January 30, Colombo (LNW): In an effort to provide much-needed relief to consumers, Lanka Sathosa has announced a reduction in the prices of several essential items, effective from today (30).

The price cuts come following instructions from the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development.

The updated prices, which apply across all Lanka Sathosa outlets island-wide, are as follows:

• Imported Big Onions: Reduced by Rs. 10, now priced at Rs. 220 per kilogramme
• Bread Flour: Reduced by Rs. 10, now priced at Rs. 165 per kilogramme
• White Sugar: Reduced by Rs. 5, now priced at Rs. 235 per kilogramme
• Red Lentils: Reduced by Rs. 3, now priced at Rs. 285 per kilogramme
• Imported White Kekulu Rice: Reduced by Rs. 1, now priced at Rs. 209 per kilogramme

January 30, Colombo (LNW): Priyantha Mayadunne, the former Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, has been taken into custody by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) earlier today (30).

January 30, Colombo (LNW): The newly appointed Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), Air Vice Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, has outlined an ambitious and multifaceted strategic vision aimed at enhancing the Air Force’s operational capabilities, technological advancements, and global presence, whilst also contributing to national development and maritime security.

In his first address as Commander, Air Vice Marshal Edirisinghe emphasised the importance of maximising the Air Force’s potential to respond effectively to national needs.

Central to his strategy is the goal of strengthening the SLAF’s airpower by acquiring advanced air platforms through military diplomacy, thus ensuring a fleet that is well-equipped to meet both current and future demands.

Under the framework of technological development, the new Commander highlighted plans to upgrade the Air Force’s air defence systems, enhance drone and UAV technology, and prepare the force for an era of innovation.

By embracing emerging technologies, he aims to future-proof the SLAF and maintain its operational edge in an ever-changing defence landscape.

In terms of global operations, Air Vice Marshal Edirisinghe outlined a focus on expanding the SLAF’s participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions, positioning the Air Force to contribute more significantly to international security efforts.

This expansion will ensure the SLAF remains a key player on the global stage, ready to respond to peacekeeping and humanitarian needs worldwide.

Maritime security was another key area of focus, with the Commander underscoring the SLAF’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding the Indian Ocean region.

By enhancing surveillance operations, the SLAF aims to bolster both national and international security, ensuring stability in one of the world’s most strategically important maritime zones.

The new Commander also reinforced the Air Force’s role in national development and environmental sustainability. He expressed full support for the “Clean Sri Lanka Programme 2025”, which aims to improve the country’s environmental standards, highlighting the Air Force’s contributions to national welfare beyond military objectives.

Edirisinghe’s address provided a clear and progressive roadmap for the future of the SLAF, ensuring the Force’s readiness to tackle evolving challenges whilst fulfilling both national security objectives and international responsibilities.

Air Vice Marshal Edirisinghe officially took over as the 20th Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force this morning at the Air Force Headquarters. The ceremony included a Guard of Honour by the Air Force Colour Wing, after which the Commander delivered his inaugural speech to the entire Air Force, outlining his vision for the future of the organisation.

January 30, Colombo (LNW): The United Nations has expressed its willingness to assist Sri Lanka in its ongoing efforts to uncover and recover hidden assets.

Marc Andrew France, the UN’s Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, made this commitment during a recent meeting with the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vijitha Herath.

During the discussions, France highlighted the significance of Sri Lanka working closely with the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission in New York.

He assured the government of the UN’s full backing in its fight against corruption and fraud, including the provision of financial and technical support to aid in these efforts.

France also took the opportunity to commend Sri Lanka for its compassionate handling of the Rohingya refugees who were rescued off the nation’s maritime borders.

He praised the government for its humane approach, acknowledging the country’s efforts to offer refuge to those in need during a time of crisis.

The Resident Coordinator further shared that UN Secretary-General António Guterres is expected to visit Sri Lanka towards the end of the year, a visit that is expected to further strengthen the ties between Sri Lanka and the United Nations.

Minister Vijitha Herath, in turn, remarked on the recent elections, describing the election of a new government—free from ethnic and racial divisions—as a historic achievement for Sri Lanka.

He also discussed the government’s ongoing efforts to return land to its rightful owners in the Northern and Eastern provinces, emphasising the importance of fulfilling this long-standing commitment.

Additionally, the Minister called for the UN’s cooperation in expanding the recruitment of Sri Lankan armed forces personnel for future UN Peacekeeping Missions, underscoring Sri Lanka’s continued dedication to contributing to global peace and security.

January 30, Colombo (LNW): In the face of strong protests from India over a recent incident involving the Sri Lankan Navy opening fire, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Rtd) Sampath Thuyacontha has defended the actions of the Navy, stating that Sri Lanka will continue to search vessels entering its waters in line with established legal protocols aimed at preventing illegal activities.

India raised a formal protest on Tuesday after the Sri Lankan Navy fired January 28 whilst detaining 13 Indian fishermen near Delft Island.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs summoned Sri Lanka’s acting High Commissioner to lodge a complaint, asserting that the actions of the Sri Lankan Navy were unprovoked.

India also indicated that it had raised the issue with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In response, Defence Secretary Thuyacontha explained that the Sri Lankan Navy operates around the clock to curb illegal activities in its waters, including human trafficking, illegal fishing, and the smuggling of drugs and weapons.

He maintained that such operations are carried out within legal boundaries, and he reiterated that the Navy would continue to carry out its duties in enforcing maritime security.

Thuyacontha made it clear that the Navy’s actions were necessary and legitimate, highlighting that the search of vessels entering Sri Lankan waters is mandatory, regardless of their country of origin.

“We are committed to ensuring that our waters are protected from illegal activities, and this will continue through legal, non-confrontational methods,” he said. “If foreign vessels cooperate, there will be no issues. But if resistance is met, the situation could escalate.“

The Defence Secretary further pointed out that Sri Lanka’s recent efforts had yielded successful operations, including the seizure of significant drug shipments.

In addition to this statement, the Sri Lanka Navy’s Commander provided further details on the incident involving the two Indian fishermen who were injured during the apprehension.

He clarified that the injuries were caused by an accidental discharge of a firearm while the Navy was attempting to board a fishing vessel involved in illegal fishing activities near Kankesanthurai.

The operation had started on January 27 to disperse a group of Indian fishing boats operating illegally in Sri Lankan waters near Valvettithurai, Jaffna.

The Commander explained that the crew of the Indian fishing boat had resisted the Navy’s boarding attempt and had attempted to assault personnel, even trying to seize a firearm.

During the scuffle, a shot was discharged accidentally, resulting in minor injuries to two of the fishermen. The Navy swiftly administered first aid and transported the injured men to Jaffna Teaching Hospital for further treatment.

Despite the controversy, the Navy Commander reiterated that the Sri Lankan Navy would continue its operations to safeguard the country’s waters, assuring that these actions would be conducted professionally and in compliance with the law.

By: Isuru Parakrama

January 30, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has stressed the critical importance of the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme, highlighting its humanitarian goals as central to its mission.

Speaking at the Colombo District Coordination Committee meeting yesterday (29), held at the District Secretariat in Narahenpita, the Prime Minister explained that the initiative is far more than just a campaign for environmental cleanliness.

During the meeting, Dr. Amarasuriya elaborated on the multi-faceted nature of the programme, noting that it encompasses a range of complex objectives that go beyond the conventional focus on waste management and environmental health.

The discussions covered a variety of pressing issues, including the allocation of land for an explosives storage facility in Colombo, plans for the future development of local government institutions, and the implementation of community empowerment initiatives.

In addition to these topics, the meeting also addressed urgent matters such as resolving land disputes concerning paddy fields along the border of Maharagama and Kesbewa, the prompt removal of waste from the Colombo Main Bus Stand, and the need to halt the unsafe disposal of garbage into the Niripola paddy fields in Seethawaka.

Reiterating the promises made during the last election, Prime Minister Amarasuriya reminded attendees that the public had voted for change, and it was essential for the government to remain true to those expectations.

“The ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative is not just about cleanliness, policy execution, or legal enforcement,” she stated. “It is about improving behaviour, fostering quality relationships, and transforming the way we interact with one another and our environment.”

Dr. Amarasuriya stressed that the change required would have to begin at the individual level, with each person taking responsibility for the difference they wish to make in their own communities.

She underscored the importance of delivering quality public services, ensuring that the public felt satisfied with the service provided.

“This transformation cannot be achieved solely through directives or official orders; it must come from a collective effort and a shift in attitude,” she emphasised.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the long-term success of the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme, calling on all stakeholders to join in fostering a cleaner, more organised, and community-oriented future for the nation.