Author: TELO Admin

ACMC leader warns he will petition EC, urges President to revoke directive
More than Rs 200 million worth ongoing development projects secured by All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) leader and Parliamentarian Rishad Bathiudeen in six districts have been put on hold with immediate effect following directives issued by the Presidential Secretariat.
Earlier, the ACMC leader secured approval to carry out development activities in six districts—Mannar, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, Puttalam, Trincomalee, and Batticaloa. Mr. Bathidueen said the projects were based on the requests of people, rural development societies, welfare societies, and other community-based organisations for the urgent development activities in those areas.

However, a directive was issued on Thursday by Presidential Secretariat accountant S.A.P. Kumari to the respective district secretaries, instructing them to halt those projects and directing them to transfer the funds to the Presidential Secretariat with immediate effect.

“I further request you to inform me of the receipt of this letter immediately and not to enter into any obligation using these provisions,” according to the letter signed by the accountant and seen by the Sunday Times.

On the following day, the ACMC leader wrote to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, saying that it was “extremely doubtable (sic) that these actions had been taken following his announcement to support Presidential Candidate Sajith Premadasa at the upcoming presidential election.”

“I hope that this sort of action had been taken by certain individuals and officials without Your Excellency’s knowledge unethically…,” the ACMC leader said in his letter seen by the Sunday Times while urging him to revoke the orders and instruct relevant authorities to expedite the implementation of the projects.

He warned he would be forced to appeal to the Elections Commission if the directives were not revoked, saying he believed these attempts were “unethical activities” and violations of election laws.

The 78th Independence Day of India was celebrated with great fervour in different parts of Sri Lanka on 15 August 2024. The main event in Colombo was held at ‘India House’, the official residence of High Commissioner of India. High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka H.E Santosh Jha hoisted India’s National Flag and inspected the Guard of Honour. He also read excerpts of the address by Hon’ble President of India to the nation on the eve of the 78th Independence Day.

Several cultural events added vibrancy to the celebrations. The Sri Lanka Navy Band delivered melodious tunes, embodying valour and patriotism, while the visiting ICCR troupe from India, led by Ranjith Gogoi, captivated the audience with a soulful Bihu Dance performance.

High Commissioner and officers of High Commission of India also paid homage at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial to the memory of the Indian soldiers of IPKF who made the supreme sacrifice defending peace and unity of Sri Lanka.

Special events were organized by the Assistant High Commission in Kandy, Consulate General in Jaffna and Consulate General in Hambantota as well on the momentous occasion.

Later in the day, Bharat Sri Lanka Maitri Utsav 2024 – a four-day festival running from 15 August to 18 August 2024 at the iconic Independence Square Park in Colombo will be inaugurated. The Utsav will showcase a traditional handicrafts exhibition featuring artisans from India and Sri Lanka, along with cultural performances and a food festival. The Utsav will remain open for public till 10 pm, 18 August 2024.

The United States’ Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Jennifer R. Littlejohn, is set to embark on a crucial tour of South Asia from August 17 to August 31.

Her visit will encompass key destinations including Colombo, Sri Lanka; Chennai and New Delhi, India; and Malé, Maldives.

From August 19 to 21, Littlejohn will visit Colombo, where she is scheduled to meet with government officials and key partners.

Her agenda includes visiting U.S.-supported wildlife protection projects and explore opportunities for connecting Sri Lankans with U.S. experts in priority areas, such as hydrography and climate change.

During her visit, she will discuss nature and marine conservation, plastic and air pollution, the climate crisis, deforestation, nature crimes, civil and commercial space activities, promoting women and girls in STEM, and the sustainable blue economy.

Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake said that despite an increase in the length of the ballot paper due to a higher number of candidates, the estimated budget for the upcoming election remains adequate.

Ratnayake explained that the number of candidates has risen from 35 in the previous election to 39 this year. As a result, the length of the ballot paper has grown to between 26 and 27 inches.

Despite this change, Ratnayake assured that there will be no alterations to the design of the ballot paper itself.

“The overall number of pages required will remain consistent, and while there may be some fluctuations in overall costs, we anticipate that the budget will cover these changes,” Ratnayake said.

The Commissioner General said that the increase in ballot paper length would not affect the design or functionality of the ballot.

He said the financial provisions made for this election will adequately address any cost variations resulting from the expanded ballot size.

A passenger ferry service between Sri Lanka’s Jaffna and India’s Nagapatnam has resumed on August 16, with 50 passengers arriving in the maiden voyage, the Indian High Commission in Colombo said.

“Future plans include the exploration of additional routes and services that will further expand connectivity and economic collaboration,” the Indian embassy said.

The ferry ‘Sivagangai’ run by a private operator, IndSri Ferry Services, completed the journey between Nagapattinam and KKS in approximately 4 hours, the embassy said.

The return tickets are currently priced around 35,000 rupees.

India is subsidizing the service providing around 25 million Sri Lanka rupees a month for a year to cover fees and operating costs and Nagapatnam port.

Sri Lanka has cut an embarkation tax on passengers.

“The resumption of this service underscores the commitment of both countries to strengthening bilateral relations through improved connectivity,..” the Indian embassy said.

India is also giving a grant of 63.5 million US dollars to upgrade Kankasanthurai Harbour in Jaffna.