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An investigation has been launched by Sri Lanka Police after the body of a young woman was discovered inside an abandoned fishing vessel along the coast of Ratmalana yesterday (25).

According to Mount Lavinia Police, officers began inquiries after receiving information that a woman’s body had been left inside a fishing boat in the area.

The deceased has been identified as a 24-year-old resident of Ratmalana. Preliminary investigations have indicated that the death is suspicious, prompting a full inquiry by authorities.

Police said further investigations are continuing to establish the exact cause of death and the events leading up to the incident.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has stated that she is considering legal action following a comment by tech billionaire Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, that alleged she was connected to drug cartels.

Musk’s post on X followed the capture and killing of Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader Nemesio Oseguera, “El Mencho,” by Mexican security forces.

In the post, Musk responded to a 2025 video of Sheinbaum discussing cartel violence and alleged that she was “saying what her cartel bosses tell her to say.” He did not provide further evidence.

“We are considering whether to take legal action,” Sheinbaum said during her daily morning press conference, adding that government lawyers are reviewing the matter.

STRONG FREE SPEECH PROTECTIONS

Sheinbaum could face difficulty suing Musk for defamation in the U.S. because of strong legal protections for free speech. To prevail in a defamation case against Musk in the U.S., Sheinbaum would need to prove Musk knowingly said something false about her or recklessly disregarded the truth when he said it.
Tesla, Musk’s auto company, did not immediately reply to a request for comment on Sheinbaum’s remarks.

In the 2025 video, Sheinbaum said a return to a “war on drugs” was not feasible.

“Returning to the war on drugs is not an option ... it is outside the framework of the law,” she said.

The military offensive on cartels led by former President Felipe Calderon in 2006 led to bloody turf battles as gangs splintered, triggering a spiral of violence that many analysts see as a contributing cause to still-high homicide rates.

Sheinbaum said she expected security to continue to normalize in Mexico after cartel members coordinated a series of roadblocks and arson attacks after the government’s Sunday operation against Oseguera.

Asked if the operation marked a return to a more violent security stance, Sheinbaum said this would never be the case.

“The detention of a suspected criminal with an arrest warrant can generate this type of circumstance, but we are looking for peace, not war,” she said.

Ruling MORENA Party president Luisa Alcalde also reacted to the post on social media, saying Musk should use his platform and X social media network to fight drug consumption, addiction, disinformation and stop the promotion of narco culture.

“Wealth does not give moral authority,” she said. “The lives that are lost in this fight, often fueled by consumption in other countries, are worth infinitely more than any fortune amassed in Silicon Valley.”

Over 130,000 people are missing in Mexico, where much of the country’s violence is linked to drug cartels that sell products to and obtain firearms from the United States.

Source:adaderana.lk

The Customs Trade Union Alliance has confirmed that its ongoing black armband protest will continue today (26), as discussions with authorities are scheduled to address their outstanding concerns.

Union representatives stated that the future course of trade union action will depend on the outcome of a meeting planned for today with the Deputy Minister of Finance. They noted that the protest could be escalated if their demands remain unresolved.

Vice President of the Customs Officers’ Association, Geethanjana Madapatha, confirmed that customs officers will continue wearing black armbands while carrying out their official duties. He added that this form of protest, which began on February 24, remains in effect across customs offices.

The trade union action was launched to draw attention to long-standing issues raised by customs officers, with unions now awaiting the outcome of discussions with the Finance Ministry before deciding on their next steps.

The Department of Wildlife Conservation has initiated a formal inquiry following allegations that tourist bungalows within Kumana National Park were booked online and used for activities unrelated to wildlife observation.

In an official statement, the department emphasized that national park entry permits are issued solely for the purpose of viewing wildlife and natural vegetation, as permitted under existing conservation laws. These regulations do not allow commercial activities or any unrelated events to take place within protected areas.

Officials said they had received credible information indicating that certain bungalows inside the park had been reserved through online platforms and used for programs outside the intended scope of wildlife tourism.

As a precautionary measure, the department has temporarily suspended all online reservations for tourist bungalows inside the park until the investigation is completed.

Authorities further noted that, based on the findings of the inquiry, a revised and more effective booking system will be introduced. This mechanism will aim to facilitate genuine tourist access while ensuring strict adherence to conservation laws and safeguarding the park’s wildlife and natural environment.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arun Hemachandra held bilateral talks with Eui-hae Cecilia Chung, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, during an official meeting at the Korean Foreign Ministry in Seoul.

The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation across several key sectors, including trade and investment, foreign employment opportunities for Sri Lankan workers, development assistance, and defence collaboration. Both parties also reviewed Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic recovery process, including recent progress in debt restructuring efforts.

In a statement shared on Facebook, Hemachandra expressed Sri Lanka’s gratitude for South Korea’s timely assistance following Cyclone Ditwah. He also sought continued support under the government’s “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” programme aimed at accelerating national recovery and development.

The Deputy Minister further highlighted the growing cultural connections between the two nations, noting the increasing popularity of Korean culture among Sri Lankan youth and its role in enhancing people-to-people ties.

With Sri Lanka and South Korea set to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations next year, both sides agreed to commemorate the milestone through meaningful initiatives, including high-level exchanges and deeper institutional engagement.

The meeting concluded with both countries reaffirming their shared commitment to further enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation in the years ahead.

The Colombo High Court on Wednesday acquitted Daisy Forrest from a case filed under money laundering laws, bringing an end to legal proceedings against her.

The decision followed a submission by the Attorney General’s Department stating that prosecution would continue solely against Yoshitha Rajapaksa, who remains the primary accused in the matter.

During earlier court sessions, legal representatives for Forrest informed the court that the 98-year-old was not mentally fit to undergo trial proceedings.

The case involves allegations that nearly Rs. 59 million had been laundered through three separate private bank accounts linked to the accused parties.

With the latest ruling, Forrest has been formally discharged from the case, while legal action against Rajapaksa is set to proceed in court.

A foreign tourist from Australia has died after drowning while swimming off Pelena Beach in Weligama, authorities confirmed.

According to Sri Lanka Police, the incident took place yesterday (25) when the 76-year-old man had entered the sea with his wife. He was later reported missing, triggering an emergency response and search operation.

Police officers from Weligama initiated an investigation after receiving information about the disappearance. Preliminary findings indicate that the elderly tourist had drowned while bathing in the sea.

Further investigations are currently underway to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption has arrested three former high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Trade in connection with an alleged corruption case involving the procurement of an online lottery operator.

Those taken into custody include former Trade Ministry Secretary A.M. Priyanka Maddumabandara, former Additional Secretary (Administration) Doraisamy Jeevanandam, and former Chief Financial Officer Kaluwewa Aravinda Priyadarshani de Silva.

According to investigators, the arrests stem from alleged irregularities in selecting an investor to manage an online lottery under the Lalith Athulathmudali Mahaweli Higher Education Scholarship Trust Fund. Authorities claim that although a bidder had been properly chosen through the original procurement process, the contract was not awarded as expected, resulting in financial losses to both the government and the institution.

Officials further allege that corruption occurred when the tender process was reopened, and the suspects are accused of requesting and accepting a bribe of Rs. 1 million from a company linked to a previously unsuccessful bidder.

CIABOC stated that the three individuals were arrested separately between 10:05 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday. They are scheduled to be produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court as investigations into the case continue.

Land values in the Colombo District recorded significant growth during the latter half of 2025, with residential land prices rising by 12.4 percent compared to the same period in 2024, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

Commercial land prices also experienced notable growth, increasing by 11.3 percent year-on-year, while industrial land values saw a comparatively moderate rise of 8.0 percent.

