By: Isuru Parakrama

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.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 03, Colombo (LNW): The Road Development Authority (RDA) has issued a cautionary notice to all motorists, advising heightened vigilance on highways due to ongoing heavy rains across the region.

P. C. Gunasinghe, Deputy Director General of the Expressway Operation, Maintenance, and Management Division, emphasised that the combination of wet road surfaces and reduced visibility poses increased risks.

As a safety measure, Gunasinghe recommended that drivers adhere to a reduced maximum speed of 60 kilometres per hour to ensure control on slippery surfaces and minimise accident risks.

The advisory is intended to prevent incidents often triggered by wet weather, particularly with surface water affecting vehicle grip.

The RDA urges drivers to be mindful of speed and avoid abrupt manoeuvres, especially in areas prone to water accumulation.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 03, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that the government is actively working to expedite the completion of the Central Expressway, seeking Japan’s support to finalise the project.

The President disclosed these plans during an election rally in Kandy yesterday (02), highlighting the significance of this long-awaited expressway in enhancing national connectivity.

The government recently engaged in discussions with the Japanese Ambassador to secure financial and technical assistance for the expressway, which has faced delays over the years.

President Dissanayake affirmed that Japan’s support is expected to play a pivotal role in seeing the project to completion.

Beyond the expressway, the President emphasised the government’s commitment to alleviating Kandy’s traffic congestion, a persistent issue affecting daily life and local businesses.

In a recent review meeting, the government evaluated the current status of numerous halted projects aimed at modernising Kandy’s infrastructure, pledging to revive them swiftly.

Amongst the projects that have stalled are the construction of the Good Shed Bus Stand and planned bus terminals in key locations including Katugastota, Peradeniya, and Tennakumbura.

These hubs are considered essential for easing traffic flow and improving the daily commute within the region.

“We are determined to secure the required funding and resume these vital projects as soon as possible,” President Dissanayake assured, indicating that infrastructure development remains a top priority for his administration.

As these initiatives are critical to Kandy’s urban development, the President expressed confidence in the government’s ability to revitalise these projects, promising that they will receive focused attention and support.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 03, Colombo (LNW): The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued early landslide warnings for eight districts in Sri Lanka as persistent heavy rainfall continues to heighten risks in affected areas.

The warnings, announced yesterday (02) at 5 pm, will remain effective until 5 pm today.

Districts under a Level 02 warning — indicating a heightened risk of landslides — include Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Matara, and Ratnapura.

Specific areas identified at risk within these districts include Bulathsinhala in Kalutara; Udapalatha and Yatinuwara in Kandy; Bulathkohupitiya, Mawanella, Dehiowita, and Kegalle in Kegalle district; Pasgoda in Matara; and several high-risk locations in Ratnapura, including Eheliyagoda, Elapatha, Kuruwita, Kahawatta, Godakawela, and Pelmadulla.

Additionally, Level 01 warnings, a preliminary caution, have been issued for Welimada and Haldummulla in Badulla district, Elpitiya in Galle district, and Polgahawela in Kurunegala district.

These lower-level alerts serve as an early advisory, encouraging residents in these areas to remain vigilant and prepared for worsening conditions.

NBRO has urged residents in these areas to take proactive measures, particularly those in landslide-prone regions, and to closely monitor updates from local authorities.

As heavy rains persist, further alerts may be issued as conditions evolve, especially for communities on or near hilly terrain where landslide risk is more acute.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 03, Colombo (LNW): Sunil Jayarathne has been appointed as the Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Sri Lanka, bringing with him a wealth of expertise garnered over 37 years in the Department of Customs, where he last held the position of Additional Director General.

In his tenure with Customs, Jayarathne demonstrated a keen focus on international trade facilitation, particularly in his role as Media Spokesman over the past three and a half years and in his leadership of various technical and operational initiatives.

Throughout his career, Jayarathne has helmed multiple pivotal committees within the Department of Customs, advancing significant government and international policy initiatives.

His achievements include chairing the Customs Paperless Trade Initiative and overseeing the implementation of the World Trade Organisation’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (WTO-TFA).

Notably, he was instrumental in introducing non-intrusive cargo scanners at Colombo Port, bolstering customs efficiency and security.

Additionally, he served as the Vice Chairman of the Customs Valuation Technical Committee, helping to streamline customs valuation processes in alignment with global best practices.

Jayarathne is also recognised internationally as an accredited expert trainer and advisor for the World Customs Organisation (WCO) on the Time Release Study, a key measure in expediting customs clearance processes.

As the head of the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) Secretariat, he has overseen the implementation of WTO-led best practices, strengthening Sri Lanka’s trade facilitation landscape.

Beyond his administrative and operational accomplishments, Jayarathne has contributed as a key resource in the Department of Customs, sharing his insights on trade facilitation and customs valuation with both local and international stakeholders.

His collaborations with leading Sri Lankan trade chambers and global organisations such as the WCO and WTO underline his extensive experience and commitment to fostering smooth, efficient cross-border trade practices.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 03, Colombo (LNW): The Election Commission has announced a comprehensive leave policy for public and private sector employees, ensuring they can participate in the upcoming parliamentary elections without losing income or using personal leave.

