By: Isuru Parakrama

December 12, Colombo (LNW): The low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal is very likely to continue to move west-northwestwards slowly, towards the Tamil Nadu coast close to Northern Sri Lanka during the next 24 hours, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (12).

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Northern, North-central, Eastern, North-western and Western provinces. Fairly heavy showers about 75mm are likely at some places in Northern province.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places elsewhere during the evening or night.

Misty conditions can be expected in Central, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Uva provinces during the morning.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Marine Weather:

1. Minister of Fisheries Ramalingam Chandrasekaran stated that the Indo-Lanka fishing dispute will be addressed during President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s upcoming visit to India: Both countries have recently discussed the issue, and the minister emphasised the importance of mutual understanding: The Sri Lanka Navy has increased operations to arrest Tamil Nadu fisherfolk violating maritime boundaries, with the goal of finding an immediate resolution.
   
2. SJB MP Ajith P. Perera stated that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is considering a no-confidence motion against Speaker Ashoka Ranwala: The SJB Parliamentary Group will meet to discuss this option following controversy over Ranwala allegedly holding a fake doctoral title: The no-confidence motion will be considered as part of their response to the issue.
   
3. The Election Commission of Sri Lanka confirmed Faiszer Musthapha’s election as a Member of Parliament through the National List of the New Democratic Front (NDF) following the 2024 General Election: Musthapha was nominated for the remaining National List seat by the NDF, but a dispute has arisen within the coalition, with partners claiming the decision was made without their consultation: The NDF secured two National List seats, with the other filled by Ravi Karunanayake.
   
4. Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Public Administration has started the process of amending the law to cancel nominations from the previous local government election: Minister Prof. Chandana Abeyratne stated that the Legal Draftsman’s Department will handle the amendments, which aim to allow one million new candidates: The amendments will be submitted to Parliament after review by the Attorney General’s Department.
   
5. Agriculture Minister Lal Kantha announced that the government is willing to revisit discussions on exporting Toque Macaque monkeys to China as part of efforts to address the monkey menace affecting crops: He emphasised the need for both short- and long-term solutions to the issue, which includes the previous plan to export 100,000 monkeys, but was halted by a court petition.
   
6. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) reported to the Colombo Magistrate’s Court that over 2,000 complaints have been filed by depositors who lost money in the alleged pyramid scheme operated by Onmax DT, totalling Rs. 2.96 billion in losses: Nine suspects, including directors, have appeared in court, with three others wanted overseas: Investigations are ongoing, with properties identified abroad, and the court has instructed the CID to develop a reimbursement program for the victims: The next hearing is set for February 5, 2025.
   
7. The Public Utilities Commission (PUCSL) will announce its final decision on proposed electricity tariff revisions on January 17, 2025: Public consultations will begin on December 17, 2024, allowing citizens to submit feedback via email, WhatsApp, Facebook, or post until January 8, 2024: The Ceylon Electricity Board’s proposal aims for tariff revisions in January 2025.
   
8. Dr. T. Sathyamoorthy, Director of Jaffna Teaching Hospital, warned that MP Ramanathan Archchuna would be handed over to Jaffna Police if he disrupts hospital operations again: This follows a recent incident where the MP visited unannounced, disrupted staff duties, and demanded to be addressed as “Sir.” Sathyamoorthy declined and stated that further disruptions would lead to police involvement.
   
9. The death toll from an unidentified fever in Jaffna has risen to five, with victims aged 20 to 65 dying from fever and respiratory complications: Suspected to be leptospirosis, blood samples have been sent to Colombo for confirmation: Health authorities are conducting detailed investigations to identify the disease’s nature and are monitoring the situation closely to prevent further spread.
   
10. Sri Lankan cricketer Niroshan Dickwella’s three-year suspension for a doping violation has been reduced to three months following a successful appeal: Dickwella had tested positive for cocaine after the Lanka Premier League in July 2024: The appeals committee concluded the substance did not enhance performance and was consumed outside competition: As a result, Dickwella is now cleared to return to cricket immediately.

By: Isuru Parakrama

December 11, Colombo (LNW): The Attorney General has informed the Supreme Court that the Cabinet of Ministers has instructed the legal draftsman to amend the Local Government Elections (Special Provisions) Bill to facilitate the holding of the upcoming Local Government elections using the 2024 voters’ list.

The proposed amendments are aimed at ensuring that the young voters, who will be included in the updated register, are able to exercise their right to vote.

Deputy Solicitor General Nirmalan Vigneswaran made this statement on behalf of the Attorney General during the hearing of a Fundamental Rights petition, which sought a court order mandating the use of the 2024 voters’ list for the Local Government elections.

The petition was presented before a three-member bench of the Supreme Court, comprising Chief Justice Murdu Fernando, and Justices Arjuna Obeysekara and Priyantha Fernando.

The Deputy Solicitor General further informed the court that the Cabinet has also instructed amendments to allow the invalidation of previously submitted nominations for the elections, as well as the reopening of the nomination process to ensure fresh candidates are put forward.

During the proceedings, President’s Counsel Ali Sabry, representing the petitioners, requested the court to order the publication of advertisements in all three languages in newspapers, so that the general public could be informed and given an opportunity to intervene in this important case.

The Supreme Court bench granted the request and also instructed the petitioning party to issue notices to the respondents, including the Chairman of the Election Commission, to appear before the court.

The case was adjourned, with the Supreme Court scheduling the next hearing for 29th January 2025.