President Anura Kumara Dissanayake appoints former Senior DIG Ravi Seneviratne as Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security and Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha as Secretary of Defence: Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayaka is appointed Secretary to the President, while Ananda Wijepala becomes the President’s Private Secretary: Thuyacontha, a decorated Air Force veteran, logged over 7,000 flying hours in major operations.
The Election Commission dismisses allegations from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) regarding improper conduct during the counting of preferential votes in the recent presidential election: Commissioner General Saman Sri Ratnayake says the claims were unfounded, emphasising the importance of consistent oversight from party representatives throughout the process: clarifies that the Commission followed all protocols and addressed SJB’s legal concerns about the counting procedure.
National People’s Power (NPP) member Sunil Handunnetti says dismantling the Executive Presidency will be a key objective under newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake: declares Dissanayake the “last executive president” of Sri Lanka, advocating for increased democracy and parliamentary governance: also promises to reduce political privileges, emphasising a commitment to more accountable leadership and fulfilling campaign promises.
The United National Party (UNP) announces plans to form a common alliance with opposition parties to tackle upcoming electoral challenges: This decision, proposed by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe during a leadership council meeting, aims to unite parties like the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) for greater strength against ruling parties: Discussions on policy frameworks and leadership roles within the alliance are set to begin soon.
Former Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekara resigns, citing significant improvements in Sri Lanka’s energy sector during his tenure: highlights achievements such as stabilising fuel and coal supplies, enhancing hydroelectric capacity, and ensuring all institutions are financially sound: expresses gratitude to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and stakeholders for their support in restoring the country’s energy infrastructure.
The All Share Price Index (ASPI) of the Colombo Stock Exchange surges by 130.3 points, closing at 11,096.81: This significant rise reflects renewed investor confidence, driven by recent economic developments in Sri Lanka: Market turnover reached Rs. 994 million, with gains across various sectors, including banking and telecommunications, linked to financial sector stabilisation and positive economic indicators.
Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake confirms Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi, who was the second highest vote gainer of the National Peoples Power (NPP) during the 2020 Parliamentary Election, will be appointed as a Member of Parliament to fill the vacancy left by Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s election the President of Sri Lanka.
International economic watchdog Bloomberg warns Sri Lanka’s dollar bonds dropped significantly following the victory of leftist candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake in the presidential election, raising concerns over the country’s IMF bailout and debt restructuring deals: claims bonds maturing in 2029 fell by 3.1 cents, while the stock market saw a rise: adds Dissanayake’s pledge to renegotiate IMF terms may cause uncertainty around the nation’s economic future.
Veteran Sri Lankan dancer, choreographer, and teacher Deshamanya Dr. Vajira Chitrasena passes away at 92: Renowned for her contributions to traditional dance and her close ties with India, Vajira made her debut in 1952 and received the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2021: Her legacy is marked by her dedication as a teacher, performer, and choreographer.
Sri Lanka secure a 63-run victory over New Zealand in the opening Test in Galle, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series: Chasing 275 runs, New Zealand was bowled out for 211, with Rachin Ravindra top-scoring with 92: Sri Lankan spinners Prabath Jayasuriya (5-68) and Ramesh Mendis (3-83) excelled, and the second Test starts Thursday.
September 23, Colombo (LNW): Former Minister of Power and Energy, Kanchana Wijesekara, has announced his resignation, highlighting his achievements in stabilising Sri Lanka’s energy sector.
In his parting statement, Wijesekara emphasised that he has left the Ministry of Power and Energy and its affiliated institutions in a stronger financial position.
He returned the state vehicles and relinquished his office on the final day of his tenure.
Wijesekara noted that, when he assumed office, Sri Lanka was grappling with severe challenges: power cuts ranging from 4 to 13 hours, a critical shortage of fuel and coal, and a lack of suppliers. The country was facing an energy crisis with no cash reserves and limited hydroelectric capacity.
Today, however, the former minister proudly announced that the energy sector has enough stocks of petroleum and coal to meet demand, while hydroelectric capacity has also improved. This transformation has been crucial in providing an uninterrupted supply of fuel and electricity.
One of Wijesekara’s significant achievements is the financial recovery of the institutions under his purview. According to him, all relevant bodies are now operating with positive balance sheets, recovering the costs of services, paying suppliers on time, and servicing debt.
Furthermore, these institutions are generating additional revenue, which is being contributed to the national treasury. The financial turnaround of these entities has been seen as a key component of the country’s recovery.
In his statement, Wijesekara expressed gratitude to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, colleagues, family, and other key stakeholders for their support throughout his tenure.
He further acknowledged the assistance provided by diplomatic missions, development agencies, and various private and government entities over the last two years, which helped restore the country’s energy infrastructure.
I returned the state vehicles and my office yesterday and leave the Ministry of Power & Energy and the Institutes under my purview in stronger financial positions and with adequate stocks of petroleum products and coal for power generation and fuel supply.
September 23, Colombo (LNW): The United National Party (UNP) has announced plans to establish a common alliance with opposition parties, in a strategic move aimed at addressing upcoming electoral and political challenges.
This decision emerged today (23) following a leadership council meeting at former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s political office on Flower Road, Colombo.
The initiative to forge this alliance was reportedly proposed by Wickremesinghe himself, as confirmed in a statement issued by his office.
The former President has instructed senior UNP officials to extend invitations to all opposition parties, including the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), to unite under this new political front.
Wickremesinghe, recognising the increasing complexities of Sri Lanka’s political landscape, is believed to have advocated for a consolidated approach to future elections.
He stressed the importance of solidarity amongst the opposition to confront shared challenges and enhance their collective strength against ruling parties.
This strategy is not only aimed at electoral gains but also positions the alliance as a united front in responding to the broader political climate.
Sources within the UNP suggest that discussions on policy frameworks and leadership roles within the alliance are expected to commence shortly, as party representatives reach out to potential partners.
September 23, Colombo (LNW): The Election Commission has strongly denied allegations regarding the conduct of its officials during the counting of preferential votes in the recently concluded 2024 Presidential Election.
The accusations, raised by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), claim that party representatives were not allowed to properly observe the counting process.
Commissioner General of Elections, Saman Sri Ratnayake, addressed the concerns during a televised interview, stating that the SJB’s charges were unfounded.
He emphasised that when representatives are appointed to monitor the counting of ballots, they are expected to remain at the centres for the entire duration of the process, alongside other officials.
“It is unacceptable for anyone to walk in and out of the counting centres during this critical time,” he remarked, highlighting the need for consistent oversight throughout the lengthy procedure.
Ratnayake clarified that the responsibility for election officials’ conduct rests with the Election Commission, while political parties are accountable for the behaviour of their representatives.
He explained that once the counting of preferential votes began, it was not the Commission’s duty to verify the presence of individual party members.
“If anyone not required at the centre was present, we would have taken action to remove them,” he said.
The Election Commission’s response comes after the SJB raised legal concerns, arguing that there had been no prior notice about the start of the preferential vote counting.
Ratnayake dismissed this claim, reiterating that all proper protocols had been followed.
September 23, Colombo (LNW): National People’s Power (NPP) member Sunil Handunnetti has reaffirmed that dismantling the Executive Presidency will be a central goal under the newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s leadership.
Speaking to the press today (23), just a day after Dissanayake’s victory over Sajith Premadasa, Handunnetti declared that the people of this country has elected who he described as the ‘last executive president’ of Sri Lanka, marking the end of a political era.
“Today, you have elected the final Executive President of this country,” Handunnetti emphasised. “There will be no more Executive Presidents. We seek the public’s backing to achieve this significant reform.”
The Executive Presidency, established in 1978, has long been a contentious issue in Sri Lankan politics, with critics arguing that it centralises excessive power in one individual.
The move to abolish it is seen as a step toward promoting greater democracy and parliamentary governance in the country.
Handunnetti’s assured that the NPP is committed to delivering on its campaign promise to enact this major constitutional reform.
In addition to the planned abolition, Handunnetti hinted at a broader restructuring of political privileges, pledging significant cutbacks on perks enjoyed by politicians.
“There is a promise we made to the people: politicians won’t require what the public does not,” he remarked, underlining the government’s intent to reduce unnecessary political extravagance.
“We will keep that promise,” he added, signalling a shift towards a more frugal and accountable leadership.
September 23, Colombo (LNW): The All Share Price Index (ASPI) of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) recorded a significant rise today (23), climbing by 130.3 points to close at 11,096.81.
This positive movement in the index reflects a renewed investor confidence following recent economic developments in Sri Lanka.
Market turnover for the day was recorded at Rs.994 million, indicating healthy trading activity.
The boost in the ASPI follows a series of market fluctuations seen in recent weeks, with investors responding to both local and global economic trends.
The sharp uptick in the index suggests that sectors across the board, including banking, telecommunications, and manufacturing, contributed to the gains.
Analysts have pointed out that the improved sentiment could be linked to ongoing stabilisation efforts within the country’s financial sector, as well as promising economic indicators that are gradually helping to restore investor confidence.
September 23, Colombo (LNW): Former Senor Deputy Inspector General (SDIG) Ravi Seneviratne has been appointed as the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security.
The appointment has been made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Seneviratne previously served as the SDIG in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Meanwhile, President Dissanayake has appointed Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha as the new Secretary of Defence.
A decorated officer, Thuyacontha joined the Air Force in 1988, serving as an operational pilot and logging over 7,000 flying hours. He actively participated in major operations, including the Humanitarian War, and was honoured with multiple bravery awards. He also served as Defence Adviser in Pakistan.
September 23, Colombo (LNW): The Central Bank of Sri Lanka operates with a degree of independence, as the finance minister is unable to direct its actions, and even the president cannot arbitrarily remove the governor. However, the Treasury Secretary’s role as a voting member of the central bank’s monetary board gives the finance ministry a voice in monetary policy decisions.
