By: Staff Writer

November 10, Colombo (LNW): At the World Travel Market (WTM) 2024 in London, Sri Lanka unveiled an ambitious new vision for its tourism industry, centered on sustainability. The strategy aims to enhance engagement with visitors while safeguarding the island’s exceptional natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The event, which saw the participation of over 80 UK travel media professionals, marked a significant shift in Sri Lanka’s approach to attracting environmentally conscious tourists, while deepening its relationship with the UK market.

Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism, outlined the country’s commitment to integrating sustainable practices into all aspects of its promotional and marketing efforts.

 He emphasized that this focus on sustainability reflects Sri Lanka’s dedication to preserving its scenic landscapes and unique cultural traditions, with the goal of attracting tourists who prioritize responsible travel.

This updated strategy is set to position Sri Lanka as a leader in eco-tourism, setting it apart in an increasingly competitive global tourism market.

Dushan Wickramasuriya, Director of Marketing at Sri Lanka Tourism, pointed to the significant 46 percent growth in UK visitor arrivals year-on-year, highlighting the UK as a vital market for the island nation.

 In response, Sri Lanka has curated a diverse range of experiences designed to appeal specifically to British tourists. These offerings include eco-tourism, wellness retreats, cultural exploration, and adventure tourism, all tailored to meet the preferences of UK travelers.

This targeted strategy aims to boost Sri Lanka’s appeal as a premier destination for British tourists who are seeking sustainable travel options, according to Wickramasuriya.

Additionally, SriLankan Airlines and the Sri Lankan High Commission shared plans to expand air connectivity with the UK, strengthen diplomatic and trade ties, and increase direct flight services.

These efforts are intended to make travel to Sri Lanka more accessible, ultimately supporting an increase in tourism and fostering stronger bilateral ties between the two countries.

During the conference, Miguel Cunat, the founder of the Pekoe Trail—one of Sri Lanka’s renowned trekking routes—introduced new adventure tourism options along the trail.

These initiatives target travelers seeking immersive, active experiences amidst Sri Lanka’s varied landscapes.

To show appreciation for the UK media’s ongoing support, the event concluded with a raffle draw, offering travel prizes, including flights and exclusive stays provided by SriLankan Airlines, Jetwing, Browns Hotels, and other key hospitality partners.

This gesture highlighted the tourism industry’s dedication to promoting Sri Lanka’s sustainable tourism initiatives.

The response from the media was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing enthusiasm about promoting Sri Lanka’s eco-friendly travel options to the UK market, according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.

By: Staff Writer

November 10, Colombo (LNW): The U.S. Department of Justice recently unveiled new charges against Farhad Shakeri, an Iranian national accused of being involved in a series of assassination plots orchestrated by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Shakeri.

He, currently believed to be in Iran, has allegedly received orders to assassinate then-presidential candidate Donald Trump and target Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka. The charges were announced on Friday, detailing the extent of Shakeri’s involvement in these terror plots.

According to court documents, Shakeri, 51, was recruited by the Iranian government in September 2024 to carry out the assassination of Donald Trump.

Prosecutors claim that the IRGC initially tasked him with surveillance of several U.S. and Israeli targets within the U.S. However, on October 7, the IRGC focused Shakeri’s mission exclusively on Trump, giving him a mere seven days to devise an assassination plan.

When Shakeri indicated that he could not complete the task in time, IRGC officials reportedly agreed to postpone the operation until after the U.S. election, anticipating Trump’s loss.

Shakeri, an Afghan-born national residing in Tehran, has a criminal background, having immigrated to the U.S. as a child before being deported in 2008 after serving 14 years for a robbery conviction.

In recent years, he has been involved with criminal networks that support the IRGC, reportedly assisting in surveillance and assassination operations targeting individuals of interest.

In addition to the plot against Trump, Shakeri was also tasked with surveilling two Jewish businesspeople in New York City.

He reportedly worked alongside two other individuals—Carlisle Rivera and Jonathan Loadholt, both U.S. citizens—who were arrested for helping the Iranian government track a U.S. citizen of Iranian descent.

The two men were charged and detained in New York, where they made their initial court appearance on Thursday.

