September 02, Colombo (LNW): Leading budget airline IndiGo commenced daily direct flights to Jaffna on Sunday (01), a historic city in Sri Lanka’s northern province.

This new route, marking the airline’s second destination in Sri Lanka after Colombo, is a significant addition to its expanding network, bringing the total number of international destinations to 34 and overall destinations to 122.

The introduction of this route aims to bolster cultural and economic ties between India and Sri Lanka.

According to Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo, “This new flight is strategically important, aiming to boost trade and tourism between the two nations.

With a travel time of just 75 minutes between Chennai and Jaffna, we expect this service to meet the growing demand.”

In the past nine months alone, over 21,000 passengers have travelled the Chennai-Jaffna route, highlighting its strong demand.

The daily flights will depart Chennai at 13:55, arriving in Jaffna at 15:10. Conversely, flights from Jaffna will leave at 15:55, reaching Chennai at 17:10.

This new service is expected to stimulate both economic and cultural exchanges. Jaffna, renowned for its rich Tamil heritage and historical landmarks, offers visitors a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s diverse cultural tapestry.

Key attractions include the Jaffna Fort, a symbol of the region’s colonial history, and the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, a significant Hindu temple.

Beyond its economic impact, the new route is poised to strengthen social connections.

It will facilitate family reunifications, improve educational opportunities for students, and enable tourists to explore Jaffna’s unique cultural landscape.

September 02, Colombo (LNW): Twelve individuals, including former Western Provincial Council member Amal Silva, have been ordered to remain in remand custody until 13 September 2024.

This decision was handed down by the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court following their appearance in connection with the murder of businessman Surendra Wasantha Perera, alias ‘Club Wasantha’, and another individual.

Silva was apprehended on 29 August for allegedly aiding the second gunman and the driver involved in the fatal shooting that claimed Perera’s life.

The incident occurred on 8 July during the opening ceremony of a tattoo and piercing studio in Athurugiriya. Six people were injured in the attack, two of whom, including Perera, later succumbed to their injuries.

The second gunman and the driver were arrested on 28 August in Pinwaththa, Panadura, by the Panadura Police Divisional Crimes Detective Bureau. In total, 18 individuals, including a woman, have been detained in relation to the case.

Police Media Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa revealed that more than 95 per cent of the investigation has been completed, with all principal suspects identified and in custody.

However, the investigation is ongoing due to suspected foreign involvement, potentially linked to international crime syndicates or drug networks.

Thalduwa suggested that some individuals involved in the crime may be hiding abroad, possibly connected to these global criminal organisations.

The incident sent shockwaves through the community, especially as it involved notable figures, including popular singer K. Sujeewa and Perera’s wife, who were amongst the injured.

The police investigation also led to the discovery of the van used by the suspects in Bulathsinhala and the car in Kaduwela, both abandoned.

September 02, Colombo (LNW): Namal Rajapaksa, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Presidential candidate, revealed his election manifesto, titled ‘Namal Dekma’, at a formal event in Colombo today (02).

The manifesto outlines his vision and policy proposals for the country, as he seeks to gain support in the upcoming Presidential election.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by prominent figures within the Rajapaksa family and key political allies. Amongst the attendees were former Presidents Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Also present were former ministers Chamal Rajapaksa, Basil Rajapaksa, and Johnston Fernando, as well as the current Speaker of Parliament, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena.

September 02, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Customs recently handed over three million illicit cigarette sticks, valued at over Rs. 75 million, to the Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC) for destruction.

These cigarettes, seized in operations at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) during the first half of 2024, underscore ongoing efforts to combat illegal tobacco smuggling.

The smuggled cigarettes, primarily sourced from countries including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, India, Cambodia, and China, were intercepted through the diligent efforts of the Border Risk Assessment Center (BRAC), which played a key role in identifying high-risk passengers.

The total evaded duties and levies for these contraband items were estimated at around Rs. 480 million.

Amongst the confiscated goods were several well-known and Chinese cigarette brands, which were forfeited under the Customs Ordinance after penalties were imposed on the individuals involved in the smuggling operations.

The destruction of these items is carried out under strict environmental regulations to ensure compliance with national laws.

Customs officials have highlighted this operation as part of a larger strategy aimed at curbing the illegal tobacco trade, which not only threatens public health but also disrupts the legal market.

September 02, Colombo (LNW): The official polling cards for the 2024 Presidential Election will be handed over to the Postal Department today (02), the Election Commission announced.

Following this, the Postal Department will initiate the distribution of these polling cards to the residences of registered voters across the country.

Deputy Postmaster General Rajitha Ranasinghe confirmed that the delivery of the polling cards is scheduled to commence from tomorrow (03).

This marks a significant step in the electoral process, ensuring that voters receive the necessary documentation to participate in the upcoming election.

The timely distribution of polling cards is crucial for facilitating voter turnout and maintaining the integrity of the election process.

The Election Commission, in coordination with the Postal Department, aims to ensure that all registered voters receive their polling cards well in advance of the election day, allowing them ample time to verify their voting details and prepare to cast their ballots.

As the distribution begins, the authorities will closely monitor the process to address any issues that may arise, ensuring that every eligible voter is equipped with the necessary materials to exercise their democratic rights in the forthcoming election.

September 02, Colombo (LNW): Election Commissioner General Saman Sri Ratnayake has clarified that candidates in the forthcoming Presidential Election are prohibited from using their allocated airtime to promote other candidates.

He emphasised that each candidate must submit their television footage and audio recordings, containing the material they intend to present to the public, for prior approval by the Election Commission.

This statement was made during a media training workshop organised by the Intenivus Institute on 31st August at the Royal Mall Hotel in Kandy, where Ratnayake participated as a guest.

He pointed out that some candidates enter the race with the intention of backing another contender, leading to the introduction of this regulation based on experiences from previous elections.

Ratnayake further announced that, starting from 1st September, candidates nominated for the Presidential Election would be provided with the opportunity to address the electorate via radio and television channels.

This initiative aims to ensure that all candidates can communicate their platforms directly to the public, while maintaining fairness in the election process.

By enforcing these rules, the Commission seeks to prevent any misuse of media access that might skew voter perceptions or give undue advantage to certain candidates.