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.
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.
November 10, Colombo (LNW): A new report from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) reveals that hidden costs within global agrifood systems amount to a staggering US$ 12 trillion annually, with the majority linked to health issues arising from unhealthy diets.
According to the latest State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA) report, these health-related costs, primarily tied to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, make up around US$ 8 trillion of this total.
The report emphasises that dietary choices are exacting a significant toll on public health, outweighing environmental and social costs within the food supply chain.
This figure highlights a substantial increase from the previous SOFA findings, which calculated hidden costs at US$ 10 trillion.
By using true cost accounting, researchers aimed to capture the full scope of costs and benefits linked to food production and consumption, including “hidden” expenses not factored into market prices.
FAO’s analysis identifies 13 key dietary risk factors contributing to these hidden health costs.
These include insufficient intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as high consumption of sodium, red meats, and processed foods.
These dietary habits contribute heavily to NCDs and impose long-term financial strains on both individuals and healthcare systems.
Beyond health, the report also sheds light on the environmental costs tied to current agricultural practices. Greenhouse gas emissions, land degradation, water pollution, and nitrogen runoff are among the significant environmental impacts, especially in regions with rapidly diversifying agrifood systems.
These environmental costs, which are projected at US$ 720 billion, are disproportionately high in middle-income countries undergoing agrifood system transformations, according to FAO’s framework that classifies these systems into six types: protracted crisis, traditional, expanding, diversifying, formalising, and industrial.
Countries in the “protracted crisis” category experience the highest relative environmental costs, equivalent to 20 per cent of their GDP. In these regions, challenges such as undernourishment and poverty compound, leading to social costs amounting to 18 per cent of GDP.
Meanwhile, traditional agrifood systems, often in low-income countries, also experience high social costs linked to food insecurity and undernutrition, equivalent to about eight per cent of GDP.
FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu called for coordinated efforts to reframe global food systems, stressing the need for them to become more sustainable, inclusive, resilient, and efficient.
Such changes, he went on, are vital to meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on health, environmental sustainability, and reducing inequalities.
November 10, Colombo (LNW): Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Sampath Thuyacontha, has conducted a security assessment in Arugam Bay following recent advisories from multiple foreign embassies, urging their citizens to exercise caution in southern Sri Lanka.
The Ministry confirmed that the visit aimed to evaluate the local security measures and ensure the safety of both residents and tourists in the popular coastal destination.
On 23 October, Israel’s National Security Council issued an urgent advisory for its citizens to avoid Arugam Bay, designating it as a level-four security threat—the highest level.
In a detailed statement, the Council recommended that Israeli nationals take extra precautions, such as concealing any visible signs of Jewish identity and avoiding large gatherings to minimise potential risks.
The Israeli authorities also assured that they were in close communication with Sri Lankan security officials to monitor the situation closely.
In a separate advisory, the United States Embassy in Colombo warned of a credible threat in the Arugam Bay area, strongly advising US nationals to stay clear until further notice.
Echoing these concerns, both the Russian Embassy and the UK issued similar alerts, urging their citizens to remain vigilant and avoid crowded spaces as a precaution.
As a response to the heightened security alerts, the Sri Lankan government has ramped up its security presence in key tourist areas across the island, including Arugam Bay.
Local law enforcement agencies are actively engaged in strengthening security protocols to address potential risks and reassure visitors of their safety.
November 10, Colombo (LNW): In a challenging chase of 136 runs, Sri Lanka’s batting line-up encountered resistance against New Zealand’s second-string squad but ultimately secured a win with a critical 38-run partnership between Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga.
This crucial stand for the sixth wicket provided stability and took the hosts closer to victory.
Reflecting on the performance, Asalanka expressed satisfaction but noted areas for improvement. “Overall, it is a good win,” he remarked. “We could have held them to around 110 or 120, but their lower order did well to push the score.”
The stand ended when Hasaranga attempted an aggressive shot against Zakary Foulkes, only to be caught by New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner at mid-on, departing after a solid 22 runs.
Asalanka, however, remained unbeaten with a composed 35 off 28 balls, steering the innings with precision.
