December 29, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has launched initiatives to expand two key airports, aiming to enhance tourism and international connectivity.
Jaffna International Airport Expansion
The Airport and Aviation Services of Sri Lanka Ltd. (AASL) has invited Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the expansion of Jaffna International Airport (JIA) in Palali, targeting a January 29, 2025, deadline for submissions.
The plan is to upgrade the airport to accommodate larger aircraft, such as the Airbus A330, which has a passenger capacity of 280-330, compared to the current ATR aircraft that carries about 70 passengers.
Renamed as Jaffna International Airport in 2019 and declared Sri Lanka’s third international airport, JIA began operations with flights from Chennai.
The initial redevelopment was jointly funded by Sri Lanka and India. However, the airport currently handles only two to three flights per week. Sri Lanka hopes to attract more tourists from India and promote Jaffna as a growing tourist destination.
To ensure neutrality, proposals are restricted to consultancy firms or joint ventures from countries outside the Colombo Flight Information Region (FIR)—excluding India, the Maldives, Indonesia, and Australia—citing potential conflicts of interest.
Eligible bidders must have completed at least one feasibility study for an international airport in the last decade.
Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) Development
In parallel, AASL has extended the deadline to March 18, 2025, for Japanese firms to bid on Phase II Stage 2-Package A1 of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) Development Project.
Funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), this project involves constructing a main terminal building, two new piers, and related works, including an elevated roadway.
The project initially began in December 2020 under Japan’s Taisei Corporation, with a scheduled completion by December 2023. However, due to Sri Lanka’s economic crisis and JICA freezing funding, the project was terminated in December 2022, with only six percent progress achieved.
Now back on track following Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring efforts, the re-advertised tender seeks to complete the remaining work using materials and equipment already procured by Taisei.
The BIA expansion is anticipated to take 30 months once the contract is awarded. While Sri Lanka is utilizing an existing JICA loan to fund the construction, it has requested additional financing, which is currently under review by the Japanese government and JICA.
These strategic developments aim to bolster Sri Lanka’s aviation infrastructure, stimulate tourism, and support economic recovery.
December 29, Colombo (LNW): As of today (29), Sri Lanka Customs has successfully cleared a total of 75,000 metric tonnes of imported rice, following the government’s decision to temporarily waive import permits in response to the ongoing rice shortage.
The move, which was implemented on December 03, 2024, aimed to mitigate the effects of adverse weather conditions that have significantly impacted local rice production.
Media Spokesperson and Additional Director General of Sri Lanka Customs Seevali Arukgoda said the imported rice consists of 32,000 metric tonnes of Samba rice and 43,000 metric tonnes of Nadu rice.
These shipments are part of a larger effort to ensure the steady availability of rice in local markets and alleviate supply chain pressures caused by the recent production shortfalls.
Arukgoda also assured that further steps are being taken to speed up the clearance process for additional rice imports, with the government working closely with Customs to facilitate the swift release of remaining shipments.
The decision to ease import regulations has been welcomed by many, as it provides a vital lifeline to the local market, helping to stabilise prices and ensure adequate supply for consumers.
December 29, Colombo (LNW): The Indonesian naval vessel KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda-367 docked at the Port of Colombo yesterday (28), marking the beginning of an official visit to Sri Lanka.
The ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy with full naval honours, in line with longstanding naval customs and traditions.
The KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda-367 is a state-of-the-art warship measuring 90.71 metres in length, and it is manned by a dedicated crew of 120 personnel.
The ship is under the command of Commander Anugerah Annurullah, who is leading the ship’s operations during its visit to Sri Lanka.
Throughout their stay in Colombo, the crew will have the opportunity to explore some of Sri Lanka’s most renowned tourist sites, deepening cultural ties between the two nations.
The visit is expected to further enhance the strong relationship between the Sri Lanka Navy and the Indonesian Navy, built on mutual cooperation and shared maritime interests.
The KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda-367 is scheduled to conclude its official visit and depart from Sri Lankan waters on 30th December.
December 29, Colombo (LNW): The police have concluded their investigations into the 13 candidates who failed to submit their income and expenditure reports following the presidential election.
These reports, a requirement under the Regulation of Election Expenditure Act, have now been finalised and are set to be forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department for further action.
Senior Superintendent of Police Buddhika Manatunga, the official spokesperson for the police, confirmed that the completed reports will be handed over to the legal authorities shortly.
It is expected that once the Attorney General’s Department receives the documents, a decision will be made regarding the next steps, which may include legal proceedings.
The failure of these 13 candidates to submit their financial disclosures has raised significant concerns, as the law mandates the submission of such reports to ensure transparency and accountability during electoral processes.
As per the Regulation of Election Expenditure Act, this non-compliance has prompted the filing of a case against the candidates, who now face the possibility of legal consequences for their actions.
December 29, Colombo (LNW): The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the first set of shortlists for the ICC Awards 2024, highlighting the most promising talents in global cricket.
Amongst the nominees for the prestigious Emerging Men’s and Women’s Cricketer of the Year awards, Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis stands out, alongside top performers from around the world who made significant strides in international cricket throughout 2024.
The list of nominees for the ICC Emerging Men’s Cricketer of the Year features four outstanding young players, each of whom has showcased exceptional skills across various formats of the game.
England’s Gus Atkinson, who has had an impressive start to his Test career, is joined by Pakistan’s multi-format prodigy Saim Ayub, West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph, and Sri Lanka’s own Kamindu Mendis.
Mendis, a talented all-rounder, has captured attention with his remarkable batting and all-around performances, solidifying his place as a rising star in Sri Lankan cricket.
Meanwhile, the contenders for the ICC Emerging Women’s Cricketer of the Year include some of the most exciting young talents in women’s cricket.
South Africa’s Annerie Dercksen, Scotland’s Saskia Horley, India’s Shreyanka Patil, and Ireland’s Freya Sargent are all in the running for the award, with each having made a significant impact in the international arena during the past year.
The ICC Awards 2024 will celebrate 12 individual honours, with shortlists for nine categories being revealed from 28 to 30 December.
These nominations are based on the players’ remarkable achievements in international cricket throughout the year, with a specialist panel of cricket writers and broadcasters selecting the nominees.
Fans of the game now have the opportunity to vote for their favourite Emerging players at www.icc-cricket.com. Voting results will be combined with selections from the ICC Voting Academy, a panel of international cricket media, to determine the winners in each category.
As the nominations for other prestigious awards such as the ICC Men’s and Women’s Associate Cricketers of the Year, as well as the ICC Umpire of the Year, are expected to be revealed shortly, the cricketing community eagerly anticipates the final results.
Additionally, the ICC Voting Academy will also select the ICC Men’s and Women’s Teams of the Year, which will recognise the top performing XIs across international cricket.
The winners of the ICC Awards 2024 will be announced in late January 2025, with fans and players alike looking forward to celebrating the standout performances that have defined the year in cricket.
December 29, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake convened a high-level meeting at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (28) with the heads of key agencies responsible for national border security, including the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka Customs, and Airport and Aviation Services.
The discussion, which tackled a range of pressing issues, centred on strengthening measures to curb the illegal flow of narcotics and prohibited substances into the country, addressing corruption and irregularities within airport operations, and preventing the unlawful departure of individuals from Sri Lanka, according to a statement by the President’s Media Division (PMD).
A significant outcome of the meeting was President Dissanayake’s directive to implement a comprehensive and state-of-the-art monitoring system.
The proposed system will include an integrated network of surveillance cameras and a shared observation room that will be accessible to all three agencies involved.
This initiative aims to enhance coordination and ensure better oversight, making it harder for illicit activities to go undetected.
The President also underlined the importance of modernising the current security processes at the nation’s airports.
He called for the urgent replacement of outdated scanning technology with more advanced and effective scanners to combat smuggling and enhance the detection of contraband.
Such modern equipment, he stated, would be vital in ensuring the safety of both the country’s borders and its people.
Moreover, President Dissanayake raised concerns about the negative image that has become associated with Sri Lanka Customs.
He stressed that urgent reforms were needed to address corruption within the agency, with a clear emphasis on enforcing strict disciplinary actions and implementing robust legal frameworks.
