October 10, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court has issued an overseas travel ban on former MP Johnston Fernando on 10 October, following allegations that he was in possession of a luxury vehicle assembled illegally.
The travel restriction is part of an ongoing investigation into the matter, with authorities seeking to ensure Fernando remains available for legal proceedings.
The case stems from accusations that the former MP had acquired a high-end vehicle that did not comply with standard legal procedures for assembly and registration.
These allegations raise questions about potential involvement in the illegal vehicle trade, which has become a growing concern in Sri Lanka, with luxury vehicles often being smuggled into the country or assembled with non-compliant parts to evade taxes and regulations.
The ban prevents Fernando from leaving the country while investigations continue, a move that requires the conduction of a thorough inquiry into the matter.
October 10, Colombo (LNW): A new director board and a chairman have been appointed to SriLankan Airlines yesterday (09).
Sarath Ganegoda, who served as a director of Hayleys PLC, one of the largest business conglomerates in Sri Lanka, has been appointed as the flag carrier’s Chairperson.
Ganegoda’s appointment follows the appointment of the board of directors, comprising;
October 10, Colombo (LNW): This week, President Anura Kumara appointed Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Chairman, Duminda Hulangamuwa, as Senior Consultant on Economic Affairs and Finance.
Since this appointment does not come with a direct cost to taxpayers, there’s little reason for public complaint. However, Hulangamuwa’s new position gives him significant influence within the government, likely benefiting his accounting practice and business ventures—a situation acceptable in Sri Lanka as long as such interests are disclosed.
What has raised eyebrows among professionals, however, is Hulangamuwa’s reputation as a “man for all seasons.” It’s well-known that he was the tax adviser to PB Jayasundara, whose policies, including the removal of PAYE tax and lowering tax rates, contributed to Sri Lanka’s economic downfall in 2021. The Gotabaya administration had to reinstate PAYE due to financial pressures.
After Gotabaya’s ousting, Hulangamuwa aligned himself with Ranil Wickremesinghe, frequently appearing alongside the former President. He played a key role in driving SOE restructuring and economic transformations under Wickremesinghe’s leadership.
Given Ranil’s political acumen, many were surprised to see Hulangamuwa now appointed as a senior economic adviser to Anura Kumara. Some even speculate that he was writing speeches for the new President in the final weeks of the campaign while simultaneously engaging with both the SJB and Wickremesinghe.
This dual allegiance and ability to adapt across political shifts have made Hulangamuwa a subject of both intrigue and skepticism. As Machiavelli once said “human beings are wretched creatures, governed only by the law of their own self-interest”.
October 10, Colombo (LNW): The Panadura Additional Magistrate ordered that the twenty Chinese nationals arrested yesterday (09) in a hotel in Gorakana area be remanded till October 23.
The suspects were arrested by Panadura North Police on a tip off by intelligence officials of the Western Province.
Investigations are underway to decipher any corroboration between the organised online money fraud activities allegedly committed by Chinese nationals resided in Hanwella area arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Chinese nationals arrested yesterday, a statement issued by the Police Media Division claimed.
This was not the first time did the Police arrest foreign nationals living in Sri Lanka on tourist visa, as an astonishing number of Chinese nationals had been apprehended during the past few months, allegedly in connection with the online offshore industry.
Reports claim that these Chinese nationals had arrived in Sri Lanka to gamble in the “online offshore gaming industry”, which caters to the generation of a significant number of economic opportunities for Sri Lanka, estimating a potential US$ 6 billion income annually.
The industry, which in official capacity has not yet been recognised nor subject to a legal framework, remains disputable, and the formulation of a legal framework, therefore, is deemed a mandatory requirement, in the event that the country in which such activities are operated can economically benefit from the industry.
Developing an effective legal framework and implementing such regulations will curb any harmful consequences the industry might emit, and by cracking down any illegal operations involving the arena, Sri Lanka will be able to secure the online offshore gaming industry and foster more career opportunities for the local community, ultimately contributing to the island nation’s economy.
