October 01, Colombo (LNW): An internal investigation conducted by the Police Headquarters has revealed that the ‘Yukthiya’ operation, aimed at curbing drug-related activities, has fallen short of its intended goals.

The operation, which was widely publicised, failed to produce a noticeable increase in drug-related arrests compared to previous years, according to senior officers.

Senior police officials have reported to the Acting Inspector General of Police that the operation largely appeared to be a media spectacle rather than a successful law enforcement initiative.

They pointed out that instead of targeting high-level drug dealers, many of the individuals arrested during the operation were people with past involvement in drug trafficking, but who had since moved away from the illegal trade.

This has raised concerns about the validity and fairness of the arrests, with claims that many of those detained were simply drug users rather than key figures in the drug trade.

Further concerns were raised over the inclusion of drugs seized by the Navy during off-shore raids, which were presented as part of the ‘Yukthiya’ operation.

This, according to sources, contributed to a misleading narrative about the success of the initiative.

Additionally, the investigation has highlighted the disruption caused to routine police duties, as officers were redirected to focus on ‘Yukthiya’.

The operation, believed by some to have been politically motivated, diverted significant resources from regular police work, affecting law enforcement activities at local police stations.

In response to the growing concerns, the Acting Inspector General has since returned officers involved in the operation to their standard duties.

Despite the reported shortcomings of ‘Yukthiya’, the Police Headquarters has affirmed that efforts to combat drug trafficking and organised crime remain ongoing in a structured and organised manner.

Meanwhile, both the National Police Commission and the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission (HRCSL) have received numerous complaints from individuals claiming they were wrongfully arrested during the operation.

These complaints add to the growing scrutiny of the initiative and its impact on citizens.

The ‘Yukthiya’ operation, initially launched with the promise of tackling the underworld drug trade, now faces questions over its execution and effectiveness, casting doubt on the overall strategy employed to address one of Sri Lanka’s most pressing issues.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 01, Colombo (LNW): Applications for postal voting in Sri Lanka’s upcoming General Election, scheduled for November 14, are now being accepted.

The Election Commission announced that postal voting applications will be open until October 8, offering a week-long window for eligible voters to submit their requests.

This year’s election will use the 2024 certified voter list, which has now been made accessible across all electoral divisions.

To ensure convenience for postal voters, the Commission has arranged for these lists to be displayed at various public locations, including District and Divisional Secretariats, Grama Niladhari offices, and other selected venues.

In addition to being available at these physical locations, postal voting applications can be obtained free of charge from District Election Offices or downloaded from the Election Commission’s official website.

The Commission emphasised the importance of submitting applications on time, noting that all forms must be handed over to the relevant District Returning Officer by the October 8 deadline.

October 01, Colombo (LNW): The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has called for the resignation of United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe as a key condition for forming an electoral alliance ahead of the upcoming General Election.

Former MP Harshana Rajakaruna stated that the SJB is open to integrating UNP members into its ranks, but only if Wickremesinghe steps down.

Rajakaruna made it clear that UNP members should consider aligning with the SJB rather than staying with the UNP under its current leadership.

“Those still supporting Mr Wickremesinghe can remain in Sirikotha, but we invite the majority of UNPers to join the SJB. We have repeatedly asked Mr Wickremesinghe to resign, but he has yet to do so,” Rajakaruna explained during a briefing.

He also expressed doubts about whether the UNP leadership would be handed over to the SJB even if Wickremesinghe were to step aside.

At the same time, a grassroots movement within the UNP is reportedly gathering momentum, with resolutions in favour of Wickremesinghe continuing as party leader being passed in several districts, including Galle.

UNP Chairman Vajira Abeywardena offered a different perspective, advocating for the formation of a common opposition alliance as the most viable strategy for the General Election.

“Given the current political landscape, uniting opposition parties would be the best course of action. This approach would strengthen our position and provide a unified front for the General Election,” Abeywardena said.

He added that, in light of the main opposition’s prolonged inability to secure power in the last seven decades, a common alliance could offer a new pathway forward.

The UNP is currently exploring the possibility of reaching consensus with other opposition parties to contest as a collective force, and further details are expected to be shared in the coming weeks.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 01, Colombo (LNW): Marking World Children’s Day, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reaffirmed his government’s commitment to nurturing the well-being of children by addressing the barriers that stifle their growth and happiness.

