August 29, Colombo (LNW): National People’s Power (NPP) presidential candidate MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake has committed to forming a government dedicated to eliminating the pervasive influence of drugs and organised crime in Sri Lanka.
During a rally in Negombo, Dissanayake highlighted the longstanding connection between certain local politicians and criminal networks.
He lamented that while crime has always existed, the emergence of organised crime gangs is a relatively recent development, fuelled by political complicity.
“Historically, Sri Lanka did not have organised crime syndicates. While crimes occurred, there were no established criminal networks. However, today we see murders orchestrated from abroad, and drug operations managed from within prisons,” Dissanayake stated.
This is a direct result of the protection and support these gangs receive from local politicians, he pointed out.
He further assured that under an NPP-led administration, decisive measures would be taken to dismantle these criminal networks and restore safety and justice across the nation.
August 29, Colombo (LNW): Showers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts, with fairly heavy showers about 50 mm being likely to occur at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara, Nuwara-Eliya and Puttalam districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (29).
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts 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.
Cloudy skies can be expected in Northern, North-central, Eastern and Central provinces.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
In a subsequent development, the sun is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka during 28th of August to 06th of September due to its apparent southward relative motion.
The nearest places of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (29) are Oddusuddan, Mankulam, Terankandal and Mallavi about 12.11 noon.
Marine Weather:
A low-pressure area is likely to form over Northern Bay of Bengal today (29). Very strong winds (70-80) kmph accompanied with heavy rainfalls and very rough seas are likely over above sea areas. Naval and fishing communities in the above sea areas are requested to be attentive to future forecasts issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regard.
Condition of Rain:
Showers may occur at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Mullaittivu to Hambanthota via Kankasanthurai, Puttalam, Colombo and Galle.
Winds:
Winds will be south-westerly in direction and wind speed will be (30-40) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to (55–60) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Kankasanthurai to Chilaw via Mannar and Puttalam and from Hambantota to Pottuvil. Wind speed can increase up to50 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Chilaw to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle and from Trincomalee to Kankasanthurai.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coasts extending from Kankasanthurai to Chilaw via Mannar and Puttalam and from Hambantota to Pottuvil will be rough at times. The sea areas off the coasts extending from Chilaw to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle and from Trincomalee to Kankasanthurai may be fairly rough at times.
August 29, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Meteorology has released an urgent advisory regarding heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough seas for multi-day boats operating in the deep sea areas of the Northern Bay of Bengal.
According to the advisory, a low-pressure system is expected to develop over the Northern Bay of Bengal today (29).
This system is likely to bring extremely strong winds ranging between 70-80 kmph, accompanied by heavy downpours and turbulent sea conditions in the affected areas.
The Met. Department has strongly advised naval and fishing communities to avoid venturing into the sea regions bounded by coordinates 10N – 17N and 83E – 92E for the next three days.
Those currently at sea within these coordinates are urged to return to the coast or move to safer areas immediately.
The department also emphasises the importance of staying updated with future forecasts, as conditions may evolve rapidly.
August 29, Colombo (LNW): The Elections Commission has officially announced the appointment of Karunarathna Paranawithana as a Member of Parliament, following the resignation of Thalatha Athukorala.
This appointment fills the vacancy left by Athukorala, who recently stepped down from her parliamentary duties.
Paranawithana, who served as a Deputy Minister in the 2015 government, brings with him a wealth of experience.
Athukorala’s resignation has prompted discussions about the future direction of her political career and the implications of her departure for the SJB.
August 29, Colombo (LNW): Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) presidential candidate and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has vowed to pursue legal action against individuals responsible for enforcing forced cremations during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Speaking at a rally in Akkaraipattu, Premadasa criticised the controversial practice, which sparked widespread concern and distress among affected families, particularly in communities where burial rites are culturally and religiously significant.
Premadasa assured supporters that a future government led by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) would prioritise justice for those impacted by the forced cremations.
He further pledged that compensation would be provided to the families who suffered as a result of these actions.
The issue of forced cremations has remained a deeply contentious topic in Sri Lanka, with many calling for accountability and reparations, especially in the backdrop of zero scientific evidence suggesting the burial of bodies of those died of the disease being contributory to the spread of the contagion.
During the tenure of the ousted president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, cremation was declared a mandatory practice for those died of Covid.
