By: Isuru Parakrama

November 01, Colombo (LNW): In a recent rally held by the National People’s Power in Matara, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that ministers in the forthcoming Parliament will not be allocated housing in Colombo, emphasising a shift towards decentralised governance and reduced privileges for officials.

The President underscored that this change aims to foster stronger ties between leaders and their local constituencies.

President Dissanayake revealed plans for a streamlined Cabinet of under 25 ministers, to be formed after November 14.

He noted that ministerial privileges would be significantly reduced, aligning with a vision to transform ministers into dedicated public servants with expertise and insight into their respective fields.

In his proposed model, the remaining MPs will be encouraged to support ministries on a voluntary basis, creating a collaborative structure in which all MPs contribute to national development.

Addressing the need for more direct local governance, the President stressed the importance of representatives actively engaging with their districts.

He highlighted that local leaders have valuable insights into the specific issues facing their communities, such as flood risks, and are therefore essential in delivering timely and effective solutions.

“We need a government that connects with the people directly,” he stated, arguing that elected leaders must prioritise their localities rather than remaining detached in the capital.

Emphasising a new approach to governance, President Dissanayake declared that “no minister will be provided housing in Colombo” and urged MPs to maintain close ties with their villages, staying informed about local challenges.

This approach, he asserted, will enable the government to be more attuned to the needs of its citizens, building a direct, people-focused leadership.

In his closing remarks, the President encouraged the public to support this transformative vision for a government that fosters widespread participation in Sri Lanka’s progress.

He appealed for a strong mandate in the upcoming election, underscoring the intent to establish a government structure unlike any seen before in Sri Lanka’s history, one where every citizen has a stake in the nation’s development.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 01, Colombo (LNW): Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardena has voiced confidence that the nation’s debt restructuring process is approaching completion, signalling a potential turning point towards financial stability and renewed investment.

This move is essential for Sri Lanka as it works to bolster its economy and unlock fresh sources of funding.

Speaking on Wednesday (30), Siriwardena underscored the role of international partnerships, particularly with China, in assisting Sri Lanka through its financial struggles.

“China’s provision of loans and financial aid has been critical during our most challenging periods,” he stated, adding that China’s continued support will be key to Sri Lanka’s plans for economic recovery and development.

China’s involvement has been central to Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring journey, which began after the severe economic crisis in mid-2021. Notably, in October 2023, China became the first official creditor to reach a preliminary agreement on debt restructuring terms with Sri Lanka, primarily through the Export-Import Bank of China (Exim Bank).

This progress culminated in a formal debt treatment agreement in June 2024, in tandem with a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) – a consortium of 17 official lenders co-chaired by France, India, and Japan.

Following these agreements, the Exim Bank of China was the first foreign lender to finalise its debt treatment process, while the China Development Bank (CDB) has also made significant progress, with only a few remaining comparability aspects to be addressed.

Siriwardena acknowledged the complexities and technical hurdles of the debt restructuring process, particularly the need to align agreements with the International Monetary Fund’s Debt Sustainability Analysis and to meet requirements for comparability across creditors.

He credited the progress made to the collaborative efforts and trust demonstrated by both Sri Lanka and its international partners.

As the debt restructuring chapter nears a close, Siriwardena expressed optimism about securing fresh investments, focusing on high-quality projects that will drive Sri Lanka’s growth agenda.

November 01, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan government has initiated a recall of 16 politically appointed ambassadors and high commissioners stationed at various overseas missions, with immediate effect, Daily Mirror reported citing a Foreign Ministry source.

While the list of diplomats set to return has not been disclosed, letters of recall have reportedly already been issued.

Upon their return to Sri Lanka, effective from 1 December, each appointee will undergo a comprehensive performance evaluation.

Based on these reviews, the government will determine whether any of them will be reappointed to their diplomatic roles.

Political appointees currently represent Sri Lanka in high-profile locations, including capitals such as London, Washington, Jakarta, and Abu Dhabi.

The selection of these envoys occurred under former Presidents Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe.

In addition to ambassadorial roles, numerous junior-level political appointees, some of whom are related to prominent politicians, also serve in Sri Lankan embassies around the world.

Meanwhile, the foreign service cadre remains unfilled, with a mix of politically appointed and retired career diplomats representing Sri Lanka in several major international posts.

This reshuffle marks an effort by the government to review diplomatic effectiveness and reassess the composition of its foreign service cadre.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 01, Colombo (LNW): Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission of Sri Lanka, citing potential breaches of election laws related to recent appointments at the Palmyrah Development Board (PDB) in Jaffna.

According to TISL, Selvin Ireneuss Mariampillai was appointed Chairman of the PDB on October 10 but was replaced just 12 days later by Vinayagamoorthy Sahadevan on October 22.

These swift changes, along with new board member appointments, were reportedly approved by the Cabinet Minister despite election period restrictions set by the Commission, which prohibit new appointments, promotions, or transfers within government institutions without prior approval during this sensitive time.

The Election Commission’s Gazette, published on September 25, categorically outlines that no such appointments should be made until the election period concludes, emphasising the need for neutrality within public sector organisations.

TISL expressed concerns that the appointments could undermine public confidence in the electoral process, suggesting that they may give the appearance of political influence over public bodies.

The organisation is pressing the Election Commission to swiftly investigate the matter and, if necessary, take corrective action to ensure adherence to the election regulations.

In its statement, TISL further urged the Government to suspend all such appointments across public institutions until the General Election is completed, advocating for greater transparency and adherence to governance practices to protect the impartiality of the electoral process.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 01, Colombo (LNW): The death toll from a severe bus accident on the Badulla-Dunhinda road has risen to three, with over 30 individuals injured, some critically.

Six of the injured remain in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Badulla Hospital, following the tragic incident earlier today (01).

The accident occurred around 7:45 a.m. when a bus carrying approximately 40 passengers, primarily university students from the Southern Campus of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), overturned near the Dunhinda access road.

The vehicle reportedly lost control and collided with a roadside bund before toppling down a steep embankment between the third and fourth kilometre markers on the Badulla-Mahiyanganaya main road.

Sadly, two female students from KDU have been confirmed among the deceased, adding a sombre note to what was intended to be an educational field trip.

Medical teams responded swiftly, with local authorities and ambulances transporting the injured to Badulla Hospital, where emergency medical care was immediately administered.

Police reports indicate that many of the injured students are in critical condition, and this has raised questions about road safety in the region.

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities examining the bus’s condition and the road circumstances leading up to the incident.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 01, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo High Court has granted bail to former Minister Johnston Fernando, ordering his release in connection with charges of utilising employees from the Co-operative Wholesale Establishment (CWE) for election-related activities.

This decision follows an arrest warrant issued on October 24 when Fernando failed to attend a scheduled hearing.

The case, initiated by the Bribery Commission, names Fernando alongside former CWE Chairman Eraj Fernando and the former minister’s Private Secretary, Raj Mohideen Mohammad Sakeer, as defendants.

The allegations centre on claims that Fernando misappropriated public resources by deploying 153 CWE employees for election tasks between 2010 and 2014, which allegedly led to an estimated financial loss of nearly Rs. 40 million to the government.

This case highlights ongoing scrutiny over the misuse of government resources in political campaigns, with the court’s bail decision allowing Fernando temporary relief as the legal proceedings continue.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 01, Colombo (LNW): The marking of postal votes for Sri Lanka’s upcoming General Election 2024 entered its second day this (01) morning, following its initiation on October 30.

The Election Commission has confirmed that postal voting is taking place at designated locations, including police stations, District Secretariats, Election Commission offices, and the offices of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

Postal voting has been made available today, for members of the armed forces and various government institutions, with an additional day for these sectors scheduled for November 04.

Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Rathnayake emphasised that this arrangement aims to accommodate voters from essential service sectors who might otherwise face difficulties in voting on the main election day.

For those unable to cast their postal votes on the allotted days, the Election Commission has introduced an alternative.

Eligible postal voters will have the opportunity to vote at the District Secretariat office closest to their workplace on November 07 and 08, ensuring a wider scope for participation.

The Election Commission’s approach underscores an effort to maximise voter turnout, especially among crucial sectors, while accommodating logistical challenges.

This initiative reflects the broader commitment to a smooth electoral process that considers the varied needs of government and security personnel ahead of a closely watched election.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 01, Colombo (LNW): The atmospheric conditions are favourable further for afternoon thundershowers in most parts of the island, and showers or thundershowers, therefore, will occur in the most parts of the island during the evening or night, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (01).

Heavy showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in Uva, Eastern, Central,  Sabaragamuwa and North-central provinces.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the coastal areas of Northern,  Eastern and North-western provinces during the morning too.

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: