By: Isuru Parakrama

November 25, Colombo (LNW): A U.S. government agency has announced that it is reviewing the potential consequences of recent bribery allegations against Gautam Adani, the billionaire founder of India’s Adani Group, on a previously agreed loan for a Sri Lankan port project.

The project, which is partially owned by the Adani Group, has received a financing commitment of $553 million from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), marking a significant investment in the port terminal in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka.

The review comes in the wake of federal charges filed by U.S. prosecutors in New York, which accuse Adani and seven other individuals of orchestrating a massive bribery scheme.

The charges allege that they paid approximately $265 billion in bribes to Indian government officials to secure lucrative contracts, including the development of India’s largest solar power project.

The accused parties allegedly hoped to generate profits of around $2 billion over two decades from these deals.

In response to these allegations, a spokesperson for the DFC confirmed that the agency is aware of the accusations against Adani and is carefully evaluating the potential impact on the loan agreement.

“DFC is actively reviewing the situation following the Department of Justice’s recent announcement,” the official stated. “We remain committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and ensuring compliance in all of our projects and partnerships.“

Despite the serious nature of the allegations, the DFC clarified that no funds have been disbursed for the Sri Lankan port project as of yet, and the loan agreement remains under review.

The decision will hinge on the outcome of the agency’s assessment of the legal and ethical implications of the charges.

The Adani Group, for its part, has firmly rejected the accusations, calling the charges brought by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission in a parallel civil case “baseless” and has vowed to seek all available legal remedies.

The group has not issued a public comment on the situation outside of normal business hours, though it has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

This investigation could have far-reaching consequences for the future of the Adani Group’s international business dealings, particularly in Sri Lanka, where the port development project represents a key investment in the country’s infrastructure, experts in the field warn.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 25, Colombo (LNW): The Commissioner General of Examinations, Amith Jayasundara, has called on the public to be mindful of the ongoing G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) examinations and to avoid any actions that could disrupt the examination process.

Speaking to the media this (25) morning, Jayasundara reminded the public that the exams, which began today, are being conducted across 2,312 centres nationwide, with the first session commencing promptly at 8:30 a.m.

He appealed for public consideration and cooperation, stressing that the primary goal is to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted experience for all students.

“We ask for your understanding during this crucial time,” Jayasundara remarked. “While rules and regulations must be adhered to, we also ask for compassion and consideration towards the students who are focusing on their exams. Any disturbances during this period could significantly affect their performance, and we all need to act in a way that supports them.”

The Commissioner further assured the public that appropriate measures have been taken to ensure a smooth examination process.

“We have coordinated closely with law enforcement agencies, including the police, to ensure all necessary arrangements are in place. We are committed to providing all required facilities to the candidates,” he added.

This year, a total of 333,185 students have registered to sit for the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination.

Given the importance of this national examination, Jayasundara appealed to all citizens to prioritise the needs of the candidates and to refrain from engaging in activities that could hinder the exam’s smooth conduct, which will continue until December 20.

In an update regarding the impact of adverse weather conditions, Jayasundara noted that a group of students in the Matara District had been unable to reach their examination centres this morning due to severe weather.

However, prompt action was taken by personnel from the Sri Lanka Navy and Army, who ensured the affected candidates were safely transported to their designated centres.

To assist with any emergencies or inquiries during the examination period, the Commissioner General has provided several contact points for the public. In case of urgent situations, individuals can contact the Disaster Management Centre’s hotline at 177 or the Examination Department’s hotline at 1911 for assistance.

Additionally, the School Examination Organization Branch is available for further guidance on 0112 785 922 or 0112 784 537.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 25, Colombo (LNW): The luxury vehicle belonging to former MP Sujeewa Senasinghe, which had been under court custody following an investigation into its assembly, has been released on a bond of Rs. 100 million.

The Fort Magistrate’s Court issued the order for the vehicle’s release earlier today.

The vehicle, a high-end SUV valued at approximately Rs. 100 million, came under scrutiny after suspicions arose regarding its assembly.

On November 08, following a tip-off from the Walana Anti-Corruption Task Force, authorities raised concerns that the vehicle may have been illegally reassembled, prompting further investigation.

As a result, Senasinghe was instructed to bring the vehicle to the Government Analyst’s Department for examination.

