September 15, Colombo (LNW): Four officers and twenty-eight sailors who successfully completed the 28th Rapid Action Boat Squadron (RABS) Qualifying Course were awarded their insignia at a ceremony on 14th September 2024.

The event took place at the RABS Headquarters in Gagewadiya, Puttalam, with Director General Operations, Rear Admiral Nishantha Peiris, serving as the Chief Guest.

Over seven months of rigorous training, the participants refined their skills in small boat operations, lifesaving, and rescue missions, with a focus on responding to disaster scenarios.

Their training encompassed both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice, ensuring they are fully prepared for a wide range of maritime challenges.

In recognition of their exceptional performance, several trainees received special awards. Sub Lieutenant GLS Jayaruwan was honoured with both the Best Trainee and Best Lifesaver awards, demonstrating outstanding proficiency throughout the course.

Able Seaman JMPGPD Jayasekara also stood out, earning accolades for Best Boat Handler and Best Physical Fitness. Rear Admiral Peiris, representing the Commander of the Navy, presented these awards.

In his address to the newly qualified personnel, Rear Admiral Peiris congratulated them on their accomplishments and emphasised the crucial role of RABS, even during peacetime.

He highlighted the squadron’s responsibility in safeguarding coastal territories and combating nontraditional maritime threats, including human smuggling and drug trafficking.

Additionally, he underscored RABS’s readiness to act as a vital lifesaving force during natural disasters, such as floods and landslides, showcasing their importance in both national security and humanitarian assistance.

The ceremony concluded with a display of the skills acquired during their training. The newly qualified sailors demonstrated their battle drills and lifesaving techniques, underscoring the squadron’s capabilities in handling complex maritime scenarios.

The Sri Lanka Air Force also contributed to the demonstration with a Bell 212 helicopter, enhancing the display of coordinated maritime operations.

RABS, established in 2007 under the motto “Victory Beyond Infinity,” has a storied history, having played a crucial role in the Humanitarian Operation that helped bring an end to decades of conflict.

The squadron was instrumental in neutralising the Sea Tiger threat and ensuring secure navigation in the northern and eastern seas of Sri Lanka.

Today, RABS continues to address emerging maritime challenges, actively working to prevent illegal activities within Sri Lankan waters and standing ready to support disaster relief efforts in collaboration with the Disaster Management Centre.

The ceremony was attended by the Commanding Officer of RABS, Captain Nadun Ranaweera, officers from Navy Headquarters and Northwestern Naval Command, as well as the proud families of the graduating trainees, marking a significant milestone in the careers of these naval personnel.

September 15, Colombo (LNW): The Cabinet has given the green light for the development of floating solar power projects on key reservoirs overseen by the Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority.

This initiative marks a significant step in the country’s transition towards renewable energy, aiming to harness solar power on a large scale.

The projects will be implemented on three major reservoirs: Randenigala, Moragahakanda, and Kalawewa.

These sites were selected based on extensive feasibility studies carried out by the Mahaweli Authority, which identified them as optimal locations due to their vast surface areas and strategic positioning.

The reservoirs’ expansive water surfaces provide ideal conditions for floating solar installations, which can help reduce water evaporation while generating clean energy.

The deployment of floating solar panels is considered a progressive solution in the renewable energy sector.

It not only utilises existing water bodies to generate power but also minimises the land usage typically required for solar farms.

Additionally, the cooler environment over the water is expected to enhance the efficiency of the solar panels, further boosting energy production.

Once operational, these floating solar power projects are expected to contribute significantly to the national grid, supporting the country’s growing energy needs while promoting environmental sustainability.

September 15, Colombo (LNW): The Election Commission has reported a total of 4,031 complaints related to the presidential election, highlighting growing concerns over the electoral process.

Within the last 24 hours alone, 203 new grievances were submitted to the commission, indicating heightened public vigilance as the election progresses.

In its statement, the commission detailed that 3,916 of these complaints pertained to violations of election laws.

