By: Isuru Parakrama

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.

By: Isuru Parakrama

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.

By: Isuru Parakrama

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.

By: Isuru Parakrama

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.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 22, Colombo (LNW): Concerns have arisen regarding the transparency surrounding the dissemination of sensitive reports related to the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, according to attorney-at-law Manoj Nanayakkara.

Addressing the issue, Nanayakkara emphasised that these documents are not ordinary reports but involve crucial information concerning the lives of the victims affected by the tragedy.

“The integrity of the committee responsible for investigating the Easter Sunday attacks is now being questioned,” Nanayakkara stated, suggesting that the process by which these reports reached figures like Udaya Gammanpila was highly dubious.

Nanayakkara stressed that the pursuit of truth has always been the central aim, dismissing any exploitation of the victims’ suffering. However, he asserted that certain factions are deliberately obstructing the investigation to prevent the truth from emerging.

He went on to highlight that two significant groups appear to be resisting the full uncovering of facts: those directly responsible for orchestrating the attacks and individuals who have gained personal advantages or privileges in the aftermath.

Nanayakkara added, “This government was elected on the promise of exposing the truth behind the Easter Sunday attacks, and we have no intention of allowing this matter to be reduced to an empty policy statement by future governments.”

The debate surrounding the appointment of Shani Abeysekara also featured prominently in Nanayakkara’s remarks. Some have questioned whether Abeysekara’s reappointment was politically motivated.

However, Nanayakkara firmly defended Abeysekara’s credentials, stating, “Shani has never been involved in political activities during his time in office. He is an exceptional officer who has uncovered numerous serious crimes in this country. His imprisonment for ten months, a result of political vendettas, was unjust. His expertise in crime prevention is undeniable, and using his skills should not be questioned.”

Nanayakkara also expressed disappointment with the police administration’s handling of the situation, particularly the performance of Senior Deputy Inspector General Deshabandu Tennakoon.

“When we met with the Inspector General of Police (IGP), we inquired whether Tennakoon’s achievements were as significant as claimed. However, no clear response was provided. We believe that Tennakoon has left the police administration in disarray,” Nanayakkara concluded.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 22, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has firmly dismissed media claims suggesting that Sri Lanka refrained from backing a joint statement in support of the United Nations Secretary General, following Israel’s decision to designate him “persona non grata.”

In an official statement released on Monday (21), the Ministry clarified that it had formally expressed its intent to be a signatory to the letter supporting the Secretary General.

This was communicated via a Note Verbale, dated October 11, 2024, to the Permanent Mission of Chile in New York, which coordinated the joint letter.

The Ministry reiterated Sri Lanka’s consistent advocacy for the Palestinian cause, emphasising the nation’s long-standing solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Sri Lanka has frequently raised concerns about the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza and has consistently backed calls for an immediate ceasefire in international forums.

The statement also underscored the country’s continued support for vital humanitarian efforts in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, particularly through its contributions to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

Furthermore, Sri Lanka condemned a recent attack on UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura, South Lebanon, where two Sri Lankan peacekeepers were injured, stressing the importance of safeguarding UN personnel and facilities.

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, addressing the diplomatic corps in Colombo on October 14, highlighted the global responsibility to ensure the security of UN staff and the inviolability of UN premises.

He emphasised Sri Lanka’s role as the Chair of the UN Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices, established in 1968, which monitors human rights issues concerning Palestinians and other Arab populations in the Occupied Territories.

In light of these commitments, Sri Lanka confirmed its full support for the joint letter, defending both the UN Secretary General and the broader UN mandate in the face of recent criticisms.

October 22, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Department of Immigration and Emigration has begun issuing its new ‘P’ series passports, which come with advanced security features and a sleek, updated design.

This marks the replacement of the older ‘N’ series passports, as the stocks of the maroon-coloured travel documents have nearly been depleted.

As of today, approximately 1,100 machine-readable passports were issued under the department’s one-day service. The new ‘P’ series passport, now in a navy blue cover, will be available for those applying through this expedited service.

One of the significant changes in the new passports is the reduction in pages, with the new model containing 48 pages compared to the previous 64. This sleeker design is paired with cutting-edge security features, ensuring greater protection for travellers.

Despite the adjustments, the new documents remain fully compliant with international standards for machine-readable passports.

The production and supply of these new passports are being managed by Thales DIS Finland Oy, a trusted Finnish provider of passports, ID cards, and other official documents.

The Finnish company won the tender to supply 750,000 machine-readable passports to Sri Lanka after the original plan to purchase five million e-passports was temporarily halted by a Court of Appeal ruling, which is expected to be addressed by November 06.

According to Public Security Minister Vijitha Herath, the first batch of 47,500 ‘P’ series passports was scheduled for arrival between 15 and 20 October, whilst a second consignment of 100,000 will follow by the end of November.

The final remaining stock of the older ‘N’ series passports, around 1,200 in total, will be distributed to applicants who had previously requested passports under the regular service, which costs Rs. 10,000.