October 03, Colombo (LNW): The Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) has issued a strong call for a complete restructuring of Sri Lanka’s Department of Examinations, following revelations of widespread fraud within the institution.
Addressing the media, CTU General Secretary Joseph Stalin highlighted a damning list released by the department in 2024, identifying 473 individuals involved in various forms of examination-related malpractice.
Amongst those named are senior officials, including Divisional Director Generals, who have been barred from participating in future examination activities due to their involvement in fraudulent activities.
“The scope of the fraud is extensive, with a significant number of officials implicated,” Stalin remarked, stressing that such a high level of corruption within the department has severely undermined the integrity of Sri Lanka’s education system.
He argued that merely banning these individuals from future involvement was insufficient, calling for deep-rooted reforms to restore public trust in the examination process.
According to the CTU, this incident is not an isolated case but a reflection of deeper systemic issues within the Department of Examinations. Stalin emphasised the necessity of a complete overhaul, including the implementation of more robust mechanisms for transparency, accountability, and the prevention of fraud in the future.
He urged the government to take swift action to restructure the department and enforce stringent policies that would ensure the sanctity of national examinations.
October 03, Colombo (LNW): Colombo Chief Magistrate Thilina Gamage has directed the Bribery or Corruption Investigation Commission (CIABOC) to arrest individuals implicated in the smuggling of 200 luxury vehicles into Sri Lanka, an operation that has defrauded the government of an estimated Rs. 5000 million in unpaid taxes.
This high-profile case has spotlighted an extensive customs fraud scheme, with vehicles illegally brought into the country and registered under falsified information.
The order was issued after the Commission’s Intelligence Investigation Unit presented detailed findings, revealing that only 20 of the smuggled vehicles have so far been recovered.
Amongst the vehicles recently confiscated was a Mitsubishi jeep valued at over Rs. 60 million, marking the 20th such vehicle to be reclaimed by authorities.
Despite a previous court order on September 18 instructing the handover of the jeep, the vehicle owner had reportedly concealed it, prompting intelligence officers to launch a targeted search and seize the asset after a warrant was issued.
The Commission disclosed that this smuggling operation involved falsely declaring luxury vehicles imported after 2015 as regular vehicles brought in prior to 2005.
This fraudulent manipulation was achieved by altering data within the Motor Traffic Department’s system, enabling the smugglers to bypass proper customs duties.
The investigation is ongoing, with efforts focused on tracking down and recovering the remaining vehicles, and arresting those responsible for the large-scale fraud.
The court has now ordered swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice and secure the stolen assets, aiming to restore the significant financial losses incurred by the state.
The next phase of the investigation will involve identifying all parties connected to the smuggling ring and ensuring accountability for the massive financial damages caused to the Sri Lankan government.
October 03, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Israel, Nimal Bandara, has confirmed that no Sri Lankan workers in Israel have been affected by the recent missile attack launched by Iran.
On Tuesday, approximately 200 missiles were fired towards Israel, but no reports have indicated injuries or harm to the 12,000 Sri Lankans currently employed there.
The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) Additional General Manager, G. S. Yapa, clarified that the situation is being closely monitored.
Despite the escalating tensions, no immediate decisions have been made to halt the deployment of Sri Lankan workers to Israel.
Yapa emphasised that any future changes regarding worker deployments will be made in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ambassador Bandara reassured that Israel’s defence systems successfully intercepted the incoming missiles before they could inflict damage on the ground.
He also affirmed that the Sri Lankan Embassy remains prepared to assist any nationals if necessary.
Although Israel’s main airport was briefly closed in response to the attacks, normal operations have now resumed, and flights are once again taking off and landing, minimising disruption for travellers.
The Sri Lankan authorities continue to assess the situation in Israel, ensuring the safety of their citizens while maintaining essential labour migration pathways.
October 03, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s economy has shown stronger-than-expected growth in the first quarter of 2024, with GDP expanding by 5.3 per cent year-on-year, according to the latest Asian Development Outlook from the Asian Development Bank.
This performance has been driven by a combination of factors, including decelerating inflation, improved supply chains, and better raw material availability.
Industry saw the most significant expansion, growing by 11.8 per cent—a rise attributed to the low base effect, and easing inflationary pressures. Services and agriculture sectors also contributed to the overall growth, albeit at more modest rates of 2.6 per cent and 1.1 per cent, respectively.
Investments surged by 17.6 per cent, becoming the primary driver of this growth, while consumer spending remained subdued, rising only by 0.5 per cent, largely due to ongoing fiscal austerity measures, such as increases in value-added and income taxes.
Despite easing import restrictions and improved foreign exchange liquidity, net exports remained a positive contributor to growth.
Indicators for the first half of 2024 suggest continued economic recovery, bolstered by the relaxation of monetary policy, improved fiscal management, and progress in restructuring external debt.
Key sectors such as manufacturing, services, and construction remained in expansionary territory, with the Index of Industrial Production posting a 7.3 per cent rise in the first quarter, followed by an 8.4 per cent increase in April and May.
Inflation trends have also shown improvement. The Colombo consumer price index rose to 6.4 per cent in January following a tax hike but settled at 5.9 per cent in February, before stabilising at around 2 per cent in the subsequent months.
This easing of inflation has been supported by increased hydropower generation, a 6 per cent appreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee against the US dollar, and weak consumer demand.
Despite the Central Bank of Sri Lanka lowering policy rates by 75 basis points during the first half of the year, inflationary pressures are expected to remain manageable in 2025, though growth is forecast to accelerate.
The current account balance continues to improve, with a 6.4 per cent rise in imports in the first half of 2024, outpacing a 4.7 per cent increase in exports. The widening trade deficit was counterbalanced by a surge in tourism revenues, which grew by 77.9 per cent year-on-year, alongside an 11.4 per cent increase in remittance inflows.
Gross official reserves saw a boost of $1.2 billion, now covering 3.9 months of imports, up from 3.1 months at the close of 2023. This improvement stems from the current account surplus, IMF disbursements, a $1.4 billion swap agreement with the People’s Bank of China, and foreign exchange purchases by the central bank.
On the debt front, Sri Lanka has made headway in restructuring its external obligations. Agreements with the Official Creditor Committee and the Exim Bank of China, as well as discussions with major bondholders, have led to significant progress.
A 28 per cent principal haircut for sovereign bonds has been agreed upon, while ongoing negotiations with commercial lenders continue. Final approval from the IMF, ensuring that debt sustainability targets are met, is anticipated as a crucial next step in finalising the restructuring process.
Additionally, Sri Lanka has met critical IMF benchmarks, including achieving a primary surplus of 0.6 per cent of GDP in 2023 and submitting a new public financial management bill to Parliament to enhance fiscal discipline.
Despite this positive momentum, the upcoming presidential election on 21 September, followed by parliamentary elections in early 2025, pose a potential risk to Sri Lanka’s reform agenda.
Delays in key reforms, particularly regarding state-owned enterprises and taxation, could undermine investor confidence, slow growth, and delay further IMF support.
Additionally, geopolitical tensions and unpredictable weather patterns remain potential downside risks to the economic outlook.
October 03, Colombo (LNW): The Excise Department has announced that liquor producers who fail to settle outstanding tax payments for the 2023-2024 period by 30th November 2024 will not have their licences renewed for the upcoming year.
This directive follows a decision to recover Rs. 1.8 billion in tax arrears from alcohol manufacturers who are yet to meet their financial obligations.
Excise Commissioner General M.J. Gunasiri revealed that the department had resolved to take a firm stance against defaulters during the year’s fourth revenue review meeting.
This gathering, held in Colombo on 2nd October, included representatives from all 27 liquor production companies in Sri Lanka.
The department conducts quarterly discussions with alcohol manufacturers to review revenue targets, assess progress, and address challenges faced by the industry.
Gunasiri emphasised that the government remains committed to ensuring the collection of excise tax revenues and maintaining the independence of the Excise Department.
He assured attendees that there would be no undue interference in the department’s efforts to manage tax collection and regulatory affairs.
Amongst the key decisions made at the review meeting was the introduction of new security stickers for toddy and sake products, aimed at improving traceability and ensuring compliance.
This system will also be extended to other alcoholic beverages from next year. Liquor producers have been instructed to either use their existing security stickers by 31st December or destroy any remaining stock under strict supervision to prevent misuse.
In addition to tax collection, the department intends to take stringent measures against the production of illicit alcohol, particularly Kasippu, which remains a prevalent issue. Gunasiri highlighted that stricter enforcement and legal action would be implemented to curtail the illegal liquor trade.
Furthermore, the meeting addressed the need to eliminate obstacles hindering the export of locally produced alcohol.
October 03, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka commemorated the 155th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi yesterday (02) with a ceremonial event at the Prime Minister’s Office in Colombo.
The occasion saw Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha paying homage to Gandhi by garlanding his statue, a symbolic gesture highlighting the enduring legacy of the Indian leader’s philosophy of peace and non-violence.
The bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi, gifted by India in 2019 to mark his 150th birth anniversary, stands at 42 inches tall and portrays Gandhi in a meditative pose.
Crafted by renowned sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar, the statue is a testament to Gandhi’s profound influence on global leaders and movements.
Sutar, a recipient of the prestigious Padma Bhushan award, is also credited with creating the world’s tallest bronze statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Gujarat, India.
Following the tribute ceremony, the Indian High Commissioner met with Prime Minister Amarasuriya to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations.
The commemoration was also accompanied by a Gandhi Oration, organised by the Sri Lanka India Society (SLIS) in partnership with the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, the cultural wing of the Indian High Commission.
Former Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India, Austin Fernando, delivered the oration, which delved into the enduring relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings in today’s world.
The annual event, part of the celebrations for Gandhi Jayanti, continues to serve as an important platform for reflecting on the powerful messages of truth, justice, and non-violence that Gandhi espoused, and how they continue to resonate amidst modern global challenges.