Initial suspicions centred around the possibility that the Land Cruiser had been reassembled using parts that may not have met legal requirements.

On 11th November, the Fort Magistrate’s Court issued an order for the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to seize the vehicle. It was then submitted to the Government Analyst’s Department for detailed inspection and a full report.

The release of the vehicle on bond follows the court’s assessment of the situation, although the investigation into the matter continues.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 25, Colombo (LNW): Professor Atula Senaratne, a distinguished Geologist from the University of Peradeniya, has strongly advised against relying on myths and engaging in fruitless endeavours, following the recent excavation attempts near the Central Expressway construction site in the Wanduramba area of Veyangoda.

The search for alleged buried treasure, which gained public attention over the weekend, has been dismissed by Senaratne as a misguided effort rooted in folklore rather than scientific fact.

In his comments to the media, Prof. Senaratne highlighted the implausibility of the treasure-hunting claims, particularly the notion that treasures could be buried as deep as 40 to 50 feet below the surface.

He pointed out that there is no historical precedent or evidence to suggest that treasures were ever concealed at such depths, nor could they have been sealed with melted rocks, as some local myths suggest.

“There has never been a technology, either in the past or present, that would enable rocks to be melted or fused in such a manner,” he emphasised, criticising the fantasy surrounding treasure hunting.

Responding to ongoing speculation regarding the possibility of a treasure buried beneath the expressway reservation in Wanduramba, Prof. Senaratne dismissed the idea as unlikely.

While he acknowledged that signs of decaying rocks may sometimes be misinterpreted as evidence of hidden riches, he warned that pursuing such unsubstantiated claims could lead to a significant waste of time, money, and labour.

“Geologists only engage in archaeological surveys at the request of archaeologists, and we would advise against any attempts to excavate without scientific backing,” he remarked.

The professor further elaborated that while there may be historical sites or temples where relics or offerings have been buried, the likelihood of discovering such treasures underground is minimal.

“People’s belief in buried treasures, especially in temple sites or chethiyas, is steeped in myth, and the chances of finding anything significant are very low. In my opinion, those chasing these treasures are merely deceiving themselves,” he said.

With over four decades of experience in geology, Prof. Senaratne reiterated his long-standing stance that people should not rely on myths or folklore in their pursuit of material wealth.

“I have consistently urged against indulging in such exercises. These treasure hunts are nothing more than futile pursuits based on unfounded beliefs,” he concluded.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 25, Colombo (LNW): Speaker of Parliament Ashoka Ranwala has announced that he will be having a direct conversation with Member of Parliament (MP) Dr. Archchuna Ramanathan to discuss the MP’s recent actions that have sparked widespread controversy.

On November 21, a video showing Dr. Ramanathan seated in the Opposition Leader’s designated chair during the inaugural session of the 10th Parliament went viral on social media.

Despite repeated requests from parliamentary staff for him to vacate the seat, the independent MP refused to comply.

This incident, coupled with several provocative comments made by Dr. Ramanathan on his social media platforms, has stirred considerable debate online and drawn criticism from both political circles and the general public.

Speaking to the media after his visit to Kandy on November 24, Speaker Ranwala expressed concern over the MP’s conduct.

He emphasised that while the specific motives behind Dr. Ramanathan’s actions are unclear, it is vital to consider the broader expectations of the people he represents.

“The aspirations of the public are clear – they want unity and development, not disruption,” he remarked, adding that citizens from all regions of the country seek harmony, particularly in the current political climate.

The Speaker confirmed that he had reviewed the MP’s actions, including his social media posts, and said that a thorough discussion with Dr. Ramanathan will take place to address the matter appropriately.

Ranwala assured the media that, after speaking with the MP, he would determine the most suitable course of action to resolve the issue.

“We are taking a cautious approach,” Ranwala noted. “This is an isolated incident, and it is important to handle it with care. We are committed to ensuring that Parliament upholds its dignity, and we will address this matter in a manner that reflects the best interests of the people.“

Ranwala concluded by reiterating that the current government is fully focused on meeting the aspirations of the public and fostering an environment of national unity and progress.

MP Ramanathan representing an independent political party from Jaffna threw himself onto public attention and met with severe backlash following a self-released livesteream revealing Ramanathan refuse to leave the chair allotted for the Leader of the Opposition and later conjure the name of a figure recognised as a terminated terrorist leader, claiming that he is ‘his god’.