November 12, Colombo (LNW): The Maligakanda Magistrate Court directed authorities to record statements from 18 senior officials of the previous government, including former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and former Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.
This order is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of substandard drug procurement approved by the former Cabinet under emergency measures in 2022.
The directive came after Deputy Solicitor General Lakmini Girihagama requested permission to question former high-ranking officials regarding the approval of nearly 200 controversial medicinal drugs through an emergency procurement process.
This investigation aims to clarify the decision-making processes that led to the purchase of these potentially unsafe medications.
The list of former Cabinet Ministers required to provide statements includes Nimal Siripala de Silva, Douglas Devananda, Susil Premajayantha, Bandula Gunawardhana, Mahinda Amaraweera, Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, Harin Fernando, Ramesh Pathirana, Prasanna Ranatunga, Vidura Wickremenayake, Kanchana Wijesekera, Naseer Ahmed, Roshan Ranasinghe, Tiran Alles, Nalin Fernando, and Jagath Pushpa Kumara.
The court also ruled to extend the detention of Sudath Janaka, a supplier allegedly involved in distributing the substandard drugs, until November 25.
Janaka’s continued detention underscores the severity with which the judiciary is treating the case as it seeks accountability in what has become a significant public health concern.
November 12, Colombo (LNW): The National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF) has issued a stark warning regarding a rise in the trafficking of Sri Lankans from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Myanmar, where they are forced into labour at cyber scam centres.
Information from trusted sources has revealed that these trafficking operations are specifically targeting Sri Lankans, especially young IT professionals, under the guise of lucrative overseas job offers.
According to recent investigations, traffickers use deceptive recruitment tactics, often promising high-salaried IT roles in foreign countries.
Once candidates arrive in locations such as Dubai for purported job interviews, they are coerced into travelling onward to Myanmar.
At these destinations, they face not only illegal confinement but also psychological and physical abuse, including reports of severe methods such as electrocution.
The NAHTTF has repeatedly cautioned the public about the dangers of recruitment schemes targeting vulnerable job seekers for cyber scam operations.
Sri Lankan nationals are urged to avoid travelling abroad on visit visas, particularly through unauthorised channels, which violate the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment Act.
In light of these developments, the NAHTTF has outlined a series of urgent precautions and steps for the public:
Seek employment abroad only through safe, legal migration routes authorised by official channels.
Remain vigilant for signs of trafficking or dubious recruitment activities, and report them.
Protect at-risk individuals by notifying relevant authorities if they know Sri Lankan nationals abroad who might be in danger, as well as their families or friends back home.
For those wishing to report suspected trafficking activities, the NAHTTF offers confidential reporting via their hotline at 0112102570 or 076 844 7700, or by email at [email protected].
The task force assures the public that all information shared will be handled discreetly to protect the identity of informants.
November 12, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally requested the U.S. Embassy to withdraw a security alert advising American citizens to avoid Arugam Bay due to a potential threat, a ministry spokesperson confirmed yesterday (11).
The alert, issued on October 23, urged U.S. nationals to steer clear of the popular tourist destination, citing credible intelligence of an attack targeting tourist areas.
The Embassy also restricted travel for its own staff to Arugam Bay until further notice.
Following the U.S. announcement, Israel’s National Security Council issued a similar warning for Israeli nationals, advising them to vacate certain tourist areas in southern Sri Lanka, including Arugam Bay and beaches along the southern and western coasts.
This alert, based on reports of a potential terrorist threat, prompted widespread concern among international visitors and tourism stakeholders.
Heightened security efforts have also led to the arrest of six individuals in connection with potential security risks.
According to a spokesperson, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has since appealed to the U.S. Embassy to reconsider and remove the advisory, following these proactive steps to ensure safety.
During a recent television programme, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake confirmed that the government had received intel on a potential attack two weeks prior to the U.S.’ announcement and actions had already been taken since to heighten security in the area, despite the move not being accounted for public record then.
To further assess the security landscape, Defence Secretary Sampath Thuyacontha visited the Eastern Province on November 10, concentrating on Arugam Bay.
During his visit, the Defence Secretary met with senior local military and police officials for a detailed briefing on current security protocols.
He instructed officials on targeted measures to strengthen protection in Arugam Bay and other high-traffic tourist spots across Sri Lanka.
When questioned about cooperation between the Sri Lankan government and U.S. authorities, a U.S. Embassy spokesperson confirmed close collaboration on security matters, underscoring the joint commitment to public safety and the wellbeing of tourists.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry remains hopeful that recent security efforts will provide reassurance to international visitors and lead to a swift lifting of travel restrictions on Arugam Bay, restoring confidence in one of Sri Lanka’s prime tourist destinations.
