August 25, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has raised concerns regarding a fraudulent website mimicking the official National Election Commission’s platform and falsely advertising job opportunities related to the upcoming 2024 Presidential Election.
The deceptive website, which uses the national emblem and Election Commission’s branding, was identified as a phishing site designed to extract personal data from unsuspecting individuals.
SLCERT advised the public to remain cautious, urging them to verify such claims before sharing sensitive information.
The phishing website was first detected on 9 August, hosted on a US-based Google server. Authorities acted swiftly, leading to its removal by Google LLC on 12 August after intervention by SLCERT.
Although the site has been taken down, the Computer Crime Investigation Division (CCID) is continuing its probe, seeking to uncover the identity of those responsible.
Collaboration between the Election Commission, SLCERT, and the CCID was instrumental in promptly eliminating the threat.
However, concerns remain over similar fraudulent activities, with the public being urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious sites or job offers.
The authorities also stressed the importance of verifying the legitimacy of such websites and offers through official channels.
August 25, Colombo (LNW): The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has initiated measures to freeze around 900 bank accounts linked to tax defaulters as part of an effort to recover outstanding taxes.
This action was revealed by the Parliamentary Committee on Ways and Means, chaired by MP Patali Champika Ranawaka.
The move follows substantial revenue losses totalling nearly Rs. 2 trillion, stemming from tax exemptions amounting to Rs. 978 billion and inefficiencies in collecting over Rs. 1 trillion from major revenue agencies.
Despite these challenges, the IRD, alongside Sri Lanka Customs and the Excise Department, has managed to gather Rs. 1,680.2 billion during the first half of the year—representing 44 per cent of the government’s revenue target.
However, the collection system still faces significant issues, including the issuance of Tax Identification Numbers (TINs). Although around 13 million individuals qualify as taxpayers, only 5 million have received TINs.
The authorities plan to issue TINs to the remaining eligible population by year-end, but the integration of these numbers with other government systems, like driving licences, remains a challenge.
Regarding Sri Lanka Customs, MP Ranawaka highlighted systemic invoicing problems, such as under-invoicing, over-invoicing, and ghost invoicing, which obstruct efficient tax collection.
Additionally, the continued use of a temporary import scheme for 65 per cent of goods, especially food items, has contributed to an annual loss of approximately US$ 4 billion—exceeding the country’s balance of payments deficit.
The Excise Department has reported Rs. 7.9 billion in uncollected taxes, primarily from ten distilleries.
Although repeated warnings have been issued to revoke their licenses and recover these dues, the department claims it lacks the authority to act without direct orders from the Ministry of Finance.
August 25, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Transport has rolled out a digital ticketing system for train passengers, accessible through the Pravesha platform at pravesha.lk.
Commuters can now easily purchase second and third class tickets online using debit or credit cards.
After completing the transaction, a QR code is sent via SMS or email, valid only on the specified date.
Although seat reservations are yet to be included, travellers can buy tickets up to a week in advance through this platform.
This initiative marks a significant step in modernising the nation’s railway services, offering greater convenience and reducing queues at stations.
August 25, Colombo (LNW): As of 21 August, the Election Commission of Sri Lanka has received 901 complaints regarding the upcoming Presidential election.
These reports primarily address violations of electoral laws, with concerns escalating in recent weeks.
The complaints include incidents ranging from alleged irregularities in campaigning to acts of intimidation.
The commission’s efforts focus on ensuring a transparent election amidst heightened public scrutiny.
August 25, Colombo (LNW): The Indian Navy’s frontline destroyer, INS Mumbai, is set to arrive in Colombo on 26th August 2024 for a three-day visit, as announced by the Indian High Commission in Colombo.
This marks the warship’s first visit to a Sri Lankan port and the eighth port call by Indian naval vessels this year.
The Sri Lanka Navy will ceremonially receive INS Mumbai, which is the third destroyer of the Delhi-class, indigenously constructed and commissioned into service in January 2001.