Reflecting this overall upward trend, the Land Valuation Indicator (LVI) for Colombo District climbed by 10.6 percent in the second half of 2025 compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. The Central Bank noted that all major components of the indicator—including residential, commercial, and industrial categories—contributed to the increase.

In addition to the annual growth, land values also recorded gradual increases compared to the first half of 2025. Among the three categories, residential and commercial land indicators showed stronger gains during this six-month period.

The continued rise in land prices highlights sustained demand and ongoing momentum in Colombo’s property market, particularly in residential and commercial sectors.

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya stated that improving energy efficiency plays a crucial role in boosting the country’s economic resilience, noting that it goes beyond reducing consumption and contributes directly to national development.

She made these remarks while speaking at the Sri Lanka National Energy Efficiency Awards Ceremony, jointly organized by the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority and the Ministry of Power and Energy. The event was held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall under the theme “Energy Efficiency: Refueling the Economy,” according to the Prime Minister’s Media Division.

During the ceremony, Jeewaka Thushara of the World Trade Center Colombo received recognition as the Outstanding Energy Manager. Gold Awards for excellence in energy efficiency were presented to several organizations, including the National Cleaner Production Centre, Forbes Marshall Lanka, World Trade Center Colombo, BiC and DENTA Manufacturing, and MAS Fabrics Thulhiriya.

Addressing attendees, the Prime Minister noted that minimizing energy waste can help conserve foreign exchange and contribute to stabilizing the national economy. She also commended both public and private sector institutions that demonstrated strong commitment to energy conservation over the past year, emphasizing the importance of efficient energy management across industries of all sizes.

She further highlighted Sri Lanka’s commitment to global climate goals and stressed the importance of adopting innovative technologies, expanding renewable energy sources, and ensuring long-term energy security.

Meanwhile, Minister of Power and Energy Kumara Jayakody said the government is working toward increasing renewable energy generation to 70 percent by 2030. He noted that reforms aimed at modernizing inefficient and environmentally harmful institutional systems are currently underway, and that restructuring efforts at the Ceylon Electricity Board are nearing completion.

The Minister added that the government is committed to transparent procurement practices to ensure that the public fully benefits from improved energy management and sector reforms.

Several key officials, including Deputy Minister Engineer Arkam Ilyas and Ministry Secretary Professor Udayanga Hemapala, were also present at the event.

The Department of Meteorology says isolated showers or thundershowers are likely in parts of the Southern Province, as well as the Ratnapura and Monaragala districts, particularly after 2.00 p.m. today.

Apart from these areas, much of the country is expected to experience mostly fair weather conditions throughout the day.

Meanwhile, light morning showers may occur in coastal regions of the Western Province, bringing brief rainfall to those areas during the early hours.

Misty conditions are also forecast in several parts of the island during the morning, including the Central, Sabaragamuwa, Western, Northwestern and North-central provinces. Similar conditions may affect districts such as Galle, Matara, Monaragala, Mannar and Vavuniya.

Authorities advise the public to remain aware of changing weather conditions, especially in areas prone to afternoon thundershowers.

Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, is scheduled to depart for Germany tomorrow for a two-day official visit aimed at enhancing cooperation in trade and overseas employment.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the visit follows an invitation from the German-Asia Pacific Business Association (OAV), specifically its Bremen Chapter. During the trip, Minister Herath will participate in several discussions and engagements focused on strengthening economic and labour-related partnerships.

He is also expected to attend events marking the 125th anniversary of the Bremen Chapter as the Guest of Honor and keynote speaker representing Asia. At the same event, Johann Wadephul will take part as the Guest of Honor and keynote speaker representing Germany.

The OAV is recognized as Germany’s largest organization dedicated to promoting business ties between German companies and countries in the Asia-Pacific region, bringing together policymakers and business leaders.

In addition to attending the anniversary event, Minister Herath is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with Minister Wadephul and join a business roundtable focused on strengthening investment and economic collaboration with Sri Lanka.