January 19, Colombo (LNW): The Public Health Inspectors’ Union has raised concerns over a significant shortage of public health inspectors across Sri Lanka, highlighting the growing challenges faced by the healthcare system.
Despite ongoing recruitment drives, the shortage remains a persistent and pressing issue that is affecting public health services on the island, according to Union Secretary Chamil Muthukuda.
At present, there is a shortfall of approximately 1,000 public health inspectors, with many areas experiencing increased pressure due to the limited number of staff available to carry out essential duties.
Public health inspectors play a crucial role in ensuring sanitation, monitoring disease outbreaks, conducting inspections, and promoting health and safety standards throughout communities, making their presence vital in the fight against health risks.
To alleviate the shortage, the government has planned to appoint nearly 300 new public health inspectors in February.
These new appointments are expected to provide some relief to the current strain, though the Union has emphasised that a long-term solution will be necessary to fully address the gap in staffing and ensure the effective functioning of the public health system.
January 19, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing has revealed plans to engage in discussions with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) next week to revitalise several housing projects that were previously suspended.
These initiatives, which had faced delays, will be re-evaluated and, in many cases, relaunched with the intention of providing affordable housing to thousands of families across the country.
Minister Dr. N.G. Anura Karunathilaka emphasised that the project will be rolled out in phases, with initial discussions focused on identifying the most pressing needs and the steps required to get the projects back on track.
He noted that the aim was to ensure that the housing initiatives align with the current demands of the population and support the overall national development goals.
One of the key highlights of the minister’s announcement was the commitment to resume construction of 48,000 houses that had been halted in previous years due to various challenges.
Minister Karunathilaka expressed his determination to restart these housing projects and address the backlog, ensuring that the homes would be completed as soon as possible to provide relief to those in need.
These discussions with the ADB are expected to pave the way for additional financial and technical support, which will be crucial in accelerating the progress of these projects.
With the collaboration of international partners and local authorities, the government aims to improve the living standards of citizens, particularly those who have been waiting for years to move into homes that were initially promised to them.
January 19, Colombo (LNW): In a move aimed at bringing down prices and alleviating the burden on consumers, Trade and Commerce Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe has revealed plans to expand the Sathosa retail network to 1,000 outlets across the country.
The announcement came during the reopening of the renovated Sathosa outlet in Anuradhapura, where the Minister spoke about the government’s efforts to make essential goods more affordable.
Samarasinghe explained that the government has already made significant strides in reducing the cost of living, with prices of many everyday items dropping by 17 per cent over the last three months.
The Minister further revealed that, as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to control prices, plans are in place to establish over 150 new Sathosa outlets in 2025 alone, with a long-term target of reaching 1,000 outlets within the next three years.
“We are determined to ensure that every citizen has access to affordable goods. Over the past three months, we have managed to reduce the prices of 40 essential items by 8 per cent. With the planned expansion of the Sathosa network, we aim to create more touchpoints where the public can buy necessities at reasonable prices,” Samarasinghe stated.
The government’s strategy of expanding the Sathosa network is part of a broader effort to tackle inflation and improve access to essential goods across the country, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
With the new outlets, the government hopes to strengthen its presence in local markets and provide consumers with more options to purchase products at controlled prices.
January 19, Colombo (LNW): In a stunning display of dominance, Sri Lanka secured a commanding 139-run victory over hosts Malaysia in their opening match of the Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia, playing their maiden game in the competition, were dismissed for a mere 23 runs in their chase, with Sri Lanka’s bowlers running riot to secure one of the most one-sided victories in recent memory.
Sri Lanka were put in to bat first, and they quickly set about building a competitive total, thanks to a blistering start from opener Sanjana Kavindi, who smashed 30 runs off just 13 balls.
Kavindi’s aggressive stroke play, along with a solid innings from No. 3 batter Dahami Sanethma (55 off 52), propelled Sri Lanka to 52 runs in the powerplay.
Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, including two in the 17th over, Sanethma remained composed and anchored the innings.
