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The eldest son of Norway’s crown princess will go on trial Tuesday on multiple charges including rape in a high-profile case that has been an embarrassment to the royal family.

Marius Borg Høiby is facing the Oslo district court after being indicted in August following a lengthy investigation. The indictment includes 38 counts, among them rape, abuse in a close relationship against one former partner, acts of violence against another and transporting 3.5 kilos (7.7 pounds) of marijuana. Other charges include making death threats and traffic violations.

Prosecutors have said the 29-year-old could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted at the trial, which is expected to last until mid-March.

Høiby is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship and stepson of the heir to the throne, Crown Prince Haakon.

He has no royal title or official duties. He has been under scrutiny since he was repeatedly arrested in 2024 on various allegations of wrongdoing. He has remained free pending trial.

The indictment centers on four alleged rapes between 2018 and November 2024; alleged violence and threats against a former partner between the summer of 2022 and the fall of 2023; and two alleged acts of violence against a subsequent partner, along with violations of a restraining order.

Defense attorney Petar Sekulic said when Høiby was indicted that “our client denies all charges of sexual abuse, as well as the majority of the charges regarding violence.” He added that Høiby “will present a detailed account of his version of events before the court.”

In a rare statement, Haakon said Wednesday that he and Mette-Marit don’t plan to be in the courtroom for the trial and that the royal house does not intend to comment during the proceedings.

He emphasized that Høiby is not party of the royal house and that, as a citizen of Norway, he has the same responsibilities and rights as all others. He said he is confident that all concerned will make the trial as orderly, proper and fair as possible.

The royals are generally popular in Norway but the Høiby case has cast a shadow on their image.

Tove Taalesen, a royal expert at the Nettavisen newspaper, said that it has been “a shocking one and half years for the Norwegian people because we really love our royal family.” She added that “we respect them and we look at King Harald as like our grandfather.”

Taalesen said there may be consequences in the future, “but for now, polls show that we still believe in King Harold and Queen Sonja and we feel we are compassionate also for what the royal family are going through.”

“We definitely have different opinions about the different members of the royal family,” she said. “But in general, I think we still have like sympathy for the crown prince and the crown princess.”

Still, the Høiby story hasn’t been the only source of negative publicity for the royals. The business ventures of Haakon’s sister, Princess Märtha Louise, have drawn repeated criticism. In 2024, around the same time Høiby’s case was making news, she married an American self-professed shaman, Durek Verrett.

(Source:adaderana.lk)

Four Buddhist monks, among them Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero, along with six other individuals, have been ordered to remain in remand custody until February 9, 2026, following a directive by the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court.

The suspects are alleged to have placed a Buddha statue at the Trincomalee Bodhiraja Vihara on November 16, 2025, in contravention of existing coastal conservation regulations.

Court proceedings in connection with the case are ongoing, as authorities continue to examine whether the installation breached laws governing protected coastal zones.

In a proactive move to support school students impacted by the severe weather events late last year, the Education, Higher Education and Vocational Training Ministry has announced special relief measures under the Suraksha Sisu Insurance Programme.

Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation General Limited (SLICGL) has agreed to extend flexible claim processing for students affected by natural disasters, including floods and cyclones, that occurred between November 26 and December 31, 2025. The revised provisions aim to ensure that students and families facing hardship due to these extreme weather events receive timely support.

Under the new measures, claims relating specifically to disaster-related incidents during the specified period will be prioritized. For students who tragically lost a parent or legal guardian as a result of these disasters, benefit payments will be made without the usual income restrictions, provided that documentation confirming the loss is submitted.

SLICGL has also introduced an external treatment benefit of up to Rs. 20,000, covering medical treatment, purchase of medicines, and examination fees resulting directly from disaster-related accidents.

This addition, while not part of the original insurance agreement, reflects the insurer’s commitment to alleviating the financial burden on affected families.

Recognizing that disasters may have destroyed vital documents, special arrangements have been made for students whose entitlement papers or hospital bills from November 1 to November 26, 2025, were lost. In such cases, claims may be supported by recommendations from the school principal and the relevant Grama Niladhari. Certified copies from private hospitals or medical recommendation letters from government hospitals can serve as substitutes for lost documentation.

