January 02, Colombo (LNW): In a pioneering step towards transforming Sri Lanka’s technological landscape, Singer Sri Lanka has launched the country’s first AI-powered smart electronics store in collaboration with Samsung. The Samsung SmartThings store, located on Level 3 of One Galle Face Mall, aims to reshape the way Sri Lankans engage with AI-driven technology and smart living solutions.
The launch event, held on December 17, 2024, marked a significant milestone in the enduring partnership between Singer Sri Lanka and Samsung. The occasion was attended by key figures including Hayleys PLC Chairman Mohan Pandithage, Samsung Sri Lanka Managing Director SangHwa Song, and Singer Group CEO Mahesh Wijewardene, reflecting the strong commitment of both companies to technological innovation.
The Singer-Samsung SmartThings store offers a wide array of AI-powered devices, targeting tech-savvy consumers. Featuring everything from Samsung smart TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, and Galaxy smartphones to advanced home automation systems, the store is dedicated to enhancing lifestyles with the latest technology. This initiative aligns with Singer’s mission to elevate Sri Lankans’ living experiences through smarter, more connected solutions.
Singer Group CEO Mahesh Wijewardene emphasized the importance of the partnership with Samsung, stating: “Our goal has always been to bring the best global innovations to Sri Lanka. The launch of the Samsung SmartThings store reflects our vision of delivering intelligent solutions that enrich everyday life. We are proud to lead the way in transforming how technology enhances homes and lifestyles.”
Samsung Sri Lanka Managing Director SangHwa Song also shared his excitement about the launch, saying: “We are thrilled to introduce the Samsung SmartThings experience to Sri Lanka for the first time. This store represents our shared vision with Singer to drive innovation and improve lives through smarter solutions. Together, we aim to set a new standard in smart living.”
The store is designed to offer an immersive experience, allowing customers to explore and interact with the full potential of Samsung’s smart ecosystem, catering to the needs of consumers who value connected living.
The opening of the Samsung SmartThings store underscores the forward-thinking approach of both Singer Sri Lanka and Samsung, reinforcing their commitment to bringing cutting-edge technology to Sri Lanka and enhancing the lives of its people.
January 02, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) yesterday announced the appointment of Vindhya Jayasekera as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO)-designate, effective 1 January 2025.
Jayasekera will succeed the incumbent CEO Rajeeva Bandaranaike, who is due to retire during the course of 2025 after serving for 11 years in that capacity.
Jayasekera brings over two decades of extensive experience in capital markets, encompassing both buy-side and sell-side expertise across the investment banking and asset management industries.
Prior to her appointment at the CSE, she served as the Chief Investment Officer at NDB Wealth Management Ltd., where she led the asset management division, overseeing assets under management exceeding Rs. 380 billion.
During her tenure, she managed over Rs. 100 billion in mutual fund assets across eight funds with diverse risk-return profiles, incorporating investments in Treasury bills, bonds, debentures, corporate debt, and equity instruments.
Her career in finance began at NDB Investment Bank, and from the outset, she was an integral part of the teams that contributed to the successful execution of the two largest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the history of the CSE at the time.
Jayasekera was also selected as a Summer Associate at Lehman Brothers, USA, in 2007, under the prestigious ‘Fulbright–Lehman Brothers Outstanding New Leaders in Finance’ scholarship program.
In addition to her professional roles, Jayasekera serves as a visiting lecturer and resource person for many prominent academic and professional institutions, including the University of Colombo, the Financial Services Academy of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC), and the Centre for Banking Studies of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. She delivers lectures on financial markets and related subject areas.
Jayasekera is a CFA Charter holder and a certified Financial Risk Manager (FRM) accredited by the Global Association of Risk Professionals.
She is also an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (ACMA) and holds the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation.
She is a recipient of the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship, under which she earned her Master of Science in Finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA, graduating with a medal for academic excellence.
Her academic foundation was established at the University of Moratuwa, where she graduated with First Class Honours in Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.
January 02, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka experienced a month-on-month (M-o-M) decline in both exports and imports in November 2024, although year-on-year (YoY) and cumulative figures showed growth, according to the latest data released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).
Exports: A Marginal YoY Decline
Merchandise export earnings totaled $994 million in November, down from $1.15 billion in October. This represents a marginal YoY decrease of 0.5%, largely due to reduced mineral and industrial exports, despite an increase in agricultural exports. Cumulatively, export earnings for the first 11 months of 2024 amounted to $11.67 billion, up from $10.9 billion in the same period of 2023.
