News

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.

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)

Following the conclusion of his official term, Pradeep Nilanga Dela has been reappointed as the Acting Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy.

The decision was made with the consent of the Mahanayake Theros of both the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters, the two highest monastic orders in Sri Lanka.

Dela’s previous term officially ended at midnight on September 7, 2025, marking the completion of his tenure as the Chief Lay Custodian of one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the country.

Until the official Diyawadana Nilame election is held, Pradeep Nilanga Dela will continue to oversee the temple’s operations, rituals, and cultural responsibilities in his acting capacity.

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.

A new investigative report into the assassination of BBC Jaffna correspondent Nimalarajan Mylvaganam has cast fresh light on Sri Lanka’s systematic failure to hold perpetrators accountable for crimes against journalists.

The 70-page report, jointly published by the International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) and REDRESS, provides a forensic analysis of the police investigation into Nimalarajan’s 2000 murder, exposing critical failures that, according to its authors, point to a broader pattern of state-enabled impunity.

The report notes that between 2000 and 2010, at least 44 journalists and media workers were killed during the country’s civil war. However, not a single perpetrator has been brought to justice.

“This level of impunity sends a chilling message to the few remaining journalists who risk their lives to report the truth — whether under self-censorship, exile, or threat,” said Yasmin Sooka, Executive Director of ITJP.

Perilous climate for journalists

Despite the murder taking place during a period of intense curfew and heightened military presence in a high-security zone surrounded by army checkpoints, police failed to secure or document the crime scene. No photographs were taken, nor was any proper forensic or medical evidence collected.

The report underscores how Nimalarajan’s house was never cordoned off, and several key security personnel who had been on duty that night were neither promptly interviewed nor adequately interrogated — some were not even identified. Mishandling of ballistics evidence further delayed and undermined forensic conclusions.

While credible threats to Nimalarajan’s life had been reported and multiple anonymous phone calls received before the killing, investigators chose instead to scrutinize his bank account — an action described in the report as "inexplicable."

In a deeply troubling revelation, suspects in the case were allegedly allowed to roam freely, commit additional crimes, and even leave the country, with reported assistance from the Sri Lankan security apparatus.

When interrogated, most suspects denied involvement and were released without charge. Some reportedly bore visible signs of torture and claimed they were forced into signing false confessions.

The EPDP connection

The most serious allegations implicate members of the Eelam People’s Democratic Party (EPDP), a government-aligned paramilitary group.

However, the police never once questioned EPDP leader Douglas Devananda, despite longstanding accusations linking his group to the killing. Instead, Devananda enjoyed uninterrupted political power for over two decades, serving as a Cabinet Minister in every administration since 2000 and only losing his ministerial post in 2024.

In stark contrast, Nimalarajan’s parents died in exile in Canada, still waiting for justice.

A fugitive in the UK

Due to the lack of credible domestic accountability, the United Kingdom has stepped in. On February 25, 2022, British police arrested a 48-year-old man in Northamptonshire in connection with Nimalarajan’s murder.

The arrest came as part of an active investigation by the UK Metropolitan Police’s War Crimes Team, examining alleged war crimes from the early 2000s Sri Lankan civil war period.

Though the suspect's identity remains officially undisclosed, he is widely believed to be an EPDP member known by the alias “Napoleon.”

Sri Lankan courts had issued an arrest warrant for him years earlier, but he had escaped the country.

UK authorities have since issued a public appeal for more evidence, reaffirming their commitment to the investigation. In 2023, a second arrest was made, relating to a different political attack in Jaffna in 2001 — further testament to the growing international scrutiny over Sri Lanka’s unsolved crimes.

“This case highlights how countries like the UK can play a pivotal role in ensuring accountability when the home state fails to act,” said Rupert Skilbeck, Director of REDRESS.

Nimalarajan’s enduring legacy

Nimalarajan Mylvaganam was one of the few independent voices reporting from Jaffna at the height of the civil war.

A contributor to BBC Sinhala, as well as several Tamil media outlets, he had recently filed critical reports on election violence and ballot rigging — just days before he was murdered on October 19, 2000, allegedly by EPDP operatives.

His legacy, however, lives on. The BBC’s London headquarters has named a conference room in his memory.

Each year, his former colleagues gather in Jaffna to honour the life of a journalist who dared to speak truth to power.

Launch of investigative report today (08) at SLFI

The public launch of the long-awaited investigative report into the assassination of journalist Mylvaganam Nimalarajan will take place today (08) at 2:30 p.m. at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute (SLFI) in Colombo.

The event is expected to feature reflections and commentary from leading voices in Sri Lanka’s media and civil society, including:

- Mandana Ismail Abeywickrama, senior journalist and social activist

- N. Vithyatharan, editor of the Uthayan newspaper

- K.W. Janaranjana, editor of Anidda newspaper

In addition, several other journalists are scheduled to offer brief interventions and perspectives on the report and the broader issue of impunity in crimes against the media.

The event is open to the public, and a special invitation has been extended by the Families of the Disappeared to all those concerned with justice, accountability, and press freedom in Sri Lanka.

(lankaleader.lk)

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.

Former State Minister Nimal Lanza, who had been in remand custody in connection with an incident under the Firearms Ordinance, was released on bail today (08).

Lanza had surrendered to the Kochchikade Police on August 29 following a complaint regarding the above charges. He was subsequently arrested and presented before Negombo Chief Magistrate Rakitha Abeysinghe, who ordered him to be remanded until September 12, together with former Municipal Councilor Bandula Naotunna, over the same incident.

The case relates to an incident that occurred 18 years ago, on March 8, 2006, when an armed group allegedly entered the residence of Sunil Wilbert Silva at night, opened fire, and robbed property and jewelry worth Rs. 2.8 million. The charges were filed under Section 26 of the Firearms Ordinance, which classifies the offense as non-bailable. Accordingly, the Magistrate at that time rejected the bail application and ordered the accused to remain in custody until September 12.