December 01, Colombo (LNW): Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has stressed the importance of global unity in securing justice for the Palestinian people, transcending all divisions of party, nationality, religion, and class.

Speaking at the United Nations Day for Solidarity with the Palestinian People conference, held at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Centre in Colombo, Premadasa called for a shift from mere words to meaningful action.

He passionately asserted that, in the name of humanity, Palestinians are entitled to justice, and that this can only be achieved through tangible collaboration with the international community.

The Opposition Leader made it clear that it is not enough to simply speak in support of Palestine; concrete steps must be taken to address the ongoing suffering of its people.

Premadasa reiterated his steadfast support for Palestinian rights, condemning what he described as the state terrorism that continues to inflict harm on Palestinian civilians.

He expressed his firm opposition to the bombing of civilian areas and called on global leaders to back their statements of solidarity with real, decisive measures that would help bring an end to the violence.

Furthermore, Premadasa highlighted the need for a future where both Israel and Palestine can live side by side in peace, founded on mutual respect, brotherhood, and reconciliation.

He called for an international effort to ensure the Palestinians’ fundamental right to live in dignity is protected, urging the world to take concrete steps toward a lasting solution to the ongoing conflict.

In his address, Premadasa made it clear that true solidarity with Palestine requires more than just verbal support; it requires the mobilisation of resources and political will to end the suffering of the Palestinian people and to work towards a peaceful resolution that guarantees justice and security for all.

December 01, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development has announced a temporary reduction in the Special Commodity Levy on imported big onions, dropping it from Rs. 30 to Rs. 10 per kilogramme.

This adjustment will remain in effect until December 31, 2024.

At the same time, the levy on imported potatoes will stay unchanged at Rs. 60 per kilogram, according to the Ministry’s latest statement.

This decision follows a gazette notification issued on October 2, which initially imposed a Special Commodity Levy of Rs. 30 on each kilogramme of imported big onions, while a levy of Rs. 60 per kilogramme was set for imported potatoes.

These levies were meant to be effective until November 30, 2024, but the recent move to reduce the onion levy is aimed at easing the financial burden on consumers in light of ongoing market conditions.

The reduction in the levy on onions is expected to lower prices for consumers, providing some relief in the face of rising food costs. However, with the levy on potatoes remaining unchanged, the government has indicated its stance on maintaining stability in pricing for this commodity.

By: Isuru Parakrama

December 01, Colombo (LNW): The ongoing severe weather spawned by a deep depression in the southwest Bay of Bengal has left over 143,000 people displaced, with many seeking refuge in temporary shelters or with relatives, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) disclosed.

As of the latest reports, 116,209 individuals from 45,418 families are sheltering with relatives, with 27,517 people from 8,470 families being referred to 229 relief centres.

The disaster has severely impacted various regions, with widespread damage to homes and infrastructure.

A total of 103 houses have been completely destroyed, while 2,635 have suffered partial damage. Overall, 479,871 people from 142,624 families across 24 districts have been affected by the extreme weather conditions, which show no sign of abating.

Heavy rainfall, triggered by the deep depression in the Bay of Bengal, has caused significant flooding in several provinces, forcing the opening of sluice gates at multiple reservoirs, including Deduru Oya, Per Aru, Ulhitiya Rathkinda, Polgolla, Nachchaduwa, Rajanganaya, Kalawewa, and Weheragala.

The downpours have had a major impact on transportation networks as well. The Colombo-Batticaloa main road, which had been closed due to the overflow of the Mahaweli River, has now reopened to light traffic.

However, the railway track in the Uduwara area of Hali Ela remains obstructed by soil and rocks, delaying train services between Badulla and Ella.

The authorities have issued flood risk advisories for several river basins, including Kala Oya, Malwathu Oya, Heda Oya, Deduru Oya, Mahaweli River, and Mundeni Aru. People in these areas are urged to remain alert, as water levels continue to rise.

Sadly, the death toll from the adverse weather has now reached 17, with 20 people reported injured. In addition, the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued active landslide warnings for 72 Divisional Secretariat Divisions across nine districts, including Kandy, Badulla, Kegalle, Matale, and Nuwara Eliya.

Senior Geologist Wasantha Senadheera highlighted that Stage 2 landslide warnings are in effect for 43 divisions in these districts, with warnings set to remain valid until 4:00 p.m. today, December 01.

By: Isuru Parakrama

December 01, World (LNW): Adani Group founder Gautam Adani has publicly addressed the latest allegations from U.S. authorities, which accuse him and key members of his conglomerate of involvement in a $265 million bribery scheme.

This marks the second significant scandal to rock the Adani empire in under two years, further compounding the troubles surrounding the group, which has faced growing scrutiny over its business practices.

Speaking at an awards ceremony in Jaipur on Saturday, Adani dismissed the allegations as unfounded, asserting that his conglomerate remains dedicated to maintaining “world-class regulatory compliance.”

However, his defiant remarks come at a time when the Adani Group is grappling with both financial and reputational turmoil. The U.S. indictment accuses Gautam Adani, his nephew Sagar Adani, and Vneet S. Jaain, managing director of Adani Green Energy, of orchestrating a bribery scheme aimed at securing lucrative power contracts in India.

The charges also allege that they misled U.S. investors during fundraising efforts, further damaging the group’s credibility on the international stage.

The fresh scandal comes hot on the heels of other serious controversies that have shaken the conglomerate in recent months. Notably, one Indian state has put a key power deal with Adani on hold, while France’s TotalEnergies has paused its investments in the group, citing concerns over governance and transparency.

Additionally, the scandal has triggered political upheaval in India, with lawmakers raising uncomfortable questions in parliament about the group’s business practices and its ties to political elites.

Adani’s response, delivered in a speech that appeared to downplay the gravity of the situation, hinted at his belief that challenges and allegations only serve to strengthen the group.

“Every attack makes us stronger and every obstacle becomes a stepping stone for a more resilient Adani Group,” the business giant stressed, without directly addressing the specifics of the charges against him.

His words did little to quell the growing concerns regarding the group’s operations, both domestically and internationally. In a market already reeling from the impact of previous scandals, Adani Group’s listed companies have seen as much as $34 billion wiped off their combined market value.

Whilst the group’s stock has partially recovered, aided by support from some investors, questions remain about the long-term sustainability of the conglomerate’s growth in light of the ongoing allegations.

As the legal processes unfold, the Indian government has yet to issue any formal response to the U.S. case.

*With inputs from The Reuters

By: Isuru Parakrama

December 01, Colombo (LNW): In an effort to ensure that consumers are not exploited during the upcoming festive season, the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has announced a series of special raids targeting retail outlets across the country.

These inspections, which will take place from December 1 through to January 15, are aimed at safeguarding shoppers from fraudulent practices, substandard products, and price discrepancies.

The CAA has made it clear that a comprehensive programme will be carried out, with a particular focus on large retail chains, supermarkets, wholesale outlets, and warehouses in all districts.

The authority will be scrutinising these establishments to ensure that expired goods do not find their way onto shelves, potentially putting consumer health at risk.

Additionally, the CAA will be closely monitoring stores selling clothes, electronics, and other essential consumer goods, ensuring they adhere to all regulatory standards.

One of the main objectives of these raids is to ensure that businesses are operating transparently and fairly. The CAA has emphasised that retailers must issue proper invoices for all transactions, with goods sold at clearly displayed prices that correspond to the advertised rates.

Special attention will be given to verifying that prices are consistent and that consumers are not being overcharged.

In addition to the larger retail outlets, mobile vendors and smaller stores hosting seasonal sales will also be subject to close scrutiny.

With the festive period bringing an influx of promotions and offers, the CAA aims to prevent any form of malpractice, ensuring that seasonal discounts and deals are legitimate and properly executed.

Of particular concern to the CAA is the potential for expired or tampered goods entering the market. With many products having a short shelf-life, the authority has warned that it will pay extra attention to wholesale outlets and warehouses that have been previously raided, ensuring they remain compliant with all regulations.

The CAA’s inspections are aimed at preventing expired goods from being circulated, as well as tackling any misleading product labelling or altered expiry dates.

Consumers are being urged to report any suspicious activity or unfair practices they may encounter during the festive shopping season. The CAA has made its hotline – 1977 – available for any complaints or concerns, reassuring the public that all reports will be treated with the utmost seriousness.

By: Isuru Parakrama

December 01, Colombo (LNW): In response to the widespread flooding caused by recent heavy rains, the Agricultural & Agrarian Insurance Board (AAIB) has formed a dedicated team to evaluate the extent of damage to crops.

Initial reports indicate that approximately 390,000 acres of farmland have been severely impacted by the floods, threatening the livelihoods of many farmers across the affected regions.

Pemasiri Jasingarachchi, the Chairman of the Agricultural & Agrarian Insurance Board, announced that a specialised team will be deployed to the flood-stricken areas starting tomorrow.

The team’s primary task will be to conduct a thorough assessment of the damage to crops, which will be crucial in determining the scope of the losses and identifying the most effective forms of support for the affected farmers.

The heavy rains, which have plagued the country in recent weeks, have caused extensive flooding in key agricultural zones, particularly in low-lying areas.

This has not only resulted in the destruction of crops but also poses a long-term threat to soil health and irrigation systems, potentially disrupting the agricultural cycle for months to come.

Jasingarachchi highlighted the importance of the team’s rapid deployment to ensure a comprehensive evaluation, which will help inform decisions regarding compensation and recovery efforts for farmers who have suffered significant losses.

The board has assured farmers that every effort will be made to provide timely assistance and mitigate the effects of the flooding on their crops and income.

By: Isuru Parakrama

December 01, Colombo (LNW): The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO) unveiled new fuel prices, which came into effect from midnight yesterday (30).

As part of the changes, the price of 92 Octane petrol will decrease by Rs. 2, now priced at Rs. 309 per litre, while kerosene will see an increase of Rs. 5, bringing it to Rs. 188 per litre.

In contrast, the prices for 95 Octane petrol and Super Diesel will remain unaffected by this adjustment, according to a statement released by the CPC.

The full breakdown of the revised fuel prices is as follows:

• 92 Octane Petrol: Rs. 309 (reduced by Rs. 2)
• Auto Diesel: Rs. 286 (increased by Rs. 3)
• Kerosene: Rs. 188 (increased by Rs. 5)
• 95 Octane Petrol: Rs. 371 (no change)
• Super Diesel: Rs. 313 (no change)

Additionally, the Lanka Indian Oil Corporation (LIOC) has also announced that it will align its fuel prices with the adjustments made by the CPC.