October 21, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has unveiled an ambitious plan to drive Sri Lanka’s digital transformation, with the aim of modernising outdated systems and improving efficiency across public services.
Central to this initiative is the appointment of a private sector expert, reportedly a former CEO from the telecommunications industry, to lead the country’s digital transition.
In a speech outlining the initiative, President Dissanayake emphasised the urgent need to overhaul existing bureaucratic processes. “We can no longer rely on outdated systems,” he said.
“Whether it’s purchasing a bus ticket, waiting in long queues at the post office, or obtaining essential documents like birth and death certificates, these processes belong to the past. We must introduce digital efficiency into every corner of public service.”
A key aspect of the President’s plan is the introduction of systems that allow citizens to carry out routine tasks—such as paying taxes or accessing government services—from the comfort of their own homes.
This digital transformation will be spearheaded by the newly appointed expert, who will lead the forthcoming Digital Ministry and assume the role of Chairman at the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA).
President Dissanayake praised the chosen expert, noting their willingness to contribute to the country’s transformation without compensation.
“An experienced individual is prepared to voluntarily take on the challenge of digitalising Sri Lanka. They are expected to begin their duties within the next fortnight,” he stated, underscoring the importance of the role the future Digital Ministry will play in executing this vision.
With plans to implement major changes over the next three to four years, the President’s initiative seeks to ensure that digitalisation becomes the driving force behind state efficiency and public service reform.
Addressing potential scepticism, Dissanayake added, “There are those who may expect us to falter within a few months, but our government, under the National People’s Power, is fully committed to rebuilding this nation. We will not waver in our efforts.”
October 21, Colombo (LNW): Police have informed the Colombo Magistrate Court that the Attorney General is being consulted regarding the incident in which a funeral wreath was placed in front of the official residence of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, prompting an investigation against Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, who is cited as the suspect.
This has been informed to the Court as the complaint was called in this (21) afternoon. Dr. Sanjeewa also appeared before Court in connection with the incident.
Officers of the Kurunduwatta Police requested the Court to fix a date to unravel details of the investigation following a consultation with the AG.
The Court thereafter ordered that the complaint be recalled on February 10, 2025.
October 21, Colombo (LNW): As Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka commemorate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, Saudi Ambassador Khalid Hamoud Alkahtani has shed light on the depth of bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
Established in 1974, these relations have evolved over the decades, with the two countries forging closer ties in areas ranging from trade and investment to education and labour.
Speaking exclusively to Daily Mirror, Ambassador Alkahtani underscored that the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka is based on mutual respect and long-standing collaboration across various sectors.
Today, over 200,000 Sri Lankans are employed in the Kingdom, a number expected to rise as Saudi Arabia embarks on its ambitious “Vision 2030” project, which has opened up further opportunities in construction, healthcare, and hospitality.
The Saudi envoy also expressed confidence in increasing employment prospects for Sri Lankans as both nations continue to work together through various technical committees.
Reflecting on key milestones, Ambassador Alkahtani highlighted several important agreements that have been signed between the two countries over the years.
These include the Air Transport Agreement of 1991 and the Double Tax Avoidance Agreement signed in 2023, alongside a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Promotion of Direct Investment in 2024.
Such agreements are pivotal in fostering greater economic collaboration, and further deals in the realms of trade, investment, and environmental protection are currently under review.
The ambassador praised the ongoing official exchanges between senior representatives of both nations, noting how high-level visits have significantly contributed to deepening bilateral ties.
Notable visits included those of Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, and Vice Minister Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al Khuraiji, both of whom held discussions with key Sri Lankan officials.
In turn, Sri Lankan officials, including the former Minister of Labour, Manusha Nanayakkara, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry, have visited Saudi Arabia to explore further avenues for cooperation.
One of the central pillars of Saudi-Sri Lankan cooperation has been the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD). Through this fund, Saudi Arabia has provided substantial financial aid for various development projects in Sri Lanka, focusing on education, infrastructure, and humanitarian work.
