January 06, Colombo (LNW): Scheduled for submission to Parliament on January 9, the upcoming Hydrology Bill promises significant advancements in Sri Lanka’s maritime interests and economic gains. Crafted to establish the Hydrological Service, regulate surveys, and develop nautical maps, the bill’s discussion took center stage during a recent meeting at the Justice Ministry.

Presided over by Justice, Prison Affairs, and Constitutional Reforms Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, the session included Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera and Justice Ministry Secretary M.N. Ranasinghe.

Insights emerged, projecting potential annual earnings of approximately $51 million by producing and vending nautical charts to vessels navigating Sri Lankan waters. Notably, a British company, in collaboration with the NARA Institute, presently creates and sells these charts within Sri Lanka’s maritime boundaries, with Sri Lanka receiving only a fraction of the revenue generated.

The proposed bill aims to grant Sri Lanka legal authority to manage its Hydrological Service through the Sri Lanka Navy, establish a National Hydrology Office, and oversee the production of nautical charts, aligning with international economic interests.

Minister Rajapakshe underscored the bill’s significance, emphasizing its potential to substantially increase the country’s revenue stream. Asserting that this legislative move is in the country’s best interests, he affirmed discussions with the Opposition Leader and other Party leaders, asserting that opposition to such bills is unwarranted.

Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera further elucidated the bill’s potential economic advantages, bolstering the Minister’s stance on the need for its swift enactment.

January 06, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka – Egypt Parliamentary Friendship Association (PFA) for the Ninth Parliament convened its inaugural meeting in Parliament, presided over by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana. During the session, Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapakse was nominated by MP Mohamed Muzammil for the role of Secretary, a proposal confirmed by MP Madhura Withanage.

Geetha Kumarasinghe, the State Minister of Women and Child Affairs, assumed the position of President of the Sri Lanka – Egypt PFA.

MP Madhura Withanage, MP Hector Appuhami, and MP Aravinda Kumar were appointed as Vice Presidents of the Friendship Association, while MP Karunadasa Kodithuwakku took on the role of Assistant Secretary. MP Mohomad Muzammil was entrusted with the Treasurer position for the Sri Lanka – Egypt PFA.

Expressing his sentiments, Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapakse highlighted the longstanding ties between Sri Lanka and Egypt, dating back to ancient times. He expressed his satisfaction at assuming this responsibility, marking 66 years since the commencement of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

January 06, Colombo (LNW): State Minister Indika Anuruddha revealed significant advancements in the power sector, announcing that data submitted to the Public Utilities Commission may pave the way for a revision of electricity bills by the first week of February.

During a media briefing at the Presidential Media Center (PMC) themed “Collective Path to a Stable Country,” the state minister outlined plans to procure around 600 megawatts of electricity from renewable sources in 2024.

He highlighted strides made in 2023, emphasizing the revision of the Electricity Act to prioritize consumer service and protection. Efforts toward augmenting renewable energy’s share in power generation were underscored, aiming for 70% electricity from renewable sources, with special focus on solar panel construction in projects below 10 megawatts across locations like Mannar, Pooneryn, and Hambantota.

The state minister stressed the commitment to reducing electricity bills through renewable energy utilization, leveraging hydro, solar, and wind power. Submissions to the Public Utilities Commission aimed at supporting this reduction foresee a potential decrease either by month-end or in early February.

Amid these initiatives, new employee recruitment for the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has been paused. The minister highlighted future performance-based incentives and promotions for employees, ensuring pension and provident fund structures remain unchanged.

January 06, Colombo (LNW): Herath Kumara, the former Deputy Director of Health Services (supplies division), has been arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) today in relation to the importation of substandard Immune Globulin vaccines. He is set to appear before the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court.

This arrest follows investigations into the importation of 22,500 vials of substandard vaccines, allegedly involving financial fraud amounting to Rs. 130 million. The probe, initiated last year, unveiled a scheme where a pharmaceutical company facilitated the import using forged documents, with the purported aid of senior state officials.

Sudath Janaka Fernando, operating under the alias ‘Aruna Deepthi,’ was identified as the owner of the said pharmaceutical company responsible for importing the substandard stock.

Further investigations implicated Chief Executive Officer of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), Dr. Vijith Gunasekera, and Ministry of Health’s Director of Supply, Dr. Kapila Wickramanayake, for allegedly providing forged ministry documents to facilitate the importation.

Previously, former Health Ministry Secretary Janaka Chandragupta was arrested in connection with the case. Additionally, in December 2023, the CID took a statement from former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella regarding the importation that transpired during his tenure.

January 06, Colombo (LNW): In the latest phase of Operation Yukthiya, authorities apprehended 1,133 additional suspects within a 24-hour period ending at 12:30 am on Saturday (06).

Police have confirmed that among those apprehended, 24 individuals are currently undergoing interrogation following detention orders. Investigations into illegal assets have been initiated against 23 of the suspects.

Further, 38 individuals have been redirected to drug rehabilitation centers as part of the operation’s efforts.

Additionally, 86 suspects listed by the Police Narcotics Bureau and Special Bureau were among those arrested, as the operation continues its concerted efforts to address various criminal activities.

January 06, Colombo (LNW): Sunil Handunnetti, former Member of Parliament from Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna and economic expert representing the National Peoples Power (NPP), shared insights on the public’s readiness to endure the current VAT burden until a potential presidential election in August.

In an interview with Neth FM channel, Handunnetti addressed the unprecedented scenario of appointing a successive president through a parliamentary vote for a brief tenure. He highlighted the necessity for constitutional interpretations to manifest as practical implementations aligning with the populace’s readiness to tolerate the VAT burden until August.

Anticipating a potential presidential or general election, Handunnetti emphasized the procedural requisites, citing the need for parliamentary passage with a majority. He pointed out the reluctance of some individuals to relinquish privileges, indicating a reluctance to resign even for political reasons.