October 07, Colombo (LNW): Kanishka Wijeratne, the Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), has agreed to resign from his position, following a Supreme Court hearing today (07).
This decision comes after the court granted leave to proceed with three Fundamental Rights (FR) applications challenging his appointment to the role.
The applications, filed by various parties, raised concerns regarding the legality and appropriateness of Wijeratne’s appointment.
As a result, the Supreme Court deemed it necessary to consider these challenges, permitting the cases to move forward.
During the proceedings, Wijeratne offered an undertaking to step down from his post, thereby addressing one of the key demands raised in the petitions.
October 07, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee has depreciated but remains steady against the US Dollar today (07) in comparison to last week’s Friday, by standing below the Rs. 300 threshold, 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. 289.57 from last week’s Rs. 289.49, and the selling price to Rs. 298.68 from Rs. 298.49.
October 07, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has secured a crucial USD 200 million from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) for the second phase of its Resilience, Stability, and Economic Turnaround (RESET) programme, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).
The funds are part of ongoing efforts to support the nation’s economic recovery through reforms aimed at stabilising growth and protecting the most vulnerable segments of the population.
The agreement was formalised through the signatures of Finance Secretary K.M. Siriwardana and David Sislen, the World Bank’s Country Director.
The funding will assist Sri Lanka in its drive towards economic resilience, with a particular focus on reforming key sectors that are essential for long-term stability.
The initiative also underscores the government’s commitment to addressing economic vulnerabilities and ensuring a more sustainable recovery.
In a related development, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held discussions with Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director Takafumi Kadono, who reaffirmed the ADB’s commitment to aiding Sri Lanka’s ongoing recovery efforts.
During their meeting, Kadono highlighted several key areas in which the ADB will provide critical support.
These include the tourism sector, with a particular emphasis on revitalising tourism in the Northern region, energy projects, and the empowerment of small-scale entrepreneurs across the country.
The ADB’s involvement is seen as a significant boost to the country’s economic prospects, particularly as the nation seeks to tap into its potential in underdeveloped sectors.
By supporting small businesses and improving energy infrastructure, the bank aims to help Sri Lanka build a more diversified and sustainable economy.
The focus on Northern tourism is also expected to promote regional development and create opportunities in areas that have historically faced economic challenges.
Both the World Bank and ADB’s contributions are pivotal in advancing Sri Lanka’s recovery agenda as it continues to implement reforms in the face of economic hardship.
These financial injections mark a critical step towards stabilising the economy and offering a pathway towards growth, benefiting key industries and vulnerable communities alike.
With these agreements in place, Sri Lanka remains optimistic about its ability to overcome current challenges and lay the groundwork for a more resilient future.
October 07, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has officially appointed Sanath Jayasuriya as the permanent head coach of the national cricket team.
This decision comes after a period of notable performance under Jayasuriya’s interim leadership during recent tours against India, England, and New Zealand.
His appointment, effective from 1 October 2024, is slated to last until 31 March 2026.
The SLC Executive Committee made the appointment following a thorough evaluation of the team’s progress under Jayasuriya’s guidance.
During his interim tenure, the Sri Lankan squad demonstrated improvement, showcasing consistent performances, which played a significant role in solidifying the committee’s decision.
Jayasuriya, widely regarded as one of the most destructive batsmen in the history of cricket, made his debut for the Sri Lankan national team in 1989. Over the span of nearly two decades, he established himself as an all-rounder, known for his explosive batting style, spin bowling, and exceptional fielding. Jayasuriya was instrumental in Sri Lanka’s rise as a dominant force in world cricket, particularly during their World Cup victory in 1996, where his opening partnerships and quick scoring left a lasting impact on the international stage.
Jayasuriya retired from international cricket in 2011 but continued to contribute to the game in various capacities, including as a selector and mentor for young players. His deep understanding of the game and extensive experience made him an ideal candidate for the head coach role.
October 07, Colombo (LNW): The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) is preparing to file indictments against two former ministers from the previous administration for their inability to account for the acquisition of substantial assets, sources disclosed.
