May 11, Colombo (LNW): A woman threatened with deportation and separation from her husband and 10-year-old son is celebrating after a Home Office U-turn allowing them to stay together.

The Home Office previously told Malwattege Peiris to leave the UK despite a court ruling that the family have the right to live together in the UK.

“We are so happy to have received this letter from the Home Office today changing their minds and saying that our family can stay together,” Peiris said. “Our son will be 11 in a few days and we will be having a double celebration.”

Peiris’s husband, Sumith Kodagoda Ranasinghage, an Italian citizen, was granted pre-settled status under the EU settlement scheme (EUSS) in 2020. Peiris, who had Italian residency, and the couple’s son, Kevin, an Italian citizen, applied to join him under the EUSS family permit scheme.

The application was delayed by the pandemic and the Home Office refused it in April 2022, highlighting a lack of supporting evidence of the family relationship.

The family appealed to the immigration court, the first tier of the immigration tribunal, and a judge ruled in July 2022 that the family was genuine and had the right to live in the UK together. He said in his judgment: “This is a simple case whereby inadequate documentary evidence was provided at the time of the applications. Having heard a full explanation and having considered the original documents today, I find the appellants are close family members.”

The Home Office granted mother and son the right to enter the UK in December 2022 and confirmed the grant of the EUSS family permit in an email sent in May 2023. The following month Kevin received a further confirmatory letter from the Home Office and officials informed him he had the right to work, although he was only 10, and to access benefits including his pension.

In November last year Peiris received a further letter from the Home Office saying her case remained “under consideration”, despite the court having already granted her permission to live in the UK. In a further Home Office letter dated 7 February 2024 she was told she did not meet the requirements of the EUSS.

But after a legal challenge from the family’s solicitor, Naga Kandiah, of MTC Solicitors, against the Home Office’s failure to implement the tribunal’s decision, the Home Office granted Peirus pre-settled status in a letter dated to Friday.

Kandiah welcomed the move and condemned the previous failure to grant Peiris permission to stay. “This is a classic example of the Home Office misapplying the law and failing to implement tribunal decisions. This failure has had a disastrous impact on the family,” he said.

A Home Office spokesperson said officials did not routinely comment on individual cases.

THE GUARDIAN

May 11, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka›s automobile assembly is experiencing significant growth and development with the involvement of world-renowned brands including Hyundai, Proton, BAIC, DFSK, Wuling, Mahindra, TATA, Bajaj, TVS, JMC and Lanka Ashok Leyland emphasizing the favourable environment for investment.

The approval to assemble a wide range of vehicles including SUVs, Cars, Two-Wheelers, Double-cabs, Trucks and Buses has paved the way for a diversified automobile assembly industry in the country catering to various consumer needs.

 Nwow electric bikes, KD Rize, Dyno and Senaro are also involved in the local assembly of motorcycles.

Over four assemblers including JAC and FOTON will be starting assembly in Sri Lanka and by the end of the year over 30 assemblers will be in operation in the local automobile assembly industry.

These world-renowned assemblers must provide a domestic value addition of more than twenty percent by using locally manufactured automobile components. 

Many of the local component manufacturers have gone through an extensive product development and product approval process to maintain the global original equipment (OE) standards maintained by the international brands.

With an increase in both component manufacturing and assembly, the industry is poised for a period of further expansion.

Following the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) launched in 2021, t

Four more assembly plants are due to begin operations within the next three months and another eleven have been registered by the Ministry of Industries. A Special Cabinet appointed Committee oversees the SOP and its governance.

Industries Ministry Sector Advisory Committee for Automobile Chairman Dimantha Jayawardena said: “Sri Lankan automotive component manufacturers went through one of the toughest business cycles from 2020. 

The Sri Lanka Government is promoting automobile component manufacturing as a thrust sector for growth and has a plan to grow exports from $ 200 million to $ 1 billion.

The temporary suspension on motor vehicle imports has increased the market for locally assembled vehicles. 

