By: Isuru Parakrama

October 28, Colombo (LNW): Former Minister Lohan Ratwatte has denied any connection to an unregistered vehicle discovered at a property owned by his wife in Mirihana.

Ratwatte informed investigators that his late Coordinating Secretary had parked the vehicle on the premises, unbeknownst to him. Ratwatte’s secretary tragically died by suicide in Kandy recently, adding an unexpected twist to the investigation.

The vehicle, lacking number plates, was uncovered during a police operation following a tip-off received by the Mirihana Police.

Upon arrival at the Mirihana residence, authorities were initially unaware that the property belonged to Ratwatte’s wife, discovering this only after finding the vehicle on the premises.

Ratwatte reportedly stated during questioning that he had no prior knowledge of the car’s presence or ownership, attributing its arrival to the actions of his late secretary.

With the car’s keys currently missing, police officials have planned to obtain a court order to break into the vehicle for inspection.

Authorities aim to examine the car in detail with the support of the Government Analyst’s Department and other relevant experts to gather further insights into its origins and potential connections.

The case has also raised public interest, with questions emerging about the security and management of assets associated with prominent figures in government circles.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 28, Colombo (LNW): With the rise in digital transactions, cyber fraud has become an increasingly prevalent threat, catching even the most vigilant users off guard.

Recognising this, Visa has released crucial steps to help consumers respond effectively if they fall victim to online scams.

These five tips provide immediate measures to halt further loss and secure one’s finances in the face of unexpected fraud.

The first recommended step is to contact authorised customer care services at the earliest. Visa advises reaching out directly to the bank or payment provider, using only official contact numbers.

This swift action enables victims to freeze accounts, block cards or payment methods, and initiate potential refunds.

Following this, immediate reporting to both banking authorities and law enforcement is essential.

Victims should promptly notify their bank and file a report with the Police Computer Crime Investigations Division or at the nearest police station.

Documenting these steps provides a reliable paper trail in case of a dispute or refund request.

Victims are also encouraged to document every detail related to the scam. Amidst the distressing experience, recording transaction IDs, amounts, dates, and any communication with the scammer can be crucial for thorough reporting and resolution.

In addition to addressing the immediate threat, Visa suggests fortifying digital defences by updating passwords, activating two-factor authentication, and installing reliable anti-malware software.

Taking these steps can help prevent future vulnerabilities.

Lastly, Visa advises victims to share their experiences with family, friends, and on social media to raise awareness.

Proactive sharing allows others to benefit from the hard-learned lessons, helping create a safer, more informed digital community.

With these comprehensive steps, consumers can better prepare to manage and recover from online scams, promoting a safer digital environment for all.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 28, Colombo (LNW): A 12-member Indian delegation is set to arrive in Sri Lanka today (28) for comprehensive discussions on fisheries management and cooperative development initiatives between the two nations.

These discussions will commence tomorrow (29) at the Mahaweli Ministry auditorium in Colombo, according to informed sources.

The Sri Lankan delegation will include key representatives from multiple agencies, led by Fisheries Ministry Secretary Nishantha Wickramasinghe, along with Additional Secretary Dhammika Ranatunga, Fisheries Director General Susantha Kahawatta, and officials from the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), the Aquaculture Development Authority, the Coast Guard, Foreign Ministry, Attorney General’s Department, Navy, and Police.

Primary issues on the agenda include exploring diplomatic avenues to resolve the long-standing Indo–Sri Lanka fisheries disputes and fostering a cooperative framework for sustainable fishing practices.

A significant focus will be on addressing the adverse impacts of bottom trawling—a fishing practice known for its environmental harm and depletion of marine resources—which both sides aim to mitigate.

The talks are expected to bolster collaborative efforts, enhance regulatory mechanisms, and support long-term environmental sustainability in fisheries operations.

The fisheries crisis has long been standing in creation of a rift between the two neighbour countries, affecting the fishing community and subjugating them into marginalisation for breaching the territorial waters during fishing.

These expect to reflect both nations’ commitment to preserving marine ecosystems and supporting the livelihoods dependent on this crucial sector.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 28, Colombo (LNW): The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) is set to present a comprehensive report to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Sri Lanka’s current rice and paddy stocks today (28), following recent market shortages affecting popular varieties such as nadu, white, and red raw rice.

This report follows the President’s directive to assess supply levels amid rising concerns about rice availability.

In response, CAA officers conducted targeted inspections over the weekend across key rice-producing districts, including Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Ampara, and Hambantota.

Their investigation focused on evaluating stock levels at both large- and medium-scale mills, where they also held discussions with mill workers regarding stock and distribution flow.

The subsequent fall of rice availability in market following Dissanayake assuming office was subject to strong criticism from rival political parties and civil society.

The findings, therefore, will serve as a critical reference for the government as it seeks strategies to stabilise rice availability, addressing potential disruptions and ensuring a steady supply of staple grains for the market.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 28, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reaffirmed his commitment to eliminate the costly benefits provided to former heads of state, emphasising that these perks will be removed “no matter what.”

Speaking at a rally in Baddegama, Galle, he criticised the existing system, which places the financial burden of maintaining past leaders on the public.

President Dissanayake noted that former presidents currently enjoy extensive privileges, safeguarded by parliamentary acts, constitutional provisions, and administrative circulars.

However, he revealed that the government is considering amending these provisions to drastically reduce or eliminate such entitlements.

“We cannot sustain the country while catering to these requests,” he stated, highlighting the requests by former leaders for extensive security details, ambulances, luxury vehicles, and other costly benefits.

“Some even demand 163 security personnel, an array of vehicles, including 17 or 18 BMWs,” he added, stressing that politics should be a service to the people, not an avenue for luxurious post-office benefits.

Dissanayake’s government aims to recalibrate the role of public service within the country’s politics, ensuring that leadership is focused on service rather than privilege.

October 28, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan government is set to revisit the 2021 X-Press Pearl maritime disaster with a fresh investigation, announced Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath yesterday (27).

This inquiry comes amid concerns that previous administrations have yet to file claims for the substantial civil liability costs associated with the disaster.

In the aftermath of the incident, Sri Lanka is expected to receive around US$ 810,696 to cover beach cleaning and debris removal expenses, while the claims for broader environmental and economic damages have yet to be formally lodged.

The ship’s owner has agreed to cover this cleaning expenditure for the period from 1 July 2023 to 29 February 2024.

However, the government has yet to secure compensation for extensive civil liabilities, including damages to the environment, economic losses, and future restoration efforts.

The incident on 20 May 2021 involved the MV X-Press Pearl, a cargo vessel laden with hazardous chemicals, which ignited off Sri Lanka’s western coast.

The resulting spill of toxic materials, plastics, and pollutants devastated the country’s coastal ecosystems.

Efforts were made by the previous government to address this crisis legally, filing a lawsuit in Singapore with the assistance of the Attorney General’s Department, an Australian law firm, and six international experts to assess the full scope of damages.

The Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) has identified an oil slick of approximately 0.51 km², stretching over 4.3 km, around the wreckage site. While the insurance company for the vessel has provided Sri Lanka with US$ 7.85 million in compensation thus far, the MEPA continues to assess the true extent of the environmental impact.

The authority is also awaiting updates from the Attorney General’s Department regarding the Singapore litigation, highlighting an ongoing lack of coordination on legal proceedings for further damages.