November 12, Colombo (LNW): Colombo Additional Magistrate Bandara Ilangasinghe has instructed the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) to expedite its investigation into actress Piumi Hansamali and Viranjith Thambugala, Chairman of Aura Lanka, following a case filed under Section 190 of the Inland Revenue Act.

The investigation aims to determine whether the two individuals have committed any tax-related offences, as outlined by the Inland Revenue Act.

During the court proceedings held on November 11, the legal representative of the Inland Revenue Department informed the court that a search warrant had been obtained to examine documents at the residences of both Hansamali and Thambugala.

However, it was revealed that neither of the individuals was present at their respective homes when the searches were conducted.

The case has drawn significant public attention, as it involves two high-profile figures in Sri Lanka’s entertainment and business sectors.

With the court now pushing for a swift resolution, the IRD is under pressure to complete its investigation and determine whether any violations of tax laws have occurred.

The investigation, which centres on potential violations under Section 190 of the Inland Revenue Act, will scrutinise financial records and tax filings to ascertain if Hansamali and Thambugala have been involved in any form of tax evasion or fraudulent activity.

Should any wrongdoing be identified, the two individuals could face legal consequences in line with Sri Lanka’s strict tax laws.

The IRD has yet to provide further details on the specifics of the case or any evidence found during the initial searches.

However, the case highlights the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with tax regulations, particularly amongst prominent public figures and business leaders.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 12, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has confirmed that the country’s ongoing debt restructuring process is expected to be completed by December, marking a significant milestone in efforts to restore financial stability.

Addressing supporters at a public rally in Gampaha yesterday (11), the President reassured the nation that the government’s plans to stabilise the economy were well under way, despite the ongoing challenges.

“We are very close to finalising the restructuring process, with only a small portion left to be completed,” President Dissanayake said, providing an optimistic outlook for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery.

The President further outlined that, based on the current trajectory, Sri Lanka would be in a position to begin repaying its restructured debt by 2028. He emphasised that detailed calculations are already in place to manage these future repayment obligations, ensuring that the country remains on a sustainable path to economic growth.

In addition to the progress on debt restructuring, Dissanayake provided an update on Sri Lanka’s engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He revealed that an IMF delegation would be arriving in Sri Lanka shortly after the forthcoming general election to conduct the third review of the nation’s economic recovery programme.

This review, according to the President, is expected to be completed by the end of January or early February 2025.

With the IMF’s assessment, Dissanayake believes Sri Lanka will have the opportunity to establish a more robust economic foundation, positioning the country for long-term growth and stability.

He expressed confidence that the outcomes of this review would help further solidify the efforts made to stabilise the national economy and improve financial management.

The announcement comes at a critical time for Sri Lanka, as the nation continues to grapple with the economic fallout from previous crises.

Nevertheless, the government’s commitment to restructuring its debt and working alongside international partners like the IMF has generated a sense of optimism amongst economic experts and the public.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 12, Colombo (LNW): The Election Commission (EC) has introduced an online service for Sri Lankans who have not received their official polling cards by post, allowing them to download a copy ahead of the parliamentary elections on Thursday (14).

Voters who have yet to receive their polling cards can easily obtain a digital version by visiting the Election Commission’s e-services website at https://eservices.elections.gov.lk.

This new feature aims to streamline access, ensuring that every eligible voter has the necessary documentation for Election Day.

The EC outlined a straightforward process for obtaining the polling card online. To begin, voters should:

1. Visit the EC’s e-services site and select ‘Voter Registration Details Search’.
2. Enter their National Identity Card (NIC) number and Administration District.
3. Choose the option for ‘Voter Registration Details for Parliamentary Election 2024’ to view their voter details.
4. Input their mobile phone number below the voter registration information.
5. Select ‘Download the official polling card’, which will generate a print-ready copy.

Once these steps are completed, voters will receive a One-Time Password (OTP) via SMS, which must be entered to finalise and print the polling card.

The Election Commission emphasised that possessing an official polling card is not mandatory for voting.