The planned establishment of an R&D and testing facility by the Industrial Development Board (IDB) indicates a commitment to innovation and quality assurance within the industry, to further enhance Sri Lanka’s competitiveness in the global automotive market.

 The Automobile Industry Council (AIC) initiated by the Government is also laying out the curriculum for the required technical and vocational education for automobile assembly.”  

The Industries Ministry is sponsoring 50% of the cost of the International Automotive Task Force (IATF) certification for local automotive component manufacturers which is a mandatory requirement when manufacturing components for international brands.

 Sri Lankan companies with the IATF certification will have greater acceptance and trust from global brands for automobile assembly. 

1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized his recognition of the challenges women face in safeguarding their families amidst the economic crisis. He highlighted the government’s swift action by presenting two bills to the Parliament aimed at empowering women during this initial phase of economic recovery.
2. National Peoples Power (NPP) Leader MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake has held discussions with the Japan, South Africa, and Switzerland Heads of Missions in Sri Lanka. According to the NPP, MP Dissanayake met with Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Mizukoshi Hideaki, High Commissioner of South Africa Sandile Schalk, and Ambassador to Switzerland Siri Walt.
3. The US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu will visit Sri Lanka, alongside his travel to India and Bangladesh from May 10 -15. According to the US State Department, his trip will strengthen bilateral cooperation with each country and demonstrate US support for a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
4. The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has raised significant concerns regarding the prolonged delay in appointing judges to fill vacancies in the Court of Appeal. In a letter to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the BASL highlighted the pressing issue of as many as five vacancies currently existing within the Court of Appeal.
5. The Department of Examinations to file a complaint with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) over irregularities detected at two examination centers during the ongoing G.C.E. Ordinary Level examination. The Commissioner General of Examinations, Amith Jayasundara said the irregularities were detected during the English Language examination at the exam centers in the Colombo and Hasalaka areas.
6. Police have arrested a suspect, who was in possession of a stock of heroin in the Batalanda area of Walpola, Ragama. The apprehension was made during the inspection of a car at a police checkpoint following a tip-off received by Ragama Police. During the operation, police have seized 102 grams and 940 milligrams of heroin found inside the car in which the 45-year-old suspect was travelling.
7. The Sri Lankan military veterans, who had illegally joined Russian mercenaries and subsequently escaped from such groups in the conflict zones to returned to the island, claim that around 1,000 Sri Lankans are currently fighting in the Ukraine –Russia warfront.
8. President’s Counsel Shantha Jayawardena warned that the Minister of Power and Energy could transform into a “monster” due to the extensive powers granted by the proposed new Sri Lanka Electricity Act. He made this warning at the Supreme Court, during the hearing of 12 petitions challenging the Electricity Bill, which had been submitted to Parliament by Minister Kanchana Wijesekera, the Minister of Electricity and Energy, ostensibly aimed at restructuring the Ceylon Electricity Board.
9. A group representing children, youth, and civil society organizations voices their concerns regarding the Climate Summit hosted by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) under the theme “Code Red: Climate Risks and Opportunities for Sri Lankan Businesses.” Issuing a statement, a collective of 16 organizations argued that labelling a business-focused summit aimed at economic prosperity as a “Climate Summit” is misleading and constitutes greenwashing.
10. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced that it has increased player fees for all categories of Sri Lanka’s international players with immediate effect. Issuing a statement, SLC stated that accordingly, 41 players will be offered new contracts under six categories, namely, A1, A2, B2, C1, C2, and ’A’ Team.

May 11, Colombo (LNW): The Zayed Foundation, under the leadership of Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, collaborated with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Sri Lanka to distribute 950 food hampers filled with dry rations to economically disadvantaged households in the Puttalam and Batticaloa Districts.

At the distribution ceremony, recipients eagerly queued up to receive the compassionate aid, which aimed to support Muslim families in observing their fast during Ramadan without facing undue hardship.

The initiative was facilitated by the Care Lanka Initiative, a prominent humanitarian organization known for its dedication to assisting marginalized groups regardless of religious or ethnic backgrounds. Under the guidance of Ambassador Khaled Nasser Al Ameri, the organization has effectively executed its programs.