In a heartfelt message, he expressed the government’s vision to reclaim the carefree and joyful childhood that every child deserves, while also ensuring that harmful social prejudices and the pressures of exam-centric education are tackled head-on.

The President highlighted a range of critical issues affecting children today, including poverty, malnutrition, inadequate healthcare, environmental degradation, and the widening gap in educational opportunities.

He also pointed to the dangers posed by substance abuse and the misuse of technology, both of which can have lasting negative effects on children’s development.

Dissanayake underscored the need to free children from the burdens that hinder their psychosocial development, with a renewed focus on fostering a supportive and enriching environment.

“By nurturing a generation of children who are healthy in both mind and spirit, we will raise compassionate, independent, and imaginative individuals who will contribute to a brighter and more harmonious future,” he said.

The President further outlined the government’s priorities, which include promoting economic stability to uplift families out of poverty, fostering a culture of mutual trust and respect within communities, and protecting the nation’s environmental heritage.

He emphasised the importance of holistic support for children’s development, where kindness, acceptance, and personal freedom are key to shaping well-rounded individuals. In addition, he called for political transformation to ensure these goals are met.

In this new “renaissance era,” as President Dissanayake termed it, the government is committed to not only addressing children’s immediate needs but also cultivating a society that encourages curiosity, creativity, and empathy in the next generation.

Full Statement:

World Children’s Day 2024

The future belongs to our children.

Let’s dedicate ourselves to creating a better world for them.

We have identified several significant challenges facing today’s children, including poverty, malnutrition, inadequate health and sanitation, environmental degradation, educational disparities, social inequalities, and the risks associated with substance abuse and technology misuse.

Our mission in this renaissance era is to free children from harmful prejudices and social effects, and the pressures of exam-focused education, which hinder their psychosocial development. We aim to reclaim the joyful, carefree childhood that every child deserves.

By nurturing a generation of children who are healthy both in mind and spirit, we can foster compassionate, independent, and imaginative individuals who will shape a better future.

To achieve this, we are committed to promoting economic freedom, fostering human kindness, building mutual trust, and encouraging respect and acceptance within society. Additionally, we prioritize the protection of our rich environmental heritage and advocate for necessary political transformation.

This is a shared responsibility for all of us!

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 01, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued an urgent advisory, instructing Sri Lankan citizens to refrain from travelling to Lebanon and Syria due to the escalating conflict in the region.

The directive comes in response to growing volatility, with heightened security risks across both countries.

Sri Lankan nationals currently residing in Lebanon and Syria are being strongly advised to exercise extreme caution, limiting their movements outside and staying in close contact with the Sri Lankan diplomatic missions.

The Foreign Ministry emphasised that individuals should maintain regular communication with the Sri Lankan Embassy in Beirut or the Honorary Consul in Damascus to ensure their safety.

To facilitate emergency assistance, the ministry provided key contact points. In Lebanon, Sri Lankans can reach out to Mr. Sanath Balasuriya and Ms. Priyangi Dissanayake via emergency hotlines, while Dr. Al Droubi, the Honorary Consul in Syria, remains available for immediate assistance.

Email ID:
[email protected]

Hotlines:
0094 771102510 – Mr. Sanath Balasuriya 
0094 718381581 – Ms. Priyangi Dissanayake
00961 81485809 – Mr. Fahd Hawwa 

Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Damascus, Dr. Al Droubi: 
Email ID: [email protected] 
Phone: 00963 944499666, 00963 933858803

This travel advisory coincides with an ongoing conflict that has intensified over the past year, following a series of violent clashes between Israel and Hamas militants. What began in Gaza has expanded to other parts of the region, with Israel recently launching significant airstrikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon—the largest such strikes in nearly two decades.

The conflict has raised concerns about broader regional instability, affecting nations such as Syria and Lebanon.

Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 01, Colombo (LNW): A high-ranking delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), headed by Krishna Srinivasan, Director of the Asia Pacific Department, is set to visit Colombo from October 02 to 04 this year.

The visit aims to engage with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the newly appointed economic team as part of efforts to assess and support Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic reforms.

The IMF delegation will review the country’s economic progress, focusing on the latest developments and the implementation of reforms under the current IMF-backed economic programme.

