November 01, Colombo (LNW): Thundershowers accompanied by severe lightening are likely to occur at several places in Uva, Eastern, North-Central, Central, Sabaragamuwa and Northern provinces and in Hambantota District, the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology said in a warning.
There may be temporary localised strong winds during thundershowers.
General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by lightning activity.
By: Isuru Parakrama
November 01, Colombo (LNW): In light of a recent outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF), Sri Lanka’s Department of Animal Production and Health has issued an urgent appeal to pig farmers across the nation to visit their nearest veterinary offices for registration of their farms.
This proactive measure is aimed at managing and controlling the spread of the disease, which has now been confirmed in various regions.
The alarming emergence of ASF marks a significant challenge for Sri Lankan agriculture, as it poses a serious threat to pig populations and the livelihoods of farmers.
The Director of the Western Province Animal Production and Health Department, K.K. Sarath, revealed that confirmed cases of the fever have been detected not only in the Western Province but also in Uva, Northern, and North Western provinces.
This widespread occurrence has raised serious concerns among agricultural officials and health authorities.
ASF is a highly contagious viral disease that affects domestic and wild pigs, leading to high mortality rates. The symptoms include fever, weakness, and bleeding, with the disease often resulting in the death of infected animals.
Given its rapid spread and the potential for devastating economic impacts, it is crucial for farmers to comply with the registration request.
By registering their farms, pig owners can ensure they receive timely updates and assistance from veterinary professionals, who can provide guidance on biosecurity measures to prevent further outbreaks.
The registration process is expected to facilitate better tracking and management of the disease, enabling authorities to respond more effectively.
Farmers are urged to monitor their herds closely for any signs of illness and to report any suspicious cases immediately to veterinary officials.
November 01, Colombo (LNW): The Theldeniya Police have apprehended a white SUV bearing fake number plates, believed to be associated with former state minister Lohan Ratwatte.
The vehicle was discovered in the garage of an unoccupied residence at the ICC Housing Scheme, following a tip-off received by local authorities.
According to reports from the Lankadeepa newspaper, the Mitsubishi Jeep was found displaying the counterfeit number plate KN 5556.
Investigations revealed that this number plate is actually registered to a red Prado owned by a woman residing in the Pilawala area of Kandy.
This incident adds to the legal troubles facing Lohan Ratwatte, who is currently in remand custody.
His detention stems from an earlier investigation regarding a vehicle that lacked a registration number, which was found at a property belonging to his wife in Mirihana.
The police are examining connections between the two vehicles as part of their ongoing inquiry.
The discovery of the SUV raises further questions about the activities surrounding Ratwatte, who has faced scrutiny in the past for his conduct during his time in office.
Authorities are now delving deeper into the circumstances that led to the vehicle’s presence at the unoccupied house and its links to the former minister.
As the investigation unfolds, this situation underscores the broader issues of accountability and transparency among public officials in Sri Lanka.
The scrutiny faced by Ratwatte and the potential implications of these discoveries could have significant ramifications for his political future and public trust in governance.
The case remains under investigation, and the Theldeniya Police have urged anyone with additional information to come forward, as they seek to clarify the circumstances surrounding the SUV and its connection to Ratwatte.
By: Isuru Parakrama
November 01, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee indicates appreciation against the US Dollar today (01) in comparison to yesterday, as per the official exchange rates released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).
Accordingly, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 288.59 from Rs. 289.06, and the selling price to Rs. 297.64 from Rs. 298.14.
The LKR, meanwhile, indicates appreciation against several other foreign currencies as well.
November 01, Colombo (LNW): In a recent ruling, the Colombo High Court has revoked the arrest warrant previously issued for former Minister Johnston Fernando, allowing his release on additional bail.
This decision was delivered on November 1 by Judge Manjula Thilakaratne during proceedings concerning a case brought forth by the Bribery Commission.
Johnston Fernando’s legal counsel, Kalinga Indatissa PC, explained that the former minister was unable to attend the court session on October 23 because he was providing a statement to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) regarding an unregistered luxury vehicle purportedly linked to him, which had been discovered at a prestigious hotel in Colombo.
Despite this explanation, the judge expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding Fernando’s absence from court.
After considering the case details, the court determined that Johnston Fernando should be granted additional bail.
He was subsequently released on a cash bail of Rs. 25,000, supplemented by a personal surety of Rs. 1 million. The court has scheduled the next hearing for January 27.
The case against Fernando originates from allegations by the Bribery Commission, which filed charges in the Colombo Magistrate’s Court.
He, along with former CWE Chairman Eraj Fernando and former CWE Working Director Mohamed Shakeer, is accused of improperly employing 153 workers from Lanka Sathosa for political purposes during his ministerial tenure from 2010 to 2014.
This alleged misuse of resources has purportedly resulted in a significant financial loss to the government, estimated at around Rs. 40 million.
The implications of this case extend beyond individual accountability, highlighting broader concerns about the ethical conduct of public officials and the proper use of state resources.
As this legal matter unfolds, it remains a pivotal moment for the integrity of governance in Sri Lanka, raising questions about transparency and accountability in public service.
As the January hearing approaches, all eyes will be on the proceedings, which may have lasting ramifications for the individuals involved and for public confidence in the political system.
By: Isuru Parakrama
November 01, Colombo (LNW): The recent announcement by Shield Restraint Systems to relocate its operations from China and establish a new manufacturing facility in Sri Lanka marks a significant milestone for US investment in the region.
This sentiment was echoed by US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, during the groundbreaking ceremony held yesterday at the Wathupitiwala Export Processing Zone in Nittambuwa.
With an initial investment of US$ 8.5 million, Shield Restraint Systems is poised to create over 500 new jobs, showcasing the potential for economic growth and job creation in the country. Ambassador Chung highlighted the critical role that a supportive investment climate plays in attracting further manufacturing initiatives.
“If the new government can enhance the investment environment, implement anti-corruption measures, and promote transparent governance, there is a real opportunity for more manufacturers to follow suit. You have heard the phrase: ‘If you build it, they will come.’” she said.
Emphasising the positive outlook for future investments, Ambassador Chung noted, “A robust investment climate will draw companies, leading to increased job opportunities, prosperity, and more research and development initiatives for Sri Lanka.”
She pointed out that the United States currently serves as Sri Lanka’s largest export market, and the arrival of more US investments is a promising development.
Chung further expressed her hopes for the growth of bilateral trade and investment, stating, “We aspire to see even greater trade relations expand in both directions in the coming years. Initiatives like this manufacturing facility, driven by customer demand for diversified supply chains, present a tremendous opportunity for Sri Lanka.”
The groundbreaking event was seen as a reaffirmation of commitment to mutual goals, with a focus on building inclusive communities and strengthening local economies.
“We eagerly anticipate the positive impact this factory will have on the local economy, creating jobs and encouraging further innovation,” she added.
The Chairman of the Board of Investment (BOI), Arjuna Herath, praised the expansion of Shield Restraint Systems as a reflection of the strength and vision of the company and the significant potential Sri Lanka has in the global aerospace and defence sector.
He also noted the contributions of AmSafe Bridport, which has made an annual contribution of US$ 5 million to the Sri Lankan economy.
By: Isuru Parakrama
November 01, Colombo (LNW): In a significant move towards transparency and accountability, Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya has announced that members of the public are permitted to film police officers while they are performing their duties.
This directive, issued on Wednesday (30), aims to clarify the legal standing of public recording and to safeguard the rights of citizens during interactions with law enforcement.
The Acting IGP emphasised that the act of recording police activities is neither illegal nor prohibited by law, countering previous instances where police personnel have allegedly harassed individuals for filming or seized their devices.
In some cases, people have even faced arrest simply for documenting police conduct.
The Acting IGP’s statement serves to rectify these misunderstandings, asserting that there is no legal framework preventing citizens from capturing such interactions on video.
Weerasooriya further noted that many of the incidents where police officers have responded negatively to being recorded often involved behaviours that were already unlawful, undisciplined, or unethical.
The availability of video evidence from the public could lead to disciplinary measures against officers involved in such conduct.
He also highlighted the potential for these recordings to be used as evidence in both criminal and civil cases, citing the Evidence (Special Provisions) Act No. 14 of 1995, which allows for unedited footage to be presented in legal proceedings.
However, the Acting IGP did caution that any recordings edited in a manner that incites animosity towards the police could result in legal repercussions for those involved.
He clarified that while the right to film remains protected, any misuse of that footage to foster hatred or unrest will not be tolerated.
This announcement follows a recent incident in Wariyapola, where a police officer, the Traffic Officer in Charge, allegedly threatened a citizen who was filming an accident involving a former state minister’s vehicle.