Premadasa’s commitment to addressing this matter signals a potential shift in how these grievances might be handled under an SJB administration, focusing on both legal redress and financial compensation for those who were wronged.
August 29, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Rubber Research Institute (SLRRI) has announced significant progress in controlling the circular leaf spot disease affecting the country’s rubber plantations.
Dr. Sarojani Fernando of the SLRRI disclosed that 80 per cent of the chemical research undertaken by the institute has proven effective in managing the disease, which has been spreading across Kalutara, Ratnapura, Monaragala, and Ampara.
The circular leaf spot disease, caused by a fungus, disrupts the food production process in rubber trees, leading to a decline in latex yield by approximately 10 per cent annually.
The disease is not unique to Sri Lanka, as it has been detected in several other Asian countries. However, effective treatments have remained elusive until now.
During a press conference held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries on the 27th, Fernando highlighted that the SLRRI had conducted over 10 studies to combat this disease, with one particular chemical treatment showing 80 percent efficacy.
This promising solution has already been tested in the field and is expected to be made available to rubber growers across the country by next year.
The Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries, Mahinda Amaraweera, who was present at the event, praised the research as an international achievement for Sri Lanka.
He also committed to increasing government funding for further research in the plantation sector, recognising the critical role such innovations play in sustaining the nation’s agricultural output.
August 29, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have reached a preliminary agreement to revise the current pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) tax, according to President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Addressing a presidential election rally in Eheliyagoda, the President revealed that both parties have submitted proposals and are in the process of finalising the details.
President Wickremesinghe acknowledged the widespread concern over the PAYE tax, describing it as a significant issue that requires urgent attention.
He explained that the government and the IMF have recognised the need for amendments to the tax structure, with discussions currently underway to finalise the specifics.
“We have presented our proposal, and the IMF has tabled theirs. Once we reach a consensus, the exact figures will be announced,” he stated.
The ongoing negotiations are part of broader efforts to align Sri Lanka’s tax policies with international standards while addressing domestic concerns.
The proposed changes are expected to provide relief to taxpayers while ensuring the country’s economic stability.
The revision of the PAYE tax comes as the government seeks to balance fiscal responsibility with the need to support citizens during challenging economic times.
The President’s announcement reflects a commitment to transparency and collaboration in the decision-making process, with the final outcome expected to be communicated soon.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe announces Sri Lanka’s Government and the IMF have agreed to revise the pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) tax: The revision aims to address concerns and align the tax structure with international standards: asserts both parties are finalising proposals, and expects to announce specific details once a consensus is reached: The changes are intended to balance fiscal responsibility with taxpayer relief.
SJB presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa pledges to take legal action against those responsible for enforcing forced cremations during the Covid-19 pandemic, which distressed many families due to cultural and religious beliefs: promises an SJB government would seek justice and compensation for affected families, addressing a controversial issue from the previous administration.
NPP presidential candidate MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake vows to combat drug and organised crime in Sri Lanka, highlighting the links between local politicians and criminal networks: condemns the rise of organised crime, including murders orchestrated from abroad and drug operations managed from prisons: promises his administration would take strong action to dismantle these networks and restore justice.
The Elections Commission officially announces the appointment of Karunarathna Paranawithana as a Member of Parliament, following the resignation of Thalatha Athukorala: This appointment fills the vacancy left by Athukorala, who recently stepped down from her parliamentary duties: Paranawithana previously served as a Deputy Minister in the 2015 government.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry warns renegotiating Sri Lanka’s IMF agreement could jeopardise the December tranche disbursement and further funding from the World Bank and Asian Development Bank: highlights the risk of losing between USD 1.2 billion and 1.3 billion, potentially worsening the country’s economic instability: also emphasises the Ministry’s efforts to restore global confidence and stabilise the economy.
The Supreme Court dismisses a fundamental rights petition demanding the President appoint an Acting IGP and disqualify him from the upcoming Presidential Election due to alleged Constitutional violations: Filed by Attorney R.S.P. Ranasuriya, the petition was rejected for lack of merit, with the court imposing a Rs. 50,000 fee on the petitioner: The decision highlights the court’s cautious stance on political matters and executive appointments.
