By: Isuru Parakrama

October 29, Colombo (LNW): Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Vijitha Herath announced that there are no funds currently available to implement salary increases for public sector employees, in stark contrast to the claims made by the former administration.

The statement followed a report by Mr. Udaya R. Seneviratne, revealing that since January, no budgetary provision has been made to support any salary increments.

Minister Herath acknowledged that while the Cabinet can set policy directions, there is currently no fiscal route to support salary increases.

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe on a previous occasion condemned the current administration for not releasing adequate funds for the expected increment for public sector salaries. He demanded that the NPP-led regime should clarify as to what happened to the allocated funds, had the government decided to not act on the proposal.

Prime Minister (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya slammed the former President’s comments, emphasising that despite the previous administration’s announcement of making such an increase, no approval has been granted by either the Treasury to date, nor had there been any allocation of funds for the purpose, deeming it an election promise of exploitive nature made by Wickremesighe ahead of the 2024 Presidential Polls.

In early 2024, a directive was issued to adjust public sector allowances and pensions. However, Herath addressing today’s post-Cabinet briefing clarified that for the time being, financial relief is limited to an interim payment of Rs. 5,000 per month, which will continue until March 2025.

This arrangement leaves the long-promised pay rise uncertain.

“The public was misled regarding these commitments,” Herath said, and pledged that his government would prioritise transparency.

Whilst reaffirming the Cabinet’s dedication to fulfilling salary promises, he noted that any substantial increase would be only realistic from 2025 onwards.

By: Isuru Parakrama

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.

By: Isuru Parakrama

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.

By: Isuru Parakrama

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.

By: Isuru Parakrama

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.

By: Isuru Parakrama

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.

By: Isuru Parakrama

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.

By: Isuru Parakrama

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.