April 13, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has reported a significant increase in daily income, reaching Rs. 25 million, attributed to the special bus service implemented for the April New Year festival. Starting April 5, the SLTB enhanced its service by deploying 200 additional buses to accommodate the surge in passengers traveling to their hometowns for the festive period. Panduka Swarnahansa, the Deputy General Manager of SLTB, highlighted this increase as a testament to the effective management and provision of transportation services during high-demand periods.

In parallel, the Road Development Authority (RDA) has observed a 10% rise in its revenue, spurred by the increased traffic flow associated with the festival. The RDA anticipates further increases in revenue as the festivities continue until April 15, 2024.

Additionally, the Railway Department has contributed to easing the transportation rush by introducing 12 extra train services specifically for the festival season, which will run until April 15, 2024. This coordinated effort across various transportation agencies underscores their commitment to ensuring efficient and adequate transportation for the public during one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated times of the year.

April 13, Colombo (LNW): In a major operation, the Sri Lanka Navy has intercepted two multi-day fishing trawlers off the southern coast, seizing approximately 200 kilograms of suspected heroin and crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as ‘Ice’. The operation led to the arrest of ten crew members found aboard these vessels.

The trawlers were detected during a special naval operation aimed at curtailing the drug trade in the region. Both vessels are currently being escorted to Galle Harbour, where the suspects will be handed over to the authorities for further investigation.

This significant drug haul underscores the ongoing efforts of the Sri Lanka Navy to combat illegal narcotics trafficking in the maritime zones of the island, contributing to national security and public health initiatives.

1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe has affirmed his commitment to empowering the people and fortifying the economy by ensuring access to education, land, housing, and business opportunities. Stressing the importance of broadening economic participation, he highlighted its role in fostering a resilient national economy.
2. Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has decided to take disciplinary action against MP Prof. G. L. Peiris, the party’s general secretary Sagara Kariyawasam said. According to him, the decision was reached by the executive committee of SLPP after taking into account the fact that he entered into an electoral pact with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB).
3. India on Wednesday said it is and will remain Colombo’s most reliable friend and dependable partner as it underlined that New Delhi was willing to offer modern defence equipment to friendly partner countries like Sri Lanka.
4. The distribution of annual gift parcels to children under the care of 336 child development centers throughout the country, in line with President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s initiative. Coordinated by the Office of the President, with support from the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff and Sri Lanka Army, the distribution aims to bring joy to over 10,000 children.
5. Sri Lanka and Kazakhstan have successfully concluded the second round of Foreign Office Consultations in Astana. The Sri Lanka delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane while the Kazakh delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Alibek Bakayev.
6. The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) says its daily revenue has gone up by approximately Rs. 25 million owing to the special bus service set in place for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year season.
7. Sri Lanka Navy has intercepted two multi-day fishing trawlers carrying around 200kg of suspected heroin and crystal methamphetamine (‘Ice’) off the southern coast of the island. Ten crew members who were on board the vessels were also taken into custody.
8. Indian low-cost airline, Indigo, has expanded its connectivity to Sri Lanka adding direct flights from Mumbai to Colombo.
9. The National Transport Commission has launched raids on private buses that overcharge for transportation services.Chairman of the National Transport Commission Shashi Welgama says the steps were taken based on information received from commuters.
10. Former Sri Lankan cricketer and international umpire Kumar Dharmasena has denied media reports linking him to an illegal agricultural business operated in Sri Lanka. In a video message on Facebook, Dharmasena said his factory for the production of Agarwood, popularly known as oudh, products were being carried out as per the laws of the nation.

April 13, Colombo (LNW): State Minister of Finance, Shehan Semasinghe, has announced that an additional 182,140 families will now receive benefits under the Aswesuma welfare benefit programme, following the revision of appeals and objections. This decision brings the total number of beneficiaries to 1,854,000. The government has committed Rs. 58.5 billion to support these payments, including arrears, which will be settled by April 18.

Despite the expansion, around 200,000 qualified families have not yet opened the required bank accounts or updated their personal details, delaying their access to the benefits. The State Minister expressed concern over the lack of response from these families, despite extensive efforts by regional secretariats and media campaigns to reach them.

Looking ahead, the government plans to commence a new survey for the Aswesuma programme in May, aiming to encompass 2.4 million families. A significant budget allocation of Rs. 205 billion has been set aside for this initiative in the current fiscal year, underscoring the government’s commitment to expanding social welfare amidst ongoing economic challenges.

April 13, Colombo (LNW): SLPP National Organizer and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa has made a bold statement equating the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), both known for their violent actions against public property and lives. Rajapaksa highlighted that the JVP, similar to the LTTE, has targeted the Maha Sangha, civilians, and critical infrastructure such as buses and transformers.

Speaking to the media after visiting the Mahanayakes of the Malwatta and Asgiriya Chapters to seek blessings, Rajapaksa emphasized the destructive past of the JVP, comparing it directly with the LTTE’s history of violence. He posed a question to the public about their choice of leadership: a group known for destruction or one that aims for national development.

Further critiquing the political landscape, Rajapaksa lambasted certain political parties that rise to prominence by merely boasting. He criticized these groups for overthrowing the government, only to later face allegations of theft and imprisonment. His comments have sparked a debate about the historical actions of these groups and their impact on Sri Lanka’s political stability and development.

April 13, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at a few places in North-central, Central and Uva provinces and at several places elsewhere of the island after 2.00 p.m.

Fairly heavy showers about 75 mm are likely at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning.

General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka during 05^th to 15^th of April in this year. The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (13^th) are Kumulamunai, Murikandi, Keridamadu and Tanniyatttu at about 12:10 noon.

April 13, Colombo (LNW): The distribution of annual gift parcels to children residing in 336 child development centers across the country is scheduled for tomorrow (13), as part of an initiative by President Ranil Wickremesinghe. This event, coordinated by the Office of the President and supported by the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff along with the Sri Lanka Army, aims to spread joy to over 10,000 children. Each child will receive a parcel and the President’s New Year message.

The initiative reaches children in various provinces including Central, Eastern, Northern, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Uva, and Western, ensuring that every child, regardless of their circumstances, feels cherished and part of a larger community.

CBL Corporation proudly sponsors this initiative, playing a key role in the delivery of these eagerly awaited gift parcels to children throughout the nation.

1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe in a New Year message said that social relations and solidarity emerge as fundamental pillars essential for steering the nation forward along the path of progress and prosperity.
2. The National Peoples Power (NPP) has issued two proposals to the Opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) for a debate amid ongoing political tensions. The first proposal suggests a debate between NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake and SJB leader Sajith Premadasa to discuss solutions for the country’s current crisis. Alternatively, if the SJB declines the initial offer, the NPP’s Economic Council is willing to engage in a debate with a comparable group from the SJB. These proposals were articulated by NPP member Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, highlighting the NPP’s readiness to publicly address national issues through dialogue.
3. Ambassador of South Korea, Miyon Lee has called on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena in Colombo to discuss the follow-up actions on the decisions taken during the Sri Lankan Premier’s visit last week.
4. The Government of Japan has provided a grant of USD 8.4 million through the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to strengthen PoE facilities in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The grant component for Sri Lanka aims to strengthen capacities at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) and the Colombo Port.
5. The eight Sri Lankans, who were rescued from the cybercrime camps in Myawaddy area of Myanmar, have safely arrived at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Thailand.
6. The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) says it has taken necessary measures to ensure an uninterrupted supply of fuel from Ceypetco filling stations during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year season.
7. Opposition Leader MP Sajith Premadasa says his Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) party has been created without the inclusion of those involved in the Central Bank Bond Scam. MP Premadasa said that the SJB had gotten rid of those involved in the bond scam.
8. The Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) annual flagship economic publication, the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) April 2024, yesterday forecasted Sri Lanka’s economy to record moderate growth of 1.9 percent in 2024 and 2.5 percent in 2025, following two consecutive years of contractions.
9. The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Response Team (SLCERT) has confirmed that the cyber attack on the official website of the Education Ministry originated from an internet connection within the country.
10. Sri Lanka all-rounder Kamindu Mendis and former captain Angelo Mathews have progressed in the ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings after contributing to their team’s 192-run victory in Chattogram that helped complete a 2-0 win in the ICC World Test Championship series against Bangladesh.

April 12, Colombo (LNW): The government has taken a major step towards revolutionizing Sri Lanka agriculture industry with financial support of the Bank of Ceylon for the first 100 agriculture drone pilots’ project

Sri Lanka recently witnessed a groundbreaking moment in its agricultural sector as the first 100 agriculture drones took flight at Sooriyawewa KDU Southern Campus ground, marking a significant leap forward in modernizing the country’s farming practices. 

The financial initiative, spearheaded by the Bank of Ceylon, provided a loan facility for the importation of 250 drones aiming to revolutionize Sri Lanka’s agriculture by supporting to introduce cutting-edge technology to enhance productivity and efficiency.

Joining this momentous occasion were Mahinda Amaraweera Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries , Rear Admiral HGU Dammika Kumara VSV, USP, psc, MMaritimePol, BSc (DS): Vice Chancellor of KDU,  .Kavinda Dissanayake : Managing Director of Kenilworth International Lanka (Pvt) Ltd and Chairman of Agriculture Sector Skills Council(Ministry of Education)

Representatives from the Bank of Ceylon including DGM Corporate and offshore. M R N Rohana Kumara and Chief Marketing Officer Mr. Sameera Liyanage graced the occasion 

Today, agriculture technology – often called AgTech – is transforming the agriculture industry through the use of tech innovations like high-resolution imagery, ground heat mapping and more.

Drones in agriculture have become a powerful tool for monitoring crops and livestock by delivering more expansive and higher-resolution imagery and enabling more detailed data gathering.

Depending on the type of information or task required of them, various sensors, camera lenses, hooks, sprayers and even small buckets to collect samples can be attached to drones. 

Data gathered by the drone streams back to a tablet or computer, providing useful information and photos about land, crops and livestock.

Maintaining land, crops, stables and livestock is hands-on work, and that can take a lot of time. Even smaller hobby farmers may spend countless hours walking their land to spot potential issues before they become bigger problems. However, there’s only so much one can see on foot.

Drone technology provides agribusinesses with more in-depth results in real time. With images collected from a farming drone, agribusiness owners can get high-definition photos, videos and data within minutes. 

With a bird’s-eye view, it’s easier to see the bigger picture, spot crop issues or potential safety problems and act quickly.

In addition to the time savings, high-resolution drone imagery offers more insights compared to more pixelated satellite images.

Farmers and ranchers can compile data from drones and get a clearer picture of crop growth, health and soil moisture, enabling them to make more informed decisions