February 06, Colombo (LNW): In response to a government request, a capacity development mission from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is set to provide technical assistance on fiscal issues in Sri Lanka. Confirming the mission’s arrival, an IMF spokesperson informed News 1st on Monday (5) that the objective is to offer expertise and training to strengthen the capacity of institutions dealing with critical economic matters.

It’s important to note that this mission is distinct from program review missions, as clarified by the IMF spokesperson. While program review missions typically assess the progress of countries enrolled in IMF programs, the focus of the capacity development mission is to provide specialized assistance and training at the request of member countries.

The technical assistance and training offered by the IMF aim to enhance the capabilities of institutions in managing fiscal matters effectively. Such support is part of the IMF’s broader commitment to facilitating economic stability and development among its member countries.

Britain’s King Charles III has been diagnosed with a form of cancer and will postpone public engagements to undergo treatment, Buckingham Palace said on Monday, but added he remained “wholly positive” about the scare less than 18 months into his reign.

Charles, 75, who became king in September 2022 following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth, has begun a series of treatments, the palace said, adding he was looking forward to returning to fulltime duties as soon as possible.

The cancer revelation comes after Charles spent three nights in hospital last month where he underwent a corrective procedure for a benign enlarged prostate.

The palace said a separate issue of concern had been spotted during that hospital stay, but did not given any further details beyond saying tests had revealed the king had a “form of cancer”.

“No further details are being shared at this stage, except to confirm that his majesty does not have prostate cancer,” the palace said.

“Throughout this period, his majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.”

As such, Charles will continue to have meetings with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, while his wife Queen Camilla will continue with her engagements.

SMILING

On Sunday, the king gave no indication of the diagnosis when he was pictured smiling and waving to onlookers as he attended a church service with Camilla.

It was his first public outing since he and his daughter-in-law Kate left the same London hospital a week ago where they had both undergone planned treatments.

Kate, the Princess of Wales and wife to heir to the British throne Prince William, spent two weeks at the London clinic following abdominal surgery for an unspecified but non-cancerous condition.

She will not be returning to royal duties until after Easter. William, who has been looking after their three children as she recovers, will carry out his first public engagement since her operation on Wednesday.

While the royals usually closely guard details of their health, regarding it as a private matter, Charles has been open about his recent treatment.

“His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer,” Buckingham Palace said.

Sunak sent his best wishes to the King on X. “I have no doubt he’ll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well,” he said.

BIDEN CONCERN

The leaders of Australia and Canada, where Charles is also head of state, expressed their best wishes and hopes for the king to make a speedy recovery, while U.S. President Joe Biden said he was concerned by the news and planned to call Charles later.

“Navigating a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship takes hope and absolute courage,” Biden said. “Jill and I join the people of the United Kingdom in praying that His Majesty experiences a swift and full recovery.”

The monarch told his immediate family personally about his cancer diagnosis, and Prince Harry, his younger son, will travel to the UK to see him in the coming days, a source close to the Duke of Sussex said.

Harry now lives in California with his American wife Meghan and their two children after the couple stepped down from royal duties in 2020.

After waiting longer than any heir in British history to become king, Charles’ first year on the throne was dominated by his coronation – Britain’s biggest ceremonial event for generations, full of pomp and pageantry.

While before he became sovereign there were suggestions that the long-time environmental campaigner would bring a radical overhaul of the monarchy, Charles has generally followed in the style of his mother, while trying to add some of his own touches.

Polls suggest most Britons have a favourable view of his reign so far, although younger generations appear much less enthusiastic about the royal family in general.

Prior to his recent health issues, the biggest shadow over the royals was the ongoing fallout between his son Harry and the rest of his family, most notably Harry’s elder brother Prince William.

Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, said that for Charles, a workaholic who often worked until midnight on his papers, his recent health issues would mean he would have to take it more slowly now.

“His body will tell him he has to, and Camilla certainly will,” she said. “I think he’s mentally exhausted since the death of the queen. It’s been non-stop for him since then.”

While Queen Margrethe II of Denmark abdicated last month in favour of her son King Frederik X after 52 years on the throne, Seward said there was no chance Charles would follow suit.

“Absolutely not, 100% no,” she said.

Source: Reuters

February 06, Colombo (LNW): Mainly fair weather will prevail most parts of the island.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning.

