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Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe Flies to Chennai for MP Jeevan Thondaman’s Wedding

Former President and United National Party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe departed from Katunayake Airport early this morning (21st), bound for Chennai, India. He was accompanied by his wife, Maithree Wickremesinghe, for the journey. According to airport officials, the couple arrived at Katunayake Airport in the early hours and boarded SriLankan Airlines flight UL-121 at 08:40 a.m.

The Wickremesinghes are travelling to India to attend the wedding celebrations of Parliamentarian Jeevan Thondaman, the only son of the late minister and former leader of the Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC), Arumugam Thondaman.

Jeevan Thondaman’s wedding is set to take place on the 23rd of this month in Chennai, India. His bride, Seethai S. Nachiyar, comes from a politically-involved family in India and is professionally a medical doctor.

The ceremony is expected to draw a host of political figures from both Sri Lanka and India. Invitations have reportedly been extended to former presidents, including Ranil Wickremesinghe and Mahinda Rajapaksa, among other prominent leaders.

Following the wedding celebrations in Chennai, Jeevan Thondaman is scheduled to return to Sri Lanka, where a public reception will be held in Colombo and at the CWC headquarters in Kotte for friends, supporters, and party members to offer their blessings to the newlyweds.

Sri Lanka's Motor Traffic Department (MTD) is pushing forward with a major digital transformation to enhance public service efficiency, curb corruption, and improve convenience for citizens.

This move is part of the broader government initiative to modernise public services through digitalisation. However, the project faces significant hurdles, including outdated systems, slow progress, and resistance from certain  corrupt officials.

The MTD has introduced online services for vehicle registration, license renewals, and fee payments, aiming to streamline processes.

Despite the promises of a more efficient system, the digitisation effort, initiated in 2018, has been hampered by procurement delays and administrative inefficiencies.

Senior officials attribute this to red tape behavior within the tender board and the slow pace of the procurement process, which has been further complicated by official changes in previous governments.

One of the core challenges lies in the inefficiency of the existing system, which has not been updated in two decades. Senior officials often retire or are transferred before projects are completed, leading to inconsistent decision-making and delays.

Furthermore, the system’s infrastructure is not capable of supporting modern technological advancements, which has led to over-reliance on external vendors, and in some cases, the abandonment of projects altogether.

In 2016, the MTD initiated a tender for a new system called e motoring, aimed at improving vehicle registration and motor vehicle transfer processes.

However, despite being awarded to a local company in 2018, the project’s implementation has been postponed repeatedly due to issues such as unsuitable office space for the system’s deployment and administrative red tape,

The original office building was deemed unfit, and the relocation of the department to a new facility has faced delays, further stalling progress, a high official of the MTD said.

Internal resistance from a few corrupted MTD officials, some of whom benefit from the outdated system, has also contributed to the project’s failure.

Allegations of corruption and fraudulent practices have emerged, with investigations by the Bribery Commission leading to the suspension of several officials.

The current system’s poor organisation and lack of proper archiving of vehicle registration documents have further facilitated malpractices.

Despite these challenges, the current MTD Commissioner General Nishantha Anuruddha Weerasingha has made strides in implementing some reforms.

Recently, the department began scanning and archiving vehicle registration documents to improve record-keeping.

Although the full e motoring system is still pending approval, these initial steps are intended to clean up existing processes. Additionally, the Commissioner plans to continue the system's rollout in the current Narahenpita building, rather than relocating as previously suggested.

Despite these hurdles, the department has seen some success. The Commissioner has managed to increase the department’s revenue even in the face of restrictions on vehicle imports.

 He has also worked to reduce the backlog of over 950,000 pending driving license applications, clearing 95 percent of it.

Looking ahead, the MTD is planning to launch an e Driving License system, which will be accessible via mobile phones, and introduce a new system to track traffic violations through demerit points, which will allow for real-time fine payments by offenders.

While the road to full digitisation remains fraught with challenges, the MTD is taking significant steps to modernise its operations and improve service delivery.

Several sound amplification systems installed around the Ananda Samarakoon Open Air Theatre in Nugegoda have been removed by police, following concerns that the noise could disturb students sitting for the A/L examinations.

Despite the removal, authorities have issued special guidelines for a public rally scheduled for today (21) at 2:00 p.m. in Nugegoda, restricting the use of loudspeakers and other sound equipment to ensure minimal disruption.

Former President and UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe departed from the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) to Chennai, India, this morning (21), airport officials confirmed.

He was accompanied by his wife, Maithri Wickremesinghe, and the couple arrived at the airport in the early hours. They boarded SriLankan Airlines flight UL-121, which departed at 8:40 a.m. for Chennai.

The death toll from landslides in two regions of Indonesia’s Central Java rose to 30 as rescue efforts continued, the country’s disaster mitigation agency said on Friday.

Some 21 people remain missing after landslides triggered by torrential rain struck the city of Cilacap last week and the Banjarnegara region over the weekend, the agency said.

Rescuers found 7 more bodies in Banjarnegara, the worst-affected area, on Thursday, bringing the death toll to 10 with 18 still missing, Abdul Muhari, the agency’s spokesperson said in a statement late on Thursday.

Dozens of houses were damaged, seven people injured, and more than 900 residents evacuated following the landslide there, Muhari said.

At least 700 rescuers including police and military personnel continue to look for the missing, using excavators to speed up the search, he added.

“We face several obstacles in the search, particularly with landslide ponds filled with debris and continuously flowing waters also risks new landslides due to rains,” Muhari said.

In Cilacap, rescuers found four more bodies this week bringing the death toll to 20 with three people still missing, Muhari said.

Authorities have extended search operations there until next week, and nearly 400 residents have been evacuated.

Indonesia’s wet season started in September and will continue until April, according to the weather agency, raising the risk of floods and extreme rainfall in many areas.

( Source : adaderana.lk)

The Department of Meteorology forecasts showers or thundershowers at times in the Northern, North-Central, and Eastern provinces today (21).

Several other areas across the island are also expected to experience showers or thundershowers after 1.00 p.m.

Fairly heavy rainfall of over 50 mm is likely in parts of the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces, as well as in the Galle, Matara, and Nuwara Eliya districts.

Misty conditions may occur during the early morning hours in the Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva, Western, and Southern provinces.

The public is advised to take necessary precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

The first public rally organized jointly by several opposition groups against the government—based on 21 key issues—is scheduled to be held today (Nov. 21) in Nugegoda.

The rally, titled “The Great Voice of the People Against the Deceptive Malima Government’s Foolish Rule,” is being organized by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and is set to begin at 2 p.m. at the Ananda Samarakoon Open Air Theatre in Nugegoda.

According to the organizers, the protest is being held on the basis of 21 grievances, including:

• The suspicious release of shipping containers
• The failure to reduce fuel prices as promised
• The failure to reduce electricity tariffs by one-third
• Protecting the “rice mafia”
• Increasing the tax burden
• Undermining the nation's dignity
• Favoritism toward political allies
• Corruption involving ministers’ and MPs’ assets
• Failure to provide jobs for graduates and qualified youth
• Pushing farmers into hardship
• Escalating cost of living
• Undermining the rule of law
• Spreading hatred
• Politicizing everything
• Destroying local culture
• Disregarding war heroes
• Forming friendships with separatist groups
• Entering into fraudulent agreements
• Being exposed for making false statements
• Failing to serve the country
• Having no future plan for the nation
• The SLPP states that the rally’s purpose is to pressure the government to fulfill its promises.

SLPP General Secretary, Attorney-at-Law Sagara Kariyawasam, said that the rally is being held to push the government to honor the commitments it made to the people.

Commenting on the event, MP Namal Rajapaksa said:

“A strong public opinion is rising in the country—that this government has become one that lies endlessly, cannot work, and is incapable of delivering results. The opposition has a responsibility to awaken the government and remind it of its obligations. We are fulfilling that responsibility.”

Provincial correspondents report that large numbers of buses from regions such as Kandy, Anuradhapura, and Badulla departed early this morning to attend the rally.

Organizers say that around 270 buses from various areas have already left for Nugegoda. Former Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena stated that many buses are also expected from Galle, Matara, Hambantota, and Kalutara districts. He added that buses using the expressway will be departing after 11 a.m. today.

The night mail trains operating between Colombo and Badulla have been cancelled for the second consecutive day today (20) due to an obstruction on the railway line between Ohiya and Idalgashinna.

Sri Lanka Railways said the services were also cancelled last night (19) as repair and clearance work continues following a rockfall and earth slip reported along the Ohiya–Idalgashinna stretch of the upcountry line.

Sri Lanka has intensified its diplomatic efforts to secure the continuation of the European Union’s GSP+ trade concession, with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra meeting EU officials in Brussels this week.

The talks, held with Bernd Lange Member of the European Parliament, Chair of the International Trade Committee (INTA), and EU GSP+ Rapporteur focused on strengthening bilateral trade cooperation and safeguarding Sri Lanka’s access to one of its most valuable export privileges.

According to an official statement, the meeting centred on the future of the GSP+ scheme, which offers Sri Lankan exporters preferential access to the EU market by reducing or eliminating duties on over 6,000 product categories.

 Hemachandra outlined the country’s ongoing economic stabilisation drive, including steady progress under the IMF programme, improved sovereign credit ratings, and renewed investor confidence.

He also emphasised the Government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance key conditions tied to GSP+ eligibility.

The discussion further highlighted the arrival of a Fairtrade business delegation in Sri Lanka this week. The delegation’s visit is expected to create new opportunities for organic and Fairtrade-certified producers, enabling them to build long-term relationships with leading European retailers and distributors.

Officials believe this could boost Sri Lanka’s value-added exports at a time when the country is seeking stronger and more sustainable foreign exchange inflows.

Beyond the diplomatic messaging, the push to retain GSP+ carries far-reaching economic implications. For Sri Lanka, the benefits are clear: the scheme enhances export competitiveness, especially for apparel, fisheries products, rubber-based goods, and emerging organic produce.

With nearly a third of Sri Lanka’s exports destined for the EU, the preferential tariff system has helped local industries maintain their foothold against global competitors.

However, the arrangement also comes with challenges. GSP+ is conditional upon the implementation of 27 international conventions on human rights, labour rights, environmental protection, and good governance.

While successive governments have pledged compliance, periodic EU reviews often highlight areas requiring further reform. Critics argue that the pressure to meet EU benchmarks can, at times, strain domestic political consensus especially on sensitive governance and legal reforms.

At the same time, overreliance on GSP+ raises concerns about long-term export resilience. Economists caution that Sri Lanka must diversify its markets and upgrade its industrial capabilities rather than depend exclusively on tariff concessions that may not be permanent.

A potential loss of GSP+ would significantly impact export earnings and employment, particularly in the apparel sector, which employs hundreds of thousands of workers primarily rural women.

Reaffirming Sri Lanka’s position, Hemachandra told EU officials that the Government remains fully committed to meeting international standards in labour, environmental and ethical manufacturing practices. Strengthening cooperation with the EU, he said, will support the country’s industries, workers, and broader national development goals.

As Sri Lanka navigates its economic recovery, securing the continuation of the GSP+ facility remains a strategic priority. The Brussels meeting marks another step in the country’s efforts to safeguard crucial export access while working toward deeper trade and development cooperation with the European Union.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake arrived in Tangalle this afternoon to launch the Southern Provincial Programme of the “A Nation United” National Mission, the government’s flagship initiative aimed at eliminating the drug menace in Sri Lanka.

The provincial launch is currently underway at the Tangalle Public Stadium under the President’s patronage.

Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala stated that this programme marks the second phase of the government’s islandwide anti-drug campaign, designed to eradicate the spread of dangerous narcotics that have grown into a national crisis.

The “A Nation United” National Mission was first inaugurated on October 30 at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo, also under the patronage of President Dissanayake.

Sri Lanka’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued a strong public warning against individuals and social media influencers who promote investment advice without being formally registered or licensed, as regulators intensify efforts to curb the rapid rise of online financial scams.

The regulator stressed that investment recommendations shared through digital platforms—whether presented as tips, predictions, or guidance must not be made without proper regulatory approval.

“Social media content that amounts to investment recommendations must not be made without proper basis and without being a Registered Investment Advisor or a body licensed by the SEC,” the Commission said, noting that unauthorized advisors will face severe penalties.

The watchdog reiterated that violations of the SEC Act are prosecutable before the High Court, with offenders facing fines of not less than Rs. 10 million, imprisonment of up to ten years, or both. According to the regulator, these measures are essential to protect small investors who are increasingly exposed to unverified and often misleading online content.

The SEC highlighted that many inexperienced investors have been misled by self-styled online “experts” who promote unsolicited stock tips through platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Telegram.

Authorities warn that some of these individuals engage in manipulative practices that can distort market behaviour, while others misuse the credibility of social media to draw people into high-risk or fraudulent schemes. The trend, the SEC noted, has resulted not only in significant financial losses but has also weakened public trust in regulated financial markets.

Reinforcing the SEC’s warning, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has raised red flags over a new online pyramid scheme operating under the name “SGO/sgomine.com”.Following investigations, the Central Bank confirmed that the entity is conducting and promoting a prohibited scheme in violation of the Banking Act.

The regulator reminded the public that pyramid and Ponzi schemes often disguised as cryptocurrency platforms, trading apps, or digital investment opportunities are illegal, and both the operation and promotion of such schemes are criminal offences.

The Central Bank also released an updated list of entities determined to be engaged in prohibited pyramid-type activities, including Tiens Lanka Health Care, Best Life International, Mark-Wo International, Global Lifestyle Lanka, Fast3Cycle International, OnmaxDT, Sport Chain app, MTFE App and related groups, Fastwin, Fruugo Online App, Qnet/Questnet, Ride to Three Freedom, Era Miracle, Beecoin App, The Enrich Life, Windex Trading, Smart Win Entrepreneur, Net Fore International/Netrrix, Pro Care and several other affiliated entities.

Regulators have urged the public to exercise extreme caution and avoid falling prey to schemes promising extraordinary returns with little or no real economic activity.

Both the SEC and CBSL emphasised that legitimate investment opportunities are always conducted through licensed institutions, and encouraged the public to verify credentials before acting on any financial advice shared online.

The 12th Commemoration Ceremony of the founder of our alma mater: D.S. Senanayake College is scheduled to come to light on the 27th of November 2025 at the college premises with our pound alumni Senanayakian Aravinda de Silva ayya, a former member of the National Cricket Team of Sri Lanka gracing the occasion.

Seeing the worldly light on 3rd October 1932 in Galle, Sir Ralph Ignatius Thomas Alles pursued his school education in St. Aloysius College in Galle and St. Anthony's College in Matara. Having started his career as a school teacher, he rendered his service in Royal College, Colombo for many years. Following the invitation of the education minister Hon. I.M.R.A. Iriyagolla and the principal of Royal College back then, he assumed his duties as the principal of the newly established D.S. Senanayake Junior School. Continuing his tremendous service, words cannot explain the efforts he made to enshrine D.S. Senanayake College, Colombo 7 in the education field in the country. Without stopping there, he continued serve the education system in Sri Lanka by establishing Gateway College.

That great gentleman whose name is forever remembered in the education genealogy in Sri Lanka passed away on 28th November 2013, leaving his legacy for generations to be proud of and honour.