November 04, Colombo (LNW): The Chinese government has committed to providing the entire supply of school uniforms for Sri Lankan students in 2025, confirmed Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong.
Speaking at a scholarship award ceremony held at Keppetipola National School, the ambassador highlighted China’s consistent support for Sri Lanka’s educational needs, particularly over recent years.
Ambassador Qi outlined the steady increase in China’s contributions to Sri Lankan school uniform provisions, noting that in 2023, China donated 70 per cent of the required uniforms, increasing this figure to 80 per cent in 2024.
The ambassador confirmed that China will fulfil 100 per cent of the requirement for the upcoming school year, with phased distributions set to commence before the end of this year.
In his remarks, Qi underscored that this initiative exemplifies China’s enduring friendship and partnership with Sri Lanka, which he noted is advancing towards a new phase of development under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
He highlighted China’s continued support as a gesture of solidarity with Sri Lanka as the nation pursues progress and recovery.
The ambassador also addressed the scholarship programme, initiated in 2018, which seeks to support educational opportunities for children from low-income families.
The initiative has now expanded to 20 schools across the country, with the aim of alleviating economic challenges faced by families and fostering educational development.
November 04, Colombo (LNW): The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has affirmed that a party in a divorce case can seek damages from a third party—specifically, an alleged adulterer—without necessarily pursuing divorce in the same legal action.
This historic decision, which sets a significant precedent for future divorce cases involving third-party misconduct, emerged from a recent appeal involving complex questions of marital and third-party liability.
The judgement, delivered with the concurrence of Justices Preethi Padman Surasena and Achala Wengappuli, included Justice Priyantha Fernando’s observation that seeking damages from a third-party adulterer does not constitute a misjoinder of causes of action.
The judgement clarified that the claim for damages is separate and valid, as the plaintiff wife and defendant husband’s marriage had allegedly disintegrated due to the adulterous actions of the co-defendant.
The Supreme Court’s ruling followed an appeal by the co-defendant, who contested prior judgements from the Hatton District Court and the Kandy High Court of Civil Appeals.
These lower courts had initially ruled in favour of the husband, dismissing the wife’s petition for divorce and requiring the co-defendant to pay Rs. 500,000 in damages to the husband for causing the breakdown of the marriage.
The case originated from a claim by the wife for divorce on grounds of desertion, with the husband contesting this claim and arguing instead that it was his wife’s relationship with the co-defendant that caused the marital collapse.
The husband, whilst seeking dismissal of the wife’s divorce request, did not himself request a divorce on grounds of adultery. Rather, he pursued damages against the co-defendant for alleged injuria (harm to marital consortium).
Consequently, the courts upheld the husband’s right to seek financial redress from the third party.
The Supreme Court’s ruling clarifies that under Sri Lankan law, a spouse may pursue damages from a third party who disrupts a marriage without initiating a divorce petition.
This decision reinforces the stance that whilst adultery is not a criminal offence in Sri Lanka, it is grounds for divorce and compensation claims in civil court.
The ruling also underscores that the aggrieved spouse holds the right to claim damages based on the adulterous actions of a third party, without requiring an accompanying divorce petition.
The counsel representing each party were: P. Peramunugama, with Ranganath Peiris and Jithma Anjalee for the co-defendant; Nayanajith De Silva, instructed by De Silva & De Silva, for the husband; and Wardani Karunaratne, with Hiruni Silva, instructed by P. Suthanthiraraj, for the wife.
November 04, Colombo (LNW): The postal voting process for Sri Lanka’s upcoming 2024 General Election reached its third day today (04), after officially beginning on October 30.
The Election Commission has provided an extended voting window for members of the three armed forces and employees in government institutions who missed their initial voting dates on October 30 and November 01.
Today’s session aims to accommodate those unable to participate earlier due to work commitments or logistical constraints.
Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Rathnayake has announced that additional voting opportunities will be available at District Secretariats on October 07 and 08.
