June 10, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan Premier Dinesh Gunawardena has underscored the importance of safeguarding the state-owned Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), urging officials to focus on its enhancement.
The PM highlighted the enduring significance of the SLTB in the nation’s economy, serving as a vital infrastructure for daily commuting and light goods transportation.
He stressed the need to preserve this institution, particularly as a substantial portion of the public relies on bus travel.
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena conveyed these sentiments during an induction programme held yesterday (09) at the Temple Trees, where he introduced the approved recruitment and promotion procedure for SLTB staff.
Minister of Transport Bandula Gunawardena, also present at the event, announced the introduction of a fixed promotion system, marking a historic development in SLTB’s 67-year history.
He expressed that this initiative aimed to eliminate the customary practice of personnel changes following electoral outcomes.
In his address, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena reflected on the establishment of the CTB by Hon. Philip Gunawardena in 1957.
He recounted the significance of this milestone in providing essential public transport services and advocated for the protection and development of SLTB to serve the nation effectively.
Minister of Transport Bandula Gunawardena emphasised the transformative nature of the fixed promotion system, marking a crucial turning point in SLTB’s history.
He noted the departure from traditional practices, ensuring stability and continuity in the board’s operations.
State Ministers Dilum Amunugama, Sisira Jayakodi, Members of Parliament Gamini Lokage, Yadamini Gunawardena, as well as SLTB officials including President Lalith De Alwis and Secretary of Sri Lanka Public Transport Employees’ Society Nuraj Singh, were among the attendees at this event.
June 10, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe, attended the swearing-in ceremony of Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, held on yesterday evening (09) at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
The event saw the presence of leaders from neighbouring countries, including Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Seychelles Vice-President Ahmed Afif, and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu.
The invitation extended to President Muizzu raised eyebrows in diplomatic circles due to the current strain in relations between New Delhi and Male.
President Wickremesinghe’s arrival in India earlier that day was marked by a warm reception at the Indira Gandhi Airport.
He was greeted by Additional Secretary P. Kumaran representing the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha, Indian Ocean Region Additional Secretary Mr. Puneeth Agrawal, and Mrs. Kshenuka Senewiratne.
The welcoming ceremony featured a captivating dance performance, showcasing Indian culture.
The swearing-in ceremony, led by Indian President Draupadi Murmu, was held in the evening at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
President Wickremesinghe’s visit garnered significant media attention in India, with billboards displaying his and Prime Minister Modi’s images across key locations in New Delhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s electoral coalition secured victory in the Indian general election, spanning seven phases over 44 days.
Following this triumph, Modi was officially appointed as the leader of the National Democratic Alliance.
Accompanying President Wickremesinghe on this visit are President’s Secretary Mr. Saman Ekanayake, Foreign Affairs Ministry Secretary Ms. Aruni Wijewardene, Government Information Director General Mr. Dinith Chinthaka Karunaratne, and President’s Private Secretary Ms. Sandra Perera.
June 10, Colombo (LNW): Remittance earnings from Sri Lankan expatriates remained robust throughout May, with the country receiving a total of US$ 544.4 million during the month.
This figure represents an increase from both the levels recorded in the previous month and those from the same period last year.
In April of this year, Sri Lanka received remittances amounting to US$ 543.8 million, while in May of the previous year, the figure stood at US$ 479.7 million.
Over the five-month period leading up to May, remittances to the country totalled US$ 2,624.4 million, marking an 11.8 per cent increase compared to the corresponding period the year before.
The normalisation of Sri Lanka’s remittance inflows coincided with government efforts to crack down on informal money exchanges offering substantial premiums over the official exchange rate.
Additionally, the depreciation of the rupee encouraged expatriates to redirect their earnings through formal banking channels, a departure from previous practices of utilising informal channels for repatriation.
Furthermore, a notable increase in the number of individuals departing for foreign employment contributed to Sri Lanka’s steady receipt of foreign currency each month.
The country anticipates remittances reaching approximately US$ 7.0 billion in 2024, aligning with levels observed in 2020.
