September 29, Colombo (LNW): The Commissioner General of Elections, Saman Sri Ratnayake, has confirmed that postal voting applications for the upcoming parliamentary elections will be accepted from October 01 to 08.
The announcement, made during a press conference in Colombo, outlined the process and timelines for postal voters.
Ratnayake explained that in accordance with the Parliamentary Elections Act No. 01 of 1981, the period for accepting postal vote applications must fall between the 7th and 14th days following the official announcement of the election.
This timeframe ensures the timely submission and processing of applications.
Postal voters are reminded to have their applications certified by the head of their institution before registering their vote and submitting it to the district returning officer. This procedure is crucial in ensuring a smooth electoral process.
Ratnayake also noted that the voter list used for the previous presidential election will be utilised for this parliamentary election, based on the updated 2024 electoral roll. This will allow for consistency and accuracy in the voting process.
September 29, World (LNW): Astronomers have announced that Earth is about to gain a temporary celestial companion, often referred to as a “mini moon.”
Unlike the planet’s familiar moon, this new arrival is an asteroid, recently discovered, and much smaller in size—approximately the length of a school bus, measuring just 10 metres across.
This cosmic visitor is set to make its closest approach on Sunday (29), when Earth’s gravitational pull will capture the asteroid, pulling it into orbit for an estimated two months.
While the asteroid’s size and distance will prevent it from being visible to the naked eye, its temporary presence offers scientists a valuable opportunity to observe and study these fleeting natural satellites.
Though “mini moons” are rare phenomena, they can provide insight into the dynamics of asteroids and their interaction with planetary gravitational forces.
The brief orbit of this asteroid, which will circle the planet before continuing its journey through space, is not expected to pose any threat to Earth.
Instead, it serves as a unique chance for researchers to deepen their understanding of the smaller objects that populate our solar system.
Temporary moons like this asteroid have been observed before, but each presents different characteristics, offering a glimpse into the diverse nature of these transient companions.
The scientific community will no doubt be closely monitoring this encounter, adding to our growing knowledge of the dynamic and ever-changing universe.
September 29, Colombo (LNW): Nearly 85 members of Sri Lanka’s previous Parliament, who entered the legislative body for the first time, are set to lose their entitlement to pensions following the early dissolution of Parliament.
These MPs, representing both the former ruling party and opposition, failed to complete the required five-year term to qualify for pensions, as Parliament was dissolved ahead of its scheduled end in August 2025.
Under the current law, enacted in the Pensions Act of 1977, an MP must serve a full five-year term to be eligible for a pension.
Those completing the term receive a monthly pension equivalent to one-third of their salary, while MPs who serve for ten years are entitled to a two-thirds pension.
The dissolution of Parliament has effectively ended the hopes of these first-time MPs of receiving a pension from the state.
The affected parliamentarians had only served part of their term in the ninth Parliament before it was abruptly brought to a close, cutting short their eligibility.
This marks a significant financial loss for these MPs, as pensions for parliamentarians are a key benefit associated with the role.
Additionally, the MPs lost several other privileges following the dissolution. These include access to free food, medical expenses for themselves and their families, luxurious accommodation, official visas, foreign trips, and the use of government vehicles—benefits typically provided under Parliamentary Acts and the current Constitution.
A former senior minister from the Kurunegala District highlighted these losses, underscoring how the dissolution, instigated by the new President, has dramatically reduced the privileges previously enjoyed by MPs.
The termination of these benefits is in accordance with existing Parliamentary regulations, which stipulate that such provisions are tied to active service in Parliament.
September 29, Colombo (LNW): During a high-level meeting at the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, global leaders renewed their commitment to tackling the severe threat posed by rising sea levels.
The meeting, led by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UN General Assembly President Philémon Yang, underscored the urgency of the crisis, with Guterres warning, “Our world is in dangerous waters.”
Guterres highlighted that global sea levels are now increasing at an alarming rate, faster than at any time in the past 3,000 years, due to the escalating impact of greenhouse gases.
This rise is largely driven by the warming of the planet, which causes seawater to expand and polar ice to melt.
Key outcomes of the session included a focus on addressing non-economic losses, such as the displacement of vulnerable communities, through loss and damage funds.
There were also calls for reforms in international financial institutions and the Green Climate Fund, with suggestions to streamline access to financial resources for affected nations and simplify the application process.
“The rising seas mean a rising tide of misery,” Guterres warned, as he pointed to projections from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
According to these estimates, global sea levels could rise by 15 to 30 centimetres by 2050, with once-in-a-century extreme sea-level events becoming annual occurrences by the end of the century.
For countries like Sri Lanka, this poses a significant threat, with projections of a sea-level rise between 0.2 and 0.6 metres by 2050.
Such changes would have profound implications for coastal communities, endangering both lives and livelihoods.
The meeting reinforced the urgent need for global cooperation and immediate action to mitigate the impacts of rising seas and protect those most vulnerable.
September 29, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced the extension of Sanath Jayasuriya’s tenure as interim head coach of the men’s national team for an additional year.
Initially appointed on 7th July 2024, the former Sri Lanka captain took on the role temporarily after the departure of Chris Silverwood.
Jayasuriya’s initial term saw him guide the team through a home series against India and a crucial Test tour to England.
His extension reflects the board’s confidence in his leadership, as they continue the search for a permanent head coach following the resignation of Silverwood and consultant coach Mahela Jayawardene.
The coaching shake-up came in the wake of Sri Lanka’s disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA and West Indies.
Under the captaincy of Wanindu Hasaranga, the team failed to progress beyond the group stages, triggering a reassessment of the national team’s strategy.
Jayasuriya, a celebrated figure in Sri Lankan cricket, is tasked with steering the team back to form while the board continues its global search for a permanent replacement.
September 29, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Examinations has announced that applications for the re-scrutiny of the 2023 G.C.E. Ordinary Level results will be accepted from 1st to 14th October.
Students seeking re-evaluation of their exam results are encouraged to submit their applications within this period.
For any inquiries regarding the process or results, the department has provided a dedicated hotline (1911) along with several contact numbers: 011 2 785 922, 011 2 786 616, 011 2 784 208, and 011 2 784 537.
The re-correction process offers students the opportunity to have their examination papers reviewed, ensuring accuracy and fairness in grading.
September 29, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya has affirmed that the newly formed government will place education at the forefront of its agenda, with an emphasis on restoring public confidence in the system.
Speaking at a workshop for school principals held at Ananda College, Colombo, she addressed the critical challenges plaguing the current education system, highlighting a pervasive lack of trust as one of the most pressing issues.
“The trust in our education system has eroded, much like in many other sectors of our society,” Amarasuriya stated, reflecting on the growing disconnect between students and their education.
She emphasised that the younger generation no longer holds the same belief in the value of education, a stark contrast to previous generations. This growing scepticism, she added, requires urgent attention.
Amarasuriya, who also serves as Minister of Education, stressed the need to rekindle enthusiasm for learning among students while reassuring parents that the system can once again deliver meaningful results.
“We need to ensure that children are excited about their education, and parents should be able to trust that their children are in good hands.”
Amarasuriya also drew attention to the stark disparities within Sri Lanka’s education landscape.
Speaking directly to the school principals, many of whom represented prestigious institutions, she criticised the existence of a divided system where elite schools provide superior education while others are relegated to a status of ‘unpopular schools’.
She stated firmly, “This is not an acceptable situation. Our goal is to ensure that every school, regardless of its standing, delivers the best education for all children.”
Reflecting on Sri Lanka’s historic reputation for excellence in education, Amarasuriya lamented that the country has failed to maintain this standard in recent decades.
“Our education system was once a model for the world, but in recent years, we have fallen short of its promise. We must not only recover what was lost but also build upon it for the future.”
In her concluding remarks, the Prime Minister underscored that the failures of the education system were not the result of actions by teachers or principals but rather the responsibility of successive political leaderships.
She expressed optimism for the future, inviting the education community to collaborate with the government in implementing policy reforms aimed at restoring Sri Lanka’s education system to its former glory.
September 29, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur over most places of the Island during the afternoon or night, with heavy showers about 100 mm being expected to occur at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Kaluthara district, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (29).
Showers may occur in Southern province and in Batticaloa and Ampara districts during the morning too.
The 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 may occur at several places in the sea areas around the island during the afternoon or night.
Winds:
Winds will be North-westerly or Westerly in the sea areas extending from Colombo to Hambanthota via Galle and wind speed will be (30-40) kmph. Winds will be variable in direction in the other sea areas around the island and wind speed will be (20-30) kmph.
State of Sea:
The sea areas around the island can be slight to moderate. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
September 29, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Examinations has officially announced the release of the 2023 General Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary Level (O/L) examination results.
Students and candidates who sat for the examination can now access their results by visiting the department’s official website at https://www.doenets.lk/examresults.
This year, a total of 452,979 candidates took the exam, which was conducted across 3,527 examination centres nationwide.
The large turnout highlights the importance of the O/L examination in shaping the academic and professional future of students in Sri Lanka.
The Department of Examinations has ensured that the online system is fully operational to accommodate the high volume of users, allowing for a smooth and efficient process for accessing results.
Additionally, students who require further clarification or assistance regarding their scores can contact the relevant authorities for guidance.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake attends the “Colombo International Book Fair” on 28 September, celebrating its 25th anniversary: During the event, a draft of the National Policy on Children’s Books was presented to him by the Sri Lanka Book Publishers’ Association: The fair, featuring 400 stalls, saw a large turnout, and the President toured booths, engaging with the public.
Former MP Angajan Ramanathan urges President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to reopen key roads in Jaffna, particularly in the Vali North High Security Zone, to promote harmony and regional development: His request follows the President’s recent order to reopen major roads in Colombo, including Sir Baron Jayathilake Mawatha and Janadhipathi Mawatha, for public access.
Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake announces postal voting applications for the upcoming parliamentary elections will be accepted from October 1 to 8: Postal voters must certify their applications through their institution heads and submit them to the district returning officer: This election will use the 2024 voter list, following guidelines from the Parliamentary Elections Act.
The Ministry of Education forms a seven-member committee to determine whether this year’s Grade 5 Scholarship Examination should be re-conducted, following allegations of a question paper leak: The decision, advised by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, will be based on ongoing investigations by the Examinations Department and Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The National Audit Office reveals thousands of government-owned vehicles are missing or misplaced, particularly from state institutions like the Ministry of Health: Auditor General W.P.C. Wickramaratne announces an investigation, in collaboration with the Department of Motor Traffic, to prepare a comprehensive report: Recently, many vehicles used by former officials were also parked at Galle Face Grounds.
The Inland Revenue Department reminds taxpayers to make their final income tax payments for the 2023/2024 Year of Assessment by 30 September 2024 to avoid penalties and interest charges: Additionally, outstanding default taxes must be cleared by 30 October 2024, after which the Department will enforce strict collection measures, including legal action, for unpaid taxes.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasises the government’s priority on restoring trust in Sri Lanka’s education system, acknowledging its current lack of public confidence: stresses the need for equitable education, eliminating disparities between elite and less popular schools: calls for reforms to rebuild the system’s former global reputation and urged collaboration in this effort.
The Bar Council of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) appoints Anura Maddegoda, PC, as BASL President and Razik Zarook, PC, as Deputy President: These appointments fill vacancies left by the resignations of former BASL President Kaushalya Nawaratne, PC, and former Deputy President Nalinda Indatissa, PC, according to BASL Secretary Chathura Galhena.
The President’s Media Division (PMD) announces the Gazette Extraordinary outlining the division of institutions and responsibilities under Sri Lanka’s new ministries has been published: Issued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake under Article 44(1) of the Constitution, this follows the recent appointment of the short-term Cabinet in the new government.
Sri Lanka dominates New Zealand on Day 3 of the second Test in Galle, bowling them out for 88 after posting 602 runs: Prabath Jayasuriya took six wickets, and Sri Lanka enforced a follow-on with a massive 514-run lead: New Zealand lost Tom Latham early in their second innings, and now face a challenging battle to avoid a 2-0 series defeat.