In line with paragraph 12.3 of Chapter XII of the Establishments Code under “Special Leave of Public Officers,” all public sector employees are entitled to at least four hours of leave to cast their votes, with this time off granted as paid special leave.

Private sector employees are also guaranteed voting leave, arranged through coordination between the Election Commission and the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL).

This provision ensures private employees can vote without a deduction in salary or personal leave, mirroring the public sector arrangement.

To address the varying distances some employees may need to travel to polling stations, the Election Commission has implemented a distance-based leave system for private sector employees:

• For distances up to 40 kilometres: half-day leave
• For distances of 40–100 kilometres: one full day’s leave
• For distances of 100–150 kilometres: one and a half days’ leave
• For distances exceeding 150 kilometres: two full days’ leave

Employees must submit a written request for leave to their employers, who in turn are required to display a list of all employees taking special leave for voting, along with the duration of leave granted.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 03, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Posts has designated today (03) as a priority day for the distribution of official ballot papers for Sri Lanka’s upcoming 2024 General Election.

Deputy Postmaster General Rajitha Ranasinghe confirmed that the initiative will see distribution carried out from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. across the country.

Ranasinghe detailed that over 8,000 postal employees, supported by 2,090 post offices, are engaged solely in delivering official ballots on this day.

This one-day mobilisation effort underscores the Postal Department’s commitment to ensuring the timely and secure arrival of election materials ahead of voting day.

The ballot distribution will continue with door-to-door service through 7 November. For those who have not received their ballot by then, arrangements have been made for voters to collect it directly from their local post office.

In such cases, voters need only verify their identity with the postmaster during office hours to receive their ballot.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 03, Colombo (LNW): The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by lightning during thundershowers as the atmospheric conditions are favourable further for afternoon thundershowers in most parts of the island, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (03).

Showers or thundershowers will occur in the most parts of the island during the evening or night. Showers may occur over the coastal areas of Western and Southern provinces during the morning too.

Heavy showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in Central and Uva provinces.

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:

1. A meeting on the digitalisation of social welfare benefit programmes was held at the Presidential Secretariat, chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake: The discussion highlighted the need to digitise the paddy storage system to stabilise rice prices and enhance long-term solutions for rice shortages: Plans for digitising the “Aswesuma” programme and relief distribution for low-income families were also addressed.
   
2. Former MP Udaya Gammanpila claims the government has a “deal” with the Ilangai Thamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) to appoint M.A. Sumanthiran as Foreign Minister after the general election, subject to two conditions: adopting a federal constitution and accepting the 2015 UNHRC resolution: criticises this as favouring separatist agendas and announces plans for a petition to remove Public Security Secretary Ravi Seneviratne.
   
3. Former Education Minister Susil Premajayantha says the reception of the fourth tranche of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) External Fund Facility (EFF) is uncertain: backs his claim by asserting that the IMF only agreed to act on the disbursement of the fourth tranche based on the budget put forward by the current regime: challenges President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to disclose reasons for not reaching a final agreement with the IMF regarding the disbursement of the fourth tranche: Earlier, the IMF had set course to release US$ 337 million as the fourth tranche of the EFF at the end of the year.
   
4. The Ministry of Public Administration reports delays in reclaiming government quarters from five former ministers due to ongoing issues with the properties: urges former ministers to address these matters promptly: Inspections will begin if quarters are not returned by next week, and legal action will follow if any former minister or relatives are still occupying the properties.
   
5. Sunil Jayarathne has been appointed as Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka: With over 37 years of Customs experience, he previously served as Additional Director General and Media Spokesman: His expertise includes chairing committees on trade facilitation, customs valuation, and implementing key policies: Jayarathne is an internationally recognised expert in trade and customs, with extensive experience in international trade and border management.
   
6. The Consumer Affairs Authority begins a survey on paddy and rice stocks across ten districts, with reports from four districts already submitted to the ministry: Chairman Hemantha Samarakoon says the survey follows ministry instructions to assess stock levels, aiming to provide comprehensive data on paddy and rice availability in these regions.
   
7. The Postal Department designates 3 November as a special day for distributing official notices for the 2024 general election: Senior Deputy Postmaster General Rajitha Ranasinghe says 2,090 distribution offices and 8,000 staff are engaged in delivering election notices from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, continuing until November 07: The general election is scheduled for November 14, 2024.
   
8. The Health Ministry reports 23% of Sri Lanka’s urban population has diabetes, with 30% showing pre-diabetic symptoms: Diabetes cases nationwide have risen to 14%: Dr. Shanti Gunawardena highlights the severe impact, noting that one person in Sri Lanka loses a leg every hour due to diabetes complications.
   
9. The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) issues early landslide warnings for eight districts due to ongoing heavy rain, effective from 5 pm November 02 to 5 pm November 03: Level 02 warnings cover areas in Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Matara, and Ratnapura, while Level 01 warnings are in effect for locations in Badulla, Galle, and Kurunegala.
   
10. Public Security Minister Vijitha Herath announces the arrest of six individuals, including a foreign national, suspected of posing a threat to national security and tourist safety: The arrests followed intelligence reports of potential attacks in Arugam Bay and suspicious photography of financial sites in Colombo: Investigations are ongoing, and the National Security Council has convened to address the issue.