News

The Colombo Port has recorded a net profit of Rs. 32.2 billion (after tax) during the first eight months of 2025, the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation stated.

The Ministry stated that the net profit for the same period in 2024 was Rs. 18.9 billion, reflecting an increase of approximately Rs. 13 billion, which translates to a 71% growth.

The estimated profit target for the first eight months of 2025 was around Rs. 21 billion, the Ministry noted.

According to the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), this remarkable financial performance is the result of ongoing development projects, improved operational efficiency, a 6% growth in container handling compared to the first eight months of 2024 and the completion of major infrastructure projects such as the Eastern Terminal and Jaya Container Terminal, which are expected to further increase capacity in the near future.

The SLPA also attributed the profit surge to renewal of terminal service agreements, increased capacity, and effective cost management.

The Ports Authority has stated that these profits would be utilised to implement strategic plans aimed at positioning the Colombo Port as a regional transshipment hub.

(adaderana.lk)

A double homicide has been reported at a residence in the Wadigala area of Hungama, police confirmed.

According to police, the victims had been attacked with sharp weapons, leading to their deaths.

Investigations were launched following information received about the suspicious deaths of two individuals at a house in the Ranna–Wadigala area. Preliminary inquiries have revealed that the deceased are a 28-year-old man and his unmarried partner.

Police further stated that the owner of the house is currently in prison, and the couple had been residing at the premises temporarily.

The motive and the perpetrators behind the killings remain unknown at this stage, while post-mortem examinations of the bodies are scheduled to be conducted today (07).

The Hungama Police have commenced further investigations into the incident.

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organizer Namal Rajapaksa called for greater independence for the police during a parliamentary session today (8), stressing that the Police Commission should be empowered to handle transfers and administrative matters without political interference.

Rajapaksa criticized the politicization of the police force, stating: “In recent times, everyone has spoken about the political influence on the police. When we were in government, you raised these concerns the most. What is the expectation here? Is it to serve the people or to use the police as a political tool?”

He highlighted recent incidents, including thefts from zoological parks, as examples of inefficiency caused by politicization.

“The entire police department is being used as an arm of the government. We urge the IGP to study the history and stop this trend of political interference,” Rajapaksa added.

The price of gold has surpassed USD 3,950 per ounce for the first time in history, global market data indicates.

In response to the surge, gold prices in Sri Lanka have increased by approximately Rs. 8,000 compared to Saturday’s rates.

As of this morning (07), the price of a 22-carat gold sovereign in the Colombo Pettah market has risen to Rs. 290,500, up from Rs. 283,000 recorded on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the price of a 24-carat gold sovereign, which stood at Rs. 306,000 on Saturday, has now climbed to Rs. 314,000, according to traders at the Pettah market.

(adaderana.lk)

Former Member of Parliament Sajin de Vass Gunawardena appeared before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Wednesday (8) morning to provide a statement regarding an investigation into phone calls allegedly received by then-President Maithripala Sirisena from a foreign intelligence service prior to the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks.

Gunawardena arrived at the CID around 9:30 a.m. and left after approximately three and a half hours of questioning.

Speaking to reporters, Gunawardena said:

“They called me in to give a statement regarding a comment made by Maithripala Sirisena about the Easter attacks. As members of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, we worked closely with him. So I gave a statement based on that and now I’m leaving.”

Police confirmed that during the investigation into the relevant phone numbers, analysis reports revealed that calls had also been received from a number belonging to Gunawardena.

Clarifying the matter, the former MP stated:

“As part of the investigation into the Easter attacks, all phone numbers that contacted Maithripala Sirisena are being examined. One of those numbers was an Indian number I had used. The CID summoned me to verify this.”

An emergency Executive Committee meeting of the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) is scheduled to be held today (07), according to Assistant Secretary Dr. Hansamal Weerasinghe.

He stated that the purpose of the meeting is to discuss the issues that have arisen concerning recent medical transfers within the Ampara District.

The GMOA has already launched trade union action in the district, protesting against what it alleges to be arbitrary medical transfers carried out by the Ampara District Health Administration.

Dr. Weerasinghe further noted that, as the government has yet to respond to the matter, the GMOA will decide at today’s meeting on the next course of trade union action to be taken.

38 children living in prisons with their mothers during the first eight months of 2025 – Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya revealed that 38 women have been incarcerated with their children during the first eight months of 2025.

Responding to a question raised in Parliament today (08), the Prime Minister stated that a total of 38 children currently reside in prisons alongside their mothers — 15 boys and 23 girls.

She further noted that childcare centres have been established within women’s prison facilities to provide care for children under the age of five who are detained with their mothers. These centres are located separately from the general inmate population, allowing the children to spend meaningful time with their mothers in a safe and supportive environment.

Commenting on the welfare of these children, the Prime Minister said that, in addition to the standard meals provided to inmates, infants and young children are supplied with milk powder and light daily meals through the prison canteen system to ensure proper nutrition.

Addressing the matter of early childhood education for these children, Dr. Amarasuriya highlighted that a private organisation has been supporting the operation of an Early Childhood Development Centre within the prison system for nearly a decade, providing educational opportunities for the children living there.