The lower order contributed valuable runs, with Hiruni Hansika adding 28 off 21 balls and Shashini Gimhani supporting with 13 off 7 balls, pushing Sri Lanka’s total to a formidable 162/6 by the end of their 20 overs.
In reply, Malaysia’s chase was derailed almost immediately, as Sri Lanka’s left-arm spinner Chamodi Praboda made an early breakthrough, taking two wickets in her second over to leave Malaysia reeling at 2 for 3.
The collapse continued unabated, with Malaysia tumbling to 14 for 5 and then 20 for 7.
Two wickets each from Manudi Nanayakkara and Limansa Thilakarathna further compounded Malaysia’s misery, while Praboda’s devastating spell of 4 overs, 2 runs, and 3 wickets (4-2-5-3) dismantled the host nation’s batting lineup.
Malaysia’s batting woes were evident as no player reached double figures, and six of their batters were dismissed for ducks, leaving them with a total of just 23 runs in response to Sri Lanka’s 162/6.
January 19, Colombo (LNW): Authorities have identified a major suspect connected to the seizure of Rs. 280 million in cash found at a residence in Kurunegala.
The suspect, known by the alias “Ran Malli,” is a notorious fugitive with strong ties to the infamous drug kingpin “Harak Kata,” a figure central to the island’s illegal drug trade.
The Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) revealed that the large sum of money is believed to be the proceeds from drug trafficking operations.
According to the Bureau, the funds were intended to be funnelled into a money-laundering scheme aimed at purchasing gemstones in Madagascar, a well-known method used by criminals to disguise the origin of illicit funds.
This seizure marks the largest amount of cash ever confiscated from a drug trafficker in Sri Lanka’s history, underscoring the scale of the operation and the sophisticated nature of the money-laundering activities.
A suspect was apprehended at the scene, and the investigation has since focused on tracking down the elusive Ran Malli, who is believed to have fled the country and is now reportedly hiding abroad.
Authorities are continuing their efforts to locate him, with international cooperation expected to play a key role in his capture.
The police are also intensifying their investigations to uncover additional connections between the suspect and the broader network of drug trafficking that spans both domestic and international borders.
January 19, World (LNW): VLC Media Player, the widely used open-source software developed by the non-profit organisation VideoLAN, has reached an impressive milestone of over 6 billion downloads worldwide.
In a major announcement at CES 2025, VideoLAN revealed that it will soon be launching a groundbreaking AI-powered subtitle feature, set to transform the viewing experience for users across the globe.
This new feature will allow VLC to automatically generate real-time subtitles and translations for any video, without the need for an internet connection or reliance on cloud-based services.
The AI functionality will operate using local, open-source models, ensuring that users can enjoy accurate subtitles and translations even in offline settings.
VideoLAN demonstrated the capability at CES, showcasing its seamless integration with the media player.
VideoLAN, which was originally conceived in 1996 by a group of students at École Centrale Paris as a project to stream video across their campus network, has grown into a global leader in free multimedia software.
Over the years, the organisation has expanded VLC across multiple operating systems and platforms, all while remaining ad-free and avoiding the use of any commercial revenue models or data collection practices.
Jean-Baptiste Kempf, the president of VideoLAN, shared his excitement about the increasing number of active users in a LinkedIn post, acknowledging the platform’s ability to thrive even in the face of growing competition from large streaming services.
He praised VLC’s unique position in the media player market, offering users a trusted and entirely free alternative.
The AI subtitle feature, which operates entirely offline, will help further set VLC apart by catering to users who may have limited or no internet access. However, VideoLAN has yet to confirm the official release date of this feature, leaving many eager to learn more.
The organisation has also indicated that more details will be shared in an upcoming blog post, which will outline the technical aspects and system requirements for running the AI-powered subtitles locally.
While the company has not disclosed the full list of supported languages, images from the CES presentation suggest that the feature will include translations in several languages, including German, Hebrew, Japanese, and French.
The anticipation surrounding this feature is palpable, as it promises to deliver an even more versatile and accessible experience for VLC’s broad user base.
January 19, World (LNW): TikTok has gone offline for users in the United States just hours before a new law banning the app was set to take effect.
