United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe stated yesterday (29) that the party had secured 450,000 votes in the recent Local Government Election, attributing this achievement to the efforts of a specially appointed campaign committee. Addressing a gathering at the party’s headquarters, Sirikotha, Wickremesinghe commended the committee for its strategic role in revitalising the UNP.

The committee, which included Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene, Assistant Leader Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Chairman Vajira Abeywardena, Deputy Chairman Navin Dissanayake, and General Secretary Thalatha Athukorala, had been tasked with reshaping the party’s image. Wickremesinghe noted that their focus was on transforming the UNP into a modern and competitive political force in preparation for future electoral contests.

The Department of Immigration and Emigration has announced that the temporary 24-hour one-day passport issuance service, introduced earlier this year to accommodate high public demand, will officially conclude on May 30, 2025. This expedited service was implemented on February 18, 2025, as a temporary measure to manage a surge in applications.

Beginning Monday, June 2, 2025, applications for one-day passports at the Department’s head office in Battaramulla will be accepted only between 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The Department clarified that individuals who have already booked appointments under the one-day service for that date, or who have urgent requirements, may still apply within the new hours.

General passport applications at the Battaramulla head office will also follow the same 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. schedule. Meanwhile, all regional offices will continue processing both regular and one-day passport applications within these same hours, consistent with the existing timetable.

The Department urges applicants to plan accordingly and utilize the appointment booking system to avoid delays, particularly as the special 24-hour service is phased out.

Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, currently visiting Sri Lanka in his capacity as part of Poland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat on May 29. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral and multilateral cooperation, particularly between Sri Lanka and the European Union, amidst evolving global economic dynamics.

President Dissanayake highlighted the significance of continued EU engagement, especially as Sri Lanka navigates economic headwinds linked to new global tariff regimes—such as those introduced by the United States—and fiscal limitations stemming from arrangements with the International Monetary Fund. He stressed that broader cooperation with the EU will be crucial for Sri Lanka to mitigate these pressures and pursue sustainable economic recovery.

Expressing gratitude for the EU’s ongoing support, President Dissanayake welcomed the continued extension of the GSP+ trade concession, which provides Sri Lankan exports preferential access to European markets. He noted that this support remains vital for Sri Lanka’s economic resilience and export competitiveness.

Foreign Minister Sikorski reaffirmed Poland’s and the EU’s interest in deepening engagement with Sri Lanka, noting that his visit reflects the growing strategic importance both parties place on their partnership. He recalled the longstanding economic and developmental cooperation between Poland and Sri Lanka, spanning five decades of trade relations and three decades of development assistance, and expressed his intention to work closely with Sri Lanka’s new administration to further strengthen this foundation.

The meeting also included discussions on expanding bilateral collaboration beyond trade, including areas such as climate resilience, sustainable development, and educational exchanges. Both parties reiterated their commitment to reinforcing diplomatic and economic ties in the years ahead.

Present at the meeting were Ambassador of the European Union to Sri Lanka Carmen Moreno, President’s Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, and Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, among other officials from both delegations.

Sri Lanka Customs is set to introduce a series of IT-based solutions in the coming week aimed at streamlining procedures for importers and exporters, according to Customs Media Spokesperson and Additional Director General of Customs, Seevali Arukgoda. Speaking at a press conference yesterday in anticipation of the upcoming National Tax Week (June 2–8, 2025), Arukgoda detailed a range of digital initiatives designed to enhance efficiency, transparency, and compliance in customs operations.

Among the key reforms is the launch of the Asia Hub initiative, which enables importers to complete customs procedures before shipments arrive in the country. “Currently, customs operations begin only after the shipment arrives. With this initiative, importers can finalise the process while the cargo is en route, allowing for immediate transportation upon arrival—unless a specific inspection is required,” Arukgoda explained.

Additionally, Sri Lanka Customs will implement an automated risk management system that flags high-risk consignments. This will help authorities focus inspections more effectively while fast-tracking the clearance of low-risk shipments, thereby improving overall detection rates and reducing delays.

Another upcoming feature is TrackMyCusDec, a tracking system that allows traders and stakeholders to monitor the status of their cargo clearance in real-time. Furthermore, a motorcycle verification app is being introduced, allowing prospective buyers to check whether a vehicle was imported legally and if applicable taxes have been paid—using only the chassis number. Arukgoda noted that this initiative will curb the sale of smuggled, untaxed vehicles.

The press conference also featured remarks by U.D.N. Jayaweera, Senior Additional Secretary to the President, who outlined the goals of National Tax Week. Commencing at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, June 2, the week-long campaign is intended to raise awareness about tax compliance and its crucial role in national development. Jayaweera emphasised the need to shift public attitudes toward taxes, encouraging voluntary compliance and fostering a responsible tax culture.

National Tax Week is a joint initiative involving the Presidential Secretariat, the Revenue Administration Reforms and Modernisation Task Force, the Finance Ministry, and the three key revenue departments: Inland Revenue, Customs, and Excise. These departments collectively account for 90% of Sri Lanka’s government tax revenue.

Jayaweera reiterated that tax enforcement should not be coercive and highlighted the importance of timely tax payments, proper documentation, and accurate reporting. Through the Tax Shakthi public education programme, citizens will be informed of their responsibilities and the broader benefits of tax revenue for the country’s development. He urged all eligible taxpayers, including those not yet registered, to meet their obligations in support of Sri Lanka’s future.

The Sri Lankan Government has intensified its testing and surveillance operations in response to rising global alarm over a newly emerging COVID-19 variant. The Ministry of Health announced on Wednesday that Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing has been significantly increased in selected hospitals, particularly in urban centres and areas considered to be at high risk.

Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe stated that all government hospitals across the country have been instructed to enhance monitoring of patients who exhibit symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, and other respiratory issues. He emphasized the importance of early detection and swift isolation of suspected cases to prevent any potential community spread. While confirming that the current situation in Sri Lanka remains under control, Dr. Jasinghe stressed that heightened vigilance is essential. He assured the public there is no immediate cause for panic but urged citizens to remain cautious and to continue following established health guidelines, including wearing masks in crowded spaces and practicing good hygiene.

The new COVID-19 variant, which is believed to have a higher rate of transmission, is currently being studied by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international health bodies. Although no cases linked to the new variant have been officially detected in Sri Lanka, health authorities are preparing for all scenarios. Hospitals in districts such as Colombo, Gampaha, and Kandy have already strengthened their preparedness by stockpiling personal protective equipment, boosting laboratory capacity, and ensuring rapid turnaround times for test results. Additionally, the Health Ministry is collaborating with the Epidemiology Unit to expand genomic sequencing, which will help identify if the new variant has entered the country.

Officials continue to reiterate the need for public cooperation, stressing that a proactive approach combined with public awareness will be critical in managing any future risks associated with this evolving global situation.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.

Heavy falls above 100 mm are likely at some places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle and Matara districts.

Several spells of showers may occur in North-central province and in Mannar and Hambantota districts.

Strong winds of about (50-60) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Hambantota and Trincomalee districts. Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times elsewhere of the island.

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe according to UNP sources will visit Singapore on February 29, where he is scheduled to address two key forums. His presentations will focus on the future growth potential of South Asia and ASEAN, as well as the evolving security challenges facing the region.

During his visit, the former President will also engage with leading regional and international media outlets. Given his longstanding relationships and deep understanding of regional dynamics, he continues to be a sought-after voice on South Asia–ASEAN affairs.

File photo of Firmer President with the Famous Singapore Prime Ministet Lee Kuwan