Colombo (LNW): Minister Harin Fernando is set to assume the role of the new Sports Minister and will be sworn in shortly, sources confirmed.
The Minister has verified the preparedness of the President’s Secretariat for the forthcoming responsibilities.
President Ranil Wickramasinghe has also recently arrived at the Presidential Secretariat.
Presently serving as the Cabinet Minister for Tourism and Lands, Fernando is poised to take on the additional responsibilities as the Sports Minister.
Colombo (LNW): In December, six colonial-era artefacts originating from Sri Lanka will be repatriated from the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam in the Netherlands, according to the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Among the items returning to the island are the Lewke’s cannon, a Golden Kasthane, a Silver Kasthane, a Sinhalese Knife, and two Guns that have been confirmed to belong to Sri Lanka.
After more than 200 years abroad, Dutch Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation Dewi van de Weerd will lead a mission overseeing the handover on behalf of the Netherlands.
The physical return of these artefacts is scheduled for a two-day event at the Colombo National Museum on December 5 and 6, which will be open to the public and include educational activities highlighting the shared history of Sri Lanka and the Netherlands.
“With the restitution the Netherlands aim to strengthen the bilateral ties with Sri Lanka, while also coming to terms with its colonial past. As a part of this, Ambassador Van de Weerd hopes to discuss possibilities for further strengthening the cultural cooperation between the Netherlands and Sri Lanka,” the Embassy said in a statement.
It added: “Governments, museums, universities and advisory committees in both countries are already working together to return more Sri Lankan cultural heritage in the future. Through these initiatives the government of the Netherlands aims to open a new chapter in its relationship with Sri Lanka. A chapter with more focus on justice, reconciliation and equality”.
Colombo (LNW): China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation (SINOPEC) is set to be awarded the contract for establishing a new petroleum refinery and associated product processing centre in Hambantota, announced Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera.
Cabinet approval was granted for the contract with SINOPEC to build the refinery. The $4.5-billion project is part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative and follows previous Chinese investments, including a 99-year lease at Hambantota port and a logistics and storage hub in Colombo port.
“Cabinet approval was granted today to award the contract to China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (SINOPEC) of China, to enter into an agreement to establish a new Petroleum Refinery & Associated Product Processing centre in Hambantota,” the Minister wrote on his official X handle.
SINOPEC, the world’s top refinery and a major petrochemical maker, aims to expand its footprint beyond China through this venture.
The company will initiate the engineering design process after obtaining official approval, potentially targeting markets beyond Sri Lanka and leveraging its partnership with China Merchants Port to expand bunker fuel supply at Hambantota.
The move aligns with Beijing’s broader goal of enhancing global trade infrastructure.
Colombo (LNW): Following the removal of Roshan Ranasinghe from his posts as the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs and the Minister of Irrigation, these scopes will operate under President Ranil Wickremesinghe for a certain period of time, sources indicate.
Sources further informed that Ruling Party MP S.B. Dissanayake is likely to be appointed as the next Minister of Sports.
Earlier, the President issued a letter confirming the removal of Ranasinghe from his post as the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs and the Minister of Irrigation effective immediately, following a serious allegation levelled by the ex Minister in Parliament that the President was attempting to frame him for political retribution.
Speaking in Parliament earlier this (27) morning, Ranasinghe asserted that the President was utilising false information regarding a vehicle to falsely implicate him in unlawful activities.
Expressing concern for his safety, Ranasinghe lamented that his life was ‘at risk’ and that he ‘may be killed,’ thereby holding both the President and his Advisor, Sagala Ratnayake accountable in any such event.
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Colombo (LNW): On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Women’s Centre staged a demonstration in front of the Fort railway station today (27).
The protest aimed to advocate for the establishment of a respectful society that is free from violence and abuse towards women and girls.
Various women’s organisations, including Lakbima Mawuwaru, Diyaniyo Women’s Network, South Lanka Women’s Labour Forum, and others representing districts across the island, actively participated in the event.
Photo Courtesy: Ajith Senevirathne
To view full photos, visit READPHOTOS.
Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) indicates depreciation against the US Dollar today (27) in comparison to last week’s Friday, as per the official exchange rates list issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).
Accordingly, the buying price of the US Dollar has increased to Rs. 323.63 from Rs. 323.55, but the selling price has dropped to Rs. 333.70 from Rs. 333.74.
The Sri Lankan Rupee, meanwhile, also indicates depreciation against several other foreign currencies, including Gulf currencies.
Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe has dismissed Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe from his ministerial and other roles.
The official letter notifying Minister Roshan Ranasinghe of his removal has been dispatched accordingly.
Colombo (LNW): Labour and Foreign Employment Ministe Manusha Nanayakkara expressed the view that political parties formed on ethnic or religious lines with the aim of exploiting racism for narrow political gains should be prohibited.
The Minister alleged that such parties have been using racist tactics for political advantage since the declaration of Sinhala as the official language in 1956. He further highlighted concerns about certain political groups attempting to leverage racism for electoral gains in the upcoming elections next year.
Minister Nanayakkara emphasised the need to eliminate political parties based on ethnic or religious affiliations from the country’s political landscape as a measure to eradicate racism.
In addition, he commented on the situation in the Israel-Palestine conflict, stating that Sri Lanka maintains a neutral stance and works on a Non-Aligned basis. He condemned acts of violence from both sides and expressed the country’s commitment to an unbiased position.
Regarding discussions within Parliament about the recruitment of workers to Israel, the Minister clarified that there is an existing agreement between Sri Lanka and Israel for the employment of workers.
However, he raised concerns about some individuals introducing racial elements into the discourse, which he deemed unnecessary and an attempt to reignite racism.
Minister Nanayakkara underscored the commitment to ensuring the safety of workers and expressed a willingness to send workers to any country, including Palestine, Russia, or Ukraine, provided there is a secure environment.
He condemned the exploitation of racism for political gain, expressing the government’s dedication to eradicating racism despite attempts to obstruct these efforts.
Colombo (LNW): Despite economic contractions, State Minister of Investment Promotion Dilum Amunugama announced that Sri Lanka’s Board of Investment (BOI) has successfully attracted investments totaling US$1.8 billion, with US$1.5 billion being foreign direct investments (FDI).
Participating in a progress review and investor awareness program organised by the Board of Investment, the State Minister disclosed that from January 1, 2023, to November 23, 2023, the value of approved and registered projects had increased to US$1.8 billion.
A notable highlight is the remarkable 122 per cent growth in foreign investment projects compared to the previous year, contrasting with slower progress in domestic investments.
This year, the Board of Investment has greenlit several new projects, particularly in the energy sector, shaping the country’s trajectory in this field.
Notably, high-value investments from major entities like Adani Corporation, Sinopec, and RM Parks (in collaboration with Shell) are expected to significantly impact the country’s energy sector in the future.
The surge in projects is primarily attributed to substantial investments in the energy sector, while other sectors such as tourism, information technology, business process outsourcing (BPO), communication, and manufacturing also witness significant investments.
Minister Amunugama highlighted that countries like China, India, the United States, Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates, France, Korea, Germany, and Singapore are set to join the investment framework in 2023.
Colombo (LNW): Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe has accused President Ranil Wickremesinghe of attempting to frame him for political retribution.
Speaking in Parliament this (27) morning, Minister Ranasinghe asserted that the President was utilising false information regarding a vehicle to falsely implicate him in unlawful activities.
He questioned why the President was seeking political revenge when, as the Sports Minister, his focus was on exposing corruption.
Expressing concern for his safety, Minister Ranasinghe stated, “My life is at risk; I may be killed today or tomorrow. If something were to happen to me, the President and his advisor Sagala Ratnayake should be held responsible.”
Furthermore, Minister Roshan Ranasinghe accused the government of making decisions, particularly regarding the appointment of interim committees, without adequately briefing Cabinet Ministers and in his absence.
These statements were made in response to a prior statement in Parliament by President Ranil Wickremesinghe concerning the crisis in Sri Lanka Cricket.
