January 06, Colombo (LNW): An in-depth investigation will be launched into the land allocations made for various purposes since 2015, Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation Dr. Susil Ranasinghe announced.
The inquiry will aim to uncover the details surrounding land distribution, with a particular focus on the role of the Land Reform Commission (LRC).
Speaking to the press after attending a ceremony in Anuradhapura, Dr. Ranasinghe explained that land, which has been allocated to industries and agricultural ventures through the LRC, has been the subject of numerous disputes and allegations over the years.
He acknowledged that previous efforts to distribute land had been marred by complications, with questions arising about the fairness and transparency of the process.
The Deputy Minister confirmed that the Cabinet had recently made the decision to suspend further land allocations through the LRC until a thorough investigation is conducted.
The primary objective of this probe is to identify who has been granted land since 2015 and to examine the rationale behind these allocations.
Dr. Ranasinghe stated that the investigation would scrutinise whether any unlawful practices, including corruption or procedural irregularities, had taken place in the distribution of land.
He emphasised that legal action would follow the investigation’s findings, ensuring accountability for any wrongdoings.
The Deputy Minister reassured the public that the government is committed to upholding fairness and transparency in land management, with steps now being taken to restore public confidence in the system.
January 06, Colombo (LNW): Showers may occur at a few places in Eastern province and in Mullaittivu district, with showers or thundershowers being expected to occur at several places in Sabaragamuwa province and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts during the afternoon or night, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (06).
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and Uva provinces during the morning.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the sea areas extending from Batticaloa to Kankasanthurai via Trincomalee during the afternoon or night. Mainly fair weather will prevail in the other sea areas around the island.
Winds:
Winds will be north-easterly in the sea areas around the island and speed will be (20-30) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to (40-45) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Mannar via Puttalam and Pottuvil to Hambanthota.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Mannar via Puttalam and Pottuvil to Hambanthota will be fairly rough at times. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
January 05, Colombo (LNW): Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is set to undergo significant restoration and improvement aimed at boosting visitor numbers and enhancing the tourist experience.
During a meeting chaired by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Prof. Euwan Ranasinghe, plans were shared to address critical infrastructure issues and improve visitor management.
Key initiatives include the restoration of Sigiriya’s ancient water lilies and the upgrade of its museum to meet global standards. These efforts seek to combine historical preservation with modern tourism amenities, ensuring Sigiriya becomes a leading example of sustainable cultural tourism.
The meeting involved representatives from key agencies such as the Tourism Promotion Bureau, the Forest Conservation Department, the Department of Archaeology, and senior officials from the Urban Development Authority and Central Cultural Fund.
The discussions focused on resolving key problems, including long ticket queues, inadequate facilities for rest and safety, poor lighting, and the lack of regulation for tour guides, all of which have negatively impacted the experience of both local and international visitors.
The proposed improvements include streamlining the ticketing process to reduce wait times for visitors. Additionally, safety measures will be enhanced by installing streetlights and upgrading first aid stations.
Rest areas will be created for visitors who are unable to climb Sigiriya, ensuring greater comfort. The signage throughout the site will be developed to be both clear and visually appealing, enriching the overall visitor experience.
Emergency shelters will be improved to effectively address concerns such as wasp attacks. Finally, the Sigiriya Museum will be renovated to align with international standards, highlighting the cultural significance of the site.
Collaboration with the Department of Archaeology will also focus on restoring historical features, including the ancient water lilies.
These proposed upgrades aim to tackle ongoing issues like insufficient facilities, traffic congestion, and unwelcoming security personnel, which have led to dissatisfaction despite high entry fees.
With these enhancements, the Ministry of Tourism aims to elevate Sigiriya to a top global destination that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
January 05, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh, as part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Economic Diplomacy Initiative, organized a high-impact trade, investment, and tourism promotion forum in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province on December 18, 2024.
Held at the Ashqariya Chamber of Commerce, the event aimed to showcase Sri Lanka’s export potential, investment opportunities, and tourism attractions to Saudi stakeholders. The forum also featured a catalogue exhibition, offering a closer look at Sri Lankan products and services, while emphasizing collaboration opportunities between the two countries.
The Vice Chairman of Ashqariya Chamber, Hamad Alamar, welcomed the initiative, commending the embassy for fostering economic cooperation and reaffirming the Chamber’s commitment to strengthening private-sector partnerships between Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ameer Ajwad, in his inaugural address, highlighted the deep-rooted historical trade ties and people-to-people connections between the two nations.
He underlined the vast, untapped potential for trade and investment collaboration and encouraged Saudi travel companies to capitalize on Sri Lanka’s booming tourism sector.
Stressing the need for improved information sharing and bilateral engagements, the ambassador called for regular forums like this to address the knowledge gap and facilitate stronger business-to-business (B2B) relationships.
