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Mahinda Rajapaksa Appears Before CIABOC Over SriLankan Airbus Deal Probe

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa appeared before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) this morning to record a statement in connection with the controversial SriLankan Airlines Airbus procurement deal.

The inquiry relates to allegations surrounding a reported US$2 million bribe linked to the purchase of aircraft for the national carrier in 2013. The Bribery Commission had earlier issued a notice requesting the former President to provide a statement regarding the matter.

Former Aviation Minister Priyankara Jayaratne has also reportedly been summoned before the Commission as part of the ongoing investigation.

Meanwhile, Attorney-at-Law Manoj Gamage, media spokesman for former President Rajapaksa, stated that legal consultations were expected to take place concerning several issues surrounding the summons.

According to Gamage, the summons had been based on a confession allegedly made by the late former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena. However, he claimed Chandrasena had later submitted an affidavit to court stating that the confession was obtained through threats and coercion.

Gamage further argued that if the investigation relied solely on that confession, the basis for the summons would be legally questionable.

The CIABOC investigation into the Airbus deal remains ongoing.

 
 
 
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Sri Lanka to Launch Direct PayPal Payment Access from May 15

Sri Lanka is set to take a major leap in its digital economy with the launch of direct PayPal payment receiving facilities from May 15, marking a long-awaited breakthrough for local freelancers, entrepreneurs and online service providers.

The government announced that all arrangements have been finalized to enable direct receipt of funds through PayPal, one of the world’s leading online payment platforms, following years of appeals from the country’s business and technology sectors.

The initiative became possible after months of discussions involving the Ministry of Digital Economy, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the private banking sector to remove legal and technical barriers that had previously blocked direct PayPal transfers into the country.

With the new system in place, local users will no longer be forced to depend on unofficial money transfer methods or overseas addresses to receive payments from international clients.

The government stated that the move is expected to provide significant support to small and medium-scale online businesses by allowing payments to be deposited directly into local bank accounts, while also strengthening official foreign exchange inflows to the country.

Authorities further noted that the entire process will operate under the supervision of the Central Bank, ensuring transparency in transactions and improving the collection of tax revenue linked to online earnings.

Economic analysts believe the introduction of the service will become a major milestone in the expansion of Sri Lanka’s digital commerce sector and create new opportunities for the country’s growing freelance and IT workforce.

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Revenge Motive Suspected in Ambalantota Shooting and Machete Attack

A 34-year-old man was killed in a brutal shooting and machete attack carried out inside a house in the Mamadala area of Ambalantota last night, according to police.

The victim, a resident of Mamadala, died following the attack, while another relative who was injured during the assault was admitted to the Hambantota General Hospital for treatment.

Police said preliminary investigations suggest the incident may be connected to an ongoing cycle of revenge linked to a previous triple homicide allegedly involving the deceased’s group.

Investigators have already identified three suspects believed to be connected to the killing, and operations are underway to arrest them.

The Ambalantota Police are conducting further investigations into the incident.

 
 
 
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Sri Lanka and Vietnam aim for $ 1B trade by 2030, direct flights to begin this year

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that Vietnam Airlines will commence direct flights between Sri Lanka and Vietnam within this year. 

Speaking at a joint media event held with visiting President of Vietnam, Tô Lâm, he further stated that bilateral trade between the two countries is expected to reach USD 1 billion by 2030.

President Tô Lâm, in his remarks, noted that Vietnam seeks to further strengthen relations with Sri Lanka across all sectors, reaffirming the commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation.

(Adaderana.lk)

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Mannar Suspends All Sand Mining Permits Amid Regulatory Concerns

All sand mining permits in the Mannar District have been temporarily suspended following growing concerns surrounding the manner in which permits were being issued in the area.

The decision was taken during a special discussion held yesterday (10) at the Mannar District Secretariat involving officials and sand business owners. The meeting focused on preventing illegal sand rackets, regulating sand prices, and reviewing the current permit issuing process.

Chairman of the District Development Committee and Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development, Upali Samarasinghe stated that future sand mining permits would be issued under a newly prepared legal framework.

According to him, sand business owners used the discussion to present their concerns, proposals, and recommendations regarding the industry and pricing structure.

Business representatives reportedly requested that three cubes of sand be supplied at Rs. 50,000 for the construction of houses for low-income families, while government construction projects be provided three cubes at Rs. 65,000. They also proposed a transport fee increase of Rs. 350 per kilometre for deliveries to other Divisional Secretariat divisions.

The Deputy Minister further explained that new legal provisions relating to the issuance of permits are currently being drafted. He noted that the Minister and the Director of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau had agreed that a fresh set of regulations would be prepared under the supervision and final approval of the District Secretary.

He also expressed confidence that the revised system would bring greater formality and transparency to the process of issuing sand mining permits in the district.

 
 
 
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Heavy Showers to Persist Across Sri Lanka as Atmospheric Disturbance Continues

A low-level atmospheric disturbance near Sri Lanka is expected to keep wet weather conditions active across the island over the next several days, according to the Department of Meteorology.

The Met. Department said showers or thundershowers are expected in most parts of the country after 1.00 p.m., with heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm likely in several areas.

The provinces expected to receive intense rainfall include the Western Province, Sabaragamuwa Province, Central Province, Uva Province and North Western Province, while heavy showers are also forecast for the districts of Galle District and Matara District.

Morning showers are also likely in the Eastern Province and Northern Province, the department added.

In addition, misty conditions are expected during the early hours of the morning in parts of the Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces, as well as in Kurunegala District.

The Department of Meteorology has advised the public to remain cautious and take necessary precautions against temporary localized strong winds and lightning that may accompany thundershowers.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Dehiwala Resident Arrested with Over 76 Grams of ‘Ice’ in Attidiya STF Raid

A 29-year-old man was arrested in the Kahawita area of Attidiya after police discovered 76 grams and 100 milligrams of the narcotic substance known as ‘Ice’ (crystal methamphetamine) in his possession.

According to police, the arrest was made during a raid conducted by officers attached to the Police Special Task Force (STF) camp in Jayawardenapura.

The suspect has been identified as a resident of Dehiwala.

Police stated that the suspect was taken into custody along with the drugs during the operation, while further investigations into the incident are being carried out by the Mount Lavinia Police.

 
 
 
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CCIB Arrests Rajangane Saddharathana Over Alleged Threats to Top Officials

Rajangane Saddharathana, a person in robes known for controversial social media statements, has been arrested by the Central Crimes Investigation Bureau (CCIB) over allegations of issuing threats against Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala and Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya through social media platforms, police said.

According to police, the arrest was carried out following investigations into statements allegedly directed at the two senior state officials.

Rajangane Saddharathana, who operates a YouTube channel and has frequently drawn public attention over his remarks on social media, has remained a controversial figure in recent years, often sparking debate online and within religious circles.

Meanwhile, on April 2, 2025, the Working Committee of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya decided to expel Ven. Rajangane Saddharathana Thero from the Sangha, formally removing him from the Buddhist monastic community.

Further investigations into the incident are ongoing.

 
 
 
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Two Dead in Separate Suspected Murder Incidents in Pitigala and Tissamaharama

Two separate violent incidents in the Pitigala and Tissamaharama areas have left two people dead, including an elderly woman, police confirmed.

In the Horangalla area of Pitigala, a 60-year-old man was killed following an attack with a sharp weapon. Police said the incident is believed to have stemmed from a dispute between two individuals that escalated into violence. The suspect involved in the incident, who also sustained injuries during the altercation, has been taken into custody and admitted to the Aluthgama Hospital for treatment.

In a separate incident in the Gamunupura area of Tissamaharama, an 88-year-old woman was found murdered inside her residence. Police reported that multiple cut injuries were observed on the victim’s body. However, the suspect or suspects responsible for the killing have not yet been identified.

Investigations into both incidents are currently ongoing.

 
 
 
 
 
 


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Bail Order, Arrest Warrant and Sudden Death: Former SriLankan Airlines CEO Found Dead

Former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena was found dead at a residence in Colpetty, police confirmed yesterday, in a case now suspected to be a suicide.

According to Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police F. U. Wootler, Chandrasena’s body was discovered hanging inside a residence located on Pedris Road, Kollupitiya.

The death came just hours after the Colombo Magistrate’s Court issued an order for his arrest over an alleged violation of bail conditions linked to an ongoing corruption case involving the purchase of Airbus aircraft for SriLankan Airlines.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodharagama issued the warrant after considering submissions made by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), which claimed Chandrasena had breached the conditions imposed when he was granted bail earlier this week.

Chandrasena had been arrested on March 12 over allegations connected to a 2013 aircraft procurement deal worth US$2.3 billion involving the purchase of 10 Airbus aircraft for the national carrier. Prosecutors alleged that he conspired to accept a bribe amounting to US$16 million and received €1.45 million through a Singapore bank account.

