By: Isuru Parakrama

November 01, Colombo (LNW): Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardena has voiced confidence that the nation’s debt restructuring process is approaching completion, signalling a potential turning point towards financial stability and renewed investment.

This move is essential for Sri Lanka as it works to bolster its economy and unlock fresh sources of funding.

Speaking on Wednesday (30), Siriwardena underscored the role of international partnerships, particularly with China, in assisting Sri Lanka through its financial struggles.

“China’s provision of loans and financial aid has been critical during our most challenging periods,” he stated, adding that China’s continued support will be key to Sri Lanka’s plans for economic recovery and development.

China’s involvement has been central to Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring journey, which began after the severe economic crisis in mid-2021. Notably, in October 2023, China became the first official creditor to reach a preliminary agreement on debt restructuring terms with Sri Lanka, primarily through the Export-Import Bank of China (Exim Bank).

This progress culminated in a formal debt treatment agreement in June 2024, in tandem with a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) – a consortium of 17 official lenders co-chaired by France, India, and Japan.

Following these agreements, the Exim Bank of China was the first foreign lender to finalise its debt treatment process, while the China Development Bank (CDB) has also made significant progress, with only a few remaining comparability aspects to be addressed.

Siriwardena acknowledged the complexities and technical hurdles of the debt restructuring process, particularly the need to align agreements with the International Monetary Fund’s Debt Sustainability Analysis and to meet requirements for comparability across creditors.

He credited the progress made to the collaborative efforts and trust demonstrated by both Sri Lanka and its international partners.

As the debt restructuring chapter nears a close, Siriwardena expressed optimism about securing fresh investments, focusing on high-quality projects that will drive Sri Lanka’s growth agenda.

November 01, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan government has initiated a recall of 16 politically appointed ambassadors and high commissioners stationed at various overseas missions, with immediate effect, Daily Mirror reported citing a Foreign Ministry source.

While the list of diplomats set to return has not been disclosed, letters of recall have reportedly already been issued.

Upon their return to Sri Lanka, effective from 1 December, each appointee will undergo a comprehensive performance evaluation.

Based on these reviews, the government will determine whether any of them will be reappointed to their diplomatic roles.

Political appointees currently represent Sri Lanka in high-profile locations, including capitals such as London, Washington, Jakarta, and Abu Dhabi.

The selection of these envoys occurred under former Presidents Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe.

In addition to ambassadorial roles, numerous junior-level political appointees, some of whom are related to prominent politicians, also serve in Sri Lankan embassies around the world.

Meanwhile, the foreign service cadre remains unfilled, with a mix of politically appointed and retired career diplomats representing Sri Lanka in several major international posts.

This reshuffle marks an effort by the government to review diplomatic effectiveness and reassess the composition of its foreign service cadre.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 01, Colombo (LNW): Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission of Sri Lanka, citing potential breaches of election laws related to recent appointments at the Palmyrah Development Board (PDB) in Jaffna.

According to TISL, Selvin Ireneuss Mariampillai was appointed Chairman of the PDB on October 10 but was replaced just 12 days later by Vinayagamoorthy Sahadevan on October 22.

These swift changes, along with new board member appointments, were reportedly approved by the Cabinet Minister despite election period restrictions set by the Commission, which prohibit new appointments, promotions, or transfers within government institutions without prior approval during this sensitive time.

The Election Commission’s Gazette, published on September 25, categorically outlines that no such appointments should be made until the election period concludes, emphasising the need for neutrality within public sector organisations.

TISL expressed concerns that the appointments could undermine public confidence in the electoral process, suggesting that they may give the appearance of political influence over public bodies.

The organisation is pressing the Election Commission to swiftly investigate the matter and, if necessary, take corrective action to ensure adherence to the election regulations.

In its statement, TISL further urged the Government to suspend all such appointments across public institutions until the General Election is completed, advocating for greater transparency and adherence to governance practices to protect the impartiality of the electoral process.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 01, Colombo (LNW): The death toll from a severe bus accident on the Badulla-Dunhinda road has risen to three, with over 30 individuals injured, some critically.

Six of the injured remain in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Badulla Hospital, following the tragic incident earlier today (01).

