News

The Walasmulla Magistrate’s Court has granted permission for authorities to detain and interrogate Sampath Manamperi, a former Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Pradeshiya Sabha candidate, for 90 days in connection with a major narcotics-related investigation.

The detention order was issued following a request by the Western Province (North) Crimes Division, which informed the court that Acting Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekera had authorized the extended detention under relevant legal provisions.

Manamperi was arrested after police discovered two containers of chemicals on his property in Middeniya, suspected to be used in the production of crystal methamphetamine (commonly known as ‘ICE’).

The case was taken up during proceedings at the Walasmulla Magistrate’s Court.

The first suspect in the case, Piyal Manamperi, has already been remanded until October 8.

High Court Schedules Pre-Trial Conference in Namal Rajapaksa ‘Krrish’ Case

The Colombo High Court has directed that the case filed by the Attorney General against Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa, in connection with the controversial ‘Krrish’ project, be taken up for a pre-trial conference on December 18.

When the matter was called before court today, MP Namal Rajapaksa was present, according to the Ada Derana court correspondent.

Following a review of the proceedings, the presiding Judge ordered that the original case record maintained by the Fort Magistrate’s Court be summoned.

The Attorney General has instituted legal action against Rajapaksa under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The allegations state that the parliamentarian unlawfully accepted Rs. 70 million from the Indian company ‘Krrish’, purportedly for the promotion of rugby in Sri Lanka.

The bodies of the Indian and Romanian Buddhist monks who lost their lives in the tragic cable car accident at the Na Uyana Monastery (Nā Uyana Āranya Senāsanaya) in Pansiyagama, Melsiripura, will be repatriated to their respective countries at the request of their families, in coordination with the High Commissioner’s Office.

The remains of the other monks will be placed at Na Uyana Monastery from 10:00 a.m. on September 26 for final respects. The funeral rites are scheduled to take place on September 27, at 4:00 p.m. at the Pansiyagama Cemetery.

The accident occurred on September 24, 2025, at approximately 9:10 p.m., when 13 monks were traveling from the lower area of Na Uyana Monastery to their dwellings in the Medakanda area. They were using a cable cart that had been in service for around 22 years and was typically used to transport alms and other supplies.

This group of monks, having properly taken leave from their teacher monks and returning to their dwellings, was approaching the hilltop by this cable cart when, due to a malfunction, the cart rapidly descended and crashed into the forest area below, causing the tragic accident.

Of the 13 monks on board, 7 were killed in the accident.

The venerable members of the Maha Sangha who passed away are listed below:

1. Malwanegama Samiddhi Thero - Age 47
2. Nawalapitiye Uttarananda Thero - Age 27
3. Nugegoda Vipassi Thero - Age 37
4. Indian Dhammagavesi Thero - Age 31
5. Udawalave Santasumana Thero - Age 59
6. Romanian Dhammaransi Thero - Age 48
7. Russian Dhammarakkita Thero - Age 48

Two monks are currently in critical condition at the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Kurunegala National Hospital, while four others are receiving treatment in various wards.

The venerable members of the Maha Sangha receiving treatment:

1. Aniwatte Saranankara Thero - Age 34
2. Galnawe Pannadipa Thero - Age 36
3. Rajagiriye Lokahita Thero - Age 39
4. Pokunuwita Pawarasamahita Thero - Age 26
5. Unapane Chandasiri Thero - Age 35
6. Pannipitiye Indobhasa Thero

(adaderana.lk)

President Dissanayake Confident Sri Lanka Will Restore 2019-Level Economic Stability by Next Year

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has expressed confidence that Sri Lanka’s economy will return to the level it enjoyed in 2019, prior to the financial crisis, by next year.

The President made these remarks while addressing members of the Sri Lankan community in the United States during his visit to New York for the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Highlighting the nation’s progress, President Dissanayake recalled that Sri Lanka officially declared bankruptcy in April 2022, when it was unable to service its foreign debt obligations. However, he emphasized that the country has since made rapid strides in overcoming the crisis.

He further underlined the crucial role played by Sri Lankans living overseas, noting both their financial contributions and moral support during the 2024 presidential and 2025 general elections. According to him, this support was instrumental in securing his party’s historic electoral success.

“In the 2019 elections, our party obtained only about 3% of the national vote. Yet, in the 2024 presidential and subsequent general election, we were able to secure the largest number of parliamentary seats in Sri Lanka’s history,” he stated.

Reflecting on the country’s economic collapse, the President observed that the government in power at the time not only declared bankruptcy but also, for the first time in the nation’s history, turned against its own people.

“Our immediate task was twofold: to resolve the pressing economic crisis and to ensure that safeguards were put in place to prevent such a collapse from happening again,” he explained.

The President stressed that significant progress has been made within a relatively short period, with international organizations, credit rating agencies, and financial institutions recognizing Sri Lanka’s accelerated recovery compared with other nations that have faced similar crises.

He pointed out that, typically, economic experts estimate a recovery period of nearly a decade following such a collapse.

“If Sri Lanka’s bankruptcy occurred in 2022, then a full recovery would normally be expected by 2032. However, we are confident that by next year, Sri Lanka will have restored the level of stability it had achieved in 2019,” President Dissanayake affirmed.

An accident has occurred in the Wewita area of Bandaragama involving a van, a tipper truck, and a three-wheeler.

According to reports, eleven individuals sustained injuries in the collision and were promptly admitted to hospital for treatment.

Opposition Leader Questions Government’s Decision to Remove SVAT Despite Export-Friendly Policy

The Opposition Leader stated that if the government is genuinely pursuing an export-friendly policy, it is questionable why, from October 1, the SVAT system (Simplified Value-Added Tax) is being abolished under IMF directives.

He expressed these views yesterday (25) during the parliamentary debate on the export sector.

Concerns for SMEs and Cash Flow Issues “The government must consider not only the overall economy but also the micro-economy—individuals, households, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. Even today, small-scale economic actors are under pressure. If the government truly supports export-oriented policies, why abolish the SVAT from October 1 under IMF conditions?

If a new agreement had been reached with the IMF, as promised during the elections, the SVAT could have been retained as an export incentive. Through SVAT, exporters are relieved of cash flow issues since VAT is suspended on value added within the registered supply chain. This creates a favorable environment for export growth.

Instead of paying VAT to suppliers, exporters issue an SVAT invoice. If exporters are valued, why remove this under IMF conditions? The harmful effect will be the creation of serious cash flow problems for exporters. Moreover, delays will occur, efficiency will decline, administrative costs will rise, and while competitor countries move swiftly, Sri Lanka will be left at a disadvantage. Small and medium-scale enterprises will also face capital constraints,” he stressed.

Economic Growth Targets and IMF Conditions He further highlighted that while surpassing economic growth targets for two consecutive quarters is commendable, the IMF’s June 2024 conditions on VAT compliance and revenue collection are tied to the USD 2.9 billion Extended Fund Facility. As a result, exporters are facing heavy burdens.

He urged the government to renegotiate with the IMF at the final stage and request that the abolition of SVAT be postponed until digitalization is complete.

He reminded that during the recent financial collapse, 260,000 entrepreneurs were adversely affected, and stressed that Sri Lanka should not continue to simply “dance to the tune” of the IMF. He emphasized that despite the government presenting optimistic data, he would not engage in petty politics. However, he questioned whether the country is prepared to repay USD 5.5 billion annually from 2028 onwards. He added that if the previous IMF agreement had been renegotiated, debt repayments could have been extended until 2033.

Need for a Clear Program to End Poverty The Opposition Leader also pointed out that nearly 50% of institutions in the country suffer from various forms of poverty—consumption poverty, income poverty, production poverty, and investment poverty.

He acknowledged that the President’s recent remarks at the UN General Assembly regarding poverty were welcome, but insisted that mere statements would not end poverty. “The current approach only targets consumption. There is no focus on exports, production, or savings. While consumption may temporarily provide relief, what the country needs is a clear and practical program to eradicate poverty,” he concluded.

Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong has reaffirmed China’s longstanding friendship with Sri Lanka, emphasizing that the relationship, which spans over two millennia, continues to remain “deeply rooted and flourishing.”

Speaking at a reception in Colombo to mark the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Ambassador Qi highlighted the success of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit to China earlier this year.

“At the start of this year, President Dissanayake paid a successful visit to China. Our two leaders reached important outcomes, which provided new strategic guidance for the growth of our bilateral relations,” he said.