Voters registered for the 2024 election can simply bring a valid NIC to their assigned polling station and cast their vote by verifying their identity.

This initiative reflects the EC’s commitment to ensuring an inclusive and accessible voting process, especially for those facing postal delays.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 12, Colombo (LNW): To ensure a secure environment for the upcoming general election, approximately 64,000 police officers will be deployed nationwide from today (12), Police Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa disclosed.

This deployment covers security needs across all constituencies, with officers stationed at polling stations and prepared to remain on duty throughout election day, November 14, and beyond if necessary.

In preparation for the vote, 13,383 polling stations have been set up across the country, slightly exceeding the number of constituencies, which totals 13,314.

Nearly 3,200 Special Task Force (STF) officers are on active duty, enhancing the primary deployment with specialised support, according to DIG Thalduwa.

He added that around 12,227 police personnel are also directly involved in election-specific operations, with the overall number of police officers engaged in election security estimated to reach 70,000.

Furthermore, approximately 11,000 army personnel will be stationed at strategic points across the country, focusing on high-risk areas that require additional security.

These troops will provide reinforcement where police officers have been re-assigned for election duty.

“Army officers are on standby and ready to assist if the need arises,” DIG Thalduwa emphasised, underscoring the scale of the security operation.

November 12, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Meteorology has forecast the formation of a low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal today (12), which is expected to create favourable conditions for afternoon thundershowers across most of Sri Lanka starting tomorrow (13), the Department of Meteorology said.

For today, residents in the Northern Province should anticipate several spells of showers, while other regions could experience showers or thundershowers in the evening or night.

Areas in the Eastern, Central, Uva, Sabaragamuwa, and Southern provinces may see significant rainfall, with some locations potentially receiving over 50mm.

Additionally, misty conditions are expected in the morning across parts of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, and Uva provinces, along with the Galle and Matara districts.

The public is advised to take precautions against temporary strong winds and lightning that may accompany these storms.

For sea conditions, thundershowers are expected in areas off the coast from Mannar to Trincomalee via Kankasanthurai, with potential showers in other coastal waters during the evening or night.

Winds around the island will generally be north-westerly or variable, with speeds of 25-35 km/h. Whilst seas are anticipated to be slight to moderate, temporarily strong gusty winds and rough seas may occur during thundershowers.

The Department advises those in affected areas to exercise caution and take steps to minimise potential damage from strong winds and lightning.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 12, Colombo (LNW): The Maligakanda Magistrate Court directed authorities to record statements from 18 senior officials of the previous government, including former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and former Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.

This order is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of substandard drug procurement approved by the former Cabinet under emergency measures in 2022.

The directive came after Deputy Solicitor General Lakmini Girihagama requested permission to question former high-ranking officials regarding the approval of nearly 200 controversial medicinal drugs through an emergency procurement process.

This investigation aims to clarify the decision-making processes that led to the purchase of these potentially unsafe medications.

The list of former Cabinet Ministers required to provide statements includes Nimal Siripala de Silva, Douglas Devananda, Susil Premajayantha, Bandula Gunawardhana, Mahinda Amaraweera, Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, Harin Fernando, Ramesh Pathirana, Prasanna Ranatunga, Vidura Wickremenayake, Kanchana Wijesekera, Naseer Ahmed, Roshan Ranasinghe, Tiran Alles, Nalin Fernando, and Jagath Pushpa Kumara.

The court also ruled to extend the detention of Sudath Janaka, a supplier allegedly involved in distributing the substandard drugs, until November 25.

Janaka’s continued detention underscores the severity with which the judiciary is treating the case as it seeks accountability in what has become a significant public health concern.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 12, Colombo (LNW): The National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF) has issued a stark warning regarding a rise in the trafficking of Sri Lankans from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Myanmar, where they are forced into labour at cyber scam centres.

Information from trusted sources has revealed that these trafficking operations are specifically targeting Sri Lankans, especially young IT professionals, under the guise of lucrative overseas job offers.

According to recent investigations, traffickers use deceptive recruitment tactics, often promising high-salaried IT roles in foreign countries.

