October 28, Colombo (LNW): A notorious drug trafficker, known by his aliases ‘Marvin Jana’ or ‘Bakery Jana,’ was apprehended in Sri Lanka following a targeted operation by the Special Task Force (STF) on October 26.
The suspect, who has managed to elude authorities for an extended period, was arrested in possession of a significant quantity of crystal methamphetamine, locally referred to as ‘ice.’
The STF conducted the operation at a specific address on First Lane, Dewalamulla Junction, Dehiwala Road, within the Boralasgamuwa Police Division, leading to the arrest.
At the time of apprehension, the 45-year-old Attidiya, Dehiwala resident was found with 17 grammes and 60 milligrammes of ‘ice’ in his vehicle, which he was allegedly using for drug transportation.
This arrest marks a significant breakthrough in Sri Lanka’s fight against drug trafficking networks, as ‘Bakery Jana’ was reportedly involved in large-scale smuggling and distribution activities across the region.
Following his arrest, the suspect was handed over to the Boralasgamuwa Police Station, where further investigations are underway to dismantle the network and uncover additional collaborators.
October 28, Colombo (LNW): The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) announced today, 28 October, that it will formally request further information from the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) regarding its proposed electricity tariff adjustment.
This request follows the CEB’s recent submission for a tariff revision as part of the third quarterly review for 2024.
PUCSL Director of Corporate Communications, Jayanath Herath, confirmed that the commission’s officials are meeting today to review and discuss the specifics of the CEB’s proposal.
Should additional modifications or clarifications be required, the CEB will be notified in writing to ensure all necessary adjustments are accounted for before any formal decision is reached.
October 26, (LNW) Colombo: These days in Sri Lanka, rugby operates autonomously. It has the list of members of all the committees nominated to run the tournament. But there is no one who appointed them. There is also a person in these committees who is related to the Rugar administration, which was dissolved for not fulfilling the responsibilities properly, and who was informed by the court and even the ministry that he is unfit to hold positions.
He says that the appointment of these committees was not made by the relevant authority, Director General Shemal Fernando. If he was appointed in this way, it is wrong, and those who are appointed should also have the idea that it is not ethical to come to positions at an inappropriate time. If that were the case, they would gain a privilege that brings more satisfaction than anything lost in another phase of life. Yet, in Sri Lanka, wielding power improperly has become almost a part of the shape. Moreover, the notion of wielding power at one’s discretion has become a trend among Sri Lankan administrators. In any case, a national-level rugby tournament in Sri Lanka is a high-budget program, with significant funds invested through large sponsorships.
This situation is emerging amid allegations of inadequate accounting records for the expenditure of 100 million and 10 million rupees received from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and the Ministry of Sports. It is also reported that this money has been paid to people who have been decided by the Sri Lanka Rugby and who have not been involved in its work.
Nalin de Silva, the president of the dissolved Rugby administration, intervened in these matters despite the organization’s dissolution.
Asked about his involvement in the post-dissolution administration from his previous £50,000 fines to the current disbanded administration, the director general says it has come as a result of discussions between the minister and the World Rugby. The Director General of Sports believes that his appointment was based on a request from the World Rugby to implement the information available up to that point, as he is not directly involved.
The Sports Act grants the Minister the authority to utilize powers under the country’s sports law to suspend any association or organization, thereby lifting the regulations governing rugby. After removing an individual in accordance with the law, is it not a violation of legal integrity to rectify the appointment or to acknowledge a mistake or omission anew? How ethical is such a display of responsibility?
The involvement of the Director General of Sports is crucial in this context. The international community, including Asia, cannot overlook actions taken in accordance with the country’s sports law. This poses a potentially dangerous situation.
His reluctance to comment on the discussion has led to a personal dispute with Risley Illias, a former president, which has escalated into a conflict between the Asian Federation and Sri Lanka Rugby. The manner in which the Asia Rugby President has begun to undermine Sri Lankan ministers and officials shows no signs of abating. Under their influence, the country’s ministers, along with high-ranking officials accustomed to treating the rugby field as a dumping ground for others’ issues, seem to take pleasure in catering to the wishes of the Asian presidents rather than upholding the laws of the country.
Rizly fought against the actions taken against the Sri Lanka Rugby due to his personal conflict with Illyas. Nalin de Silva, as the vice president of Illyas, spoke against Asia in front of the media before the presidentship, which accidentally fell on his head to praise those battles. Following Illyas’ departure, he started barking from one side of the Asia president to the other, eagerly aligning with the Asia president.
The saddest incident is that when a president fought for the country’s rugby on behalf of the country’s rugby that the Asia president’s behavior would harm the country and incurred the wrath of the Asia president, all the politicians and ministry officials of Sri Lanka should have asked for a fair investigation and decision regarding the allegations. Instead, they did what the Asia President wanted.
There is a lack of backbone among the puppets who seek to appease the competitive Asia President and, by extension, World Rugby. As a result, the unholy alliances both within Sri Lanka and abroad are altering the country’s constitution to suit their own agendas.
There is a system to determine the status of rugby in the country. Without acting according to those agreements, the Asia Rugby joined forces with Sri Lankans friendly to them and agreed with the minister to control the rugby in Sri Lanka according to the advice of those friends, and the project is still running. According to them, the officials and ministers are currently orchestrating the individuals they prefer, turning them into puppets that dance to their tune.
In this context, rugby claims to be managed by a committee appointed by someone who bears no responsibility. While there are assertions about the spending of sponsorship funds received, the specifics of how this money was utilized remain unclear. As a result, rugby is currently operating without proper oversight. So Rugby is without Manuel at this time. It operates automatically, and there’s no doubt that someone is invisibly orchestrating the flow of that money. Meanwhile, as the country’s rugby struggles to survive, tree planting initiatives are being promoted as part of an Asia wide and global movement. Who is appointed to do these things?
Is it possible to be appointed like that? There is no answer to whether they are ethical, whether they receive any money or if their intentions are genuine.
There is only one official announcement: the gazette notification. The responsibility for this lies with the Director General of Sports. He neither objected to nor was able to contest the statements made by the minister or the secretary. What has transpired now reflects the temporary departure of the politician. The Director General is accountable for his actions as a public officer. Consequently, as rugby depletes the funds in its account without holding any tournaments, responsibility is assigned to a committee that is known, even if not officially named by the authority. Ultimately, the burden of supporting rugby’s efforts to attract sponsors will rest with the Director General.
Ministers in Sri Lanka sometimes lead government officials to assign responsibilities to please people who were above them in their private lives before entering politics. Perhaps the Director General is stuck in such a knot.
*Adapted from original article, “ස්වයංක්රීය වී ඇති රගර්” by Nishman Ranasinghe published on 26/10/2024.
October 28, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara and Mannar districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (28).
Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in the other areas of the island during the evening or night.
Fairly heavy showers above 50 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, North-western, Uva and Eastern provinces.
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. The wave height may increase (about 2.0–2.5 m) in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo, Galle, and Matara. (this is not for land area) Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake slams political critics who urge the public to elect ‘familiar faces’ in this year’s Parliamentary Election, claiming that such figures so far had ruled the country above the law: emphasises that the so called ‘familiar faces’ are only familiar with the practice of deceiving the public, defrauding and misusing public property: adds the members of the National Peoples Power (NPP), on the other hand, are ‘familiar’ with the practices standing against corruption and benefiting the public: further urges the public to elect who genuinely feel the public and act solely on the public’s interest.
Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara says the National People’s Power (NPP) vote base is declining, as shown by the Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha election results: notes NPP secured less than 42% of the vote, with 17,000 votes compared to 19,000 by other parties, challenging the trend of post-presidential election victories: asserts the NPP will not be able to secure even a Pradeshiya Sabha election in the future.
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe remarks he and current President Anura Kumara Dissanayake share similar political fates, as neither received a majority endorsement in the recent presidential election: acknowledges his defeat and questions if Dissanayake’s position, without a majority endorsement, truly differed from his, suggesting both are politically “in the same boat.”
A tense scene erupts outside Colombo’s Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium after a United Democratic Voice conference led by popular actor and former MP Ranjan Ramanayake: Around 200 young attendees, claiming to be university students who were offered a part-time job, protested, alleging unpaid compensation for participation as promised by the organisers: Police intervened to restore order, eventually dispersing the crowd and facilitating transportation back to their accommodations.
India provides solar rooftop systems to four religious sites in Colombo as part of a $17 million project to equip 5,000 Sri Lankan religious institutions with renewable energy: The initiative, spanning all nine provinces, aims to generate 25 MW annually, supporting Sri Lanka’s energy transition: India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy underpins this partnership, emphasising sustainable energy cooperation.
Casio intensifies its anti-counterfeit efforts in Sri Lanka, targeting fake calculators following previous action against counterfeit watches: Supported by the Colombo Crime Division, Casio seized a large stock of counterfeit calculators from a major wholesaler: This initiative, led by Casio India’s Head of Legal, reinforces Casio’s commitment to quality, consumer trust, and educational standards in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa visits Pakistan to observe Exercise Indus Shield-2024 and met with Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu: Discussions focused on regional security, operational cooperation, and strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in training and maintenance: praises Pakistan’s advancements in aerospace technology and expressed interest in deepening collaboration.
Despite an Israeli warning of a possible terror threat, a few Israelis remain in Sri Lanka’s Arugam Bay, feeling secure amid heightened security: Prompted by unspecified warnings, Sri Lanka has deployed police, military, and checkpoints in this popular surfing area, particularly targeting tourist zones: The recent Gaza conflict and past local terror attacks have prompted caution, although local residents report no tensions.
The Sri Lanka Navy apprehends 12 Indian fishermen and seizes an Indian fishing boat caught poaching in Sri Lankan waters off Point Pedro: This operation, part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal fishing impacting local livelihoods, brought this year’s total to 62 boats and 462 fishermen detained: The detainees were taken to Kankesanthurai Harbour for legal proceedings: Tensions arise in the sector between the two nations, in what some activists describe as the authorities’ failure to grab the bigger picture.
Sri Lanka secure the runner-up position in the 2024 Asian Netball Championship, narrowly defeated by Singapore in a close final, 67-64: Despite the loss, Sri Lanka demonstrated competitive strength throughout the tournament, adding to their impressive record, which includes six previous championship titles.
October 27, Colombo (LNW): Following a reported security threat, Sri Lanka has implemented enhanced safety measures around Arugam Bay, a top surfing destination frequented by international travelers.
Police heightened security in response to specific intelligence regarding Israeli tourists, with Sri Lankan authorities determined to protect visitors and maintain the area’s appeal as a tourism hotspot. “This area attracts many Israeli tourists, and we are fully committed to ensuring their safety,” stated Police Spokesperson Nihal Thalduwa.
The call for vigilance follows a warning from Israel’s national Security Council urging Israeli travelers to leave certain areas in southern Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, the U.S. embassy advised Americans to avoid Arugam Bay after receiving credible information regarding potential threats to popular tourist sites.
In parallel, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to regulating foreign-owned businesses in line with national legal standards. SLTDA Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam emphasized the importance of lawful operations and foreign investment to sustain tourism growth.
“If any tourist-run businesses are operating without authorization, law enforcement will act accordingly,” he noted. While expressing support for legally established businesses, Hewawasam also acknowledged that bureaucratic delays may affect some foreign enterprises and extended SLTDA’s assistance to help them operate within the law.
The security measures and regulatory initiatives underscore the government’s dedication to safeguarding tourists, ensuring both safety and legal compliance. Law enforcement agencies have begun compiling data on foreign-owned establishments, particularly in areas identified by foreign embassies as high-risk.
Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya confirmed that intelligence reports from a Western agency last month flagged certain locations popular with Jewish tourists as potential targets.
Local businesses along Sri Lanka’s Southern and Eastern coasts have voiced concerns over unlicensed foreign-owned establishments that allegedly harm local livelihoods by operating unauthorized shops and lodgings, especially in tourist-heavy locations such as Weligama, Galle, and Mirissa.
SJB Matara District candidate Rehan Jayawickrama emphasized that unaddressed issues within the tourism sector, combined with potential security threats, could disrupt Sri Lanka’s tourism recovery efforts.
These actions by the Sri Lankan government reflect its dedication to ensuring the safety and security of all visitors, reinforcing the integrity and hospitality of the country’s tourism industry.
October 27, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan embassy in Riyadh, along with the Coconut Development Authority of Sri Lanka, facilitated the country’s inaugural participation in the 41st Saudi Agriculture Expo. This year’s event, held from October 21-24, 2024, saw ten Sri Lankan companies specializing in coconut-based products represented for the first time.
Ambassador Ameer Ajwad of Sri Lanka officially opened the Sri Lankan pavilion at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, emphasizing the importance of this platform for Sri Lankan businesses.
He described the expo as a significant breakthrough for the country’s agriculture sector, urging other Sri Lankan agri-businesses to leverage this event to introduce their products to a global market. According to Ajwad, increased representation at international trade fairs can significantly boost Sri Lanka’s export offerings and contribute to economic growth.
The ambassador highlighted the relevance of Sri Lankan companies producing coco peat at the event, given Saudi Arabia’s ongoing ‘Green Initiative’—a key element of Vision 2030 that includes planting 10 million trees to support environmental goals. Coco peat, known for its effectiveness in arid climates, could play a substantial role in supporting this initiative as a preferred growth medium.
