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Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Dr. Chandana Abayaratne, announced that a significant number of retired public servants whose salaries were not increased in the 2025 Budget will receive due benefits in the 2026 Budget.

He made these remarks while participating in the ‘National Pensioners’ Day 2025’ celebration organized by the Department of Pensions under the theme “A Life Filled with Strength, Good Health, and Courage.”

Addressing the gathering, Minister Abayaratne said:

“We are aware that there are many issues affecting the over 700,000-strong retired community. We regularly meet with retiree organizations and hold discussions with the Deputy Minister, Secretary, and Director General to address their concerns. There may still be some issues we have not yet identified; however, the government remains committed to fulfilling its responsibility to resolve your problems.”

The celebration featured a variety of activities, including local and Western medical clinics, health awareness lectures, entertainment programs, and aesthetic performances by veteran artists, along with special gift distributions.

The event was attended by the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, S. Aloka Bandara; the Director General of the Department of Pensions, Chaminda Hettiarachchi; as well as veteran artists, medical specialists, of

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organizer Namal Rajapaksa called for greater independence for the police during a parliamentary session today (8), stressing that the Police Commission should be empowered to handle transfers and administrative matters without political interference.

Rajapaksa criticized the politicization of the police force, stating: “In recent times, everyone has spoken about the political influence on the police. When we were in government, you raised these concerns the most. What is the expectation here? Is it to serve the people or to use the police as a political tool?”

He highlighted recent incidents, including thefts from zoological parks, as examples of inefficiency caused by politicization.

“The entire police department is being used as an arm of the government. We urge the IGP to study the history and stop this trend of political interference,” Rajapaksa added.

Leader of the National Freedom Front, Wimal Weerawansa, appeared before the Tangalle Crimes Investigation Division today to provide a statement regarding a recent drug trafficking case involving a suspect known as Beliatta Sana.

Weerawansa had previously been summoned to appear on October 6, in connection with a public statement he made concerning the arrest of the suspect.

However, citing personal reasons, he was unable to attend on the scheduled date.

Complying with the summons, the MP arrived at the Tangalle Crimes Investigation Divisionoffice today to record his statement.

The investigation relates to a drug seizure operation in the Tangalle area, during which Beliatta Sana was arrested along with a vessel allegedly used in the trafficking operation.

Former Member of Parliament Sajin de Vass Gunawardena appeared before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Wednesday (8) morning to provide a statement regarding an investigation into phone calls allegedly received by then-President Maithripala Sirisena from a foreign intelligence service prior to the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks.

Gunawardena arrived at the CID around 9:30 a.m. and left after approximately three and a half hours of questioning.

Speaking to reporters, Gunawardena said:

“They called me in to give a statement regarding a comment made by Maithripala Sirisena about the Easter attacks. As members of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, we worked closely with him. So I gave a statement based on that and now I’m leaving.”

Police confirmed that during the investigation into the relevant phone numbers, analysis reports revealed that calls had also been received from a number belonging to Gunawardena.

Clarifying the matter, the former MP stated:

“As part of the investigation into the Easter attacks, all phone numbers that contacted Maithripala Sirisena are being examined. One of those numbers was an Indian number I had used. The CID summoned me to verify this.”

The news circulating on social media claiming that Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, Ravi Seneviratne, has stated before the Parliamentary Committee on High Posts that the mastermind behind the Easter Sunday attacks has been identified and that India is behind the incident, is completely false, the Police announced in an official statement.

The Police further emphasized that they strongly deny the accuracy of such reports.

The full statement issued by the Police is as follows:

Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP and President's Counsel M. Nisam Kariapper claims that Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, Ravi Seneviratne, has confirmed that the mastermind behind the Easter attacks has been identified.

The MP stated on his X account that during a session of the High Posts Committee, Seneviratne provided this information in response to a question he had submitted.

38 children living in prisons with their mothers during the first eight months of 2025 – Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya revealed that 38 women have been incarcerated with their children during the first eight months of 2025.

Responding to a question raised in Parliament today (08), the Prime Minister stated that a total of 38 children currently reside in prisons alongside their mothers — 15 boys and 23 girls.

She further noted that childcare centres have been established within women’s prison facilities to provide care for children under the age of five who are detained with their mothers. These centres are located separately from the general inmate population, allowing the children to spend meaningful time with their mothers in a safe and supportive environment.

Commenting on the welfare of these children, the Prime Minister said that, in addition to the standard meals provided to inmates, infants and young children are supplied with milk powder and light daily meals through the prison canteen system to ensure proper nutrition.

Addressing the matter of early childhood education for these children, Dr. Amarasuriya highlighted that a private organisation has been supporting the operation of an Early Childhood Development Centre within the prison system for nearly a decade, providing educational opportunities for the children living there.

People’s Bank unveils its new ‘People’s Tower’ headquarters – a landmark in Sri Lanka’s banking and economic history

People’s Bank marked a historic milestone on October 7, 2025, with the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art headquarters, ‘People’s Tower,’ located at No. 374, Dr. Colvin R. de Silva Mawatha, Colombo 02. The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, and Dr. Harsha Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Treasury and the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization, and National Policies.

For over 64 years, People’s Bank has played a defining role in empowering communities, supporting national development, and driving economic progress across Sri Lanka. The inauguration of this new headquarters symbolizes the bank’s continued commitment to innovation, sustainability, and service excellence—serving as a proud reflection of both the institution’s legacy and the nation’s growth journey.

