President Ranil Wickremesinghe says SL is relatively stable compared to countries in Africa which are facing severe debt crises: emphasises that African countries are in dire need of debt relief: expresses support for African countries facing challenging circumstances.
Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera urges public to maintain “home gardens” for the cultivation of chillies, tomatoes & various types of leaves to deal with the rise in vegetable prices: says vegetable crops have been destroyed due to recent heavy rains: urges people to stop blaming each other as that will not solve the problem.
Acting IGP Deshabandu Thennakoon says more than 100,000 offensive video clips of children being sexually abused & their nudity exposed, have been shared on social media: also says Police have initiated investigations to identify & apprehend those responsible for uploading these videos.
Report of the Finance Ministry of Finance on public fiscal management reveals that the use of landline phones & mobile phones during the first 6-months period of 2023 had dwindled by 19.4% & 5.3% respectively.
SriLankan Airlines misses it’s 3rd coupon interest payment on its International Dollar Bond: says it doesn’t intend to pay the coupon that fell due on 25th Dec”23: it has already missed payments in Dec”22 & Jun’23.
Public Security Minister Tiran Alles slams UNHRC for criticizing the Govt’s anti-drug campaign which has nabbed around 39,000 for their involvement with narcotics: SL has recognized the drug menace & underworld operations as key threats and a Police-led operation titled “Yukthiya” to nab the drug distributors across the country is continuing since Dec’23.
Acting IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon says 163 persons, including more than 30 police officers who have been in contact with notorious drug trafficker Nadun Chinthaka Wikramaratne alias ‘Harak Kata’, have been identified: also says the Police will analyse the bank details & assets of those police officers: reveals that ‘Harak Kata’ has smuggled over 4,000 kgs of heroin into the country between 2016 and 2023.
Another potential pharmaceutical price hike looms as the industry awaits an evaluation of prices to reflect the indirect impact of VAT & exchange rate fluctuations: the industry is now expecting a further price hike of nearly 12%: local pharmacists claim sales have already dropped by around 30% since the 1st price revision.
Controller General of Immigration & Emigration I S H J Ilukpitiya says the Electronic Passport (e-passport) will be introduced by end-2024: adds the SL passport will become one of the well-recognized passports among countries with the introduction of the e-passport.
SL wins the 3rd Cricket T20 against Zimbabwe by 9 wickets: Zimbabwe 82 all-out in 14.1 overs: Wanindu Hasaranga 15/4, Angelo Mathews 15/2, Maheesh Theekshana 14/2: SL 88/1 in 10.5 overs: Pathum Nissanka 39, Kusal Mendis 33, Dhananjaya de Silva 15: SL wins the series 2-1.
January 19, Colombo (LNW): The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has announced its decision to initiate an investigation into the Aswesuma social welfare benefits program following numerous complaints from individuals and organizations. HRCSL Commissioner Attorney Nimal Punchihewa stated that concerns were raised about the non-issuance of benefits to eligible groups, fairness in eligibility criteria, and the selection process.
The investigation aims to assess the fairness of guidelines and the proper execution of the selection process. Meanwhile, Acting Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe revealed that an additional 300,000 families have qualified for the Aswesuma welfare benefit, bringing the total number of beneficiary families to over 1.7 million.
In response to objections and appeals, 5,209 families were deemed ineligible for the Aswesuma benefit. The Acting Minister assured that payments for eligible families from July to December would be released before the next payment cycle. Additionally, nearly 1.1 million appeals and objections are set to be expeditiously considered to address concerns and maintain transparency in the welfare program.
January 19, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has launched a new “NOMAD” visa, catering to online workers who wish to work from the country, as announced by Immigration and Emigration Controller General Harsha Ilukpitiya. Tourists on Holiday Visas can now apply for tourist visas online, extending their stay in Sri Lanka, while investors have the option of obtaining visas for periods ranging from 10 to 15 years. Additionally, a Permanent Resident (PR) Visa is set to be introduced for those planning to live their entire lives in Sri Lanka.
Ongoing discussions with VFS Global, with branches in 145 countries, aim to facilitate obtaining tourist visas for foreign travelers. The simplified visa process, expected to be implemented within a month, aims to attract three to four million tourists to Sri Lanka in the near future.
Ilukpitiya highlighted the introduction of a “Facial Recognition” system at Bandaranaike International Airport and plans to expand the system to recognize passengers via their picture and fingerprints for both departure and arrival. An office with visa facilities for the Northern Province will open in Vavuniya in February. The anticipated Ferry Service between India and Sri Lanka from Kankesanthurai is set to commence operations this week.
Furthermore, Sri Lanka plans to introduce Electronic Passports for its citizens within the year, aiming to enhance the recognition of Sri Lankan passports globally. The comprehensive changes in visa processes and technological advancements signal a significant effort to boost tourism and streamline residency options in the country.
January 19, Colombo (LNW): Showers will occur at times in Northern, North-Central, Eastern and Uva provinces.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places elsewhere of the island after 2.00 p.m.
Fairly heavy showers above 75 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning.
The public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
January 18, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, with a particular focus on its national Tamil language wing, Netra, took initiative on Thai Pongal to host a special appreciation programme for Kilmisha Udayaseelan.
Kilmisha, a Sri Lankan talent, secured the first place in the “SARIGAMAPA” reality competition on India’s ZeeTamil (Zeeதமிழ்) channel.
Nilar N Qasim, the esteemed head of Netra channel and a prolific lyricist in both Tamil and Sinhala media, played a pivotal role in orchestrating this programme.
Hailing from Jaffna and still a 9th-grade student, Kilmisha possesses a singing prowess that belies her age. The warm reception accorded to her by the Rupavahini channel, particularly on Thaipongal day, and the logistical support facilitated by Netra through various sponsorships for her participation, left Kilmisha thrilled and appreciative.
In a country where some segments still grapple with cultural divides, the camaraderie and parental affection displayed by the staff of the Sinhala and Tamil national TV channels coexisting under one roof were a source of surprise and gratitude for Kilmisha.
Despite her limited proficiency in Sinhala, Kilmisha expressed a desire to appreciate Sri Lankan music without language barriers, as evident in her rendition of the song “Tikki Tikiri Tikirilia.”
Acknowledging her contribution to Netra’s Live Thai Pongal programme, Kilmisha was honoured with a special commemorative award, and various organisations, including the Colombo Lions Club, extended valuable grants.
Moved by the warm and affectionate preservation of childhood identity during the event, Kilmisha conveyed her eagerness to participate in Netra TV programmes upon the completion of her contract with the television company, following the success of SARIGAMAPA on ZeeTamil.
Despite the simplicity of musical instruments and dances in adherence to Hindu culture, Kilmisha was deeply touched and filled with joy at the proud reception she received. The collective efforts and dedication of the entire team at Netra and Jathika Rupavahini television channels significantly contributed to the success of Kilmisha’s reception and the Thai Pongal festival.
Among the notable guests at the event were Kilmisha’s affectionate parents and artists engaged in Sri Lankan Arts in Tamil.
The following captures some highlights from the Netra TV Thai Pongal festival held recently.
January 18, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has announced the initiation of a distinctive luxury bus service named ‘Kolompura Charika,‘ marking a historic milestone as the first such endeavour in the institution’s 66-year history.
Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardena conducted a thorough inspection of the buses designated for this purpose.
Inaugurating as a pilot project, the initial phase of the programme is set to encompass seven tourist zones within the Colombo District.
These buses will be staffed with a qualified bus driver, conductor, and a dedicated onboard service personnel.
Minister Bandula Gunawardena has issued specific directives to pertinent authorities to ensure that tourists have seamless access to visit various religious and cultural landmarks situated in the Colombo District.
This strategic initiative aims to enhance the overall travel experience for both local and foreign tourists exploring Sri Lanka.
January 18, Colombo (LNW): A proposed bill formulated to categorise public images for the preservation of freedom of speech, expression, and creative rights, has been submitted to President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake.
The legislation was drafted by a committee appointed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe and chaired by Saman Athaudahetti, the former Chairman of the Board of Directors of Public Performance Board, and aligns with international standards, according to reports, a statement by the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.
Committee members, including Ashoka Handagama, Rajitha Dissanayake, Anoma Rajakaruna, and Jagath Wickramanayake PC, contributed to the legislation through consultations with stakeholders in film, theatre, and performing arts.
Envisaged as an amendment to the 1912 Public Exhibition Control Ordinance, the Act is expected to address issues related to artistic creation and ensure comprehensive protection of creative freedom.
January 18, Colombo (LNW): A total of 40,590 suspects were apprehended in the preceding month concluding on Wednesday (17), as part of the islandwide special operation ‘Yukthiya’ (Justice) conducted by the Police Special Task Force (STF).
