By: Isuru Parakrama

October 10, Colombo (LNW): The Vatican’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Most Reverend Dr. Brian Udaigwe, met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (09), offering warm congratulations on the President’s recent electoral victory.

The meeting also brought heartfelt greetings from Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic Church and Sovereign of Vatican City, who extended his best wishes for Sri Lanka’s prosperity under its new leadership.

Ambassador Udaigwe expressed optimism for Sri Lanka’s future, commending President Dissanayake’s leadership and commitment to advancing the nation’s welfare.

The Vatican envoy noted that the President’s initiatives are in line with the aspirations of the people, and he voiced confidence that the country is poised for positive developments in the coming months.

Dr. Udaigwe assured the Vatican’s willingness to offer support in achieving the President’s vision for Sri Lanka.

During their conversation, the Vatican Ambassador also praised President Dissanayake’s efforts to conduct thorough and transparent investigations into the devastating Easter Sunday bombings, which remain a matter of national significance.

Ambassador Udaigwe emphasised the Vatican’s readiness to cooperate fully in these investigations, offering support to help bring justice to the victims and provide healing to their families.

The meeting reaffirmed the strong diplomatic ties between Sri Lanka and the Vatican, with both leaders expressing a commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at improving the nation’s social and economic landscape.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 10, Colombo (LNW): Justice Murdhu Fernando was officially sworn in as the Acting Chief Justice of Sri Lanka today (10), during a ceremony presided over by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).

This appointment marks a significant moment in the country’s judicial history, as Justice Fernando becomes only the second woman ever to hold the position of Chief Justice, following Shirani Bandaranayake, who first achieved this distinction in 2011.

Fernando’s appointment comes at a crucial time for Sri Lanka’s judiciary, as the legal system faces numerous challenges, particularly in handling key constitutional matters, upholding the rule of law, and addressing ongoing cases related to national reforms.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 10, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Election Commission has released the schedule for postal voting in the upcoming 2024 General Election.

The designated dates for marking postal votes at District Secretariats and election offices are set for October 20, November 1, and November 4.

For those unable to cast their postal vote on these dates, alternative voting days have been arranged for 7 and 8 November, ensuring that all eligible voters can exercise their right.

In preparation for the election, the certification of postal voter lists will take place on October 16, with the finalised lists being dispatched to postal offices on October 23. The delivery of official ballot papers to post offices is scheduled for October 26.

Additionally, the Election Commission has earmarked October 27, October 31, and November 3 as special distribution days for official polling cards, while November 7 will mark the final day for distributing ballot papers.

These logistical arrangements reflect the Election Commission’s efforts to facilitate smooth and efficient postal voting across the country, ensuring that the process aligns with the election timeline and allows all voters ample opportunity to participate.

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By: Isuru Parakrama

October 10, Colombo (LNW): The deadline for submitting postal voting applications for the 2024 General Election will close at midnight today (10).

The Election Commission has urged all public sector employees, except those exempted from election duties, to submit their applications before the deadline.

It was highlighted that failure to apply or submitting incorrect forms will not excuse officials from performing their election responsibilities.

In addition to postal voting applications, the deadline for independent groups to place their deposits for the upcoming election will end at 12 p.m. noon today.

According to the Election Commission, this rule applies to all independent groups contesting the election, with the exception of recognised political parties.

As of 9 October, a total of 293 independent groups have already placed deposits to participate in the 2024 General Election. The Digamadulla Electoral District recorded the highest number of independent groups, with 42 entries.

The Election Commission has also confirmed that nomination papers can be submitted to District Secretariats across the country until 12 noon tomorrow (11 October).

Following the submission, there will be a 90-minute window for filing any objections to nominations, according to the Commission.

With key deadlines for the General Election fast approaching, the Election Commission is focused on ensuring a smooth and transparent process.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 10, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake convened a significant meeting with senior officials from the Sri Lanka Customs Department and the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (09).

The discussions, aimed at bolstering the country’s revenue generation, focused on improving the operational efficiency of these critical departments as part of the government’s broader economic objectives, a statement by the President’s Media Division (PMD) revealed.

The meeting addressed the pressing challenges that both departments face, particularly in the areas of revenue management and tax evasion.

Officials from both agencies emphasised the need for enhanced coordination to address these issues more effectively.

The importance of stronger inter-departmental collaboration was highlighted as a way to ensure the strict enforcement of tax laws, minimise tax leakage, and boost the country’s revenue collection efforts.

Customs and tax officials presented their respective concerns and outlined the steps required to streamline their operations. A more unified approach to combat tax evasion was discussed as a solution to the ongoing challenges in preventing financial losses to the state.

This joint effort is expected to result in a more resilient system of revenue enforcement, benefiting the national economy in the long term.

Attendees from the Sri Lanka Customs Department included Director General PBSC Nonis, along with Additional Director Generals Mrs. HW SP Karunaratne, Mr. CSA Chandrasekara, Mr. WSI Silva, Mr. SP Arukgoda, and Mr. JMMG Wijeratna Bandara. Mr. AWLC Weerakoon, Senior Deputy Director, and Chief Financial Officer MRGAB Muthukuda were also present.

From the Inland Revenue Department, Commissioner General Mrs. WS Chandrasekara, along with Deputy Commissioner Generals Mr. BKS Shanta, Mrs. JADDB K Siriwardena, Mrs. JD Ranasinghe, Mr. DMNSB Dissanayake, and Senior Commissioner Ms. TMS Thennakone, participated in the talks.

President Dissanayake reinforced the government’s commitment to reforming fiscal policies, stressing the importance of tackling tax evasion and enhancing revenue collection for the betterment of the country’s economic outlook.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 10, Colombo (LNW): Showery condition is expected to enhance to some extent in the south-western part of the Island in the next few days starting from today (10^th), due to the development of atmospheric disturbance in the vicinity of Sri Lanka, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (10).

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces, and heavy showers above 100mm are likely at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts, the statement read.

Showers or thundershowers will occur elsewhere at several places in the island during the evening or night.Fairly heavy showers above 75mm are likely at some places.

Showers may occur in Northern province in the morning too.

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 holds a crucial meeting with senior officials from the Sri Lanka Customs and Inland Revenue Departments to discuss strategies for enhancing revenue generation and operational efficiency: Officials highlighted challenges in managing revenue and tackling tax evasion, stressing the need for stronger coordination between the two departments to improve tax law enforcement, prevent leakage, and boost national revenue collection.
   
2. Ex Minister and Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC) Secretary General Jeewan Thondaman officially signs his nomination papers to contest the upcoming General Election from the Nuwara Eliya District, under the United National Party (UNP) led alliance formed by ex President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
   
3. Veteran actor Kamal Addaraarachchi and actress Damitha Abeyratne are entering politics for the first time in Sri Lanka’s upcoming General Elections: Addaraarachchi will contest from the Devana Parapura Party, led by Uvindu Wijeweera, son of JVP founder Rohana Wijeweera, and Abeyratne the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) from the Ratnapura district: This reflects the ongoing trend of artistes joining politics: Meanwhile, former MP and actor Ranjan Ramanayake together with former Sri Lankan cricketer T.M. Dilshan forms a new political party, the United Democratic Voice (UDV), having Ramanayake as the Leader and Dilshan the National Organiser.
   
4. The Deputy Head of Mission at Japan’s Embassy in Colombo, Naoki Kamoshida, meets with Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) at the Defence Headquarters in Kotte: Accompanied by Defence Attaché Captain Yuki Yokohari, the delegation discussed strengthening defence cooperation and bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and Japan: exchanged souvenirs to mark the meeting.
   
5. The Court of Appeal schedules a petition hearing for 13 November, seeking disciplinary action against former SIS Director Nilantha Jayawardena for failing to prevent the Easter Sunday terror attack despite prior intelligence: Filed by the Centre for Society and Religion (CSR), the petition faces potential dismissal as a new investigation, initiated by the National Police Commission, is already underway.
   
6. CB Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe says the Central Bank has recommended to the Finance Ministry to allow vehicle imports without affecting the country’s foreign reserves: While import restrictions were imposed during Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic crisis, they have since been relaxed: The final decision on vehicle imports remains with the Finance Ministry.
   
7. Sri Lanka rejects a UNHRC draft resolution extending the mandate of Resolution 51/1, aimed at promoting reconciliation, accountability, and human rights: Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative Himalee Arunatilaka argued against the external evidence-gathering mechanism within the OHCHR, calling it an expansion of the Council’s mandate: Despite rejecting the resolution, Sri Lanka reiterated its commitment to engage constructively with the UNHRC and domestic human rights processes.
   
8. Air Chief Marshal Harsha Abeywickrama has been appointed Chairman of Airport & Aviation Services Sri Lanka (Private) Ltd.: He brings extensive experience from his distinguished Sri Lanka Air Force career to his new role at AASL, contributing his leadership and expertise to enhance the country’s aviation sector.
   
9. The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court issues an arrest warrant for Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary, Galaboda Atte Gnanasara Thera, for failing to appear in court regarding a hate speech case: The case alleges that he insulted Muslim religious beliefs in 2014 near Slave Island police station: The warrant was issued after his absence at the hearing.
   
10. Sri Lanka Cricket has announces a 17-member squad for the upcoming T20I series against the West Indies, scheduled for 13th, 15th, and 17th October 2024 in Dambulla: The squad, led by Charith Asalanka, includes prominent players like Kusal Mendis and Wanindu Hasaranga: The team was approved by Prime Minister and Sports Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

October 09, Colombo (LNW):Cabinet Spokesman and Mass Media Minister Vijitha Herath assured yesterday that the government will ensure justice is served to those responsible for the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing, held at the Government Information Department, Minister Herath emphasized that the mistakes of the past will not be repeated under the current administration.

In response to a journalist’s query, Minister Herath confirmed that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has taken initial steps by appointing a special committee to investigate any potential irregularities connected to the President’s Office and to review issues arising from the reports of the Presidential Commission on the attacks.

“We have already initiated actions in this regard, despite the short time since the President assumed office,” Minister Herath stated. “We will not allow any injustice to befall the people of this country.” The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that the law is fully implemented against those responsible for the tragic event.

October 09, Colombo (LNW):The United States has pledged to provide crucial support to strengthen Sri Lanka’s economy, according to a statement from the President’s Media Division yesterday (8). In a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, announced that the support will focus on fostering an export-driven economy to enhance Sri Lanka’s economic resilience.

During the meeting, Ambassador Chung conveyed US President Joe Biden’s congratulations to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, delivered via President’s Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake. She emphasized that both the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) are prepared to offer financial aid aimed at improving Sri Lanka’s economic prospects.

Additionally, the United States pledged financial and technical support for President Dissanayake’s initiatives to combat fraud and corruption, promote good governance, and enhance national security. Ambassador Chung reiterated the US’s commitment to supporting renewable energy development, export-oriented agriculture, and poverty alleviation in rural areas.

In further support of social development, the United States will expand the current rural school lunch program to include urban schools, contributing to improved nutrition for schoolchildren. The meeting was also attended by USAID Deputy Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, along with economic expert Christopher Gooch.