By: Isuru Parakrama

November 05, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Immigration and Emigration is introducing a digital system for booking passport appointments through tokens, effective from Wednesday (06).

This initiative aims to streamline the process, allowing the public to reserve a date for passport applications using their National Identity Card (NIC) number via the department’s official website.

Acting Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, Nilusha Balasooriya, announced the new system at a recent press briefing, emphasising its role in easing queues and assisting those travelling from distant areas.

Starting December 01, appointments made using online tokens will be available, allowing the department time to clear a backlog of existing passport requests.

Balasooriya clarified that the token booking portal will be accessible on the left side of the department’s website under “Register to apply for a passport.”

Through this system, applicants can reserve dates from anywhere at any time using a smartphone or computer.

To manage demand, a limited number of tokens will be issued daily, with alternative dates offered if the chosen date’s quota is full.

To protect applicants from scams, Balasooriya cautioned against unofficial agents claiming to secure tokens on behalf of the department, warning that such bogus tokens would be invalid and lead to further delays.

Applicants should avoid visiting the department in person to book appointments after tomorrow (06), as all reservations will now be managed online.

For those requiring passports urgently, the system permits booking the earliest available date, after which applicants can present documentary proof of their emergency need.

An independent committee within the department will review these cases to ensure the validity of emergency requests. Strict legal action will be taken against individuals found submitting fake documents.

Those facing technical issues or seeking assistance with the online token system can reach out via the Government Information Centre at ‘1919’ or the Department’s Information Centre at ‘1962’.

Additionally, the department encourages public feedback on this pilot programme to refine and improve the service.

Balasooriya noted that the current stock of passports stands at 33,000 from a batch of 50,000, with a larger consignment of 750,000 passports expected by December.

To meet the high demand, the department will also implement a new procurement plan for additional passports, she added.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 05, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Agrarian Development has commenced the distribution of the Rs. 25,000 fertiliser subsidy for the 2024 ‘Maha Season,’ confirmed Commissioner General U.P. Rohana Rajapakshe.

This substantial initiative is aimed at supporting local farmers through a phased financial distribution to bolster agricultural productivity.

In the programme’s first phase, Rs. 15,000 has already been distributed per farmer, initially benefiting 670 farmers across Ampara and Kilinochchi districts, with Rs. 9.5 million allocated to support cultivation across 630 hectares.

Expanding on this, the second phase disbursed Rs. 46.5 million to 4,475 farmers in 12 districts, while the third phase released Rs. 57.5 million to assist 4,219 farmers within the same districts.

Further, in the fourth phase, Rs. 47.7 million was allocated to 4,804 farmers.

Rajapakshe stated that an additional Rs. 279.4 million will be transferred from the Treasury today, with funds allocated to benefit 22,419 farmers across 19 districts, further strengthening the seasonal agricultural efforts.

In total, over Rs. 441.8 million has been distributed to farmers so far, representing a significant investment by the government in agricultural sustainability.

Rajapakshe also highlighted that a subsequent Rs. 10,000 will be disbursed to farmers in two weeks, following the commencement of cultivation activities.

This follow-up financial support is intended to ensure farmers are adequately equipped for the season’s demands.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 05, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Examinations has announced that applications for the 2024 (2025) G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination are now open, with the submission period running from today (05), until midnight on 30 November.

According to a statement released yesterday (04), only online applications will be accepted, and candidates can submit them through the department’s official websites: www.doenets.lk or www.onlineexams.gov.lk/eic.

The department clarified that school candidates must apply through their respective school principals, whilst private applicants may submit their applications independently.

In line with maintaining an organised schedule, the Department of Examinations emphasised that there will be no extensions for the application deadline.

Candidates with any inquiries regarding the application process may reach out for assistance by calling 0112784208, 0112784537, or 0112785922, or by emailing [email protected].

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 05, Colombo (LNW): The government has announced an extension of the Rs. 50 per kilogramme special commodity levy on imported sugar, now set to remain in effect until December 31.

Originally due to expire on November 01, this levy has been extended by an official Gazette notification from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, acting in his role as Minister of Finance.

The levy, first implemented a year ago on November 01, was intended to shield local consumers from volatile global sugar prices.

However, the decision to maintain this tax has drawn criticism, with former minister Manusha Nanayakkara pointing out the disparity between the administration’s promise to alleviate the tax burden on essential goods and its actions in retaining taxes on food items.

Nanayakkara argued that the government’s move contradicts its earlier stance on tax reform aimed at reducing the cost of living, especially on staple goods like sugar.

He added that, given the financial pressures faced by many households, maintaining such levies on essential imports may hinder affordability for consumers.

By: Isuru Parakrama

November 05, Colombo (LNW): The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by lightning during thundershowers as the atmospheric conditions are favourable further for afternoon thundershowers in most parts of the island, the Department of Meteorology warned in its daily weather forecast today (05).

Showers or thundershowers will occur in the most parts of the island during the evening or night.

Showers will occur at several places over the coastal areas of Western and Southern provinces and in Ampara district during the morning too.

Heavy showers about 100 mm are likely at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa, North-Central, Uva provinces and in Kurunegala district.

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:

1. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announces legal action will be taken against rice millers failing to sell rice at controlled prices: With no government-held paddy stocks due to previous policies, he outlined plans to buy paddy in the next Maha season, refurbish storage, and collaborate with small-scale millers to supply rice to consumers via cooperative stores.
   
2. SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa calls on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to deliver on his promises, particularly regarding funds allegedly held in Uganda, which were said to be sufficient to address Sri Lanka’s debt issues: criticises the President for failing to reduce essential commodity prices, cut electricity bills, and lower oil prices, despite holding executive power: also accuses Dissanayake of backtracking on his stance against the oil pricing formula, claiming it now benefits the wealthy rather than ordinary citizens.
   
3. CPSTL Chairman D.J.A.S De S. Rajakaruna highlights despite the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO) achieving profitability, it struggles to operate independently due to political interference and the presence of foreign petroleum companies like Lanka IOC, Sinopec, RM Parks, and United Petroleum: Agreements require all firms to follow a 2022 pricing formula, complicating CEYPETCO’s capacity to manage profits amid competitive pressures.
   
4. The Election Commission has reported a rise in complaints related to the 2024 Parliamentary Poll, with a total of 1,535 complaints, including 127 received within the last 24 hours: Most complaints involve election law violations, totalling 1,485 cases: The commission noted that 1,248 of these complaints have already been resolved.
   
5. The Examinations Department announces applications for the 2024 (2025) GCE Ordinary Level Examination will be accepted online from today (05) to November 30: School applicants must apply through principals, while private applicants may apply directly: The deadline is midnight on November 30, with no extensions: Inquiries can be made via provided contact numbers or email.
   
6. A Michelin delegation and newly appointed EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe discuss enhancing Sri Lanka’s rubber manufacturing sector: Michelin urged proactive policies to boost rubber production and establish a dedicated rubber zone, aiming to expand market access and support value-added products: The EDB pledged support, highlighting Michelin’s role as Sri Lanka’s largest French investor and a key export contributor since 2019.
   
7. For the first time, 25 Sri Lankan employment agencies participated in the Saudi Human Resources and Manpower Expo from 27-30 October in Riyadh: The Sri Lankan Embassy, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau, facilitated this: Ambassador Ameer Ajwad inaugurated the Sri Lanka pavilion and highlighted Saudi labour market opportunities, encouraging agencies to capitalise on Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and new Skill Verification Program partnerships.
   
8. The Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court has remanded the wife of former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte until November 07 after an unregistered luxury jeep was found at her Mirihana residence: Ratwatte, meanwhile, remains hospitalised at Colombo National Hospital following what the prison authorities described as a “sudden illness”, having been transferred from the prison hospital, where he has been receiving treatment under court orders.
   
9. The Colombo High Court grants bail to 24 individuals remanded for a 2012 assault at Borella New Magazine Prison: During the trial, 43 defendants pleaded guilty, and were ordered to pay Rs. 300,000 to injured party Nihal Gunawardena and Rs. 122,000 each in damages, totalling over Rs. 5.2 million: Payments are due by December 13, 2024.
   
10. Sri Lanka plans to retain the same T20 squad from the recent West Indies series for their upcoming two-match series against New Zealand, beginning on November 09 in Dambulla: The squad, led by Charith Asalanka, aims to maintain its winning momentum and boost T20 and ODI rankings: Test specialists will prepare early for the South Africa series, prioritising World Test Championship rankings.