This option is intended for any postal voters still unable to mark their ballots within the previous sessions, ensuring that all eligible voters in essential services can exercise their democratic rights.
The Election Commission has also provided detailed guidelines to ensure that postal ballots are marked correctly and avoid being invalidated.
Voters have one vote to select either a political party or an independent group by marking an ‘x’ in the box beside their chosen entity’s symbol.
Additionally, voters may indicate up to three preferred candidates from within the selected party or group by placing an ‘x’ beside the respective candidate numbers at the end of the ballot paper.
Clear instructions specify that ballots will be invalidated if votes are cast for multiple parties or independent groups or if markings other than the designated ‘x’ are used.
This rule seeks to minimise any ambiguity in vote counting and ensure that each vote accurately reflects the voter’s intention.
November 04, Colombo (LNW):The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by lightning during thundershowers as the atmospheric conditions are favourable further for afternoon thundershowers in most parts of the island, the Department of Meteorology warned in its daily weather forecast today (04).
Showers or thundershowers will occur in the most parts of the island during the evening or night.
Showers may occur over the coastal areas of Western and Southern provinces and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts during the morning too.
Heavy showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in Western, Central, Sabaragamuwa, Uva and Southern provinces and in Kurunegala district.
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:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas around the Island. Heavy showers may occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Hambantota via Galle.
Winds:
Winds will be Westerly or South-westerly in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Pottuvil via Galle and Hambantota, and variable in the other sea areas around the island. Wind speed will be (20-30) kmph.
State of Sea:
The sea areas around the island will be slight to moderate. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasises the National People’s Power (NPP) must consolidate its political authority to drive meaningful change: highlights the NPP’s inclusive approach, uniting all communities, and outlined plans for reforms, including a systematic cabinet structure, diplomatic recalls, and salary increases: adds the upcoming parliamentary polls would be pivotal for these transformations.
SJB Leader and former Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says the energy given to him by the people of Sri Lanka will be attributed to an era ending sorrows befallen the country: emphasises the SJB has a strong team that has the capacity to rebuild the nation.
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe urges the election of experienced leaders to Parliament, warning that Sri Lanka could relapse into crisis without seasoned governance: stresses veteran leadership is essential to sustain stability, cautioning against potential risks if Parliament lacks knowledgeable members: compares the necessity for stability to the recent fatal KDU bus accident.
Police are investigating whether the recent fatal bus accident in Badulla was due to a technical fault or driver error: The incident, involving Kotelawala Defence University students, resulted in two fatalities and 40 injuries: Preliminary findings suggest excessive speed on a steep road might have caused the bus to skid: Dash cam footage also indicates the bus was speeding.
Sri Lanka is on track to surpass its 2024 target of 2.3 mn tourists, with 1.62 mn arrivals by October, reflecting strong tourism growth: October saw 135,907 visitors, up from 122,140 in September, with India leading tourist numbers at 322,973, followed by the UK: Significant arrivals were also noted from Russia, Germany, China, and France, highlighting diverse international interest.
Jetwing Travels’ Chairperson Shiromal Cooray criticises the government’s management of a tourism fund contributed by private entities, suggesting it could be better used for global promotion and information management: highlights the need for improved utilisation, while urging SMEs to develop strong business and financial plans to withstand industry crises.
Police clarifies that no decision has been taken to withdraw security personnel stationed at religious sites, countering reports suggesting such a move due to special requirements.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry decides to recall Ambassadors and High Commissioners from 15 countries, specifically those not part of the Sri Lanka Foreign Service: Notable diplomats affected include former Chief Justice Mohan Peiris (UN), Rohitha Bogollagama (UK), and former Air Force and Navy Chiefs holding positions in Malaysia, Nepal, Cuba, and Pakistan: intends to replace them with qualified Foreign Service officials, based on recommendations from Minister Vijitha Herath.
