January 05, Colombo (LNW): The Constitutional Council has officially endorsed the appointments of two distinguished High Court judges, K.M. Sarath Dissanayake and Pradeep Hettiarachchi, to the Court of Appeal.
The nominations, which were submitted for approval by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, have now been confirmed, marking a significant move in the country’s judicial landscape.
Both judges, who are currently the most senior serving members of the High Court, have built distinguished careers and are widely respected for their expertise and impartiality.
Judge Dissanayake and Judge Hettiarachchi are expected to take their oaths as members of the Court of Appeal in the coming week, following the formal approval process.
This development comes as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen the judiciary and ensure that highly qualified and experienced judges continue to serve in key positions within the country’s legal framework.
With their wealth of experience in handling complex cases, the two new appointees are expected to bring valuable insight and stability to the Court of Appeal.
January 05, World (LNW): Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur behind companies like Tesla and SpaceX, is no stranger to controversy.
Whilst he has undoubtedly revolutionised industries and become a global icon, his public statements and behaviour have sparked frequent outrage.
Musk’s comments and actions have often crossed the line, drawing criticism for their blatant disregard for sensitive issues and marginalised communities.
From downplaying the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic to making derogatory remarks about vulnerable groups, Musk has demonstrated an alarming tendency to disregard social responsibility.
One of the most glaring examples of Musk’s controversial remarks came in 2020 when he downplayed the risks of COVID-19. Whilst the world was scrambling to contain the virus, Musk infamously called the panic overblown, referred to lockdowns as “fascist,” and falsely claimed that children were “essentially immune” to the virus.
His reckless statements not only put his employees and followers at risk, but they also undermined scientific consensus, contributing to the culture of misinformation that continues to hinder the global response to the pandemic.
Musk’s behaviour in this period exemplified a pattern of self-serving rhetoric that prioritised his business interests over public safety.
Equally disturbing are Musk’s comments on race, gender, and other sensitive topics. On multiple occasions, he has made remarks that many have found disparaging towards minority groups. For example, in 2020, Musk made a dismissive comment about the #MeToo movement, suggesting that it was being used as an “excuse” by some women.
His remarks trivialised the very real struggles of survivors of sexual harassment and assault, demonstrating a lack of empathy for those fighting against a deeply ingrained societal issue.
Musk has also faced criticism for the lack of diversity and inclusion within his companies. Despite claiming to support equality, Tesla has been sued multiple times for allegations of racial discrimination and harassment within its workforce, with reports detailing instances of racial slurs, unfair treatment, and a hostile work environment for Black employees.
Musk’s attitude towards workers and the treatment of labourers further compounds his troubling behaviour. In 2021, he mocked the United Auto Workers (UAW), an influential labour union, with a tweet that many viewed as dismissive and derogatory.
His dismissal of unions and workers’ rights is a stark reminder of his commitment to consolidating power and wealth whilst disregarding the well-being of those who contribute to his success.
Workers at Tesla have reported long hours, hazardous conditions, and pressure to meet production quotas, with little to no regard for their personal safety. Musk’s cavalier attitude towards his employees reflects a broader pattern of prioritising profits over people.
Then, there are his bizarre, often offensive remarks on social media. Musk has frequently used X (formerly Twitter) to share polarising opinions that have raised eyebrows. In 2018, he made a baseless accusation of “pedo guy” against a British diver who helped rescue a Thai soccer team trapped in a cave.
The unfounded insult was not only slanderous, but it also revealed Musk’s propensity to lash out at critics in a deeply immature and irresponsible way. Such incidents highlight the danger of a man with immense power using his platform to target and defame individuals without any regard for the consequences.
Despite his demonstrated interest against child abuse, Musk’s almighty X is now a public platform shamelessly promoting pornographic content featuring minors in disguise of “free-speech”.
Perhaps most disturbing is Musk’s dismissal of transgender rights. He has been criticised for mocking gender pronouns and referring to people who use them as “weird”. His remarks sparked outrage amongst the transgender community, many of whom already face immense discrimination and hostility.
He disowned his transgender daughter by lying on public record that he was “tricked into signing papers” and dismissing the belief that she is a woman. Vivian Wilson, who is now 21, responded to her father’s claim stating that she is “legally recognised as a woman in the state of California” she does not concern herself with the opinions of those who are below her.
Musk’s attitude towards gender identity further reflects a lack of understanding and empathy for a marginalised group that is already under siege in many parts of the world. Instead of using his platform to educate and promote inclusivity, he chose to belittle those fighting for their right to exist freely.
Opening the dialogue of marginalisation based on diverse sexual identities, Musk has never been an open heart for the queer struggle. In fact, he once pinkwashed far-right German political party Alternative for Germany (AfD) by claiming that its co-Chair Alice Weidel is a woman who lives with her “same-sex Sri Lankan partner” in what he described as non-Hitleric and contradictory to far-right ideologies.
Calling Weidel’s partner, who is a Swiss citizen, “Sri Lankan” demonstrates a much sinister fume of the far-right policies unleashed before immigrants by the Trump administration.
Musk’s behaviour and rhetoric are undeniably problematic. Whilst his contributions to the tech industry are remarkable, they do not excuse the harm caused by his public persona.
His tendency to trivialise serious issues, dismiss marginalised voices, and spread misinformation highlights a dangerous disregard for the greater good.
It is time for Musk to recognise that true leadership goes beyond financial success; it requires accountability, empathy, and a commitment to making the world a better place for everyone, not just the privileged few.
January 05, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to hold a crucial meeting with the Attorney General (AG) tomorrow (06) to discuss the ongoing progress of several high-profile legal cases, according to sources.
The meeting is expected to focus on the status of various controversial and sensitive cases that have captured significant public attention in recent months.
The discussion is likely to delve into the challenges faced by the legal system, particularly in handling complex criminal cases, with both the President and the Attorney General addressing key concerns regarding the speed and efficiency of legal proceedings.
This meeting comes at a time when the country is grappling with increasing public interest in the outcomes of certain high-stakes cases, which involve serious criminal allegations and significant political implications.
One of the key promises made by the current regime upon its coming is serving justice to these long-overdue unresolved criminal cases.
In addition to discussing the specific cases, it is anticipated that the President and the Attorney General will also explore potential reforms and improvements to the legal and judicial processes to ensure that justice is served fairly and promptly.
January 05, Colombo (LNW): Recent reports circulating on social media have raised concerns about a rise in respiratory illnesses in northern China, particularly amongst children.
In response, Sri Lanka’s Health Promotion Bureau has provided an official update to clarify the situation and reassure the public.
According to Chinese health officials, the uptick in cases is linked to common respiratory viruses, including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and human metapneumovirus (HMPV).
Importantly, there has been no indication of any new or unusual pathogens behind the spike in cases, and these illnesses are being classified as part of seasonal trends.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has acknowledged that this increase is neither unexpected nor alarming, noting that similar patterns have been observed globally in different regions during this time of year.
Chinese authorities have further reassured the public, stating that the current surge in cases is less severe compared to previous years, and the healthcare system is effectively managing the patient influx.
Hospitals are reported to be coping well with the demand, and there is no evidence to suggest a more serious health threat.
In Sri Lanka, the situation is being closely monitored by local health authorities. Whilst there has been no direct impact on public health here, the Ministry of Health continues to stay updated on international developments to ensure the safety and well-being of the population.
Sri Lankan health experts stress that there is no cause for alarm, as the country has not witnessed any significant rise in similar respiratory illnesses thus far.
Public health officials are also reminding citizens to follow basic hygiene practices such as handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and maintaining good respiratory etiquette, especially during flu season, as a precautionary measure.
January 05, Colombo (LNW): The National Youth Services Council spent more than Rs. 320 million on the “Smart Youth Night” music concert series, a major event organised by the council, an audit has uncovered.
The expenditure was revealed as part of a thorough audit review conducted by the Youth Services Council itself, shedding light on the significant financial commitment involved in this initiative.
The concert series, which aimed to engage and entertain the youth across the country, was held in numerous locations, including the Maharagama National Youth Services Centre, as well as cities such as Galle, Ampara, Kuliyapitiya, Puttalam, Dambulla, Jaffna, Mahiyanganaya, Hatton, Higurakgoda, Bandarawela, Walisara, and notable venues like the Colombo Race Course and Khettarama Stadium.
These events were designed to attract young audiences with music performances and entertainment, aiming to provide a platform for youth involvement and social engagement.
At the time of the concert series, the National Youth Services Council was operating under the supervision of Harin Fernando, who held the position of Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports.
The audit report, along with a set of recommendations, has now been forwarded to the Secretary of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs for further review and consideration.
In light of these findings, Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara has directed that a formal investigation be launched to assess the details of the expenditure and determine whether the funds were allocated appropriately.
