October 31, Colombo (LNW): The atmospheric conditions are getting favourable for afternoon thundershowers in most parts of the island for the next few days starting from today (31), and showers or thundershowers 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 (31).
Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in Northern and Eastern provinces during the morning too.
Fairly heavy showers above 75 mm are likely at some places in Uva, Eastern and North-central provinces.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas around the Island during the evening or night. Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Mannar to Batticaloa via Kankasanthurai and Trincomalee during the morning too.
Winds:
Winds will be Westerly to South-westerly in direction and wind speed will be (20-30) kmph.
State of Sea:
The sea areas around the island can be moderate at times. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
October 31, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has underscored that eradicating rural poverty will be the central mission of his administration, emphasising that true governance stems from closeness to the people.
Speaking at a public gathering in Matara, he highlighted a shift towards localised governance, urging ministers to engage directly within their districts rather than operating remotely from Colombo.
The President announced that ministers in the new Parliament would not be allocated housing in Colombo, a measure aimed at ensuring leaders remain present within their communities.
“We need a government that connects with the people directly,” he declared, stressing that addressing local issues requires leaders to be rooted in their constituencies, not isolated in the capital.
Looking ahead, President Dissanayake outlined plans to form a new cabinet and administration after 14 November, introducing what he referred to as “people’s leaders.”
These leaders, he explained, would focus on resolving issues at the community level, fostering a governance approach that serves the public through hands-on engagement.
President Dissanayake reiterated that his government’s most urgent priority is to uplift rural areas and bring lasting change to communities grappling with poverty.
He concluded with a call to action, asserting that a government attuned to the needs of villages is essential for meaningful progress across the country.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake calls on media institutions to adopt ethical and democratic journalism, urging truthful and accurate reporting: criticises a prominent TV channel for broadcasting misleading economic news, which was subsequently amended: emphasises the need for media to move away from unethical practices towards responsible coverage of national issues: His response centres on a misleading news about ‘money-printing’ aired by a prominent news channel.
Matale District SJB Group Leader former MP Rohini Kaviratne, in retaliation to the government’s clarification of ‘money-printing,’ claims that the Central Bank has injected currency into the economy via term and overnight auctions, amounting to Rs. 106.16 billion last week: Emphasising the role of these methods in increasing inflation to meet IMF targets, Kaviratne argues that rising prices are a direct impact of the Central Bank’s liquidity actions: contends that “money creation” today extends beyond currency printing to include digital and economic mechanisms, challenging the Central Bank and government’s fiscal policies and the impact on the public.
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe criticises Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, questioning her constitutional knowledge after she claimed that cabinet decisions on public servant salary hikes need official approval: offers to educate her on constitutional matters and questioned the absence of NPP-led trade unions in advocating for public servant rights recently.
Tamil Medium government schools in the Southern, Sabaragamuwa, Central, and Uva Provinces will observe a holiday on Friday, November 1 2024, for the Deepavali Festival: Provincial Education Secretaries confirmed the decision, adding that missed academic activities will be rescheduled for Saturday, November 9.
SLBFE Chairman Kosala Wickramasinghe reveals a former minister unlawfully signed the E-8 visa agreement with South Korea without Cabinet approval: clarifies that no Sri Lankan agencies are authorised to send workers under this system: urges job seekers to rely on the approved E-9 visa for stable employment and income in Korea.
Former Minister Udaya Gammanpila questions whether President Anura Kumara Dissanayake or the World Bank is truthful about a US$ 200 million loan, disputing Cabinet Minister Vijitha Herath’s claim that no loans were taken: urges the public to verify loan records on the World Bank’s site, highlighting that the government has raised Rs. 958.75 billion through Treasury Bills and bonds within a month, adding Rs. 43,600 per person to the national debt: claims that despite denials, the Central Bank has printed money to maintain market stability.
Sri Lanka and China hold discussions to enhance bilateral relations, focusing on investment and collaboration to promote economic growth: The meeting, attended by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong, highlighted China’s support for Sri Lanka’s flood relief efforts: PM Amarasuriya expressed gratitude for China’s timely assistance during this critical time, reinforcing the nations’ longstanding partnership.
Former Minister Johnston Fernando, arrested over an unregistered luxury vehicle allegedly linked to him, has been granted bail by the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court, released on five surety bails of Rs. 5 million each: Two other suspects also surrendered and were granted bail: Fernando was initially remanded after his arrest by the CID on October 23 regarding the unregistered vehicle.