To further accommodate those affected, the submission period for claims has been extended. Students who were unable to submit claims between November 1 and December 31, 2025, now have up to 150 days to file their applications including an additional 60-day extension beyond the original 90-day deadline.

Officials emphasized that in instances where delays cannot be easily verified, SLICGL may request confirmation from the student’s school principal or Grama Niladhari to support the claim, ensuring that all genuine cases receive the assistance they need.

The Ministry and SLICGL have urged affected families to take advantage of these relief measures promptly, highlighting that the initiative reflects a broader effort to protect students and families from the ongoing challenges posed by natural disasters in Sri Lanka.

The Dalai Lama is now a Grammy winner, beating out Grammy Awards host Trevor Noah for the coveted award on Sunday, Feb. 1.

The Tibetan spiritual leader, 90, took the Grammy for best audio book, narration and storytelling recording for “Meditations: The Reflections Of His Holiness The Dalai Lama” at the 68th Grammys pre-ceremony. He joined fellow Grammy winner, director Steven Spielberg, in the first-time winner’s honors.

Musician Rufus Wainwright accepted the award on the Dalai Lama’s behalf during the ceremony that streamed on YouTube.

“OK, I am not the Dalai Lama, obviously,” Rufus Wainwright joked from the podium. “It was a privilege to participate in this project. It’s an honor to accept this recognition on behalf of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, whose wisdom is at the heart of this work.”

Who did the Dalai Lama beat out for a Grammy?

The Dalai Lama had serious competition in the award category, competing against Milli Vanilli’s Fab Morvan, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, and even Grammys ceremony host Noah.

The album features collaborations with Hindustani classical influences and includes remarks on themes such as mindfulness, harmony, and health.

Wainwright is one of several musicians who appear on the project, along with Maggie Rogers and Andra Day.

(source:newswire.lk)

Chinthaka Hewapathirana, representing the National People’s Power (NPP), has been elected as the new Chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha.

The vote, held today (02), saw Hewapathirana receive 22 votes in favor against 21 opposing votes, giving the NPP control of the council by a slim one-vote majority.

The chairmanship had remained vacant since October 22, when former Chairman Lasantha Wickramasekara was fatally shot inside his office, leaving the council without a leader for several months.

Sri Lanka’s apparel industry made a landmark appearance at Source Fashion 2026, Europe’s premier apparel sourcing event, with the country’s first-ever national pavilion. The exhibition, held at Olympia London, brought together global buyers, designers, and industry leaders to explore sourcing opportunities and showcase cutting-edge fashion solutions.

The pavilion was officially inaugurated on 13 January with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the UK Nimal Senadheera and UK Trade Envoy to Sri Lanka Lord Hannett of Everton OBE. The event drew representatives from Sri Lanka’s apparel sector, government officials, exhibitors, and industry stakeholders from both the UK and Europe.

Organized jointly by the Export Development Board (EDB), the Sri Lankan apparel industry, and the Sri Lanka High Commission in the UK, the pavilion aimed to strengthen trade ties, expand buyer networks, and position Sri Lanka as a preferred sourcing destination in the UK and European markets.

The Sri Lankan pavilion featured 20 exhibitor booths, including 12 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), presenting locally made apparel, textiles, handmade items, and value-added solutions for both industrial and consumer markets. Key themes of the showcase included sustainability, transparency, innovation, and long-term partnerships. Participating brands included Star Garments Group, Insomnia, J K Garments (Pvt.) Ltd, New Universe Clothing SL, Protector Clothing Manufacturers, Janasri Mills, Pridemo Apparel, Senvin Collection, True Digital Printing, Concord Manufacturing, Kobithan Garments, Hayleys Free Zone Ltd, JAS Activewear, Krisherert Holdings, Jia Moda, Randhi International, and the “Creative Sri Lanka” booth, alongside the EDB booth.