These include allegations of improper campaigning, misuse of state resources, and procedural irregularities, all of which are seen as undermining the integrity of the electoral process.

Additionally, 29 reports of violent incidents have been recorded, pointing to sporadic tensions that have emerged during the election period.

On Saturday, the Chairman of the Election Commission, R.M.A.L. Rathnayake, acknowledged a noticeable rise in the volume of complaints this election year.

While emphasising the importance of maintaining a free and fair electoral environment, Rathnayake called on all stakeholders to adhere strictly to the rules governing the election.

The commission has pledged to thoroughly investigate each complaint and take necessary action to uphold the democratic process.

Authorities are working to address these issues promptly, ensuring that any breaches of conduct are dealt with appropriately to preserve the legitimacy of the election outcome.

September 15, Colombo (LNW): A comprehensive security programme has been introduced to ensure safety and stability during and after the upcoming presidential election.

This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Public Security, involves collaboration with all key security agencies to formulate a robust strategy aimed at addressing any potential challenges throughout the electoral process.

In anticipation of various scenarios that could unfold, the programme is designed to be both preventative and responsive.

Measures have been laid out to mitigate risks and maintain order, thereby providing a secure environment for voters and officials alike.

The Ministry has emphasised that this plan encompasses the entire electoral timeline, from the pre-election period to the days following the polls, ensuring a seamless transition regardless of the election’s outcome.

Moreover, the Ministry has announced that the tri-forces—army, navy, and air force—are on standby to support the police force as required.

This coordinated approach underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding the democratic process and ensuring that public order is maintained throughout this crucial period.

The authorities have urged the public to remain calm and cooperative, reassuring them that all necessary precautions are in place to manage any disturbances effectively.

September 15, Colombo (LNW): The United States has expressed its commitment to collaborating with the leader elected by the Sri Lankan people in the forthcoming presidential election.

US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, conveyed this message on the occasion of the International Day of Democracy. In a post on ‘X’, Chung underscored the importance of key democratic principles, such as accountability, human rights, and justice, and emphasised that free and fair elections are at the heart of Sri Lanka’s democratic process.

Highlighting the significance of voter participation, she noted that this day serves as a reminder of the vital role that elections play in ensuring individuals have a voice in shaping their future. “No process is more essential to Sri Lanka’s democracy than free and fair elections,” Chung remarked.

She also reaffirmed that the United States is eager to work with the candidate whom Sri Lankan voters select to steer their country forward.

By: Isuru Parakrama

September 15, Colombo (LNW): The National Peoples Power (NPP) leader and presidential candidate MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake said certain parties place political figures of rival political ideologies on stage to match the audience of the electorate in which they hold public rallies, in a bid to collect votes.

Speaking at a rally held in Mirigama yesterday (14) evening, Dissanayake emphasised that the NPP remains as the sole political party which holds on to the same narrative of developing the country, regardless of the audience, thereby dismissing propaganda influenced by ethnic and racial differences.

Dissanayake alleged that this tactic is deliberate, in what he described as a move used by political rivals to collect votes of different ethnicities.

The NPP presidential candidate further criticised the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) for inciting racial unrest against his party by setting Sri Lanka’s cultural values as bait, in what he described as a reflection of the same racist propaganda undertaken for the victory of ousted president Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2019.

Dissanayake pointed out that there is no difference between the two approaches, suggesting that politics influenced by racial or religious tendencies must be eradicated.

He further debunked the speculation that a future NPP government will cancel religious and cultural events because it has no interest in a society in which religious and cultural values are excluded, and asserted that his party believes in equality for all.

September 15, Colombo (LNW): Residents in several areas of Kandy are advised to prepare for a two-day water supply disruption starting from 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, 28 September.

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) announced the interruption, which will last until 6:00 p.m. on 30 September, citing maintenance work by the Mahaweli Authority at the Polgolla diversion dam as the cause.

The Mahaweli Authority’s scheduled water drawdown at the Polgolla diversion dam necessitates this temporary suspension of water services.

This planned operation is part of essential maintenance to ensure the long-term efficiency and safety of the region’s water infrastructure.

Residents in the affected areas are strongly advised to store an adequate water supply to meet their needs during this period.

The NWSDB has also indicated that all efforts will be made to minimise the inconvenience to consumers. Crews will work diligently to ensure that the supply is restored as promptly as possible once the drawdown activities are completed.

However, some residual delays might occur as water pressure is gradually restored across the network.

September 15, Colombo (LNW): A back-up helicopter escorting President Ranil Wickremesinghe was forced to make an emergency landing on Saturday, prompting an investigation into the incident.

The Sri Lanka Air Force’s Bell 412 (SUH 522) made an unexpected landing in a paddy field in Eppawala due to an unspecified technical issue.

The helicopter, acting as a support unit during the President’s travel, was able to land safely without causing any injuries or property damage.

Local authorities reported that the situation was managed efficiently, with the crew and aircraft remaining unharmed.

Approximately an hour after the landing, the helicopter was cleared to fly back to Colombo, suggesting that the technical issue was either resolved or deemed non-critical enough to warrant a return flight.

The Sri Lanka Air Force has since launched a thorough investigation to identify the cause of the emergency landing. Technical experts are expected to inspect the helicopter to determine whether a mechanical fault, environmental factors, or pilot-related issues led to the unplanned descent.

The incident has raised questions about the preparedness and maintenance of aircraft within the Presidential fleet, although preliminary reports indicate that standard safety protocols were followed effectively.

September 15, Colombo (LNW): Nineteen Indian fishermen detained in Sri Lanka have returned safely to Chennai, according to a statement from the Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka.

Their release comes amidst rising tensions in Tamil Nadu, where fishermen and villagers in Tharuvaikulam, Thoothukudi district, staged a one-day hunger strike earlier in the week, demanding the release of 22 fishermen who had been “arrested” by the Sri Lankan Navy.

The Indian Embassy confirmed the repatriation via a post on social media platform ‘X’, stating, “Returning home to India! 19 Indian fishermen have been safely repatriated from Sri Lanka and are on their way back to Chennai.”

Protesters, including Murugan, a member of the local fishing community, have called on both the central and state governments to intervene further.

They are seeking not only the cancellation of fines imposed by the Sri Lankan court on the detained fishermen but also the recovery of two powerboats seized during the incident.

“The Sri Lankan Navy arrested 22 fishermen who had gone fishing in two boats last month from Tharuvaikulam, Tuticorin district, claiming that they had entered Sri Lankan territory,” explained Murugan.

The fishermen were then transferred to the Kalpiti Fisheries Department and later appeared before the Puttalam District Kalpitiya Tourism Court, which remanded them to Wariyapola Jail while their trial is ongoing.

The situation has escalated as the Sri Lankan court has demanded a hefty fine of Rs 42 lakh (approximately Rs 1.5 crore in Sri Lankan currency) from 12 of the fishermen on one of the boats.

Failure to pay this fine could result in a six-month prison sentence, a penalty that has prompted further outrage and calls for relief from the fishing community and political leaders in Tamil Nadu.

This incident is not isolated. Earlier in September, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin reported that 14 fishermen from the Pudukkottai District, along with their three mechanised fishing boats, were also detained by the Sri Lankan Navy.

These recurring arrests have strained the already delicate maritime relations between India and Sri Lanka, leading to increased pressure on authorities to address the disputes over territorial waters and ensure the safety and livelihood of the fishermen involved.

The return of the 19 fishermen to Chennai has provided some relief, but the demand for the release of the remaining 22 fishermen and the cancellation of the fines remains a pressing issue.

As both governments continue to navigate this complex situation, the fishing communities on both sides of the Palk Strait are looking for a long-term resolution to prevent future conflicts.