In recent years, remittance income had weakened, amounting to US$ 5,491.5 million in 2021 and further declining to US$ 3,789.5 million in 2022.
This decline was partly attributed to political campaigns spreading false information aimed at dissuading migrants from sending money back to Sri Lanka, falsely alleging theft of dollars and concocting stories about funds being diverted to other countries.
With remittance flows stabilising and the tourism sector gradually recovering, the Sri Lankan economy is exhibiting signs of renewed strength.
June 10, Colombo (LNW): The tourism sector is experiencing an anticipated slowdown attributed to seasonal fluctuations in visitor numbers, although it managed to generate a revenue of US$ 154.0 million in May, provisional data disclosed.
This figure represents a decrease from the US$ 225.7 million recorded in April, yet it marks an improvement from the US$ 100.0 million reported a year earlier when the industry was grappling with the aftermath of multiple crises.
Sri Lanka’s economic performance has been impacted by declining tourism receipts and other foreign currency inflows following the 2019 Easter attacks, as well as by two years of pandemic-related travel restrictions and event cancellations, exacerbated by the ‘Aragalaya’ in 2022.
These challenges have hindered the tourism sector’s recovery efforts, particularly as the global travel industry gradually rebounds from the prolonged effects of the pandemic, prompting several countries to issue travel advisories against visiting Sri Lanka, thus delaying what appeared to be a sustained revival in the sector.
Despite these setbacks, the tourism industry has nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, with Sri Lanka attracting US$ 1,405.6 million in inflows over the past five months, just shy of the 900,000 visitor mark.
This marks an 86.9 per cent increase from the US$ 752.1 million generated during the same period last year, with 524,486 travellers.
Tourist arrivals for June 1-5 totalled 15,666, reflecting the usual dip in numbers during the off-season.
Sri Lanka’s tourism authorities had initially projected crossing the 900,000 tourist milestone by the end of May, but it was achieved on June 1. The average daily arrivals have now decreased to around 3,100.
India remains the primary source of tourist traffic for Sri Lanka, accounting for 27.7 percent of total arrivals so far in June.
The United Kingdom follows closely behind, contributing 8.7 per cent, while China ranks third with 6.8 per cent, and Bangladesh holds fourth place with 5.5 per cent of total arrivals.
June 10, Colombo (LNW): At least 20 commuter train services were suspended today as a result of the ongoing strike initiated by the Sri Lanka Railway Locomotive Operating Engineers’ Union, said the Railway Department.
Furthermore, it has been reported that over 50 scheduled train services were cancelled yesterday (09) due to the sustained strike action.
The trade union protest led by the Locomotive Operating Engineers’ Union is currently in its fourth consecutive day today (10).
This industrial action, commencing at midnight on Thursday (June 06), is rooted in several key grievances, including the resolution of delays in the promotion process for second-class locomotive drivers, recruitment delays, and various other concerns.
It has been noted that only locomotive drivers from two out of the five operational depots have thus far participated in the strike, resulting in the suspension of power set train operations.
In addition, the Secretary of the union, S.R.C.M. Senanayake, cautioned yesterday that should the authorities fail to address their demands, they would escalate their industrial action.
June 10, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle and Matara districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (10).
Fairly heavy showers above 50 mm are likely at some places in Sabaragamuwa province and in Nuwara Eliya district.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva province in the evening or night.
Strong winds of about (40-50) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee, Hambantota and Monaragala districts.
General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle.
Winds:
Winds will be south-westerly and wind speed will be (30-40) kmph. Wind speed may increase up to (55-60) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Trincomalee to Puttalam via Kankasanthurai, Mannar and from Hambantota to Batticaloa via Pottuvil.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coasts extending from Trincomalee to Puttalam via Kankasanthurai, Mannar and from Hambantota to Batticaloa via Pottuvil can be rough at times. Naval and fishing communities are requested to be attentive in this regard.Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
June 09, Colombo (LNW): The 13th Amendment to the Constitution will surely be implemented under a Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) administration, pledged Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, addressing a speech during the 225th phase of the ‘Sakwala‘ initiative implemented by the Opposition Party.
Whilst the Opposition Leader’s annunciation on the enactment of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution under an SJB-rule being made clear, he donated a smart classroom to Bharati Vidyalaya in Kilinochchi under the ‘Sakwala’ initiative today (09).
The Opposition Leader asserted that he, unlike many other politicians who brag about the implementation of the 13A hiding behind dithering, does not hesitate to implement the amendment, which had been the top of peaks in the political dialogue of Sri Lanka throughout the decades under numerous regimes, only to meet a dead-end.
Addressing the event, Premadasa reiterated his commitment to reenacting the 13A, as he once did during the International Labour Day on May 01, in attribution to all nine provinces of the country.
Accordingly, the Opposition Leader emphasised that what is said in the lawbook is obliged to be enacted upon, and therefore, will be enacted islandwide, thereby securing the political, social, economical, religious and cultural rights of the people of Sri Lanka.
June 09, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has faced many natural disasters such as cyclones, floods, tsunamis and landslides. During all these disasters the government moved into action through respective Government Agents supported by Grama Sevaka, tri-forces, Police, social services organizations and the philanthropists to provide immediate relief to the affected people.
The government has carried out immediate relief activities mainly contained the provision of cooked meals and the grant of Rs 10,000.00 to next of kin of those who lost their lives inder official bungling with some officials making attempts to derail the program for their political gains.
The bureaucratic red tapes preclude issuing of provisions to those who are not in the displaced centers for the purpose despite instruction given to ignore circulars and the Regulations
In light of the severe flood risk, plans are afoot to establish a new city along the Kelani River bank, designed to provide comprehensive amenities including hospitals, schools, and residential complexes.
This initiative aims to enhance living standards for the local population, particularly given the proximity of major institutions like the IDH Hospital and the Sri Lanka Transport Board Depot.
Authorities are set to engage with residents to incorporate their feedback, ensuring a community-driven development plan within the next decade.
This was revealed by Senior Presidential Advisor on National Security and Chief of Staff, Sagala Ratnayaka.He also announced a LKR 10,000 allowance for each household affected by the recent floods.
During his visit to the Kolonnawa area on June 7, Ratnayaka inspected flood-damaged homes and a medical clinic at the Kolonnawa Sri Sambuddharaja Purana Vihara, overseeing relief efforts.
Ratnayaka emphasized that this allowance marks a shift from previous policies, now providing support to all affected households, not just those in relief camps.
“The government is also planning comprehensive house reconstruction with army assistance and distributing essential medicines to prevent disease outbreaks, especially among vulnerable groups. With floodwaters receding, health risks are rising, prompting preventive measures against diseases like dengue,” he said.
“Collaboration with the Navy, Red Cross, and local communities is underway to distribute aid and restore safe water access. President Ranil Wickremesinghe has directed officials to expedite relief measures and address factors contributing to floods, including illegal construction and land reclamation, he added.
Lord Buddha, elaborating on the notion of sorrow (dukkha) in the first sermon he delivered after attaining Enlightenment, observed that having to associate with those who are repugnant is sorrowful and being apart from those who are loved is also sorrowful — appiyehi sampayogo dukkho, piyehi vippayogo dukkho. So, we choose to avoid and insulate ourselves from the distasteful while we seek the company of people we find agreeable. When they leave, we are saddened. When they depart, never to return, we are distraught.
A few days ago, I realised that while any kind of separation from someone who is likeable is never a happy thing, there are instances when it is devastating. I had just received a text from my friend Prof Arjuna De Silva, and he wanted to know ‘if the story about Dr Siri was true.’ I called two of Dr Siri’s closest friends, Ranjith Page and Dr Harindu. Both confirmed that he had passed away in Dubai. I am shocked and saddened beyond belief.
Dr Siri Kannangara was a rheumatologist, best known by Sri Lankans for the immense services he rendered in sports medicine. To me, he was either ‘Doc’ or ‘Siri’. But I know for a fact that this was how almost all Sri Lankans, whether patients or otherwise, addressed or referred to him. He was a physician who made his patients believe that he was a friend. He was always self-effacing and treated all Sri Lankans as though they were close relatives in an immense extended family. He never charged any of his Sri Lankan patients. Even when he visited Sri Lanka, he treated patients free of charge and was particularly concerned about the welfare of patients of modest means. In his case, it was not only about diagnosis and prescription; he would always follow up.
I can never forget how he responded to an urgent request regarding the son of a close friend. He didn’t know the patient or the father. When I called, he was with a patient but promised to call me back. He did, and having got all the details, told me that it was a serious matter. I told him that I was sorry for imposing, but he interjected, ‘Putha, you can call me any time; if it is urgent, I will walk out of the room and talk to you.’
He told me that it was not his subject but he would get an opinion from doctors who were experts on the subject. Thereafter, he consulted surgeons who could offer expert opinions and advice. Subsequently, he would call me to inquire after the boy. He would ask, ‘Kolla kohomada?’ or ‘Podi kolla kohomada (how is the little boy doing)?’ He went further, wanting to know how the boy’s father was doing. He made me realise how easy and normal it is to be kind to someone you know, a friend or a relative, but that it is very rare for someone to go out of their way to be kind and generous to a total stranger, and rarer still to inquire after that person. Perhaps he will be remembered most for the way he supported Sri Lankan sports, especially cricket. Arjuna Ranatunga, speaking at a felicitation dinner for Siri, recalled how he had treated a wrist injury and gave the assurance that he would be able to play and field — ‘don’t worry, I will be here all five days.’
‘I know for sure that he sacrificed his practice to be with us,’ Arjuna remembered. Those were tough days, without money or sponsors, and Dr Siri used to keep, feed, train, and give them medical advice. ‘It was a home away from home for all of us.’ Arjuna also recalled how Dr Siri was instrumental in obtaining the services of specialists to help clear Muttiah Muralitharan’s name during the infamous no-balling episode in Australia.Aravinda de Silva echoed his skipper’s sentiments. ‘Whenever we visited Australia, Dr Siri would treat the injured. He kept them in his home and was like a father to them.’ Indeed, every single member of Arjuna’s team and dozens of others would probably concur. He was appreciated, respected, and loved.
Dr Siri was very well known outside of Sri Lankan circles as well. He was the first Australian to serve on the FIFA Medical Committee (1999 to 2006) and was also involved as the Physician and Consultant to the Australian teams at the Barcelona (1992), Atlanta (1996) and Sydney (2000) Olympics. He had the honour of carrying their flag at the last event. He was inducted into the Football Australia Hall of Fame in 2002, and in 2013 he was honoured with a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for significant service to medicine, particularly in sports medicine and rheumatology.
He was nevertheless a Sri Lankan through and through. He never forgot his roots. He loved visiting Sri Lanka, meeting Sri Lankans, and helping them in whatever way possible. He always had time to train Sri Lankan doctors. I have myself taken many friends and acquaintances to him when he happened to be in Sri Lanka. He checked them out and offered advice. Advice that changed lives. There have been occasions when patients who had been prescribed surgery consulted him. He advised them against it, and he was right, saving many from the knife.
He thought a lot about Sri Lanka. He worried about his countrymen. He would ask me, ‘Mokadda ape ratate venne? Mokadda venna yanne? (What’s happening to our country? What will happen to our country?).’ He did what he could, and that’s a lot more than most chest-beating patriots have done or do. He would volunteer without reservation to offer any favour to any Sri Lankan. In an interview given to News First more than ten years ago, he explained simply, ‘yuthukama (duty).’ ‘My mother and father did much for our village. I prospered thanks to their pin (merit acquired). And so it is my duty to do whatever I can for Sri Lanka and Sri Lankans,’ he once said.
Having first attended the Bandaragama Rambukkara Vidyartha Vidyalaya, he joined Royal College, Colombo and left for Australia in 1971. He left his heart behind, it seems, for he would often say ‘mama game kollek (I am but a village boy).’ He added, ‘ona ekakata lasthiy (I’m ready for anything!)’ This great man, if I took time responding to a text, would write, tongue-in-cheek, ‘Hi! I must have done something to annoy you!!!?’ He was such a bubbly personality, and this is probably why I find it so hard to come to terms with his sudden demise. I will always remember that he could be sensitive at times, but he was someone who would stand by his friends in a crisis. He appreciated loyalty and friendship. He was constantly in touch with me in the most difficult times. I read again a text message he sent me regarding my father’s illness and am moved all over again by his kindness, compassion and humility.