Sri Lanka’s apparel also featured prominently in Source Fashion catwalk shows, demonstrating the country’s design and manufacturing expertise alongside top international brands. The pavilion highlighted Sri Lanka’s competitive edge, particularly with new trade opportunities under the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which came into effect on 1 January 2026. The scheme’s flexible Rules of Origin and zero import duty provide Sri Lankan apparel exports greater access to the UK market.

The country’s debut pavilion underscored Sri Lanka’s reputation as a sustainable, resilient, and innovative apparel sourcing hub, reflecting global market expectations and evolving supply chain requirements. The initiative also aligns with the Government of Sri Lanka’s vision to promote exports and elevate the apparel industry on international platforms.

Anuradhapura, Feb. 2, 2026 — A tragic road accident at the Matale Junction in Anuradhapura claimed the life of a woman this afternoon, police confirmed.

The incident occurred when the woman, believed to be around 65 years old, was crossing the road and was struck by a motorcycle traveling from Mihintale. The impact resulted in injuries to the woman and the two riders on the motorcycle, all of whom were rushed to the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital for treatment.

Despite medical efforts, the woman succumbed to her injuries. Her identity has not yet been confirmed.

The Traffic Division of the Mihintale Police is conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has announced that it will strengthen its ongoing trade union action starting from 8.00 a.m. today (02), after authorities failed to respond satisfactorily to a number of demands raised by the association.

The GMOA said the decision was taken due to the lack of meaningful solutions from the Ministry of Health, despite repeated appeals and discussions. As part of the intensified action, several additional measures will now be enforced across the government hospital system.

Under the new phase of the trade union action, doctors will suspend issuing prescriptions and recommendations for patients to obtain medicines and medical equipment from outside sources when such items are unavailable within hospitals. Recommendations for external laboratory tests will also be halted if those services are not accessible internally.

In addition, GMOA members will withdraw from voluntary participation in health camps and clinics organized by political groups. Doctors will also refrain from being assigned to newly opened hospital wards or units that do not meet the officially approved staffing requirements.

The association further stated that doctors will stop examining patients in situations where adequate facilities and support staff are not available to ensure patient safety and privacy. Specialist services will be limited strictly to the hospitals to which specialists are formally attached, with no coverage provided to other institutions lacking specialist doctors.

The GMOA initially launched island-wide continuous trade union action across government hospitals on January 26, following the presentation of several unresolved issues to the government. On the same day, the association’s Executive Committee granted the Minister of Health a 48-hour deadline to announce a positive resolution.

However, the GMOA said the Ministry failed to offer acceptable solutions within the given timeframe. An emergency meeting of the GMOA Executive Committee was held on January 31, during which it was decided to continue and further intensify the trade union action without interruption from today.

The Supreme Court has rejected seven Fundamental Rights petitions filed by 145 Chief Inspectors of Police who challenged promotions to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) called for in 2020.

Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, with the agreement of Justices Mahinda Samayawardena and Sampath Wijeratne, delivered the ruling after an extensive hearing.

The petitions claimed that although the Public Service Commission (PSC) conducted interviews and awarded promotions, the petitioners were denied advancement despite meeting all required qualifications. They also argued that the PSC had admitted errors in the interview marks and amended them afterward, which they alleged was beyond the Commission’s authority and caused them prejudice.

During proceedings, the Supreme Court reviewed the official mark sheets and accepted the Secretary to the PSC’s explanation for the changes, finding the process to be legally valid. The court further concluded that the petitioners’ claims lacked legal merit and did not demonstrate any violation of fundamental rights.

As a result, the Supreme Court dismissed all seven petitions without awarding costs, stating there were no sufficient grounds to grant the requested relief.

The Department of Meteorology says several spells of showers are expected today (02) in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Uva and Central provinces, as well as in the Hambantota district.

In addition, showers or thundershowers are likely to develop after 2.00 p.m. in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts. The Met Department noted that some areas could experience fairly heavy rainfall of around 50 mm.

Misty conditions are also expected during the early morning hours in parts of the Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces, along with the Galle and Matara districts.

The general public has been urged to take necessary precautions to reduce potential damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning that may accompany thundershowers.