September 30, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) indicates further appreciation against the US Dollar today (30) in comparison to last week, as per leading commercial banks in the country.
At Peoples Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar is Rs. 292.48, and the selling price, Rs. 302.97.
At Commercial Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 292.56 from Rs. 294.07, and the selling price to Rs. 302.25 from Rs. 303.75.
At Sampath Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 293 from Rs. 294.50, and the selling price to Rs. 302 from Rs. 303.50.
September 30, Colombo (LNW): The United States has expressed its intent to collaborate closely with newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and his administration, aiming to deepen bilateral relations and drive economic growth.
US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie J. Chung, made these remarks at the 32nd Annual General Meeting of the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM), highlighting the importance of the partnership between the two nations.
Ambassador Chung congratulated President Dissanayake on his victory, affirming that the US is keen to work with his government to ensure a brighter and more stable future for the people of Sri Lanka.
She also acknowledged Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya’s commitment to attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), describing her historic appointment as a significant milestone for the country, particularly in empowering young women aspiring to leadership roles.
Ambassador Chung stressed that as Sri Lanka seeks to attract new FDI, maintaining transparency and upholding high standards for investors will be crucial. By doing so, the country will not only generate jobs and boost growth but also attract further long-term investments.
The US, being Sri Lanka’s largest export market, remains committed to enhancing the nation’s productivity and capacity for exports, she noted.
Furthermore, Chung emphasised the critical role of AMCHAM and its members in supporting Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, urging the government to adhere to the IMF’s reform agenda.
This includes improving governance, reforming inefficient State-Owned Enterprises, and intensifying anti-corruption efforts, all of which are pivotal to building a transparent and resilient economy.
Chung also highlighted the US’s ongoing support for Sri Lanka’s development, particularly in the realm of technology and innovation. One notable example is Microsoft’s pilot programme introducing artificial intelligence (AI) into Sri Lankan education, which is helping to equip the nation with cutting-edge tools for future growth.
Looking ahead, the US ambassador stressed the importance of empowering women in leadership, pointing to Sri Lanka’s third female Prime Minister as an inspiration for young girls across the country.
She noted that while challenges remain, the US government and private sector stand ready to partner with Sri Lanka to navigate these obstacles and create new opportunities for growth and prosperity.
Chung drew a parallel between Sri Lanka’s potential for growth and the early days of Amazon, the US-based global e-commerce giant.
She shared the inspirational story of how Jeff Bezos transformed Amazon from a small online bookstore into a world-leading company, illustrating the power of innovation and resilience.
Chung encouraged Sri Lankan businesses to adopt a similar mindset, thinking creatively and embracing new opportunities to drive progress.
According to the Ambassador, Sri Lanka, much like Amazon in its early years, is poised for significant growth, and with the right strategy, can achieve remarkable success in various industries.
September 30, Colombo (LNW): Fishermen in Tamil Nadu launched a public protest on Sunday, condemning the recent detention of 17 Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy and the confiscation of two fishing boats near Rameswaram.
Protesters, including both men and women, took to the streets, raising slogans and voicing their anger over the incident.
The detained fishermen, identified as Markmillan, Milton, Ronald, Sesuraja, Jeevan Frisher, Suresh, Arul Dhinakaran, Durai, Maria Sethin, Ardiya Nicho, Jebastian, Rajeev, Vivek, Innachie, Samuel, Brichan, and Bhaskaran, hail from Thangachimadam in Tamil Nadu.
The seized boats belonged to local fishermen Vyadaraj and Selvam.
According to the Rameswaram Fishermen Association, the group had embarked on a fishing expedition in the Palk Bay area with 309 boats after receiving clearance from the Rameswaram Fisheries Department.
Despite this, the Sri Lankan Navy detained the fishermen near Nedunthivu and escorted them to Mannar port for questioning.
In response, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin penned a letter to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, urging immediate action for the release of the detained fishermen.
Stalin stressed that the repeated arrests and boat seizures are causing immense distress among coastal communities.
In his letter, he wrote, “I urge you to take concrete and proactive diplomatic steps to address this ongoing issue, which continues to disrupt the livelihoods of our fishing communities.”
This incident is not isolated. Similar detentions have occurred, notably one on September 21, when 37 Tamil fishermen were arrested by Sri Lankan authorities.
They were accused of crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line while attempting to rescue a Sri Lankan vessel in distress. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, also addressed the matter, writing to Jaishankar to demand the fishermen’s release.
In his letter, Gandhi emphasised that the arrested fishermen were small-scale operators who had acted in good faith during a rescue attempt, only to face arrest.
The detentions of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy have become a longstanding issue, sparking tensions between the Tamil Nadu government and the central government, with both sides urging diplomatic resolutions.
The Tamil Nadu fishing communities have called for more robust measures to protect their rights and prevent further incidents of this nature, as the situation continues to foster unrest along the coastal regions.
September 30, Colombo (LNW): The Police Media Spokesperson has issued a stern warning to the public, urging everyone to refrain from sharing One-Time Passwords (OTPs) provided by banks, following a surge in financial scams.
These scams have resulted in significant financial losses, with many individuals being tricked into revealing their OTPs to fraudsters.
Authorities have emphasised that banks will never request an OTP from customers, and any such request should be treated with extreme caution.
The reminder comes in light of recent incidents where scammers have posed as bank officials, gaining access to sensitive financial information through fraudulent means.
The police have urged the public to be vigilant, highlighting that OTPs are a crucial layer of protection in online transactions.
Sharing these codes can provide scammers with direct access to accounts, allowing them to make unauthorised withdrawals or transfers.
Financial institutions have reinforced this message, reminding customers to never disclose personal or banking information to unknown callers or through unsolicited messages.
The rise in these scams has prompted law enforcement to increase awareness campaigns, aiming to educate the public about the importance of safeguarding their financial details.
Whilst the perpetrators often present themselves as legitimate entities, the police are reminding citizens that no reputable bank would ever require such confidential information.
In response to this growing threat, the authorities are also urging those affected to report any suspicious activity immediately, so they can take swift action to prevent further losses.
September 30, Colombo (LNW): National People’s Power (NPP) stalwart former MP Wasantha Samarasinghe has accused certain officials within the Excise Department of soliciting bribes of up to Rs. 20 million in exchange for bar permits, revealing what he claims is a web of corruption.
During a press briefing yesterday (29), Samarasinghe alleged that permits were issued selectively, favouring those who paid bribes while denying applications from individuals who refused to participate in the illicit dealings.
Samarasinghe, an Executive Council member of the NPP, further claimed that his party has gathered substantial evidence, including details of the establishments involved and audio recordings of the transactions between Excise officers and permit seekers.
He expressed concerns over the significant financial losses the state has incurred as a result of these corrupt practices, and vowed that the NPP is preparing to take legal action against the officials implicated.
This alleged corruption is not the first controversy to engulf the Excise Department. Former parliamentarian Gamini Waleboda, addressing the media over the weekend, raised concerns about Excise officers involved in another scandal.
He referred to a recent case involving counterfeit security stickers on liquor bottles, suggesting that some of the officers linked to the fraudulent scheme are attempting to flee the country to avoid prosecution.
Waleboda emphasised that both the President and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Police will be informed of the situation, and he called for stringent measures to ensure that those involved are brought to justice.
The fake security sticker scandal has already raised alarm over the integrity of the excise and tax system, and the potential flight of the accused officers adds urgency to the situation.
With the NPP poised to take legal action and government authorities being alerted, further investigations into these corrupt practices are expected in the coming weeks.
The extent of the financial damage caused to the state, as well as the potential for more fraudulent activities to be uncovered, remains a pressing concern.
September 30, Colombo (LNW): Former members of parliament have been instructed to return the pistols issued to them for personal security to the Ministry of Defence immediately, according to informed sources.
Separate letters have been sent by parliamentary authorities to former MPs who had been issued firearms, requesting their prompt return.
It has been reported that more than 100 MPs from the recently dissolved parliament were provided with pistols as part of personal protection measures.
