By: Isuru Parakrama

December 03, Colombo (LNW): State-run Litro Gas has confirmed that it will not be raising the prices of its gas cylinders for the month of December 2024.

Despite the rise in global gas prices, the company has decided to maintain the current pricing structure to provide some relief to consumers during these challenging times.

Litro Chief Channa Gunawardena explained that this decision was made to ensure the affordability of domestic gas for the public, acknowledging the financial pressures many are facing.

As a result, the prices for the various domestic gas cylinder sizes will remain unchanged as follows:

• 12.5kg cylinder: Rs. 3,690
• 5kg cylinder: Rs. 1,482
• 2.3kg cylinder: Rs. 694

Interestingly, there has been no price revision for Litro gas in the past month, and the last adjustment was made in October 2024.

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December 03, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan government has announced a significant rise in the monthly allowances provided under the ‘Aswesuma’ Welfare Benefit Scheme, aimed at supporting the most vulnerable sections of society.

Government Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa revealed that the allowances for recipients under the general category will increase from Rs. 8,500 to Rs. 10,000.

This change will benefit approximately 800,000 individuals across the country.

In addition, Dr. Jayatissa confirmed that recipients in the most vulnerable category, totalling around 400,000, will see their benefits rise from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 17,500.

During his address to Parliament, the Minister also shared that the Cabinet has approved an extension of the Aswesuma allowances for vulnerable groups, spreading the support over two phases.

Specifically, the benefits for the first group of 400,000 individuals, which were originally set to end on December 31, 2024, will now be extended for an additional year.

Furthermore, the second group, also consisting of 400,000 recipients, will continue to receive their allowances until March 31, 2025, providing continued relief to those in need.

By: Isuru Parakrama

December 03, Colombo (LNW): The Excise Department has warned that it will impose strict measures, including suspending the production licences for 2025, on alcohol manufacturing companies that fail to settle their excise duty arrears.

The department announced that legal action will be initiated against three companies that have failed to clear their dues.

Out of the 23 alcohol manufacturing firms licensed for production in 2024, only three have failed to meet the deadline of November 30 for paying their excise duties.

The companies in question—W.M. Mendis & Co. Limited, Kurunegala Royal Ceylon Distilleries Private Limited, and Meegoda McCallum Brewery Limited—will face legal proceedings, with further actions determined by the outcomes of these proceedings.

In addition to these defaulters, the department is investigating non-operational entities, such as Lunuwila Globe Blenders, Wayamba Spirits Limited, and Payagala Cooperative Liquor Manufacturing Plants, to verify ownership and pursue the recovery of outstanding excise taxes.

The Department has further taken step of halting production at the Valikamam Liquor Manufacturing Plant in Vankanai, Northern Province, until all overdue excise duties are paid in full.

December 03, Colombo (LNW): The Litro Gas Company has confirmed that it will announce the updated LP gas prices for December tomorrow, (04).

A company spokesperson stated that the adjustment in prices will be determined by the fluctuations in global LP gas market prices.

Despite a recent rise in international gas prices, which is expected to result in an increase in local prices, the company has indicated that ongoing discussions are aimed at stabilising the prices within Sri Lanka to ease the financial burden on consumers.

Reports suggest that the price revision proposal has already been submitted to the Ministry of Finance for approval.

Notably, no price changes were made last month, and the last revision occurred in October.

By: Isuru Parakrama

December 03, Colombo (LNW): The death toll in Sri Lanka due to severe weather conditions has now risen to 18, according to the latest reports from the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).

The most affected areas include Ampara, where 11 fatalities have been recorded, followed by Puttalam with two deaths, and one each in Badulla, Trincomalee, Vavuniya, Jaffna, and Kurunegala.

As of 6 a.m. today, no individuals are reported as missing, although 20 people have sustained injuries across various disaster incidents since November 22.

The DMC reports that the ongoing adverse weather has impacted over 470,000 people, affecting 139,500 families across 25 districts.

These families have been displaced or severely affected by the ongoing conditions, with 7,946 people from 2,494 families currently seeking refuge in 79 safety shelters.

Additionally, 63,193 individuals from 18,266 families have taken shelter with relatives.

In response to the ongoing threat of landslides, the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has extended its warnings to six districts, advising caution until 4 p.m. today.

The NBRO has issued yellow alerts for areas in the Badulla, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matale, and Nuwara Eliya districts, where the risk of landslides remains high.

By: Isuru Parakrama

December 03, Colombo (LNW): In a recent shake-up within Sri Lanka’s police force, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) K.B. Manathunga has been appointed as the new Director of the Police Media Division and Police Spokesperson.

Manathunga replaces Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Nihal Thalduwa, who has concluded his tenure in the role. Prior to this appointment, SSP Manathunga served in the Kantale Division.

Additionally, the Sri Lanka Police has made several significant transfers within its leadership ranks. SSP I.U.K. Lokuhetti, previously overseeing the Exam Division, has been appointed as the new Director of the Colombo Crimes Division, taking on a crucial role in managing criminal investigations in the capital.

In another key move, SSP H.D.K.S. Perera has been appointed as the Director of the Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Division, transitioning from his previous position as head of the Colombo Frauds Investigation Division.

This appointment is seen as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen the country’s counter-terrorism measures.

Furthermore, SP K.A. Udaya Kumara has been transferred to lead the Walana Anti-Corruption Unit, moving from his role in the Puttalam Division. His new position will involve tackling corruption and promoting integrity within the police force.

In a significant parallel development, several women officers have been appointed to senior leadership roles for the first time in history, including key positions within the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Special Investigation Unit.

This significant step marks a milestone in the advancement of women in Sri Lanka’s law enforcement hierarchy.

A total of 54 senior police officers, including four women, have been transferred with immediate effect, following the approval of the National Police Commission.

One of the most notable appointments is that of SSP H.W.I.S. Muthumala, who has been promoted to the position of Director of the CID, making her the first woman to hold this influential role. She replaces SSP E.M.M.S. Dehideniya, who has been reassigned to lead the Nugegoda Division as the new SSP.

Muthumala previously served as the Deputy Director of the CID, and her promotion to the helm of the department represents a significant recognition of her expertise and leadership in criminal investigations.

Additionally, SSP H.M.L.R. Amarasena has been appointed as the new Director of the Special Investigation Unit, bringing her experience from her previous role at Police Headquarters.

Another woman officer, SSP R.A.D. Kumari, formerly serving in the Cyber Crimes Investigation Unit, has been appointed as the Commanding Officer of the Police Field Force Headquarters, an important position overseeing law enforcement operations.

Other notable transfers include SSP P.G.S. Gunathilake, who will now lead the Medical Services Division after previously heading the IGP’s Secretary Division.

December 03, Colombo (LNW): In the wake of a significant narcotics seizure by the Indian Navy in the Indian Ocean, the Sri Lanka Navy is seeking to enhance its operational cooperation with Indian forces, particularly in the high seas, to counter the growing threat of drug smuggling.

Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, confirmed that a successful joint operation last week marked the first time the Sri Lanka Navy received direct assistance from its Indian counterparts.

The operation, conducted on November 24 and 25, involved a coordinated effort to intercept two Sri Lankan-flagged fishing boats suspected of smuggling narcotics in the Arabian Sea.

Thanks to timely intelligence, the Indian Navy intercepted the vessels, resulting in the seizure of approximately 400 kilogrammds of crystal meth, also known as ‘Ice.’

The Sri Lankan boats, along with the crew members on board, were escorted back to Colombo Port by a Sri Lanka Navy vessel, the Gajaba.

The operation began after the Sri Lanka Navy received reliable intelligence regarding the narcotics trafficking activity.

As there was no Sri Lankan naval vessel in the Indian Ocean at the time, the Sri Lanka Navy sought immediate assistance from the Indian Navy.

The Indian authorities responded swiftly, deploying aircraft and drones to locate and track the smuggling vessels.

Vice Admiral Perera explained that the collaborative nature of the operation was critical in the successful interception of the narcotics shipment.

“Upon receiving intelligence about potential trafficking in the high seas, the Sri Lankan authorities contacted the Indian High Commission. The Defence Attaché acted quickly, liaising with the Indian Navy, which then launched an air and sea operation to locate the vessels,” he said. “This was an outstanding example of cross-border cooperation in combating transnational crime.“

One of the intercepted boats was found to be carrying the large quantity of crystal meth, while the other vessel supported the operation.

In response to this success, the Sri Lanka Navy has announced plans to bolster future collaborative efforts with India, particularly focusing on high-seas operations to combat the rising threat of drug trafficking in the region.

Vice Admiral Perera also called on the public, particularly the fishing community, to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to drug smuggling.

“It is essential for everyone to play a part in tackling this growing menace. We urge the public to share any information with the Sri Lanka Navy or the police to help us curb the increasing trafficking of illicit drugs,” he added.

By: Isuru Parakrama

December 03, Colombo (LNW): The 2024 G.C.E. Advanced Level examination, which was temporarily halted due to severe weather conditions, is set to resume tomorrow (04), according to the Department of Examinations.

The examination, which initially began on November 25, was unexpectedly suspended on November 27 following widespread extreme weather that affected many parts of the country.

This disruption caused significant challenges for students and examination centres, necessitating the suspension of the exams for several days.

In an update, Commissioner General of Examinations, Amith Jayasundara, confirmed that the examination will restart tomorrow and will proceed according to the pre-established timetable.

He reassured students that the remaining subjects, which had been postponed due to the adverse weather, will be rescheduled and conducted in the coming days.

The Department of Examinations further stated that a revised timetable for the postponed exams will be provided to students at their respective examination centres in the near future.

Students are advised to stay informed and follow any additional instructions provided by their exam coordinators.