The decline in export earnings in November 2024 compared to November 2023 was primarily driven by lower export prices. The export volume index increased by 2.5%, but the unit value index dropped by 2.9%.
Notably, petroleum product exports surged by 27% to $70 million due to higher volumes, while agricultural exports grew by 6% to $228 million, supported by increased volumes of spices, tea, and coconut-based products. However, mineral exports plummeted by 91% to $1.5 million.
Imports: Higher YoY but Lower M-o-M
Imports in November amounted to $1.49 billion, down from $1.7 billion in October. However, YoY, imports grew by 7.7%, benefiting from a low base in November 2023. For the first 11 months of 2024, cumulative import value rose to $16.9 billion, up from $15.3 billion in the same period of 2023.
The increase in import expenditure was driven by higher volumes, as indicated by an 8.9% rise in the import volume index, despite a 1% decline in the unit value index. Spending on consumer goods jumped by 20.5% YoY to $319.6 million, driven by higher imports of food items like edible oils and non-food items such as clothing and home appliances.
Intermediate goods imports grew by 6% to $920 million, with significant contributions from textiles, wheat, and machinery parts. Investment goods imports saw a marginal rise of 0.3% to $256 million, driven by transport equipment.
Trade Deficit Widening
The merchandise trade deficit widened to $502 million in November 2024, compared to $390 million a year earlier, driven by increased import expenditure and marginally lower export earnings. The cumulative deficit for the first 11 months of 2024 reached $5.24 billion, up from $4.4 billion in the same period of 2023.
Terms of Trade and Outlook
The terms of trade deteriorated by 1.9% in November 2024, as declining export prices outpaced the decline in import prices. Despite the challenges, cumulative growth in exports and imports suggests a recovering trade environment, though with ongoing pressures on the trade balance.
January 02, Colombo (LNW): The recently signed Sri Lanka-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) promises significant opportunities to enhance business relations between the two nations.
At the Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka-Thailand Business Council, Thai Ambassador Paitoon Mahapannaporn emphasized the need for Sri Lanka to diversify its exports and increase investment to maximize the FTA’s benefits.
Delivering the keynote address on “Opportunities in Business Interactions between Thailand and Sri Lanka,” Ambassador Mahapannaporn underscored Sri Lanka’s strategic role as a trade hub.
He reiterated his commitment to fostering stronger economic and cultural ties, noting the historical connection between the two countries, rooted in shared religious and cultural heritage.
The FTA, signed in February 2024, aims to eliminate tariffs on 85% of products traded between the two countries over six years.
This agreement is projected to increase bilateral trade volume to over $300 million by 2025. However, challenges remain, as some goods will face phased duty reductions over extended timelines of up to 16 years.
For example, apparel, one of Sri Lanka’s key exports, will not immediately enjoy duty-free access.To overcome these barriers, Ambassador Mahapannaporn stressed the importance of diversifying Sri Lanka’s export base.
The country could benefit by producing high-quality products that meet Thailand’s demand for items like electrical machinery, equipment, and parts.
Additionally, strengthening global value chains and attracting export-oriented investments will be crucial. By reducing business costs and enhancing trade facilitation, Sri Lanka can position itself as a competitive trading partner.
From an investment perspective, Thailand offers a business-friendly environment, advanced infrastructure, and attractive incentive packages for various industries, including manufacturing and services.
Key sectors identified for mutual collaboration include clean technology, agro-processing, smart electronics, automotive manufacturing, medical and wellness, digital industries, and creative sectors.
Thai businesses are encouraged to explore opportunities in Sri Lanka, particularly in areas such as food processing, textiles, automotive components, and electronics.
Currently, Sri Lankan investments in Thailand span sectors like medical gloves, activated carbon, and logistics, while Thai investments in Sri Lanka include textiles, cement, food, and hospitality. Post-FTA,
Sri Lankan investors could explore manufacturing opportunities in Thailand, particularly in rubber, textiles, and locomotives. Conversely, Thai investors may consider entering Sri Lanka’s fruit and food processing, dental and pharmaceutical equipment, and electronics sectors.
To further strengthen bilateral economic ties, the Royal Thai Embassy, along with the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, is organizing a collaborative event in February 2025 titled “Business Opportunities between Thailand and Sri Lanka: Food, Agriculture, and Health for Sustainable Prosperity and Well-being.”
The event will include consultative meetings, study visits, and business matchmaking in food, agriculture, and health sectors. These activities aim to encourage joint ventures, business networking, and advisory collaborations. Ambassador Mahapannaporn expressed optimism about the future, emphasizing the vast potential for both countries to deepen their economic partnership. By leveraging the FTA and fostering cooperation in high-growth sectors, Sri Lanka and Thailand can achieve sustainable prosperity and well-being.
January 02, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Police have introduced the e-Traffic mobile application, a state-of-the-art tool designed to curb traffic violations and promote road safety under the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative.
The app was inaugurated on January 1, 2025, by Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasuriya at a ceremony held at Police Headquarters.
The e-Traffic app enables citizens to report traffic violations and related incidents in real time. Users can submit photos or videos of offenses using the app’s Camera and Video functions, with reports directly sent to Police Headquarters for prompt action.
Accessible via the E-services section of the official Sri Lanka Police website (www.police.lk), the app provides a streamlined process for documenting and addressing traffic offenses.
With coverage across 607 police stations nationwide, traffic officers will respond to complaints submitted through the app. The Police Headquarters will oversee investigations, assign cases to relevant divisions, and monitor progress to ensure transparency and efficiency.
The e-Traffic app offers several benefits to both law enforcement and the public. It empowers citizens to actively participate in law enforcement by reporting traffic violations, crimes, and even environmental damage, fostering a sense of civic responsibility.
The app allows users to report incidents quickly and accurately by uploading multimedia evidence, which enhances the response time of authorities.
Additionally, the shift to digital reporting reduces paperwork, centralizes data, and facilitates coordination between police departments.
The availability of verifiable digital evidence minimizes corruption within law enforcement and ensures accountability in handling complaints.
Furthermore, the app encourages better compliance with laws by creating a deterrent effect, as individuals become aware of the ease with which violations can be reported. It also supports sustainability efforts by enabling citizens to report environmental damage.
However, the implementation of the app is not without its challenges. There are concerns about privacy violations, as photos and videos submitted by users could inadvertently invade the privacy of others.
The platform might also be misused for false accusations or personal grievances, potentially overwhelming law enforcement with frivolous complaints.
Limited access to smartphones and internet connectivity may exclude rural or low-income populations, and a lack of technological literacy among certain demographics could hinder widespread adoption.
Some citizens might hesitate to use the app due to fear of retaliation or skepticism about its effectiveness.
Moreover, the police will require adequate resources to review and act on reports, which could strain existing personnel and infrastructure. If not managed efficiently, delays in responding to complaints could erode public trust in the system.
There is also a risk that sensitive user data could be compromised without robust cybersecurity measures, and legal complications could arise from misreporting or defamatory complaints.
Despite these potential drawbacks, the e-Traffic app represents a significant step forward in using technology to improve public safety, enhance governance, and engage citizens in creating a safer and more sustainable Sri Lanka.
January 02, Colombo (LNW): Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe held a significant meeting today at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar, Kathmandu.
The discussions primarily focused on strengthening the bilateral relations between Nepal and Sri Lanka, along with various areas of mutual interest, according to reports from foreign media.
The meeting was attended by prominent figures, including Binod Chaudhary, a member of the Nepalese House of Representatives and an industrialist.
Chaudhary’s presence added an economic perspective to the discussions, which are expected to play a pivotal role in fostering closer ties between the two nations.
Wickremesinghe, who has maintained a longstanding friendship with Prime Minister Oli, arrived in Nepal on December 28, 2024, for a private visit. Today marks his departure from Nepal, concluding his brief visit.
January 02, Colombo (LNW): Kusal Janith Perera’s dazzling century powered Sri Lanka to a thrilling seven-run victory over New Zealand in the third and final T20I in Nelson on Thursday.
The remarkable knock not only secured the win but also ensured Sri Lanka’s first T20I triumph in New Zealand since 2006, although the hosts ultimately claimed the series 2-1.
New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that saw Sri Lanka post a formidable total of 218/5 in their allotted 20 overs.
Perera’s blistering innings took centre stage as he tore into the New Zealand bowlers, scoring a career-best 101 runs from just 46 balls.