Given Sri Lanka’s complex economic challenges, fiscal and financial policies must work in tandem. Complete separation of monetary policy from fiscal policy is not feasible, as monetary policies should not operate in isolation. The central bank’s primary goal should be to control inflation while avoiding harm to economic growth. Though inflation is primarily a monetary issue, it is closely tied to real-world economic factors.
Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe, a key figure in implementing economic reforms under an IMF-led bailout package during Sri Lanka’s severe economic crisis, stated he has no intention of resigning despite President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s recent electoral defeat. The newly elected President, Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, has vowed to renegotiate the IMF deal.
Under Weerasinghe’s leadership, Sri Lanka’s currency has stabilized and appreciated, inflation has dropped from over 70% to single digits, and the central bank has enacted new legislation to secure its independence from the government. Additionally, money printing has ceased. Weerasinghe, a seasoned central banker, consistently advocates for continuing the IMF reforms to ensure long-term economic stability.
Appointed as the 17th governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka by former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in April 2022, Weerasinghe was reappointed for another six-year term in July 2022. The appointment of a central bank governor requires the president’s approval along with the Constitutional Council, though the governor cannot be removed at the president’s discretion.
In compliance with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act of 2023, Weerasinghe recently briefed parliament members, highlighting key economic achievements. These include lowering inflation to 5% and reducing the policy interest rate. He also stressed the importance of strengthening reserves to stabilize the exchange rate and bolster the national currency.
September 23, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), a state-run entity, has invited expressions of interest (EOIs) to develop the Talaimannar North Pier in the Port of Mannar.
The project is planned on a build, operate, and transfer (BOT) model. This initiative aligns with India’s Adani Group’s plans to establish wind power projects in the Mannar and Northern Pooneryn areas, with a combined capacity of nearly 500 MW. Mannar’s project location spans 250 acres in an environmentally sensitive zone, facing legal hurdles.
The SLPA aims to transform the Port of Mannar into a regional hub, primarily focusing on passenger and cargo services.
A passenger ferry already operates between Sri Lanka’s northern region and southern India. Last November, the Sri Lankan government brought the Mannar port under the Sri Lanka Ports Authority Act, setting the stage for new ferry services between Mannar and India.
Mannar will join Sri Lanka’s list of major ports, which currently includes Colombo, Hambantota, Trincomalee, Galle, Kankesanthurai (KKS), and Oluvil.
According to the SLPA, this call for EOIs marks the initial phase of selecting an investor for the Talaimannar North Pier development. Documents for the EOI will be available from September 18 to October 28, with a pre-EOI meeting scheduled for October 2. The final date for submitting EOIs is October 30.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation is planning to re-construct the Talaimannar pier to facilitate passenger vessels from Rameswaram, India.
The pier was destroyed and had been abandoned to deteriorate during the conflict era in the north., the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) has been given the task to re-construct the pier at an estimated cost of Rs.1.8 billion.
Parallel to the re-construction of the pier, about 10 acres of government-owned land bordering the port will be acquired for port infrastructure development activities.
Under these new developments, a modern passenger terminal and warehouse facilities will be constructed. It has also been decided to call for RFPs for these investments to be carried out under PPP basis.
In the past, a passenger ferry service existed between Talaimannar and Dhanushkodi. However, the Dhanushkodi port was completely destroyed due to cyclones.
At present, India has completed developments at the Rameswaram Port, and the Indian government has declared clearance to commence a passenger ferry service between Mannar and Rameswaram.
September 23, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is set to become the backdrop for a high-profile Malayalam film featuring two of the industry’s biggest stars, Mammootty and Mohanlal.
The news broke after the makers of the film met former Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena recently at the Temple Trees (PM’s office in Colombo).
The Malayalam Film Producers Association (MFPA) President Anto Joseph, along with directors Mahesh Narayanan and C.V. Sarathy, briefed the PM on their plans.
When contacted, filmmaker Mahesh Narayanan did confirm the project to ETV Bharat featuring the superstars, however, he remained tight-lipped about any other details of the film.
The film will see Mammootty and Mohanlal share the screen for the first time after 20 years. The shooting will take place in Sri Lanka for 30 days, with additional filming scheduled in Kerala, Delhi, and London.
Former Prime Minister Gunawardena expressed gratitude for choosing Sri Lanka as a filming location, highlighting the project’s potential to boost foreign exchange earnings and promote tourism.
This film marks a significant moment for Sri Lanka, recalling past successes such as The Elephant Walk, Tarzan the Apeman, and Bridge on the River Kwai, which were filmed in the country and achieved international acclaim. The new project is expected to further enhance Sri Lanka’s reputation as a desirable filming destination.
Mammootty and Mohanlal, two of Malayalam cinema’s most iconic actors, have shared the screen in over 50 films throughout their illustrious careers. Their collaboration has consistently captivated audiences, showcasing their incredible star power and acting prowess.
Mammootty, renowned for his versatile roles, was last seen in the film Turbo, directed by Vysakh. On the other hand, Mohanlal is gearing up for his directorial debut with the much-anticipated film Barroz, which will also feature him in a significant role.