Once candidates arrive in locations such as Dubai for purported job interviews, they are coerced into travelling onward to Myanmar.

At these destinations, they face not only illegal confinement but also psychological and physical abuse, including reports of severe methods such as electrocution.

The NAHTTF has repeatedly cautioned the public about the dangers of recruitment schemes targeting vulnerable job seekers for cyber scam operations.

Sri Lankan nationals are urged to avoid travelling abroad on visit visas, particularly through unauthorised channels, which violate the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment Act.

In light of these developments, the NAHTTF has outlined a series of urgent precautions and steps for the public:

• Seek employment abroad only through safe, legal migration routes authorised by official channels.
• Remain vigilant for signs of trafficking or dubious recruitment activities, and report them.
• Protect at-risk individuals by notifying relevant authorities if they know Sri Lankan nationals abroad who might be in danger, as well as their families or friends back home.

For those wishing to report suspected trafficking activities, the NAHTTF offers confidential reporting via their hotline at 0112102570 or 076 844 7700, or by email at [email protected].

The task force assures the public that all information shared will be handled discreetly to protect the identity of informants.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 12, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally requested the U.S. Embassy to withdraw a security alert advising American citizens to avoid Arugam Bay due to a potential threat, a ministry spokesperson confirmed yesterday (11).

The alert, issued on October 23, urged U.S. nationals to steer clear of the popular tourist destination, citing credible intelligence of an attack targeting tourist areas.

The Embassy also restricted travel for its own staff to Arugam Bay until further notice.

Following the U.S. announcement, Israel’s National Security Council issued a similar warning for Israeli nationals, advising them to vacate certain tourist areas in southern Sri Lanka, including Arugam Bay and beaches along the southern and western coasts.

This alert, based on reports of a potential terrorist threat, prompted widespread concern among international visitors and tourism stakeholders.

Heightened security efforts have also led to the arrest of six individuals in connection with potential security risks.

According to a spokesperson, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has since appealed to the U.S. Embassy to reconsider and remove the advisory, following these proactive steps to ensure safety.

During a recent television programme, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake confirmed that the government had received intel on a potential attack two weeks prior to the U.S.’ announcement and actions had already been taken since to heighten security in the area, despite the move not being accounted for public record then.

To further assess the security landscape, Defence Secretary Sampath Thuyacontha visited the Eastern Province on November 10, concentrating on Arugam Bay.

During his visit, the Defence Secretary met with senior local military and police officials for a detailed briefing on current security protocols.

He instructed officials on targeted measures to strengthen protection in Arugam Bay and other high-traffic tourist spots across Sri Lanka.

When questioned about cooperation between the Sri Lankan government and U.S. authorities, a U.S. Embassy spokesperson confirmed close collaboration on security matters, underscoring the joint commitment to public safety and the wellbeing of tourists.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry remains hopeful that recent security efforts will provide reassurance to international visitors and lead to a swift lifting of travel restrictions on Arugam Bay, restoring confidence in one of Sri Lanka’s prime tourist destinations.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 12, Colombo (LNW): In preparation for the parliamentary election on November 14, all schools will be handed over to respective Grama Niladhari officers today (12), once classes conclude, according to the Ministry of Education.

Schools across the country will be closed from tomorrow, 13 November, to facilitate election arrangements, with plans to reopen on Monday, 18 November.

The Ministry of Education made the announcement last Friday, emphasising that schools would serve as key venues for polling activities.

Education Ministry Secretary J.M. Thilaka Jayasundara has advised Zonal Education Directors and school principals to make desks, chairs, and assembly halls available to support election operations.

The Election Commission has also been notified, alongside Provincial Education Secretaries, Provincial and Zonal Education Directors, and other relevant bodies, to ensure coordinated efforts across districts.

Jayasundara highlighted that schools designated as vote-counting centres should stay closed only for the specific durations necessary to complete the counting process, in line with guidance from the Election Commission Chairman.

This arrangement reflects a collaborative effort between the Education Ministry and election authorities to manage polling logistics while minimising disruption to students.