The Ambassador pledged that China would continue to work closely with Sri Lanka to promote mutual prosperity, peace, and development, describing the two nations as partners bound by shared aspirations despite challenges.

He also shared China’s vision for the future, noting: “It will undoubtedly achieve new greater glories on the new journey in the new era and make new greater contributions to the noble cause of human peace and development.”

In his closing remarks, Ambassador Qi proposed a toast “to the everlasting friendship between the Chinese and Sri Lankan people, and to the enduring peace and tranquility of the world.”

Full Speech of Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong:

“Ayubowan！Vanakkam！Good evening! 大家晚上好！

Thank you all for joining us to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka, I would like to extend warm welcome to all the distinguished guests, express heartfelt gratitude to friends from all sectors who have long been caring for and supporting China and China-Sri Lanka relations, and convey festive greetings to our compatriots both in China and Sri Lanka.

Over the past fruitful 76 years, China has witnessed tremendous changes and profound transformation that reshaped the whole country. The Communist Party of China (CPC) has led Chinese people with unity and self-reliance, composing a paean of struggle that rewrites the nation’s future and destiny. From an isolated and backward country that lack adequate food and clothing, to an open and progressing one that enjoy moderate prosperity in all respects, from being impoverished and weak to being able to chart a new blueprint of Chinese modernization. Now，the Chinese people are forging ahead with full confidence on a new journey to build a strong country and advance national rejuvenation.

A rising China showcases the grandeur of a major nation from the East of the World. Today’s China is soaring like a giant legendary bird on the rising winds and flourishing across all sectors. Particularly digital economy and artificial intelligence are thriving, injecting robust momentum into high-quality development. Nowadays, the Shenzhou spacecrafts are reaching for the heavens, the Chang’e probes are embracing the moon, the Mengxiang drilling vessel is exploring the deep ocean, and high-speed rail technology is leading the world. The prowess of such major national projects underscores China’s confidence, and the melody of scientific and technological innovation grows more inspiring.

A developing China provides the world with a continuous stream of impetus and fresh opportunities. As a crucial engine for global economic growth, China’s GDP grew by 5.3 percent in the first half of this year. And its contribution to global economic growth has exceeded 30 percent for many consecutive years. Despite the increasing instability and uncertainty in the world economy featured by unilateralism, bullying practices, trade war and tariff war, China’s economy remains highly resilient and vibrant and its growth continues to maintain a strong momentum. Facts prove once again that the Chinese economy enjoys a bright prospect and remains a vital pillar for global economic growth, continuing to inject precious certainty to global development. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has become the most popular international public good and the largest platform for international cooperation in the world today. We have signed cooperation documents with more than 180 countries and international organizations to jointly pursue prosperity and development.

A China committed to high-quality development and high-standard opening-up will continue to add momentum to global economic recovery, pool strength for worldwide development cooperation, and create opportunities for mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.

A China of certainty brings invaluable stability and positive energy to the world. Facing a world of transformation, China always stands on the right side of history. We hold high the banner of building a community with a shared future for humanity, stay firmly on the right path of peaceful development, uphold true multilateralism, pursue the neighborhood diplomacy featuring amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness, put forth the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and facilitate their implementation. China actively strives to resolve international disputes through dialogue and cooperation. There is no doubt that every increase of China’s strength is an increase of the prospect of world peace.

Earlier in this September, China’s Tianjin witnessed a “Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) moment” that drew the attention of the whole world. President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative, aiming to build a more just and equitable global governance system. To date, in pursuit of a better world, China has proposed four major global initiatives, namely the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As a Chinese saying goes, “Those with shared aspirations will not be separated by mountains and seas”. The friendship between China and Sri Lanka has spanned over two thousand years while withstanding the test of time and challenges of adversity, and still remains deeply rooted and flourishing. At the start of this year, President Dissanayake paid a successful visit to China. Our two leaders reached important outcomes, which provided new strategic guidance for the growth of our bilateral relations.

This 76-year-long journey through wind and rain has etched the firm footsteps of an ancient nation to realize its dream of rejuvenation. The Chinese nation, with a glorious civilization spanning over 5000 years, has risen through arduous efforts, advanced through reform and opening-up, and forged ahead in the tides of the times. It will undoubtedly achieve new greater glories on the new journey in the new era and make new greater contributions to the noble cause of human peace and development.

In closing, I would like to propose a toast:

To the prosperity of our great motherland,

To the everlasting friendship between the Chinese and Sri Lankan people,

To the enduring peace and tranquility of the world,

And to the health and happiness of all our distinguished guests and your families.

Cheers!”

(adaderana.lk)

Sri Lanka’s iconic Lotus Tower is set to add a new thrill to its skyline — South Asia’s very first bungee jump attraction, and the world’s tallest bungee jump from a tower, scheduled to open in 2026.

Currently in its planning and engineering phase, the project is being developed through a collaboration between expert structural engineers and the tower’s technical team.

Announcing the initiative, Lotus Tower Management Company Chairman Shirantha Peiris said the attraction is designed to transform the tower into South Asia’s leading hub for culture, technology, adventure, and entertainment.

Peiris emphasized that rigorous safety measures will be in place, noting that the initiative is a commercial venture and not linked to the Sports Ministry.

Once launched, the bungee jump is expected to draw adrenaline junkies from across the globe, elevating Sri Lanka’s status as an adventure tourism hotspot while offering locals and visitors alike a once-in-a-lifetime leap from the skies above Colombo.

Following the successful conclusion of his participation at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in the United States, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has departed for Japan.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), he left John F. Kennedy International Airport last night (September 25) to commence an official visit to Japan, which will take place from September 27 to 30, at the invitation of the Japanese government.

During the visit, President Dissanayake is scheduled to hold an audience with His Majesty the Emperor of Japan and engage in a summit meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister to discuss a wide range of matters of mutual interest, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism stated.

President Dissanayake will also address a Business Forum attended by senior representatives of major Japanese corporations and investors, focusing on emerging economic opportunities in Sri Lanka. Additionally, he will participate in “EXPO 2025 Osaka” as a Guest of the Government of Japan on the occasion of Sri Lanka Day, highlighting the country’s cultural heritage and economic potential to an international audience.

The President will further meet with members of the Sri Lankan expatriate community in Japan. He will be accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, along with senior government officials.

The Ministry noted that the visit aims to further consolidate and strengthen the longstanding bonds of friendship and cooperation between Sri Lanka and Japan.

Sri Lanka has recorded the arrival of 111,823 tourists so far this September, according to the latest data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).

Among the visitors, India leads with 32,570 tourists, accounting for 29.1% of the total. Other top contributors include the United Kingdom (8,021), Germany (6,994), China (6,316), and Australia (6,097).

With the latest September arrivals, the total number of tourists visiting Sri Lanka in 2025 has reached 1,678,346. India remains the largest source, with 358,165 arrivals, followed by the UK with 159,162 and Russia with 121,116 visitors, the SLTDA reported.

The figures highlight a continued recovery in Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, with international arrivals steadily rising across key markets.

Parliament Receives 2026 Appropriation Bill; Total Government Expenditure Set at Rs. 4,434 Billion

The Appropriation Bill for the fiscal year 2026 was presented to Parliament today (26) by the Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando.

Gazetted on September 18, the Bill outlines the allocation of funds for government expenditure in the upcoming financial year. This marks the second budget to be presented by the National People’s Power (NPP) government. According to the Bill, total government expenditure for 2026 is projected at Rs. 4,434 billion.

The Ministry of Finance is set to receive the largest allocation, amounting to Rs. 634 billion. The Ministry of Provincial Councils and Local Government has been allocated Rs. 618 billion, while the Ministry of Public Administration will receive Rs. 596 billion.

Manusha Nanayakkara, who served as Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment in 2023, has been summoned to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) to give a statement tomorrow (26th).

This relates to the agreement signed on 5th November 2023 between the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau and the State of Israel under the agricultural employment program, concerning the deployment of Sri Lankan workers to Israel. CIABOC has notified the former minister that a statement is required regarding this matter.

Manusha Nanayakkara was previously summoned on 8th September 2025 to give a statement, but he could not attend as he was overseas.

He has now been asked to appear tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. at the CIABOC office, Division IV, located on the second floor of the Old National Identity Card Office building, Jawatta Road, Kappetipola Mawatha, to provide his statement.