September 01, Colombo (LNW): The Election Commission has reported a significant rise in complaints related to the forthcoming Presidential election, with 112 new cases filed in the past month.
This surge brings the total number of complaints to 1,592, spanning from 31 July to 31 August.
The National Centre for Election Complaint Management registered 645 of these cases, whilst District Centres for Election Complaint Management recorded 947 complaints.
The complaints primarily concern breaches of election laws, and notably, eight incidents of violence were reported amongst them.
As the election draws closer, the Election Commission has been vigilant in monitoring and addressing these issues.
The complaints cover a range of infractions, from illegal campaigning tactics to direct violations of electoral regulations.
The incidents of violence, although relatively few, have heightened concerns about the fairness and safety of the electoral process.
The Commission has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a transparent and orderly election, promising to investigate each complaint thoroughly.
The increase in reported cases highlights the need for stringent oversight and enforcement of election laws to maintain public confidence in the democratic process.
The Election Commission is expected to take further measures to prevent the recurrence of such violations and to ensure that the upcoming election proceeds without disruption.
The public and political stakeholders alike are urged to adhere to the legal frameworks in place, with the Commission warning of serious consequences for those found guilty of electoral misconduct.
September 01, Colombo (LNW): SLPP Presidential candidate Namal Rajapaksa announced that he would temporarily suspend all political activities in Jaffna until the conclusion of the Nallur Ther (chariot) festival.
Rajapaksa explained that this decision stems from a deep respect for the cultural and religious significance of the festival and the Nallur Temple.
In his statement, Rajapaksa emphasised the importance of honouring and preserving the traditions of the region, particularly during such a sacred period.
“I have chosen to step back from political engagements in Jaffna during the Nallur Ther festival as a mark of respect for the community’s cultural heritage. It is crucial that we recognise and uphold these customs, allowing the festival to proceed without disruption,” Rajapaksa remarked.
The Nallur Ther festival, one of the most revered Hindu celebrations in the Northern Province, draws thousands of devotees each year.
September 01, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced plans to introduce new legislation that will allow individuals to choose between burial and cremation based on their personal preferences and religious beliefs.
Speaking at the “Puluwan Sri Lanka” victory rally in Kattankudy, the President addressed the challenges faced by the Muslim community during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly the government-enforced mandatory cremation policy.
During his address, President Wickremesinghe expressed deep regret for the anguish caused to Muslim families who were unable to bury their deceased in accordance with Islamic practices.
He acknowledged the emotional toll this policy took on the community and assured that steps would be taken to prevent such situations in the future.
To address these concerns, the President revealed that a special committee would be established to investigate those responsible for the mandatory cremation policy.
Additionally, he promised that compensation would be provided to the families affected by the enforced cremations, as a gesture of reconciliation and to acknowledge their suffering.
The proposed legislation is expected to uphold the rights of all individuals to perform last rites according to their religious beliefs, marking a significant step towards greater inclusivity and respect for cultural diversity in the country.
September 01, Colombo (LNW): Starting from midnight (31), fuel prices across Sri Lanka will be lowered, offering some relief to motorists and the general public, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO) announced.
Accordingly, the price of Petrol 92 will see a reduction of Rs 12 per litre, while Petrol 95 will drop by Rs 2 per litre.
Diesel prices will be reduced by Rs 10 per litre, and Super Diesel will decrease by Rs 3 per litre.
September 01, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts, and fairly heavy showers about 75 mm are likely at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (01).
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Eastern and Uva provinces during the evening or night. Showers may occur over the southern coastal areas during the morning too.
Strong winds about (40-50) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Hambantota and Trincomalee districts.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
The sun is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka during 28th of August to 06th of September due to its apparent southward relative motion. The nearest places of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (01) are Habarana, Higurakgoda, Ipalogama and Thabbowa about 12.10 noon.
Marine Weather:
The Depression located over the West-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify further and move to west-northwestwards during next few hours. Thereafter, it is likely to cross North Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha coasts around morning 01st September 2024. Very strong winds (70-80) kmph accompanied with heavy rainfalls and very rough seas are likely over above sea areas. Naval and fishing communities in the above sea areas are requested to be attentive to future forecasts issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regard.
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Matara via Colombo and Galle. Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the other sea areas around the island during the afternoon or night.
