October 27, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Railways has announced that train services between Colombo Fort and Kankasanturai, suspended for months due to essential maintenance and development activities, will resume tomorrow (28).
This marks the completion of a significant modernisation project on the Mahawa-Anuradhapura stretch, enhancing rail connectivity to Sri Lanka’s northern region and providing a faster, more comfortable option for long-distance travel.
This resumed service is part of a larger infrastructure improvement initiative aimed at boosting rail efficiency and convenience.
With the Northern Line now fully operational, the Department of Railways has also urged the public to exercise caution, especially at railway crossings, as increased train frequency is expected on this route.
Strict adherence to crossing regulations will be critical to ensuring the safety of both pedestrians and motorists in areas intersecting with railway lines.
October 27, Colombo (LNW): Aligned with its Indo-Pacific Cooperation Strategy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the European Union has launched a Multiannual Indicative Programme for 2021-2027.
This initiative, focused on ‘Green Recovery’ and promoting an ‘Inclusive and Peaceful Society,’ directs €60 million in grants to support EU-Sri Lanka collaboration from 2021 to 2024.
Key efforts include the participation of EU Member States active in Sri Lanka—such as Germany, France, and the Netherlands—under the Team Europe approach. Additionally, the EU is exploring avenues to advance its Global Gateway Strategy within the country.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake recently met with EU representatives led by Ambassador Carmen Moreno, discussing Sri Lanka’s current security measures aimed at ensuring safety for both tourists and residents, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).
The President assured the delegation of strengthened security protocols in popular tourist zones through increased law enforcement and emergency response services.
The European Union is a significant partner to Sri Lanka, as the nation’s second-largest market for exports and tourism, and its third-largest source of imports.
During the discussions, the EU Delegation reaffirmed its support in expanding Sri Lanka’s market access within the EU, improving employment prospects, and increasing tourism.
The EU also pledged to bolster knowledge exchange and support reforms in education, social security, and anti-corruption measures.
The Delegation highlighted its commitment to strengthening critical sectors such as vocational training, maritime investment, and the peace and reconciliation process.
They expressed intentions to work closely with Sri Lanka to further these mutual goals. Commending the peaceful conduct of Sri Lanka’s recent Presidential Election,
The EU – Sri Lanka Trade-Related Assistance Project aims to increase the trade competitiveness of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in regional and European Union (EU) markets.
The 4 year EU-funded project, worth EUR 8 million, contributes to inclusive trade led growth and regional integration. It supports SME export competitiveness and value addition in sectors with high potential for economic growth and development.
The project helps Sri Lanka integrate the policies and regulatory reforms of the World Trade Organization (WTO), allowing SMEs to make the most of the potential opportunities resulting from the EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) Plus.
It also enables greater regional integration within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
The project addresses compliance standards and efficiencies in cross border procedures, which are key constraints to market access, especially for SMEs. Specific attention is given to enhancing value chains in the spice, food and InformationTechnology/Business Process Outsourcing (IT/BPO) sectors.
October 27, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Environment, Wildlife, Forest Resources, Water Supply, Plantation, and Community Infrastructure has announced an initiative to repurpose unused government vehicles to support wildlife offices in addressing the human-elephant conflict.
This move, proposed in a recent meeting led by Minister Vijitha Herath, aims to bolster wildlife teams on the ground with critical resources to mitigate elephant encroachment in rural areas.
A primary concern raised during discussions was the lack of proper communication facilities, notably the absence of wired telephone connections in certain regional offices of the Department of Wildlife Conservation.
To bridge this gap, the Ministry plans to collaborate with a private telecommunications company to ensure reliable communication between communities and wildlife officials, allowing quicker responses to incidents of elephant encroachment.
Further actions outlined by the Ministry include reinforcing electric fences, supplying essential equipment to areas frequently impacted by wild elephants, and deploying dedicated village security personnel to monitor and protect vulnerable zones.
Minister Herath emphasised the necessity of a sustainable, long-term strategy that addresses the root causes of human-elephant interactions, rather than relying solely on temporary measures.
Progress has already been noted in efforts to reduce such conflicts. The Department of Wildlife reported that elephant deaths have dropped by approximately 50 per cent compared to last year, alongside a 20 per cent decrease in human fatalities due to elephant attacks.
However, challenges remain, as around 90 elephants reportedly perished last year, largely due to power lines and other human-related hazards.
October 27, Colombo (LNW): The Human Rights Commission (HRC) of Sri Lanka is set to convene on 30 October to determine actions concerning the alleged leak of questions from the recent Grade 5 Scholarship Examination.
According to Commissioner Nimal Punchihewa, the Commission has received the investigative report prepared by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), providing a basis for the upcoming deliberations.
In light of the allegations, the HRC has been approached by numerous parties, notably parents of Grade 5 students, expressing concerns over the fairness of the examination process.
