September 15, Colombo (LNW): The United States has expressed its commitment to collaborating with the leader elected by the Sri Lankan people in the forthcoming presidential election.
US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, conveyed this message on the occasion of the International Day of Democracy. In a post on ‘X’, Chung underscored the importance of key democratic principles, such as accountability, human rights, and justice, and emphasised that free and fair elections are at the heart of Sri Lanka’s democratic process.
On this International Day of Democracy, we celebrate the principles of any strong and stable democracy, like accountability, human rights, justice, and ensuring that every individual has a say in shaping their future through elections. No process is more essential to Sri Lanka’s…
Highlighting the significance of voter participation, she noted that this day serves as a reminder of the vital role that elections play in ensuring individuals have a voice in shaping their future. “No process is more essential to Sri Lanka’s democracy than free and fair elections,” Chung remarked.
She also reaffirmed that the United States is eager to work with the candidate whom Sri Lankan voters select to steer their country forward.
September 15, Colombo (LNW): The National Peoples Power (NPP) leader and presidential candidate MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake said certain parties place political figures of rival political ideologies on stage to match the audience of the electorate in which they hold public rallies, in a bid to collect votes.
Speaking at a rally held in Mirigama yesterday (14) evening, Dissanayake emphasised that the NPP remains as the sole political party which holds on to the same narrative of developing the country, regardless of the audience, thereby dismissing propaganda influenced by ethnic and racial differences.
Dissanayake alleged that this tactic is deliberate, in what he described as a move used by political rivals to collect votes of different ethnicities.
The NPP presidential candidate further criticised the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) for inciting racial unrest against his party by setting Sri Lanka’s cultural values as bait, in what he described as a reflection of the same racist propaganda undertaken for the victory of ousted president Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2019.
Dissanayake pointed out that there is no difference between the two approaches, suggesting that politics influenced by racial or religious tendencies must be eradicated.
He further debunked the speculation that a future NPP government will cancel religious and cultural events because it has no interest in a society in which religious and cultural values are excluded, and asserted that his party believes in equality for all.
September 15, Colombo (LNW): Sajith Premadasa, leader of the opposition and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) presidential candidate, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to enforcing the 13th Amendment to Sri Lanka’s Constitution.
Addressing the ongoing need for reconciliation among the nation’s diverse ethnic and religious groups, Premadasa underscored that the amendment, which provides devolution of powers to provincial councils, is an integral part of the country’s legal framework.
Premadasa articulated his stance in a recent interview, highlighting the constitutional and judicial endorsement of the amendment.
“I have consistently advocated for the implementation of the 13th Amendment,” he stated. “We must particularly focus on fostering reconciliation among our various ethnic and religious communities. This amendment is enshrined in our law books. We have a responsibility to enforce what is legally established, and it poses no threat to the nation’s unity. The Supreme Court has affirmed this, and thus, it is our duty to act accordingly.”
Premadasa’s comments are viewed as a bold declaration amidst a politically sensitive environment where the issue of devolution has long been a point of contention. Whilst some political figures shy away from addressing this topic due to potential backlash, Premadasa openly confronts it, emphasising the necessity of aligning with constitutional provisions to promote national harmony.
He conveyed that despite the apprehensions others may have in discussing this matter, he remains steadfast in his position, prioritising the nation’s legal obligations and unity.
September 15, Colombo (LNW): Residents in several areas of Kandy are advised to prepare for a two-day water supply disruption starting from 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, 28 September.
The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) announced the interruption, which will last until 6:00 p.m. on 30 September, citing maintenance work by the Mahaweli Authority at the Polgolla diversion dam as the cause.
The Mahaweli Authority’s scheduled water drawdown at the Polgolla diversion dam necessitates this temporary suspension of water services.
This planned operation is part of essential maintenance to ensure the long-term efficiency and safety of the region’s water infrastructure.
Residents in the affected areas are strongly advised to store an adequate water supply to meet their needs during this period.
The NWSDB has also indicated that all efforts will be made to minimise the inconvenience to consumers. Crews will work diligently to ensure that the supply is restored as promptly as possible once the drawdown activities are completed.
However, some residual delays might occur as water pressure is gradually restored across the network.
September 15, Colombo (LNW): A back-up helicopter escorting President Ranil Wickremesinghe was forced to make an emergency landing on Saturday, prompting an investigation into the incident.
The Sri Lanka Air Force’s Bell 412 (SUH 522) made an unexpected landing in a paddy field in Eppawala due to an unspecified technical issue.
