October 31, Colombo (LNW): Four individuals from the Matara District, whose names have been included in the National Democratic Front’s (NDF) General Election candidate list, have alleged that their nominations were made without their consent.
The candidates, who represent the NDF’s “car” symbol, reported their concerns to the Deniyaya Police after learning of their nomination through their polling cards delivered by the Postal Department.
Tharanga Deshapriya, Chamal Lasantha, Nishal Prinayantha, and Prasad Udaya filed the complaint, emphasising that they had no prior knowledge of their names being on the list and had not consented to stand in the election.
Shocked by the discovery, they sought immediate clarification and assistance from authorities.
The Deniyaya Police have now referred the complaint to the election office within the Matara Police Superintendent’s jurisdiction and alerted the Election Commission to investigate the matter.
Additionally, the four individuals were advised to submit a formal complaint to the Matara Returning Officer, as the incident raises serious concerns about electoral transparency and candidate rights.
October 31, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for Construction recorded a decline in sector activity during September 2024, with the Total Activity Index falling to 48.6.
This drop, attributed largely to disruptions related to the national election, highlights a slight moderation in construction activities for the month.
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) noted that while new orders saw a rise in September, this was not enough to offset challenges faced by the sector.
Respondents cited intensified market competition and increased financial strain, despite a gradual resurgence of both foreign-funded and domestic private projects being opened for tenders.
Additional factors impacting the sector included a reduction in employment and purchase quantities, reflecting the operational slowdown as many construction firms adjusted to the month’s interruptions.
Meanwhile, supplier delivery times also remained prolonged, adding further constraints to an already impacted supply chain.
October 31, Colombo (LNW): Enter Air, Poland’s leading private airline, has officially launched a new direct service between Warsaw and Colombo, connecting Poland and Sri Lanka with a fresh series of charter flights.
This service, inaugurated yesterday (30), is scheduled to operate through to March 2025, strengthening tourism and travel links between the two countries.
Upon its arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake, Enter Air’s inaugural flight was greeted with a traditional water salute.
Passengers were then welcomed by Sri Lanka Tourism with an energetic performance showcasing the island’s vibrant cultural heritage.
The event underscored Sri Lanka’s commitment to hospitality and its eagerness to attract Polish tourists, enhancing cultural exchange and economic ties with Poland.
This Warsaw-Colombo route offers an appealing opportunity for European travellers to experience Sri Lanka’s unique offerings, including its beaches, heritage sites, and natural landscapes.
The seasonal service reflects growing European interest in Sri Lanka as a travel destination and is anticipated to draw an increased number of Polish visitors, benefitting Sri Lanka’s tourism industry as it gears up for a busy season.
October 31, Colombo (LNW): The Chinese government has pledged a further Rs. 400 million in emergency humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka, enhancing its recent flood relief efforts.
According to the Chinese Embassy in Colombo, this new batch of emergency materials follows a cash donation of Rs. 30 million that was recently presented to the President of Sri Lanka to aid communities affected by severe flooding.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya welcomed Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong to her office on Wednesday (30) to discuss both the ongoing aid and future cooperative initiatives between the two nations.
Ambassador Qi reaffirmed China’s steadfast support for Sri Lanka’s relief endeavours, underscoring the commitment to assist in addressing urgent humanitarian needs.
In addition to flood relief, the conversation expanded to potential areas of economic cooperation, with a particular focus on investment opportunities designed to stimulate growth and build resilience in Sri Lanka.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya expressed deep gratitude for China’s timely assistance, highlighting how the enduring partnership has continually bolstered the country during times of need.
The meeting closed with both leaders affirming a shared vision for sustainable development, emphasising strengthened ties and new pathways for investment that could mutually benefit both nations.
October 31, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya openly challenged former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s understanding of the Constitution, questioning whether she should be learning from a leader who, despite repeated public rejection, remains entrenched in politics.
Speaking at a recent public event, PM Amarasuriya emphasised that Wickremesinghe’s multiple electoral defeats—17 losses to date—have not deterred him from pursuing a political role, despite the evident shift in public sentiment.
“Wickremesinghe seems to struggle with understanding the evolving will of the people,” Amarasuriya stated, adding that her administration is paving the way for a new approach to governance.
