December 31, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has unveiled a special initiative aimed at curbing the rising levels of waste accumulation in Sri Lanka’s commercial capital.

This new effort comes as the city experiences a surge in waste generation, exacerbated by the influx of visitors, particularly during the festive season.

CMC Commissioner Palitha Nanayakkara has made an urgent appeal to the public, urging both residents and tourists to play an active role in waste management by ensuring proper disposal and reducing refuse where possible.

Nanayakkara emphasised the critical need for individuals to be more conscious of their environmental responsibilities, particularly those who visit Colombo from neighbouring areas for work or leisure.

“Colombo’s residents must take an active part in maintaining the cleanliness of their environment, while visitors should be especially mindful of their waste disposal habits. By prioritising the use of recyclable materials and being more responsible in their actions, the general public can assist the Colombo Municipal Council in reducing the city’s waste burden,” Nanayakkara said.

He highlighted that, with the cooperation of visitors, the city’s waste management system could be significantly eased, especially in the areas most affected by large crowds.

It is estimated that approximately 600,000 people flock to Colombo daily, adding substantial pressure on the city’s waste disposal systems.

This influx of people, particularly during peak times such as the New Year’s celebrations, results in large volumes of refuse being generated in public spaces, including key landmarks like Galle Face Green.

Despite the challenges posed by the large crowds, Nanayakkara assured the public that the CMC has made arrangements to swiftly clean up after major events.

He confirmed that waste collected from the Galle Face area on the night of December 31 would be promptly cleared once the festivities end, with the area expected to be fully cleaned by the early hours of January 01.

December 31, Colombo (LNW): The Cabinet of Ministers has given its formal approval to submit the Appropriation Bill for the financial year 2025 to Parliament, marking a significant step in the country’s fiscal planning for the coming year.

This decision, made during the Cabinet meeting on November 25, clears the way for the bill’s official presentation and subsequent approval by the legislature.

In accordance with the Cabinet’s directive, the legal draftsman has been tasked with preparing the necessary documentation for the Appropriation Bill.

Following the completion of this draft, the Attorney General’s office has provided the required legal clearance for the bill, ensuring that all procedures are in compliance with legal and constitutional requirements.

With the Attorney General’s approval in place, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who also serves as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, presented the proposal to the Cabinet.

The proposal outlines the next steps, which involve publishing the bill in the Government Gazette before it is officially tabled in Parliament for debate and approval.

The presentation of the Appropriation Bill to Parliament will be followed by a series of discussions, where lawmakers will scrutinise the allocations and potentially suggest amendments.

December 31, Colombo (LNW): The Supreme Court has ruled that the fundamental rights of students were violated by the government’s decision to grant free marks for three questions in the 2024 Grade 05 Scholarship Examination, which were allegedly leaked prior to the exam.

This ruling came after the Court considered multiple petitions filed by concerned parents and students, who argued that the decision to award these free marks compromised the fairness of the examination process.

In its verdict, the Court ordered the Commissioner General of Examinations to immediately implement one of the three recommendations proposed by an expert committee that had been appointed to investigate the matter.

The recommendations were made to address the issues raised regarding the alleged leak of examination questions.

Additionally, the Supreme Court bench, which consisted of Justices Yasantha Kodagoda, Kumuduni Wickremesinghe, and Arjuna Obeysekara, ordered two individuals implicated in the leaking of the exam questions to compensate the government for their roles in the scandal.

The Director of the Planning Division at the National Institute of Education (NIE), I.G.S. Prematilake, was ordered to pay Rs. 3 million, while schoolteacher Chaminda Kumara Ilangasinghe was instructed to pay Rs. 2 million.

Both individuals had been arrested as part of the investigation conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) following the discovery of the leak.

The controversy began when allegations emerged that three questions from one of the papers in the 2024 Grade 05 Scholarship Examination had been leaked in advance.

An investigation was promptly launched by the Department of Examinations, which was later handed over to the CID for further scrutiny.

The investigations revealed that only three questions had been compromised, contrary to claims made by some parents and media outlets that the entire paper had been leaked.

Despite the finding that only three questions were affected, the situation sparked widespread public outcry, leading to protests and press conferences organised by concerned parents.

In response to these developments, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was petitioned by the parents to intervene, prompting the suspension of the evaluation of answer sheets until the matter was fully investigated.

In a controversial move, the government had decided to grant free marks for the three questions allegedly leaked in the exam, a decision that many felt undermined the integrity of the examination process.

This decision, however, was challenged in court by a group of parents and students, who contended that their fundamental rights to a fair education were being violated.

On October 14, the Commissioner General of Examinations, Amith Jayasundara, confirmed that there would be no re-conducting of the exam, but the free marks for the three disputed questions would be given to all students.

This decision, however, did not sit well with those questioning the fairness of the process, and in November, the Supreme Court issued an interim order halting the release of the examination results until the legal matter had been fully addressed.

