September 21, Colombo (LNW): A 44-year-old resident of Thelwatte, Hikkaduwa, has been arrested for taking a photograph of his ballot paper at the polling station of Thelwatta Sumanarama Temple in Meetiyagoda. Galle District Returning Officer W. A. Dharmasiri stated that the individual was apprehended by police while casting his vote and photographing it.

Bringing and using mobile phones inside polling stations, counting stations, and result announcement stations is strictly prohibited, and this incident highlights the importance of adhering to these regulations to maintain the integrity of the election process.

September 21, Colombo (LNW)Tobias Pierlings, Director and Head of Division for South Asia and Southeast Asia at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, along with a delegation from the German Embassy in Sri Lanka, visited the Hambantota International Port (HIP) last week to explore potential business opportunities and assess the port’s capabilities.

Bindu Ranasinghe, Deputy General Manager of Commercial and Marketing at HIPG, briefed the delegation on the port’s recent advancements, highlighting growth in RORO, bulk, oil and gas cargoes, and the expansion of container operations aligned with the development of the industrial zone.

“This visit allowed the German delegation to experience firsthand the ongoing developments at the Hambantota International Port. We discussed future opportunities for German businesses, including our planned expansions and significant investments in various sectors, including container operations,” said Ranasinghe. The discussions also touched on HIP’s rapid development as a commercial hub and the expansion of the cruise sector, which has opened new business avenues for associated industries. The Deputy General Manager also noted the growth in local employment at the port, which has nearly tripled since HIPG took over.

The German delegation included Olaf Malchow, Deputy Head of Mission Counselor at the German Embassy in Colombo; Marie Antonia von Schönburg, Chief Delegate of the Delegation for German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka; Dharini Daluwatte, Advisor for Trade, Development, and Political Affairs; and Malintha Gajanayake, Head of Corporate Affairs and Export Promotions.

The visitors were given a comprehensive overview of the port’s state-of-the-art facilities and a panoramic view of the entire complex from the 12th floor of HIP’s flagship Maritime Center Building.

By: Isuru Parakrama

September 21, Colombo (LNW): The Election Commission has reported a significant rise in the number of complaints related to the 2024 Presidential Election.

The total number of complaints has now reached 5,551, according to an official statement, indicating a growing trend in grievances, and heightened concerns over the electoral process now that the voting is in motion.

In the past 24 hours alone, 337 fresh complaints were lodged, with the overwhelming majority — 336 — pertaining to violations of election laws.

This surge underscores the intensity of the electoral climate and the challenges faced by authorities in ensuring compliance with regulations.

Despite the rise in complaints, the Election Commission has taken swift action, successfully resolving 4,929 of the reported cases to date.

The spike in complaints comes amidst an already tense environment, as Sri Lanka prepares for one of its most competitive presidential elections in history.

The Election Commission is working closely with law enforcement agencies to investigate claims of misconduct, with a focus on ensuring that voters are able to exercise their democratic rights free from undue influence or illegal activity.

September 21, Colombo (LNW) The second Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation successfully took place in New Delhi, India, from September 11–12, 2024, following an initial offer made at the first Ministerial Conference in Beijing, China, in 2018.

Salvatore Sciacchitano, President of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), highlighted the rapid growth of the Asia Pacific region, stating, “We are expecting 4.5 billion passengers this year, which will grow to 11.5 billion passengers by 2050. Asia Pacific is a beacon of this growth.”

The conference addressed key challenges such as infrastructure development, sustainability, and workforce development, while promoting greater collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Sri Lanka was represented by AVM Sagara Kotakadeniya (Retd.), the Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer, who delivered a statement affirming Sri Lanka’s commitment to the development of civil aviation on behalf of the Minister of Ports, Shipping & Civil Aviation. Avanthi Senarathne, Vice Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services, also participated as a member of the Sri Lankan delegation.

The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, graced the event as the chief guest, underscoring the significance of the conference for regional and global aviation development.

September 21, Colombo (LNW): Former Finance Ministry Secretary Dr. R. H. S. Samaratunga announced yesterday that Sri Lanka’s rapid exit from bankruptcy, achieved through strategic debt restructuring within just two and a half years after an unprecedented economic crisis, stands as a model for other nations facing similar challenges.

The government has successfully restructured debt in three different ways, enabling the repayment of a total of US$ 84 billion. Additionally, Dr. Samaratunga highlighted that Sri Lanka has secured restructuring and concessions for debt amounting to US$ 17.5 billion.

To safeguard against future economic downturns, the former Secretary emphasized that the government has enacted five key legislative measures. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act was introduced to regulate money printing, while the Public Financial Management (PFM) Act of 2024 aims to prevent the misuse of public funds for political purposes.

The Fiscal Responsible Management Act has also been enacted to ensure disciplined fiscal policies. Moreover, the Public Debt Management (PDM) Act of 2024 was introduced to enforce strict guidelines for the government in managing credit facilities responsibly, irrespective of the political party in power.

The Police Elections Bureau has reported that voting in the presidential election is proceeding smoothly and peacefully, with no incidents of violence reported so far. A comprehensive security program has been implemented nationwide to ensure the safety and integrity of the election process.

Police Spokesperson DIG Nihal Talduwa confirmed that nearly 63,000 police officers have been deployed for election duties, and no conflicts have been reported as of now. Additionally, the Ministry of Defense has deployed personnel from the three armed forces at key security locations across the island.

The Ministry has assured the public that armed forces are prepared to deploy additional personnel if necessary to maintain order and ensure the safety of voters and polling stations

By: Isuru Parakrama

September 21, Colombo (LNW): Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Front Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe has cast his vote for the 2024 Presidential Election this (21) morning.

Rajapakshe confirmed his vote in a livefeed published on his official Social Media platforms.

By: Isuru Parakrama

September 21, Colombo (LNW): Presidential Candidate Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka has cast his vote for the 2024 Presidential Election at the Sri Sudarshanarama Viharaya in Kelaniya this (21) morning.

Fonseka confirmed his vote in a live footage released on Social Media.

By: Isuru Parakrama

September 21, Colombo (LNW): Presidential Candidate of the Sarwajana Balaya has cast his vote this (21) morning for the 2024 Presidential Election.

Jayaweera confirmed his vote in a Social Media post.