The goal is to restore public trust in Customs and demonstrate the government’s commitment to transparency and integrity.
The meeting was attended by several key government figures, including Vijitha Herath, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism; Ananda Wijepala, the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs; Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President; Sarath Nonis, the Director General of Customs; BMD Nilusha Balasuriya, Acting Controller General of Immigration and Emigration; and Air Chief Marshal Harsha Abeywickrama, Chairman of Airport & Aviation Services Sri Lanka (Private) Ltd.
December 29, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan government is embarking on a comprehensive reform of its teacher training system, with an ambitious plan to integrate cutting-edge digital technologies into the country’s education sector.
Backed by a grant from China, the initiative will unify the nation’s 19 existing teacher training colleges into a single, advanced digital network, ultimately forming the Sri Lanka University of Education (SLUE).
SLUE is set to become a key institution in producing highly skilled educators who can lead the transformation of Sri Lanka’s education system in the digital age.
The university’s vision is to establish a “Smart University,” positioning itself as a leader in global education innovation.
This strategic move is aligned with the government’s broader goals of advancing digital transformation across the country’s educational landscape, empowering future teachers with the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive in the modern world.
One of the core objectives of SLUE is to enhance the digital proficiency of educators, equipping them with the skills required to create dynamic, technology-driven classrooms.
The project is expected to have a far-reaching impact on both the Sri Lankan economy and society, cultivating an environment where innovation and adaptability are central to the educational experience.
By fostering digital literacy among teachers, the initiative aims to transform the way education is delivered, making it more accessible, engaging, and relevant to the needs of today’s learners.
The roll-out of the program will be carried out in stages to ensure its successful implementation and integration across the nation’s campuses:
Pilot Phase: Testing essential systems, including a Learning Management System (LMS) and smart classrooms, to iron out any initial issues.
Year One: Laying the groundwork for digital infrastructure, including the establishment of high-speed SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) connections and the setup of smart classrooms equipped for distance learning.
Phase Two: Expanding the use of smart classrooms and centralising distance learning platforms, with a focus on achieving full Wi-Fi coverage across all campuses.
Phase Three and Four: Further development will see the introduction of biometric access control systems and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered educational tools to personalise learning experiences and enhance data-driven analysis.
Final Phases: Continued innovation through global partnerships and research, ensuring SLUE remains at the forefront of educational technology.
The development of SLUE is part of a wider drive to digitise the entire educational system in Sri Lanka. A key component of this transformation is the “Policy for Digital Transformation of Education,” introduced in May 2023.
This policy outlines the government’s commitment to providing both students and educators with essential digital tools and fostering digital literacy at all levels of schooling.
It also prioritises investments in infrastructure, teacher training, and ensuring that all students have access to the necessary devices.
In addition, Sri Lanka has secured further support for its digital education agenda from the Chinese government. In July 2024, China agreed to fund the provision of 1,000 smart boards to be distributed across schools in Sri Lanka.
This generous donation is part of China’s ongoing assistance to Sri Lanka in achieving its digital education goals.
December 28, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Rugby League tournament proceeds in blatant disregard for the constitution, ethical standards, and established tournament regulations. We believe this situation has emerged as a result of years of interference by politicians, senior officials of the Sports Ministry and the Development Department, and individuals operating under political protection and foreign influence. Despite lacking formal recognition in Sri Lanka, these individuals have seized control of rugby, evading accountability and investigation into their actions.
As a result, the ongoing events in the current First Division League clearly demonstrate that wrongdoing and a disregard for ethical and moral principles have become widespread and normalized.
Currently, the administration of rugby was handed over to the Director General of Sports to be selected by the voting group, who are its owners. Instead of resolving it quickly and handing it over, he was trying with a group of people involved in the field to change everything in rugby with the power he temporarily received. The Director General’s dream team has had to back down because the new Sports Minister and Deputy Minister did not approve it, and the courts also gave the necessary rulings for the sake of justice.
However, since the National League tournament was launched under the leadership of the Director General, whose understanding of the practical conditions in this field is limited, a detrimental situation has unfolded. Certain individuals, whom he appointed and entrusted with responsibilities, have pursued their own agendas, undermining his reputation and position. If someone with no knowledge of cooking is appointed as a chef and uses ingredients at their discretion, the responsibility for any resulting issues such as diarrhea, nutritional deficiencies, and a decline in taste and quality falls on that individual. It is becoming clear from the events that are unfolding that the Director General has fallen into a state of enjoying the pain of taking on the mistakes of others as his own.
When a mistake occurs that affects the structure of a tournament, one or more teams cannot resolve the issue amicably at their own level, except by going to the tournament committee and resolving it in accordance with the tournament rules. Any legal violations that occur must be documented for the competition organizing committee and administration, ensuring that appropriate action can be taken either immediately or at a later time.
There is nothing wrong with such amicable agreements being reached before the match committee or a special investigation committee. However, the issue arises when resolutions are made without involving these bodies. The entire blame for this cannot be placed on the sports clubs. This is especially true for those who, like blind men, have attempted to organize the tournament with an arrogant desire to showcase their abilities, while neglecting the establishment of a proper rugby administration.
We know that rugby has never been a sport that overlooks offenses without consequence. This is why we are calling for punishments to be enforced today for past offenses. If the current situation in rugby, where the Director General himself bears responsibility, allows issues to be resolved without acknowledging the mistakes, then the fairness we expect in rugby remains nothing more than a dream and a mirage.
It is equally absurd to award the victory of the now abandoned Army-Police competition to the Army. A re-investigation into that decision is necessary, as it was made without considering the actual situation on the ground at the time. Not only is this decision unfair to the police, but it also risks discrediting the Army.
Each team in this league will be focused on maintaining the health and fitness of their team throughout the tournament. It is conceivable that the weather conditions may have also contributed to the Army Ground being in a dangerous condition for the game, at a time when a sport that requires a lot of effort has been affected by rainy conditions.
The police players, who entered the match with more of a refusal than a warning given the circumstances, did not return to the field for the second half amid heavy rain. They handed the situation over to the match commissioner, who, despite having verbally approved the conditions, ultimately awarded the match to the Army. This decision has unfortunately sparked significant controversy. If the opinions of the referees and the match commissioner are taken into account, and they honestly express their views on the incident, the correct facts will be presented about whether the conditions on that day were suitable for playing rugby and the dangers of the field. This was unnecessary, as the relevant match officials had agreed with both teams to reschedule the match for the following day. However, the Army later refused to play the match.
Although all of these considerations are limited to our investigation into the match, it is important to note that the chairman of the disciplinary committee responsible for this decision is Nimal Krishnaratne, a retired Army Major General. Even though retired DIG M.R. Latif was there, they should have kept quiet by handing over this investigation to others instead of these two.
Had that been the case, it is clear that this decision, though unfair, would have received a more credible and justifiable explanation. The intention here is not to target the Major General or make accusations. The recklessness shown in unethical and unethical behavior. The disregard for it and the lack of understanding to listen to the action, at least when it is reported to the higher authorities.
In this context, it is crucial for the newly appointed board of officials overseeing Sri Lankan rugby to make decisions directly, ensuring that the sport is governed with discipline and respect. They must restore rugby, which has now become stray, to its rightful place. It is important to reconsider the questionable and controversial decisions made regarding the ongoing rugby tournament. Even if the matter does not escalate to punishment, expulsion, or a ban, issuing a warning letter about potential consequences for future offenses and making it valid for the next two or three years would be a prudent step.
These measures should be applied universally, whether to a sports club, player, or official involved in rugby at any level, particularly at the professional level.
*Adapted from original article, “අයාලේ සරණ රගර්” by Nishman Ranasinghe published on 28/12/2024.
December 29, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Northern, North-central, Eastern and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota and Matale districts, with showers or thundershowers being expected to occur at several places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara, Nuwara-Eliya and Kandy districts during the evening or night, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (29).
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:
Shower will occur at several places in the sea areas extending from Mannar to Batticaloa via Kankasanthurai and Trincomalee. Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the other sea areas around the island during the evening or night.
