December 28, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo Additional Magistrate has ordered that two individuals, including former Western Provincial Councillor Sulochana Gamage, be remanded in custody until January 6, 2025, following their arrest in connection with a bribery case.
The individuals, one of whom is a businessman, were detained by officers from the Bribery Commission while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs. 9 million from another businessman in the Pitakotte area.
The arrest follows a formal complaint lodged by a resident of the Madiwela area in Kotte.
According to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), the suspects had solicited the bribe with the promise of facilitating the expedited compensation process for a piece of land belonging to the complainant’s relative.
The land in question was acquired by the Urban Development Authority (UDA) as part of a government project in the Torington Avenue area.
It is believed that the two individuals had used their positions and influence to promise the complainant’s relative quick processing of the compensation payment, which had otherwise been delayed.
December 28, Colombo (LNW): Agriculture Minister K.D. Lalkantha has issued a stern warning to corrupt government officials, asserting that he holds a list of individuals implicated in malpractice, including allegations of concealing important documents and misappropriating public funds.
Speaking at a meeting two days ago (26), the Minister addressed growing concerns about corruption and inefficiency within the public service.
Lalkantha’s remarks followed a public day held by the Ministry of Lands and Irrigation, where a significant number of grievances were raised.
The Minister revealed that around 50 per cent of the complaints filed pointed directly to the actions of government officials, citing inefficiency and corruption as the primary reasons behind the public dissatisfaction.
The Minister warned that just as the public had recently taken a stand against bad politics, a similar movement could soon emerge to tackle corruption within the public sector.
He hinted at his readiness to spearhead such reforms, emphasising that the public service must be held accountable and that necessary changes would be made to restore faith in the system.
In his speech, Lalkantha also highlighted the dire state of public resources, referencing the severe limitations faced by key state institutions.
One example he pointed out was the Paddy Marketing Board, which he claimed only has a single lorry to serve the entire nation.
Such inefficiencies, according to the Minister, are symptomatic of broader issues plaguing the public sector and hindering progress.
Reflecting on his own personal adjustments, Minister Lalkantha reiterated his commitment to leading by example.
He spoke of his decision to adopt a simpler lifestyle, mentioning that he now dresses modestly, uses 8th-class vehicles, and shuns the extravagance often associated with public office.
His comments served to highlight the importance of public servants aligning their behaviour with the needs of the people they serve.
With the backing of the public, he suggested, significant reforms could soon reshape the way government officials carry out their duties.
December 28, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Cinnamon Development Department has unveiled a plan to significantly increase the country’s annual revenue from cinnamon exports, with a target to double the current earnings of US$ 250 million to US$ 500 million.
Janaka Lindara, the Director General of the Cinnamon Development Department, emphasised that Sri Lanka currently produces around 25,000 metric tonnes of cinnamon annually, exporting approximately 19,000 metric tonnes.
Cinnamon is a major agricultural export for Sri Lanka, with key cultivation areas traditionally located in the southern and southwestern regions, including Galle, Matara, and Hambantota.
To achieve the revenue target, the department has outlined plans to expand cinnamon cultivation into new regions such as Kurunegala, Puttalam, and the Mahaweli zones.
This expansion aims to not only increase production but also diversify the areas in which cinnamon is grown, helping to ensure a steady supply for export.
A significant step towards reaching these goals was marked by the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China, which will facilitate the commencement of cinnamon exports to the Chinese market starting in January 2025.
This partnership is expected to open up new opportunities for Sri Lankan cinnamon producers, with the potential for increased demand from one of the world’s largest markets.
Additionally, the Cinnamon Development Department is focusing on strengthening its presence in the European Union and other global markets, further broadening the reach of Sri Lankan cinnamon.
At present, the vast majority of the country’s cinnamon is exported in its raw form. However, the department is keen to shift towards producing more value-added cinnamon products, such as essential oils, spices, and cosmetics, to enhance foreign exchange earnings.
