November 12, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) indicates slight depreciation against the US Dollar today (12) in comparison to yesterday, as per the official exchange rates released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).
Accordingly, the buying price of the US Dollar has increased to Rs. 288.19 from Rs. 288.16, and the selling price to Rs. 297.22 from Rs. 297.15.
Nonetheless, the Dollar value continues to remain under the Rs. 300 threshold, signalling stabilisation.
Meanwhile, the LKR indicates appreciation against several other foreign currencies.
November 12, Colombo (LNW): To ensure a secure environment for the upcoming general election, approximately 64,000 police officers will be deployed nationwide from today (12), Police Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa disclosed.
This deployment covers security needs across all constituencies, with officers stationed at polling stations and prepared to remain on duty throughout election day, November 14, and beyond if necessary.
In preparation for the vote, 13,383 polling stations have been set up across the country, slightly exceeding the number of constituencies, which totals 13,314.
Nearly 3,200 Special Task Force (STF) officers are on active duty, enhancing the primary deployment with specialised support, according to DIG Thalduwa.
He added that around 12,227 police personnel are also directly involved in election-specific operations, with the overall number of police officers engaged in election security estimated to reach 70,000.
Furthermore, approximately 11,000 army personnel will be stationed at strategic points across the country, focusing on high-risk areas that require additional security.
These troops will provide reinforcement where police officers have been re-assigned for election duty.
“Army officers are on standby and ready to assist if the need arises,” DIG Thalduwa emphasised, underscoring the scale of the security operation.
November 12, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Meteorology has forecast the formation of a low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal today (12), which is expected to create favourable conditions for afternoon thundershowers across most of Sri Lanka starting tomorrow (13), the Department of Meteorology said.
For today, residents in the Northern Province should anticipate several spells of showers, while other regions could experience showers or thundershowers in the evening or night.
Areas in the Eastern, Central, Uva, Sabaragamuwa, and Southern provinces may see significant rainfall, with some locations potentially receiving over 50mm.
Additionally, misty conditions are expected in the morning across parts of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, and Uva provinces, along with the Galle and Matara districts.
The public is advised to take precautions against temporary strong winds and lightning that may accompany these storms.
For sea conditions, thundershowers are expected in areas off the coast from Mannar to Trincomalee via Kankasanthurai, with potential showers in other coastal waters during the evening or night.
Winds around the island will generally be north-westerly or variable, with speeds of 25-35 km/h. Whilst seas are anticipated to be slight to moderate, temporarily strong gusty winds and rough seas may occur during thundershowers.
The Department advises those in affected areas to exercise caution and take steps to minimise potential damage from strong winds and lightning.
November 12, Colombo (LNW): The Maligakanda Magistrate Court directed authorities to record statements from 18 senior officials of the previous government, including former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and former Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.
This order is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of substandard drug procurement approved by the former Cabinet under emergency measures in 2022.
The directive came after Deputy Solicitor General Lakmini Girihagama requested permission to question former high-ranking officials regarding the approval of nearly 200 controversial medicinal drugs through an emergency procurement process.
This investigation aims to clarify the decision-making processes that led to the purchase of these potentially unsafe medications.
The list of former Cabinet Ministers required to provide statements includes Nimal Siripala de Silva, Douglas Devananda, Susil Premajayantha, Bandula Gunawardhana, Mahinda Amaraweera, Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, Harin Fernando, Ramesh Pathirana, Prasanna Ranatunga, Vidura Wickremenayake, Kanchana Wijesekera, Naseer Ahmed, Roshan Ranasinghe, Tiran Alles, Nalin Fernando, and Jagath Pushpa Kumara.
The court also ruled to extend the detention of Sudath Janaka, a supplier allegedly involved in distributing the substandard drugs, until November 25.
Janaka’s continued detention underscores the severity with which the judiciary is treating the case as it seeks accountability in what has become a significant public health concern.
November 12, Colombo (LNW): The National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF) has issued a stark warning regarding a rise in the trafficking of Sri Lankans from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Myanmar, where they are forced into labour at cyber scam centres.
Information from trusted sources has revealed that these trafficking operations are specifically targeting Sri Lankans, especially young IT professionals, under the guise of lucrative overseas job offers.
According to recent investigations, traffickers use deceptive recruitment tactics, often promising high-salaried IT roles in foreign countries.
Once candidates arrive in locations such as Dubai for purported job interviews, they are coerced into travelling onward to Myanmar.
At these destinations, they face not only illegal confinement but also psychological and physical abuse, including reports of severe methods such as electrocution.
The NAHTTF has repeatedly cautioned the public about the dangers of recruitment schemes targeting vulnerable job seekers for cyber scam operations.
Sri Lankan nationals are urged to avoid travelling abroad on visit visas, particularly through unauthorised channels, which violate the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment Act.
In light of these developments, the NAHTTF has outlined a series of urgent precautions and steps for the public:
Seek employment abroad only through safe, legal migration routes authorised by official channels.
Remain vigilant for signs of trafficking or dubious recruitment activities, and report them.
Protect at-risk individuals by notifying relevant authorities if they know Sri Lankan nationals abroad who might be in danger, as well as their families or friends back home.
For those wishing to report suspected trafficking activities, the NAHTTF offers confidential reporting via their hotline at 0112102570 or 076 844 7700, or by email at [email protected].
The task force assures the public that all information shared will be handled discreetly to protect the identity of informants.
November 12, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally requested the U.S. Embassy to withdraw a security alert advising American citizens to avoid Arugam Bay due to a potential threat, a ministry spokesperson confirmed yesterday (11).
The alert, issued on October 23, urged U.S. nationals to steer clear of the popular tourist destination, citing credible intelligence of an attack targeting tourist areas.
The Embassy also restricted travel for its own staff to Arugam Bay until further notice.
Following the U.S. announcement, Israel’s National Security Council issued a similar warning for Israeli nationals, advising them to vacate certain tourist areas in southern Sri Lanka, including Arugam Bay and beaches along the southern and western coasts.
This alert, based on reports of a potential terrorist threat, prompted widespread concern among international visitors and tourism stakeholders.
Heightened security efforts have also led to the arrest of six individuals in connection with potential security risks.
According to a spokesperson, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has since appealed to the U.S. Embassy to reconsider and remove the advisory, following these proactive steps to ensure safety.
During a recent television programme, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake confirmed that the government had received intel on a potential attack two weeks prior to the U.S.’ announcement and actions had already been taken since to heighten security in the area, despite the move not being accounted for public record then.
To further assess the security landscape, Defence Secretary Sampath Thuyacontha visited the Eastern Province on November 10, concentrating on Arugam Bay.
During his visit, the Defence Secretary met with senior local military and police officials for a detailed briefing on current security protocols.
He instructed officials on targeted measures to strengthen protection in Arugam Bay and other high-traffic tourist spots across Sri Lanka.
When questioned about cooperation between the Sri Lankan government and U.S. authorities, a U.S. Embassy spokesperson confirmed close collaboration on security matters, underscoring the joint commitment to public safety and the wellbeing of tourists.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry remains hopeful that recent security efforts will provide reassurance to international visitors and lead to a swift lifting of travel restrictions on Arugam Bay, restoring confidence in one of Sri Lanka’s prime tourist destinations.
November 12, Colombo (LNW): In preparation for the parliamentary election on November 14, all schools will be handed over to respective Grama Niladhari officers today (12), once classes conclude, according to the Ministry of Education.
Schools across the country will be closed from tomorrow, 13 November, to facilitate election arrangements, with plans to reopen on Monday, 18 November.
The Ministry of Education made the announcement last Friday, emphasising that schools would serve as key venues for polling activities.
Education Ministry Secretary J.M. Thilaka Jayasundara has advised Zonal Education Directors and school principals to make desks, chairs, and assembly halls available to support election operations.
The Election Commission has also been notified, alongside Provincial Education Secretaries, Provincial and Zonal Education Directors, and other relevant bodies, to ensure coordinated efforts across districts.
Jayasundara highlighted that schools designated as vote-counting centres should stay closed only for the specific durations necessary to complete the counting process, in line with guidance from the Election Commission Chairman.
This arrangement reflects a collaborative effort between the Education Ministry and election authorities to manage polling logistics while minimising disruption to students.
November 12, Colombo (LNW): The Presidential Secretariat hosted a high-level meeting yesterday (11) to explore potential relief strategies for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) grappling with financial challenges, the President’s Media Division said in a statement.
Led by Senior Additional Secretary to the President for Finance and Economic Affairs, Mr G.N.R.D. Aponsu, the session gathered officials from the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, and the Sri Lanka Banks’ Association (Guarantee) Limited to discuss urgent support measures.
The talks primarily addressed the mounting financial pressures on SMEs, particularly those struggling under heavy loan burdens.
To temporarily alleviate these pressures, debt recovery actions under the Parate law have been suspended for SMEs, though this grace period is set to conclude on 15 December.
Attendees reviewed options for sustaining and potentially expanding relief measures before the deadline, recognising the need for ongoing support in these challenging economic conditions.
Participants explored how the banking sector could offer additional assistance to SMEs, with a focus on stimulating productivity and economic resilience.
One key outcome of the meeting was the decision to prepare a detailed report on SME loans, which will assess current financial exposures and serve as a foundation for designing future support measures.
This initiative underscores a commitment to providing tailored financial interventions for SMEs, a sector crucial to the national economy.
Discussions also centred on the feasibility of further extending the suspension of debt recovery under the Parate law, with the Central Bank and several commercial banks involved in evaluating the necessary measures.
Several senior officials participated, including Mrs R.R.S. De Silva Jayathilake, Director of Bank Supervision at the Central Bank, and Mr A.M.A.D. Amarakoon, Senior Assistant Director at the Central Bank. Representatives from the Sri Lanka Banks’ Association were also in attendance, including Mr Indrajith Boyagoda, Secretary General, Mr Dilshan Rodrigo, CEO of Union Bank, Mr Manoj Akmeemana, Senior Deputy General Manager of Sampath Bank, and Mr Sampath Perera, Deputy General Manager of Bank of Ceylon. Other attendees included Mr Nalin Samaranayake, Assistant General Manager of Commercial Bank, Mr Nirosh Perera, Chief Recovery and Rehabilitation Officer at Hatton National Bank, and Mr Bingumal Thewarathanthri, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank.
November 12, Colombo (LNW): Campaigning for the 2024 parliamentary election officially ended at midnight on November 11, ushering in a mandated “silence period” that will last until polling day on November 14.
This silence period marks a critical moment as candidates and parties await the public’s verdict, with monitoring teams and regulations poised to maintain a fair and impartial election environment for all voters.
During this period, all forms of active electioneering are prohibited, according to the Election Commission, to ensure voters can make their decisions without external influence.
However, candidates have until midnight tonight (12), to dismantle any temporary campaign offices.
Election Commission Chairman R.M.A.L. Ratnayake clarified that campaign offices currently set up across constituencies must be removed by this deadline.
Following this, each party or candidate group will be permitted only one office per constituency, a measure intended to curb last-minute campaign activities while maintaining essential logistical operations.
In addition, candidates may use their residences as their designated constituency offices, though the Election Commission has set strict guidelines forbidding any decorations or advertisements.
These rules aim to keep campaign visibility minimal and maintain a fair, unbiased environment leading up to the election.
Meanwhile, the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) will deploy approximately 6,000 monitors to observe the election, ensuring transparency and adherence to electoral standards. PAFFREL Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi emphasised that these representatives will play a key role in upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejects US accusations linking Tehran to a plot to harm former President Donald Trump and attack Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka: dismisses the allegations as a fabricated attempt to create distrust between the two nations: emphasises Iran’s commitment to diplomacy and rejected any interest in nuclear weapons, calling for mutual confidence-building efforts.
The Supreme Court grants Additional Solicitor General Nerin Pulle’s request for time to determine President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s stance on appointing Deshabandu Tennakoon as Inspector General of Police (IGP): This request was made during a petition hearing by eight parties, including Archbishop of Colombo, HE Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, challenging the appointment: The next hearing is scheduled for February 24-25, 2025.
The National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF) warns the public about a rise in Sri Lankans being trafficked to cyber scam centres in Myanmar, particularly those in the UAE: Traffickers lure IT professionals with promises of high-paying jobs, only to coerce them into working illegally under harsh conditions: advises against illegal migration and encourages reporting suspicious activities to safeguard vulnerable individuals.
Campaigning for the 2024 General Elections ended at midnight on November 11, initiating a 48-hour “silent period”: The National Election Commission instructs media to adhere to guidelines, allowing election-related coverage only on November 12 but banning it on November 13 and 14: The election is set for Thursday, November 14.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) initiates an investigation into claims from a ‘Channel 4’ documentary on the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, following a complaint to the Ministry of Public Security: Former Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pilleyan is set to give a statement on November 12.
The government holds discussions to explore relief measures for struggling SMEs before the Parate law’s debt recovery suspension expires on December 15: Led by the Senior Additional Secretary for Finance, officials from the Finance Ministry, Central Bank, and Banks’ Association discussed SME loan challenges: A report on SME loans will inform future support measures, with banks evaluating further debt recovery suspensions.
The Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court directs authorities to record statements from 18 former Cabinet Ministers over alleged importation and distribution of substandard drugs to government hospitals: The inquiry centres on claims that the drugs failed to meet safety and quality standards, implicating ministers who approved their procurement and distribution during their tenure.
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) announces changes to its trading hours for November 14 2024, the day of the Parliamentary Election: The market will close early, with trading scheduled from 09.30 am to 12.30 pm: Regular trading hours will resume on Monday, November 18, 2024.
During a visit to Katunayake Airport, Civil Aviation Minister Vijitha Herath addresses issues affecting staff and services: Key actions included restoring a Rs. 50,000 allowance for employees, creating a 24/7 unit for real-time flight delay updates, and improving uniform quality for security staff: engages with employees, committing to work with authorities for effective solutions.
The Intermediate Weightlifting Championship 2024, held at the National Sports Complex in Torrington from 08 to 10 November, saw the SLAF Women’s Team crowned champions and the Men’s Team securing runner-up: Aircraftman Sandeepa GAC and Aircraftwoman Chathurani MHD were named ‘Best Lifter’ in their respective categories: The event featured weightlifting clubs across Sri Lanka, including tri-forces teams, competing for top honours.