Standing tall with 22 floors above ground and three basement levels, the building is designed in alignment with global green building standards, underscoring the bank’s pledge toward environmental sustainability. The Tower houses a fully equipped auditorium, record management unit, modern cafeteria, medical center, conference halls, and a range of other advanced facilities.

The building also accommodates the People’s Bank Staff Training College and the Union Place Branch, offering customers access to the latest digital banking technologies. To commemorate this historic occasion, the Department of Posts issued a special commemorative cover and stamp.

The bank’s previous headquarters, established in 1977 at Sir Chittampalam A. Gardiner Mawatha, now gives way to this modern landmark that captures the essence of stability, innovation, efficiency, and pride—qualities that define People’s Bank as a national financial powerhouse.

The ceremony was graced by Chairman Prof. Narada Fernando, CEO/General Manager Clive Fonseka, members of the Board of Directors, senior management, customers, and distinguished invitees.

Founded on July 1, 1961, People’s Bank stands today as Sri Lanka’s premier financial institution, with assets exceeding Rs. 3.7 trillion, a network of over 750 branches, and a dedicated team of 8,000 employees. With more than 15.2 million customers, it boasts the largest client base among Sri Lankan commercial banks.

As the country’s digital banking pioneer, People’s Bank serves over 3.5 million digital customers, continuing to champion inclusive financial growth and national economic upliftment. Beyond banking, it remains a cornerstone in financing Sri Lanka’s key sectors—from exports and education to health, highways, tourism, and infrastructure—cementing its legacy as a true partner in national progress.

Commuters in Sri Lanka will soon be able to pay their bus fares using bank-issued credit and debit cards, Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake announced in Parliament today (08).

According to the Minister, the new system will come into effect on November 30, 2025, for buses equipped with ticket-issuing machines. The move aims to enhance transparency and convenience in public transport transactions.

“It’s a well-known fact that passengers are often cheated through bus tickets, which is one of the main reasons the bus industry is not financially sustainable,” the Minister said, noting that the introduction of digital payments will help bus operators secure fair income.

Rathnayake further stated that private bus owners have long requested a card payment system, although previous attempts to introduce dedicated transport cards were unsuccessful due to technical complications. The new initiative will allow passengers to make payments using any locally accepted bank card.

The Minister also addressed concerns regarding the delay in issuing vehicle number plates, revealing that as of September 30, 2025, a total of 165,512 plates remained unissued.

He explained that the new number plates include seven advanced security features, with testing carried out by the University of Moratuwa. “The university successfully verified six of the features, but we needed international support to test the seventh, which has caused the delay,” he said, emphasizing that the enhanced security measures were vital for preventing fraud.

In addition, Minister Rathnayake assured that the delay in issuing new driving licences will be resolved by October 18.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) informed the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (09) that 13 bank accounts belonging to Shadhika Lakshani, the wife of Bako Saman, who is currently in remand custody, and her close associates, have been frozen.

According to the CID, five of the frozen accounts are registered under Lakshani’s own name.

The revelation was made when the case was taken up before Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanka S. Bodaragama earlier today.

Following the submission, the court ordered that the suspect be further remanded until October 23.

The main suspect in the gruesome double murder of a couple in Wadigala, Hungama has surrendered to authorities, police confirmed.

The shocking attack occurred in the early hours of today (07) around 12:45 a.m., when a group of five assailants broke into the residence. According to police reports, the female homeowner had stepped outside to use the toilet when the intruders forced their way inside. They entered a bedroom where a 28-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman were staying and brutally attacked them with sharp weapons, killing both. Disturbingly, the male victim was reportedly decapitated during the assault.Preliminary investigations indicate that the woman was the man’s mistress. Authorities also revealed that the male victim had a history of involvement in two previous murders.

Initial findings suggest that the murder may have been orchestrated by one of the victim’s close associates. Police continue to conduct a thorough investigation into the case.

The Colombo Port has recorded a net profit of Rs. 32.2 billion (after tax) during the first eight months of 2025, the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation stated.

The Ministry stated that the net profit for the same period in 2024 was Rs. 18.9 billion, reflecting an increase of approximately Rs. 13 billion, which translates to a 71% growth.

The estimated profit target for the first eight months of 2025 was around Rs. 21 billion, the Ministry noted.

According to the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), this remarkable financial performance is the result of ongoing development projects, improved operational efficiency, a 6% growth in container handling compared to the first eight months of 2024 and the completion of major infrastructure projects such as the Eastern Terminal and Jaya Container Terminal, which are expected to further increase capacity in the near future.

The SLPA also attributed the profit surge to renewal of terminal service agreements, increased capacity, and effective cost management.

The Ports Authority has stated that these profits would be utilised to implement strategic plans aimed at positioning the Colombo Port as a regional transshipment hub.

(adaderana.lk)

A double homicide has been reported at a residence in the Wadigala area of Hungama, police confirmed.

According to police, the victims had been attacked with sharp weapons, leading to their deaths.

Investigations were launched following information received about the suspicious deaths of two individuals at a house in the Ranna–Wadigala area. Preliminary inquiries have revealed that the deceased are a 28-year-old man and his unmarried partner.

Police further stated that the owner of the house is currently in prison, and the couple had been residing at the premises temporarily.

The motive and the perpetrators behind the killings remain unknown at this stage, while post-mortem examinations of the bodies are scheduled to be conducted today (07).

The Hungama Police have commenced further investigations into the incident.