News
Harsha incurs wrath of ministers for taking up issue of road building in Sinharaja

By Saman Indrajith
Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera told parliament on Tuesday (19) that no harm had been inflicted on the environment when a road was renovated in the village known as Lankagama close to the Sinharaja Forest which was a sensitive eco-system and world heritage.
Responding to a question raised by SJB Colombo District MP Dr. Harsha de Silva, the Minister said that an environmental impact assessment should be conducted when a road is constructed, “But we have not constructed a new road. It is only a renovation of an existing road. Therefore, the need for a new report does not arise. Not a single tree has been cut down for this renovation of a 1.8 km long road. It was a tar road and we had it concreted over.”
Dr de Silva said that there were news reports of trees being felled in the forest for the road construction project.
Chief Government Whip and Highways Minister Johnston Fernando: You are misleading the House with baseless statements. You have not seen Lankagama. You are in Colombo and telling lies without seeing what actually is there in Lankagama. I asked you to come and visit and promised to take you down there. You did not come and now you are telling lies in this House. We have already renovated the road and now we are renovating the drains on either side of it.
Minister Amaraweera said that the media reports were false. “I visited the area and met the people there. There are some 120 families in Lankagama. They did not have proper a road.”
Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said that the road to Lankagama had been originally built 22 years before.
News
“A comprehensive international dialogue essential to address global challenges in 2024” – President

President Ranil Wickremesinghe delivering the opening speech at the ‘Berlin Global’ Dialogue in Berlin, Germany, today (28), expressed the need for a comprehensive dialogue between Western nations and China, the United States of America and China and the European Union and China, as a critical component of a robust international plan capable of addressing the global challenges anticipated in 2024.
The President also highlighted that initiatives such as the ‘Belt and Road’ have led to increased scrutiny of countries like Sri Lanka, potentially impacting the economic prospects of nations in the Global South. Nevertheless, he emphasized that Sri Lanka has a history of engaging with countries like the United States, India, and China, making such interactions a familiar and essential part of international relations.
During the subsequent round table discussion, President Ranil Wickremesinghe also expressed gratitude for the support received from India and Bangladesh in addressing Sri Lanka’s recent economic challenges.”
President Wickremesinghe underlined the contrast between advanced economies, which possess buffers and reserves to weather these shocks, and developing nations that lack such resources. He emphasized that this disparity was the starting point for the sovereign debt crisis.
The President cautioned that without immediate corrective measures, the world could be on the brink of another crisis. He acknowledged that many developing countries are burdened with substantial debt, highlighting the inadequacy of existing mechanisms like the IMF to address this new situation. He shared Sri Lanka’s experience when declaring bankruptcy, which led to a halt in foreign funding and triggered a political crisis.
News
Renew firearm license for 2024 before 31st December 2023 – Ministry of Defence

The Ministry of Defence has announced that the renewal of firearm license of individuals/ institutions for the year 2024 will be carried out from 01 October 2023 to 31 December 2023 and the required details can be downloaded from the Defence Ministry’s website www.defence.lk.
Firearm license renewal for 2024 will not be carried out after 31 December 2023. It is also informed that possession of a firearm without a valid license is a punishable offense under provisions of Section 22 of the Firearms Ordinance.
Registration renewal of Private Security Firms for the year 2024/2025 will be carried out from 01.10.2023 to 31.12.2023. Any renewals made after the deadline will be subjected to a fine or legal action.
Latest News
“Unite to secure a developed Sri Lanka by 2048” – President

President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his Milad-Un-Nabi message urged all Muslim brethren in Sri Lanka, to unite at this juncture in working towards strengthening the path to secure a developed Sri Lanka by 2048.
“Let us together overcome the challenges facing our nation, while adhering to the principles espoused by the Holy Prophet Muhammad, in ensuring a brighter future for all” he said.
The full text of the President’s message :
“My greetings to the Muslim community in Sri Lanka and around the world, observing Milad Un Nabi, being the auspicious occasion commemorating the birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, founder of Islam.
He is celebrated as the final messenger of Allah, known for profound teachings of love and peace that encompass humanity. His journey to spread the message of Islam in the challenging societal context of that time, was marked by significant trials. Even in the face of adversity, the Holy Prophet’s unwavering patience and equanimous strength served as powerful attributes. He was victorious in attaining his aspirations, through boundless sacrifices for faith and humanity.
As we celebrate Prophet Muhammad’s birthday today, it is timely to resolve to uphold the values that were the hallmark of his life, which include mutual understanding, brotherhood, assistance to one another and fairness. Our commitment to fostering social harmony is the most meritorious tribute which could be paid to his legacy.
I urge all Muslim brethren in Sri Lanka, to unite at this juncture in working towards strengthening the path, to secure a developed Sri Lanka by 2048. Let us together overcome the challenges facing our nation, while adhering to the principles espoused by the Holy Prophet Muhammad, in ensuring a brighter future for all.
I wish all those of the Islamic faith, a joyous Eid Milad-Un-Nabi, filled with love, peace and prosperity!”
Ranil Wickremesinghe
President
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
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