By: Staff Writer

February 04, Colombo (LNW): Thailand expressed willingness to explore potential collaborations in Sri Lanka’s growing hospitality industry, covering food and beverages, hotel supplies and skills development through cooperation between academies and hospitality institutes.

This was highlighted by visiting Prime Minister of Thailand Srettha Thavisin when he addressed a business forum in Colombo yesterday.

Emphasizing the cultural and religious bonds between the nations, he mentioned Thai Airways International’s resumption of daily flights between Bangkok and Colombo commencing from the 31st of March.

The Prime Minister encouraged more Thai companies to invest in Sri Lanka’s infrastructure, manufacturing and energy sectors.

He also urged increased tourism, suggesting Thai companies capitalize on Sri Lanka’s infrastructure projects and tourist advantages in markets like India, UAE, and the EU, president’s media division said.

In terms of maritime connectivity, he identified Sri Lanka as a crucial partner in Thailand’s ambition to become a logistics hub in Southeast Asia, citing a land bridge project to connect the Andaman Sea with the Gulf of Thailand.

Additionally, he welcomed Indonesia’s high-crystal ocean project in the coming years.

The Prime Minister assured that Thailand is open for business year-round, inviting collaboration to foster economic growth and move into an exciting future, according to the PMD.

In a significant development, President Ranil Wickremesinghe addressed the Thailand-Sri Lanka Business Forum at the Kingsbury Hotel, highlighting the auspicious timing of the event. The President announced the signing of a ground-breaking free trade agreement (FTA) between Sri Lanka and Thailand, marking the second FTA with an ASEAN country.

President Wickremesinghe emphasized the historic trade relationship between the two nations, which predates even the Sukhothai Kingdom.

 He urged a revival of this connection, considering the strategic positions of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean and Thailand in the Asia Pacific.

The President also acknowledged the cultural ties, including shared traditions like the Ramayana and Theravada Buddhism, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said in a statement.

President Wickremesinghe welcomed Thailand’s Prime Minister and expressed enthusiasm for the proposed land bridge of Krah Canal, connecting Sri Lankan ports to the Asia Pacific.

He highlighted the potential for regional logistics centres and discussed collaborative efforts in renewable energy, agriculture modernization, and fisheries development.

 The President lauded the commitment to commercial Durian cultivation, with the Prime Minister offering assistance to modernize agriculture.

Tourism also took centre stage, with plans to provide land and historic buildings for development in strategic areas. President Wickremesinghe concluded by urging both nations to seize the opportunities presented and work collaboratively for mutual benefit, the statement mentioned.

February 04, Colombo (LNW): In a coordinated effort within a 24-hour timeframe culminating at 12:30 a.m. today (04), security forces personnel have apprehended a total of 660 individuals as part of the nationwide anti-drug initiative ‘Yukthiya’.

The arrests comprise 552 suspects detained on narcotics-related charges, with one individual directed to rehabilitation, and 108 others identified as wanted criminal suspects.

Additionally, three individuals listed as registered suspects by the Police Narcotics Bureau and the Police Special Task Force were also apprehended during this special operation.

The seized narcotics during this period include 152g of heroin, 134g of crystal methamphetamine (‘ICE’), 4.15kg of cannabis, 775 cannabis plants, and 192,826 narcotic pills, the Ministry of Public Security said.

The ongoing ‘Yukthiya’ operation underscores the commitment of the security forces to curb illicit drug activities and maintain public safety across the country.

February 04, Colombo (LNW): In commemoration of the 76th Independence Day, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his capacity as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has approved promotions for a total of 211 officers from the Sri Lanka Army (Regular and Volunteer Force) and 1,239 Other Ranks of the Army (Regular Force and Volunteer Force).

The promotions, based on the recommendations of the Ministry of Defence and Army Commander Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, encompass various ranks within the armed forces.

Notably, two Brigadiers have been elevated to the rank of Major General, followed by the promotion of 12 Colonels to Brigadier, 13 Lieutenant Colonels to Colonel, and 17 Majors to Lieutenant Colonel, among others in the officers’ category.

In the Other Ranks category, advancements include the promotion of 49 Warrant Officers – II to Warrant Officer – I, 111 Staff Sergeants to Warrant Officer – II, 135 Sergeants to Staff Sergeant, 170 Corporals to Sergeant, 364 Lance Corporals to Corporal, and 330 Privates to Lance Corporal (Regular Force and Volunteer Force).

Two distinguished Senior Brigadiers, Major General P.N. Godellawatta and Major General U.L.J.S Perera, have been conferred the two-star General rank in the Army as part of these promotions.

February 04, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Finance has announced revisions to the Annual Excise Licence fees, effective from 01 February, impacting various establishments, including taverns and liquor retail outlets.

Key adjustments include maintaining the Rs. 25 million fee for new taverns, while reducing the Annual Tavern Licence fee from Rs. 2.5 million to Rs. 2 million.

The changes aim to streamline licensing costs for existing taverns.

Furthermore, the licence fee for the bottling of coconut toddy has been adjusted from Rs. 10 million to Rs. 1.5 million, and for palmyra toddy, it has been reduced to Rs. 500,000.

In a similar vein, the licence fee for manufacturing vinegar has been decreased from Rs. 2.5 million to Rs. 500,000.

The Retail Licence for Liquor in Municipal Areas has seen a reduction from Rs. 15 million to Rs. 1 million, and in Urban Council areas, the fee has been adjusted from Rs. 12.5 million to Rs. 800,000.

For all other areas, the licence fee has been reduced from Rs. 10 million to Rs. 600,000.

These revisions align with the government’s efforts to strike a balance between industry interests and regulatory objectives while ensuring that licensing fees remain reasonable and conducive to the smooth operation of businesses in the specified sectors.

February 04, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Navy, in its ongoing efforts to safeguard Sri Lankan waters from illegal fishing activities, apprehended 23 Indian fishermen aboard two Indian trawlers off the Delft Island in Jaffna.

The operation, conducted by the Northern Naval Command, utilised Fast Attack Craft of the Navy and Sri Lanka Coast Guard to intercept and address the issue of illegal fishing by foreign vessels.

The naval patrols, aimed at curbing unauthorised fishing practices, are integral to preserving the livelihoods of local fishermen and ensuring the sustainable use of Sri Lanka’s marine resources.

In this specific incident on February 3, the Navy detected a group of Indian poaching trawlers engaged in unauthorised fishing within Sri Lankan waters.

Subsequently, the naval personnel successfully chased away and detained two Indian poaching trawlers, apprehending 23 Indian fishermen in the process.

The captured vessels, along with the arrested individuals, were escorted to the Kankesanthurai Harbour.

Following standard protocol, the apprehended Indian fishermen and the impounded trawlers will be handed over to the Mailadi Fisheries Inspector for further legal proceedings.

February 04, Colombo (LNW): In recognition of Sri Lanka’s 76th Independence Day, Google marked the occasion with a commemorative Google Doodle prominently featuring the national flag of Sri Lanka, adorned with the word ‘Google’ beneath it.

The Google Doodle, a modification of the company’s logo, is a periodic feature that Google uses to celebrate significant events and milestones around the world.

On this momentous day for Sri Lanka, Google’s gesture serves as a visual tribute to the nation’s historical journey towards independence.

The special doodle, depicting the Sri Lankan flag, is designed to be visible across the region, ensuring that users within Sri Lanka and beyond can join in the celebration of the country’s Independence Day.

The use of distinctive symbols and national colors in the doodle reflects Google’s commitment to acknowledging and participating in global cultural and historical observances.

As a widely recognised and utilised platform, Google’s commemorative doodles often serve as a means to engage users, foster awareness of cultural significance, and pay homage to noteworthy events in various countries worldwide.

February 04, Colombo (LNW): In a recent statement, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike emphasised the critical need for the Sri Lankan government to reconsider and retract both the Online Safety Act and the Anti-Terrorism Bill.

Citing concerns over the potential for government abuse, the former president highlighted the risk of these laws infringing upon fundamental rights.

Former President Bandaranaike’s call for a review of these legislative measures stems from her apprehensions about the potential negative impact on citizens’ rights and freedoms.

Expressing her concern, she emphasised the importance of maintaining a delicate balance between national security imperatives and safeguarding individual liberties.

The Online Safety Act and the Anti-Terrorism Bill have garnered attention and generated discussions across various segments of society.

Critics argue that these legislations may have unintended consequences, leading to government overreach and potential violations of citizens’ privacy and freedom of expression.

February 04, Colombo (LNW): In his Independence Day message, President Ranil Wickremesinghe extended an invitation to all Sri Lankans, both within the country and abroad, urging them to channel their collective efforts towards the noble mission of national rebuilding.