The offshore gaming industry is compelled to be cluttered with online frauds due to the non-implementation of a formal legal framework, driving the Police and government officials in charge of Immigration and Taxes, therefore, into confusion.
Projects of this nature particularly targetting the Port City, Colombo, have already attracted a large number of foreign investors to Sri Lanka, and the Sri Lankan authorities, therefore, must act immediately to foster a proper legal framework for the aforementioned industry.
October 10, Colombo (LNW): In a significant move, the Colombo High Court has issued a three-month freeze on two bank accounts linked to former State Minister Anupa Pasqual.
This decision was made following a formal request from the Bribery Commission, reflecting ongoing investigations into potential corruption.
The order, which falls under Section 53(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 09 of 2023, underscores the government’s commitment to combatting corruption within public office.
By freezing these accounts, the Bribery Commission aims to secure evidence and prevent any potential dissipation of funds related to the investigation.
This legal action is part of a broader effort to uphold transparency and accountability in Sri Lanka’s political landscape.
The Bribery Commission is actively pursuing various cases, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement of anti-corruption measures and the importance of maintaining public trust in governmental institutions.
The implications of this ruling extend beyond Pasqual, as it sends a clear message regarding the seriousness of corruption-related offences in Sri Lanka.
The court’s decision serves to reinforce the legal framework established to protect the integrity of public officials and to ensure that those in positions of power are held accountable for their actions.
As the investigation continues, the spotlight remains on the effectiveness of the Bribery Commission and the judiciary in addressing corruption within the nation’s political framework.
The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future actions against similar misconduct in the public sector.
October 10, World (LNW): A staggering one in eight girls and women worldwide—over 370 million—have experienced rape or sexual assault before the age of 18, according to a recent report by UNICEF.
This figure rises to 650 million, or one in five, when considering non-physical forms of sexual violence such as online abuse and harassment.
The comprehensive report, which UNICEF describes as the first global survey of its kind, highlights the severe and widespread nature of childhood sexual violence.
The study also reveals that boys and men are not immune, with an estimated 240 to 310 million having suffered sexual assault during their youth, approximately one in 11 globally.
UNICEF’s findings underscore the immense scale of this human rights crisis, which has been difficult to quantify due to stigma, challenges in measuring the issue, and inadequate data collection.
The report sheds light on the urgent need for global action to combat sexual violence, calling for stronger legal frameworks, better education for children on how to recognise and report abuse, and improved prevention strategies.
Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest concentration of victims, with 79 million girls and women affected, accounting for 22 per cent of the region’s female population.
Other regions also show alarmingly high rates, including 75 million girls and women in Eastern and South-Eastern Asia, and 73 million in Central and Southern Asia.
In Europe and North America, 68 million girls and women, or 14 per cent, are survivors of sexual violence, whilst Latin America and the Caribbean report 45 million victims, or 18 per cent of the population.
Northern Africa and Western Asia see 29 million affected, or 15 per cent, whilst Oceania has the highest percentage at 34 per cent, despite a lower overall population of 6 million victims.
The report further identifies higher risks for children in “fragile settings”—regions with weak governance, peacekeeping forces, or significant refugee populations—where the likelihood of sexual violence rises to one in four.
UNICEF’s research comes ahead of the first-ever Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, to be held in Colombia next month, aiming to galvanise international efforts to address this pervasive and devastating issue.
October 10, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan authorities have intensified efforts to address the ongoing issue of Indian trawlers fishing in Sri Lankan waters, a problem that has fuelled tensions between the two neighbouring nations.
As of 2024, the Sri Lanka Navy has seized 59 Indian trawlers and detained 434 Indian fishermen for illegal fishing, handing them over for legal proceedings.
In a recent operation, the Navy arrested 21 Indian fishermen and confiscated four trawlers near Delft Island.
The Northern Naval Command deployed Fast Attack Craft and Coast Guard vessels to intercept the illegal activity, reflecting the continued resolve to prevent unauthorised fishing within Sri Lanka’s maritime boundaries.
The trawlers and the fishermen have been taken to the Kankesanthurai Harbour, where they will be handed over to the relevant authorities for further legal action.
The Navy’s ongoing patrols aim to protect the livelihoods of local fishermen, who have long suffered the consequences of overfishing and depletion of resources due to these incursions.
The escalating situation is not merely a legal or diplomatic issue, but one deeply rooted in the inability of both Indian and Sri Lankan authorities to fully grasp the challenges faced by fishing communities.
Without addressing the economic pressures and traditional fishing rights on both sides, tensions are likely to persist, creating further strain on bilateral relations.
The Sri Lankan Navy remains vigilant in its efforts to safeguard the country’s maritime resources whilst calling for greater cooperation between the two nations to find a lasting resolution.
October 10, Colombo (LNW): The National Freedom Front (NFF), led by former MP Wimal Weerawansa, has declared its decision to abstain from contesting in the forthcoming General Elections, either as part of an alliance or independently.
This significant announcement marks a shift in the party’s political strategy ahead of the polls.
In a formal statement, Weerawansa expressed deep reservations about the trajectory of certain opposition forces, accusing them of promoting what he described as an “imperial agenda” that threatens the nation’s sovereignty.
He specifically noted that these forces seem intent on positioning President Anura Kumara Dissanayake as a figure akin to former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, a comparison he suggested reflects external influences hostile to Sri Lanka’s interests.
Weerawansa stressed that the NFF will not partake in any efforts that could exacerbate the country’s vulnerabilities or deepen its current political crises.
According to him, to engage in such activities would be to further undermine the country’s stability, a situation he is unwilling to support.
Weerawansa, whose political moves are notoriously known to have been inspired by racially-motivated, xenophobic and queer-phobic tactics escalating separatism, may have made this decision in what certain analysts describe as a hidden objective towards power yet unclear to the public’s view.
October 10, Colombo (LNW): In honour of the Sri Lanka Army’s 75th anniversary, a significant number of personnel have been elevated to higher ranks.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, approved the promotions based on recommendations from the Ministry of Defence and Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Army.
A total of 139 officers and 1,273 other ranks across both the Regular and Volunteer Forces have been promoted as part of this anniversary milestone.
Amongst the officers, 131 lieutenants were elevated to the rank of captain, including Quarter Masters, whilst eight second lieutenants were promoted to lieutenants.
In the other ranks, promotions were equally noteworthy. A total of 99 Warrant Officers II were advanced to Warrant Officer I, while 185 Staff Sergeants moved up to Warrant Officer II.
Further promotions included 380 Sergeants to Staff Sergeant, 346 Corporals to Sergeant, 111 Lance Corporals to Corporal, and 152 Privates to Lance Corporal.
October 10, Colombo (LNW): The Postal Department has addressed recent reports regarding stamps featuring Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Minister Vijitha Herath, clarifying that these stamps were issued as personalised souvenirs in celebration of the 150th World Postal Day.
The department emphasised that these stamps, presented to the Prime Minister and Minister Herath as chief guests, are not official postage stamps.
In its statement, the Postal Department highlighted that these personalised stamps, whilst falling under the commemorative category, are intended purely as keepsakes. They are not valid for mailing purposes and do not form part of the country’s official postal services.
The department further clarified that this gesture of creating personalised stamps as mementos is a long-standing tradition for special occasions.
Additionally, the Postal Department pointed out that such personalised stamps can be created by any individual using their preferred images, underscoring that they remain distinct from official stamps issued for postal use.
To mark the 150th World Postal Day, two official stamps were also launched, based on designs from the Universal Postal Union (UPU).
These stamps, issued for use by all UPU member nations, symbolise international cooperation in postal services and will be available for mailing purposes across Sri Lanka.
Early reports suggested the nature and intent behind these stamps were of political motive, alleging that the Department is systematically being politcised aiming the upcoming elections.
