December 23, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Health has announced that it has initiated a process to collect blood samples from mammals in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province as part of ongoing investigations into a recent spike in leptospirosis cases.

The samples, gathered by the Epidemiology Unit, are being analysed to help understand the spread of the disease in the region.

The blood samples have been sent to the laboratory of the Department of Veterinary Services for further examination.

The move follows a concerning increase in leptospirosis-related fatalities, with at least eight reported deaths in the Jaffna District alone in recent days.

Health authorities have raised alarm over the potential for a further surge in leptospirosis cases due to the prevailing rainy weather conditions in the Northern Province, which could exacerbate the spread of the disease.

Over the course of the past year, Sri Lanka has reported approximately 12,000 cases of leptospirosis, and nearly 200 people have died from the disease in 2024 alone.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that is typically transmitted through direct contact with the urine of infected rodents, or through open wounds exposed to contaminated water. Common symptoms of the disease include fever, severe headache, eye redness, muscle pain, and a decrease in urine output.

The Ministry of Health is urging the public to remain vigilant and to seek immediate medical care if any of these symptoms arise.

In addition, officials have stressed the importance of taking preventive measures, particularly in areas prone to flooding or where there may be a higher concentration of rodents.

Public health campaigns are also being intensified in affected regions to raise awareness about the risks of leptospirosis and encourage early intervention.

December 23, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan government has announced the official withdrawal of tri-forces personnel assigned to provide security for former presidents, effective from today (23).

This decision marks a significant shift in the security arrangements for former heads of state.

In a statement delivered during a parliamentary session last week, Minister of Public Security, Ananda Wijepala, explained that the move to scale back the security provided by the military was made after careful consideration.

From now on, the responsibility for safeguarding former presidents will solely rest with the police force. While this marks the end of tri-forces involvement, the number of police officers dedicated to this task has also been reduced.

However, the government reassured the public that sufficient personnel would remain in place to ensure the continued protection of former presidents.

The decision to decrease the security detail comes as part of broader cost-cutting measures, with the government citing the significant financial burden of maintaining such extensive protection for former leaders.

In response, the authorities have promised that the security arrangements will be periodically reviewed, with reassessments conducted every six months.

If deemed necessary, additional security measures will be implemented to guarantee the safety of the former heads of state.

Despite the reduced presence of military personnel, the Ministry of Defence has assured the public that the security of the former presidents will not be compromised.

The government is confident that the police, with their expertise in domestic security, will be able to manage the protection of former presidents effectively.

December 23, Colombo: The Sanchi Maha Bodhi Festival has been added to the National Festival Calendar issued by the Government of India by naming the various religious and cultural festivals held in India as National Festivals from this year.

Accordingly, the Sanchi Mahabodhi Festival, based on the annual exhibition of the relics of Saryut Mughals, which has been held for 72 years, is considered a national festival in India from this year. It was held recently (November 30 December 01) with the participation of a large number of Buddhist devotees from India, Sri Lanka and other foreign countries.

The two-day event was centered around the Sanchi Chetiyagiri temple built in the Sanchi Stupa complex. The Chetiyagiri temple had been bult by emperor Asoka. Mr. Prahalad Singh Patel, Minister of Rural Development and Panchayat Sabha, along with Mr. Kiran Rijiju, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs of India, attended the Sanchi Maha Bodhi Festival with the special greetings of the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi.

The Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, in his congratulatory message to Venerable Banagala Upatissa Thero on the occasion of the Sanchi Maha Bodhi Festival said, “The Sanchi Maha Bodhi Festival showcases our civilizational roots and rich traditions held annually to allow Buddhist devotees and pilgrims from all over the world to worship the relics of two great disciples of the Buddha, Sariputta Maharahat and Mahamogallana Maharahat.

The Mahabodhi Society’s efforts to preserve and popularize the Dharma buddha and playing an important role in bringing our culture and values ​​to the youth.Also The eternal teachings of the Buddha connect many nations and societies with others. A strong example of this is the Sanchi festival, which brings together people of different races”

I congratulate the Mahabodhi Association for the success of the Sanchi Mahabodhi Festival. I am sure that such events will strengthen our cultural heritage and inspire future generations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi further stated in the message.

Buddhists led by Dr. Supachai Verapuchong from Thailand, Vietnamese devotees including Bodhi Chitta Theraniya from Vietnam, Japanese Buddhist monks and nuns, Buddhist monks and devotees from Sri Lanka joined this event.After centuries of forest cover and ruins, it was discovered in 1918 by Alexander Cunningham and General Macy in 1851 First time at Sanchi shrine.

Excavations were made and then in 1912, Sir General John Marshall restored the ruins and restored the sanctum sanctorum to its present venerable state after the excavations, the relics of the great Mughals, who had been taken to England, built the Sanchi Chetiyagiri temple and worked with irresistible courage to bury it there.Most Venerable Banagala Upatissa Thero, President of Sanchi Chethiyagiri Vihara, President of Sri Lanka Mahabodhi Society, said that Hadigalle Pannathissa Thero.

