September 02, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts, with heavy showers above 100 mm being likely to occur at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Eastern and Uva provinces during the evening or night.

Strong winds about (40-50) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Hambantota and Trincomalee districts.

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

Meanwhile, the sun is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka during 28^th of August to 06^th of September due to its apparent southward relative motion. The nearest places of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (02) are Marawila, Narammala, Mawathagama and Kalmunai about 12.09 noon.

Marine Weather:

1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe announces his candidacy for the upcoming presidential election, seeking a five-year term to solidify Sri Lanka’s recent economic progress: emphasises his efforts to stabilise the economy, contrasting his approach with those of his opponents: highlights his achievements in reducing inflation, boosting GDP, and improving public services, urging voters to support his vision for continued economic stability.
   
2. Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya-led alliance’s presidential candidate, pledges to address Sri Lanka’s unemployment crisis through a comprehensive plan focusing on youth and unemployed graduates: promises a 24% salary increase for state employees, reduced tax rates, affordable fertiliser, and the construction of seven manufacturing factories in Anuradhapura district.
   
3. Presidential Candidate of the National Peoples Power MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the public’s presence and support for the 2024 presidential election will steer Sri Lanka towards a new renaissance and a vision of a thriving nation, a beautiful life: asserts regardless of the political opponents’ attempts of tearing down the stronghold made around the NPP by the people, their victory will be absolute and will rectify injustice people had suffered for decades.
   
4. ‘Sarvajana Balaya’ Presidential Candidate Dilith Jayaweera emphasises the party’s national strategic plan is based on scientifically and logically achievable goals within a set timeline, rather than mere promises: highlights key aspects of the plan, including boosting household incomes, facilitating vehicle purchases for youth, and empowering Sri Lankan women through entrepreneurship.
   
5. The Postal Department reports 95% of postal ballot papers for the presidential election have been distributed, with only a few remaining for military bases: These are to be dispatched today: A total of 712,318 state sector employees are eligible for postal voting from 4-6 September 2024, with the Kurunegala district having the highest number of eligible voters.
   
6. The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) addresses concerns about a perceived decline in transshipment volumes at the Port of Colombo, attributing it to global supply and demand dynamics rather than competition from regional Indian ports: Despite temporary fluctuations, Colombo Port saw a 9.6% growth in 2024, handling 5.02 million TEU, with SLPA emphasising collaboration and industry resilience.
   
7. The Ceylon Private Bus Owners’ Association announces bus fares will not change despite recent fuel price reductions: Chairman Gemunu Wijeratne explains the Rs. 10 fuel price cut is too small to affect fares, which are set by a specific price formula: Adds a minimum Rs. 25 reduction in fuel prices is required to consider lowering bus fares.
   
8. IndiGo commences daily non-stop flights between Chennai and Jaffna, with the inaugural flight arriving at Jaffna International Airport yesterday at 3:05 p.m: The aircraft, carrying 52 passengers, was welcomed with a water cannon salute and traditional performances: IndiGo’s service aims to strengthen connectivity between India and Sri Lanka, with tickets available through their website and mobile app.
   
9. A Sri Lankan passenger was caught at the BIA Airport attempting to smuggle foreign cigarettes worth over Rs. 3 million, disguised as cosmetics from Doha: Police Narcotic Bureau officials found 20,000 prohibited cigarette sticks in the suspect’s baggage: The suspect was released on bail and must appear before the Negombo Magistrate on 3 September.
   
10. England secures a 190-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second Test at Lord’s, taking an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series: Chasing a record 483 runs, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 292 after tea on the fourth day, marking their seventh consecutive defeat against England.

By: Staff Writer

September 01, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo Security Conclave (CSC), comprising India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Mauritius, and Bangladesh, has taken significant strides towards enhancing regional security cooperation by finalizing its charter and agreeing to establish a permanent secretariat. These developments were formalized during a ceremony hosted by Sri Lanka on August 30, 2024.

The CSC, initially formed in 2020 as a trilateral alliance between India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, aimed to strengthen maritime and security collaboration within the Indian Ocean region. Over time, the group expanded its membership to include Mauritius and Bangladesh, with the Seychelles serving as an observer.

The recent event in Colombo saw the signing of both the CSC Charter and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the creation of the CSC Secretariat. The documents were signed by Ajit Doval, India’s National Security Adviser (NSA), alongside his counterparts from the Maldives, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka.

Curiously, Bangladesh did not participate in the signing, which some sources attributed to the recent change in government in Dhaka. Although it was expected that Bangladesh’s envoy to Sri Lanka would be the signatory, the absence remains unexplained.

The CSC’s core mission is to promote regional security by addressing transnational threats and challenges shared by member states. The Conclave’s cooperation is anchored on five key pillars: maritime safety and security, counterterrorism and radicalization, combating trafficking and transnational organized crime, cybersecurity, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Ajit Doval’s visit to Colombo underscored the importance of the CSC in maintaining security and stability in the Indian Ocean Region. He highlighted the Founding Documents as crucial for reinforcing CSC’s role and emphasized the need for sustained, collective efforts to address traditional, non-traditional, and emerging hybrid challenges across the region.

The CSC meeting concluded with discussions on the next steps and future activities. This included potential initiatives under the CSC’s five pillars of cooperation, which are designed to address pressing security issues in the region.

In addition to his participation in the CSC event, Ajit Doval met with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.

Their discussions focused on ongoing economic collaboration between India and Sri Lanka, a key aspect of the bilateral relationship.

Doval also engaged with other political leaders in Colombo, including the Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa and representatives from various political factions, signifying India’s broader engagement in Sri Lanka’s political landscape.

The establishment of the CSC Secretariat marks a pivotal step in the institutionalization of the Conclave, ensuring that regional security cooperation remains structured and effective in addressing the myriad challenges facing the Indian Ocean region.

By: Staff Writer

September 01, Colombo (LNW): A pioneer in the region, the airline has always remained resilient in the face of turbulence and has consistently championed true Sri Lankan hospitality globally.

“Forty-five years is a long time in any industry, but achieving this milestone in the commercial airline sector is an even greater feat. SriLankan Airlines is one of the oldest commercial airlines in this region, and we are incredibly proud of our journey over the past 45 years, despite the regular challenges we have faced.

Through it all, SriLankan has remained steadfast in its commitment to our loyal customers and in supporting Sri Lanka through every high and low,” SriLankan Airlines Chairman Ashok Pathirage reflected.

Over the years, SriLankan Airlines has proven its versatility in an ever evolving and testing environment. Today, SriLankan continues to be one of the major international airlines from South Asia, having achieved numerous milestones and accolades along the way.

“On this occasion, it is important to express our gratitude to our people. We owe our successes and resilience to every individual within the airline, both current and past, who has dedicated themselves and made sacrifices for our success.

As we celebrate our achievements, we will also focus on our vision for the future, striving to be the airline of choice for travellers seeking an authentic Sri Lankan experience, personified by the warmth and hospitality of our people,” SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Richard Nuttall added.

SriLankan Airlines provides convenient connections to a global network (including codeshare partners) of 114 destinations in 62 countries around the world.

The airline’s direct route map covers major cities across the Europe, Australia, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia and the Far East. SriLankan operates an all-Airbus fleet consisting wide-bodied A330 aircraft, A321 aircraft and mid-range A320s.

Notable achievements include the 1999 rebranding from Air Lanka to SriLankan Airlines and joining the oneworld alliance in 2014.

The airline has also been recognised with multiple awards, such as the World Travel Awards for “World’s Leading Airline to the Indian Ocean” (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021) and APEX’s 4-star rating in the Major Airline category (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023).

Other accolades include the PATA Gold Award for Marketing-Carrier (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024) and the Golden City Gate Awards for various marketing campaigns.

SriLankan Airlines has also been at the forefront of innovation, introducing South Asia’s first self-service check-in and bag drop facility in 2023.

Additionally, the airline’s commitment to sustainability was recognised with the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Aviation Award for Best Aviation Sustainability Programme in 2022.

1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe announces plans to introduce new legislation allowing individuals to choose burial or cremation based on personal and religious preferences: Addressing past grievances, he expressed regret for the mandatory cremation policy enforced during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly affecting the Muslim community: A special committee will investigate the policy, and compensation will be provided to affected families.
   
2. Presidential Candidate Wijeyadasa Rajapaksha says anyone from his party Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) who pledged their support to any other candidate during the 2024 Presidential Election will not be accepted into membership of the party.
   
