October 13, Colombo (LNW): None of the influential Rajapaksa brothers, who held a dominant role in Sri Lankan politics for decades, will contest in the forthcoming general elections scheduled for November 14, 2024.

This marks a significant turning point in the country’s political landscape, as the once-powerful family steps aside amidst the island’s evolving political dynamics.

As the deadline for candidate nominations closed on October 11, it was confirmed that key members of the Rajapaksa family—former Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa, 78, and Gotabaya Rajapaksa, 75, along with former Irrigation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa, 81, and former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa, 73—will not participate in the elections.

Mahinda’s son, Namal Rajapaksa, also opted out of direct competition, although he appears on the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP)’s national list, a provision allowing extra seats depending on the party’s electoral performance.

Namal Rajapaksa’s recent run in the September 2024 presidential election ended in disappointment, with him finishing fourth, securing only 2.57% of the vote.

This defeat signalled the weakening influence of the Rajapaksa dynasty, which had long held sway over Sri Lanka’s political scene.

The Rajapaksas were central figures in the previous government, occupying many high-ranking Cabinet positions.

The exit of the Rajapaksa brothers from direct electoral politics follows a major upheaval during the 2022 political crisis, in which widespread protests demanded systemic reforms and the resignation of Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

The unrest, known as the ‘Janatha Aragalaya’ or people’s struggle, ultimately led to the family’s fall from power.

In the presidential election of 2024, Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the National People’s Power (NPP) emerged victorious with 42.31% of the vote, signalling a dramatic shift in the island’s political climate.

The NPP, a leftist coalition led by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), now aims to secure a majority in the 225-member Parliament. Having previously held only three seats, the NPP must secure 113 to carry out President Dissanayake’s legislative agenda.

Other prominent figures in Sri Lankan politics, including former Presidents Ranil Wickremesinghe and Maithripala Sirisena, as well as nationalist politicians such as Patali Champika Ranawaka and Wimal Weerawansa, have also opted not to run in the November elections.

This collective withdrawal of political veterans marks the end of an era and reflects a broader shift in the island’s political scene, influenced heavily by the demands of the 2022 protests for reform.

Sagara Kariyawasam, the general secretary of the SLPP, acknowledged Mahinda Rajapaksa’s long-standing service to the nation, stating that he had “done his part” after more than four decades in Parliament.

However, the party has chosen not to comment extensively on the withdrawal of the other Rajapaksa brothers. Meanwhile, Chamal Rajapaksa’s son, Shasheendra Rajapaksa, is contesting from the southern Monaragala district, ensuring that the family maintains some political presence.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 13, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Environment has successfully blocked the release of a large stock of canned fish contaminated with arsenic, a dangerous heavy metal, from entering the Sri Lankan market.

The contaminated fish, valued at US$ 215,000, was imported in 2021 but was withheld from distribution after authorities found arsenic levels exceeding the permissible limit.

According to Prabhath Chandrakeerthi, Secretary to the Environment Ministry, the arsenic concentration in the stock was measured at 1.3 milligrammes per kilogramme, surpassing Sri Lanka’s legal limit of one milligramme per kilogramme.

Despite suggestions to use the fish for alternative purposes such as composting or animal feed, Chandrakeerthi ordered the contaminated shipment to be repatriated, stating, “We cannot allow such contaminated canned fish to be used for animal feed or manure.”

The decision to reject the shipment reflects the country’s stringent regulations on heavy metal contamination in food, especially due to the prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in Sri Lanka, often linked to long-term exposure to harmful metals.

An official from the Food Control and Administration Unit of the Health Ministry, speaking anonymously, explained that arsenic limits differ between countries, with some allowing as much as five milligrammes per kilogramme in food products.

However, Sri Lanka’s limit remains at one milligramme per kilogramme, recognising the nation’s vulnerability to kidney disease caused by heavy metals.

October 13, Colombo (LNW): The final deadline for candidates who contested in the recent presidential election to submit their official expenditure reports is set for 3:00 p.m. today (13).

In accordance with the Regulation of Election Expenditure Act, all reports must be submitted within 21 days after the conclusion of the election, ensuring transparency in campaign financing.

The Election Commission has confirmed that out of the 38 candidates who participated in the election, only 18 have submitted their financial reports as of now.

The remaining candidates are expected to comply with the deadline before the day’s end.

Whilst the Commission expressed optimism that the outstanding reports will be provided, they also emphasised that failure to do so will result in legal action.

Under the Election Expenditure Regulation Act, non-compliance could lead to penalties, ensuring that all candidates are held accountable for their spending during the election campaign.

The regulation of election spending is an important measure to ensure fair competition and transparency, and the Commission’s vigilance in enforcing these rules signals a broader commitment to democratic integrity.

Campaign finances, if left unchecked, can influence election outcomes and erode public trust, making the submission of these reports crucial for maintaining an equitable electoral process.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 13, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, North-western, Central and Northern provinces and in Galle and Matara districts, and showers or thundershowers will occur at several places elsewhere during the evening or night, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (13).

Cloudy skies can be expected in Eastern province.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Marine Weather:

1. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake directs officials to provide immediate relief to those affected by recent floods and landslides across Sri Lanka: instructs the Defence Ministry to prioritise safety in impacted areas and allocated Rs. 50 million for relief efforts: Currently, 24,492 people from 6,018 families are affected, with 2,200 individuals sheltered in 23 centres: Relief operations are currently ongoing.
   
2. Former MP Ajith Mannapperuma resigns from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and withdraws his nomination for the upcoming general election after being removed as the party’s chief organiser for Gampaha without notice: expresses frustration with party leader Sajith Premadasa, feeling betrayed by the decision: The SJB has not yet responded, and Premadasa has not commented on the situation: A similar situation befell actress Damitha Abeyratne, who expressed her disappointment over her name being removed from the nominations list, in what she described as a ‘double-crossing’ act by SJB former MP Hesha Withanage.
   
3. A total of 8,821 candidates will contest Sri Lanka’s parliamentary election on 14 November, competing for 196 seats, with 29 additional seats allocated via the national list, totalling 225 members: Of these candidates, 5,464 represent registered political parties, while the rest are independents: Colombo has the highest number of candidates, followed by Gampaha.
   
4. The Navy deploys six flood relief teams to assist communities in Gampaha and Colombo districts affected by heavy rains: The teams, following orders from Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, focused on flooded areas like Kaduwela and Biyagama: Additionally, 44 more teams are on standby across Western, Southern, and Northwestern Naval Commands for further assistance.
   
5. The Ministry of Public Security instructs the Acting IGP to expedite investigations into seven high-profile cases, including the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings and the 2015 Treasury Bond scandal: Other cases include the deaths of businessman Dinesh Schaffter, a police officer in Weligama, and journalist Taraki Shivaram, along with the disappearances of Eastern University Vice Chancellor Raveendranath and activists in Jaffna.
   
6. Transport Minister Vijitha Herath directs the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) to allow students with season tickets to travel on SLTB buses during weekends and public holidays: This decision follows complaints from students about difficulties using their tickets on non-school days: The measure ensures seamless travel for students throughout the month, regardless of holidays.
   
7. Sri Lanka aims to restore 10,000 hectares of mangroves by 2030 through a partnership between Ministry of Crab and the UNDP, under the GEF-funded Small Grants Programme: The project will empower local communities in mangrove restoration, focusing on sustainability, climate resilience, and community development: Mangroves play a vital role in coastal protection and carbon absorption, contributing to Sri Lanka’s environmental and economic sustainability.
   
8. A group of 120 Chinese nationals was arrested in Kundasale for alleged involvement in online financial scams: Police seized 15 desktop computers and 300 mobile phones from 47 rooms in a luxury bungalow: The operation was confirmed by the police spokesman, highlighting the group’s suspected participation in what the spokesperson described as “fraudulent online” activities.
   
9. Tragedy befalls three people, including a three-year old child, as they died in a train accident at Katukurunda railway station: The victims were struck by a train travelling from Matara to Colombo: The two adults were pronounced dead at the scene, whilst the child, who was seriously injured, succumbed to his injuries upon being admitted to Kalutara Teaching Hospital: A Police investigation into the incident is currently underway.
   
10. Sri Lanka will face West Indies in a three-match T20 series starting today (October 13) at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium: The second and third T20s are on October 15 and 17, followed by a three-match ODI series in Pallekele on October 20, 23, and 26: West Indies’ squad sees several key players absent, whilst Sri Lanka has recalled Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Jeffrey Vandersay.

October 12, Colombo (LNW): The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) announced a significant demand at the government’s first treasury bond auction, held yesterday (11), aimed at raising Rs. 95,000 million for the new administration. The auction saw bids totaling Rs. 277,896 million, far exceeding the initial target.

Treasury bonds worth Rs. 70,000 million, maturing in 3 years and 5 months (from 15.10.2024 to 15.03.2028), saw an overwhelming demand, with bids amounting to Rs. 215,738 million. Additionally, there was a demand of Rs. 62,158 million for bonds worth Rs. 25,000 million that will mature in 8 years (from 15.10.2024 to 01.10.2032).

Despite the high demand, the CBSL’s Public Credit Department confirmed that only Rs. 95,000 million worth of bonds would be accepted from the auction. The bonds with a 3-year maturity will pay an annual interest rate of 10.75%, while those maturing in 8 years will have an interest rate of 9%.

October 12, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya expressed her confidence yesterday that the people will secure a victory for the National People’s Power (NPP) in the upcoming parliamentary elections, allowing President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to continue advancing his program of work.

Speaking to the media after submitting nominations to the Colombo District Returning Officer, Dr. Amarasuriya highlighted the strong public support for the NPP and stated that voters would uphold the mandate they gave in previous elections. She also commended the notable representation of women in the NPP’s candidate lineup, with five female candidates contesting from the Colombo district.

“We have made sure to include women representatives in every district, and we are optimistic about setting a new precedent by increasing opportunities for women’s representation in parliament,” Dr. Amarasuriya remarked.

October 12, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed Finance Ministry officials to take prompt action to provide a monthly interim allowance of Rs. 3,000 to all pensioners starting next week. This directive comes after the delay in including the allowance in the October pensions, as noted during a meeting held on Thursday (10) at the Presidential Secretariat.

Although a circular (No. 02/2024) issued on August 24, 2024, authorized the payment of the Rs. 3,000 monthly allowance to pensioners, funds had not been allocated for this purpose. After reviewing the situation, President Dissanayake ordered that the necessary funds be released to resolve the issue and provide immediate relief to pensioners.

Acknowledging the financial difficulties faced by the government, the President emphasized the need to address the hardship pensioners have experienced due to the delay in payment. Since the October pensions have already been credited without the allowance, the President directed that the Rs. 3,000 be deposited into pensioners’ accounts by next week. From November onward, the allowance will be automatically added to their monthly pension payments.

Present at the meeting were Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Finance Ministry Secretary Mahinda Siriwardena, and several senior officials from the Finance Ministry.