October 12, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s scenic beauty has long attracted visitors from India, with tourists flocking to its picturesque landscapes. Recently, an Indian film crew has taken over a section of Sri Lanka’s railway tracks to shoot a movie, temporarily halting train services on this iconic route. The filming is taking place on the rail track near the Nine Arch Bridge, situated between Ella and Demodara.

Currently, the train journey from Colombo Fort to Badulla has been interrupted, with trains only running up to the Ella Railway Station. The Sri Lanka Railways has announced that the track section from Ella to Badulla will remain closed from October 9 to 15. 

This closure has been implemented to facilitate the filming of a joint Indo-Sri Lankan cinema project, produced by NE Commercial Group of Companies (Pvt) Ltd., a leading film production company in Sri Lanka.

The production company has paid Rs. 23 million to the Sri Lanka Railway Department for the use of the railway track, according to Railways Deputy General Manager (DGM) N.J. Indipolage. 

The project has received approval from Sri Lanka’s Transport Ministry, with the intention of boosting tourism to the island once the film is released.

Sri Lanka’s geographical allure has always been a point of attraction for India, and this film project is seen as another step in strengthening the tourism bond between the two nations. 

However, the diplomatic relationship between India and Sri Lanka has often been marked by complexities, including disputes over fishing rights, proposals for infrastructure projects like the Adam’s Bridge, and the controversial Seethusamudram Shipping Canal Project. These issues have occasionally strained the ties between the two countries.

Despite the promising objective of promoting Sri Lanka’s tourism through this film, questions arise about India’s motivations. The project may undoubtedly spotlight Sri Lanka’s breathtaking landscapes, but it’s essential to scrutinize whether India stands to gain something more substantial in return.

 The project’s true impact on tourism remains to be seen, and many in Sri Lanka are cautiously observing how the film’s narrative will depict the island.

The film in question features the Odyssey Train, which typically offers travelers a seven-hour, 20-minute scenic journey from Colombo to Badulla. 

The storyline and theme of the film have yet to be disclosed. Comparisons have been made to Hollywood films like “Rambo,” which have historically reshaped narratives for various ends. In a similar vein, it remains uncertain how this movie will present Sri Lanka’s culture and landscape.

For the time being, train passengers between Colombo and Badulla must adjust their travel plans. During the filming period, train services will be restricted to the Ella station, and a bus service will be provided for passengers traveling between Ella and Bandarawela. These adjustments will remain in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily until October 15.

 While the collaboration between India and Sri Lanka on this cinema project has stirred curiosity, it has also highlighted the challenges of balancing development initiatives with the convenience of local communities.

The final judgment on this project’s value to Sri Lanka will depend on the film’s success in attracting tourists and how it portrays the island nation on the global stage. Until then, Sri Lankans and tourists alike will have to make do with temporary changes to one of the country’s most scenic train routes.

October 12, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s workers’ remittances amounted to USD 555.6 million in September 2024, reflecting a slight decrease compared to the USD 577.5 million recorded in August 2024. Despite the monthly decline, this figure marks a significant improvement from September 2023, when remittances stood at USD 482.4 million, showcasing year-on-year growth. The continued inflow of remittances remains crucial for the country’s foreign exchange reserves and economic stability.

October 12, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Police have introduced a special hotline, ‘1997,’ for the public to report any misuse or neglect of government-owned vehicles. In a statement issued by police headquarters, citizens are urged to provide information about government vehicles unlawfully hidden or abandoned in various locations, leading to their deterioration.

The hotline is operational 24/7, and the police assure complete confidentiality for those who provide tips, with the option to remain anonymous. However, the police emphasize the importance of accuracy, warning that legal action will be taken against individuals who provide false information.

1. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials of the Ministry of Finance to take necessary action to provide a monthly interim allowance of Rs. 3,000 to all pensioners, from next week. After reviewing the delay in adding the Rs. 3,000 allowance to the October pension, the President directed that this amount be credited to the pensioners’ accounts within the next week.
2. The nominations from 690 recognised political parties and independent groups were accepted nationwide for the 2024 General Election, the National Election Commission announced. According to the Election Commission, 74 nomination papers were rejected due to various reasons.
3. A consignment of canned fish, containing the toxic heavy metal ‘Arsenic’, has been found from the Customs storage complex in Orugodawatte. The Department of Government Information said in a statement that the consignment of five containers is valued at USD 215,000.
4. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that he had a productive virtual discussion today with USAID Administrator Samantha Power, exploring future cooperation and how USAID can support Sri Lanka’s development initiatives.
5. The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), DIG Rohan Premaratne has been transferred to serve as the DIG of Western Province (North). At the same time, DIG P. Ampavila has been transferred to the CID Range to serve as its new DIG.
6. Sri Lanka Police are requesting the public to call the special hotline ‘1997’ to provide any information regarding the misuse of the government-owned vehicles. The police headquarters requests the public to report any information related to the vehicles issued by the government for various official purposes that may have been unlawfully concealed in certain locations or have been neglected after being parked in certain places and left to dilapidate.
7. Sunil Keerthi Nanayakkara, Operations Director of Consumer Action Network Mental Health Lanka (CAN MH Lanka), presented a butterfly logo to the Prime Minister in honor of World Mental Health Day, which falls on October 10, 2024. CAN MH Lanka, established in 2012, advocates for mental health awareness and education. This year’s World Mental Health Day, themed “Mental Health at Work,” focuses on promoting mental well-being in the workplace.
8. Two Sri Lankan peacekeepers stationed with the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon have been injured after a nearby village was targeted by an Israeli airstrike, Sri Lanka’s Military Spokesperson confirmed. He stated that the two Sri Lankan Army personnel attached to the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon sustained minor injuries when Israeli tanks fired at a watchtower in Naqoura, Lebanon
9. Workers’ remittances amounted to USD 555.6 million in September 2024, reflecting a slight decrease compared to the USD 577.5 million recorded in August. However, the figure marks an improvement from September 2023, when remittances stood at USD 482.4 million.
10. The Premier Hockey League (PHL) Sri Lanka 2024, an exciting new addition to the nation’s sports calendar, organized by the Next Generation Development Hockey Society, will begin today (Saturday) at the newly renovated Polytan blue artificial Astro Turf in Reid Avenue, Colombo. The opening ceremony will take place at 5:30 p m, with the tournament running until November 10.

October 12, Colombo (LNW): The current showery conditions are expected to continue over the south-western part of Sri Lanka, as a result of an atmospheric disturbance in the vicinity of the island.

Showers or thundershowers are forecasted at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North-western, and Central provinces. Heavy rainfall, approximately 100 mm, is likely in some areas of the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces, as well as in Galle and Matara districts.

Other areas of the island may experience showers or thundershowers during the evening or night, with fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 75 mm expected in certain locations.

Additionally, strong winds ranging from 30-40 km/h can be anticipated in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North-western, and Central provinces.

The public is advised to take necessary precautions to minimize damage from localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

October 11, Colombo (LNW): The All Ceylon Traditional Coconut Oil Producers’ Association (ACTCOPA) has issued a warning to the public, urging vigilance regarding the sale of toxic coconut oil being sold loose in the market. The association has advised consumers to purchase only branded coconut oil that includes a label clearly identifying the manufacturer.

Addressing a media conference in Colombo on Monday (7), ACTCOPA convenor Buddhika de Silva cautioned consumers about misleading statements concerning the quality of imported coconut oil. He criticized a senior Public Health Inspector for wrongly claiming that imported coconut oil is of high quality and thoroughly tested. Silva argued that this statement misleads the public, pointing out that imported coconut oil often lacks proper scientific testing and may contain harmful substances.

Silva highlighted that artificially refined, used coconut oil contains heavy metals and can contribute to the development of non-communicable diseases. He questioned how imported coconut oil could be deemed high quality without comprehensive scientific verification.

Thushara Wijesinghe and S.K.B. Jayaweera, both representing ACTCOPA, also participated in the media briefing. They echoed Silva’s concerns, calling for greater scrutiny and consumer awareness to avoid health risks posed by poor-quality coconut oil.

October 11, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s economy has stabilised, with growth projected to reach 4.4% in 2024, surpassing earlier forecasts, according to the World Bank’s bi-annual Sri Lanka Development Update report, titled Opening Up to the Future, released yesterday.

This optimistic outlook follows four consecutive quarters of economic growth, primarily driven by the industrial and tourism sectors, and supported by critical structural and policy reforms, the report highlighted. However, it cautioned that the recovery remains fragile, hinging on maintaining macroeconomic stability, successful debt restructuring, and continuing reforms to enhance medium-term growth and reduce poverty.

Key reforms aimed at boosting exports, attracting foreign investment, increasing female labour force participation, and improving productivity are essential for fostering more inclusive and sustainable growth. Addressing challenges such as poverty, food insecurity, and financial sector vulnerabilities are also critical.

The report emphasised Sri Lanka’s potential for higher, sustained growth through trade, with an estimated untapped export potential of US$10 billion annually. This expansion could generate around 142,500 new jobs, particularly in manufacturing, services, and agriculture, provided necessary reforms are undertaken.

“Sri Lanka’s recent economic stabilisation, marked by four quarters of growth and a current account surplus in 2023, is a significant milestone,” said David Sislen, World Bank Regional Country Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. He added that the country now has a real opportunity to realise its export potential and deepen its integration into global value chains, fostering jobs and long-term growth.

Looking ahead, the report projects a modest 3.5% growth in 2025, followed by a more gradual path in the medium term due to lingering effects of the economic crisis. Poverty is expected to decline slowly but remain above 20% until 2026.

Inflation is likely to stay below the Central Bank’s target of 5% in 2024, with a gradual increase as demand picks up. The current account is expected to remain in surplus, driven by tourism and remittances.

The report is a companion piece to the South Asia Development Update, which projects the region’s growth at 6.4% for 2024, making it the fastest-growing emerging market and developing economy (EMDE) region in the world. Increasing women’s participation in the labour force and enhancing trade and investment are seen as key drivers for even faster growth and achieving the region’s development goals.

October 11, Colombo (LNW): The Postal Department issued a statement on Thursday (10) addressing false reports circulating regarding postage stamps featuring Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Minister Vijitha Herath.

The clarification explained that the stamps were part of a set of personalized postage stamps presented as commemorative souvenirs to the Prime Minister and Minister Herath, who served as chief guest and special guest, respectively, at a ceremony celebrating the 150th anniversary of World Post Day on Wednesday.

The Postal Department emphasized that these stamps fall under the personalized stamp category, which is distinct from the official commemorative stamps marking the 150th anniversary of the Universal Postal Union and World Post Day 2024.

The department further clarified that it is a longstanding tradition to present personalized stamps as souvenirs during special events. Additionally, any Sri Lankan citizen is legally allowed to create personalized stamps through the Postal Department for a nominal fee using an image of their choice.

The department condemned the distortion and misrepresentation of the personalized stamps on social media, noting that they were inaccurately linked to the official World Post Day commemorative stamps.

October 11, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka and Pakistan explored opportunities for collaboration in the development of Sri Lanka’s livestock sector as a strategy to address rural poverty during a meeting between Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Maj. Gen. Faheem Ul Aziz, and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat on October 10.

High Commissioner Aziz extended his congratulations on President Dissanayake’s recent election victory and conveyed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations. During the meeting, the High Commissioner delivered a letter of congratulations from Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari, who highlighted the strong ties between the two nations, emphasizing shared values such as democracy, pluralism, and rule of law.

Discussions focused on expanding the political, security, and educational cooperation between the two countries. Notably, Pakistan pledged continued support in the defence sector and expressed interest in expanding its scholarship program for Sri Lankan students, particularly in the fields of agriculture and information technology.

The meeting highlighted the deepening relationship between the two countries and emphasized the importance of collaboration in livestock development to help alleviate rural poverty in Sri Lanka.