In a bid to support this transformation, the department is offering resources, training, and incentives to small and medium-sized cinnamon entrepreneurs. The goal is to empower local producers to add value to their products, ensuring greater profitability and market competitiveness.
December 28, Colombo (LNW): The police have announced that investigations will be initiated into the failure of parliamentary candidates to submit their income and expenditure reports, as required by law.
Police Media Spokesperson Buddhika Manatunga confirmed that the probe will be conducted in collaboration with the Assistant Election Commissioners of the respective provinces.
The Election Commission recently revealed that a total of 1,040 candidates have been referred to the police for neglecting to file their mandatory financial reports following the 2024 parliamentary elections.
This includes over 900 individual candidates, several political parties, and a number of members elected through the national list.
The deadline for submitting the required expenditure reports for the 2024 parliamentary elections was December 6, and any failure to comply with this deadline is considered a serious offence.
The Chairman of the National Election Commission, R.M.A.L. Rathnayake, has made it clear that any candidate found guilty of not submitting their financial statements will face disqualification, not only from the current election but also from contesting in future provincial council or local government elections.
In addition to the parliamentary candidates, the police spokesperson also disclosed that 13 candidates from the presidential election are currently under scrutiny for similar offences.
These individuals failed to submit their expenditure reports following the presidential election, and the matter has already been forwarded to the courts for further action.
December 28, Colombo (LNW): The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) has confirmed the temporary suspension of licences for 60 pharmacies across the country over the last five months.
Dr. Saveen Semage, the CEO of the NMRA, revealed that these closures were implemented following the discovery that the affected pharmacies did not have a qualified pharmacist present to oversee operations.
Dr. Semage explained that the decision was made in line with strict regulatory standards, which require that pharmacies operate with qualified and registered pharmacists on-site to ensure the safe and accurate dispensing of medications.
The NMRA’s primary concern is the protection of public health, and ensuring that patients receive the correct medications in appropriate dosages is critical to preventing health risks.
December 28, Colombo (LNW): The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has apprehended former Provincial Councillor and businessman Salochana Gamage, along with another businessman, in connection with a bribery case involving Rs. 9 million.
The arrests took place in the Pitakotte area, where the suspects were allegedly in the process of accepting a large sum of money in exchange for favours.
According to the Bribery Commission, the suspects were approached by a third businessman, who had offered the bribe in return for assistance in expediting the compensation process for a piece of land that had been acquired by the Urban Development Authority (UDA).
The land in question belonged to a relative of the individual who had lodged the complaint.
The investigation into the case has revealed that Gamage and his associate had promised to use their influence to ensure that the compensation payment for the land would be processed more quickly.
The alleged act of bribery was intended to circumvent standard procedures and accelerate the disbursement of funds to the landowner.
The Bribery Commission has confirmed that further inquiries are underway, as the investigation continues to explore the full extent of the suspects’ involvement and the potential for other individuals to be implicated in the scheme.
December 27, Colombo (LNW): The newly appointed Chief of the Department of Excise has announced a bold shift in strategy for tackling illicit activities in Sri Lanka, urging officials to focus on high-level criminals rather than pursuing minor offenders in a bid to drive real societal change in the coming year.
Speaking to Daily Mirror, U.L. Udaya Kumara Perera outlined his vision for reform within the Excise Department. He stated that the traditional performance evaluation system, which required officers to meet annual court case quotas, would be overhauled.
The new approach will prioritise high-impact operations targeting large-scale illegal liquor production and narcotic trafficking, rather than simply meeting arbitrary case numbers.
Under the current system, Excise officers are expected to file between 250 and 300 court cases annually, with many of them resulting from small-scale arrests, such as individuals caught with a few bottles of illicit liquor or small amounts of narcotics.
Perera pointed out that these types of busts, while necessary for law enforcement, fail to address the root of the problem and do little to curb the widespread issues of illicit alcohol production and drug trafficking in the country.
