By: Isuru Parakrama

October 14, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, North-western and Northern provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts, with heavy showers above 100mm being likely to occur at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, North-western and Northern provinces and in Galle and Matara districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (14).

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places elsewhere during the evening or night.

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:

1. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the National People’s Power (NPP) government has introduced the concept of political “retirement,” as many former MPs have opted out of this election campaign: terms this a transformative shift in Sri Lankan politics: also dismisses opposition criticisms, stating that fears of instability have been disproven within just 21 days of NPP governance.
   
2. Former MP Hirunika Premachandra resigns as National Organiser of the Samagi Vanitha Balawegaya, the women’s wing of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), citing frustration over accusations that organisers did not perform their duties during the presidential election campaign: Despite stepping down, she remains committed to the party and plans to contest in the 2024 General Election, confident in her political future: In a subsequent retrogression, former MP Karunaratne Paranavithana, an SJB candidate for the Ratnapura District, withdraws from the general election campaign and urges the public not to vote for him in the upcoming election.
   
3. Former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella announces his temporary withdrawal from politics due to “recent events,” but remains committed to assisting the public: expresses confidence in being vindicated by the courts and hopes to return to politics once cleared: plans to focus on business while awaiting the legal resolution: He previously served in various ministerial roles and was released on bail in September 2024.
   
4. An extraordinary gazette, signed by Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof, amends the “Rules on Procurement Affairs Relevant to the Provincial Council Fund”: The amendment changes the spending limit for department heads, previously set at Rs. 50 million, as outlined in Section 7 of the 2020 Extraordinary Gazette No. 2186/25.
   
5. The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption now requires retired MPs to declare their assets and liabilities within two years, as mandated by the new Anti-Corruption Act: An initial report is to be submitted to Parliament within two weeks: Many former MPs, opting not to contest the upcoming general election, must comply with this requirement.
   
6. Cinnamon Air announces new daily flights between Kandy, Sigiriya, and the South Coast destinations Koggala and Hambantota, starting from November 1, 2024, until April 30, 2025: These flights, catering to foreign travellers during the winter season, aim to reduce travel time while offering a unique amphibian aircraft experience on the Kandy-South Coast route.
   
7. Education authorities announce the closure of all government schools in the Gampaha, Kelaniya, Kolonnawa, and Kaduwela educational zones on Monday (14) and Tuesday (15) due to adverse weather conditions: Schools in the Colombo educational zone will also remain closed on Monday, with earlier announcements extending closures to schools in Kaduwela, Kolonnawa, and Wattala zones.
   
8. Health Secretary Dr. Palitha Mahipala reveals Sri Lanka recorded over 33,000 new cancer cases and 19,000 deaths last year, with oral cancer leading among men and breast cancer among women: stresses lifestyle changes could prevent most cancers, whilst warning that global cancer rates may rise by 77% by 2050.
   
9. The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) mobilises aircraft and personnel in response to adverse weather conditions: Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa instructs readiness for relief operations, with surveillance aircraft on standby: Additionally, a Bell-412 helicopter is stationed at Ratmalana, while two Bell-212 helicopters are ready at Hingurakgoda and Palali bases, alongside specially trained Special Forces for rescue support.
   
10. Mahela Jayawardene has been re-appointed as head coach of the Mumbai Indians, after serving as the franchise’s global head of cricket for two years: Previously, he led the team to three IPL titles between 2017 and 2022: Mumbai Indians finished poorly under Mark Boucher, who is thanked for his contributions as coach over the past two seasons.

By: Staff Writer

October 13, Colombo (LNW): The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is facing scrutiny as it undergoes a significant restructuring process under the Sri Lanka Electricity Act No.36 of 2024. Central to this restructuring is the controversial decision to transfer a large portion of CEB’s debt to its hydropower unit, a move that has raised concerns among experts, politicians, and the public.

Despite reporting a net profit of 93 billion rupees by June 2024, the CEB used these gains primarily to settle its outstanding debts to renewable energy developers, thermal power plants, and coal suppliers. This financial maneuver allowed the utility to lower electricity tariffs, even as its revenue declined. Impressively, the CEB saw a 67 percent profit rise to 34.5 billion rupees in the quarter ending June 2024, mainly due to reduced financial expenses.