The helicopter, acting as a support unit during the President’s travel, was able to land safely without causing any injuries or property damage.
Local authorities reported that the situation was managed efficiently, with the crew and aircraft remaining unharmed.
Approximately an hour after the landing, the helicopter was cleared to fly back to Colombo, suggesting that the technical issue was either resolved or deemed non-critical enough to warrant a return flight.
The Sri Lanka Air Force has since launched a thorough investigation to identify the cause of the emergency landing. Technical experts are expected to inspect the helicopter to determine whether a mechanical fault, environmental factors, or pilot-related issues led to the unplanned descent.
The incident has raised questions about the preparedness and maintenance of aircraft within the Presidential fleet, although preliminary reports indicate that standard safety protocols were followed effectively.
September 15, Colombo (LNW): Nineteen Indian fishermen detained in Sri Lanka have returned safely to Chennai, according to a statement from the Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka.
Their release comes amidst rising tensions in Tamil Nadu, where fishermen and villagers in Tharuvaikulam, Thoothukudi district, staged a one-day hunger strike earlier in the week, demanding the release of 22 fishermen who had been “arrested” by the Sri Lankan Navy.
The Indian Embassy confirmed the repatriation via a post on social media platform ‘X’, stating, “Returning home to India! 19 Indian fishermen have been safely repatriated from Sri Lanka and are on their way back to Chennai.”
Protesters, including Murugan, a member of the local fishing community, have called on both the central and state governments to intervene further.
They are seeking not only the cancellation of fines imposed by the Sri Lankan court on the detained fishermen but also the recovery of two powerboats seized during the incident.
“The Sri Lankan Navy arrested 22 fishermen who had gone fishing in two boats last month from Tharuvaikulam, Tuticorin district, claiming that they had entered Sri Lankan territory,” explained Murugan.
The fishermen were then transferred to the Kalpiti Fisheries Department and later appeared before the Puttalam District Kalpitiya Tourism Court, which remanded them to Wariyapola Jail while their trial is ongoing.
The situation has escalated as the Sri Lankan court has demanded a hefty fine of Rs 42 lakh (approximately Rs 1.5 crore in Sri Lankan currency) from 12 of the fishermen on one of the boats.
Failure to pay this fine could result in a six-month prison sentence, a penalty that has prompted further outrage and calls for relief from the fishing community and political leaders in Tamil Nadu.
This incident is not isolated. Earlier in September, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin reported that 14 fishermen from the Pudukkottai District, along with their three mechanised fishing boats, were also detained by the Sri Lankan Navy.
These recurring arrests have strained the already delicate maritime relations between India and Sri Lanka, leading to increased pressure on authorities to address the disputes over territorial waters and ensure the safety and livelihood of the fishermen involved.
The return of the 19 fishermen to Chennai has provided some relief, but the demand for the release of the remaining 22 fishermen and the cancellation of the fines remains a pressing issue.
As both governments continue to navigate this complex situation, the fishing communities on both sides of the Palk Strait are looking for a long-term resolution to prevent future conflicts.
September 15, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has reported a 4.7 per cent increase in gross domestic product (GDP) for the second quarter of 2024, marking a notable fourth consecutive quarter of economic expansion after experiencing six quarters of decline since 2022.
The announcement was made by State Minister of Finance, Shehan Semasinghe, who attributed this rebound to the effectiveness of the government’s ongoing economic reforms.
Minister Semasinghe shared his optimism on social media platform ‘X’, indicating that the nation’s growth momentum is anticipated to sustain its strength.
Sri Lanka has recorded a 4.7% GDP growth in the second quarter of 2024, marking the fourth consecutive positive growth following six quarters of contraction since 2022. This recovery reflects the effectiveness of ongoing reforms. The growth rate is expected to remain strong, with… pic.twitter.com/wiybK732UG
He forecasted an annual growth rate of 4 per cent to 4.5 per cent by the end of the year, a figure that significantly surpasses the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) initial projection of 2 per cent for the country.
This revised outlook signals a faster-than-expected economic recovery, which is being seen as a validation of the government’s strategies to stabilise the economy.
September 15, Colombo (LNW): The Grade 5 Scholarship Examination started at 9:30 a.m. today (15) at numerous exam centres nationwide.
According to the Department of Examinations, around 323,879 students are expected to participate in this year’s examination, making it a significant event for young learners across the island.
Commissioner General of Examinations, Amit Jayasundara, has confirmed that the exam will be conducted at 2,849 centres, with all preparations in place to ensure a smooth process.
He also emphasised the importance of punctuality, advising that all candidates should arrive and be seated by 9:00 a.m. to avoid any last-minute disruptions.
In an effort to maintain an optimal testing environment, Police Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa announced that the use of loudspeakers has been strictly prohibited during the examination period.
This directive aims to prevent disturbances around exam centres, ensuring that students can focus without external distractions.
September 15, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts, with fairly heavy showers about 50 mm being likely to occur at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (15).
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts during the evening or night.
Strong winds about (40-45)kmph can be expected at times over the western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central, and North-western provinces and in Hambantota, Monaragala andTrincomalee districts.
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:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers may occur at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Matara via Colombo and Galle.
Winds:
Winds will be south-westerly in direction and wind speed will be (30-40) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to 60 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota and from Kankasanthurai to Puttalam via Mannar. Wind speed can increase up to about 50 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Trincomalee to Kankasanthurai and from Puttalam to Matara via Colombo and Galle.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coasts extending from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota and from Kankasanthurai to Puttalam via Mannar will be rough at times. The sea areas off the coasts extending from Trincomalee to Kankasanthurai and from Puttalam to Matara via Colombo and Galle will be fairly rough at times. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasises addressing the North’s issues requires both political and developmental efforts: plans to strengthen provincial councils, accelerate development, establish a National Land Commission and a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and resolve the issue of the disappeared: urges adherence to the IMF programme to ensure economic stability and criticises opposition leaders for lacking solutions.
SJB presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa criticises the government’s recent relief measures as a pre-election tactic, arguing they should have been implemented earlier: stresses these concessions should have been implemented at the start of the year, not at this late stage: dismisses claims by NPP’s Anura Kumara Dissanayake that his party intended to incite violence.
National Peoples Power (NPP) leader and presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the upcoming election would be a pivotal moment for uniting the country to overcome its challenges: emphasises the NPP remains as the sole political party that did not change the narrative of developing the country based on the electorate in which they hold public gatherings: criticises other parties for using certain political figures in a bid to match the audience at public gatherings, when in reality such figures, according to Dissanayake, are of contradictory political ideologies: also implicates that the racist propaganda launched against the NPP by putting Sri Lankan cultural values as bait depicts no difference compared to the racist propaganda launched in 2019 for the victory of Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Sri Lanka’s GDP grows by 4.7% in the second quarter of 2024, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of positive growth after six quarters of contraction since 2022: Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe attributes this recovery to ongoing reforms, projecting a year-end growth of 4% – 4.5%, surpassing the IMF’s 2% target, signalling successful economic stabilisation.
The Commissioner General of Excise announces all liquor shops and wine stores across Sri Lanka will be closed on September 21 and 22 due to the Presidential Election.
Sri Lanka’s Cabinet approves an MoU between Sri Jayewardenepura University and the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases to study a new tuberculosis treatment model: Tuberculosis is the country’s second most infectious disease: Supported by a $387,280 grant from IUATLD, the study aims to assess the model’s effectiveness under the national tuberculosis control programme.
The Grade 5 Scholarship Examination will take place today (15) at 2,849 centres across Sri Lanka, with 320,879 students participating: Commissioner General of Examinations Amith Jayasundara urges presidential candidates to avoid campaign activities near examination centres to prevent disruptions during the exam.
Education Minister Susil Premajayantha announces the delayed GCE Ordinary Level (O/L) results will be released within two weeks, and the GCE Advanced Level (A/L) exams are set for 25 November 2024: assures the 2025 school year will start on 2 January, with measures in place to prevent future delays in exams and school terms.
The Cabinet approves a proposal to amend the Penal Code to prohibit all forms of corporal punishment: The proposal, presented by the Minister of Justice, Prisons Affairs and Constitutional Reforms, will be published in the Gazette before submission to Parliament: The Attorney General has cleared the draft, following initial cabinet approval on 29 April 2024.
Outgoing ICC Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) chief Alex Marshall claims elite cricket is mostly corruption-free but warns of threats from local T20 leagues outside ICC control: notes increased player reporting of corrupt approaches, highlighting efforts to maintain cricket’s integrity: Marshall’s tenure saw significant achievements, including tackling corruption in Sri Lankan cricket and ensuring stricter vigilance in the sport: proposes that Sri Lanka is in a much better place to keep corruptors away.
