By: Isuru Parakrama

November 21, Colombo (LNW): Dr. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala, a Member of Parliament representing the National People’s Power (NPP), has been unanimously elected as the new Speaker of Parliament in a historic move at the opening of the tenth Parliament.

The announcement came during the inaugural session earlier this morning, with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya putting forward his nomination.

In a show of solidarity and support, Minister Vijitha Herath seconded the proposal, ensuring a smooth election process.

The decision was met with approval from all sides of the House, marking the beginning of the new Parliament’s term with a united step towards governance.

The first official sitting of the tenth Parliament kicked off at 10:00 a.m., welcoming the newly-elected legislators who have gathered to begin their parliamentary duties.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 21, Colombo (LNW): The Tenth Parliament of Sri Lanka has officially opened its doors with a ceremonial inauguration earlier today (21).

The event commenced with the sounding of the quorum bell at 9:55 a.m., and Parliament convened promptly at 10:00 a.m.

The Secretary-General of Parliament presented the extraordinary gazette notifications issued by the President, officially setting the date and time for the first session.

The session’s opening proceedings saw the formal election of the Speaker, in accordance with Article 64(1) of the Constitution and Parliamentary Standing Orders.

Following this, Members of Parliament were sworn in, and the elections for the Deputy Speaker and the Deputy Chairperson of Committees took place.

On this inaugural day, Members are allowed to sit in any available seat as no seating arrangements have been pre-designated.

After completing these initial formalities, Parliament was temporarily suspended, allowing for the ceremonial aspect of the occasion to unfold. At 11:30 a.m., President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will take the Speaker’s Chair to present the Government’s Policy Statement, a key moment in the proceedings.

This address will be delivered in line with the provisions outlined in Articles 32(4) and 33 of the Constitution, marking a significant step in the new parliamentary session.

The ceremonial proceedings have been meticulously organised under the President’s instructions, as outlined by the Parliament’s Communications Department.

Guests and dignitaries were seated by 11:00 a.m., with the Speaker expected to arrive at 11:10 a.m., followed shortly by the Prime Minister.

The President’s arrival is scheduled for 11:20 a.m., when he will be formally welcomed by both the Speaker and the Secretary-General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera.

Once welcomed, the President will be escorted to the Robing Room by the Serjeant-at-Arms and Deputy Serjeant-at-Arms, and the procession will proceed with the mace, followed by the President, the Speaker, and the Secretary-General.

This ceremonial opening sets the tone for the sessions ahead as Parliament begins its work for the country.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 21, Colombo (LNW): Representatives from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) currently visiting Sri Lanka are scheduled to meet with senior officials from the Ministry of Power and Energy as well as the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) for important discussions.

The meeting, which is set to take place today (21), will centre on the ongoing efforts to revise the country’s electricity tariffs.

According to K.T.M. Udayanga Hemapala, Secretary to the Ministry of Power and Energy, the talks will explore potential changes to electricity pricing and the operational procedures of the institutions involved.

The Secretary explained that the Ministry aims to finalise a proposal for the revision of tariffs after consulting with the IMF representatives to incorporate their input into the decision-making process.

The Ministry hopes to submit this updated proposal to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) in the near future. In fact, this is not the first time the CEB has attempted to revise the tariffs.

Earlier, on October 24, the CEB had put forward a proposal to the PUCSL suggesting an overall reduction of 6.6 per cent in electricity tariffs.

However, the commission expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed reduction, stating that it was not sufficient to address the challenges at hand.

As a result, the PUCSL instructed the CEB to revise the proposal and resubmit it for further review.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 21, Colombo (LNW): A low pressure area is likely to form over southeast Bay of Bengal around November 23, and thereafter, it is likely to intensify into a depression over southwest Bay of Bengal during subsequent two days, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (21).

The system may intensify further and move near the Eastern coast of Sri Lanka.

General public is requested to be attentive to the future forecasts and bulletins issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regards.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Northern, North central and Eastern provinces.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places elsewhere of the island during the evening or night.

