October 26, Colombo (LNW): Polling for the Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha Election is being held today (26) from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Election Commission (EC) ensured that all voting materials, including ballot papers and boxes, reached the 48 polling centers yesterday. A total of 55,643 eligible voters will cast their ballots based on the 2018 voter registration list.
To ensure smooth proceedings, the left thumb will be marked instead of the little finger, which was used for the 2024 Presidential Election. The EC Chairman R.M.A.L. Rathnayake confirmed that comprehensive security measures are in place. Additionally, PAFFREL has deployed monitors across all polling stations to oversee the election process.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met with the South African High Commissioner, Sandile Edwin Schalk, at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo. During the meeting, the Ambassador presented a greeting message from the President of South Africa and reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Sri Lanka. He also expressed continued support for applying South Africa’s peace and national reconciliation model in Sri Lanka.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake criticized former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s recent comments about provisions for increasing salaries of public sector employees. Wickremesinghe had claimed that funds had been allocated for a salary increase for public servants before the presidential election. Dissanayake disputed this, stating that no such allocations were made by Wickremesinghe’s administration. “There were no funds allocated for a salary increase for state employees by the previous administration.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, engaged in separate discussions with the representatives of the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) and the Association of Medical Specialists (AMS), focusing on the challenges facing Sri Lanka’s healthcare sector. In the first meeting, the GMOA delegation, led by President Dr. Sanjeeva Tennakoon and Secretary Mr. Prabhath Sugathadasa, presented the association’s future plans aimed at sustaining quality health services in the country.
The Election Commission has made public the document detailing the expenses incurred by candidates who contested the last presidential election. Accordingly, the presidential candidate of the ‘Samagi Jana Balavegaya’ (SJB), Sajith Premadasa’s expenses are the highest in the 2024 presidential election, with the figure exceeding Rs. 1.12 billion.
Police have obtained detention orders to question three suspects arrested in connection with alleged security threats to Israeli nationals in Sri Lanka, according to Police Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa. The three suspects had been arrested by the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID)
The All Share Price Index (ASPI) of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has crossed the 12,500 points mark, for the first time since 10 May 2024. Accordingly, the ASPI increase by 44.08 points today to close at 12,517.58. Meanwhile, the market turnover was recorded at Rs.4.75 billion today.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met with the European Union (EU) Delegation, led by EU Ambassador H.E. Carmen Moreno, at the Presidential Secretariat. The Delegation held a fruitful & cordial meeting with a wide overview on trade and investment relations, tourism, remittances, education, reconciliation, governance and public sector reform, among others
A petition was filed with the Supreme Court requesting an order to reject the nomination of former Member of Parliament Ranjan Ramanayake, who is contesting for the Gampaha District under the United Democratic Voice in the upcoming general election. The petition seeks a ruling that Ranjan Ramanayake is not entitled to sit in Parliament or to cast a vote.
The Ministry of Trade has announced the initiation of an investigation to determine whether rice is being released to the market at controlled prices. According to the ministry’s secretary, M.M. Naimudeen, officials from the Consumer Affairs Authority have begun district-level inspections to ensure compliance.
Sri Lanka, having clinched the ODI series 2-0 against the West Indies, will aim for a clean sweep in the third match today at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, commencing at 2:30 pm. In the first match, Sri Lanka emerged victorious by five wickets via the DLS method, while in the second game, they once again recorded a five-wicket win, chasing 190 runs in 38.2 overs in a 44-over game due to rain interruption.
October 26, Colombo (LNW): British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick, encouraged local students to pursue academic qualifications and work experience abroad while highlighting the value of returning to Sri Lanka for long-term career growth. Speaking at the Higher Education Forum 2024 in Colombo, Patrick underscored that future economic growth would be concentrated in regions closer to Sri Lanka, particularly in Tamil Nadu, just 45 minutes away.
Patrick noted, “Economists predict that in the coming 50 years, the epicenter of growth will not be in Europe, the United States, Canada, or Australia, but right here in this region.” He emphasized that Sri Lankan students who are farsighted would find exciting opportunities upon their return.
