October 29, Colombo (LNW): A newly issued gazette has declared all Divisional Secretary’s divisions in Sri Lanka as either “infected” or “suspected” zones following recent African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreaks among pigs.
This measure, introduced by the Director General of Animal Production and Health, Ms. K.A.C.H. Abeyrathna Kothalawala, is part of a broader effort to control ASF and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) under the Animal Diseases Act.
Under these emergency regulations, a wide range of activities involving pigs and pork products are now strictly prohibited.
Movement of pigs or pork products into, out of, or within these infected zones, along with the slaughtering or artificial breeding of pigs, is entirely banned.
Additionally, the sale and distribution of pork and related products are suspended, and disposal of infected carcasses in water sources or any manner that risks further spread of the virus is forbidden.
This declaration, which became effective immediately upon issuance, sets out rigorous measures designed to prevent further ASF transmission, a disease known for its severe impact on pig populations.
The spread of PRRS also remains a concern, with both diseases posing significant threats to the livestock industry.
The restrictions are expected to last for an initial period of three months, with further review based on containment efforts.
October 29, Colombo (LNW): Laugfs Gas PLC has assured the public that the current shortage of its gas cylinders across Sri Lanka will be alleviated within the next two to three days.
Chairman Dr. W.K.H. Wegapitiya explained that several regions are currently facing shortages due to logistical disruptions, compounded by delays in recent gas shipments.
Dr. Wegapitiya highlighted that recent delays were primarily caused by international supply challenges, worsened by Middle Eastern conflicts which affected import schedules.
Adding to the setback, the main Laugfs terminal recently experienced significant flooding, further disrupting distribution efforts.
However, relief is now in sight, as a vessel carrying a fresh LP gas shipment for Laugfs arrived at Hambantota Port yesterday (28). Dr. Wegapitiya assured that, with this new supply, distribution will quickly resume, restoring gas availability across the island in the coming days.
October 29, Colombo (LNW): Cabinet spokesman Minister Vijitha Herath, refuted recent reports suggesting that the current administration has been printing money or securing foreign loans, stating emphatically that no such actions have been taken.
Addressing the weekly Cabinet briefing, Herath clarified that the government has maintained fiscal restraint in its financial operations.
Herath emphasised that under the present system, any newly printed currency would require the signature of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who also serves as the Minister of Finance.
No currency bearing the President’s signature, therefore, has been released, Herath noted, adding that the government is committed to avoiding monetary expansion.
The Cabinet Minster also addressed the specific claim that Rs. 1 billion in new treasury bills had been printed, dismissing it as entirely false and unsupported.
He noted that misinformation on this matter could potentially disrupt public confidence and reiterated the government’s transparent approach in managing national finances.
This clarification aligns with the government’s recent fiscal stance, which prioritises stability and accountability without resorting to money printing or external borrowing.
October 29, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Cabinet has granted approval for the supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to Litro Gas Lanka in 2025, awarding the contract to M/s OQ Trading Limited.
This decision was announced by Cabinet Spokesman Minister Vijith Herath during a briefing this (29) morning, following a rigorous international tendering process.
The procurement was conducted through a single-stage, double-lot system under an international competitive bidding framework to ensure transparency and attract qualified suppliers.
Minister Herath detailed that only two suppliers, M/s OQ Trading Limited and MWs Siam Gas Trading Pte Ltd, had submitted bids.
However, the bid from MWs Siam Gas Trading Pte Ltd did not meet all necessary requirements, leading to its rejection.
Based on the assessments of the Technical Appraisal Committee and the Standing Procurement Committee appointed by the Cabinet, M/s OQ Trading Limited was selected as the most responsive bidder, offering a proposal that aligned well with the technical and financial criteria essential for the supply of LPG to Sri Lanka’s primary gas supplier, Litro Gas Lanka.
This contract ensures a continuous LPG supply for domestic and commercial use across Sri Lanka, with Litro Gas Lanka playing a vital role in meeting the country’s energy needs.
Securing this agreement marks an important step in addressing the anticipated energy demands for the coming year, aiming to stabilise supply amidst global price fluctuations and enhance energy security for Sri Lankan consumers.
By entrusting M/s OQ Trading Limited with the supply of LPG, the government seeks to streamline operations and improve service delivery, benefitting both households and businesses reliant on a stable gas supply.
October 29, Colombo (LNW): Postal voting for Sri Lanka’s 2024 General Election is scheduled to start tomorrow, 30 October, offering an accessible early voting option for various government employees, armed forces, and police personnel.
The Election Commission has detailed plans for this postal voting phase, aiming to facilitate a secure and efficient process across the nation.
Polling stations for postal voting have been set up in several strategic locations, including all police stations, District Secretariats, Election Commission offices, and the Office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
These locations will serve postal voters beginning 30 October, with an additional voting date set for 4 November to accommodate those unable to cast their ballots earlier.
In particular, the Election Commission has designated 1 November and 4 November as the postal voting days for members of the armed forces and government institutions, ensuring flexible options for those serving in crucial roles.
For individuals unable to vote on the initially designated dates, provisions are made for them to cast their votes at the District Secretariat linked to their workplace.
This approach highlights the Commission’s commitment to enabling maximum participation in the electoral process, despite occupational commitments or logistical challenges.
In an added measure to safeguard the integrity of this year’s electoral process, Rohana Hettiarachchi, Executive Director of People’s Action for Free & Fair Elections (PAFFREL), announced that nearly 1,000 PAFFREL officials would be deployed across the country to oversee the postal voting proceedings.
As postal voting commences, the Election Commission is focused on implementing rigorous checks to ensure all eligible participants can exercise their right to vote securely and without interruption.
October 29, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (29).
Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in the other areas of the island during the evening or night.
Strong winds about 40 kmph can be expected at times over Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.
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 or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas around the Island.
Winds:
Winds will be South-westerly in the sea areas around the island and wind speed will be (30-35) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to (50-55) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Trincomalee to Puttalam via Kankasanthurai and Mannar and from Hambantota to Pottuvil. Wind speed can increase up to (40-45) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coasts extending from Trincomalee to Puttalam via Kankasanthurai and Mannar and from Hambantota to Pottuvil can be rough at times. The sea areas off the coasts extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle can be fairly rough at times. The other sea areas around the island can be moderate. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
National Procurement Commission (NPC) officials inform President Anura Kumara Dissanayake that procurement shortcomings are causing major financial losses and enabling corruption within the government: The President stresses the need for an improved procurement plan, addressing transparency issues, delays, and inefficiencies: also highlights expanding the NPC’s authority to better manage unsolicited proposals and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa urges the public to grant his party a Parliamentary majority, criticising what he described as the NPP’s failure to alleviate public hardships as promised during the Presidential Election: notes President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s unfulfilled pledges to reduce taxes, amend IMF agreements, and tackle debt, warning that without SJB leadership, Sri Lanka faces bankruptcy by 2028.
Former Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapaksha clarifies he returned his official residence to the Public Administration and Home Affairs Ministry on 1 October, along with cleared payments for rent, electricity, and water: strongly denies media claims that he hadn’t vacated the residence, expressing disappointment over the misleading reports.
U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung clarifies that the U.S. has not issued a travel ban on Sri Lanka but only advised Americans to avoid Arugam Bay due to a specific security threat: highlights the embassy’s commitment to transparency and cooperation with Sri Lankan authorities and reaffirmed support for Sri Lanka’s safety, tourism stability, and ongoing security collaboration.
Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and CHEC Port City Colombo Managing Director Xiong Hongfeng discuss progress on the Colombo Commercial City development and strategies for upcoming economic challenges: CHEC Port City Colombo also pledged Rs. 3 million to support flood victims, demonstrating corporate social responsibility: Assistant Managing Director Xian Nan was also in attendance.
The Election Commission of Sri Lanka declares digital screen advertising for election campaigns illegal: Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Rathnayake urges the public to report violations to the nearest police station, emphasising that digital ads are akin to posters in public spaces: Past court rulings support this prohibition, and legal action will be pursued as needed.
The Sri Lanka Railways Station Masters’ Union (SLRSMU) plans to begin trade union action within 72 hours to protest the recruitment of Station Masters outside traditional procedures: This follows Cabinet approval to appoint Station Masters and Railway Controllers every five years based on internal exams, a move the union contests.
The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) warns WhatsApp users against sharing one-time passwords (OTPs) due to hacking risks: Hackers may send deceptive OTP requests, claiming it’s for a Zoom link, then take control of accounts to defraud contacts: SJB’s Mujibur Rahman reports his hacked account and a related financial scam to the CID’s cybercrimes unit: Users are urged to protect their OTPs.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya says ex-President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s announcement on raising public servant salaries lacked necessary Treasury and Finance Ministry approvals, indicating procedural neglect: criticises the unfulfilled promise as election-period misinformation, emphasising that while a decision was announced, no steps were taken to implement it, misleading the public.
Junior swimmer Rushalee Dissanayake, 13, from Musaeus College sets a national record in the Women’s Senior National 1500m Freestyle with a time of 18:55.44 at the National and World Aquatic Short Course Selection Trial, breaking the previous 19:17.21 record by Ramudi Samarakoon: Dissanayake outpaced competitors Pamudi Jayaratne and Galina Basnayake from Killer Whale Aquatics.
October 28, Colombo (LNW): The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Australia are joining forces to aid Sri Lanka’s community-based organizations (CBOs) in launching local projects that align with global environmental objectives while promoting sustainable livelihoods.
This collaboration is part of the seventh Operational Phase (OP7) in Sri Lanka, through which 20 community grant projects, alongside grants for capacity building, knowledge management, and social enterprise development, will receive a total funding of US$1 million, according to sources from the Environment Ministry.
The Ministry of Environment acts as the Operational Focal Point for these efforts. Beyond community grants, the funding includes specialized grants focused on enhancing capacity building, fostering knowledge sharing, and advancing social enterprise in specific landscapes.
The Small Grants Programme (SGP) embodies the sustainable development principle of “thinking globally, acting locally” by providing financial and technical support to projects that protect and restore the environment while improving community welfare and livelihoods, noted Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment.
UNDP Resident Representative in Sri Lanka, Azusa Kubota, signed 29 Memorandums of Agreement (MoAs) with CBOs for the Global Environment Facility-funded Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP), with representatives from Sri Lanka’s Environment Ministry and the Australian High Commission also in attendance.
Additionally, five community grant projects funded by Australia under the Community-Based Adaptation (CBA) Phase III project were formalized.
These projects aim to strengthen community resilience to climate shocks and disasters, which is crucial for environmental sustainability, economic stability, and social well-being, as well as for reducing inequalities and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the 2030 Agenda.
Secretary Chandrakeerthi emphasized that Sri Lanka’s upgraded status in the GEF-SGP framework provides a unique opportunity to refine and implement a community-based landscape approach. By learning from other countries within the SGP framework and leveraging networks in civil society and markets, Sri Lanka hopes to amplify its environmental impact.
The GEF-SGP OP7 and CBA Phase III projects will be implemented across three primary landscapes: Colombo’s urban wetlands, the Knuckles conservation forest, and the coastal stretch from Mannar Island to Jaffna.
The GEF-SGP will fund 20 community grants to tackle environmental challenges like biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and land degradation.
Meanwhile, the CBA Phase III project will focus on building climate-resilient communities, with particular support for vulnerable groups, including women, youth, persons with disabilities, and indigenous communities, to help them adapt to challenges such as pandemics, economic hardships, and social crises.
October 28, Colombo (LNW): Casio Computer Co. Ltd, headquartered in Japan, has reinforced its commitment to combat counterfeiting in Sri Lanka. Following successful actions against fake watches, Casio recently extended its crackdown to counterfeit desktop and scientific calculators.
This initiative, aligned with Casio’s IP Enforcement Policy, addresses the growing presence of counterfeit Casio products in Sri Lanka, ensuring consumer protection and upholding brand reputation.
With support from a local law firm and the Colombo Crime Division (CCD), Casio executed a raid on a major wholesaler and importer of stationery in Colombo, leading to the seizure of a large cache of counterfeit calculators that mimicked existing Casio models.
This notable confiscation underlines Casio’s dedication to eliminating counterfeit products that not only jeopardize its reputation but also threaten students’ education due to inaccurate calculator outputs. Such counterfeits impact commerce and erode the trust Casio has built over decades, highlighting the importance of vigilance in protecting product authenticity.
This significant seizure reflects Casio’s strive to combat the pervasive issue of counterfeit goods, which not only threatens the company’s reputation but also poses a serious risk to students’ futures due to the potential for erroneous outputs from such calculators, while adversely impacting trade and commerce.
Such confusion undermines the trust that Casio has built over the years and highlights the need for vigilance. As we move forward, Casio remains resolute in its mission to protect consumers and uphold the integrity of its brand, ensuring that quality and authenticity prevail in the marketplace
Mr. Gurmeet Singh, Head of Legal at Casio India, emphasized Casio’s commitment to safeguarding brand integrity and ensuring that students relying on calculators have access to genuine products.
He noted that this action will contribute positively to education standards in Sri Lanka and ease access to authentic Casio products nationwide. Mr. Singh reiterated that, in partnership with local authorities, Casio will remain focused on authenticity and protecting consumer trust.
As Casio intensifies its anti-counterfeit efforts, the company urges consumers to purchase from authorized retailers to ensure they receive genuine, quality-assured products.
By collaborating with local authorities, Casio aims to preserve its brand integrity and foster a secure shopping environment for its customers.
Mr. Gurmeet Singh, said “This operation reaffirms our unwavering dedication to safeguarding our brand and assuring that our consumers can trust the quality and authenticity of every Casio product they purchase. In collaboration with local authorities, we will continue to champion authenticity and protect the interests of our consumers.”
October 28, Colombo (LNW): The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with support from Norway, has introduced technology upgrades to boost resilience and sustainability in Sri Lanka’s fisheries industry which is to get fuel subsidy from the new administration
The FAO recently delivered a multi-day fishing boat equipped with an advanced cooling system and a fuel-efficient bulbous bow. These innovations aim to lower operational costs, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance fish quality for both local and export markets.
Sri Lanka’s multi-day fishing vessels, particularly significant in the tuna export industry, often rely on ice to preserve fish during long voyages.
This practice can compromise fish quality, leading to losses. An FAO assessment in 2022-2023 found an average 41.4% quality degradation in catches from these vessels.
To address this, FAO installed advanced cooling systems on a newly constructed vessel to maintain optimal temperatures, reducing waste and spoilage and improving the resilience of fishing operations.
Fuel consumption, a significant cost for the multi-day fishing sector, ranges between 8,000 and 11,000 liters per trip, costing operators approximately 3 to 4 million LKR per voyage.
The FAO introduced bulbous bow technology, which reduces wave resistance and cuts fuel consumption by 13%, helping offset additional energy demands from the cooling systems.
This fuel-saving innovation, though costing around 1 million LKR, was funded by the boat owner with FAO’s technical support, illustrating a collaborative approach toward sustainable fishing practices.
Another challenge fishermen face is obtaining fair prices for their catch, as middlemen often capitalize on gaps in quality knowledge, leaving fishermen with reduced profits.
To tackle this, the FAO developed an AI-powered mobile app that allows fishermen to evaluate fish quality in real-time according to Yellowfin Tuna export standards.
The app enables fishermen to take a photo, receive immediate feedback, and negotiate better prices based on verified quality, thereby ensuring more equitable market access and fairer pricing.
These efforts, which have been transferred to Sri Lanka’s Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, are part of FAO’s commitment to building a sustainable, resilient fishing industry.
By integrating modern cooling systems, fuel-efficient technologies, and AI-based quality assessment tools, the FAO is advancing a transformation that supports both economic and environmental sustainability for Sri Lanka’s fishing sector.
Moreover the Sri Lankan government has introduced a fuel subsidy program to support fishermen and revive the struggling fishing industry amid an ongoing economic crisis.
The program, announced by Cabinet spokesman Minister Vijitha Herath on October 15, is aimed at mitigating economic challenges and stabilizing the fishing sector
Under the subsidy, capped at 300,000 Sri Lankan rupees (US$1,034) per month per vessel, boat owners receive an allowance of 25 rupees per liter of diesel and kerosene.
The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources urged vessel owners to ensure that these subsidies benefit the broader fishing community, especially fisher folk who are most affected by rising operational costs.
The new government has been urged to introduce renewable energy for fishing vessels, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and support environmental goals.
Targeting subsidies for small-scale, artisanal fishers who are most vulnerable to fuel price hikes could prevent growing inequality within the community.
Additionally, there are calls for the government to enact regulations to prevent overfishing and promote sustainable fishing practices, linking subsidies to environmentally conscious methods.