As the chief guests of this year’s event, Venerable Vihara of Sanchi Chetiyagiri Vihara, Kandy Wattegama Maliadeva International Buddhist Center Director of Vietnam Bodhichitta Theran, Central Government of India Panchayat Sabha and Rural Development Minister Prahalad Singh Patel (Sri Prahalad Singh Patel).Dr. Supachal Verapunchong, one of Thailand’s foremost Buddhist leaders, Member of Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha (State Legislative Assembly) Dr. Prabhuram Chaudhary Raisan District Collector Aravind Kumar Dubey – Collector & District Magistrate – Raisan District) participated.

Cultural groups including famous Japanese singer MyU, Sri Lanka’s Thushara Hettiarachi, and Buddhist artists representing various parts of India joined the cultural concert held in conjunction with the Sanchi Mahabodhi Mahotsa.Also, nearly 100,000 Buddhist devotees from Orissa, Andhra, Telangana, Ladakh, Uttar and Uttarakhand, Assam, Kerala, Himachal, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and other states participated in the Mahabodhi festival on these two days, Chetigiri vihara resident Udugama Tapassi Thero said.

The relics of Saryut Mughal Agrasravaka, which were kept in the fragrance chamber of the crypt of Chetiagiri Vihara, were brought to the upper floor from that chamber on the 30th of November (30), and after being placed in the temple building, the people were given the opportunity to pay obeisance.Presbyter Banagala Upatissa said that the request of the late Prime Minister of India, Sir Jazablalala Nehru, was fulfilled 72 years ago.

A special alms giving was held at the Maha Bodhi Vandana Niketan premises for the Indian monks coming to this event, and a large number of dansals were organized for the pilgrims.

December 23, Colombo (LNW): The All Ceylon Poultry Traders’ Association has reassured the public that there will be no shortage of chicken or eggs during the upcoming festive season.

Chairman Ajith Gunasekara confirmed that sufficient stocks are being distributed to meet the anticipated demand throughout the holidays.

He further emphasised that the poultry industry has been actively managing supply chains to ensure consistent availability of products in the market.

As of today, frozen chicken with skin is priced at under Rs. 1,000 per kilogramme, offering affordable options for consumers.

Eggs are currently being sold at prices ranging between Rs. 30 and Rs. 33 each, remaining accessible for the majority of households.

Gunasekara also noted that the poultry sector has been monitoring the market closely and adjusting supply accordingly, ensuring that there will be no disruption in the availability of these essential items during one of the busiest periods of the year.

In addition to addressing concerns over potential shortages, the association has assured customers that quality standards are being upheld across the board, with rigorous checks in place to maintain the integrity of poultry products.

December 23, Colombo (LNW): In anticipation of the Christmas season, the Sri Lankan authorities have announced enhanced security measures to ensure the safety of worshippers and the general public during festive celebrations.

Special security arrangements will be put in place at churches across the country, with police, the Special Task Force (STF), and the military standing by to provide support as necessary.

According to Police Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manathunga, the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) has directed all senior officers and Officers-in-Charge (OICs) to make comprehensive security preparations for the upcoming Christmas services.

As part of this initiative, over 6,500 police officers will be deployed in the Western Province alone, focusing on maintaining safety in areas with the highest concentration of worshippers.

Reports indicate that over 2,000 churches nationwide are expected to hold Christmas services, and local police officials, including Senior Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs), and OICs, will work closely with church authorities and civil committees to coordinate security measures.

The authorities aim to ensure a safe environment for all attending the religious services during this important time.

Additionally, the Special Task Force will be actively involved in securing high-risk areas, and should the need arise, the police will seek support from the Sri Lankan Army or other security forces to maintain peace and order.

The Police will also conduct special operations aimed at curbing reckless driving and other traffic-related offences, which often increase during the holidays.

To further bolster safety efforts, more than 500 plain-clothes officers will be stationed near religious sites and busy commercial areas, such as shopping centres, to monitor potential criminal activities and ensure the public’s safety during the Christmas and New Year festivities.

The authorities have assured the public that these measures are part of a comprehensive programme fostered to ensure peace and security for all during the holiday season.

December 23, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has engaged in a productive meeting with Takafumi Kadono, the Country Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for Sri Lanka, to discuss ongoing and future collaborations between the country and the international development organisation.

The talks were centred on strengthening the partnership between Sri Lanka and the ADB, which plays a pivotal role in supporting the nation’s development goals.

A key point of the discussions was the focus on the education sector, with the Prime Minister emphasising the critical need to improve school infrastructure, enhance teacher training, and refine assessment systems to ensure a high standard of education for all students.

These areas, she stressed, are essential for the future development of Sri Lanka and for addressing the educational challenges the country faces.