Winds:
Winds will be south-westerly in direction and wind speed will be (30-40) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to (55-60) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Trincomalee to Chilaw via Mullaittivu, Kankasanthurai, Mannar and Puttalam and from Hambantota to Pottuvil. Wind speed can increase up to 50 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Chilaw to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coasts extending Trincomalee to Chilaw via Mullaittivu, Kankasanthurai, Mannar and Puttalam and from Hambantota to Pottuvil will be rough at times. The sea areas off the coasts extending from Chilaw to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle may be fairly rough at times. The wave height (about 2.0–2.5 m) (this is not for land area) may increase in the sea areas off the coast extending from Mannar to Galle via Colombo. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
August 31, Colombo (LNW): The 79th Independence Day anniversary of Vietnam was celebrated in Colombo on Thursday (29). Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda served as the Chief Guest, while the event was organized by Vietnam’s Ambassador, Trinh Thi Tam.
Among those present were Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, Secretary General of the Sri Lanka-Vietnam Solidarity Association Sudasinghe Sugathapala, Chief Librarian of Colombo Public Library Waruni Gagabadaarachchi, diplomats, religious leaders, members of the Vietnamese community, and officials and families of the Embassy.
August 31, Colombo (LNW): Executive Director of the Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE), Manas Makeem, stated that his organization has deployed 26 District Coordinators—one in each district, with two in Ampara—and 160 Long Term Observers. He added that CaFFE plans to deploy 3,500 observers on election day.
Makeem reported that up to midnight on August 29, CaFFE had received 393 election-related complaints. Despite this, he expressed optimism that the September 21 poll would be peaceful, free, and fair. He also noted that CaFFE is closely monitoring areas identified by District Coordinators as having a higher risk of election-related violence.
August 31, Colombo (LNW): Paddy Marketing Board Chairman, Buddhika Iddamalgoda, announced plans to open 100 paddy storage facilities to support the purchasing of paddy during the Yala Season. Currently, 32 paddy warehouses have been opened in districts where harvesting has been completed. The Chairman also indicated that the Board anticipates increased sales of Samba and Keeri Samba varieties from farmers this season.
In June, Agriculture and Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera submitted a Cabinet paper requesting Rs. 2 billion for paddy purchasing during the Yala Season. As an initial phase, the Cabinet, chaired by the President, approved the release of Rs. 500 million on August 26. Consequently, the Paddy Marketing Board began its purchasing activities on August 27.
Chairman Iddamalgoda noted that while the current market price for Keeri Samba rice has fallen to approximately Rs. 105-110, the government is offering to purchase stocks at the maximum controlled price of Rs. 130. However, he also mentioned that Nadu rice is fetching a higher market price, with private sector buyers purchasing it at Rs. 120. Given this, he expressed doubts that farmers would opt to sell their stocks to the Paddy Marketing Board at the government-controlled price.
August 31, Colombo (LNW): Health and Industries Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana has assured the public that no substandard medicines are present within the state hospital system. Speaking at a media briefing at the Ministry of Health’s auditorium yesterday (30), he emphasized that the government does not permit the import of substandard drugs and that patients can use the medicines provided by state hospitals without fear.
The minister clarified that there are no emergency purchases of medicines by the Ministry of Health and no substandard drugs are acquired through the procurement process. He stated that only drugs registered in Sri Lanka are imported, addressing recent concerns that have emerged due to two primary reasons.
One reason is an agreement between the Sri Lankan and Indian governments, under which high-quality medicines are provided to the Indian public and neighboring countries through state-owned enterprises of India under the “Janaushadhi Drug Programme.” The Sri Lankan government, at the request of India, submitted a cabinet paper to allow the import of these medicines at a fair price, provided they are registered in Sri Lanka. Although this cabinet paper has been approved, no memorandum of understanding has yet been signed.
Minister Pathirana also highlighted that any medicines imported under this agreement would only be permitted after registration with the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA). He further noted a shortage of 37 essential medicines over the past year, with 21 of these having registered manufacturers who, at times, either do not participate in the supply process or demand extremely high prices. Sixteen other medicines remain unregistered in Sri Lanka.
To address the shortage, the Secretary of Health has been authorized to adopt a more regulated direct procurement process, which will require another cabinet paper. Despite some media reports suggesting otherwise, this cabinet paper has yet to be submitted or approved. The proposed process would allow for the direct purchase of medicines from the original manufacturers worldwide, particularly when registered suppliers are unavailable or charge exorbitant prices.
Minister Pathirana assured that any such imports would be fast-tracked for registration if they are already recognized in reputable countries and approved by the World Health Organization (WHO). He emphasized that under his leadership, there is no intention of engaging in illegal, irregular, or unorthodox activities.