Accordingly, 38,225 were detained on charges related to drug offences, and notably, 1,703 detention orders have been secured, with 1,867 individuals addicted to narcotics being relocated to rehabilitation centres.
Investigations into illicit assets have been initiated against 225 suspects, while 2,801 individuals are subjects of interest for both the Police STF and the Narcotics Bureau.
The estimated value of the confiscated drugs from the raids is reported to be Rs. 4,791 million, and the seized illegal assets, at Rs. 725 million.
A comprehensive list provided to the Crimes Investigation Unit resulted in the arrest of 2,365 suspects, encompassing 536 individuals with open warrants for drug offenses and 1,499 individuals with open warrants for other criminal activities.
149 missing suspects were apprehended through fingerprinting, and an additional 181 suspects wanted for criminal offenses were successfully taken into custody, according to authorities.
January 18, World (LNW): In the wake of Russia’s recent decision to brand the “international LGBT public movement” as extremist, the LGBTQIA+ community is experiencing heightened persecution, with targeted police raids on queer-friendly venues and a surge in appeals for relocation assistance, international reports disclosed.
Masked police raids targeted LGBTQIA+ venues in Moscow shortly after the country’s top court labelled the “international LGBT public movement” as extremist, according to international correspondents.
At least three queer-friendly venues in Moscow were raided within 48 hours of the extremist label, indicating an immediate crackdown on queer and queer-friendly spaces.
The Kremlin, equating anti-LGBTQIA+ measures with its broader agenda against “western liberal values,” has intensified its anti-gay rhetoric, linking LGBTQIA+ expression with the justification for the war in Ukraine.
Russian President Putin’s push for “traditional values” resulted in the banning of the so-called “LGBT propaganda” among adults last year, leading to the removal of LGBTQIA+ content from bookstores and cinemas.
The extremist label enables authorities to target any individual or organisation deemed part of the “international LGBT public movement,” fostering an environment of utmost fear and oppression.
Prominent LGBTQIA+ activists, such as Gena Marvin and Karen Shainyan, have left Russia due to safety concerns, and LGBTQIA+ relocation assistance organisations report a significant hike in requests.
LGBTQIA+ refugees face challenges in the asylum process, with mental health struggles exacerbated by lengthy procedures, harsh living conditions, and the oppressive situation back in Russia.
While some LGBTQIA+ individuals choose to leave the country, many feel compelled to stay and navigate the growing hostility, opting for secrecy to avoid repercussions.
The extremist label has accelerated the marginalisation of Russia’s queer community, now creating a state-sanctioned hostile atmosphere that threatens the mental well-being and safety of queer individuals.
January 18, Colombo (LNW): Senior Mission Chief of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for Sri Lanka Peter Breuer engaged in substantive discussions with Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera on Wednesday (17).
The meeting, attended by officials from the Ministry, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), and the Ministry of Finance, focused on the extensive reforms initiated by the government in the electricity and energy sectors.
Senior Mission Chief @IMFNews for Sri Lanka Peter Breuer & other officials of the IMF visited the Ministry of Power & Energy today. We discussed the reforms implemented by the Government on the Electricity & Energy sectors, cost reflective fuel pricing formulas & electricity… pic.twitter.com/QihanyhTZl
The deliberations included an in-depth analysis of the cost-reflective fuel pricing formulas, addressing the crucial aspect of aligning fuel prices with the actual costs incurred. The IMF’s insights and recommendations in this area can potentially contribute to the sustainability of the energy sector.
The meeting touched upon the importance of conducting forensic audits to ensure transparency and accountability in the operations of the power and energy sectors. The IMF, known for its global expertise, explored avenues for enhancing governance and financial oversight.
Discussions extended to scrutinising balance sheets and evaluating the overall financial health of entities within the power and energy sectors. Examining financial indicators is crucial for understanding the economic viability and sustainability of these sectors.
The potential impact of taxes on the electricity and energy sectors was a key aspect addressed during the meeting. IMF officials and the Sri Lankan authorities engaged in a constructive dialogue to assess the implications of taxation on the overall economic dynamics.
The meeting provided a platform to delve into the various sectoral reforms undertaken by the government. Evaluating the effectiveness of these reforms and identifying areas for further improvement were central to the discussions.
The comprehensive nature of the discussions reflects the mutual interest in fostering transparency, sustainability, and efficiency within Sri Lanka’s power and energy sectors.