“I have instructed my officers to shift their focus. From now on, we will not be going after the small fry,” said Perera. “Instead, we aim to target and dismantle the major players in the illicit liquor trade and narcotics networks. This is the kind of action that will make a real difference and bring about meaningful change in the community.”
Perera revealed that he intends to cancel the existing target-based performance system, which incentivised officers to achieve a high volume of court cases rather than the quality of their work.
“The real measure of success should be the impact of the cases we bring to court, not just the quantity,” he added.
Historically, Excise Department officers who were involved in large-scale operations, such as major raids on illicit liquor dens, were rewarded with a 25 per cent bonus on their monthly salary.
However, in an effort to foster teamwork and ensure that all members of a successful operation benefit, Perera announced that this reward system would be revised in 2025.
Under the new scheme, the entire team or unit involved in a significant bust would receive the extra allowance, in line with practices used by other government agencies like Sri Lanka Customs.
“This new approach will help build a stronger, more cohesive force within the Excise Department, one that is driven by collective success rather than individual targets,” Perera explained. “By rewarding teams for making a real impact, we hope to inspire a greater sense of responsibility and pride in the work we do.”
This change in direction is part of a wider effort to tackle the growing challenges posed by illegal liquor production and drug trafficking, which continue to undermine public health and safety in Sri Lanka.
With this more strategic focus, the Department of Excise is aiming to make a tangible difference in the fight against organised crime.
December 28, Colombo (LNW): In a recent statement, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where every citizen can enjoy a life free from discrimination and filled with opportunities for happiness and well-being.
Dr. Amarasuriya made these remarks yesterday (27) during the inaugural ceremony of a housing project in Batariwatta, Moratuwa.
The project is the first phase of a comprehensive housing development plan, backed by a substantial Rs. 22 billion investment from China.
The initiative, aimed at improving the living conditions of low-income families, is a significant step towards enhancing the quality of life for many Sri Lankans.
The housing scheme, which will see the construction of a total of 1,996 homes, is being funded through Chinese financial aid.
The first phase in Moratuwa, located in the Batariwatta area, will provide 575 homes for economically disadvantaged families.
In addition, a separate segment of the project in Kottawa will feature 108 homes specifically for veteran artists, acknowledging their contributions to the cultural fabric of the nation.
Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Amarasuriya expressed her gratitude to the Chinese government for their generous support.
“A home is not just a physical shelter; it is the foundation for a stable and fulfilling life,” she remarked. “It offers individuals the security they need to live with dignity and pursue happiness.”
She emphasised that the government’s focus extends beyond just providing housing.
“We are committed to supporting strong, resilient families and communities, while ensuring the safety and welfare of women and children. Their specific needs must be addressed if we are to build a society that works for everyone,” the Prime Minister said.
Dr. Amarasuriya also highlighted the difficult living conditions faced by many low-income families in suburban areas, where safety and stability are often a concern.
“Our vision is to create an environment where all citizens, regardless of their background, can lead lives of quality and fulfilment. Discrimination based on race, religion, gender, or any other factor has no place in our society,” she asserted.
The ceremony was attended by various key officials, including the Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing, Anura Karunathilaka, and Deputy Minister T.B. Sarath.
The Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, along with other diplomats from the Chinese Embassy, was also present, underscoring the strong ties between Sri Lanka and China.
December 28, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers may occur in North-central, Eastern and Uva provinces and in Matale district, with a few showers being expected to occur in Northern province, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (28).
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya and Kandy districts during the evening or night.
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:
Shower will occur at several places in the sea areas extending from Trincomalee to Hambantota via Batticaloa. Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the other sea areas around the island during the evening or night.
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 Trincomalee via Puttalam and Kankasanthurai.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Trincomalee via Puttalam and Kankasanthurai may be fairly rough at times. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed condolences on the death of former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, praising his leadership and transformative policies like the Right to Education Act: Dissanayake highlighted Singh’s dedication to equity, international collaboration, and his diplomatic achievements, including the Indo-US nuclear agreement, honoring his humility and intellectual legacy.
Former Kalutara District MP Lalith Ellawala, who switched from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) to the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), has announced his decision to end his political career: In a media statement from Panadura, Ellawala resigned from all SJB posts, criticising the party for its lack of unity and accusing it of dictatorship: He also expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s structure, stating that only the Secretary’s name was included in the National List after the Parliamentary Election: Ellawala declared that the SJB would falter and that he would step down from politics.
Ruling Party MP Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne has filed a complaint with the CID regarding false information and personal attacks circulating on social media, aimed at tarnishing her reputation: She urged authorities to investigate and take action against those responsible, emphasising that such tactics are attempts to discourage women from entering politics: Ariyarathne remains resolute, asserting these attacks will not deter women from political involvement.
The Welfare Benefits Board (WBB) announced that outstanding funds for Aswesuma payments can be accessed by beneficiaries starting Friday (27): Chairman Jayantha Wijeratne stated that the first phase of the Aswesuma scheme involves transferring payments to 212,423 qualifying families, with over 1,314 million rupees allocated for these funds: The WBB is depositing the payments directly into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board reported that approximately 80,000 acres of farmland were affected by the November floods: Crop damage assessments have been completed in Polonnaruwa, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, and Mannar, with compensation payments to follow after final reports: Assessments in Batticaloa, Ampara, and Trincomalee will be finished soon, while those in Anuradhapura, Kurunegala, and Matale are expected by December 30: The assessments are conducted with the Department of Agrarian Development and agrarian organisations.
The All Share Price Index (ASPI) of the Colombo Stock Exchange rose by 135.07 points (0.88%) to close at 15,535.60 on December 27: The S&P SL20, tracking the top 20 companies, gained 79.95 points, closing at 4,682.35. The day’s turnover surpassed Rs. 9.8 billion, with over 293 million shares traded.
The Transport and Highways Ministry plans to improve the quality of passenger transport buses, addressing frequent road accidents caused by both private and Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses: Measures include removing obstructive decorations, improving bus cleanliness, addressing noise issues, and ensuring proper seating standards: Additionally, 1,000 low-floor buses will be imported, and bus timetables will be merged for continuous operations: New standards are expected to be implemented within a month, with compliance monitored during license renewals and random inspections.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasised the government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all citizens to lead happy, quality lives, free from discrimination: Speaking at the inauguration of the first phase of a Rs. 22 billion housing project in Batariwatta, Moratuwa, funded by China, she highlighted the construction of 1,996 houses for low-income families and veteran artists, expressing gratitude for China’s support.
Dr. Chamith Nanayakkara, an advisor to the Association of Veterinarians for Humane Management of Animal Populations, expressed concern over the current methods used to address elephant-human conflicts: Elephants stuck in Oyamaduwa, including those in the National Livestock Development Board farm, face harmful tactics like firecracker use, which could lead to injury or death: Dr. Nanayakkara criticised the decision to chase elephants into Wilpattu National Park, calling for a national policy developed through collaboration with experts to manage the conflict responsibly without harming the animals.
The highly anticipated Week 3 clash in the MasterCard Inter-Club ‘A’ Division League Rugby Tournament will feature the unbeaten Kandy Sports Club (Kandy SC) against the improved CH and FC on Sunday (29), at the Race Course Grounds in Colombo: Kandy SC, led by head coach Fazil Marija, has been dominant, winning big against Sri Lions SC and Army SC, with key players like Tarinda Ratwatte excelling: CH and FC, coached by Sanath Martis, bounced back from an early loss with a strong win over Police SC: This match promises a thrilling contest between Kandy SC’s potent backline and CH and FC’s experienced forwards.
