By: Isuru Parakrama

October 31, Colombo (LNW): The United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, has encouraged Sri Lanka’s new government to enhance its investment environment, tackle corruption, and promote governance that is transparent and business-friendly.

According to Ambassador Chung, these improvements would not only fortify Sri Lanka’s appeal to foreign investors but could also attract more international manufacturers to establish operations in the country.

The Ambassador made these remarks at a groundbreaking event for the Indiana-based SHIELD company’s new seatbelt manufacturing facility, marking a significant move as SHIELD relocates its production from China to Sri Lanka.

Highlighting this shift, Ambassador Chung remarked, “The decision by SHIELD to move its facility here underscores a rising interest in U.S. investment within Sri Lanka. The United States is already the largest export market for Sri Lanka, and we are thrilled to see this direct investment. It’s our hope to see bilateral trade and investment grow even further in the coming years.”

Chung further emphasised that such shifts in manufacturing, which align with global supply chain diversification trends, present a notable opportunity for Sri Lanka. She asserted that with a strengthened investment framework, Sri Lanka could attract more manufacturers like SHIELD.

“If you build it, they will come,” she said. “A robust investment climate will draw companies, leading to job creation, increased prosperity, and new research and development initiatives.”

Additionally, Ambassador Chung underscored the collaborative foundation of U.S.-Sri Lanka relations, which are built on mutual goals and respect.

She highlighted several joint efforts, from enhancing crop yields for local farmers to expanding school lunch programmes for underprivileged urban children in Colombo and bolstering Sri Lanka’s maritime security.

These projects, Chung noted, are part of a shared vision to support economic growth, improve quality of life, and ensure stability in the region.

October 31, Colombo (LNW): Four individuals from the Matara District, whose names have been included in the National Democratic Front’s (NDF) General Election candidate list, have alleged that their nominations were made without their consent.

The candidates, who represent the NDF’s “car” symbol, reported their concerns to the Deniyaya Police after learning of their nomination through their polling cards delivered by the Postal Department.

Tharanga Deshapriya, Chamal Lasantha, Nishal Prinayantha, and Prasad Udaya filed the complaint, emphasising that they had no prior knowledge of their names being on the list and had not consented to stand in the election.

Shocked by the discovery, they sought immediate clarification and assistance from authorities.

The Deniyaya Police have now referred the complaint to the election office within the Matara Police Superintendent’s jurisdiction and alerted the Election Commission to investigate the matter.

Additionally, the four individuals were advised to submit a formal complaint to the Matara Returning Officer, as the incident raises serious concerns about electoral transparency and candidate rights.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 31, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for Construction recorded a decline in sector activity during September 2024, with the Total Activity Index falling to 48.6.

This drop, attributed largely to disruptions related to the national election, highlights a slight moderation in construction activities for the month.

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) noted that while new orders saw a rise in September, this was not enough to offset challenges faced by the sector.

Respondents cited intensified market competition and increased financial strain, despite a gradual resurgence of both foreign-funded and domestic private projects being opened for tenders.

Additional factors impacting the sector included a reduction in employment and purchase quantities, reflecting the operational slowdown as many construction firms adjusted to the month’s interruptions.

Meanwhile, supplier delivery times also remained prolonged, adding further constraints to an already impacted supply chain.

October 31, Colombo (LNW): Former Minister Lohan Ratwatte has been arrested by Police this (31) afternoon.

The arrest follows the discovery of an unregistered vehicle found at his wife’s residence in the Mirihana area, Nugegoda.

This is a developing story..

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 31, Colombo (LNW): Enter Air, Poland’s leading private airline, has officially launched a new direct service between Warsaw and Colombo, connecting Poland and Sri Lanka with a fresh series of charter flights.

This service, inaugurated yesterday (30), is scheduled to operate through to March 2025, strengthening tourism and travel links between the two countries.

Upon its arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake, Enter Air’s inaugural flight was greeted with a traditional water salute.

Passengers were then welcomed by Sri Lanka Tourism with an energetic performance showcasing the island’s vibrant cultural heritage.

The event underscored Sri Lanka’s commitment to hospitality and its eagerness to attract Polish tourists, enhancing cultural exchange and economic ties with Poland.

This Warsaw-Colombo route offers an appealing opportunity for European travellers to experience Sri Lanka’s unique offerings, including its beaches, heritage sites, and natural landscapes.

The seasonal service reflects growing European interest in Sri Lanka as a travel destination and is anticipated to draw an increased number of Polish visitors, benefitting Sri Lanka’s tourism industry as it gears up for a busy season.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 31, Colombo (LNW): The Chinese government has pledged a further Rs. 400 million in emergency humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka, enhancing its recent flood relief efforts.

According to the Chinese Embassy in Colombo, this new batch of emergency materials follows a cash donation of Rs. 30 million that was recently presented to the President of Sri Lanka to aid communities affected by severe flooding.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya welcomed Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong to her office on Wednesday (30) to discuss both the ongoing aid and future cooperative initiatives between the two nations.

Ambassador Qi reaffirmed China’s steadfast support for Sri Lanka’s relief endeavours, underscoring the commitment to assist in addressing urgent humanitarian needs.

In addition to flood relief, the conversation expanded to potential areas of economic cooperation, with a particular focus on investment opportunities designed to stimulate growth and build resilience in Sri Lanka.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya expressed deep gratitude for China’s timely assistance, highlighting how the enduring partnership has continually bolstered the country during times of need.

The meeting closed with both leaders affirming a shared vision for sustainable development, emphasising strengthened ties and new pathways for investment that could mutually benefit both nations.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 31, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya openly challenged former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s understanding of the Constitution, questioning whether she should be learning from a leader who, despite repeated public rejection, remains entrenched in politics.

Speaking at a recent public event, PM Amarasuriya emphasised that Wickremesinghe’s multiple electoral defeats—17 losses to date—have not deterred him from pursuing a political role, despite the evident shift in public sentiment.

“Wickremesinghe seems to struggle with understanding the evolving will of the people,” Amarasuriya stated, adding that her administration is paving the way for a new approach to governance.

She stressed that the people’s mandate lies at the core of the Constitution, expressing doubts about Wickremesinghe’s grasp of this fundamental principle.

Pointing out that a genuine understanding of constitutional basics involves respecting democratic processes, PM Amarasuriya argued that a true leader would not interfere with electoral timelines or compromise the authority of institutions such as the National Council or judiciary.

“A person with constitutional knowledge would avoid these actions. Perhaps he needs a clearer grasp of these essentials before advising others on the Constitution,” she remarked.

Further, PM Amarasuriya critiqued Sri Lanka’s longstanding political culture, which she claims has been marred by leaders acting with unwarranted authority.

According to her, the government led by Anura Kumara Dissanayake is committed to dismantling this approach, prioritising transparency and accountability in its place.

The Prime Minister also responded to Wickremesinghe’s recent assertion that Cabinet decisions need no departmental approval, stating, “That may have been his style, but our administration makes decisions that reflect the needs of the people and consider the guidance of relevant officials.”

She underlined that the new government prioritises public welfare and sound, informed decision-making.

The comments follow a recent clash between Wickremesinghe and Amarasuriya regarding procedural integrity in government decisions.

Amarasuriya had previously criticised the former government’s handling of public servants’ salary increases, alleging procedural lapses. Wickremesinghe, in response, suggested that the Prime Minister could benefit from further constitutional guidance.