By: Isuru Parakrama

December 01, World (LNW): Adani Group founder Gautam Adani has publicly addressed the latest allegations from U.S. authorities, which accuse him and key members of his conglomerate of involvement in a $265 million bribery scheme.

This marks the second significant scandal to rock the Adani empire in under two years, further compounding the troubles surrounding the group, which has faced growing scrutiny over its business practices.

Speaking at an awards ceremony in Jaipur on Saturday, Adani dismissed the allegations as unfounded, asserting that his conglomerate remains dedicated to maintaining “world-class regulatory compliance.”

However, his defiant remarks come at a time when the Adani Group is grappling with both financial and reputational turmoil. The U.S. indictment accuses Gautam Adani, his nephew Sagar Adani, and Vneet S. Jaain, managing director of Adani Green Energy, of orchestrating a bribery scheme aimed at securing lucrative power contracts in India.

The charges also allege that they misled U.S. investors during fundraising efforts, further damaging the group’s credibility on the international stage.

The fresh scandal comes hot on the heels of other serious controversies that have shaken the conglomerate in recent months. Notably, one Indian state has put a key power deal with Adani on hold, while France’s TotalEnergies has paused its investments in the group, citing concerns over governance and transparency.

Additionally, the scandal has triggered political upheaval in India, with lawmakers raising uncomfortable questions in parliament about the group’s business practices and its ties to political elites.

Adani’s response, delivered in a speech that appeared to downplay the gravity of the situation, hinted at his belief that challenges and allegations only serve to strengthen the group.

“Every attack makes us stronger and every obstacle becomes a stepping stone for a more resilient Adani Group,” the business giant stressed, without directly addressing the specifics of the charges against him.

His words did little to quell the growing concerns regarding the group’s operations, both domestically and internationally. In a market already reeling from the impact of previous scandals, Adani Group’s listed companies have seen as much as $34 billion wiped off their combined market value.

Whilst the group’s stock has partially recovered, aided by support from some investors, questions remain about the long-term sustainability of the conglomerate’s growth in light of the ongoing allegations.

As the legal processes unfold, the Indian government has yet to issue any formal response to the U.S. case.

*With inputs from The Reuters

By: Isuru Parakrama

December 01, Colombo (LNW): In an effort to ensure that consumers are not exploited during the upcoming festive season, the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has announced a series of special raids targeting retail outlets across the country.

These inspections, which will take place from December 1 through to January 15, are aimed at safeguarding shoppers from fraudulent practices, substandard products, and price discrepancies.

The CAA has made it clear that a comprehensive programme will be carried out, with a particular focus on large retail chains, supermarkets, wholesale outlets, and warehouses in all districts.

The authority will be scrutinising these establishments to ensure that expired goods do not find their way onto shelves, potentially putting consumer health at risk.

Additionally, the CAA will be closely monitoring stores selling clothes, electronics, and other essential consumer goods, ensuring they adhere to all regulatory standards.

One of the main objectives of these raids is to ensure that businesses are operating transparently and fairly. The CAA has emphasised that retailers must issue proper invoices for all transactions, with goods sold at clearly displayed prices that correspond to the advertised rates.

Special attention will be given to verifying that prices are consistent and that consumers are not being overcharged.

In addition to the larger retail outlets, mobile vendors and smaller stores hosting seasonal sales will also be subject to close scrutiny.

With the festive period bringing an influx of promotions and offers, the CAA aims to prevent any form of malpractice, ensuring that seasonal discounts and deals are legitimate and properly executed.

Of particular concern to the CAA is the potential for expired or tampered goods entering the market. With many products having a short shelf-life, the authority has warned that it will pay extra attention to wholesale outlets and warehouses that have been previously raided, ensuring they remain compliant with all regulations.

The CAA’s inspections are aimed at preventing expired goods from being circulated, as well as tackling any misleading product labelling or altered expiry dates.

Consumers are being urged to report any suspicious activity or unfair practices they may encounter during the festive shopping season. The CAA has made its hotline – 1977 – available for any complaints or concerns, reassuring the public that all reports will be treated with the utmost seriousness.

By: Isuru Parakrama

December 01, Colombo (LNW): In response to the widespread flooding caused by recent heavy rains, the Agricultural & Agrarian Insurance Board (AAIB) has formed a dedicated team to evaluate the extent of damage to crops.

Initial reports indicate that approximately 390,000 acres of farmland have been severely impacted by the floods, threatening the livelihoods of many farmers across the affected regions.

Pemasiri Jasingarachchi, the Chairman of the Agricultural & Agrarian Insurance Board, announced that a specialised team will be deployed to the flood-stricken areas starting tomorrow.

The team’s primary task will be to conduct a thorough assessment of the damage to crops, which will be crucial in determining the scope of the losses and identifying the most effective forms of support for the affected farmers.

The heavy rains, which have plagued the country in recent weeks, have caused extensive flooding in key agricultural zones, particularly in low-lying areas.

This has not only resulted in the destruction of crops but also poses a long-term threat to soil health and irrigation systems, potentially disrupting the agricultural cycle for months to come.

Jasingarachchi highlighted the importance of the team’s rapid deployment to ensure a comprehensive evaluation, which will help inform decisions regarding compensation and recovery efforts for farmers who have suffered significant losses.

The board has assured farmers that every effort will be made to provide timely assistance and mitigate the effects of the flooding on their crops and income.

By: Isuru Parakrama

December 01, Colombo (LNW): The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO) unveiled new fuel prices, which came into effect from midnight yesterday (30).

As part of the changes, the price of 92 Octane petrol will decrease by Rs. 2, now priced at Rs. 309 per litre, while kerosene will see an increase of Rs. 5, bringing it to Rs. 188 per litre.

In contrast, the prices for 95 Octane petrol and Super Diesel will remain unaffected by this adjustment, according to a statement released by the CPC.

The full breakdown of the revised fuel prices is as follows:

• 92 Octane Petrol: Rs. 309 (reduced by Rs. 2)
• Auto Diesel: Rs. 286 (increased by Rs. 3)
• Kerosene: Rs. 188 (increased by Rs. 5)
• 95 Octane Petrol: Rs. 371 (no change)
• Super Diesel: Rs. 313 (no change)

Additionally, the Lanka Indian Oil Corporation (LIOC) has also announced that it will align its fuel prices with the adjustments made by the CPC.

December 01, Colombo (LNW): Experts in marine pollution response assert that Sri Lanka has made considerable strides in strengthening its capacity to handle future maritime disasters, thanks to the lessons learned from past incidents such as the ‘X-Press Pearl’ and ‘New Diamond’ shipwrecks.

These catastrophic events, which involved the release of hazardous materials into the ocean, have highlighted the pressing need for improved preparedness and response strategies in the region.

Bethany Graves, a representative from the Ocean Country Partnership Programme, shared her insights at the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP) Symposium in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in late November 2024.

During her address, Graves stressed that the environmental damage caused by these two maritime disasters underscored the urgency for countries in the region to develop effective response frameworks for managing marine pollution.

Sri Lanka’s proactive approach, bolstered by international cooperation, is now seen as a key example of how regional nations can enhance their capabilities to mitigate the environmental impact of such disasters.

The ‘X-Press Pearl’ incident in 2021, which saw the vessel catch fire and spill hazardous materials into the sea, remains a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities posed by international shipping.

Similarly, the ‘New Diamond’ oil tanker fire, which occurred in 2020, further emphasised the need for quick and efficient action to minimise environmental harm.

W.K. Rathnadeera, Senior Programme Officer at SACEP, echoed Graves’ sentiments, acknowledging that while Sri Lanka has made notable progress, securing sufficient funding for marine pollution response programmes remains a critical challenge.

Rathnadeera pointed out that while local efforts are crucial, such disasters rarely remain confined within national borders, thereby highlighting the necessity for a collective regional approach to addressing these environmental crises.

The 2024 SACEP Symposium, which took place from November 18 to 22 in Colombo, brought together marine pollution experts, environmentalists, and government officials from across South Asia.

The event focused on enhancing regional collaboration and refining the region’s response capabilities to marine pollution incidents.

This year’s symposium marked a revisiting of the marine pollution response framework first established in 2015, with an emphasis on reviewing national preparedness levels and addressing operational gaps.

One of the main objectives of the symposium was to explore the challenges faced by individual nations in managing marine pollution and to identify areas where regional cooperation could be strengthened.

Experts underscored the importance of clarifying roles in emergency response, as well as finding ways to support mutual aid agreements among South Asian countries.

The collaborative nature of the event highlighted that maritime disasters, particularly those involving toxic spills or large-scale pollution, demand a swift and coordinated response from all parties involved.

The outcomes of the symposium will guide future strategies and partnerships aimed at enhancing the region’s overall ability to address marine pollution.

By: Isuru Parakrama

December 01, Colombo (LNW): The Cyclonic Storm “FENGAL” over the Southwest Bay of Bengal has entered India by crossed north Tamil Nadu -Puducherry coasts at 11.30 p.m. yesterday (30) as a cyclonic storm, and it is likely to move west-southwestwards slowly and weaken gradually into a deep depression during next 3 hours, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (01).

Influence of this system on the island’s weather is further gradually reducing.

Skies will be cloudy and showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Northern.

Several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa, North-western and North-central provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places elsewhere of the island in the evening or night.

Strong winds of (50-55) kmph can be expected at times over Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Central and Southern provinces.

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. Naval and fishing communities have been advised not to venture into deep and shallow sea areas from Trincomalee to Puttalam via Kankesanthurai due to rough conditions caused by cyclonic storm ‘Fengal’: Wind speeds may reach 60-70 km/h, with heavy showers and swell waves up to 3 metres: The storm is expected to move westward, and its impact on Sri Lanka’s weather is diminishing.
   
