September 26, Colombo (LNW): Former State Minister Dilum Amunugama has officially aligned himself with the Mawbima Janatha Party (MJP), a political entity led by prominent Sri Lankan entrepreneur Dilith Jayaweera.
The move marks a departure from Amunugama’s previous association with the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), where he had held a key role in the government.
Amunugama, who previously served as the State Minister of Investment Promotion under the administration of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, has now taken on the position of national organiser within the MJP.
His decision to join the party comes as the MJP seeks to expand its influence in the evolving political landscape of Sri Lanka.
As reports have indicated, Amunugama’s shift away from the SLPP follows his growing alignment with the leadership of Ranil Wickremesinghe, for whom he voiced support in the most recent presidential election.
September 26, Colombo (LNW): Former Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Shani Abeysekara, has made startling claims regarding the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks and the subsequent inquiry.
Speaking at the launch of a book by senior journalist Sunanda Deshapriya, Abeysekara provided alarming insights into how military intelligence allegedly obstructed and misled the CID during critical stages of the investigation, and suggested potential financial links between intelligence agencies and the attackers.
In his speech, Abeysekara asserted that the Easter attacks, which resulted in the deaths of over 270 people on 21 April 2019, were part of a deliberate conspiracy rather than an isolated event.
He cited two instances where military intelligence had allegedly provided false leads, severely hampering the investigation.
The first case involved a bomber who died in a suicide attack in Dehiwela. Abeysekara suggested that this individual had ties to military intelligence, which were later deliberately concealed to protect those involved.
The second example related to the 2018 murders in Vavunathivu. Military intelligence falsely attributed the murders to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), even going so far as to plant evidence, including a military jacket, to support this narrative, According to Abeysekara.
It was only after the CID apprehended a suspect on 25 April 2019, in possession of weapons linked to the murders, that the connection to Zaharan Hashim’s group – responsible for the Easter attacks – was uncovered.
Abeysekara went on to reveal that a senior military intelligence officer had testified before the Presidential Commission investigating the attacks, admitting that a Sri Lankan intelligence agency had financially supported the group behind the bombings prior to the events of Easter Sunday.
He stressed the importance of investigating these financial ties, which remain a significant concern.
He further accused the head of military intelligence of insisting, on multiple occasions, that the Vavunathivu murders were the work of the LTTE, raising serious questions about the motivation behind these misleading claims.
Abeysekara also questioned why both the CID and former President Maithripala Sirisena were kept in the dark about key aspects of the investigation.
Criticism was also levelled at the Rajapaksa administration. Abeysekara claimed that soon after Gotabaya Rajapaksa assumed the presidency, he was removed from the investigation, even before the appointment of a Prime Minister.
He suggested that this was part of a broader effort to obstruct the inquiry.
Expressing his hopes for the future, Abeysekara voiced confidence that the newly elected government, led by the National People’s Power (NPP), would prioritise a thorough investigation into the events surrounding the Easter attacks.
“That is why I supported the NPP,” he said, emphasising his commitment to transparency and accountability, despite having no previous involvement in politics.
September 26, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s tourism sector experienced a notable surge in employment in 2023, with overall employment, including indirect jobs, rising by 11.24% compared to the previous year.
Provisional data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) revealed that the total number of employees in the sector reached 429,641, a reflection of the ongoing recovery and growth within the industry.
Direct employment in the tourism sector also saw significant growth, increasing by 7.3% year-on-year to an all-time high of 204,591 employees. Hotels and restaurants played a crucial role in this expansion, accounting for 80.9% of direct employment, underscoring the vital role of hospitality services in the country’s tourism sector.
Travel agents and tour operators contributed 7.4% to employment figures, while the airline industry made up 4.2%. Tourist guides represented 3.6%, and the public sector employed 1.1% of the workforce in tourism-related activities.
These statistics are based on a comprehensive survey conducted by the SLTDA, covering 6,569 tourism establishments across the country.
The findings highlight the dominance of the hospitality sector in job creation, while other vital segments such as travel agencies, airlines, and tour guides represent smaller portions of the workforce.
The reliance on hospitality reflects the industry’s broader structure, where hotels and restaurants serve as the primary employment hubs.
The report also noted that the annual room occupancy rate in graded accommodation facilities rose to 39% in 2023, an improvement from the 30.4% recorded in 2022.
However, this figure remains below pre-pandemic levels, where room occupancy rates averaged in the mid-70s. At the same time, the number of graded rooms increased slightly to 26,422, compared to 25,597 the previous year, indicating a modest growth in accommodation capacity.
Despite the positive employment figures, there were challenges within the tourism sector. The average length of stay for tourists declined slightly, from nine nights in 2022 to 8.4 nights in 2023.
Additionally, the average daily receipt per tourist remained stagnant at US$164.4, still below the pre-pandemic average of US$181.2 recorded in 2019.
Indirect employment within the tourism sector, driven by ancillary industries such as handicrafts, gems, and jewellery, witnessed a 14.98% increase, reaching 225,050 in 2023. This marks a near recovery to pre-pandemic levels, as indirect employment had reached 229,015 in 2019.
These figures demonstrate the broader economic impact of tourism on related industries and highlight the sector’s ability to drive job creation beyond traditional hospitality services.
September 26, Colombo (LNW): The Eagles’ Golf Links and Courses are set to host the highly anticipated third edition of the Eagles’ Monsoon Cup Golf Tournament 2024.
Scheduled to take place from 28 to 29 September 2024, the tournament will be held amidst the picturesque surroundings of China Bay, in close proximity to the historic harbour city of Trincomalee.
Over 60 golfers from across the country will compete for the coveted Eagles’ Monsoon Cup, with participants also vying for the Eagles’ Monsoon Defence Challenge Trophy, which will be awarded to the most outstanding serving player from the Tri-Forces.
The tournament will culminate with the awards ceremony on 29 September 2024, where the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, will graced the event as the Chief Guest. This year’s tournament is proudly sponsored by Huawei.
September 26, Colombo (LNW): Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath called upon Saudi Arabia to play a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s development by investing in critical sectors such as tourism, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure.
Addressing his first gathering on Tuesday (24) after being appointed as the Foreign Affairs Minister, to commemorate Saudi Arabia’s National Day, Herath emphasised the importance of strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
Herath outlined several strategic investment opportunities in Sri Lanka, particularly highlighting the Dedicated Pharmaceutical Zone in Hambantota, the Fabric Park in Batticaloa, and IT Parks.
He also encouraged Saudi investment in the tourism sector and major infrastructure projects, including the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port.
These areas, according to Herath, represent significant potential for bilateral cooperation and economic growth.
Expressing gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s ongoing support, particularly at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the minister highlighted the crucial role Saudi Arabia has played in Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring efforts.
“Saudi Arabia has consistently extended its hand to Sri Lanka, especially during challenging times,” Herath remarked.
He further acknowledged the significant contributions of the Saudi Fund for Development, which has funded numerous projects in Sri Lanka since 1981, including key developments in water, energy, health, and education sectors.
Notably, Herath praised the Saudi-funded Peradeniya-Badulla-Chenkaladi Road Project, the Wayamba University Township Development Project, and the Left Bank Development Project in Kalu Ganga, among others.
These initiatives, he said, have had a meaningful impact on improving the quality of life for many Sri Lankans, underscoring the depth of cooperation between the two nations.
The minister also expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s role in providing employment opportunities to a significant number of Sri Lankan workers.
Presently, around 200,000 Sri Lankan migrant workers are employed in Saudi Arabia, contributing to both economies.
Recently, the two countries signed an Agreement on Skill Verification, aimed at facilitating greater opportunities for skilled and semi-skilled workers from Sri Lanka to find employment in the Kingdom.
As part of efforts to further boost tourism, Herath announced that Sri Lanka would be offering visa-free access to citizens from 35 countries, including Saudi Arabia, starting from 1 October 2024.
The visa-free stay will be valid for six months for tourism purposes, providing an additional incentive for Saudi nationals to explore Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
“I warmly invite our Saudi friends to visit Sri Lanka and experience the unique charm of our country, from its ancient history to its stunning landscapes,” Herath concluded, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with Saudi Arabia.
September 26, Colombo (LNW): India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, has asserted that India does not seek to control the political decisions of its neighbouring countries, nor does it expect their internal dynamics to align with its own preferences.
Instead, India is confident that the region’s fundamental interdependence will ensure that its relationships with neighbours like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh remain constructive.
Speaking at a discussion in New York hosted by the Asia Society, Jaishankar addressed concerns raised following political changes in both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
The recent electoral victory of Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Sri Lanka and political turmoil in Bangladesh have prompted questions regarding India’s regional influence and its approach to neighbours experiencing regime changes.
While some observers speculated that India’s role in the region may be diminishing, Jaishankar reiterated India’s stance of economic regionalism, which focuses on mutual benefit rather than political dominance.
“It is not our intention to impose political conditionality or to suggest that our neighbours’ political choices must align with our own interests,” he remarked.
Jaishankar also underlined that India’s engagement with Sri Lanka, particularly during its economic crisis, was driven by goodwill and concern for regional stability rather than political leverage.
Hr emphasised that while Colombo’s approach may shift, India remains open to collaboration. The minister highlighted India’s timely intervention in stabilising Sri Lanka’s economy when others hesitated, pointing out that this assistance was provided without political strings attached.
In contrast, Jaishankar acknowledged that Bangladesh’s political scenario presents a different set of concerns. Widespread protests and political upheaval against Sheikh Hasina’s government have introduced instability, with growing fears of radicalisation and religious intolerance.
India has traditionally supported Hasina’s Awami League, and her downfall has raised questions about India’s future relations with the new administration in Dhaka.
Jaishankar met Bangladesh’s interim foreign advisor, Touhid Hossain, as both countries navigate this changing landscape.
India remains particularly concerned about the security implications for its northeastern states, given the rise of Islamist factions in Bangladesh’s new government.
However, Jaishankar expressed optimism about the future, noting that despite shifts in leadership, the realities of interdependence between India and its neighbours would prevail.
He urged against a deterministic view of regional politics, assuring that India’s relationships with both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh would continue to be shaped by mutual benefit and shared regional interests.
Reflecting on India’s broader foreign policy approach, Jaishankar concluded, “We have seen ups and downs, but the fundamentals of cooperation and common goals always reassert themselves. Our region’s history shows that, even in moments of tension, the corrective mechanisms come into play, ensuring stability.”
September 26, Colombo (LNW): The Election has sought the Treasury to receive Rs. 11 billion for the conduction of the 2024 General Election.
The requirement follows President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent decision to dissolve Parliament, prompting the holding of an election on November 14.
The aforementioned amount is needed to cover the expenditure related to the holding of the General Election, according to Commission Chief R.MA.L. Ratnayake.
Previously, the Treasury allocated Rs. 10 billion for the holding of the 2024 Presidential Election.
September 26, Colombo (LNW): The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has urged that prices of egg-based bakery products should reflect the recent reduction in egg prices.
The price of eggs, which previously soared to high levels, has now stabilised between Rs. 28 and Rs. 35, CAA Chief Thusitha Indrajith highlighted.
With this decrease, the CAA expects the cost of baked goods, which heavily rely on eggs, to be adjusted accordingly.
Indrajith stressed the importance of ensuring consumers benefit from the price drop, calling on bakery operators and retailers to align their pricing with current market conditions.
Egg prices had experienced a significant surge due to supply chain disruptions, including rising feed costs and transportation challenges.
However, recent improvements in the supply chain have contributed to the reduction, allowing eggs to return to more reasonable prices.
Indrajith emphasised that authorities will be monitoring the situation closely to ensure these savings reach customers across the country.
In light of this development, the CAA may explore enforcement measures to ensure compliance with pricing guidelines, particularly in the bakery sector, which often uses eggs as a primary ingredient in its products.
September 26, Colombo (LNW): Efforts are underway to form a political alliance among the parties and groups that supported former President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Whilst no final decisions have been made, further discussions are planned for today (26), as key players seek to shape their election strategy.
A significant meeting is set to take place this morning between representatives of the United National Party (UNP) and Ranil Wickremesinghe himself. The discussions will centre around the format of their participation in the forthcoming election, including the symbol under which they will contest.
Should an alliance be established, they will also explore the groundwork needed to formalise this coalition.
Later today, another crucial meeting is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. between Wickremesinghe and members of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), who supported him during the last presidential race.
It is anticipated that this gathering will finalise the alliance’s strategy for contesting the parliamentary elections.
Meanwhile, the recently formed ‘Podujana Eksath Nidahas Peramuna,’ a breakaway faction of SLPP loyalists backing Wickremesinghe, is yet to receive approval from the Election Commission to contest under the “trophy” symbol.
Without this clearance, they are considering using the “chair” symbol of the Podujana Eksath Peramuna as an alternative.
Approval from the Election Commission is essential for the alliance to contest under their desired emblem, and discussions today may determine the next steps.
September 26, Colombo (LNW): The atmospheric conditions are getting favourable for afternoon thundershowers in most parts of the island for the next few days starting tomorrow (27), and several spells of showers, therefore, will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (26).
Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in Eastern and Uva provinces and in Mullaitivu district during the evening or night.
Strong winds about (40-45)kmph can be expected at times over the western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Matale, Hambantota and Monaragala districts.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers may occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Hambantota via Galle.
Winds:
Winds will be Westerly or South-westerly in direction and wind speed will be (30-40) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to 60 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota. Wind speed can increase up to 50 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Kankasanthurai to Puttalam via Mannar.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coasts extending from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota will be rough at times. The sea areas off the coasts extending from Kankasanthurai to Puttalam via Mannar will be fairly rough at times.
