November 05, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has made a fervent appeal for a fundamental transformation in Sri Lanka’s political culture, asserting that political practices must adhere to established standards of conduct.
Speaking at a public rally in Monaragala, Dissanayake articulated the need for politicians to operate within a clear framework that respects the law and promotes ethical governance.
During his address, Dissanayake underscored the absence of these crucial standards within the current political system, pointing to alarming trends such as the use of unregistered and potentially smuggled vehicles by public officials.
“It seems that certain individuals feel exempt from the law, which is why we advocate for the principle that everyone is equal before the law. This principle must hold true for all citizens, regardless of their position—be it the president or the prime minister,” the President said.
Dissanayake’s comments reflect a growing frustration with the status quo, where misuse of public resources and disregard for legal frameworks have become pervasive.
He passionately denounced this culture of impunity, asserting, “We cannot allow public property to be misappropriated. Our aim is to eradicate such practices and to standardise the way politics is conducted in our nation.“
By advocating for these changes, Dissanayake hopes to inspire a new generation of leaders committed to upholding the rule of law and serving the interests of the people.
November 05, Colombo (LNW): In a significant development, the Supreme Court has ordered the resumption of legal proceedings against former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Pujith Jayasundara, following an appeal by the Attorney General (AG).
This appeal contests a previous ruling by the Colombo High Court, which acquitted the two officials of charges related to their alleged failure to avert the tragic 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks, despite having received prior intelligence about potential threats.
The AG’s appeal was prompted by a verdict from a three-member panel of High Court judges that cleared both Fernando and Jayasundara of charges of criminal dereliction of duty and murder.
This ruling, which shocked many, was based on the court’s decision to acquit the defendants without requiring any defence testimonies, a move that raised eyebrows given the severity of the allegations.
The Supreme Court’s decision to allow the AG’s appeal was reached after extensive hearings conducted by a five-member bench led by Justice Preethi Padman Surasena.
During these proceedings, the Supreme Court judges underscored that the High Court had erred in not calling for the defence’s input during the original hearings.
The court expressed that proper judicial process mandates that all parties involved should have the opportunity to present their case fully.
The 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, which claimed over 270 lives and injured many more, were a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within the nation’s security apparatus.
November 05, Colombo (LNW): The indefinite strike initiated by medical staff at Karapitiya Hospital has been officially called off as of 8:00 a.m. today (05), following decisive action by hospital authorities.
The protest, which had gained traction in response to allegations of misconduct by a specialist within the oncology department, concluded after the decision was made to transfer the controversial doctor to the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.
This latest strike was a continuation of earlier protests, including a token strike, during which doctors expressed their dissatisfaction over the management’s failure to address their concerns regarding the specialist’s conduct.
Frustration had been mounting among the medical professionals, who felt their grievances were being ignored, leading to an escalation in their demands for accountability.
Dr. Asanka Konara, Co-Secretary of the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA), articulated the motivations behind the protest, emphasising that the aim was to compel authorities to take action regarding long-standing issues associated with the specialist’s behaviour.
“Despite our previous efforts and demonstrations, including token strikes, we had not seen any substantial resolution. Our members felt compelled to escalate their actions to ensure their voices were heard,” he stated.
In the aftermath of the strike, medical staff are now returning to their duties, with the expectation that the administration will take further steps to address systemic issues within the hospital.
November 05, Colombo (LNW): In the latest update from the Henley Passport Index, Sri Lanka has secured the 95th position globally, reflecting a modest improvement in global mobility but underscoring its limited access to visa-free destinations.
Released by Henley & Partners in October 2024, the index reveals that Sri Lankan passport holders can access only 44 countries without prior visa requirements, positioning it alongside Iran and South Sudan in the global rankings.
This ranking shows a slight advance for Sri Lanka, which was positioned 100th in 2023 and 102nd in 2022, indicating gradual, albeit slow, improvement.
The Henley Passport Index assesses the strength of passports by the number of destinations holders can enter visa-free or with visa-on-arrival.
With data sourced from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and updated quarterly, the index provides an insight into global mobility and the ease of international travel.
Singapore, which regained the top spot this year, offers its citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 195 out of 227 destinations.
This success can be attributed to Singapore’s strategic diplomatic efforts, which foster open access to countries worldwide.
This level of unrestricted mobility showcases the substantial benefits that arise from strong diplomatic ties and proactive visa agreements, setting a benchmark for other nations.
Japan, previously a long-time leader in passport rankings, has been displaced by Singapore and now ranks second, tied with France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. These nations grant their citizens visa-free access to 192 destinations.
Meanwhile, Denmark recently secured visa-free access to China, propelling it to the third rank globally.
The UK, still navigating the post-Brexit landscape, has climbed to fourth position with visa-free access to 190 countries, reflecting the country’s steady effort to re-establish its travel privileges internationally.
For Sri Lanka, the current ranking emphasises the need for a strengthened foreign policy and targeted efforts to enhance its citizens’ travel freedom. Expanding visa-free or visa-on-arrival agreements could yield economic benefits, especially given the country’s reliance on remittances and international business ties.
Improved international access would also facilitate greater cultural exchange, potentially elevating Sri Lanka’s global presence and reinforcing its appeal as a travel and trade partner.
Whilst Sri Lanka’s gradual progress is positive, the passport’s limited reach highlights the importance of future diplomatic strategies aimed at enhancing Sri Lankan citizens’ mobility.
November 05, Colombo (LNW): Chairman of the Colombo Tea Traders’ Association (CTTA) Sanjaya Herath highlighted the pressing need for Sri Lanka’s tea industry to modernise its practices by integrating sustainable methods and embracing technological advancements.
He raised these concerns addressing the Association’s 130th Annural General Meeting.
With labour costs comprising over 60 per cent of production expenses, the sector faces mounting challenges, including inflation and a dwindling workforce, he pointed out.
Herath advocated for automation and renewable energy investments to maintain the industry’s resilience and reduce dependency on costly labour.
“Our future depends on forward-thinking approaches that prioritise innovation, technology, and sustainable growth,” said Herath.
He emphasised that adopting advanced technology, fostering public-private partnerships, and empowering smallholder farmers are essential steps to strengthen the sector.
Herath also underscored the importance of resilience to navigate the fluctuating demands of the global tea market.
Beyond production challenges, the CTTA has made strides in supporting tea-growing communities. This year, the association expanded its community outreach by deploying two 1990 Suwasariya ambulances in Maskeliya and Nivithigala to ensure access to essential medical services for workers in these regions.
Furthermore, the CTTA’s “Ray of Hope” charity initiative, launched in April, reinforced its commitment to assisting vulnerable communities within the tea sector.
The CTTA has also demonstrated adaptability in the face of recent crises. The digital transformation of the Colombo Tea Auction in 2020, spurred by the Covid-19 pandemic, marked a significant shift from traditional practices, enabling trade continuity despite global disruptions.
Herath praised the online auctioning system as a landmark achievement, ensuring Sri Lankan tea maintained its global market presence and kept the industry’s wheels turning even during uncertain times.
The event’s keynote speaker, Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda, former Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tea Board and noted biodiversity scientist, echoed Herath’s call for modernisation.
He argued that Sri Lanka’s tea sector must not rest on tradition alone but instead must seize control of its destiny by proactively addressing contemporary challenges, such as climate change and regulatory demands.
“Wishful thinking is insufficient. Recognising and confronting these challenges head-on, with a commitment to sustainability, will determine our industry’s future,” Dr. Pethiyagoda said.
He also urged CTTA members to secure Geographical Indication (GI) status for Ceylon Tea in key markets, particularly the European Union, to safeguard the authenticity of Sri Lanka’s unique tea varieties.
Pethiyagoda stressed the importance of protecting regional identities within the Ceylon Tea brand, recognising the distinctive qualities that differentiate Sri Lankan teas globally.
Founded in 1894, the CTTA is widely known to have played a pivotal role in advancing Sri Lanka’s tea industry, overseeing the Colombo Tea Auction, the largest single-origin tea auction worldwide.
November 05, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) indicates slight depreciation against the US Dollar today (05) in comparison to yesterday, maintaining nonetheless below the Rs. 300 threshold, as revealed by the official exchange rates released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).
Accordingly, the buying price of the US Dollar has increased to Rs. 288.67 from Rs. 288.55, and the selling price to Rs. 297.72 from Rs. 297.60
November 05, Colombo (LNW): A delegation of seasoned New Zealand rugby referees has arrived in Sri Lanka to conduct an intensive training programme aimed at raising the calibre of officiating within the Sri Lankan rugby community.
The 24-day initiative, organised with the backing of the Sri Lanka Society of Rugby Football Referees (SLSRFR), Sri Lanka Rugby, and the Ministry of Sports, seeks to equip local referees and club officials with enhanced skills and strategies ahead of the 2024/25 Club Rugby season.
This effort is spearheaded by Krishan Ambawatte, a Sri Lankan-born civil engineer and referee now based in New Zealand.
Ambawatte, who has refereed at both national touch rugby and provincial rugby levels, proposed the idea earlier this year.
“Our vision is to provide Sri Lankan referees with the necessary training to elevate their skills at no cost, fostering a long-term improvement in rugby officiating,” he explained.
His vision resonated well with both Sri Lankan rugby officials and the Ministry of Sports, paving the way for this partnership with New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty Rugby Union referees.
The programme will deliver workshops for referees across all tiers, as well as training for Judicial and Citing Officers, club administrators, and even coaches and captains.
The New Zealand team, comprising highly experienced referees, will also officiate matches to further strengthen local officiating standards. The programme is headlined by three top referees from New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty Rugby Union:
Sam Fellows: A Level-2 referee with over 21 years in officiating, including stints with Auckland, Waikato, and Southern California Rugby Unions. As a current NZ National Referee, he has overseen 39 New Zealand First-Class games, 110 Provincial Premier games, and three World Rugby Sevens tournaments. His accomplishments include officiating the prestigious Bay of Plenty Premier Final and the Coral Coast Sevens in Fiji. Also a sports lecturer, lawyer, and tribunal member, Fellows brings invaluable experience to the training programme.
Sam Thompson: With an 18-year career in rugby refereeing, Thompson has officiated more than 40 First-Class games and 144 Provincial Premier games. A standout in the Horowhenua-Kāpiti Rugby Union, he has earned titles as the top referee in the region multiple times and has officiated several high-stakes finals, including the Hurricane Zone College Boys Finals.
Sean Curragh: Representing the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union, Curragh is an emerging talent with seven years of experience, including assisting in National NPC games and officiating the Bay of Plenty Premier Development Final. As part of the Chief’s Region Development Squad, Curragh brings fresh insights to the programme.
November 05, Colombo (LNW): The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO) has announced plans to overhaul the current commission structure for fuel distributors, opting to implement a price formula tailored to local conditions.
CEYPETCO Chairman D.J.A.S. De S Rajakaruna revealed this shift at a briefing yesterday (04), emphasising the need for transparency and fairness in the fuel supply network.
Rajakaruna explained that the CEYPETCO has historically linked distributor commissions to global oil prices, a model that has increasingly led to disproportionate profits for distributors, especially during recent fluctuations in the global oil market.
Until now, distributors earned a 2.25 per cent commission based on global oil prices, with an additional 0.5 percent increase implemented in 2018 due to economic challenges.
This led to a significant rise in distributor earnings; for instance, in 2022, distributors received Rs. 14 per litre of octane 92 petrol and Rs. 13.80 per litre of diesel.
The chairman highlighted that the Auditor General’s Office reported substantial losses from this commission model, noting that in 2022 alone, the CEYPETCO faced a shortfall of Rs. 35 billion due to the temporary commission increase.
Consequently, the CEYPETCO’s Board of Directors has determined that the global oil market should no longer influence distributor commissions.
Instead, the CEYPETCO will establish a formula rooted in local economic conditions, ensuring a stable and fair return for distributors without burdening public funds.
An expert committee has been appointed to develop this new pricing formula. In the interim, the CEYPETCO has proposed a provisional allowance of Rs. 6 per litre for distributors until the formula is finalised.
