District Farmers’ representatives on behalf of 1.1 million farmers across the island, have urged President Gotabaya Rajapaksa not to reverse the steps taken to use organic fertilizer.
The farmers’ representatives highlighted that it was their absolute duty and responsibility to return to the traditional farming methods and provide the people with a non-toxic healthy diet. They added that citizenry will be grateful to the President for his decision to nourish a healthy next generation for Sri Lanka. The farmers’ representatives assured President Rajapaksa that all the farmers in the country would support the President in overcoming the challenge of going for an agriculture based on organic fertilizer, as a team, for the benefit of all people in Sri Lanka just like the country once faced the challenge of concluding the war against terrorism. I
No reversal of Ben on chemical fertilizer-Prez
The student who cut the throat of the university student was remanded further
Colombo Chief Magistrate Mr. Prasanna Alwis ordered that the university student who was arrested by the police and remanded in custody for killing his girlfriend, who was studying at Colombo University, was further remanded today (30) until February 13.
At the time of the preliminary magistrate’s investigation regarding the death of the student, it was ordered that the suspect student be further remanded in custody.
This murder happened on the 17th. On this day, the suspect student had first tried to kill the student at the Independent Square. He had tried to kill her at four places on this day and the fourth time was at the race course arena.
After killing the student, he tried to kill himself.
The suspect student is currently undergoing treatment in the mental treatment department of the prison hospital, so he was not brought to court. The prison officials informed the court about that.
A film director and journalist who filmed the Parliament is remanded
The film director and journalist, who was arrested while videotaping the Parliament with a mobile phone, has been remanded until February 07 after being produced before the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court this evening.
S. Vimalaraj (31), a resident of Vaiman Road, Jaffna, who is said to be the film director of Vimsion Creations, and M. N. M. Sadir (22), a journalist of Ensposer Digital Media, a resident of Mahaiya, Kandy, have been remanded.
The two suspects were arrested by the Parliamentary Police officers and handed over to the Talangama Police Station yesterday (29).
An online form from PUCSL to complain about power cuts during exams
The Public Utilities Commission informs you that if you have to face a power cut during the period until the 17th of February, when the GCE Advanced Level Examination will be held, please fill in this online form and submit a complaint.
The commission says that the Sri Lanka Public Utilities Commission has not given permission for the electricity cuts during which the GCE A/L examination will be held and that the Sri Lanka Public Utilities Commission has made necessary recommendations to the Ceylon Electricity Board regarding the measures to be taken for the continuous supply of electricity.
The Public Utilities Commission further informs you to direct your complaint through the online form or in the following manner.
Whatsapp: 0775687387
Email: [email protected]
Fax 0112392641
Online Form: 👉Click Here👈
Documents related to government election is ready
The Chairman of the Election Commission has announced today (30) that all the documents related to the upcoming local government elections have been received from the District Election Officers.
He also claims that the documents have been sent to the Government Press for gazetting.
The local government election is scheduled to be held on March 9.
Tourist arrivals have increased this month
The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority says that the number of foreign tourists who came to Sri Lanka has increased during this month.
95,456 tourists came to Sri Lanka in the month of January till 29th.
The number of tourists who came to Sri Lanka in the month of January last year was 82,327.
Also, the number of tourists who came to Sri Lanka last month i.e. December 2022, was 91,961.
Below are the monthly statistics of tourists who visited Sri Lanka last year and the previous year.
Colombo port will be closed for an hour
Sri Lanka Port Authority Trade Unions say that all the employees of Colombo Port will walk away from their services for one hour today (30).
It was in protest against the tax amendments introduced by the government.
They say that there will be no activity at the port from 12.00 pm to 1.00 pm today.
The union said that today’s protest is likely to lead to an entire port strike in the future.
The Public Progressive Workers Union points out that they will implement its future plans according to the government’s response to this action.
More than 150 mm of heavy rain in some areas from this evening
The well-marked low pressure area over the southeast bay of Bengal is likely to move west northwestwards towards the eastern coast of Sri Lanka on 01st of February. Rainy condition over the island will be increased due to its effect from today’s evening, especially showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Northern, Eastern, Uva, North-Central and Central provinces. Very heavy showers about 150mm are likely at some places.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the island during the afternoon or night.
General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
A condition to reduce the price of wheat and bakery food
The All Ceylon Bakeries Association says that there is a possibility of reducing the price of bakery products including bread.
