By: Isuru Parakrama
November 05, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) indicates slight depreciation against the US Dollar today (05) in comparison to yesterday, maintaining nonetheless below the Rs. 300 threshold, as revealed by 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. 288.67 from Rs. 288.55, and the selling price to Rs. 297.72 from Rs. 297.60
November 05, Colombo (LNW): A delegation of seasoned New Zealand rugby referees has arrived in Sri Lanka to conduct an intensive training programme aimed at raising the calibre of officiating within the Sri Lankan rugby community.
The 24-day initiative, organised with the backing of the Sri Lanka Society of Rugby Football Referees (SLSRFR), Sri Lanka Rugby, and the Ministry of Sports, seeks to equip local referees and club officials with enhanced skills and strategies ahead of the 2024/25 Club Rugby season.
This effort is spearheaded by Krishan Ambawatte, a Sri Lankan-born civil engineer and referee now based in New Zealand.
Ambawatte, who has refereed at both national touch rugby and provincial rugby levels, proposed the idea earlier this year.
“Our vision is to provide Sri Lankan referees with the necessary training to elevate their skills at no cost, fostering a long-term improvement in rugby officiating,” he explained.
His vision resonated well with both Sri Lankan rugby officials and the Ministry of Sports, paving the way for this partnership with New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty Rugby Union referees.
The programme will deliver workshops for referees across all tiers, as well as training for Judicial and Citing Officers, club administrators, and even coaches and captains.
The New Zealand team, comprising highly experienced referees, will also officiate matches to further strengthen local officiating standards. The programme is headlined by three top referees from New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty Rugby Union:
By: Isuru Parakrama
November 05, Colombo (LNW): The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO) has announced plans to overhaul the current commission structure for fuel distributors, opting to implement a price formula tailored to local conditions.
CEYPETCO Chairman D.J.A.S. De S Rajakaruna revealed this shift at a briefing yesterday (04), emphasising the need for transparency and fairness in the fuel supply network.
Rajakaruna explained that the CEYPETCO has historically linked distributor commissions to global oil prices, a model that has increasingly led to disproportionate profits for distributors, especially during recent fluctuations in the global oil market.
Until now, distributors earned a 2.25 per cent commission based on global oil prices, with an additional 0.5 percent increase implemented in 2018 due to economic challenges.
This led to a significant rise in distributor earnings; for instance, in 2022, distributors received Rs. 14 per litre of octane 92 petrol and Rs. 13.80 per litre of diesel.
The chairman highlighted that the Auditor General’s Office reported substantial losses from this commission model, noting that in 2022 alone, the CEYPETCO faced a shortfall of Rs. 35 billion due to the temporary commission increase.
Consequently, the CEYPETCO’s Board of Directors has determined that the global oil market should no longer influence distributor commissions.
Instead, the CEYPETCO will establish a formula rooted in local economic conditions, ensuring a stable and fair return for distributors without burdening public funds.
An expert committee has been appointed to develop this new pricing formula. In the interim, the CEYPETCO has proposed a provisional allowance of Rs. 6 per litre for distributors until the formula is finalised.
However, distributors have sought a court injunction against this interim rate, which currently sees them receiving Rs. 8.49 per litre for diesel and Rs. 9.33 per litre for petrol.
Beyond revising distributor commissions, Rajakaruna criticised prior government policies that, in his view, weakened the CEYPETCO’s autonomy and market share.
Agreements with previous administrations have reportedly forced the CEYPETCO to relinquish profitable fuel stations to competing entities, reducing its sales by 50 per cent.
Furthermore, CEYPETCO equipment has, in some cases, been transferred to private companies, including a licence issued to a private company for supplying aircraft fuel, still operating on CEYPETCO infrastructure.
Despite these setbacks, Rajakaruna expressed optimism, asserting that the Corporation’s fuel, lubricants, and agro divisions would eventually regain stability and profitability.
He assured that the new commission formula, along with an emphasis on transparency, would restore public trust in the CEYPETCO’s operations.
Managing Director Dr. Mayura Neththikumarage also supported these efforts during the press briefing, highlighting the need for continued reform to safeguard the Corporation’s future.
By: Isuru Parakrama
November 05, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Immigration and Emigration is introducing a digital system for booking passport appointments through tokens, effective from Wednesday (06).
This initiative aims to streamline the process, allowing the public to reserve a date for passport applications using their National Identity Card (NIC) number via the department’s official website.
Acting Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, Nilusha Balasooriya, announced the new system at a recent press briefing, emphasising its role in easing queues and assisting those travelling from distant areas.
Starting December 01, appointments made using online tokens will be available, allowing the department time to clear a backlog of existing passport requests.
Balasooriya clarified that the token booking portal will be accessible on the left side of the department’s website under “Register to apply for a passport.”
Through this system, applicants can reserve dates from anywhere at any time using a smartphone or computer.
To manage demand, a limited number of tokens will be issued daily, with alternative dates offered if the chosen date’s quota is full.
To protect applicants from scams, Balasooriya cautioned against unofficial agents claiming to secure tokens on behalf of the department, warning that such bogus tokens would be invalid and lead to further delays.
Applicants should avoid visiting the department in person to book appointments after tomorrow (06), as all reservations will now be managed online.
For those requiring passports urgently, the system permits booking the earliest available date, after which applicants can present documentary proof of their emergency need.
An independent committee within the department will review these cases to ensure the validity of emergency requests. Strict legal action will be taken against individuals found submitting fake documents.
Those facing technical issues or seeking assistance with the online token system can reach out via the Government Information Centre at ‘1919’ or the Department’s Information Centre at ‘1962’.
Additionally, the department encourages public feedback on this pilot programme to refine and improve the service.