The forum featured key presentations by prominent Sri Lankan institutions, including the Board of Investment (BOI), Export Development Board (EDB), Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, and Colombo Port City. These presentations offered in-depth insights into Sri Lanka’s trade, investment, and tourism sectors.
Chairman of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, Mangala Wijesinghe, virtually presented an overview of the country’s diverse export potential, focusing on key sectors relevant to Saudi investors. Acting Director of the Market Development Division, Saumya Kannangara, followed with detailed insights into each sector.
Buddhika Hewawasem, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, emphasized Sri Lanka’s appeal as a travel destination, citing global accolades that named it the “most desirable island” for tourism. Meanwhile, BOI Executive Director Prasanjith Wijayatilake highlighted investment incentives in sectors ranging from manufacturing to renewable energy, appealing directly to Saudi investors.
Colombo Port City (PCC) Executive Director, Shalaka Wijeyaratne, outlined lucrative investment opportunities within the Port City, a 269-hectare reclaimed land project serving as a multi-service Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
The event attracted a significant number of Saudi business leaders, providing a platform to explore trade, investment, and tourism opportunities in Sri Lanka. The accompanying catalogue exhibition facilitated direct engagement between Saudi participants and Sri Lankan businesses, paving the way for potential collaborations.
In a bilateral meeting held prior to the forum, Ambassador Ajwad met with Ashqariya Chamber Chairman Dr. Bader S. AlReziza, Vice Chairman Hamad Alamar, and Secretary General AbdulRahman bin Abdullah Al-Wabel. Discussions centered on enhancing economic ties, with senior embassy officials Mohamed Anas and Tashma Vithanawasem in attendance.
The forum concluded successfully, underscoring the potential for Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia to expand their partnership in trade, investment, and tourism.
January 05, Colombo (LNW): The government has made energy sector reform a top priority, focusing on reducing Sri Lanka’s notoriously high energy costs and expanding its renewable energy capacity.
As part of its ambitious plans for 2025, the country aims to increase its power generation capacity from 4,043 megawatts (MW) to 6,900 MW, with a significant emphasis on renewable energy sources.
The Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) is expected to add over 500 MW to the national grid within the next two years, contributing to this goal.
In addition, the government is constructing two natural gas plants, each with a capacity of 350 MW, which are anticipated to become operational between 2024 and 2025. By 2025, existing power plants will also be converted to run on natural gas, further diversifying the country’s energy mix.
To encourage the adoption of renewable energy, the government plans to periodically revise feed-in tariffs for small power plants and rooftop solar users. This move aims to create a more favorable environment for renewable energy producers.
Furthermore, a competitive procurement framework will be applied to streamline the integration of renewable energy projects into the national grid, ensuring efficient and cost-effective implementation.
Energy Minister Eng. Kumara Jayakody recently outlined these ambitious initiatives during a meeting with investors at the Ministry.
During the discussion, the Minister underscored the urgent need to address Sri Lanka’s high energy costs and provide energy at affordable rates.
He emphasized the importance of affordable energy in driving national development and highlighted the potential of renewable energy to unlock significant economic opportunities.
Minister Jayakody reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering private-sector participation in energy generation. He stated that the government is pursuing a balanced approach that benefits both the state and investors, assuring prompt solutions to investor concerns.
The meeting also brought together representatives from renewable energy institutions, who shared their perspectives on the challenges facing the sector. Issues such as regulatory barriers and operational delays were highlighted, but optimism remained high as SLSEA projects are expected to contribute over 500 MW to the national grid in the near future.
Recognizing the potential of these projects, Minister Jayakody directed government officials to expedite policy decisions and strengthen inter-agency collaboration to address bottlenecks.
He stressed the government’s commitment to achieving the country’s energy goals while ensuring that investor expectations are met, stating, “We are working to provide prompt solutions to problems and create an environment that supports investment.”
These reforms underscore Sri Lanka’s determination to transition to a more sustainable energy future while ensuring affordability and economic growth.
January 05, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan government has decided to revisit and amend the Sri Lanka Electricity Act No. 36 of 2024, which came into effect on June 27, 2024.
The act, aimed at restructuring the electricity sector, has faced criticism for potentially failing to achieve its intended objectives and for possibly imposing additional burdens on both the industry and consumers.
Key Objectives and Controversies
The law primarily seeks to restructure the state-run Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) into 14 independent corporate entities.
These entities would separately handle electricity generation, transmission, distribution, trade, supply, and procurement.
However, multiple stakeholders have raised concerns about the feasibility of this restructuring, questioning its alignment with the goals of creating a secure and sustainable electricity sector.