Current projects, such as the establishment of a medical faculty at the University of Sabragamuwa and the construction of housing for those affected by the tsunami, exemplify the Kingdom’s commitment to aiding Sri Lanka’s development.
Additionally, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center has contributed to ongoing humanitarian efforts in the country, particularly during Sri Lanka’s recent economic difficulties.
Looking ahead, the ambassador expressed optimism about the future of bilateral relations. He reaffirmed the Kingdom’s support for Sri Lanka and outlined areas for further cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, and political consultations.
With Saudi Arabia’s “Vision 2030” driving significant changes within the Kingdom, both nations stand poised to strengthen their ties in ways that will benefit their respective economies and people.
October 21, Colombo (LNW): Pivithuru Hela Urumaya Leader Udaya Gammanpila has issued a stern warning to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, threatening to reveal confidential reports linked to the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks, which had claimed over 270 lives.
At a briefing today (21), Gammanpila alleged that the current President has withheld critical documents pertaining to the incident.
These reports, according to Gammanpila, contain vital information about the role of state officials in failing to prevent the attack, despite intelligence warnings.
Gammanpila, a controversial figure who has previously been accused of exploiting the tragedy to stoke ethnic tensions for political gain in a bid to bringforth his then leadership Gotabaya Rajapaksa to power, gave the President until October 21 to release these reports.
However, political analysts suggested long before the ultimatum given to the President that the so-called ‘secret reports’ Gammanpila refers to are tied to the recent Channel 4 documentary, which alleges collusion between certain political leaders, government officials and Islamic extremists behind the attacks.
The reports in question, known as the ‘Imam Report’ and ‘Alwis Report’, allegedly implicate key figures in the current administration, including those now serving in high-level security positions.
A particular focus of Gammanpila’s accusations is Ravi Seneviratne, the current Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, and Shani Abeysekara, Director of the Central Criminal Intelligence Analysis Bureau. Both men have been linked to the National People’s Power (NPP)-led government and have been speculated to have acted as whistleblowers in providing information for the Channel 4 documentary.
In his address, Gammanpila also called for the immediate dismissal of Seneviratne, who he accused of being named in a Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) report for failing to act on intelligence that could have prevented the attacks.
According to the PCoI, the State Intelligence Service (SIS) had alerted Seneviratne, then a Senior DIG in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), as early as April 2019 about the National Thowheed Jamaath’s (NTJ) plans for a series of suicide bombings, yet no action was taken.
As tensions rise, Gammanpila announced his decision to release one of the reports today and another next Monday if the President continues to withhold them.
His manoeuvre appears calculated to exert pressure on the NPP government, placing the blame for unresolved justice over the Easter Sunday attacks squarely on key officials now in power. Gammanpila proposed that even an impeachment can be formulated for the ousting of Dissananayake over what he demonstrated as the President’s attempt of violating the Constitution by hiding the truth.
However, it should also be noted that the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya Leader made no mentioning of the ‘missing PCoI report pages’ containing statements of over one thousand witnesses to the attack, and the report which ex-President Maithripala Sirisena – who had served as the Head of State during the occurrence of the attack – had claimed to have handed over to his successor Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The two claims had largely earned public attention years back, yet remain unsubstantiated.
In stark contrast to Gammanpila’s claims, Seneviratne and Abeysekara had previously made an in-depth elaboration on their role played during the investigations into the Easter Sunday genocide, alleging that the military intelligence had deliberately misled the Police.
Meanwhile, President Dissanayake emphasised that he has instructed the CID and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to conduct a robust probe into the attacks, promising a thorough investigation into the event.
He criticised attempts to suppress the investigation over two reports produced when Ranil Wickremesinghe served as the President, referring Gammanpila to have awakened from “a coma” after five years of silence since the attack.
Dissanayake stressed that both of the reports were handed over under Wickremesinghe’s purview, adding that neither of them are reports from investigative committees.
