Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejects US accusations linking Tehran to a plot to harm former President Donald Trump and attack Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka: dismisses the allegations as a fabricated attempt to create distrust between the two nations: emphasises Iran’s commitment to diplomacy and rejected any interest in nuclear weapons, calling for mutual confidence-building efforts.
The Supreme Court grants Additional Solicitor General Nerin Pulle’s request for time to determine President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s stance on appointing Deshabandu Tennakoon as Inspector General of Police (IGP): This request was made during a petition hearing by eight parties, including Archbishop of Colombo, HE Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, challenging the appointment: The next hearing is scheduled for February 24-25, 2025.
The National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF) warns the public about a rise in Sri Lankans being trafficked to cyber scam centres in Myanmar, particularly those in the UAE: Traffickers lure IT professionals with promises of high-paying jobs, only to coerce them into working illegally under harsh conditions: advises against illegal migration and encourages reporting suspicious activities to safeguard vulnerable individuals.
Campaigning for the 2024 General Elections ended at midnight on November 11, initiating a 48-hour “silent period”: The National Election Commission instructs media to adhere to guidelines, allowing election-related coverage only on November 12 but banning it on November 13 and 14: The election is set for Thursday, November 14.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) initiates an investigation into claims from a ‘Channel 4’ documentary on the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, following a complaint to the Ministry of Public Security: Former Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pilleyan is set to give a statement on November 12.
The government holds discussions to explore relief measures for struggling SMEs before the Parate law’s debt recovery suspension expires on December 15: Led by the Senior Additional Secretary for Finance, officials from the Finance Ministry, Central Bank, and Banks’ Association discussed SME loan challenges: A report on SME loans will inform future support measures, with banks evaluating further debt recovery suspensions.
The Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court directs authorities to record statements from 18 former Cabinet Ministers over alleged importation and distribution of substandard drugs to government hospitals: The inquiry centres on claims that the drugs failed to meet safety and quality standards, implicating ministers who approved their procurement and distribution during their tenure.
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) announces changes to its trading hours for November 14 2024, the day of the Parliamentary Election: The market will close early, with trading scheduled from 09.30 am to 12.30 pm: Regular trading hours will resume on Monday, November 18, 2024.
During a visit to Katunayake Airport, Civil Aviation Minister Vijitha Herath addresses issues affecting staff and services: Key actions included restoring a Rs. 50,000 allowance for employees, creating a 24/7 unit for real-time flight delay updates, and improving uniform quality for security staff: engages with employees, committing to work with authorities for effective solutions.
The Intermediate Weightlifting Championship 2024, held at the National Sports Complex in Torrington from 08 to 10 November, saw the SLAF Women’s Team crowned champions and the Men’s Team securing runner-up: Aircraftman Sandeepa GAC and Aircraftwoman Chathurani MHD were named ‘Best Lifter’ in their respective categories: The event featured weightlifting clubs across Sri Lanka, including tri-forces teams, competing for top honours.
November 11, Colombo (LNW): Pelwatte Dairy Industries Ltd., a pioneer in Sri Lanka’s dairy industry, has reached new heights in its commitment to product quality with the acquisition of the advanced FOSS FT3 machine and the achievement of the prestigious FSSC 22000 V6.0 Certification.
These significant developments underscore Pelwatte’s dedication to maintaining high standards in dairy production and reinforcing its leadership in the sector.
The introduction of the FOSS FT3 machine marks a major milestone for Pelwatte, as it becomes the first company in Sri Lanka to utilize this cutting-edge technology.
This state-of-the-art equipment enhances the precision of dairy testing by simultaneously analyzing critical parameters such as fat, protein, lactose, and up to 30 adulteration factors.
This ensures that every batch of dairy products meets rigorous international standards, ultimately improving both taste and nutritional quality.
In addition to boosting testing accuracy and efficiency, the FOSS FT3 machine reduces testing time, minimizes human error, and aligns with Pelwatte’s focus on sustainable practices. Its ability to minimize wastage reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility.
Furthermore, Pelwatte has earned the FSSC 22000 V6.0 Certification, a globally recognized standard for food safety management systems.
This certification affirms the company’s adherence to the highest international standards in food safety, quality, and consistency. It highlights Pelwatte’s continued focus on maintaining rigorous product safety protocols and elevates the brand’s reputation in the global dairy market.
Pelwatte’s integration of innovative technology and commitment to industry-leading food safety practices are setting new benchmarks for dairy production in Sri Lanka.
These advancements serve as a model for local producers, encouraging them to adopt similar innovations to improve their operations. Pelwatte’s leadership is also contributing to the growth of the local economy by expanding production capacity and creating new job opportunities.
The company’s journey toward these achievements began with the establishment of its Quality Assurance (QA) Department, which has consistently implemented global best practices in quality control. Over the years, Pelwatte has invested heavily in advanced technology and partnered with international leaders in the field.
