwent a mini-MBA-type leadership program.
Listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange since 1983, Aitken Spence has a history running for over 150 years, employing more than 13,000 people in 16 industries across 11 countries, including Sri Lanka, Maldives, India, and UAE.
