Former Minister Namal Rajapaksa congratulated President Aruna Kumara Dissanayake and the National People’s Power (NPP) on their decisive victory in the Parliamentary Elections. Rajapaksa expressed hope for NPP’s success in fulfilling the public mandate, adding that the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) remains committed to its supporters' values. While Rajapaksa did not run in the election, he is on the SLPP’s national list. The Election Commission (EC) has yet to confirm if SLPP will secure a National List slot, leaving his potential return to Parliament uncertain.

Namal Rajapaksa congratulates NPP on election victory

Several former Ministers and MPs of the former Government have already lost their seats, as the results of the 2024 General Election are being released. The former MPs who were already ousted from the 10th Parliament include, Kanchana Wijesekera - Matara, Nipuna Ranawaka - Matara, Mahinda Amaraweera - Hambantota, Manusha Nanayakkara – Galle, Ramesh Pathirana - Galle, Shasheendra Rajapaksa - Monaragala, Asanka Navarathna - Kurunegala, Anura Priyadharshana Yapa - Kurunegala, Johnston Fernando - Kurunegala, Shantha Bandara - Kurunegala, D. B. Herath- Kurunegala, and Pramitha Tennakoon – Matale.

Ex-Ministers and MPs ousted from Parliament as General election results roll in

Thundershowers are forecast for most parts of the island after 1:00 p.m., with possible morning rain in the Northern, Eastern, and Southern provinces. Areas in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern, and Southern provinces could see fairly heavy showers over 75 mm. Morning mist is likely in parts of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, and Uva provinces, along with Galle and Matara.

Fairly heavy showers expected today

<ul><li> Lowest in SL’s Prez/P’ment Polls history?&nbsp;</li></ul>The Parliamentary General Election which concluded yesterday (14) has seen an approximate voter turnout of 65%, which is, according to the Election Commission (EC), lower than previous Presidential and Parliamentary election in the country’s history. “This is the lowest we have seen in an election, both Parliamentary and Presidential,” EC Chairperson R.M.A.L. Rathnayake told The Daily Morning yesterday (14). “A significant number of people have not cast their vote." Rathnayake said however that he is unaware of the reasons as to why the voter turnout was low.A total of 17,140,354 Sri Lankans were eligible to vote in this year’s Parliamentary Election; however, during the Presidential Election this year, over 3.5 million citizens who were eligible to vote refrained from voting. Out of 17,140,354 registered voters, a total of 13,619,916 cast their vote in the Presidential Election, making the voter turnout 79.46%. Meanwhile, 3,250,438 people or 21.54% did not vote in the Presidential Election.

Parliamentary election: 65% voter turnout 

The Police stated that if the proposed Online Safety Commission (OSC) under the Online Safety Act, No. 9 of 2024 (OSA) is appointed, and the OSA is thereby effectively implemented, it could help reduce online scams to a certain extent.In recent years, Sri Lanka has experienced a significant increase in financial and other types of scams perpetrated through online platforms.When queried by The Daily Morning as to whether there should be any new legal reforms to tackle online scams, Police Media Spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General of Police Nihal Thalduwa said that the proper implementation of the OSA would help prevent online scams to some extent.&nbsp;“It is because the existing legal provisions are not sufficient that the OSA was introduced, but it is not implemented. For it to be implemented, the OSC should be appointed, but it has not been done yet. If the Commission is appointed, and the OSA is implemented, we can prevent online scams to some extent,” he explained.The OSA states: “There shall be established an OSC which shall exercise and perform the powers and functions assigned to it under this Act for the purpose of achieving the objectives of this Act.”Increasing online scams have ensnared countless individuals, leading to substantial financial losses and emotional distress in the recent past. Victims of such scams often find themselves grappling with the consequences, which may include drained savings, damaged credit, and significant stress. The Police, including the Criminal Investigations Department have arrested hundreds of suspects including foreigners for having perpetrated such scams.&nbsp;