Akmal Wickramanayake, Managing Director of Pelwatte Dairy, commented on the company’s latest advancements: “Introducing the FOSS FT3 machine ensures that every batch of our dairy products undergoes rigorous testing, guaranteeing the highest quality.
This also helps us reduce inconsistencies and speed up product approval, delivering fresher and safer products to consumers.”
Since its founding in 2006, Pelwatte Dairy has built a reputation for innovation, quality, and sustainability.
The company’s extensive product range includes full cream milk powder, butter, yogurt, ice cream, and more, all produced to the highest standards. Pelwatte is also committed to supporting local farmers and contributing to the growth of Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector.
November 11, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan Airlines has received widespread praise for its powerful advertisement promoting the “Ramayana Trail,” a journey through the island’s landmarks linked to the ancient Hindu epic.
The five-minute commercial tells the story of the Ramayana through the eyes of a grandmother narrating to her grandson from a children’s book.
As the story unfolds, the young boy asks about the island where the demon king Ravana kidnapped Sita. The grandmother explains that the kingdom of Ravana was located in what is now Sri Lanka.
The ad highlights several significant locations tied to the Ramayana, such as Ravana’s Cave near Ella, where Sita is believed to have been held captive, and the Seetha Amman Temple, also known as the Ashok Vatika Sita Temple, which is maintained by the Indian Tamil community in Sri Lanka.
The commercial also references the famous Ram Setu (Adam’s Bridge), a chain of natural limestone shoals connecting India and Sri Lanka. When the grandson inquires whether the bridge is still visible, the grandmother affirms that it can still be seen today.
Additionally, the ad touches on the legend of Hanuman’s journey to retrieve the Sanjeevani herb to save Lakshman. It highlights Rumassala Hill, believed to be a fragment of the mountain that Hanuman dropped along his way, as a site of special significance.
The area is known for its unique medicinal herbs, believed to have been carried by the monkey god himself.
The advertisement has resonated deeply with viewers on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where users praised the airline’s effort to promote Sri Lanka as a destination for spiritual and historical tourism. “What an outstanding advertisement.
It will really appeal to many people to visit Sri Lanka,” commented one user. Another expressed, “Such a spectacular ad. Got goosebumps watching it. Our tourism sector needs to learn from this.”
Many viewers also expressed excitement about visiting Sri Lanka, with one person saying, “Sri Lanka will be my next big trip. When I went to Bali, I was mesmerized by its hospitality, beauty, and heritage.”In an era where tourism campaigns are vying for attention, Sri Lankan Airlines’ innovative and culturally rich advertisement offers an engaging way to connect the country’s ancient past with modern-day travel experiences, potentially boosting interest in the region’s historical and spiritual sites.
November 11, Colombo (LNW): Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL) is moving forward with the Bandaranaike International Airport Development Project (BIADP) Phase II Stage 2 under the new administration.
AASL has signed an amended contract for the ongoing Design and Post Design Consultancy Services related to this phase. The contract was formalized on November 1, 2024, between AASL and the joint venture of Japan Airport Consultants, Inc. and Nippon Koei Co., Ltd.
This project, funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), aims to further develop the passenger terminal and related infrastructure at Sri Lanka’s busiest airport.
AASL is in the process of procuring contractors to complete the remaining scope of work, which includes the Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) and other associated developments.
The signing ceremony for the contract amendment was attended by prominent figures, including Air Chief Marshal (Retd.) Harsha Abeywickrema, Chairman of AASL; Mr. Kenji Murayama, Director at Japan Airport Consultants; Mr. Kenichi Furubayashi, General Manager of Nippon Koei; Eng. Asitha Karunaratne, Head of Projects at AASL; and other officials.
The Cabinet Appointed Procurement Committee (CAPC) has invited bids for the completion of the BIADP Phase II Stage 2, focusing on Package ‘A1’, which includes the PTB and related infrastructure works.
The scope of this development includes constructing a new Main Terminal Building (MTB), two additional piers (No. 2 and No. 3), and infrastructure such as elevated roadways, power supply systems, sewage disposal, and water management. The construction phase is expected to take 30 months.
AASL officials confirmed that bidders for the Package ‘A1’ contract will need to use materials and equipment already procured by the former contractor. A site inspection of these materials will take place on 4 October 2024 at the Consultant’s office in Katunayake.
The original project cost was estimated at Rs. 106 billion when it began in December 2020, but it was delayed due to the country’s economic crisis, leaving only 6% of the work completed.
The funding for this continuation will come from an existing loan from JICA, with the Sri Lankan government seeking additional financial support through JICA’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) loans.
