By: Isuru Parakrama

November 10, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has firmly denied media claims that Sri Lanka’s application to join BRICS has been rejected, clarifying that the nation’s membership request, along with those from other interested countries, remains under review by BRICS members.

In an official statement, the Ministry affirmed that Sri Lanka’s application for membership in BRICS and the New Development Bank (NDB) received positive responses, with the President of the New Development Bank expressing openness to Sri Lanka’s involvement.

The Foreign Ministry, in coordination with other relevant government agencies, is set to explore the procedural requirements and timing for Sri Lanka’s potential entry into the institution.

Approved by the Cabinet on October 07, 2004, Sri Lanka’s bid for membership in BRICS was formally initiated through diplomatic channels.

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath contacted his counterparts in BRICS nations, expressing Sri Lanka’s interest, whilst President Anura Kumara Dissanayake conveyed similar intentions in a personal message to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Sri Lanka’s interest in joining BRICS was also prominently highlighted at the BRICS Outreach Summit in Kazan, Russia, held from October 22 to 24, 2024, during which Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane represented Sri Lanka.

During the Summit, BRICS member countries established a new category of “Partner Countries” and expressed appreciation for the growing interest from Global South nations, as stated in the Kazan Declaration.

The Foreign Ministry addressed recent misreporting in local media, which inaccurately suggested that Sri Lanka’s BRICS application had been denied.

The Ministry stressed that such reports have misinterpreted comments made by Foreign Minister Herath at a post-Cabinet briefing on November 06, 2024, adding that the government regrets the misrepresentation.

Sri Lanka’s efforts to join BRICS reflect its broader aspirations to engage with emerging economies and strengthen partnerships with the Global South, aiming to bolster economic and developmental opportunities in the region.

The nation’s ongoing interest in BRICS membership aligns with its foreign policy goals of enhancing strategic alliances and accessing new economic frameworks to support sustainable development.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 10, Colombo (LNW): Cabinet Minister Vijitha Herath, in his capacity as the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation, recently reviewed the ongoing construction of the Central Expressway’s third phase, spanning from Potuhera to Rambukkana.

During his visit, the Minister assessed the progress of this critical infrastructure project and offered specific guidance to officials to address the project’s requirements.

Herath emphasised the need to expedite work on the 32.4-kilometre stretch, directing officials to ensure its completion by the end of 2025.

The Ministry of Transport released a statement confirming that the minister’s instructions focused on maintaining timelines and addressing logistical issues to meet the project deadline.

Commenced in 2023, the Central Expressway’s third phase represents a major investment in national infrastructure, with an estimated budget of Rs. 210 billion for the full route up to Galagedara.

Designed as a four-lane highway, this segment aims to improve connectivity between key regions, facilitating faster travel and promoting economic growth.

Once complete, the expressway is expected to significantly reduce travel times between central and western parts of the country, offering a streamlined route for commuters and freight alike.

November 10, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers may occur in Northern and North-central Provinces and in Trincomalee district, and showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Central, Uva and Southern provinces in the evening or night, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (10).

Fairly heavy showers about 50mm are likely at some places in Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaittivu and Trincomalee districts, the statement added.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning.

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. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announces plans to reduce electricity tariffs by over 30% soon: promises a major transformation in the electricity sector within one to one-and-a-half years, and also pledged to lower fuel prices, requesting the public’s patience to achieve these changes.
   
2. SJB Colombo District candidate Eran Wickramaratne says with a Parliamentary majority, the SJB would support the president’s positive initiatives, especially on anti-corruption, in exchange for backing their economic policies: emphasises the SJB’s economic expertise is key to driving Sri Lanka forward: also reiterates his commitment to positive change, integrity, and reform in the upcoming General Election.
   
3. The Election Commission has received 2,348 complaints regarding the upcoming 2024 Parliamentary Poll, with 160 new complaints reported on November 8: Of these, 1,861 have been resolved so far: The Election Commission is actively addressing issues as the General Election, set for November 14, approaches.
   
4. NPP member Bimal Rathnayake declares an NPP-led government will not include ministers from past Rajapaksa or Wickremesinghe administrations, holding them accountable for Sri Lanka’s decline: criticises ex-minister Douglas Devananda for allegedly misleading the public about presidential endorsement and vowed that NPP ministers would only be appointed from within the party’s ranks.
   
5. The Election Commission has instructed State and Private sector banks and financial institutions to provide voting leave for employees on 14 November, the day of the parliamentary election, without loss of pay: This reminder follows reports of non-compliance: Citing Section 122 of the Parliamentary Elections Act, the Commission emphasises employers’ responsibility to ensure staff can vote at their assigned polling stations.
   
6. SriLankan Airlines has cancelled several flights recently due to technical issues impacting its fleet: prioritises passenger safety and is working to resolve the disruptions, apologising for the inconvenience: Affected passengers have received meals and hotel accommodations as SriLankan Airlines strives to minimise delays and restore normal operations.
   
7. The government has dismissed reports about the closure of Sri Lanka Thriposha Limited (SLTL) as false: The Finance Ministry clarifies there are no plans to liquidate the company and assured that the Triposha programme for children and pregnant mothers will continue, with efforts to make it more effective.
   
8. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced the closure of all state universities in Sri Lanka on 13 and 14 November for the 2024 General Election: The measure ensures voting access for students and staff, with private universities also urged to grant election leave: The decision was conveyed by UGC Vice-Chairman Senior Professor K.L. Wasantha Kumara.
   
9. The US Justice Department reveals an alleged plot by IRGC asset Farhad Shakeri to target Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka and orchestrate a mass shooting in Arugam Bay: Shakeri, along with two associates in New York, also planned attacks on U.S. citizens critical of the Iranian government, including a high-profile assassination plot against President-elect Donald Trump.
   
10. Sri Lanka chased down New Zealand’s modest total of 135 to win, with a crucial 38-run partnership between Asalanka (35*) and Hasaranga (22) guiding them home: Despite struggles against New Zealand’s second-string team, Sri Lanka secured victory with Dunith Wellalage’s six to finish the match: New Zealand’s poor total was influenced by absentees and tough conditions, with Foulkes top-scoring with 27.

November 09, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology has issued a special circular on the use of social communication tools like WhatsApp, Viber, and Telegram for educational and communication purposes in schools. The circular, signed by Ministry Secretary Thilaka Jayasundara, was distributed to school principals and education authorities, emphasizing guidelines to mitigate the adverse effects of social media use among students.

These communication platforms, initially adopted to address educational gaps caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, remain widely used among students. However, recent reports highlight concerns about potential negative impacts. To address these issues, the Ministry outlined the following key instructions:

1. Supervised Communication Groups: School administrators, such as principals and section heads, must maintain quality and oversight of educational groups, ensuring proper supervision as group admins.
2. Maximized Classroom Time: Teachers are encouraged to utilize school hours to cover the syllabus through in-person learning rather than relying on communication groups.
3. Inclusivity in Education: Communication tools should be used in ways that do not disadvantage students lacking technological resources.
4. Parental Communication: Parents should be notified well in advance, using communication groups only for reminders, especially regarding materials required for primary school students.
5. Limited Home Assignments via Social Media: Assignments should be clearly explained in class, avoiding unnecessary reliance on parents or family members for completion through social media.
6. Respecting Student Privacy: No media that could harm student privacy or cause mental stress should be shared within these groups; violations will incur strict disciplinary action.
7. Accountability for Informal Groups: Administrators of any informal groups are fully responsible for preventing damage to the school’s or community’s reputation.

The Ministry warned that legal action, as per the country’s common law and Information Communication Act, will be taken against any issues arising from non-compliance with these guidelines.

November 09, Colombo (LNW):Former Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella and his family members were recently subjected to an investigation conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). As a result of these investigations, the court ordered the suspension of transactions involving fixed deposit accounts and numerous life insurance policies belonging to Keheliya and six of his family members.

However, it has been reported that today (November 09), Keheliya Rambukwella’s family members are preparing to reclaim a fixed deposit of Rs. 50 million that had been previously seized during these investigations.

According to sources, one of Keheliya’s daughters has arrived at a branch of the Bank of Ceylon, carrying the necessary documents to reclaim the deposit. It has also been reported that the bank employees, unable to take any action on their own, have informed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) about the incident.

November 09, Colombo (LNW): Access Medical Tracers (Private) Limited, a special purpose vehicle majority owned by Access Engineering Plc, has won the bid to build, operate and own (BOO) a cyclotron based radiopharmaceutical production facility in Sri Lanka, the company said.

“This is the first time such a facility is developed in the Country to produce Fluoro – Deoxy-Glucose (FDG) which is required mainly for the purpose of cancer detection,” Access Engineering said in a stock exchange filing.

The development cost of the production facility is estimated at 6.5 million dollars. The investment amount of Access Engineering will be notified in due course, the company said.

The ground breaking ceremony for the facility was held on Friday (8). Following a competitive bidding process a BOO agreement was signed on Tuesday (5) between Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board, the Ministry of Health and Access Medical Tracers (Private) Limited (special purpose vehicle) for the implementation of the production facility.

Access Medical Tracers (Private) Limited is owned by Access Engineering PLC (60%), Access International (Private) Limited (20%), Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board (10%), and the Ministry of Health (10%).

Cabinet approval has been given for the Government’s decision to implement a Cyclotron-based Radiopharmaceuticals Manufacturing Center at the Kotelawala Defense University Hospital premises in Werahera in collaboration with the Atomic Energy Board of Sri Lanka. 

This decision was taken due to the lack of facilities in Sri Lanka to test for the radioactive drug Fluorodeoxyglucose which is being used for PET and CT Tests that conducted to diagnose cancers. 

A special device called Cyclotron is used to produce this drug. “Due to the radioactive decay, about 97% of the capacity of the drug is lost when imported from India. Only 10 patients can be treated from the remaining capacity. 

Although there is a need to test about 30,000 patients annually, due to this only a capacity of 1,600 patients can be tested. It costs the government around Rs. 54,000 to test one patient using the imported drug. If the drug is manufactured locally, the cost can be reduced to Rs. 14,000,” the government said.