3. The National People’s Power (NPP) lodges a complaint with the Elections Commission against MP Rajitha Senarathne: NPP’s Sunil Handunnetti accuses Senarathne of issuing a threatening statement aimed at deterring expatriate workers from returning to Sri Lanka to vote in the upcoming Presidential election: claims this violates election laws and hinders a free and fair electoral process.
   
4. SLPP Presidential candidate Namal Rajapaksa announces a temporary suspension of political activities in Jaffna to respect the Nallur Ther festival’s cultural and religious significance: emphasises the importance of preserving regional traditions during this sacred period, allowing the festival to proceed without political disruption: The Nallur Ther festival is a highly revered Hindu event in the Northern Province.
   
5. Litro Gas Lanka Ltd. announces no price change for September, retaining the August pricing structure: Chairman Muditha Peiris emphasised that this decision aims to provide stability for consumers amidst fluctuating global energy prices: Litro Gas is closely monitoring the market and will reassess the pricing if needed, prioritising consistency and affordability for households.
   
6. The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation announces starting from midnight (31), fuel prices across Sri Lanka will be lowered: The price of Petrol 92 will see a reduction of Rs 12 per litre, while Petrol 95 will drop by Rs 2 per litre: Diesel prices will be reduced by Rs 10 per litre, and Super Diesel will decrease by Rs 3 per litre.
   
7. An extraordinary gazette notification has been released, formally listing the public and bank holidays for the year 2025: This announcement provides an official schedule, ensuring that institutions, businesses, and the general public are well-informed and can plan accordingly for the upcoming year.
   
8. The Election Commission reports 1,592 complaints regarding the upcoming Presidential election between 31 July and 31 August, with 112 cases filed in the past month: Amongst these, 947 complaints were recorded by District Centres, and 645 by the National Centre for Election Complaint Management, including eight incidents of violence: The Commission is committed to investigating each case to ensure a fair election.
   
9. Sri Lanka’s transparency in large foreign-funded infrastructure projects remains inadequate, with only 40% of required information disclosed in 2024, according to Verité Research: The Infrastructure Watch dashboard reveals just 20% of procurement-related data was shared, raising corruption concerns: suggests linking foreign loans to compliance with the Right to Information Act to improve transparency and reduce risks for lenders and contractors.
   
10. Sri Lanka struggled in their first innings, reaching 129 for 7 at tea on day two of the second Test at Lord’s: Despite Asitha Fernando’s five-wicket haul and a brief partnership between Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal, the top order faltered: England, led by Gus Atkinson’s maiden century, posted 427, leaving Sri Lanka trailing by 298 runs and facing a potential follow-on.

September 01, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s adherence to transparency laws in large infrastructure projects funded by foreign loans and grants remains significantly lacking, according to a recent statement from Verité Research.

The law mandates that all projects exceeding USD 100,000 must disclose relevant information online; however, in 2024, the government fulfilled only 40 per cent of this obligation.

The findings, revealed in the 2024 update of the Infrastructure Watch dashboard on PublicFinance.LK—Sri Lanka’s foremost economic insights platform—underscore ongoing transparency challenges.

This platform has been monitoring the government’s compliance with the proactive disclosure requirements of the Right to Information (RTI) Act since 2022.

Public procurement, a frequent target of corruption in public spending, saw even poorer compliance.

The dashboard reported that only 20 per cent of the legally mandated procurement-related information for foreign-financed projects was disclosed, raising concerns about the integrity of these projects.

Subhashini Abeysinghe, an economist and Director at Verité Research, suggested that foreign lenders could improve transparency by tying project financing to the government’s compliance with the RTI Act.

She emphasised that increased transparency is beneficial not only for the Sri Lankan public but also for the foreign lenders and contractors involved.

“Greater transparency fosters fair competition, reduces corruption risks, and minimises reputational risks for lenders and contractors,” Abeysinghe noted.

The RTI Act, specifically Section 9, along with guidelines from the RTI Commission, requires the proactive disclosure of information across five key areas: project details, rationale and beneficiaries, budget and financial details, approvals and clearances, and procurement and contracts.

The 2024 assessment focused on compliance concerning 50 major infrastructure projects.