By: Isuru Parakrama

October 03, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reaffirmed his dedication to empowering public servants who prioritise efficiency and a citizen-focused approach, ensuring they are protected from political retaliation.

Unlike previous administrations, he assured that officials working in the public’s interest would be shielded from any form of political interference.

The President made these statements during a meeting with key ministry officials, after taking office as Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Livestock, Irrigation, Fisheries, and Aquatic Resources.

The session involved an in-depth review of the ministry’s current standing and future strategies, with President Dissanayake highlighting the pivotal role of agriculture in combating rural poverty.

He underscored that the performance and commitment of government officials would be central to achieving this goal.

Reflecting on the recent presidential election, Dissanayake noted that the public had clearly rejected the old political culture, seeking a new direction in governance.

The economic hardships faced by citizens and growing dissatisfaction with public services were instrumental in this shift, he said, signalling a transformative period for the nation.

The President expressed his firm commitment to developing a modern, efficient public service that places people at its core. He emphasised that the government is committed to tackling widespread fraud and corruption, which the public views as key contributors to the nation’s economic decline.

This new mandate, according to Dissanayake, is focused on transparency and preventing such destructive practices.

In his address, he called on public servants to earn the trust of the people by acting with integrity and dedication. The President stressed that the fight against corruption rests heavily on the moral responsibility and commitment of government officials, urging them to play a proactive role in the country’s renewal.

This, he stated, is a pivotal time for the public service, with the nation looking to its officials to deliver on their promises with honesty and efficiency.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 03, Colombo (LNW): Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando, the Director of Communications for the Archdiocese of Colombo, has voiced serious concerns regarding the mysterious disappearance of the Presidential Commission’s report on the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.

According to Fr. Gamini, the report, which was handed over to the President and subsequently passed to the Attorney General’s Department, has now gone missing.

Speaking at a public event held at the BMICH, Fr. Gamini revealed that the missing report contained crucial evidence that could implicate several high-ranking politicians.

He expressed his belief that if the contents of the report were made public, it could lead to the prosecution of individuals involved in the attacks, emphasising the urgent need for a transparent investigation by the current administration.

Fr. Gamini also brought attention to a figure named ‘Abuhind,’ who was allegedly in direct communication with Zahran Hashim, the mastermind behind the Easter Sunday bombings.

He identified Abuhind as a key individual responsible for orchestrating the attack, urging the authorities to delve deeper into his involvement.

Additionally, the priest pointed out that the newly appointed Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, Ravi Seneviratne, holds vital information about the attacks.

Fr. Gamini’s statement has intensified calls for further scrutiny and investigation into the government’s handling of the aftermath of the attacks.

Following the election of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, two special committees were formed to investigate various aspects of the Easter Sunday bombings. The first committee, established on 11 September 2023, was tasked with probing allegations made by the UK’s Channel 4, which implicated the Sri Lankan military in the attacks. Chaired by retired Supreme Court Judge S.I. Imam, alongside retired Air Force Commander Jayalath Weerakkody and President’s Counsel Harsha A.J. Soza, the committee submitted its final report to the President on 25 June 2024.

A second committee, appointed on 12 June 2024, focused on investigating the failure of intelligence agencies to act on prior warnings of the attack. This committee, chaired by retired judge A.N.J. Alwis, presented its findings on 14 September 2024.

Both committees were expected to offer vital insights into the coordination, failures, and potential complicity in the events leading up to the devastating attack.

The uncertainty surrounding the report’s whereabouts has added fuel to the ongoing controversy surrounding the handling of the Easter Sunday attack, which continues to resonate deeply with the Sri Lankan public.

As pressure mounts, the government will likely face increased scrutiny to deliver answers and ensure justice for the victims of the tragic event.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 03, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Israel, Nimal Bandara, has confirmed that no Sri Lankan workers in Israel have been affected by the recent missile attack launched by Iran.

On Tuesday, approximately 200 missiles were fired towards Israel, but no reports have indicated injuries or harm to the 12,000 Sri Lankans currently employed there.

The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) Additional General Manager, G. S. Yapa, clarified that the situation is being closely monitored.

Despite the escalating tensions, no immediate decisions have been made to halt the deployment of Sri Lankan workers to Israel.

Yapa emphasised that any future changes regarding worker deployments will be made in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ambassador Bandara reassured that Israel’s defence systems successfully intercepted the incoming missiles before they could inflict damage on the ground.

He also affirmed that the Sri Lankan Embassy remains prepared to assist any nationals if necessary.

Although Israel’s main airport was briefly closed in response to the attacks, normal operations have now resumed, and flights are once again taking off and landing, minimising disruption for travellers.

The Sri Lankan authorities continue to assess the situation in Israel, ensuring the safety of their citizens while maintaining essential labour migration pathways.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 03, Colombo (LNW): The Excise Department has announced that liquor producers who fail to settle outstanding tax payments for the 2023-2024 period by 30th November 2024 will not have their licences renewed for the upcoming year.

This directive follows a decision to recover Rs. 1.8 billion in tax arrears from alcohol manufacturers who are yet to meet their financial obligations.

Excise Commissioner General M.J. Gunasiri revealed that the department had resolved to take a firm stance against defaulters during the year’s fourth revenue review meeting.

This gathering, held in Colombo on 2nd October, included representatives from all 27 liquor production companies in Sri Lanka.

The department conducts quarterly discussions with alcohol manufacturers to review revenue targets, assess progress, and address challenges faced by the industry.

Gunasiri emphasised that the government remains committed to ensuring the collection of excise tax revenues and maintaining the independence of the Excise Department.

He assured attendees that there would be no undue interference in the department’s efforts to manage tax collection and regulatory affairs.

Amongst the key decisions made at the review meeting was the introduction of new security stickers for toddy and sake products, aimed at improving traceability and ensuring compliance.

This system will also be extended to other alcoholic beverages from next year. Liquor producers have been instructed to either use their existing security stickers by 31st December or destroy any remaining stock under strict supervision to prevent misuse.

In addition to tax collection, the department intends to take stringent measures against the production of illicit alcohol, particularly Kasippu, which remains a prevalent issue. Gunasiri highlighted that stricter enforcement and legal action would be implemented to curtail the illegal liquor trade.

Furthermore, the meeting addressed the need to eliminate obstacles hindering the export of locally produced alcohol.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 03, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka commemorated the 155th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi yesterday (02) with a ceremonial event at the Prime Minister’s Office in Colombo.

The occasion saw Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha paying homage to Gandhi by garlanding his statue, a symbolic gesture highlighting the enduring legacy of the Indian leader’s philosophy of peace and non-violence.

The bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi, gifted by India in 2019 to mark his 150th birth anniversary, stands at 42 inches tall and portrays Gandhi in a meditative pose.

Crafted by renowned sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar, the statue is a testament to Gandhi’s profound influence on global leaders and movements.

Sutar, a recipient of the prestigious Padma Bhushan award, is also credited with creating the world’s tallest bronze statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Gujarat, India.

Following the tribute ceremony, the Indian High Commissioner met with Prime Minister Amarasuriya to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations.

The commemoration was also accompanied by a Gandhi Oration, organised by the Sri Lanka India Society (SLIS) in partnership with the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, the cultural wing of the Indian High Commission.

Former Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India, Austin Fernando, delivered the oration, which delved into the enduring relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings in today’s world.

The annual event, part of the celebrations for Gandhi Jayanti, continues to serve as an important platform for reflecting on the powerful messages of truth, justice, and non-violence that Gandhi espoused, and how they continue to resonate amidst modern global challenges.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 03, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at a few places in Eastern and Uva provinces during the afternoon or night.

A few showers may occur in the coastal areas of Southern and Western provinces during the morning.

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: