1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe has given directives to implement a formal program aimed at maintaining essential services and public services seamlessly during the upcoming Sinhala and Tamil New Year (Avurudu) season. This initiative is intended to guarantee the smooth operation of essential services without any disruptions during the festive season.
2. Opposition and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader MP Sajith Premadasa is ready to participate in a debate against National Peoples Power (NPP) Leader MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the SJB announced yesterday. Addressing the media, SJB MP Harsha de Silva said the party leader was ready to face off with NPP’s Anura Kumara Dissanayake for a debate on economic policies.
3. Sri Lankan actress Damitha Abeyratne and her husband were arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The arrest came after the couple, who had been wanted by the CID, appeared before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court earlier. The CID is currently carrying out an investigation into Abeyratne and her husband, in relation to their involvement in an alleged money scam.
4. Colombo District Court issued an interim injunction preventing former President Maithripala Sirisena from functioning as the chairman of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). The order was delivered following a complaint filed by former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.
5. Sri Lanka Education Ministry’s website has been breached by an unidentified hacker. The intruder, going by the moniker “Anonymous EEE,” left a message apologizing for the unauthorized access while highlighting security flaws in the system. Claiming to be a concerned citizen and A-Level student, the hacker emphasized the breach was reported in the interest of national safety.
6. The Ministry of Health has decided to launch an immediate investigation in search of the fake doctors and illegal medical centres operative in the country. This decision has been taken after taking into account the complaints received regarding the matter.
7. Minister of Education Susil Premajayantha states that efforts are underway to release the results of the 2023 G.C.E. Advanced Level examination in the beginning of May. Furthermore, the Minister expressed that the timetable have already been prepared to hold the 2023 G.C.E. Ordinary Level examination in mid-May.
8. Approximately 75,000 Sri Lankan workers have emigrated to foreign countries within the first three months of 2024, according to the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE). The bureau said as many as 74,499 Sri Lankans left the country in the first quarter of the year as opposed to 76,025 in 2023. Among them, 34,599 were women and it is 46% of the total number.
9. The Commission to Investigation Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has filed a case with the Colombo High Court against the former Chairman and the former Managing Director of ‘Laksala’, Sri Lanka’s state-owned handicraft marketing organization, over alleged corruption charges.
10. Two pacers from Ireland and New Zealand respectively are joined by Sri Lanka all-rounder Kamindu Mendis on the shortlist for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for March 2024.

April 05, Colombo (LNW):In anticipation of the upcoming Sinhala and Tamil New Year season, the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has launched a special bus service starting from today (April 5th), catering to the needs of the public.

The SLTB has announced the deployment of approximately 200 additional buses during the festive season, specifically aimed at assisting individuals residing in Colombo and its suburbs who are planning to visit their hometowns across the island.

These special bus services will be available from Colombo to various destinations nationwide, providing convenience and ease of travel for passengers during the holiday period.

Additionally, Sri Lanka Railways has also announced the introduction of special train services for long-distance journeys commencing from April 10th. The enhanced service will see the addition of around 12 extra train journeys to the daily schedule.

The special train services will remain operational for the general public until April 15th, offering an alternative mode of transportation for travelers seeking to celebrate the New Year festivities with their families and loved ones across the country.

April 05, Colombo (LNW): The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Deshabandu Tennakoon, arrived at the Supreme Court complex this morning (April 5), adhering to the summons issued to him yesterday.

Tennakoon was summoned by the country’s apex court in response to fundamental rights (FR) petitions filed by five chief inspectors regarding their transfers following the ‘Aragalaya’ movement.

Legal representatives for the petitioners presented pertinent details before a three-member judge bench led by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya yesterday. Following this presentation, the court directed the police chief to appear before the court today for further inquiry into the matter.

April 05, Colombo (LNW): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expressed optimism on Thursday regarding Sri Lanka’s ongoing negotiations with its commercial creditors, anticipating a resolution by the completion of the IMF’s second review.

Sri Lanka is currently engaged in discussions with bondholders to restructure approximately USD 12 billion in debt, a crucial step in its efforts to navigate through a challenging financial crisis.

IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack stated during a press briefing that there is a “strong expectation” for agreements to be reached with commercial creditors in line with program parameters by the conclusion of the second review.

Although the IMF had reached a staff-level agreement with Sri Lanka on the second review of its four-year bailout program at the end of last month, formal approval from the IMF’s board is still pending.

Kozack also highlighted the positive impact of macroeconomic policy reforms in Sri Lanka, noting achievements such as rapid disinflation, robust reserve accumulation, and initial indications of economic growth, all while maintaining stability in the financial system.

Despite these commendable outcomes, challenges persist in Sri Lanka’s public finances, underscoring the importance of ongoing efforts to address and mitigate the country’s economic difficulties.

April 05, Colombo (LNW): In a recent development, President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Basil Rajapaksa, the Founder of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), engaged in discussions in Colombo on Thursday evening (April 4th).

The SLPP revealed that the meeting addressed various matters concerning future political activities and forthcoming elections.

This gathering marks the third occasion where President Wickremesinghe and Basil Rajapaksa have convened, emphasizing the significance of their ongoing dialogue regarding the nation’s political landscape and electoral strategies.

April 05, Colombo (LNW): During an Ifthar gathering in Hatton Town on Tuesday (2), Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development Minister Jeevan Thondaman issued an unexpected apology to the Muslim community for the mandatory cremation policy implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic under the previous government led by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Expressing regret for the distress caused to the Muslim community, Minister Thondaman took responsibility for the policy despite assuming office in January last year. He acknowledged the importance of accountability, regardless of the government in power at the time.

The forced cremation policy, driven by concerns about contaminating water supplies with the COVID-19 virus, has been refuted by new scientific findings. Research led by experts from Sri Jayewardenepura University, supported by the Water Supply Ministry, concluded that there was no risk of groundwater pollution from properly conducted burials during the pandemic. A subsequent review by the Joint Research and Demonstration Centre for Water Technology at Peradeniya University affirmed these findings, highlighting the absence of environmental contamination from burial practices.

The Minister’s apology signals a commitment to evidence-based decision-making and respect for cultural and religious practices. He announced plans to submit a Cabinet Paper, accompanied by the study findings, to formally apologize to the Muslim community for the harm caused by the forced cremation policy. This gesture represents a significant step towards healing the wounds inflicted by divisive policies during the pandemic.

April 05, Colombo (LNW): South Korea’s Gyeongsangbuk-do Province Governor Lee Cheol Woo and Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena convened at the Governor’s office in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, on Wednesday (3) to discuss collaborative ventures spanning education, agriculture, fisheries, women’s empowerment, and rural development.

During the talks, the Provincial Government pledged to extend various benefits to Sri Lanka, including initiatives in education, higher education, and vocational training, as well as opportunities for university entrance and scholarships. Moreover, plans were discussed to enhance employment opportunities in Korea for Sri Lankans.

The discussions also explored potential investments in health, construction, fisheries technology, post-harvest damage mitigation, and short-term employment opportunities in Korea, particularly during the harvesting season.

Prime Minister Gunawardena expressed gratitude for the opportunity to witness the economic success achieved by Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. He lauded the cooperation extended by the Saemaul Foundation, a voluntary organization, in supporting underdeveloped areas in Sri Lanka, particularly in Kegalle and Ratnapura in the Sabaragamuwa Province, for education improvement.

Gunawardena conveyed warm regards from President Ranil Wickremesinghe and emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between Sri Lanka and Korea in new technology and investments. He underscored the significance of his visit, accompanied by Members of Parliament, to Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, highlighting the event’s importance for Sri Lanka’s future development.

State Ministers, Members of Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Secretary, the Sri Lankan Ambassador to South Korea, and officials from Gyeongsangbuk-do Province were also present at the meeting, reflecting the commitment of both nations to foster mutually beneficial partnerships in various sectors.

April 05, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court has issued a conditional order preventing eight respondents, including the private secretary of former Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) Chairman Janaka Ratnayake, from distributing personal photographs, videotapes, or audiotapes related to Ratnayake.

Ratnayake lodged a complaint with the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court through his legal representative under Section 24 of the Online Safety Act No. 09 of 2024.

During the court proceedings, Kalinga Indatissa PC, representing the petitioner, highlighted that despite provisions in the Online Safety Act requiring the appointment of a Commission, no such entity has been established yet. Consequently, the petition was brought before the court to address the matter.

Indatissa emphasized the potential repercussions of such incidents, noting that regardless of Ratnayake’s future political aspirations, anyone could fall victim to such violations. He elaborated on the intimate nature of the relationship between Ratnayake and his former personal secretary, who had access to his internet passwords during her tenure spanning 18 years until May 2023.

The petitioner’s legal team brought to light allegations that the first and second respondents had intentions to share personal photos or videos on social media platforms. Subsequently, a video purportedly containing such material surfaced, prompting the request for legal intervention to prevent further dissemination.

Consequently, the President’s Counsel urged the court to issue a conditional injunction to halt the disclosure of Ratnayake’s personal information by the first and second respondents, seeking legal protection against potential breaches of privacy.

April 05, Colombo (LNW): Transport, Highways, and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana revealed that the Railway Department has organized a series of programs to commemorate 100 years since the British introduced the railway service in Sri Lanka.

To kick off the celebrations, a new train named ‘Dunhinda Odyssey’ will commence its journey from Colombo Fort to Badulla at 6.30 am today (April 5th), operating every other day.

In addition, a luxurious tourist short-distance train named ‘Galaxo’ featuring three carriages with wooden observation cabins without roofs will run daily from Bandarawela to Demodara, adding a touch of elegance to the railway experience.

As part of the centenary festivities, a commemorative stamp will be issued this afternoon at the Badulla Railway Station, marking the historic occasion. Furthermore, a vibrant cultural show is scheduled to take place in Badulla town tonight, showcasing the rich heritage and diversity of Sri Lanka.

April 05, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places inWestern and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 p.m.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places inNorth-western province and in Mannar and Nuwara-Eliya districts during the evening or night.

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

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

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 (05^th) are Balapitiya, Elpitiya, Morawaka and Tissamaharama at about 12:12 noon.