Examinations Commissioner General Amith Jayasundara said that the Examinations Department of Sri Lanka has decided to start the General Certificate of Education O/L examination 2024 (2025) on March 17, 2025.

The O/L examination is scheduled to be held from March 17 to 26 next year.

The mutilated carcass of a mountain leopard, with its head and paws severed, has been discovered in the Proodise Estate within the Hatton Police Division.

According to Hatton Police, preliminary investigations suggest that the leopard was killed, and its body parts were taken away, likely for illegal trade or other motives.

Hatton Divisional Police Superintendent Pradeep Weerasekara confirmed that a report has been submitted to the Hatton Magistrate’s Court. Meanwhile, a comprehensive investigation has been launched to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killing.

In response to the widespread circulation of illicit liquor in the market, the Excise Department plans to introduce a low-cost, standard-quality liquor bottle starting in January next year.

Excise Commissioner General U.L. Udaya Kumara Perera announced that discussions with the Ministry of Finance are underway to finalize the necessary procedures.

He further explained that the product will be manufactured according to strict quality standards and subsequently submitted to the Government Analyst for approval before being released to the market. This initiative aims to curb the demand for illegal alcohol while ensuring consumer safety.

The Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) announced a significant investment of US dollars 41 million in state-of-the-art crane technology, set to be fully operational by January 2025. This enhancement includes the installation of four Quay Cranes (QC) and thirteen rubber-tyred gantry Cranes (RTGs) at the Hambantota International Port (HIP), expanding the port’s capabilities to a handling capacity of 1 million TEUs. 

The four Quay Cranes which arrived on the mv. De Qiang 66 on 30^th November feature a Twinlift 65m outreach, with impressive load ratings of 50 tons for single handling, 65 tons for tandem lifting, and 75 tons on the underhook beam. They provide a lifting height of 42m above rail and 20m below rail. The RTGs which arrived on the same date on vessel FENG HAI DA, have a span of 23.47m and a base distance of 6.9m, each offering a single handling capacity of 41 tons and a lifting height of 01-over-05. The modern QC and RTG cranes built to meet green port initiatives have advanced automation systems and anti-collision technology, ensuring high efficiency and safety during operations. 

The new equipment are a significant addition to the two QCs and three RTGs, four Reach Stackers, and three Empty Stackers HIP currently operate. The new cranes are expected to take approximately two months for commissioning. 

“Our investment in these new cranes will considerably enhance HIP’s container handling capabilities, positioning us as a fully-fledged multipurpose port for Sri Lanka,” says Wilson Qu, CEO of HIPG.  “This capacity building is crucial for our transshipment operations and will attract potential investors looking to establish manufacturing plants in our industrial zone. We already have several inquiries in regard to the setting up of manufacturing plants in the port’s industrial zone.  In addition to that, our marketing team is committed to promoting these developments globally to engage the right partners for our initiatives.” The CEO added that the establishment of feeder services between Hambantota and Colombo expected soon, will enhance the coastal shipping network.  The addition of HIP’s capacity to the nation’s overall capacity will improve cargo movement efficiency, bringing Sri Lanka closer to its goal of handling 10 million TEUs between 2025 – 2026. 

The upgraded facilities will not only bolster operations within the port’s industrial zone but will also stimulate industry growth in the southern hinterland, creating new opportunities for local entrepreneurs. The Hambantota International Port Group remains committed to its goal of making significant contributions towards uplifting Sri Lanka’s economy and maritime objectives through its initiatives.

All the former MPs have moved out of the Madiwela housing complex.

It is to provide housing to the newly elected members of parliament.

According to Parliamentary Secretary General Kushani Rohanadhira, 40 new MPs have received houses.

20 re-elected MPs have already been accommodated.

The handing over of houses started on December 3 following instructions from the new government to vacate the houses previously occupied by former MPs.

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna’s Administrative Secretary Renuka Perera has been arrested by the Computer Crime Investigation Division of the Criminal Investigation Department.

He has been arrested for spreading false information on social media regarding the Mahaviru celebrations held in the north.

Mr. Renuka Perera is going to be produced before the Aluthkade Magistrate Court.

Leader of the House Mr. Bimal Ratnayake said that the Parliament should not be turned into a battleground.

Mr. Bimal Rathnayake said this in response to a question raised by SJB Member of Parliament Mr. Dayasiri Jayasekara during a question regarding the current disaster situation.

A meeting of party leaders was held in the Parliament regarding the current disaster situation.

The deadline for submitting applications for the 2024 (2025) G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination has been extended to December 10, 2024, the Department of Examinations announced. This extension comes in response to the recent adverse weather conditions that disrupted communities across the country, according to Commissioner General of Examinations Amith Jayasundara.

Applications were initially accepted online from November 5 to November 30, 2024. Now, students and private candidates have additional time to complete their submissions.

The department emphasized that applications will only be accepted online through its official websites: www.doenets.lk or www.onlineexams.gov.lk/eic. School students must submit their applications through their school principals, while private candidates can apply directly online.

For any questions or assistance, applicants can contact the hotline 1911, reach out via phone numbers 0112784208, 0112784537, 0112785922, or send an email to [email protected].

Gayantha Karunatilake, Member of Parliament (MP) from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has been appointed as the Chief Opposition Whip in Parliament. The announcement was made by fellow SJB MP Harshana Rajakaruna.

Karunatilake, a senior parliamentarian with years of experience in politics and governance, steps into the role with the responsibility of coordinating opposition activities and representing the views of opposition parties in parliamentary matters. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the opposition’s presence and ensure effective communication within Parliament.

A tense situation unfolded outside the Ministry of Education in Isurupaya, Battaramulla, as police tried to break up a protest by Development Officers. The officers were demanding permanent jobs in the teaching service.

During the protest, the Kottawa-Borella Road (174 bus route) was completely blocked, causing heavy traffic. The situation turned violent, with several police officers getting injured and three protestors being arrested.

The Development Officers say they want their positions made permanent in the teaching service, which has led to growing frustration and protests. Authorities are now working to address their demands and calm the situation.

The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) reports that Sri Lanka’s Air Quality Index (SLAQI) is gradually improving, trending toward moderate levels in several regions. Speaking at a media briefing, CEA spokesperson Dr. Ajith Gunawardena noted that SLAQI readings were between 100 and 110 as of December 1. He reassured the public that the current slightly unhealthy air quality is temporary and expected to improve significantly within the next two days.

Recent adverse weather and a northern border disturbance caused air quality levels to decline in Colombo and other areas. As of yesterday, many cities recorded slightly unhealthy air quality, while regions like Vavuniya, Kegalle, Nuwara Eliya, Ratnapura, Puttalam, Mullaitivu, Batticaloa, Kalutara, and Anuradhapura experienced moderate conditions, according to the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO).

For today, the NBRO predicts AQI levels will range between 86 and 120, with slightly unhealthy air in urban areas due to transboundary effects from the northern region. However, moderate levels are expected in Vavuniya, Nuwara Eliya, Embilipitiya, Hambantota, and Anuradhapura.

The NBRO advises sensitive individuals to consult medical professionals if they experience respiratory discomfort during this period.

Party leaders will convene tomorrow (December 3) for a crucial meeting chaired by Leader of the House, Bimal Rathnayake. Discussions will focus on finalizing decisions about recalling nominations for the LG Elections.

Previously submitted nominations were invalidated due to various reasons, including candidates switching political affiliations, some retiring from politics, and others leaving the country. The meeting aims to address these issues and set a clear path forward for the electoral process.

The announcement for Sri Lanka’s upcoming Local Government (LG) Elections will be delayed until the conclusion of the 2024 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination to avoid campaign activities disrupting the exam period. The Election Commission explained that releasing the announcement earlier could lead to campaigning while students are sitting for their exams.

Despite delays caused by adverse weather, the exams are set to resume this week, paving the way for the elections announcement soon after their completion.

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) does not anticipate prolonged deflation affecting the country’s production, according to Assistant Governor Dr. Chandranath Amarasekara. Speaking at the 2024 monetary policy review briefing, he stated that deflation is expected to end by the second quarter of next year.

In response to concerns about corporate profitability in the event of extended deflation, CBSL Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe clarified that lower production costs during deflation could lead to increased profitability.

Dr. Weerasinghe also noted that Sri Lanka currently has no need for foreign exchange swaps, citing improved official reserves and sufficient liquidity.

K.V.K. Alwis, Director of the Payments and Settlements Department, announced ongoing discussions with Indian authorities to allow Sri Lankans to use Sri Lankan rupees in India. This system would be similar to the UPI payment system available to Indian travellers in Sri Lanka.

In November, Sri Lanka experienced a record deflation rate of 2.1%, the highest since 1961, due to significant reductions in energy and volatile food prices. Despite this, CBSL projects inflation to stabilize at a target of 5% in the coming months.

Dr. Niroshan J. Peiris, Group CEO of Laugfs Gas, has stated that no decision has been made regarding a price revision for Laugfs Gas.

He also revealed that a shipment of 22,000 metric tons of gas has recently arrived in Sri Lanka. The distribution of this stock across the country has already commenced.

Dr. Peiris further mentioned that approximately 100,000 cylinders of gas are being distributed daily to meet demand.