She stressed that the people’s mandate lies at the core of the Constitution, expressing doubts about Wickremesinghe’s grasp of this fundamental principle.
Pointing out that a genuine understanding of constitutional basics involves respecting democratic processes, PM Amarasuriya argued that a true leader would not interfere with electoral timelines or compromise the authority of institutions such as the National Council or judiciary.
“A person with constitutional knowledge would avoid these actions. Perhaps he needs a clearer grasp of these essentials before advising others on the Constitution,” she remarked.
Further, PM Amarasuriya critiqued Sri Lanka’s longstanding political culture, which she claims has been marred by leaders acting with unwarranted authority.
According to her, the government led by Anura Kumara Dissanayake is committed to dismantling this approach, prioritising transparency and accountability in its place.
The Prime Minister also responded to Wickremesinghe’s recent assertion that Cabinet decisions need no departmental approval, stating, “That may have been his style, but our administration makes decisions that reflect the needs of the people and consider the guidance of relevant officials.”
She underlined that the new government prioritises public welfare and sound, informed decision-making.
The comments follow a recent clash between Wickremesinghe and Amarasuriya regarding procedural integrity in government decisions.
Amarasuriya had previously criticised the former government’s handling of public servants’ salary increases, alleging procedural lapses. Wickremesinghe, in response, suggested that the Prime Minister could benefit from further constitutional guidance.
October 31, Colombo (LNW): The atmospheric conditions are getting favourable for afternoon thundershowers in most parts of the island for the next few days starting from today (31), and showers or thundershowers 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 (31).
Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in Northern and Eastern provinces during the morning too.
Fairly heavy showers above 75 mm are likely at some places in Uva, Eastern and North-central provinces.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas around the Island during the evening or night. Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Mannar to Batticaloa via Kankasanthurai and Trincomalee during the morning too.
Winds:
Winds will be Westerly to South-westerly in direction and wind speed will be (20-30) kmph.
State of Sea:
The sea areas around the island can be moderate at times. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
October 31, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has underscored that eradicating rural poverty will be the central mission of his administration, emphasising that true governance stems from closeness to the people.
Speaking at a public gathering in Matara, he highlighted a shift towards localised governance, urging ministers to engage directly within their districts rather than operating remotely from Colombo.
The President announced that ministers in the new Parliament would not be allocated housing in Colombo, a measure aimed at ensuring leaders remain present within their communities.
“We need a government that connects with the people directly,” he declared, stressing that addressing local issues requires leaders to be rooted in their constituencies, not isolated in the capital.
Looking ahead, President Dissanayake outlined plans to form a new cabinet and administration after 14 November, introducing what he referred to as “people’s leaders.”
These leaders, he explained, would focus on resolving issues at the community level, fostering a governance approach that serves the public through hands-on engagement.
President Dissanayake reiterated that his government’s most urgent priority is to uplift rural areas and bring lasting change to communities grappling with poverty.
He concluded with a call to action, asserting that a government attuned to the needs of villages is essential for meaningful progress across the country.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake calls on media institutions to adopt ethical and democratic journalism, urging truthful and accurate reporting: criticises a prominent TV channel for broadcasting misleading economic news, which was subsequently amended: emphasises the need for media to move away from unethical practices towards responsible coverage of national issues: His response centres on a misleading news about ‘money-printing’ aired by a prominent news channel.
Matale District SJB Group Leader former MP Rohini Kaviratne, in retaliation to the government’s clarification of ‘money-printing,’ claims that the Central Bank has injected currency into the economy via term and overnight auctions, amounting to Rs. 106.16 billion last week: Emphasising the role of these methods in increasing inflation to meet IMF targets, Kaviratne argues that rising prices are a direct impact of the Central Bank’s liquidity actions: contends that “money creation” today extends beyond currency printing to include digital and economic mechanisms, challenging the Central Bank and government’s fiscal policies and the impact on the public.
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe criticises Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, questioning her constitutional knowledge after she claimed that cabinet decisions on public servant salary hikes need official approval: offers to educate her on constitutional matters and questioned the absence of NPP-led trade unions in advocating for public servant rights recently.