October 03, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at a few places in Eastern and Uva provinces during the afternoon or night.
A few showers may occur in the coastal areas of Southern and Western provinces during the morning.
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:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the sea areas from Mannar to Kankasanthurai. Showers may occur at a few places in the sea areas from Colombo to Hambantota via Galle during the morning.
Winds:
Winds will be South-westerly in the sea areas around the island and wind speed will be (25-35) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to (45-50) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Kankasanthurai to Puttalam via Mannar and from Hambanthota to Batticaloa via Pottuvil.
State of Sea:
The sea areas around the island can be slight to moderate. The sea areas off the coasts extending from Kankasanthurai to Puttalam via Mannar and from Hambanthota to Batticaloa via Pottuvil can be fairly rough at times.Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
October 03, Colombo (LNW): A gazette extraordinary has been issued abolishing the retirement payments of the governors of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), effective from September 24, 2024.
The gazette has been issued by Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, who serves as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Central Bank’s Control Board and the Governor of the CBSL.
A high-level IMF delegation arrived in Sri Lanka on 2 October to engage with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s government, discussing progress on the $2.9 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the release of its fourth tranche: The meeting, featuring Sri Lanka’s Economic Policy Council, reviewed IMF programme achievements, with the IMF praising recent positive developments in Sri Lanka’s economic outlook.
Samagi Jana Sandanaya (SJS) leaders announce their willingness to cooperate with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake if they win a parliamentary majority in the upcoming General Election: Ranjith Madduma Bandara, Kabir Hashim, Mano Ganesan, Dayasiri Jayasekera, and Dullas Alahapperuma emphasise they would not undermine Dissanayake’s efforts and urged voters not to grant the ruling party a parliamentary majority.
Political parties that supported ex President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the recent Presidential Election plan to contest the upcoming General Election under the New Democratic Front (NDF) with the ‘Gas Cylinder’ symbol: If the Election Commission denies this, they may contest under the ‘Elephant’ or another common symbol: Former MPs gathered to finalise their decision at Wickremesinghe’s Election Operations office.
Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong met with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, congratulating him on his recent election victory: reaffirms China’s commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and supporting Sri Lanka’s development projects: highlights China Development Bank and EXIM Bank’s involvement in debt restructuring, underscoring China’s dedication to Sri Lanka’s economic stability and growth.
Senior Professor Raj Somadeva reveals excavations at Colombo Port uncover eight human skeletons, with two already excavated and under police protection: The skeletal remains were first discovered on 13th July, leading to two excavation phases: The third phase is set for 17th October, as investigations continue to uncover the origins and context of these remains.
To celebrate World Children’s Day 2024, Sri Lanka Insurance Life (SLIC) provides a free Rs. 1 million life insurance cover to parents of every child born on 1st October 2024 across all hospitals in Sri Lanka: This initiative, now in its third year, aims to promote life insurance and offer financial security to families, ensuring protection and stability for the nation’s children.
The Foreign Employment Bureau (SLBFE) advises Sri Lankans planning to travel to Israel to suspend their plans due to escalating regional conflict: Approximately 12,000 Sri Lankans work in Israel, mostly in construction and caregiving, with no reports of casualties: urges Sri Lankans to stay in contact with embassies for assistance, especially those seeking repatriation.
Buddhist Affairs Co-ordinator Chairman Ven. Dr. Sasthrapathi Galagama Dammaransi Nayaka Thera says the recent Presidential election showed a shift away from voting based on religion, race, or clan: emphasises that people rejected racism, religious division, and corruption: highlights the worsening social and economic issues and called for efforts to promote religious harmony and unity across the nation.
A delegation from the University of Jaffna’s Medical Faculty, led by Prof. R. Surenthirakumaran, visits Singapore to discuss advancing healthcare in Northern Sri Lanka, particularly focusing on maternal, child healthcare, and day surgery services: Collaborating with SingHealth, the delegation aims to enhance healthcare infrastructure through international partnerships: The visit is part of ongoing efforts by the Jaffna Regional Collaborating Centre to transform healthcare outcomes in the region.
Sri Lankan cricketer Praveen Jayawickrama has been banned by the ICC for one year, with six months suspended, after admitting to breaching the ICC Anti-Corruption Code: He obstructed an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Unit and deleted relevant evidence: The charges stem from his failure to report a fixing approach during international matches and the 2021 Lanka Premier League.
October 02, Colombo (LNW): Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Levan S. Dzhagaryan met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday. During the meeting, Ambassador Dzhagaryan extended his congratulations to President Dissanayake on his recent election and conveyed a personal message from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In his message, President Putin expressed his expectation that bilateral relations between Russia and Sri Lanka will strengthen under President Dissanayake’s leadership. The discussions focused on enhancing the longstanding relationship between the two nations, with both parties emphasizing the importance of deepening cooperation in trade, investment, culture, and education. They reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening diplomatic ties for mutual benefit.