November 12, Colombo (LNW): In preparation for the parliamentary election on November 14, all schools will be handed over to respective Grama Niladhari officers today (12), once classes conclude, according to the Ministry of Education.
Schools across the country will be closed from tomorrow, 13 November, to facilitate election arrangements, with plans to reopen on Monday, 18 November.
The Ministry of Education made the announcement last Friday, emphasising that schools would serve as key venues for polling activities.
Education Ministry Secretary J.M. Thilaka Jayasundara has advised Zonal Education Directors and school principals to make desks, chairs, and assembly halls available to support election operations.
The Election Commission has also been notified, alongside Provincial Education Secretaries, Provincial and Zonal Education Directors, and other relevant bodies, to ensure coordinated efforts across districts.
Jayasundara highlighted that schools designated as vote-counting centres should stay closed only for the specific durations necessary to complete the counting process, in line with guidance from the Election Commission Chairman.
This arrangement reflects a collaborative effort between the Education Ministry and election authorities to manage polling logistics while minimising disruption to students.
November 12, Colombo (LNW): The Presidential Secretariat hosted a high-level meeting yesterday (11) to explore potential relief strategies for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) grappling with financial challenges, the President’s Media Division said in a statement.
Led by Senior Additional Secretary to the President for Finance and Economic Affairs, Mr G.N.R.D. Aponsu, the session gathered officials from the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, and the Sri Lanka Banks’ Association (Guarantee) Limited to discuss urgent support measures.
The talks primarily addressed the mounting financial pressures on SMEs, particularly those struggling under heavy loan burdens.
To temporarily alleviate these pressures, debt recovery actions under the Parate law have been suspended for SMEs, though this grace period is set to conclude on 15 December.
Attendees reviewed options for sustaining and potentially expanding relief measures before the deadline, recognising the need for ongoing support in these challenging economic conditions.
Participants explored how the banking sector could offer additional assistance to SMEs, with a focus on stimulating productivity and economic resilience.
One key outcome of the meeting was the decision to prepare a detailed report on SME loans, which will assess current financial exposures and serve as a foundation for designing future support measures.
This initiative underscores a commitment to providing tailored financial interventions for SMEs, a sector crucial to the national economy.
Discussions also centred on the feasibility of further extending the suspension of debt recovery under the Parate law, with the Central Bank and several commercial banks involved in evaluating the necessary measures.
Several senior officials participated, including Mrs R.R.S. De Silva Jayathilake, Director of Bank Supervision at the Central Bank, and Mr A.M.A.D. Amarakoon, Senior Assistant Director at the Central Bank. Representatives from the Sri Lanka Banks’ Association were also in attendance, including Mr Indrajith Boyagoda, Secretary General, Mr Dilshan Rodrigo, CEO of Union Bank, Mr Manoj Akmeemana, Senior Deputy General Manager of Sampath Bank, and Mr Sampath Perera, Deputy General Manager of Bank of Ceylon. Other attendees included Mr Nalin Samaranayake, Assistant General Manager of Commercial Bank, Mr Nirosh Perera, Chief Recovery and Rehabilitation Officer at Hatton National Bank, and Mr Bingumal Thewarathanthri, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank.
November 12, Colombo (LNW): Campaigning for the 2024 parliamentary election officially ended at midnight on November 11, ushering in a mandated “silence period” that will last until polling day on November 14.
This silence period marks a critical moment as candidates and parties await the public’s verdict, with monitoring teams and regulations poised to maintain a fair and impartial election environment for all voters.
During this period, all forms of active electioneering are prohibited, according to the Election Commission, to ensure voters can make their decisions without external influence.
However, candidates have until midnight tonight (12), to dismantle any temporary campaign offices.
Election Commission Chairman R.M.A.L. Ratnayake clarified that campaign offices currently set up across constituencies must be removed by this deadline.
Following this, each party or candidate group will be permitted only one office per constituency, a measure intended to curb last-minute campaign activities while maintaining essential logistical operations.
In addition, candidates may use their residences as their designated constituency offices, though the Election Commission has set strict guidelines forbidding any decorations or advertisements.
These rules aim to keep campaign visibility minimal and maintain a fair, unbiased environment leading up to the election.
Meanwhile, the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) will deploy approximately 6,000 monitors to observe the election, ensuring transparency and adherence to electoral standards. PAFFREL Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi emphasised that these representatives will play a key role in upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejects US accusations linking Tehran to a plot to harm former President Donald Trump and attack Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka: dismisses the allegations as a fabricated attempt to create distrust between the two nations: emphasises Iran’s commitment to diplomacy and rejected any interest in nuclear weapons, calling for mutual confidence-building efforts.
The Supreme Court grants Additional Solicitor General Nerin Pulle’s request for time to determine President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s stance on appointing Deshabandu Tennakoon as Inspector General of Police (IGP): This request was made during a petition hearing by eight parties, including Archbishop of Colombo, HE Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, challenging the appointment: The next hearing is scheduled for February 24-25, 2025.
The National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF) warns the public about a rise in Sri Lankans being trafficked to cyber scam centres in Myanmar, particularly those in the UAE: Traffickers lure IT professionals with promises of high-paying jobs, only to coerce them into working illegally under harsh conditions: advises against illegal migration and encourages reporting suspicious activities to safeguard vulnerable individuals.
Campaigning for the 2024 General Elections ended at midnight on November 11, initiating a 48-hour “silent period”: The National Election Commission instructs media to adhere to guidelines, allowing election-related coverage only on November 12 but banning it on November 13 and 14: The election is set for Thursday, November 14.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) initiates an investigation into claims from a ‘Channel 4’ documentary on the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, following a complaint to the Ministry of Public Security: Former Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pilleyan is set to give a statement on November 12.
The government holds discussions to explore relief measures for struggling SMEs before the Parate law’s debt recovery suspension expires on December 15: Led by the Senior Additional Secretary for Finance, officials from the Finance Ministry, Central Bank, and Banks’ Association discussed SME loan challenges: A report on SME loans will inform future support measures, with banks evaluating further debt recovery suspensions.
The Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court directs authorities to record statements from 18 former Cabinet Ministers over alleged importation and distribution of substandard drugs to government hospitals: The inquiry centres on claims that the drugs failed to meet safety and quality standards, implicating ministers who approved their procurement and distribution during their tenure.
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) announces changes to its trading hours for November 14 2024, the day of the Parliamentary Election: The market will close early, with trading scheduled from 09.30 am to 12.30 pm: Regular trading hours will resume on Monday, November 18, 2024.
During a visit to Katunayake Airport, Civil Aviation Minister Vijitha Herath addresses issues affecting staff and services: Key actions included restoring a Rs. 50,000 allowance for employees, creating a 24/7 unit for real-time flight delay updates, and improving uniform quality for security staff: engages with employees, committing to work with authorities for effective solutions.
The Intermediate Weightlifting Championship 2024, held at the National Sports Complex in Torrington from 08 to 10 November, saw the SLAF Women’s Team crowned champions and the Men’s Team securing runner-up: Aircraftman Sandeepa GAC and Aircraftwoman Chathurani MHD were named ‘Best Lifter’ in their respective categories: The event featured weightlifting clubs across Sri Lanka, including tri-forces teams, competing for top honours.
November 11, Colombo (LNW): Pelwatte Dairy Industries Ltd., a pioneer in Sri Lanka’s dairy industry, has reached new heights in its commitment to product quality with the acquisition of the advanced FOSS FT3 machine and the achievement of the prestigious FSSC 22000 V6.0 Certification.
These significant developments underscore Pelwatte’s dedication to maintaining high standards in dairy production and reinforcing its leadership in the sector.
The introduction of the FOSS FT3 machine marks a major milestone for Pelwatte, as it becomes the first company in Sri Lanka to utilize this cutting-edge technology.
This state-of-the-art equipment enhances the precision of dairy testing by simultaneously analyzing critical parameters such as fat, protein, lactose, and up to 30 adulteration factors.
This ensures that every batch of dairy products meets rigorous international standards, ultimately improving both taste and nutritional quality.
In addition to boosting testing accuracy and efficiency, the FOSS FT3 machine reduces testing time, minimizes human error, and aligns with Pelwatte’s focus on sustainable practices. Its ability to minimize wastage reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility.
Furthermore, Pelwatte has earned the FSSC 22000 V6.0 Certification, a globally recognized standard for food safety management systems.
This certification affirms the company’s adherence to the highest international standards in food safety, quality, and consistency. It highlights Pelwatte’s continued focus on maintaining rigorous product safety protocols and elevates the brand’s reputation in the global dairy market.
Pelwatte’s integration of innovative technology and commitment to industry-leading food safety practices are setting new benchmarks for dairy production in Sri Lanka.
These advancements serve as a model for local producers, encouraging them to adopt similar innovations to improve their operations. Pelwatte’s leadership is also contributing to the growth of the local economy by expanding production capacity and creating new job opportunities.
The company’s journey toward these achievements began with the establishment of its Quality Assurance (QA) Department, which has consistently implemented global best practices in quality control. Over the years, Pelwatte has invested heavily in advanced technology and partnered with international leaders in the field.
Akmal Wickramanayake, Managing Director of Pelwatte Dairy, commented on the company’s latest advancements: “Introducing the FOSS FT3 machine ensures that every batch of our dairy products undergoes rigorous testing, guaranteeing the highest quality.
This also helps us reduce inconsistencies and speed up product approval, delivering fresher and safer products to consumers.”