The accident occurred around 7:45 a.m. when a bus carrying approximately 40 passengers, primarily university students from the Southern Campus of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), overturned near the Dunhinda access road.

The vehicle reportedly lost control and collided with a roadside bund before toppling down a steep embankment between the third and fourth kilometre markers on the Badulla-Mahiyanganaya main road.

Sadly, two female students from KDU have been confirmed among the deceased, adding a sombre note to what was intended to be an educational field trip.

Medical teams responded swiftly, with local authorities and ambulances transporting the injured to Badulla Hospital, where emergency medical care was immediately administered.

Police reports indicate that many of the injured students are in critical condition, and this has raised questions about road safety in the region.

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities examining the bus’s condition and the road circumstances leading up to the incident.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 01, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo High Court has granted bail to former Minister Johnston Fernando, ordering his release in connection with charges of utilising employees from the Co-operative Wholesale Establishment (CWE) for election-related activities.

This decision follows an arrest warrant issued on October 24 when Fernando failed to attend a scheduled hearing.

The case, initiated by the Bribery Commission, names Fernando alongside former CWE Chairman Eraj Fernando and the former minister’s Private Secretary, Raj Mohideen Mohammad Sakeer, as defendants.

The allegations centre on claims that Fernando misappropriated public resources by deploying 153 CWE employees for election tasks between 2010 and 2014, which allegedly led to an estimated financial loss of nearly Rs. 40 million to the government.

This case highlights ongoing scrutiny over the misuse of government resources in political campaigns, with the court’s bail decision allowing Fernando temporary relief as the legal proceedings continue.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 01, Colombo (LNW): The marking of postal votes for Sri Lanka’s upcoming General Election 2024 entered its second day this (01) morning, following its initiation on October 30.

The Election Commission has confirmed that postal voting is taking place at designated locations, including police stations, District Secretariats, Election Commission offices, and the offices of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

Postal voting has been made available today, for members of the armed forces and various government institutions, with an additional day for these sectors scheduled for November 04.

Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Rathnayake emphasised that this arrangement aims to accommodate voters from essential service sectors who might otherwise face difficulties in voting on the main election day.

For those unable to cast their postal votes on the allotted days, the Election Commission has introduced an alternative.

Eligible postal voters will have the opportunity to vote at the District Secretariat office closest to their workplace on November 07 and 08, ensuring a wider scope for participation.

The Election Commission’s approach underscores an effort to maximise voter turnout, especially among crucial sectors, while accommodating logistical challenges.

This initiative reflects the broader commitment to a smooth electoral process that considers the varied needs of government and security personnel ahead of a closely watched election.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 01, Colombo (LNW): The atmospheric conditions are favourable further for afternoon thundershowers in most parts of the island, and showers or thundershowers, therefore, will occur in the most parts of the island during the evening or night, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (01).

Heavy showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in Uva, Eastern, Central,  Sabaragamuwa and North-central provinces.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the coastal areas of Northern,  Eastern and North-western provinces during the morning too.

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:

1. Despite President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s government’s regulations setting the price of Nadu rice at Rs. 220 per kilo, recent reports indicate an average market price of Rs. 235: During a meeting with President Dissanayake, rice millers agreed to sell Nadu rice at Rs. 218, yet prices have risen due to stock shortages: The Consumer Affairs Authority plans to enforce penalties for vendors exceeding price controls, which may include fines and imprisonment.
   
2. SLPP National List member Namal Rajapaksa urges President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and former President Ranil Wickremesinghe to clarify their positions on promised public sector salary increments: highlights the unfulfilled pledges made during their election campaigns: warns that misleading government employees could result in frustration and turmoil, stressing the need for action on this issue.
   
3. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya confirms former President Ranil Wickremesinghe will be called to testify on the 2015 Central Bank bond scam: criticises Wickremesinghe’s constitutional knowledge, asserting he disregards public sovereignty by postponing elections and influencing the judiciary: assures legal action against all who misappropriated public funds.
   
4. Former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte was arrested in Kandy by Mirihana Police over an unregistered luxury car found at his wife’s residence in Mirihana, Nugegoda: He has been remanded until November 07: Ratwatte claimed the vehicle was brought there by his late private secretary, who was recently found dead with gunshot injuries in Katugastota, Kandy.
   
5. Sri Lanka Customs and Russia’s Federal Customs Service ink a mutual agreement in Moscow to combat illegal trading and enhance legal trade facilitation: The agreement, titled the “Mutual Assistance Agreement on Customs Matters,” was signed by Sri Lanka Customs Director General P.B. Sarath Nonis and Russian Customs Head Valery Pikalyov to strengthen future cooperation.
   
6. The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation announces a fuel price revision effective from midnight on October 31: Petrol 95 Octane and Super Diesel prices have each been reduced by Rs. 6, now costing Rs. 371 and Rs. 313 per litre, respectively: Prices for Petrol 92 Octane, Auto Diesel, and Kerosene remain unchanged at Rs. 311, Rs. 283, and Rs. 183 per litre.
   
7. The Election Commission receives 1,104 complaints regarding the upcoming parliamentary election from September 26 to October 30, including 93 new cases: Of these, 316 were reported to the National Centre for Election Complaint Management and 820 to District Centres: All complaints involve law violations, with 11 incidents classified as violent.
   
8. The Health Ministry will conduct a special measles vaccination programme from November 4 – 9, targeting individuals who missed vaccination or received only one dose: Senior Epidemiologist Dr. Hasitha Tissera says it will cover 12 districts, addressing a potential measles resurgence since 2023 despite the country’s previous eradication success: Infants, particularly under 9 months, are at higher risk.
   
9. Ceylon Teachers’ Union General Secretary Joseph Stalin urges the Examinations Department to reassure students and parents of a secure 2024 GCE Advanced Level exam process: highlights the need for strict precautions after last year’s agriculture paper leak, which forced students to retake the exam: criticises the lack of accountability for those responsible for the 2023 incident.
   
10. Sri Lankan batsman Pathum Nissanka reached career-best ICC rankings, now 7th in ODIs and 8th in T20s after strong performances against West Indies: Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, and Kusal Mendis also climbed the ICC rankings: Key bowlers Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga achieved high T20 rankings: Women’s captain Chamari Athapaththu rose to 3rd in ODI and 9th in T20 rankings, reflecting Sri Lanka’s cricketing progress.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 01, Colombo (LNW): The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO) has announced an adjustment to fuel prices, effective from midnight on October 31.

Under the revised pricing, Petrol 95 Octane and Super Diesel have each been reduced by Rs. 6 per litre.

This revision brings the price of Petrol 95 Octane to Rs. 371 per litre, while Super Diesel now stands at Rs. 313 per litre.

Meanwhile, the prices of Petrol 92 Octane, Auto Diesel, and Kerosene will remain unchanged. The updated pricing for fuel grades is as follows:

• Petrol 95 Octane – Rs. 371 (reduced by Rs. 6)
• Super Diesel – Rs. 313 (reduced by Rs. 6)
• Petrol 92 Octane – Rs. 311 (unchanged)
• Auto Diesel – Rs. 283 (unchanged)
• Kerosene – Rs. 183 (unchanged)

October 31, Colombo (LNW): Former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte has been remanded until November 07 following his arrest in connection with an unregistered luxury vehicle found at his wife’s residence in Mirihana, Nugegoda.

The Nugegoda Additional Magistrate issued the remand order after Ratwatte was taken into custody by the Mirihana Police and presented in court on 31 October.

Ratwatte was initially detained in Kandy before being transferred to the Mirihana Police Station.

Authorities reported that the car in question, discovered on 26 October, had no number plates.

Acting on information received by police headquarters, officers conducted an inspection at the three-storey home in the Embuldeniya area, registered to Ratwatte’s wife, Shashi Prabha Ratwatte.

This search led to the discovery of the unregistered vehicle, which police suspected was linked to recent investigations.

During the inquiry, Ratwatte and his wife informed the police that the residence is also occupied by his mother-in-law.

They explained that the vehicle was brought to the property roughly three weeks prior by Ratwatte’s private secretary, who recently died in Kandy from gunshot injuries in a separate incident in Katugastota.

The police are currently investigating the vehicle’s origins and ownership details, given the recent tragic circumstances surrounding Ratwatte’s secretary.

Further developments in this case are expected following the court’s remand order and continuing police investigations into both the car’s presence at the residence and any potential links to other ongoing cases.