By: Isuru Parakrama

November 28, Colombo (LNW): On the 27th of November, a virtual meeting was held between Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Mr. Ajay Banga, the President of the World Bank Group, to explore the future development trajectory of Sri Lanka.

The discussion, which took place at the Presidential Secretariat, focused on identifying key areas for collaboration in promoting long-term economic stability and growth.

In the meeting, Mr. Banga underscored the World Bank’s ongoing commitment to addressing critical development challenges across the globe, with particular emphasis on fostering job creation.

He also highlighted the bank’s role in providing both financial and technical support to Sri Lanka, aimed at driving innovation and transforming various sectors vital to the nation’s development.

These areas include education, healthcare, social protection, and broader economic prosperity.

The World Bank’s support, according to the statement from the President’s Media Division, would extend beyond immediate financial assistance to encompass vital aspects such as enhancing Sri Lanka’s economic policy, bolstering investments, improving competitiveness, strengthening institutions, and reducing poverty.

Additionally, the World Bank aims to assist in advancing agriculture, water resource management, and addressing climate change.

Sustainability efforts are also a major priority, with a focus on environmental preservation, social inclusion, infrastructure development, and the digitisation of various sectors to ensure comprehensive and inclusive growth.

During the talks, President Dissanayake outlined the Sri Lankan government’s concerted efforts to alleviate poverty, particularly in rural areas.

He emphasised the importance of improving government revenue by leveraging digital technologies, as well as reinforcing strategic sectors such as tourism, maritime industries, state-owned enterprises (SOEs), and energy, with particular focus on encouraging foreign investment in power generation projects.

The President also shed light on the government’s initiatives to promote regional development in the Northern and Eastern provinces. He stressed the need for enhanced educational and healthcare systems, alongside more targeted efforts in human resource development.

Furthermore, Dissanayake pointed out the growing necessity of aligning vocational education with academic learning to equip the future workforce with the skills needed to meet evolving industry demands, particularly in these regions.

Banga shared the exciting news that Sri Lanka has been selected as one of only 20 countries globally to host the new integrated South Asia office. The office is set to open in July 2025, as part of a broader initiative to strengthen the World Bank Group’s global network.

This new office will facilitate better coordination among the bank’s four main arms—the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Development Association (IDA), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA)—to streamline efforts and improve development outcomes in the region.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Prof. Anil Jayantha, and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, both of whom participated in the fruitful discussions.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 28, Colombo (LNW): In response to the ongoing adverse weather conditions, the Sri Lanka Examinations Department has announced a postponement of the 2024 GCE Advanced Level (A/L) examinations.

Originally scheduled to begin later this week, the exams will now commence on December 4, 2024.

Amith Jayasundara, the Commissioner General of Examinations, confirmed that the decision was made after carefully considering the impact of the severe weather on the safety and well-being of students and exam personnel.

The examinations, which were initially set to start earlier, have been delayed by one day, with the new starting date now confirmed for December 4.

The Department has advised all candidates and examination centres to stay updated on any further instructions, including possible changes to venue arrangements, as weather conditions continue to be closely monitored.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 28, Colombo (LNW):  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially expressed its backing for the newly announced ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, urging that this development may signal the possibility of long-lasting peace in the region. 

In a statement, the Ministry stressed that the government conveyed its optimism, highlighting its hope that the truce would lay the groundwork for stability, not only in Lebanon but across the broader Middle East.

The ceasefire, which was announced on November 26, marks a significant step toward halting nearly 14 months of hostilities, primarily driven by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. 

This temporary cessation of violence follows a particularly volatile period, with both Hezbollah and Israeli forces engaging in direct confrontations that had further escalated the situation.

Although there have been no immediate reports of violations following the ceasefire’s commencement, signs of relief and celebration have emerged in Beirut, as many are hopeful that the truce will hold. Nevertheless, Israel has made it clear that any breach by Hezbollah could lead to retaliation. 

The ceasefire agreement mandates a two-month suspension of hostilities, during which Hezbollah is expected to withdraw its military forces from southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops will also be required to pull back to their side of the border. 

To enforce the ceasefire, additional Lebanese troops, along with United Nations peacekeepers, will be deployed in the southern region, and a monitoring panel, led by the United States, will oversee compliance.

Despite the relative calm, an Israeli military spokesperson cautioned against the return of residents to southern Lebanon, stating that the area remains under Israeli military surveillance. 

This came just hours after Israel had launched its heaviest airstrike campaign on Beirut, marking the most intense bombardment of the city since the conflict’s inception. 

Local authorities reported at least 42 deaths from the airstrikes, which had targeted various locations across the country.

While the ceasefire brings a much-needed respite to Lebanon, it does not address the ongoing and devastating war in Gaza, where Hamas continues to hold hostages, and the conflict remains unresolved. 

Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has welcomed the truce, describing it as a vital step toward restoring stability and enabling the return of displaced citizens to their homes.

Hezbollah has officially stated its acceptance of the ceasefire but has indicated that it is still reviewing the agreement’s final terms. A senior official from the group, Mahmoud Qamati, emphasised that while Hezbollah desires an end to hostilities, it would not accept any violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty. 

The group’s forces are required to withdraw to positions north of the Litani River, which is located roughly 30 kilometres from the border.

This development comes after a year of escalating violence, sparked by Hezbollah’s retaliatory actions in northern Israel on October 08, 2023, following the Hamas-led attack on Israel. Since then, both parties have exchanged frequent artillery fire, further intensifying the regional crisis.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 28, Colombo (LNW): The Election Commission is currently deliberating on suitable dates for the upcoming local government elections, with a focus on ensuring that the elections do not clash with ongoing examination schedules.

In a meeting held yesterday (27) chaired by R.M.A.L. Ratnayake, the Commission discussed various aspects of the electoral process, including timing and logistics, while taking into account the importance of not disrupting academic activities.

While no definitive date for the elections was set during the meeting, the Chairman assured that the Commission will reconvene in the near future to finalise the election schedule.

He reiterated that the urgency of holding the local government elections is underscored by a ruling from the Supreme Court, which has directed that the elections be held without unnecessary delays.

The final decision on the election date is expected to be reached shortly, with the Commission prioritising both the constitutional mandate and the academic calendar.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 28, Colombo (LNW): Adverse weather conditions have caused widespread disruption across Sri Lanka, with 20 districts experiencing significant impact.

According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), a total of 80,642 households in 166 Divisional Secretariat divisions have been affected by the ongoing storms and flooding.

The DMC has reported that 276,550 individuals are currently grappling with the effects of the extreme weather, and 16,553 people from 5,305 families have been forced to seek shelter in safer locations.

In addition to the immediate challenges posed by the heavy rainfall, the Irrigation Department has raised concerns about the ongoing flood risks in low-lying areas near reservoirs.

G.W.A. Sakura Dilthara, an Irrigation Engineer, warned that rising water levels in key rivers, particularly the Deduru Oya and the Mahaweli River, are likely to worsen the flooding in the surrounding regions.

The increased water flow poses a serious risk to communities living near these watercourses, potentially leading to further displacement and damage to property.

The situation remains dire, with authorities urging the public to stay alert and take necessary precautions as the rainfall continues.

Emergency services remain on high alert, working to support affected families and mitigate the risks posed by the relentless weather conditions.