The bidding process follows JICA’s ODA loan guidelines and is open to eligible international contractors. The deadline for bid submission is set for December 24, 2024, with a pre-bid meeting and site visit planned for November 12, 2024, at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).
In April 2024, the Cabinet awarded the contract to Access Engineering PLC for the construction of the Main Terminal Building and the two new passenger bridges, which marks a significant step in the completion of Phase II.
This ambitious infrastructure project is a key initiative to boost Sri Lanka’s aviation capacity, aiming to handle up to 15 million passengers annually and solidify the country’s position as a major aviation hub in the region.
November 11, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s economy saw a significant boost in October, as worker remittances continued to grow, reinforcing both foreign currency reserves and the value of the rupee.
Migrants working abroad sent back a total of US$ 587.7 million in October, surpassing both the previous month’s figure of US$ 555.6 million and the same period last year, when the country received US$ 517.4 million.
This upward trend in remittances provides crucial support for the country’s economy, particularly ahead of the year-end festive season, when remittance inflows typically rise even further.
For the year-to-date, total remittances have reached US$ 5.43 billion, marking an 11.7 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023.
This brings Sri Lanka closer to the goal of surpassing the US$ 7 billion mark in remittances, a milestone not achieved since 2020. The increase in remittances plays a vital role in bolstering foreign reserves and supporting the country’s currency.
This surge in remittances mirrors trends seen across the region, where countries have also benefited from growing remittance inflows. Sri Lanka, in particular, is seeing a dramatic rise in remittances, estimated at US$ 1.5 billion annually.
This trend reflects the ongoing migration of Sri Lankans seeking better job opportunities abroad, a pattern expected to continue in the coming years.
The Sri Lankan government, through the Central Bank, is closely monitoring the impact of these remittances on the national economy.
Key areas of focus include the developmental benefits of these inflows, the high transaction costs associated with remittances, and the level of transparency in the remittance sector, especially in the informal channels.
While it is still early to predict the long-term effects of this trend, the current influx is being seen as a significant positive factor for the country’s foreign exchange stability.
In addition to remittances, the tourism sector has also contributed to strengthening Sri Lanka’s foreign currency reserves.
This has enabled the Central Bank to purchase US$ 189.5 million in the domestic foreign currency market in October, a substantial amount for a single month.
This purchase helped to increase the country’s gross official reserves to US$ 6.47 billion, up from US$ 5.99 billion in September.
The continuous inflow of remittances, along with other factors like tourism revenue, has supported the appreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee, which has gained 10.7 percent against the US dollar so far this year, adding to a 12 percent rise in 2023.
These developments have provided relief from inflationary pressures, particularly in reducing the cost of imported goods.
Looking ahead, Sri Lanka is on track to surpass the US$ 7 billion mark in remittances, driven by a growing number of migrant workers sending money back to their families, further stabilizing the country’s economy.
November 11, Colombo (LNW): Around 500,000 official polling cards for the upcoming 2024 general election remain uncollected at post offices across the country, Senior Deputy Postmaster General Rajitha Ranasinghe disclosed.
The unclaimed cards primarily belong to voters residing overseas or those who were unavailable at their homes during the distribution period.
Despite this, Ranasinghe highlighted that there has been significant progress in the collection of polling cards, with approximately 76,000 cards collected by voters over the past two days.
The distribution process officially concluded on November 07, 2024, marking the end of the final phase of delivering these essential election documents.
For those who have yet to collect their cards, the Senior Deputy Postmaster General assured the public that they can still obtain them on election day.
Voters will be able to collect their polling cards from the nearest post office, provided they present valid identification to confirm their identity.
This provision is intended to ensure that no eligible voter is left disenfranchised due to missed distribution.
November 11, Colombo (LNW): The Court of Appeal has scheduled a hearing for the petition filed by former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte, requesting bail, for November 19, 2024.
The petition was presented this morning before a two-judge bench, consisting of President of the Court of Appeal, Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne, and Justice Shashi Mahendran.
During the hearing, the bench ordered that notices be issued to the relevant parties, including the Inspector General of Police (IGP), requiring them to present their responses to the petition on the scheduled date.
Ratwatte, along with his wife, is currently in remand custody following their arrest in connection with the unlawful possession of a luxury car. The vehicle in question had been illegally imported and assembled in Sri Lanka.
Both individuals are facing charges related to the car, which was discovered during a police inspection of a three-storey residence in the Embuldeniya area of Mirihana, owned by Shashi Prabha Ratwatte, the wife of the ex-minister.
The car, which lacked number plates, came to the attention of authorities following a tip-off received by the police headquarters.
Upon investigation, both Ratwatte and his wife stated that the property belonged to Ratwatte’s mother-in-law.
They further explained that the car had been brought to the house three weeks prior by Ratwatte’s private secretary, who was recently found dead under suspicious circumstances in the Katugastota area of Kandy, having sustained gunshot wounds.