However, Fitch Ratings has cautioned that deviating from the current cost-reflective tariff model could weaken CEB’s financial stability and threaten the broader power generation sector in Sri Lanka. It warned that should tariff reductions continue, the CEB might have to slash capital expenditures to meet its debt obligations.

The restructuring plan includes shifting a substantial portion of CEB’s debt to the company responsible for hydropower. This decision is part of the new electricity reforms aimed at keeping hydropower under government control, without opening it to private investments. Critics argue that this move could undermine the financial health of the hydropower sector, which has been a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s energy stability.

The Power and Energy Ministry, in collaboration with the Treasury, has directed CEB to develop a plan to manage its existing debt. Yet, the precise details of how the debt will be allocated remain unclear. The restructuring strategy is supported by Section 18(3)(b) of the Sri Lanka Electricity Act No.36 of 2024, which stipulates that the financial liabilities of CEB will be distributed among its successor companies, with the hydropower unit bearing a significant portion of these obligations.

The act outlines the formation of several new entities, including a Treasury-owned company for hydropower, another for coal plants, and separate units for thermal and wind power, all operating under the Companies Act No.7 of 2007. This structure is designed to maintain government oversight through significant Treasury ownership.

While the CEB has reported a turnaround in its financial performance with a profit of 61.2 billion rupees for the fiscal year ending December 2023, following a loss of 298 billion rupees in the previous year, its rising fuel and thermal generation costs continue to pose challenges. Critics argue that the debt allocation to the hydropower unit jeopardizes one of the country’s most sustainable and cost-effective energy sources.

Amid the ongoing restructuring debate, concerns have also been raised about the lack of transparency and public involvement in the decision-making process. Questions are mounting over whether short-term financial relief is being prioritized over the long-term stability of Sri Lanka’s energy sector.

This restructuring plan has led to fears that once the sector opens to private investment, electricity tariffs will inevitably rise, as investors prioritize profitability over national energy responsibilities. Critics argue that if the restructuring goes ahead as proposed, it could place a disproportionate financial burden on the public and jeopardize the country’s long-term energy affordability and stability.

By: Staff Writer

October 13, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is set to restore 10,000 hectares of mangroves by 2030 through a collaborative initiative involving the Ministry of Crab restaurant and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This effort is part of the Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded Small Grants Programme (SGP) in the Mannar Landscape, which aims to empower local communities to engage in mangrove restoration over an 18-month period.

Mangroves are crucial for Sri Lanka’s economy and climate resilience, but they face significant threats from climate change and pollution. To address this, a large-scale initiative to increase the country’s mangrove cover by over 50% has been recognized as one of seven UN World Restoration Flagships. The project focuses on mangrove propagation, reforestation, and protection, involving local communities and grassroots organizations.

To kick off the initiative, Chef Dharshan Munidasa, founder of Ministry of Crab, and Azusa Kubota, UNDP Resident Representative in Sri Lanka, signed a letter of agreement. The project will collaborate with two local organizations, the Human Development Organization (HDO) and WeCAN, to plant 1,000 mangrove plants. The community will form youth groups to maintain and monitor the mangroves, create tree bands on saline land, and establish a plant nursery.

Mangrove forests are vital to Sri Lanka’s ecosystem, acting as a natural defense against coastal erosion and storm surges, and absorbing up to five times more carbon than traditional forests. They also play a significant role in improving water quality and providing livelihoods for coastal communities. By protecting these ecosystems, the project aims to strengthen the resilience of these communities, promote sustainable fishing and agriculture, and ensure a healthier environment.

Chef Munidasa highlighted the importance of mangroves to the Ministry of Crab’s mission and the broader ecosystem that sustains Sri Lanka’s iconic mud crabs. He emphasized the need for community and corporate involvement to preserve these natural resources and heritage.

Ministry of Crab has a strong commitment to sustainability, emphasizing responsible seafood sourcing practices. The restaurant has partnered with local suppliers who follow sustainable practices and supported the livelihoods of fishing communities. In line with this, the recent introduction of the “Mud Crab Fishery Management Regulations, 2024” by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Fisheries aims to regulate mud crab harvesting and promote sustainability.