This development comes after the previous government allowed former MPs to retain at least two firearms, citing the need for heightened security due to rising violence across the country.
In a media briefing held in August before the presidential election, then Cabinet Spokesman Bandula Gunawardana confirmed the policy, stating that the government’s decision was aimed at addressing the growing concerns over safety and violence.
The initiative was introduced as a precautionary measure in light of the increasing incidents of unrest, particularly targeting politicians.
However, uncertainty looms over whether the current government will maintain this policy.
While the former administration’s decision was met with some approval, the new leadership has yet to announce if it will continue to allow former parliamentarians to keep their firearms.
Defence officials have emphasised the need for compliance, stressing that the collection of the pistols is an important step in managing the nation’s security landscape under the new government.
The retrieval of these weapons is seen as part of a broader initiative to review and reform security policies introduced by previous administrations.
September 30, Colombo (LNW): The All-Ceylon Hotel and Eatery Owners’ Association (ACHEOA) has announced a significant reduction in the prices of popular egg-based food items, effective from midnight on the 29th.
Harshana Rukshan, President of the association, confirmed that the price cut comes in response to the recent decrease in the cost of eggs, which has created an opportunity for eateries to pass these savings onto customers.
Among the items seeing a reduction in price are rice packets, kottu, and the ever-popular egg rice and curry, all of which have been reduced by Rs. 40.
Additionally, the price of egg rolls has dropped by Rs. 20, and an egg rotti will now be available at a Rs. 30 reduction.
Rukshan emphasised that these cuts aim to ensure that consumers benefit directly from the drop in egg prices, which had previously driven up the cost of these commonly consumed dishes.
He further urged the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) to take action by inspecting establishments that have failed to implement the new pricing structure.
Rukshan called on all restaurants and eateries to comply with the reductions, stating that the association was committed to ensuring affordability for the public amidst changing market conditions.
This move has been met with a positive response from customers, especially as inflation has significantly affected the cost of food in recent months.
The reduction in the prices of staple items like kottu and rice packets is expected to bring much-needed relief to everyday consumers.
However, Rukshan also highlighted the need for continuous monitoring of egg prices and a concerted effort by restaurant owners to adapt swiftly to changes in ingredient costs.
September 30, Colombo (LNW): Defence Secretary Sampath Thuyakontha has reassured the public that despite the absence of an active state of emergency, the President retains full authority to deploy the Tri-Forces to ensure public safety, should circumstances demand it.
This clarification comes in response to disinformation circulating on social media concerning recent gazette notifications, which, according to the Secretary, have been part of a regular process.
Speaking at a media briefing in Kandy on Saturday (28) after paying respects at the Sacred Tooth Relic, Thuyakontha stressed the importance of accurate information.
He clarified that his recent appointment carries significant responsibilities, which he is approaching with a clear understanding of the tasks ahead.
The Defence Secretary outlined the government’s comprehensive plans to strengthen national security, stating that all potential threats to the country have been identified.
He confirmed that strategies are in place, developed under the President’s guidance, to counter unconventional threats that may disrupt public life.
These measures include modernising the Tri-Forces by providing advanced technology and training to improve their operational efficiency.
Additionally, Thuyakontha addressed the ongoing discussions about potentially removing Army camps in the North, as well as the need to further equip the Air Force with modern technology, keeping in mind the country’s economic challenges.
He also highlighted the commitment to addressing the concerns of disabled war veterans within the armed forces, vowing transparency in resolving these issues.
During his visit to the Malwatte Maha Vihara, Thuyakontha also received blessings from the Chief Prelate, Most Venerable Thibbotuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Mahanayake Thera.
In his remarks, the Chief Prelate acknowledged the peaceful transition following the Presidential Election, despite fears of unrest.
He noted that the current stable situation is something to be recognised by all, while also pointing out the potential rise in crime as poverty increases in the country.
September 30, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Navy has seized two Indian fishing vessels and arrested 17 Indian fishermen caught illegally fishing in Sri Lankan waters during a special operation conducted off the coast of Mannar.
The North Central Naval Command, during a routine patrol yesterday (29), spotted a cluster of Indian fishing boats engaging in illegal activities within Sri Lankan maritime boundaries.
Responding swiftly, the Northern Naval Command deployed Fast Attack Craft, while the North Central Naval Command dispatched Inshore Patrol Craft to intercept and drive away the fishing boats.
Despite efforts to disperse the intruding vessels, two Indian boats remained within Sri Lankan waters, leading to their seizure and the subsequent apprehension of 17 Indian fishermen.
The detained individuals and their boats were taken to Talaimannar Pier and are expected to be handed over to the Mannar Fisheries Inspector for further legal proceedings.
This incident marks a continuation of Sri Lanka’s efforts to protect its maritime resources from illegal fishing activities. As of this operation, the Sri Lanka Navy has detained 55 Indian fishing boats and apprehended 413 Indian fishermen for poaching in 2024 alone.
All those caught have been handed over to the relevant authorities for legal action, underscoring the country’s commitment to safeguarding its fisheries and maritime laws.
The frequent occurrence of such incidents has long been a source of tension between Sri Lanka and India, particularly concerning the livelihoods of fishermen.
However, Sri Lanka maintains strict enforcement of its laws to preserve marine biodiversity and the fishing industry that is vital to coastal communities.
September 30, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has secured a dominant 2-0 series victory over New Zealand, capped off by a commanding win by an innings and 154 runs in the second Test at Galle.
This triumph has propelled the island nation to third place in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 standings.
Following this series, Sri Lanka’s record stands at five wins and four losses across nine matches, giving them a points percentage (PCT) of 55.56.
This places them just behind Australia, which holds second place with a PCT of 62.50, having recorded eight wins, three losses, and a draw in 12 Tests.
India remains at the top, with seven victories, two losses, and a draw, boasting a PCT of 71.67.
New Zealand, on the other hand, has tumbled down to seventh place, with three wins and five losses in eight Tests, holding a PCT of 37.50.
Sri Lanka’s path to the top two remains challenging but not impossible. The team has four more Tests remaining in this WTC cycle—two away against South Africa later this year, and two home matches against Australia early next year.
To secure a place in the WTC final, Sri Lanka must surpass the points percentage of either India or Australia.
Winning the home series against Australia could significantly impact their chances, as victories would directly affect Australia’s standing.
In the second Test, Sri Lanka elected to bat first, posting an imposing total of 602/5 declared after nearly two days at the crease.
Centuries came from Dinesh Chandimal (116), Kamindu Mendis (182), and Kusal Mendis (106), with Kamindu’s knock being particularly impressive. New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3/141.
New Zealand’s response with the bat faltered dramatically. On a pitch favouring spinners, the Kiwis managed a meagre 88 in their first innings, with Mitchell Santner’s 29 being the highest contribution.
Sri Lankan spinner Prabath Jayasuriya was exceptional once again, claiming 6/42, while debutant Nishan Peiris also impressed with 3/33.
Sri Lanka’s mammoth lead of 514 runs placed them in a commanding position, with the first-innings lead ranking as the fifth-largest in Test history.
New Zealand showed some resilience in their second innings, with Devon Conway (61), Kane Williamson (46), and Tom Blundell (47*) among the runs. The Kiwis ended the third day at 199/5, still trailing by 315 runs.
The fourth day saw fighting half-centuries from Blundell (60), Glenn Phillips (78), and Santner (67), but these efforts merely delayed the inevitable. Sri Lanka bowled New Zealand out for 360, sealing victory by an innings and 154 runs.
Peiris took a second-innings six-wicket haul, ending with figures of 6/170, while Jayasuriya added three more wickets to his tally. Kamindu Mendis was named Player of the Match for his outstanding innings, while Jayasuriya earned the Player of the Series award, having taken 18 wickets across both Tests.
This resounding win has bolstered Sri Lanka’s WTC campaign, and with key series ahead, the team will be hopeful of securing a place in the final.
