November 26, Colombo (LNW): Vice Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Sun Haiyan, paid a courtesy visit to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (25).

Congratulating President Dissanayake on his recent electoral victories, Sun Haiyan commended the transformative political changes in Sri Lanka under his leadership. She noted the emergence of a progressive political culture and reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

During the meeting, the Chinese delegation expressed their readiness to collaborate with Sri Lanka on long-term, mutually beneficial initiatives. Discussions focused on areas such as investments, technological exchanges, digitalisation, and rural economic development. The delegation also pledged support for enhancing human resource development, particularly by offering training programs for Sri Lankan education officials.

President Dissanayake expressed his gratitude for China’s steadfast support and emphasized his administration’s dedication to fostering stronger cooperation with Beijing.

The Chinese delegation included Lin Tao, Deputy Director General of the IDCPC, Li Jinyan, Director of the IDCPC, Jin Yan, Secretary to the Vice Minister, and Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong, among others.

Representing Sri Lanka were Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and President’s Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

November 26, Colombo (LNW): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $200 million loan to improve Sri Lanka’s power infrastructure, focusing on modernising transmission and distribution networks and integrating renewable energy sources.

ADB Country Director for Sri Lanka, Takafumi Kadono, emphasized the importance of power sector reforms and infrastructure upgrades to facilitate renewable energy development and reduce power generation costs. The project aligns with the Government of Sri Lanka’s targets of 70% renewable electricity by 2030 and carbon neutrality in electricity generation by 2050.

The initiative includes expanding 220-kilovolt and 132-kilovolt transmission infrastructure, upgrading grid protection systems, and modernising the medium voltage distribution network. Notably, the project will introduce Sri Lanka’s first grid-scale battery energy storage system and establish a renewable energy centre to forecast and monitor energy generation.

In addition to infrastructure improvements, the project supports institutional capacity building for the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and Lanka Electric Company (LECO), incorporating digital solutions and enhancing their ability to manage renewable energy systems. It also includes career development programmes for female employees and training for women-led businesses in adopting clean energy solutions.

Of the $200 million, $150 million is allocated to CEB and $50 million to LECO, with both amounts guaranteed by the Government of Sri Lanka.

The project is a significant step towards enhancing Sri Lanka’s energy security and reliability while supporting its transition to a sustainable energy mix.

November 26, Colombo (LNW): The Commissioner General of Examinations, Amith Jayasundara, has announced measures to support G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination candidates affected by the ongoing adverse weather conditions.

Candidates unable to reach their designated examination centers are permitted to sit for their exams at the nearest available centers. To facilitate this process, students can seek assistance by contacting the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) via its hotline, ‘117’.

In collaboration with the DMC, special arrangements have been made to ensure students can access necessary facilities despite the challenging circumstances.

The Commissioner General also emphasized that examination centers have been instructed to accommodate students facing delays due to traffic disruptions caused by flooding and other weather-related challenges.

These provisions aim to ensure that no student’s academic progress is hindered due to the ongoing weather conditions, and authorities are committed to offering full support during this critical period.

November 26, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake underscored the necessity of practical, grassroots-level approaches to disaster management, emphasizing that institutional frameworks alone are inadequate for addressing the country’s vulnerabilities. His remarks came during the swearing-in ceremony of Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara today (25), as per a statement by the President’s Media Division (PMD).

Highlighting the role of local government institutions, the President called for their empowerment to both prevent disasters in high-risk areas and develop innovative, localized solutions. He reiterated that while Sri Lanka’s disaster management laws were drafted after thorough study, their effective implementation lies in the hands of government officials.

“I pledge my full support to officials who execute their responsibilities with integrity. At the same time, I urge them to suggest enhancements to the legal framework where necessary,” President Dissanayake said.

He further noted the substantial financial burden disaster management imposes on the government but pointed out that strict enforcement of existing laws could significantly mitigate these costs.

November 26, Colombo (LNW): The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has notified the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) that failure to submit the tariff revision proposal by December 6 will result in concessions for consumers under the existing charge structure.

This announcement comes after the CEB requested a two-week extension to finalize the proposal. The PUCSL, in a statement, emphasized the need for immediate consumer relief and highlighted repeated delays by the CEB, noting that extensions had already been granted twice, causing a one-month postponement.

The Commission underscored the importance of adhering to the deadline, stating that further delays would directly benefit consumers through reduced charges.

1. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasises reinforcing institutional frameworks alone is inadequate for effective disaster management: stresses the importance of creating grassroots-level solutions and empowering local governments to prevent disasters in vulnerable areas: also highlights the need for effective implementation of disaster management laws and reducing financial burdens through enforcement, while supporting officials who perform their duties with integrity.
   
2. Fort Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali orders the CID to release former MP Sujeewa Senasinghe’s luxury SUV after confirming it was lawfully imported: The CID had raised doubts about signatures on forms related to the vehicle’s importation, but no formal complaints were made: The vehicle, valued at Rs 100 million, was released on a Rs 100 million bond, with the case postponed to February 2025.
   
3. Jaffna District MP Archchuna Ramanathan apologises for unintentionally sitting in the Leader of the Opposition’s seat during the Tenth Parliament’s inaugural session: Explaining his actions at a workshop for newly elected MPs, he clarifies he was unaware of seating protocols, having been told to sit anywhere: expresses regret for the misunderstanding and apologises for any confusion caused by the incident, which gained media attention.
   
4. The Public Day of the Industries Ministry, re-launched by subject Minister Sunil Handunnetti after four years, will now be held every Monday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: During this time, the public can meet the Minister, Ministry Secretary, and officials to address concerns: The event saw participation from various industrialists and entrepreneurs, with immediate solutions provided for some issues, and others referred for further action.
   
5. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approves a $200 million loan to enhance Sri Lanka’s power sector, focusing on improving transmission and distribution networks, and integrating renewable energy: The project aims to reduce power interruptions, minimise transmission losses, and support Sri Lanka’s goal of generating 70% of electricity from renewables by 2030: It includes infrastructure upgrades, battery storage, and digitalisation solutions to boost energy efficiency and climate resilience.
   
6. The Mount Lavinia Hotel responds to social media criticism regarding top NPP members attending an ABBA tribute show, clarifying that the dignitaries, including Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, were invited guests: The hotel emphasised their roles in supporting tourism and expressed pride in hosting the event to promote Sri Lanka’s appeal to both local and international visitors: The “Music of ABBA” show demonstrated songs originally performed by Swedish pop royals ABBA, covered by tribute band “ARRIVAL” from Sweden.
   
7. Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry announces the rescue of 32 nationals, victims of human trafficking, from Myanmar: The individuals were lured into cybercrime operations before being trafficked: The government coordinated with Myanmar, Thailand, and the IOM for their repatriation: The Ministry urged Sri Lankans to follow authorised procedures for overseas employment to avoid such exploitation.
   
8. The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is still conducting due diligence on a $553 million loan for a Sri Lankan port project backed by the Adani Group, following bribery allegations against its founder Gautam Adani: The loan decision has not been finalised, as the DFC ensures the project meets its standards: The allegations have already impacted other Adani Group contracts in Kenya and Australia.
   
9. Newly appointed Deputy Minister of Industry Chathuranga Abeysinghe announces plans to increase the country’s exports from $12 billion in industry and $5 billion in services to $35 billion by 2030: emphasises the importance of revitalising the industrial sector for economic stability and targeted a 6.5% GDP growth through strategic interventions.
   
10. The Sri Lanka Army Inter-Regiment Novice Kabaddi Championship 2024 was held on November 21-22 at the Panagoda Indoor Stadium, with 108 players from 12 regiments: The Corps of Engineer Services triumphed as champions after a thrilling final against the Sri Lanka Army Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, who finished as runners-up: Major General A.M.K.G. Priyantha Satya Kumara Abeysinghe awarded the prizes.

1. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has emphasized that simply reinforcing institutional frameworks is insufficient for effective disaster management. The President stressed the need to establish mechanisms to deliver practical solutions at the grassroots level, the President’s Media Division (PMD) stated in a statement.
2. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that in order to restore the Parliament as a supreme institution, which has faced public scorn and disapproval in the past, the Parliamentarians must act with the awareness that they are the representatives of the people. The Prime Minister made these remarks during the inaugural session of the awareness workshop on parliamentary procedures for new members of the Tenth Parliament.
3. The Department of Meteorology has issued an advisory for heavy rains in several areas, effective until 04.00 pm tomorrow, due to the low-pressure area over the South-East Bay of Bengal. The low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal intensified into a depression over the central-southwest Bay of Bengal this morning, moving to about 530 km southeast of Trincomalee.
4. Gampaha District Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harshana Rajakaruna says that the SJB is ready to join together with the United National Party (UNP), if former President Ranil Wickremesinghe will allow Sajith Premadasa to take over the leadership. Furthermore, the Gampaha District MP called on all right-wing political forces to join with the SJB.
5. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $200 million loan to upgrade Sri Lanka’s power sector infrastructure, enhancing the reliability of transmission and distribution networks and facilitating greater integration of renewable energy.
6. The General Secretary of the Ceylon Electricity Employees’ Union, Ranjan Jayalal, has responded to criticism regarding the union’s request for the CEB management to pay bonuses to employees. “Our request to pay bonuses to employees has been portrayed as a big sin in the media. We must remind everyone that we are a trade union representing the government,” he said.
7. Newly elected Jaffna District MP Dr. Archchuna Ramanathan has apologized for his actions during the inaugural session of the new Parliament last week. “I would like to publicly apologize if I have done anything wrong in that manner. I’m really sorry. I was not hoping to sit in that chair and make trouble. Unfortunately it was an accident,” the MP said participating in the orientation programme for newly elected Parliamentarians.
8. Thirty-two (32) Sri Lankan nationals who were victims of human trafficking and stranded in Myanmar have been rescued on 25 November following a successful, coordinated process. The rescued Sri Lankans had been lured into cybercrime operations and became victims of human trafficking.The Government of Sri Lanka will coordinate with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for their early repatriation to Sri Lanka.
9. The Ministry of Education has announced that it will take necessary steps to inform the Supreme Court of the government’s stance on the scholarship examination, on the 2nd December. A senior official of the ministry stated that the government’s stance will be based on the recommendations from three committees that investigated the leak of exam questions.
10. The promising all rounder Vihas Thevmika of Thurstan College will lead the Sri Lanka Under 19 squad for ACC Men’s under 19 Asia Cup which will kick off on November 29th in UAE . This tournament will be hosted by Dubai and Sharjah.