The ADB reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to the Sri Lankan education sector, pledging continued support through various projects aimed at improving educational outcomes.

The bank highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling these challenges and providing sustainable solutions to enhance the quality of education across the island.

December 23, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Customs has officially announced that rice imports into the country will be prohibited until a relevant Gazette notification is published.

The move comes in the wake of the expiration of the rice import period allocated to the private sector on December 20, during which 67,000 metric tons of rice were brought into the country.

While the government recently extended the rice import period until January 10, 2025, Sri Lanka Customs has made it clear that imports cannot be processed or released into the local market until the Gazette notification is formally issued.

This means that, even with government intervention, no rice imports can be approved or distributed without the necessary legal framework in place.

Meanwhile, a government-imported stock of 52,000 metric tonnes of rice is expected to arrive in the country within the next few days.

This stock, which is being imported through government channels, aims to address the ongoing rice supply concerns.

However, Customs has reiterated that these imports cannot be released into circulation until the official Gazette notification is made public.

Government sources have indicated that the much-anticipated Gazette notification, which will provide the legal basis for rice imports, is expected to be issued after the Cabinet meeting scheduled for today (23).

By: Isuru Parakrama

December 23, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Southern and Uva provinces and in Rathnapura district during the evening or night, with mainly fair weather being expected to prevail elsewhere, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (23).

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:

1. The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to implement urgent legal reforms to restore the rule of law: In a written appeal, the AHRC emphasised the need to address judicial delays, introduce anti-corruption legislation, and reform the Attorney General’s Department for improved independence, efficiency, and transparency in governance.
   
2. The Democratic People’s Front (DPF) appointed Barath Arulsamy as its new Vice President during a politburo meeting led by Party Leader Mano Ganesan in Colombo: The meeting focused on reviewing the party’s progress, discussing strategies for upcoming Local Government elections, and strengthening its organisational structure: Ganesan emphasised enhancing the party’s political and international engagement while reaffirming its commitment to advocating for Tamil and minority rights.
   
3. Former State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe praised the former government’s efforts in steering Sri Lanka from crisis to growth, citing the Fitch Ratings upgrade of the country’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘CCC+’ from ‘Restricted Default’: He highlighted this milestone as a success of debt restructuring, strengthening both local and global confidence in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery.
   
4. The Election Commission will provide the Police with a list of candidates who have failed to submit their income and expenditure reports since contesting the general election: The Police will take legal action against these candidates: Meanwhile, the names of those who have submitted their reports are displayed at district secretariats and election offices.
   
5. The Education Ministry has instructed all government schools to avoid organising programmes on Sundays to prevent conflicts with Sunday school activities: A letter from the Additional Secretary, P.R. Kariyawasam, noted a request from the Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry to allow children to participate in Sunday school: Schools were advised to schedule any necessary programs outside Sunday school hours.
   
6. The Central Bank (CBSL) has announced relief measures for SMEs affected by the Easter Sunday attacks, the COVID-19 pandemic, and recent economic conditions: These measures include rescheduling non-performing loans based on the borrower’s ability to repay and a revival plan, with final agreements due by June 15, 2025: SMEs may also receive interest waivers, and new loan applications should not be rejected solely based on adverse CRIB records: SMEs must engage with their bank’s Business Revival Units by March 31, 2025, to qualify for relief.
   
7. The Police will launch a nationwide special traffic operation starting today (23) focusing on passenger buses and other vehicles to reduce road accidents: The operation, continuing through the festive season, will prioritise inspections for alcohol or substance-impaired driving, reckless driving, and technical defects in buses: Traffic officers will conduct 24-hour surveillance, and the public can report violations via hotlines, police stations, or WhatsApp.
   
8. A gazette notification issued on December 20, 2024, extends the compulsory retirement age for various government medical officers to 63 years: This includes Medical Specialists, Grade Medical Officers, Dental Officers, Medical Administrative Grade officers, and Dental Specialists: The new provisions, effective from January 1, 2023, were announced by the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government.
   
9. An extraordinary gazette signed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has delegated the authority to borrow and issue debt securities, both domestically and internationally, to the Secretary of the Treasury on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka: The Treasury Secretary is also authorised to sign agreements for foreign loans and government guarantees for state corporations or public enterprises seeking foreign loans, as well as any related contracts, bonds, or promissory notes.
   
10. The 13th Defence Services Taekwondo Championship 2024/2025 was successfully held at the SLAF Base Katunayake Gymnasium from December 17-20, 2024: The Sri Lanka Air Force Women’s Team claimed the Women’s Championship with five Gold, two Silver, and nine Bronze medals: The SLAF Men’s Team secured second place with four Gold, one Silver, and one Bronze: Aircraftman Prabashwara DPGAM was named ‘Best Player’: The awards ceremony was attended by Air Vice Marshal Chaminda Wickramaratne and senior officers from the tri-services.