June 10, Colombo (LNW): The strike initiated by the Locomotive Operating Engineers’ Union, which lasted for four days, has been terminated following deliberations with the Minister of Transport.

This industrial action resulted in the cancellation of approximately twenty office trains this morning, commencing on Thursday.

The Union’s decision to engage in the strike was motivated by various demands, notably the resolution of delays pertaining to the promotion of second-class locomotive drivers.

Previously, it was reported that at least 20 commuter train services were suspended today as a result of the strike initiated by the Sri Lanka Railway Locomotive Operating Engineers’ Union.

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By: Staff Writer

June 10, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has entered into new space race of navigating deep space in partnership with China’s Deep Space Exploration Laboratory (DSEL) to leverage diverse expertise and resources, fostering a more inclusive approach to space exploration.

This collaboration between Supreme Deep Space (Pvt) Ltd. And China’s DSEL is expected to bring mutual benefits, including technological advancements and enhanced scientific research capabilities for all parties’ involved, Sri Lankan company announced.  

Newly established Supreme Deep Space (Pvt) Ltd.’ is now set to play a pivotal role in advancing lunar and Mars missions as the nation steps into the realm of deep space exploration.

In the wake of China’s highly successful Chang’e 6 lunar mission and the visit of Professor Wu Weiren, Chief Designer of China’s Lunar Exploration Program, to Sri Lanka paved the way towards launching this initiative.

This partnership not only places Sri Lanka on the global space exploration map but also allows the nation to contribute significantly to groundbreaking scientific endeavors, it added.  

The timing of this partnership is particularly noteworthy given the current global landscape of space exploration.

The United States’ Artemis program is set to compete with China’s lunar ambitions, aiming to land astronauts on the Moon by 2026 and establish a sustainable presence there.

Both nations are seeking international collaborators, and Sri Lanka’s cooperation with China may suggest a strategic alignment, although the primary focus remains on the scientific and technological advancements of  this partnership.

These two Sri Lankan and Chinese entities have outlined several areas of collaboration to advance space exploration and technology. This partnership promises to leverage Sri Lanka’s unique expertise and China’s advanced capabilities in various research initiatives.

It is poised to inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers in Sri Lanka, fostering a culture of innovation and exploration.

Supreme Deep Space will create a comprehensive database to catalog local expertise relevant to space missions.

This database will include scientists, engineers, and researchers with specialized knowledge in areas such as astrophysics, materials science, and space mission logistics.

This initiative aims to streamline collaboration and ensure that the best minds in Sri Lanka are contributing to global space missions.

Another key area of cooperation is joint research on 3D printing technologies for construction. This research will focus on developing methods for building structures on the Moon using lunar regolith, which could significantly reduce the cost and complexity of establishing lunar bases.

By combining DSEL’s advanced 3D printing technologies with Sri Lankan innovations, the partnership seeks to pioneer new techniques for off-Earth construction.

 This new venture will involve in joint research on breaking down H2O to generate oxygen. With the potential discovery of water ice at the Moon’s poles, this research could provide critical life support resources for future lunar missions.

The project will explore efficient methods to electrolyze water, harnessing solar power to produce oxygen and hydrogen, essential for sustaining human presence on the Moon.

The partnership also plans to investigate the feasibility of a space elevator using graphene, a material known for its incredible strength and conductivity. Joint research will focus on developing graphene production techniques and testing its application in space elevator technology.

Supreme Deep Space and DSEL will conduct joint research on the lower gravity impact scenario, taking advantage of Sri Lanka’s Hikkaduwa region.

The collaboration extends to Tracking, Telemetry, and Command (TT&C) services, ground segment support, and IT resource sharing. Supreme Deep Space will provide critical infrastructure for mission monitoring and control, leveraging Sri Lanka’s strategic geographic position.

.By establishing state-of-the-art facilities equipped with advanced technologies, the company will support DSEL’s missions in real-time. This includes tracking spacecraft, analyzing mission data, and coordinating with international space agencies to ensure the success of collaborative space endeavors.

1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe attends Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, along with leaders from neighboring countries: His arrival was warmly received earlier that day at the airport, and the event featured a captivating Indian cultural performance: Modi’s victory in the recent Indian general election was highlighted, and Wickremesinghe’s visit garnered significant media attention in India.
   
2. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa pledges to implement the 13th Amendment to the Constitution under a Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) administration: emphasises his commitment to implementing the amendment, which has been a recurring topic in Sri Lankan politics, unlike other politicians who have hesitated: reiterates his stance to enact the 13th Amendment nationwide, ensuring the rights of Sri Lankan citizens.
   
3. Retired Police investigators Ravi Seneviratne and Shani Abeysekara publicly endorse the National Peoples Power (NPP) party led by MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake: praise praised Dissanayake as a potential future President and voice concerns about current law enforcement issues in Sri Lanka, while expressing confidence in the NPP’s development agenda: Both Seneviratne and Abeysekara are noted for handling controversial cases and faced challenges under former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
   
4. Minister Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena stresses the importance of preserving the state-owned Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) during an induction programme at Temple Trees: emphasises its role in the economy and daily commuting, announcing a fixed promotion system to ensure stability: Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardena echoes this sentiment, marking a historic development in SLTB’s 67-year history.
   
5. A strike initiated by the Sri Lanka Railway Locomotive Operating Engineers’ Union leads to the suspension of over 20 commuter train services today, with more than 50 services cancelled yesterday: The strike, now in its fourth day, is due to grievances including promotion delays and recruitment issues: Only drivers from two out of five depots have joined the strike, affecting power set train operations: The union has warned of further escalation if their demands are not met.
   
6. USAID is aiding Sri Lanka’s investment climate by improving access to commercial alternative dispute resolution (ADR): train and accredit 23 international commercial mediators, doubling Sri Lanka’s qualified mediators: These mediators, trained by the Singapore International Mediation Centre, will conduct around 100 commercial mediations by October 2026: Commercial mediation offers a faster, cost-effective resolution, preserving business relationships and supporting international trade: US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Doug Sonnek emphasises the US commitment to fostering a favourable investment climate in Sri Lanka through such partnerships: USAID’s Efficient and Effective Justice (EEJ) project also supports ADR training and pilot programs for judicial mediation, aiming to enhance the overall efficacy of Sri Lanka’s judicial process..
   
7. Sri Lanka’s tourism sector sees a slowdown in May, with revenue dropping to $154 mn from April’s $225.7 mn: Despite challenges like the 2019 Easter attacks and pandemic-related restrictions, the industry has shown improvement compared to last year: However, global travel advisories and seasonal fluctuations continue to impact recovery efforts: Despite these challenges, tourism inflows over the past five months almost reached pre-pandemic levels, with close to 900,000 visitors: Tourist arrivals for June have seen a dip, with India being the main source of visitors, followed by the UK, China, and Bangladesh.
   
8. Sri Lanka plans to invite EOIs for establishing a nuclear power plant as part of its long-term energy plans: Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara announced the intention to include nuclear energy in future generation plans, aiming to reduce reliance on imported oil, coal, and hydropower: Russia’s Rosatom offered to build a plant with two reactors generating 300 megawatts of energy: An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safety review evaluated Sri Lanka’s site selection process, with six candidate sites identified: The review team provided recommendations to optimise site evaluation, emphasising adherence to IAEA safety standards: Sri Lanka sees nuclear energy as a low-carbon option to address climate change and bolster energy security, committing to nuclear power planning.
   
9. Sri Lanka partners with China’s Deep Space Exploration Lab (DSEL) to join the global space race: Supreme Deep Space (Pvt) Ltd., a newly established Sri Lankan company, collaborates with DSEL to advance lunar and Mars missions: This partnership follows China’s successful Chang’e 6 lunar mission and aims to contribute to groundbreaking scientific endeavours: Sri Lanka’s cooperation with China may align with strategic interests amidst the US-China space competition: The collaboration focuses on various research initiatives, including cataloguing local expertise, 3D printing for lunar construction, water electrolysis for oxygen generation, and graphene-based space elevator technology: Supreme Deep Space will provide infrastructure for mission monitoring and control, supporting DSEL’s missions in real-time.
   
