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.

January 19, Colombo (LNW): The Irrigation Department has issued an urgent flood warning for several low-lying regions within the Mahaweli River Basins, advising heightened vigilance until 7:30 a.m. on January 21, 2025.

Following significant rainfall over the past few days in various catchment areas of the Mahaweli River, water levels in the river are rising.

The department’s analysis of the rainfall data and current river conditions suggests an elevated risk of flooding in certain areas.

Low-lying regions along the Mahaweli River, particularly in the districts of Dimbulagala, Echchilampattai, Hingurakgoda, Kantalai, Kinniya, Koralai Pattu North, Lankapura, Medirigiriya, Muttur, Seruvila, Thamankaduwa, Thampalakamam, and Welikanda D/S Divisions, are most at risk.

Residents in these affected areas have been urged to remain on high alert, with the possibility of rising waters in the coming days.

Motorists are advised to exercise caution when travelling through these areas due to the heightened flood risk.

Authorities from the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) have been asked to ensure all necessary precautionary measures are in place, including preparedness for potential evacuations and the provision of emergency services.

Sri Lanka Police have confiscated Rs. 283.3 million in cash, marking the largest sum ever seized in connection with drug-related activities in the country, Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya announced during a media briefing.

The money was discovered concealed at a house in a rural area and is believed to have been generated through nationwide drug trafficking operations. According to the police, these operations were allegedly orchestrated from within a prison by a suspect currently serving time.

In addition to the cash, two vehicles linked to the suspect’s operations were also seized. Authorities have reported the confiscation to the Kurunegala Magistrate’s Court.

This operation underscores Sri Lanka Police’s intensified efforts to combat drug-related crimes and disrupt the financial networks sustaining illegal activities in the country.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake returned to Sri Lanka today following the successful completion of his four-day state visit to China.

On the final day of his visit, the President met with Wang Xiaohui, Secretary of the Communist Party of China for Sichuan Province, to discuss avenues for enhanced cooperation between Sri Lanka and Sichuan Province.

President Dissanayake also toured the Dongfang Electric Corporation in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, to explore potential collaborations in the energy sector.

Concluding his visit, the President explored the Shanqi Model Village, a showcase of sustainable rural development and revitalization initiatives. He also visited the National Science, Technology, and Agriculture Centre in Sichuan, highlighting Sri Lanka’s interest in adopting innovative approaches to rural development and technology-driven solutions.

The delegation accompanying the President included Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, and Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation, Bimal Rathnayake, who actively participated in the engagements.

The visit is expected to strengthen bilateral relations, focusing on economic, technological, and cultural exchanges, aligning with Sri Lanka’s development goals.