News

Former Mayor of the Moratuwa Municipal Council Saman Lal Fernando has been arrested.

He has been arrested by officers attached to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) at around 12:50 p.m. today (10).

The Bribery Commission stated the former Mayor has been arrested in connection with an allegation of causing losses to the government by awarding road development projects of the Moratuwa Municipal Council to his associates.

He has reportedly granted 112 contracts using his own discretion and issued payments in violation of accepted procedures.

Former Mayor of the Moratuwa Municipal Council Saman Lal Fernando is scheduled to be produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate today, the Bribery Commission stated.

(adaderana.lk)

The Bribery Commission informed Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama that indictments have been filed in the High Court against former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, his wife, three daughters, and son-in-law under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

Following this notification, proceedings in the case before the Magistrate’s Court were formally concluded.

The individuals named in the indictment are:

Keheliya Bandara Dissanayake Rambukwella

Kusum Priyadarshani Epa Weihena (wife)

Chamithri Jayanika Rambukwella (daughter)

Chandula Ramali Rambukwella (daughter)

Amali Nayanika Rambukwella (daughter)

Isuru Pulasthi Bandara Polgasdeniya (son-in-law)

The charges relate to allegations that, during his tenure as Minister of Mass Media, Health, and Environment between 2021 and 2023, Rambukwella appointed several associates to his personal staff and used their salaries and overtime payments—funded by the ministry—for personal and political activities.

The alleged misuse of public funds is estimated to have caused a loss exceeding Rs. 8 million to the government.

(english.newsfirst.lk)

Leader of the Samabima Party, Deepthi Kumara Gunarathne, has raised serious concerns over the growing trend of crime becoming commercialised, with potentially devastating consequences for the society.

During a discussion on the Ideas Front Youtube channel, he noted that society is approaching a dangerous point where criminals are being humanised to the extent that their wrongful actions risk being normalised.

Gunarathne criticised what he described as a “new narrative” portraying criminals as ordinary people with families and aspirations, calling it a “mistaken and harmful” approach.

Meanwhile, political analyst Vipula Karunathilaka, who also participated in the discussion, highlighted troubling practices within the police force, particularly self-promotion and internal promotions without proper institutional checks.

He warned that such actions pose significant risks to law enforcement integrity and noted that no effective institution globally permits such unchecked behaviour.

The discussion was moderated by journalist Narada Bakmeewewa.

(lankaleader.lk)

Former Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne was granted bail after being produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court this morning (09).

Senaratne had been in remand custody following his arrest on August 29, when he appeared before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court in connection with a case filed by the Bribery Commission.

A warrant had been issued for his arrest, and he was subsequently taken into custody upon appearing in court on that date.

The owner of the bus involved in the accident on the Ella–Wellawaya road has been taken into custody for failing to properly maintain the vehicle.

The bus, carrying a group of passengers on an excursion from Tangalle, veered off the road and plunged into a precipice near the 24th kilometer post along the Ella–Wellawaya main road, within the Ella Police Division, on the 4th. The accident claimed the lives of 15 individuals.

Among the deceased were the Secretary of the Tangalle Municipal Council, Mr. T.W.K. Rupasena, and 12 other employees of the Council.

The Department of Meteorology has stated that many parts of the island may experience heavy rainfall of around 100 millimeters after 1:00 p.m. today (09).

Rainfall is also possible in the Western, Galle, and Matara districts during the morning hours.

The Department of Meteorology has advised the public to take necessary precautions to minimize risks associated with heavy winds and lightning that may accompany thundery showers.

SriLankan Airlines has suspended all flights to Nepal following the closure of Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) on Tuesday due to escalating violence. The shutdown, announced via a NOTAM(Notice to Air Missions/Men), forced airlines—including Indian carriers and several international operators—to cancel or divert flights, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded. TIA, which normally handles over 250 daily flights from carriers such as Air India, IndiGo, Fly Dubai, and Singapore Airlines, will remain closed until the NOTAM is lifted.

Former Minister Rajitha Senaratne, who is currently in remand custody, was brought before the Aluthkade Magistrate’s Court this morning (09) by prison officials.

The Central Bank inaugurated the Financial Literacy Month on 10 September, signifying a pivotal milestone in the nation’s progressive journey toward financial inclusion.

This initiative is being carried out under the framework of the Financial Literacy Roadmap, aligned with the Central Bank’s overarching vision of creating a ‘Financially Literate Sri Lanka’.

Throughout the month, a series of impactful activities unfold, underscoring the Central Bank’s steadfast commitment to equipping the public with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential for transforming financial behavior, fostering prudent decision-making, and advancing sustainable economic well-being.

As part of its continuous efforts to strengthen financial literacy across the country, the Central Bank implements a series of nationwide initiatives targeting diverse groups, including schoolchildren, university students, youth, women, and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

These initiatives ensure inclusive and accessible financial education for all segments of society. Key highlights of the initiative include insightful financial literacy discussions disseminated through mainstream media channels such as television, radio, and YouTube, along with the telecast of educational videos to extend outreach to wider audiences.

Six regional level “Financial Literacy Day” Programmes and one “Economic and Financial Literacy Forum” are conducted, facilitating direct interaction with local communities.

In addition, specialized awareness sessions are organized with a strong emphasis on empowering youth, women, and MSMEs to make informed and confident financial decisions.

Moreover, in collaboration with the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka, the Central Bank introduces the “Certified Trainer in Financial Literacy” programme, aimed at cultivating a cadre of qualified trainers. A 'Training of Trainers' initiative delivered in Tamil medium also broadens accessibility for Tamil-speaking communities.

To reinforce awareness at the grassroot level, the Central Bank disseminates notebooks, name-tag stickers, and bookmarks imprinted with vital financial literacy messages.

Complementing these efforts, the Central Bank facilitates the “Investment Week” programme organized by the University of Kelaniya, to promote a culture of savings, investment, and responsible financial behavior among the public.

The Central Bank encourages the general public to actively engage in these financial literacy initiatives and contribute to building a financially literate and inclusive Sri Lanka.

(lankaleader.lk)

The Government of Japan officially handed over advanced infectious waste management equipment to Trincomalee General Hospital on Saturday, as part of an initiative to strengthen Sri Lanka’s public health infrastructure.

The equipment was delivered under the “Project for the Improvement of Infectious Waste Management,” a JPY 503 million (approximately USD 3.7 million) grant project launched in April 2023.

The programme, implemented by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), will see state-of-the-art incinerators and exhaust treatment systems distributed to 15 hospitals across all nine provinces of Sri Lanka.

The handover ceremony was attended by Japan’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Akio Isomata, along with Health and Mass Media Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa, Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra, Trincomalee District MP Roshan Akmeemana, and JICA Sri Lanka Chief Representative Kenji Kuronuma.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Isomata said the project not only equips hospitals with vital waste management infrastructure, but also strengthens the skills of healthcare workers through training in Kaizen, 5S, and Total Quality Management (TQM) practices.

He noted that a “Training of Trainers” (ToT) model, incorporating modern behavioural science techniques like nudge theory, has been adopted to ensure effective knowledge transfer throughout the healthcare system.

The Ambassador also revealed that a catheterization laboratory is expected to be established at Trincomalee General Hospital within two years under a separate Japanese yen loan project.

He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting development and reconciliation in Sri Lanka’s Northern and Eastern provinces.

"True sustainability in bilateral cooperation depends not only on government-to-government ties, but also on engaging the private sector, especially in the medical and industrial sectors," he added.

(lankaleader.lk)

Pursuant to Article 121(1) of the Constitution, the Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, today (09) notified Parliament of the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the “Revocation of Former Presidents’ Privileges” Bill, which had been challenged before the Court.

The Supreme Court determined that the bill does not contravene any constitutional provisions and may be passed by a parliamentary majority. Furthermore, the petitioner had failed to comply with the mandatory procedures outlined in Article 121(1) when seeking judicial intervention, leading the Court to dismiss the petition (SC/SD/29/2025).

The National People’s Power party, during the previous presidential election, pledged to revoke the privileges of retired presidents and parliamentary ministers once in office. Following his election as President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake submitted the relevant proposal to the Cabinet. A committee, chaired by President Dissanayake, was subsequently appointed to determine the legal procedures required for this revocation.

At the recent Cabinet meeting, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa confirmed that the “Revocation of Former Presidents’ Privileges” Bill will be presented to Parliament.

Privileges to be Revoked

 The following privileges will cease from the date the Act comes into effect and will no longer be provided or paid:

 - Any residence or monthly allowance provided to a former president or their spouse;

 - Any monthly secretarial allowance, official transport, and other facilities provided to a former president or their spouse; and

 - Any monthly pension paid to the spouse of a former president.

Who Will Lose the Privileges?

If the new bill is passed by Parliament, the privileges currently enjoyed by living retired presidents and the spouses of deceased retired presidents will no longer be granted.

Sri Lanka’s first executive president, J.R. Jayewardene, and the third executive president, D.B. Wijetunga, along with their spouses, are no longer alive.

Hema Premadasa, the widow of Ranasinghe Premadasa (who served as the second executive president), is still alive, and if the bill is passed, she could lose these privileges.

Similarly, the living former presidents—Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maithripala Sirisena, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and Ranil Wickremesinghe—will also lose all such privileges if the new bill is approved by Parliament.

https://documents.gov.lk/view/bills/2025/8/627-2025_E.pdf

The Secretary of Defence has issued a detention order to keep Nadun Chinthaka Wickramaratne, also known as “Harak Kata”, in custody until the conclusion of the ongoing legal proceedings related to his alleged attempt to escape from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

This development was formally communicated to the Colombo High Court by the Attorney General.