Get Vaccinated from one of the 84 Vaccination Centers open today (31) in 11 Districts
The list of Vaccination Centers open/operating today is attached herewith.
Please recheck with PHI in the area before going to the centers as there could be slight changes (additions / Reductions).
Schools will begin for grades 10-13 on Nov 08
The Ministry of Education has decided to reopen schools in Grades 10, 11, 12 and 13 in all schools in the country which were closed due to Covid from the 8th of this month.
The press release issued by the Ministry of Education stated this announcement.
Famous SL dish – Cheese Kottu is now in England
A Sri Lankan street food restaurant including cheese kottu, a popular local dish, will open in Norwich, England from next Tuesday.
The Cheese Kottu Restaurant on Cotton Grove Road opens on Tuesday morning, November 2, and is owned by 28-year-old Isuru Wickrama.
He said, ‘I don’t think there’s a Sri Lankan restaurant in Norwich at the moment, so I thought it’s a good opportunity to start this business.’
“Sri Lankan food is very different from Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine so it is a pleasure to offer something different. Cheese kottu is one of our special food that inspires many of us.”
Norwich is considered to be the richest city in England and is home to a large number of foreign refugees.
Kottu is a very popular dish among foreigners in Sri Lanka. Many tourists who visit this country enjoy Kottu and do not forget to tell the world about it.
In addition, there are numerous notes on travel websites that say ‘If you go to Sri Lanka, don’t forget to eat kottu’.
A man died in a landslide
A man walking on the road has died in a landslide.
The accident took place at Halpe Estate in Ella Police Division last evening.
He is a resident of Divulgasthenna and 29-year-old.
The body of the man was found trapped in the mud about 300 meters away.
Police arrested 3 persons in connection with an abduction and extorting 1Mn
Grandpass police have arrested three people in connection with the abduction of a man, posing as police officers and extorting a ransom of one million rupees.
A resident of the Mola waththa, Grandpass was abducted on the 21st in that manner. Abductors detained the man at a house in Mabola and called the residents asking for one million rupees and threatened to kill the abductee if they informed the police.
Accordingly, the residents have deposited one million rupees in a bank account mentioned by them. After the money had been deposited in a bank account, the abducted person had been taken to the Colombo – Negombo road and abandoned giving Rs.1000, and instructed to go home in a three-wheeler.
The abductee had lodged a complaint with the Grandpass Police yesterday and three abductors have been arrested. They are residents of Wattala aged 28, 35 and 44.
Investigations have revealed that the abduction took place over a personal dispute.
The suspects will be produced before the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court today.
President leaves the country to attend UN conference on Climate Change
President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has left the island this morning (30) to attend the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP26).
The conference will be held in Scotland from tomorrow (31) to November 12 to discuss climate change and how countries plan to deal with it.
November 1 and 2 are set aside for its World Leaders Summit.
The theme of the conference, “Critical Moment in the Fight against Climate Change”, is attended by over 25,000 people from 197 countries around the world, including heads of state, government representatives, scholars, businessmen and many others.
Ports, fuel, transport, banking are named as essential services
Secretary to the President PB Mr. Jayasundera has issued a special gazette notification naming several institutions including Ports, Fuel, Posts, Transport and Government Banks as essential services.
This gazette notification was issued yesterday in view of the Kovid guidelines issued by the Director General of Health Services.
The announcement is as follows:
Traditional Sri Lankan Crafts Promotion in Russia
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Russia presented a collection of traditional Sri Lankan masks to a mobile Club-Museum-Lecture Hall “Traditional Masks and Figures of the World”, which travels around the country organizing exhibitions and lectures on masks, crafts and cultures of various countries.
The masks, which were received from the National Crafts Council of Sri Lanka, included Kolam mask, Sanni masks, Salu Paliuya mask, Raksha masks, etc. carved by the professional hands of Sri Lankan craftsmen.
Nirosha H. Herath, First Secretary of the Embassy, Culture and Education, gave a brief description about the masks and rituals related to Sri Lankan culture at the handing over ceremony, which was held during one of the lectures of the Museum dedicated to masks and figures of different regions. The audience demonstrated great interest on the masks presented by the Embassy and the customs and traditions associated with them.
Get Vaccinated from one of the 190 Vaccination Centers open today (30) in 22 Districts
The list of Vaccination Centers open/operating today is attached herewith.
Please recheck with PHI in the area before going to the centers as there could be slight changes (additions / Reductions).
All trains will run from Nov 1 onwards
The Sri Lanka Railway OIC Association says that steps will be taken to run trains between the provinces from November 1.
They further stated that the decision to allow run trains islandwide was taken during the Covid Suppression Committee meeting chaired by the President today.
Announcement from People’s Bank about being blacklisted
The People’s Bank has released an announcement regarding the news on blacklisting their bank by Chinese Embassy.
The announcement follows.
The European Union, WHO and World Vision join hands to support Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 health response
The European Union (EU) has announced a further EUR 2 million in funding to help Sri Lanka in its efforts to manage the pandemic. The grant, provided by the EU humanitarian office ECHO, will be channelled through the World Health Organization (WHO) and World Vision in Sri Lanka. These resources complement ongoing EU support to fight the Covid-19 and its socioeconomic consequences in Srilanka, including EUR 2 million for the health sector as well as close to EUR 4 million to revitalize the tourism industry.
“Healthcare staff and facilities in Sri Lanka are being pushed to the limit by the pandemic,” said Michelle Cicic, who oversees EU humanitarian assistance in Asia-Pacific. “The EU and Sri Lanka have worked together to battle COVID-19 since the onset of the pandemic. This latest support will ensure that emergency equipment and supplies are quickly channelled to health facilities in dire need of life-saving assistance.”
“This new grant is part of the EU’s global response to the coronavirus pandemic to ‘build back better’ and it complements our ongoing partnership with WHO in Sri Lanka,” said the Ambassador of the EU Delegation in Sri Lanka, H.E. Denis Chaibi. “The additional resources will be instrumental in improving healthcare capacity and hopefully help also preventing future surges of cases, while paying special attention to the needs of the most vulnerable people and underserved areas.”
China blacklists People’s Bank
People’s Bank of Sri Lanka is blacklisted by the Economic Commercial Office of the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka for failing to make the payment according to the Letter of Credit and the contracts between the two parties.
18 people infected with Covid in Padiyathalawa MoH’s office
Eighteen people, including the Padiyathalawa Medical Officer of Health, have been infected with the Covid virus an investigation revealed yesterday.
In addition to the Medical Officer of Health, the Public Health Inspector and five other employees of the Medical Officer of Health’s office are among the 18 people infected with covid, according to the Medical Officer of Health.
He further stated that Covid infected people are being found in large numbers in Saranagama, Hagamwela, Kirawana and Thalapitioya villages.
STF troops uncover LTTE’s hidden bombs
Police Special Task Force (STF) personnel have found 21 bombs and mortar shells subtly concealed during the war for future use by LTTE in the Udayarkattu jungle area in Puthukudirippu.
Investigations have revealed that the 21 bombs found were manufactured by the LTTE, said STF Commander DIG Waruna Jayasundara.
The bombs found during a search operation conducted in the Udayarkattu jungle area yesterday have been handed over to the Puthukudiyiruppu Police for deactivation.
A team of officers including Commanding Officer of Mullaitivu Second Camp, Inspector R.A.P.T. Ranatunga directed by Commanding Officer of the STF Northern Province, SSP D. D. K. Hettiarachchi has been involved in the search operation.
Showers, thundershowers are expected today
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in most parts of the island, according to the forecast issued a while ago.
The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said heavy showers above 100 mm can be expected at some places. Wind speed can be increased up to (60-65) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Trincomalee to Puttalam via Kankasanturai.
More Info www.meteo.gov.lk or call 117.
Nine million rupees for tree planting in seven districts
The Husma Dena Thuru National Tree Planting Program has been launched by the Ministry of Environment to increase the number of trees throughout the country.
Accordingly, more than 1.5 million saplings have been planted so far this year under the Husma Dena Thuru tree planting program implemented by the Ministry of Environment.
Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera participated in a progress review discussion on the Husma Dena Thuru National Tree Planting Program held Ministry of Environment yesterday (28). There these facts were revealed.
More than one million saplings have been planted island wide under the ‘Nekathata Pelayak’ program for the Sinhala and Hindu New Year. In addition, more than 500,000 saplings were planted on Valentine’s Day. Meanwhile, World Environment Day and World Scout Day also planted the saplings. Saplings were also planted in the high watersheds of the hills with the assistance of the private sector. Also, 187,000 Kumbuk and Mee saplings were planted on both sides of the Mahaweli river banks.
