By: Isuru Parakrama
October 24, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) indicates further depreciation against the US Dollar today (24) in comparison to yesterday, as per the official exchange rates released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).
The buying price of the US Dollar has increased to Rs. 289, and the selling price to Rs. 298.11.
October 24, Colombo (LNW): The Foreign Employment Bureau has disbursed Rs. 105.6 million in compensation to individuals who fell prey to overseas employment scams over the past year.
This restitution follows successful legal actions against fraudulent individuals and unregistered agencies involved in deceptive practices within the foreign employment sector.
The compensation is part of the Bureau’s response to growing concerns over overseas employment fraud, which has affected many seeking work abroad.
These legal proceedings were launched following a series of raids and investigations triggered by complaints from victims.
Over the past nine months, the Bureau has registered 570 complaints, resulting in the apprehension of 104 individuals involved in illegal foreign employment schemes.
These arrests highlight the Bureau’s commitment to tackling this issue, ensuring that those responsible face legal consequences.
To further assist the public in identifying and reporting such scams, the Bureau has introduced a dedicated hotline (1989), aimed at raising awareness and providing assistance to those affected or at risk of falling victim to fraudulent employment offers.
October 24, Colombo (LNW): The initial phase of Sri Lanka’s 2024 Population and Housing Census has been successfully concluded, marking a significant milestone in the country’s demographic study.
This stage, focused on counting census units, involved documenting residences, business establishments, institutions, and housing complexes where individuals live.
According to the Department of Census and Statistics, the number of census units in Sri Lanka has nearly doubled over the past forty years, reflecting notable growth.
The recent count reveals a total of 8,377,895 census units, a significant increase from the 3,423,486 units recorded in 1981.
The next phase of the census will delve deeper, gathering detailed information about the population, including data on individuals and their living conditions.
This stage is pivotal in understanding the demographic shifts and housing dynamics that have evolved over time.
Census officers are legally obligated under the Census Ordinance to protect the confidentiality of all personal information they collect, ensuring the privacy of individuals.
Every citizen is required to provide accurate data during this process, which will form the basis of the census report.
“Census Day” has been scheduled for December 19, when the comprehensive report will be released, offering valuable insights into the demographic trends of the nation.
October 24, Colombo (LNW): Former MP Namal Rajapaksa appeared at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) this morning at approximately 9.00 a.m., following a summons.
Speaking briefly to journalists upon his arrival, Rajapaksa expressed uncertainty about the exact reason for his summons, stating that he would learn the details once inside.
When pressed for more information, Rajapaksa remarked, “I am not aware of the specific matter. It’s better to be called in and clarify. The only way to clear the accusations against us is to come forward and provide statements. Some people spread lies with confidence, but we don’t. We will present our side of the story with conviction.“
Whilst it remains unclear what specific allegations are being probed, Rajapaksa’s statement reflects his intention to address any accusations directly.
By: Isuru Parakrama
October 24, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Irrigation has announced a flood warning for several low-lying areas in the southern region of Sri Lanka, which will remain in effect for the next 48 hours.
This alert follows a significant increase in water levels of the Nilwala River due to continuous heavy rainfall in the region.
The areas most at risk include Pasgoda, Kotapola, Pitabeddara, Akuressa, Athuraliya, Malimbada, Thihagoda, Kamburupitiya, Matara, and Devinuwara, with the divisional secretariats in these regions advised to prepare for potential flooding.
The department has urged residents in these flood-prone zones to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
Local authorities have been placed on alert, with emergency response teams ready to assist should the situation escalate.
Residents are advised to stay updated on weather reports and avoid travelling to affected areas unless necessary.
In addition to the immediate threat of rising water levels, heavy rains are expected to continue in the coming days, further heightening concerns about potential landslides in hilly regions. Local communities are being encouraged to relocate to safer areas if floodwaters continue to rise.
Authorities have also warned that road access in and around these areas could become severely restricted, urging travellers to plan their routes carefully and avoid areas that are prone to flash flooding.
