November 03, Colombo (LNW): Six individuals, including a Maldivian national, have been apprehended in connection with reported security concerns in Arugam Bay, a popular tourist area, Public Security Minister Vijitha Herath disclosed.

The arrests were made following intelligence reports indicating possible threats in the area, alongside reports of suspicious activity involving the photographing of key financial sites in Colombo.

The arrested suspects consist of one Maldivian and five Sri Lankans, and investigations are ongoing to determine the nature and intent of their activities.

Minister Herath cautioned against speculative interpretations, noting that the information gathered thus far is insufficient to confirm the specific objectives behind these actions.

“We are carefully assessing the evidence at hand. While we have detained these individuals, it is too early to make definitive conclusions regarding any potential plans or threats. Misinformation can lead to unnecessary public concern,” he stated.

The Ministry of Public Security reassured the public of heightened vigilance and coordination between security and intelligence agencies, aiming to ensure the safety of both local citizens and visiting tourists.

Enhanced surveillance and monitoring have been implemented in high-tourism areas to further strengthen security measures in light of these recent developments.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 03, Colombo (LNW): The Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) has called for urgent disciplinary action regarding allegations of misconduct by a specialist at Karapitiya Teaching Hospital, Galle.

The AMS has requested an impartial investigation after two members, Dr. Jayamini Horathugoda and Dr. Harshani Dharmawardena, reported experiencing verbal abuse by the specialist while on duty.

In an official letter to Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardene, the AMS underscored its firm opposition to any form of abusive language or threats in the workplace, urging the Ministry of Health to address the incident promptly.

The AMS stressed that such actions are essential to uphold a safe, respectful, and professional environment for healthcare staff.

In response to these concerns, the hospital’s trade union has temporarily halted its strike action until Monday (04), following an assurance from the Health Ministry that appropriate action will be taken against the accused specialist.

This pause allows the Ministry time to initiate steps that would restore a supportive working environment at the hospital, which is vital for effective patient care and employee morale.

November 03, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Defence has refuted recent social media claims suggesting the government intends to withdraw military personnel from providing security at temples and other religious sites.

In an official statement, the Ministry clarified that these reports are unfounded, affirming that no such decision has been made regarding the security arrangements for religious sites across the country.

The Ministry emphasised its commitment to maintaining current security protocols to ensure the protection of these places of worship, urging the public not to rely on unverified information circulating on social media.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 03, Colombo (LNW): The Road Development Authority (RDA) has issued a cautionary notice to all motorists, advising heightened vigilance on highways due to ongoing heavy rains across the region.

P. C. Gunasinghe, Deputy Director General of the Expressway Operation, Maintenance, and Management Division, emphasised that the combination of wet road surfaces and reduced visibility poses increased risks.

As a safety measure, Gunasinghe recommended that drivers adhere to a reduced maximum speed of 60 kilometres per hour to ensure control on slippery surfaces and minimise accident risks.

The advisory is intended to prevent incidents often triggered by wet weather, particularly with surface water affecting vehicle grip.

The RDA urges drivers to be mindful of speed and avoid abrupt manoeuvres, especially in areas prone to water accumulation.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 03, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that the government is actively working to expedite the completion of the Central Expressway, seeking Japan’s support to finalise the project.

The President disclosed these plans during an election rally in Kandy yesterday (02), highlighting the significance of this long-awaited expressway in enhancing national connectivity.

The government recently engaged in discussions with the Japanese Ambassador to secure financial and technical assistance for the expressway, which has faced delays over the years.

President Dissanayake affirmed that Japan’s support is expected to play a pivotal role in seeing the project to completion.

Beyond the expressway, the President emphasised the government’s commitment to alleviating Kandy’s traffic congestion, a persistent issue affecting daily life and local businesses.

In a recent review meeting, the government evaluated the current status of numerous halted projects aimed at modernising Kandy’s infrastructure, pledging to revive them swiftly.

Amongst the projects that have stalled are the construction of the Good Shed Bus Stand and planned bus terminals in key locations including Katugastota, Peradeniya, and Tennakumbura.

These hubs are considered essential for easing traffic flow and improving the daily commute within the region.

“We are determined to secure the required funding and resume these vital projects as soon as possible,” President Dissanayake assured, indicating that infrastructure development remains a top priority for his administration.

As these initiatives are critical to Kandy’s urban development, the President expressed confidence in the government’s ability to revitalise these projects, promising that they will receive focused attention and support.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 03, Colombo (LNW): The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued early landslide warnings for eight districts in Sri Lanka as persistent heavy rainfall continues to heighten risks in affected areas.

The warnings, announced yesterday (02) at 5 pm, will remain effective until 5 pm today.

Districts under a Level 02 warning — indicating a heightened risk of landslides — include Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Matara, and Ratnapura.

Specific areas identified at risk within these districts include Bulathsinhala in Kalutara; Udapalatha and Yatinuwara in Kandy; Bulathkohupitiya, Mawanella, Dehiowita, and Kegalle in Kegalle district; Pasgoda in Matara; and several high-risk locations in Ratnapura, including Eheliyagoda, Elapatha, Kuruwita, Kahawatta, Godakawela, and Pelmadulla.

Additionally, Level 01 warnings, a preliminary caution, have been issued for Welimada and Haldummulla in Badulla district, Elpitiya in Galle district, and Polgahawela in Kurunegala district.

These lower-level alerts serve as an early advisory, encouraging residents in these areas to remain vigilant and prepared for worsening conditions.

NBRO has urged residents in these areas to take proactive measures, particularly those in landslide-prone regions, and to closely monitor updates from local authorities.

As heavy rains persist, further alerts may be issued as conditions evolve, especially for communities on or near hilly terrain where landslide risk is more acute.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 03, Colombo (LNW): Sunil Jayarathne has been appointed as the Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Sri Lanka, bringing with him a wealth of expertise garnered over 37 years in the Department of Customs, where he last held the position of Additional Director General.

In his tenure with Customs, Jayarathne demonstrated a keen focus on international trade facilitation, particularly in his role as Media Spokesman over the past three and a half years and in his leadership of various technical and operational initiatives.

Throughout his career, Jayarathne has helmed multiple pivotal committees within the Department of Customs, advancing significant government and international policy initiatives.

His achievements include chairing the Customs Paperless Trade Initiative and overseeing the implementation of the World Trade Organisation’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (WTO-TFA).

Notably, he was instrumental in introducing non-intrusive cargo scanners at Colombo Port, bolstering customs efficiency and security.

Additionally, he served as the Vice Chairman of the Customs Valuation Technical Committee, helping to streamline customs valuation processes in alignment with global best practices.

Jayarathne is also recognised internationally as an accredited expert trainer and advisor for the World Customs Organisation (WCO) on the Time Release Study, a key measure in expediting customs clearance processes.

As the head of the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) Secretariat, he has overseen the implementation of WTO-led best practices, strengthening Sri Lanka’s trade facilitation landscape.

Beyond his administrative and operational accomplishments, Jayarathne has contributed as a key resource in the Department of Customs, sharing his insights on trade facilitation and customs valuation with both local and international stakeholders.

His collaborations with leading Sri Lankan trade chambers and global organisations such as the WCO and WTO underline his extensive experience and commitment to fostering smooth, efficient cross-border trade practices.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 03, Colombo (LNW): The Election Commission has announced a comprehensive leave policy for public and private sector employees, ensuring they can participate in the upcoming parliamentary elections without losing income or using personal leave.

In line with paragraph 12.3 of Chapter XII of the Establishments Code under “Special Leave of Public Officers,” all public sector employees are entitled to at least four hours of leave to cast their votes, with this time off granted as paid special leave.

Private sector employees are also guaranteed voting leave, arranged through coordination between the Election Commission and the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL).

This provision ensures private employees can vote without a deduction in salary or personal leave, mirroring the public sector arrangement.

To address the varying distances some employees may need to travel to polling stations, the Election Commission has implemented a distance-based leave system for private sector employees:

• For distances up to 40 kilometres: half-day leave
• For distances of 40–100 kilometres: one full day’s leave
• For distances of 100–150 kilometres: one and a half days’ leave
• For distances exceeding 150 kilometres: two full days’ leave

Employees must submit a written request for leave to their employers, who in turn are required to display a list of all employees taking special leave for voting, along with the duration of leave granted.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 03, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Posts has designated today (03) as a priority day for the distribution of official ballot papers for Sri Lanka’s upcoming 2024 General Election.

Deputy Postmaster General Rajitha Ranasinghe confirmed that the initiative will see distribution carried out from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. across the country.

Ranasinghe detailed that over 8,000 postal employees, supported by 2,090 post offices, are engaged solely in delivering official ballots on this day.

This one-day mobilisation effort underscores the Postal Department’s commitment to ensuring the timely and secure arrival of election materials ahead of voting day.

The ballot distribution will continue with door-to-door service through 7 November. For those who have not received their ballot by then, arrangements have been made for voters to collect it directly from their local post office.

In such cases, voters need only verify their identity with the postmaster during office hours to receive their ballot.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 03, 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 said in its daily weather forecast today (03).

Showers or thundershowers will occur in the most parts of the island during the evening or night. Showers may occur over the coastal areas of Western and Southern provinces during the morning too.

Heavy showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in Central and Uva provinces.

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: