By: Isuru Parakrama

October 06, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has pledged to accelerate investigations into the tragic Easter Sunday attacks, vowing that justice will be served and measures implemented to prevent such a catastrophe from reoccurring in Sri Lanka.

During a visit to St. Sebastian’s Church in Katuwapitiya, Negombo, he met with the families of victims and laid floral tributes at the memorial in their honour.

Addressing the families of those killed and injured in the 2019 attack, President Dissanayake expressed his determination to uncover the full truth behind the atrocity.

He assured those gathered that the government’s priority is to ensure a transparent and impartial investigation into the bombings that claimed 274 lives and left many others injured.

“The Easter Sunday tragedy will not be allowed to fade with time. We will seek justice for the victims and provide answers to the public,” he stated, underscoring the gravity of the incident.

The President also noted that public sentiment regarding the attacks influenced the outcome of the most recent presidential election, as many sought accountability and justice.

He committed to pursuing this cause, assuring the victims’ families that his administration would leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of fairness.

Emphasising the need for an unbiased approach, the President called for an investigation free from political interference or assumptions. He instructed the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security to ensure the inquiry remains objective and driven solely by facts.

The President acknowledged suspicions within society that the attacks may have been politically motivated. If such a conspiracy exists, he warned, it would mark a deeply disturbing chapter in the nation’s history.

“We must ensure that politics does not degrade to the point where innocent lives are lost for political advantage,” Dissanayake stressed.

In his remarks, the President also addressed concerns about possible involvement by elements within the previous government, stating that if proven true, it would leave the country in a perilous state.

The investigation, he insisted, must expose any and all wrongdoers, regardless of their positions.

The President paid tribute to the resilience of the victims’ families, many of whom have marched for justice every April 21st since the attacks. Their perseverance, he said, has kept alive the hope for a resolution.

His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo, who also attended the event, shared his frustrations about the lack of resolution from international human rights bodies, despite appeals on behalf of the victims.

He acknowledged the efforts of the government in supporting the survivors but questioned the real motives behind the attacks.

The Cardinal expressed his confidence in President Dissanayake’s leadership and integrity, believing that the current administration will finally deliver justice to those affected by the Easter Sunday tragedy.

The President concluded by thanking the clergy for their role in maintaining social harmony in the aftermath of the attacks. He stressed that unity and trust must be upheld within the nation and called for continued vigilance to safeguard the well-being of all Sri Lankans.

The event was attended by Rev. Fr. Manjula Niroshan, head of the Katuwapitiya Church mission, and a large gathering of victims, families, and local devotees.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 06, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has recorded a notable boost in foreign exchange earnings, with revenue reaching US$ 181 million in September 2024, a significant rise from the US$ 152 million earned during the same month last year.

This growth reflects the sector’s robust recovery as international travel rebounds.

The tourism industry’s performance has been exceptional throughout 2024, with revenue for the first nine months of the year reaching US$ 2.35 billion, marking a substantial 61.2 per cent increase compared to the US$ 1.46 billion accumulated during the corresponding period in 2023, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).

This surge in earnings underscores the critical role tourism plays in strengthening Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange reserves.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has also highlighted an encouraging rise in tourist arrivals. In September alone, 122,140 international visitors arrived, reflecting a 9.11 per cent increase compared to the 111,938 arrivals recorded in September 2023.

This uptick contributes to a cumulative total of 1.48 million tourists for the first nine months of 2024, placing the country well on track to achieve its goal of 2.3 million arrivals by year-end.

India remained the top source of tourists in September, contributing 27,884 visitors, while China followed with 9,078 arrivals.

The steady inflow of tourists from these key markets reinforces Sri Lanka’s position as a preferred destination in the region, helping to revive its tourism-dependent economy.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 06, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Meteorology has issued an “Amber” advisory for severe lightning, effective from 1:30 p.m. on October 06, until 11:00 p.m. the same day.

Thunderstorms with severe lightning are forecasted across several provinces, including Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western, Uva, and North-central regions, as well as in coastal areas like Galle, Matara, and Jaffna.

In addition to lightning, temporary strong winds may occur during the storms, posing a threat to safety and property.

The public has been urged to take necessary precautions to mitigate the risks associated with this weather event.

Key advice from the meteorology department includes seeking indoor shelter and avoiding open areas such as paddy fields and tea plantations. Individuals are further warned against using wired phones or electric appliances and driving vehicles during thunderstorms.

The public is encouraged to stay clear of fallen trees and power lines, and in case of emergencies, to contact local disaster management authorities.

The Department further urged urged the public to stay vigilant and exercise caution, with further actions being required, should the situation escalate.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 06, Colombo (LNW): The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has successfully amassed Rs. 1,417 billion in taxes by the end of September 2024, surpassing 70 per cent of its annual target of Rs. 2,024 billion.

This significant progress reflects the department’s efforts to strengthen tax collection and improve fiscal discipline across the country.

In an official statement, Commissioner General Sepalika Chandrasekara commended the positive strides made towards achieving the revenue goals for the year.

However, she also pointed out that several taxpayers under the self-assessment payment system still have outstanding liabilities to settle.

In a move to ensure compliance and expedite the recovery of these overdue amounts, the IRD has announced plans to visit the premises of defaulting taxpayers, starting from October 06.

This effort is part of a broader initiative to ensure that all taxpayers meet their obligations within the stipulated timeframes.

The Commissioner General stressed the importance of timely tax payments, noting that whilst the department has made substantial progress, the cooperation of taxpayers remains crucial in meeting the overall fiscal objectives.

The IRD is committed to taking all necessary measures to close the gap in outstanding dues, with enforcement actions being a key component of this strategy.

With the final quarter of the year underway, the IRD is optimistic that it will continue to make headway in meeting its annual target, ensuring the sustainability of national financial resources.

Taxpayers have been urged to proactively settle their dues to avoid penalties or enforcement actions as the department intensifies its collection efforts in the coming months.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 06, Colombo (LNW): Former President Maithripala Sirisena unveiled his long-anticipated autobiography, Sihinaya – Nonimiya, at a launch event in Colombo on Friday (04).

The book, which took three years to write, offers a detailed look into Sirisena’s personal and political journey, though notably omits any discussion of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks that occurred during his tenure.

During his speech at the launch, Sirisena directly addressed the omission, stating, “Those who wish to undermine me might have expected to find details about the Easter attack in this book. But I have not written a single word about it.”

His remarks came amidst public curiosity surrounding his account of the tragic event, which remains a significant point of controversy in Sri Lanka’s recent history.

Sirisena further elaborated on the publication process of his memoir, revealing that it was printed abroad due to concerns about printing it locally, which led to a five-year delay in its release.

“This book was completed some years ago but remained unpublished. I felt the current political climate, under the new government, was the right time to share it with the public,” he explained.

However, Sirisena promised the public that an English version of the book will be released in a matter of several months and expand more into his political journey with details about the Easter Sunday carnage being mentioned.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 06, Colombo (LNW): The police have called on the public to provide any additional information regarding leaked questions from the Grade 5 scholarship examination, beyond the three already identified, before 7 October 2024.

This appeal follows ongoing investigations into the suspected leak of exam questions, with the police determined to uncover the full extent of the incident.

Individuals with knowledge or evidence related to the leak are encouraged to report to the offices of Senior Superintendents of Police (SSP) across the island or the nearest police station.

All submitted information, including relevant documents, will be handled by the Divisional Criminal Investigation Unit and forwarded to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further examination.

Authorities have assured the public that all reports will be thoroughly investigated. The police confirmed that prompt instructions have already been issued to the CID, ensuring swift action in addressing the alleged breaches.

Two suspects are currently in custody, as police continue to probe the leak of questions from the Grade 5 exam, held on 15 September 2024.

The investigation began following a complaint lodged by a Deputy Commissioner from the Examinations Department on 19 September. A breakthrough came on 22 September, when a 58-year-old official from the National Institute of Education, who had been part of the question-setting committee, was arrested.

This was followed by the arrest of a 49-year-old teacher from Alawwa on 24 September.

The first suspect is alleged to have shared seven exam questions with the teacher, three of which appeared on both the official examination and a model paper circulated on social media.

Investigators have so far confirmed that only three questions were leaked.

Both suspects remain in remand custody until 7 October, as the CID continues its inquiry.

Authorities are urging anyone with additional evidence to report it to the nearest police station, with the goal of uncovering any further irregularities in the exam process.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 06, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake paid a visit to the revered Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura yesterday to participate in religious observances and receive blessings.

His visit to this sacred site marks an important spiritual occasion following his recent presidential appointment.

Upon arriving at the historic Anuradhapura precincts, President Dissanayake was warmly welcomed by the Atamasthanadhipathi and Chief Administrator of the Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya, Most Venerable Pallekumbura Hemarathana Nayake Thero.

The two held a brief conversation, during which the President inquired about the Venerable Thero’s well-being. This meeting was followed by a series of religious ceremonies conducted by the Maha Sangha.

At the Udamaluwa of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, President Dissanayake engaged in traditional religious rituals, participating in a blessing ceremony led by the Maha Sangha, who chanted Seth Pirith to invoke blessings upon him.

The ceremony was also attended by prominent religious leaders, including the Chief Incumbents of several significant temples, such as Lankarama, Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparama, Mirisavetiya, Abhayagiriya, and Isurumuni Raja Maha Viharaya, all of whom bestowed their blessings upon the President.

During the proceedings, the Atamasthanadhipathi Most Venerable Hemarathana Nayake Thero delivered a poignant address, noting the immense responsibility that now rests on President Dissanayake’s shoulders.

The Thero emphasised that as a leader from the North Central Province, the President has a particular duty to uplift the lives of the region’s residents, who have long endured hardships.

He also urged the President to safeguard the nation’s people, religion, and heritage.

The Thero acknowledged the complexities of the current political environment, expressing hope that President Dissanayake, with his wisdom and insight, could foster a more positive political culture in the country.

He further encouraged the President to focus on creating a comprehensive national policy that would benefit all citizens in the long term, noting that collaboration with Parliament members would be key to achieving this goal.

Following the religious proceedings at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, President Dissanayake visited the revered Ruwanwelisaya, where he received further blessings from Chief Incumbent Venerable Ethalawetunawewa Gnanatilake Nayaka Thero.

The President participated in additional religious ceremonies before concluding his visit.

The event was attended by several prominent figures, including the Governor of the North Central Province Wasantha Jinadasa, District Secretary Ranjith Wimalasuriya, former MP Wasantha Samarasinghe, and representatives from the All Ceylon Farmers’ Federation, among others.