By: Isuru Parakrama

December 02, Colombo (LNW): The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Sri Lanka, which had recently fluctuated between 100 and 180, has shown signs of improvement, with current readings ranging from 100 to 110, according to the Central Environment Authority (CEA).

Ajith Gunawardena, the Director of Environment Studies and spokesperson for the CEA, confirmed that air quality levels are being consistently monitored across the country.

Speaking at a media briefing, he noted that although the AQI had been elevated in recent days, it has now stabilised within a more moderate range, offering a slight respite from the earlier concerns.

Gunawardena explained that an AQI value below 50 is considered healthy, a level that Sri Lanka typically experiences under normal conditions.

However, he cautioned that levels above 100 could pose potential health risks, especially for vulnerable groups such as those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, children, and the elderly.

The spokesperson assured the public that the current air quality, whilst slightly below ideal standards, is temporary. He anticipates that it will improve significantly in the coming days, as weather patterns stabilise.

In addition, Gunawardena highlighted the ongoing efforts by the CEA, in collaboration with the University of Peradeniya and the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), to monitor the air quality closely.

He stated that the authorities will continue to issue updates and conduct further assessments to ensure the public is kept informed about any changes in air conditions.

By: Isuru Parakrama

December 02, Colombo (LNW): The National Dengue Control Unit has identified 20 areas across the country that are at heightened risk for dengue, as the ongoing weather conditions create a breeding ground for the disease.

Dr. Lahiru Kodithuwakku, a Community Medical Specialist, has warned that the adverse weather, including heavy rains and flooding, is likely to exacerbate the situation, potentially leading to a rise in dengue cases.

In an alarming update, Dr. Kodithuwakku confirmed that a total of 3,178 dengue cases were reported in November alone, reflecting a concerning trend.

He stressed the importance of heightened vigilance, particularly in regions where stagnant water may serve as a breeding site for mosquitoes carrying the disease.

The authorities are urging residents in the affected areas to take precautionary measures, including eliminating standing water and using insect repellent, as part of efforts to control the spread of dengue.

December 02, Colombo (LNW): Former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte and his wife have been further remanded until December 6 following a hearing at the Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court.

The couple appeared before the court in connection with alleged possession of a luxury car illegally imported and assembled in Sri Lanka.

By: Isuru Parakrama

December 02, Colombo (LNW): Justice Murdu Fernando was officially sworn in as the 48th Chief Justice of Sri Lanka this (02) morning, taking the oath before President Anura Dissanayake.

In a momentous ceremony, she became the second woman in the country’s history to hold this esteemed position, following in the footsteps of Shirani Bandaranayake, who served in the role in 2011.

Justice Fernando’s appointment follows the retirement of Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, and her elevation to the highest judicial office in the land was approved by the Constitutional Council. As the most senior serving Justice of the Supreme Court, her appointment is seen as a continuation of her significant contributions to Sri Lanka’s judiciary.

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By: Isuru Parakrama

November 02, Colombo (LNW): Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa held a productive meeting with Japan’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Akio Isomata, yesterday (01), to discuss the resumption of key development projects that were put on hold by the previous government.

The focus of the discussions was on revitalising these important initiatives, which are crucial for Sri Lanka’s long-term infrastructure and economic development.

Premadasa assured Ambassador Isomata of the Opposition’s full support in reactivating the stalled projects, particularly those funded by Japan, and pledged to cooperate closely with the Japanese government to ensure their smooth progress.

He expressed confidence that these projects could significantly contribute to the country’s recovery and future growth.

The timing of this meeting comes on the heels of a recent statement by Japan, indicating that it would only consider new development initiatives in Sri Lanka after a thorough assessment of the government’s requests and the country’s overall economic situation.

This cautious approach reflects Japan’s desire to ensure that any future investments align with Sri Lanka’s economic realities.

According to the Japanese Embassy, the immediate priority is to complete 11 ongoing projects that have been revived following successful debt restructuring discussions.

These projects, which include the expansion of Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), are reportedly making steady progress.

The Embassy has emphasised that Japan remains committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s development efforts, but only within the framework of careful financial consideration and strategic planning.

December 02, Colombo (LNW): A significant number of luxury vehicles assigned to Members of Parliament (MPs) and Ministers remain unused, mainly due to their high fuel consumption, Speaker Dr. Asoka Ranwala disclosed.

Speaking at an event at the Nāgānanda International Institute for Buddhist Studies, the Speaker explained that these vehicles, while luxurious, are deemed unsuitable for Sri Lanka’s current circumstances.

Ranwala told reporters that many MPs and Ministers have chosen not to use these vehicles because of their poor fuel efficiency, making them impractical in the context of the country’s fuel challenges.

He highlighted that despite the presence of a large fleet of such vehicles in storage, they are not being utilised.

He also noted that no MP has officially requested a luxury vehicle through Parliament, emphasising the reluctance of elected officials to use such high-maintenance cars.

The Speaker further elaborated that even vehicles assigned to his own office have not been put into service due to their high fuel consumption.

When asked if the unused luxury vehicles could be sold, Dr. Ranwala responded that any decision regarding the auctioning of these vehicles would need to be made at a national level.

Regarding government-owned residences for Ministers, the Speaker clarified that no Minister had requested an official residence for personal use. Ranwala asserted that residences owned by the government should be used for official purposes only, and it is the government’s responsibility to maintain these properties.

By: Isuru Parakrama

December 02, Colombo (LNW): Justice Murdu Fernando is poised to take the oath as Sri Lanka’s 49th Chief Justice today (02).

The event is expected to take under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

This follows the retirement of the previous Chief Justice, Jayantha Jayasuriya, who served in the position until recently.

Fernando’s appointment marks a significant milestone in the country’s judicial history, as she becomes the second woman to hold the prestigious office of Chief Justice, following in the footsteps of Shirani Bandaranayake, who held the role in 2011.

With a distinguished legal career spanning over three decades, Justice Fernando began her journey in the Attorney General’s Department, where she joined as a state counsel.

Over the years, she climbed the ranks, demonstrating exceptional legal expertise and leadership, eventually being promoted to senior state counsel.

Her career continued to flourish as she took on key roles, including deputy solicitor general, additional solicitor general, and senior additional solicitor general.

Fernando’s impressive track record in these capacities led to her appointment as a President’s Counsel.

In March 2018, during the presidency of Maithripala Sirisena, Fernando’s judicial career reached a new height when she was appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court, cementing her place among the nation’s highest legal authorities.

By: Isuru Parakrama

December 02, Colombo (LNW): The announcement for the upcoming Local Government (LG) Elections is expected to be made after the conclusion of the 2024 G.C.E. Advanced Level examinations.

The Election Commission has explained that releasing the election details before the exams could lead to candidates launching their campaigns during the critical exam period, potentially causing disruptions.

In light of this, it has been decided that no official election announcements will be made until after the exams have finished.

The move is aimed at preventing any interference with the exam process, which could cause unnecessary distractions for students.

The Advanced Level exams, which had been delayed due to adverse weather conditions, are set to resume this week after several days of postponements.

As the examination period progresses, the focus will be on ensuring that no external activities impact the integrity of the exams.

In a related development, a crucial meeting of political party leaders is scheduled for tomorrow (03). The meeting will be chaired by the Leader of the House, Bimal Rathnayake, and is expected to address several key issues regarding the upcoming LG Elections. Notably, party leaders will make final decisions on when to call for nominations for the elections.

It has also been confirmed that earlier nominations for the LG elections will be cancelled. The decision stems from the fact that many candidates who had initially been nominated have either switched political parties, retired from politics, or left the country.

As a result, political parties will now move forward with a fresh slate of nominations for the upcoming elections.