By: Isuru Parakrama

September 30, Colombo (LNW): Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, the newly appointed Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, made her debut address on 30th September 2024, coinciding with the celebration of both International Children’s Day and Elders’ Day. As Minister of Women, Child and Youth Affairs and Sports, she emphasised her administration’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of children and elders.

Speaking on the theme of this year’s International Children’s Day, “Investing in our future means investing in our children,” Prime Minister Amarasuriya outlined the government’s focus on delivering a robust public education system.

This initiative aims to ensure every child has access to high-quality education, without the hindrance of financial constraints. In a bold statement, the Prime Minister condemned physical and mental abuse in educational settings, warning against the pressures of “unhealthy competition.”

Instead, she advocated for environments that foster empathy, care, and understanding, signalling a significant policy shift towards more nurturing educational frameworks.

In her remarks on Elders’ Day, Prime Minister Amarasuriya reiterated her government’s dedication to improving social security systems and healthcare access for the elderly.

The 2024 theme, “Ageing with Dignity,” reflects her administration’s pledge to enhance support for older citizens, particularly in retirement and healthcare.

These measures, she noted, are designed to honour the lifetime contributions of Sri Lanka’s elder population.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya called on all Sri Lankans to unite in building a better future for both the young and the old, underscoring her vision of a nation rooted in compassion, equity, and sustainable progress.

Full Speech:

Today is a special occasion as I deliver my first message as Prime Minister and Minister of Women, Child and Youth Affairs and Sports of Sri Lanka celebrating both International Children’s Day and Elders’ Day. These two important observances remind us of the vital roles children and elders play in shaping the future and the legacy of our society.

This year, the theme for International Children’s Day is “Investing in our future means investing in our children.” This is more than a slogan-it embodies a core principle and policy direction of our government.

We are committed to providing a high-quality, public education system that benefits every child in Sri Lanka. Our vision is to equip children with the tools they need to thrive in a world full of opportunities, free from the burdens of financial limitations.

Moreover, we strongly oppose all forms of physical and mental abuse directed at children,particularly within educational institutions. Children deserve to grow up in environments filled with empathy, care, love, and joy-not under the strain of unhealthy competition. By fostering compassion, understanding, and mutual respect, we can raise a generation capable of building a just and equitable future. The best interests of children will always be our top priority in every decision concerning them.

As we mark Elders’ Day, we honour those who have contributed so much to our country’s progress. The 2024 theme, “Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide,” reflects our dedication to enhancing social security and protection for elderly people. Our government is committed to improving retirement benefits for elders and ensuring free and equal access to healthcare, especially for those who have spent their lives contributing to the workforce.

Let us join hands in working for the well-being of both our children and elders, in our journey of building a thriving nation and a beautiful life for all Sri Lankans.

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
Prime Minister
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
30th September 2024

September 30, Colombo (LNW): Fuel prices will be revised effective from midnight today (30), the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO) announced.

• Petrol 92 Octane has been reduced by Rs. 21 to Rs. 311 per litre,
• Auto Diesel has been reduced by Rs. 24 to Rs. 283 per litre.
• Super Diesel has been reduced by Rs. 33, to Rs. 319 per litre,
• Kerosene has been reduced by Rs. 19 to Rs. 183 per litre.

Meanwhile, the CEYPETCO announced that the price of Petrol 95 will remain unchanged.

By: Staff Writer

September 30, Colombo (LNW): Hanif Yusuf, a distinguished businessman and former CEO of Expolanka Holdings PLC, officially assumed his role as the Governor of Sri Lanka’s Western Province, marking a significant moment in his career. Appointed by President Anura Dissanayake,

Business leader Yusuf brings extensive business experience and a reputation for excellence to his new role. His appointment also highlights the contributions of the Memon community, to which he belongs, recognizing their role in driving Sri Lanka’s economic development.

Yusuf, who has built a global business empire across 40 countries, emphasized that real progress is measured by the welfare of the underprivileged, not just the accumulation of wealth by the rich.

He highlighted the need for an inclusive approach to development that benefits all sections of society. He also stressed the importance of tackling corruption and called for collective efforts to bring about the change that citizens demand. “Eliminating corruption is difficult but not impossible if we work together,” he said, committing to use his skills to address this challenge.

Reflecting on his new role, Yusuf acknowledged the complexity of the task ahead but remained optimistic, stating that his extensive experience in business and leadership positions him well to contribute meaningfully to the province’s progress. “This is not something I can do alone,” he noted, underscoring the need for collaboration among stakeholders.

Yusuf’s journey from a local entrepreneur to a global business leader is inspiring. Born in the bustling district of Kollupitiya, Colombo, his family traces its roots back to Gujarat, India. His father was granted Sri Lankan citizenship in 1953, under Prime Minister John Kotelawala, and the family has been deeply committed to their adopted homeland ever since.

Yusuf received his education at the prestigious Royal College in Colombo, and later co-founded Expolanka Holdings in 1978. Under his leadership, the company grew from a small family business into a multinational enterprise spanning logistics, leisure, and information technology sectors, operating in over 39 countries.

Yusuf’s achievements have been recognized with numerous awards, including the ‘Legend of Logistics’ award in 2022 and the ‘Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Special Achievement Award’ in 2013. These accolades highlight his pivotal role in shaping Sri Lanka’s logistics industry and his commitment to excellence.

As he embarks on his new journey as Governor, Yusuf’s appointment not only honors his personal achievements but also serves as a recognition of the Memon community’s contributions to Sri Lanka’s economy. His leadership symbolizes resilience, entrepreneurship, and innovation, inspiring future generations to continue building on this legacy.

In his new role, Yusuf promises to foster development and innovation while prioritizing the welfare of the people. His leadership is expected to bring positive changes to the Western Province, driving growth and inspiring others to contribute to the nation’s progress.

By: Isuru Parakrama

September 30, Colombo (LNW): The final rights of the recently deceased former Minister Kumara Welgama will be performed this (30) evening.

Accordingly, his final rights will be performed at 4 pm this evening at Mathugama Crematorium.

Welgama, a seasoned politician and a well known critique, was unwell for quite some time and his demise was pronounced Saturday (28). He was 74 years old at the time of his death.

His body is currently being kept in his residence in Horawala, Mathugama.

By: Isuru Parakrama

September 30, Colombo (LNW): The Appeal Court today (30) nullified two orders issued by Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage directing the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to conduct a probe on a press briefing held by journalist Tharindu Jayawardena seeking justice for the unlawful arrest and imprisonment of Sri Lankan comedian Nathasha Edirisooriya.

The Appeal Court chaired by Justices Sampath B. Abeykoon and P. Kumararatmana issued the order as verdict to a petition lodged by Jayawardena against the High Court’s rejection of an application seeking the barring of the Magistrate’s orders.

Attorneys-at-Law Suren D. Perera and Pavithra Manujaya De Silva together with President’s Counsel Saliya Peiris appeared for the petition as per the instructions of Attorney-at-Law Manushika Cooray. 

The petition involved contempt of court charges against a group of journalists for holding a briefing during the arrest of comedian Edirisooriya, deeming her arrest and imprisonment as unlawful thereby seeking acquittal. Edirisooriya was arrested for allegedly making certain controversial comments about religion during one of her comedy sketches at the ‘Modabhimanaya’ event under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act.

The briefing demanding the release of Edirisooriya was deemed contempt of court, in what the civil group ‘Sinhala Ravaya’ described as ‘an obstruction of the judicial processes’, later found to be the core reason for the Fort Magistrate Court to order the CID to conduct an investigation, prompting legal action against journalists Vidarshana Kannangara, Tharindu Uduwaragedara, Tharindu Jayawardena, Lakmali Hemachandra and Brito Fernando, despite neither the CID nor a Magistrate of Sri Lanka having any jurisdiction to order such a probe in accordance with the Judicature Act.

Considering the facts described in the petition, the Appeal Court nullified the orders issued by the Fort Magistrate.

Edirisooriya was released by High Court Judge Aditya Balapatabendige, deeming it was unlawful that her arrest was made under the ICCPR Act.