Ratwatte and his wife have been remanded in custody by the Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court until November 18.
November 11, Colombo (LNW): The Election Commission has introduced a significant change in the voter finger marking process to ensure the integrity and transparency of the upcoming Parliamentary Election set for November 14, 2024.
Accordingly, in an effort to prevent the possibility of double voting, voters will have their left index finger marked with a distinct sign instead of the little finger as they cast their ballots.
This precaution follows concerns raised during the recent Presidential Election, where issues around voter identification and the potential for confusion were highlighted.
The marking system is designed to ensure a clear and reliable method for verifying individual votes, thus minimising the risk of electoral fraud.
In the event that a voter’s left index finger is unavailable—whether due to injury, illness, or other circumstances—the Election Commission has clarified that the mark will be applied to a different finger on the same hand.
This adjustment aims to accommodate all voters, ensuring no one is excluded from the electoral process.
November 11, Colombo (LNW): The Parliamentary Communications Department has announced that Sri Lanka’s Tenth Parliament will officially convene on November 21, following the conclusion of the 2024 General Election scheduled for November 14.
This election will determine the 225 Members of Parliament, consisting of 196 representatives elected directly by public vote and an additional 29 appointed through the national list.
The first day of the new Parliament will be marked by a series of formal proceedings, beginning with the seating of all MPs in an open arrangement, as specific seating assignments are not yet established.
Following the ceremonial entry of the mace, the Secretary-General will present the Extraordinary Gazette Notification that officially calls Parliament to session.
One of the primary tasks on this day is the election of the Speaker, a position critical to the smooth functioning of parliamentary operations.
According to procedure, any MP may be nominated for the Speaker’s role, provided they are willing to accept the appointment.
If multiple candidates are nominated, a vote will take place, and in cases where more than two candidates are proposed, the voting rounds continue, eliminating candidates with the fewest votes until one achieves a majority.
Traditionally, the elected Speaker is escorted to the Speaker’s chair by the Members who proposed and seconded their nomination, symbolising their acceptance of the role.
Upon reaching the Speaker’s chair, the new Speaker will then take the oath of office before Parliament, thanking the Members for their confidence.
Should there be a need for a secret ballot, a standardised process will ensure the integrity of the election, with Members submitting their choices on signed ballot papers.
If a tie results in two rounds of voting, the Secretary-General is authorised to draw lots to determine the Speaker, a practice reserved for closely contested elections.
In addition to electing the Speaker, the first session will see the selection of the Deputy Speaker and the Deputy Chairperson of Committees, with similar procedures for nominations and voting.
Following these appointments, the first session typically concludes with an adjournment until the next scheduled parliamentary day.
However, if the President chooses to address Parliament to outline the government’s policy agenda, the session will only be temporarily adjourned before reconvening for the address.
November 11, Colombo (LNW): Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has dismissed allegations from the United States linking Tehran to a plot aimed at harming former US President Donald Trump and carrying out attacks on Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka.
In a statement made on social media, Araghchi labelled the accusations a “fabricated scenario” lacking credibility, attributing it to a larger attempt to fuel distrust between Iran and the US.
The allegations originated from a recent report by the US Department of Justice, which claimed that Farhad Shakeri, a 51-year-old Iranian national reportedly linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, was involved in a conspiracy to assassinate Trump.
Remember the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran right after our President's inauguration? Everyone knows who did it and why.
Now, with another election, a new scenario is fabricated with the same goal: as a killer does not exist in reality, scriptwriters are brought in…
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Shakeri is currently believed to be residing in Tehran and allegedly plotted a mass shooting against Israeli nationals in Sri Lanka set for October 2024.
The US claims Shakeri’s purported plans also included directives from Iran to orchestrate an attack on Israeli tourists visiting Sri Lanka.
Araghchi, addressing these allegations, called them part of a “third-rate comedy” crafted to undermine Iran’s international standing. In his remarks, he reiterated Iran’s commitment to diplomacy, urging both nations to seek mutual confidence-building measures rather than fuelling hostilities.
Araghchi maintained Iran’s stance that it has no interest in nuclear weapons, underscoring that Iran’s policies are grounded in Islamic teachings and strategic security calculations.
He called for a “two-way” approach to building confidence and emphasised Iran’s respect for the choices made by American voters in electing their leaders.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei condemned the accusations as part of an alleged campaign by Israel and exiled Iranian opposition groups aimed at deepening tensions between Iran and the US.
Analysts in Tehran have speculated that recent shifts in US politics could lead to potential secret talks between the two countries, should security threats against Iran be addressed.
The accusations come as Iran remains engaged in a complex regional environment, especially with its adversary Israel involved in ongoing conflicts with Iranian-aligned groups in Gaza and Lebanon.
