January 20, Colombo (LNW): The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has informed the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (20) that it has commenced an investigation into an alleged widespread scam involving the illegal sale of e-tickets for up-country train routes, including the popular Ella line.

The investigation was triggered by a formal complaint lodged by the Department of Railways, which raised concerns about the growing issue of ticket manipulation.

According to reports, certain groups have been exploiting online ticketing systems to purchase large quantities of available train tickets through questionable methods, only to resell them to unsuspecting tourists at inflated prices near railway stations.

The CID’s Computer Crime Investigation Unit has taken charge of the probe and is actively looking into the matter.

In a statement presented to the court, the CID outlined that their efforts will focus on uncovering the details of how these fraudulent transactions are taking place, and they assured the court that further findings will be submitted in due course.

The illegal practice has reportedly caused significant disruption, particularly affecting tourists who rely on the convenience of purchasing tickets for the scenic train routes in Sri Lanka’s central highlands.

As the investigation progresses, authorities are hopeful that they will be able to dismantle the network behind the scam and put an end to the unlawful profiteering from these vital transport services.

With the up-country train routes, such as the journey to Ella, being major attractions for both locals and international visitors, the case highlights growing concerns over the integrity of online ticketing systems and the need for tighter controls to prevent such abuses.

The CID has pledged to continue its efforts to ensure justice and protect the public from such exploitative practices.

January 20, Colombo (LNW): As the passport crisis in Sri Lanka deepens, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed the Attorney General to fast-track the legal proceedings related to the controversial e-passport tender, which was awarded under the previous administration.

The directive aims to resolve the ongoing issues surrounding the passport supply and to ensure the timely availability of travel documents for citizens, according to a report by Daily Mirror.

Last July, the former government announced that Thales, in partnership with local firm Just in Time Technologies (JITT), had been awarded a substantial contract to supply Sri Lanka with 750,000 machine-readable passports and an additional five million e-passports with biometric chips, in line with the latest International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.

However, the contract faced legal challenges when Epic Lanka, a previous supplier and unsuccessful bidder, filed a petition with the Court of Appeal. This led to a temporary halt on the government-approved contract.

In the midst of a change in government, the court eventually allowed the purchase of the 750,000 machine-readable passports from Thales, but the issue surrounding the e-passports remains unresolved.

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala confirmed that the President had urged the Attorney General to expedite the court’s review process, which would help the government find a permanent solution to the passport shortage.

The Minister told Daily Mirror that this is a national issue that requires swift attention, underlining the urgency of the matter. However, he acknowledged that even under normal circumstances, it would take at least a year for Sri Lanka to be fully prepared to issue e-passports to its citizens.

In the meantime, the Attorney General has advised the government to proceed with other necessary steps for the e-passport programme while awaiting the outcome of the court case.

Despite these efforts, the preparation for the new passports will still take time, forcing the government to implement interim measures.

To address the immediate shortage of passports, the government has decided to procure 500,000 copies of the ‘P’ series passport as a temporary solution.

The Public Security Ministry held discussions on the matter yesterday and decided to move forward with an open tender to secure the required number of passports.

The 750,000 passports from the previous order are expected to cover the first half of the year, but with growing demand, additional measures are essential.

January 20, Colombo (LNW): In a move aimed at improving the country’s agricultural infrastructure, the Sri Lankan government has announced the deployment of the army to undertake the cleaning and restoration of paddy storage facilities nationwide.

This initiative, which is part of the broader “Clean Sri Lanka” programme, is being carried out under the supervision of the Defence Secretary and Army Commander.

The cleaning efforts are integral to the government’s plan to procure the current season’s paddy harvest, which will be stored in the 209 paddy storage facilities managed by the Paddy Marketing Board.

These storage facilities, however, have suffered from years of neglect, with many of them and the surrounding areas left in a state of disrepair.

As a result, they have become unsuitable for use, posing a challenge to the government’s effort to purchase and store the paddy effectively.

The army’s intervention aims to address this issue, ensuring that the storage facilities are properly cleaned and restored in time for the paddy harvest.

The operation is expected to be completed by January 27, allowing the facilities to be put to use for the storage of the newly harvested crop.

The government’s efforts to maintain the integrity of these facilities will hopefully help stabilise the local rice market and reduce post-harvest losses.

January 20, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Police have confirmed that six individuals have lost their lives in a series of eight shootings that have taken place so far in the current year.

The Police Spokesperson’s Office has stated that four of the victims are believed to be involved in organised crime, suggesting a possible connection to underworld activity.

In addition to those who have died, five others have been injured in these incidents of gun violence. The shootings have sparked concern across the nation as they highlight the ongoing issues with crime and lawlessness in certain areas.

A particularly tragic incident occurred yesterday afternoon in Galaha, where a 24-year-old man was shot and killed in what authorities are treating as yet another targeted attack.

The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation, though it is suspected that it may be linked to criminal factions operating in the region.

Whilst the police continue their investigations into these violent incidents, the rise in gun-related deaths has prompted calls for greater security measures and more effective action against organised crime.

Law enforcement agencies are under increasing pressure to address the underlying causes of this violence and to ensure the safety of citizens.

The authorities have pledged to ramp up efforts to tackle such crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice.

January 20, Colombo (LNW): The government of Sri Lanka has extended its support to the recent ceasefire agreement in Gaza, viewing it as a positive step towards peace in the region.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Sri Lanka expressed its hope that the truce will pave the way for crucial humanitarian and peace-building efforts.

The Ministry highlighted the significance of the ceasefire in facilitating the safe return of internally displaced persons to their homes in Gaza, as well as enabling the exchange of hostages and detainees.