The President pledged that the government is committed to conducting a fair investigation and revealing the truth, asserting that there is nothing for them to hide or anyone to protect.
In a parallel development, certain political figures backing the current NPP regime criticised Gammanpila’s attempts to unearth “state secrets,” which have largely been met with damnation from political analysts, who claimed that the public has a democratic right to know the truth regardless of its nature.
October 21, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) indicates slight depreciation against the US Dollar today (21) in comparison to last week’s Friday, as per the official exchange rates released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).
Accordingly, the buying price of the US Dollar has increased to Rs. 288.61 from Rs. 288.52, and the selling price to Rs. 297.60 from Rs. 297.53.
October 21, Colombo (LNW): Police have confirmed that the Private Secretary of former Minister Lohan Ratwatte tragically took his own life, according to official reports.
The 50-year-old man, found with gunshot wounds, was discovered at a building near Ratwatte’s office in the Mahaiyawa area.
Police Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa addressed the media, stating that the man, who had served as Ratwatte’s Private Secretary, used an officially issued firearm to end his life.
The weapon in question had been legally issued with a licence, which had been renewed earlier this year in January.
According to the police, the fatal incident occurred within the office premises, and the secretary was rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The deceased has been identified as a 50-year-old resident of Werellagama. The Katugastota Police are currently leading the investigation, though preliminary findings point to suicide.
Authorities continue to examine all aspects of the case, ensuring thoroughness in the investigation to rule out any potential foul play or underlying causes.
This incident has shocked the local community, as the deceased had been known for his long-standing service under the former minister.
The circumstances surrounding the case have prompted deeper reflection on the mental health and well-being of individuals serving in high-pressure roles within political offices.
The tragic nature of this event has also highlighted the need for more attention to mental health support, particularly for those in demanding public positions, as the nation continues to grapple with the broader implications of such incidents.
October 21, Colombo (LNW): In a major development, the Kandy Crimes Investigation Division has seized two high-value luxury vehicles, including a BMW worth over Rs. 60 million, from the residence of a relative of former minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena in the Aniwatte area.
The vehicles were found concealed in the garage of the property during a police inspection.
The police report that the two vehicles—a BMW and a luxury SUV—were taken into custody after no one at the residence could provide legal documentation or ownership claims for them.
The raid forms part of a broader investigation into potential illegal activities surrounding the vehicles’ origins.
The homeowner, who runs a car dealership in the Mahayawa area of Kandy, is also reported to have held a senior position at the Sri Lanka Ports Authority during Abeygunawardena’s term as Minister of Ports.
Investigators suspect that the seized vehicles may have been unlawfully removed from the port, raising concerns about the potential misuse of authority during the former minister’s tenure.
The vehicles are now set to be transferred to the Government Analysts Department for further investigation, as police work to uncover the full extent of the suspected irregularities.
This latest operation signals a renewed focus on scrutinising high-level connections to potential illegal activities, particularly those involving high-ranking officials.
The seizure has sparked questions over the involvement of political figures in questionable dealings and underscores the growing effort by law enforcement agencies to clamp down on such activities.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities keen to determine whether more vehicles or illegal assets are linked to this network.
This raid is part of an intensified crackdown on high-profile cases of corruption, reflecting the government’s stated commitment to transparency and accountability in addressing illicit practices that have plagued certain sectors in recent years.
October 21, Colombo (LNW): The Election Commission of Sri Lanka has confirmed that the upcoming Local Government elections will be conducted based on the previously submitted nominations, despite concerns over the operational status of some political parties and candidates switching allegiances.
This was reaffirmed by Elections Commissioner General Saman Sri Ratnayake, who emphasised that the elections would proceed according to the legal framework in place.
Addressing a media briefing following a training session on election reporting, held in Kandy and organised by the Internews Institute, Ratnayake stated that logistical preparations, including the issuing of postal votes, were already well underway.
He mentioned that, if necessary, the elections could be held within the next 35 to 40 days, highlighting the Commission’s readiness despite challenges.
