October 13, Colombo (LNW): The Western Province Education Ministry has announced the closure of all government schools in the Kaduwela and Kolonnawa Education Zones within Colombo District, as well as the Wattala Zonal Division in Gampaha District, due to the ongoing adverse weather conditions.
The decision takes effect tomorrow (14), prioritising student safety amid warnings of heavy rainfall and potential flooding in these areas.
The announcement follows increased concerns over the region’s vulnerability to severe weather, with authorities reporting potential disruptions, including flooding and landslides.
Educational officials have stressed the importance of ensuring that students and staff avoid unnecessary travel while conditions remain hazardous.
Schools in the affected zones will remain closed until further notice, with the Ministry closely monitoring weather updates to assess whether additional closures may be required in the coming days.
Meanwhile, parents and guardians are encouraged to stay informed via local news and official channels for updates on when schools may safely reopen.
October 13, Colombo (LNW): The Irrigation Department has announced an extension of flood warnings for the Kelani River, cautioning that the alerts will remain in effect for the next 48 hours due to ongoing adverse weather conditions.
Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to safety protocols, as the threat of flooding remains high.
The warning follows recent heavy rainfall that has caused water levels in the Kelani River to rise, putting surrounding communities at increased risk of floods.
The department stressed the importance of continued caution, advising residents to stay informed and prepared for potential evacuations if conditions worsen.
In addition to the immediate concerns along the Kelani River, the broader impact of the persistent rain is being closely monitored, with other rivers and low-lying areas potentially facing similar threats.
Local disaster management teams are on high alert, working with the Irrigation Department to respond swiftly to any emergency situations that may arise.
As Sri Lanka grapples with these ongoing weather-related challenges, residents are urged to take all necessary precautions and stay updated on weather forecasts, ensuring they are prepared for any further developments.
October 13, Colombo (LNW): Health authorities in Sri Lanka have expressed concern over a sharp rise in cancer diagnoses, with over 33,000 new cases and 19,000 deaths recorded in the past year alone.
The alarming statistics were highlighted during the 21st Annual Academic Sessions of the Sri Lanka College of Oncologists (SLCO), recently held in Colombo.
Health Secretary Dr. Palitha Mahipala drew attention to the most prevalent forms of cancer, noting that amongst men, oral cancer remains the leading diagnosis, whilst breast cancer continues to dominate among women.
The significant rise in cancer cases is reflective of a broader global trend, with projections suggesting a 77 per cent increase in cases by 2050, particularly in low-income countries.
During his address, Dr. Mahipala emphasised the urgent need for preventive measures, urging Sri Lankans to reduce risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, poor dietary habits, and sedentary lifestyles.
He stressed that the majority of cancer cases can be avoided through lifestyle changes, with only a small percentage linked to genetic predispositions.
Highlighting global data, Dr. Mahipala noted that in 2022, there were nearly 20 million new cancer diagnoses worldwide, resulting in almost 10 million deaths.
He added that in Sri Lanka, breast cancer, oral cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer remain the most lethal forms of the disease. Last year, 4,555 women were diagnosed with breast cancer, whilst 1,990 men were identified as having oral cancer.
October 13, Colombo (LNW): The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has reported that adverse weather conditions have severely impacted 76,218 individuals from 18,795 families across 11 districts in Sri Lanka.
Torrential rains, strong winds, and floods have caused widespread disruption, damaging homes and displacing residents in affected regions.
Emergency response teams have been mobilised to assist those in need, with the DMC coordinating relief efforts to provide shelter, food, and medical aid to affected communities.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant as weather patterns remain unpredictable, with further warnings issued for potential landslides and flooding in vulnerable areas.
October 13, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has concluded his first political speech after assuming Office a short while ago (13).
He made his debut speech as the leader of the NPP at the “Parliamentary Election 2024 – Candidates’ Meeting” event organised by the Party this afternoon.
Dissanayake emphasised that the contest ahead does not solely comply with the number of votes to be secured, but a combination of culture and opinions, adding that the failed and obsolete political culture should be eradicated, aiming a new economic and political journey.
His position as the current Head of State and the Cabinet being held by only three Members of Parliament compel the administration to hold a difficult task, Dissanayake stressed, referring it to a “period of transitioning”, and therefore calling for a strong parliament majority for policy legislation.
He emphasised that during the transitioning period, the practice of patience must be mastered efficiently, aiming the broader goal of securing the majority.
President Dissanayake also pointed out that merely securing a strong majority, let alone a two-thirds majority, did not set examples of good governance in the history of Sri Lankan politics due to their subsequent decimation from one regime to another, suggesting that the concept of ‘a strong majority’ should stand for both quantitative and qualitative representation, which the public calls for.
The President addressed nominees for the upcoming General Election, thereby urging the NPP candidates to serve at their best for the latter part of being a majority.
He warned the NPP candidates to not betray the public’s trust upon their election to Parliament, advising them to serve what the public needs this nation to be.
Dissanayake also reiterated his commitment to fostering the party manifesto to build the nation.
October 13, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has seen a significant rise in cybercrime, prompting local authorities to intensify international cooperation to combat this growing threat.
Criminals—primarily foreign nationals—are targeting local bank account holders, including professionals, through sophisticated scams aimed at siphoning funds overseas, according to Police Media Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa.
In response to the surge in cyber-related criminal activity, a team of 10 Chinese law enforcement officers recently arrived in Sri Lanka to assist local police.
Their presence follows a request made through diplomatic channels by Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Thalduwa emphasised that foreign nationals are behind the majority of cybercrimes in the country, with over 70 foreign individuals, mostly Chinese, arrested for their involvement.
Other cybercriminals apprehended in Sri Lanka include nationals from Malaysia and India.
A recent investigation highlights the international dimension of these crimes, as 20 Chinese nationals were questioned by local authorities for their involvement in financial fraud.
The rise in cybercrime underscores the need for national and global partnerships, as cybercriminals continue to exploit advanced technology to evade detection, even as financial institutions enhance their security systems.
Despite increased warnings from banks and cybersecurity experts, criminals are still able to bypass protective measures through phishing attacks and other technologically advanced methods.
Sri Lanka’s CID is now working to strengthen its legal frameworks while also building closer ties with global agencies such as Interpol and Europol to better address the international nature of these crimes.
The number of complaints regarding identity theft and stolen PINs has also risen sharply, reflecting growing vulnerabilities in the country’s expanding digital landscape, further stressing the need for continued vigilance and robust cybersecurity measures, according to an official from TechCERT, Sri Lanka’s Computer Emergency Response Team.
October 13, Colombo (LNW): In a recent security sweep at Boossa Prison, the Police Special Task Force (STF) uncovered a smartphone and various mobile phone accessories concealed within the cells of two infamous criminals, “Ganemulla Sanjeewa” and “Wele Suda“, both notorious for their involvement in organised crime and drug trafficking.
The discovery followed an intelligence tip-off received by STF officers stationed at the prison, prompting an emergency search on 13 October.
The operation, targeting several cells within the special section of A block, revealed a smartphone hidden behind the cell wall where Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne, also known as “Ganemulla Sanjeewa“, is incarcerated.
In another part of the block, officers found mobile phone accessories similarly concealed within the cell of Samantha Kumara, widely known by the alias “Wele Suda“.
Both men have been key figures in Sri Lanka’s underworld, with deep ties to organised crime networks that extend beyond the prison walls.
The confiscated phone and accessories have since been handed over to prison authorities for further investigation.
The discovery has raised concerns about the ongoing influence of criminal elements even behind bars, with fears that mobile devices could facilitate communication with outside networks, enabling the continuation of illicit operations.
In response, prison authorities are expected to tighten security measures, with increased scrutiny on both prisoners and staff to prevent further breaches.
This incident is not the first of its kind; prisons across the country have grappled with similar challenges, as inmates connected to organised crime seek to exploit any gaps in security.
Authorities are calling for a thorough investigation into how these items were smuggled into the high-security facility, emphasising the need for robust measures to curb the influence of criminal gangs operating from within prisons.
October 13, Colombo (LNW): None of the influential Rajapaksa brothers, who held a dominant role in Sri Lankan politics for decades, will contest in the forthcoming general elections scheduled for November 14, 2024.
This marks a significant turning point in the country’s political landscape, as the once-powerful family steps aside amidst the island’s evolving political dynamics.
As the deadline for candidate nominations closed on October 11, it was confirmed that key members of the Rajapaksa family—former Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa, 78, and Gotabaya Rajapaksa, 75, along with former Irrigation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa, 81, and former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa, 73—will not participate in the elections.
Mahinda’s son, Namal Rajapaksa, also opted out of direct competition, although he appears on the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP)’s national list, a provision allowing extra seats depending on the party’s electoral performance.
Namal Rajapaksa’s recent run in the September 2024 presidential election ended in disappointment, with him finishing fourth, securing only 2.57% of the vote.
This defeat signalled the weakening influence of the Rajapaksa dynasty, which had long held sway over Sri Lanka’s political scene.
The Rajapaksas were central figures in the previous government, occupying many high-ranking Cabinet positions.
The exit of the Rajapaksa brothers from direct electoral politics follows a major upheaval during the 2022 political crisis, in which widespread protests demanded systemic reforms and the resignation of Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
The unrest, known as the ‘Janatha Aragalaya’ or people’s struggle, ultimately led to the family’s fall from power.
In the presidential election of 2024, Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the National People’s Power (NPP) emerged victorious with 42.31% of the vote, signalling a dramatic shift in the island’s political climate.
The NPP, a leftist coalition led by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), now aims to secure a majority in the 225-member Parliament. Having previously held only three seats, the NPP must secure 113 to carry out President Dissanayake’s legislative agenda.
Other prominent figures in Sri Lankan politics, including former Presidents Ranil Wickremesinghe and Maithripala Sirisena, as well as nationalist politicians such as Patali Champika Ranawaka and Wimal Weerawansa, have also opted not to run in the November elections.
This collective withdrawal of political veterans marks the end of an era and reflects a broader shift in the island’s political scene, influenced heavily by the demands of the 2022 protests for reform.
Sagara Kariyawasam, the general secretary of the SLPP, acknowledged Mahinda Rajapaksa’s long-standing service to the nation, stating that he had “done his part” after more than four decades in Parliament.
However, the party has chosen not to comment extensively on the withdrawal of the other Rajapaksa brothers. Meanwhile, Chamal Rajapaksa’s son, Shasheendra Rajapaksa, is contesting from the southern Monaragala district, ensuring that the family maintains some political presence.
Noel Tata and Ratan Tata both were sons of late Naval Tata but from different marriages. Noel is the son of Tata’s second wife Simone Tata, a Swiss businesswoman.
After Ratan Tata’s sad demise, his stepbrother Noel Tata was unanimously appointed as the new Chairman of Tata Trust by the board. He will now lead the charitable institutions of the Tata Group. Notably, Tata Trust holds a 66 percent stake in Tata Sons, the holding company of Tata Group. Tata Trust is the entity that oversees the group’s philanthropic activities.
Who is Noel Tata and What is His Relationship with Ratan Tata?
Noel Tata and Ratan Tata both were sons of late Naval Tata but from different marriages. Ratan Tata was the son of Naval Tata’s first wife – Sooni Commissariat. Noel, on the other hand is the son of Tata’s second wife Simone Tata, a Swiss businesswoman. Noel is not Indian citizen and holds Irish citizenship, although he primarily works in India.
Trent’s retail division has enjoyed the leadership of their Chairman, Trent Noel Tata. This dynamic leader has been a significant force in Tata International as well as numerous other projects. Before he joined Tata International, Trent had a stint with Nestlé in the UK. Trent has blossomed tremendously under his guidance, expanding from a standalone store to a massive network of over 700 stores across India. During erratic economic times, Trent focused on profitability over rapid growth, ensuring each store was economically viable before considering further expansions.
Noel Tata Education Qualification
Noel’s story starts in 1957 in the vibrant city of Mumbai, where he was born and raised. His educational journey took root in his hometown before he decided to expand his horizons. Chasing his dreams, he moved all the way to the UK to continue his higher studies and proudly bagged his degree from the famed University of Sussex. To top it all, he further broadened his expertise attending the International Executive Program at the distinguished INSEAD Business School, nestled in the heart of France.
Noel Tata Is Married To
Noel Tata tied knots with Aloo Mistry, daughter of the late chairman of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group Pallonji Mistry. It is worth noting that Shapoorji Pallonji Group holds a crucial stake in Tata Sons. In 2011, Cyrus Mistry, who is the brother-in-law of Noel was named Ratan Tata’s successor. However, he was removed as Chairman of Tata Sons in 2016, and Ratan Tata himself resumed the role temporarily until N. Chandrasekaran was appointed Chairman in 2017.
Noel Tata’s Children
Noel and Aloo Tata are parents to Leah, Maya, and Neville. Leah, the eldest of her siblings, headed over to Madrid to study marketing. Following her studies, she embarked on her career at Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, starting as an Assistant Sales Executive. Maya initially worked at Tata Opportunities Fund, after which she transitioned to Tata Digital. Meanwhile, Neville ventured into the retail world, contributing at Trent – a company with roots tracing back to his grandmother. His personal life includes marriage to Mansi Kirloskar, a key player at Kirloskar Technologies as their Director, with whom he shares a son.
Noel’s Hobbies Noel Tata enjoys reading and travelling, reflecting his curiosity and passion for continuous learning. His love for travel also showcases his eagerness to explore diverse cultures. In addition to these hobbies, he has a passion for driving fast cars, often enjoying high-speed drives on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, where he drives at speeds over 100 km/h, highlighting his thrill-seeking side.
Noel’s New Role As the newly appointed Chairman of Tata Trust, Noel Tata is expected to uphold the family’s commitment to social responsibility and community development.
October 13, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Environment has successfully blocked the release of a large stock of canned fish contaminated with arsenic, a dangerous heavy metal, from entering the Sri Lankan market.
The contaminated fish, valued at US$ 215,000, was imported in 2021 but was withheld from distribution after authorities found arsenic levels exceeding the permissible limit.
According to Prabhath Chandrakeerthi, Secretary to the Environment Ministry, the arsenic concentration in the stock was measured at 1.3 milligrammes per kilogramme, surpassing Sri Lanka’s legal limit of one milligramme per kilogramme.
Despite suggestions to use the fish for alternative purposes such as composting or animal feed, Chandrakeerthi ordered the contaminated shipment to be repatriated, stating, “We cannot allow such contaminated canned fish to be used for animal feed or manure.”
The decision to reject the shipment reflects the country’s stringent regulations on heavy metal contamination in food, especially due to the prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in Sri Lanka, often linked to long-term exposure to harmful metals.
An official from the Food Control and Administration Unit of the Health Ministry, speaking anonymously, explained that arsenic limits differ between countries, with some allowing as much as five milligrammes per kilogramme in food products.
However, Sri Lanka’s limit remains at one milligramme per kilogramme, recognising the nation’s vulnerability to kidney disease caused by heavy metals.
