By: Staff Writer

October 10, Colombo (LNW): Admiral Steve Koehler, the Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and a 4-star U.S. Navy Admiral, is set to visit Sri Lanka on October 10. This visit represents the highest-ranking U.S. military presence in the country since 2021.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, Admiral Koehler’s visit aims to strengthen the partnership between the United States and Sri Lanka in maintaining a resilient, free, and open Indo-Pacific region.

During his visit, he will engage with Sri Lankan leaders to address emerging security challenges in the Indian Ocean, enhance maritime domain awareness, improve disaster response capabilities, and reinforce U.S. support in combating transnational threats. He will also discuss expanding military collaboration between the two nations.

This visit highlights the United States’ dedication to deepening security ties with Sri Lanka, a crucial ally in promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Admiral Koehler has a strong military background, having grown up in a Navy family. He graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1986 with a degree in Physics and was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC). Since becoming a naval aviator in 1989, he has logged over 3,900 flight hours and completed 600 carrier landings.

His extensive career includes serving in various leadership roles at sea, including commanding several U.S. Navy vessels and supporting numerous military operations in regions like the Middle East, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Libya. Admiral Koehler also played key roles in disaster relief operations in Haiti and strategic activities in the East and South China Seas.

Onshore, Admiral Koehler has served in positions such as instructor pilot, placement officer, and chief of staff at Joint Task Force Horn of Africa. As a flag officer, his roles have included director of Fleet Training, director for Operations at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and commander of U.S. 3rd Fleet. He has been leading the U.S. Pacific Fleet since April 2024.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 10, Colombo (LNW): The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued an early landslide warning for several vulnerable areas across the Galle, Kalutara, and Matara districts due to recent heavy rainfall.

The warnings highlight a heightened risk for specific regions that are prone to landslides, urging residents to exercise extreme caution.

In the Kalutara district, areas such as Dodangoda, Bulathsinhala, Mathugama, Horana, and Wallawita have been identified as particularly susceptible.

Meanwhile, a Level II warning, indicating an elevated threat, has been issued for Nagoda and Elpitiya in the Galle district, as well as Akuressa in the Matara district.

The NBRO has advised residents to stay vigilant for signs of potential landslides, such as the sudden appearance of water sprouts, unusual cracks on walls, or shifts in the ground.

These indicators may precede landslide activity, giving residents crucial time to take preventive measures or evacuate.

The organisation emphasised the importance of preparedness in these regions, especially as weather patterns become more unpredictable, leading to increased risks of landslides.

In recent years, several districts in Sri Lanka have experienced significant landslides, often resulting in damage to property, infrastructure, and in some cases, loss of life.

In light of this, authorities have urged local communities to stay informed through official updates, ensure safe evacuation routes are planned, and take immediate action if any signs of landslides appear.

The NBRO continues to monitor weather conditions closely and will provide further warnings if necessary.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 10, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court has issued an overseas travel ban on former MP Johnston Fernando on 10 October, following allegations that he was in possession of a luxury vehicle assembled illegally.

The travel restriction is part of an ongoing investigation into the matter, with authorities seeking to ensure Fernando remains available for legal proceedings.

The case stems from accusations that the former MP had acquired a high-end vehicle that did not comply with standard legal procedures for assembly and registration.

These allegations raise questions about potential involvement in the illegal vehicle trade, which has become a growing concern in Sri Lanka, with luxury vehicles often being smuggled into the country or assembled with non-compliant parts to evade taxes and regulations.

The ban prevents Fernando from leaving the country while investigations continue, a move that requires the conduction of a thorough inquiry into the matter.

By: Adolf

October 10, Colombo (LNW): This week, President Anura Kumara appointed Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Chairman, Duminda Hulangamuwa, as Senior Consultant on Economic Affairs and Finance.

Since this appointment does not come with a direct cost to taxpayers, there’s little reason for public complaint. However, Hulangamuwa’s new position gives him significant influence within the government, likely benefiting his accounting practice and business ventures—a situation acceptable in Sri Lanka as long as such interests are disclosed.

