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
May 10, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe will today ceremoniously launch the world’s first of its kind “Global Gestures for Empowerment” aimed at discouraging sexual harassment.
The ground-breaking initiative is by DP Education of Dhammika and Priscilla Perera Foundation. The campaign includes three gestures created by Andy Jacobs, from US Hawaii who is a TV and Internet producer.
The three gestures are to convey the following message “You are harassing me” and ”You are harassing me, and I need public help” aimed at those who may be subject to harassment and “I’m sorry I respect your space” for possible offenders.
To discourage sexual harassment online or in the cyber space, a different set of emojis will be launched as well along with Global Gestures web site www.dpgestures.com.
DP Global Gestures for Empowerment or GG movement is being introduced to eradicate sexual harassment against women and girls in public spaces and to empower them to combat harassment effectively.
The GG movement is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Target 5.2, which advocates for the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls in public and private realms.
At today’s launch at Nelum Pokuna, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative for Sri Lanka and Country and Country Director for the Maldives Kunie Adeniyi will be present as well.
Public awareness of the GG movement will be created via stickers and videos, which are available for download and use via a dedicated web portal www.dpgestures.com.
All schools, universities, vocational training centres and workplaces will be encouraged to widely use these the Global Gestures for Empowerment in addition in public places and transport. The hashtag is #EndSexualHarassment
”By introducing a set of protective and alerting gestures, along with a series of emojis for digital communication, this initiative equips women with essential tools to protect themselves and seek help, thus bolstering their safety and independence. T
he launch event will be a transformative gathering that fosters gender equality and empowers women and girls worldwide. It also presents an opportunity to involve men and boys, inspiring them to consistently show respect towards women,” a spokesperson for GG movement said.
May 10, Colombo (LNW): Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Lu, is set to embark on a diplomatic tour to India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh from May 10 to 15, aimed at bolstering bilateral cooperation and reaffirming U.S. commitment to a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
Beginning his journey in Chennai, Assistant Secretary Lu will engage with Consulate personnel to enhance bilateral ties in southern India, setting the stage for increased collaboration.
In Colombo, his next destination, Assistant Secretary Lu will hold discussions with officials spanning the political spectrum, underscoring the United States’ unwavering support for Sri Lanka’s economic revival. Moreover, he will emphasize the pivotal role of a vibrant civil society in upholding the principles of freedom and democracy.
The culmination of Assistant Secretary Lu’s tour will take place in Dhaka, where he will engage with government officials, civil society leaders, and other stakeholders to explore avenues for enhanced U.S.-Bangladesh cooperation. Discussions will encompass joint efforts to combat the climate crisis and further strengthen economic partnerships between the two nations.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe states that for the reconstruction of the fallen country, economic stabilization and recovery programs were formally implemented and that as a result, the journey of economic growth started in the middle of 2023. Wickremesinghe said he assumed leadership of the country without any conditions, despite being a sole member of Parliament. He cited his well-thought-out plan, extensive experience and international relationships as reasons for his confidence in the country’s recovery from its challenges.
The Election Commission also said that by virtue of the powers vested in the commission to fix the date for the election, it will hold the presidential election between 17th September and 16th October 2024.
The Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court has ordered the former CEO of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) Dr. Vijith Gunasekara to be remanded in custody until May 20, 2024. He was produced before the court following the recording of a statement by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
State Minister for Technology, Kanaka Herath, announced that the amended bill to amend the Telecommunications Regulatory Act after 28 years will be presented to the Parliament. Additionally, he highlighted plans for the drafting of the National Cyber Security Act in May.
The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is yet to submit the proposals regarding the reduction of electricity tariffs to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), according to PUCSL chairman Prof. Manjula Fernando. The said proposals were initially expected to be submitted to the PUCSL by the 1st of May.
The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has issued an overseas travel ban on former State Minister Diana Gamage. This order was issued by Colombo Magistrate Thilina Gamage after considering a request made by the attorneys of the petitioning party in the case related to her dual citizenship.
Litro Gas Company opens its new gas filling station in Mabima, Kaduwela, which was established with an investment exceeding Rs.01 billion.
Minister of Labor and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara has urged the general public not to seek military employment opportunities in foreign countries. Issuing a statement in this regard, the Minister highlighted the presence of a human trafficking network that is currently facilitating the recruitment of Sri Lankan youths for military service in Russia.
Sri Lanka’s Dairy Industry is set to enhance the production and quality of liquid milk and milk based products in a new partnership with the Department of Animal Production and Health revolutionizing the industry. This collaborative effort aims to modernize dairy farming practices, enhance livestock genetics, and boost dairy productivity across the nation.
The Cricket Selection Committee has selected a 15-member squad to take part in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said. Issuing a statement, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said the team will depart for the World Cup on May 14, 2024.
May 10, Colombo (LNW): Mr. H.J.M.C. Amith Jayasundara, the Commissioner General of Examinations, announced plans to lodge a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on May 10 regarding irregularities uncovered during the ongoing G.C.E. Ordinary Level examination.
Reports of misconduct surfaced at two examination centers in Colombo and one in the Hasalaka area, revealing attempts by certain candidates to illicitly obtain answers by capturing photographs of the English question paper using mobile phones, subsequently sharing them with external parties.
Officials present at the examination centers promptly intervened, seizing the mobile phones involved in the illicit activity. Responding to inquiries from Ada Derana, the Commissioner General confirmed that complaints have been lodged with local police stations situated near the respective examination centers.
May 10, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Basil Rajapaksa, Founder of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), convened for their sixth meeting on Thursday evening to deliberate on future political endeavors.
The discussions, focused on critical political matters, are slated to be disclosed to the media on Friday, unveiling insights into the dialogue between the two prominent figures.
Simultaneously, the SLPP is set to inaugurate its Presidential Election Operation Center in Battaramulla on Friday, alongside the establishment of operational offices in each constituency. The initiative underscores the party’s proactive stance in mobilizing resources for the forthcoming Presidential Election.
May 10, Colombo (LNW): The ruling by Diana Gamage can be hailed as a historic verdict delivered by the court, underscoring the trustworthiness of Sri Lanka’s legal system. The decision of that case was greatly influenced by the fact that she did not have the factors to become a public representative in this country. Her disqualification under immigration law from serving as a public representative was a determining factor.
In Sri Lanka’s rugby , this immigration law does not limit a copper. The sports ministers who are appointed as people’s representatives have taken those who have international evidence that they are involved in violating that law, the constitutionally appointed Rugby administration is being interfered with and distracted to the administration. When they refuse to do so, they ask the government officials under them to behave like blind people, and Rugby is banned. But in those cases, the country’s judiciary acts independently, just like when Diana was removed.
The Sri Lanka rugby administration once interpreted a Fijian as a citizen of Sri Lanka, and it was proven that he had played for Sri Lanka and was fined 50000 pounds by the International Rugby Federation. So whether the people who initiated it are kept in Sri Lanka’s rugby or not, it is up to the international community to fine Sri Lanka. Whether the association will bear it as an association without charging the fine from the people who were involved in the fine incident, and whether or not the person who tarnished the association’s name will be allowed to join the Sri Lanka Rugby or not is also a matter related to rugby.
However, the Ministry of Sports is waiting for the people who worked outside the immigration law, which was strong enough to send Diana out, brought the country’s rugby game into a fraudulent place, and brought a fake name to the country’s name, not only in Sri Lanka’s rugby game but also in various sports. Also, they are waiting to allow them to deal with Asia and the world to disrupt Sri Lanka.
Has the Department of Sports Development fined a sports administration under it £50,000? The reason for that is that the foreign players are presented to the world as citizens of Sri Lanka in such a way that a false name is added to Sri Lanka? Will those who did that be allowed to continue to be associated with the sports administration units of this country? Who were the main officials of the rugby at the time who were responsible for it? Are they not being punished for their crime?
The sports development department has permission to inspect the documents of the rugby administration. Have been fined £50,000? Is it because a foreigner is using the immigration law wrongly to play games in Sri Lanka? Then those involved in it become guilty by the constitution of the country for bringing the country into disrepute in front of the international community.
Isn’t this an international scandal that has brought shame upon the country in the eyes of the global community?
The Minister of Sports or the Director General of Sports will step in to penalize these individuals responsible for this historical misconduct. Furthermore, are there no rugby enthusiasts willing to pursue legal action in this country? We will await patiently in the name of the sport.”
The Minister of Sports or the Director General of Sports will intervene to punish these people who are responsible for this historical misconduct. And there are no rugby fans in this country willing to take legal action? We will wait patiently in the name of the game.
May 10, Colombo (LNW): Fitch Ratings has maintained its ‘C’ rating on SriLankan Airlines Limited’s (SLA) USD 175 million government-guaranteed 7% unsecured bonds scheduled to mature on June 25, 2024.
The rating is underpinned by the unconditional and irrevocable guarantee provided by the government of Sri Lanka, whose Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating stands at ‘RD’.