Professor Chandima Wijebandara, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, passes away: He was highly regarded for his impactful contributions to academia and his leadership at the university, leaving a lasting legacy in Sri Lankan education.
Sri Lanka’s top golfer Kaya Daluwatte maintains her lead on Day Two of the Thai Singha World Junior Golf Championship in Bangkok, scoring a total even-par 144, one stroke ahead of Vietnam’s Chuc An Le: Thailand’s N. Sichapthiran led the Boys’ division, while Sri Lanka’s Jacob Norton and Reshan Algama improved their standings, aiming for top 10 positions.
November 03, Colombo (LNW): JICA is set to initiate a new technical cooperation project early next year to support Sri Lanka to improve fecal sludge management.
Record of Discussion of this project was concluded between Mr. S. Alokabandara, Secretary to the Ministry of Justice, Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils, Local Government and Labour and Mr. YAMADA Tetsuya, Chief Representative of JICA Sri Lanka Office on 15th October 2024.
Currently, Sri Lanka faces various challenges related to fecal sludge management. Due to limited fecal sludge treatment plants, gully bowser disposes sludge to open environment, which leads to environment degradation and threaten public health.
Fecal sludge collected is not treated as a reusable resource on most occasions, although mixing this waste can be effective to facilitate beneficial use of biosolids for sustainable agriculture due to the lack of standards and technical capacities.
This four-year project, entitled “Project for Improvement of Fecal Sludge Management” aims to improve sustainable systems for fecal sludge management and biosolids production adapted local and municipal conditions.
The project plans to support in managing fecal sludge service chains and produce biosolids according to the developed technical guideline in selected Local Authorities, in drafting standard on biosolids production, and in disseminating relevant by-laws on sustainable fecal sludge management for Local Authorities.
JICA has been cooperating with Sri Lanka in waste management for more than 20 years. In addition to the contributions to sanitation and environment protection, this project will also contribute to Sri Lanka’s next efforts toward circular economy by exploring possibility of producing biosolids from fecal sludges in a safe manner.
November 03, Colombo (LNW): Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, former CEO of Axiata Group, has been appointed as Chief Advisor on Digital Economy to Sri Lanka’s President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The official appointment took place at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo on November 1, as stated by the President’s Media Division (PMD).
This pivotal role is seen as an essential step in driving Sri Lanka’s digital economy forward.
On Friday, Axiata Group Berhad announced that Dr. Wijayasuriya would step down from his roles as CEO of Telecommunications Business and Group Executive Director, in light of his new responsibilities with the Sri Lankan government.
Dr. Wijayasuriya, who will leave Axiata effective January 15, 2025, accepted the government’s invitation to guide Sri Lanka’s digital transformation.
Until then, he will continue to fulfill his duties at Axiata and support a transition program, while also providing advisory assistance to the Sri Lankan government’s digital initiatives in a non-executive capacity. Further changes to Axiata’s leadership will be communicated as needed.
With a distinguished career spanning over three decades at Axiata and its predecessor Telekom Malaysia, Dr. Wijayasuriya has been instrumental in the company’s growth across Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia.
He has also served on the Board of Directors of the GSMA, the global mobile industry’s governing body. In 2024, Dr. Wijayasuriya received the GSMA Chairman’s Award, the organization’s highest accolade, in recognition of his significant contributions to global mobile technology and industry development.
Meanwhile, Vivek Sood, Axiata group CEO and managing director said: “It is a great honour and source of pride for Axiata that one of our senior leaders has been selected to join the government of Sri Lanka in a highly influential role, contributing to the transformation of the country’s digital economy”.
Wijayasuriya, a Sri Lanka-born global telecommunications executive, said he stands privileged to have the opportunity to contribute to his country.
“As I embark on this new chapter, I am deeply aware that every learning I possess, I owe to leadership and colleagues, past and present, from across the Axiata Group. To them, I will always be grateful,” he said.