This programme, designed to address Sri Lanka’s fiscal challenges, emphasises economic stability, restructuring state-owned enterprises, and strengthening anti-corruption measures.

An IMF spokesperson confirmed the visit, stating that the discussions will be pivotal in guiding Sri Lanka’s path to recovery.

The visit is also expected to offer insights into how the country can further stabilise its economy in the aftermath of a significant financial crisis that has impacted its industries, employment, and public services.

The meetings with President Dissanayake and his economic advisors are seen as crucial in ensuring that the economic reform plan remains on track.

It will also allow Sri Lanka’s new leadership to outline their vision for sustainable growth, particularly in light of the global economic downturn and domestic fiscal constraints.

The IMF team is expected to issue a statement at the conclusion of their visit, providing an overview of the outcomes and the next steps for Sri Lanka as it seeks to navigate its way through a fragile economic recovery.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 01, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur over most parts of the Island during the afternoon or night, with fairly heavy showers above 50 mm being expected to occur at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa, North-western and North-central provinces, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (01).

Showers may occur in Southern province during 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. A high-level IMF delegation, led by Asia Pacific Director Krishna Srinivasan, will visit Colombo from October 2-4 to meet President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Sri Lanka’s new economic team: The visit aims to discuss recent economic developments and reforms under the IMF-supported economic programme: The delegation will issue a statement at the end of the visit.
   
2. Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Legal Secretary Farman Cassim submits a Right to Information (RTI) request for details about privileges allegedly requested by Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Security Head on behalf of the former President: SJB’s Weligama Organiser Rehan Jayawickrama confirms that his party filed the application and is awaiting a response from the former President’s office regarding the purported letter.
   
3. Former MP Wimal Weerawansa says the distinction between the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and the National People’s Power (NPP) is now clear, with the latter in power: expresses hope that the NPP will improve the country but noted that every new government, like Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s, goes through a honeymoon phase before revealing its true nature.
   
4. Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises Sri Lankan nationals not to travel to Lebanon and Syria due to regional instability: Sri Lankans in these countries are urged to remain vigilant, limit movements, and stay in regular contact with local embassies: Emergency contacts and emails have been provided: This follows intensified conflict between Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah, with airstrikes targeting Lebanon.
   
5. The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) announces a fuel price revision effective from midnight on 30 September: Petrol 92 Octane is reduced by Rs. 21 to Rs. 311 per litre, Auto Diesel by Rs. 24 to Rs. 283, Super Diesel by Rs. 33 to Rs. 319, and Kerosene by Rs. 19 to Rs. 183: Petrol 95 remains unchanged at Rs. 377: LIOC and Sinopec have matched these prices.
   
6. Sri Lanka’s inflation, measured by the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI), fell to -0.5% in September 2024 from 0.5% in August: Food inflation also dropped to -0.3%, while non-food inflation declined to -0.5%: The overall CCPI decreased to 190.9 from 191.1 in August: Despite these declines, the core inflation index slightly rose to 177.6 in September.
   
7. Former MPs have been instructed to return firearms issued to them, following the dissolution of Parliament: Other MP privileges, including allowances, fuel provisions, and staff support, have been revoked: However, former MPs may continue using official residences at the Madiwela Housing Complex until the upcoming election: Unsuccessful candidates must vacate these homes immediately after the election.
   
8. As of September 30, only independent candidate M. Premasiri Manage has declared his campaign finances for the 2024 Presidential Poll, adhering to the Regulation of Election Expenditure Act: No major party or other candidate has submitted their financial reports, despite the legal deadline of October 12: Candidates must declare both campaign income and expenses to avoid legal action.
   
9. Examinations Commissioner General Amit Jayasundara confirms the decision not to re-conduct the Grade Five scholarship exam remains unchanged: adds free marks will be awarded for the three leaked questions to ensure fairness: stresses examination of answer scripts will begin soon, with results expected before the new school term starts.
   
10. Despite a drop in egg prices, several traders have not yet lowered the prices of egg-based food items, despite requests from canteen and restaurant owners: While the All Island Canteen and Restaurant Owners’ Association plans to reduce prices, the bakery sector says reductions depend on wheat flour costs: Rising prices of other ingredients like margarine and vegetables remain unaddressed.