November 09, Colombo (LNW): Amid rising measles cases, the Sri Lankan Health Ministry has rolled out a measles-rubella vaccination campaign in 12 high-risk districts, running from November 8 for four weeks. Targeted primarily at individuals aged 20-30, the campaign also aims to immunize those who missed previous vaccinations.

The initiative follows a public awareness drive held from November 4 to 9, aimed at educating the community about the importance of vaccination to prevent measles transmission. Health officials stress that measles, a highly contagious airborne disease, can spread rapidly, with a single infected person potentially transmitting it to 10-18 others.

Despite earlier success in eradicating measles, cases have re-emerged in Sri Lanka since 2023, largely due to regional outbreaks in other Asian countries. Dr. Athula Liyanapathirana from the Epidemiology Unit noted that priority will be given to individuals who missed their full dose or received only one shot of the vaccine.

The Ministry urges the public to check vaccination schedules with local Medical Officers of Health (MOH) and participate in this critical preventive measure to help contain the resurgence of measles and protect public health.

November 09, Colombo (LNW):The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested Dhammika Kumara Ranasinghe, 52, and his wife Surangani Hemachandrara, 42, in connection with an illegal pyramid scheme that allegedly defrauded over Rs. 10 billion from depositors in the Kurunegala area. The couple, who were apprehended at Katunayake Airport upon Ranasinghe’s return from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, were remanded by Colombo Chief Magistrate Thilina Gamage until November 22.

Ranasinghe, the primary suspect, fled Sri Lanka while facing trial in the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court. His wife, who served as a director in their financial institution, was arrested while waiting at the arrivals terminal.

The pyramid scheme, operating under the name “JD’s Business School,” reportedly attracted over 2,500 investors, with CID investigations uncovering a network of more than 3,000 members. CID officials revealed that the suspects had multiple bank accounts and significant assets, including an apartment complex and two large land plots in Kurunegala. Authorities also found 11 accounts in Hemachandrara’s name across three major Sri Lankan banks.

The CID requested that the two suspects be remanded to allow for further investigation, noting that 68 additional individuals are implicated in the scheme. Following the court’s order, a team from the Commercial Crime Investigation Division has taken custody of the suspects. Further investigation will involve collaboration with the Colombo Narahenpita Illegal Assets Division to examine their extensive assets and financial dealings.

November 09, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts. Fairly heavy showers about 50mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts during the evening or night.

Strong winds about (40-50)kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Hambantota, Monaragala and Trincomalee districts.

November 08, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Immigration and Emigration Officers’ Association has released a special announcement addressing recent delays in the issuance of foreign passports, which has caused significant inconvenience to the public and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

In a statement issued on the 7th, the Association attributed the delays to incorrect information provided by the department’s higher administration. They emphasized that the situation cannot be resolved by maintaining the arbitrary practices of a few high-ranking officials whose appointments were based on political allegiance.

The Association expressed its responsibility to expose the reality of the situation and called for a formal investigation to identify the officials accountable for the disruption. They also asserted that recent statements by various parties on the issue were contradictory and inaccurate.

November 08, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has contributed $130 million to the national treasury since 2014, earned through its involvement in United Nations peacekeeping operations.

A new SLAF aviation contingent, comprising 20 officers and 88 airmen, is set to deploy to the Central African Republic in the first week of December. These personnel will support peacekeeping efforts in the region, fulfilling roles that include troop and elite transport, food and cargo logistics, inter-country flights, parachute drops, and medical evacuations.

November 08, Colombo (LNW): Senior Advisor to the President on Economic and Financial Affairs, Prof. Anil Jayantha, announced that the government is considering reducing the VAT on school materials, including textbooks, as well as essential foods and medicines. This statement was made during a meeting with Gampaha district farmers, organized by the Sri Lanka Agricultural Development Council, on November 7.

A key issue raised during the meeting was Sri Lanka’s unique position as the only country to levy VAT on textbooks. The President of the Gampaha Minsara organization urged the government to remove VAT from school materials. Prof. Jayantha responded by emphasizing that while the government is committed to addressing these concerns, the country has committed to certain benchmarks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), including a target to increase government revenue as a percentage of GDP to 15% by 2025.

To meet this goal, the government needs to collect indirect taxes like VAT. Prof. Jayantha mentioned that discussions with the IMF included suggestions such as reducing VAT on school materials from the current 18% to 7% or even 5%, rather than completely removing it. Another proposal was to provide financial grants to schoolchildren to purchase necessary materials. While no final decision has been made, the government aims to reduce VAT on essential items like food, medicine, and school materials to zero percent at the earliest opportunity.

November 08, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has been awarded the title of ‘The Most Desirable Island in the World,’ clinching the prestigious Gold award at the 23rd Annual Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2024 held in the United Kingdom. This accolade, voted on by over 200,000 global travelers, marks a significant leap for Sri Lanka, which moved up from eighth place in 2023 to claim the top spot.

The award was received by Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman, Buddhika Hewawasam, at the iconic Tate Modern in London. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean,’ Sri Lanka captivated voters with its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and pristine beaches. Notable attractions include the ancient sites of Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Anuradhapura, along with the country’s lush tea plantations and the newly introduced Pekoe Trail, which invites travelers to explore the island’s scenic highlands.

The Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2024 saw over three million votes from 150,000 readers, underscoring Sri Lanka’s allure as a top-tier travel destination. This Gold award solidifies Sri Lanka’s global reputation as a captivating and must-visit island, drawing admiration from travelers worldwide.