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$1,034) per month per vessel, boat owners receive an allowance of 25 rupees per liter of diesel and kerosene.
The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources urged vessel owners to ensure that these subsidies benefit the broader fishing community, especially fisher folk who are most affected by rising operational costs.
The new government has been urged to introduce renewable energy for fishing vessels, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and support environmental goals.
Targeting subsidies for small-scale, artisanal fishers who are most vulnerable to fuel price hikes could prevent growing inequality within the community.
Additionally, there are calls for the government to enact regulations to prevent overfishing and promote sustainable fishing practices, linking subsidies to environmentally conscious methods.
October 28, Colombo (LNW): As of 25 October 2024, the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has earned the distinction of being the second-best performing equity index in Asia, highlighted by an exceptional year-to-date return of 29.65 per cent in US$, according to Bloomberg reports.
This remarkable achievement reflects the resilience and dynamism of Sri Lanka’s capital market, which is increasingly attracting both domestic and foreign investors eager to capitalise on its growth potential.
The trading activity over the past week has been particularly noteworthy, with a daily average turnover of Rs. 3.058 billion.
Notably, the CSE recorded two consecutive days of robust trading, with daily turnovers surpassing Rs. 4.7 billion on Thursday and Friday.
This surge in activity indicates a renewed investor confidence and a thriving market environment.
At the end of the trading week, the All Share Price Index (ASPI) closed at 12,517.58 points, just a single point shy of its highest mark for the year. In tandem, the S&P SL20 index, which encompasses the 20 largest and most liquid stocks on the exchange, also demonstrated significant growth, concluding the week at 3,759.30 points.
Such performance solidifies the CSE’s status as a compelling option for investors, fostering positive market momentum and opening avenues for further investment opportunities.
For the week ending 25 October 2024, the total weekly turnover for the CSE reached an impressive Rs. 15.3 billion. The ASPI enjoyed a weekly gain of 1.66 per cent, whilst the S&P SL20 reported an even more robust return of 3.76 per cent.
In contrast, the previous week, which ended on 18 October 2024, saw a markedly lower turnover of Rs. 7 billion, with the ASPI returning just 0.16 per cent and the S&P SL20 a modest 0.49 per cent.
Notably, the ASPI crossed the 12,500 mark for the first time since 10 May 2024, gaining 44.08 points during early trading hours on Friday.
This resurgence in trading activity suggests a growing optimism in the market, underscored by a remarkable increase in participation.
The turnover reached Rs. 4.8 billion for the second consecutive day, reflecting a staggering 95.1 per cent increase compared to the monthly average of Rs. 2.4 billion.
This positive trend within the Colombo Stock Exchange serves as a barometer for the overall economic landscape of Sri Lanka, signalling a potential recovery and growth trajectory following recent economic challenges.
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.
October 28, Colombo (LNW): Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) Leader Udaya Gammanpila has urged the government to identify and investigate an individual who posed as a senior official in the 2019 Easter Sunday attack video broadcast by Britain’s Channel 4.
Addressing a media briefing this afternoon (28), Gammanpila discussed findings from an investigative report by a committee led by retired Supreme Court Justice S.I. Imam, commissioned by the previous administration to probe the documentary’s allegations.
In his address, Gammanpila called for an inquiry to uncover the identity of the individual who, in the Channel 4 video, made allegations against Sri Lanka’s intelligence agencies and military personnel while presenting himself as a top government official.
The former MP challenged the current government, insisting, “If this individual is indeed holding a senior role within the government, action must be taken against him for treason.”
Gammanpila further urged the government to address the findings related to the attacks instead of resorting to what he described as “slander.”
However, some critics have questioned his motives, citing PHU Leader’s history of capitalising on the 2019 Easter Sunday tragedy to stoke communal fears—actions some saw as instrumental in his efforts to propel former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to power.
Previously, Gammanpila publicly threatened President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to oust him via an impeachment should he fail to apologise to the public for not disclosing the reports, despite his party having an uncertain voter base to be elected by in the upcoming General Election to bring-forth such a motion in Parliament.
This briefing marks Gammanpila’s second public address on the topic, following his earlier disclosures on the two investigation reports concerning the attacks. Last week, he claimed that the committees headed by Justices S.I. Imam and A.N.J. de Alwis, appointed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s administration, had withheld information from the public.
Gammanpila’s initial statements included details from Justice A.N.J. de Alwis’s report, which purportedly recommended action against former senior Police officials Ravi Seneviratne and Shani Abeysekera, who now hold prominent government roles.
Responding to Gammanpila’s statements, Government Spokesman Minister Vijitha Herath asserted that a comprehensive investigation into the Easter attacks, including the reports disclosed by Gammanpila, is underway.
Meanwhile, it is noteworthy that the Supreme Court ruling on the attacks, which imposed penalties to key state figures including ex-President Maithripala Sirisena, ex-Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando and ex-head of the State Intelligence Service (SIS) Nilantha Jayawardena for failing to avert the attack, made no mentioning of Seneviratne to be held accountable for, nor Abeysekara for that matter.
October 28, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) happens to be somewhat steady against the US Dollar today (28) in comparison to last week, maintaining below the Rs. 300 threshold, the official exchange rates released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka revealed.
Accordingly, the buying price of the US Dollar has reduced to Rs. 289.06 from Rs. 289.15 and the selling price to Rs. 298.11 from Rs. 298.20.
The LKR indicates appreciation against several other currencies, however depreciated against Gulf currencies.
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.
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.
