September 16, Colombo (LNW): Voters who have not yet received their poll cards can visit the nearest post office to collect them this week, announced Post Master General Ruwan Sathkumara.
He specified that the cards would be available for collection from 18th to 21st September.
It has been noted that over 80 percent of the poll cards have already been distributed, with postal deliveries ceasing on 14th September 2024.
This initiative aims to ensure that all eligible voters have the necessary documentation in hand before election day.
In a related update, the Chairman of the Elections Commission, R.M.A.L. Ratnayake, reassured voters who might face discrepancies between the name on their poll card and that on their national identity card (NIC).
He clarified that the NIC remains the primary document for identification at polling stations. Voters encountering such mismatches are advised not to be concerned, as they also have the option of obtaining a certification from the Grama Niladhari, confirming their identity.
This effort by the postal service and the Elections Commission underscores the importance of ensuring that every eligible voter can exercise their right to vote without hindrance.
September 16, Colombo (LNW): Foreign Minister Ali Sabry has addressed recent public discussions regarding Sri Lanka’s diplomatic activities in Israel, offering detailed clarifications to dispel any misunderstandings.
Sri Lanka’s Embassy in Tel Aviv The Foreign Minister confirmed that Sri Lanka maintains its official embassy in Tel Aviv, which has served as the country’s sole diplomatic mission in Israel since its establishment in 2000. This embassy remains fully operational, acting as the main diplomatic liaison between the two nations.
Honorary Consul in Haifa To support the Sri Lankan community in Israel, an honorary consul was appointed in the Haifa region. This appointment, made prior to the events of 7th October 2023, aligns with standard international practices. Honorary consuls, who are usually citizens of the host country, voluntarily provide essential consular services. The honorary consul in Haifa continues these responsibilities, operating from their own office on a voluntary basis.
No New Consulates or Honorary Consul Appointments The Foreign Minister clarified that since the stated date, there have been no new consulate establishments or further honorary consul appointments in Israel. Any reports to the contrary are inaccurate and do not reflect the official stance of the Sri Lankan government.
Office Relocations It is typical for honorary consuls to move their offices within their area of jurisdiction for personal or business reasons. The Foreign Minister emphasised that such moves are administrative in nature and should not be misconstrued as the establishment of new consular offices.
Minister Sabry encouraged the public and media to consult official sources for accurate information about Sri Lanka’s diplomatic engagements.
He urged caution against misinformation, highlighting the importance of relying on verified reports to understand the country’s diplomatic initiatives correctly.
September 16, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe has remarked on the significance of Milad-un-Nabi, the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad, highlighting how Sri Lankan Muslims join the global Islamic community in marking this occasion.
He emphasised that this celebration fosters a spirit of unity and brotherhood among followers.
Reflecting on the life of Prophet Muhammad, President Wickremesinghe pointed out that the Prophet was highly regarded for his unwavering integrity and moral character.
He stressed that the Prophet’s selfless efforts to champion justice, humanity, and righteousness left an indelible mark on those around him.
His sacrifices and commitment to upholding these principles serve as an enduring example for people of all faiths.
The President further noted that the core teachings of Prophet Muhammad revolve around mutual understanding, justice, and harmony.
He called attention to the Prophet’s message of rejecting hatred, advocating instead for a society built on mutual respect and compassion.
These values, according to the President, remain as relevant today as ever, offering a guiding light for societies striving for peace and prosperity.
In his Milad-un-Nabi message, President Wickremesinghe extended warm wishes to the Muslim community in Sri Lanka and beyond, urging them to draw inspiration from the Prophet’s values.
He expressed hope that this celebration would inspire efforts towards achieving unity, understanding, and a harmonious future.
Full Statement:
“Sri Lankan Muslims join their fellow believers worldwide in celebrating Milad-un-Nabi, commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad with a spirit of unity and brotherhood. The Prophet, renowned as Al-Amin (The Trustworthy), earned the unwavering trust of those around him through his integrity and character. His sacrifices for upholding justice, humanity, and righteousness are beyond measure.