His remarkable knock, which included 13 boundaries and four sixes, made him the fastest Sri Lankan player to reach a century in T20 internationals.
Chasing the steep target of 219, New Zealand fought valiantly but fell agonisingly short, finishing their innings at 211/7.
Despite some powerful batting from the hosts, Sri Lanka’s bowlers remained calm under pressure and held their nerve to secure the narrow victory.
January 02, World (LNW): In a shocking act of violence committed yesterday (01), a deadly attack unfolded on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, leaving at least ten dead and dozens injured.
The attacker, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Texas, was linked to the extremist organisation ISIS, and the FBI is treating the incident as an act of terrorism.
The attack, involving a rented pickup truck and potential IEDs, was swiftly condemned, with authorities conducting an aggressive investigation into any further threats.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell speaks to reporters about the Bourbon Street attack in the early hours of January 1 [Gerald Herbert/AP Photo]
Yet, a stark contrast emerged when another incident, a deadly explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, occurred on the same day, revealing a disturbing and hypocritical response from the same political circles.
Photo: BBC
The explosion outside the Trump property involved a Tesla Cybertruck that was rented on the app Turo. It exploded while parked near the hotel, resulting in the death of the driver and minor injuries to several bystanders.
Although authorities confirmed the presence of fireworks-style mortars, gasoline canisters, and camping fuel canisters in the truck’s bed, law enforcement were quick to dismiss the idea of a broader terrorist threat.
The initial investigation pointed to the vehicle’s explosives, but there was no concrete evidence linking it to any organised group.
In the wake of this, the far-right narrative took an incredibly polarising turn. Instead of calling it an isolated event, or attributing it to a possible disgruntled individual as they would when violence is carried out by white perpetrators, the far-right swiftly embraced a narrative of terrorism, accusing shadowy “terrorist forces” of orchestrating the explosion, despite the lack of any definitive proof.
Authorities are investigating a Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump Las Vegas hotel in Nevada, Jan. 1, 2025 | Photo: ABC News
As the investigation continued, certain factions of the far-right pushed the theory that the explosion was an act of terrorism orchestrated by “external forces”, possibly with “a connection” to the attack in New Orleans.
This claim emerged despite the absence of any credible evidence tying the explosion to any terrorist organisation. The narrative pushed by far-right politicians and media outlets, including some close to Trump himself, was that the mass media was attempting to cover up the true nature of the attack, potentially even blaming Tesla or misrepresenting the facts.
Some insisted that the explosion, rather than an individual act, was part of a coordinated effort to target Trump properties, elevating the entire situation into a grand conspiracy.
When the attacker in New Orleans is linked to an Islamist extremist group, the label of “terrorist” is readily applied. Yet, when the violence involves white individuals, often with no known ties to organised groups, the fault is carefully swept away from their shoulders and put on “external forces.”
The glaring double standard fuels a broader agenda, with far-right politicians eager to point fingers at “illegal immigrants” or Muslims while excusing or even minimising crimes committed by their own constituents.
The racial and political dimensions of this narrative are undeniable. In the case of Jabbar, despite his affiliation with ISIS, the far-right quickly pointed to the need to tighten immigration policies, tying the violence to the perceived “threat” of foreign nationals.
But when violence erupts amongst white Americans, there is a refusal to label it as part of a broader problem. In fact, violence is often recast as an individual anomaly or the result of mental instability rather than a product of any organised ideology or political movement, or in this case, the works of an external force, further harbouring xenophobic ideologies.
This hypocrisy not only perpetuates xenophobic ideologies but also distorts the way terrorism and violence are understood in the United States. The far-right’s selective outrage strengthens harmful stereotypes and promotes an environment where the threat of violence is skewed to fit a political agenda.
This manipulation of the facts is another glaring example of the far-right’s selective and racially charged responses to violence. When an attack is carried out by someone with ties to a foreign extremist organisation or linked to a minority group, the far-right has no hesitation in immediately labelling it an act of terrorism.
Authorities are investigating a Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump Las Vegas hotel in Nevada, Jan. 1, 2025 | Photo: ABC News
However, when violence is befallen the hands of a white American individual, or in this case a white American associated with no known extremist group, the far-right is more likely to deny that it fits the definition of terrorism. Instead, it is quickly written off as “a conspiracy,” often with vague references to the involvement of external forces, despite lacking credible evidence.