By: Isuru Parakrama
October 24, Colombo (LNW): The luxury BMW allegedly used by former Minister Johnston Fernando, who is currently in remand custody over the allegation, may have been illegally assembled and stolen in England, Police said.
Calling in a briefing, Police Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa said the vehicle in question had been manufactured in Germany and originally sold to a buyer in England.
Police investigations, using information sourced from INTERPOL, have found potential connections between this vehicle and another high-end car reported missing in England in 2021.
The key evidence tying the two vehicles together is found in the matching Chassis and engine numbers, which are displayed on the INTERPOL database.
Based on this information, the police are continuing their inquiries into the matter.
Additionally, the Government Analyst’s Department has confirmed that the BMW had been illegally assembled, further complicating the case.
The vehicle in question was recently discovered parked at a Colombo hotel. The police investigation revealed that the vehicle had been dropped off by Fernando’s driver prior to the Presidential Election.
Inside the vehicle, officials from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) found several documents linked to the former minister, though no registration documents for the vehicle itself were present.
In a bid to trace the car’s origins, police cross-referenced the garage number with records from the Motor Traffic Department. They discovered that the number plate was registered under the name of a private company based in Nawala.
The owner of the firm admitted that while the vehicle number plate had been registered in March this year, the plate had been stolen from a radio station owned by the company.
Further inspections carried out by Sri Lanka Customs on the BMW’s Chassis number (WBA5E52010G115194) revealed that no vehicle with this identification had been legally imported into Sri Lanka.
This crucial piece of evidence suggests that the car may have entered the country under unlawful circumstances.
As the investigation deepens, the police are focusing on the possible involvement of international criminal networks, particularly those linked to vehicle thefts in Europe.
Authorities are also examining whether other individuals may have been involved in this complex case of vehicle fraud, which could have wider implications for the country’s customs and import regulations.
By: Isuru Parakrama
October 24, Colombo (LNW): The writ petition filed by Social Media activist Ashen Senarathna demanding the nullification of the decision made by the Colombo District Returning Officer to reject his nomination paper to contest the upcoming Parliamentary Election from the Colombo District has been quashed by the Supreme Court yesterday (23).
The election contender wannabe’s nomination paper was rejected by the Election Commission on the basis that it was “not presented by an authorised personnel.”
The decision prompted Senarathna to file a writ petition before the Supreme Court against the Commission and the District Returning Officer in charge on October 16.
He claimed that he was present at the time of the submission of his nomination paper, and the group of officials who he described as the parties receiving the nomination papers made him sit and wait, after which his paper was taken in by an officer of the said group.
Senarathna also speculated that there might be ‘a political fist’ behind the rejection of his nomination papers.
The writ petition filed by the ‘Bika’ restaurant owner was rejected by the Supreme Court nonetheless.
By: Isuru Parakrama
October 24, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has committed to stepping down from office once the nation has been successfully revived and strengthened.
Speaking at a public rally, the President stressed the need for a united Sri Lanka, highlighting the essential role of a strong government in addressing the country’s challenges.
During his address, President Dissanayake underscored the importance of November 14th, the date set for what he described as the “great parliamentary cleanup.”
This initiative, according to the President, will mark a pivotal moment in the country’s political renewal.
“There has been much discussion about the necessity of an opposition, but this time we need a government that empowers the people,” Dissanayake remarked, indicating a shift in focus towards stronger governance rather than partisan divides.
The President also reflected on the deeply entrenched divisions that have historically fragmented the nation, particularly along ethnic and nationalist lines. He pointed out that these divisions were often exploited to maintain political power.
“Our main challenge has been the divisive politics that have splintered the population and driven people towards nationalist parties. This strategy has been used to cling to power for decades. In the past, the Tamil and Muslim communities didn’t believe in our ability to bring about change. Our message didn’t reach them, but we are now heading towards a significant election,” he said.
Calling for unity under a shared vision, President Dissanayake emphasised the role of his party, National People’s Power (NPP), in bridging these divides.
“What must happen now is for us to unite under one umbrella—the NPP—which offers shelter to all Sri Lankans. We need to move beyond ethnic divisions and work towards a future where being Sri Lankan takes precedence over being Sinhala, Tamil, or Muslim,” he emphasised.
Acknowledging potential legal obstacles to national cohesion, the President pledged to implement reforms where necessary.
“If there are legal barriers to unity, we will amend those laws. We will decentralise political power, ensuring equal rights and laws for all, regardless of ethnicity. Our goal is to build a nation where being Sri Lankan is our foremost identity,” he assured the public.
In his speech, President Dissanayake also took aim at long-standing political families and figures, criticising those who have clung to power for generations.
“Many who have been in power for years, passing down their positions from fathers to sons, are now in political disarray. Their once-unquestionable grip on power has crumbled. The problems they created have grown so large that they can no longer even ask for votes. It’s a pitiful state of affairs,” he stated, adding that this was a crucial moment for rebuilding the country and reasserting the rule of law.
Dissanayake concluded by reiterating his promise to relinquish power only after the nation had been fully rebuilt, urging the people to remain focused on the larger goal of national recovery.
“We will step aside when our mission is complete, but until then, our focus is on restoring this country,” he declared.
By: Isuru Parakrama
October 24, Colombo (LNW): The Election Commission has announced that the financial reports detailing campaign expenditures of the candidates who contested in Sri Lanka’s 2024 Presidential Election will be made publicly accessible from today (24).
This move is part of a broader effort to enhance transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
According to Saman Sri Ratnayake, the Commissioner General of Elections, the income and expenditure reports of all presidential candidates will be available for review at every District Secretariat across the country.
These documents will offer insight into how funds were raised and utilised by the various campaigns during the election period.
The Election Commission aims to strengthen the democratic process and ensure that election campaigns adhere to the legal requirements regarding financial transparency.
The release of these reports is expected to provide voters and civil society groups with crucial information, enabling them to assess how responsibly candidates managed their resources during the election.
Election expenses have long been a contentious issue, with concerns often raised about the influence of money on the political processes.
Ratnayake emphasised that the Commission will continue to monitor and enforce regulations on campaign financing, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
The public is encouraged to examine these financial statements to better understand the dynamics behind each candidate’s campaign and the role of funding in shaping the election.
October 24, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s security forces have arrested two individuals suspected of plotting an attack on Israeli nationals, following heightened concerns about threats to foreign tourists in the country.
The arrests were made by the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID), with authorities increasing security in key areas frequented by tourists, particularly around Arugam Bay, a well-known surfing destination on the island’s eastern coast.
Police spokesman Deputy Inspector General Nihal Thalduwa confirmed that intelligence reports had pointed to a potential threat against Israeli tourists in the region.
“There is credible information suggesting a possible attack targeting Israelis at a specific location where they are staying,” Thalduwa stated.
In response to these reports, approximately 500 police officers and members of the Special Task Force have been deployed in Arugam Bay and Pottuvil, areas that are popular with Israeli visitors.
The bolstered security presence includes heightened surveillance and the establishment of checkpoints to ensure the safety of tourists.
As a result of the threat, Israel’s national security council has issued an urgent warning to its citizens to leave southern Sri Lanka, including the Arugam Bay area.
The region has been classified as a high-level security risk, with the council advising Israelis to take additional precautions, such as avoiding large public gatherings and concealing their Jewish identity while travelling.
Israeli authorities are said to be in close coordination with Sri Lanka’s security services, actively monitoring the evolving situation.
This security alert follows a similar advisory from the US Embassy in Colombo, which warned American citizens to avoid Arugam Bay due to credible reports of an imminent attack.
Other nations, including Russia and the UK, have echoed these warnings, urging their citizens to remain vigilant and to steer clear of large crowds or public events in potentially affected areas.
The Sri Lankan police have assured the public and foreign visitors that every possible measure is being taken to safeguard their safety.
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