November 03, Colombo (LNW): JICA is set to initiate a new technical cooperation project early next year to support Sri Lanka to improve fecal sludge management.
Record of Discussion of this project was concluded between Mr. S. Alokabandara, Secretary to the Ministry of Justice, Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils, Local Government and Labour and Mr. YAMADA Tetsuya, Chief Representative of JICA Sri Lanka Office on 15th October 2024.
Currently, Sri Lanka faces various challenges related to fecal sludge management. Due to limited fecal sludge treatment plants, gully bowser disposes sludge to open environment, which leads to environment degradation and threaten public health.
Fecal sludge collected is not treated as a reusable resource on most occasions, although mixing this waste can be effective to facilitate beneficial use of biosolids for sustainable agriculture due to the lack of standards and technical capacities.
This four-year project, entitled “Project for Improvement of Fecal Sludge Management” aims to improve sustainable systems for fecal sludge management and biosolids production adapted local and municipal conditions.
The project plans to support in managing fecal sludge service chains and produce biosolids according to the developed technical guideline in selected Local Authorities, in drafting standard on biosolids production, and in disseminating relevant by-laws on sustainable fecal sludge management for Local Authorities.
JICA has been cooperating with Sri Lanka in waste management for more than 20 years. In addition to the contributions to sanitation and environment protection, this project will also contribute to Sri Lanka’s next efforts toward circular economy by exploring possibility of producing biosolids from fecal sludges in a safe manner.
November 03, Colombo (LNW): Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, former CEO of Axiata Group, has been appointed as Chief Advisor on Digital Economy to Sri Lanka’s President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The official appointment took place at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo on November 1, as stated by the President’s Media Division (PMD).
This pivotal role is seen as an essential step in driving Sri Lanka’s digital economy forward.
On Friday, Axiata Group Berhad announced that Dr. Wijayasuriya would step down from his roles as CEO of Telecommunications Business and Group Executive Director, in light of his new responsibilities with the Sri Lankan government.
Dr. Wijayasuriya, who will leave Axiata effective January 15, 2025, accepted the government’s invitation to guide Sri Lanka’s digital transformation.
Until then, he will continue to fulfill his duties at Axiata and support a transition program, while also providing advisory assistance to the Sri Lankan government’s digital initiatives in a non-executive capacity. Further changes to Axiata’s leadership will be communicated as needed.
With a distinguished career spanning over three decades at Axiata and its predecessor Telekom Malaysia, Dr. Wijayasuriya has been instrumental in the company’s growth across Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia.
He has also served on the Board of Directors of the GSMA, the global mobile industry’s governing body. In 2024, Dr. Wijayasuriya received the GSMA Chairman’s Award, the organization’s highest accolade, in recognition of his significant contributions to global mobile technology and industry development.
Meanwhile, Vivek Sood, Axiata group CEO and managing director said: “It is a great honour and source of pride for Axiata that one of our senior leaders has been selected to join the government of Sri Lanka in a highly influential role, contributing to the transformation of the country’s digital economy”.
Wijayasuriya, a Sri Lanka-born global telecommunications executive, said he stands privileged to have the opportunity to contribute to his country.
“As I embark on this new chapter, I am deeply aware that every learning I possess, I owe to leadership and colleagues, past and present, from across the Axiata Group. To them, I will always be grateful,” he said.
Wijayasuriya currently heads the pan-region telecommunications operations of Axiata, which span across Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Cambodia. He has had 30 years of experience with Axiata, and its predecessor Telekom Malaysia Bhd (KL:TM).
Axiata has a long-standing relationship with Sri Lanka, with its presence through Dialog Axiata since 1993. The group has also invested in Sri Lanka’s software development sector through Axiata Digital Labs, the group’s digital solutions arm based in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
November 03, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Arugam Bay, a popular tourist destination, has recently been flagged as a potential terror target, sparking international concern.
The warnings stem from credible intelligence, reportedly from Indian sources, which indicated possible attacks aimed at foreign nationals, particularly Israelis.
Both the U.S. and Israeli governments issued travel advisories to their citizens, urging them to avoid the region due to this security threat.
As a response, Sri Lanka has intensified its security measures, with Public Security Minister Vijitha Herath confirming the arrest of six suspects linked to the threat, including one Maldivian national.
Israeli authorities had previously warned their citizens about potential terror attacks not only in Arugam Bay but also in other Sri Lankan tourist spots such as Galle, Hikkaduwa, Weligama, and Ahangama.
The National Security Council (NSC) of Israel raised the threat level for these locations to Level 4, the highest alert, advising Israelis to vacate these areas and relocate to Colombo where security is more robust.
For other parts of Sri Lanka, the threat level has been set at Level 3, and non-essential travel to the country has been discouraged.
The U.S. Embassy in Colombo also acted on credible intelligence about potential attacks targeting tourists in Arugam Bay, imposing an immediate travel restriction for embassy personnel and strongly advising American citizens to avoid the area.
This advisory came amid additional warnings from Australia, which alerted its citizens to an ongoing threat of terrorist attacks in areas frequented by foreigners and tourists in Sri Lanka.
The security concerns are compounded by recent geopolitical tensions, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has reportedly led to friction between Israeli visitors and some local communities in Sri Lanka.
In Arugam Bay, the establishment of a temporary synagogue by Israeli tourists and the presence of visible Israeli cultural symbols have sparked unease among locals who express solidarity with Palestine.
This has prompted Sri Lankan police to ramp up security around areas frequented by Israelis, including the synagogue and other tourist sites, to prevent potential confrontations.
Israel’s National Security Council has urged Israelis in Sri Lanka to exercise caution by avoiding displays of national symbols, Hebrew apparel, and public gatherings, especially in unsecured locations.
These precautionary measures are part of Israel’s strategy to reduce visibility and mitigate risks of attacks in response to heightened local sensitivities and geopolitical tensions.
The threat in Sri Lanka is also believed to be linked to wider regional unrest, including the killing of Hezbollah leaders, which some speculate may have inspired potential retaliatory actions.
In response, Sri Lankan authorities have scaled up their security operations, implementing widespread surveillance and conducting security checks across key areas to ensure the safety of both locals and tourists.
As Sri Lanka navigates this heightened security situation, it continues to collaborate with international security agencies, including those from Israel and the U.S., to address any emerging threats.
These coordinated efforts aim to reinforce security in vulnerable regions, safeguard foreign nationals, and stabilize the area amidst escalating geopolitical pressures.
November 03, Colombo (LNW): The Adani wind power project in Sri Lanka is currently facing significant legal challenges that have resulted in delays, yet the government remains committed to advancing its renewable energy initiatives.
This project is vital for Sri Lanka’s transition to sustainable energy sources, but legal disputes surrounding land acquisition and environmental regulations have disrupted its timeline.
Despite these setbacks, government officials are actively seeking solutions to these obstacles.
In a recent meeting with the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed a keen interest in leveraging India’s experience in energy sector development.
This interest coincides with ongoing legal proceedings affecting the Adani renewable energy project, which is under scrutiny due to environmental concerns and the higher tariffs proposed.
The President’s Media Division indicated that discussions focused on enhancing the bilateral relationship and reviewing Indian-supported projects within Sri Lanka, highlighting both achievements and challenges.
The timing of this meeting is crucial, as it comes just weeks before parliamentary elections in Sri Lanka, where Dissanayake’s National People’s Power (NPP) party is positioned favorably.
A party representative mentioned that the government delegation plans to discuss the Adani project, among other important topics, during a visit to New Delhi in January.
The Adani project was initiated without a competitive tender process, which has raised eyebrows in the new administration. Dissanayake’s government has requested time from the court to reevaluate the project, particularly in light of ongoing legal challenges.
The NPP has pledged not to endorse any projects lacking open tenders, promising to scrutinize the Adani agreement approved by the previous government.
Adani had proposed the installation of 500 megawatts (MW) of wind capacity in the regions of Mannar and Pooneryn, with an energy permit already issued for a 234 MW plant in Pooneryn earlier this year.
However, local environmentalists and the Bishop of Mannar have raised alarms, asserting that the wind plants threaten a migratory bird route and that the tariffs agreed upon are excessively high.
Petitioners have challenged the fixed tariff of 8.26 US cents per kilowatt-hour (KWh) for 20 years, arguing it far exceeds the environmentally assessed rate of 4.6 US cents, potentially resulting in significant financial burdens for consumers and the country.