This development forms part of a broader investigation into allegations of corruption among high-ranking officials and political figures.
According to reports, the Commission’s investigation extends beyond the former ministers to include individuals within their inner circles.
Notably, a former minister’s personal driver is under scrutiny after reportedly purchasing a luxury house and land in Cinnamon Gardens, a prime and highly coveted area.
The Bribery Commission is closely examining the legitimacy of such an acquisition, as the financial means of the driver seem inconsistent with the value of the property.
In addition to these investigations, the Commission is set to launch legal proceedings to freeze assets belonging to seven individuals.
This group includes politicians, public officials, and military officers, all of whom are suspected of amassing significant properties under suspicious circumstances.
The inquiry has focused on whether these assets could have been obtained through legitimate earnings, and initial findings suggest that the individuals in question could not have accumulated such wealth based on their standard salaries.
Investigators have discovered that explanations provided by some of the accused — often claiming that properties were gifted by family members or relatives — have proven to be unfounded.
These claims have raised further suspicion regarding the origins of the assets. Moreover, the investigation has been hindered by the reluctance of several politicians to fully cooperate with authorities, with some reportedly avoiding providing official statements to assist in the ongoing probes.
The Bribery Commission’s efforts to tackle corruption are expected to escalate as it moves towards freezing the properties in question.
The measure to crackdown aims to prevent the dissipation of assets whilst investigations continue, ensuring that any ill-gotten gains remain within reach of law enforcement agencies.
October 07, Colombo (LNW): During a visit to St. Sebastian’s Church in Katuwapitiya, Negombo, an impassioned survivor of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks confronted President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, expressing deep frustration over the lack of justice for victims.
The individual accused the authorities of failing to act on advance warnings of the tragic events and suggested that all politicians had prior knowledge of the impending attacks.
He also confronted the President whether he can bring back his parents and his child, who lost their lives due to the massacre.
The exchange occurred when the victim had the opportunity to address the President directly during a discussion on the ongoing efforts to seek accountability for the Easter attacks, which devastated Sri Lanka on 21 April 2019.
The victim’s anger underscored the mounting public sentiment that justice had not been adequately served.
In response, President Dissanayake categorically pointed out that not all politicians were aware of the warnings. He explained that only the security personnel assigned to high-profile political figures had received intelligence about a potential attack.
He further emphasised that neither he nor his fellow party members in Parliament at the time had benefited from such enhanced security measures, highlighting the disparity in protection provided.
The President then outlined his government’s approach to delivering justice, stressing a threefold path to resolution.
First, he noted the importance of completing thorough investigations to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the attacks.
Dissanayake committed to ensuring that those behind the violence would face legal repercussions.
Secondly, the President highlighted the necessity of taking proactive steps to prevent any recurrence of such an atrocity. He stressed the importance of improving security measures and addressing any vulnerabilities in the country’s defences to protect the public.
Lastly, President Dissanayake acknowledged that if political interference or systemic failures were found to have contributed to the attacks, it would be essential to reform the political structure itself. He pointed out that such reform must be achieved through political means, as governance and policy changes are intrinsically tied to the political system.
Without addressing these structural issues, he warned, the system would remain flawed and open to future crises.
The President’s remarks, whilst outlining a clear path forward, also underscored the complexities surrounding the pursuit of justice for the Easter Sunday attacks.
For many survivors and their families, the ongoing delays and political entanglements have only added to their anguish, leaving them demanding more urgent and transparent action from the authorities.
October 07, Colombo (LNW): A significant number of Members of Parliament (MPs) from Sri Lanka’s now-dissolved ninth Parliament have chosen to step away from politics, citing reasons ranging from age, health concerns, and the shifting political environment.
This decision, affecting veteran political figures, comes in the wake of a drastically altered political landscape following the recent Presidential election.
For the first time in Sri Lanka’s post-independence history, the National People’s Power (NPP), a party outside the traditional political establishment, secured the presidency.
This result signals a potential shift in parliamentary power as the country approaches its General Election on 14 November.
The rise of the NPP has unsettled long-standing political dynamics, leading several MPs to reconsider their futures in politics.