2. UNP Leader and former President Ranil Wickremesinghe is set to decide on the National List parliamentary seat allocated to the New Democratic Front (NDF) upon his return from India: The NDF will finalise this decision after discussions with coalition leaders: Additionally, the appointment of Ravi Karunanayake to the seat will depend on a report from a four-member evaluation committee.
   
3. The government plans to develop Dr. Neville Fernando Teaching Hospital (NFTH) into a health tourism hub: During a recent meeting, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa decided to place the hospital under the Health Ministry’s oversight, with all staff, including specialists, reassigned: A committee, led by the Director General of Health Services, will submit proposals for the hospital’s future development by December 2024.
   
4. Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that if Laugfs Gas fails to import and supply LP gas, the government will intervene: He emphasised there is no shortage of gas from Litro Gas, but Laugfs Gas must address the shortage in the market: The government may consider changing gas cylinders or other measures to resolve issues faced by consumers if Laugfs Gas does not act.
   
5. As a cyclonic storm affects Sri Lanka, health experts warn of a rise in waterborne and communicable diseases due to heavy rains and flooding: Diseases like diarrhoea, leptospirosis, dengue, and typhoid are expected to increase: Dengue cases have already surged, with over 45,000 cases reported in 2024: Experts advise preventive measures, including drinking boiled water and improving sanitation, to reduce the spread of infections.
   
6. The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has revised fuel prices, effective from November 30: Petrol 92 Octane price has decreased by Rs. 2 to Rs. 309 per litre, while Kerosene has increased by Rs. 5 to Rs. 188 per litre: Prices for Petrol 95 Octane and Super Diesel remain unchanged: The Lanka Indian Oil Corporation (LIOC) will match these price changes.
   
7. Marine pollution experts at the 2024 South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP) Symposium in Sri Lanka highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and preparedness in addressing marine disasters, following the X-Press Pearl and New Diamond shipwrecks: They emphasised the need for effective response programmes, despite funding challenges, and revisited the 2015 marine pollution-response framework to improve regional collaboration and readiness for future incidents.
   
8. The Sri Lanka Navy has deployed 10 relief teams to Ampara, Trincomalee, and Anuradhapura districts to assist communities affected by severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall: The teams are providing transportation, distributing meals, and conducting rescues in inundated areas: Additionally, 125 relief teams remain on standby to respond to emergencies in other flood-affected regions across the country.
   
9. A 41-year-old Sri Lanka Navy Lieutenant Commander was killed in a wild elephant attack near the Punewa Navy camp: The officer, from Nittambuwa, was returning to the camp after buying a meal when the attack occurred: He was rushed to Vavuniya Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival: Police are investigating the incident.
   
10. Tharushika Senaratne and Manuthi Irugalbandara, two young competitors from Anuradhapura Central College, won medals at the 11th Commonwealth Karate Championship in Durban, South Africa: Tharushika secured a silver medal in the under-21 50kg weight class, while Manuthi earned a bronze in the under-18 59kg weight class: Their achievements highlight Sri Lanka’s success in the competition.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 30, Colombo (LNW): In response to the severe weather conditions that have devastated communities in Sri Lanka’s North and East, government ministers, officials, and Security Forces are taking urgent and coordinated action to provide relief to the thousands affected by the floods.

A team of Deputy Ministers and senior government representatives travelled to the Northern Province on Thursday to assess the situation firsthand.

Their visit aimed to monitor the implementation of relief efforts, ensuring effective coordination between government staff and service personnel working at the local level to assist those in need.

Following direct orders from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, all government officials, including those in the Disaster Management sector, have activated an extensive relief operation across the most affected districts.

The President had given clear instructions during a meeting with senior officials on Wednesday to prioritise immediate relief efforts for those affected by the recent floods.

On Thursday, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar, alongside Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), travelled to Jaffna to oversee disaster relief operations.

The duo, accompanied by Director General of the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) Major General Udaya Herath (Retd) and senior officers from the tri-forces, visited several temporary shelters, including Katkulam Vidyalaya and Point Pedro Central School, where flood victims have been housed.

During their visit, the Defence Secretary spoke directly with displaced individuals to better understand their needs, distributing dry ration packs to those affected by the flooding.

A strategic meeting was held in Jaffna with key officials, including Northern Province Governor R.N. Vethanayagam, local MPs, and senior military personnel, to discuss the ongoing relief efforts and challenges caused by the weather.

Simultaneously, Deputy Defence Minister Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) visited the Ampara district on Thursday to assess the extent of the flood damage.

A special session was convened at the Ampara District Secretariat, with senior officials from the DMC and tri-forces in attendance, to review the relief measures currently in place and to discuss strategies for mitigating the immediate risks posed by the flooding.

At the meeting, the Deputy Minister was briefed on the widespread damage, including loss of life and destruction to property, and the continuing difficulties faced by the district.

He emphasised the need for swift action to ensure essential services remain uninterrupted and urged officials to focus on restoring normalcy to affected communities as quickly as possible.

Additionally, disaster prevention strategies were a key topic of discussion, with plans being developed to reduce the risk of further damage should adverse weather conditions continue.