Ratnayake also pointed out that this election offers a valuable opportunity to scrutinise the country’s evolving political landscape. He acknowledged that some political parties had become inactive after submitting their nominations, whilst certain candidates had shifted their political allegiances.
Nevertheless, the elections would continue as planned, offering a reflection of the current political culture.
The Elections Commissioner General stressed that the Commission operates strictly within the confines of the law and is obligated to follow court orders pertaining to the elections.
Ratnayake made it clear that public discussions and political debates are secondary to the legal requirements governing the electoral process.
He also clarified provisions regarding the replacement of candidates in case of death, stating that the law allows for a smooth transition, ensuring that such events do not disrupt the election process.
This, he noted, is a testament to the robustness of the existing legal framework guiding Local Government elections in the country.
October 21, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has assured the public that a comprehensive and fair investigation into the Easter Sunday attacks will uncover the truth.
Addressing a National People’s Power (NPP) rally in Katunayake, he emphasised that attempts by conspirators to obscure the identities of those truly responsible would not be tolerated.
The President expressed concern over recent efforts to derail the investigation, noting that certain individuals have resurfaced in an attempt to suppress the probe just as the investigation is set to formally proceed.
“I assure you, this will not be allowed,” he affirmed, vowing that the investigation would be carried out without interference.
Dissanayake highlighted the government’s commitment to the investigation by reforming key institutions such as the police.
“We inherited a police department without an Inspector General, but we have appointed a highly capable individual to the post,” the President said.
He also praised the appointment of a respected figure as Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, noting that these appointments had enabled the government to systematically address the unresolved investigations.
The President criticised those who had used the Easter attacks for political gain, particularly individuals and groups that have reignited calls for the release of certain reports to stir public opinion.
He recalled that the reports in question were commissioned during Ranil Wickremesinghe’s tenure, explaining that they were not investigative in nature but rather fact-finding exercises intended to obscure the issue.
One of these reports, Dissanayake explained, concerned Channel 4 videos, while the second was focused on potential negligence by security forces during the attacks. Both, he said, were forwarded to various departments including the Attorney General’s Office and the Ministry of Public Security.
The President assured that these reports were not confidential and had been shared with the relevant authorities.
Dissanayake alleged that the Wickremesinghe government had deliberately formed these committees to suppress the investigation rather than direct it properly. “Their aim was not to reveal the truth, but to hide it,” he added.
In contrast, the President emphasised that the NPP government, shortly after taking office, had instructed the Inspector General of Police and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to conduct a formal investigation into the Easter attacks.
He criticised those who had “woken from their coma” to disrupt the probe and create alternative narratives, asserting that such efforts would fail.
The President reaffirmed his commitment to a thorough and transparent investigation, urging the public to remain vigilant against any attempts to manipulate or undermine the process.
October 21, Colombo (LNW): More than 50 firearms have been handed over in response to the Ministry of Defence’s directive requiring civilians to temporarily surrender firearms and ammunition issued to them.
This measure was enacted under the authority granted to the Defence Secretary by Sections 6(1) and 6(2) of the Firearms Ordinance Act No. 33 of 1916, allowing the government to assume temporary control of firearms.
According to Ministry sources, the move is part of a broader review process, with all firearms set to be reissued following a thorough assessment.
Civilians with licensed firearms have been instructed to submit their weapons and ammunition to the Commercial Explosive Firearms and Ammunition Procurement Unit (CEFAP), located at the Sri Lanka Navy camp in Welisara, before the deadline of 7th November 2024.
Despite the ongoing returns, approximately 1,650 firearm licences have been issued for various purposes, highlighting the scale of the review.
Ministry officials reiterated that failure to comply with the surrender order would result in legal action under the Firearms Ordinance Act.
However, the Ministry clarified that firearms issued for specific uses, such as property or crop protection and sporting activities, are exempt from the current regulation.
As the review progresses, the Ministry expects a larger number of firearms to be returned in the coming days, as compliance is essential to avoid penalties.