Acknowledging the nation’s progressive achievements, President Wickremesinghe attributed these successes to the unwavering support of the citizens who endured challenges as part of a comprehensive, long-term national rebuilding programme.

In his address, the President expressed optimism that challenges faced on this journey would gradually dissipate, leading to a lighter burden on citizens, a fortified economy, and a renaissance for Mother Sri Lanka.

Reflecting on the country’s journey since gaining independence in 1948, President Wickremesinghe noted that global expectations had envisioned Sri Lanka as a developed nation in the East, given its favorable background.

However, acknowledging past deviations and economic challenges, he emphasised the need to learn from past mistakes and collectively commit to the current growth trajectory.

As Sri Lanka is globally acknowledged for its current growth trajectory, President Wickremesinghe called upon the nation to use Independence Day as a platform for a collective resolution to persist on the path of progress and restore prosperity.

Full Statement:

As we commemorated the 75th year of our nation’s independence, we encountered the indignity of being labeled a financially bankrupt country. Nevertheless, upon the advent of the 76th Independence Day, we have effectively navigated through these challenges, steering the economy toward stability despite numerous impediments and challenges. 

Achievements were realised progressively, owing to the steadfast support of our citizens who endured hardships in keeping with a comprehensive, long-term national rebuilding programme. Throughout this journey, challenges will gradually dissipate, life’s burdens will lighten, the economy will fortify and Mother Sri Lanka will undergo a renaissance. 

Upon gaining independence in 1948, global expectations envisioned Sri Lanka evolving into a developed nation in the East, given our favourable background. Regrettably, we deviated from this course and found ourselves grappling with economic difficulties.  

It is imperative that we obtain insights from past mistakes and avoid their repetition. With the current growth trajectory acknowledged globally, let us collectively resolve on this Independence Day to persist on this path and reinstate prosperity. 

I invite all Sri Lankans, at home and abroad, to contribute their utmost energy to the noble mission of rebuilding our nation. 

1. SL celebrates its 76th anniversary of its Independence after 453 years of foreign rule: in 1948, when SL gained independence, SL had only 1 university, 98% of roads were clay, 90% of people were below the poverty line, only 1% had electricity, less than 1% had water on tap, and only a handful of people had telephones: literacy was 35% and average life expectancy was 45 years.
   
2. Most Ven Tibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Mahanayaka Thera of the Malwatte Chapter welcomes the Online Safety Act: says the new law meets the requirements of the changing society: recollects that he too underwent an experience where social media published distorted news & views
   regarding him.
   
3. Former President Chandrika Kumaratunge urges the Govt to withdraw the Online Safety Act and the Anti-Terrorism Bill: claims those are dangerous acts which could be used by the Govt at any time to violate people’s fundamental rights: calls upon youth and people to act democratically against these laws.
   
4. Thailand’s PM Srettha Thavisin arrives in SL for a 2-day official visit: witnesses the signing of the Free Trade Agreement between Thailand & SL: the FTA is said to be aimed at enhancing market opportunities covering various aspects including Trade in Goods, Investment, Customs Procedure, & Intellectual Property Rights.
   
5. An IMF team is due to undertake a 2-week study to determine modalities for introducing a Property tax: also expected to engage with stakeholders.
   
6. Indian Navy submarine “INS Karanj” arrives at the Colombo Port ahead of SL’s 76th Independence Day celebrations: the submarine is 67.5 metres long with a crew of 53: Navy says the docking symbolises strengthened maritime relations between India & SL.
   
7. Investigators say that Ajith Indrasiri, one of the alleged gunmen in the shooting at Beliatta last week that left 5 persons dead, had fled to Dubai the day after the killings: assert that Indrasiri’s wife was also involved in the planning of the killings: arrest the gunman’s wife.
   
8. Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella produced before the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court over the issue of the import of substandard human Immunoglobulin injections and remanded till 15th February: thereafter admitted to the Prisons Hospital on medical recommendation.
   
9. Analysts say the successful bidder for SLTelecom will gain more than 500 lands (lots) extending to hundreds of acres around the island and worth billions: India’s Jio Platforms and China’s Gotune International Investment Holdings are the pre-qualified bidders for 50.23% of shares owned by the Govt.
   
10. SL gain upper hand at the end of the 2nd day’s play in the Cricket Test match between SL & Afghanistan: SL 410/6 at close of play: Angela Mathews 141, Dinesh Chandimal 107, Dimuth Karunaratne 77: AFG was all out for 198 on the previous day.