January 07, Colombo (LNW): The Bandarawela Police have launched an investigation into a deeply disturbing incident involving the exhumation and undressing of the buried body of a 25-year old woman, who had recently passed away from pneumonia in Badulugasthenna, Bandarawela.
The body of the deceased, a resident of Bandarawela, was discovered exhumed on Sunday (07), indicating that an individual or a group was involved in this unsettling act.
The family had planned the seventh-day almsgiving ceremony for the deceased tomorrow (08), and the father visited the deceased’s grave this morning only to be confronted with this disturbing scene.
Upon witnessing the exhumation and the body being undressed, the family, including the father, promptly reported the incident to the Police.
Authorities in Bandarawela suspect that the body was intentionally exhumed and defiled.
In response to the discovery, the Bandarawela Acting Magistrate, along with Criminal Investigation Officers, examined the remains. Subsequently, the body was reinterred at the original location.
The Bandarawela Police have now initiated a thorough investigation into this distressing incident, aiming to identify and bring those responsible to justice.
January 07, Colombo (LNW): A group of prominent figures from various civil society organisations has expressed reservations regarding the expedited passage of the ONUR bill, citing the need for more extensive discussions before its parliamentary approval.
The ONUR bill, aimed at establishing the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation, is scheduled for parliamentary debate this week.
The bill seeks to ensure equal opportunities for citizens in economic, social, cultural, and political spheres while fostering an inclusive society that respects diversity and promotes unity.
Despite the commendable objectives outlined in the bill, the concerned individuals highlight three major concerns.
Firstly, they emphasised the importance of a multi-partisan approach in appointing the decision-making board of ONUR to better represent the diverse ethnic, religious, and socio-cultural interests of Sri Lanka.
Secondly, the group suggests incorporating ex-officio representatives from independent reconciliation mechanisms, such as the Office of Missing Persons, Office of Reparations, NGO Secretariat, and the upcoming Truth, Unity, and Reconciliation Commission, into the ONUR board to ensure a cohesive and informed approach to national reconciliation.
Thirdly, the group expresses apprehension about ONUR’s role in guiding and facilitating peace and reconciliation programs conducted by local organisations.
They call for clarity in the legislation to ensure that the government does not direct civil society but assists and facilitates them without politicisation for narrow purposes.
The signatories assert that national reconciliation should be a voluntary, bottom-up process involving all communities.
The group urged the government to engage opposition parties, particularly those representing minority communities, and civil society in a comprehensive discussion to establish a multi-partisan consensus before the law’s passage.
Full Statement:
More Time And Discussion Needed Before Parliamentary Passage Of Onur Law
This week the government will be taking up the ONUR bill for debate after which it will be enacted as law. The bill proposes to establish an Office for National Unity and Reconciliation in order to assure to every citizen equal opportunities in the economic, social, cultural and political spheres. At the same time, the new institution will have the purpose of safeguarding identity and building an inclusive society in which diversity will be respected and all communities will coexist in harmony and unity.
The commendable objectives outlined in the ONUR bill, such as promoting national unity and peaceful coexistence, require dialogue and negotiation among representatives of diverse communities in Sri Lanka, both in civil and political societies. Unfortunately, the potential importance of this new institution appears to be under-estimated by the government, its policymakers and the law’s drafters as there has been little or no effort to engage in public discussion on it or to educate the general public about the need for it.
We, the undersigned, have three major concerns which we outline. First, we believe that the composition of the decision making board of ONUR will be crucial to the success of the institution and its work. We note that Appointments to the ONUR Board would be appointments by the Minister under whose purview the institution comes. The minister is empowered to recommend the appointment of 11 members who will have terms of 3 years, while the chairperson has no time limit, which is inadvisable. We urge a more multi-partisan method of appointments to ensure that those appointed represent the diversity of ethnic and religious groups and socio-cultural interests.
Second, as ONUR is expected to play a central role in the national reconciliation process that brings together all the independent reconciliation mechanisms we propose that appointments to the ONUR board should include ex-officio representatives from the Office of Missing Persons, Office of Reparations, NGO Secretariat and the Truth, Unity and Reconciliation Commission which is soon to be established. This will ensure that all the reconciliation institutions share a common vision and are informed of the work that is being done by each of them. There is also a need to ensure representation from civil society to ensure that the perspectives of affected communities and victims are considered and acted upon.
Third, we are concerned about the role given to ONUR to be prescriptive vis a vis civil society by virtue of the power “to guide and facilitate peace and reconciliation programmes conducted by local organisations including community based organisations.” This authority to monitor and review the work of civil society raises concerns about the prospect of government heavy-handedness in the context of the possible politicisation for narrow and partisan purposes of national reconciliation policy and actions. The new law needs to be clear that the government will not direct civil society to follow its guidelines, but can “assist and facilitate” them to do so.
National reconciliation cannot be enforced from the top down. It needs to be a voluntary process involving all ethnic and religious communities. There is a need to draw civil society and elected political representatives into the discussion about the new institution. Prior to the passage of the new law, we urge the government to engage with opposition political parties, particularly those representing minority ethnic and religious communities, as well as civil society, to establish a multi-partisan consensus, encompassing pluralistic values on the path to make this a true reconciliation process for national unity.
Signatories Ihsaan A. Hameed, National President, All Ceylon YMMA Conference D M Nimal Dissanayake, Coordinator, Anuradhapura District Citizen Committee Sachitha N Hewage, Chairman, ASIA LANKA Social Development Co-operation (ALSDC) Visaka Dharmadasa, Chairperson, Association of War Affected Women (AWAW) Dr Joe William, Director, Centre for Communication Training (CCT) Mohamed Buhary, Executive Director, Eastern Social Development Foundation (ESDF) Amar Gunatilleke, Executive Vice Chairman, Marga Institute G V D Tilakasiri, President, Free Trade Union Development Center (FTUDC) Anthony Vinoth, Executive Director, Human Rights Hub Fr Nandana Manatungea, Director, Human Rights Office (HRO) Sakunthala Kadirgamar, Executive Director, Law & Society Trust (LST) B.W.Gunasekara, National Ethnic Unity Foundation (NEUF) Dr Jehan Perera, Executive Director, National Peace Council (NPC) Michael Joachim, Executive Director, Plantation Rural Education Development Organisation (PREDO) Philip Dissanayake, Executive Director, Right to Life (R2L) Niroshan Ekanayaka, Executive Director, SAMADANA Nawaz Mohammed, Country Director, Search for Common Ground (SFCG) Aashiq Alabdeen, Chief Executive Officer, Serving Humanity Foundation Nadesan Suresh, Executive Director, Uva Shakthi Foundation (USF)
January 07, Colombo (LNW): In the aftermath of the recent fatality at Galle Prison resulting from meningitis, eight additional inmates are presently under treatment for suspected meningitis at the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital.
As a precautionary measure, all activities at Galle Prison have been restricted since January 4, Prisons Commissioner and Media Spokesman Gamini B. Dissanayake disclosed.
In response to the health crisis, stringent measures have been implemented, diverting new inmates originally designated for Galle Prison to Angunakolapelessa Prison.
Prisons Commissioner Dissanayake further stated that visitation to Galle Prison will now be allowed only under stringent health guidelines.
The unfortunate fatality occurred on January 3, where a 29-year-old resident of Kottawagama succumbed to meningitis at Karapitiya Teaching Hospital.
In a related incident last week, two inmates from Matara Prison also lost their lives due to meningitis, while 17 others were hospitalised with high fever.
January 07, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has secured its place among the 13 affordable vacation destinations globally in a recent compilation by Fox News.
The list highlights budget-friendly options and positions Sri Lanka as an ideal location for travellers seeking scenic hikes and diverse experiences.
Describing the country, the report highlights the opportunity to get up close to native wildlife, specifically mentioning breath-taking elephants.
Additionally, it emphasises the chance to visit pristine beaches and soak up the sun.
Accommodations in Sri Lanka are noted for their affordability, typically ranging from $ 20 to $ 40, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious travellers. The average cost of a meal is noted to be around $ 5, further enhancing the appeal of the destination.
Sri Lanka shares this prestigious list with other countries recognised for their cost-effective vacation offerings, including India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Greece and Egypt.
Industry analysts said the acknowledgement positions Sri Lanka as a standout destination for those seeking an affordable yet enriching travel experience, further contributing to the country’s growing reputation in the global tourism landscape.
The list highlights budget-friendly options and positions Sri Lanka as an ideal location for travellers seeking scenic hikes and diverse experiences
Describing the country, the report highlights the opportunity to get up close to native wildlife, specifically mentioning breath-taking elephants.
Additionally, it emphasises the chance to visit pristine beaches and soak up the sun.
Sri Lanka is featured alongside other countries such as India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Greece, and Egypt as a cost-effective vacation destination.