The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), which previously held a parliamentary majority, has refused to offer nominations to MPs who distanced themselves from the party ahead of the Presidential election.
As a result, many of these MPs are now seeking alternative political alliances as the election approaches.
In addition, some prominent figures from the SLPP, including former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, his brother Chamal Rajapaksa, Gamini Lokuge, and Ali Sabry, have decided not to contest this time.
Chamal Rajapaksa has confirmed his retirement, with his son, Shasheendra Rajapaksa, standing as a candidate for the SLPP from the Moneragala District.
Meanwhile, Ali Sabry explained that he had always intended to serve only one term and would now return to his legal practice.
Other long-serving MPs, such as Vasudeva Nanayakkara, have opted out due to health reasons, whilst Bandula Gunawardane also announced his decision to step back.
Former Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe remains uncertain about whether to contest in the upcoming election.
The trend extends beyond the SLPP, with Lakshman Kiriella, a representative of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), likely to pass the political baton to his daughter, Chamindrani Kiriella, who intends to contest in the Kandy District.
Veteran politicians such as Prof. Tissa Vitharana and A.H.M. Fowzie have also decided to withdraw from the parliamentary race, marking the end of an era for many familiar faces in Sri Lankan politics.
October 07, Colombo (LNW): The Police Spokesman, DIG Nihal Thalduwa, confirmed that the security detail assigned to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, which includes 50 Special Task Force (STF) personnel, will remain intact for the time being.
The arrangement, designed to ensure the former president’s protection, will not see any immediate adjustments despite ongoing evaluations.
Thalduwa further explained that a review of the specific security requirements for Wickremesinghe is currently underway.
Based on this assessment, the necessary number of personnel required to provide adequate security will be allocated in due course.
October 07, Colombo (LNW): The government has temporarily halted board meetings across statutory bodies and other state institutions.
The announcement came from Prime Minister’s Secretary, Pradeep Saputantri, who clarified that the suspension is part of an ongoing process to appoint new leadership to these entities.
Saputantri urged the current heads of these institutions to refrain from making any administrative decisions during this interim period, emphasising the need for careful oversight as the transition unfolds.
Whilst some institutions have already seen the appointment of new chairpersons, other boards remain without leadership until relevant ministers finalise their appointments.
The decision to suspend board meetings marks a period of reorganisation within these bodies, with Saputantri highlighting that the responsibility now falls on the newly appointed ministers to ensure competent and effective leadership is placed at the helm of these organisations.
By taking the aforementioned action, the government aims to maintain administrative neutrality whilst the government undertakes a broader restructuring of key public sector institutions.
October 07, Colombo (LNW): Former Director of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), Nilantha Jayawardena, has pledged to finalise the payment of compensation owed to victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.
His legal counsel informed the Supreme Court that the outstanding amount will be paid, with the necessary documentation to be submitted later today (07).
Jayawardena, who served as Senior Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and headed the SIS at the time of the attacks, appeared in court due to contempt charges.
These charges arose from his failure to complete the court-ordered compensation of Rs. 75 million for the victims of the tragic bombing, which claimed hundreds of lives.
The case was heard before a seven-member Supreme Court panel, led by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya. During the proceedings, Jayawardena’s legal representative, President’s Counsel Chandaka Jayasundara, explained that the former intelligence chief had faced financial difficulties in meeting the compensation order.
Given that he remains in active police service, Jayasundara noted that Jayawardena could not independently raise the necessary funds.
However, the counsel revealed that friends of the former SIS director had stepped in to help cover the remaining amount.
The court was assured that the outstanding compensation would be paid into the Office for Reparations through a bank transaction later in the day.
On this basis, the President’s Counsel requested the court not to pursue further contempt charges, as Jayawardena intended to comply fully with the compensation order.
Despite these assurances, Chief Justice Jayasuriya remarked that the deadline for the compensation payment had already passed. The court issued an instruction for the submission of proof of payment by 1:30 p.m. today.
If the required documentation is not produced, the contempt of court proceedings will continue as planned.