Reducing online scams: Appoint OSC to implement OSA: Police 

<ul><li>CMC’s Fire Service Dept. points out inadequate vehicle access for fire trucks, improper storage standards blocking emergency exits&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Business premises and factories are required to obtain an annual fire preparedness certificate from the respective fire department, but due to some institutions neglecting this, incidents of sudden fires have increased, according to the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) Fire Service Department.There have been several incidents of fires erupting at business premises and factories in the recent past, particularly in the Colombo District.Speaking to The Daily Morning, the Department’s Divisional Fire Officer – Operations R.N. Senanayake said that business premises and factories are supposed to obtain an annual fire preparedness certificate from the respective fire department, but that many such institutions are neglecting it.&nbsp;“We may not be able to arrive at the premises soon enough due to traffic congestion. That is why there should be fire control systems in place. When such systems are there, they themselves can control the fire at the initial point. Business premises and factories should place such systems and obtain a certification annually, but many don’t do so. That is why incidents of fires are going up,” he noted.He also said that certain business premises and factories not having adequate vehicle access is an obstacle to control a fire if any occurs within such premises. “Not every premise has these issues. But, there are certain premises which we cannot reach by vehicles. We have to park our vehicles 100-150 metres away from the premises and control the fire. That is difficult to do.&nbsp;The other issue is that some of the places are not following proper storage standards. Emergency exits are blocked, and people cannot exit in an emergency,” he said.Speaking further, Senanayake said: “When a fire erupts in a premise, it also affects the surrounding buildings. It is true that these fire preparedness measures are expensive, but it is not an unnecessary cost. In recent fires, the entire premises were destroyed. They may have insured those properties, but we all have to bear the financial burden due to things that we could have prevented. Therefore, it is better if everyone thinks of themselves and others, and takes precautionary measures to prevent fires. It will also save the country a lot of money and resources.”Colombo has experienced several fire incidents recently, particularly impacting business areas. On 27 October of last year (2023), a fire erupted at a clothing store on Second Cross Street in Pettah, requiring seven fire trucks to contain it. The fire caused extensive damage to nearby shops, and over 20 individuals were hospitalised, with some in critical condition. Fires erupted at two other business premises in the Rajagiriya area this month.&nbsp; PHOTO Ishan Sanjeewa

Spike in fires in Colombo: Authorities blame Cos. ignoring fire preparedness 

<ul><li> Police received most complaints on social media violations</li><li> Police arrested 51 including 2 candidates for election law violations&nbsp;</li><li> Election official dismissed for undue assistance&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li> PAFFREL cites employees’ inadequate leave-related complaints &amp; propaganda distribution&nbsp;</li></ul> The Election Commission (EC), the Police, and local polls observers have confirmed that the Parliamentary General Election held yesterday (14) was a peaceful one with only a few minor electoral law violations.“This Election has been carried out without any problems and we have not received any complaints yet,” EC Chairperson R.M.A.L. Rathnayake told The Daily Morning yesterday (14).President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, speaking to the media after casting his vote, claimed that this was the ‘most peaceful’ election in Sri Lanka’s history. Dissanayake, who predicted a victory for his National People’s Power (NPP) Party, highlighted that everyone should act responsibly not to cause harm to any other party supporters or members following their victory. “The NPP seeks a strong mandate from the people in this Election, confident that such support will lead to a robust Parliament. After our anticipated victory, we encourage all supporters to celebrate democratically and peacefully, ensuring that no harm or disturbance comes to other parties. This election campaign has been the most peaceful, most democratic in Sri Lanka’s history, which is a political triumph for the people of our country,” he added.However, the Police confirmed instances of several electoral law violations online, via social media. “We have had many cases of election law violations through the use of social media,” Police Media Spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General of Police Nihal Thalduwa told The Daily Morning yesterday. “This is probably due to the increase in social media use among the population. However, despite several online violations, the Election has been peaceful and there have been no cases of ground-level election law violations and violence on Election Day.” Further, Thalduwa noted that three suspects involved in illegal election campaigning activities were arrested. The arrested persons, aged 49, 19, and 26, are from Nedunkerny, Mannar, and Biyagama. However, as at 6.50 p.m. yesterday, a total of 51 suspects including two candidates were arrested from 20 districts for electoral law violations. These arrests pertain to false statements, assaults, the tearing of polling cards, and the photographing of ballot papers. Moreover, Thalduwa added that an election official had been dismissed for providing undue assistance to an elector.&nbsp;&nbsp;Thalduwa also confirmed the deaths of three individuals involved in election duty, who are reported to have died of natural causes. The deceased include a 33-year-old Police officer who was stationed at a polling station in a school in Kurumburai, within the Kopai Police Division. In a separate incident, a 48-year-old female polling station officer in charge assigned to the ‘Siri Sadaham Ashramaya’ Monastery in the Kesbewa Police Division died after being admitted to hospital due to an illness. Additionally, a 57-year-old staff member at a polling station in Kobeigane has also passed away due to a sudden illness. The post-mortem examinations are yet to be carried out, while the Police suspect that heart attacks may have caused their deaths.Meanwhile, election observers described the Election as one of the most peaceful in Sri Lanka’s electoral history, highlighting also that the Election was conducted in accordance with international standards.&nbsp;Both the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) and the Institute for Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies (IRES) expressed their satisfaction with the manner in which the Election was carried out, noting a significant reduction in election-related violence and violations of electoral laws. PAFFREL Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi, speaking to the media yesterday, emphasised that the Election was marked by a notably low number of complaints. “There has been a very low rate of violations of election laws and election violence this time, which is a marked improvement compared to previous elections,” Hettiarachchi stated. He added that this positive development indicated significant progress in the country’s electoral processes.&nbsp;However, Hettiarachchi revealed that PAFFREL had received several complaints regarding certain workplaces that did not grant the necessary leave for employees to cast their votes. “We have received complaints about some workplaces where voters were not given the required time off to participate in the Election. Additionally, there were instances of the distribution of propaganda material, such as leaflets, near polling stations,” he said. Hettiarachchi assured that these issues had been reported to the relevant authorities for further action.&nbsp;Hettiarachchi highlighted that the Election set a new standard in terms of the low number of reported cases involving the misuse of State power and public assets. “This Election is a good example for Sri Lanka, showing that an election can be held according to international standards without the significant misuse of power or public resources,” he added.&nbsp; IRES Executive Director Manjula Gajanayake echoed similar sentiments, praising the peaceful conduct of the Election. He noted that the Election marked a turning point in Sri Lanka’s election culture, describing it as a step forward in the country's democratic development. “This Election is one of the most peaceful in our history in terms of violence and the violation of electoral laws,” Gajanayake remarked, highlighting a shift towards more mature and fair electoral practices following the last Presidential Election held in September of this year.Voting in the Election officially closed at 4 p.m. yesterday. Accordingly, the ballot boxes were sealed at polling stations across the island, and counting began. A total of 17,140,354 Sri Lankans were eligible to vote in this year’s Election.&nbsp;The voting took place at 13,421 polling stations across the island from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The postal voting for the Election commenced on 30 October and continued on 1 and 4 November where more than 700,000 of the registered voters had qualified for the advance voting process. Through this Election, a total of 225 Members of Parliament will be elected, comprising 196 Members elected by public vote and 29 Members entering through the national list. The political party or independent group securing the highest number of votes in a district is entitled to have one MP declared elected to the bonus seat. The remaining number of members is declared elected on the basis of the proportion of votes obtained by the political party or the independent group. The EC announced that vote counting commenced after 7:15 p.m. at the main counting centres after the ballot boxes reached the respective counting centres.&nbsp;Rathnayake stated that as soon as the results are received from the returning officers, they will be re-checked and promptly released to the media. Results will be published in three phases: First at the constituency level, then at the district level, along with the announcement of the number of MPs that each political party and independent group will receive. Preference counting would commence immediately at each counting centre as the results are released.&nbsp;However, only the preference votes of political parties and independent groups eligible to secure MP seats will be counted, according to the EC. Representatives of all political parties and independent groups not eligible for MP seats will be required to vacate the premises of the counting centres. The inaugural session of the 10th Parliament is scheduled to commence on 21 November.

‘Election peaceful’: Authorities & local observers

The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) yesterday (14) charged that improper storage conditions in pharmacies are responsible for failing of quality and related efficiency in drugs, and hence recommended that pharmacies follow correct procedures when storing their medicines.“Many pharmacies don’t store their drugs properly, leading to many drugs losing their quality,” NMRA Chairperson Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama told The Daily Morning yesterday (14). “Therefore, we recommend that all pharmacies store their drugs at proper temperatures and discard any containers that are damaged,” he said.These comments follow a report alleging that over half of the drugs that have failed quality testing are Indian. “The fact that they are Indian drugs is irrelevant,” Dr. Wijewickrama emphasised. “Approximately 85% of the drugs that Sri Lanka imports are Indian and if that’s the case, the majority of our drugs would fail. These issues stem from poor storage, often at the hands of pharmacies,” he went on to say.It was reported that there were around 600 cases of quality failures since 2017, with 96 cases of drug quality failures in 2019. Meanwhile, 86 drugs failed quality tests in 2022. Last year (2023), a woman was declared dead at the Peradeniya Teaching Hospital after she was administered an anesthetic; it is however not known whether it was the administration of the same that caused the death.In August, the Health Ministry sought Cabinet of Ministers approval to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Indian Health Ministry to purchase drugs on an emergency basis.

Quality of pharmaceuticals: NMRA highlights pharmacies’ storage issues 

<ul><li>Level reduced from 4 (highly credible threat) to 2 (mild occasional threat)</li><li>Cautioning against wearing Jewish or Israeli symbols remains&nbsp;</li></ul>Israeli authorities eased a travel warning for Sri Lanka on Wednesday (13), some three weeks after cautioning tourists at a popular beach town of an imminent terrorist threat.The National Security Council (NSC), which publishes travel advisories, said that it was lowering the warning level for the Arugam Bay area from four, which indicates a highly credible threat, to two, indicating a more mild occasional threat. The high-level threat area had extended across Sri Lanka’s South-eastern coast as far as the town of Hikkaduwa. The rest of the island nation was lowered from level three – moderate – to level two. The NSC said that the threat level is being updated from level four (high) in the South-west of the country and level three (moderate) in the rest of Sri Lanka, to level two (an occasional threat) for the entire country.However, the NSC said that Israeli travellers should alert the local security forces if there are any hostilities toward Jews or Israelis, and cautioned against wearing Jewish or Israeli symbols. The NSC cautioned travellers on Wednesday to remain vigilant while visiting the country, leaving in place the advisory against wearing Jewish or Israeli symbols.Last month, the NSC called on Israelis to leave Sri Lanka’s South and West, and said that Israelis should postpone travel to the rest of the country. They also urged nationals to hide signs that indicate that they are Israelis and to avoid gathering in large numbers. Israel had advised its nationals in Arugam Bay and nearby areas to leave immediately on 23 October, citing the “threat of terrorist attacks against several targets, including popular terrorist locations in Arugam Bay and the South and West coastal areas of Sri Lanka”. Israelis remaining in the country were advised to go to Colombo, where there were more local security forces, and to hide anything that might identify them as Israelis or avoid gathering in large numbers.The United States (US), which had also issued a warning for Arugam Bay, rescinded its advisory as well on Wednesday, the Embassy in Colombo said.According to an affidavit filed in a US Federal Court late last week, an Afghani man named Farhad Shakeri, recruited by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, told the Federal Bureau of Investigation on 28 October that he and an accomplice had been ordered to plan a mass shooting attack against Israelis at an unnamed location in Arugam Bay, a popular spot for Israeli surfers chasing an endless summer. Shakeri remains at large and is thought to be in Iran. According to the complaint, aside from allegedly plotting to attack Israelis at Arugam Bay, he had also plotted attacks for Iran against US President-elect Donald Trump, as well as attempted assassinations of Jewish business people in New York and a prominent Iranian exile. The accomplice, whom the filing identified as one of three people arrested by the Sri Lankan authorities a day after the warning was issued, had agreed to provide AK-47s and other weapons for the attack, according to the complaint. The accomplice was unnamed, but was said to have served prison time with Shakeri in the US. According to reports, three others have since been arrested.The decision to downgrade the warning came two days after the Foreign Affairs Ministry asked the US to cancel its warning. The Sri Lankan authorities had bolstered security for tourists following the warnings and on 10 November, Defense Secretary, Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha visited the area around Arugam Bay to assess the security situation.Protests by local Muslim groups against Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon have drawn support from the wider community in the predominantly Buddhist South Asian nation. The war broke out following Hamas’s 7 October onslaught last year, which saw terrorists kill some 1,200 people in Israel and kidnap 251.&nbsp;Israelis accounted for less than 1.5% of the 1.5 million tourists who visited the island in the first nine months of this year (January-September) – or around 20,000 people altogether. But, Arugam Bay, a hotspot for surfing around 400 kilometres (250 miles) east of Colombo by road, is a popular destination for Israeli tourists.&nbsp;(Times of Israel)

Namal Rajapaksa congratulates NPP on election victory

Ex-Ministers and MPs ousted from Parliament as General election result ...

Ex-Ministers and MPs ousted fr ...

Fairly heavy showers expected today

Fairly heavy showers expected ...

Parliamentary election: 65% voter turnout

Parliamentary election: 65% vo ...

Reducing online scams: Appoint OSC to implement OSA: Police

Reducing online scams: Appoint ...

Spike in fires in Colombo: Authorities blame Cos. ignoring fire prepar ...

Spike in fires in Colombo: Aut ...

‘Election peaceful’: Authorities & local observers

‘Election peaceful’: Authoriti ...

Quality of pharmaceuticals: NMRA highlights pharmacies’ storage issues ...

Quality of pharmaceuticals: NM ...

Arugam Bay: Israel removes severe travel warning

Arugam Bay: Israel removes sev ...

Ex-Ministers and MPs ousted from Parliament as General election result ...

Ex-Ministers and MPs ousted fr ...

Fairly heavy showers expected today

Fairly heavy showers expected ...

Parliamentary election: 65% voter turnout

Parliamentary election: 65% vo ...

Reducing online scams: Appoint OSC to implement OSA: Police

Reducing online scams: Appoint ...

Spike in fires in Colombo: Authorities blame Cos. ignoring fire prepar ...

Spike in fires in Colombo: Aut ...

‘Election peaceful’: Authorities & local observers

‘Election peaceful’: Authoriti ...

Quality of pharmaceuticals: NMRA highlights pharmacies’ storage issues ...

Quality of pharmaceuticals: NM ...

Arugam Bay: Israel removes severe travel warning

Arugam Bay: Israel removes sev ...

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Ex-Ministers and MPs ousted from Parliament as General election result ...

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Fairly heavy showers expected today

Fairly heavy showers expected ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

Parliamentary election: 65% voter turnout

Parliamentary election: 65% vo ...

Reducing online scams: Appoint OSC to implement OSA: Police

Reducing online scams: Appoint ...

Spike in fires in Colombo: Authorities blame Cos. ignoring fire prepar ...

Spike in fires in Colombo: Aut ...

‘Election peaceful’: Authorities & local observers

‘Election peaceful’: Authoriti ...