July 05, Colombo (LNW): In a significant law enforcement effort, 1,403 individuals were apprehended within a 24-hour period during the second phase of Operation “Yukthiya,” which began yesterday (04).
Police Media Spokesman, DIG Nihal Thalduwa, announced that detention orders will be sought for 57 of the detainees to enable further investigation.
The arrests included 1,340 men and 63 women, according to the Sri Lanka Police.
Additionally, the operation led to the seizure of 1.086 kg of heroin, 782.7 grams of crystal methamphetamine (commonly known as ‘Ice’), and 3.74 kg of cannabis.
This large-scale operation underscores the authorities’ commitment to tackling drug-related crime and maintaining public safety.
July 05, Colombo (LNW): State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya has provided clarity on recent communications from the Inland Revenue Department regarding tax payments.
He stated that individuals with a monthly income not exceeding Rs. 100,000 are not required to comply with such requests.
This clarification was issued following reports that people possessing Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN) had received letters or text messages from the department demanding tax payments.
Siyambalapitiya reassured that those earning below the specified threshold are exempt from taxation.
He advised affected individuals to notify their nearest regional revenue office if they fall under this exemption.
The Minister also highlighted that around 2.3 million TIN numbers have been distributed so far, with 1.3 million issued in June alone.
The government aims to increase the number of issued TIN numbers to 7.3 million by the end of July.
July 05, Colombo (LNW): As part of ongoing efforts to foster economic diplomacy in Africa, Sri Lankan Ambassador Kananathan recently held discussions with Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio in Freetown regarding potential investment opportunities.
President Bio lauded Ambassador Kananathan’s role as an election observer during the 2023 Presidential Elections, recognising his dedication to enhancing diplomatic and economic ties between Sri Lanka and Sierra Leone. Their dialogue centred on identifying areas for collaboration, with both parties agreeing to boost efforts to achieve mutual benefits for their nations.
The President expressed his gratitude for the significant investments from Sri Lanka in Sierra Leone, highlighting the substantial venture by Browns Investments Ltd, a part of the LOLC Group.
This project, Sunbird Bioenergy (SL) Ltd, oversees a 23,500-hectare sugarcane plantation and operates a facility with the capacity to produce 22 million litres of ethanol annually.
This ethanol, a key ingredient in many alcoholic beverages, marks one of the largest sugarcane agricultural projects on the African continent, showcasing the productive economic partnership between the two countries.
Sierra Leone presents attractive investment prospects in various sectors including mining, manufacturing, agriculture, maritime, aviation, fisheries, and energy.
President Bio invited Sri Lankan investors to explore these opportunities, promoting a mutually beneficial relationship that would further strengthen economic ties.
Additionally, Sierra Leone’s recent election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2024-2025 term highlights the country’s increasing influence on the global stage.
July 05, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo High Court has extended its order to freeze 16 fixed deposit accounts and three insurance policies belonging to family members of ex-Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella for an additional three months.
The combined value of these frozen assets is estimated to be Rs. 93.125 million. This extension applies to accounts and policies held by Rambukwella’s spouse, three daughters, and son-in-law.
Rambukwella is currently in remand custody due to allegations surrounding the procurement of substandard immunoglobulin injections.
The asset freeze was enacted by the Bribery Commission under Section 53(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 09 of 2023, as part of a broader investigation under Section 42, which includes scrutiny of family members and other associated individuals.
July 05, Colombo (LNW): Showers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle and Matara districts, with fairly heavy showers above 75 mm being likely to occur at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provincesand in Galle and Matara districts.
Several spells of showers may occur in Northern and North-central provinces.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at a few places in Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts in the evening or night.
Strong winds of about (40-50) kmph can be expected at times over the Western slopes of the central hills, Northern, North-central and North-western provincesand in Trincomalee, Hambantota and Monaragala districts.
General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Matara via Colombo and Galle.
Winds:
Winds will be south-westerly in the sea areas around the island. The wind speed will be (30-40) kmph and it can increase up to (50-55) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Trincomalee to Puttalam via Kankasanthurai and Mannar and from Hambantota to Pottuvil. The wind speed will be (25-35) kmph in the other sea areas around the island.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coasts extending from Trincomalee to Puttalam via Kankasanthurai and Mannar and from Hambantota to Pottuvil will be rough at times. The other sea areas around the island will be moderate.
July 05, Colombo (LNW): Eka Tkeshelashvili, the former Georgian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Justice, met with Public Security Minister Tiran Alles at the Ministry of Public Security to discuss the integration of international anti-corruption strategies in Sri Lanka.
During the meeting, Tkeshelashvili, recognised for her leadership in global anti-corruption efforts, shared valuable insights and experiences.
The discussions also covered the challenges faced in implementing Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption initiatives, exploring how international measures could be adapted to suit local requirements.
July 05, Colombo (LNW): Sumana Jayathilaka, a distinguished radio journalist and former Additional Director General of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), has passed away.
Sumana Jayathilaka was renowned as the inaugural presenter of the highly acclaimed “Handa Mama” programme on SLBC, where she was fondly known as Handa Nanda.
Her illustrious career in broadcasting began in 1963 when she joined SLBC as an announcer.
Over the years, she became a significant figure in Sri Lankan radio, culminating in her retirement as Additional Director General in 1984.
In addition to her professional achievements, she was married to the late author K. Jayathilaka. Sumana Jayathilaka’s legacy in the field of radio journalism continues to inspire many in the industry.
July 05, Colombo (LNW): David Sislen, the newly appointed World Bank Country Director for Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the Maldives, had a meeting with President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (04).
This gathering marked the beginning of Sislen’s tenure, which officially commenced on 1st July 2024.
The discussion was described as cordial and focused on various aspects of collaboration between the World Bank and Sri Lanka.
Vice President for the South Asia Region, Martin Raiser; Country Manager for Maldives and Sri Lanka, Chiyo Kanda; and Senior Advisor to the President on Economic Affairs, Dr. R. H. S. Samaratunga, also participated in the meeting.
Sislen, who joined the World Bank in 2001, brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having previously served as Practice Manager for Urban, Disaster Risk Management, and Land in the Latin American and Caribbean region.
His main priorities will include overseeing a portfolio of around US$ 4.8 billion and enhancing strategic dialogues and operational engagements with the involved countries.
The meeting highlighted the ongoing commitment of the World Bank to support Sri Lanka’s economic and development goals.
The discussions are expected to pave the way for strengthened cooperation, focusing on key areas such as economic reforms and infrastructure development, crucial for the country’s path to recovery and growth.
July 05, Colombo (LNW): State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe announced that Sri Lanka has successfully concluded negotiations with the ad-hoc Bondholder Committee of International Sovereign Bonds (ISBs), reaching a consensus on restructuring terms.
ISBs represent $12.5 billion of the total $37 billion external debt. This agreement is a vital step towards restoring the country’s debt sustainability.
The restructuring terms now await approval from the official creditor committee and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to confirm Comparability of Treatment and ensure compliance with Debt Sustainability targets.
This achievement signifies a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s journey towards economic recovery and resilience.
It reflects the ambitious economic and governance reforms implemented by the government, aligning with global best practices.
These reforms are essential in creating a more robust and sustainable economic framework for the future.
July 05, Colombo (LNW): The funeral of former Opposition Leader and Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader, R. Sampanthan, will take place in Trincomalee on Sunday (07).
Sampanthan, aged 91, passed away on Sunday.
The final rites will be performed according to Hindu customs at the Trincomalee Public Cemetery.
Originally scheduled for yesterday (04), the funeral has been postponed to allow the public additional time to pay their respects.
