October 29, Colombo (LNW): The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has granted permission to name former President Ranil Wickremesinghe as a respondent in a petition contesting the appointment of Deshabandu Tennakoon as Inspector General of Police (IGP).
The case was brought forward by the Young Journalists’ Association, which raised concerns regarding Tennakoon’s suitability for the position.
The petition was reviewed today (29) by a two-member bench comprising Justices Preethi Padman Surasena and Janak de Silva.
During the proceedings, President’s Counsel Saliya Peiris, representing the petitioners, sought the court’s approval to include Wickremesinghe as a party to the case, highlighting the former President’s role in the appointment process.
In a significant ruling, the court allowed this request and has scheduled the next hearing for 11 November, when the petition will be recalled for further consideration.
October 29, Colombo (LNW): The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, in collaboration with local game studio WhimsicalWits, launched Cyber Hero—a mobile app aimed at educating young people and marginalised communities about online safety and responsible digital conduct.
This initiative, launched yesterday (28) as part of the Protecting Online Rights of Changemakers (PORCH) project, was introduced during an event at the American Centre in Colombo, aligning with Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which promotes secure online behaviour worldwide.
Cyber Hero is a free app available on the Google Play Store, uniquely designed to simulate real-world digital safety challenges, helping users learn to identify and respond to threats such as phishing scams, malware, and privacy breaches.
Developed by WhimsicalWits, a female-led game development studio in Sri Lanka, this initiative underscores the commitment of both the U.S. and Sri Lankan teams to advancing cybersecurity awareness and digital literacy.
During the launch, U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung, joined by WhimsicalWits Managing Director Uthpala Pathirana, led a demonstration of the app to an audience of media, youth leaders, and other key stakeholders.
Ambassador Chung highlighted the pressing need for cybersecurity education, emphasising how Cyber Hero offers practical tools that young people and community members can use to protect themselves online.
“Cybersecurity isn’t just a global issue; it’s personal and local. We are thrilled to see how Cyber Hero—developed by the talented young team at WhimsicalWits—will contribute to a smarter, safer digital world,” said Chung.
She added that by providing this tool free of charge, the U.S. Embassy aims to cultivate a culture of digital responsibility that benefits individuals, families, and communities.
The app’s design emphasises engaging gameplay that makes learning about cybersecurity accessible and enjoyable. Users encounter various interactive scenarios in a 3D environment, learning digital rights concepts through immersive experiences.
The narrative of Cyber Hero was crafted by Digitally Right, a Bangladeshi organisation known for developing educational digital content, ensuring the storyline resonates with a young audience across South Asia.
WhimsicalWits, the studio behind Cyber Hero, is a pioneering game development and animation studio in Sri Lanka. Operated by a predominantly female team, it forms part of Digital Turtles, a regional organisation dedicated to digital advocacy and strategy. Known for its expertise in creating impactful digital storytelling experiences, WhimsicalWits focuses on projects that encourage responsible online behaviour and advance digital literacy across communities.
“This project has been both a challenge and an opportunity,” noted Uthpala Pathirana. “Our goal is to make complex digital safety concepts more relatable and engaging, giving young users confidence as they navigate the digital world.”
Cyber Hero’s development was supported by Internews and funded by the U.S. Embassy as part of its wider initiative to foster cybersecurity and digital safety in Sri Lanka.
The app’s global launch at the American Centre Colombo was a collaborative effort, demonstrating the U.S. Embassy’s commitment to strengthening educational and cultural ties with Sri Lanka.
The American Centre serves as a central space for programmes, discussions, and cultural exchange, helping to connect Sri Lankan communities with U.S. values and knowledge-sharing resources.
With locations in Colombo, Jaffna, Kandy, Matara, and Batticaloa, these American Spaces provide a range of resources, from English language workshops to discussions on U.S. society, film screenings, and storytelling sessions.