Heavy showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva and Southern provinces during the morning.

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. A rehearsal for the ceremonial opening of the Tenth Parliament was held ahead of its First Session on November 21: The session will begin at 10:00 am, with the election of the Speaker, taking oaths, and the appointment of the Deputy Speaker and Deputy Chairperson: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will present the Government’s Policy Statement at 11:30 am: The event will be conducted without military honours or recitations, and distinguished guests, including diplomats, have been invited.
   
2. Hirunika Premachandra says she is eligible for a National List slot with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) if the party chooses to allocate one to a woman: highlights her significant contribution, having secured over 30,000 preferential votes, and emphasises her dedicated work for the party.
   
3. A four-member committee has been formed to investigate the appointment of Ravi Karunanayake as an MP from the National List of the New Democratic Front (NDF): The committee, led by ex-President Ranil Wickremesinghe, includes legal and academic experts: It will submit its findings within three weeks, following controversy over Karunanayake’s nomination, which was criticised by NDF Alliance members as arbitrary and illegal.
   
4. The Sri Lankan government approves the import of up to 70,000 metric tonnes of Nadu Rice to address the local rice shortage: Trade Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe announces the rice will be imported through the Cooperative Wholesale Establishment (CWE) and the Sri Lanka State Trading Corporation, following Cabinet approval.
   
5. A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court claiming that the issuance of liquor licences by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and other officials, between July 26 and September 21, 2024, violated the Excise Act: The petitioners allege these licences were issued arbitrarily and for political gain during the presidential election period: seek investigations into the irregularities and loss of revenue from the process.
   
6. HRV Global Life Sciences and New Horizon Global Pharma are exploring expansion into Sri Lanka, viewing it as a key growth market in South Asia: aims to support Sri Lanka’s goal of becoming self-sufficient in pharmaceutical production by leveraging advanced technologies like AI and blockchain: seeks to optimise the supply chain, enhance transparency, and contribute to the country’s economic growth and healthcare access through potential partnerships and technology transfers.
   
7. Erik Solheim, former Norwegian peace facilitator, describes the National People’s Power’s (NPP) electoral victory as an “earthquake” in Sri Lankan politics, highlighting the party’s strong performance in Tamil-majority regions: attributes this to widespread anger over corruption and economic hardship: praises NPP’s inclusive approach and urges President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to focus on economic and ethnic inclusivity to foster long-term stability and growth.
   
8. The Ministry of Education confirms the 2024 G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) examination will be held as scheduled from November 25 to December 20, despite requests to delay it: emphasises all preparations are complete, and changing the schedule would disrupt the academic calendar, affecting the G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L) exam and other related assessments.
   
9. The Ministry of Health and Mannar Police launch investigations into the death of a pregnant woman and her unborn child at Mannar District General Hospital on November 19: The 27-year-old woman, admitted for childbirth, went into labour but was pronounced dead, along with her child: Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa says a magisterial Inquiry and post-mortem examination will follow.
   
10. The 53rd Sir John Tarbat Junior Athletic Championship, sponsored by Ritzbury, saw three new meet records on its second day at the Kotawila Sports Complex in Matara: Sinura Salgado, KWS Pabasara, and G Aloka set new records in the Boys Under-14 600m, Boys Under-12 High Jump, and Girls Under-14 600m events, respectively: The event has seen a total of seven new records so far.

November 20, Colombo (LNW):Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, currently in Brazil for the G20 Summit, extended his congratulations to Vijitha Herath on his reappointment as Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister.

“Felicitations to Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka Vijitha Herath on his re-appointment. Look forward to working together to further strengthen our historic bonds of friendship and deepen our wide-ranging partnership for mutual benefit,” Jaishankar shared in a post on X.

The Indian Minister had engaged in discussions with Herath during a visit to Colombo last month. Jaishankar, the first high-ranking foreign dignitary to visit Sri Lanka following President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s assumption of office on September 22, reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka.

Highlighting the close maritime and historical ties between the two nations, Jaishankar emphasized India’s ongoing role in aiding Sri Lanka’s recovery from its worst-ever economic crisis, reinforcing the bond of friendship and cooperation between the neighbors.

November 20, Colombo (LNW):An orientation programme for the newly elected Members of Parliament is set to take place in Committee Room No. 01 of Parliament from November 25 to 27, running daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This traditional event, held at the start of each new Parliament, aims to familiarize MPs with their roles and responsibilities.

The programme will be attended by the Prime Minister, the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker, the Deputy Chairperson of Committees, the Chief Government Whip, MPs, and senior parliamentary officials, including the Secretary General, Deputy Secretary General, and Assistant Secretary General.

Over the three days, participants will be educated on:

• The role and responsibilities of an MP.
• Parliamentary privileges.
• Legislative processes.
• The Parliamentary Committee System.
• Standing Orders of Parliament.
• Provisions of the Constitution.

A practical session on using the electronic voting system has also been scheduled. Additionally, MPs will receive briefings on the Anti-Corruption Act and the functions of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

Officials from the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry will provide insights into related laws and procedures. Heads of departments and offices within Parliament will also present their respective roles and tasks to the MPs.

This comprehensive programme is designed to equip the newly elected members with the knowledge and skills needed for effective parliamentary service.

November 20, Colombo (LNW): At a recent roundtable discussion organized by the Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, UAE Ambassador to Sri Lanka Khaled Nasser Al Ameri called for deeper bilateral ties between the two nations. He emphasized exploring avenues for Sri Lankan entrepreneurs in areas such as technology, digitisation, trade, and tourism.

Ambassador Al Ameri highlighted the UAE’s role as a re-export hub, citing Sri Lanka’s US$ 110 million tea shipments to the UAE in 2022 and the advanced blending and packaging facilities available in the country. “The UAE’s investor-friendly policies and vibrant economy present endless opportunities for Sri Lankan businesses to grow and prosper,” he stated.

He urged Sri Lankan entrepreneurs to diversify beyond traditional commodities and expand into services like IT, Business Operations Management (BOM), finance, and insurance. Additionally, he encouraged innovation in developing health-related products and emphasized focusing on cutting-edge industries like renewable energy, fintech, and logistics.

“The UAE is dedicated to building strong relations with Sri Lanka, and by collaborating, we can transform global commerce through technology and digitisation,” the Ambassador noted.

COYLE requested the Ambassador’s assistance in connecting with a UAE-based chamber to explore mutual business opportunities. Discussions also included enhancing tourism ties, with the Ambassador stressing the need for Sri Lanka to better market its cultural and natural attractions to UAE tourists.

With its proximity to India and strategic location in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka holds significant potential as a regional partner, offering opportunities in trade, tourism, and infrastructure development. The event underscored the mutual benefits of a stronger partnership between the two nations.

November 20, Colombo (LNW):Agriculture Commissioner General Rohana Rajapaksa announced that the government has credited Rs. 1,292 million to the accounts of 109,000 paddy farmers across 22 districts as part of the fertilizer subsidy program.

Ampara District received the highest allocation, with Rs. 291 million distributed to 19,900 farmers. Additionally, Rs. 540 million has been requested from the Treasury to extend the subsidy to another 47,553 farmers in the same districts.

Rajapaksa assured farmers that there would be no delays in providing the subsidy, which began on October 14. “We will ensure the fertilizer subsidy reaches farmers as soon as their cultivation for the Maha Season begins,” he said.

The program is structured in two phases: Rs. 15,000 per hectare in the first phase and Rs. 10,000 in the second phase. Responding to farmers’ requests, the subsidy was distributed before cultivation commenced, rather than at the start of paddy field preparation as is customary.

This proactive approach, Rajapaksa noted, aims to support farmers in a timely manner and ensure a successful Maha cultivation season.