Dunith Wellalage, who earlier claimed three New Zealand wickets after they opted to bat, delivered the winning blow for Sri Lanka by dispatching Jacob Duffy for a six over mid-wicket, sealing the match with flair.
New Zealand’s modest total of 135 provided a cushion for Sri Lanka’s innings. Kusal Perera, showcasing his skill at the top of the order, broke Sri Lanka’s T20 record books by surpassing Tillakaratne Dilshan as the nation’s highest run-scorer in the format, contributing a brisk 23 off 17 balls.
New Zealand’s score of 135 marked the third-lowest T20I total recorded in Dambulla, reflecting their struggles with the bat.
Captain Mitchell Santner acknowledged the challenges New Zealand faced, commenting, “We thought 160 was achievable after we won the toss, but the dew made it tricky to grip the ball, and a couple of partnerships turned the game away from us.”
The visiting team arrived in Sri Lanka following a dominant Test series in India but lacked key players, including Tom Blundell and Rachin Ravindra, who were rested in preparation for the upcoming Test series against England.
Despite these absences, all-rounder Michael Bracewell provided some resistance with a fighting 27 off 24 balls, featuring two boundaries and a six.
New Zealand’s innings saw a glimmer of hope through a 39-run partnership for the ninth wicket between Ish Sodhi and Zakary Foulkes, with Foulkes sharing top-scorer status at 27 off just 16 balls, including a four and a six.
However, Sodhi’s departure for 10 in the final over ended their chances of building a competitive total.
New Zealand also introduced debutant wicketkeeper-batsman Mitchell Hay, who was dismissed for nought after facing just two balls, caught off Matheesha Pathirana.
Sri Lanka’s performance underscored their ability to capitalise on New Zealand’s weakened line-up and build momentum, as they seek consistency in their T20 form on home soil.
November 10, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has firmly denied media claims that Sri Lanka’s application to join BRICS has been rejected, clarifying that the nation’s membership request, along with those from other interested countries, remains under review by BRICS members.
In an official statement, the Ministry affirmed that Sri Lanka’s application for membership in BRICS and the New Development Bank (NDB) received positive responses, with the President of the New Development Bank expressing openness to Sri Lanka’s involvement.
The Foreign Ministry, in coordination with other relevant government agencies, is set to explore the procedural requirements and timing for Sri Lanka’s potential entry into the institution.
Approved by the Cabinet on October 07, 2004, Sri Lanka’s bid for membership in BRICS was formally initiated through diplomatic channels.
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath contacted his counterparts in BRICS nations, expressing Sri Lanka’s interest, whilst President Anura Kumara Dissanayake conveyed similar intentions in a personal message to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Sri Lanka’s interest in joining BRICS was also prominently highlighted at the BRICS Outreach Summit in Kazan, Russia, held from October 22 to 24, 2024, during which Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane represented Sri Lanka.
During the Summit, BRICS member countries established a new category of “Partner Countries” and expressed appreciation for the growing interest from Global South nations, as stated in the Kazan Declaration.
The Foreign Ministry addressed recent misreporting in local media, which inaccurately suggested that Sri Lanka’s BRICS application had been denied.
The Ministry stressed that such reports have misinterpreted comments made by Foreign Minister Herath at a post-Cabinet briefing on November 06, 2024, adding that the government regrets the misrepresentation.
Sri Lanka’s efforts to join BRICS reflect its broader aspirations to engage with emerging economies and strengthen partnerships with the Global South, aiming to bolster economic and developmental opportunities in the region.
The nation’s ongoing interest in BRICS membership aligns with its foreign policy goals of enhancing strategic alliances and accessing new economic frameworks to support sustainable development.
November 10, Colombo (LNW): The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has recently secured Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with 16 local institutions and 45 international bodies, bolstering the nation’s commitment to counter money laundering and terrorist financing.
The MOUs, as outlined by CBSL Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe, aim to strengthen information-sharing mechanisms that facilitate investigations and legal actions on financial crimes.
Weerasinghe, who also chairs the National Coordination Committee on Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing, stressed that these agreements align with the Financial Transactions Reporting Act No. 6 of 2006.