The core teachings of Prophet Muhammad emphasize mutual understanding, justice, harmony, and the rejection of hatred. A closer study of his life and philosophy reveals that Allah elevates those who live with honesty and righteousness, granting them positions of honour and responsibility.
As we celebrate this blessed occasion, I believe that Muslims across the globe will stand united, committed to defeating all forms of extremism and striving for a more just and prosperous world by upholding the values exemplified by the Prophet.
I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Muslims for a blessed and meaningful Milad-un-Nabi.”
September 16, Colombo (LNW): The Tamil Nadu government has approved a fund of INR 300 million for constructing new houses for Sri Lankan Tamil refugees living in the Kottapattu camp along the Tiruchi-Pudukottai highway.
This initiative is aimed at improving the living conditions of the refugees, many of whom have been residing in these camps for nearly four decades.
Tamil Nadu hosts around 107 rehabilitation camps for Sri Lankan Tamils, with Kottapattu in Tiruchi district and Mandapam in Ramanathapuram district among the largest.
The Kottapattu camp, currently home to approximately 1,200 refugees, consists of 470 houses. However, many of these homes have fallen into disrepair due to age and lack of maintenance.
Despite previous efforts by the state to carry out repairs, the condition of the houses has worsened over the years.
In response to reports on the deteriorating state of these shelters and the appeals made by the camp residents, the Commissionerate of Rehabilitation and Welfare of Non-Resident Tamils has decided to construct new housing units at Kottapattu.
The initiative seeks to provide more durable and suitable living conditions for the camp’s residents.
A senior official from the Tamil Nadu government disclosed that the construction of over 500 new houses is planned, with the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) overseeing the project.
The new houses will be built in close proximity to the current camp, with site identification already underway.
The official assured that the existing residents would not be displaced during the construction phase. They will continue to live in their current accommodations until the new houses are ready for occupation.
September 16, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts, with fairly heavy showers about 50 mm being likely to occur at some places in these areas, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (16).
Several spells of showers will occur in North-western province and in Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Eastern and Uva province and in Polonnaruwa district 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 and Trincomalee 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 several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Matara via Colombo and Galle.
Winds:
Winds will be Westerly or 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 toabout 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 his commitment to easing the people’s burdens by adhering to the IMF agreements, which have enabled debt management and economic support: criticises rivals Sajith and Anura for their unapproved proposals and vows to continue economic reforms for a sustainable, export-driven economy: urges citizens to support his path over what he described as “misleading promises.”
Opposition leader and SJB presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa reaffirms his commitment to implementing the 13th Amendment, which grants powers to provincial councils: Emphasising the importance of reconciliation amongst Sri Lanka’s ethnic and religious communities, Premadasa argues that implementing this legal framework is necessary and has been affirmed by the Supreme Court, asserting it would not harm national unity.
National Peoples Power’s (NPP) leader and presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake criticises President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s claims that a fuel shortage and a rising dollar rate are inevitable without his leadership: dismisses these statements as fear tactics and assures that, under NPP governance, economic stability would be prioritised, preventing such crises.
Sri Lanka signs an agreement to establish a cyclotron facility for local production of Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), used in PET scans crucial for cancer diagnosis: Currently, 97% of imported FDG becomes unusable due to its short shelf life: The facility aims to reduce PET scan costs and improve access to cancer diagnosis and treatment nationwide.
The Commissioner General of Examinations Amith Jayasundara announces the results of the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination held on 15 September are expected to be released in 40 days: This year’s exam took place across 2,849 centres, with 323,879 students participating.
The United States Department of State updates its travel advisory for Sri Lanka, urging caution around the 21 September presidential election: warns of potential demonstrations, noting past use of water cannons and tear gas by police: U.S. citizens are advised to avoid gatherings, be aware of surroundings, and follow local authorities’ guidance during this period.
The Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) notes a rise in election-related violence from 8 to 14 September for the 2024 Presidential Election, despite an otherwise peaceful pre-election period: Incidents include intimidation, assaults on party supporters, and damage to party offices: warns that continuing trends may threaten the integrity of a free and fair election.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) commends Sri Lanka’s economic recovery but warned of ongoing vulnerability: IMF Communications Director Julie Kozack emphasises the need for continued reforms, especially with upcoming elections: Despite progress in areas like inflation and revenue collection, Kozack highlights significant economic risks, stressing the importance of safeguarding the gains achieved so far.
The Election Commission declares it illegal for presidential candidates to promote rivals during campaigns: Candidates are required to campaign solely for their own victory: Complaints have been received about some candidates endorsing others, which violates election laws: Those found engaging in or benefiting from such activities will face legal consequences.
The Inter University Wrestling Championship 2024, organised by the University of Colombo and the Sri Lanka Universities Sports Association, will take place on 16th and 17th of September: Over 300 students from 12 state universities are to take participation: Vice-Chancellor of the University of Colombo, Senior Prof. H.D. Karunaratne, will serve as the Chief Guest at both the opening and awarding ceremonies.
September 15, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s retail sector, particularly its e-commerce market, is set for notable growth. Between 2023 and 2027, the e-commerce sector is projected to expand by 15.59%. Businesses are gearing up to capitalize on this evolving market.
The broader retail landscape globally is shifting toward hyper-personalization and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven experiences.
A survey by Salesforce revealed that 73% of consumers expect businesses to understand their individual needs, while over half anticipate that companies will predict their preferences.
This marks a new phase in the evolution of e-commerce, where the lines between digital and physical shopping experiences blur.
In Sri Lanka, this is reflected in the growing number of digital retail transactions, showcasing the country’s ability to integrate both online and offline retail strategies effectively.
Despite facing economic challenges in 2023, including inflation and a sluggish economy, Sri Lanka’s supermarket sector has remained relatively stable due to the demand for essential goods.
In the second quarter of 2024, the supermarket industry experienced moderate growth, thanks to a slow recovery in consumer spending, especially in urban areas. In contrast, rural regions continue to grapple with rising living costs and reduced purchasing power.
A report from the Trade Ministry highlighted increased sales volumes in supermarkets, driven by household consumption and improved supply chain conditions.
The retail sector, while resilient, remains cautiously optimistic due to the upcoming Presidential election on September 21, 2024, which has led to uncertainty in the market. Retail sales have shown signs of improvement, and private credit is expected to rise in the latter half of 2024 if businesses shift towards expansion.
However, many businesses are currently focused on reducing debt after the currency crisis and renegotiating loans at lower interest rates.
John Keells Group’s performance in Q1 2024/25 reported a 12% increase in same-store sales due to higher footfall. However, discretionary spending is predicted to slow in the short term as consumers’ disposable income shrinks, affecting non-essential goods demand.
Despite these hurdles, the supermarket sector is expected to stay resilient, as essential items make up a significant portion of consumer purchases.
Cargills PLC, which operates the Food City chain, reported a 12% year-on-year revenue increase for the three months ending March 31, 2024. However, operating profit decreased by 19.5% due to higher electricity costs, increased VAT, and the removal of the VAT exemption on locally produced dairy products.
Despite these challenges, Cargills’ profit after tax grew by 4.9%, underscoring the resilience of the supermarket sector.
Sri Lanka’s economy, which has faced inflation, import restrictions, and supply chain disruptions since 2022, is on the path to stabilization. Inflation is expected to remain in single digits, and with increasing consumer spending, tourism recovery, and rising investments, the retail sector is poised for steady growth in 2024, contributing significantly to GDP and employment.
September 15, Colombo (LNW): Virajini Tennakoon’s novel “Camellia” has been recognised with the 2024 Golden Book Award, one of the highest honours in Sri Lankan literature.
The prestigious award ceremony, organised by the Sri Lanka Book Publishers Association, celebrated its 18th year at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall in Colombo.
In addition to the accolade, Tennakoon was awarded a cash prize of Rs. 850,000, highlighting the novel’s literary excellence.
“Camellia” stood out among a group of distinguished finalists, each contributing to the country’s rich literary heritage.
The other finalists included Mahinda Prasad Masimbula for “Mai Mara Prasangaya,” Eric Ilayapparachi for “Thiwanka Kathawa,” Malith Thusitha Gunaratne for “Silver Trips,” and Liyanage Amarakirthi for “Kalalikarayo.”
Each finalist received a cash prize of Rs. 100,000 in recognition of their significant contributions to literature.
The Golden Book Awards continue to spotlight outstanding literary works, fostering a culture of reading and writing in Sri Lanka.
This year’s event not only honoured individual achievements but also celebrated the diversity and depth of the country’s literary scene.
September 15, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is preparing to launch a 100 MW solar power plant in Oddamawadi, Batticaloa, by next year, despite allegations of manipulation in its power purchasing agreement with the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).
The project, which will follow a Build, Own, and Operate (BOO) model for 20 years, has been criticized by senior engineers for a potentially costly agreement that could result in substantial financial losses for the CEB.
According to a senior official from the Ministry of Power and Energy, the Cabinet-appointed committees considered realistic energy output projections to avoid artificially low tariffs.
The Cabinet approved the project for Solar Forge Batticaloa following an evaluation of expressions of interest (EOIs) solicited in 2021.
Solar Forge obtained land clearances, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval, and an energy permit between 2022 and 2023, with development set to start in 2024 and operations in 2025.
The Technical Evaluation Committee had recommended a unit price of $0.0666 (6.66 cents) for electricity, but the final power purchase agreement was set at $0.0875 (8.75 cents) per unit, despite an initial proposal of $0.0978 (9.78 cents) per unit. This discrepancy raises concerns as it could lead to an annual loss of Rs. 1.39 billion for the CEB, totaling Rs. 27.85 billion over 20 years.
This solar project is part of a larger government initiative to increase renewable energy capacity. The Cabinet’s decision on 31 August 2021 led to the invitation of EOIs for projects over 50 MW, receiving a total of 533 submissions.
In March 2023, a Standing Cabinet-Appointed Negotiating Committee (SCANC) and Project Committee were established to manage large-scale renewable projects.
Despite navigating this process and securing necessary permits, the project has faced criticism for potentially bypassing competitive bidding, which may have led to higher tariff rates.
CEB engineers argue that global market rates suggest wind power projects should be below $0.05 (5 cents) per unit and solar projects around $0.06 (6 cents) per unit
Nevertheless, the Oddamawadi solar power project advances, illustrating the challenge of expanding renewable energy while maintaining financial sustainability for state utilities like the CEB.
Time is ticking to choose our next President and memories are still hauntingly fresh as to how we chose our last President Gotabhaya Rajapakse. This is despite that we Sri Lankans tend to forget experiences very soon. Even Velupillai Prabakaran made capital out of it. I am a Church going Catholic but I wish to call spade. His Eminence Malcom Cardinal Ranjith has issued a statement for Catholics to vote wisely not naming any candidate by name, but few weeks earlier he indirectly called upon his flock to favour the candidates from the SJB and JBB for pledging to punish the Easter Day massacre perpetrators.
The Colombo Diocese founded in 1845 was considered the flagship of the Church in Sri Lanka and Archbishop the leader. Thomas Cardinal Cooray was the first Sri Lankan Archbishop of the Diocese installed in 1947 ending his term in 1976. The Church leadership of the Archbishops of the past prior to Cardinal Ranjith becoming Archbishop in 2009 was very circumspect in its liaison with political leadership of the country maintaining a healthy balance and distance. They provided leadership at the most difficult and challenging periods under the Bandaranaikes and later the ethnic war. They respected the saying if you sleep with dogs you will get up with fleas and that politicians are a unique breed who will sacrifice just and the best causes to achieve own selfish ends. So much so the Catholic Church earned immense respect for its firm and dignified stand on politicians and politics. Archbishops Thomas Cardinal Cooray, Nicholas Marcus Fernando and Oswald Gomis are still revered and respected for what they were in most astutely and religiously guiding and serving their flock.