The association points out that if the two main companies that import wheat flour reduce the price of flour, the price of bread flour and bakery food can be reduced.
The association also points out that the sale of bread across the island has decreased by about 25%.
The quality of air in many cities is not ideal
According to the National Building Research Organization, the air quality has decreased in many cities in the country.
The Chief Scientist of the Air Pollution Management Unit, Mr. Sarath Premasiri stated that the air quality in many cities is between 100 and 150 according to the American Air Quality Index.
He mentioned that this situation might continue for the next few days.
According to the National Building Research Organization, this situation is more or less likely to last until next March.
10% of leprosy patients in this country are children
Colombo District Health Services Director, and Specialist Dr. Chandana Gajanayake says that there are about 2,000 leprosy cases in Sri Lanka every year.
He mentioned that about 10% of them are reported among children.
Specialist Dr. Chandana Gajanayake points out that leprosy only appears as a white spot for a long time, so many people ignore it as a disease.
Bird flu is still in India – Importation of eggs cannot be allowed
The Director General of Animal Production and Health Department, Dr. Hemali Kotalawala, has informed the State Commercial Miscellaneous Statutory Corporation that since bird flu is being reported from India, the import of eggs cannot be allowed.
She has said that according to the research data presented in the Health Advisory Committee report, no technical approval can be given to import eggs from India.
According to the Health Advisory Committee report, 2,500 bird flu epidemic cases have been reported from Europe from October 2021 to September 2022 and the report further indicates that bird flu epidemic conditions have been reported from India from time to time since 2006.
On 16 October 2022, the bird flu outbreak was reported from Kerala, India and is still active, the report added.
However, the animal development advisors of the same department say that the import of eggs should be allowed considering it as a humanitarian issue.
“We don’t publish a gazette” – Chairman of the Election Commission
The Chairman of the Election Commission Mr. Nimal Punchihewa said that the Election Commission will ‘not issue’ an extraordinary gazette notification to start the local government election process and inquiring about such matters is a misunderstanding of the facts.
He said that after receiving the nominations for the local government elections, it is the normal procedure for the election officials to issue a gazette announcement containing the signs and numbers of the political parties and independent groups.
Mr. Nimal Punchihewa said that the gazette notification will be issued in the near future with the signatures of the respective district election officials.
Can’t start the election chores – Gazette is late
The Government Information Department says that the gazette notice required for starting the local government election process has not yet been forwarded to the government printing press for printing the gazette.
The Director General of Government Information Mr. Dinith Karunaratne says that this gazette announcement will be issued with the signature of the Chairman and other members of the Election Commission.
Power cut conflict: A decision to remove PUCSL chairman
The Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera mentions that the necessary legal measures have been taken to remove Janaka Rathnayake from the chairman post of PUCSL.
He disclosed that all the members of the government have agreed to that in a press conference held today.
Don’t go fishing in the southeast Bay of Bengal – Fishermen are advised to evacuate from sea immediately
The Department of Meteorology has advised to avoid fishing and shipping activities in the Southeast Bay of Bengal sea area in the next 24 hours.
Meteorologists also warn people who are currently engaged in fishing activities to come to the land or a safe place immediately.
Meteorologists point out that the low pressure area in the South East Bay of Bengal sea area is likely to develop into a depression in the South West Bay of Bengal sea area by January 31, moving towards the northwest.
After that, it is expected to move westward towards north-west and reach the east coast of Sri Lanka on February 01.
Wind speeds will be (40-45) kmph and can increase up to (60-70) kmph in sea areas between (04N – 12 N) and between (85E – 95E).
Heavy showers or thundershowers and very rough or rough seas can also be expected in above sea areas.
Actions to be followed
- Fishing and marine communities are advised not to sail in the waters between between (04N – 12 N) and between (85E – 95E) during the next 24 hours.
- The people who are currently engaged in fishing activities in these sea areas are informed to come to land or a safe place immediately.
- The fishing and marine community is requested to pay attention to the upcoming announcements issued by the Department of Meteorology.
- The announcement issued by the Department of Meteorology today (29) at 6 am has stated these facts.
Adani loses 20 billion USD in 48 hours
According to the report, assets of Gautam Adani, the richest person in India and Asia, have decreased by 20 billion US dollars in a period of 48 hours.
Adani Group’s share price has fallen sharply after a US-based investment company alleged that Adani had conducted its business fraudulently.
