October 22, Colombo (LNW): Attorneys representing former SLPP MP Johnston Fernando have informed the Court of Appeal that their client will voluntarily appear before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) tomorrow (23) to provide a statement regarding an unregistered luxury vehicle allegedly linked to him.
The vehicle was discovered parked at a high-end hotel in Colombo, raising questions about its ownership.
The case stems from a petition filed by Fernando, who sought legal intervention to prevent his arrest in connection with the incident.
His legal team made the announcement during a court hearing today, assuring the court of Fernando’s cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
The Court of Appeal, after hearing submissions, scheduled the petition for further consideration on October 25.
The court’s decision will be closely watched as it could impact the next steps in the investigation into the origins of the unregistered luxury vehicle.
October 22, Colombo (LNW): The Cabinet of Ministers has officially designated the development of the Colombo Port’s Eastern Container Terminal (ECT) as a “special project,” a move aimed at accelerating its progress and enhancing its strategic significance.
The proposal, put forward by Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, Vijitha Herath, received unanimous approval.
This declaration marks a critical step in the continued development of the ECT, which forms part of the larger Colombo South Development Project.
Under the original decision made in February 2021, the Eastern Container Terminal was to be developed in phases by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), with full ownership retained by the authority.
Since then, considerable progress has been made.
Speaking at a press conference held earlier today (22), Minister Herath confirmed that the contract for civil works on the terminal had already been awarded and construction was well underway.
This significant infrastructure project is expected to bolster the Colombo Port’s capacity and further strengthen Sri Lanka’s position as a key player in regional and global maritime trade.
In addition to civil works, the procurement of cranes for the terminal has also been finalised, marking another crucial step in equipping the facility with the necessary tools to handle large-scale container operations.
The project is anticipated to boost the efficiency of the port, enabling it to accommodate larger vessels and facilitate increased cargo volumes.
Minister Herath also highlighted the array of tax concessions provided to private terminal operators and service providers involved in the project.
These incentives, offered under the Strategic Development Act and the Board of Investment (BOI) Law, are designed to attract private investment and ensure the project’s financial viability while aligning with national development goals.
This initiative is expected to not only enhance the country’s shipping and logistics infrastructure but also contribute to Sri Lanka’s long-term economic growth by fostering trade and investment opportunities.
October 22, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed Provincial Governors to develop and present a new proposal aimed at streamlining the Provincial Council system, focusing on enhancing its efficiency, a statement by the President’s Media Division (PMD) disclosed.
During a meeting held this morning (22) at the Presidential Secretariat, the President emphasised the importance of rationalising the existing mechanisms to better serve the public.
With the current administration operating under a transitional period, President Dissanayake stressed that Provincial Councils must maximise their efforts to deliver improved public services, particularly in areas that directly impact the well-being of citizens.
He encouraged the Governors to prioritise economic and social programmes that uplift living conditions, as part of a broader commitment to public welfare.
The President’s remarks highlighted his vision for a renewed political culture, underpinned by the trust placed in him by the electorate.
Dissanayake reiterated the need for decisive and responsible governance, urging the Governors to steer clear of mismanagement and the poor practices of the past.
Effective use of state resources, according to the President, is essential in delivering the high-quality services expected by the public.
A key focus of the discussion was addressing current vacancies within the health and education sectors under the Provincial Councils. The shortage of personnel in these critical areas was noted, and strategies for resolving these issues were explored, with a view to enhancing service delivery in both sectors.
The meeting also touched on regional concerns, particularly relating to land management in the Northern and Eastern provinces. The President expressed his intention to find solutions for the allocation of land to farmers in the Kantale area, demonstrating his commitment to addressing rural economic issues.
The session was attended by several prominent Governors, including Nagalingam Vedanayagam (Northern Province), Champa Janaki Rajaratne (Sabaragamuwa Province), Professor Jayantha Lal Ratnasekera (Eastern Province), Kapila Jayasekera (Uva Province), Bandula Harischandra (Southern Province), Professor Sarath Abeykoon (Central Province), and Wasantha Kumara Wimalasiri (North Central Province).
The Governors were reminded of their critical role in shaping the future of the Provincial Council system and contributing to a more dynamic and people-centred governance model.
October 22, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) indicates slight depreciation against the US Dollar today (22) in comparison to yesterday, as per the official exchange rates released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).
Accordingly, the buying price of the US Dollar has increased to Rs. 288.65 from Rs. 288.61, and the selling price to Rs. 297.65 from Rs. 297.53.
October 22, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Agriculture has initiated efforts to recover a significant sum of Rs. 660 million, deposited as a security for a private building in Rajagiriya during a previous government’s tenure.
M.P.N.M. Wickremesinghe, the current Secretary to the Ministry, revealed that legal advice from the Attorney General’s Department is being sought to address this financial irregularity.
The building, which was rented for ministry use under the Good Governance (Yahapalanaya) Government, has been at the centre of controversy due to the handling of the rental deposit.
Speaking to the media, Wickremesinghe confirmed that despite the building having been vacated some years ago, the substantial deposit remains unaccounted for.
The Secretary pointed out that typical procedure requires a bond to be secured from a bank for such transactions, but this crucial step appears to have been overlooked.
The ministry has uncovered various irregularities related to the transaction, Wickremesinghe further disclosed, adding that the building was rented during the tenure of former Agriculture Minister Duminda Dissanayake at a staggering Rs. 21 million per month.
At the time, the arrangement faced public scrutiny, as the building was owned by the husband of well-known film actress Sabitha Perera.
The exorbitant rent raised eyebrows, fuelling allegations of misuse of public funds.
Despite the concerns voiced over the years, it appears that no concrete action was taken by the former administration to retrieve the deposit after the building was returned.
The failure to pursue the return of the funds has now prompted the Ministry of Agriculture to launch an internal investigation into these financial discrepancies.
Wickremesinghe assured the public that the ministry is taking all necessary steps to recover the funds and hold accountable those responsible for the irregularities.
The issue has also drawn the attention of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry, which is currently investigating fraud and corruption in government institutions between January 2015 and December 2018.
The Commission is expected to examine the role of the individuals involved in the questionable lease agreement.
October 22, Colombo (LNW): The Election Commission has confirmed that the distribution of official polling cards for the upcoming 2024 Parliamentary Elections will commence tomorrow (23).
These cards, which play a critical role in ensuring voter participation, are expected to be handed over to the postal service on the 26th of this month, allowing ample time for their delivery ahead of Election Day.
Postal voting, a significant component of the electoral process, is scheduled to begin on the 30th of this month.
This system enables eligible voters, including government employees and other individuals who may be unable to visit polling stations on Election Day, to cast their ballots in advance.
In a related development, the allocation of television and radio airtime for political campaigns is being organised to ensure fairness among all contesting parties and independent groups.
Today (22), a draw was held at the Colombo District Secretariat to determine the broadcast slots. This system aims to provide equal opportunities for all participants, allowing them to communicate their policies and messages to the electorate.
The Election Commission has extended invitations to the secretaries of recognised political parties and the leaders of independent groups who have submitted nominations for the Parliamentary Elections to take part in the event.
October 22, Colombo (LNW): In response to the escalating dengue fever crisis, the Ministry of Health has unveiled an urgent three-day eradication initiative set to commence tomorrow (23).
This comprehensive programme, led by Ministerial Secretary Dr. Palitha Maheepala, aims to combat the growing threat of dengue mosquitoes across several key districts, namely Colombo, Kalutara, Gampaha, and Puttalam.
The initiative will encompass a network of 50 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) offices, where health officials will focus on identifying and eliminating mosquito breeding sites.
This proactive measure is deemed critical, particularly as the nation grapples with a significant surge in dengue cases. Over the past three weeks alone, an staggering number of 1,874 new cases have been documented, highlighting the urgent need for preventive action.
This year has already seen a staggering total of 41,285 dengue cases reported nationwide, according to the National Dengue Control Unit.