After completing its mid-life upgrade, the vessel joined the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam in December 2023.
The ship’s visit underscores the deepening maritime collaboration between India and Sri Lanka, particularly in enhancing regional security and operational readiness.
In addition to fostering diplomatic ties, INS Mumbai will deliver essential spare parts for the Dornier maritime patrol aircraft operated by the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF).
The Dornier aircraft, introduced two years ago, plays a crucial role in surveillance over Sri Lanka’s maritime areas and has significantly bolstered the nation’s search and rescue capabilities.
The Indian Navy continues to support the maintenance of this aircraft through technical expertise and the provision of necessary spares.
During its stay, INS Mumbai will facilitate a familiarisation tour for Sri Lankan naval personnel, promoting the exchange of best practices between the two navies.
The visit will include joint activities such as sports, yoga sessions, and a beach cleaning initiative, further strengthening the camaraderie between the crews.
The Commanding Officer of INS Mumbai is scheduled to meet with Rear Admiral W.D.C.U Kumarasinghe, Commander of the Western Naval Area, at the Western Naval Area Headquarters.
The ship’s visit is classified as an Operational Turn Around (OTR), during which it will replenish fuel and provisions while the crew enjoys rest and relaxation, with opportunities to explore Colombo and Galle’s cultural landmarks.
This visit is part of the broader framework of regular Indian Naval port calls at Sri Lankan ports, reinforcing the enduring maritime partnership between the two neighbouring nations.
August 25, Colombo (LNW): The Postal Department has suspended all employee leave with immediate effect to ensure smooth operations during the 2024 Presidential Election, according to Deputy Postmaster General Rajitha Ranasinghe.
This directive, effective until the election concludes, is aimed at maintaining efficient management of election duties.
Employees requiring leave for essential reasons must seek approval from the respective Deputy Postmaster General for their province.
The Presidential Election is slated for 21st September.
The Deputy Postmaster General emphasised that ensuring seamless postal services during the election is a top priority.
August 25, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe engaged in a significant dialogue with Bishop Harold Anthony Perera, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, and other leading members to address a range of pressing national issues.
The meeting, held at the President’s House, saw discussions on education reforms, progress on the Easter Sunday attack investigation, environmental challenges, and matters concerning the Catholic Church’s role in social affairs.
According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the dialogue was constructive and focused on fostering collaboration between the government and the Church on several critical fronts. The President provided updates on ongoing educational reforms aimed at modernising the system to better meet current demands.
Concerns raised by the bishops about the investigation into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks were also addressed, with the President reaffirming his administration’s commitment to ensuring justice and transparency.
Environmental issues were also high on the agenda, with both parties exploring ways to balance development and sustainability, particularly in preserving areas of ecological significance.
Additionally, President Wickremesinghe briefed the bishops on the current economic situation and outlined government strategies for managing the rising cost of living, emphasising the need for resilience and collective efforts in overcoming the country’s financial difficulties.
The meeting concluded with an understanding that ongoing dialogue between the government and the Church would be essential in addressing national challenges and enhancing societal well-being.
August 25, Colombo (LNW): Imagine arriving in a new country, eager to explore, to spend, to immerse yourself in its culture—only to be met by massive queues, slow-moving lines, and the apathetic faces of customs and immigration officers. Why don’t we have a rating screen for each desk like other countries, rating the service you just received?
This is the reality at our airports, where foreigners who are lining up to enter our country are greeted with indifference and inefficiency. It’s a stark contrast to the warm welcome we claim to offer.
Why are our immigration and customs services so callous? Why do they fail to share the same enthusiasm for tourism that the rest of the country does? Do they not grasp the critical importance of tourism dollars to our economy? These questions demand answers, yet they are met with silence. Who is in charge of this mess? Do they even care?
Look around the world. Other nations have streamlined their airport processes, setting key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure travelers are out of the airport in no time. They understand that the first impression a traveler has of their country starts at the border, and they spare no effort in making it a positive one. Foreign travelers are treated as valued customers—because that’s exactly what they are.