In response to these grievances, the HRC promptly initiated its own investigation, seeking to uphold examination integrity and address any potential violations that might impact students’ educational opportunities.
October 27, Colombo (LNW): The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has submitted a fresh proposal to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), aiming to implement a reduction in electricity tariffs.
This marks the CEB’s third tariff reduction proposal to the PUCSL within the year, reflecting efforts to adjust costs in line with evolving economic factors.
Pending regulatory approval, the precise percentage of the reduction will be announced by the PUCSL.
The anticipated tariff decrease is expected to bring financial relief to households and businesses, aligning with government objectives to ease the economic burden on consumers amid rising living costs.
The timing and extent of the proposed reductions are yet to be confirmed, but the CEB has expressed a commitment to an affordable energy framework that supports both economic recovery and sustainable power generation across the country.
October 27, Colombo (LNW): The National People’s Power (NPP) has secured a decisive lead in the Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha Election, with results announced last night showing the party’s strong performance in the local council.
The NPP captured the most votes and seats, receiving 17,295 votes, which translated into 15 seats on the council.
In total, six parties and one independent group were successful in securing representation, with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) coming in second place with 7,924 votes, securing 6 seats.
The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) followed with 3,597 votes, which provided them with 3 seats.
Other parties also gained ground, including the People’s Alliance, which received 2,612 votes, and the Independent Group with 2,568 votes, each of which was awarded 2 seats.
Additionally, the People’s United Freedom Alliance (PUFA) obtained 1,350 votes, earning 1 seat, while the People’s Party garnered 521 votes, also claiming 1 seat.
October 27, Colombo (LNW): Evin Lewis made a remarkable comeback to the ODI format, leading the West Indies to an emphatic eight-wicket win in the rain-interrupted third and final match against Sri Lanka.
After three years away from 50-over internationals, Lewis’s unbeaten century propelled the visitors to victory with six balls to spare, chasing a revised target of 195 at Pallekele Stadium.
The 32-year-old Trinidadian displayed resilience, shaking off an ankle injury to hit his fifth ODI century, which included nine boundaries and four sixes.
Lewis sealed the match in style, smashing a towering six off Asitha Fernando to finish with 102 runs off just 61 balls.
West Indies skipper Shai Hope praised his performance, remarking, “He’s an incredible player, and it’s fantastic to see him in top form again.”
Despite already losing the series 2-0, the West Indies salvaged pride with an explosive partnership between Lewis and Sherfane Rutherford, who scored his third successive half-century.
Together, they forged an unbroken 88-run stand, keeping calm under pressure even as the required rate climbed over 12 runs per over.
Sri Lanka, initially in control after setting a competitive 156-3 in their 23 overs, were let down by a series of fielding lapses, including dropped catches that could have shifted momentum back in their favour.
Captain Charith Asalanka expressed disappointment, saying, “We had a chance with 195 on the board, but we just didn’t execute well enough.”
Kusal Mendis gave the hosts a strong start, blasting his way to a rapid 19-ball fifty and taking advantage of loose deliveries from Roston Chase and Gudakesh Motie.
He struck nine boundaries and a six, ending on an impressive 56 not out, while opener Pathum Nissanka contributed a steady 56 off 62 balls before a run-out by Alzarri Joseph halted his innings.
The match also saw a historic debut as 17-year-old Jewel Andrew became the youngest player to represent the West Indies in ODI cricket.
The visitors’ fielding issues, with four dropped catches, were a clear weakness, but Lewis’s dominant innings ensured a memorable victory to wrap up the series.
October 27, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Postal Department has commenced the distribution of polling cards for the forthcoming parliamentary elections, Deputy Postmaster General Rajitha Ranasinghe announced.
Beginning today (27), postal workers will deliver these election notices to households across the country, with the campaign scheduled to continue through to 7 November.
While most districts will start receiving polling cards immediately, the Colombo District faces a temporary delay due to the department’s pending receipt of official election notices for that region.
The Postal Department has assured that, once the documents are received, distribution in Colombo will begin promptly to minimise any inconvenience.
To further support timely delivery, postal services will operate a special distribution day on November 03, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This added effort aims to reach households nationwide and ensure voters are well-informed ahead of the election.
October 27, Colombo (LNW): In an inspiring step forward for LGBTQIA+ representation and social acceptance, Chanu Nimesha, Secretary of Women’s Affairs for the Sri Lanka Socialist Party, is making history by becoming the first openly transgender candidate to contest an election in Sri Lanka.
Representing the Kegalle District, Nimesha’s candidacy signals not only her courage and commitment to her political convictions but also a transformative moment for Sri Lankan politics and LGBTQIA+ rights.
In a country where LGBTQIA+ rights are often being overlooked and the transgender community faces widespread social stigma, Nimesha’s political journey reflects a rising demand for inclusivity, social justice, and equality.
“I am thankful to the Sri Lanka Socialist Party for giving me the opportunity to contest the general election,” Nimesha expressed in a public statement, acknowledging her gratitude to the party for championing this landmark representation.
She further added that her candidacy was about creating history, fostering a path of inclusivity, and breaking through long-standing barriers for the LGBTQIA+ community in Sri Lanka.
Her position on the electoral platform has sparked both support and resistance, with opposition from nationalist and transphobic individuals and groups that remain prevalent within the country.
Nimesha’s public presence as an LGBTQIA+ advocate and activist gained momentum during the “Aragalaya” movement in 2022, a year marked by Sri Lanka’s severe economic crisis.
At a time when the country was grappling with immense financial hardship and political unrest, Nimesha’s participation and vocal stand in the protests underscored her commitment to advocating for the oppressed.
“Aragalaya” became a protest movement that embodied the people’s frustrations with the government’s management of the economy, as inflation soared, essentials grew scarce, and civil unrest peaked.
Amidst this turbulent backdrop, Nimesha’s voice amplified the need for systemic change, encompassing the inclusion and recognition of minority rights within the national political agenda.
Historically, Sri Lanka’s LGBTQIA+ community has faced a challenging path, with restrictive laws and social stigmas hindering open expression and access to rights for non-heteronormative individuals.
Despite provisions of legal recognition for people of transgender identities to undergo changes in their documents being already available, many Sri Lankans within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum remain marginalised.
This marginalisation extends into healthcare, education, and the job market, where discrimination is pervasive, leaving individuals vulnerable and often denied their basic rights.
For transgender Sri Lankans, the obstacles are even more pronounced, as society continues to grapple with biases rooted in conservative values, cultural norms, and religious beliefs.
In a nation where the legal landscape does not yet afford protection to LGBTQIA+ people, Nimesha’s candidacy is a bold stance that reflects both a personal and collective struggle for recognition and respect.
Nimesha’s political aspirations are closely aligned with her socialist and leftist values, ideologies that prioritise the welfare of the marginalised and the upliftment of the working class. Her alignment with these ideals resonates strongly with her supporters, who see her as an authentic voice advocating for structural reforms.
As a candidate, Nimesha represents an approach to governance that prioritises equality, rights, and welfare for all. Her focus extends beyond LGBTQIA+ issues, aiming to address the wide array of socio-economic challenges that Sri Lanka’s citizens face.
For many members of the LGBTQIA+ community, Nimesha’s candidacy is an encouraging signal that their voices, too, might find representation within the broader political narrative.
The symbolic power of her candidacy lies in its potential to encourage more individuals from marginalised backgrounds to pursue roles in public service and leadership, thus redefining the political landscape in Sri Lanka.
Whilst efforts have been made over recent years by activists and human rights organisations to address gaps affecting the queer community, legal reforms remain slow, and social prejudices persist.
For transgender people, societal challenges are exacerbated by the lack of resources and institutional support. These obstacles are not limited to the individual, as they also affect transgender individuals’ access to healthcare, job security, and the ability to live with dignity.
The lack of formal legal protection places transgender Sri Lankans at a high risk of experiencing abuse, violence, and workplace discrimination. Despite these adversities, the community’s resilience has grown stronger over time, as more LGBTQIA+ voices and advocates come forward, raising awareness about the injustices faced by the community.
Nimesha’s candidacy could potentially catalyse a shift in how Sri Lankan society perceives transgender individuals, fostering a more inclusive environment where diverse identities are accepted and celebrated.
Aside from her political career, Nimesha is also a self-inked author, whose works often delve into social justice themes and offer insights into her lived experiences as a transgender woman in Sri Lanka.
Her written contributions provide a nuanced perspective on the struggles and aspirations of those within the LGBTQIA+ community and reflect her steadfast commitment to equality.
As a writer, her work has resonated deeply with readers, serving as a source of both education and inspiration for those within the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond.
Nimesha’s candidacy, without argument, beacons hope for the LGBTQIA+ community in Sri Lanka, challenging the pervasive stereotypes and inspiring others to break free from societal constraints.
October 27, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has announced that the government intends to conduct Provincial Council elections within the coming year, with plans also in place for Local Government elections to be held within the same timeframe.
Speaking at an election rally in Ratnapura, the President emphasised the importance of a comprehensive political framework to rebuild and stabilise the nation.
He highlighted the need for a robust structure that includes not only the Presidency and Cabinet but also an active Parliament, Provincial Councils, and Local Government bodies to restore effective governance across the country.
“A well-rounded political mechanism—comprising the Presidency, a capable Cabinet, Parliament, Provincial Councils, and Local Government bodies like Urban Councils, Municipal Councils, and Pradeshiya Sabhas—is essential for the nation’s recovery,” Dissanayake asserted.
The President underscored the government’s commitment to holding these crucial elections as part of a broader strategy to revive governance and address the nation’s socio-political challenges.
