July 31, Colombo (LNW): The Railways Department has announced the resumption of the online train seat reservations system starting on 1st September.
Reservations will now open at 10 a.m., reverting to the previous schedule. Previously, reservations commenced at 7 p.m., but the time has been changed back to 10 a.m.
July 31, Colombo (LNW): A memorandum of understanding was signed yesterday at the Prime Minister’s Office between the Ministry of Transport and Highways, the Urban Development Authority, and the Central Cultural Fund for a tourism management project near the Ella Nine-Arch Bridge.
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena presided over the event.
For the first time in Sri Lanka, an ambulance service will be introduced adjacent to a national heritage site.
The second phase of the project includes a tourism initiative at Demodara railway station.
Prime Minister Gunawardena praised the development of tourism hubs, highlighting the engineering marvel of the Nine-Arch Bridge and stressing the need to protect the natural environment and preserve heritage for future generations.
Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardena noted that the Ella Odyssey, Dunhinda Odyssey, and Calypso trains are crucial for promoting tourism.
He mentioned that a proposal to modernise and develop the railway service has been submitted to the President.
The agreement was signed by Mr. Gamini Ranasinghe, Director General of the Central Cultural Fund, and Mr. S.S. Mudalige, General Manager of Sri Lanka Railway Department.
Other attendees included Minister of Buddha Sasana Vidura Wickramanayake, MP Yadamini Gunawardena, Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Transport Ranjith Rubasinghe, and Secretary to the Ministry of Buddha Sasana H.M.P.B. Herath, along with ministry officials.
July 31, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo High Court has sentenced four individuals to death for the 2013 murder of a man, attacked with clubs and stones.
High Court Judge Aditya Patabandige delivered the sentence on Tuesday (30), targeting the accused from Orugodawatta.
Originally, six defendants faced charges, but the second defendant died during the trial, and the sixth was acquitted due to insufficient evidence.
In 2017, the Attorney General indicted the accused on four counts.
The judge ruled that the prosecution proved their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
July 31, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee has unveiled a 16-member squad for the ODI series against India in the ongoing tour.
Charith Asalanka, who led the team in the T20 series, will continue as captain for the ODIs, with Chamika Karunaratne rejoining the team.
The squad has received approval from the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Harin Fernando.
The three ODIs are scheduled for 2nd, 4th, and 7th August 2024 at the RPICS in Colombo.
Squad:
July 31, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Defence, under the leadership of Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne (Rtd), has introduced extensive measures to ensure justice and lifelong care for soldiers injured in the war.
These measures include allowances, medical rehabilitation, and lifelong support.
Over the past two years, the Ministry has significantly contributed to the country’s economic and political stability, providing a secure environment for the populace.
General Gunaratne highlighted these efforts during a news conference titled ‘Two Years of Progress and Way Forward’.
He outlined the Ministry’s pivotal role in preventing human trafficking and drug trafficking, with the armed forces making substantial seizures of narcotics in 2023 and 2024.
The rehabilitation of war-injured soldiers has been prioritised, with centres established in multiple locations to provide necessary care.
Additionally, dependents of deceased military personnel are assured of financial support equivalent to their previous earnings.
Employment opportunities have been facilitated for retired soldiers through Rakna Arakshaka Lanka Ltd, and there are plans to deploy 550 Sea Marshals given the current situation in the Red Sea.
The Sir John Kotelawala Defence University has also seen enhancements in educational facilities and increased enrolment, including foreign students, reflecting its high standards.
The Ministry is also actively involved in disaster management, with the National Building Research Organisation identifying landslide-prone areas and implementing mitigation projects.
The armed forces continue to assist in religious shrine and school renovations, disaster response, and construction projects for health facilities.
The Ministry’s efforts extend to international cooperation, with peacekeeping missions resumed and steps taken to address human trafficking issues in Myanmar and the Ukraine-Russia conflict involving former military personnel.
Senior officials, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Major General C.A. Wickramasinghe, and Defence Ministry Senior Assistant Secretary A.M.C.W.P. Abeykoon, were present at the event, underscoring the Ministry’s commitment to these initiatives.
July 31, Colombo (LNW): Ninety-two MPs, including Ministers and State Ministers, have reportedly pledged their support for President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the forthcoming presidential election.
The President’s Media Division announced this commitment during a meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo yesterday evening (30).
Despite the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) politburo’s decision to field their own candidate, a faction of SLPP MPs and Ministers have declared their support for Wickremesinghe.
On July 29, a group of Ministers who opposed the SLPP politburo’s proposal met with the President and decided to back him in the election.
This meeting, held at the political office of UNP MP Vajira Abeywardena, included Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapakse, Minister Kanchana Wijesekera, State Ministers Dilum Amunugama, Anupa Pasqual, Geeta Kumarasinghe, and MPs Mahindananda Aluthgamage, S.B. Dissanayake, Premnath C. Dolawatte, among others.
On social media platform ‘X’, State Minister Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon reaffirmed his support for Wickremesinghe, citing the President’s role in stabilising the country.
Similarly, State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe highlighted the progress made under Wickremesinghe’s leadership and urged continued support to avoid reverting to past crises.
By: Staff Writer
July 30, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka expects a significant increase in both local and foreign tourists visiting this year at eco-friendly destinations managed by the Department of Forest Conservation, according to Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Minister of Wildlife, Forest Resources Conservation, and Irrigation. The first half of 2024 saw 364,521 tourists, with 40% being foreigners.
At a press briefing titled “Two Years of Progress and Way Forward” held at the Presidential Media Centre, Minister Wanniarachchi highlighted the rising trend: 289,405 tourists visited these attractions in 2022, increasing to 444,053 in 2023. The current year is already showing promising numbers.
Foreign tourists comprised 19.8% of visitors in 2022, which grew to 27.8% in 2023 and reached 40% in the first half of 2024. The government has taken steps to boost eco-tourism by implementing regulations and legal amendments approved by Parliament.
Several new attractions were introduced to enhance tourism. In 2023, the 2,500-hectare Gal Oya National Park was opened, and an information center was set up at the Kudava Dorana Ela entrance in Sinharaja Forest.
In 2024, the Manigala Forest Lodge in Knuckles Forest Reserve and a bicycle path in Udawattakele, Kandy, were added. Additionally, the Bandarawela Falls Lodge and Galwila Ecological Park in Puttalam district were inaugurated.
To improve the experience for foreign tourists, dedicated sanitary facilities have been established at popular destinations like Sinharaja, Kanneliya, Hurulu, Knuckles, and Udawattakele. An online ticket reservation system, “Day Visitor E-Permits,” is available for several national parks, including Yala, Udawalawe, Horton Plains, Kaudulla, Minneriya, and Wilpattu.
Efforts to increase forest cover from 29% to 32% by 2030 include acquiring around 144,000 hectares of new forest land. The Cabinet has approved legislation encouraging tree planting outside forests, and a draft has been completed.
Modern technology, such as drones, is being used to protect forests, and joint efforts are underway to safeguard non-reserved forests in the North Eastern and North Central Provinces. Forest boundaries are being identified and protected with boundary canals.
Mangrove restoration has been a priority, earning international recognition. Over the past two years, 326 hectares of mangroves have been planted, and Sri Lanka received the United Nations Flagship Award for its contributions during the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
The Department of National Zoological Gardens, despite the economic crisis, earned Rs.1,089.97 million in 2023. By June 2024, revenue increased by 66% compared to the previous year. The State Timber Corporation is also expected to record a net profit in 2024, with revenue reaching Rs.2,000 million.
Measures to control the elephant menace have been implemented, with over 4,700 workers maintaining 5,390 km of electric fencing. A survey on the country’s elephant population is planned for the first time in 13 years. Additionally, the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance has been amended, introducing new laws to combat wildlife crimes effectively.
By: Staff Writer
July 30, Colombo (LNW): The Port of Colombo has been recognized as the best-performing port globally for the first quarter of 2024 by Alphaliner, a leading information platform for the liner shipping industry. This accolade highlights Colombo’s remarkable growth rate of 23.6%, the highest among ports worldwide.
The Port of Long Beach in Los Angeles, with a 23.3% growth rate, secured second place, while the Port of Tanjung Pelepas came in third with a 22.7% growth rate.
In the first half of 2024, the Port of Colombo demonstrated impressive performance. Domestic volumes increased by 19.2%, transshipment volumes grew by 9.6%, and total volumes surged by 12.5% compared to the same period in 2023.
K. D. S. Ruwanchandra, Secretary to the Ministry of Ports, Naval, and Aviation Services, emphasized that Alphaliner recognized Colombo Port as the world’s fastest-growing port in the first quarter of 2024 due to its 23.6% growth rate.
Ruwanchandra noted that the port generated an income of USD 50 million in the first quarter of 2024, despite past trade union actions. He elaborated on this during a press briefing titled “Two Years of Progress and Way Forward” at the Presidential Media Centre.
He highlighted the port’s 23.6% growth rate and Alphaliner’s recognition of Colombo as the fastest-growing port. He also mentioned the port’s resilience in maintaining operations despite trade union actions.
In 2023, the Sri Lanka Port Authority reported a profit of USD 100 million, and in the first quarter of 2024, it achieved a profit of USD 50 million. All four terminals have significantly contributed to these operations, with ongoing efforts to enhance their capacity.
The construction of the Eastern Container Terminal (ECT) and the Western Terminal is progressing, with the Western Terminal expected to begin operations in February 2025.
Development work is also underway at the Eastern Terminal and Northern Port, as well as at Trincomalee, Galle, and Kankasanthurai ports. A passenger ferry service from India operates every Friday using the newly constructed terminal building at the Kankasanthurai Port.
The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) terminals have been pivotal in driving this performance. From January to June 2024, SLPA terminals recorded a 23.6% increase in domestic volumes, a 15.5% rise in transshipment volumes, and a total volume growth of 17.7%.
The Port of Colombo, strategically positioned as a key maritime hub in South Asia, has several main container terminals, including the Jaya Container Terminal (JCT), Colombo East Container Terminal (CECT), South Asia Gateway Terminal (SAGT), and Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT).
These terminals collectively offer substantial capacity to handle increasing cargo volumes efficiently.
The JCT and CECT, operated by the SLPA, are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technology to ensure smooth and rapid cargo handling.
The SAGT and CICT, operated by private entities, further enhance the port’s capacity and operational efficiency, making Colombo a preferred destination for major global shipping lines.
By: Staff Writer
July 30, Colombo (LNW): Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has requested Sri Lanka’s assistance in enhancing Cuba’s coconut industry.
Sri Lankan Ambassador to Cuba, Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne (Retd), visited President Díaz-Canel at his office in Revolution Square to commemorate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between their nations.
During the meeting, the President warmly acknowledged the milestone and expressed appreciation for Sri Lanka’s donation of 150 coconut seeds. He also sought Sri Lankan expertise to help advance Cuba’s coconut industry.
Reflecting on the Sri Lankan President’s visit to Cuba for the G77 Summit last year, President Díaz-Canel praised the strong bilateral relationship and thanked Sri Lanka for its international support.
He assured that Cuba would be well-represented at the 65th-anniversary ceremony at the Hotel Nacional on August 6, 2024, organized by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Havana.
Ambassador Ulugetenne conveyed greetings from Sri Lanka’s President and government, and thanked Cuba for its medical assistance during the tsunami and COVID-19 crisis.
He also expressed gratitude for the Cuban government’s fully funded medical scholarships for Sri Lankan students. Despite the geographical distance, he emphasized the robust ties between the two nations.
The Ambassador highlighted Sri Lanka’s interest in expanding trade relations with Cuba and mentioned that two investment proposals in the tourism sector have already been submitted by a prominent Sri Lankan company.
Additionally, he reported on a recent meeting with CubaPharma, a government pharmaceutical research institution, and committed to further strengthening trade and bilateral relations.
The Ambassador said that he was happy with the successful experiments carried out by the Sri Lankan Coconut Research Center and mentioned that he is working to get coconut saplings for cultivation in his country.
A donation of 200 coconut seedlings will be made to Cuba shortly. The Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka will also provide expertise to Cuba to develop its coconut industry.
The ambassador further stated that there is scope to develop cooperation in food production, farming and animal husbandry sectors in Sri Lanka.
Nestled in the heart of South Asia, Sri Lanka boasts a rich history intertwined with the coconut palm, earning it the moniker – The Pearl of the Indian Ocean.
Yet, despite its abundant coconut resources and time-honoured traditions, Sri Lanka’s full potential in the global coconut industry remains largely untapped.
As the world’s appetite for coconut-based products continues to grow, from culinary delights to skincare essentials, Sri Lanka stands poised to emerge as a key player in this flourishing market.
By: Staff Writer
July 30, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has urged the Asia Pacific region to address the security implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
In his speech at the 31st Ministerial Meeting of the ASEAN Regional Forum in Laos, State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya emphasized the need for a unified approach to tackling the emerging challenges posed by AI and other new technologies.
He stressed the importance of taking preventive measures to prevent misuse and ensure that these technologies do not undermine peace and security in the region.
Balasuriya also highlighted the necessity of addressing cyber and network security challenges and combating transnational organized crime. He called for strong action against cybercrime hubs and employment frauds that are affecting parts of the region.
In addition to sustaining the Asia-Pacific region’s efforts to promote peace, security, and cooperation, the Forum must address challenges to cyber and network security systems and tackle transnational organized crime,” Balasuriya was quoted as saying in a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He “called for decisive action against cybercrime centres and employment rackets taking place in some parts of the region.”
During and after the country’s economic crisis several Sri Lankans travelled abroad on visit visas to find employment. Some groups fell prey to trafficking.
A group of Sri Lankans held in Myanmar were repatriated earlier this year with the help of the International Organization for Migration providing logistical assistance.
This year’s ARF Ministerial meeting attended by 27 ARF members, was chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith of Lao PDR, which holds the ASEAN Chairmanship.
In the meantime, election monitoring organizations have voiced concerns about the use of AI in the upcoming presidential election campaigns. The election period has begun, and it is expected that AI technology will play a significant role.
This election is poised to be historic, being the first to heavily incorporate AI technology, providing both new opportunities and challenges for voters and candidates alike.
The widespread use of AI in this election is unprecedented locally, though there are global examples. The upcoming presidential election, scheduled for September 21, will be a significant test of AI technology in the electoral process.
One notable development, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, has commented on the potential of AI in education and stressed the importance of learning from past mistakes in information technology.
He has advocated for the local development of AI and the integration of AI into educational systems.
Furthermore, on July 27, the National People’s Power (NPP) launched a website utilizing AI technology. This move marks a historic milestone as Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the NPP’s presidential candidate, will be the first in the country to leverage AI technology in his campaign.
This development underscores the growing influence of AI in Sri Lankan politics and its potential impact on future elections.