April 07, Colombo (LNW): In a significant development, Nepali authorities apprehended four Pakistani nationals suspected of involvement in the illicit trafficking of four Sri Lankan citizens, the Press Trust of India (PTI) reported quoting Superintendent of Police Nakul Pokharel from the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigative Department of Nepal Police on Friday (05).

The arrests, executed following a tip-off, occurred on Thursday (04).

The detained Pakistani nationals, aged between 42 and 62, purportedly extorted significant sums from the Sri Lankan individuals under the false pretense of facilitating employment opportunities in various European countries, including Canada and Romania.

Reports indicate that the Sri Lankan victims, who were brought to Nepal from their home country, endured physical assault, torture, and intimidation at the hands of the Pakistani perpetrators.

Additionally, their passports were confiscated as they were held captive across different hotels in Kathmandu.

Authorities have initiated procedures to repatriate the Sri Lankan victims to their home country for their safety and well-being.

The four Pakistani suspects are expected to face charges related to abduction and human trafficking in accordance with Nepali law enforcement protocols.

April 07, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Finance has declared that salaries for government employees for the month of April will be disbursed prior to the 10th, incorporating the augmented public employee allowance delineated in the budget proposal.

This adjustment entails an extra Rs. 10,000 for each employee.

Moreover, pensions for April will also be distributed ahead of the 10th.

April 07, Colombo (LNW): The United Kingdom on April 05 updated its travel advisory for Sri Lanka, incorporating additional information concerning emergency medical contacts, road travel, safety, and security across various sections, including ‘Entry requirements,’ ‘Safety and security,’ and ‘Health.’

Notably, the revised advisory removes previous references to shortages of essential commodities such as food, fuel, and medicine attributed to Sri Lanka’s economic situation.

Similarly, mentions of constraints in healthcare services, including shortages of imported medications and medical equipment due to economic factors, have also been eliminated.

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in London has consistently advocated for the removal of these adverse references from the previous travel advisory, aiming to align the advisory with the prevailing ground realities in Sri Lanka.

This updated travel advisory is expected to provide a significant impetus to Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, which has demonstrated resilience by welcoming over 600,000 visitors in the first quarter of 2024 alone.

Notably, the United Kingdom stands as the third-largest contributor to tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka, with 53,928 arrivals recorded between January 1st and March 27th, 2024.

April 07, Colombo (LNW): In a recent telephone conversation between US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Sri Lanka’s National Security Advisor Sagala Ratnayake, the United States expressed its unwavering support for Sri Lanka’s security and sovereignty, as well as its ongoing endeavors to fulfill the fiscal, monetary, and governance requirements of its International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout programme.

The White House issued a succinct statement on Friday, outlining the key points discussed during the call.

According to the statement, Sullivan and Ratnayake delved into various aspects of bilateral engagement, with a particular emphasis on the United States’ commitment to bolstering Sri Lanka’s security and upholding its sovereignty.

Furthermore, the conversation touched upon Sri Lanka’s sustained efforts to meet the fiscal, monetary, and governance benchmarks outlined in its IMF programme.

Both parties explored future avenues for collaboration and cooperation, underscoring the importance of ongoing dialogue and partnership between the two nations.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently announced on March 21st that it had reached a staff-level agreement with Sri Lanka, paving the way for the disbursement of US$ 337 million from the approximately US$ 3 billion bailout package approved in 2023.

Notably, two tranches of US$ 330 million each were already released in March and December 2023, highlighting the IMF’s continued support for Sri Lanka amid its fiscal challenges.

Moreover, the IMF commended Colombo for its efforts in implementing macroeconomic policy reforms, noting that these initiatives are beginning to yield positive results.

April 07, Colombo (LNW): Dr. R. H. S. Mr. Samaratunga, the Presidential Senior Adviser on Economic Affairs, has underscored the importance of artists drafting proposals aimed at enhancing the progress of the film industry and supporting its members.

This directive came during a recent discussion at the Presidential Secretariat focused on modernising Sri Lankan cinema to meet contemporary standards and ensuring sustained professional growth for artists within the sector.

Led by Dr. Samaratunga and attended by Presidential Trade Union Director General Mr. Saman Ratnapriya and National Film Corporation Chairman Mr. Deepal Chandraratne, the discussion extensively addressed the challenges confronting the film industry.

Dr. Samaratunga highlighted the parallel between the film industry’s challenges and broader societal issues, emphasising the need to safeguard the sector and urging the submission of comprehensive proposals for inclusion in the general budget or policy framework.

Addressing the longstanding issue of insufficient artist pensions since 1993, Dr. Samaratunga stressed the importance of presenting factual data to prompt governmental action on this matter.

Additionally, recognising the significance of artist welfare in preserving the film industry, efforts are underway to establish a specialised loan scheme.

Dr. Samaratunga solicited relevant proposals to effectively communicate the industry’s needs to the government.

President’s Trade Union Director General, Saman Ratnapriya, assured the possibility of arranging a medical insurance scheme for artists through the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation.

Recognising the challenges of aging in maintaining professional engagements, he emphasised the necessity of implementing a suitable programme to support artists.

He urged prompt submission of proposals for the betterment of the film industry and artist welfare.

Stressing the potential for swift action, Ratnapriya indicated that timely proposals could yield results following discussions with relevant institutions, including the Ministry of Finance.

Efforts are underway to inform President Ranil Wickremesinghe of these developments.