In the previous year, the Care Lanka Initiative, in partnership with the UAE Embassy, focused on identifying and aiding malnourished schoolchildren in Colombo, Gampaha, and Kurunegala districts. Through the ‘One Billion Meals’ program initiated by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, they provided Rs. 9,000 worth of food packets, contributing to one of the largest humanitarian food drives spanning 50 countries worldwide.

The hallmark of the Care Lanka Initiative lies in its steadfast dedication to serving Sri Lanka through humanitarian assistance and participation in developmental initiatives, all geared towards advancing the cause of humanity.

May 11, Colombo (LNW): Professor Karen Flegg, President of the World Organization of Family Doctors (WOFD) and a distinguished faculty member at Sydney University, Australia, recently conducted an observation tour of Katugahahena Hospital in Matugama, Sri Lanka.

Professor Flegg, who was in Sri Lanka to attend a conference of the World Organization of National College and Academic (WONCA), visited Katugahahena Hospital, recognized as the best rural hospital in Sri Lanka in recent years. Her visit aimed to observe the measures implemented to enhance the standard of primary healthcare services.

During her visit, Professor Flegg engaged with Chief Medical Officer Ranjith Dissanayake and the hospital staff to gain insights into initiatives aimed at improving the health outcomes of rural communities. She also evaluated efforts focused on preventing and controlling the spread of non-communicable diseases, in addition to assessing the proper storage of pharmaceuticals.

May 11, Colombo (LNW): Governor Navin Dissanayake of Sabaragamuwa Province announced the initiation of applications to recruit 800 new graduate teachers for the region. The announcement came during a discussion with a group of unemployed graduates protesting in front of the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council office complex in Ratnapura on Wednesday (8).

Governor Dissanayake informed that recruitment examinations for the 800 graduate teachers have already taken place, with the selection process slated for completion in the coming weeks. Additionally, arrangements are being made to recruit 800 graduates to fill the positions of teachers who will retire this year in the Ratnapura and Kegalle districts over the next few months.

Highlighting adherence to the teachers’ service minute, the Governor clarified that he lacks the authority to alter the age limit specified in the minute, currently set at 18-35 years.

Due to a shortage of Tamil medium graduates in the Ratnapura and Kegalle districts, applications were extended nationwide to fill the vacancies for Tamil medium graduate teachers, Governor Dissanayake noted.

Deputy Chief Secretary Susila Rajapaksa raised concerns about redundancy among 2,600 development officers in the Sabaragamuwa Province in recent times.

Parakrama Piyasena, Deputy Chief Secretary (Planning) of the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council, revealed that a survey conducted by the Provincial Council since 2019 has identified 3,202 unemployed graduates registered within the region.

May 11, Colombo (LNW): Education Minister Susil Premajayantha announced that a memorandum addressing the salary anomalies of university non-academic staff will be presented to the Cabinet on Monday. Proposals tackling issues such as monthly allowances and wage disparities faced by this staff category will be tabled during the upcoming Cabinet meeting.

The announcement comes amidst an ongoing strike initiated by university non-academic employees, which began last Thursday and extended for the eighth consecutive day yesterday. The strike, propelled by various demands including rectification of salary disparities and receipt of monthly compensation allowances, saw approximately 13,000 non-academic staff members withdrawing from all services since May 2.

K.L.D.G. Richmond, Co-Secretary of the Inter-University Trade Union Federation, emphasized that strike action will persist, with members withdrawing from essential services if their concerns are not met with permanent solutions by the following Monday.

“The non-academic staff were compelled to take strike action due to the lack of satisfactory responses regarding prevailing salary anomalies,” Richmond stated.

The union further outlined plans to withdraw from essential services such as academic support for university students, research and laboratory services, along with other functions like garden maintenance. Additionally, the University Trade Union adjacent committee indicated that staff would boycott maintenance activities encompassing water, electricity, and cleaning services.

May 11, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in most provinces of the island after 2.00 p.m.Heavy showers more than 100mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.

