June 06, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Immigration and Emigration Department has rolled out fresh passport seals for arrivals and departures at international airports across the nation.

Controller General of the Immigration and Emigration Department, Harsha Ilukpitiya, confirmed the deployment of these new seals at Katunayake Airport on June 1st, 2024.

Ilukpitiya highlighted that the implementation of these novel seals has commenced at various other international airports in Sri Lanka.

The new system features a blue seal for arrivals and a green one for departures.

Furthermore, Ilukpitiya disclosed that analogous seals have been introduced for ports and passenger cruise ships, with three distinct seals being designated for each sector.

Shedding light on the rationale behind this initiative, he noted that the previous seal, in use since 1948, had been susceptible to misuse, prompting the need for a more secure alternative.

Despite encountering delays in the past, attributed to several complaints regarding the fraudulent exploitation of the old seal, Ilukpitiya affirmed the department’s resolve to swiftly introduce the new seals.

Importantly, he assured that the newly introduced seals have been crafted with anti-counterfeiting features, mitigating the risk of duplication.

June 06, Colombo (LNW): The Supreme Court today (06) in a significant legal decision concerning the extent of executive pardon powers rendered a ruling invalidating former President Maithripala Sirisena’s grant of a Presidential pardon to Don Shamantha Jude Anthony Jayamaha, convicted in the Royal Park murder case, deeming it arbitrary and unlawful.

The three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, comprising Justices S. Thurairaja, Yasantha Kodagoda, and Janak de Silva, ordered the nullification of two Presidential pardons issued to Shamantha Jude Anthony Jayamaha, citing non-compliance with constitutional provisions.

The court asserted that ex President Maithripala Sirisena’s actions violated the petitioner’s Fundamental Rights (FR) and the public trust doctrine in granting the presidential pardon to the aforementioned convict.

The Women & Media Collective organisation initiated this Fundamental Rights petition challenging the legality of Sirisena’s decision to grant a presidential pardon to the Royal Park murder convict.

In light of this ruling, the Supreme Court directed the relevant authorities to take lawful measures regarding the implementation of the sentence imposed on Jude Jayamaha.

President’s Counsel Sanjeeva Jayawardena, along with Counsels Rukshan Senadheera and Ranmali Meepagala, represented the petitioner. President’s Counsel Romesh de Silva appeared for the victims, while Faizer Mustapha PC represented former President Maithripala Sirisena.

Saliya Peiris PC acted on behalf of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, and Additional Solicitor General Nerin Pulle represented the Attorney General.

June 06, Colombo (LNW): Geologist Professor Athula Senaratne addressed the media in Kandy yesterday (06), shedding light on the challenges posed by inadequate equipment in accurately forecasting recent adverse weather conditions.

The absence of requisite instruments hindered the provision of timely warnings regarding the deluge of 400mm rains witnessed in certain regions across the nation in recent days, according to Senaratne.

In his statement, Prof. Senaratne emphasised the crucial role of appropriate equipment in enhancing the precision of weather forecasting.

He underscored that with the necessary technological resources at hand, meteorological authorities could have issued advance alerts to mitigate the impact of the intense rainfall experienced in various parts of the country.

Furthermore, Professor Senaratne highlighted a systemic gap in Sri Lanka’s infrastructure, particularly in the domain of rainfall measurement equipment.

He lamented the inadequacy of facilities for accurately gauging precipitation, indicating a pressing need for investment and modernisation in this sector to bolster the nation’s resilience against extreme weather events.

June 06, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe has unveiled Sri Lanka’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040 while pursuing its economic objectives.

During the World Environment Day celebrations held at the Presidential Secretariat on Wednesday (05), he highlighted Sri Lanka’s pioneering role as the first Asian country to embed the global objective of zero carbon emissions into its national policy.

President Wickremesinghe stressed that Sri Lanka’s response to climate change and environmental challenges transcends conventional programmes, now being integrated into the country’s economic and foreign policy frameworks.

He underscored the forthcoming Climate Change Act and the establishment of the Climate Change Centre, which will establish a comprehensive legal framework for addressing environmental and climate change concerns, setting Sri Lanka apart from other nations.

