By A Grieving Catholic 

Anura Dissanaike, an avowed Marxist, was elected President with support from the Catholic coastal belt spanning from the Archdiocese of Colombo to the Diocese of Chilaw, led by the Catholic clergy. This shift is rooted in a desire for transformation—moving away from a history of flawed democratic representation toward new possibilities for accountability. In this case, it includes a call to bring to justice those responsible for the Easter Day carnage, along with past political figures alleged to have engaged in corruption. Notably, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith endorsed Anura over Sajith, who had been supportive of the Church in the immediate aftermath of the attacks. This support mirrors the Catholic community’s earlier backing of Gotabaya Rajapaksa as a “savior” figure, only to later find their expectations unfulfilled.

Catholic Community 

The Archdiocese of Colombo, founded in 1845, has historically been the flagship of the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka. In the past, leaders like Cardinal Thomas Cooray, Archbishops Nicholas Marcus Fernando, and Oswald Gomis have upheld a balanced and cautious relationship with political leaders, guiding their flock during times of national difficulty and maintaining the Church’s dignity. Many Catholics believe Cardinal Ranjith, however, has overstepped into political arenas, a departure from the stance of his esteemed predecessors. His endorsement of Gotabaya, along with his strong criticisms of the Yahapalana government, fueled allegations of partisanship. This alignment, perceived as unbalanced, alienated sections of the Catholic community and revealed potential oversights in attributing responsibility for the carnage.The previously cordial relationship between the Cardinal and the Rajapaksas has raised eyebrows. Despite the expectation that the Cardinal had distanced himself, instances such as officiating Mahinda Rajapaksa’s son’s marriage in the Church, bypassing certain protocols, and hosting Namal Rajapaksa, left room for doubt among the faithful about his true stance. Many Catholics now question whether his criticisms of the Rajapaksas have been genuine or mere political theater.

Drug Menace 

Cardinal Ranjith’s active participation in demonstrations against the drug menace with President Sirisena, while morally sound, also came with risks, as it effectively pitted the Church against dangerous elements within society. Sirisena’s failure to warn the Cardinal of potential threats to the Churches only underscored this danger. His more active political engagement marked a sharp departure from his predecessors’ approach of prudent distance from politics.

The aftermath of the Easter carnage, which ultimately benefited Gotabaya’s rise, fueled suspicions of a broader conspiracy. Cardinal Ranjith’s continued calls for accountability, directed at revealing the mastermind behind the attack, reportedly angered Gotabaya. Tensions between the state and the Church grew, with measures like the Muturajawela Gazette and the targeting of Church lands and Catholic households exacerbating the conflict. Appointing Gnanasara Thero—an outspoken critic of the Catholic Church—as head of a “One Country, One Law” task force underscored these hostilities. Policies on admissions in Catholic schools and other areas intensified concerns over religious balance in Catholic institutions.

The Future 

The Easter attack plotters and those accused of neglecting repeated warnings remain unpunished, despite numerous suspects in custody. Civil cases have seen figures like Maithripala Sirisena and former Defense Secretary Hemasiri Fernando fined for negligence, yet criminal accountability is still wanting. Principal suspects, including Tuan Suresh Salley, Gotabaya, and others, remain free from formal charges. Many now wonder whether the legal system will take action, or if the administration under Anura could finally bring justice.

As the Catholic community continues to question these unresolved issues, a sense of betrayal and disillusionment with political leaders lingers. The community places its trust in God for justice not living people. 

October 30, Colombo (LNW): Amid a recent outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) affecting pig populations, the Sri Lankan Government has issued an urgent gazette notification. This new directive, announced by the Director General of Animal Production and Health, Hemali Kothalawala, designates every Divisional Secretary’s division across the island as “infected” or “suspected” in an effort to control and prevent further spread of these diseases.

Key prohibitions under the Animal Diseases Act include:

1. Movement Restrictions: Transport of pigs, pork, and related products within, into, or out of affected areas is prohibited to curb the spread of the virus.
2. Slaughter Ban: Slaughter of any susceptible animals is banned in the designated regions.
3. Breeding Suspension: Artificial breeding activities involving susceptible species are temporarily halted.
4. Market and Event Suspension: Live animal markets, shows, and competitions involving susceptible species are canceled.
5. Carcass Disposal Regulation: Carcasses suspected of ASF or PRRS infection must be handled carefully, prohibiting disposal in water bodies or access by other animals.

To enforce these measures, a team of officials from the Department of Animal Production and Health, including the Director of Animal Health, provincial directors, and veterinary surgeons, has been appointed as Authorized Officers. They are tasked with monitoring compliance and taking action against violations.

In addition to these measures, the Sri Lanka Public Health Inspectors’ Association has emphasized public vigilance, urging citizens to report any instances of pork sales, as a full ban on pork sales is in effect. Public Health Inspectors will enforce strict legal measures against unauthorized pork sales, ensuring food safety.

While ASF is not known to infect humans, the Sri Lanka Public Health Inspectors’ Association President, Upul Rohana, highlighted that the consumption of meat from infected animals remains unsafe. This government action underscores the priority on public health and economic stability for affected farmers, with anticipated government support for biosecurity guidance and financial assistance.

October 30, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Design Festival (SLDF) is setting the stage for a transformative decade, establishing a unique narrative for South Asia’s creative industries through an expansive platform that blends design and innovation. 

The 15th edition of SLDF, organized by the Academy of Design (AOD), will be hosted at Cinnamon Life’s City of Dreams from November 7-10, 2024, with a robust lineup of over 50 events, including fashion shows, thought leadership forums, exhibitions, and public discussions. 

This year’s festival emphasizes the theme of resilience, innovation, and Sri Lanka’s aspirations to establish itself as a leading creative hub within the global economy.

SLDF 2024 places a particular focus on India as its partner nation, inviting a dynamic array of Indian creatives such as eco-conscious fashion designers, graphic artists, influential business leaders, and public figures to participate. 

AOD’s Chairperson, Linda Speldewinde, highlights this collaboration as a powerful step toward fostering a distinctive South Asian creative identity.

 By positioning Sri Lanka as a bridge that connects South Asia’s diverse creative voices, SLDF aims to develop talent and regional cohesion that will meet international standards in creativity and design over the next decade.

 This partnership not only celebrates cultural exchange but also aims to strengthen the South Asian creative ecosystem by merging Sri Lanka’s strengths in ethical production with India’s retail prowess.

SLDF’s vision of a South Asian creative epicenter is reinforced by its mission to promote sustainable design and support creative economies. 

In addition to fostering collaborations in fashion, tourism, and technology, the festival seeks to encourage innovation in diverse fields, establishing design as a vital economic contributor within the region. 

The partnership with India also aligns with expanding South Asia’s apparel value chain, which aims to leverage India’s luxury travel and wedding markets while promoting Sri Lankan hospitality and craftsmanship on a larger scale.

The festival will host notable figures from the subcontinent, offering invaluable insights into the future of sustainable fashion, brand communication, and experiential luxury. 

Among the leading figures is Bandana Tewari, a lifestyle journalist and sustainability advocate renowned for her talks on compassionate fashion and conscious consumption. 

With her extensive experience as Vogue India’s former Editor-at-Large, Tewari will contribute her expertise in ethical fashion practices. 

Another prominent figure, V. Sunil, known for his work on India’s “Incredible !India” campaign and the “Make in India” initiative, has played a vital role in positioning India as a high-end tourist destination.

 His insights are expected to bring invaluable perspectives on brand-building and creative vision.Adding to the lineup is Vandana Mohan, founder of The Wedding Design Company (WDC), who has redefined luxury weddings, creating bespoke celebrations that capture the grandeur of Indian culture.

 Similarly, Deepak Jain, CEO of the amanté brand, will share his experience in growing a leading intimate wear label in South Asia. 

Lastly, Priti Mahajan, a specialist in brand and communication strategies, will offer expertise in destination building and luxury brand development, with her platform, The Lifestyle Project, driving artisan-focused collaborations.

SLDF 2024 aspires to drive a new narrative for Sri Lanka as a gateway to South Asia’s creative economy, establishing the festival as an annual rendezvous for global leaders, upcoming talents, and industry innovators. 

 In a significant achievement at a time of revitalization crucial for economic growth, the Lumbini Tea Factory in Deniyaya, Sri Lanka, has achieved the world’s first group ‘regenagri’ certification in recognition of its regenerative agricultural practices, benefiting 1,515 local contract farmers.

This certification, awarded with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), emphasizes the commitment of Lumbini Tea Valley to eco-friendly and sustainable tea cultivation.

‘Regenagri’ is an international program focused on promoting sustainable agricultural practices that enhance soil health and improve the economic resilience of farming communities.

 At a modest event held at the Tea Tent retail outlet in Havelock City Mall, the certification was formally presented by Control Union Inspections Ltd. Sri Lanka’s Managing Director, Roshan Ranawake, to Chaminda Jayawardhana, Managing Director of Lumbini Tea Valley.

Expressing pride in this achievement, Jayawardhana acknowledged the dedication of their contract farmers and the critical support from USAID, which made this milestone possible. He noted that the 1,515 farmers, managing nearly 937.87 hectares of tea plantations, are paid premium rates for the green tea leaves they produce, further incentivizing quality and sustainability.

Sri Lanka’s tea industry is a significant contributor to the national economy, accounting for 4% of the country’s GDP and serving as a vital source of foreign exchange. 

However, the sector is challenged by fluctuating tea prices, high production costs, and the impacts of climate change. Through its CATALYZE Private Sector Development (PSD) Activity, 

USAID has partnered with Lumbini Tea Valley to promote sustainable agricultural practices and fair trade, which are vital for the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s tea industry.

Justin DiVenanzo, Acting Mission Director for USAID, emphasized the importance of this partnership in addressing the pressing challenges facing Sri Lankan agriculture. 

He explained that sustainable farming certification offers farmers access to higher-value niche markets, increasing their incomes and motivating other agricultural businesses to adopt similar practices.

The ‘regenagri’ certification raises the bar for sustainability in the tea industry, enhancing soil health and boosting crop productivity while supporting farmers’ livelihoods. It also creates new market opportunities and the potential for premium pricing as consumer demand grows for sustainably sourced products.

This recognition for Lumbini Tea Valley marks a significant step towards sustainable agriculture in Sri Lanka, setting an inspiring example for other tea producers and contributing positively to the agricultural sector’s future.

October 30, Colombo (LNW): The Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) informed the Colombo Magistrate’s Court that two more suspects have been apprehended on suspicion of planning attacks within Sri Lanka, allegedly targeting tourist hotspots at the behest of foreign terrorist organizations. The suspects are being detained under a 90-day detention order issued by the Minister of Defense for further questioning.

A confidential report related to the ongoing investigations, including the recent Arugam Bay incident, was presented to Additional Magistrate Pasan Amarasekara by TID officers from the Criminal Investigation Department. The report is part of a special motion concerning the suspected terrorist plot against areas frequented by foreign tourists. Following the submission, the magistrate ordered detectives to provide ongoing updates as the investigation progresses.

Police Spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General, Attorney-at-Law Nihal Thalduwa, confirmed that six suspects have been detained in connection with the Arugam Bay incident, including a Maldivian national apprehended on Monday (28). All suspects are currently being held under detention orders for interrogation.