What has raised eyebrows among professionals, however, is Hulangamuwa’s reputation as a “man for all seasons.” It’s well-known that he was the tax adviser to PB Jayasundara, whose policies, including the removal of PAYE tax and lowering tax rates, contributed to Sri Lanka’s economic downfall in 2021. The Gotabaya administration had to reinstate PAYE due to financial pressures.

After Gotabaya’s ousting, Hulangamuwa aligned himself with Ranil Wickremesinghe, frequently appearing alongside the former President. He played a key role in driving SOE restructuring and economic transformations under Wickremesinghe’s leadership.

Given Ranil’s political acumen, many were surprised to see Hulangamuwa now appointed as a senior economic adviser to Anura Kumara. Some even speculate that he was writing speeches for the new President in the final weeks of the campaign while simultaneously engaging with both the SJB and Wickremesinghe.

This dual allegiance and ability to adapt across political shifts have made Hulangamuwa a subject of both intrigue and skepticism. As Machiavelli once said “human beings are wretched creatures, governed only by the law of their own self-interest”.

October 10, Colombo (LNW): The Panadura Additional Magistrate ordered that the twenty Chinese nationals arrested yesterday (09) in a hotel in Gorakana area be remanded till October 23.

The suspects were arrested by Panadura North Police on a tip off by intelligence officials of the Western Province.

Investigations are underway to decipher any corroboration between the organised online money fraud activities allegedly committed by Chinese nationals resided in Hanwella area arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Chinese nationals arrested yesterday, a statement issued by the Police Media Division claimed.

This was not the first time did the Police arrest foreign nationals living in Sri Lanka on tourist visa, as an astonishing number of Chinese nationals had been apprehended during the past few months, allegedly in connection with the online offshore industry.

Reports claim that these Chinese nationals had arrived in Sri Lanka to gamble in the “online offshore gaming industry”, which caters to the generation of a significant number of economic opportunities for Sri Lanka, estimating a potential US$ 6 billion income annually.

The industry, which in official capacity has not yet been recognised nor subject to a legal framework, remains disputable, and the formulation of a legal framework, therefore, is deemed a mandatory requirement, in the event that the country in which such activities are operated can economically benefit from the industry.

Developing an effective legal framework and implementing such regulations will curb any harmful consequences the industry might emit, and by cracking down any illegal operations involving the arena, Sri Lanka will be able to secure the online offshore gaming industry and foster more career opportunities for the local community, ultimately contributing to the island nation’s economy.

The offshore gaming industry is compelled to be cluttered with online frauds due to the non-implementation of a formal legal framework, driving the Police and government officials in charge of Immigration and Taxes, therefore, into confusion.

Projects of this nature particularly targetting the Port City, Colombo, have already attracted a large number of foreign investors to Sri Lanka, and the Sri Lankan authorities, therefore, must act immediately to foster a proper legal framework for the aforementioned industry.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 10, Colombo (LNW): In a significant move, the Colombo High Court has issued a three-month freeze on two bank accounts linked to former State Minister Anupa Pasqual.

This decision was made following a formal request from the Bribery Commission, reflecting ongoing investigations into potential corruption.

The order, which falls under Section 53(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 09 of 2023, underscores the government’s commitment to combatting corruption within public office.

By freezing these accounts, the Bribery Commission aims to secure evidence and prevent any potential dissipation of funds related to the investigation.

This legal action is part of a broader effort to uphold transparency and accountability in Sri Lanka’s political landscape.

The Bribery Commission is actively pursuing various cases, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement of anti-corruption measures and the importance of maintaining public trust in governmental institutions.

The implications of this ruling extend beyond Pasqual, as it sends a clear message regarding the seriousness of corruption-related offences in Sri Lanka.

The court’s decision serves to reinforce the legal framework established to protect the integrity of public officials and to ensure that those in positions of power are held accountable for their actions.

As the investigation continues, the spotlight remains on the effectiveness of the Bribery Commission and the judiciary in addressing corruption within the nation’s political framework.

The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future actions against similar misconduct in the public sector.