But what do we do? We overcharge our visitors, driving up fees that outstrip those of our competitors, and then we inconvenience them with long waits and poor service. It’s as if we’re daring them to go elsewhere. And increasingly, they are.
Where is the outrage? Where are the voices demanding change? Have we all become too afraid of the bureaucrats to stand up and say enough is enough? Or are we content to let this problem fester until our tourism industry is a shadow of what it could be?
August 25, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (25).
Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in Eastern and Uva Provinces during the evening or night.
Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times over 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.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Several spells of light showers will occur in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Galle via Colombo. Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Batticaloa to Pottuvil during the afternoon or night.
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 Trincomalee to Puttalam via Kankasanthurai and Mannar and from Hambantota to Pottuvil. Wind speed can increase up to 50 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coasts extending from Trincomalee to Puttalam via Kankasanthurai and Mannar and from Hambantota to Pottuvil will be rough at times. The sea areas off the coasts extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle may be fairly rough at times. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
August 24, Colombo (LNW): Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, the Archbishop of Colombo, is known for his outspoken and often controversial views on various social and political issues, frequently stepping beyond the conventional boundaries of religious teaching. He has taken a strong stance on matters such as the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, consistently criticizing the government’s handling of the investigation and demanding justice for the victims.
Unlike any other Catholic Bishop in Sri Lanka’s history, Cardinal Ranjith has actively engaged in political discourse, particularly concerning national governance and social justice. He has been critical of policies that, in his view, deepen ethnic divisions or neglect marginalized communities. His public statements occasionally reflect a nationalist tone, emphasizing the protection of Sinhalese Buddhist culture, which has drawn criticism from minority groups.
The Cardinal has also expressed skepticism toward international organizations and Western influence in Sri Lanka. He has been vocal against foreign intervention in the country’s domestic affairs, especially regarding human rights investigations related to the civil war. His comments often align with nationalist rhetoric, positioning him as a defender of Sri Lankan sovereignty, though this stance has also drawn criticism from those who see international oversight as crucial for justice and accountability.
These examples illustrate how Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith’s actions and statements often extend beyond the traditional scope of religious teaching, placing him at the center of political and social controversies in Sri Lanka. Alongside figures like Fr. Cyril Gamini, he has ventured into contentious areas, sometimes rushing into dangerous or difficult situations without fully considering the consequences for the Catholic Church, acting as though he owns the institution rather than holding his position in trust.
Relationship with the Rajapaksa Family
The relationship between Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith and the Rajapaksa family is complex. There have been periods of perceived closeness, particularly during and after the civil war, as well as during the lead-up to the 2019 election, where he appeared to support Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s candidacy. However, recent years have seen a more confrontational dynamic, particularly in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday bombings and subsequent political developments in Sri Lanka. The Cardinal’s role as a moral and religious leader frequently intersects with the country’s volatile political landscape, leading to a precarious relationship with political leaders, especially the Rajapaksas.
Despite harsh public criticism of the Rajapaksas in recent years, perceptions linger that Cardinal Ranjith has maintained a certain level of closeness with the family. This perception is partly due to his relatively muted criticism of them during their periods in power and his occasional appearances alongside them at public ceremonies. However, his more recent critiques, especially in the context of the Easter bombings, have somewhat distanced him from this image. Still, it shocked many when he entertained the controversial son of Mahinda Rajapaksa, leading to ridicule on social media.
What the Cardinal may not fully grasp is that he does not own the Catholic Church; he holds his position in trust. His actions have drawn comparisons to controversial figures like Pastor Jerome, whose statements have also sparked outrage. If the Cardinal were accountable to a mortal authority, they might advise him to focus more on prayer than on political appearances. Given the way he is conducting himself, he risks ending up like the former Chief Justice of Sri Lanka, who was ousted from office by public outrage. Cardinal Ranjith should heed the Italian proverb: “He who plays with fire gets burned.”
