News

Today marks 25 years since the passing of Sirimavo Ratwatte Dias Bandaranaike, the world’s first woman to hold the office of Prime Minister. Commemorating her mother’s legacy, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga shared a deeply emotional message on her official Facebook page.

Here is an excerpt from her post:

“I still remember a day in the mid-1980s when my sister and I visited our mother at her residence. She was quietly gazing at a few silver heirlooms that had been passed down through generations. As she spoke of their worth, I realized she was preparing to part with them.

Curious and concerned, I asked her why she wanted to sell those family treasures. She gently explained that she needed money to undergo a hip surgery overseas.

This was a woman who had once served as the Prime Minister of our country for twelve long years. Seeing her in such financial difficulty filled me with deep sorrow — yet at the same time, it filled me with immense pride.

That was my mother — a leader of unmatched integrity, who served her people selflessly and left behind nothing but her honour.

Twenty-five years have passed since such a remarkable woman bid farewell to this world.

May you rest in peace, Amma.”

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.

The brother-in-law of ‘Mahesh Bandara’, an organized criminal who is currently residing overseas, has been arrested by the Police Special Task Force (STF) officers.

The suspect has been arrested along with several firearms, ammunition and sharp weapons in his possession, police said.

The suspect was arrested in an operation conducted under the guidance and supervision of the Director (Intelligence/Special Operations) Superintendent of Police D.P.U. Kodituwakku, on the orders and instructions of the STF Commanding Officer, Deputy Inspector General of Police Samantha De Silva.

The relevant operation was carried out yesterday (09) in the Makandura, Gonavila area of the Pannala Police Division.

The 46-year-old resident of Makandura, Gonavila area was arrested with the following weapons and handed over to the Pannala Police Station for further investigation:

1) 01 foreign-manufactured repeater-type firearm

2) 01 foreign-manufactured micro-type pistol

3) 01 cartridge used for pistols

4) 07 9mm bullets

5) 09 12-bore bullets

6) 01 sword

7) Rs. 1,100 in cash

8) 01 wallet with National Identity Card (NIC)

(adaderana.lk)

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.

Following today’s Cabinet reshuffle, the government has announced revised portfolios for three Cabinet Ministers and ten Deputy Ministers.

Cabinet Ministers -

The following Cabinet Ministers have been sworn in:

• Bimal Niroshan Rathnayake– Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development
• Anura Karunathilaka – Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation
• Dr. H.M. Susil Ranasinghe – Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply

Deputy Ministers -

The following Deputy Ministers have been sworn in:

• Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando – Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning
• T.B. Sarath – Deputy Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply
• M. Muneer – Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs
• Eranga Gunasekara – Deputy Minister of Urban Development
• Dr. Muditha Hansaka Wijemuni– Deputy Minister of Health
• Aravinda Senarath Vitharana – Deputy Minister of Lands and Irrigation
• H.M. Dinindu Saman Kumara – Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs
• U.D. Nishantha Jayaweera – Deputy Minister of Economic Development
• Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne– Deputy Minister of Mass Media
• M. Arkam – Deputy Minister of Energy

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.

Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister has confirmed her participation in the upcoming NDTV World Summit, expressing enthusiasm about addressing the event next week. This marks her first official visit to India since becoming the prime minister.

"Ayubowan,Wanakkam,Namaste... I am Very Pleased to share a few words with you as I prepare for my upcoming visit to India. This will be my first official visit to India as the prime minister of sri lanka. India and sri lanka as you kniw are bound together by history, culture & shared values. And I look forward to using this opportunity to strengthen our cooperation in every sphere such as trade, Investment , Education , Development & Beyond. Together I know we can create a future of prosperity and stability for both our nations. I am also looking forward to pariticipating in the NDTV World Summit where I will have the opportunity to engage with global leaders and thinkers. I hope to share Sri Lanka's perspectives on International Cooperation and to contribute to a meaningful converstation on the pressing challenges of our religion and the world."

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)

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.”