During the expo, high-profile guests including HH Prince Mutab bin Fahd bin Farhan, an advisor to the leadership of the King Abdulaziz Reserve and King Salman Reserve,
Assistant Permanent Secretary to the Saudi Ministry of Environment and Agriculture Dr. Ali Alshaikhi, and Fayez Al-Shaheeli, Vice President of the Federation of Chambers of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of Saudi NAF Group, visited the Sri Lankan pavilion upon Ambassador Ajwad’s invitation. They held meaningful discussions with the Sri Lankan delegation on potential collaborations and trade expansions.
Sri Lanka’s representatives also engaged with the Saudi Green Building Forum during a networking session on the sidelines of the expo. Ambassador Ajwad hosted a luncheon for the delegation to reflect on feedback and potential improvements for future events.
The Saudi Agriculture Expo, marking its 41st edition, welcomed over 370 exhibitors from 29 countries, displaying innovations and technological advancements in the agriculture sector. The expo provided numerous networking opportunities, along with expert-led conferences and discussions, facilitating trade connections and knowledge exchange among participants.
The participating Sri Lankan companies included Dew Cocos Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Earthscape (Pvt) Ltd, Eco Soil Substrates (Pvt) Ltd, FNF Exports Ltd, Hardy Export Company (Pvt) Ltd, M.C. Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd, Thuselco Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, Tropical Green Exports (Pvt) Ltd, Eco Trends (Pvt) Ltd, and Hayleys PLC.
This landmark participation aims to strengthen Sri Lanka’s international trade presence in the Middle East and open doors for new export opportunities.
As Sri Lanka prepares for its parliamentary elections on November 14, familiar issues dominate the national discourse: tackling political corruption, addressing accountability for the Easter Sunday attacks, pursuing economic recovery, and combating corruption.
However, the country’s environmental crises receive little attention, despite the negative impacts associated with maintaining a floating flexible exchange rate.
As of October 18, 2024, the Sri Lankan rupee appreciated by 10.6% against the US dollar, with mixed economic effects following President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s election.
This currency strengthening has led the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) to take measures to balance economic impacts.
Analysts observe that while a stronger rupee brings some advantages, it poses challenges for several sectors, requiring the CBSL to carefully stabilize the currency. With the rupee’s appreciation, Sri Lanka has seen reduced inflation, lower import costs, and a lessened foreign debt burden.
These factors contribute to stabilizing the economy, making imported goods more affordable and reducing production costs for local industries.
This trend potentially lowers consumer prices, boosts purchasing power, and enhances overall economic stability.
Moreover, the rupee’s strength fosters investor confidence, signaling stability that could attract foreign investments into Sri Lanka’s stock market and other sectors, as investors see the nation as a favorable investment climate.
Additionally, the appreciation aids government finances by reducing foreign debt service costs, lessening pressure on public expenditure. Yet, the stronger rupee has created significant obstacles for exporters, the tourism industry, and households reliant on remittances.
The increased currency value has made Sri Lankan exports—like garments, tea, and rubber—costlier abroad, hurting their competitiveness. Exporters with narrow profit margins face reduced demand, which could diminish revenue and hinder growth in export-driven industries.
Tourism, another key sector, might also face repercussions. A stronger currency makes Sri Lanka a pricier destination for foreign visitors, potentially lowering tourist numbers and affecting small and medium-sized businesses, including hotels, villas, and local tourism services.
Analysts highlight that without a competitive exchange rate (ideally between Rs. 295 and Rs. 302 per dollar), businesses might struggle to maintain operations without raising prices, which could further reduce tourist arrivals.
The Central Bank is responsible for maintaining foreign exchange reserves to ensure a balanced exchange rate that prevents exporters and other stakeholders from experiencing significant losses.
Large export companies, notably in the garment industry, may face substantial financial stress if required to sell dollars at disadvantageous rates.
To mitigate these impacts, the Central Bank has been intervening to stabilize the rupee’s value and strengthen reserves through strategic dollar purchases.
However, travel advisories from multiple countries have dampened Sri Lanka’s tourism prospects.
Many advisories caution citizens against visiting Sri Lanka due to a high number of Israeli tourists, raising security concerns amidst the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. Some fear that Israelis in Sri Lanka might become potential targets, especially as tensions remain high.
Meanwhile, International Monetary Fund (IMF) officials provided updates on Sri Lanka’s economic situation in light of debt restructuring and the incoming government. Krishna Srinivasan, IMF’s Asia and Pacific Department Director, and Deputy Director Thomas Helbling discussed the country’s fiscal benchmarks, potential policy shifts, and economic outlook.
Srinivasan stated that following significant progress in debt restructuring, the focus has shifted to fiscal and structural benchmarks needed to access the IMF’s fourth funding tranche.
He noted productive discussions with Sri Lanka’s new government, emphasizing a shared commitment to continue reforms that have spurred growth over the past year and lowered inflation.
In response to inquiries about the new government’s intentions, Srinivasan confirmed that it seeks to sustain the IMF-driven gains. He underscored the importance of reform to address post-restructuring challenges, particularly with loan interest payments set to resume next year.
Questions arose about potential tax revisions, like the repeal of the imputed rental tax, and the continuation of the vehicle import suspension policy. Srinivasan said that these issues are still being negotiated with Sri Lankan authorities.
Additionally, the structure of Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring, including macro-linked bonds tied to economic performance, was discussed. Srinivasan acknowledged the appeal of these bonds among creditors but emphasized that their effectiveness depends on each country’s context and equitable treatment across creditors.
As the IMF prepares for its third program review in Sri Lanka, officials expressed cautious optimism about the country’s recovery trajectory. IMF support remains vital for Sri Lanka as it navigates economic complexities, particularly under the new administration.
In conclusion, while Sri Lanka has made significant progress, the road to sustained recovery demands careful management of fiscal policies and consistent reforms to secure economic growth.
October 27, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Railways has announced that train services between Colombo Fort and Kankasanturai, suspended for months due to essential maintenance and development activities, will resume tomorrow (28).
This marks the completion of a significant modernisation project on the Mahawa-Anuradhapura stretch, enhancing rail connectivity to Sri Lanka’s northern region and providing a faster, more comfortable option for long-distance travel.
This resumed service is part of a larger infrastructure improvement initiative aimed at boosting rail efficiency and convenience.
With the Northern Line now fully operational, the Department of Railways has also urged the public to exercise caution, especially at railway crossings, as increased train frequency is expected on this route.
Strict adherence to crossing regulations will be critical to ensuring the safety of both pedestrians and motorists in areas intersecting with railway lines.
October 27, Colombo (LNW): Aligned with its Indo-Pacific Cooperation Strategy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the European Union has launched a Multiannual Indicative Programme for 2021-2027.
This initiative, focused on ‘Green Recovery’ and promoting an ‘Inclusive and Peaceful Society,’ directs €60 million in grants to support EU-Sri Lanka collaboration from 2021 to 2024.
Key efforts include the participation of EU Member States active in Sri Lanka—such as Germany, France, and the Netherlands—under the Team Europe approach. Additionally, the EU is exploring avenues to advance its Global Gateway Strategy within the country.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake recently met with EU representatives led by Ambassador Carmen Moreno, discussing Sri Lanka’s current security measures aimed at ensuring safety for both tourists and residents, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).
The President assured the delegation of strengthened security protocols in popular tourist zones through increased law enforcement and emergency response services.
The European Union is a significant partner to Sri Lanka, as the nation’s second-largest market for exports and tourism, and its third-largest source of imports.
During the discussions, the EU Delegation reaffirmed its support in expanding Sri Lanka’s market access within the EU, improving employment prospects, and increasing tourism.
The EU also pledged to bolster knowledge exchange and support reforms in education, social security, and anti-corruption measures.
The Delegation highlighted its commitment to strengthening critical sectors such as vocational training, maritime investment, and the peace and reconciliation process.
They expressed intentions to work closely with Sri Lanka to further these mutual goals. Commending the peaceful conduct of Sri Lanka’s recent Presidential Election,
The EU – Sri Lanka Trade-Related Assistance Project aims to increase the trade competitiveness of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in regional and European Union (EU) markets.
The 4 year EU-funded project, worth EUR 8 million, contributes to inclusive trade led growth and regional integration. It supports SME export competitiveness and value addition in sectors with high potential for economic growth and development.
The project helps Sri Lanka integrate the policies and regulatory reforms of the World Trade Organization (WTO), allowing SMEs to make the most of the potential opportunities resulting from the EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) Plus.
It also enables greater regional integration within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
The project addresses compliance standards and efficiencies in cross border procedures, which are key constraints to market access, especially for SMEs. Specific attention is given to enhancing value chains in the spice, food and InformationTechnology/Business Process Outsourcing (IT/BPO) sectors.
