News

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.

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."

Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, along with his wife, three daughters, and son-in-law, was formally served indictments before the Colombo High Court over allegations of illegally acquiring assets during his tenure in public office.

The indictments were presented before High Court Judge Lanka Jayaratne, marking a significant development in the case filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and the Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023.

Following the indictment, each accused was released on cash bail of Rs. 50,000 and two personal bail bonds of Rs. 1 million.

The court also imposed a foreign travel ban, ordering the surrender of passports and the recording of fingerprints for official documentation.

The charges follow an investigation by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, which filed 43 charges against Rambukwella and his family on June 26.

The alleged offenses occurred between August 13, 2020, and June 24, 2024, during his time at the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Mass Media.

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.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who also serves as the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, has emphasized that education and children’s futures should not be used as political tools.

She dismissed false claims circulating that history and aesthetics subjects have been removed under the new education reforms, stressing that such misinformation undermines the reform process.

The Prime Minister made these remarks during a special program held today, aimed at briefing education authorities in the Western Province on the upcoming reforms.

She added that the reforms will be implemented with careful understanding, focusing on nurturing well-rounded, quality individuals.

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.

The owner of the Hambantota Bird Park, who was arrested in connection with 21 illegally imported high-capacity motorbikes, was remanded until July 25.

The suspect was arrested this morning (17) in Narahenpita by a special Police unit and later remanded after being produced before the Hambantota Magistrate’s Court.

His arrest comes after the Central Crimes Investigation Bureau discovered 21 illegally imported motorcycles hidden within the bird sanctuary premises.

According to the Police, the value of a single motorcycle exceeds Rs. 15 million. In addition, four illegally cultivated cannabis plants were found on the property.

The sanctuary’s farm manager and warehouse supervisor were initially taken into custody. The arrested individuals are residents of Matara and Middeniya, aged between 40 and 50 years.

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.

Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake officially inaugurated the newly established Wax Museum at the historic Ehelepola Walawwa in Kandy this morning (17), marking a significant milestone in the preservation and celebration of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.

The Ehelepola Walawwa, a landmark of the Kandyan Kingdom, was recently renovated by the Urban Development Authority and formally handed over to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

The Wax Museum was created within the premises to honor the site's archaeological and historical significance.

The museum showcases wax recreations of Kandyan architecture, customs, arts, and crafts, offering visitors a vivid glimpse into the grandeur of the ancient kingdom.

Exhibition stalls highlight traditional industries, while a dedicated dining area illustrates royal culinary practices, complete with authentic recipes.

A key attraction is the display of 35 lifelike wax figures representing prominent historical figures, including:

Ven. Weliwita Sri Saranankara Sangharaja Thera

Ven. Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Thera

King Wimaladharmasuriya I

Queen Kusumasana Devi

Monarawila Keppetipola Disawe

Devendra Mulachari

Governor Robert Brownrigg

Ehelepola Maha Adikaram, Kumarihami, and their two children

Designed by Athula Herath, a resident of Gampola, the museum was developed under the Ehelepola Walawwa Museum Special Project at a cost of Rs. 300 million.

The museum is expected to become a major cultural attraction for both local and international tourists, and a valuable educational resource for younger generations to explore the legacy of the Kandyan Kingdom.

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.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has emphasized the need for the Ministry of Sports and Sports Associations to collaborate on joint initiatives aimed at elevating Sri Lankan sports to the international stage.

President Dissanayake stressed that instead of isolated efforts such as merely distributing sports equipment, the focus must shift toward structured and impactful programmes that support long-term sports development.

The President made these remarks during a progress review meeting of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports held at the Presidential Secretariat today (16).

The meeting reviewed the institutional progress of the Ministry of Sports, the National Youth Services Council and the National Youth Corps. The President was briefed on the current projects being implemented by these institutions and the programmes aimed at youth development across the country.

During the discussion, the President noted that, similar to developed countries, sports can bring not only social benefits but also significant economic returns. He closely examined the Ministry’s sports development initiatives and called for a more strategic approach.

Attention was also drawn to the “YOUTH CLUB” programme of the National Youth Services Council. The President directed officials to focus on establishing modern and well-equipped vocational training centres that cater to school leavers and promote youth employment.

Underscoring the importance of efficient and results-oriented implementation, the President stressed that all institutions under the Ministry must work collectively to achieve both physical and financial targets by the end of 2025, ensuring the optimal use of allocated resources.