January 14, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Public Security has confirmed that efforts are underway to significantly accelerate the passport issuance process, with plans to issue up to 2,500 passports per day.

This move comes as part of a broader initiative to address the growing demand for passports and streamline the application procedure.

Minister Ananda Wijepala explained that the previous daily output of 1,100 passports was insufficient to meet the increasing needs of citizens.

“We have now put measures in place to increase the daily issuance of passports to 2,500. This is a significant boost to ensure that citizens are not facing unnecessary delays,” the Minister stated.

Responding to concerns raised by the public regarding long waiting periods, particularly for those who have been waiting for up to three months, Minister Wijepala assured that provisions had been made for urgent cases.

“For individuals who need to travel abroad at short notice, we have introduced a special channel for expedited passport processing. This will allow those in urgent need to receive their passports without delay,” he added.

He further explained that applications submitted through this expedited channel would be reviewed by a dedicated committee, which would prioritise these cases and take all necessary steps to ensure that passports are issued as swiftly as possible.

“We are committed to ensuring that no one is left waiting when they urgently need to travel,” the Minister emphasised.

This new initiative is expected to alleviate the passport backlog and offer a more efficient service to the public, particularly for those with pressing travel needs.

January 14, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) Chairman Koshala Wickremasinghe has revealed that the country lost access to 10,000 job opportunities in the Israeli agricultural sector due to the actions of unqualified individuals sent under the previous government.

These individuals, who were placed in jobs without meeting the necessary requirements, violated their work agreements by abandoning their posts and seeking alternative employment, resulting in Israeli authorities revoking the job quota.

Wickremasinghe made these remarks in a special media briefing where he discussed the recent introduction of a physical fitness test for Sri Lankan workers hoping to secure agricultural positions in Israel.

He outlined the challenges Sri Lanka faced due to political interference in the past, where unfit workers were pushed into jobs without due process.

“For two years, approximately 5,000 people have been waiting for employment in Israel, after being promised jobs by politicians who also took money from them. These individuals were often brought to the Bureau in buses and vehicles, under pressure from political figures, without following proper procedures,” Wickremasinghe explained.

He stressed that such practices undermined the integrity of Sri Lanka’s job market, leading to the loss of employment opportunities abroad.

In response to this, the current administration has implemented necessary reforms to rectify the situation and ensure that only qualified and fit individuals are sent abroad for work.

Historically, Israel had granted Sri Lanka a job quota of around 10,000 agricultural positions.

However, only 2,000 workers were successfully dispatched to Israel. Unfortunately, many of these workers were not physically prepared for the demanding nature of agricultural work and vacated their positions without notice, prompting Israel to cancel the job quota altogether.

“Following extensive discussions with Israeli authorities, they have indicated a willingness to reconsider the job quota, provided that only physically fit and qualified workers are sent. In collaboration with the Sri Lankan Army and health authorities, we have developed a health and fitness programme that meets Israel’s stringent requirements. Over the past month and a half, we have made efforts to ensure potential workers understand and meet these health criteria,” said Wickremasinghe.

The SLBFE Chairman highlighted that many individuals had already invested money and effort to qualify for these positions, despite facing considerable hardships.

To ensure these workers are fit for the job, the Bureau introduced a series of medical and physical tests, including ECG screenings and a two-kilometre run that must be completed within 10 to 12 minutes.

Wickremasinghe addressed concerns raised by some job aspirants who found the physical examination too challenging, as well as the media’s portrayal of these complaints.

“Whilst some individuals have voiced their discontent with the physical fitness requirements, it is crucial to understand that Israel expects a certain level of strength and endurance from agricultural workers. Without meeting these standards, there is a real risk that Israel will once again cancel the job quota,” he warned.

The SLBFE Chairman reiterated the importance of sending only properly qualified and fit workers to Israel, stressing that doing so would not only restore the agricultural job opportunities but also pave the way for more Sri Lankans to secure similar positions in the future.

“It is our responsibility to ensure that the right people are sent for these jobs, and through these physical fitness activities, we hope to regain these vital employment opportunities for our citizens,” Wickremasinghe concluded.

January 14, Colombo (LNW): The annual Aluth Sahal Mangalyaya, or New Rice Festival, took place yesterday morning at the holy Temple of Tooth Relic, with ancient rituals marking the occasion.

This significant festival, which forms part of the four major religious celebrations held at the Temple of Tooth Relic each year, honours the first harvest of rice, a tradition dating back to the time of ancient kings.

The event was conducted under the guidance of the venerable Thera of Thewawa, the Chief Incumbent of Mahiyangana Rajamaha Viharaya, Ven. Urulawatte Dhammarakkhita Thera.

Also present at the ceremony was Diyawadana Nilame, Pradeep Nilanga Dela, who took part in the sacred rituals.

The New Rice Festival, held on the full moon day of January each year, is a key highlight of the religious calendar. During the festival, the first harvest of rice from the fields owned by the Dalada Maligawa is brought to the temple and offered to the sacred Tooth Relic as an act of devotion and thanksgiving.

This custom is believed to symbolise gratitude for the abundance of nature and the blessings bestowed upon the people by the divine.

The celebration of the New Rice Festival has been a cherished tradition for centuries, marking the beginning of the annual cycle of major religious festivals in Kandy.

These four grand festivals—starting with the New Rice Festival—are a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s cultural and religious heritage.

Following the New Rice Festival, the other prominent celebrations include the Sinhala and Tamil New Year Festival, the Esala Perahera, and the Kartika Festival, each rich in ritual and devotion.

As part of the day’s rituals, a special Buddha pooja was conducted, during which fresh rice was offered to the Sacred Tooth Relic. This sacred ceremony, guided by the Thera of Thewawa and supported by the Diyawadana Nilame, was a moment of spiritual significance for all involved, reaffirming the deep cultural and religious connection to the harvest and to the temple’s sacred traditions.

January 13, Colombo (LNW): Former Director of Agriculture, K.B. Gunaratne, has laid the blame for the current shortage of red raw rice squarely on the shoulders of a politician from the Southern Province, who was responsible for agriculture during the previous regime.

A series of politically motivated decisions made over the past six years have led to a severe lack of this essential staple, according to Gunaratne.

In a recent briefing in Kandy, Gunaratne explained that the crisis surrounding red raw rice was directly caused by the arbitrary actions of those in political power, which sidelined the needs of farmers in favour of fulfilling political agendas.

“For the past six years, the Agriculture Department was not serving the interests of the farmers but instead was working to fulfil the wishes of politicians,” he said.

Gunaratne further detailed how the people of the Southern Province, who traditionally consume red raw rice more than any other group in the country, were severely impacted by these decisions.

“At one point, there was an overwhelming demand for red raw rice, not only in the Southern Province but across the entire country,” he remarked, pointing out that the farmers had responded by cultivating the AT 362 rice variety in significant quantities.

“As a result, there was a large surplus of red raw rice, and farmers were even storing it,” he added.

However, according to Gunaratne, the situation took a turn for the worse when the government, under political pressure, distributed 20 kilogrammes of this surplus rice to families nationwide for free.

“What the political authorities did was to distribute large quantities of red raw rice to the people without considering the long-term effects. This is one of the key reasons we are now facing such a scarcity,” he said.

Following this, he claimed, the same authorities then advised farmers to shift their focus to cultivating Keeri Samba rice instead of red raw rice, further exacerbating the problem.

“This is the real story behind the shortage of red raw rice,” Gunaratne asserted.

The former director also lamented the lack of red raw rice available for one of the most significant festivals for the Tamil community, Thai Pongal, a time when the rice is traditionally used to prepare milk rice offerings to the gods.

“At this moment, there is no red raw milk rice to offer during the Thai Pongal festival. This situation is deeply troubling,” he said.

Looking ahead, Gunaratne warned that the ongoing shortage of red raw rice could persist well into next year, potentially lasting until August or September.

“Currently, the government is attempting to halt rice imports, but even if they bring in 100,000 metric tons, it will only be enough for around 10 to 11 days of consumption,” he explained.

He also cautioned that if the government fails to implement a comprehensive strategy to address the rice shortage, prices will continue to rise.

“If nothing is done, the price of Nadu rice could reach Rs. 330 to Rs. 350 per kilogramme, while Samba rice could climb to Rs. 380 to Rs. 400. Keeri Samba will also become more expensive, with prices potentially soaring past Rs. 450 per kilogramme,” Gunaratne predicted. “In addition, red raw rice may become completely unavailable.“

By: Isuru Parakrama

January 14, Colombo (LNW): The Telecommunication Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) has clarified that no mobile service provider has been granted permission to raise the prices of their phone packages.

In response to recent media reports, including those circulating on social platforms, the Commission has firmly denied any changes to the cost of mobile services.

Indrajith Handapangoda, Director of the TRCSL, explained that should any mobile operator attempt to implement an unauthorised price hike, the Commission would take immediate and decisive action, including the potential revocation of licences.

“If any such price adjustments occur, the Commission will not hesitate to revoke the licences of the companies involved and take legal steps in accordance with the TRCSL Act,” Handapangoda warned.

He further urged all consumers to report any instances where they experience an increase in the price of mobile packages.

“We encourage the public to come forward and provide us with details of any price hikes they may encounter. This will help us investigate and ensure that companies are adhering to the regulations,” the TRCSL Director stated.

Addressing the widespread misinformation, he assured that there was no substance to the claims being shared through various media channels.

After conducting inquiries with all registered mobile service providers, the Commission has received written confirmation from each company stating that no price increases have been implemented.

Handapangoda also cautioned the public not to fall for misleading information. “We strongly advise consumers not to be misled by false claims circulating in the media. These are baseless rumours with no factual basis,” he emphasised.

In response to the media outlets involved in spreading these unverified reports, Handapangoda confirmed that the Commission is taking steps to pursue legal action within the existing framework against journalists and media organisations responsible for disseminating falsehoods.

January 14, Colombo (LNW): In her message for Thai Pongal, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya underscored the deep significance of the festival in fostering gratitude, particularly towards nature, and highlighted its role in reinforcing the vital connection between humanity and the environment.

The Prime Minister described Thai Pongal as a time of reflection, where people come together to offer thanks to nature, especially the Sun God, for providing the essential energy that sustains agricultural activities throughout the year.

“This festival is an expression of gratitude for the vital role nature plays, particularly the Sun, which nourishes our crops and powers the cycle of sowing and harvest,” she stated in her message.

She further emphasised the deep interdependence between humanity and the natural world, stressing that it is only by recognising nature’s contributions that society can truly progress.

“We are, in essence, creations of nature. Our progress and well-being are inextricably linked to the environment around us. It is a basic human instinct to acknowledge and give thanks for the blessings nature bestows upon us,” the Prime Minister added.

With Sri Lanka currently grappling with significant challenges on multiple fronts, Prime Minister Amarasuriya pointed out that the country has a critical responsibility to embrace renewal in both attitude and action. She called for substantial structural and policy changes that recognise the importance of sustainability and respect for nature.

“At this crucial juncture, we must focus on transformative changes, not just in policies but also in our collective mindset. Acknowledging and respecting nature is key to this process of renewal,” she remarked.

Concluding her message, the Prime Minister extended her warmest wishes to the Tamil community in Sri Lanka and across the globe.

“To all those celebrating Thai Pongal, I offer my heartfelt greetings. May this joyous festival bring happiness, prosperity, and fulfilment to all,” she concluded.

Full Message:

“The Thai Pongal festival, celebrated annually by the Hindu community in January, embodies the noble values of appreciation and gratitude. This festival serves to express gratitude to nature, particularly to the Sun God, for providing the energy essential for agricultural activities from sowing to harvest.

As creations of nature, we cannot progress without acknowledging its role in our lives. It is a fundamental human quality to be grateful for the blessings we receive from nature. Sri Lanka stands at a critical juncture, with the significant responsibility of steering the nation toward a period of renewal. 

This requires structural, policy, and attitudinal changes. The government has undertaken this important process and is committed to transformative change. Acknowladge and repect nature is an important aspect of the transformation we are searching.

I warmly greet all Tamil people in Sri Lanka and worldwide who are celebrating Thai Pongal. May this festival bring joy and fulfillment to all.”

January 14, Colombo (LNW): As President Anura Kumara Dissanayake embarks on a State Visit to China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, five acting ministers have been appointed to manage key ministries in his absence.

The temporary appointments were announced by the President’s Media Division (PMD) and are designed to ensure the smooth continuation of government operations during the president’s official trip.

The acting ministers will take charge of several critical ministries directly overseen by the President, including the Ministry of Digital Economy, the Ministry of Defence, and the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development. Additionally, responsibilities for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, alongside the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, have also been temporarily delegated to other ministers.

The individuals appointed to these roles are as follows:

• Acting Minister of Digital Economy: Eranga Weeraratne, currently serving as the Deputy Minister of Digital Economy.
• Acting Minister of Defence: Aruna Jayasekera, Deputy Minister of Defence, who will assume the responsibilities of this vital portfolio.
• Acting Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development: Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, who will oversee financial and economic matters during this period.
• Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism: Arun Hemachandra, Deputy Minister of Foreign Employment, tasked with managing foreign relations and tourism matters.
• Acting Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation: Dr. Prasanna Kumara Gunasena, Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways, who will take on the critical role of overseeing transport infrastructure and aviation affairs.

January 14, Colombo (LNW): In his message for Thai Pongal, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has emphasised the festival’s profound cultural and spiritual importance, connecting it to Sri Lanka’s broader vision for environmental and societal rejuvenation.

Thai Pongal, celebrated primarily by the Tamil and Hindu communities around the world, marks a significant occasion to honour the forces of nature that contribute to the harvest.

“This festival is a time of thanksgiving, dedicated to the Sun, Earth, rain, and the cattle that play a vital role in ensuring a plentiful yield,” President Dissanayake stated, highlighting the agricultural origins of the celebration and its deep respect for the natural world.

He went on to explain that the festival is not only a recognition of nature’s contributions but also a symbol of renewal and coexistence.

“Beyond its agricultural roots, Thai Pongal represents a deeper spirit of renewal, and stands as a reminder of the need for harmony and peaceful coexistence within our communities,” the President observed.

The President also drew a parallel between the values inherent in Thai Pongal and Sri Lanka’s ongoing “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative. This national endeavour, which seeks to promote environmental sustainability and ethical progress, aligns closely with the themes of unity and rejuvenation celebrated during the festival.

“As our nation embraces the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative, it is clear that the values of Thai Pongal—renewal, gratitude, and harmony—are at the heart of this transformative effort,” he added.

In concluding his message, President Dissanayake called for collective action towards creating a sustainable and prosperous future for all Sri Lankans.

“I urge everyone to come together, united in purpose and dedication, to ensure that our nation thrives in peace and harmony. Let this Thai Pongal inspire us all to work towards a brighter, more optimistic future for generations to come.”

Full Statement:

“The Thai Pongal festival, also known as the “Harvest Festival,” is observed with profound reverence by Tamil and Hindu communities worldwide. This significant occasion is dedicated to expressing gratitude to the Sun, the Earth, rain, and cattle for their indispensable contributions to a bountiful harvest. 

This festival is celebrated on the first day of the month of “Thai” according to the Tamil calendar. The festival marks the commencement of the Sun’s northward journey, referred to as “Uttarayana.” Beyond its agricultural significance, Thai Pongal embodies the spirit of renewal and symbolizes the values of harmony and coexistence within human society, both internally and externally.

This celebration signifies not only a pivotal shift in direction but also underscores the importance of harmonious coexistence—both within society and with the environment. At a time when Sri Lanka has embarked on the transformative “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, aimed at fostering ecological and ethical progress, the values symbolized by Thai Pongal align profoundly with the objectives of this initiative, reflecting the inseparable bond between humanity and nature.

Thai Pongal serves as a source of cultural rejuvenation, instilling renewed hope and inspiration in our collective lives. As we embrace the New Year with renewed vigor and aspirations for a “beautiful life,” we are presented with a significant opportunity to collaborate toward building an environmentally conscious and culturally enriched society. 

By prioritizing sustainable development and championing lasting peace and unity, we reaffirm our commitment to leading with integrity, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to fulfilling our responsibilities to the nation and its people.

I invite everyone to come together with a shared sense of purpose and commitment to ensure the prosperity and well-being of our nation, cherishing the joy and happiness that enrich the lives of all Sri Lankans. May this Thai Pongal celebration be a blessing and a guiding light, inspiring hope and optimism for a brighter future.

I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans and Hindu devotees around the world for a prosperous and joyous Thai Pongal, filled with gratitude, harmony, and abundance!”

By: Isuru Parakrama

January 14, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Northern, Eastern, North-central, Uva and Southern provinces and in Matale and Nuwara-Eliya districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (14).

Fairly heavy showers about 75mm can be expected at some places in Eastern and Uva provinces and in Matale and Nuwara-Eliya districts.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places elsewhere during the afternoon or Night.

Fairly strong winds of (30-40) kmph can be expected at times over Northern, Eastern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Matara and Hambantota districts.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle, Matara and Badulla districts 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: