November 24, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) has pressed officials for clarity on how land is being allocated for the development of new aerodrome facilities, noting that the valuations used in these transactions appear to bear little relation to actual market prices.

During the session, CoPF Chair Dr Harsha de Silva drew particular attention to land acquired for an aerodrome linked to Bandaranaike International Airport.

He pointed out that the Civil Aviation Authority is reportedly paying only Rs. 50,000 per hectare, despite property in the surrounding area fetching around Rs. 1 million per perch—an enormous disparity that, he argued, cannot be overlooked.

Dr de Silva urged the authorities to reassess their procedures to ensure that landowners are treated fairly and that the State’s own financial interests are not compromised.

Members of the committee suggested that a transparent valuation mechanism should be introduced, given the strategic importance of airport expansion and the rising pressure on land near major infrastructure hubs.

November 24, Colombo (LNW): The United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, held talks with Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya at Parliament, focusing largely on expanding cooperation in education and cultural engagement.

According to the Prime Minister’s Media Division, Ambassador Chung spoke warmly of the ongoing work of the Peace Corps and a range of joint programmes that have helped strengthen ties between the two countries.

She highlighted the longstanding impact of the Fulbright exchange initiative, which enables students, researchers, and academics from more than 160 nations to pursue study, teaching, and collaborative research in the United States—an effort aimed at cultivating global understanding.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya, in turn, outlined Sri Lanka’s current push to modernise its education system. She noted that the country is seeking specialised expertise to assist reforms across the Ministry of Education, the Department of Examinations, and the National Institute of Education.

The government’s aim, she said, is to move away from an exam-heavy culture and towards more interactive learning methods that prioritise critical thinking, creativity, and continuous assessment.

She also underscored the value of nurturing early-career academics whose fields of study align with Sri Lanka’s long-term development goals, suggesting that international exchange programmes could play a greater role in helping such scholars thrive.

Senior representatives from both nations participated in the discussion. The US delegation included Public Affairs Officer Menaka Nayyar, Dr Patrick McNamara of the US–Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission, and Professor Prabha Manuratne of the University Grants Commission. On the Sri Lankan side, Additional Secretary Sagarika Bogahawatta and Pramuditha Manusighe from the Foreign Affairs Ministry attended the meeting.

November 24, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan authorities have rolled out a revamped pension initiative designed to offer stronger financial security to those who make their livelihood at sea.

The Fishermen’s Pension Scheme, announced by the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board, aims to provide long-term stability for workers in a profession often marked by unpredictable earnings and significant personal risk.

Under the new arrangement, fishers who keep up with their premium payments are entitled to a regular pension once they reach 60 years of age. Even those who have managed to contribute only three-quarters of the required amount will still qualify for a modest monthly income linked to their contributions, ensuring they are not left without support in later life.

Participants who have paid between a quarter and three-quarters of their required total can reclaim their full contributions, along with the appropriate interest.

The scheme also includes a range of protections for unforeseen circumstances. Individuals who suffer disabilities before reaching pensionable age may receive either a gratuity or a pension once they become eligible, depending on the nature of the condition.

In cases of permanent disability, a payment of up to Rs. 50,000 may be granted, either in one go or spread out over several instalments.

Family members are similarly safeguarded. If a contributor dies in an accident before qualifying for their pension, the nominated heir can claim the accumulated payments, plus interest, after a year. Should a pensioner pass away while receiving benefits, their spouse may continue collecting the monthly payment until turning 80, or opt for the remainder as a lump-sum settlement. Lapsed contributors, meanwhile, can reactivate their membership by settling overdue premiums and interest.

Unveiled at the Lotus Tower in Colombo on the 22nd, the scheme was introduced under the auspices of Minister Lal Kantha, who noted that the programme is intended to give coastal communities a greater sense of financial assurance amid the challenges of a demanding profession.

November 24, Colombo (LNW): The United Arab Emirates has conveyed its heartfelt support to Sri Lanka following a devastating landslip in the country’s central highlands that left at least four people dead over the weekend.

Days of unrelenting rain have saturated the steep terrain, heightening the danger of further ground movement and prompting officials to maintain alerts across multiple districts.

In a message released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UAE extended its deepest sympathies to the families who lost loved ones, as well as to the Sri Lankan government and its citizens.

Emirati officials noted that such disasters underscore the vulnerability of communities living in mountainous regions, especially during periods of prolonged monsoon weather.

Local rescue teams, meanwhile, have been working under difficult conditions as rain continues to hamper access to remote areas. Authorities have urged residents in high-risk zones to remain vigilant and to follow safety advisories until the weather stabilises.

November 24, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, turns 57 today (November 24), marking the occasion as both a personal milestone and a moment of reflection on a political career that has steadily reshaped the country’s left-leaning landscape.

Born in 1968, Dissanayake’s path into public life began far from the centres of power. He grew up in Thambuttegama, where he attended both the local primary school and later the central college, distinguishing himself particularly in mathematics during his advanced level studies. His academic journey continued at the University of Kelaniya, where he pursued a degree in science, graduating in 1995.

It was during his university years that Dissanayake first immersed himself in political activism. Joining the Socialist Students’ Union in the late 1980s, he found himself at the forefront of student-led opposition to the Indo-Lanka Accord. Those early experiences would quietly set the foundations for a political career anchored in grassroots mobilisation and ideological conviction.

With the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) re-organising itself in the early 1990s after years of upheaval, Dissanayake stepped into active politics in 1993. His rise within the party was swift: by 1997 he had become the National Organiser of the Socialist Students’ Union and joined the JVP Central Committee, progressing to the Politburo the following year. His first attempt at electoral politics came in 1999, when he stood as the JVP’s Chief Ministerial candidate for the Central Province. A year later, he entered Parliament through the national list.

His parliamentary tenure gained momentum after the 2004 general election, when he topped the preferential vote count in the Kurunegala District and took charge of a broad ministerial portfolio covering agriculture, lands, irrigation, and livestock under the UPFA government. Over the years, he frequently returned to the legislature, whether through the national list or direct election, representing constituencies including Colombo.

Dissanayake’s influence within the JVP continued to grow, culminating in his election as party leader in 2014. Five years later, he played a key role in establishing the National People’s Power (NPP), a coalition bringing together political movements, civil society groups, and activists in an ambitious bid to reshape national politics.

That long-term effort reached a historic turning point on September 21, 2024, when voters elected him as Sri Lanka’s ninth Executive President—a victory that signalled a decisive shift in public sentiment and placed him at the helm during one of the country’s most challenging periods.

As he celebrates his birthday this year, Dissanayake does so not merely as a long-time parliamentarian or party leader, but as a president tasked with steering a nation eager for stability, reform, and renewed hope. LNW wishes happy birthday to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

November 24, Colombo (LNW): The low-level atmospheric disturbance in the vicinity of Sri Lanka is likely to develop into a low-pressure system by tomorrow (25), and therefore, the prevailing showery conditions over the island are expected to continue during the next few days, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (24).

Cloudy skies can be expected over most parts of the island.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Northern, North-central and Eastern provinces. Showers or thundershowers will occur in the other areas of the island after 1.00 p.m.

Heavy falls above 100 mm are likely at some places in Northern and Eastern provinces. Fairly heavy falls above 75 mm are likely at some places in the other areas of the island.

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:

A low-pressure area has formed over South Andaman Sea area. It is likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a depression over South-east Bay of Bengal today (24). Navel and fishing communities are requested to be attentive to the future forecasts and bulletins issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regard.

Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas around the island.

Winds:
Winds will be North-easterly or Variable in direction and speed will be (25-35) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to (50-55) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Trincomalee to Chilaw via Kankasanthurai and Mannar.

State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Trincomalee to Chilaw via Kankasanthurai and Mannar will be fairly rough at times. The other sea areas around the island will be slight to moderate.

Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.

November 23, Colombo (LNW): Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) General Secretary and parliamentarian Jeevan Thondaman tied the knot today (23) in Chennai, India, marking the occasion with a traditional and widely attended celebration.

He married R. Seethasree Nachiyar, with the ceremony held at the Arumugam Pillai Seethai Ammal College grounds, which had been transformed for the event with elaborate cultural décor and ceremonial rituals.

The wedding drew a distinguished gathering, including former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, several Sri Lankan MPs, and notable figures from India’s political, business and film spheres.

Representatives of the Ceylon Workers’ Congress were also present, reflecting the close ties between the families and the organisation.

LNW adds congratulations to the newly wedded couple!

November 23, Colombo (LNW): Police have uncovered and dismantled three extensive cannabis plantations in the Gonagan Ara region of the Yala Sanctuary during a four-day operation, officials confirmed.

Authorities reported seizing more than 200,000 cannabis plants along with over 50 kilograms of processed cannabis. The illegal crops had reportedly spread over areas measuring five acres, three acres, and two acres within the protected wildlife reserve.

All three sites were completely eradicated during the raid, with officers emphasising that the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal drug cultivation in environmentally sensitive areas.

November 23, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is prepared to strengthen its partnership with China on the principles of equality and mutual respect, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has said.

Speaking at a special event in Colombo, Minister Herath emphasised the country’s desire to expand bilateral cooperation in ways that deliver tangible benefits for both nations, particularly in the context of a rapidly changing global landscape.

The Foreign Minister also commented on China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, noting that its recommendations provide a clear roadmap for the country’s next phase of development and have boosted international confidence.

“China’s remarkable progress in areas such as poverty alleviation, scientific innovation and industrial upgrading demonstrates the value of long-term planning and consistent policy implementation,” Herath stated.

He added that Sri Lanka looks forward to translating these lessons into practical cooperation, recognising the significance of China’s steady economic growth and technological achievements as a model for future development initiatives at home.