January 23, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has witnessed a sharp increase in dengue cases, with a staggering 3,499 cases reported across the country in the first three weeks of this year.

According to the National Dengue Control Unit, the majority of these cases—1,576—have been concentrated in the Western Province, which includes the capital city of Colombo.

Among the districts, Gampaha has been particularly hard-hit, registering the highest number of dengue infections.

The surge in cases has raised serious concerns among health authorities, who are closely monitoring the situation as the country enters its peak dengue season.

The National Dengue Control Unit has further highlighted that 22 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions throughout the island have been identified as high-risk areas for the spread of the virus.

These regions are now the focus of intensified surveillance and prevention measures.

Health officials are urging the public to take immediate action in eliminating mosquito breeding sites, which are the primary cause of the rapid spread of dengue.

Authorities are also ramping up efforts to raise awareness about preventive measures, such as using insect repellent and ensuring that homes and surroundings are free of stagnant water, where mosquitoes breed.

January 23, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has achieved a significant milestone with the establishment of direct poultry exports to China, a move that is expected to provide a major boost to the local poultry sector.

The breakthrough deal was among 15 agreements signed during President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent official visit to China.

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath shared the details of the agreement during a media briefing, revealing that Sri Lanka will now be able to export chicken heads and feet directly to the Chinese market.

These items, by-products of the country’s meat processing industry, have long been in demand, and this deal opens up new revenue streams for Sri Lanka.

Minister Herath highlighted the positive economic impact the agreement will have, particularly in boosting foreign exchange earnings for the country.

He explained that the deal was secured following a formal request from the local poultry industry, which has long sought access to the vast Chinese market.

“This agreement will be a significant step forward for the local poultry industry, and they can begin exports as soon as necessary certifications and buyers are in place,” the Minister said.

The decision to pursue this agreement followed prior Cabinet approval, where the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock presented a proposal to sign a protocol facilitating the export of chicken products to China.

As part of the arrangement, both Sri Lanka and China worked together to address health and quarantine requirements for the export process.

The General Administration of Customs of China played a crucial role in facilitating the agreement, ensuring that the necessary health and safety standards were met to guarantee the smooth export of Sri Lankan poultry.

January 20, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has issued a strong advisory, following a notice from the Sri Lankan Embassy in Oman, cautioning against the use of tourist visas for employment purposes in Oman.

This warning comes in response to a recent announcement from the Royal Oman Police, which clarified that individuals entering Oman on a tourist visa are prohibited from converting it to an employment visa.

The SLBFE stressed that it is illegal to work in Oman on a tourist visa, and anyone found attempting to do so may face serious consequences.

The Sri Lankan Embassy in Muscat has reiterated the importance of adhering strictly to the official guidelines set forth by the SLBFE when pursuing legal employment opportunities in Oman.

In the notice, the Embassy highlighted a worrying trend of Sri Lankans being stranded in Oman after entering the country on tourist visas, despite clear regulations in place by both Omani and Sri Lankan authorities.

These individuals, who sought employment without proper documentation, now find themselves in difficult situations due to the strict enforcement of visa regulations.

The Royal Oman Police’s directive, effective from October 31, 2023, strictly prohibits the conversion of tourist visas into employment visas.

The authorities have also called on job seekers to refrain from entering Oman under a tourist visa with the intention of finding work, stressing that doing so is against the law.

In addition, the Sri Lankan Embassy has urged Sri Lankan nationals who are already in Oman under tourist visas to leave the country before their visa expiry.

The Embassy warned that overstaying a visa will incur substantial fines imposed by Omani authorities, and those who fail to comply will face additional costs and complications before being allowed to depart the country.

January 23, Colombo (LNW): Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Ruwan Kodituwakku has highlighted the growing issue of uncleared goods accumulating at the Colombo Port, causing significant logistical challenges.

The Deputy Minister explained that this backlog has led to a severe shortage of available space at the busy port, which is crucial for handling the nation’s imports and exports.

He attributed the build-up of goods to a range of factors, including unpaid duties and incomplete documentation.

Some consignments have remained at the port because the required customs fees have not been settled, while others are stuck due to missing or inaccurate paperwork, which has delayed their clearance.

In response to the issue, Deputy Minister Kodituwakku has instructed Sri Lanka Customs and the Ports Authority to provide a detailed report on the matter.

He emphasised the need for urgent action to resolve the situation, as the continued accumulation of goods not only disrupts port operations but also impacts the overall efficiency of Sri Lanka’s trade and transport systems.

January 23, Colombo (LNW): Former Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa and his wife were taken into custody by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) late last night, following allegations of financial misconduct.

According to Senior Superintendent of Police Buddhika Manatunga, the couple’s arrest is linked to accusations of misappropriating Rs. 6.1 million in public funds in 2014.

The charges relate to the alleged diversion of funds that were originally allocated for flood relief efforts in the areas of Bingiriya and Narammala.

Instead of being used for the intended humanitarian purpose, the funds, totalling Rs. 6,146,110, were allegedly redirected to support election campaign activities during the 2015 Presidential Election.

The incident has been classified as a case of criminal misuse of public funds, with the CID conducting an extensive investigation into the matter.

Following consultations with the Attorney General, the decision was made to arrest the former Minister and his wife.

The investigation into this matter is still ongoing, and the couple is expected to be presented before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court later today.

January 23, Colombo (LNW): The government is in the process of preparing a cabinet paper to establish a committee tasked with abolishing the controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara disclosed.

The new committee will also focus on drafting a replacement piece of legislation – the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), which aims to fully align with international human rights standards.

Minister Nanayakkara expressed his confidence that the cabinet paper would be approved in the upcoming parliamentary session, marking a significant step in the government’s efforts to reform the country’s counter-terrorism laws.

“I am hopeful that, during the next parliamentary session, I will be able to confirm that the cabinet has given its approval for the repeal of the PTA and the introduction of a new ATA that is fully compliant with international norms,” he said.

The PTA has long been a contentious issue in Sri Lanka, facing criticism from both local and international human rights organisations.

Concerns over its misuse have been widespread, with accusations that it has been used to violate the rights of individuals, often without adequate legal safeguards.

These concerns have led to calls for a more transparent and human rights-respecting approach to counter-terrorism.

The proposed Anti-Terrorism Act is expected to address these issues by creating a legal framework that balances national security concerns with the protection of fundamental rights.

It is anticipated that the new law will be crafted in a manner that brings Sri Lanka’s counter-terrorism efforts in line with international best practices whilst ensuring that the country’s security needs are met effectively.

January 23, Colombo (LNW): A recent circular from Presidential Secretary Dr. N.S. Kumanayake has been sent to all Ministry Secretaries, outlining the new appointments of advisors to various ministries.

The circular provides specific guidelines regarding the provision of support staff for ministers and deputy ministers, including details about the allocation of vehicles, fuel, telephones, and other necessary facilities to ensure smooth operations.

The notice aims to clarify the administrative arrangements and ensure that ministries are adequately equipped to carry out their duties effectively.

January 23, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is keen to swiftly resolve land and other related matters concerning the Chinese state-owned energy company Sinopec, according to the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vijitha Herath.

Speaking on the potential timeline for the development of Sinopec’s oil refinery in Sri Lanka, Minister Herath expressed confidence in fast-tracking the project.

He stated, “We are committed to progressing as quickly as possible. We aim to expedite the development programme and are ready to continue on this fast-track path.”

Regarding the land allocation for the refinery, Minister Herath mentioned that while the precise lease duration had not been finalised, Sinopec initially requested 500 acres, with an additional 200 acres currently under consideration.

“The exact terms are still being worked out. The lease period and additional land request will be determined based on the finalised Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). But as of now, they have expressed interest in an extra 200 acres,” he said.

The development follows a significant agreement signed during Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit to China in mid-January 2025.

The agreement secured a Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) of $3.7 billion from Sinopec to establish a state-of-the-art oil refinery in Hambantota.

The refinery will not only cater to local demand but is also expected to export a considerable share of its output, as confirmed by the President’s Media Division.

In response to inquiries about the possibility of a fuel pipeline deal with India, Minister Herath clarified that no formal agreement had been made yet.

“Discussions are ongoing, and during our recent visit to India, both sides agreed to continue engaging on this matter. However, no concrete agreement on a pipeline has been signed at this point,” he explained.

Minister Herath also provided an update on the stalled China-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement, which has been suspended since 2018. He revealed that both governments had agreed to establish a working group to revisit the terms of the agreement.

“No MoU has been signed yet, but we are moving forward with plans to form a dedicated working group to further explore the trade agreement,” he said.

On the topic of foreign research activities in Sri Lanka, the Minister addressed the Cabinet’s recent decision to form a committee to oversee such initiatives.

“The Cabinet has decided to set up a committee, and I will be leading it. However, we have not yet appointed the committee members,” he added.

Finally, when questioned about the provisions of the Indo-Lanka Pact of 1987, specifically regarding the need to inform India of foreign vessels arriving in Sri Lanka, Minister Herath emphatically stated, “There is no such requirement. There is no clause in the agreement mandating us to notify India about foreign vessels. We can release the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to clarify this further.”

January 23, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has underscored the critical role that traditions play in the development of a nation, emphasising that a country cannot solely progress through laws and regulations.

During a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat, President Dissanayake discussed the upcoming 74th Upasampada Vinaya Karma ceremony of the Sri Lanka Rāmañña Maha Nikāya, where he highlighted the deep-rooted cultural and spiritual significance of such events.

The President reflected on how the teachings of the Lord Buddha have profoundly influenced the social fabric of Sri Lanka, shaping its values and guiding its moral compass.

He stressed that it is the shared responsibility of all citizens to protect and preserve the Buddhist traditions, ensuring that they are passed down to future generations.

In this context, he remarked that tradition is not just a historical artefact but a living, evolving force that continues to play a pivotal role in the country’s identity and unity.

Addressing the significance of the Upasampada Vinaya Karma, a revered Buddhist ordination ceremony, President Dissanayake reminded attendees of the ceremony’s historical importance.

He noted that the ordination of monks, known as Upasampada Bhikkhus, is essential for the survival and vitality of the Buddhist institution in Sri Lanka.

The cessation of this ordination would, according to the President, signal the end of the Buddhist monastic tradition in the country, making it crucial to uphold and celebrate these ancient practices with the utmost respect.

The Upasampada ordination ceremony, set to take place from 30 June to 5 July 2025, will be held at the Vijithapura, Palugaswewa Punyavardhanarama Vihara, with the ordination itself taking place in the Udakukhepa Seema Malaka area.

Over 250 novice monks are expected to participate in the ordination process, which will be conducted under state patronage, marking it as a significant national event.

The biannual Upasampada Vinaya Karma ceremony, organised by the Sri Lanka Rāmañña Maha Nikāya, is viewed as a highly prestigious event by the government, drawing attention not only for its spiritual and religious importance but also for its cultural heritage.

In light of its significance, President Dissanayake has instructed the relevant authorities to ensure that all necessary arrangements are made, with every effort being put into providing the required facilities and support for the successful execution of the ceremony.

By emphasising the importance of tradition and its role in shaping the nation, Dissanayake reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding the cultural and spiritual legacy of Sri Lanka, ensuring that these traditions continue to thrive for generations to come.