The Court of Appeal has issued an interim order suspending the decision to revoke Jayantha Malcom Thirimanna’s liquor license for his shop in Mannar: This order, effective until December 17, follows Thirimanna’s writ petition against the Commissioner General of Excise and the Divisional Secretary of Mannar: The court found a prima facie case of unlawfulness and directed the inquiry into the suspension to be concluded.
Kandy Zone teams performed impressively in the 2024 Under-15 Provincial Youth League Central and Eastern Cricket tournament: Kandy Zone III defeated Ampara by eight wickets, Zone I triumphed over Nuwara Eliya, also by eight wickets, and Zone II won against Batticaloa by 37 runs, showcasing strong batting and bowling performances across the matches.
October 31, Colombo (LNW): Former MP Rohini Kaviratne has highlighted the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s (CBSL) recent activities in money creation, questioning the economic policies that she says are increasing inflation and adding to public economic burdens.
In a statement, Kaviratne clarified that whilst money should be minted by the Central Bank, she believes that the government’s approach equates to money printing, a process she detailed as being enacted through term and overnight auctions.
In her statement, Kaviratne noted that the Central Bank injected Rs. 36.16 billion into the monetary system on October 25 via an overnight auction, and Rs. 70 billion through term auctions over the past week.
She emphasised that neither the Central Bank nor the Cabinet Media Spokesman, Minister Vijitha Herath, have contested these figures.
Kaviratne also referenced economist and JVP Economic Committee member Prof. Nandasiri Keembiyahetti’s recent acknowledgment on social media of these mechanisms being forms of money printing.
Furthermore, she cited an increase in excess liquidity within the Central Bank’s standing facility, from Rs. 138 billion to Rs. 193.4 billion, up to October 25.
Kaviratne asserted that this shift reflects an expansionary approach to financing the government’s treasury bill issuances, with Rs. 80.9 billion raised through these means so far.
She criticised the government’s push to increase inflation, noting that despite a temporary dip in inflation last month, the Central Bank now aims for a positive inflation rate, aligned with the IMF’s target.
According to Kaviratne, this shift has raised prices for consumers, impacting most goods except vegetables in recent weeks.
Referring to Minister Herath’s comments on currency notes bearing the finance minister’s signature, Kaviratne asserted that modern-day money creation extends beyond traditional note printing. She emphasised that money creation in the digital age involves diverse forms, such as credit, electronic payments, and even cryptocurrency.
Kaviratne concluded her statement by urging the public to consider the implications of these economic policies. She argued that, if money creation and borrowing reflect government policy, it warrants open public discourse as these decisions stem from a mandate granted in the Presidential Election.
October 30, Colombo (LNW): The Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE), with support from the Carter Centre, held an online safety workshop on Monday (28) for women candidates contesting the upcoming Parliamentary Election. The workshop focused on strategies for maintaining digital security and protecting personal information online.
Dr. Gabrielle Bardall, a Digital Hygiene and Safety Expert from the Carter Centre, guided 36 female candidates, including former MPs, on best practices for digital hygiene. Emphasizing the “Share Minimum Information” (SMI) approach, Dr. Bardall outlined methods to help prevent unnecessary attention and offered strategies for handling online harassment.
Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Rathnayake delivered the guest lecture. Other key speakers included Claire Goldman, Program Associate of the Carter Centre’s Democracy Programme; Manjula Gajanayake, Manager of the Carter Centre’s Sri Lanka project; Deputy Commissioner of Elections Piumi Atigala; CaFFE Executive Director Manas Makeen; and CaFFE Director of Administration Surangi Ariyawansa.
The golden sands of Sri Lanka’s Arugam Bay are usually carefree, a place for tourists to surf the famous break and relax on the beach.
But last week, the slow rhythm of the bay was dealt a shock. The US embassy, followed up by Sri Lankan police and Israel’s national security council, warned of a serious terrorist threat in the area. Israeli travellers were believed to be the intended target of a planned attack and were told to evacuate immediately. Hundreds of police and senior intelligence officials descended on the small coastal town, setting up patrols and road blocks.
While Sri Lankan police officials and government ministers kept the nature of the threat vague, one thing was made clear; it was seen as directly linked to the ongoing wars in Gaza and Lebanon.
Officials who spoke off the record said investigations indicated the threat had originated in Iran and was intended as “revenge” for Israel’s regional attacks. A Sri Lankan national based in Iraq was among three people arrested by anti-terrorism police.‘When I surf I feel so strong’: Sri Lankan women’s quiet surfing revolution
“From last October there were parties who were at war against each other,” said Priyantha Weerasooriya, Sri Lanka’s acting inspector general of police, at a press conference. “That has now spread to other parts of the world.”
In Arugam Bay, there was surprise that the fallout from the Middle East had reached their coastal idyll. The area’s popularity with Israeli travellers, many whom visit after mandatory military service, has soared in recent years. While some pass through as surfers and tourists, others have taken advantage of long-term visas to set up their own restaurants, bars and tourism companies often catering to other Israelis, with Hebrew signage evident across the town. A local official said there were often more than 1,000 Israelis staying in the area in high season.
Arugam Bay beach at first light, Sri Lanka. Photograph: Mark Daffey/Alamy
Police spokesperson Nihal Thalduwa said one of the targets of the recent threat was the Chabad House, a Jewish community centre.
Zulfi Faizer, 39, a tour guide, said that locals in the area, who are predominately Muslim, largely had no issues with the Israeli presence, which had brought in lucrative tourist dollars. “This area is mostly run by Israeli tourists,” said Faizer. “Majority of Muslims live in this area and there was no problem with them. We did business with them. Good Islam people are not against them.”https://544ee195a8f0cde5311c2f6e3b34b7a0.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html?n=0
He emphasised that the establishment of the Jewish community centre had not caused issues and Muslim locals freely mingled with Israeli tourists, but said there had been friction after some Israelis were accused of trying to buy up swathes of land and undercutting locals. Local politician Rehan Jayawickreme last week accused Israelis in the area of “illegal business practices” and fuelling instability. There have also been accusations that cultural norms around modest dressing were not being respected.
Faizer said he was among those locals, who in the wake of the apparent security threat, were now in favour of a ban on tourists from Israel. However, Israelis make up just 1.5% of the 1.5 million tourists who visited Sri Lanka in the first nine months of this year.
“Them coming here used to be good for us, but now we have a problem,” he said. “If an attack is carried out on them our people will also die.”
Sri Lanka has in the past been hit by terrorist attacks.
In April 2019, the biggest luxury hotels, as well as churches, were hit in Islamist suicide bombings that killed 270 people, 45 of them foreigners. It was found that intelligence about the attack had been ignored by the government and security services. Combined with the Covid pandemic, it took years for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry to recover as it has also grappled with the worst economic crisis in its history, which has left the country bankrupt and even more reliant on dollars brought in by tourism.
A security official stands guard outside St Anthony’s Shrine in Colombo in 2019, two days after the church was hit in a series of bomb blasts. Photograph: Mohd Rasfan/AFP/Getty Images
Vijitha Herath, minister of public security, said all the at-risk areas had ongoing special police protection and a security council meeting had been convened.
“A special situation arose because Israeli nationals are in the country as tourists. This month marks a year since the war started in the Middle East. Therefore, Israeli nationals hold religious ceremonies during this time. The suspicion was that some disturbance would be made at these places,” he told reporters.
By the end of last week, almost every Israeli had been evacuated from Arugam Bay. One of the few remaining was Miller Maoz, 59, who retired to Arugam Bay in 2019 after first falling in love with the area as a surfer back in 1991.
He said he had always been welcomed by the local Muslim population. “They don’t mind politics and they appreciate Israelis,” he said. “Israelis are not welcome all over the world, especially after the war started, but the hospitality here is amazing.”
He expressed scepticism at the threats in the area. “I don’t see any real proof of what people are saying is going on,” said Maoz. “They say that a terrorist group is coming around here to target us. But why come to Arugam Bay to kill Israelis?
October 30, Colombo (LNW): National People’s Power (NPP) Kalutara District Team Leader for the upcoming General Election, Nalinda Jayatissa, projected that Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is set to generate an impressive $8.5 billion in revenue by 2025. Speaking to the Daily News in Colombo, Jayatissa shared NPP’s comprehensive plan to boost annual tourist arrivals to four million through a structured program designed to attract more visitors and increase sector income.
He highlighted that the government is prioritizing the tourism sector by enhancing infrastructure and resources. This includes the expansion of facilities at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), with construction of a second terminal now underway in collaboration with the Japanese government to accommodate rising visitor numbers.
Jayatissa also noted that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, internationally regarded as an “anti-corruption president,” could attract significant foreign direct investment, boosting both national and rural economic development. Alongside major infrastructure projects, he emphasized initiatives for rural economic development, improved welfare, and livelihood empowerment as key goals.
To further strengthen economic growth, Jayatissa outlined NPP’s commitment to fully digitizing public services for enhanced efficiency and ease of access. This initiative is part of a broader anti-corruption agenda, aimed at creating a production-based economy and attracting renowned foreign investments. Confident in NPP’s support, Jayatissa predicted his party would secure eight out of 11 seats in the Kalutara District in the General Election.
October 29, (LNW) Colombo: Sports Director General Shemal Fernando has confirmed to us and other media that he has not appointed the names of the committee appointed to run the Rugby League tournament which is being advertised these days.
Meanwhile, according to The Morning newspaper, former Sri Lankan player Rohan Abeykoon, who has reportedly been named chairman of the sponsoring committee for the publicized committees, states he is unaware of such an appointment.
“I was unaware that my name was included in the committees. All I can say is that I have not received any official confirmation of such an appointment, and you should verify this with the Sports Ministry DG” Rohan told The Morning newspaper.
This situation is extremely dangerous, and if sponsors have already spent money for the tournaments, questions arise regarding who will manage these funds and who will be held accountable. Even now, information is being reported that they are facing a number of problems regarding irregularities and transparency in accounting affairs, and the names of those who have been named in its responsibilities using the temporary rugger control, are also being read in relation to dollar earning tree businesses.
In order to prevent the Director General of Sports from bringing any amendments to the Sri Lanka Rugby Constitution without limiting any of these criticisms, the Provincial Unions have now obtained a restraining order against Dr. Shemal Fernando before the Court of Appeal. In spite of this, saying that the international and Asian associations have more influence than the court decision in this country, they are trying to amend the constitution and delaying the necessary activities for the office election.
Due to this situation, World Rugby’s global governing body has postponed the original deadline of November 8, given to Sri Lanka Rugby to amend its constitution to January 31, 2025.
During that period, the updated decision of the court, the Director General should proceed according to the decision to hold the special general meeting held before the election without interfering with the constitutional amendment and hold the office election, and the appointed administration should be allowed to contact the global governing body of World Rugby and go for the necessary constitutional amendment. The general is stubbornly trying to do it himself.
Although it appears to be according to the wishes of the world rugby, the question arises whether the country’s sports administration can circumvent its courts and act accordingly.
The Rugby administration was dissolved by former minister Harin Fernando for failing to hold the general assembly meeting before the annual cut-off date of May 31. But it was surprising that the director general used the same people from the failed administration for rugby administration, saying that it was according to the agreement of the minister and the World Rugby. The Director General lacks any written documentation regarding the agreement between World Rugby and the Minister. Furthermore, no notice has been provided to World Rugby regarding the objections raised by the regional associations that have voting rights concerning the appointments. Additionally, no actions have been taken to inform World Rugby that assigning management responsibilities to individuals from a dissolved administration is unethical.
Shemal Fernando, a well-known military officer with a significant role in sports administration who has worked diligently to send selected athletes to the Olympics in recent years, cannot be presumed to be unaware of any of the aforementioned issues given his experience. It appears that he has disregarded his experience and knowledge, choosing instead to follow the directives of political authorities without weighing the right and wrong of the situations.
Anura Dissanaike, an avowed Marxist, was elected President with support from the Catholic coastal belt spanning from the Archdiocese of Colombo to the Diocese of Chilaw, led by the Catholic clergy. This shift is rooted in a desire for transformation—moving away from a history of flawed democratic representation toward new possibilities for accountability. In this case, it includes a call to bring to justice those responsible for the Easter Day carnage, along with past political figures alleged to have engaged in corruption. Notably, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith endorsed Anura over Sajith, who had been supportive of the Church in the immediate aftermath of the attacks. This support mirrors the Catholic community’s earlier backing of Gotabaya Rajapaksa as a “savior” figure, only to later find their expectations unfulfilled.
Catholic Community
The Archdiocese of Colombo, founded in 1845, has historically been the flagship of the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka. In the past, leaders like Cardinal Thomas Cooray, Archbishops Nicholas Marcus Fernando, and Oswald Gomis have upheld a balanced and cautious relationship with political leaders, guiding their flock during times of national difficulty and maintaining the Church’s dignity. Many Catholics believe Cardinal Ranjith, however, has overstepped into political arenas, a departure from the stance of his esteemed predecessors. His endorsement of Gotabaya, along with his strong criticisms of the Yahapalana government, fueled allegations of partisanship. This alignment, perceived as unbalanced, alienated sections of the Catholic community and revealed potential oversights in attributing responsibility for the carnage.The previously cordial relationship between the Cardinal and the Rajapaksas has raised eyebrows. Despite the expectation that the Cardinal had distanced himself, instances such as officiating Mahinda Rajapaksa’s son’s marriage in the Church, bypassing certain protocols, and hosting Namal Rajapaksa, left room for doubt among the faithful about his true stance. Many Catholics now question whether his criticisms of the Rajapaksas have been genuine or mere political theater.
Drug Menace
Cardinal Ranjith’s active participation in demonstrations against the drug menace with President Sirisena, while morally sound, also came with risks, as it effectively pitted the Church against dangerous elements within society. Sirisena’s failure to warn the Cardinal of potential threats to the Churches only underscored this danger. His more active political engagement marked a sharp departure from his predecessors’ approach of prudent distance from politics.
The aftermath of the Easter carnage, which ultimately benefited Gotabaya’s rise, fueled suspicions of a broader conspiracy. Cardinal Ranjith’s continued calls for accountability, directed at revealing the mastermind behind the attack, reportedly angered Gotabaya. Tensions between the state and the Church grew, with measures like the Muturajawela Gazette and the targeting of Church lands and Catholic households exacerbating the conflict. Appointing Gnanasara Thero—an outspoken critic of the Catholic Church—as head of a “One Country, One Law” task force underscored these hostilities. Policies on admissions in Catholic schools and other areas intensified concerns over religious balance in Catholic institutions.
The Future
The Easter attack plotters and those accused of neglecting repeated warnings remain unpunished, despite numerous suspects in custody. Civil cases have seen figures like Maithripala Sirisena and former Defense Secretary Hemasiri Fernando fined for negligence, yet criminal accountability is still wanting. Principal suspects, including Tuan Suresh Salley, Gotabaya, and others, remain free from formal charges. Many now wonder whether the legal system will take action, or if the administration under Anura could finally bring justice.
As the Catholic community continues to question these unresolved issues, a sense of betrayal and disillusionment with political leaders lingers. The community places its trust in God for justice not living people.
October 30, Colombo (LNW): Amid a recent outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) affecting pig populations, the Sri Lankan Government has issued an urgent gazette notification. This new directive, announced by the Director General of Animal Production and Health, Hemali Kothalawala, designates every Divisional Secretary’s division across the island as “infected” or “suspected” in an effort to control and prevent further spread of these diseases.
Key prohibitions under the Animal Diseases Act include:
Movement Restrictions: Transport of pigs, pork, and related products within, into, or out of affected areas is prohibited to curb the spread of the virus.
Slaughter Ban: Slaughter of any susceptible animals is banned in the designated regions.
Breeding Suspension: Artificial breeding activities involving susceptible species are temporarily halted.
Market and Event Suspension: Live animal markets, shows, and competitions involving susceptible species are canceled.
Carcass Disposal Regulation: Carcasses suspected of ASF or PRRS infection must be handled carefully, prohibiting disposal in water bodies or access by other animals.
To enforce these measures, a team of officials from the Department of Animal Production and Health, including the Director of Animal Health, provincial directors, and veterinary surgeons, has been appointed as Authorized Officers. They are tasked with monitoring compliance and taking action against violations.
In addition to these measures, the Sri Lanka Public Health Inspectors’ Association has emphasized public vigilance, urging citizens to report any instances of pork sales, as a full ban on pork sales is in effect. Public Health Inspectors will enforce strict legal measures against unauthorized pork sales, ensuring food safety.
While ASF is not known to infect humans, the Sri Lanka Public Health Inspectors’ Association President, Upul Rohana, highlighted that the consumption of meat from infected animals remains unsafe. This government action underscores the priority on public health and economic stability for affected farmers, with anticipated government support for biosecurity guidance and financial assistance.