The event was attended by veteran film director Sugath Samarakoon, film producers Padmasiri Kodikara and Raj Ranasinghe, along with actors Arjun Kamalanath, Wasantha Kumaravila, Nadika Gunasekara, and numerous other industry artists.

April 07, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankans are gearing up to witness a celestial rarity as the Devil’s Comet, scientifically known as 12P/Pons-Brooks, makes its appearance, a phenomenon occurring once every 71 years.

Positioned near Jupiter, the comet will be visible to the naked eye during the total solar eclipse on April 08.

This massive comet, renowned for its distinctive “horned” shape, first caught the attention of Chinese astronomers in the year 1300 Anno Domini.

However, it gained official recognition when observed by French astronomer Jean-Louis Pons in the 19th century and later rediscovered by British American astronomer William Brooks in 1883.

Consequently, it was christened the 12P/Pons-Brooks comet.

Featuring two “horns” formed of ice and gas and periodic explosions, the comet earned its moniker “devil comet.”

According to NASA, the 18.6-mile-wide celestial visitor is expected to reach its closest point to the Sun and shine brightest on April 21.

It will also be positioned below the moon on April 10, offering a spectacle visible to the unaided eye.

During the total solar eclipse, the sudden darkness will provide an opportune moment for skywatchers to marvel at the vast expanse of the sky, potentially catching a glimpse of stars, planets, and perhaps even the Pons-Brooks comet as it traverses the solar system.

This marks the fourth appearance of the Devil’s Comet since its official discovery in 1812.

April 07, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasised the government’s dedication to steering Sri Lanka towards prosperity by 2048 through substantial reforms in key sectors such as modern agriculture, tourism, and energy.

Speaking at the “Let’s Start with Me” Anuradhapura District Youth Conference, he highlighted the pivotal role of young individuals in driving this transformative journey while cautioning against the distractions posed by mere slogans and arguments.

Conducted at the Koombichchankulam lake, the conference saw President Wickremesinghe engaging with a significant number of young participants from the Anuradhapura district, directly addressing their concerns.

He pledged immediate resolutions to many of their issues and instructed officials to take prompt action on others.

In response to queries, the President assured the youth that their futures should not be dictated solely by academic certificates, expressing a commitment to creating abundant job opportunities amidst Sri Lanka’s evolving economic landscape.

Additionally, he announced plans to extend education beyond the General Certificate of Education, ensuring a thirteen-year educational continuum.

President Wickremesinghe delineated forthcoming economic reforms, including the legalisation of agreements with international bodies like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the introduction of laws for economic restructuring in May.

He outlined strategies aimed at extending the repayment period for Sri Lanka’s foreign debt to 2042, easing debt burdens, and expediting the transition to an export-oriented economy.

Furthermore, Wickremesinghe underscored the government’s resolve to equip youth with modern technology to enable direct contributions to the nation’s economic progress.

The conference witnessed the presence of Ministers Manusha Nanayakkara and Harin Fernando, State Minister Shehan Semasinghe, MP Duminda Dissanayake, former Minister P. Harrison, and other notable figures, including United National Party Secretary General Palitha Range Bandara, former Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Presidential Director General (Community Affairs) Rajitha Keerthi Thennakoon, Presidential Trade Unions Director General Saman Ratnapriya, former Opposition Leader of the North Central Province Attorney Kasthuri Anuradhanayake, and several others.

April 07, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at a few places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 p.m., the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (07).

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Central, Uva and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Ampara, Galle and Matara districts during the morning.

General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Marine Weather:

On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka during 05^th to 15^th of April in this year.

The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (07^th) are Kadawatha, Badulla, Lunugala, Kongaspitiya, Bakmitiyawa and Kotmale at about 12:12 noon.

Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is expected to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-Central, Eastern, Western, Sabaragamuwa, North-western and Southern, provinces and Matale, Monaragala districts.

The public is urged to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade as often as possible, check up on the elderly and the sick, never leave children unattended, limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated, wear lightweight and white or light-coloured clothing.

The China-Sri Lanka Joint Research and Demonstration Center for Water Technology (JRDC) was inaugurated at the University of Peradeniya, heralding a new era of collaboration and innovation in water research.

The opening ceremony, graced by esteemed dignitaries including Yaping Zhang, Deputy President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Prof DM Lamahewa, Vice Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya, marked the beginning of a promising venture. 

This state-of-the-art institute stands as the largest water research facility in South Asia, equipped with cutting-edge technology and machinery aimed at detecting harmful substances in drinking water.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has emerged as a pressing issue in Sri Lanka, particularly in agricultural regions. The advanced capabilities of the JRDC offer a beacon of hope in addressing this menace, as it focuses on identifying and mitigating the factors contributing to waterborne ailments.

A gift from the People’s Republic of China, the JRDC exemplifies the strong bilateral ties between China and Sri Lanka. Its mission extends beyond research, aiming to provide essential services and education in water technology. 

The institute will facilitate post-graduate courses for university students and introduce state-of-the-art water treatment machines to ensure access to clean drinking water, especially in underserved areas.

The governance of the JRDC reflects a collaborative approach, with key stakeholders including the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya, the Secretary of the Ministry of Water Supply, and the Chief Professor of the Chinese Academy of Sciences overseeing its operations.

During the inauguration ceremony, attended by officials such as Water Supply Ministry Secretary and Senior Professor of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yuansong Wei, and Director of the JRDC, Dr. Suchitra Weheragoda, the commitment to advancing water research and technology was reaffirmed. 

The JRDC is poised to become a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering innovation and solutions to address the pressing water challenges facing Sri Lanka and beyond.