Winds:
Winds will be north-easterly in the sea areas around the island and speed will be (20-30) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to (40-45) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Trincomalee via Puttalam and Kankasanthurai.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Trincomalee via Puttalam and Kankasanthurai may be fairly rough at times. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met with officials from the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka Customs, and Airport and Aviation Services on December 28 to discuss preventing narcotics entry, curbing corruption, and halting unauthorised departures: He proposed an integrated camera system, advanced scanners, and strict measures to restore public confidence in Sri Lanka Customs: The meeting included key ministers and officials.
The Ilankai Thamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) has appointed former MP Mavai Senathirajah as the head of its Central Committee and C. V. K. Sivagnanam as the Acting Leader: These decisions were made during the ITAK Central Committee meeting in Vavuniya on December 28: However, the appointments will remain in effect only until the next Central Committee meeting, according to MP Gnanamuththu Srineshan.
Sulochana Gamage, a former Western Provincial Council member, and a businessman were arrested by the Bribery Commission in Pitakotte for allegedly accepting a Rs. 9 million bribe: The bribe was intended to expedite compensation for land acquired by the Urban Development Authority: The Hulftsdorp Additional Magistrate ordered their remand in custody until January 6, 2025, following their arrest on bribery charges.
Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa highlighted that Sri Lanka loses significant foreign exchange due to the import and prescription of unnecessary drugs: Addressing the growing issue of antibiogram resistance, which has caused around 2,300 deaths in Sri Lanka, the Minister emphasised the need for immediate action: The government plans to adopt scientific solutions and introduce laws to regulate drug imports and prescriptions to mitigate this health and economic issue.
The Sri Lankan government has decided to revamp the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID), transforming it into a fully-fledged investigative body under a senior DIG, similar to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID): Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala announced that a new Central Crime Investigation Bureau will oversee all criminal investigative units, aiming to streamline operations and clear a backlog of 29,000 CID complaints.
Sri Lankan Ambassador for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Bandula Wijay, advocates for establishing a medical school in Sri Lanka operating under the U.S. curriculum, similar to prestigious institutions like Harvard and Stanford: He believes this will boost foreign revenue and position Sri Lanka as a hub for higher education: Dr. Wijay also called for a think tank of U.S. and Sri Lankan experts to guide the country’s development and proposed a fund to finance innovative start-ups: He emphasised the importance of creating curricula that foster problem-solving and entrepreneurial skills in Sri Lankan youth.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has summoned Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the second son of ex-President Mahinda Rajapaksa, to provide a statement about the ownership of a government-owned land in Kataragama: This follows a statement given by Major Neville Wanniarachchi, the former personal security officer of Mahinda Rajapaksa, on December 27: Yoshitha is scheduled to appear before the CID on January 3 for the ongoing investigation.
The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has set new maximum retail prices (MRP) for certain canned fish, effective immediately: Under this directive, manufacturers, packers, distributors, and traders are prohibited from selling canned fish above the specified prices: The new MRPs are: Rs. 380 for 425g Tuna, Rs. 180 for 155g Tuna, Rs. 420 for 425g Mackerel, and Rs. 560 for 425g Jack Mackerel.
T. Nandana Thilaka, the newly-appointed Chairman of Lanka Salt Company, has urged the public to avoid panic-buying and hoarding salt amidst rumours of a shortage: He reassured that the current salt supply is sufficient, with 6,000 metric tonnes in stock to last until January, and plans to import 30,000 metric tonnes: Thilaka also addressed the decline in salt production, attributing it to neglect of the Jaffna salt pans, but announced development activities will begin in mid-January, with production expected by March 2025.
The ICC announced the first shortlists for the 2024 ICC Awards, featuring nominees for the Emerging Men’s and Women’s Cricketer of the Year: The men’s shortlist includes Gus Atkinson (ENG), Saim Ayub (PAK), Shamar Joseph (WI), and Kamindu Mendis (SL): The women’s shortlist includes Annerie Dercksen (SA), Saskia Horley (SCO), Shreyanka Patil (IND), and Freya Sargent (IRE): Voting is open to fans, and winners will be announced in January 2025.