The mangrove restoration project in the Mannar Landscape also includes initiatives like zero plastic awareness training, waste management, soil and water conservation, and support for women-led enterprises. These efforts aim to build stronger, more environmentally conscious communities.

Azusa Kubota of UNDP praised the partnership, noting that the GEF-funded SGP initiative exemplifies the concept of “thinking globally, acting locally.” She emphasized the importance of community-based action in balancing human needs with environmental sustainability and expressed hope for more private sector involvement in these restoration efforts.

Ministry of Crab is dedicated to community building, with proceeds from its merchandise sales going directly to support these restoration projects, demonstrating its commitment to driving positive change at the grassroots level.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 13, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is actively engaged in discussions with New Delhi regarding the potential adoption of India’s Prime Minister GatiShakti National Master Plan, an innovative project planning framework that has facilitated the approval of infrastructure initiatives valued at over INR 15 trillion since its inception three years ago.

Launched on October 13, 2021, the GatiShakti initiative is designed to bolster multi-modal connectivity and optimise infrastructure planning through the integration of data from various ministries and state governments.

This strategic approach aims to enhance efficiency, transparency, and coordination among different sectors involved in infrastructure development, thereby serving as a benchmark for other nations aspiring to improve their infrastructure frameworks.

India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry has confirmed that diplomatic dialogues are ongoing not only with Sri Lanka but also with several other developing nations, including Nepal, Bangladesh, Madagascar, Senegal, and Gambia.

The goal of these discussions is to share best practices and foster collaborative efforts in infrastructure planning and implementation.

The potential adoption of the GatiShakti plan could provide Sri Lanka with a structured methodology to address its infrastructure challenges, thereby enhancing connectivity across various regions of the country.

By leveraging the expertise and experience garnered from India’s successful implementation, Sri Lanka aims to create a more integrated and efficient infrastructure landscape, which is crucial for its economic growth and development.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 13, Colombo (LNW): The Western Province Education Ministry has announced the closure of all government schools in the Kaduwela and Kolonnawa Education Zones within Colombo District, as well as the Wattala Zonal Division in Gampaha District, due to the ongoing adverse weather conditions.

The decision takes effect tomorrow (14), prioritising student safety amid warnings of heavy rainfall and potential flooding in these areas.

The announcement follows increased concerns over the region’s vulnerability to severe weather, with authorities reporting potential disruptions, including flooding and landslides.

Educational officials have stressed the importance of ensuring that students and staff avoid unnecessary travel while conditions remain hazardous.

Schools in the affected zones will remain closed until further notice, with the Ministry closely monitoring weather updates to assess whether additional closures may be required in the coming days.

Meanwhile, parents and guardians are encouraged to stay informed via local news and official channels for updates on when schools may safely reopen.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 13, Colombo (LNW): Health authorities in Sri Lanka have expressed concern over a sharp rise in cancer diagnoses, with over 33,000 new cases and 19,000 deaths recorded in the past year alone.

The alarming statistics were highlighted during the 21st Annual Academic Sessions of the Sri Lanka College of Oncologists (SLCO), recently held in Colombo.

Health Secretary Dr. Palitha Mahipala drew attention to the most prevalent forms of cancer, noting that amongst men, oral cancer remains the leading diagnosis, whilst breast cancer continues to dominate among women.

The significant rise in cancer cases is reflective of a broader global trend, with projections suggesting a 77 per cent increase in cases by 2050, particularly in low-income countries.

During his address, Dr. Mahipala emphasised the urgent need for preventive measures, urging Sri Lankans to reduce risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, poor dietary habits, and sedentary lifestyles.

He stressed that the majority of cancer cases can be avoided through lifestyle changes, with only a small percentage linked to genetic predispositions.

Highlighting global data, Dr. Mahipala noted that in 2022, there were nearly 20 million new cancer diagnoses worldwide, resulting in almost 10 million deaths.

He added that in Sri Lanka, breast cancer, oral cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer remain the most lethal forms of the disease. Last year, 4,555 women were diagnosed with breast cancer, whilst 1,990 men were identified as having oral cancer.