In their petition, they have sought the Supreme Court’s intervention to declare the project approvals as unlawful and in violation of the fundamental rights of the community.
Concerns about the long-term implications of negotiated power purchase agreements have emerged, especially following amendments to laws that now allow substantial power projects to bypass competitive bidding processes.
November 03, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) recently launched an ambitious campaign to spotlight Sri Lanka as a top travel destination through influencer-led press trips from October 28 to November 8.
This initiative will host 30 high-profile international travel bloggers and influencers from countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, France, India, and Australia, who will produce over 1,000 posts and stories, showcasing the country’s attractions to a combined audience of over 7 million followers.
As travel influencers capture the unique charm of destinations like Colombo, Jaffna, Sigiriya, and Galle, they will share real-time content across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, amplifying Sri Lanka’s appeal as a must-visit spot for the winter season.
This campaign aligns with the Government’s vision to significantly increase tourist numbers by 2025.SLTPB Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam expressed confidence in the power of influencer marketing to highlight the country’s cultural richness and natural beauty across all nine provinces.
Collaborating with provincial tourism boards and supported by industry giants like Cinnamon Life, Jetwing Hotels, and Heritance Hotels, this project aims to position Sri Lanka on the global map as an irresistible destination.
The selected influencers will embark on an unforgettable journey across iconic locations, including Colombo, Jaffna, Anuradhapura, Habarana, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Negombo, Galle, Bentota, Haputale, Badulla, Tissamaharama, Ratnapura, and Udawalawa.
This collaboration is not just a promotional campaign; it is an opportunity for these influencers to produce live videos, blog posts, and social media content that will showcase the unique offerings of Sri Lanka.
This initiative has been organised in collaboration with provincial tourism ministries, including Uva Tourism, the Northern Tourism Promotion Bureau, Sabaragamuwa Tourism, and the Southern Tourism Board. The Hotel Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) and the Sri Lanka Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) have also partnered in this effort.
Industry partners, including Cinnamon Life, Jetwing Hotels & Resorts, Thema Hotel Collection, EKOH Hotels and Resorts, Heritance Hotels and Resorts, Colombo City Tours by Ebert Silva Holidays, and Colombo Lotus Tower, have offered their full support for this digital media promotion targeting the upcoming season while ensuring comprehensive representation of the island’s tourism potential.
As these influencers prepare to embark on their adventure, the SLTPB invites the general public and local media to engage with their content and experience Sri Lanka through the eyes of these esteemed travel personalities.
The SLTPB calls upon the local community to follow these influencers and join in celebrating the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture that make Sri Lanka a captivating choice for travelers worldwide.
November 03, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Prisons confirmed that former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte, who had been receiving treatment at the Prison Hospital, was moved to Colombo General Hospital due to “a sudden illness” last night.
Ratwatte’s transfer follows his recent arrest related to allegations of involvement with an illegally imported luxury vehicle.
Ratwatte was initially placed under remand after Mirihana Police apprehended him on October 31 in connection with an unregistered luxury car found at his wife’s residence in Mirihana, Nugegoda.
The discovery of the vehicle, devoid of registration plates, was reportedly made on 26 October during a targeted inspection based on information indicating the presence of such a car at a three-storey property belonging to his wife, Shashi Prabha Ratwatte.
During police questioning, Ratwatte and his wife claimed that the property in question is primarily occupied by his mother-in-law and that the vehicle had been brought there by his private secretary roughly three weeks prior.
This assertion added complexity to the investigation, as the private secretary in question was recently found dead with gunshot wounds in Katugastota, Kandy.
Ratwatte’s hospital transfer was sanctioned by the Acting Magistrate of Nugegoda, who granted his initial move to the Prison Hospital.
Authorities have since indicated that the investigation remains ongoing as they work to untangle the circumstances surrounding the luxury vehicle and the recent, related incidents.
November 03, World (LNW): The recent resurfacing of allegations against the late Mohamed Al-Fayed—an Egyptian rebel against the Crown turned a British business mogul—has cast a shadow over the legacy of the former Harrods owner.
Despite his flamboyant persona and public accusations against the British sovereign—most notably, blaming it for the death of Princess Diana—Al-Fayed’s history is marred by multiple allegations of sexual misconduct that span decades.
These accusations, long whispered about in hushed tones, paint a grim picture of a man who wielded his wealth and influence to evade accountability.
Al-Fayed with wife | Photo: The Sunday Times
Who is Mohamed Al-Fayed? Where did he come from?
Mohamed Abdel Moneim Al-Fayed was an Egyptian businessman who resided in the United Kingdom and pursued his primary business interests there from the mid-1960s. His ventures included ownership of the Hôtel Ritz Paris, Harrods department store, and Fulham Football Club. At the time of his death in 2023, Forbes estimated his wealth at £2 billion.
Al-Fayed was married to Samira Khashoggi from 1954 to 1956, and they had a son, Dodi, who was in a romantic relationship with Diana, Princess of Wales, at the time of their tragic car crash in Paris in 1997.
Mohamed Al Fayed arrives at the High Court on February 20, 2008 in London | Photo: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty
Al-Fayed died on August 30, 2023, aged 94, in London. However, he has since become a focal point of media scrutiny and investigations concerning allegations of sexual harassment and assault. By 2024, he faced multiple posthumous accusations of rape, with over 200 women reporting illegal activities attributed to him by September of that year.
Al-Fayed with Queen Elizabeth II at the Royal Windsor Horse Show | Photo: Tim Graham Photo Library/Getty
The friendship with Princess Diana
Al-Fayed and Princess Diana forged a unique friendship marked by mutual admiration and support. Their bond began in the 1980s, centred around shared interests in charity work and a desire to challenge the status quo.
Al-Fayed, known for his extravagant lifestyle, provided Diana with a sense of freedom from royal constraints. Their relationship deepened during the tumultuous periods in Diana’s life, with Al-Fayed often offering counsel and companionship.
Princess Diana, Prince Charles, and Mohamed Al-Fayed during the Harrods Polo Cup at Smith’s Lawn in Windsor, UK, July 1987 | Photo: Jayne Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty
However, their friendship was also scrutinised by the media, especially in the context of Diana’s tragic death in 1997, which Al-Fayed controversially linked to a conspiracy involving the British sovereign.
The nature of the allegations
Numerous individuals have come forward, recounting experiences of harassment and abuse in the workplace. Al-Fayed has been accused of exploiting his position of power within his various enterprises, including the luxury department store Harrods and the Ritz Paris.
The claims date back to as early as 1995, when a police investigation was initiated regarding an alleged sexual assault on a teenager, which was subsequently dismissed by law enforcement dismissal, is a stark reminder of the systemic failures that often protect powerful figures from scrutiny.
The testimony of former employees has revealed a disturbing culture of silence and complicity surrounding Al-Fayed’s alleged behaviour. His status and wealth appeared to shield him from the repercussions that less privileged individuals would undoubtedly face.
Princess Diana and Mohammed Al Fayed attending a charity dinner for the Harefield Heart Unit held at Harrods London in February 1996. Photo: Jayne Fincher/Getty
In recent weeks, a coalition of over 400 alleged victims has formed, collectively demanding justice and accountability supported by advocacy groups that highlight the need for systemic change within institutions that have long turned a blind eye to such abuses.
Why is Al-Fayed’s name cleared of charges?
The Metropolitan Police has faced scrutiny for its handling of these allegations, particularly the revelation that reports about Al-Fayed had been made to authorities as early as ten years before they claimed to have any knowledge of, raising significant questions about the efficacy of law enforcement and its commitment to protecting victims of sexual violence.
Samantha-Jane Ramsay (left) with her sister Emma Wills | Family of Samantha-Jane Ramsay says she made allegation 10 years before police say first complaint made | Photograph: Leigh Day
Many victims feel betrayed by a system that failed to respond adequately to their cries for help. The feeling of helplessness amongst these individuals is compounded by the apparent lack of urgency in pursuing these allegations, unearthing a broader issue within institutions tasked with ensuring safety and justice.
Al-Fayed’s case is emblematic of a larger societal issue—how wealth and power can be weaponised to silence victims and enable predators. The culture within Harrods, Fulham Football Club, and other ventures associated with Al-Fayed reflects what critics claim as “a patriarchal attitude” that prioritises the reputation of the institution over the wellbeing of individuals.
The numerous claims of harassment, exploitation, and abuse reveal not just the actions of one man but a system that allows such behaviour to persist.
Al-Fayed | Photo: BBC
This pattern is particularly concerning in light of the current #MeToo movement, which has sought to empower survivors and challenge the status quo. Yet, as Al-Fayed’s situation illustrates, the fight for justice is far from over.
The voices of victims must not only be heard but also acted upon with sincerity and urgency. The time for accountability is now, and any attempt to downplay or dismiss these allegations only serves to reinforce the status quo of silence surrounding abuse.
The Justice for Harrods Survivors group said this week that 421 women had come forward to lawyers, alleging sexual misconduct by Fayed | Photo: Andy Rain/EPA/Shutterstock
The man is dead, but serve justice for the victims!
The revelations about Al-Fayed should prompt not only public outrage but also a reassessment of how society deals with allegations of sexual misconduct, particularly when they involve high-profile individuals. It is imperative that institutions actively work to dismantle the culture of silence that has enabled such abuses to occur.
This includes implementing comprehensive training programmes for employees, ensuring that there are clear channels for reporting misconduct, and fostering an environment where survivors feel safe and supported when coming forward.
Moreover, the victims of Al-Fayed’s alleged actions deserve justice and recognition. The coalition of survivors rallying against him represents a significant step towards accountability, but it is clear that much more needs to be done.
Bianca Gascoigne alleges she was groomed and sexually assaulted by Al-Fayed when she worked at the department store as a teenager | Photo: Getty
Advocacy groups are actively calling for increased scrutiny of corporate cultures that allow such behaviour to fester and thrive. Without concerted efforts to challenge and change these dynamics, the cycle of abuse is likely to continue.
In light of the deceased Al-Fayed’s legacy being reassessed upon these allegations, it becomes clear that his narrative is one of exploitation and power dynamics that allowed him to thrive at the expense of others. The juxtaposition of his public persona with the troubling accusations against him raises critical questions about accountability and justice in cases of sexual misconduct.
November 03, Colombo (LNW): Six individuals, including a Maldivian national, have been apprehended in connection with reported security concerns in Arugam Bay, a popular tourist area, Public Security Minister Vijitha Herath disclosed.
The arrests were made following intelligence reports indicating possible threats in the area, alongside reports of suspicious activity involving the photographing of key financial sites in Colombo.
The arrested suspects consist of one Maldivian and five Sri Lankans, and investigations are ongoing to determine the nature and intent of their activities.
Minister Herath cautioned against speculative interpretations, noting that the information gathered thus far is insufficient to confirm the specific objectives behind these actions.
“We are carefully assessing the evidence at hand. While we have detained these individuals, it is too early to make definitive conclusions regarding any potential plans or threats. Misinformation can lead to unnecessary public concern,” he stated.
The Ministry of Public Security reassured the public of heightened vigilance and coordination between security and intelligence agencies, aiming to ensure the safety of both local citizens and visiting tourists.
Enhanced surveillance and monitoring have been implemented in high-tourism areas to further strengthen security measures in light of these recent developments.
November 03, Colombo (LNW): The Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) has called for urgent disciplinary action regarding allegations of misconduct by a specialist at Karapitiya Teaching Hospital, Galle.
The AMS has requested an impartial investigation after two members, Dr. Jayamini Horathugoda and Dr. Harshani Dharmawardena, reported experiencing verbal abuse by the specialist while on duty.
In an official letter to Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardene, the AMS underscored its firm opposition to any form of abusive language or threats in the workplace, urging the Ministry of Health to address the incident promptly.
The AMS stressed that such actions are essential to uphold a safe, respectful, and professional environment for healthcare staff.
In response to these concerns, the hospital’s trade union has temporarily halted its strike action until Monday (04), following an assurance from the Health Ministry that appropriate action will be taken against the accused specialist.
This pause allows the Ministry time to initiate steps that would restore a supportive working environment at the hospital, which is vital for effective patient care and employee morale.
November 03, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Defence has refuted recent social media claims suggesting the government intends to withdraw military personnel from providing security at temples and other religious sites.
In an official statement, the Ministry clarified that these reports are unfounded, affirming that no such decision has been made regarding the security arrangements for religious sites across the country.
The Ministry emphasised its commitment to maintaining current security protocols to ensure the protection of these places of worship, urging the public not to rely on unverified information circulating on social media.