Showers may occur at several places in the coastal areas of Southern province during the morning too.

General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Meanwhile the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is expected to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern and North-central provinces and in Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts.

May 10, Colombo (LNW): A Sri Lankan business delegation is to explore the possibility of promoting local products and reintroduce Sri Lankan SMEs to the Maldivian market.

The Sri Lanka-Maldives Business Council (SLMLBC) of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and the Sri Lankan High Commission in the Maldives, is organising a business delegation to the renowned Hotel Asia Exhibition in the Maldives from 13-15 May.

The Hotel Asia Exhibition is renowned as the Maldives’ premier food and hospitality event, attracting stakeholders from resorts, hotels, guest houses, safari boat operators, restaurants, and cafeterias. 

From food and beverage to catering equipment, furniture, and health leisure equipment, with over 3,000 visitors and 250 companies expected to attend, the exhibition covers a wide spectrum of offerings, aligning with Sri Lanka’s export capabilities.

In response to the recent downturn in Sri Lanka’s market presence within Maldives’ imports, the SLMLBC and EDB have launched a strategic initiative to reintroduce Sri Lankan SMEs to the Maldivian market. 

The Sri Lanka Pavilion at the exhibition is strategically designed to support this objective, focusing on expanding the market share for value-added products and pinpointing opportunities for novel offerings.

With over 3,000 visitors and 250 companies expected to attend, with a total of 16 SMEs and four large-scale export companies participating, the Sri Lankan Government, through the EDB, has pledged to cover 50% of the stall costs for each participating company, along with the support of the High Commission of Sri Lanka in the Maldives.

Industry partnerships with Ocean Trade and Logistics, the Bank of Ceylon, and Aitken Spence supporting logistics, banking, and travel services respectively, will further facilitate industry participation. 

The delegation will also meet with several senior Government officials and representatives of business chambers, thereby offering further networking and business development opportunities. 

Participating in this Business Promotion Mission provides businesses with invaluable opportunities to enhance market access and networking opportunities.

May 10, Colombo (LNW): In an alarming revelation Russian multinational cybersecurity and anti-virus provide Kaspersky yesterday announced that in 2023, its products detected 15 million local incidents on the computers of Kaspersky Security Network participants in Sri Lanka. 

 Overall, nearly 46 percent of users in Sri Lanka were targeted by local threats during this period.

Additionally, 9.3 million different Internet-borne cyberthreats have been detected on the computers of KSN participants in Sri Lanka. Overall, 39.5 percent of users were targeted by web-borne threats during this period.

“In Sri Lanka, we observe high incidence of malware spread through removable media such as USB drives. These attacks exploit vulnerabilities in local systems, often bypassing initial digital defenses,” said Kaspersky General Manager for Southeast AsiaYeo Siang Tiong.

Tiong, who is in Sri Lanka for the launch of Kaspersky’s new product line, noted that on the web front, the majority of attacks are executed through browsers, leveraging drive-by download tactics that exploit browser and plugin vulnerabilities. 

“Coupled with the rise in social engineering attacks, where users are deceived into downloading seemingly legitimate files, our data underscores the critical need for comprehensive cybersecurity strategies,” he said.

Kaspersky yesterday introduced in Sri Lanka its new flagship product line ‘Kaspersky Next’. The solution combines robust endpoint protection with the transparency and speed of EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) alongside the visibility and powerful tools of XDR (Extended Detection and Response).

The new solution allows customers to choose from three product tiers tailored to their business requirements, the complexity of their IT infrastructure, and their available resources.

“With Kaspersky Next, we aim to empower Sri Lankan businesses to effectively combat these diverse and sophisticated threats, ensuring robust protection and resilience against cyber intrusions,” said Tiong.

As the most advanced and effective cybersecurity solutions, EDR and XDR help companies to withstand the more prevalent, evasive, and sophisticated attacks, providing businesses with total visibility, control, rapid response and proactive threat hunting.

Kaspersky Next is deployment-agnostic and allows for both cloud and on-premise installations