By: Isuru Parakrama

November 11, Colombo (LNW): The Parliamentary Communications Department has announced that Sri Lanka’s Tenth Parliament will officially convene on November 21, following the conclusion of the 2024 General Election scheduled for November 14.

This election will determine the 225 Members of Parliament, consisting of 196 representatives elected directly by public vote and an additional 29 appointed through the national list.

The first day of the new Parliament will be marked by a series of formal proceedings, beginning with the seating of all MPs in an open arrangement, as specific seating assignments are not yet established.

Following the ceremonial entry of the mace, the Secretary-General will present the Extraordinary Gazette Notification that officially calls Parliament to session.

One of the primary tasks on this day is the election of the Speaker, a position critical to the smooth functioning of parliamentary operations.

According to procedure, any MP may be nominated for the Speaker’s role, provided they are willing to accept the appointment.

If multiple candidates are nominated, a vote will take place, and in cases where more than two candidates are proposed, the voting rounds continue, eliminating candidates with the fewest votes until one achieves a majority.

Traditionally, the elected Speaker is escorted to the Speaker’s chair by the Members who proposed and seconded their nomination, symbolising their acceptance of the role.

Upon reaching the Speaker’s chair, the new Speaker will then take the oath of office before Parliament, thanking the Members for their confidence.

Should there be a need for a secret ballot, a standardised process will ensure the integrity of the election, with Members submitting their choices on signed ballot papers.

If a tie results in two rounds of voting, the Secretary-General is authorised to draw lots to determine the Speaker, a practice reserved for closely contested elections.

In addition to electing the Speaker, the first session will see the selection of the Deputy Speaker and the Deputy Chairperson of Committees, with similar procedures for nominations and voting.

Following these appointments, the first session typically concludes with an adjournment until the next scheduled parliamentary day.

However, if the President chooses to address Parliament to outline the government’s policy agenda, the session will only be temporarily adjourned before reconvening for the address.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 11, Colombo (LNW): Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has dismissed allegations from the United States linking Tehran to a plot aimed at harming former US President Donald Trump and carrying out attacks on Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka.

In a statement made on social media, Araghchi labelled the accusations a “fabricated scenario” lacking credibility, attributing it to a larger attempt to fuel distrust between Iran and the US.

The allegations originated from a recent report by the US Department of Justice, which claimed that Farhad Shakeri, a 51-year-old Iranian national reportedly linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, was involved in a conspiracy to assassinate Trump.

Remember the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran right after our President's inauguration? Everyone knows who did it and why.

Now, with another election, a new scenario is fabricated with the same goal: as a killer does not exist in reality, scriptwriters are brought in…

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) November 9, 2024

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Shakeri is currently believed to be residing in Tehran and allegedly plotted a mass shooting against Israeli nationals in Sri Lanka set for October 2024.

The US claims Shakeri’s purported plans also included directives from Iran to orchestrate an attack on Israeli tourists visiting Sri Lanka.

Araghchi, addressing these allegations, called them part of a “third-rate comedy” crafted to undermine Iran’s international standing. In his remarks, he reiterated Iran’s commitment to diplomacy, urging both nations to seek mutual confidence-building measures rather than fuelling hostilities.

Araghchi maintained Iran’s stance that it has no interest in nuclear weapons, underscoring that Iran’s policies are grounded in Islamic teachings and strategic security calculations.

He called for a “two-way” approach to building confidence and emphasised Iran’s respect for the choices made by American voters in electing their leaders.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei condemned the accusations as part of an alleged campaign by Israel and exiled Iranian opposition groups aimed at deepening tensions between Iran and the US.

Analysts in Tehran have speculated that recent shifts in US politics could lead to potential secret talks between the two countries, should security threats against Iran be addressed.

The accusations come as Iran remains engaged in a complex regional environment, especially with its adversary Israel involved in ongoing conflicts with Iranian-aligned groups in Gaza and Lebanon.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 11, Colombo (LNW): The Excise Department has revealed that Sri Lanka’s liquor manufacturers owe a substantial Rs. 1.8 billion in unpaid taxes, covering liabilities from last year up to the present.

In a recent notice, the department instructed these companies to clear their outstanding dues by November 30, 2024, underscoring the urgency of resolving these arrears.

According to the Excise Department, the total tax debt owed by the liquor industry amounts to a staggering Rs. 8.5 billion, encompassing cumulative tax obligations not yet settled by numerous manufacturers.

Failure to meet this deadline, the department warned, would prompt strict legal action against any non-compliant companies.

The Excise Department has intensified its focus on ensuring that liquor firms fulfil their tax responsibilities, a move aimed at bolstering national revenue amidst economic challenges.

This directive aims to enforce fiscal accountability within the industry, with officials emphasising the importance of timely contributions to state coffers.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 11, Colombo (LNW): Minister Vijitha Herath in his capacity as the Minister of Transport recently made a visit to Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in response to an increasing number of complaints regarding delays in SriLankan Airlines flights.

During his visit, the Minister toured various sections of the airport, engaging in discussions with staff members to gain insights into the challenges faced by both employees and passengers.

Herath highlighted the urgent need for a dedicated unit within the airport to assist passengers facing delays. He proposed the establishment of a 24-hour support centre, staffed by representatives from both the airport and SriLankan Airlines, to keep passengers informed of flight status and provide timely updates.

This unit would also focus on ensuring that passengers receive enhanced services and facilities during extended wait times, aiming to improve their overall experience.

Additionally, he has directed relevant authorities to take proactive steps towards reducing the frequency and duration of flight delays.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 11, Colombo (LNW): Passengers who had booked tickets for the ferry service between Nagapattinam in India and Kankesanthurai (KKS) in Sri Lanka have been fully refunded after the service was suspended due to severe weather conditions.

The disruption began last Thursday (07) as the monsoon season brought hazardous maritime conditions.

S. Niranjan Nandagopan, Director of IndSri Ferry Service Pvt. Ltd, stated that the monsoon’s onset compelled them to halt operations.

Services were cancelled last Friday (08), Saturday (09), and Sunday (10), with future operations subject to weather assessments.

“We haven’t opened bookings beyond 16 November as we monitor weather conditions. Tomorrow’s (12) service is also tentative,” he explained.

Prior to the suspension, the ferry service was nearly operating at full capacity, with most of its 150 seats filled, according to Nandagopan.

He further elaborated on the safety protocols, noting that the company relies on weather forecasts from both Sri Lankan and Indian meteorological agencies, along with private forecasting sources such as the Windy app, to determine if conditions are safe for passenger voyages.

“Wave height and direction forecasts play a critical role in our decision-making process,” he added.

Sri Lanka’s Meteorology Department has also forecasted increased monsoon activity by the end of the month, with rough seas expected in the north due to a developing low-pressure area.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 11, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Health has issued an urgent alert to health professionals and the general public, cautioning against an organised group impersonating senior ministry officials to solicit funds fraudulently.

This group has reportedly been contacting individuals under the guise of high-ranking health officers, seeking monetary contributions.

The Ministry underscored that no health official has been granted authority to request donations or payments via phone calls, WhatsApp messages, or any other communication channels.

It warned the public to remain vigilant and avoid falling prey to these scams by refraining from transferring funds into any bank accounts or through any digital or offline payment channels as requested by these individuals.

Legal proceedings have already been initiated against those suspected to be involved in this criminal scheme, and the Ministry pledged to pursue all necessary steps to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The Ministry urges people to verify any unusual requests from alleged health officials through official channels, as a measure to safeguard themselves and prevent further exploitation.