Investigators further claimed that a shell company had been created in Brunei under his wife’s name to facilitate the alleged payment.

On Tuesday, the Colombo Magistrate’s Court ordered his release on a cash bail of Rs. 500,000 and three sureties of Rs. 1 million each.

However, CIABOC later informed court that Chandrasena had allegedly paid two individuals Rs. 15,000 each to appear as bail signatories and furnish the required sureties. The Commission argued that the act amounted to a violation of bail conditions and a breach of the trust placed in the accused by the judiciary.

Based on those submissions, the Bribery Commission requested the suspension of Chandrasena’s bail under provisions of the Bail Act No. 30 of 1997 and sought his remand until the conclusion of proceedings under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

After considering the motion, the Magistrate ordered his immediate arrest and production before court.

Chandrasena had previously been arrested and later released on bail in February 2020 in connection with a separate but related case linked to the same aircraft procurement controversy.

 
 
 
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Deputy Mayor Arrested Over Alleged Rs. 3 Mn Tender Bribery Deal

The Deputy Mayor of the Kurunegala Municipal Council, Ashardeen Moinudeen, has been arrested by officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption over allegations of soliciting a massive bribe in return for awarding a municipal tender.

According to officials, the arrest was carried out in the Battaramulla area while the suspect was reportedly on his way to accept the payment.

Investigators state that the alleged bribery scheme was linked to the tender for cleaning the Kurunegala Bus Stand and maintaining its public toilet facilities. Moinudeen is accused of demanding an upfront payment of Rs. 3 million along with a monthly payment of Rs. 500,000 from a businessman seeking to secure the contract.

The suspect is expected to be produced before the Aluthkade Magistrate’s Court today (09).

Moinudeen was elected to the council representing the All Ceylon Makkal Congress. He later extended support to the National People’s Power during the formation of the council administration, after which he was appointed Deputy Mayor.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Govt. to introduce major higher education reforms aligned with school education changes - PM

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government has planned to introduce relevant changes in the higher education sector in alignment with the new reforms being implemented in the primary and secondary education sectors.

The Prime Minister made these remarks in parliament while responding to questions raised by Member of Parliament Manjula Sugath Rathnayaka, according to the Prime Minister’s Media Division.

The Prime Minister further stated:

“A special expert committee appointed for this purpose has been in operation over the past six months, and based on the report of this panel, existing issues in the higher education sector will be identified and the necessary reforms will be implemented.

“A total number of 281,810 students sat for the 2025 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination, of whom 176,538 qualified for university admission. Following the subject streams, the number of qualified students is as follows: 32,935 in Biological Sciences, 23,012 in Physical Sciences, 39,608 in Commerce, 58,269 in Arts, 4,199 in the General Stream, 12,472 in Engineering Technology, and 6,043 in Bio-Systems Technology and 42,937 students are expected to be admitted to universities.
 
“While ensuring the quality of education, the Government gives priority to improving facilities for university students. It has also been decided to maintain the intake for first-degree admissions at the same level as in previous years.

“A new course in Geographic Information Systems has been introduced at the University of Ruhuna, and a course in Electronic and Intelligent Systems Engineering has been introduced at the University of Peradeniya from the academic year 2025/2026. Fifty students will be enrolled for each of these new programmes. Steps have already been completed to release the cut-off marks and forward the registration lists to the respective universities.

“Responding to a question raised by the Member of Parliament K. Kader Mastan regarding preschool education, the Prime Minister stated:
 
“As most preschools in the country are managed by the private sector, the Ministry currently has no provision to offer permanent appointments or salaries to their staff. However, steps are already being taken to provide a certain allowance to volunteer teachers in selected preschools under Provincial Councils.

“By 2027, the entire preschool education system is expected to undergo comprehensive reform, with necessary measures being jointly undertaken by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs.

“In addition, based on the recommendations of the National Education Commission, a national policy to regulate preschool education is scheduled to be established in 2026. Under this policy, teacher guidelines and model activity manuals are being prepared, along with plans to conduct teacher training programmes at the provincial level.

“Commenting on volunteer teachers, the Prime Minister emphasized that, in accordance with the Cabinet decision dated 04.01.2007, the policy of not recruiting any volunteer teachers beyond the approved 4,700 teacher aides will continue to be implemented.”

(Adaderana.lk)

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