The statement further underscored the importance of ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches those in desperate need, particularly as the region continues to grapple with the consequences of ongoing conflict.

“We are hopeful that these developments will serve as a foundation for achieving a sustainable peace not only for Palestine but for the entire region,” the statement read.

“The ceasefire provides an opportunity to rebuild lives, strengthen international cooperation, and foster dialogue among all parties involved.“

Sri Lanka has long been an advocate for peace and stability in conflict-affected areas, and its endorsement of the ceasefire signals its continued commitment to supporting diplomatic solutions and humanitarian efforts worldwide.

January 20, Colombo (LNW): The Welfare Benefits Board has announced that it will commence the census for low-income families who applied for the second phase of the “Aswesuma” welfare benefits programme tomorrow (21).

This step is crucial to ensure that the most deserving individuals and families are selected to receive the financial support offered by the initiative.

With close to 800,000 applications received for this second phase, the Board will carry out an extensive door-to-door census to verify the eligibility of these applicants.

This process aims to identify the families who are most in need of assistance, ensuring that the benefits reach those who require them the most.

The first phase of the “Aswesuma” programme saw an overwhelming 3.4 million applications, with nearly 1.8 million qualifying for the support.

Currently, the programme is providing ongoing assistance to approximately 1.72 million beneficiaries, offering vital financial aid to a wide range of individuals facing economic hardship.

The welfare benefits are distributed in four distinct categories, aimed at providing tailored support to different segments of the population.

The most vulnerable individuals in the “extremely poor” category receive a monthly allowance of Rs. 17,500, while those in the “poor” category are granted Rs. 10,000.

Additionally, families in the “vulnerable” and “transitional” categories receive Rs. 5,000 each month.

The Board has emphasised its commitment to ensuring that the second phase of the programme reaches all eligible applicants who are in dire need of assistance.

January 20, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reaffirmed his unwavering determination to rid the country of political corruption, as promised during his election campaign.

Addressing a large gathering in Katukurunda, Kalutara yesterday (19), the President delivered a candid and forceful speech, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to transparent and accountable governance.

The event took place at the Pakistan Sports Ground in Wettumakada, where President Dissanayake engaged with the public in an open dialogue, outlining key reforms and measures his government is implementing to curb the excesses of previous administrations.

In his speech, President Dissanayake emphasised the shift in government practices since his administration took office. “When we assumed office on November 21, we swore an oath of service with a lean 21-member Cabinet. Unlike previous governments, there are no state ministers under our administration,” he remarked, highlighting the stark contrast to the past, when several ministers hailed from Kalutara alone.

“Though we have eight MPs representing Kalutara, only one of them holds a ministerial position. This is because we believe in serving the country, not in doling out ministerial perks to please certain individuals. The days of rewarding political loyalty with government positions are over,” he declared.

The President was equally forthright about the misuse of state resources and appointments in the past, referring to instances where political families took advantage of their positions.

“In the previous government, ministers often appointed their relatives to key positions, including their spouses as private secretaries. I recall the former Speaker, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, employing only his own family members in his staff. This kind of nepotism and cronyism will no longer be tolerated,” he said, affirming that such practices had been eliminated under his leadership.

He also stressed that, unlike before, ministers are no longer provided with fleets of vehicles or police escorts. “The police force is currently short of 21,000 personnel and they are facing immense challenges. We cannot afford to waste resources on unnecessary privileges for politicians.“

The President further shared his government’s efforts to reduce the financial burden of high-security arrangements.

“In the past, the country spent over Rs. 700 million annually on the security of a single former president, deploying thousands of police, military, and STF personnel. We’ve ended this wasteful practice. Now, only 60 personnel are assigned to provide security, and if necessary, we will reduce this number further.“

Additionally, President Dissanayake made it clear that his government will no longer provide state-owned residences to ministers or former presidents.

“I will give a written assurance that I do not require a state-provided residence. However, I do not expect others to follow suit,” he stated.

He also provided details regarding the official residence of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, which he had ordered to be independently valued by the Government Valuation Department.

“The monthly rent for the residence has been set at Rs. 4.6 million. We have not yet valued the land, but under the Constitution, a former president is entitled to either a residence or a third of their salary. In Rajapaksa’s case, we will take over the residence and offer him a third of his salary, which amounts to Rs. 30,000. If he refuses to vacate the premises or pay the balance, he will have to leave,” he explained.

The President also revealed plans to tackle the issue of MP pensions, which he described as an unnecessary burden on the public purse. “We will soon submit a proposal to abolish pensions for MPs,” he confirmed, adding that a proposal regarding the Parliament canteen would also be introduced in the coming weeks.

“If MPs want to eat, they will have to pay for their food, just like ordinary citizens. This government will not tolerate any special treatment for elected officials,” he stated.

January 20, Colombo (LNW): Rainy condition is expected to continue further in Northern, North-central, Eastern,Uva and Central provinces, with showers or thundershowers being expected to occur at times in Northern, Eastern, North-central, Uva, Central and Southern provinces, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (20).

Very heavy showers above 150 mm can be expected at some places in Eastern and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district, and heavy showers above 100 mm can be expected at some places in Northern province and in Matale, Nuwara-Eliya, Polonnaruwa, Galle and Matara Districts, the statement added.

Cloudy skies are expected over most parts of the island.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places elsewhere.

Fairly strong winds of (30-40) kmph can be expected at times over Eastern slope of the central hills and Northern, North-central, Eastern and North-western provinces and in Hambantota and Monaragala districts.

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: