December 05, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan government has announced plans to launch an investigation into whether any members of the previous Parliament, or individuals closely connected to them, received liquor licences as part of political bribery schemes under the former regime.

A government spokesperson confirmed this move yesterday, following concerns raised by opposition figures.

Chief Government Whip Nalinda Jayatissa spoke to the media in Parliament, stating that the government would immediately commence an inquiry into the matter.

He clarified that while the liquor licences in question were not directly issued in the names of any MPs, it remains possible that these licences were obtained through proxies or for the benefit of their close associates.

“While none of the licences appear to be issued in the personal names of any MPs, it is highly likely that these individuals may have used others’ names or secured licences for their allies,” Dr. Jayatissa explained. “We are committed to investigating the situation fully to clarify all these concerns.”

The issue surfaced after Leader of the House, Bimal Ratnayake, revealed in Parliament that 361 liquor licences had been issued since January 1, 2024.

According to Ratnayake, these licences were distributed across various provinces, with the highest number being allocated to the Western Province, which received 110 licences.

Other provinces received varying numbers, including 48 for the Southern Province, 45 for the Central Province, and 30 each for the North Western, Sabaragamuwa, and Uva Provinces.

A breakdown of the licences revealed that a significant portion, around 172, were issued for wine stores under the FL 4 category.

These licences were distributed across multiple districts, with notable concentrations in Colombo, Gampaha, and other key urban areas.

In addition to these, licences were also issued to Sathosa outlets and some to the Chairman of Sathosa, as well as to several companies and individuals.

Minister Ratnayake has raised serious concerns about the motivations behind these licences, suggesting that they were part of a larger scheme of political bribery. His allegations are based on a comment made by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, which implied that such actions were politically motivated.

Ratnayake stressed that the distribution of these licences appeared to be an attempt to secure political favours in exchange for access to lucrative liquor trade privileges.

Should any MPs or officials be found to have engaged in corrupt practices, further legal action will be considered.

By: Isuru Parakrama

December 05, Colombo (LNW): The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has announced that air quality in several regions across Sri Lanka is expected to improve further in the coming days.

According to the latest data released by the CEA, the air quality index (AQI) across the country ranged from 44 to 106 as of 6:00 a.m. today (05), indicating a generally moderate air quality level.

Despite the overall positive trend, the CEA reported a slight decline in air quality in the capital, Colombo, where the AQI ranged between 98 and 106.

Whilst this still falls within the “moderate” category, it is a slight drop compared to the previous days.

In contrast, other areas across the island have seen an improvement, with air quality remaining in the moderate range, which is considered acceptable for the general population.

Notably, in Nuwara Eliya, a region known for its cooler and cleaner air, the air quality has returned to normal levels, following some recent fluctuations.

The CEA has assured the public that the overall air quality is expected to stabilise, thanks to favourable weather conditions, including reduced dust and pollutant levels.

December 05, Colombo (LNW): Donald Lu, the United States Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, has arrived in Sri Lanka today (05) as part of an official visit aimed at enhancing bilateral ties between the two nations.

Accompanied by a senior official from the U.S. Department of State, Lu touched down at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) at 2:55 a.m., aboard Qatar Airways flight QR-662, which had arrived from Doha.

Upon his arrival, Lu’s delegation was warmly welcomed by representatives from the U.S. Embassy in Colombo, as well as officials from Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The visit is expected to pave the way for strengthening cooperation between the United States and Sri Lanka in key areas such as economic growth, governance, and combating corruption.

During his stay in Sri Lanka, Lu will engage in discussions aimed at furthering joint efforts to promote sustainable economic development, bolster anti-corruption initiatives, and foster stronger people-to-people connections, according to a statement released by the U.S. Embassy.

The visit will see Lu joined by other prominent officials, including USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator Anjali Kaur and U.S. Department of the Treasury Deputy Assistant Secretary Robert Kaproth. Together, they will meet with Sri Lanka’s newly formed government and representatives from civil society.

The diplomatic talks are expected to focus on enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in support of Sri Lanka’s ongoing governance and economic reform agenda.

The U.S. delegation will explore ways to provide tailored technical assistance, capacity-building programmes, and development support to Sri Lanka as it strives to achieve its reform goals.

By: Isuru Parakrama

December 05, Colombo (LNW): The government has presented a vote on account to Parliament a short while ago, seeking approval for an expenditure of Rs. 1,403 billion (Rs. 1,402,886,263,000) to cover the period from January 01 to April 30, 2025.

The proposal, which was formally introduced by Deputy Minister of Economic Development Anil Jayantha, aims to secure the necessary funds for essential public services and ongoing government projects during the first four months of the year.

The vote on account is a critical financial measure, allowing the government to continue operations smoothly until the full national Budget is finalised and approved.

It covers a wide array of expenditures, from recurrent government spending to the allocation for development projects and services that the public relies on.

Deputy Minister Jayantha presented the request to Parliament earlier today, noting that the funds would be essential in ensuring that the government meets its financial obligations and maintains stability during the early months of 2025.

The Parliamentary debate on the Vote on Account is currently ongoing.

December 05, Colombo (LNW): Renuka Perera, the Administrative Secretary of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), has been taken into custody by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with allegations of spreading false information.

The arrest follows claims that Perera had posted misleading content related to the ‘Mahaviru’ commemorations in the Northern Province on social media platforms.

According to police sources, Perera is accused of sharing unverified and potentially harmful details about the annual remembrance events, which are held to honour the fallen soldiers of the Tamil militant group during the civil conflict.

The posts in question allegedly misrepresented key aspects of the commemorations, leading to concerns about the possible incitement of unrest or public confusion.

December 05, Colombo (LNW): Leader of the House Minister Bimal Rathnayake confirmed that the revised terms of Sri Lanka’s agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will be featured in the upcoming national Budget.

Rathnayake made these remarks during a parliamentary debate on the government’s policy statement, where he addressed a range of critical economic issues.

He explained that, as part of the government’s ongoing commitment to working within the framework of the IMF over the next three years, necessary revisions have been made to the existing agreement.

“We have always been clear about the need to operate within the framework of the IMF, and yes, we have undertaken revisions to the agreement. These changes have been discussed and finalised with the IMF, and the people of Sri Lanka will learn about these revised terms when the Budget is presented,” Rathnayake said.

The Minister also responded to allegations made by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who had claimed that the government had misrepresented its plans to reduce Value Added Tax (VAT).

Rathnayake refuted these claims, reiterating that the VAT reduction was indeed a part of the government’s fiscal strategy. He clarified, however, that any reduction in taxes, including VAT, would need to be enacted through a parliamentary bill, underlining the legal procedures required to implement such changes.

Furthermore, Rathnayake revealed that the first phase of the VAT reduction plan would be introduced in conjunction with the upcoming Budget, which is expected to outline the specifics of the tax adjustments.

This move is part of the government’s broader efforts to ease the financial burden on citizens and stimulate economic growth.

December 05, Colombo (LNW): The government is set to present the Vote on Account today (05) for the first four months of 2025 to Parliament.

This crucial proposal will cover a wide range of financial needs, including the allocation of funds for government expenditure, public debt servicing, and expenses related to debt restructuring.

Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya will lead the presentation of the Vote on Account, which will be followed by a two-day parliamentary debate, scheduled to continue through tomorrow (06).

This interim vote aims to secure the necessary resources to maintain essential public services and ongoing projects during the first quarter of 2025.

The proposal was given the green light by the Cabinet of Ministers on November 25, after being presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

As part of this process, Leader of the House, Minister Bimal Rathnayake, confirmed that the revised terms of Sri Lanka’s agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) would be incorporated into the forthcoming budget, providing further details on the nation’s financial strategy.

In addition to the financial discussions, Parliament yesterday (December 4) held an adjournment debate addressing the disaster caused by recent extreme weather conditions.

This debate followed a motion introduced by Member of Parliament Rishad Bathiudeen, who called for a national conversation on the impacts of the severe weather.

Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne also announced that the government would be implementing a comprehensive relief programme to support communities affected by the adverse weather.

December 05, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Northern and Eastern provinces and in Anuradhapura district, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (05).

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Kurunegala, Galle and Matara districts during the evening or night.

Mainly fair weather will prevail elsewhere.

Misty conditions can be expected in most places of the island during the morning.

1. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met with Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) Parliamentarians at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo: The MPs highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by people in the Northern and Eastern regions: Attendees included Sivagnanam Shritharan, Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam, Shanmugam Kugathasan, Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, and others: The meeting focused on regional concerns.
   
2. A contempt of court application against former MP Hirunika Premachandra was dismissed by the Court of Appeal after she withdrew her alleged contemptuous statement about proceedings in the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court: She also gave an undertaking not to make further statements on the case: The application was filed by Hisham Jamaldeen, who claimed Premachandra had commented on the case.
   
3. Only 23% of candidates from the General Elections have submitted their income and expenditure reports to the Election Commission, with just 1,985 out of 8,361 candidates complying: Only 57 of 527 national list members have submitted theirs: The Commission has set a deadline of December 6, warning that failure to comply will result in legal consequences: Reports must be submitted to respective District Returning Officers.
   
4. Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala addressed recent arrests in Parliament, emphasising the government’s commitment to anti-racism values: He clarified that while citizens have the right to commemorate their loved ones, displays of LTTE symbols are unacceptable: He also highlighted a misinterpretation of his statement in Galgamuwa, ongoing investigations into LTTE-related ceremonies, and the involvement of political figures in protests.
   
5. The resolution on the Government Policy statement presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on November 21 was passed unanimously in Parliament on December 4 without a vote: The two-day debate on the policy statement took place on December 3 and 4, from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm and 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, respectively.
   
6. The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) reached an all-time high of 13,511.73 points in the All Share Price Index (ASPI), marking a rise of 171.69 points: The S&P SL20 stood at 4,016.60 points: The CSE reported a trading turnover of Rs. 5.2 billion at the close of the session.
   
7. The Public Utilities Commission (PUCSL) announced that revised electricity tariffs will be imposed within 6-8 weeks of receiving the Ceylon Electricity Board’s (CEB) proposal: The CEB will submit its revised proposal tomorrow, incorporating PUCSL’s requests: Initially, the CEB proposed a 6-11% tariff reduction for the last quarter of 2024, but the PUCSL rejected it, requesting a revision for the first half of 2025.
   
8. SJB MP Mujibur Rahman alleged that the CEO of Dialog, Hans Wijesuriya, who had previously refused to provide phone data related to the Thajudeen murder case, was appointed as a Presidential advisor: In response, Chief Government Whip Nalinda Jayatissa clarified that the necessary data had been obtained and investigations into Thajudeen’s death would continue, with court cases to follow: Dr. Wijesuriya is serving voluntarily.
   
9. The Excise Department will suspend the liquor manufacturing license of W.M. Mendis & Co. Limited from December 5 due to their failure to pay Rs. 5.7 billion in excise taxes and surcharges: The company’s manufacturing process will be halted, and if the tax arrears remain unpaid, other licenses will not be renewed from December 31 onwards.
   
10. Sri Lanka Under 19s defeated Bangladesh Under 19s by 7 runs in a thrilling Asia Cup match at Dubai International Cricket Stadium: Sri Lanka, after struggling at 36 for 3, were rescued by Vimath Dinsara’s 106: Bangladesh, chasing 229, were bowled out for 221, with Kalam Allen scoring 95: Sri Lanka’s Vihas Thewmika took 3 wickets and led the fielding with 4 run outs.

December 04, Colombo (LNW): TThe government has approved an allowance to support schoolchildren struggling to purchase stationery and supplies due to the ongoing economic crisis, announced Cabinet Spokesman and Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayathissa. A survey conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics highlights that over 55 percent of schoolchildren, particularly in rural and estate areas, have been significantly impacted by the crisis. The survey revealed that 53.2 percent of affected children have reduced or stopped buying school stationery, while 26.1 percent are reusing old supplies.

In response, the Cabinet approved a proposal by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as the Finance, Planning, and Economic Development Minister, to provide a Rs.6,000 allowance per child before the 2025 academic year begins. Families eligible under the Aswasuma Programme will receive the allowance through the Welfare Benefit Board. Families not covered by the Aswasuma Programme but facing specific challenges, such as those with disabled parents, children in orphanages, and those classified as destitute, will also receive the allowance through the Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education Ministry. This measure aims to alleviate financial burdens and ensure all children have access to essential educational materials.