Another significant component of the plot involves a planned attack on Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka. Shakeri revealed to investigators that the IRGC directed him to plan a mass shooting targeting Israeli travelers in the Arugam Bay area of Sri Lanka in October 2024.

U.S. and Israeli authorities issued public warnings about this threat, and Sri Lankan authorities arrested several individuals linked to the plot. According to Shakeri, one of these individuals, referred to as “CC-2,” had previously surveilled the Israeli consulate in Sri Lanka and was involved in the attack planning.

The U.S. Justice Department charged Shakeri with several offenses, including conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, which could lead to up to 20 years in prison. He also faces charges related to sanctions violations and providing support to a designated terrorist group.

Iran has strongly denied the allegations, calling the charges “baseless” and claiming that such accusations are part of a broader “malicious conspiracy” designed to worsen tensions between the U.S. and Iran. The Iranian government has made similar denials in the past in response to accusations of state-sponsored terrorism.

By: Staff Writer

November 10, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s new government has revived plans to develop the Sobadhanavi Combined Cycle Power Plant in Kerawalapitiya, which includes the procurement of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) for a Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU) and LNG pipeline.

The new Sri Lankan government is set to reopen the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) procurement process to establish a Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU) and an LNG pipeline, a project previously canceled under former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s administration.

In August 2023, the then Cabinet had suspended the delayed LNG procurement process for the FSRU and pipeline project.

Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Spokesman Eng. Dhanushka Parakramasinghe emphasized the critical importance of LNG supply for the country, noting that Sri Lanka has two LNG power plants—Yugadanavi and Sobadhanavi—which could help meet the national power shortfall if LNG is available.

Together, the plants have a total capacity of about 650 MW, but they are currently running on heavy fuel. The recently completed Sobadhanavi plant can only operate with diesel, and Parakramasinghe explained, “We are not operating Sobadhanavi because we cannot afford the diesel costs.”

He underscored the urgency of securing LNG supply to ensure the operation of these plants.

Following the cancellation of the original tender, Petronet LNG, an Indian company, submitted a proposal to supply LNG. However, Parakramasinghe confirmed that the current government would not consider this proposal and would instead move forward with the original tender.

The new Government is compelled to implement   the Sobadhanavi Combined Cycle Power Plant in Kerawalapitiya and it will initiate  Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) procurement process for the establishment of a Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU) and an LNG pipeline, which was cancelled by the previous administration led by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The previous   government has re-engaged with India’s Petronet LNG Limited, ending a seven-year hiatus, to enhance infrastructure for the Sobadhanavi Plant, designed to significantly bolster Sri Lanka’s electricity supply.

The first phase of the 350 MW plant, commissioned in August 2024, includes a 220 MW gas turbine, which is expected to contribute substantially to the national grid. The second phase, slated for completion in 2025, will add an additional 130 MW via a steam turbine, bringing the total capacity to 350 MW.

The project aims to meet about 12% of the nation’s electricity demand and drive economic growth by providing stable, affordable energy. The Sobadhanavi Power Plant will play a crucial role in reducing energy production costs, supporting industrial growth, and fostering job creation.

Additionally, the previous government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Petronet to reduce energy costs, promote cleaner energy, and develop a local LNG market.

The move to shift from thermal power to LNG-based solutions is part of Sri Lanka’s long-term strategy to transition to more sustainable energy sources.

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is finalizing the deal, with LNG supply crucial for meeting the country’s energy demands, particularly as the Yugadanavi and Sobadhanavi plants, both running on heavy fuel, have been unable to operate efficiently due to high diesel costs.

This initiative is poised to establish Sri Lanka’s largest independent power producer and contribute to a greener, more sustainable energy future.

November 10, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Animal Production and Health has identified improperly disposed food waste as the primary contributor to the recent African Swine Fever outbreak affecting pig farms across Sri Lanka.

According to Director General Hemali Kothalawala, the disease’s spread is largely due to leftover food from ships and aeroplanes arriving from overseas.

Kothalawala explained that food scraps from international passengers, often distributed to pig farms as feed, have inadvertently introduced the virus into the local swine population.

She emphasised that the use of these imported food remnants, without proper treatment, has exacerbated the outbreak, leading to significant concerns within the farming community.

The Department has urged farm owners and relevant authorities to adopt stricter measures for the handling and disposal of foreign food waste, stressing that contamination from such sources poses a serious threat to the island’s livestock health.

Efforts are now underway to raise awareness among farmers about safe feeding practices and to explore regulations that prevent the use of untreated food waste from international sources as animal feed.

November 10, Colombo (LNW): The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has requested an additional two weeks from the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) to finalise and submit a revised proposal for electricity tariff adjustments.

This extension follows the CEB’s need for more time to refine the proposal, which remains incomplete.

Initially, the PUCSL had set a November 8 deadline for the CEB to present its updated proposal.

This requirement arose due to concerns surrounding inconsistencies in the earlier submitted formula for tariff changes, which raised questions about fairness and transparency.

The PUCSL urged the CEB to ensure that the revised tariffs accurately reflect both consumer needs and operational costs.

The CEB’s request for more time highlights the complexity of adjusting electricity rates in a way that balances affordability with the financial sustainability of the board.

Given the rising operational costs and fuel prices, the CEB is under pressure to revise its pricing structure while also addressing public concerns about affordability and accessibility.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 10, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Defence has issued a stern warning to civilians holding firearms, urging them to comply with the November 21 deadline for returning these weapons or face legal repercussions.

A high-ranking official from the ministry explained that any firearms not returned by the specified date—or for which no formal appeal has been filed—will be classified as illegal.

The ministry has emphasised that it maintains detailed records of all legally distributed firearms and their registered holders, allowing authorities to closely monitor compliance with the mandate.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the official stated that the ministry is prepared to initiate strict legal action against those failing to adhere to the instructions.

This move is part of broader efforts to regulate and control civilian-held firearms, ensuring that weapons do not fall into unauthorised hands or contribute to public safety risks.

The ministry’s directive comes amid concerns about unauthorised use of firearms and aims to reinforce accountability among firearm holders.

By reclaiming these weapons, authorities seek to curb potential misuse and enhance overall security across the nation.

Holders of licenced firearms are encouraged to act responsibly by either returning their firearms or formally seeking an extension before the deadline.

The ministry has urged the public to cooperate, warning that non-compliance will be met with firm legal measures.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 10, Colombo (LNW): In an effort to combat misinformation surrounding the 2024 Parliamentary Election, Sri Lanka’s National Election Commission has established a dedicated task force to scrutinise false propaganda circulating on social media.

This five-member team will actively monitor platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, keeping an eye out for misleading content or deceptive promotions related to political candidates and parties.

The Election Commission has emphasised its commitment to transparency and fair campaigning by swiftly removing any misleading posts identified on these platforms.

This proactive approach aims to limit the spread of misinformation that could potentially sway public opinion unfairly.

In addition to content removal, the Commission has warned that it will pursue legal action against those responsible for serious breaches of electoral guidelines.

This includes individuals or organisations that deliberately disseminate false information that may disrupt the integrity of the electoral process.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 10, Colombo (LNW): As the midnight deadline approaches tomorrow (11), all campaigning activities for Sri Lanka’s upcoming parliamentary elections, set for Thursday (14), will officially conclude.

However, the Election Commission has extended the deadline for candidates to dismantle their campaign offices, giving them until midnight on November 12 to clear these temporary setups.

Ahead of election day, the Election Commission has already registered 2,348 complaints linked to the ongoing campaign period.

To address these concerns and ensure transparency, a significant meeting has been arranged for November 12 in Colombo between the Commission and representatives from international election monitoring bodies.

Representatives from Asian election commissions are expected to arrive on the island tomorrow to assist in monitoring efforts, joining international observers already in place from organisations including the European Organisation.

Additional monitors are expected to arrive shortly to strengthen oversight.

Adding to the local oversight, the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) has confirmed that nearly 6,000 representatives from their organisation will be deployed to oversee polling stations and monitor for irregularities, according to PAFFREL’s Executive Director, Rohana Hettiarachchi.

This substantial collaboration between domestic and international observers underscores a concerted effort to uphold the integrity of Sri Lanka’s electoral process amidst an atmosphere of close scrutiny and high public interest.