News

The Colombo High Court today (21) served indictments against former Ministers Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Nalin Fernando, along with retired Major General Nanda Mallawarachchi, the former Secretary to the Ministry of Sports, over allegations of misusing public funds under the Public Property Act.

The charges relate to a controversial procurement during the 2014 presidential election period, where 14,000 carrom boards and 14,000 draughts boards were imported through the state-run Sathosa and distributed to sports clubs allegedly for political gain.

According to the Attorney General’s Department, the accused are alleged to have misappropriated over Rs. 3.9 million between September 1 and December 31, 2014.

The indictments were filed under the Public Property Act, and the court has scheduled the case to be taken up on September 4. The prosecution plans to present 42 witnesses and 11 items of evidence during the trial.

Following the serving of indictments, the court ordered the release of all three accused on bail. Each was granted a cash bail of Rs. 100,000 and two surety bails of Rs. 2.5 million.

High Court Judge Manjula Thilakaratne also instructed prison authorities to ensure the production of Aluthgamage and Fernando—both currently serving prison sentences—at the next hearing.

Deputy Solicitor General Madhava Tennakoon appeared for the Attorney General, while President’s Counsel Sanjeewa Rajaratnam, Nalin Ladduwahetty, and Saliya Peiris represented the accused.

The case follows a May 29 ruling by the Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar, which sentenced Aluthgamage to 20 years and Fernando to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment over a separate fraud involving over Rs. 53 million related to the same procurement.

The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB), concluded a two-week regional training initiative focused on identifying and analyzing synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances, particularly fentanyl and its analogs—substances that have become an urgent global concern.

The training culminated in a formal handover ceremony of drug testing equipment, where U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Jayne Howell, Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Sunil Watagala, and NDDCB Chairman Dr. Indika Wanninayake presided over the presentation of the Radian ASAP instrument to Sri Lankan authorities.

As part of the U.S. Department of State-funded regional initiative, Upgrading Forensic Lab Capabilities, the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) has partnered with the Colombo Plan to strengthen synthetic drug detection across South Asia.

Forensic professionals from Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, and Nepal participated in two weeks of intensive classroom and hands-on training in Colombo to prepare for the installation of advanced drug detection equipment in their national laboratories.

Each country will receive a Radian ASAP drug testing machine—a compact, cutting-edge system designed for rapid, high-confidence screening of synthetic substances in under a minute. Requiring no complex sample preparation, this technology is ideally suited to detect emerging drug threats efficiently and bolster regional forensic capabilities.

This initiative aligns with broader U.S. efforts to disrupt the supply chains of synthetic opioids worldwide, reflecting recent White House executive actions taken to combat the global spread of fentanyl. In the United States, these substances have been declared a national emergency, with focused measures to block precursor chemicals and hold illicit producers accountable.

During the handover ceremony of the drug testing equipment, U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Jayne Howell stated: "The United States is confronting the fentanyl crisis at home and abroad because the threat knows no borders. That’s why we’re investing in regional partnerships like this one—to stop synthetic drugs before they take hold. Through this initiative, we’re not only sharing advanced tools and training, we’re reinforcing a shared commitment to public health and regional security. This work reflects broader U.S. efforts to disrupt global synthetic opioid supply chains and protect communities across the Indo-Pacific."

Sri Lanka’s Buddhist community is in mourning following the passing of the Anunayake of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siam Sect, The Most Venerable Anamaduwe Sri Dhammadassi Thera.

The Most Venerable Thero passed away early this morning at the age of 67, while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Kandy.

The final rites will be held on July 24 at the Asgiriya Police Grounds in Kandy, with full state sponorship.

Born on September 3, 1958, as the fifth child in a family of seven, Ven. Dhammadassi Thera received his early education at Anamaduwa Central College and Maliyadeva College in Kurunegala.

He entered the monastic order on May 19, 1976 at the Sri Gnaneswara Pirivena at the Hunupitiya Gangarama Temple, and received his higher ordination in 1979 at the Mangala Uposathagara of the Asgiriya Maha Vihara.

A distinguished scholar, he earned a special degree in Pali from the University of Peradeniya in 1985, followed by a Master’s degree in Buddhist Studies from the affiliated institute of the University of Kelaniya in 1990. In 1998, he was awarded a postgraduate degree in education from the University of Peradeniya.

The late Ven. Dhammadassi Thera held the position of Chair at the Kandy Sanarakshaka Balamandalaya, the Kandy Range Sanarakshaka Balamandalaya as well as Deputy Chair of the All Ceylon Sanarakshaka Balamandalaya.

Ven. Dhammadassi Thera served as a senior lecturer at the Sri Lanka Bhikkhu University in Anuradhapura for 12 years.

In 2002, he was appointed to the executive committee of the Asgiriya Chapter and later became its Chief Secretary in 2008, where he played a pivotal role in establishing a formal administrative office for the chapter.

He was appointed Anunayake on May 5, 2016.

The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) has announced that a new system for issuing temporary driving licenses to tourists arriving in Sri Lanka will be launched at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake starting in August.

Commissioner General of the DMT, Kamal Amarasinghe, stated that the program is currently in its final stages of implementation.

He further noted that several legal procedures related to the initiative are being finalized, and once completed, the system will be operational.

Under this new program, temporary driving licenses will be issued for durations of either 14 or 30 days, he said.

Additionally, Amarasinghe mentioned that tourists who intend to stay in the country for an extended period will have the option of obtaining a regular driving license, valid for up to eight years.

The Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, stated that the goal is to limit the number of students in a classroom to 25–30, emphasizing that it is not possible to deliver quality education in classrooms with around 50 or 60 students.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in a program held today (19 ) at the Dakshinapaya Auditorium in Galle, organized to raise awareness among education authorities in the Southern Province regarding the new education reforms.

Addressing the fourth provincial awareness program on the new education reforms, the Prime Minister further stated:

First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude for the cooperation you extend toward the education reforms. Implementing a new education reform was something we discussed and planned even before our government came into power.

In line with government policy, we held discussions with experts, gathered opinions from various sectors, and have formulated the relevant policies.

The new education reform is not only about updating the curriculum but also about enhancing teacher professionalism, reforming the educational administrative structure, and developing the necessary infrastructure to ensure all children have access to equal and quality education.

This is not something we are doing for personal gain, it is a responsibility we must fulfill with an understanding of the needs of the country.

There are people in society who initiate constructive dialogue about this with genuine intent, and there are also others who criticize it without proper understanding. Some even critique it for political gain. We know this reform process is a challenge and it is not easy. However, it cannot be ignored. The people gave us their mandate to correct these issues. ⁣ There’s a lot to be done in terms of reforming education. The curricula in teacher training colleges have not changed in 16 years. These must be revised. Teachers and education professionals must be provided with continuous training. From August onwards, steps will be taken to train the teacher trainers in order to deliver proper teacher training.

Addressing the event, the Deputy Minister of Vocational Education Mr. Nalin Hewage stated:

At present, steps are being taken to integrate vocational education institutions with the new education reform. This will create an opportunity for students to enter vocational education with dignity based on talent and skills, during their school years, instead of directing only underperforming students toward vocational paths.

The event was attended by Southern Province Governor Bandula Harischandra, Member of Parliament Nihal Galappaththi, Secretary to the Ministry of Education Mr. Nalaka Kaluwawa, Southern Province Chief Secretary Mr. Sumith Alahakoon, officials representing the Ministry of Education, the Department of Examinations, the National Institute of Education, the Southern Provincial Department of Education, Zonal Education Directors, and education authorities from the Southern Province.

Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the State of Israel, Nimal Bandara, said that a bus carrying 20 Sri Lankan youths working in agriculture in Israel caught fire yesterday morning near Kiryat Malakhi.

The bus was completely destroyed in the blaze.

All 20 Sri Lankans on board managed to escape by breaking the windows after the door became blocked due to the fire.

One individual sustained a leg injury and has been hospitalized.

Investigations into the incident are currently underway.

Chief Justice Murdu Fernando is to retire on July 27 upon reaching 65 years of age. She is due to make a farewell speech before the Supreme Court on Friday (25).

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is likely to recommend a nominee to be the country’s next Chief Justice to the Constitutional Council (CC) in the coming week, the Sunday Times learns. The CC is scheduled to convene on Wednesday (23).

According to the level of seniority, Justice Preethi Padman Surasena is the next senior-most Justice on the Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, the outgoing CJ has recommended the name of Court of Appeal Judge Rathnapriya Gurusinghe to the President to fill the existing vacancy in the Supreme Court, while she has also recommended Supreme Court Justice Mahinda Samayawardhena to fill the existing vacancy in the Judicial Service Commission.

At the Attorney General’s Department, AG Parinda Ranasinghe has appointed Solicitor General Viraj Dayaratne to function as the head of the Department’s Criminal Division. Accordingly, he will now head both the Civil and Criminal Divisions of the AG’s Department.

Meanwhile, Senior Deputy Solicitors General Hiranjan Peiris, Azard Navavi, Lakmali Karunanayake and Sudarshana Silva have been promoted as Additional Solicitors General.

(Sunday Times)

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that open discussions, suggestions, and criticisms based on factual information concerning the new education reforms are of great importance.

The Prime Minister made these remarks on Thursday (17) at a special program held at the Western Provincial Council Auditorium to raise awareness among education officials of the Western Province regarding the new education reforms.

Addressing the dialogue, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

"It is clear through the ongoing public discourse that society is paying close attention to the new education reforms. There is a significant public interest in this process. That is why many people are presenting various ideas, suggestions, and criticisms. This is a healthy sign, and through this, we can move forward toward better outcomes.

As a government, we have always pledged to give high priority to education, starting from the stage of policy formulation. This commitment is reflected in our policy statements and political platforms. These reforms are not something that began yesterday. Everyone stood together for the development goals of this country.

However, what is truly needed is not only achieving these goals but also transforming the society we live in. There must be a major transformation in education. What we aim to create is not an individual limited to a narrow journey shaped by textbooks, one subject, or one academic stream.

Instead, we are trying to nurture a person with broader thinking, a free mind, and leadership skills who can view the world with a wider perspective.

These reforms are not limited to changes in the curriculum. It is a structural reform developed around five core pillars. Education has reached this state because trending decisions were made without identifying the fundamental issues.

The main transformation brought by the new reforms is developing skills among children to be equipped for the real world of work, starting from Grade 10.

Some people misunderstand and criticize these reforms, spreading misinformation. We welcome constructive criticism, study, and dialogue based on proper understanding. All stakeholders in the education sector must fully comprehend the new reforms and communicate the right message to the public. Everyone's cooperation is expected in achieving this historic task for our children. We cannot do this by dividing; we must all come together." Prime Minister Amarasuriya also emphasized the importance of opening platforms for broader public dialogue in order to implement the new education reforms to benefit children.

The discussion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Madhura Senewiratne, Deputy Minister of Vocational Education Nalin Hewage, Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe, Western Province Governor Haniff Yusoof, Members of Parliament Lakshman Nipunarachchi, Sanjeewa Ranasinghe, Ruwan Mapalagama, Ministry of Education Secretary Nalaka Kaluwawa, Chief Secretary of the Western Province Pradeep Pushpakumara, as well as officials representing the National Institute of Education, the Department of Examinations, and the Western Province Department of Education.

Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, widely known as Saudi Arabia’s "Sleeping Prince," has passed away at 35, his family confirmed on Saturday, July 19. His death marks the poignant end of a nearly two-decade-long coma, a story that has deeply touched the nation.

The Prince's father, Prince Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, announced the news on social media, expressing profound sadness: "With hearts full of faith in Allah’s decree and destiny... we mourn our beloved son Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud." Funeral prayers are scheduled for today, after the Asr prayer at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh.

Born in April 1990, Prince Al-Waleed was just 15 when a severe car accident in London in 2005 caused a devastating brain haemorrhage, plunging him into a coma. He was later transferred to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh. Despite extensive medical efforts, including care from international specialists, he remained in a vegetative state, relying on a ventilator and life support for almost twenty years. His father's unwavering decision to continue life support, year after year, became a powerful symbol of parental love and hope against seemingly insurmountable odds, resonating deeply across the Kingdom and beyond.

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has taken steps to revise the percentage of loan facilities provided based on the value of vehicles.

This revision applies to vehicles that are unregistered and have been in use for less than a year after first registration.

According to the new amendments, vehicles used for commercial purposes can obtain a loan limit of 80 percent of the value of vehicles.

This also includes light lorries and other lorry categories, passenger transport vehicles, two-wheeled tractors or trailers, vehicles used for agricultural purposes, and vehicles used for special requirements such as construction.

A loan limit of 60 percent of its value can be obtained for motor vehicles, SUVs and vans.

A loan limit of 50 percent of its value has also been provided for three-wheelers.

The amendments issued by the Central Bank state that a loan limit of 70 percent of its value can be obtained for other vehicles.

This category includes motorbikes that exceed an engine capacity of 100 and below.

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka announced the loan facilities provided according to the value of vehicles in the year 2020.

Accordingly, a loan limit of 50 percent was given for motor vehicles, SUVs and vans, and this time it has been increased by 10 percent.

The loan limit of 25 percent given for three-wheelers, has been increased by 25 percent this time.

Former Director of the State Intelligence Service, Senior DIG Nilantha Jayawardena, who was on compulsory leave, has been dismissed from the police service with immediate effect.

The decision was made by the National Police Commission.

Commission Chairman Lalith Ekanayake said that Jayawardena was removed following his conviction on all charges during a disciplinary investigation.

At the time of the Easter Sunday attacks, Jayawardena was serving as the Director of the State Intelligence Service.

The Presidential Commission of Inquiry had recommended action against him for failing to act on intelligence warnings prior to the attacks.

Former Minister S.M. Chandrasena has been remanded until the first of August.

The order was given when the case was taken up today before Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali.

He is accused of pressuring officials, including the Planning Director of the District Secretariat, to distribute maize seeds imported by the government in 2014 at a cost of Rs. 25 million at subsidized prices meant for farmers in poverty in Anuradhapura, instead to his political allies, with the intention of gaining an advantage in the 2015 Presidential Election.

This is said to have caused financial losses to the government.

As investigations into the incident are still ongoing, officials of the Bribery Commission requested the court to remand the suspect.

Accordingly, the Magistrate ordered him to be remanded and instructed the Bribery Commission to submit a progress report on the investigations on the next court date.