December 31, Colombo (LNW): Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has assured the public and the media industry that the new government has no intention of imposing restrictions on the media.

His comments came during a productive discussion with representatives from the Sri Lanka Broadcasters’ Guild, held at the Ministry of Mass Media.

The meeting, which focused on addressing the concerns and proposals of the Guild, provided an opportunity for broadcasters to voice their issues and for the Minister to offer insights into the government’s stance on media freedom.

Dr. Jayatissa used the occasion to highlight the government’s commitment to fostering a balanced and cooperative relationship with the media.

One of the key points raised by the Minister during the discussion was the acknowledgment of existing gaps in the laws governing the media.

He recognised that certain legislative frameworks currently in place may hinder the media’s ability to operate optimally and assured the Guild that the government was keen to address these deficiencies.

Emphasising a collaborative approach, Dr. Jayatissa stated that both the media and the government must work together in a spirit of mutual respect and understanding.

He assured the Guild that the government takes full responsibility for ensuring that the media operates in a manner that serves the public’s best interests, without compromising freedom of expression.

The Minister also touched upon the Ministry of Mass Media’s previous challenges, acknowledging that the institution had fallen into a state of ineffectiveness in recent years.

He made it clear that restoring the Ministry to its rightful role as an active and influential body within the government was a top priority for the current administration.

Officials from the Sri Lanka Broadcasters’ Guild took the opportunity to request the Minister’s support in creating an environment that guarantees media independence and freedom.

They emphasised the importance of protecting the autonomy of the media, which they believe is vital for the healthy functioning of democracy.

Dr. Jayatissa concluded the meeting by assuring the representatives that the government would work tirelessly to maintain an open, fair, and responsible media landscape in Sri Lanka, free from unnecessary restrictions.

December 31, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Police have announced the implementation of a special traffic management plan in Colombo, designed to facilitate the smooth flow of vehicles and pedestrians around Galle Face Green as large crowds gather to ring in the New Year.

The bustling Galle Face area is expected to see a significant influx of revelers this evening, and authorities are taking proactive measures to manage the anticipated surge in visitors.

Senior Superintendent of Police and Police Spokesperson, Buddhika Manatunga, confirmed that the plan will affect several key police divisions, including Pettah, Kompanna Veediya, Maradana, Colpetty, Bambalapitiya, and Kurunduwatta.

With these areas expected to be major entry and exit points for those heading to Galle Face, the authorities are advising motorists and pedestrians to be prepared for potential delays and diversions.

In a bid to alleviate congestion and ensure safety, the police have recommended that visitors to the Galle Face celebrations park their vehicles in designated parking areas in Maradana, Colpetty, Bambalapitiya, and Kurunduwatta.

These areas have been identified as convenient spots from which attendees can make their way to Galle Face on foot, as vehicles will be restricted closer to the event site due to the large crowds expected.

The traffic plan is a precautionary measure to avoid gridlock and ensure public safety, with a particular focus on crowd control and managing the flow of traffic in and around the city centre.

As Colombo prepares to usher in the New Year with celebrations at Galle Face, the police are urging all citizens to cooperate with the traffic plan and follow the guidance of officers on duty.

Authorities also reminded the public to remain vigilant and exercise caution when travelling, particularly as the celebrations continue late into the night.

December 31, Colombo (LNW): The University Grants Commission (UGC) has received the green light to proceed with the recruitment of new lecturers for Sri Lanka’s state universities, following a series of high-level discussions with the government.

The approval comes in response to the pressing shortage of academic staff across various institutions, exacerbated by a significant number of lecturers leaving the country for overseas opportunities in recent years.

Professor Kapila Seneviratne, Chairman of the UGC, confirmed that the decision was made after two rounds of talks with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The discussions focused on addressing the growing gap in faculty numbers, particularly as many experienced lecturers have sought opportunities abroad, leaving critical teaching positions unfilled.

In light of this, the government has agreed to approve the recruitment of new lecturers to fill 50 per cent of the current vacancies across the state university system.

This move is particularly significant for the newly established medical faculties, which are facing an acute shortage of qualified academic staff.

These faculties, essential to the country’s growing healthcare needs, have been struggling to recruit sufficient lecturers to maintain the quality of education and training for aspiring medical professionals.

Professor Seneviratne expressed optimism that this new hiring initiative would go a long way in alleviating the staff shortages, ensuring that the universities can continue to provide quality education to students across Sri Lanka.

He noted that the recruitment process will focus not only on filling existing vacancies but also on attracting talented academics to bolster the teaching capacity of the nation’s higher education institutions.

By: Isuru Parakrama

December 31, Colombo (LNW): The official YouTube channel of the Sri Lanka Police has fallen victim to a suspected hacking incident, leaving the platform compromised and inaccessible to the public.

The channel, which is typically used to share important updates, public safety messages, and videos related to law enforcement activities, is now displaying unauthorised content that was uploaded without the approval of the police force.

The breach was first noticed when viewers attempted to access the channel, only to find that it was no longer under the control of the authorities.

Instead, unfamiliar and potentially malicious material had been posted, raising serious concerns about the security of the platform and the sensitive nature of the compromised content.

In response, Sri Lankan authorities have swiftly launched an investigation to determine the identity of the hackers responsible for the attack and to regain control of the channel.

Cybersecurity experts are being consulted to assess the extent of the breach and to put measures in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.

By: Isuru Parakrama

December 31, Colombo (LNW): Showery weather condition is expected to continue further over Northern, North-central, Eastern and Uva provinces for next few days, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (31).

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Northern, North-Central, Eastern and Uva provinces and in Matale district.

Fairly heavy showers above 75 mm can be expected at some places in Eastern and Uva provinces and in Matale and Polonnaruwa districts.  

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

Fairly heavy showers above 75 mm can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces.  

Fairly strong winds of (30-35) kmph can be expected at times over Northern, Eastern, North-central and North-western provinces.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Southern provinces 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:

1. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to take immediate action against drug trafficking and underworld activities in prisons: He emphasised expediting legal proceedings for involved inmates, proposed online methods for judicial processes, and called for improved infrastructure: The meeting also addressed the involvement of officials in irregular activities, with directives for disciplinary and legal actions, and discussed filling vacancies in the Government Analyst’s Department.
   
2. Attorney-at-Law Ravindra Manoj Gamage has been appointed as the official spokesperson for former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, effective from December 20, 2024: The appointment letter was handed over at Rajapaksa’s official residence in Colombo 07.
   
3. Former Tourism Minister Harin Fernando was involved in an altercation at the CH & FC Club in Colombo, where he was heard swearing and yelling before being escorted out, drawing boos from other guests: A video of the incident was edited to remove swear words to meet social media standards: The Cinnamon Gardens Police confirmed no complaints had been lodged: Fernando, who has faced controversy in recent times, is experiencing a decline in public trust.
   
4. Sri Lanka Police announced a special traffic plan for Colombo on New Year’s Eve, anticipating heavy crowds and vehicles at Galle Face Green to celebrate the arrival of 2025: The plan aims to alleviate traffic congestion in areas like Pettah, Fort, Kompanna Vidiya, and others: Parking will be restricted on Galle Central Road, with vehicles redirected to designated free and private parking areas.
   
5. A Gazette notification issued by Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, prohibits the use of children under 12 years old in food advertising, effective January 1, 2025: This regulation, made in consultation with the Food Advisory Committee under the Food Act, No. 26 of 1980, amends the Food (Labelling and Advertising) Regulations 2022, as previously updated in December 2023.
   
6. To support vulnerable schoolchildren affected by the economic crisis, the government has decided to provide a Rs. 6,000 allowance for purchasing school stationery at the start of the 2025 school year: A survey revealed that 55% of schoolchildren, especially in rural and estate areas, have been impacted, with many reducing or stopping stationery purchases: Funds will be disbursed through Aswesuma bank accounts, and further allocations will be made in 2025 to extend the allowance to other eligible children: This initiative aims to ease the financial burden on parents and ensure educational continuity.
   
7. Colombo Chief Magistrate Thilina Gamage has requested the Judicial Service Commission to appoint another magistrate to handle the bribery case involving his brother, former Provincial Council member Salochana Gamage, arrested for allegedly accepting a Rs. 9 million bribe: Gamage emphasised it would be inappropriate for him to preside over the case and clarified that neither he nor the court were involved: Salochana Gamage and another individual were remanded until January 6, 2025.
   
8. The Parliament of Sri Lanka has announced the call for applications for the appointment of members to the National Commission on Women under the Women Empowerment Act No. 37 of 2024: The Constitutional Council seeks applicants with proven knowledge and experience in various fields: Applications and nominations must be submitted by January 20, 2025, via registered post or email to the Constitutional Council: Forms are available on the Parliamentary website.
   
9. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed new commanders for the Sri Lankan Army and Navy: Major General Lasantha Rodrigo has been named the 25th Commander of the Sri Lankan Army, succeeding Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, who retires today (31): Rear Admiral Kanchana Banagoda has been appointed the 26th Commander of the Sri Lankan Navy, replacing Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, who is set to retire today (31).
   
10. New Zealand secured a 45-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second Twenty20 at Mount Maunganui, taking a 2-0 lead in the three-match series: New Zealand posted 186-5, with Mitchell Hay’s 41* off 19 balls, while Jacob Duffy claimed 4 wickets for 15 runs: Sri Lanka, chasing 187, were all out for 141, with Duffy dismissing key batsmen Kusal Perera (48) and Pathum Nissanka (37): Sri Lanka struggled with New Zealand’s bouncy pitches, and despite a steady start, they collapsed after key wickets fell, including Perera and Nissanka.