July 17, Colombo (LNW): Government is to gazzete new regulations within the next two weeks on speed limits, aimed at reducing road accidents, within the next two weeks State Transport Minister Lassantha  Alagiyawanna announced 

He emphasized that ongoing strikes are politically motivated rather than driven by genuine professional concerns. The National Council for Road Safety has allocated Rs. 50 million to the Sri Lanka Police for speed control equipment.

He mentioned that teachers will receive manuals to establish Road Safety Clubs in schools, which will be part of extracurricular activities, including a medal awarding program. Additionally, the Public Service Commission has approved the promotion of station masters every five years, and the necessary Cabinet paper for this has been prepared.

The ministry has initiated several programs to enhance transport sector efficiency, including the opening of the Kadawatha bus terminal in August, featuring modern transport management methods and advanced technology. 

Alagiyawanna highlighted the alarming number of road accidents, with 2,214 incidents resulting in 2,321 deaths in 2023, and 1,103 accidents with 1,154 fatalities reported in the first half of 2024. Various programs have been implemented to reduce road accidents.

However, Alagiyawanna noted that the current strikes are politically motivated. The minister also cited statistics showing that between 2016 and 2023, road accidents resulted in 20,728 deaths in 223,451 accidents, with an average of eight daily fatalities.

 The motor traffic death rate in Sri Lanka, at over 120 per 1 million inhabitants, is significantly higher than in countries like the United States (13) and Japan (3), according to OECD data. The WHO reports that approximately 1.3 million people die annually in road traffic crashes worldwide, with a significant economic impact.

Alagiyawanna stated last year that the government plans to introduce a demerit points system for traffic offenses, expected to be implemented from January 1, 2024. Under this system, a driver accumulating 24 demerit points will have their license cancelled immediately.

 The NCRS has allocated Rs. 50 million to the Police for speed-control equipment and plans to set up Road Safety Clubs in schools to educate students on road safety.

A study published in 2022 identified major causes of road accidents, including overtaking, speed driving, alcohol consumption by drivers, pedestrian negligence, and vehicle mechanical faults. Additional factors include driver age and road conditions. 

A recent health checkup revealed that SLTB employees, including drivers, in Kuliyapitiya are at high risk for hypertension, highlighting the stressful nature of Sri Lanka’s public transport sector. This stress likely affects private bus crews as well, who often engage in dangerous races and conflicts with passengers.

 Therefore, road discipline cannot be established solely with speed limit equipment and regulations. The issue has deeper root causes that require a comprehensive scientific approach and firm commitment for effective resolution.

July 17, Colombo (LNW): The Election Commission was empowered to proclaim the date for the Presidential Election after midnight on Tuesday (16).

The Election Commission stated it will declare the Presidential Election in Sri Lanka by the end of July. Several documents related to the election have already been handed over for printing.

A meeting is scheduled for Wednesday (17) morning between officials from the Ministry of Finance and members of the Election Commission to discuss the provision of the relevant funds. The estimated cost for the Presidential Election is Rs. 10 billion, and the discussion will focus on the timely release of funds from the Treasury.

The Department of Government Printing, the Inspector General of Police, and the Post Master General were also summoned to the Election Commission to discuss matters related to the Presidential Election.

On Wednesday (17), a group of United National Party representatives are set to meet with the Chairman of the Election Commission. Additionally, representatives of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna met with members of the Election Commission on Tuesday (16).

July 17, Colombo (LNW): Sixteen crew members, including three Sri Lankan nationals, are missing after their Comorian-flagged oil tanker capsized off the coast of Oman, the sultanate’s Maritime Security Centre (MSC) reported on Tuesday.

The MSC, which operates under the Omani Defence Ministry, announced on social media platform X that the “Comoros-flagged oil tanker capsized” southeast of Ras Madrakah in the country’s center.

Search and rescue operations are currently underway, though further details have not been provided.

The vessel, identified as the Prestige Falcon, had 16 crew members on board, including 13 Indian nationals and three Sri Lankans. The MSC confirmed, “The crew of the ship are still missing.”

The Prestige Falcon was en route to the Yemeni port city of Aden, according to the ship tracking service MarineTraffic. The tanker, built in 2007, sails under the flag of the Comoros.

Houthi militants, who have controlled parts of Yemen since 2014, have been targeting ships bound for Israeli ports or those owned by Israeli companies in the Red and Arabian seas and Indian Ocean for months, citing retaliation for Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip.

As a result, major shipping companies have been avoiding this route and instead opting for the much longer journey around South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope.

1. Based on a concept of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, freehold land deeds were presented unconditionally and free to war heroes who sacrificed their lives and limbs during active service to protect the country’s sovereignty, as well as to their dependents, for lands currently occupied by them.This initiative, conceptualized by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, aims to affirm the right to a plot of land for these war heroes of the Tri-forces, Police and CSD, ensuring every inch of the country remains free from fear and doubt.
2. Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Chairman, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, says he is still on the fence on contesting the upcoming Presidential elections but is willing to take the challenge and put the country back on track. Asked how he intends to put the country back on the right track, Fonseka responded saying there is a need to fight corruption and also bring about discipline in the country.
3. The proposal on obtaining approval for the amendments proposed by the Sectoral Oversight Committee to the Animal Welfare Bill has received Cabinet approval. Cabinet approval was granted in January 2022 to submit the Animal Welfare Bill to the Parliament, after which it was presented to the Parliament. The Bill was then forwarded to the Food Safety and Agriculture Sectoral Oversight Committee for recommendations, where the committee had proposed several amendments.
4. The Minister of Power and Energy, Kanchana Wijesekera highlighted that following the revision of electricity tariffs, there is potential for a reduction of approximately 20% in the prices of goods and services in the market. The Minister further urged the business community to alleviate the burden on the public by lowering prices, starting from midnight on the day of the electricity tariff adjustment, coinciding with the reduction in electricity bills.
5. The Teacher-Principal Trade Union Alliance has decided to launch a work-to-rule campaign for two weeks starting from July 22. Accordingly, the trade unions have decided to withdraw from all activities outside the scope of their school-related duties.
6. The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal to publish the draft bill prepared to increase the fines mentioned in the Criminal Procedure Code, in the government gazette notification and subsequently present it to the Parliament for approval.
7. Sixteen crew members including three Sri Lankan nationals were missing after their Comorian-flagged oil tanker capsized off the coast of Oman, the sultanate’s Maritime Security Centre (MSC) said. The MSC, which is run by the Omani Defence Ministry, said in a post on social media platform X that a “Comoros-flagged oil tanker capsized” south-east of Ras Madrakah in the country’s centre.
8. The All-Ceylon Restaurant Owners’ Association says that a decision has been taken to reduce the prices of multiple food items as a result of the reduction in electricity tariffs. President of the association Harshana Rukshan stated that accordingly the price of a normal rice parcel will go down by Rs. 25. Meanwhile, prices of ‘Fried Rice’ and ‘Kottu’ will also be reduced by Rs. 25, while the prices of ‘Parathas’, ‘Egg Rotis’ and short eats will be reduced by Rs. 10. The price of a Plain Tea is to be reduced by Rs.05.
9. Award winning celebrity baker Tharshan Selvarajah made history today as the first Sri Lankan to carry the Olympic Torch for the 2024 Paris Olympics. A number of French-Sri Lankans had lined the streets of Paris to cheer Tharshan as he carried the Olympic torch according to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in France.
10. Maheesh Theekshana of Galle Marvels has offered his Man-of-the-Match Award for the Indira Cancer Trust, an entity engaged in creating awareness about breast cancer. Theekshana donated the US$1,500 he won during the Lanka Premier League game between the Dambulla Sixers and the Galle Marvels on July 14, 2024.

July 17, Colombo (LNW): TThe prevailing windy conditions over the island are expected to continue further, due to the active South West Monsoonal condition.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts.

Fairly heavy showers about 50 mm are likely at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts.

Strong winds of about (50-60) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee, Monaragala and Hambantota districts. Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times elsewhere of the island.

By: Isuru Parakrama

July 16, Colombo (LNW): The Lawyers Collective, a group of legal professionals in Sri Lanka, has strongly criticised the proposed Twenty-Second Amendment (22A) to the Constitution, which has recently received approval from the Cabinet of Ministers.

The proposed amendment seeks to require a two-thirds majority in Parliament and a referendum to extend the President’s term or Parliament’s duration beyond five years.

The current limit, set by the Nineteenth Amendment (19A), is five years, although it did not necessitate a referendum as the six-year upper limit remained unchanged.

The Lawyers’ Collective highlights that this amendment appears to be an attempt to extend President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s term, a move that has provoked widespread public discontent.

The Supreme Court has previously rejected attempts to delay Presidential Elections, affirming the necessity of timely electoral processes.

With the Election Commission expected to commence the Presidential Election process shortly, and elections anticipated for late September or early October, the amendment’s passage would compel a simultaneous referendum, further straining national resources.

The government has already cited financial constraints as a reason for postponing local government elections.

There is no pressing need to alter the term limits and suggests that such changes could be considered as part of broader constitutional reforms expected to be undertaken by the new administration, the Collective argued.

The proposed bill is an unnecessary complication and a potential manoeuvre to disrupt the electoral process, they emphasised.

The Lawyers Collective urge all democratic forces to oppose the amendment, deeming it a manipulation of the political landscape.

The statement is endorsed by prominent legal figures, including President’s Counsels Mr. Upul Jayasuriya and Dr. Jayampathy Wickramaratne, among others, who call for a united front against the proposed bill.

July 16, Colombo (LNW): Audrey Azoulay, the Director-General of UNESCO, currently visiting Sri Lanka, has met with President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the President’s House in Colombo.

Invited by the Sri Lankan Government, Azoulay arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake this morning (15th) with her delegation.

During her three-day visit, she is scheduled to hold discussions with Education Minister Susil Premajayantha, Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Tharaka Balasuriya, and other senior government officials.

Azoulay will also participate in the celebration of the 75th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s membership in UNESCO at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre and visit various UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the island.

By: Staff Writer

July 16, Colombo (LNW): Petronet LNG Ltd, India’s largest liquefied natural gas company, will begin supplying LNG to Sri Lanka in 2025. Initially, LNG will be delivered in containers loaded on ships, with plans to construct an import terminal later.

Petronet’s new venture with Sri Lanka signifies a significant step in regional energy collaboration, highlighting the strategic importance of LNG in meeting energy needs and supporting economic growth in both countries

Sri Lanka has been in discussions with Petronet and other suppliers for years to meet its energy needs for electricity generation and other industries. The agreement with Petronet marks the conclusion of these discussions.

Petronet’s CEO, Akshay Kumar Singh, announced that the company will ship 850 tonnes of LNG daily to Sri Lanka in containers of 17 tonnes each.

 This arrangement is set for five years, during which Petronet will build a floating LNG receipt facility at Colombo port.

The LNG supplies are expected to commence in about 18 months. Petronet imports LNG from Qatar, Australia, and other countries through its terminals in Dahej, Gujarat, and Kochi, Kerala. The LNG for Sri Lanka will be loaded in containers from Kochi, with a ship ferrying 100 containers every two days.

In Colombo, a small regasification unit will convert the LNG back into gas for use in gas-fired power plants.

Additionally, Petronet plans to commission a floating storage regasification unit (FSRU) in Colombo, pending approval from the Sri Lankan government by 2025, with the facility expected to be built by 2028.

The estimated investment for this project is around Rs 2,500 crore, subject to a detailed feasibility report once the FRSU proposal is approved.

Petronet, which recently extended a 7.5 million tonnes per year LNG import deal with Qatar for an additional 20 years beyond 2028, is exploring further gas sourcing, including long-term contracts. The company is expanding its Dahej facility from 17.5 million tonnes per annum to 22.5 million tonnes and plans to construct a new terminal in Odisha.

 Furthermore, Petronet’s Kochi facility, which currently operates at a fifth of its capacity, will start operating at full capacity next year following the commissioning of a pipeline to Bengaluru.

Given India’s rapidly expanding economy and its energy demands, natural gas is viewed as a transition fuel towards achieving net zero carbon emissions.

The Indian government aims to increase the share of natural gas in the primary energy mix to 15% by 2030 from the current 6.2%. As domestic production meets only half of the demand, LNG imports are crucial. Besides the 7.5 million tonnes from Qatar, Petronet also imports LNG from the Gorgon project in Australia. Currently, India imports 1.44 million tonnes of LNG annually, which is expected to increase by 1.2 million tonnes between 2025 and 2028.

By: Staff Writer

July 16, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is crafting a new tourism strategy, aiming to build on a promising 2024 by offering visa free travel for several selected countries  following Thailand’s  initiative  to allow visa-free entry for travellers from 93 countries and territories.

It may even have a chance to capitalize on shifting geopolitical winds amid tensions between neighboring India and the Maldives.,a  senior official of the tourism ministry said,

Thailand will allow visa-free entry for travellers from 93 countries and territories, including Sri Lanka from yesterday (July 15).

This marks the first time Sri Lankans can travel to Thailand without obtaining a paper visa. Thai citizens can already visit Sri Lanka visa-free, subject to a USD 10 processing fee.

The new policy, announced by Thailand’s Ministry of Interior, extends the visa-free stay from 30 to 60 days. Visitors must have proof of funds, accommodation, and return or onward tickets. Entry remains at the discretion of immigration officers at airports.

According to Ministry spokesperson Traisuree Taisaranakul, this change will benefit tourists and short-term business travellers. The number of countries eligible for visas on arrival will increase to 31.

Thailand has seen a 35 percent rise in foreign arrivals this year, totalling 18.2 million visitors and generating 858 billion baht (USD 24 billion) in revenue. China, Malaysia, and India have been the largest sources of tourists in 2024, with around 350,000 Sri Lankans travelling to Thailand annually.

Also, Thailand will introduce the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) on July 15, targeting digital nomads, freelancers and those seeking to learn skills like cooking and martial arts.

This visa allows stays of up to 180 days and is valid for five years. Applicants must apply for the DTV at the Thai Embassy in their country.

Moreover, visiting students earning a bachelor’s degree or higher in Thailand will be permitted to stay for one year post-graduation to seek employment, travel or conduct research.

Meanwhile Sri Lanaka welcomed over 1.48 million visitors last year — roughly double that of 2022, when the country defaulted on sovereign debt, suffered severe shortages and saw protests topple the government. Buoyed by glowing tourism features in international magazines like Forbes and Conde Nast Traveler, the country is hoping for at least 2.3 million in 2024.

“Official plans have yet to be revealed, but Sri Lanka is understood to be considering a nomad visa that would allow a yearlong stay with an option to extend. Currently, visitors must apply for a 30-day electronic travel authorization, which can be extended for a stay up to 270 days.

Overall, a 10-year tourism plan calls for attracting 5 million tourists by 2029, of which 2.5 million would be “high-end” travelers.

Sri Lanka was offering free visas for tourists from China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia and Japan until March 31.