A notice on the platform informed users that the ban had been enacted, rendering TikTok temporarily inaccessible to those within the US.
The message displayed to users stated, “You can’t use TikTok for now,” adding that discussions were ongoing with President Trump to find a resolution.
The statement suggested that once President Trump assumes office, there could be efforts to reinstate the platform.
This development follows an ultimatum issued by TikTok earlier in the week, warning that the platform would “go dark” unless the outgoing Biden administration provided clarity on whether the ban would be enforced.
The company had pressed for assurances that the ban, initially proposed by the Trump administration, would not come into effect immediately.
President-elect Donald Trump had previously indicated that, upon taking office, he would likely offer TikTok a 90-day grace period before any potential ban is enforced, allowing time for negotiations and potential solutions to be explored.
In addition to the app’s sudden offline status, users reported that TikTok had been removed from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in the United States.
Additionally, accessing TikTok.com led to an error message, with no videos available for viewing.
January 19, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to ensuring justice for all, particularly for those who have long been denied it due to corruption and favouritism in the judicial process.
Her comments were made during the official opening of the newly renovated Court of Appeal building yesterday (18), an event attended by a distinguished group of guests, including Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, and Chief Justice Murdu Fernando.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Amarasuriya highlighted that the renovation of the Court of Appeal building, which was fully funded by a generous donation from the People’s Republic of China, was not merely about upgrading physical infrastructure but about reaffirming the country’s commitment to delivering justice impartially and equitably.
“The investment in our judicial system, including the creation of modern facilities for the dispensation of justice, speaks volumes about our dedication to this nation and its people. This building stands as a symbol not just of architecture, but of justice, equality before the law, and the dignity of every citizen. Our country has suffered for far too long, with many being deprived of justice due to entrenched systems of rewards and sponsorships,” the Prime Minister stated. “Our goal is to address these deficiencies and build a system that guarantees fairness for everyone.”
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of restoring public confidence in the judiciary.
She underscored the need for judges to exercise their constitutional powers impartially, ensuring that justice is delivered fairly to all parties, without bias.
She also emphasised the critical need for the judicial system to be inclusive, particularly in addressing the needs of vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the disabled.
“All citizens, regardless of their status, should be able to trust the judicial system. It is imperative that we ensure no one faces obstacles or intimidation in their pursuit of justice. For those who have suffered for years in their search for fairness, we are committed to providing a system where they are treated with dignity and respect,” Dr. Amarasuriya continued. “We will ensure that the judiciary protects the rights of all individuals, safeguarding their mental and emotional well-being as they seek justice or defend their rights.”
The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to express gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for their invaluable support in enhancing Sri Lanka’s justice system.
“This generous contribution will help us take another significant step towards ensuring equal access to justice for all Sri Lankans,” Amarasuriya emphasised.
The event was graced by several prominent figures, including Ambassador Qi Zhenhong, Chief Justice Fernando, and a number of other distinguished invitees.
January 19, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has hailed the deepening of bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and China, describing it as the dawn of a new chapter.
In a recent interview with Chinese media outlet Xinhua, the president expressed optimism about the future of the two nations’ partnership, following his state visit to China from Tuesday to Friday, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
This trip marked Dissanayake’s first visit to China since assuming office in September.
Reflecting on his past experiences, President Dissanayake remarked that his first visit to Beijing was in 2004, and he was astounded by the remarkable transformation he witnessed on his return after two decades.
“Returning after 20 years, the changes are immense. China’s development is truly impressive,” he noted.
Over the 68 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China and Sri Lanka have built a strong and lasting relationship, rooted in mutual respect, cooperation, and assistance.
Their strategic partnership continues to grow, with collaboration spanning numerous sectors such as infrastructure, trade, and social welfare.
During his visit, Dissanayake held talks with President Xi Jinping on Wednesday, followed by the signing of multiple agreements to further enhance cooperation in areas such as the Belt and Road Initiative, agriculture, social welfare, and media development.
The agreements are expected to strengthen the partnership between the two nations and pave the way for future growth.
Sri Lanka, according to Dissanayake, faces several significant challenges, including reducing poverty, advancing technology, and developing infrastructure.
He emphasised China’s crucial role in helping Sri Lanka address these issues, drawing inspiration from China’s people-centred development model.
“I have observed that the Chinese government places a strong focus on its people’s needs. Likewise, the Sri Lankan government is committed to serving its citizens,” Dissanayake commented.
The president also took the opportunity to commend China’s remarkable success in poverty alleviation, calling it a global model.
“China’s experience in lifting millions out of poverty has been lauded by the United Nations and is something Sri Lanka can learn from. I plan to visit rural areas in China to understand how local farmers have overcome poverty,” Dissanayake shared.
One of the highlights of his visit was his tour of the Museum of the Communist Party of China, which showcases the country’s incredible journey of overcoming challenges and achieving prosperity.
“The exhibition was enlightening. It provides valuable insights into China’s development that can benefit not only the Chinese people but also other nations like Sri Lanka,” he added.
The two nations have also made notable strides in the Belt and Road Initiative, with Chinese companies having invested in significant infrastructure projects across Sri Lanka.
These include the construction of ports, highways, railways, hospitals, and power plants, all of which have helped improve the country’s infrastructure, attract foreign investment, and create jobs for local communities.
Sri Lanka benefits greatly from its economic ties with China, which remains one of the island nation’s largest trade partners and a major source of foreign investment and development aid.
Amongst the key projects under the Belt and Road framework are the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port, which Dissanayake believes will bring substantial long-term economic benefits to Sri Lanka.
“These projects are a testament to the strength of our partnership and will undoubtedly contribute to the country’s economic prosperity,” he remarked.
Dissanayake also addressed concerns raised by some Western media outlets, which have suggested that China’s involvement in Sri Lanka could lead to a “debt trap” or the militarisation of Sri Lankan ports.
He rejected these claims, asserting that developing nations like Sri Lanka need external investment and loans to advance their economies.
“Such assistance should not be viewed negatively. The Global South requires development, and that can only be achieved through collaboration with external partners,” he stated.
Looking forward, the Sri Lankan President expressed his hopes of attracting more Chinese investments and tourists to Sri Lanka.
With China being Sri Lanka’s fourth-largest source of tourists, the president highlighted efforts to boost tourism, including launching promotional campaigns and simplifying the visa process.
Additionally, Sri Lanka plans to introduce more direct flights to cater to the growing demand from Chinese travellers.
“Sri Lanka and China both have rich cultural heritages and long histories of people-to-people exchanges. I am confident that Chinese tourists will enjoy their time in Sri Lanka and discover the beauty of our island,” he concluded.
January 19, Colombo (LNW): The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued a series of early warnings for landslides in several districts, as heavy rain continues to affect large parts of the island.
These warnings are in effect until 8.00 a.m. tomorrow (20).
The organisation has categorised the warnings by severity, with a Level 1 (Yellow) warning now in place for multiple areas in the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, and Matale.
These areas have been identified as particularly vulnerable to potential landslides due to the ongoing heavy rainfall. The affected Divisional Secretariat Divisions (DSDs) and their surrounding regions include:
Badulla District: Badulla, Passara, and Hali Ela DSDs and nearby areas.
Kandy District: Medadumbara, Pathadumbara, and Doluwa DSDs, along with surrounding areas.
Kurunegala District: Rideegama DSD and neighbouring regions.
Matale District: Laggala Pallegama, Ambanganga Korale, Pallepola, Matale, and Naula DSDs, including nearby areas.
In addition, a more serious Level 2 (Orange) warning has been issued for certain parts of Kandy and Matale. These regions face an increased risk due to the continuous rainfall, and the following areas have been highlighted as especially at risk:
Kandy District: Ududumbara DSD and its surrounding regions.
Matale District: Yatawatta, Ukuwela, Rattota, and Wilgamuwa DSDs, as well as the surrounding areas.
Local authorities have advised residents in the affected areas to be prepared for the possibility of landslides and take all necessary precautions.
Officials are also urging motorists to exercise extreme caution on roads that pass through hilly or unstable terrain.