Addressing the audience, President Wickremesinghe showcased Sri Lanka’s proactive engagement in recent COP Conferences on Climate Change and other international platforms.

He announced a significant initiative: the draft legislation for establishing the International University on Climate Change in Sri Lanka is expected to be enacted before June next year.

Expressing reservations about the financial commitments from Western and developed nations to combat climate change, President Wickremesinghe juxtaposed the expenditure on conflicts with the potential investment in climate change mitigation efforts.

He called upon developed countries to extend relief to low-income African nations while advocating for tropical countries to mobilise their resources to manage climate change effectively, thereby contributing significantly to global climate control.

President Wickremesinghe also formalised the establishment of the Warnagalawatta Environmental Protection Zone in the Ratnapura District through a gazette announcement.

Furthermore, he honoured eight students from four school environmental pioneer brigades with symbolic medals during the event.

The President’s address underlined the urgency of this year’s World Environment Day celebration amidst escalating global temperatures.

He expressed optimism that a concerted focus on global climate change will enable the realisation of the climate goals outlined in the Paris Agreement.

Under President Wickremesinghe’s leadership, the celebration at the Presidential Secretariat, themed “Effective Land Use is a Healthy Alternative,” witnessed the launch of the “National Green Procurement Policy.”

This initiative aligns with Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to foster sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

June 06, Colombo (LNW): Defence State Minister Premitha Bandara Tennakoon presided over a convened meeting on the 5th of this month with delegates from UN agencies, international non-governmental organisations (INGOs), and NGOs.

The objective of the meeting was to apprise them of the ongoing rescue and relief endeavours dedicated to supporting communities adversely affected by inclement weather.

During the session, the state minister provided the attending UN, INGO, and NGO officials with updates on prevailing weather conditions and the advancements in the ongoing relief initiatives undertaken by disaster management authorities.

These operations are being conducted in collaboration with District and Divisional Secretariats, in coordination with the tri-forces, Sri Lanka Police, Civil Security Department, and other governmental entities.

The minister expressed sincere gratitude for the assistance and cooperation extended by the UN agencies, INGOs, and NGOs in providing relief to the victims of flooding.

He underscored the imperative of intensifying efforts in the post-disaster phase, particularly in the realms of repair and reconstruction, to rehabilitate the civilian populace affected by the calamity.

Furthermore, he urged them to bolster their support and allocations towards relief efforts, as stated by the Defence Ministry in a release.

A specific plea was made for assistance in repairing schools, which currently serve as safe havens catering to a significant number of flood victims, along with addressing the damages incurred by residential properties.

The statement additionally noted the willingness of UN, INGO, and NGO officials to extend their aid in this regard.

The dialogue was attended by officials from the Disaster Management Centre, as well as representatives from various UN agencies such as UNICEF, WHO, Red Cross, World Vision, among others, and several NGOs.

June 06, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts, with a few showers will occur in Northern and North-central provinces, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (06).

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Eastern and Uva provinces in the evening or night.

Strong winds of about (40-50) kmph can be expected at times over Northern, North-central, North-western provinces and in Hambantota district.

General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Marine Weather:

June 05, Colombo (LNW): The Irrigation Department has announced a gradual reduction in the dangerous water levels of the Kelani River, Kalu River, and Attanagalu Oya. This development brings hope to flood-affected regions as water levels begin to subside.

Engineer Sakura Dilthara from the department confirmed that areas severely impacted by flooding, including Gampaha, Ja-Ela, Wattala, Minuwangoda, and Katana, are expected to see a decrease in water levels today, June 5. Similarly, low-lying regions within the Kelani River Basin, such as Kaduwela, Biyagama, Kolonnawa, Wattala, and Colombo, are also experiencing a gradual decline in water levels.

Despite this positive trend, Dr. Wasantha Senadeera, a senior geologist at the National Building Research Organization (NBRO), has cautioned that the risk of landslides remains high.

The Disaster Management Center has reported that the adverse weather conditions have affected over 161,000 individuals across the island. According to its director, Pradeep Kodippili, the death toll has tragically risen to 21. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by many communities in the wake of these severe weather events.

Portfolio Extension to Be Introduced at CAFÉ 2024 Culinary Art Food Expo

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA 28th May 2024 – AB Mauri Lanka – a division of AB Mauri based in Peterborough, U.K. – is set to launch a trio of new products at the upcoming CAFE 2024 Culinary Art Food Expo on June 7-9 at BMICH. Each bakery ingredient is designed to assist commercial and artisan bakers to answer opportunities behind vegan baking, egg replacement, popular sourdough flavors and even on-shelf stackability.

Bakers attending the food expo will be able to find out more information on FOVO vegan and egg replacement, Aromaferm cereal ferments and Vega for bun resilience. AB Mauri Lanka representatives will be on-hand each day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. inside booth stalls 66-68 to discuss their offers under the theme, ‘An Invitation to Experience the Future of Baking.’

 “We are excited to invite all bakery and culinary professionals in the region to explore our latest technology and gain insight into how our new products can assist them in creating outstanding baked food items,” said Surajdeen Seiyad, Country Director, AB Mauri Lanka. “This is a unique opportunity for local and regional bakers to experience groundbreaking developments and interact with our industry experts, ultimately enhancing baking techniques.”

FOVO egg replacement range offers highly-functional solutions that can significantly reduce or even completely replace eggs in finished baked goods. This innovative line not only addresses the need for delicious and indulgent products but also emphasizes animal welfare, environmental sustainability and a reduced carbon footprint. The FOVO product range includes a FOVO cake concentrate available with or without baking powder and an egg replacer capable of replacing up to 100 percent of the egg content in recipes. 

The new Aromaferm portfolio introduces three varieties of products including wheatgerm, durum and rye ferments, assuring the presence of natural fermentation ingredients for bakers big and small. These natural sourdough items, derived from wheat milling byproducts fermented with select starter cultures, are ideally suited for creative artisanal, sandwich & Mediterranean-style breads, baguettes, pizza crusts and more. Key benefits include improved flavor, enhanced texture, increased freshness and resilience and more.

Vega, a unique range of products designed to boost resilience in buns, is also set for introduction. Crafted to meet modern tastes and offering a soft, resilient bite with a fine texture and white crumb, Vega ensures that buns remain fresh for an extended period, boast excellent resistance to compression and maintain an even crust colour. These qualities make finished baked goods with Vega technology perfect for stacking through commercial distribution.

About AB Mauri Lanka:

AB Mauri Lanka operates under the umbrella of Associated British Foods PLC, a renowned global bakery ingredient manufacturer based in the U.K.  Associated British Foods PLC maintains a significant international presence, operating 52 factories across more than 32 countries. With an extensive international network, AB Mauri Lanka remains committed to empowering the Sri Lankan bakery industry by providing high-quality ingredients trusted worldwide. More information can be found at https://www.abmauri.lk 

June 05, Colombo (LNW): The oldest container terminal at the Port of Colombo, the Jaya Container Terminal (JCT), is undergoing significant enhancements aimed at bolstering its operational capabilities. Scheduled for official unveiling by the end of June, these developments mark a pivotal moment for Sri Lanka’s maritime infrastructure.

Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, Nimal Siripala de Silva, personally oversaw the progress during a recent inspection visit to the terminal. Among the notable upgrades are the installation of three state-of-the-art 45-meter high gantry cranes, an extension of the anchorage by 120 meters to reach a total of 1,400 meters, and the expansion of the container yard by an additional 13 acres. These improvements, coupled with the existing 14 gantry cranes, signify a substantial investment by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), totaling Rs 10 billion.

Upon completion, the terminal will accommodate two large container vessels simultaneously, streamlining the handling of Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) and significantly enhancing operational efficiency. SLPA anticipates a notable increase in container throughput, projecting a rise from the current 1.8 million to 2.5 million containers per year.

This ambitious undertaking underscores the commitment of Sri Lanka’s maritime authorities to modernize and optimize port facilities, positioning the country as a key player in global trade. The inspection visit was attended by high-ranking officials, including Secretary to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, K.D.S. Ruwanchandra, SLPA Chairman Keith D. Bernard, Vice Chairman Gayan Alagewattege, Managing Director Prabath J. Malavige, as well as other key figures in port operations and management. Their presence highlights the strategic importance attached to this pivotal development in the nation’s maritime infrastructure.