Also, 10,000 saplings were planted at 10 places in the island on the occasion of Army Day.
At present, 120 herbal tree gardens have been established under the herbal Plants Program. All of these were implemented under the Husma Dena Thuru program.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera instructed to take steps to plant saplings as the rainy season to arrive the country again.
Accordingly, approximately Rs. 09 million was allocated for planting in seven districts. Under this Monaragala Rs. 01 m, Kegalle Rs. 1.2 million, Trincomalee Rs. 1.5m, Hambantota Rs. 1.5m, Badulla Rs. 01m, Colombo Rs. 1.2m and Rs. 1.5 m. for Gampaha An amount of Rs. 09 million was allocated for Husma Dena Thuru tree planting programme.
Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan granted bail in drugs
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s son has been granted bail 26 days after he was arrested for allegedly doing recreational drugs at a party.
Aryan Khan, 23, was taken off a cruise ship that was on its way from Mumbai city to the state of Goa on 2 October.
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) charged him under laws “related to possession, consumption and sale of illegal substances”.
He has denied the allegations against him.
His lawyer has repeatedly told the court that no drugs were found in the possession of the actor’s son, and that there was “no evidence that he had consumed any drugs”.
Aryan Khan’s lawyers approached the Mumbai High Court after a special court that hears narcotics cases rejected his bail twice in October. The special court also rejected the bail pleas of two others accused in the case.
The high court heard the matter for over two days as both sides presented their arguments.
Facebook rebrands as Meta
Facebook has changed its corporate name to Meta as part of a major rebrand.
The company said it would better “encompass” what it does, as it broadens its reach beyond social media into areas like virtual reality (VR).
The change does not apply to its individual platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp, only the parent company that owns them.
The move follows a series of negative stories about Facebook, based on documents leaked by an ex-employee.
Frances Haugen has accused the company of putting “profits over safety”.
In 2015, Google restructured its company calling its parent firm Alphabet, however, the name has not caught on.
Get Vaccinated from one of the 210 Vaccination Centers open today (29) in 21 Districts
The list of Vaccination Centers open/operating today is attached herewith.
Please recheck with PHI in the area before going to the centers as there could be slight changes (additions / Reductions).
A new way of money fraud – don’t get deceived
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka says that it is receiving information on financial frauds committed by various organized parties, claiming that large amounts of foreign exchange and/or local currency have been credited to their accounts and that those accounts have been temporarily suspended and that a substantial payment will be made to those who assist in the release of those funds.
It has been revealed that in some cases, the fraudsters have forged documents stating that large sums of money have been credited to various accounts and that they only need the permission of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to recover the money.
In such cases, fraudsters can and use personal identification numbers (PINs) to verify the cards on the back of the cards known as CVV payment card verification numbers, and one-time passwords (OTP), information related to debit cards/ credit cards and account information such as username (User ID), password and one-time passwords used in mobile banking/ internet banking used to authenticate transactions. Providing such information will inevitably lead to serious financial fraud for customers.
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka urges the public not to fall prey to such fake advertisements and activities and to be vigilant against such scams. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka also informs the public that their confidential information, especially account usernames, passwords, personal identification numbers, one-time passwords, or any other information that could be used to verify the account holder’s identity when accessing accounts should not be shared with any other party. Furthermore, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka urges the public to activate instant transaction information notification services such as text messages from their banks to keep the public informed of any fraudulent activity using their accounts.
An OIC was arrested while taking a sexual bribe
The Wanathawilluwa OIC has been arrested by the Bribery and Corruption Commission this evening while accepting a sexual bribe.
It is said that the OIC had taken the sexual bribe in connection with a complaint received regarding a land dispute.
He was arrested when officers of the Commission to Investigate Bribery or Corruption broke into the hotel while he was preparing to take a sexual bribe.
Changes in the Head post of CID
DIG in charge of Matara and Hambantota districts Tilakaratne has been appointed as the new Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the CID.
Prasad Ranasinghe, who has been the DIG of the CID so far, has been transferred to the Police Headquarters.
Mr. Tilakaratne previously served as the Director of the CID.
In addition, several officers, including OICs, have been transferred on service occasions, according to the Police Headquarters.
Media on 2021.10.28 at 16153 Indian students were arrested by Indian Police for cheering Pakistan
Indian police have arrested three students from Kashmir for allegedly supporting Pakistan during a recent cricket match between India and Pakistan.
The three students, who were studying in Agra, are said to have celebrated Pakistan’s victory by chanting anti-India slogans after Pakistan won the match.
They were later expelled from the university where they were educated and arrested following a complaint lodged by members of the Bharathiya Janatha Party.
Meanwhile, a school teacher in Rajasthan has also been arrested for making a statement on WhatsApp congratulating Pakistan on its victory.
Also, two medical students who had supported Pakistan in Indian-administered Kashmir have been arrested.
Meanwhile, it is reported that the people of Kashmir were celebrating the victory of Pakistan.
Sri Lanka’s 1st sand dune track opened in Port City
Sri Lanka’s first sand dune track opened today in the Port City of Colombo.
Named Colombo Dunes, the track was inaugurated by Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa and Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga.
The press release issued by the Media Unit of the Ministry of Tourism in this regard is as follows.
The Colombo Dunes Race Course, which consists of three 2 km racetracks, is spread over an area of about 05 acres in the port city. Ministers Namal Rajapaksa, Prasanna Ranatunga and General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Sagara Kariyawasam, who were present at the inauguration, drove the ATV vehicles along this sandy road.
The first ATV track in the country is located in the Gampaha District. This track is located in the Buthpitiya Maligathenna area in Gampaha. It is set between granite hills. The ATV Racecourse on the sand dunes opened in the Port City of Colombo today is the first sand dune track to be built in the country.
Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga says that such adventure sports are attracting more tourists to the country.
President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa’s vision of prosperity policy statement also states that tourism with such adventurous sports is being promoted. The Minister said that this is the beginning for that.
Mano Ganeshan meets Maithripala Sirisena
Former President, SLFP leader Maithripala Sirisena has held a discussion with the leader of the Tamil Progressive Alliance, Samagi Janabalawega MP Mano Ganeshan.
Mano Ganeshan told the media that they had to know the position of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party regarding the election system and to discuss it.
The meeting took place at Maithripala Sirisena’s official residence yesterday.
Leader of the Tamil Progressive Alliance MP Mano Ganeshan added,
“Whether elections are held or not, there will be attempts to completely change the electoral system, abolish the proportional system, implement only the mixed system, undermine political policies and the representation of minority parties representing minorities, and bury the current multi-party democracy in this country.
The Elections Select Committee stated that the Sri Lanka Freedom Party has also expressed its support for the mixed system. At this meeting, I explained to the former President that this was contrary to the position previously expressed by the Leader of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party Maithripala Sirisena and the General Secretary of the party Dayasiri Jayasekara. The Sri Lanka Freedom Party is the third largest party in the country today. In such a scenario, the proposed mixed electoral system will affect not only the Tamil and Muslim parties, but also the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, and JVP. I explained to Mr. Maithripala that it would also be a reason for the loss of the party.
At present, the Samagi Janabalawegaya and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) are also of the view that the proportional system should continue. Also, the Tamil Progressive Alliance, the Tamil National Alliance, the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress and the All Ceylon Makkal Congress, which represent the Tamil and Muslim communities, also support the proportional system. Leaders of allied parties, as well as minority parties with the government, have personally told me that they support the proportional system.
During the discussion, former President of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party Maithripala Sirisena said, “The statement made by the PSC was wrong. The position of our party has not been expressed properly. We hope that the official team of our party will state our position in the near future. The SLFP does not accept the mixed system. We support the proportional system. Local government elections can be mixed. However, the proportional system is suitable for provincial and parliamentary elections. ”
“It is good that this country has an executive presidency. It is used to unite the country. But, similarly, a pluralistic parliament is needed to represent all political policies. That is why it is good for democracy in this country. This is our position,” he said.
Ven. Velamitiyawe Kusaladamma Thera passes away
Chancellor of Kelaniya University Vidyalankara Parivenadipathi, Kelaniya University Chancellor Most Ven. Velamitiyawe Kusaladhamma Thera, 84, passed away.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed the authorities concerned to conduct funeral rites with state honor.
Mahindra Unveils the New Bolero City Pik-Up in Sri Lanka
Announces Launch of the first ‘Made in Sri Lanka’ 1.4 Tonne PikUp from Mahindra Ideal Lanka plant in Welipenna.
Colombo, October 26, 2021: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M), together with Ideal Motors, a fully owned subsidiary of the Ideal Group, recently unveiled the new Bolero City Pik-Up in Sri Lanka in the presence of Minister of Industries, Hon. Wimal Weerawansa. Mr. Wimal Weerawansa took a tour of the Mahindra Ideal Lanka Automotive Assembly Plant and saw the assembly process of the new Bolero City Pik-Up. The plant was inaugurated in August 2019 under a joint venture between M&M Ltd. and Ideal Group. M&M is the leader in the small commercial vehicle space and this new addition to its existing pickup portfolio further strengthens the company’s leadership position in Sri Lanka.
Addressing the occasion, Minister of Industries Wimal Weerawansa said,” Vehicle production is not an unachievable feat for Sri Lanka. We are steadily moving in the direction of becoming a nation that produces its own vehicles. The collaboration between Ideal Motors and Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) India will put more local value additions into their vehicle production in Sri Lanka by next year. I believe that we will soon be able to see more ‘Made in Sri Lanka’ vehicles on our roads. As a government, we are committed to further facilitating resource supplies encouraging other global vehicle manufacturers to set up their vehicle production plants in the country. The Bolero City Pik-up unveiled today by Ideal Motors and M&M consists of more than 30% locally-sourced components, thereby enabling local vehicle component manufacturers to increase their revenue and expand their businesses. Further, the technology transfer from M&M to young Sri Lankan technicians in this project is an added boon to the country creating wider economic benefits to many stakeholders of the local vehicle assembly industry for its sustainable development,”
Addressing the gathering at the factory, Nalin Welgama, Chairman, Ideal Motors said “Ideal Motors and M&M have been working together for a decade to deliver value to our customers. We are working with local vendors to maximize local value add on the Bolero City Pik-up and deliver first ever ‘Made in Sri Lanka’ Pickup which is better suited to the market requirement. With our island wide network of Mahindra sales showrooms and authorized service dealerships, we are confident to lead this category”
The official unveiling of Bolero City Pick-up assembled in Sri Lanka. From left: Upasena Dissanayake Chairman – Industrial Development Board, Chaminda Wanigaratne- Ideal Motors Director-Automotive, Retired General Daya Ratnayake- Secretary to the Ministry of Industries, Araninda de Silva, Deputy Chairman Ideal Group, Wimal Weerawansa, Minister of Industries, Nalin Welgama- Founder/Chairman Ideal Group, Suren Galagoda- Director Ideal Lanka, Prashant Kini -Mahindra Ideal Lanka Country Manager/General Manager, Amanda Seneviratne- COO Mahindra Ideal Lanka.
New Bolero City Pik-Up is perfectly suited to various applications with its easy maneuverability, big cargo box and reliable, high-power engine. It boasts a strong suspension, with the rear suspension strengthened to take a different type of load in city driving conditions. The cabin ergonomics have been further enhanced with a wider co-driver seat, giving the best driving experience during inter & intra-city business trips. All these make the New Bolero City Pik-Up an ideal pick up for urban goods transportation across the island. With a warranty of 12 months/ 50,000 km and minimal maintenance costs, customers are guaranteed to earn more profit and have complete peace of mind.
With the gradual opening of the market amid COVID19 pandemic in Sri Lanka, the demand for commercial vehicles is anticipated to see a significant spike in the future. Mahindra Ideal Lanka (MILPL) is now boosting its production capacity to meet the market demand for its pickups. This is the 2nd product launch in a row by Mahindra after the highly popular KUV100 was launched in July 2020.
More about the new Bolero City Pik Up
The New Bolero City Pik-Up is powered by Mahindra’s proven 2,523cm3, m2Di, four-cylinder, diesel engine providing power of 46.3 kW (63 HP) & torque of 195 Nm for better performance. The Bolero City Pik-Up has a payload capacity of 1400 kg carry heavy loads effortlessly. Its sporty eye-catching wrap around headlamps, a stylized front chrome grille, a trendy dual tone instrument panel and comfortable fabric seats with matching door trims, gives it a more stylish and elegant look.
Get Vaccinated from one of the 253 Vaccination Centers open today (28) in 23 Districts
The list of Vaccination Centers open/operating today is attached herewith.
Please recheck with PHI in the area before going to the centers as there could be slight changes (additions / Reductions).