Wijayasuriya currently heads the pan-region telecommunications operations of Axiata, which span across Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Cambodia. He has had 30 years of experience with Axiata, and its predecessor Telekom Malaysia Bhd (KL:TM).
Axiata has a long-standing relationship with Sri Lanka, with its presence through Dialog Axiata since 1993. The group has also invested in Sri Lanka’s software development sector through Axiata Digital Labs, the group’s digital solutions arm based in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
November 03, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Arugam Bay, a popular tourist destination, has recently been flagged as a potential terror target, sparking international concern.
The warnings stem from credible intelligence, reportedly from Indian sources, which indicated possible attacks aimed at foreign nationals, particularly Israelis.
Both the U.S. and Israeli governments issued travel advisories to their citizens, urging them to avoid the region due to this security threat.
As a response, Sri Lanka has intensified its security measures, with Public Security Minister Vijitha Herath confirming the arrest of six suspects linked to the threat, including one Maldivian national.
Israeli authorities had previously warned their citizens about potential terror attacks not only in Arugam Bay but also in other Sri Lankan tourist spots such as Galle, Hikkaduwa, Weligama, and Ahangama.
The National Security Council (NSC) of Israel raised the threat level for these locations to Level 4, the highest alert, advising Israelis to vacate these areas and relocate to Colombo where security is more robust.
For other parts of Sri Lanka, the threat level has been set at Level 3, and non-essential travel to the country has been discouraged.
The U.S. Embassy in Colombo also acted on credible intelligence about potential attacks targeting tourists in Arugam Bay, imposing an immediate travel restriction for embassy personnel and strongly advising American citizens to avoid the area.
This advisory came amid additional warnings from Australia, which alerted its citizens to an ongoing threat of terrorist attacks in areas frequented by foreigners and tourists in Sri Lanka.
The security concerns are compounded by recent geopolitical tensions, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has reportedly led to friction between Israeli visitors and some local communities in Sri Lanka.
In Arugam Bay, the establishment of a temporary synagogue by Israeli tourists and the presence of visible Israeli cultural symbols have sparked unease among locals who express solidarity with Palestine.
This has prompted Sri Lankan police to ramp up security around areas frequented by Israelis, including the synagogue and other tourist sites, to prevent potential confrontations.
Israel’s National Security Council has urged Israelis in Sri Lanka to exercise caution by avoiding displays of national symbols, Hebrew apparel, and public gatherings, especially in unsecured locations.
These precautionary measures are part of Israel’s strategy to reduce visibility and mitigate risks of attacks in response to heightened local sensitivities and geopolitical tensions.
The threat in Sri Lanka is also believed to be linked to wider regional unrest, including the killing of Hezbollah leaders, which some speculate may have inspired potential retaliatory actions.
In response, Sri Lankan authorities have scaled up their security operations, implementing widespread surveillance and conducting security checks across key areas to ensure the safety of both locals and tourists.
As Sri Lanka navigates this heightened security situation, it continues to collaborate with international security agencies, including those from Israel and the U.S., to address any emerging threats.
These coordinated efforts aim to reinforce security in vulnerable regions, safeguard foreign nationals, and stabilize the area amidst escalating geopolitical pressures.
November 03, Colombo (LNW): The Adani wind power project in Sri Lanka is currently facing significant legal challenges that have resulted in delays, yet the government remains committed to advancing its renewable energy initiatives.
This project is vital for Sri Lanka’s transition to sustainable energy sources, but legal disputes surrounding land acquisition and environmental regulations have disrupted its timeline.
Despite these setbacks, government officials are actively seeking solutions to these obstacles.
In a recent meeting with the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed a keen interest in leveraging India’s experience in energy sector development.
This interest coincides with ongoing legal proceedings affecting the Adani renewable energy project, which is under scrutiny due to environmental concerns and the higher tariffs proposed.
The President’s Media Division indicated that discussions focused on enhancing the bilateral relationship and reviewing Indian-supported projects within Sri Lanka, highlighting both achievements and challenges.
The timing of this meeting is crucial, as it comes just weeks before parliamentary elections in Sri Lanka, where Dissanayake’s National People’s Power (NPP) party is positioned favorably.
A party representative mentioned that the government delegation plans to discuss the Adani project, among other important topics, during a visit to New Delhi in January.
The Adani project was initiated without a competitive tender process, which has raised eyebrows in the new administration. Dissanayake’s government has requested time from the court to reevaluate the project, particularly in light of ongoing legal challenges.
The NPP has pledged not to endorse any projects lacking open tenders, promising to scrutinize the Adani agreement approved by the previous government.
Adani had proposed the installation of 500 megawatts (MW) of wind capacity in the regions of Mannar and Pooneryn, with an energy permit already issued for a 234 MW plant in Pooneryn earlier this year.
However, local environmentalists and the Bishop of Mannar have raised alarms, asserting that the wind plants threaten a migratory bird route and that the tariffs agreed upon are excessively high.
Petitioners have challenged the fixed tariff of 8.26 US cents per kilowatt-hour (KWh) for 20 years, arguing it far exceeds the environmentally assessed rate of 4.6 US cents, potentially resulting in significant financial burdens for consumers and the country.
In their petition, they have sought the Supreme Court’s intervention to declare the project approvals as unlawful and in violation of the fundamental rights of the community.
Concerns about the long-term implications of negotiated power purchase agreements have emerged, especially following amendments to laws that now allow substantial power projects to bypass competitive bidding processes.
November 03, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) recently launched an ambitious campaign to spotlight Sri Lanka as a top travel destination through influencer-led press trips from October 28 to November 8.
This initiative will host 30 high-profile international travel bloggers and influencers from countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, France, India, and Australia, who will produce over 1,000 posts and stories, showcasing the country’s attractions to a combined audience of over 7 million followers.
As travel influencers capture the unique charm of destinations like Colombo, Jaffna, Sigiriya, and Galle, they will share real-time content across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, amplifying Sri Lanka’s appeal as a must-visit spot for the winter season.
This campaign aligns with the Government’s vision to significantly increase tourist numbers by 2025.SLTPB Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam expressed confidence in the power of influencer marketing to highlight the country’s cultural richness and natural beauty across all nine provinces.
Collaborating with provincial tourism boards and supported by industry giants like Cinnamon Life, Jetwing Hotels, and Heritance Hotels, this project aims to position Sri Lanka on the global map as an irresistible destination.
The selected influencers will embark on an unforgettable journey across iconic locations, including Colombo, Jaffna, Anuradhapura, Habarana, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Negombo, Galle, Bentota, Haputale, Badulla, Tissamaharama, Ratnapura, and Udawalawa.
This collaboration is not just a promotional campaign; it is an opportunity for these influencers to produce live videos, blog posts, and social media content that will showcase the unique offerings of Sri Lanka.
This initiative has been organised in collaboration with provincial tourism ministries, including Uva Tourism, the Northern Tourism Promotion Bureau, Sabaragamuwa Tourism, and the Southern Tourism Board. The Hotel Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) and the Sri Lanka Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) have also partnered in this effort.
Industry partners, including Cinnamon Life, Jetwing Hotels & Resorts, Thema Hotel Collection, EKOH Hotels and Resorts, Heritance Hotels and Resorts, Colombo City Tours by Ebert Silva Holidays, and Colombo Lotus Tower, have offered their full support for this digital media promotion targeting the upcoming season while ensuring comprehensive representation of the island’s tourism potential.
As these influencers prepare to embark on their adventure, the SLTPB invites the general public and local media to engage with their content and experience Sri Lanka through the eyes of these esteemed travel personalities.
The SLTPB calls upon the local community to follow these influencers and join in celebrating the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture that make Sri Lanka a captivating choice for travelers worldwide.