The Supreme Court intervened after the bill was contested, mandating that several provisions of the act would only take effect after the preparation and approval of crucial plans, including:the Preliminary Transfer Plan,the National Electricity Policy and National Tariff Policy, the Annual Power Procurement Plan and t he Long-Term Power System Development Plan
Cabinet’s Response and Committee Formation
In response to these concerns, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal by the Minister of Energy to appoint a 10-member committee to review the act and recommend amendments.
This initiative aims to address stakeholder concerns and ensure that the act supports a sustainable electricity sector without privatizing current assets.
The committee, chaired by Udayanga Hemapala, Secretary to the Ministry of Energy, includes experts from various fields, such as power system planning, engineering, state-owned enterprise restructuring, law, and finance. Pubudu Niroshan Hedigallage, Director General of the Power Sector Reforms Secretariat, will serve as the General Secretary, while Chandana Wijayasinghe, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Energy, will act as the Convener.
Members of the Committee
The appointed members bring a mix of academic, industry, and policy expertise, including:
Tilak Siyambalapitiya: Chairman of Ceylon Electricity Board
Janaka Aluthge: Representative from Lanka Electricity Company (LECO)
Athula Rajapakse: Professor, University of Manitoba, and contributor to the 2024 Energy Policy Framework
Lilantha Samaranayake: Dean, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya
Thushara Rathnayake and Indra Mahakalanda: Senior Lecturers, University of Moratuwa
Kosala Kamburadeniya: President-Elect 2024–25, Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL)
The committee is expected to deliver its recommendations within one month.
Government’s Commitment to Energy Reforms
The government, led by the ruling party, has reiterated its commitment to implementing comprehensive electricity sector reforms without privatizing existing assets. During its election campaign, it assured voters of lowering energy costs within a competitive, unbundled market.
The act, passed initially to fulfill conditions for an Asian Development Bank budget support loan, will now be reviewed to ensure it aligns with national objectives and stakeholder interests.
This review underscores the government’s focus on refining its policies to support a sustainable, affordable, and efficient electricity sector while addressing the concerns of various stakeholders.
January 05, Colombo (LNW): The Constitutional Council has officially endorsed the appointments of two distinguished High Court judges, K.M. Sarath Dissanayake and Pradeep Hettiarachchi, to the Court of Appeal.
The nominations, which were submitted for approval by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, have now been confirmed, marking a significant move in the country’s judicial landscape.
Both judges, who are currently the most senior serving members of the High Court, have built distinguished careers and are widely respected for their expertise and impartiality.
Judge Dissanayake and Judge Hettiarachchi are expected to take their oaths as members of the Court of Appeal in the coming week, following the formal approval process.
This development comes as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen the judiciary and ensure that highly qualified and experienced judges continue to serve in key positions within the country’s legal framework.
With their wealth of experience in handling complex cases, the two new appointees are expected to bring valuable insight and stability to the Court of Appeal.
January 05, World (LNW): Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur behind companies like Tesla and SpaceX, is no stranger to controversy.
Whilst he has undoubtedly revolutionised industries and become a global icon, his public statements and behaviour have sparked frequent outrage.
Musk’s comments and actions have often crossed the line, drawing criticism for their blatant disregard for sensitive issues and marginalised communities.
From downplaying the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic to making derogatory remarks about vulnerable groups, Musk has demonstrated an alarming tendency to disregard social responsibility.
One of the most glaring examples of Musk’s controversial remarks came in 2020 when he downplayed the risks of COVID-19. Whilst the world was scrambling to contain the virus, Musk infamously called the panic overblown, referred to lockdowns as “fascist,” and falsely claimed that children were “essentially immune” to the virus.
His reckless statements not only put his employees and followers at risk, but they also undermined scientific consensus, contributing to the culture of misinformation that continues to hinder the global response to the pandemic.
Musk’s behaviour in this period exemplified a pattern of self-serving rhetoric that prioritised his business interests over public safety.
Equally disturbing are Musk’s comments on race, gender, and other sensitive topics. On multiple occasions, he has made remarks that many have found disparaging towards minority groups. For example, in 2020, Musk made a dismissive comment about the #MeToo movement, suggesting that it was being used as an “excuse” by some women.
His remarks trivialised the very real struggles of survivors of sexual harassment and assault, demonstrating a lack of empathy for those fighting against a deeply ingrained societal issue.
Musk has also faced criticism for the lack of diversity and inclusion within his companies. Despite claiming to support equality, Tesla has been sued multiple times for allegations of racial discrimination and harassment within its workforce, with reports detailing instances of racial slurs, unfair treatment, and a hostile work environment for Black employees.
Musk’s attitude towards workers and the treatment of labourers further compounds his troubling behaviour. In 2021, he mocked the United Auto Workers (UAW), an influential labour union, with a tweet that many viewed as dismissive and derogatory.
His dismissal of unions and workers’ rights is a stark reminder of his commitment to consolidating power and wealth whilst disregarding the well-being of those who contribute to his success.
Workers at Tesla have reported long hours, hazardous conditions, and pressure to meet production quotas, with little to no regard for their personal safety. Musk’s cavalier attitude towards his employees reflects a broader pattern of prioritising profits over people.
Then, there are his bizarre, often offensive remarks on social media. Musk has frequently used X (formerly Twitter) to share polarising opinions that have raised eyebrows. In 2018, he made a baseless accusation of “pedo guy” against a British diver who helped rescue a Thai soccer team trapped in a cave.
The unfounded insult was not only slanderous, but it also revealed Musk’s propensity to lash out at critics in a deeply immature and irresponsible way. Such incidents highlight the danger of a man with immense power using his platform to target and defame individuals without any regard for the consequences.
Despite his demonstrated interest against child abuse, Musk’s almighty X is now a public platform shamelessly promoting pornographic content featuring minors in disguise of “free-speech”.
Perhaps most disturbing is Musk’s dismissal of transgender rights. He has been criticised for mocking gender pronouns and referring to people who use them as “weird”. His remarks sparked outrage amongst the transgender community, many of whom already face immense discrimination and hostility.
He disowned his transgender daughter by lying on public record that he was “tricked into signing papers” and dismissing the belief that she is a woman. Vivian Wilson, who is now 21, responded to her father’s claim stating that she is “legally recognised as a woman in the state of California” she does not concern herself with the opinions of those who are below her.
Musk’s attitude towards gender identity further reflects a lack of understanding and empathy for a marginalised group that is already under siege in many parts of the world. Instead of using his platform to educate and promote inclusivity, he chose to belittle those fighting for their right to exist freely.
Opening the dialogue of marginalisation based on diverse sexual identities, Musk has never been an open heart for the queer struggle. In fact, he once pinkwashed far-right German political party Alternative for Germany (AfD) by claiming that its co-Chair Alice Weidel is a woman who lives with her “same-sex Sri Lankan partner” in what he described as non-Hitleric and contradictory to far-right ideologies.
Calling Weidel’s partner, who is a Swiss citizen, “Sri Lankan” demonstrates a much sinister fume of the far-right policies unleashed before immigrants by the Trump administration.
Musk’s behaviour and rhetoric are undeniably problematic. Whilst his contributions to the tech industry are remarkable, they do not excuse the harm caused by his public persona.
His tendency to trivialise serious issues, dismiss marginalised voices, and spread misinformation highlights a dangerous disregard for the greater good.
It is time for Musk to recognise that true leadership goes beyond financial success; it requires accountability, empathy, and a commitment to making the world a better place for everyone, not just the privileged few.
January 05, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to hold a crucial meeting with the Attorney General (AG) tomorrow (06) to discuss the ongoing progress of several high-profile legal cases, according to sources.
The meeting is expected to focus on the status of various controversial and sensitive cases that have captured significant public attention in recent months.
The discussion is likely to delve into the challenges faced by the legal system, particularly in handling complex criminal cases, with both the President and the Attorney General addressing key concerns regarding the speed and efficiency of legal proceedings.
This meeting comes at a time when the country is grappling with increasing public interest in the outcomes of certain high-stakes cases, which involve serious criminal allegations and significant political implications.
One of the key promises made by the current regime upon its coming is serving justice to these long-overdue unresolved criminal cases.
In addition to discussing the specific cases, it is anticipated that the President and the Attorney General will also explore potential reforms and improvements to the legal and judicial processes to ensure that justice is served fairly and promptly.
January 05, Colombo (LNW): Recent reports circulating on social media have raised concerns about a rise in respiratory illnesses in northern China, particularly amongst children.
In response, Sri Lanka’s Health Promotion Bureau has provided an official update to clarify the situation and reassure the public.
According to Chinese health officials, the uptick in cases is linked to common respiratory viruses, including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and human metapneumovirus (HMPV).
Importantly, there has been no indication of any new or unusual pathogens behind the spike in cases, and these illnesses are being classified as part of seasonal trends.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has acknowledged that this increase is neither unexpected nor alarming, noting that similar patterns have been observed globally in different regions during this time of year.
Chinese authorities have further reassured the public, stating that the current surge in cases is less severe compared to previous years, and the healthcare system is effectively managing the patient influx.
Hospitals are reported to be coping well with the demand, and there is no evidence to suggest a more serious health threat.
In Sri Lanka, the situation is being closely monitored by local health authorities. Whilst there has been no direct impact on public health here, the Ministry of Health continues to stay updated on international developments to ensure the safety and well-being of the population.
Sri Lankan health experts stress that there is no cause for alarm, as the country has not witnessed any significant rise in similar respiratory illnesses thus far.
Public health officials are also reminding citizens to follow basic hygiene practices such as handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and maintaining good respiratory etiquette, especially during flu season, as a precautionary measure.
