By: Isuru Parakama

December 27, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has expressed his profound sadness and extended heartfelt condolences following the passing of Dr Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister of India.

In a special message shared via Twitter, the President conveyed his sympathies to the people of India, Dr Singh’s family, and his many admirers across the globe.

The message, which was also posted on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka, reads:

“On behalf of the people of Sri Lanka and myself, I extend my deepest condolences to the Republic of India, to Dr. Manmohan Singh’s family, and to his innumerable admirers worldwide. Dr Singh was a visionary leader whose influence reached beyond national borders. His tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 saw significant transformative policies, including the Right to Education Act and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, both of which reflected his unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity and equity in society.

A dedicated proponent of international cooperation, Dr. Singh played a key role in forging robust partnerships and was instrumental in the creation of coalitions such as BRICS. His diplomatic efforts, including the landmark Indo-US nuclear agreement, stand as testament to his remarkable leadership and global outlook. Dr Singh’s humility, intellect, and dedication to public service will continue to inspire generations to come. May his soul rest in peace and find eternal solace.“

The President’s heartfelt tribute was shared by the President’s Media Division (PMD).

December 27, Colombo (LNW): The National Zoological Gardens Department has reported a remarkable surge in its income, with a 150 per cent increase compared to the previous year, according to Director General Ranjana Marasinghe.

As of December 23, 2024, the department has generated Rs. 1.42 billion in revenue, with expectations to reach Rs. 2 billion by the close of the year.

Marasinghe revealed that the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage has been the primary contributor to this impressive growth, accounting for 61.4 per cent of the total revenue, amounting to Rs. 876 million.

This popular attraction continues to draw both local and international visitors, bolstering the overall income of the zoological parks.

In addition to Pinnawala, the Dehiwala Zoological Gardens has contributed 22 per cent of the revenue, while the Ridiyagama Safari Park and the Pinnawala Open Zoo have provided 9 per cent and 7.5 per cent, respectively.

These figures highlight the growing appeal of Sri Lanka’s wildlife conservation and tourism sector, with a diverse range of parks and sanctuaries attracting a steady flow of visitors.

The highest revenue months were recorded in January, February, March, April, and August, with January standing out as the most profitable month of the year.

The department remains optimistic about sustaining this upward trend in the coming months.

December 27, Colombo (LNW): Beneficiaries of the Aswesuma social welfare scheme can begin receiving their outstanding payments from today, directly through their bank accounts, the Welfare Benefits Board (WBB) announced.

This initiative follows efforts to ensure the timely disbursement of overdue funds to those eligible under the first phase of the scheme.

According to Jayantha Wijeratne, Chairman of the Welfare Benefits Board, a total of 212,423 qualifying families will benefit from the transfer of these outstanding payments.

Over Rs. 1.3 billion has been allocated for the pending disbursements, with the WBB facilitating the deposit of the funds into the designated bank accounts of the recipients.

This move is expected to provide financial relief to the families awaiting their payments under the Aswesuma scheme, which aims to improve the welfare of vulnerable households across Sri Lanka.

The WBB has reassured recipients that all necessary steps have been taken to ensure the smooth and efficient transfer of funds.

December 27, Colombo (LNW): Several prominent Sri Lankan political leaders have expressed their heartfelt condolences following the death of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away yesterday at the age of 92.

The tributes reflect the deep respect and admiration Singh commanded across South Asia, with his legacy as an economist and leader continuing to resonate.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa took to social media platform ‘X’ to remember Singh as a visionary economist and a pivotal figure in India’s economic transformation. Rajapaksa described Singh as the “architect of India’s economic liberalisation,” noting that his far-reaching contributions helped to shape a new and prosperous era for India.

Deeply saddened by the passing of former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. A visionary economist and the architect of India’s economic liberalization, his contributions shaped a new era for India. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the people of India. pic.twitter.com/5n1DtCMyL9

— Mahinda Rajapaksa (@PresRajapaksa) December 26, 2024

He extended his deepest sympathies to Singh’s family and the people of India, acknowledging the loss of a leader who had a profound impact on the region’s economic landscape.

Similarly, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa shared his sorrow on ‘X,’ emphasising that Dr. Singh’s economic reforms had not only transformed India but also inspired neighbouring countries.

Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh, a visionary leader whose economic reforms transformed India and inspired the region. His commitment to progress and integrity will continue to inspire us. Our thoughts are with his family and the people of India during this…

— Sajith Premadasa (@sajithpremadasa) December 27, 2024

Premadasa highlighted Singh’s unwavering commitment to progress and integrity, qualities that would continue to inspire generations to come. He offered his condolences to Singh’s family and to India, sending thoughts of solidarity during this moment of grief.

M.A. Sumanthiran, former Member of Parliament for the Tamil National Alliance, also paid tribute to Singh, remembering him as “a gentleman par excellence.” Sumanthiran recalled Singh’s sincere efforts towards addressing the Tamil National Question in Sri Lanka, noting that Singh’s diplomatic endeavours and leadership left a lasting impression on Sri Lankan politics.

Our most sincere condolences to the people of India on the demise of their former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. A gentleman par excellence, the architect of modern India’s economic resurgence, worked sincerely to solve the Tamil National Question in Sri Lanka. pic.twitter.com/XqbtbIPvEr

— M A Sumanthiran (@MASumanthiran) December 27, 2024

In his message, Sumanthiran offered his sincere condolences to the people of India, acknowledging Singh’s role in modernising India’s economy while also working towards regional stability.

Manmohan Singh’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian politics. Admitted to the emergency department of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Singh passed away despite efforts to revive him.

Singh served as Prime Minister of India for a historic 3,656 days, from May 22, 2004, to May 26, 2014. During his tenure at the helm of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA), he became the third-longest serving Prime Minister in Indian history, surpassed only by Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.

December 27, Colombo (LNW): The 2024 edition of the joint naval exercise between India and Sri Lanka, SLINEX 24, took place from December 17 to 20 in the coastal city of Visakhapatnam, organised under the leadership of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Naval Command.

This year’s exercise unfolded in two key stages: the Harbour Phase, which ran from December 17 to 18, and the Sea Phase, held from December 19 to 20.

The Harbour Phase provided an opportunity for personnel from both navies to engage in a range of professional exchanges, fostering camaraderie through collaborative interactions.

The Indian Navy’s contribution included INS Sumitra from its Eastern Fleet, alongside a Special Forces contingent, while Sri Lanka was represented by the Offshore Patrol Vessel, SLNS Sayura, and its own Special Forces team.

The inaugural ceremony on December 17 marked the official commencement of the Harbour Phase, setting the tone for a series of cooperative engagements between the two nations.

As the exercise transitioned to the Sea Phase, from December 19, both countries’ Special Forces teams participated in joint exercises at sea, sharpening their operational capabilities.

Activities in this phase included live gun firing drills, communication exercises, seamanship and navigation evolutions, as well as helicopter operations, which tested the naval personnel’s skills in a variety of challenging maritime scenarios.

SLINEX, which was first initiated in 2005, has grown into a crucial platform for strengthening the strategic maritime ties between India and Sri Lanka.

This year’s exercise demonstrated the deepening collaboration between the two nations, enhancing mutual understanding and operational readiness.

The exercise has also reinforced the importance of a secure and rules-based maritime environment, in line with India’s broader vision of “Security And Growth for All in the Region” (SAGAR).

December 27, Colombo (LNW): A progress review meeting for the committee responsible for addressing the welfare and benefits of the families of fallen and disabled war veterans was convened yesterday at the office of the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General (Retd.) Aruna Jayasekara.

The primary focus of the meeting was to assess the ongoing challenges faced by the families of war veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as those living with disabilities due to their service.

The committee acknowledged the importance of recognising the persistent and evolving needs of these families, ensuring that their sacrifices are not overlooked.

During the session, there was a consensus on the need for a more structured and methodical approach to tackle these longstanding issues.

The committee stressed the urgency of finding practical and immediate solutions to unmet needs, ensuring that no family is left behind in the process.

It was also underscored that the committee’s work must yield meaningful and sustainable results, with a focus on long-term welfare improvements.

The committee has been tasked with implementing a comprehensive plan that is both collaborative and efficient, working alongside various stakeholders to prioritise the well-being of the veterans and their families.

This includes considering financial, healthcare, and social support, with the goal of offering tangible benefits to those who have sacrificed so much for the nation.

In a previous meeting, the Deputy Minister of Defence appointed the Additional Secretary of Defence from the Ministry of Defence to chair the committee, reinforcing the strategic direction of the initiative.

The committee is composed of senior officials, including the Chairman of the Ranaviru Seva Authority (RSA), directors from the three branches of the armed forces, and other key personnel, all working in unison to address these critical issues.