Tamil Medium government schools in the Southern, Sabaragamuwa, Central, and Uva Provinces will observe a holiday on Friday, November 1 2024, for the Deepavali Festival: Provincial Education Secretaries confirmed the decision, adding that missed academic activities will be rescheduled for Saturday, November 9.
SLBFE Chairman Kosala Wickramasinghe reveals a former minister unlawfully signed the E-8 visa agreement with South Korea without Cabinet approval: clarifies that no Sri Lankan agencies are authorised to send workers under this system: urges job seekers to rely on the approved E-9 visa for stable employment and income in Korea.
Former Minister Udaya Gammanpila questions whether President Anura Kumara Dissanayake or the World Bank is truthful about a US$ 200 million loan, disputing Cabinet Minister Vijitha Herath’s claim that no loans were taken: urges the public to verify loan records on the World Bank’s site, highlighting that the government has raised Rs. 958.75 billion through Treasury Bills and bonds within a month, adding Rs. 43,600 per person to the national debt: claims that despite denials, the Central Bank has printed money to maintain market stability.
Sri Lanka and China hold discussions to enhance bilateral relations, focusing on investment and collaboration to promote economic growth: The meeting, attended by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong, highlighted China’s support for Sri Lanka’s flood relief efforts: PM Amarasuriya expressed gratitude for China’s timely assistance during this critical time, reinforcing the nations’ longstanding partnership.
Former Minister Johnston Fernando, arrested over an unregistered luxury vehicle allegedly linked to him, has been granted bail by the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court, released on five surety bails of Rs. 5 million each: Two other suspects also surrendered and were granted bail: Fernando was initially remanded after his arrest by the CID on October 23 regarding the unregistered vehicle.
The Court of Appeal has issued an interim order suspending the decision to revoke Jayantha Malcom Thirimanna’s liquor license for his shop in Mannar: This order, effective until December 17, follows Thirimanna’s writ petition against the Commissioner General of Excise and the Divisional Secretary of Mannar: The court found a prima facie case of unlawfulness and directed the inquiry into the suspension to be concluded.
Kandy Zone teams performed impressively in the 2024 Under-15 Provincial Youth League Central and Eastern Cricket tournament: Kandy Zone III defeated Ampara by eight wickets, Zone I triumphed over Nuwara Eliya, also by eight wickets, and Zone II won against Batticaloa by 37 runs, showcasing strong batting and bowling performances across the matches.
October 31, Colombo (LNW): Former MP Rohini Kaviratne has highlighted the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s (CBSL) recent activities in money creation, questioning the economic policies that she says are increasing inflation and adding to public economic burdens.
In a statement, Kaviratne clarified that whilst money should be minted by the Central Bank, she believes that the government’s approach equates to money printing, a process she detailed as being enacted through term and overnight auctions.
In her statement, Kaviratne noted that the Central Bank injected Rs. 36.16 billion into the monetary system on October 25 via an overnight auction, and Rs. 70 billion through term auctions over the past week.
She emphasised that neither the Central Bank nor the Cabinet Media Spokesman, Minister Vijitha Herath, have contested these figures.
Kaviratne also referenced economist and JVP Economic Committee member Prof. Nandasiri Keembiyahetti’s recent acknowledgment on social media of these mechanisms being forms of money printing.
Furthermore, she cited an increase in excess liquidity within the Central Bank’s standing facility, from Rs. 138 billion to Rs. 193.4 billion, up to October 25.
Kaviratne asserted that this shift reflects an expansionary approach to financing the government’s treasury bill issuances, with Rs. 80.9 billion raised through these means so far.
She criticised the government’s push to increase inflation, noting that despite a temporary dip in inflation last month, the Central Bank now aims for a positive inflation rate, aligned with the IMF’s target.
According to Kaviratne, this shift has raised prices for consumers, impacting most goods except vegetables in recent weeks.
Referring to Minister Herath’s comments on currency notes bearing the finance minister’s signature, Kaviratne asserted that modern-day money creation extends beyond traditional note printing. She emphasised that money creation in the digital age involves diverse forms, such as credit, electronic payments, and even cryptocurrency.
Kaviratne concluded her statement by urging the public to consider the implications of these economic policies. She argued that, if money creation and borrowing reflect government policy, it warrants open public discourse as these decisions stem from a mandate granted in the Presidential Election.