The probe will focus on understanding the full scope of the spending and whether it aligns with the intended goals of the concert series, while ensuring that the financial resources were utilised efficiently.
January 05, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Urban Development, Construction, and Housing has confirmed that it will resume work on housing schemes that had previously been put on hold.
In a statement, Ministry Secretary Ranjith Ariyaratne highlighted the government’s renewed commitment to ensuring that every citizen has access to secure home-ownership.
Ariyaratne further explained that the housing projects would be given top priority, in response to the identification of nearly one million individuals who currently lack access to adequate and comfortable housing.
Amongst these, approximately 65,000 people are residing within the urban confines of Colombo, where housing shortages have become an increasingly urgent issue.
The government plans to strategically launch these housing initiatives in areas where the demand is most critical, using comprehensive data from the national population and housing census to guide the selection of locations.
These projects aim to address both the quantity and quality of housing available, ensuring that developments are well-distributed across the country and tailored to the specific needs of each community.
By targeting both urban and rural areas, the government hopes to provide much-needed homes for the millions of Sri Lankans who have long struggled with inadequate living conditions.
January 05, Colombo (LNW): Litro Gas has confirmed that there will be no change to the prices of its domestic liquefied petroleum (LP) gas for the month of January, adhering to the company’s established pricing formula.
The announcement, made on January 04, comes as a relief to households across Sri Lanka, who will see no increase in their gas costs.
Chairman Channa Gunawardena revealed that the price structure introduced in December 2024 will remain in place for the foreseeable future.
As per the current rates, the price of a 12.5 kg gas cylinder will stay at Rs. 3,690, while the 5 kg cylinder will continue to be sold for Rs. 1,482. Smaller cylinders, such as the 2.3 kg variety, will retain their price of Rs. 694.
This decision is in line with the company’s ongoing efforts to ensure stability in the local market, despite fluctuations in global energy prices.
It remains to be seen whether the company will continue to uphold these prices in the coming months, or if external factors such as changes in global energy prices will prompt a future revision.
For now, the public can rely on the stability of their domestic gas costs, at least for January.
January 05, Colombo (LNW): As part of its ongoing commitment to the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, the Sri Lanka Police have introduced two new traffic enforcement programmes designed to reduce road accidents and alleviate congestion in the country.
The first of these initiatives focuses on addressing the growing issue of vehicle modifications that contribute to road hazards.
It targets vehicles that have been altered with loud horns, flashing lights, excessive modifications, noisy silencers, and other parts that pose an increased risk of accidents.
The operation aims to curtail these modifications, which often disrupt traffic flow and create dangerous conditions for both drivers and pedestrians.
The second initiative seeks to curb reckless driving by public transport buses. Plainclothes officers will be deployed to monitor and identify violations by bus drivers, such as over-speeding, dangerous overtaking, and failure to adhere to safety regulations.
By catching offenders in the act, the police hope to ensure greater compliance with traffic laws in this vital sector.
Both operations are set to run as a pilot programme from January 04 to 19.
The primary objective during this trial period is to raise public awareness and educate motorists on the dangers of vehicle modifications, as well as the importance of safe driving practices.
Officers will issue warnings rather than penalties during this phase, providing motorists with the opportunity to rectify any issues with their vehicles, including removing unauthorised alterations.
January 05, Colombo (LNW): A fresh proposal to establish a committee for assessing the wind energy ventures of the Adani Group in Sri Lanka will be presented at tomorrow’s Cabinet meeting (06), according to a spokesperson from the Ministry of Energy.
The focus of these projects is the development of wind power plants in the regions of Mannar and Poonaryn, both of which are expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the country’s renewable energy capacity.
The projects were initially approved under the previous government, with a tariff rate of 8.26 US cents per unit for the electricity generated.
However, the new administration has raised concerns about the terms of this agreement, prompting the proposal to re-evaluate its conditions.
The proposed committee will be tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of the agreement, examining whether the tariff and other terms are in the country’s best interest.
January 05, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Uva provinces and in Kaluthara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts during the afternoon or night.
Mainly fair weather will prevail in the other areas of the island.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and Uva provinces during the morning.
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:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the sea areas extending from Beruwala to Hambanthota via Matara during the afternoon or night. Mainly fair weather will prevail in the other sea areas around the island.
Winds:
Winds will be north-easterly in the sea areas around the island and speed will be (25-35) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to 50 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Mannar via Puttalam and Pottuvil to Hambanthota.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Mannar via Puttalam and Pottuvil to Hambanthota will be fairly rough at times. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
