October 07, Colombo (LNW): A significant number of Members of Parliament (MPs) from Sri Lanka’s now-dissolved ninth Parliament have chosen to step away from politics, citing reasons ranging from age, health concerns, and the shifting political environment.

This decision, affecting veteran political figures, comes in the wake of a drastically altered political landscape following the recent Presidential election.

For the first time in Sri Lanka’s post-independence history, the National People’s Power (NPP), a party outside the traditional political establishment, secured the presidency.

This result signals a potential shift in parliamentary power as the country approaches its General Election on 14 November.

The rise of the NPP has unsettled long-standing political dynamics, leading several MPs to reconsider their futures in politics.

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), which previously held a parliamentary majority, has refused to offer nominations to MPs who distanced themselves from the party ahead of the Presidential election.

As a result, many of these MPs are now seeking alternative political alliances as the election approaches.

In addition, some prominent figures from the SLPP, including former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, his brother Chamal Rajapaksa, Gamini Lokuge, and Ali Sabry, have decided not to contest this time.

Chamal Rajapaksa has confirmed his retirement, with his son, Shasheendra Rajapaksa, standing as a candidate for the SLPP from the Moneragala District.

Meanwhile, Ali Sabry explained that he had always intended to serve only one term and would now return to his legal practice.

Other long-serving MPs, such as Vasudeva Nanayakkara, have opted out due to health reasons, whilst Bandula Gunawardane also announced his decision to step back.

Former Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe remains uncertain about whether to contest in the upcoming election.

The trend extends beyond the SLPP, with Lakshman Kiriella, a representative of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), likely to pass the political baton to his daughter, Chamindrani Kiriella, who intends to contest in the Kandy District.

Veteran politicians such as Prof. Tissa Vitharana and A.H.M. Fowzie have also decided to withdraw from the parliamentary race, marking the end of an era for many familiar faces in Sri Lankan politics.

October 07, Colombo (LNW): The Police Spokesman, DIG Nihal Thalduwa, confirmed that the security detail assigned to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, which includes 50 Special Task Force (STF) personnel, will remain intact for the time being.

The arrangement, designed to ensure the former president’s protection, will not see any immediate adjustments despite ongoing evaluations.

Thalduwa further explained that a review of the specific security requirements for Wickremesinghe is currently underway.

Based on this assessment, the necessary number of personnel required to provide adequate security will be allocated in due course.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 07, Colombo (LNW): The government has temporarily halted board meetings across statutory bodies and other state institutions.

The announcement came from Prime Minister’s Secretary, Pradeep Saputantri, who clarified that the suspension is part of an ongoing process to appoint new leadership to these entities.

Saputantri urged the current heads of these institutions to refrain from making any administrative decisions during this interim period, emphasising the need for careful oversight as the transition unfolds.

Whilst some institutions have already seen the appointment of new chairpersons, other boards remain without leadership until relevant ministers finalise their appointments.

The decision to suspend board meetings marks a period of reorganisation within these bodies, with Saputantri highlighting that the responsibility now falls on the newly appointed ministers to ensure competent and effective leadership is placed at the helm of these organisations.

By taking the aforementioned action, the government aims to maintain administrative neutrality whilst the government undertakes a broader restructuring of key public sector institutions.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 07, Colombo (LNW): Former Director of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), Nilantha Jayawardena, has pledged to finalise the payment of compensation owed to victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.

His legal counsel informed the Supreme Court that the outstanding amount will be paid, with the necessary documentation to be submitted later today (07).

Jayawardena, who served as Senior Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and headed the SIS at the time of the attacks, appeared in court due to contempt charges.

These charges arose from his failure to complete the court-ordered compensation of Rs. 75 million for the victims of the tragic bombing, which claimed hundreds of lives.

The case was heard before a seven-member Supreme Court panel, led by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya. During the proceedings, Jayawardena’s legal representative, President’s Counsel Chandaka Jayasundara, explained that the former intelligence chief had faced financial difficulties in meeting the compensation order.

Given that he remains in active police service, Jayasundara noted that Jayawardena could not independently raise the necessary funds.

However, the counsel revealed that friends of the former SIS director had stepped in to help cover the remaining amount.

The court was assured that the outstanding compensation would be paid into the Office for Reparations through a bank transaction later in the day.

On this basis, the President’s Counsel requested the court not to pursue further contempt charges, as Jayawardena intended to comply fully with the compensation order.

Despite these assurances, Chief Justice Jayasuriya remarked that the deadline for the compensation payment had already passed. The court issued an instruction for the submission of proof of payment by 1:30 p.m. today.

If the required documentation is not produced, the contempt of court proceedings will continue as planned.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 07, Colombo (LNW): The National Building and Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued landslide warnings across multiple regions as heavy rainfall continues to affect several parts of Sri Lanka.

These alerts, covering both Amber and Yellow levels, urge residents to remain vigilant in areas deemed vulnerable to landslides.

An Amber (Level 2) warning has been declared for specific regions within the Galle and Kalutara districts.

In Galle, this includes the Nagoda and Elpitiya Divisional Secretariat Divisions (DSD) and their surrounding areas.

Meanwhile, in Kalutara, the Walallawita DSD and nearby regions have also been identified as high-risk zones for potential landslides.

In addition to the Amber warnings, a Yellow (Level 1) advisory has been issued for several other districts. These include the Niyagama DSD in Galle, Dehiovita DSD in Kegalle, and Pitabeddara DSD in Matara.

Residents in these areas are encouraged to monitor the situation closely and take necessary precautions, as these regions may experience landslide activity due to persistent heavy rains.

The NBRO has urged all individuals in the affected areas to stay alert and follow instructions from local authorities.

Residents in vulnerable zones have been advised to be prepared for possible evacuations and to ensure their safety by avoiding risky locations like hillsides and steep slopes.

Landslides pose a serious threat during periods of intense rainfall, often causing destruction to homes and infrastructure while putting lives at risk.

Authorities have requested the public to remain informed and take precautions to ensure their safety during this period of adverse weather conditions.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 07, Colombo (LNW): The Intertropical Convergence Zone (where winds from the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere converge) is affecting the island’s weather, and showers or thundershowers, therefore, will occur at most places in the island during the afternoon or night, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (07).

Heavy showers above 100 mm are likely at some places.

Showers or thundershowers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Mannar and Mullaittivu districts 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. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake pledges to expedite investigations into the Easter Sunday bomb attacks and ensure justice for the victims: also vows to prevent such tragedies from recurring: The President made these assurances during a discussion with families of those affected at St. Sebastian’s Church, Katuwapitiya, where he laid floral tributes at the victims’ memorial: The President also answered the questions raised by the victims’ families who attended the event, guaranteeing that justice will be served.
   
2. The Election Commission declares six political parties’ ineligibility to contest the upcoming General Election due to their failure to resolve issues surrounding party secretaryships: These parties are Eelawar Democratic Front, United Peoples Freedom Alliance, Eksath Lanka Podujana Party, Eksath Lanka Maha Sabha Party, Lanka Peoples Party, and Sri Lanka Progressive Front: The Commission stressed discussions to resolve the aforementioned issues had been undertaken, only to meet dead ends.
   
3. Police Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa confirms former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s security detail, comprising 50 Special Task Force (STF) personnel, will remain unchanged: However, the number of personnel required for his security will be reviewed and adjusted accordingly in the near future.
   
4. Former State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe expresses support for the current government’s continuation of the vehicle import resumption policy initiated by the previous administration: clarifies that this policy, aligned with IMF guidelines, was carefully staged to protect foreign reserves and stabilise the economy: criticises false claims about the policy’s origins and praises its responsible implementation for economic recovery.
   
5. Sri Lanka’s Department of Census and Statistics will begin collecting personal and housing data for the 15th population census today (07): Director General Anoja Senevirathne says around 50,000 officials will visit households nationwide: The census, typically conducted every 10 years, was delayed due to COVID-19 and the economic crisis, with the last one held in 2012.
   
6. Sri Lanka’s Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry is set to achieve $3 billion in exports by 2024, driven by high-value services like financial analysis and IT: Supported by government policies, cutting-edge technology, and a skilled workforce, the sector is growing 20% annually: Advanced technologies and a shift to hybrid work models are further boosting Sri Lanka’s global outsourcing leadership.
   
7. Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya directs all police stations to address pending minor complaints lodged by the public within the next two weeks: Police Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa announced the directive on 6 October, emphasising the need for timely action on unresolved matters.
   
8. The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) launches a programme to recover unpaid taxes by visiting defaulters’ premises following the September 30 deadline: Despite collecting 70% of its Rs.2,024 billion target, the IRD aims to recover the remaining dues: Commissioner General Sepalika Chandrasekera confirms legal measures will be pursued for unpaid taxes, emphasising the department’s focus on meeting its highest-ever revenue target.
   
9. Police arrest 40 foreigners involved in online financial scams, including 30 Chinese, 4 Indian, and 6 Thai nationals: The arrests took place in a Gampaha hotel and a private institution in Hanwella: Seized items including 499 mobile phones, 25 laptops, and 29 desktop computers have been sent for forensic examination: The group was apprehended yesterday (06) morning.
   
10. A team of Sri Lankan students from Dharmapala College, St. Sebastian’s College, and Elizabeth Moir School won the prestigious Zhang Heng Award for Engineering Design at the 6th Global Challenge Robotics Competition 2024 in Athens, Greece: Competing against 193 countries, they placed sixth overall: Their innovation secured first place, followed by Colombia and India: The team was welcomed home recently.