This hypocrisy serves a broader agenda, one that attempts to link terrorism with non-white, non-American individuals, while simultaneously excusing similar acts when they are committed by white individuals.
White perpetrators are often treated with kid gloves, their actions framed as aberrations rather than systemic issues, while the violence committed by people of colour, particularly immigrants, is exaggerated and used as fuel for further demonisation.
The far-right has become adept at cherry-picking narratives to fit a prejudiced worldview, creating a toxic political climate in which certain lives and experiences are valued more than others.
The Trump administration’s history of labelling immigrants as “terrorists” and terrorists as “immigrants” has only exacerbated this divide. When the attacker is white by all accounts, the response is vague and non-committal.
When the perpetrator is of a different background, particularly if they are of colour or linked to a foreign organisation, there is an immediate rush to associate the act with terrorism and reinforce the narrative that immigrants are a threat to national security.
This demonisation of people based on their ethnicity, religion, or immigration status feeds into far-right populism and fuels extremist ideologies, while the same violent acts committed by white Americans are conveniently ignored or downplayed.
Cybertruck is the #1 most American-made full size pickup truck with 65% of its parts coming from the US/Canada and 90% coming from North America as a whole, double that of a gas powered Ford F-150. https://t.co/hAWWo9Bypl
Another significant occurrence involves the misinterpretation of Ella Cockbain’s research about sex offenders, by which her dissemination of data from five major on-street grooming investigations is depicted as a stance for non-White individuals being most involved in rape. Cockbain does not claim that 96 per cent of rape gang offenders are non-White or that 80 per cent are Pakistani, but discusses the investigations where 83 per cent of the suspects charged were Asian Pakistani, 11 per cent were another Asian ethnicity, and 6 per cent were white British. This was from a limited dataset and not generalised to all cases of child sexual exploitation (CSE) in the UK.
Cockbain’s articles and research focus on the complexity of sexual exploitation targetting minors, the dangers of racialised narratives, and the need for evidence-based discussions rather than promoting stereotypes. The accusation of “academic dishonesty” based on these claims is not substantiated by the referenced materials.
What is clear is that this selective interpretation of violence serves to maintain an environment where far-right politicians can exploit fear and prejudice for political gain.
It forces us to confront the disturbing reality that racism and Islamophobia are not simply side effects of this toxic political climate but are central to its design.
Until this hypocrisy is recognised and addressed, the far-right will continue to manipulate tragedies for political purposes, perpetuating division and inequality across the United States.
January 02, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Trade, Commerce, and Food Security has confirmed that the procurement of paddy for the upcoming Maha season will begin after the 20th of this month.
This move is part of a broader strategy to secure sufficient rice supplies and stabilise the market.
Deputy Minister of Trade, R.M. Jayawardana, outlined that the government is focused on bolstering its rice reserves and expanding the distribution of rice through Lanka Sathosa, the country’s largest retail network.
This initiative aims to ensure that rice remains affordable and accessible to the public throughout the year.
In an effort to support local farmers and strengthen the agricultural sector, the government is also planning to purchase a larger quantity of paddy than in previous years.
This will provide farmers with a guaranteed market for their produce while helping to secure a stable supply of rice for domestic consumption.
Additionally, the Ministry is set to invest in the renovation and utilisation of rice storage facilities that have been left unused in recent years.
By improving these facilities, the government aims to increase the efficiency of rice storage and reduce wastage, further strengthening the country’s food security infrastructure.
Investigations have revealed potential misuse of Rs. 28 billion allocated to the Paddy Marketing Board in recent years, the Deputy Minister further disclosed.
These financial irregularities are currently under investigation, with the authorities pledging that they are committed to ensuring accountability and transparency moving forward.
January 02, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Finance and Planning has announced the successful completion of the distribution of the Rs. 6,000 stationery allowance to students from families receiving welfare benefits.
More than 1.1 million students across the country have benefited from this initiative, which aimed to ease the financial burden of purchasing essential school supplies, according to Deputy Minister of Finance Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma.
The government allocated a total of Rs. 6.5 billion for this programme, marking a significant investment in supporting students from low-income families.
The allowance was designed to help ensure that these students have the necessary materials to fully participate in their education, regardless of their family’s financial situation.
With the completion of the distribution, the government has reiterated its commitment to enhancing access to education and providing essential support to vulnerable communities, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed in their studies.