10. Sri Lanka’s Nuwan Thushara reflects on lessons learned from IPL and T-20 World Cup matches, emphasising team success over personal achievements: highlights differences in pitch conditions between the IPL and T-20 World Cup, noting challenges for bowlers and batsmen: Sri Lanka’s team manager, Mahinda Halangoda, attributes their defeat to batting shortcomings and stresses the need for players to adapt to pitch conditions: Despite attempts to prepare, challenges with practice facilities hindered their training: Cricket experts urge players to take responsibility for performance in the T-20 format, emphasising the importance of adaptation and learning from mistakes.

June 10, Colombo (LNW): Two distinguished retired Police investigators, Ravi Seneviratne and Shani Abeysekara, have openly endorsed the National Peoples Power (NPP), led by MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Retired Senior DIG Ravi Seneviratne and former Director of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Shani Abeysekara made their support evident during an NPP gathering attended by retired Police officers, underscoring their alignment with the party’s vision and leadership.

During his address at the event, Ravi Seneviratne not only expressed his backing for the NPP but also hailed Dissanayake as the prospective President of Sri Lanka.

The projection indicates a notable shift in political allegiances.

Seneviratne raised concerns regarding the prevailing state of law enforcement in Sri Lanka whilst expressing his trust in the NPP’s capability, emphasising the party’s comprehensive agenda for national development.

Notably, both Seneviratne and Abeysekara have a distinguished record in managing numerous controversial cases, albeit encountering threatening challenges during the tenure of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

June 10, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan Premier Dinesh Gunawardena has underscored the importance of safeguarding the state-owned Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), urging officials to focus on its enhancement.

The PM highlighted the enduring significance of the SLTB in the nation’s economy, serving as a vital infrastructure for daily commuting and light goods transportation.

He stressed the need to preserve this institution, particularly as a substantial portion of the public relies on bus travel.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena conveyed these sentiments during an induction programme held yesterday (09) at the Temple Trees, where he introduced the approved recruitment and promotion procedure for SLTB staff.

Minister of Transport Bandula Gunawardena, also present at the event, announced the introduction of a fixed promotion system, marking a historic development in SLTB’s 67-year history.

He expressed that this initiative aimed to eliminate the customary practice of personnel changes following electoral outcomes.

In his address, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena reflected on the establishment of the CTB by Hon. Philip Gunawardena in 1957.

He recounted the significance of this milestone in providing essential public transport services and advocated for the protection and development of SLTB to serve the nation effectively.

Minister of Transport Bandula Gunawardena emphasised the transformative nature of the fixed promotion system, marking a crucial turning point in SLTB’s history.

He noted the departure from traditional practices, ensuring stability and continuity in the board’s operations.

State Ministers Dilum Amunugama, Sisira Jayakodi, Members of Parliament Gamini Lokage, Yadamini Gunawardena, as well as SLTB officials including President Lalith De Alwis and Secretary of Sri Lanka Public Transport Employees’ Society Nuraj Singh, were among the attendees at this event.

June 10, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe, attended the swearing-in ceremony of Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, held on yesterday evening (09) at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.

The event saw the presence of leaders from neighbouring countries, including Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Seychelles Vice-President Ahmed Afif, and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu.

The invitation extended to President Muizzu raised eyebrows in diplomatic circles due to the current strain in relations between New Delhi and Male.

President Wickremesinghe’s arrival in India earlier that day was marked by a warm reception at the Indira Gandhi Airport.

He was greeted by Additional Secretary P. Kumaran representing the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha, Indian Ocean Region Additional Secretary Mr. Puneeth Agrawal, and Mrs. Kshenuka Senewiratne.

The welcoming ceremony featured a captivating dance performance, showcasing Indian culture.

The swearing-in ceremony, led by Indian President Draupadi Murmu, was held in the evening at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

President Wickremesinghe’s visit garnered significant media attention in India, with billboards displaying his and Prime Minister Modi’s images across key locations in New Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s electoral coalition secured victory in the Indian general election, spanning seven phases over 44 days.

Following this triumph, Modi was officially appointed as the leader of the National Democratic Alliance.

Accompanying President Wickremesinghe on this visit are President’s Secretary Mr. Saman Ekanayake, Foreign Affairs Ministry Secretary Ms. Aruni Wijewardene, Government Information Director General Mr. Dinith Chinthaka Karunaratne, and President’s Private Secretary Ms. Sandra Perera.