News

Sri Lanka Railways has announced the suspension of all long-distance train services today (May 17), limiting operations to short-distance routes such as Galle, Negombo, and Veyangoda.

The move comes in response to a one-day token strike launched by railway station masters at midnight yesterday.

The Railway Station Masters’ Union warns of an indefinite strike if their demands remain unaddressed within a week. All night mail trains scheduled for last night were also canceled.

The Ministry of Justice has announced plans to auction off several luxury vehicles with low fuel efficiency and high maintenance costs, as part of its effort to reduce government expenditure and promote financial accountability.

Justice Minister, President’s Counsel Harsha Nanayakkara, personally inspected the vehicles today (May 15) ahead of the proposed auction.

In line with the government’s current cost-cutting policies, the Ministry has already initiated the process to sell ten luxury vehicles through public auction.

The list of vehicles includes two BMWs, one Nissan X-Trail, two Land Rover Defenders, three Toyota Land Cruisers, one Mitsubishi Montero, and one Mitsubishi Pajero.

Railway Station Masters have decided to launch a token strike from midnight today, resulting in all night mail trains being cancelled.

The one-day token strike is to be launched by the Railway Station Masters’ Union based on several demands.

The Cabinet has granted approval to relax restrictions on salt imports, allowing for the temporary importation of both iodized and non-iodized salt.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, the decision was taken during the Cabinet meeting held today (15). The approval is valid until June 10 and covers iodized salt for food consumption as well as non-iodized salt required for industrial purposes.

The move aims to ensure an adequate supply of salt in the market and meet industrial demand without shortages.

The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court has issued an arrest warrant against former Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage over the importation of an allegedly substandard consignment of organic fertiliser from a Chinese company during the previous government.

The order was issued by Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali, following a request made by the Bribery Commission.

The Commission alleges that the former minister was involved in facilitating the entry of a ship carrying the fertiliser in 2021, despite quality concerns.

In response, Aluthgamage filed an anticipatory bail application on Thursday, seeking to prevent his arrest, stating that the Bribery Commission intends to take him into custody over the matter.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met with newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners at the Presidential Office today (15th).

The meeting focused on the critical role these diplomats will play in representing Sri Lanka internationally and enhancing the country's image abroad.

President Dissanayake emphasized the importance of conveying the message of Sri Lanka's political transformation to the international community. He highlighted the responsibility of the diplomats to elevate Sri Lanka's image on the global stage.

The President also stressed the need for diplomats to prioritize services for Sri Lankans living abroad, ensuring fairness and justice without any discrimination.

He underscored the significance of making the Sri Lankan diplomatic missions feel like a home for expatriates and urged the diplomats to perform their duties efficiently for the benefit of the country.

Furthermore, President Dissanayake pointed out that attracting direct foreign investments and facilitating opportunities for Sri Lankan entrepreneurs in international markets are integral parts of diplomatic service. He assured that the government is ready to provide the necessary support to achieve these goals.

Reflecting on past challenges faced by diplomats due to certain incidents in Sri Lanka, the President reassured that the current administration will not act in ways that undermine the dignity of diplomats. He affirmed that the government will stand by the diplomats at all times.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has announced several key appointments to strengthen Sri Lanka's international relations.

The new appointments are as follows:

• Mahishini Colonne has been appointed as the High Commissioner to the Republic of India.

• Retired Rear Admiral Fred Senevirathne will serve as the High Commissioner to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

• S. D. N. U. Senadeera has been named the High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

• Jayantha Chandrasiri Jayasuriya will take on the role of Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.

• Professor Arusha Cooray has been appointed as the Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.

• Mahinda Ratnayake will serve as the Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba.

• Professor Janak Kumarasinghe has been named the Ambassador to Japan.

Ten students, who were arrested in connection with the ragging incident at the Sabaragamuwa University, have been further remanded until May 29 by Balangoda Magistrate Bhagya Dilrukshi.

The suspects were produced before the Balangoda Magistrate’s Court earlier today, following which the court extended their remand custody.

The case relates to the death of Charith Dilshan, a second-year student of the Faculty of Engineering Technology, who died by suicide on April 29.

Although he had left a handwritten note stating that he was taking his own life due to depression, his family and friends have alleged that he took this step after being unable to bear the ragging at the university.

Following an investigation launched into the incident, the students were arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department and were presented before the court.

For the first time in Sri Lanka’s history, a woman has been appointed as the Commissioner General of Examinations. A.K.S. Indika Kumari Liyanage officially assumed duties today (May 15) as the country’s 11th Commissioner General of Examinations.

A Special Grade officer in the Sri Lanka Education Administrative Service from the 2005 batch, Liyanage previously served as the Commissioner in charge of the Confidential School Exams Division and the Administration and Investigation Division of the Examinations Department.

She is an alumna of Sanghamitta Balika Vidyalaya in Galle, and formerly served as Deputy Principal and Principal of D.S. Senanayake College, Colombo. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Ruhuna, a Master’s in Education from the University of Colombo, and a Master’s in Linguistics from the University of Kelaniya.

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has taken steps to file a case against former Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena and another individual.

This is in relation to an incident from 2014, where it is alleged that government funds exceeding Rs. 1.7 million were misused by publishing advertisements in newspapers using Board of Investment (BOI) funds to mark the second anniversary of then-President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s re-election.

The CIABOC today filed a case before the Colombo High Court against former Minister of Investment Promotion Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena and former Director General of the BOI, Jayantha Edirisinghe, under five indictments.

According to CIABOC, on November 19, 2014, funds from the BOI were used to publish additional advertisements in 11 newspapers to mark President Rajapaksa’s second term anniversary, resulting in a financial loss to the government amounting to Rs. 1,748,877.76.

This action constitutes an offense under the Anti-Corruption Act.

In this case, 15 individuals are expected to testify as witnesses, and 21 documents will be submitted as case material.

In response to the escalating dengue outbreak across the island, health authorities have announced the launch of a special dengue prevention week, starting on May 19.

The initiative will focus on 12 key districts, including Colombo, Kandy, Gampaha, Ratnapura, and Kalutara. Health officials are urging both residents and tourists to stay vigilant as the dengue virus continues to spread rapidly.

Dr. Sudath Samaraweera, Director of the National Dengue Control Unit of the ministry of Health, emphasized that the surge in dengue cases prompted the declaration of this special week dedicated to tackling the disease.

According to recent reports, over 2,100 dengue cases have been recorded in the past 12 days alone. Nationwide, 19,724 cases of dengue have been reported so far this year.

Weather conditions contributing to rapid spread

Health experts have pointed out that the current unfavorable weather conditions, characterized by frequent rainfall and warm temperatures, are contributing significantly to the rise in mosquito-borne diseases, particularly dengue.

Dr. Anoja Weerasinghe, Public Health Specialist at the National Dengue Control Unit, also provided guidance to the public, advising that anyone experiencing a fever should only take paracetamol to manage their symptoms.

Taking other painkillers, she warned, could lead to internal bleeding if the individual is infected with the dengue virus. Dr. Weerasinghe also urged people to seek medical attention immediately if a fever persists for more than three days.

A persistent public health challenge

The dengue crisis has been an ongoing issue for Sri Lanka's healthcare system for over three decades. Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, Chairman of the Federation of Medical and Civil Rights Trade Unions, expressed concern about the country's ongoing struggle to manage the dengue epidemic.

He highlighted that every year, thousands of people are affected by the disease, with a considerable number losing their lives to it. The situation remains dire despite efforts to control the outbreak.

Dr. Sanjeewa stressed that, aside from the COVID-19 pandemic, dengue continues to present a significant challenge to the nation's public health infrastructure, with outbreaks occurring annually and often turning into severe epidemics.

Drug trafficker and organized criminal Nadun Chinthaka Wickramaratne alias ‘Harak Kata’ has accused former public security minister Tiran Alles and suspended IGP Deshabandu

Tennakoon of having solicited a bribe of Rs. 300 million from him.

After appearing in a court case yesterday (14), Wickramaratne spoke to the media and said that since he refused to pay them, he was being kept at Tangalle prison at a monthly cost of around Rs. 10 million.

Social media posts say the man had been allowed to address journalists in that manner as part of a plan.

It comes in light of an investigating committee probes Tennakoon to expel him from the position of police chief after parliament adopted a proposal on 08 April for its formation.

What Tiran said then

However, Alles claimed previously the criminal offered him a Rs. 700 million bribe after he got arrested with a request of sending him to Dubai instead of bringing him home.

Alles said at a meeting with police chiefs in the southern province on 04 November 2023 that he immediately informed the then president Ranil Wickremesinghe about it.

The National Transport Commission has decided to rigorously inspect whether private long-distance bus operators are adhering to their license/permit conditions.

Acting Director General, Nayomi Jayawardena, stated that one of the conditions requires two drivers to be present on long-distance buses.

However, complaints have been received that some buses are not complying with this requirement.

As a result, mobile inspection teams will be deployed during nighttime to conduct these checks.

The Acting Director General also mentioned that instructions have been given to intensify the inspection of the condition of long-distance buses.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Transport Board has decided to implement several safety measures for long-distance bus operations.

Chairman Jeevaka Prasanna stated that for journeys exceeding six hours, two buses will be deployed, connecting two depots.