He underscored that the partnerships with both local and global entities would enhance the country’s ability to trace and combat illicit financial flows effectively.
The CBSL Governor raised concerns about potential exploitation of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for illegal financial activities, which could endanger both national security and economic stability.
He warned that such practices, if unchecked, pose a serious threat to the integrity of Sri Lanka’s financial system and the global economy.
The partnerships, he noted, are essential for coordinating efforts in detecting, investigating, and prosecuting financial crimes linked to money laundering and terrorism financing.
Locally, the FIU has signed agreements with key entities, including Sri Lanka Customs, Sri Lanka Police, the Department of Immigration and Emigration, the Department of Inland Revenue, and the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.
These alliances are designed to streamline the sharing of information across agencies and facilitate cohesive action on financial crime.
On the international front, the FIU’s 45 formal agreements establish a robust network for intelligence exchange, reinforcing the global framework against financial crime.
This collaborative approach with international counterparts aims to bring Sri Lanka into closer alignment with global standards for preventing money laundering and terrorist financing, strengthening its position as a regional player in financial security.
November 10, Colombo (LNW): Cabinet Minister Vijitha Herath, in his capacity as the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation, recently reviewed the ongoing construction of the Central Expressway’s third phase, spanning from Potuhera to Rambukkana.
During his visit, the Minister assessed the progress of this critical infrastructure project and offered specific guidance to officials to address the project’s requirements.
Herath emphasised the need to expedite work on the 32.4-kilometre stretch, directing officials to ensure its completion by the end of 2025.
The Ministry of Transport released a statement confirming that the minister’s instructions focused on maintaining timelines and addressing logistical issues to meet the project deadline.
Commenced in 2023, the Central Expressway’s third phase represents a major investment in national infrastructure, with an estimated budget of Rs. 210 billion for the full route up to Galagedara.
Designed as a four-lane highway, this segment aims to improve connectivity between key regions, facilitating faster travel and promoting economic growth.
Once complete, the expressway is expected to significantly reduce travel times between central and western parts of the country, offering a streamlined route for commuters and freight alike.
November 10, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Acting Inspector General of Police, Priyantha Weerasooriya, has emphasised that law enforcement in the country now functions independently, devoid of political influence.
Addressing officials and the public at the inauguration of a new building for the Chunnakam Police Station in Jaffna, Weerasooriya highlighted the government’s commitment to impartiality in applying the law.
“The current administration has clearly instructed me to ensure that the law is applied equally to all, without exception,” Weerasooriya stated, noting that he has communicated this directive to police officials across the nation.
Reflecting on recent political events, he remarked that the period following the last presidential election was notably calm, with no reported instances of post-election violence.
This peaceful transition, he suggested, points to a shift in Sri Lanka’s political landscape and highlights the support from the community and officials for unbiased law enforcement.
Weerasooriya also underlined the accountability now expected from law enforcement authorities, stating, “Any lapse in enforcing the law would be a failure on the part of both the agency and its leadership.”
He further assured that Sri Lanka’s legal proceedings now proceed without interference, fostering an environment where justice is both fair and transparent.
November 10, Colombo (LNW): A delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is set to arrive in Sri Lanka next week to conduct the third review of the nation’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme.
Led by senior mission chief Peter Brewer, the delegation aims to assess Sri Lanka’s adherence to the IMF-supported economic reform plan, a critical aspect of the country’s recovery strategy.
During their stay, the IMF team will examine the Sri Lankan government’s current economic policies and evaluate the progress made on previous commitments.
This review is crucial, as it will determine the release of the next loan tranche under the EFF, helping Sri Lanka stabilise its economy amidst ongoing fiscal challenges.
The team’s agenda includes in-depth discussions with key economic authorities, including the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank, on the effectiveness of policy measures implemented so far.
Recent discussions in Washington saw the Finance Ministry Secretary and the Central Bank Governor reaffirming the government’s commitment to the IMF’s programme, signalling continued dedication to reforms aimed at economic stabilisation.
Following this third review, and contingent upon satisfactory progress, Sri Lanka is expected to receive the fourth instalment of financial support under the EFF.