Since its founding in 2006, Pelwatte Dairy has built a reputation for innovation, quality, and sustainability.
The company’s extensive product range includes full cream milk powder, butter, yogurt, ice cream, and more, all produced to the highest standards. Pelwatte is also committed to supporting local farmers and contributing to the growth of Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector.
November 11, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan Airlines has received widespread praise for its powerful advertisement promoting the “Ramayana Trail,” a journey through the island’s landmarks linked to the ancient Hindu epic.
The five-minute commercial tells the story of the Ramayana through the eyes of a grandmother narrating to her grandson from a children’s book.
As the story unfolds, the young boy asks about the island where the demon king Ravana kidnapped Sita. The grandmother explains that the kingdom of Ravana was located in what is now Sri Lanka.
The ad highlights several significant locations tied to the Ramayana, such as Ravana’s Cave near Ella, where Sita is believed to have been held captive, and the Seetha Amman Temple, also known as the Ashok Vatika Sita Temple, which is maintained by the Indian Tamil community in Sri Lanka.
The commercial also references the famous Ram Setu (Adam’s Bridge), a chain of natural limestone shoals connecting India and Sri Lanka. When the grandson inquires whether the bridge is still visible, the grandmother affirms that it can still be seen today.
Additionally, the ad touches on the legend of Hanuman’s journey to retrieve the Sanjeevani herb to save Lakshman. It highlights Rumassala Hill, believed to be a fragment of the mountain that Hanuman dropped along his way, as a site of special significance.
The area is known for its unique medicinal herbs, believed to have been carried by the monkey god himself.
The advertisement has resonated deeply with viewers on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where users praised the airline’s effort to promote Sri Lanka as a destination for spiritual and historical tourism. “What an outstanding advertisement.
It will really appeal to many people to visit Sri Lanka,” commented one user. Another expressed, “Such a spectacular ad. Got goosebumps watching it. Our tourism sector needs to learn from this.”
Many viewers also expressed excitement about visiting Sri Lanka, with one person saying, “Sri Lanka will be my next big trip. When I went to Bali, I was mesmerized by its hospitality, beauty, and heritage.”In an era where tourism campaigns are vying for attention, Sri Lankan Airlines’ innovative and culturally rich advertisement offers an engaging way to connect the country’s ancient past with modern-day travel experiences, potentially boosting interest in the region’s historical and spiritual sites.
November 11, Colombo (LNW): Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL) is moving forward with the Bandaranaike International Airport Development Project (BIADP) Phase II Stage 2 under the new administration.
AASL has signed an amended contract for the ongoing Design and Post Design Consultancy Services related to this phase. The contract was formalized on November 1, 2024, between AASL and the joint venture of Japan Airport Consultants, Inc. and Nippon Koei Co., Ltd.
This project, funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), aims to further develop the passenger terminal and related infrastructure at Sri Lanka’s busiest airport.
AASL is in the process of procuring contractors to complete the remaining scope of work, which includes the Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) and other associated developments.
The signing ceremony for the contract amendment was attended by prominent figures, including Air Chief Marshal (Retd.) Harsha Abeywickrema, Chairman of AASL; Mr. Kenji Murayama, Director at Japan Airport Consultants; Mr. Kenichi Furubayashi, General Manager of Nippon Koei; Eng. Asitha Karunaratne, Head of Projects at AASL; and other officials.
The Cabinet Appointed Procurement Committee (CAPC) has invited bids for the completion of the BIADP Phase II Stage 2, focusing on Package ‘A1’, which includes the PTB and related infrastructure works.
The scope of this development includes constructing a new Main Terminal Building (MTB), two additional piers (No. 2 and No. 3), and infrastructure such as elevated roadways, power supply systems, sewage disposal, and water management. The construction phase is expected to take 30 months.
AASL officials confirmed that bidders for the Package ‘A1’ contract will need to use materials and equipment already procured by the former contractor. A site inspection of these materials will take place on 4 October 2024 at the Consultant’s office in Katunayake.
The original project cost was estimated at Rs. 106 billion when it began in December 2020, but it was delayed due to the country’s economic crisis, leaving only 6% of the work completed.
The funding for this continuation will come from an existing loan from JICA, with the Sri Lankan government seeking additional financial support through JICA’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) loans.
The bidding process follows JICA’s ODA loan guidelines and is open to eligible international contractors. The deadline for bid submission is set for December 24, 2024, with a pre-bid meeting and site visit planned for November 12, 2024, at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).
In April 2024, the Cabinet awarded the contract to Access Engineering PLC for the construction of the Main Terminal Building and the two new passenger bridges, which marks a significant step in the completion of Phase II.
This ambitious infrastructure project is a key initiative to boost Sri Lanka’s aviation capacity, aiming to handle up to 15 million passengers annually and solidify the country’s position as a major aviation hub in the region.
