November 19, Colombo (LNW): Amid ongoing deliberations within the New Democratic Front (NDF), three influential figures have formally proposed that one of the two National List parliamentary positions be allocated to a senior leader from the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).

This request specifically endorses President’s Counsel Faizer Mustapha, who contested in the recent general election under the gas cylinder symbol.

The appeal was jointly made by Duminda Dissanayake, Secretary of the SLFP; Nimal Lanza, leader of the New Alliance; and Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Secretary of the Podujana Eksath Peramuna.

Their collective appeal was directed to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the current leader of the NDF.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 19, Colombo (LNW): Minister Bimal Rathnayake has been appointed as the new Leader of the House, whilst Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has assumed the role of Chief Government Whip.

These announcements have been made public record by the government.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 19, Colombo (LNW): In preparation for the upcoming 2024 GCE Advanced Level Examination, the Department of Examinations has introduced stringent measures to ensure the integrity of the process.

As part of these efforts, all lectures, tuition classes, workshops, and seminars related to the examination will be banned from midnight tonight (19).

Authorities have warned that legal action will be taken against individuals or institutions that violate this directive.

This year’s examination will see heightened monitoring, with additional oversight introduced to address past issues.

Alongside Department of Examinations officials, officers from provincial and zonal offices will be deployed to supervise the proceedings.

Each monitoring officer will oversee 20 examination centres over a 15-day period to maintain rigorous standards.

The examination itself will run from November 25 to December 20 across 2,312 centres nationwide, with a total of 333,185 candidates sitting the tests. To mitigate potential disruptions, new protocols have been established for examination hall access.

Only the Chief Invigilator and the Additional Chief Invigilator at each centre will be allowed to carry mobile phones into the halls, a move aimed at addressing recent concerns over misuse.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 19, Colombo (LNW): The newly-formed Cabinet of Ministers convened for its inaugural session today under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The meeting was held at the Presidential Secretariat this (19) morning and marked the commencement of the administration’s efforts to implement its policy agenda following its recent electoral victory.

In a consequent development, Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa was appointed as the Cabinet Spokesman.

Jayatissa succeeds Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath in this role, signalling a strategic realignment within the Cabinet’s mode of communication.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 19, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Parliament is making history by implementing specialised measures to accommodate its first-ever vision-impaired Member of Parliament, Sugath Wasantha de Silva.

Appointed through the National List of the National People’s Power (NPP), MP de Silva’s entry marks a significant milestone in the nation’s legislative landscape.

Secretary General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera confirmed that plans are underway to address the unique requirements of the newly appointed MP.

Amongst the key initiatives being introduced are modifications to facilitate seamless access to and from the Parliamentary Chamber.

Additionally, technological adaptations are being prepared to ensure his full participation in legislative activities, including voting procedures.

The Parliament is also exploring innovative solutions such as the introduction of the braille system and voice prompts, which would provide MP de Silva with the tools necessary to engage effectively in debates, decision-making, and voting processes.

The upcoming inaugural session of Sri Lanka’s 10th Parliament is scheduled for November 21, 2024 and will provide the first opportunity to witness these groundbreaking arrangements in action, setting a precedent for representation and inclusivity in the country’s governance.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 19, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is set to undertake his first official overseas visit to India in mid-December, signalling the strengthening of ties between Colombo and New Delhi.

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath confirmed the trip following his swearing-in ceremony, underscoring the significance of this engagement for Sri Lanka’s new administration.

During his visit, President Dissanayake is expected to engage in high-level discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on areas of mutual interest, including trade, regional stability, and cultural exchange.

This meeting comes at a time when both nations are seeking to deepen cooperation, particularly in the face of evolving geopolitical dynamics in South Asia.

The invitation for the visit was first extended by Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar during his trip to Colombo in October, a gesture that highlighted India’s proactive approach to fostering ties with Sri Lanka under its new leadership.

Interestingly, the groundwork for this visit was laid even before President Dissanayake assumed office. As leader of the National People’s Power (NPP) party, Dissanayake was invited to India earlier this year to discuss his vision for Sri Lanka.

This rare move demonstrated India’s keen interest in engaging with emerging leaders in its neighbourhood and recognising the potential for collaboration with Dissanayake’s political ideology, which emphasises transparency and grassroots development.

Although the pre-election visit did not materialise due to scheduling constraints, it set the stage for continued dialogue, culminating in the forthcoming state visit.

Herath emphasised the importance of President Dissanayake’s visit, describing it as a vital step in fortifying the bilateral relationship.

“This visit reflects the mutual respect and shared goals between our nations. It is an opportunity to address key issues and explore new avenues of partnership,” he stated.

Sri Lanka’s new government is expected to prioritise regional cooperation as a cornerstone of its foreign policy, with India playing a central role in fostering economic recovery and ensuring regional security.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 19, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Customs’ Revenue Task Force has intercepted a substantial consignment of illegally imported medicines, valued at Rs. 90 million, in a major operation at the Colombo Port.

The seizure underscores ongoing efforts to curb unauthorised pharmaceutical imports and protect public health.

The contraband, comprising 1.8 million capsules of Pregabalin (Pregab 150mg), was discovered concealed within 36 wooden speaker boxes.

The shipment, imported by a businessman based in Pettah, arrived from India without the requisite authorisation from Sri Lanka’s National Medicine Regulatory Authority (NMRA).

Pregabalin, a prescription drug often used for neuropathic pain, is strictly regulated due to its potential for misuse.

Authorities have expressed concern over the illicit nature of the shipment, with preliminary investigations suggesting it may have been intended for distribution targeting vulnerable groups, including schoolchildren, to foster drug dependency.

This method of concealment demonstrates increasing sophistication among smugglers, who attempt to exploit loopholes in import regulations, Customs Media Spokesman disclosed.

Officials stressed that such operations not only threaten public health but also compromise the integrity of the nation’s pharmaceutical supply chain.

The seized shipment highlights the critical need for stringent border controls and robust enforcement measures.

Customs authorities have pledged to intensify their vigilance against similar illegal imports while collaborating with relevant regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with national healthcare standards.