The officer reportedly confiscated the individual’s mobile device and arrested him, only to release him later after a reprimand.
Public Security Minister Vijitha Herath condemned the officer’s actions, stating that it is fundamentally wrong for law enforcement to intimidate individuals exercising their right to record such events.
The new policy reflects an ongoing effort to enhance public trust in law enforcement, ensuring that police officers act within the boundaries of the law while upholding the rights of citizens.
By: Isuru Parakrama
November 01, Colombo (LNW): In a recent rally held by the National People’s Power in Matara, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that ministers in the forthcoming Parliament will not be allocated housing in Colombo, emphasising a shift towards decentralised governance and reduced privileges for officials.
The President underscored that this change aims to foster stronger ties between leaders and their local constituencies.
President Dissanayake revealed plans for a streamlined Cabinet of under 25 ministers, to be formed after November 14.
He noted that ministerial privileges would be significantly reduced, aligning with a vision to transform ministers into dedicated public servants with expertise and insight into their respective fields.
In his proposed model, the remaining MPs will be encouraged to support ministries on a voluntary basis, creating a collaborative structure in which all MPs contribute to national development.
Addressing the need for more direct local governance, the President stressed the importance of representatives actively engaging with their districts.
He highlighted that local leaders have valuable insights into the specific issues facing their communities, such as flood risks, and are therefore essential in delivering timely and effective solutions.
“We need a government that connects with the people directly,” he stated, arguing that elected leaders must prioritise their localities rather than remaining detached in the capital.
Emphasising a new approach to governance, President Dissanayake declared that “no minister will be provided housing in Colombo” and urged MPs to maintain close ties with their villages, staying informed about local challenges.
This approach, he asserted, will enable the government to be more attuned to the needs of its citizens, building a direct, people-focused leadership.
In his closing remarks, the President encouraged the public to support this transformative vision for a government that fosters widespread participation in Sri Lanka’s progress.
He appealed for a strong mandate in the upcoming election, underscoring the intent to establish a government structure unlike any seen before in Sri Lanka’s history, one where every citizen has a stake in the nation’s development.
By: Isuru Parakrama
November 01, Colombo (LNW): An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team is set to visit Sri Lanka soon for discussions on the third review of the country’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme, announced Krishna Srinivasan, Director of the IMF’s Asia and Pacific Department.
Srinivasan provided these updates during an IMF press briefing today (01).
He highlighted the IMF’s recent interactions with the new Sri Lankan government, acknowledging the significant strides made under the programme.
“Following the new government’s appointment, we conducted a mission in Sri Lanka, holding fruitful talks with the President and his administration. The progress achieved to date is noteworthy, and it’s essential to protect these advances while taking further steps to reinforce them,” Srinivasan remarked.
Srinivasan underscored the government’s firm commitment to meeting the fiscal and debt targets established in partnership with the IMF.
Recently, a Sri Lankan delegation travelled to Washington to continue discussions for the upcoming review, with ongoing negotiations showing positive developments.
The forthcoming IMF mission to Sri Lanka is expected to deepen these discussions and assess the country’s progress under the EFF, focusing on fiscal policy adjustments and debt management strategies essential for economic stabilisation.
November 01, Colombo (LNW): The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the appointment of Sumathi Dharmawardena PC as the new Independent Chair of its Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU),
This marks a significant leadership transition as he succeeds Sir Ronnie Flanagan, who stepped down after 14 years of dedicated service.
Dharmawardena, a highly regarded legal expert, brings extensive experience to the role. As a former Additional Solicitor General at Sri Lanka’s Attorney General’s Department, he has represented the Sri Lankan government across various legal matters, including those related to sports governance.
His robust background includes active engagement with international bodies such as Interpol and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, where he contributed to numerous anti-corruption efforts within sport.
Notably, Dharmawardena played a key role in developing Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports Act and has overseen critical investigations and prosecutions under this legislation.
As the Independent Chair, Dharmawardena will provide strategic oversight and direction to the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit, which functions under the executive management of the General Manager of Integrity.
His new position will entail safeguarding the integrity of cricket on a global scale, continuing the ICC’s ongoing commitment to combating corruption in sport.
Dharmawardena is set to formally assume his role on 1 November 2024, leading the ACU in its mission to uphold fair play and protect the sport from corrupt practices.