The Sri Lanka Rubber Research Institute (SLRRI) makes significant strides in managing circular leaf spot disease, affecting rubber plantations: Dr. Sarojani Fernando announces 80% of their chemical research has been effective in controlling the disease, which reduces latex yield: The promising treatment will soon be available to growers, with the Agriculture Minister endorsing the progress and committing additional funding for research.
Manjula Gajanayake, Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies (IRES), criticises the transparency and organisation of the presidential election process: highlights of the 39 candidates who initially registered, many are unaccounted for, with several lacking public engagement, correct contact information, and social media presence: also expresses concern over the absence of a replacement for a deceased candidate, calling it a failure in election planning and transparency.
The Finance Ministry announces over 1.85 million Sri Lankan families are eligible for the Aswesuma welfare benefit programme: Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe reveals beneficiaries can now voluntarily donate part of their benefits to government welfare projects: This new directive, communicated to banks, allows for more flexible use of funds while supporting broader welfare initiatives.
The Paris 2024 Paralympics kicked off on August 28 with around 4,400 para-athletes from 184 delegations: The opening ceremony took place at the Place de la Concorde, not in a stadium, and featured Jackie Chan carrying the torch: The Sri Lankan team, sponsored by Dialog Axiata PLC, includes eight athletes: Flag bearer Samitha Dulan and swimmer Naveed Raheem are set to compete today, with other events scheduled for later in the week: This is Sri Lanka’s largest Paralympic team to date, aiming to surpass their Tokyo 2020 success.
August 29, Colombo (LNW): Manjula Gajanayake, Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies (IRES), has raised significant concerns regarding three presidential candidates who have submitted nominations but remain unaccounted for ahead of the upcoming election.
During a discussion on Ada Derana’s “Big Focus,” Gajanayake highlighted troubling issues surrounding the organisation and transparency of the election process.
Gajanayake revealed that 39 candidates initially entered the presidential race, but one has since passed away.
He expressed concern over the absence of an official replacement for the deceased candidate, noting that a well-organised process would have provided for such a contingency.
“The failure to name a replacement reflects a lack of planning and transparency,” he remarked, criticising the apparent lack of a backup plan.
Beyond the issue of the deceased candidate, Gajanayake pointed out alarming discrepancies among the remaining 38 candidates. He stated that only 15 of these candidates have organised any form of public engagement, such as meetings.
The remaining 23 candidates have not even held a small gathering of supporters. “I can confidently say that only 15 candidates have bothered to organise even a pocket meeting,” he asserted.
Further investigation by IRES revealed that some candidates’ contact information provided to the Election Commission was either incorrect or non-functional.
“Two phone numbers were wrong, and one candidate simply hung up when contacted,” Gajanayake explained. This raises serious concerns about the credibility and seriousness of some candidates.
Moreover, Gajanayake disclosed that five of these 23 candidates do not have any presence on social media, particularly on Facebook, which is crucial for modern campaigning.
He also noted that at least three candidates have made no public statements about their candidacy, despite signing nomination papers and paying the required deposits.
This lack of visibility and communication further clouds the legitimacy of their participation in the election.
Gajanayake expressed frustration over the difficulties encountered in obtaining even the most basic information about these candidates.
He revealed that efforts to upload passport-sized photographs of all candidates on the IRES website were thwarted, as it proved impossible to secure images for 24 of the 39 candidates.
“This level of opacity is deeply concerning and undermines the integrity of the electoral process,” he concluded.
In honor of International Suicide Prevention Day, CCC, the organization behind Sri Lanka’s toll-free mental crisis support service 1333, is launching a 13-day bicycle ride starting tomorrow at 5:30 am from Colombo’s Freedom Square. The ride aims to raise awareness about the 1333 helpline.
Covering a distance of 1333 kilometers, the journey will pass through Kitulgala, Kandy, Dambulla, Anuradhapura, Vavuniya, Trincomalee, Sigiriya, Mahiyangana, Kataragama, Dickwella, and Bentota before culminating at Colombo’s Independence Square on September 10.
Jetha Devapura, the founder and CEO of Lifeline International Australia, which provides guidance to the CCC 1333 service, announced that nearly 20 volunteer cyclists from countries including the United States, Australia, Singapore, Canada, and India will participate in the event. The ride, accompanied by a walk on its final day, will arrive at Colombo Independence Square on September 10.