October 29, Colombo (LNW): Cabinet spokesman and Minister Vijitha Herath has advised the public to limit passport applications at the Department of Immigration & Emigration to urgent cases only.
Speaking at today’s (29) post-Cabinet briefing, Herath explained that those without immediate travel requirements are encouraged to delay applications, as there is adequate stock available to meet future demand.
The Department is currently processing around 1,600 passports daily to keep up with requests, prioritising essential and time-sensitive applications.
This measure aims to streamline services and ensure that critical needs are met promptly, while reducing unnecessary crowding at the Department, he emphasised.
October 29, Colombo (LNW): The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), as the current chair of SAARCFINANCE, convened the 46th Governors’ Group Meeting on 24 October in Washington D.C., alongside the annual gatherings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group.
This forum brought together central bank governors, deputy governors, finance secretaries, and key representatives from finance ministries across SAARC member nations.
This year’s meeting served as a pivotal platform for South Asian financial leaders to address shared economic challenges, enhance financial cooperation, and explore policy coordination across the region.
Key discussions focused on collaborative research and capacity-building efforts, as well as frameworks for providing regional financial support during economic crises.
A central agenda item was the SAARCFINANCE Roadmap for regional integration, which now prioritises three strategic areas: strengthened cooperation in banking regulation and oversight, financing initiatives for climate resilience and sustainable development, and examining the role of digital technologies in modernising central banking operations.
October 29, Colombo (LNW): Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake met with Xiong Hongfeng, Managing Director of CHEC Port City Colombo (Private) Limited, at the Presidential Secretariat to review the progress of the Colombo Commercial City project.
The discussions held yesterday (28) focused on strategic adjustments aimed at addressing potential economic challenges, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).
The meeting underscored CHEC Port City Colombo’s commitment to both the project’s advancement and community welfare.
As part of its corporate social responsibility, CHEC Port City Colombo announced a Rs. 3 million donation to assist communities affected by recent flooding, showing support for recovery efforts.
Also in attendance was Xian Nan (Neo), Assistant Managing Director of CHEC Port City Colombo, contributing insights on project developments and community-focused initiatives.
October 29, Colombo (LNW): A newly issued gazette has declared all Divisional Secretary’s divisions in Sri Lanka as either “infected” or “suspected” zones following recent African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreaks among pigs.
This measure, introduced by the Director General of Animal Production and Health, Ms. K.A.C.H. Abeyrathna Kothalawala, is part of a broader effort to control ASF and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) under the Animal Diseases Act.
Under these emergency regulations, a wide range of activities involving pigs and pork products are now strictly prohibited.
Movement of pigs or pork products into, out of, or within these infected zones, along with the slaughtering or artificial breeding of pigs, is entirely banned.
Additionally, the sale and distribution of pork and related products are suspended, and disposal of infected carcasses in water sources or any manner that risks further spread of the virus is forbidden.
This declaration, which became effective immediately upon issuance, sets out rigorous measures designed to prevent further ASF transmission, a disease known for its severe impact on pig populations.
The spread of PRRS also remains a concern, with both diseases posing significant threats to the livestock industry.
The restrictions are expected to last for an initial period of three months, with further review based on containment efforts.
October 29, Colombo (LNW): Laugfs Gas PLC has assured the public that the current shortage of its gas cylinders across Sri Lanka will be alleviated within the next two to three days.
Chairman Dr. W.K.H. Wegapitiya explained that several regions are currently facing shortages due to logistical disruptions, compounded by delays in recent gas shipments.
Dr. Wegapitiya highlighted that recent delays were primarily caused by international supply challenges, worsened by Middle Eastern conflicts which affected import schedules.
Adding to the setback, the main Laugfs terminal recently experienced significant flooding, further disrupting distribution efforts.
However, relief is now in sight, as a vessel carrying a fresh LP gas shipment for Laugfs arrived at Hambantota Port yesterday (28). Dr. Wegapitiya assured that, with this new supply, distribution will quickly resume, restoring gas availability across the island in the coming days.
October 29, Colombo (LNW): Cabinet spokesman Minister Vijitha Herath, refuted recent reports suggesting that the current administration has been printing money or securing foreign loans, stating emphatically that no such actions have been taken.
Addressing the weekly Cabinet briefing, Herath clarified that the government has maintained fiscal restraint in its financial operations.
Herath emphasised that under the present system, any newly printed currency would require the signature of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who also serves as the Minister of Finance.
No currency bearing the President’s signature, therefore, has been released, Herath noted, adding that the government is committed to avoiding monetary expansion.
The Cabinet Minster also addressed the specific claim that Rs. 1 billion in new treasury bills had been printed, dismissing it as entirely false and unsupported.
He noted that misinformation on this matter could potentially disrupt public confidence and reiterated the government’s transparent approach in managing national finances.
This clarification aligns with the government’s recent fiscal stance, which prioritises stability and accountability without resorting to money printing or external borrowing.
October 29, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Cabinet has granted approval for the supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to Litro Gas Lanka in 2025, awarding the contract to M/s OQ Trading Limited.
This decision was announced by Cabinet Spokesman Minister Vijith Herath during a briefing this (29) morning, following a rigorous international tendering process.
The procurement was conducted through a single-stage, double-lot system under an international competitive bidding framework to ensure transparency and attract qualified suppliers.
Minister Herath detailed that only two suppliers, M/s OQ Trading Limited and MWs Siam Gas Trading Pte Ltd, had submitted bids.
However, the bid from MWs Siam Gas Trading Pte Ltd did not meet all necessary requirements, leading to its rejection.
Based on the assessments of the Technical Appraisal Committee and the Standing Procurement Committee appointed by the Cabinet, M/s OQ Trading Limited was selected as the most responsive bidder, offering a proposal that aligned well with the technical and financial criteria essential for the supply of LPG to Sri Lanka’s primary gas supplier, Litro Gas Lanka.
This contract ensures a continuous LPG supply for domestic and commercial use across Sri Lanka, with Litro Gas Lanka playing a vital role in meeting the country’s energy needs.
Securing this agreement marks an important step in addressing the anticipated energy demands for the coming year, aiming to stabilise supply amidst global price fluctuations and enhance energy security for Sri Lankan consumers.
By entrusting M/s OQ Trading Limited with the supply of LPG, the government seeks to streamline operations and improve service delivery, benefitting both households and businesses reliant on a stable gas supply.
October 29, Colombo (LNW): Postal voting for Sri Lanka’s 2024 General Election is scheduled to start tomorrow, 30 October, offering an accessible early voting option for various government employees, armed forces, and police personnel.
The Election Commission has detailed plans for this postal voting phase, aiming to facilitate a secure and efficient process across the nation.
Polling stations for postal voting have been set up in several strategic locations, including all police stations, District Secretariats, Election Commission offices, and the Office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
These locations will serve postal voters beginning 30 October, with an additional voting date set for 4 November to accommodate those unable to cast their ballots earlier.
In particular, the Election Commission has designated 1 November and 4 November as the postal voting days for members of the armed forces and government institutions, ensuring flexible options for those serving in crucial roles.
For individuals unable to vote on the initially designated dates, provisions are made for them to cast their votes at the District Secretariat linked to their workplace.
This approach highlights the Commission’s commitment to enabling maximum participation in the electoral process, despite occupational commitments or logistical challenges.
In an added measure to safeguard the integrity of this year’s electoral process, Rohana Hettiarachchi, Executive Director of People’s Action for Free & Fair Elections (PAFFREL), announced that nearly 1,000 PAFFREL officials would be deployed across the country to oversee the postal voting proceedings.
As postal voting commences, the Election Commission is focused on implementing rigorous checks to ensure all eligible participants can exercise their right to vote securely and without interruption.