However, distributors have sought a court injunction against this interim rate, which currently sees them receiving Rs. 8.49 per litre for diesel and Rs. 9.33 per litre for petrol.
Beyond revising distributor commissions, Rajakaruna criticised prior government policies that, in his view, weakened the CEYPETCO’s autonomy and market share.
Agreements with previous administrations have reportedly forced the CEYPETCO to relinquish profitable fuel stations to competing entities, reducing its sales by 50 per cent.
Furthermore, CEYPETCO equipment has, in some cases, been transferred to private companies, including a licence issued to a private company for supplying aircraft fuel, still operating on CEYPETCO infrastructure.
Despite these setbacks, Rajakaruna expressed optimism, asserting that the Corporation’s fuel, lubricants, and agro divisions would eventually regain stability and profitability.
He assured that the new commission formula, along with an emphasis on transparency, would restore public trust in the CEYPETCO’s operations.
Managing Director Dr. Mayura Neththikumarage also supported these efforts during the press briefing, highlighting the need for continued reform to safeguard the Corporation’s future.
November 05, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Immigration and Emigration is introducing a digital system for booking passport appointments through tokens, effective from Wednesday (06).
This initiative aims to streamline the process, allowing the public to reserve a date for passport applications using their National Identity Card (NIC) number via the department’s official website.
Acting Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, Nilusha Balasooriya, announced the new system at a recent press briefing, emphasising its role in easing queues and assisting those travelling from distant areas.
Starting December 01, appointments made using online tokens will be available, allowing the department time to clear a backlog of existing passport requests.
Balasooriya clarified that the token booking portal will be accessible on the left side of the department’s website under “Register to apply for a passport.”
Through this system, applicants can reserve dates from anywhere at any time using a smartphone or computer.
To manage demand, a limited number of tokens will be issued daily, with alternative dates offered if the chosen date’s quota is full.
To protect applicants from scams, Balasooriya cautioned against unofficial agents claiming to secure tokens on behalf of the department, warning that such bogus tokens would be invalid and lead to further delays.
Applicants should avoid visiting the department in person to book appointments after tomorrow (06), as all reservations will now be managed online.
For those requiring passports urgently, the system permits booking the earliest available date, after which applicants can present documentary proof of their emergency need.
An independent committee within the department will review these cases to ensure the validity of emergency requests. Strict legal action will be taken against individuals found submitting fake documents.
Those facing technical issues or seeking assistance with the online token system can reach out via the Government Information Centre at ‘1919’ or the Department’s Information Centre at ‘1962’.
Additionally, the department encourages public feedback on this pilot programme to refine and improve the service.
Balasooriya noted that the current stock of passports stands at 33,000 from a batch of 50,000, with a larger consignment of 750,000 passports expected by December.
To meet the high demand, the department will also implement a new procurement plan for additional passports, she added.
November 05, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Agrarian Development has commenced the distribution of the Rs. 25,000 fertiliser subsidy for the 2024 ‘Maha Season,’ confirmed Commissioner General U.P. Rohana Rajapakshe.
This substantial initiative is aimed at supporting local farmers through a phased financial distribution to bolster agricultural productivity.
In the programme’s first phase, Rs. 15,000 has already been distributed per farmer, initially benefiting 670 farmers across Ampara and Kilinochchi districts, with Rs. 9.5 million allocated to support cultivation across 630 hectares.
Expanding on this, the second phase disbursed Rs. 46.5 million to 4,475 farmers in 12 districts, while the third phase released Rs. 57.5 million to assist 4,219 farmers within the same districts.
Further, in the fourth phase, Rs. 47.7 million was allocated to 4,804 farmers.
Rajapakshe stated that an additional Rs. 279.4 million will be transferred from the Treasury today, with funds allocated to benefit 22,419 farmers across 19 districts, further strengthening the seasonal agricultural efforts.
In total, over Rs. 441.8 million has been distributed to farmers so far, representing a significant investment by the government in agricultural sustainability.
Rajapakshe also highlighted that a subsequent Rs. 10,000 will be disbursed to farmers in two weeks, following the commencement of cultivation activities.
This follow-up financial support is intended to ensure farmers are adequately equipped for the season’s demands.
