October 24, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is facing growing security concerns in its southern and eastern regions due to an increase in Israeli nationals settling in these areas, prompting local intelligence to take action.

Weeks before, intelligence agencies were alerted to a possible threat from Islamic extremists, raising concerns about the safety of tourists and local communities, senior defence sources revealed.

The Israeli presence, particularly in areas such as Weligama, Mirissa, and Arugam Bay, has been a source of tension.

Reports from local residents indicate that Israeli nationals have been overstaying their visas and engaging in unregulated business activities, often excluding locals from their establishments and social gatherings.

Despite complaints, authorities had not taken concrete measures to address the situation, allowing the community to grow unchecked.

Amidst escalating violence in the Middle East, security concerns in Sri Lanka have intensified, leading intelligence services to bolster their presence in areas frequented by Israeli nationals and western tourists.

Special Task Force (STF) units have been deployed, with bomb squads placed on standby. Heightened security measures have also included increased intelligence personnel on the ground, ensuring a constant monitoring of potential threats.

Compounding the situation, the US Embassy in Sri Lanka issued a travel advisory warning its citizens to avoid Arugam Bay due to credible intelligence about a potential attack on tourist hotspots in the region.

This prompted swift action from other nations, with Australia, Russia, New Zealand, and the UK updating their own travel advisories, urging citizens to exercise caution and avoid large gatherings.

The Israeli national security council also issued a warning, advising its citizens to leave southern tourist areas immediately, citing a specific threat to locations popular with Israeli tourists, such as Arugam Bay and nearby beaches.

These advisories have cast a shadow over Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, which is entering its peak season.

DIG Nihal Thalduwa, the Police Spokesman, confirmed that authorities had already implemented security measures in response to potential threats.

The police have been conducting roadblocks, vehicle checks, and joint patrols involving the Special Task Force and military forces to safeguard the area.

The security presence has been particularly concentrated in tourist-frequented areas, such as Arugam Bay and Pottuvil, both known for attracting Israeli tourists, especially for surfing events.

The presence of a “Chabad House” in Arugam Bay, a place of worship for Israeli nationals, has stirred additional controversy in the area, adding to local anxieties.

Rehan Jayawickreme, SJB candidate for the Matara District, voiced his frustration at the lack of action from authorities regarding what he described as “the unlawful stay of Israeli nationals,” warning that the situation could escalate into a broader conflict.

As part of a broader response to these concerns, Sri Lanka’s police force, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Public Security, is rolling out a special security programme to ensure the safety of foreign tourists during the upcoming peak season.

The Police Tourism Division will be enhanced, with Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya set to issue new guidelines to all police stations.

Tourists are encouraged to report any security concerns via the Sri Lanka Police hotline at 1997, while hotel staff and tourism operators have been urged to remain vigilant and take steps to protect visitors and their belongings.

Sri Lanka is bracing itself for a challenging season, balancing its efforts to protect the tourism sector with the necessity of ensuring the safety of both locals and visitors amid rising international tensions.

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1. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, speaking at an election rally in Trincomalee, emphasised the government’s commitment to establishing equal law for all Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim citizens: called on Trincomalee residents to help form a government that promotes peace and unity, whilst expressing confidence in the National People’s Power’s ability to gain the trust of all communities across the country.
   
2. SJB’s Gampaha District Team Leader, former MP Harshana Rajakaruna says a group of educated and intelligent youths will contest under his party for the Gampaha District at the 2024 Parliamentary Election: urges the public to not vote without knowing who will be contesting the polls from the electorate they live in: stresses appointing an MP per will following the securing of votes for a mere political symbol is antidemocratic and such a system, therefore, should be changed.
   
3. Ex-President Ranil Wickremesinghe urges the immediate implementation of the legal Cabinet decision he made as Finance Minister to raise public servant salaries: emphasises that if not enacted, the government should clarify where the allocated funds have gone: also criticises delays, stressing the necessity of the salary hike to ease the public’s financial burdens and uphold the Cabinet’s legal decision.
   
4. The new government’s budget will be presented in February or March 2025, featuring measures to support various demographics and boost economic growth: Key components include salary increases for public servants, allowances for school supplies, and higher pensions for the elderly, although these allowances are not meant to be permanent.
   
5. The Ministry of Public Administration informs 14 former ministers to vacate their official residences by the 30th of this month: They have also been instructed to settle outstanding utility bills, including water and electricity, before returning the properties: The ministry will only accept the residences after confirming that all payments have been completed.
   
6. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) records a statement from the Director of Transport at the President’s Office regarding the disappearance of 29 vehicles, including motorcycles: This investigation follows a complaint by the Presidential Secretary: The Director’s statement lasted several hours, and he has been asked to provide further details within two weeks.
   
7. The Maldivian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Masood Imad, met with Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd.) at the Defence Headquarters in Sri Jayewardenepura: discuss enhancing bilateral ties and cooperation: Mementoes were exchanged, with officials including Air Vice Marshal Padman De Costa and Colonel Hassan Amir also in attendance.
   
8. Former MP Johnston Fernando was arrested by the CID over an illegally assembled luxury vehicle allegedly belonging to him, found at a Colombo hotel: remanded until October 30 by the Colombo Fort Magistrate: Meanwhile, a High Court arrest warrant was issued against him for failing to appear in court regarding a separate case involving the misuse of Sathosa employees.
   
9. Ten Iranian nationals were sentenced to life imprisonment by the Negombo High Court after pleading guilty to attempting to smuggle 146 kg of heroin into Sri Lanka by sea from Pakistan: They were part of a group of 17 individuals arrested during the operation: The sentencing was delivered by High Court Judge Pamila Ratnayake.
   
10. Sri Lanka secure a 5-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second ODI at Pallekele International Stadium, clinching the three-match series 2-0: Captain Charith Asalanka led with an unbeaten half-century, supported by Nishan Madushka and Sadeera Samarawickrama, who both scored 38: West Indies, bowled out for 189, struggled despite Sherfane Rutherford’s 80 runs, while Gudakesh Motie’s 50 not out helped salvage the innings.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 24, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North-western and Northern provinces and in Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts, and fairly heavy showers above 50 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North-western and Northern provinces, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (24).

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the other areas of the island during the evening or night.

Strong winds about (40-45)kmph can be expected at times over Northern, North-central, North-western, and Central provinces and in Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.

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:

October 23, Colombo (LNW): Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday (22) at the Presidential Secretariat and made a generous donation of Rs. 30 million (US$ 100,000) as emergency flood relief for those affected by the recent floods in the country.

The meeting not only focused on immediate relief efforts but also included discussions on long-term flood prevention and management strategies. Both parties explored sustainable approaches to improve the resilience of communities and reduce the impact of future flooding.

Heavy rains in recent weeks have led to widespread flooding across several provinces, displacing thousands of families and causing severe damage to infrastructure and agricultural lands.

October 23, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed the Governors to prepare and submit a new proposal aimed at rationalizing the Provincial Council (PC) mechanism. He emphasized the need for the Provincial Councils to deliver improved public services, particularly during the government’s transitional period.

During a meeting with the Governors at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (22), President Dissanayake stressed the importance of engaging in economic and social initiatives to uplift the living standards of the people. He also called for the establishment of a new political culture, urging the Governors to uphold public trust through effective action.

The President reminded the Governors to avoid the misuse of state assets and ensure a commitment to providing quality public services. He also addressed the vacancies in the health and education sectors within the Provincial Councils and discussed possible solutions.

Key discussions during the meeting included land issues in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, financial matters, and the allocation of land to farmers in Kantale. Governors in attendance included Nagalingam Vedanayagam (Northern Province), Champa Janaki Rajaratne (Sabaragamuwa Province), Prof. Jayantha Lal Ratnasekera (Eastern Province), Kapila Jayasekera (Uva Province), Bandula Harischandra (Southern Province), Prof. Sarath Abeykoon (Central Province), and Wasantha Kumara Wimalasiri (North Central Province).

October 23, Colombo (LNW): The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the declaration of the Colombo Port’s Eastern Container Terminal (ECT) as a “special project.” This decision follows a proposal put forth by Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation Minister Vijitha Herath.

At the February 1, 2021 cabinet meeting, approval had already been given to develop the ECT under the full ownership of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) as part of the Colombo South Development Project, in stages.

Minister Herath announced that the contract for civil works has been awarded, and construction is currently underway. He also noted that the procurement process for cranes has been completed and contracts awarded.

Additionally, the minister emphasized that tax concessions have been provided to private terminal operators and service providers under the Strategic Development Act and the Board of Investment Law. These updates were shared during a cabinet media briefing held at the Government Information Department yesterday.

October 23, Colombo (LNW): IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva expressed optimism yesterday over Sri Lanka’s continued commitment to reforms aimed at safeguarding the hard-won progress made under the IMF-supported program.

Speaking after a meeting with Sri Lankan officials in Washington, Georgieva highlighted the importance of maintaining the momentum for reform.

“I had a comprehensive discussion with Sri Lanka’s delegation. I’m encouraged by the authorities’ commitment to continue their reform efforts to safeguard the hard-won gains under the IMF-supported program,” she said.

Georgieva emphasized that the IMF remains dedicated to supporting Sri Lanka in building a brighter future for its citizens.

The U.S. Embassy in Colombo has imposed travel restrictions on its personnel in Arugam Bay, located in Eastern Sri Lanka, following a credible threat of an attack targeting tourist areas.

In light of this, U.S. citizens have been strongly advised to avoid traveling to the region until further notice.

The Embassy has urged individuals to take precautionary safety measures, including reporting any suspicious activities to local authorities by dialing 119, maintaining heightened vigilance, and trusting their instincts.

Citizens are also advised to keep communication devices easily accessible and stay updated by monitoring local news.

Sri Lankan law enforcement has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the threat.

October 23, Colombo (LNW): The South Asian Apparel Leadership Forum, part of the Sri Lanka Design Festival (SLDF), is gearing up to explore the theme “Knowledge & Innovation Hub – Gateway to South Asia.” 

This year, the forum will spotlight the region’s potential to become a global leader in apparel through innovation-driven solutions. The discussions will emphasize ways to strengthen South Asia’s textile value chain, focusing on regional synergy, design thinking, and cutting-edge technology to ensure sustainability and speed, especially in a post-pandemic world.

Sri Lanka’s apparel industry, known for its resilience, will be presented as a model for adaptive practices, demonstrating how the country integrates sustainability, regional collaboration, and advanced technologies. The overarching vision of the forum is clear: to fuel South Asia’s growth and position Sri Lanka as a key knowledge and innovation hub, offering strategic pathways for global partnerships.

Industry Experts Lead the Charge

The forum will feature a series of deep dives into the global apparel landscape, led by prominent industry figures. Malik Ahamadeen, Chief Growth Officer at MAS Holdings, will chair the event, leveraging his extensive experience in creating new opportunities in the fashion sector. Ahamadeen will guide the forum’s dynamic discussions, ensuring a forward-thinking approach.

Regular contributors, Martin Raymond and Chris Sanderson, co-founders of The Future Laboratory, will present A World in Flux. They will explore how Social, Technological, Economic, Environmental, and Political (STEEP) factors are shifting consumer mindsets and reshaping the apparel industry. Their insights will help companies stay ahead of global trends and position themselves for success.

Ben Cavender, Managing Director of China Market Research Group, will provide insights into China’s apparel industry transformation post-pandemic in his presentation Reshaping the Apparel Landscape Post-Pandemic – The China Perspective. Cavender will highlight how Chinese brands have harnessed innovation and local creativity, offering valuable lessons for global brands.

Hasitha Premaratne, Managing Director of Brandix Lanka Ltd., will present Sri Lanka Apparel – Story of Resilience and Grit. 

Premaratne will showcase how Sri Lanka’s apparel sector has navigated numerous challenges to remain a leader in sustainability and ethics. 

His presentation will inspire participants to embrace innovation and resilience in the face of adversity.

Design Thinking and Innovation

The forum will also feature an interactive panel discussion on embedding innovation and design thinking into apparel businesses. 

The panel will include design experts such as V. Sunil, co-founder of Motherland Joint Ventures, Aimee Kyffin, a UK-based user experience designer, Sarah Tranum from OCAD University in Canada, and Noud Sleumer, an artist and designer from the Netherlands. 

These experts will share practical insights into fostering a design-led culture that transforms organizations and boosts competitiveness.

Participants will learn how to integrate innovative practices and design thinking to create sustainable solutions that address current challenges in the apparel industry. The session promises to be a dynamic exchange of ideas, equipping businesses with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-evolving market.

Future Prospects for South Asia’s Apparel Industry

The forum will conclude with a panel discussion focused on unlocking regional synergies to solidify South Asia’s position as a global apparel powerhouse.

 Industry leaders such as Omega Line Managing Director Felix Fernando and Brandix Apparel Ltd. Executive Director Rajiv Malalasekara will discuss how Sri Lanka’s ethical production capabilities can align with India’s retail market strengths. 

These discussions will further emphasize Sri Lanka’s potential as a knowledge and innovation hub, setting the stage for South Asia to emerge as a leader in the global apparel and fashion industries.