The rise in numbers is attributed to various environmental factors, including increased rainfall and stagnant water, which provide ideal breeding conditions for the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the primary vector for the disease.
The Ministry of Health is calling on the public to play a vital role in this initiative by ensuring their surroundings are free from potential mosquito breeding sites.
Simple measures such as regularly emptying containers that collect water, maintaining clean drains, and using mosquito repellent can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
October 22, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s police have taken decisive action ahead of the upcoming Parliamentary Election, removing a staggering 130,000 posters and banners that were illegally displayed in various parts across the country.
This move comes as part of a broader effort to ensure that the election process remains fair and free from violations.
The Police Headquarters confirmed that 18 individuals have been arrested for breaching election laws, with charges ranging from the illegal display of campaign materials to more serious offences such as intimidation and assault.
These arrests underline the authorities’ commitment to maintaining order and upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
In addition to the arrests, the Election Commission has received 401 complaints related to the General Election, further highlighting the widespread concerns surrounding election conduct.
These complaints encompass a range of issues, including potential violations of campaign regulations and concerns about the behaviour of certain candidates and their supporters.
As the election approaches, authorities are intensifying their efforts to clamp down on unlawful activities, with a particular focus on ensuring that campaign materials adhere to legal guidelines.
The removal of posters and banners, which were displayed in violation of these regulations, forms a crucial part of this initiative.
The Police have urged the public to report any further violations of election laws and have promised to take swift action against those who attempt to undermine the democratic process.
October 22, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has firmly denied any connection with recent fraudulent calls requesting additional payments from individuals seeking employment in Israel.
Gamini Senarath Yapa, Additional General Manager of International Affairs at the SLBFE, clarified that those who have already settled the required fees for employment opportunities in Israel are not required to make any further payments.
His statement follows a wave of complaints received by the bureau regarding a caller demanding Rs. 14,700 from job seekers, falsely claiming to be an official representative of the SLBFE.
The fraudulent scheme specifically targeted individuals preparing to work in Israel’s agricultural sector, many of whom had already finalised their financial obligations with the SLBFE.
Yapa confirmed that the message, which asked for a bank transfer of funds, was entirely false and did not originate from any official communication of the bureau. He added that approximately 123 people are set to depart for employment in Israel, and none of them should be making additional payments beyond what has already been settled.
“This individual misrepresented himself as an SLBFE official, asking for money to be transferred into a personal bank account. We want to make it absolutely clear that the bureau does not engage in such practices. The SLBFE operates with complete transparency, and all official financial dealings are handled through proper channels,” Yapa emphasised.
The bureau has urged anyone who receives such fraudulent calls to report the incident immediately through their dedicated hotline, 1989. This hotline is in place to assist the public in verifying any concerns regarding official employment procedures and to prevent job seekers from falling victim to scams.
October 22, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has extended financial assistance of Rs. 5 million to support the national carrom team as they prepare to compete in the Sixth Carrom World Cup, set to take place in San Francisco, USA, from November 10 to 17.
The funds were officially handed over by SLC Treasurer Sujeewa Godaliyadda during a ceremony at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The event saw the participation of Prime Minister and Sports Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who offered her best wishes and encouragement to the Sri Lankan team ahead of their international challenge.
The financial aid highlights SLC’s broader commitment to supporting sports beyond cricket, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of promoting diverse disciplines on the global stage.
The national carrom team, comprising eight players and led by team manager Ranil Abeysinghe, will represent Sri Lanka in the prestigious tournament.
Among the male players are Mohammad Shaheed, Anas Ahmed, Kaveen Nimneth Peiris, and Dinesh Nishantha Fernando. On the women’s side, Joseph Roshitha Vaduge, Hirushi Malshani Peiris, Tarushi Himahansika Weerasekera, and Thasmila Kavindi will showcase their skills.
This year’s World Cup marks a significant milestone for the Sri Lankan team as they aim to bring home accolades in a competition that attracts top carrom talent from around the globe.
With a combination of experience and youthful energy, the team is set to make their mark in San Francisco, backed by the nation’s confidence and the recent financial boost from SLC.
