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.
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.
October 28, Colombo (LNW): Despite heightened concerns over a possible terrorist threat in Arugam Bay, local tourism remains resilient, with a notable influx of Sri Lankan visitors.
Residents and tourism operators confirm that any decline in foreign arrivals is consistent with the annual off-season rather than an unusual dip.
Although some Israeli tourists departed following recent travel advisories, this has not deterred domestic visitors from exploring the area.
K.H. Chandrasena, a hotel owner known locally as “Sudumahattaya,” remarked that Arugam Bay tourism is experiencing a revival after the setbacks of the 2019 Easter Sunday attack and the pandemic.
He explained that off-season rates make accommodation affordable, further boosting local interest.
Business activities, including the region’s crucial fishing industry, have returned to normalcy, with no major disruptions in daily life.
In response to recent security concerns, Ampara Division Superintendent of Police J.H.M.N. Jayapathma announced enhanced security protocols for the area, prioritising the well-being of both residents and tourists.
Whilst the off-season traditionally sees a natural lull in international tourist numbers, local tourism’s upswing has brought a steady flow of visitors eager to enjoy Arugam Bay’s renowned beaches and hospitality.
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.
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.