He also acknowledged Sri Lanka’s prominent role in the global market for BTEC qualifications, which are internationally recognized and equip students with English proficiency, enhancing their readiness for the global workforce.
The event also recognized top-performing educational institutions. However, media representatives invited by organizers Pearson’s Higher Education expressed concerns about restricted access, describing their treatment at the event as unwelcoming.
October 26, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, North-western and Northern provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.
Fairly heavy showers above 75 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the other areas of the island during the evening or night.
Strong winds about (40-45)kmph can be expected at times over Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
October 25, Colombo (LNW): Marie-Noelle Duris, Charge d’Affaires of the French Embassy in Sri Lanka, paid a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Prime Minister’s Office on Wednesday (23). During the meeting, Duris highlighted France’s long-standing friendship with Sri Lanka and reaffirmed France’s ongoing support for the country.
The discussion centered around the upcoming 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and France, exploring potential areas of cooperation to further strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations.
October 25, Colombo (LNW): Dengue cases have surged by 10.5% during the week of October 14 to 20, according to the National Dengue Control Programme, with 627 cases reported from various parts of the country. The increase is attributed to the ongoing rainy conditions.
Since the start of the year, a total of 41,591 dengue cases and 20 deaths have been recorded nationwide. The Western Province has been the most affected, accounting for 42.5% of the total cases, or 17,686 cases. The highest numbers have been reported from:
Colombo District: 10,460 cases
Gampaha District: 4,927 cases
Kalutara District: 2,299 cases
Jaffna District: 4,133 cases
Kandy District: 3,585 cases
Ratnapura District: 2,591 cases
Kurunegala District: 1,665 cases
Galle District: 1,872 cases
The Health Ministry has identified seven high-risk zones, including the Colombo Municipal Council area, Kaduwela, Biyagama, Kelaniya, Ragama, Yatinuwara, and Wennappuwa. The ministry advises the public to seek medical attention from a doctor if fever persists for more than two days, suspecting dengue as a possibility. They also urge the public to maintain cleanliness and eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds to help curb the spread of dengue.
The highly anticipated Fortune Fiesta Prize Giveaway, hosted by Lucky1, concluded on 26th September, delivering a thrilling experience for participants from across Sri Lanka. Beginning on 26th August, this month-long promotion attracted thousands of lottery enthusiasts eager for their chance to win fabulous prizes. The lucky winners were announced on 17th October, marking the culmination of the event with exciting rewards for those who participated.
A Grand Giveaway with Incredible Prizes
The Fortune Fiesta Giveaway offered participants the chance to win big, with prizes ranging from luxury hotel stays to cutting-edge tech gadgets and shopping vouchers. Here are the prizes and the lucky winners:
● 1st Prize: A full-board night stay for two at the prestigious Citrus Hotel in Waskaduwa Winner: Mr. K. D. S. A. Abeygunawardana From Colombo
● 2nd Prize: A brand new Sony WH-CH 720N Headphone Winner: Mr. Thisara Thilakarathna From Kandy
● 3rd Prize: A sleek and smart Samsung Galaxy Fit3 Smartwatch Winner: Mr. Asanka Senarathna From Colombo
● Rs. 5000 Keells Vouchers Winners: Mr. L. A. Dissanayaka Mr. Murali Sendikumar Mr. R. S. Manage Mr. Prasad Mapa Mr. Sri Prabaharan Thambithurai
● Rs. 2500 Keells Vouchers Winners: Mr. Gamini Mrs. Maureen Kankanamge Mr. Palaniwel Thirukumaran Mr. Shanuka Sudesh
These winners have walked away with not only fantastic prizes but also memories that will last a lifetime. Whether it’s a luxurious getaway, state-of-the-art technology, or valuable shopping vouchers, each prize represents the excitement and opportunity that Lucky1 offers to all its customers.
About Lucky1 – Leading the Way in Sri Lanka’s Digital Lottery
Lucky1 has established itself as the leading platform for lottery enthusiasts in Sri Lanka. As an authorized online lottery agent for the National Lotteries Board (NLB), Lucky1 has been at the forefront of the e-lottery revolution in the country.
Since the launch of the SMS lottery in 2016, Lucky1 has continued to innovate, making lottery tickets more accessible to everyone. In 2019, Lucky1 took a significant leap by launching its flagship website, Lucky1.lk, offering a user-friendly platform where customers can search for numbers and buy tickets online with ease.
Today, Lucky1’s active customer base exceeds 150,000 users, making it a trusted name in the digital lottery landscape. The platform’s accessibility has expanded through partnerships with all mobile operators, as well as popular platforms like Darazand Frimi, allowing for seamless digital ticket purchases.
With its commitment to delivering thrilling lottery experiences, exciting prize giveaways, and innovative technology solutions, Lucky1 continues to lead the way in providing customers with more opportunities to win and achieve their dreams.
Congratulations to All the Winners!
Lucky1 would like to congratulate all the winners of the Fortune Fiesta Prize Giveaway and express appreciation to every participant who joined the event. The promotion may have come to an end, but the excitement at Lucky1 never stops. Stay tuned for more thrilling opportunities and big wins in the near future!
As Sri Lanka approaches its 2024 presidential election, the importance of a robust digital advertising strategy cannot be overstated. While social media platforms have become a popular choice for political campaigns, it is essential to recognize the significant role that open web platforms play in creating a strong share of voice. The open web offers unique advantages, particularly in reaching diverse audiences and ensuring a broad and impactful presence in the digital sphere.
Web Audience Perception and Share of Voice
According to social listening stats (source: Locobuzz) derived from web audience data and show the performance of SJB with 146.6k total mentions and 6.7k average mentions per day, NPP with 180k total social mentions and 8.2k average mentions per day and current president Ranil Wickramasinghe with total social mentions 114.1k and average 5.2k mentions per day who are the main candidates in the upcoming presidential election in Sri Lanka 2024.
Beyond Walled Gardens: The Open Web Advantage
Social media platforms, often referred to as “walled gardens,” provide a controlled environment for advertising where content is primarily viewed by users within the platform. While these platforms offer targeted advertising, they also come with limitations, including restricted access to broader audiences and data. In contrast, the open web encompasses a vast network of websites, news portals, and blogs, offering a more comprehensive reach. Advertising on open web platforms allows campaigns to engage with a diverse and extensive audience, ensuring that their message is not confined to the echo chambers often found on social media.
Aggregated Local Audiences and Language Support
One of the significant benefits of using a local open web platform for digital advertising in Sri Lanka’s 2024 presidential election is the ability to aggregate local audiences on a common platform. By leveraging local websites and news portals, campaigns can ensure that their message reaches a broad spectrum of the electorate, including those who may not be active on social media. This is particularly important in a country like Sri Lanka, where internet usage patterns vary across regions and demographics.
In addition, a local open web platform offers robust support for local language advertising, a crucial factor in a multilingual nation. By delivering ads in Sinhala, Tamil, and English, campaigns can effectively communicate with voters in their preferred language, enhancing the impact of their message. This level of localization is often more challenging to achieve on social media platforms, where language options and audience segmentation can be limited.
The Strategic Importance of Open Web Advertising
As political campaigns strategize for the 2024 presidential election, it is essential to prioritize a strong presence on open web platforms. By doing so, they can achieve a balanced digital advertising strategy that goes beyond the confines of social media and taps into the full potential of the internet.
Therefore, the advertising arms of the candidates in presidential election battle in Sri Lanka should embrace the cutting edge features of local open platforms which offer a powerful means of reaching a wide and diverse audience, fostering trust through credible placements, and ensuring that the campaign message resonates across different languages and regions.
The Colombo Port City Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is swiftly emerging as a major business center in South Asia, offering a legal framework and investor-friendly environment that attracts international businesses and promotes economic growth in Sri Lanka. Its competitive advantages and strategic incentives are positioning Colombo as a key regional player, rivaling established financial centers like Dubai and Singapore.
Colombo Port City aims to attract international businesses that have historically favored locations like Dubai and Singapore due to benefits such as paying employees in USD, tax incentives, and political stability.
Recognizing this, Colombo Port City has developed regulations that provide similar conditions, making it an appealing alternative for global businesses seeking to expand in South Asia. Sri Lankan businesses also benefit, using the SEZ to grow regionally or globally.
A recent development in the Port City’s regulatory framework includes banking regulations that safeguard capital flows, ensuring a secure environment for investors. These regulations are designed to attract foreign direct investments (FDI), contributing to Sri Lanka’s economic growth and creating new business opportunities.
The Colombo Port City Economic Commission (CPCEC) maintains a public registry of Authorized Persons (APs), featuring primary and secondary investors from countries like India, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. This highlights the SEZ’s global appeal. With over 100 companies already considering operations in the zone, the Port City is gaining traction as a regional hub for services.
A key distinction of the Colombo Port City SEZ is its policy design, which directly links incentives to foreign earnings and new business ventures. This differs from other zones in Sri Lanka, ensuring that only companies committed to new investments can access SEZ benefits. The zone’s tax advantages and regulatory framework are aimed at attracting high-value investments, promoting innovation, and fostering sustainable economic growth.
To ensure alignment with Sri Lanka’s broader economic goals, the CPCEC has established stringent criteria for secondary investors. These include generating global revenue of at least USD 50 million, employing at least 100 people within five years, or achieving a start-up valuation of USD 500,000. Additionally, companies must demonstrate contributions to Sri Lanka’s economic and social development through innovation, research, and the creation of an international financial hub.
Companies seeking SEZ incentives must submit comprehensive business plans, with annual compliance reviews conducted by the CPCEC. If companies fail to meet the standards, their licenses may not be renewed. This structured approach ensures that the Colombo Port City continues to align with national development goals, creating a dynamic and thriving business environment.
With its focus on facilitating investments, offering competitive incentives, and fostering a secure and modern environment, Colombo Port City is positioned to become South Asia’s premier business and financial hub. The SEZ offers significant growth opportunities for both local and international investors looking to expand their global footprint.
Sri Lanka’s renowned gem and jewellery sector is set to shine once more as the 31st edition of FACETS Sri Lanka, South Asia’s premier gem and jewellery exhibition, prepares to take place in early 2025.
Known for its rich history in gemstone mining and expert craftsmanship, Sri Lanka’s jewellery market continues to attract international buyers. In 2024, the country’s jewellery market revenue hit US$199.30 million, and the market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 4.96% (CAGR 2024-2029).
Interestingly, 86% of the sales in this market are projected to come from non-luxury segments by 2024.
Scheduled from January 4-6, 2025, at Cinnamon Grand Colombo, FACETS Sri Lanka promises a dazzling showcase of the best the global gem and jewellery industry has to offer. Traders, wholesalers, manufacturers, lapidarists, retailers, and collectors will come together for this highly anticipated event.
Sri Lanka, celebrated for its rich legacy as one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious sources of coloured gemstones, continues to be a global leader in the trade.
The island is famous for its stunning selection of precious stones, from the brilliant blue sapphires to vibrant rubies. The country’s rich tradition of jewellery making is enhanced by its remarkable craftsmanship, which blends contemporary designs with cultural heritage to create timeless pieces.
The 2025 edition of FACETS Sri Lanka will include several key events, such as Sapphire Night, a networking and exhibition event focused on Sri Lanka’s signature sapphires, and a Story Corner to explore the historical and cultural significance of the gem and jewellery industry.
Additional highlights include a Power Breakfast designed to inspire women in the field, a Mine Tour that will offer visitors a firsthand look at the gem mining process, and a visit to Port City, Colombo’s emerging investment hub. A VIP golf tournament is also planned for high-profile guests.
Chairman of FACETS Sri Lanka 2025, Armil Sammoon, revealed that all exhibitor booths for the event have already sold out. He emphasized the event’s importance by stating, “It’s an order-taking show. This is where supply chains are built.
The SME pavilion, which started many years ago, has allowed smaller companies to become large exporters. This event has been a stepping stone for many.”
Since its inception in 1991, FACETS Sri Lanka has been a beacon for the global gem and jewellery industry, showcasing the island’s extraordinary treasures and artistry to the world.
With each edition, it further cements Sri Lanka’s status as a leading destination for fine gemstones and jewellery, making this event a must-attend for industry professionals.