It is a majority opinion that Archbishop Malcom Cardinal Ranjith has gone beyond the line of his eminent predecessors. Aspersions were galore on the Church leadership mainly that of Cardinal Ranjith on his pattern of behavior before and after the last Presidential Election held on 16th November 2019. He seriously flawed by almost fanatically calling on his flock to vote for Gotabhaya. Then much later he finds that he had been double crossed for a massive price of hundreds of his flock being massacred and maimed for life whilst at prayer in Church.
His Eminence castigated and pinned the entire blame on Yahapalana Government for the Easter Day massacre identifying more with Ranil and the UNP. Resultantly Ranil and UNP were reduced to zero in the Catholic coastal belt. Sadly it did not occur to His Eminence’s narrow perception the liability and failures of President Sirisena as the Head of State and Head of Security at that time and the possibility of a political conspiracy that profusely helped Gotabhaya. And interestingly because Sirisena and Gotabhaya were on the same side. Was his haste to ensure Gotabhaya victory a colossal negligence for his failure to patiently and logically fathom the truth.
The close relationship that existed between the Cardinal and Rajapakses was a well known fact hence cannot be denied. It was a reflection of His Eminence the Cardinal’s undeniable inner political liking. We are made to believe that the Rajapakses and the Cardinal are now foes and that he is after their blood for the Easter massacre. But we saw the Cardinal himself marrying Mahinda’s son in Church dispensing with all the guidelines for the solemnizing of church marriage. So much so doubts were formed around Cardinal’s displayed collision course with the Rajapakses as a part of a drama. And more recently we saw how cordially he entertained Namal the Candidate to the Palace.
His Eminence Malcom Cardinal Ranjit’s flirtation in the political playing field did end with serious repercussions. He outdid the dominant Buddhist Clergy joining hands with President Sirisena in street demonstrations of protests against the drug menace although noble in principle was pitting the Church against powerful and dangerous drug barons. The Church was having its’ own programme in Schools against the menace run by Rev.Fr.Benedict. Alexander Pope wrote “Fools rush in where Angels fear to tread.” Sirisena however showed no iota of goodwill to the Cardinal failing at least to hint the Cardinal about the possible threat to Churches.
His Eminence acted like an enraged woman with incessant calls for investigation to reveal the mastermind of the Easter attacks which angered President Gotabhaya who in his royal anger went on a warpath against the Catholic Church. He targeted the base and foundation of religious activity in the Archdiocese which is mainly in the Negombo belt. His Muturajawela Gazette was a salvo against the Church. Churches with its land and the Catholic households in the area clearly becoming the main targets. State Media began witch hunting the Clergy. Gota then appointed Gnanasara Thero as Chairman of the Task Force for the implementation of his concept One Country One Law. Gnanasara Thero stance against the Catholic Church was well known. He visited Madhu area involving himself in a land ownership matter against the Madhu Church. He bared his stance on admissions to schools of religious base. Wholly an attempt to admit non-Catholics in numbers to Catholic schools to upset the balance in a new Constitution to be drafted. If admissions are to be on a proportionate or pro rata basis Catholic children seeking religious atmosphere would suffer with a Buddhist majority occupying Catholic schools. And Gota on purpose failed to nominate any Catholic to the Committee to represent Catholic interests. Then came the Bopitiya Church fiasco with some Naval Officers of the Welisara Camp warning the Parish Priest of a Bomb threat and to be vary of persons in Cassocks, the threat to be subsequently withdrawn by the Defense Secretary himself stating it as mistake. Then we had the
Borella Church bomb incident fizzling out to be a hoax after some innocent and respected Catholics being remanded on false charges.
The Cardinal clearly seems to be wholly obsessed with the punishment of the fiends behind the Easter Day massacre and not with other large matters related to the welfare and the status quo of the Church. It becomes important that his perceived support to Marxist colouring need to be more and deeply considered in view of the traumatic experiences the Church underwent during the Bandaranaike era especially under Marxist backed Sirimavo government. Cardinal’s haste could again be waste and is bothering the flock. It is no trivial matter of what others are thinking as to how one person’s behavior as the leader could affect the Catholic Church as a whole in the context of Christians being a minority in the country.