A special island-wide police operation carried out yesterday (06) led to the arrest of 719 individuals suspected of involvement in various criminal, narcotics, and illicit liquor-related activities, the Police Media Division reported.

During the extensive crackdown, 28,476 individuals were inspected across the country. Among those detained, 13 suspects were identified as being directly connected to serious criminal networks, while 409 others were apprehended over outstanding arrest warrants.

Traffic law enforcement was also a key focus, with 19 drunk drivers and 20 reckless motorists taken into custody. In addition, 3,483 individuals were charged with various other traffic violations.

Police emphasized that such nationwide operations are part of an ongoing effort to dismantle organized crime, curb drug trafficking at all levels, and recover illegal firearms from criminal elements across the island.

Commuters in Sri Lanka will soon be able to pay their bus fares using bank-issued credit and debit cards, Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake announced in Parliament today (08).

According to the Minister, the new system will come into effect on November 30, 2025, for buses equipped with ticket-issuing machines. The move aims to enhance transparency and convenience in public transport transactions.

“It’s a well-known fact that passengers are often cheated through bus tickets, which is one of the main reasons the bus industry is not financially sustainable,” the Minister said, noting that the introduction of digital payments will help bus operators secure fair income.

Rathnayake further stated that private bus owners have long requested a card payment system, although previous attempts to introduce dedicated transport cards were unsuccessful due to technical complications. The new initiative will allow passengers to make payments using any locally accepted bank card.

The Minister also addressed concerns regarding the delay in issuing vehicle number plates, revealing that as of September 30, 2025, a total of 165,512 plates remained unissued.

He explained that the new number plates include seven advanced security features, with testing carried out by the University of Moratuwa. “The university successfully verified six of the features, but we needed international support to test the seventh, which has caused the delay,” he said, emphasizing that the enhanced security measures were vital for preventing fraud.

In addition, Minister Rathnayake assured that the delay in issuing new driving licences will be resolved by October 18.

The Parliamentary session is now underway, presided over by Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne. You can watch the live proceedings below.

The main suspect in the gruesome double murder of a couple in Wadigala, Hungama has surrendered to authorities, police confirmed.

The shocking attack occurred in the early hours of today (07) around 12:45 a.m., when a group of five assailants broke into the residence. According to police reports, the female homeowner had stepped outside to use the toilet when the intruders forced their way inside. They entered a bedroom where a 28-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman were staying and brutally attacked them with sharp weapons, killing both. Disturbingly, the male victim was reportedly decapitated during the assault.Preliminary investigations indicate that the woman was the man’s mistress. Authorities also revealed that the male victim had a history of involvement in two previous murders.

Initial findings suggest that the murder may have been orchestrated by one of the victim’s close associates. Police continue to conduct a thorough investigation into the case.

The newly constructed two-storey building housing the Archaeological Museum and the International Archaeological Research Institute at the historic Somawathi sacred area in Polonnaruwa was declared open today (06) under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

This two-storey building was constructed under the plans and supervision of the Department of Archaeology, following the guidance of the Chief Incumbent of the historic Somawathi Raja Maha Vihara and Registrar of the Mahavihara Vansika Syamopali Maha Nikaya of the Malwatta Chapter, the Most Venerable Dr. Pahamune Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thero. The project was fully funded through the generous financial contribution of Deshamanya Mithrapala Lankeshwara, Chairman of the Rathna Group, to facilitate the convenience of devotees from around the world who visit the historic Somawathi Chaityarajaya in Polonnaruwa where the Sacred Right Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha is enshrined, as well as those engaged in educational and research activities.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who visited the historic Somawathi sacred site this morning (06), engaged in religious observances before the Somawathi Chaityarajaya and received blessings.

The President then unveiled the commemorative plaque and declared open the newly constructed two-storey building housing the Archaeological Museum and the International Archaeological Research Institute. The President also made the first floral offering to the Buddha statue and the sacred relic casket enshrined within the premises.

On this occasion, Deshamanya Mithrapala Lankeshwara, Chairman of the Rathna Group, presented a commemorative gift to the President.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, noted that the newly established Archaeological Museum and International Archaeological Research Institute will serve as a valuable gateway to understanding the rich history and archaeological significance of the Somawathi Chaityarajaya.

The Minister further emphasized that the on-going development of the Somawathi sacred site will be implemented through a systematic plan that integrates science and technology, ensuring that this heritage is preserved and shared with both the people of Sri Lanka and the world.

The event was attended by the Maha Sangha, led by Registrar of the Mahavihara Vansika Syamopali Maha Nikaya of the Malwatta Chapter and Chief Incumbent of the historic Somawathi Raja Maha Vihara, the Most Venerable Dr. Pahamune Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thero, along with North Central Province Governor Wasantha Jinadasa, Deputy Minister of Housing T.B. Sarath, Members of Parliament and other public representatives, Ms. Manel Deepani Gamage, Director of the Rathna Group and members of the Dayaka Sabha.