February 05, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan High Commission in Kenya commemorated Sri Lanka’s 76th Independence Day with an illustrious morning event held at the Kempinski Villa Rosa Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. The gala was attended by distinguished guests, including Cabinet Ministers, the TRI Forces Chief of Kenya, and Deputy Governor of Nairobi City, His Excellency Njoroge Muchiri, who graced the occasion as the chief guest.

The event, attended by approximately 350 guests, saw the traditional Sri Lankan gesture of offering beetle leaves and Independence Day commemorative shawls to the attendees. High Commissioner Kana V. Kananathan hoisted the national flag, accompanied by the Sri Lankan national anthem played by the Kenyan Police Band.

Religious observances representing Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, and Muslim faiths were solemnly conducted, invoking blessings upon Sri Lanka. Most Venerable Gawaragiriye Premarathana Thero, from the Royal College in Colombo and Abhayarama Temple in Sri Lanka, added a sacred dimension to the event by conducting Buddhist religious observances.

High Commissioner Kananathan addressed the audience, emphasizing the significance of Sri Lanka’s 76th Independence Day and highlighting the country’s ongoing journey of economic recovery and development under the visionary leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. He expressed confidence in the deepening bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Kenya, fostering mutual growth and development.

An innovative activity that garnered attention was the lighting of the oil lamp, where Sri Lankan children aged 5-16 years from different ethnicities participated, deviating from the usual practice involving adults and VIPs. The Deputy Governor of Nairobi City, Njoroge Muchiri, praised Ambassador Kananathan’s efforts in strengthening diplomatic ties and facilitating Sri Lankan investments in Kenya and the broader African region, significantly enhancing trade and investments.

The celebration featured captivating cultural performances, showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich heritage and traditions, infusing vibrancy and festivity into the event. The attendees were treated to a brunch featuring Sri Lankan cuisine, providing a tantalizing taste of the island nation’s diverse culinary delights.

February 05, Colombo (LNW): In a significant move toward enhancing Sri Lanka’s maritime capabilities, Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, Nimal Siripala de Silva, stressed the importance of system development and technology transfer during the Implementation of the Port and Maritime Sector Capacity Development Project. The project, initiated by the Colombo Plan Secretariat of the United States Department of State, was inaugurated on January 31, 2024, at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel in Colombo.

Minister de Silva, serving as the Chief Guest at the event, acknowledged the remarkable transformation of the Port of Colombo into a modern facility but highlighted that there is more to achieve. Emphasizing the need to comprehend and integrate the latest technology into existing systems, he urged the preparation of the younger generation to embrace innovation. Minister de Silva expressed confidence that with the support of the U.S., the Colombo Plan, and other nations, Sri Lanka would excel in the maritime sector.

The Colombo Plan, backed by funding from the U.S. Embassy, introduced a three-year program to enhance the technical expertise of Sri Lanka Ports Authority staff and implement “smart” port operations at the Port of Colombo. A letter of intent was signed between the Colombo Plan and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority during the launch, and a detailed Memorandum of Understanding is set to contribute to the sustainable development of maritime and port operations in Sri Lanka. The program aims to introduce modern port systems, new technologies, and international best practices, supported by U.S. funding, thereby boosting productivity and competitiveness to position Sri Lanka’s ports as vital regional hubs in South Asia.

Minister de Silva also reflected on the challenging economic situation Sri Lanka faced, leading to seeking assistance from friendly countries, including the IMF, to achieve a permanent solution. Acknowledging the support of the USA, India, China, Japan, and the Paris Club during this difficult period, he expressed gratitude for the assistance in reaching a consensus with the IMF and navigating through challenging circumstances with courage and expectations.

February 05, Colombo (LNW): In response to recent allegations made by Public Security Minister Tiran Alles regarding a raid near a hotel owned by Lanka Realty Investments PLC in Weligama during the ‘Yukthiya’ anti-drug operation, the company has issued a clarification.

The Public Security Minister raised the accusation at a press conference on January 18, 2024, whereas Lanka Realty Investments PLC, categorically denying the claim, underscored that their hotel, W15, had no involvement in the mentioned raid.

The operation was conducted by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) on December 31, 2023, and the apprehended suspects were outside the hotel premises, the company emphasised.

In a letter addressed to the Minister of Public Security, Lanka Realty Investments highlighted that, at the time of the raid, all hotel rooms were reserved for foreign tourists due to December being a peak month for tourist arrivals.

Importantly, none of the individuals present in the hotel during the operation were arrested as suspects, it added.

The company emphasised that although there was some property damage during the shootings on the premises, neither tourists nor staff members were harmed.

Furthermore, Lanka Realty Investments clarified its standing as a listed entity on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), and W15 is a member of The Hotel Association of Sri Lanka (THASL), and stressed that neither entity has any association with drug-related activities or smuggling.

February 05, Colombo (LNW): Buddha Sasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs Minister Vidura Wickramanayaka underscored the importance of preserving Buddhist philosophy, stating that regardless of the political party or government color, it is imperative to safeguard the Dhamma and related aspects. Minister Wickramanayaka made these remarks during an event where the ancient Buddha statue at the Dimbulagala’s historic Kandegama Dhananjaya Rajamaha Vihara had its eyes restored and was ceremonially laid.

Minister Wickramanayaka emphasized the need to protect the rich heritage of the country, acknowledging the vast number of ancient antiquities and archaeological artifacts in Sri Lanka. Despite minimal resources, he expressed determination and dedication to preserve these treasures, calling for cooperation and support from the Maha Sangha, officials, and the public to ensure the transfer of these heritages to future generations.

He disclosed plans for a new Act aimed at strengthening laws related to archaeology, intending to evoke emotions in the future generation regarding heritage preservation. Minister Wickramanayaka urged all citizens to act with dedication to safeguard the splendor and grandeur of the nation’s past.

The merit event, held under the Minister’s patronage, involved the restoration of a more than fifteen-hundred-year-old reclining Buddha statue at the Dimbulagala’s historic Kandegama Dhananjaya Rajamaha Vihara. The statue, previously at risk due to invasions by treasure hunters, was renovated, including the placement of eyes, under the guidance of the temple’s Chief Incumbent, Dr. Kandegama Deepawansaalankara Thera.

Financial contributions from donors facilitated the restoration, conducted with the total supervision of the Archaeology Department and the Central Cultural Fund. The reclining Buddha statue, discovered during the 2020 Central Cultural Fund Polonnaruwa Project, has now been unveiled for devotees to pay their respects.

The event saw the participation of the Venerable Maha Sangha, led by historic Dimbulagala Aranya Senasanadhipathi Dimbulagala Rahulalankara Thera, Highways State Minister Siripala Gamlath, Polonnaruwa District MP Jagath Samarawickrema, Central Cultural Fund Director General Prof. Gamini Ranasinghe, Archaeology Acting Director General Nishanthi Jayasinghe, Polonnaruwa District Secretary Sujantha Ekanayake, and other attendees.

February 05, Colombo (LNW): In a press conference held in Kandy, Justice and Prison Affairs State Minister Anuradha Jayaratne declared that individuals convicted of civil offences will be placed under house arrest as a measure to alleviate the overcrowding crisis in prisons. Minister Jayaratne revealed that the implementation of this program is slated for the current year.

He explained that the Legal Draftman’s Department is currently in the process of drafting the necessary laws, which will be presented to Parliament and enacted into law later this year. The forthcoming changes will require amendments to Acts such as the Bail Act, and individuals under house arrest will be monitored through GPS technology by prison officers and the nearest police station to ensure compliance with court-imposed conditions.

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, the State Minister pointed out that the current prison capacity is only around 13,000 inmates, while the actual number currently incarcerated has surged to 33,000. Furthermore, Minister Jayaratne emphasized that a significant portion, approximately 65%, of the current prison population is comprised of individuals convicted on drug-related charges. The government’s focus is on rehabilitating these offenders by providing professional training, with programs already initiated in prisons nationwide.

Prisons Commissioner General Thushara Upuldeniya disclosed additional initiatives being pursued by the Justice Ministry. He mentioned plans to amend laws, allowing suspects in prison to undergo judicial proceedings through online methods rather than the traditional courtroom setting. This online approach is currently being piloted in the Southern Province with support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The anticipated legal amendments aim to facilitate the nationwide implementation of this program.

Commissioner General Upuldeniya highlighted that the use of technology, such as Zoom, enables court proceedings for inmates, including extending trial dates, without the logistical challenges of physically transporting high-profile criminals to court.