Accommodations in Sri Lanka are noted for their affordability, typically ranging from $ 20 to $ 40, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious travellers. The average cost of a meal is noted to be around $ 5, further enhancing the appeal of the destination.
Sri Lanka shares this prestigious list with other countries recognised for their cost-effective vacation offerings, including India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Greece and Egypt.
Industry analysts said the acknowledgement positions Sri Lanka as a standout destination for those seeking an affordable yet enriching travel experience, further contributing to the country’s growing reputation in the global tourism landscape.
January 07, Colombo (LNW): The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) has announced that people should only buy mobile phones that have been approved by the Commission.
Addressing the media TRCSL Deputy Director of Compliance, Ms. M. Pathirana, requested consumers check the IMEI number to verify the phone they are hoping to buy has TRCSL approval.
The IMEI number is displayed on the cover of the mobile phone box. People can check the validity of the IMEI number by sending an SMS to 1909 (IMEI (space) 15-digit number and sending it to 1909). An instant reply message will be received stating whether the mobile phone is registered or not.
She requested that consumers buy only TRCSL-approved phones to prevent falling into trouble.
The TRCSL has announced that unregistered telecommunication devices equipped with a SIM card will be deactivated within the Cellular Mobile Telephone Operator’s Network.
The public is strongly advised to avail services exclusively from dealers who possess a vendor license issued by the TRCSL.
In accordance with the directives of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL), it is crucial for consumers to choose mobile phones that have received approval from the commission.
TRCSL emphasises the necessity of verifying the IMEI number before making a purchase.
This can be accomplished by sending a SMS to 1909 with the format “IMEI (space) 15-digit number.”
An instant reply message will confirm the registration status of the mobile phone. In a non-approved TRCSL phone, the dealer who sells unauthorised devices becomes unauthorised importer who has not paid any tax and the customer of such devices is likely, to be held responsible for relevant government taxes in case of any issues.
Failure to select a TRCSL-approved smartphone may result in various consequences for consumers.
These include the inability to claim warranties from suppliers, difficulties in obtaining one-to-one replacements, a shortage of spare parts for specific phone models, and, most critically, network and connection issues from telecommunications companies.
Such issues encompass frequency problems, bandwidth and coverage issues, as well as network connection losses.
Abans is a TRCSL licenced vendor, serving as the Authorised National Distributor for Motorola and OPPO brands, in addition to being distributors for VIVO and Techno, as well as the authorised reseller for Apple iPhones in Sri Lanka, assures customers that all its smartphones are imported only after obtaining TRCSL certifications.
The entire range of Apple, Motorola, and OPPO mobile phones imported by Abans undergoes rigorous testing by TRCSL to ensure network compatibility.
January 07, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has earned worldwide recognition as a veritable treasure trove of gemstones, renowned for producing some of the finest specimens in the world.
As the oldest source country for coloured gemstones, Sri Lanka boasts a unique and vibrant selection of gemstones, complemented by exquisitely crafted jewellery that seamlessly blends international trends with elements of local culture.
Sri Lanka’s gem exports is around US$ 500 million whilst sales to tourists is around $ 1 billion. The livelihood of over 600,000 persons and their families is dependent on the industry as well. President Ranil Wickremesinghe last year said there was potential to boost exports to $ 2 billion.
Sri Lanka’s gems and jewellery industry opened 3-day Facets exhibition on Sararday 06 at the Cinnamon Grand, Colombo amidst fresh challenges arising from the new VAT regime, industry sources said.
Staged for the 30th year, Facets 2024, aims to make a bigger impact with the introduction of several new dedicated pavilions for the first time.
They include Sustainable Pavilion, Sapphire Masterpiece Pavilion, and Rough Stone Pavilion, Gem Lab Pavilion.
The 2024 event will also feature a special ‘Reminisce of the Past’ Event. These are in addition to the customary Premier Gem Pavilion, Premier Jewellery Pavilion and NGJA SME Pavilion.
The show of excellence is organised by the industry beacon Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA) in partnership with the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) and the Export Development Board (EDB). Facets has been positioned as Asia›s premier gem and jewellery exhibition.
Organisers expect to draw over 8,000 trade visitors including from overseas to Facets 2024 at the Atrium Lobby of the Cinnamon Grand.
There will be over 150 booths. Sri Lanka is home for around 70 varieties of gemstones and world renowned for its Blue Sapphires.
“Facets has always emphasised that this show is for Sri Lanka, showcasing our rich heritage of gems and jewels to the world. We aim to bring in reputed buyers from all over the globe with participants, sharing our exquisite gems and jewellery,” said Facets Sri Lanka Chairman Altaf Iqbal expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming event.
Facets will serve as a much looked-forward meeting point for the global gem and jewellery sector, attracting prominent traders, gemstone and jewellery wholesalers, exporters, manufacturers, lapidaries, retailers, and collectors from across the globe.
The show is timely and industry hopes there will be bigger success as it grapples to deal with the impact of being brought under 18% Value Added Tax (VAT) for the first time.
A fortnight ago the industry warned that the Government’s decision to bring it under VAT would pose serious challenges. It will impact exports as 70% of value added exports is dependent on rough stones import for commercial reasons.
January 07, Colombo (LNW): Although 12 years had passed since the commencement of fish operations the Fish Market Complex Management Trust had not been legislated through an Act of Parliament at the end of the year 2022-22/2023 under review.
Although the management trust should be introduced the necessary guidelines and rules to ensure that the fish food handled in the fish market complex is handled in a healthy manner, to ensure that the health and quality of the traded fish food is maintained at a proper standard, but the management trust had not done so till the end of the year under review.
Also, at the end of the year 2022 an arrears amount of Rs.81 million had to be recovered from the shop owners and of that amount Rs.55 million was dues that had not been paid for more than 03 years but sufficient actions had not been taken to recover the arrears.
The Peliyagoda Fish Market Complex Management Trust was established by the Trust deed dated on 10th of August 2010 and started operations in 2011 with the value of fixed assets Rs.1,694 million.
It is consisting of facilities including wholesale market with 148 units, retail market with 128 units, cold storage, and ice plant for the benefit of wholesale fish traders, fish producers and consumers so that fish can be handled healthily and in accordance with international standards.
Meanwhile, Ceylon Fisheries Corporation has been selling fish on credit contrary to internal circular instructions of the Corporation, Auditor General’s recent report revealed.
According to the internal circular instructions of the corporation, although instructions had been given to immediately suspend the sale of fish on credit, the total fish sales value to be collected on 31st of December 2021 was Rs.29 million.
But there was an unpaid balance of Rs.17 million due from the sale of fish to the employees and from the hospital’s outstanding, the report indicated.
However, the action has not been taken against the officers who sold fish on credit against the circular, audit inspection unearthed.
The Fisheries Corporation was engaging in fishing operations outside the “Resource Zone” related to the fisheries sector.
The corporation has been carrying out these activities in accordance with accepted international rules.
It is also engaged in fish processing, fish selling in foreign and local markets,and certain activities of import and export of fish and fish products when deemed necessary, entering into joint venture agreements with domestic and foreign investors.
These investors are representing local and foreign producers and distributors to carry out any of the above activities that were constitutionally assigned to the corporation, but the Corporation had been done only the activities of fish processing and wholesale or retail sale or distribution of fish, AG ‘s report disclosed.
January 07, Colombo (LNW): Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in charge of Traffic Indika Hapugoda elaborated on the objectives of the ‘Yukthiya’ (Justice) operation, a special traffic initiative undertaken by the Sri Lanka police.
Deputy Inspector General Hapugoda clarified that the primary focus of vehicle checks within this operation is to curb narcotics smuggling, particularly beyond the boundaries of Colombo.
The initiative aims to prevent the illicit transportation of drugs from Colombo to other areas and to apprehend any wanted suspects attempting to flee from Colombo.
To facilitate efficient enforcement, DIG Hapugoda outlined a distinctive feature of the operation. Police officers will utilise a special sticker, affixed to the left side of the windscreen of checked vehicles.
This measure ensures that vehicles which have undergone inspection are easily identifiable at subsequent checkpoints, streamlining the overall monitoring process, he emphasised.
The ‘Yukthiya’ operation reflects a strategic effort by the Police to enhance traffic management, combat narcotics-related activities, and apprehend individuals with legal implications attempting to evade authorities by traversing from Colombo to other regions.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa recently urged the government to suspend the Parate execution law considering the economic situation in the country. He Claimed that more than 400 properties of small and medium-scale industrialists have been seized under the Parate execution law within the first four months of 2023. Premadasa also said leasing companies were illegally seizing vehicles with defaulted leasing installments and added that it was an obstacle to the SMEs to carry on with their business.
Today small and medium-scale enterprises are facing a huge crisis today. This is due to 3 big reasons.
The senseless Easter Sunday attacks
The long COVID Shutdowns of Gotabaya Rajapaksa government
The craziest interest hike 10% – 36% in the history of Sri Lanka . And the subsequent interest penalties imposed by banks..
All this resulted in businesses that were once viable becoming totally unviable.
Long delays in the debt restructuring.
Government
State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe said the government was looking into the matter and added that it should be done in consultation with commercial banks along with the Central Bank. The parate law, which has a history of 30 years, should be reformed according several business houses to ensure that the action is used sensibly by banks in the future. Given that the industrialists should be provided with some relief to recover from the crisis. Several Parliamentarians called on the Central Bank to issue a circular to suspend the Parate law without amending the law which would take time. In fact they argued such circulars in the past where used where the parate law was suspended by the CB for six months to small and medium scale rice millers through a circular.
CBSL Governor
However the CBSL Governor on the 1 st of January showed scant interest to protect the SMEs. He said no one must be allowed to play with the bank deposits. Critics after January 1 st poorly planed interview of the governor said the governor must first learn both banking and central banking. First, banks lend in book entries by creating deposits, not lending out of deposits received. Second, central bank’s responsibility is not the protection of depositors. He is trying to create an unnecessary depositor panic by misleading the public. The Central Bank governor also said Public funds would only be utilised as the last resort to meet the recapitalisation requirements of the banking sector to ensure stability within the financial system. They pointed out that a Bank’s shareholders should be doing that in the first place. It is not the tax payers. That clearly showed the CBSL governor lacked the basic understanding of how banks are financed as the regulator of the banking system. Furthermore they pointed out the Central bank should be a monetary organization and not be a organization working on behalf of banks. If central bank is working for banks, they should get their salaries from banks. Not use the tax money and talk on behalf of banks.
Public Opinion
Tania Abeysundara Head of the SME Organization stated that the CBSL Governor had orchestrated a scenario leading to the country’s declaration of bankruptcy unilaterally , hindering the functioning of businesses. She further accused the Governor of now blaming entrepreneurs for colluding. “There are Rs. 1.2 trillion non-performing loans solely due to the dire situation created by the CBSL Governor pushing interest to record levels.” she accused. The Chairperson remarked that the rise in taxes will only guarantee an escalation of non-performing loans to Rs. 2 trillion in the coming days. “Will these loans not come under the Parate Law? Who will be held responsible?” she asked. She argued that the Parate Law does not safeguard the interests of the people but rather serves to protect the banks. However according to bankers If the Parate Rights are taken away, banks will be extremely selective in lending and the availability of finance will be to a narrowing segment of entrepreneurs, resulting in credit to the private sector shrinking. So it is up to the independent Central Bank to act sensibly and perform their role in the best interest of the country .
January 07, Colombo (LNW): The harvest festival of Pongal, traditionally celebrated by Tamils worldwide, unfolded a week early this year in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province, India’s Karnataka-based Deccan Herald reported.
The region made history by hosting its inaugural Jallikattu, a bull-taming sport, marking a significant departure from its roots in Tamil Nadu.
Eastern Province Governor Senthil Tondaman and the Tourism Bureau orchestrated the event, drawing the participation of over 200 bulls and 100 bull tamers.
Enthusiasts began queuing up at Trincomalee’s Sambur public playground as early as 7 am to witness the spectacle firsthand.
Thondaman inaugurated the event, where a temple bull was the first to charge through the vaadivaasal into the arena, prompting a flurry of young men attempting to tame it.
More than 200 adorned bulls, including those raised by Tondaman’s family, were successively released, with victorious tamers rewarded with household appliances such as mixer grinders, rice cookers, and ceiling fans.
Vaadivaasal, the narrow passage through which bulls enter for taming, facilitated the smooth progression of the event.
Although ethnic and plantation Tamils celebrate Pongal annually, Jallikattu has not traditionally been part of the harvest festival. This marked the first occurrence of the sport in Sri Lanka.
P Mathan, Chairman of the Eastern Province Tourism Bureau, revealed that over 5,000 participants engaged in the historic Jallikattu event.
Experts from Tamil Nadu and members of the Jallikattu Protection Committee collaborated with local organisers, ensuring the event’s successful execution, with the Animal Husbandry department overseeing the bulls’ fitness for participation.
Jallikattu, celebrated with fervor in various Tamil Nadu districts during the Tamil month of Thai (mid-January to mid-February), took on a novel dimension in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province this year.