‘We hear that father is unable to recognise the grandkids. We hope he would somehow improve by grace of God. Please keep your chin up as the thinking person leading the team now. Count on us for anything we may be able to help you with. Keep your chin up and keep batting the best way you know. — Siri’ He always said, ‘Krisha, anything I can do for you anytime, please let me know.’ He has done all he can. He has gone the extra mile. Most importantly, he left an indelible mark on my life. He will continue to inspire me.
We have to bat now without the insurance of knowing that Siri is there in case anything goes wrong. I try to console myself by thinking that Siri has, simply by batting well, taught us all the strokes that truly matter in life — friendship, loyalty, kindness and humility. But he’s gone and got himself out. The stadium is in shock. All his friends are devastated.
But what an innings it was; his healing and teaching permeate every stroke those who knew him play. While being apart from those we love is sorrowful, in Siri’s case we have the comfort of knowing we are never fully apart, for his healing and teaching remain within us.
June 09, Colombo (LNW): Adani Green Energy’s US$442 million wind power project in Mannar and Pooneryn is undergoing a technical review of the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) following Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) public consultation process
Several public complaints had been received relating to the impact on the Central Asian Flyway and migratory birds and marine life along with hiccups in the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) report.
The Central Environmental Authority (CEA,) has undertaken a technical review after receiving the SLSEA technical response on public comments on the EIA report, a high official of the SLSEA said.
Adani’s wind power project is expected to benefit Sri Lanka with the lowest electricity tariff of 24.78 LKR per unit, a statement said.
The tariff will be the lowest in Sri Lanka, cheaper than the CEB’s 100 MW Wind power plant at Thambapavani and significantly lower than oil-based power at 80 LKR per unit.
By replacing higher-cost, import-dependent fossil fuel power, Adani’s project will save Sri Lanka over US$ 270 million annually in foreign exchange, potentially up to US$ 5.4 billion over the project’s lifetime, the statement said.
Adani’s project, with a tariff of 24.78 LKR per unit, is notably lower than the tariffs of other renewable energy projects recently approved, and significantly cheaper than fossil fuel-based power generation.
Generating about 1,500 million units of green power annually, the project will meet the energy needs of 590,000 households and help Sri Lanka achieve its Renewable Energy Target of 70% by 2030.
This green energy production will avoid 1.06 million tons of CO2 emissions annually, offering an economic benefit of up to US$ 100 million per year, the statement added.
Targeted for completion by 2025, the project will reduce the government’s electricity purchase costs by approximately US$ 83 million per year (about LKR 25 billion), leading to a reduction in consumer electricity tariffs by 17 LKR per unit.
The proposed wind farm will comprise 52 wind turbines of 5.2 MW capacity each will be spread across most parts of Mannar which will become a “death trap” for migratory birds, they added.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), including Birds and Bats Studies was carried out by the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA), under the leadership of, Senior Prof. Devaka Weerakoon Professor, Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences, University of Colombo.
The report was based after year-long on-ground studies and data sets of The Ceylon Bird Club (CBC), The Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka (FOGSL) and Ramsar data sheet were also considered. The EIA guides several steps for the developer to reduce the environmental impact.
Adani Group will deploy modern technology to not just minimize the project’s potential environment impact but also deliver it on time and budget, a spokesman of the company. Jamien Boulton said
Wind Turbine Generator (WTG), one of the most powerful onshore wind turbines in the world, will be used, providing higher generation at a lower overall footprint, he disclosed.
The project will implement AI-based radar systems to detect incoming flocks and automatically shut down turbines during high-risk periods, he said.
Acoustic and visual deterrents such painting the tip of the blades will be installed to deter birds from flying into them, and also use taller turbines with slower blade rotation speeds, reducing collision risks, he reiterated.
