August 19, Colombo (LNW): Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana addressed concerns over the proposed public sector salary increase, clarifying key points during a special media briefing on 18 August.

He emphasised that all public employees will receive an additional Rs. 25,000 monthly allowance for three years, alongside significant base salary adjustments.

Dr. Gunawardhana explained that the salary increments are part of an International Monetary Fund (IMF) mandate and will remain consistent, regardless of which Government is in power.

Media reports have focused narrowly on the allowance increase, overlooking the broader salary adjustment, he noted. Public sector employees will see a minimum monthly income of Rs. 55,000 or more from January 2025.

The Minister underscored that the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility agreement is binding on future administrations and essential for budgetary support until 2027.

Failure to comply with these financial provisions could result in delayed payments of salaries, pensions, and other entitlements. He urged the importance of adhering to the new fiscal management laws to prevent repeating past economic failures.

The Minister highlighted the crucial laws now shaping Sri Lanka’s economic future, including the Central Bank Act, Public Debt Management Act, Fiscal Responsibility Act, Economic Transformation Act, and Anti-Corruption Act.

These laws are designed to stabilise the economy by restricting money printing, regulating debt, and enforcing responsible fiscal management.

Dr. Gunawardhana called on all political leaders to engage in discussions about the economic framework that will guide the nation’s future.

He emphasised that cooperation across political divides is vital to achieving long-term prosperity and avoiding past economic pitfalls.

August 19, Colombo (LNW): The Indian and Sri Lankan armies have incorporated highly trained canines into their ongoing Mitra Shakti bilateral exercise, currently taking place at the Army Training School in Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka.

The 10th edition of this joint military drill, running from August 12 to 25, aims to bolster counter-insurgency capabilities and foster deeper military cooperation between the two nations.

India has fielded Zac, a two-and-a-half-year-old Belgian Malinois known for his advanced tactical skills, while Sri Lanka has deployed two specially trained dogs.

Zac is proficient in operations such as cordon-and-search, search-and-destroy missions, urban combat, and jungle reconnaissance.

Additionally, his specialised training includes laser-guided assaults and weapon retrieval, making him a critical asset during tactical operations.

Zac was trained at the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) Centre and College in Meerut, where he developed into an “assault K9” capable of handling high-risk scenarios.

According to Major Rishi Sharma, the K9 Detachment Commander, Zac plays a pivotal role as both a force multiplier and first responder.

During the exercise, Zac will be engaged in a variety of tasks, ranging from house interventions to jungle searches, demonstrating his capability in counter-insurgency operations.

Notably, in a recent scenario, Zac successfully apprehended an assailant attempting to flee a roadblock.

Modern military dogs like Zac are routinely utilised in urban operations for vehicle inspections, explosive detection, and search-and-assault missions.

Equipped with head-mounted tactical cameras, these dogs can provide real-time surveillance and execute stealth attacks, enhancing the effectiveness of the operations.

The Indian contingent, comprising 106 personnel from the Rajputana Rifles and other units, joins forces with the Sri Lankan Gajaba Regiment in this exercise.

According to the Indian Army, the joint training focuses on semi-urban environments and covers drills such as counter-terrorism responses, intelligence gathering, and securing key locations like helipads.

The broader aim of Exercise Mitra Shakti is to enhance inter-operability and strengthen joint operational readiness.

Both sides view this collaboration as an opportunity to exchange best practices and foster camaraderie, with a focus on improving tactics and techniques under United Nations Chapter VII mandates for peacekeeping.

August 19, Colombo (LNW): Commissioner of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake has strongly urged political parties and the public to refrain from using the national flag for election-related activities, warning that such actions constitute disrespect towards a national symbol.

Speaking at a forum in Colombo, Ratnayake highlighted the growing trend of misusing the flag in political campaigns and warned that legal measures would be taken against offenders.

He expressed concern that the national flag, along with the national anthem, risks becoming tools of political propaganda, compromising their symbolic value.

Ratnayake also pointed out the inappropriate display of the national flag during events like cricket matches, where it is often wrapped around bodies or held by individuals consuming alcohol, actions he described as disrespectful.

In a related remark, Executive Director of the People’s Action for Free and Fair Election (PAFFREL), Rohana Hettiarachchi, stressed the need for a respectful approach towards both the national flag and the Buddhist flag during elections.

He reminded political entities that national ethics, the Constitution, and election laws must be upheld, urging an end to the misuse of these symbols in political propaganda.

August 19, Colombo (LNW): The Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) has formally announced its backing for President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the upcoming presidential election, citing his achievements over the past two years and his commitment to improving the lives of the upcountry community.

The decision was made public during a press conference held at the party headquarters in Hatton yesterday (18).

CWC General Secretary and Minister of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development, Jeevan Thondaman, praised President Wickremesinghe’s leadership in guiding the nation out of bankruptcy and implementing crucial initiatives focused on the livelihood, education, and healthcare of the upcountry people.

Thondaman highlighted that the President’s attention to the ongoing wage issues within the plantation sector has been particularly appreciated by the community.

The CWC President, Senthil Thondaman, further elaborated that a democratic discussion within the party had led to the majority’s decision to support President Wickremesinghe.

The party’s leadership emphasised that this choice is not just an endorsement but part of a broader collaboration, with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) set to be signed to formalise their partnership.

The MoU is expected to outline key demands from the upcountry community, focusing on long-term benefits.

Parliamentarian M. Rameshwaran echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the President’s efforts in addressing plantation workers’ wage disputes and expressing optimism about future development projects in the hill regions under Wickremesinghe’s governance.

The CWC’s alignment with the President is seen as a strategic move, potentially consolidating a significant voter base in the highlands, where the party holds considerable influence.

The CWC’s decision underscores the evolving political landscape as various factions weigh their options in the lead-up to the presidential election.

August 19, Colombo (LNW): The final Randoli Maha Perahera of the Esala Perahera festival in Kandy is set to take place today (19), marking the climax of one of Sri Lanka’s most revered cultural and religious events.

The following morning, the traditional water-cutting ceremony will be held at Getambe, symbolically bringing the festivities to a close.

The Esala Perahera will formally conclude with the noon parade on August 20.

Following the grand procession, the Diyawadana Nilame, accompanied by the Nilames of the Sathara Maha Devalayas and other rural devalayas, will lead a ceremonial procession to the President’s House.

There, they will present the Perahera Sandeshaya, a formal letter announcing the successful completion of the annual event, to the President.

The 2024 Esala Perahera began with the ‘Kap Situweema’ ceremony on August 5, marking the start of this centuries-old tradition at the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy.

The festival proceeded with five internal peraheras at the Devalayas before the first Kumbal Perahera took to the streets on August 10.

The Randoli Perahera, the most elaborate segment of the procession, commenced on August 15, drawing large crowds and international attention.

The Esala Perahera’s rich blend of spirituality, tradition, and pageantry remains a key cultural highlight in Sri Lanka, attracting thousands of devotees and tourists each year.

The concluding rituals and ceremonial presentations reaffirm the event’s deep cultural significance, preserving a legacy that spans generations.

August 19, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscored the need for enhanced regional cooperation and economic integration spanning from Japan to India, with particular emphasis on strengthening ties with India.

Addressing the Head of State Session at the Third Voice of Global South Summit, themed “An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future,” he highlighted Sri Lanka’s strategic focus on expanding partnerships within Asia.

Speaking virtually from the President’s House in Anuradhapura, Wickremesinghe drew attention to the growing importance of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) as the region emerges as an economic powerhouse.

He noted that Sri Lanka, as a key member, is committed to closer economic engagement with India and is actively pursuing regional cooperation agreements that extend across Asia.

The summit, chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, brought together global leaders to discuss challenges and opportunities for the Global South.

President Wickremesinghe commended India’s leadership in empowering developing nations, highlighting the diminishing influence of the West in global leadership and the importance of platforms like the Voice of the Global South Summit for shaping collective responses to pressing issues.

Reflecting on Indo-Sri Lankan relations, the President pointed to the shared vision statement between the two countries, which builds on their historical ties and sets the stage for future collaboration.

He expressed optimism that this strengthened partnership will drive greater integration between Sri Lanka and India in various sectors.

Wickremesinghe also conveyed his gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and the Indian people for their decisive support during Sri Lanka’s recent economic crisis.

He acknowledged that India’s timely assistance was instrumental in helping Sri Lanka overcome its economic challenges and chart a path towards recovery.

August 19, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan health authorities have heightened surveillance following the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) declaration of monkeypox as a public health emergency of international concern.

Despite the global rise in cases, local health officials report no significant surge within the country, maintaining that the immediate threat remains low due to existing preventive measures.

Additional precautionary measures are under consideration, according to Health Ministry sources. These include intensified monitoring at entry points like airports and seaports, given that most cases have been linked to international travel from regions with higher infection rates.

Monkeypox, primarily a self-limiting illness, typically presents symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, lasting between two to four weeks. Transmission occurs through direct contact with body fluids, lesions, or contaminated materials like clothing and bedding used by an infected person.

However, the outbreak has also fuelled stigma, particularly against the LGBTQIA+ community. The prevalence of cases among men who have sex with men (MSM) has led to misconceptions, with some incorrectly viewing the disease as exclusive to this group.

This narrative risks further marginalising the LGBTQIA+ community, overshadowing the broader public health approach needed to combat monkeypox.

Public health experts emphasise that the disease’s transmission is based on close contact, not sexual orientation, urging against discrimination and promoting accurate information to prevent unnecessary stigma.

August 19, Colombo (LNW): Opposition Leader and presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa has reaffirmed his commitment to revealing the truth behind the Easter Sunday terror attacks, addressing the long-standing concerns of Sri Lanka’s Catholic community.

During a visit to the residence of His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith in Colombo, Premadasa sought blessings from the Archbishop and Assistant Bishops while outlining his pledge for justice.

Premadasa, who met with the religious leaders as part of his presidential campaign, emphasised that his strategy for uncovering the truth has already been presented in Parliament.

He highlighted the growing public demand, especially within the Catholic community, for transparent investigations and full disclosure of the facts surrounding the tragic event.

The Opposition Leader assured Cardinal Ranjith and the Bishops that he is determined to pursue justice without bias.

Premadasa outlined a comprehensive plan to identify and hold accountable all those responsible, promising to deliver the maximum punishment for those involved.

His’s remarks signal his intent to prioritise this issue should he be elected, as he continues to garner support from key religious and community leaders across the country.

August 19, Colombo (LNW): A delegation of election observers from the European Union (EU) and the Commonwealth has arrived in Sri Lanka to monitor the upcoming presidential election scheduled for 21 September.

The mission, invited by the Election Commission of Sri Lanka, underscores international support for transparent and credible elections amid the country’s ongoing political and economic recovery.

This marks the EU’s seventh election monitoring mission in Sri Lanka, with their last observation during the 2019 presidential election.

The head of the observer group emphasised the importance of this election in reinforcing democracy following the political crisis in 2022.

The observers see the election as a pivotal moment in Sri Lanka’s path towards reforms and stability.

The EU’s mission comprises a core team, including a Deputy Chief Observer and nine experts who have already arrived in Colombo.

They will be joined by 26 long-term observers stationed nationwide, with an additional 32 short-term observers deployed during election week to ensure comprehensive coverage.

This election, where over 17 million registered voters will participate, will decide the country’s next executive president.

Among the main contenders are incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and the NPP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, as Sri Lanka prepares for a pivotal moment in its political landscape.

August 19, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (19).

Fairly heavy showers above 75 mm are likely at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places elsewhere over the island during the evening or night.

Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Hambantota district.

General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Marine Weather: