News

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) today, has been remanded by the Fort Magistrate’s Court.

Wickremesinghe has been remanded until 26th August after being produced before the court today.

Ranil Wickremesinghe became the first former head of state to be arrested in Sri Lanka, after being taken into custody by the CID this morning, after recording a statement in connection with an overseas trip.

He was summoned before the CID with regard to an ongoing probe into an overseas visit to London that investigators say included private events but was financed by state funds.

Ranil Wickremesinghe is accused of having misused state funds during his visit to the United Kingdom in late 2023, during his presidency.

According to a police B-report submitted to a Colombo court, the former president travelled to the United Kingdom to attend his wife’s PhD graduation ceremony at the University of Wolverhampton on September 22 and 23, 2023.

The visit, which had no official government purpose, was tacked onto Wickremesinghe’s state trip to Cuba and the United States, with the president flying from the U.S. to Britain for this private event.

A delegation accompanied him on the London leg, and roughly Rs. 16.9 million in Sri Lankan government funds were spent on the trip.

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon was arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) today.

It is reported that Deshabandu Tennakoon was arrested in connection with a case related to the ‘Aragalaya’ people’s struggle in 2022.

Deshabandu Tennakoon was named as a suspect in the case.

His arrest comes after the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today rejected the anticipatory bail application filed by Tennakoon.

Tennakoon had sought anticipatory bail to prevent his arrest in connection with an ongoing investigation, but the court refused to grant the request after considering submissions.

A special felicitation program organized by the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) in honor of Dr. Nanda Malini was held on August 22 at the Kumaranatunga Munidasa Hall of the Corporation, under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The purpose of this program was to pay tribute to the great service rendered by Dr. Nanda Malini for more than nearly seven decades to the field of music in Sri Lanka as well as to the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation. As a token of appreciation, a building of the Corporation was also named after her and ceremonially opened.

Accordingly, within the premises of the Corporation, a portrait of Dr. Nanda Malini was unveiled, and its 9th Cabin was officially declared open under the name Dr. Nanda Malini Building” by the Prime Minister together with Dr. Nanda Malini herself.

Thereafter, addressing the ceremonial gathering, the Prime Minister stated:

Seventies years ago, a little girl came to this Broadcasting Corporation to sing for the children’s program ‘Lama Pitiya.’ On that day, she sang the first song ‘Dura Pawane Me Kulu Guwane.’ Recognizing her extraordinary vocal talent, Dr. Pandit Amaradeva offered her the opportunity to sing for Sri Lanka’s first color film ‘Ran Muthu Duwa.’ That little girl singer recorded her voice at this very Corporation for the beautiful lyrics ‘Galana Gagaki Jivithe Dayalu Lokaye.

Today, the opening of a building of the Broadcasting Corporation in the name of that very girl is indeed a remarkable occasion. That is Dr. Nanda Malini who is an epitome of music in this nation.

Nanda Malini was never just another name in our musical tradition. Beginning with Ran Muthu Duwa, her artistic journey was never limited merely to conventional themes such as love and separation. She fearlessly directed her voice toward contemporary issues of our nation such as oppression, corruption, violence, and social injustice.

The voice of Dr. Nanda Malini is an Intangible Cultural Heritage of this country. The joy you have given us, the inspiration drawn from your songs, and the strength you provided to this nation even in its darkest times through your music, we are deeply grateful for that noble service.

This occasion was graced by the presence of the Venerable Pathegama Gnaneswara Thero and Maha sangha, Rev. Saman Maximus, Minister of Health and Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Deputy Minister of Health and Media Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, Prof. Sunil Ariyaratne, Chairman of the SLBC Prof. Udhitha Gayashan Gunasekara, along with artists and a large number of distinguished guests.

Postal trade unions have announced that their strike action will continue uninterrupted, despite a successful discussion at the Presidential Secretariat today.

Following a meeting with the Director General of Public Relations at the Presidential Secretariat, Dharmasiri Gamage, the unions shared their stance with the media.

“We request an immediate meeting with the Minister. After that discussion, we are prepared to end the continuous strike. Until then, the strike will remain in effect,” President of the Association of Postal and Telecommunication Officers, E.G.C. Niroshan, said.

The strike, which began on Sunday (17), is based on 19 key demands. As a result, operations at post offices across the country have been severely disrupted.

The ‘Environment Pioneer President’s Medal Awarding Ceremony - 2025’ was held this morning (21) at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall in Colombo, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The event, jointly organised annually by the Central Environmental Authority and the Ministry of Education, recognises and appreciates students with exceptional knowledge of environmental conservation and management by presenting them with Presidential Medals.

At this year’s ceremony, the 11th of its kind, 192 Environment Pioneers were awarded Presidential Medals by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Teachers who had trained schoolchildren as Environment Pioneers were also felicitated at the occasion.

A special commemorative publication prepared for the ‘Environment Pioneer President’s Medal Awards Ceremony – 2025’ was also presented to the President.

Addressing the gathering, Minister of Environment Dammika Patabendi stated that today the entire world is facing the adverse consequences of environmental pollution. He noted that the destruction of the environment, which earlier generations did not experience, has been brought about by human activity and it is now the responsibility of everyone to reverse this damage and create a healthier environment for all living beings.

The Minister further pointed out that the present government’s policy statement places significant emphasis on environmental protection and has already introduced a number of related programmes. Among them, he highlighted the Clean Sri Lanka initiative, which has now been launched in full force.

He stressed that the government, under the leadership of the President, prioritises advancing people’s lives while maintaining a balance between nature and development. The Minister urged all medal recipients to act as strong guardians in this mission, working to ensure that future generations inherit a greener and healthier environment than the one we live in today.

The event was also attended by Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody; Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Madhura Seneviratne; Secretary to the Ministry of Environment K.R. Uduwawala; Secretary to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education Nalaka Kaluwewa; Chairman of the Central Environmental Authority Prof. Tilak Hewawasam; its Director General, Padmasiri Moonamale; provincial directors of education; school principals; and other distinguished guests.

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to a cabinet paper presented to call for bidders at international level to reopen the Kurunchathivu (Elephant Pass – North) Saltern under a Public – Private Partnership methodology.

Although measures have been taken to call for bids from local investors for inaugurating the production and monitoring activities of the Elephant Pass – North Saltern which had been halted due to the conflict with the LTTE, under the Public – Private Partnership methodology, authorities did not receive adequate interest to materialize the programme, according to Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to the proposal furnished by the Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development to call for bids at international level for the reopening of the Kurunchathivu (Elephant Pass – North) Saltern under Public – Private Partnership methodology.

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon, who was arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) yesterday, has been remanded.

The Fort Magistrate’s Court remanded Tennakoon until 27th August after he was presented before the court today.

The CID had arrested Deshabandu Tennakoon in connection with a case related to the ‘Aragalaya’ people’s struggle in 2022, in which he was named as a suspect.

Former State Minister Shasheendra Rajapaksa has been remanded until August 26 by Colombo Chief Magistrate Tanuja Lakmali Jayatunga, following allegations of committing offenses under the Public Property Act.

The case relates to a property in Sevanagala, belonging to the Mahaweli Authority, where a building was allegedly constructed without authorization and later damaged during the 2022 Aragalaya (protest movement). Rajapaksa is accused of pressuring officials to obtain Rs. 88.5 million in compensation for the damaged property.

He was arrested by the Bribery Commission and remanded until today, when the case was taken up in court.

Appearing on behalf of the Bribery Commission, Assistant Director of Legal Affairs Sulochana Hettiarachchi informed the court that several officials from the Mahaweli Authority were also implicated in the fraudulent activity and would be arrested and presented to court in due course.

She further stated that Rajapaksa had exerted pressure on the Director General of the Mahaweli Authority, as revealed in official statements.

“Your Honor, the suspect minister has influenced the Director General and other officials of the Mahaweli Authority to issue letters and facilitate the compensation. Investigations show that undue pressure was applied to the damage assessment officers as well. Since inquiries are ongoing and witnesses may be influenced, we request that the suspect be remanded.”

Representing Rajapaksa, President’s Counsel Sampath Mendis argued that his client suffers from sleep apnea, a condition that could pose serious health risks if detained. He requested bail suitable grounds.

“Your Honor, the building in question was destroyed during the 2022 Aragalaya protests due to arson. The land on which it stood belongs to the Mahaweli Authority, and my client is not the owner of this property. The compensation for the damaged building was received by an individual named Manoj Ekanayake. The Bribery Commission has arrested my client on the allegation that he conspired in this matter. However, while the main suspects remain at large, my client has been taken into custody. Your Honor, I respectfully submit that all individuals connected to this incident should be thoroughly investigated. Furthermore, my client suffers from sleep apnea, a condition that poses a serious risk to his life if he remains in custody. He is also preparing to sit for his first-year law exams at the Law College in October. In light of these circumstances, I kindly request that my client be released on suitable bail.”

After considering submissions from both parties, Magistrate Jayatunga ordered that Shasheendra Rajapaksa be remanded until August 26, and instructed investigators to report progress on the inquiry at the next hearing.

The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court issued a formal notice to former Minister Rajitha Senaratne, instructing him to appear before the court on August 29.

The notice was issued by Chief Magistrate Tanuja Lakmali Jayatunga, under Section 60(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, following a motion filed by the Bribery Commission.

During the hearing, Assistant Director of Legal Affairs Sulochana Hettiarachchi, appearing on behalf of the Bribery Commission, stated that in order to obtain an order under Section 60(1), supporting evidence must be presented.

Accordingly, two investigating officers were summoned to provide testimony regarding an alleged irregular project involving the Kirinda Fisheries Harbour and the use of the Weligowwa fishing vessel.

The officers—Chief Inspector Tushara Sampath Pushpakumara and Inspector M. Wimalaratne of the Bribery Commission’s Investigations Division—testified that the investigation was initiated based on an anonymous complaint.

They revealed that the project had caused a financial loss of Rs. 26.2 million to the Government of Sri Lanka.

Following preliminary investigations, former Chairman of the Fisheries Corporation Upali Liyanage and former Fisheries Minister Rajitha Senaratne were named as suspects.

The investigating officers informed the court that the first suspect, Upali Liyanage, was previously arrested and released on bail under court orders. However, the second suspect, former Minister Rajitha Senaratne, has reportedly evaded the Bribery Commission.

Investigators informed the court that although a notice was issued on August 7 requesting the former minister to appear before the Commission and provide a statement, he failed to do so.

Instead, his legal counsel submitted a prescription slip citing illness, in lieu of a formal medical report.

Due to his continued absence, investigators obtained a search warrant and inspected five locations where the minister was believed to be staying. However, he was not found at any of those premises.

Investigators further stated that the inability to obtain a statement from the suspect has hindered the final stages of the investigation.

Therefore, they requested the court to issue a formal notice under Section 60(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code, compelling the suspect to appear. After reviewing the evidence, the magistrate issued the order accordingly.

Former Director of the National Lottery Board, Thusitha Halloluwa, has been remanded until August 28 following his appearance before the Aluthkade Magistrate’s Court today.

Halloluwa was arrested early this morning under an outstanding warrant, in connection with an investigation into a shooting incident targeting his vehicle.

The arrest was made by the Colombo Crimes Division, which presented him to court as a suspect in orchestrating the attack.

According to police, preliminary investigations suggest that organized criminals may have been hired to carry out the shooting, allegedly under Halloluwa’s direction.

The motive, as revealed in court, was to create public discontent toward the President and the government.

The Lanka Salt Company has announced a reduction in the prices of iodized mixed Lak Salt.

The Chairman of the company stated that the price of a 400g packet of iodized salt powder has been reduced by Rs. 20, to Rs. 100.

He further said that the price of a 1kg packet of iodized salt powder has been reduced by Rs. 30, to Rs. 200.

Addressing the media today, he said that the price of a 1kg crystal salt packet has been reduced to Rs. 150.

Noting that the price reduction will be effective starting next week, he added that a 400g packet of the company’s salt powder will be available at Sathosa outlets for Rs. 90.

He further explained that the price reduction was introduced to provide relief to the public, as salt harvesting has already begun at the Mahalevaya, Bundala, and Palatupana salterns in Hambantota.

The government has launched the first phase of releasing essential food items under the National Sathosa brand.

The initiative was marked today (18) with the release of packaged Nadu and White Kekulu rice at the Lanka Sathosa outlet inside the Narahenpita Special Economic Centre. The event was attended by National Cooperative Wholesale Establishment (NCWE) Chairman Kosala Wilbawa and Lanka Sathosa Chairman Dr. Samitha Perera.

From today, consumers across the country will be able to purchase Nadu and White Kekulu rice under the newly introduced National Sathosa brand through Lanka Sathosa outlets islandwide.

The NCWE, one of Sri Lanka’s oldest state institutions, was previously earmarked for closure under the former administration. However, the new government revived the entity under a fresh mandate as the National Cooperative Wholesale Establishment.

Under the guidance of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe, the NCWE will gradually introduce 23 essential food items to the market at fair prices. The program aims to ensure food security while eliminating shortages of quality goods.