Balasooriya noted that the current stock of passports stands at 33,000 from a batch of 50,000, with a larger consignment of 750,000 passports expected by December.
To meet the high demand, the department will also implement a new procurement plan for additional passports, she added.
By: Isuru Parakrama
November 05, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Agrarian Development has commenced the distribution of the Rs. 25,000 fertiliser subsidy for the 2024 ‘Maha Season,’ confirmed Commissioner General U.P. Rohana Rajapakshe.
This substantial initiative is aimed at supporting local farmers through a phased financial distribution to bolster agricultural productivity.
In the programme’s first phase, Rs. 15,000 has already been distributed per farmer, initially benefiting 670 farmers across Ampara and Kilinochchi districts, with Rs. 9.5 million allocated to support cultivation across 630 hectares.
Expanding on this, the second phase disbursed Rs. 46.5 million to 4,475 farmers in 12 districts, while the third phase released Rs. 57.5 million to assist 4,219 farmers within the same districts.
Further, in the fourth phase, Rs. 47.7 million was allocated to 4,804 farmers.
Rajapakshe stated that an additional Rs. 279.4 million will be transferred from the Treasury today, with funds allocated to benefit 22,419 farmers across 19 districts, further strengthening the seasonal agricultural efforts.
In total, over Rs. 441.8 million has been distributed to farmers so far, representing a significant investment by the government in agricultural sustainability.
Rajapakshe also highlighted that a subsequent Rs. 10,000 will be disbursed to farmers in two weeks, following the commencement of cultivation activities.
This follow-up financial support is intended to ensure farmers are adequately equipped for the season’s demands.
By: Isuru Parakrama
November 05, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Examinations has announced that applications for the 2024 (2025) G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination are now open, with the submission period running from today (05), until midnight on 30 November.
According to a statement released yesterday (04), only online applications will be accepted, and candidates can submit them through the department’s official websites: www.doenets.lk or www.onlineexams.gov.lk/eic.
The department clarified that school candidates must apply through their respective school principals, whilst private applicants may submit their applications independently.
In line with maintaining an organised schedule, the Department of Examinations emphasised that there will be no extensions for the application deadline.
Candidates with any inquiries regarding the application process may reach out for assistance by calling 0112784208, 0112784537, or 0112785922, or by emailing [email protected].
By: Isuru Parakrama
November 05, Colombo (LNW): Doctors at Karapitiya National Hospital commenced an indefinite strike this morning, intensifying their protest against the alleged misconduct of a specialist in the hospital’s oncology unit.
The walkout, which began at 8:00 a.m. today (05), follows a previous token strike over the issue, as medical staff express growing frustration with the lack of response from hospital leadership.
Dr. Asanka Konara, Co-Secretary of the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA), stated that the strike is intended to press hospital authorities to address longstanding grievances regarding the specialist’s behaviour.
According to Dr. Konara, earlier protests failed to prompt any concrete action, leaving doctors with little choice but to escalate their demands.
The situation took a turn when Karapitiya Hospital Director Dr. S.P.U.M. Ranga informed media that the Ministry of Health has decided to transfer the specialist involved to the Maharagama Cancer Hospital.
This decision appears to be a direct response to the doctors’ concerns, with an official transfer notice expected later today.
By: Isuru Parakrama
November 05, Colombo (LNW): The government has announced an extension of the Rs. 50 per kilogramme special commodity levy on imported sugar, now set to remain in effect until December 31.
Originally due to expire on November 01, this levy has been extended by an official Gazette notification from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, acting in his role as Minister of Finance.
The levy, first implemented a year ago on November 01, was intended to shield local consumers from volatile global sugar prices.
However, the decision to maintain this tax has drawn criticism, with former minister Manusha Nanayakkara pointing out the disparity between the administration’s promise to alleviate the tax burden on essential goods and its actions in retaining taxes on food items.
Nanayakkara argued that the government’s move contradicts its earlier stance on tax reform aimed at reducing the cost of living, especially on staple goods like sugar.
He added that, given the financial pressures faced by many households, maintaining such levies on essential imports may hinder affordability for consumers.
By: Isuru Parakrama
November 05, Colombo (LNW): Election Commissioner General Saman Sri Ratnayake has affirmed that all necessary preparations for the upcoming general elections on November 14 are progressing smoothly, with electoral teams in place across the country.
Addressing the media, Ratnayake highlighted the involvement of a coordinated network of electoral staff, including assistant and deputy commissioners, who are fully engaged to ensure the election day runs without disruption.
Ratnayake underscored that the electoral process will strictly adhere to the regulations established in the Parliamentary Elections Act No. 1 of 1981.
He acknowledged recent legal challenges but assured that, at present, these have not impacted the election timeline.
While the Commissioner encouraged any citizen who believes their rights have been compromised to seek redress through the courts, he clarified that election preparations will remain on track unless otherwise directed by a judicial ruling.
By: Isuru Parakrama
November 05, Colombo (LNW): The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by lightning during thundershowers as the atmospheric conditions are favourable further for afternoon thundershowers in most parts of the island, the Department of Meteorology warned in its daily weather forecast today (05).
Showers or thundershowers will occur in the most parts of the island during the evening or night.
Showers will occur at several places over the coastal areas of Western and Southern provinces and in Ampara district during the morning too.
Heavy showers about 100 mm are likely at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa, North-Central, Uva provinces and in Kurunegala district.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
| Condition of Rain: |
| Showers will occur at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Pottuvil via Galle and Hambantota. Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in the other sea areas around the Island during the evening or night. |
| Winds: |
| Winds will be Westerly or South-westerly in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Pottuvil via Galle and Hambantota, and variable in the other sea areas around the island. Wind speed will be (20-30) kmph. |
| State of Sea: |
| The sea areas around the island will be slight to moderate. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers. |