Accordingly, with the situation that has arisen, Adani Group has declared the accusation made by the relevant US company as false and malicious. Still, the company has not been able to nullify the impact.
Along with the accusations of fraud against the Adani Group, the opposition party in India has also demanded an immediate investigation into the matter.
However, Indian media reports reveal that Adani Group has lost about 50 billion US dollars in market value.
Shares of a flagship company in Adani Group, Adani Enterprises, tumbled nearly 20% on Friday, while shares of some of the group’s other publicly listed companies tumbled even more, as active trading on the Mumbai Stock Exchange came to an automatic halt with this situation.
With an estimated net worth of more than $96 billion, Adani has dropped to the seventh position on Forbes’ richest list, where he was previously named the third richest person in the world.
New RORO business to Hambantota International Port in 2023
HIP’s RORO numbers, which is expected to increase rapidly this year, was endorsed by NYK vessel MV HERMES LEADER, which arrived at the port this week, with new volumes. A total of 1156 units which came from India will be transshipped to South Africa, Jordan, Sudan and Tanzania.
“While NYK has transshipped vehicles from Hambantota International Port in the past, this latest consignment is from an entirely new segment of their RORO business. Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) has been growing the RORO business gradually in the past 5 years by aggressively marketing its services and regular overseas visits to the shipping line principles to promote the port. It is becoming an attractive new destination for transshipment of vehicles due to HIP delivering to meet the Shipping Line Customers demand for high quality, efficient and reliable services. In order to meet the new demand, HIP is currently evaluating options to invest in additional storage yard areas”, says Tissa Wickramasinghe; COO of Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG).
The main shipping lines operating to and from HIP in the RORO business include Hyundai Glovis, K Line, MOL, NYK Line, Eastern Car Liner, Hoegh Autoliners and Gold Star Line. In the year 2022, HIP handled a total volume of 558,188 units through 249 vessel calls.
Death threats to another member of the Election Commission
A member of the Election Commission, Mr. M. M. Mohammad was threatened with death by a person who made a phone call yesterday (27th) night.
In this regard, he has made a complaint to the Nittambuwa Police Station.
It is that a person called him from the telephone number 072-9488*** and threatened him with death, informing him to resign from the Election Commission.
When Mr. M. M. Mohammed received this threatening phone call, he was staying at his home in Nittambuwa Kahatowi.
A retired DIG, K. P. P. Pathirana and Seneviratne Bandara Diwarathne, who are members of the Election Commission, had received similar death threats on the 18th.
There was a heated debate in the Parliament regarding that. At the same time, the Inspector General of Police assigned the responsibility of investigating the threats to the Criminal Investigation Department. At the same time, armed police officers were deployed to protect the threatened members of the commission.
Despite this, threats are being made to a third member in a background where it has not been possible to arrest any suspect through investigations conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department.
Foreign passports will be issued online from 55 agencies
Currently, 55 institutions including 50 regional secretariats are providing facilities for obtaining foreign passports online, according to the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
Immigration Controller General Harsha Ilukpitiya mentioned that it is possible to get the foreign passport within 3 days after submitting an application online and going to the relevant regional secretary’s office and giving fingerprints.
Mr. Harsha Ilukpitiya, Controller General of Immigration, stated that a Sri Lankan living abroad will also be facilitated to submit a foreign passport application online by going to the embassy and giving fingerprints.
He also said that there is a new visa program called Golden Paradise.
Complain if you have power cuts
The Public Utilities Commission is asking people to file a complaint if they face a power cut during the A/L examination.
Accordingly, complaints can be made by WhatsApp to 0775 687 387 or by fax to 0112 392 641.
Apart from this, complaints can also be forwarded through the e-mail address [email protected] and said that these complaints should be submitted in writing, Janaka Ratnayake said.
The Public Utilities Commission says that the CEB’s request cannot be accepted as the power cut on exam days is a violation of the rights of more than 300,000 students.
Meanwhile, the Ceylon Electricity Board says to continue the electricity demand management program.
It is also stated that the Ceylon Electricity Board informed the Public Utilities Commission yesterday (27) of this decision.
The advanced level examination held these days will be held until the 17th.
A warning to Maithri in court
It is reported that Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage had warned former President Maithripala Sirisena today (27) regarding an incident where the defendant Mr. Maithripala Sirisena, did not stand on the defender’s dock when a case was called in open court.
The private case filed against former President Maithripala Sirisena before the Fort Magistrate’s Court challenging his failure to prevent the attack in 2019 as the Minister of Defense and as the Executive President of the country despite receiving intelligence information that there would be suicide attacks on Easter Sunday.
When the case was called before the open court today, Mr. Maithripala Sirisena remained outside the dock without entering the dock.
At that time, the lawyer who represented the plaintiffs had shown their objection to the former president’s actions.
The President’s lawyer, who appeared for the defense, pointed out that since the Court of Appeal has suspended further steps in this case, he did not enter the dock.
At this time, the magistrate said that he has received an order to prevent further proceedings in the case until the Court of Appeal gives an order, but it is not an order not to enter the dock.
Accordingly, the magistrate has ordered the court interpreter to announce the defendant’s name again related to that case.
After the case was called for the second time, Mr. Maithripala Sirisena entered the dock.
The magistrate has warned the former president, that a suspect should be in the defendant’s dock henceforth when a case is being recalled.
The magistrate ordered the case to be called again on March 17.
This case was filed by Reverend Cyril Gamini and a person who lost a leg in the suicide attack on St. Anthony’s Church in Kochchikade.
“No one will be betrayed, and the country will not be divided” – President
President Ranil Wickramasinghe says that he is not ready to divide the country and will never betray the Sinhalese nation.
He says that he is bound by the executive powers of the President to implement the existing law of the country, and he is working to fully implement the 13th Amendment accordingly.
Otherwise, the President emphasized that the 13th constitutional amendment should be abolished through the Parliament.
President Ranil Wickramasinghe pointed out that any MP can submit a private member’s proposal to the Parliament to abolish the 13th Amendment and also mentioned that if the majority does not like it, the 13th Amendment will be implemented.
The President also said he will make a special statement to the Parliament on February 8.
President Ranil Wickramasinghe mentioned this during the all-party meeting held yesterday (26) at the President’s Office.
Complaint from Kanchana against the Human Rights Commission
The Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera, says that he will inform the parliament in writing regarding a statement that officials of the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission threatened the officials who participated in discussion with the commission and obtained signatures on two documents containing disagreeable matters.
The minister says that he also informed the president about this.
The Minister says that the Secretary of the Ministry of Power and Energy informed him that the officials who participated in the discussion with the Commission informed that two members of the Human Rights Commission pressured them to sign two documents that they disagreed with and threatened them with imprisonment.
The concerned officials who were threatened are seeking legal advice to take action against the officials of the Human Rights Commission, the minister said.
The Minister also mentioned that they have informed in writing the events that happened during the discussion.
Current Parliament session will end at midnight today (27)
Government Press Officer Mrs. Gangani Liyanage says that the gazette notice that will end the session of the Parliament from midnight today (27) is ready to print.
The President is issuing the order to end the term of Parliament.
The commencement date of the next term of Parliament is to be announced by this Gazette Notice issued under Extraordinary Gazette No. 2316/48.
A prorogation of Parliament is a temporary recess. The interval period should not exceed three months.
During a prorogation, the Speaker continues to perform his duties, and MPs remain in office even if they do not attend parliamentary meetings.
The effect of prorogation is to suspend all activities of the Parliament and nullify all processes of the House except for impeachments.
A bill, motion, or question relating to the same matter cannot be introduced a second time in the same session. However, it can be carried over to the next session after adjournment.
The Selection Committee shall be appointed at the commencement of a new session.
All the following committees for special functions shall be dissolved during the prorogation of the Parliament.
All except the Committee on High Officials, the Sectoral Oversight Committees, and the Special Committees of Parliament shall be re-established at the time of the resumption of the session of Parliament.
They are as follows.
. Committee on Parliamentary Affairs
. Committee on Standing Orders
. House Committee
. Committee on Ethics and Privileges
. Legislative Standing Committee
. Ministerial Advisory Committees
. Committee on Public Accounts
. Committee on Public Enterprises
. Committee on Government Finance
. Committee on Public Petitions
. Committee of Backbenchers
At the beginning of each sitting, the Speaker shall nominate a list of chairpersons consisting of not less than four members to act as temporary chairpersons of the committees at the request of the Deputy Speaker or the Chairperson of selection committees in the absence of the Deputy Speaker.
At the end of a term of Parliament, the commencement of the new session is inaugurated by the President.
At the beginning of each session of the Parliament, the President has the power to present the government’s policy statement in the Parliament and preside over the inaugural meetings of the Parliament.
Yesterday only, PUCSL told CEB not to cut the electricity during the A/L exam
The Public Utilities Commission says that yesterday (26), a directive was given to the Ceylon Electricity Board to maintain a continuous electricity supply until the end of the GCE A/L examination.
This is stated in the letter sent by the Public Utilities Commission to the Human Rights Commission.
The Public Utilities Commission also said that if the Electricity Board fails to comply with the order, they will consider it as a violation of the conditions and would take legal action.
That letter is below.
en.newswave.lk-letter-to-ceb-avoid-powercut-during-al“Requirements are complete” – IMF tells Sri Lanka
Dr. Subramanian, the Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund, says that Sri Lanka has completed all the requirements for International Monetary Fund relief.
He also said that the relevant process will be completed after the final certifications of the major lending countries.
The Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) also said that the political determination displayed by the Sri Lankan leadership to implement tax increases in difficult times should be highly appreciated.
Dr. Subramanian, who met Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Prime Minister’s Office in Colombo today (26), said that he appreciates the commitment of the authorities in this country to speed up the reforms to revive the economy.
Dr. Subramanian served as the Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India from 2018 to 2021.
The Prime Minister briefed the IMF delegation on the measures taken by the government to meet the domestic demand and increase agricultural production for export in order to meet the unprecedented economic challenges faced by the country.
The Prime Minister emphasized the need for welfare for the poorest sections of the society as well as measures taken to reduce non-essential imports and increase export products.
Dr. Subramanian also said that a safety net for economically vulnerable groups is essential in preparing plans to restructure debt and revive the economy, as pointed out by the Prime Minister.
He also stressed that the public sector is guaranteed minimum wages, but many others have lost their sources of income, so they must be prepared to make sacrifices.
Is it impossible to carry out the election because a member of the Election Commission withdrew?
Former Election Commissioner, and current Chairman of the National Delimitation Commission Mr. Mahinda Deshapriya says that in the background of the resignation of a member of the National Election Commission (NEC), this will not affect the activities of the local government elections planned to be held in the future.
It was reported that Mrs. PSM Charles, who is one of the three members of the National Election Commission, submitted her resignation to President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday afternoon.
Due to the opinion of the society that the resignation of one member would make the work to be done by the Election Commission difficult and the resignation may delay the local government election, the chairman has made this explanation.
The former Election Commissioner explained the legal background as follows.
“Will the resignations will undermine Election Commission?; I noted in a previous post that the answer is ‘no’ and that the commission has three members to function. I have also published Article 104 of the Constitution as a comment on this question which is asked repeatedly by many people.”
An all-party meeting chaired by the President will be held today (26)
An all-party meeting will be held today (26) at 4.00 pm at the President’s Office with the participation of all the party leaders representing the Parliament.
In this all-party meeting chaired by President Ranil Wickramasinghe, the Speaker, the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, as well as former Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa and Maithripala Sirisena, Tamil National Alliance Leader R. Sambandhan, National People’s Power Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake and all the party leaders representing Parliament are invited.
There will be further discussion about the reconciliation improvement program discussed in the meeting of the party leaders called on December 13, 2022, which was after the assumption of office by President Ranil Wickramasinghe, and an agreement of the party leaders is also to be reached.
No Power cuts from today
The Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission says that the relevant parties have agreed to provide continuous electricity supply during the GCE Advanced level examination period from yesterday (25).
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka and the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka made a proposal to the Petroleum Corporation to provide the fuel required for the continuous supply of electricity during the period of the GCE A/L examination.
The Public Utilities Commission advises the Electricity Board that priority should be given to the payment of the proposed electricity price revision to meet the necessary conditions to recover the costs incurred for that purpose.
Accordingly, all the parties agreed to pay the relevant amount within 60 days.
The Ministry of Power and Energy should intervene to provide the necessary coordination and facilities to implement this settlement.
Accordingly, the commission says that they have agreed not to cut off the electricity from today until the end of the GCE A/L examination.
At this time, this settlement will be included as a recommendation of the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission, and the Sri Lanka Public Utilities Commission has agreed to implement the recommendation through an announcement.
The advanced level exam will be held until the 17th.
Grade 05 scholarship examination results are released
The results of the 5th grade scholarship exam have been released.
The examination department says that the results can be obtained from its official websites www.doenets.lk and www.results.exams.gov.lk.