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The Department of Meteorology has issued a cautionary advisory regarding heavy rainfall.

According to the alert, the advisory is in effect for the Sabaragamuwa Province as well as the Kalutara, Galle, and Matara districts until 11:00 PM today (February 3).

The Meteorology Department has urged residents in these areas to remain vigilant, as some regions may experience thunderstorms accompanied by heavy showers.

Additionally, during periods of intense rainfall, temporary strong winds may occur in affected locations, the department warns.

Shiranthi Rajapaksa, spouse of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, visited the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) today to provide a statement concerning alleged financial irregularities connected to the Siriliya funds.

She had initially been scheduled to appear before the FCID on 27 January 2026. Through her legal representatives, she requested a two-week postponement, citing her inability to attend on the original date.

Renowned actor Hemal Ranasinghe surrendered to Wellawatte Police this morning over an alleged assault dating back to January 8 at Havelock City.

Police confirmed that Ranasinghe had been repeatedly summoned to provide a statement regarding the complaint but failed to comply. His eventual surrender marks a significant development in a case that has drawn public attention due to the actor’s celebrity status.

Following his surrender, Ranasinghe was taken into custody and is scheduled to be produced before the Mount Lavinia Court.

(Source - Dailymirror)

The Department of Meteorology says intermittent showers are expected today (03) across the Northern, North-central, Eastern and Uva provinces, as well as in the Nuwara Eliya and Matale districts.

In addition, showers or thundershowers are likely to develop after 2.00 p.m. in several areas of the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts. The Met Department warned that some locations could experience fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 50 mm.

Misty conditions are also anticipated during the early morning hours in parts of the Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces, along with the Galle, Matara and Badulla districts.

The general public has been urged to take necessary precautions to reduce possible damage caused by localized strong winds and lightning that may accompany thundershowers.

China has reacted angrily to an unlikely winner at the Grammys - the Dalai Lama - saying it opposes art awards being used for “anti-China political manipulation”.

The Buddhist spiritual leader was recognised in the audiobook category for Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The Dalai Lama said he accepted the award with “gratitude and humility”.

The 90-year-old has lived in exile from his Tibetan homeland since 1959 and is condemned as a rebel and separatist by Beijing.

China’s foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a news conference: “We firmly oppose relevant parties using art awards as a tool for anti-China political manipulation, and this position is consistent and clear.”

The spiritual leader, who lives in Dharamshala in India, left China in fear of his life after Chinese troops crushed an uprising. He has campaigned for more autonomy for Tibet, but Beijing considers it an integral part of China.

In a message on social media the Dalai Lama, who is also a Nobel peace laureate, said: “I receive this recognition with gratitude and humility.

“I don’t see it as something personal, but as a recognition of our shared universal responsibility.”

The award was collected on his behalf by musician Rufus Wainwright, who was among the artists to feature on the audiobook.

Last year the Dalai Lama confirmed plans to name a successor, which has caused further friction with China.

According to Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the Dalai Lama is reincarnated after death - a process deeply rooted in spiritual customs, not political authority.

He has previously said his reincarnation will take place in the “free world”, meaning outside of atheist and communist China but Beijing swiftly rejected his authority to determine a successor.

Chinese officials insist that any succession must follow Chinese laws, religious rituals and historical conventions - and ultimately be approved by the government in Beijing.

The announcement has reignited fears among Tibetans in exile that China will attempt to name a successor to tighten control over Tibet, the region it occupied in 1950 and has ruled ever since.

(Source - BBC )

The eldest son of Norway’s crown princess will go on trial Tuesday on multiple charges including rape in a high-profile case that has been an embarrassment to the royal family.

Marius Borg Høiby is facing the Oslo district court after being indicted in August following a lengthy investigation. The indictment includes 38 counts, among them rape, abuse in a close relationship against one former partner, acts of violence against another and transporting 3.5 kilos (7.7 pounds) of marijuana. Other charges include making death threats and traffic violations.

Prosecutors have said the 29-year-old could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted at the trial, which is expected to last until mid-March.

Høiby is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship and stepson of the heir to the throne, Crown Prince Haakon.

He has no royal title or official duties. He has been under scrutiny since he was repeatedly arrested in 2024 on various allegations of wrongdoing. He has remained free pending trial.

The indictment centers on four alleged rapes between 2018 and November 2024; alleged violence and threats against a former partner between the summer of 2022 and the fall of 2023; and two alleged acts of violence against a subsequent partner, along with violations of a restraining order.

Defense attorney Petar Sekulic said when Høiby was indicted that “our client denies all charges of sexual abuse, as well as the majority of the charges regarding violence.” He added that Høiby “will present a detailed account of his version of events before the court.”

In a rare statement, Haakon said Wednesday that he and Mette-Marit don’t plan to be in the courtroom for the trial and that the royal house does not intend to comment during the proceedings.

He emphasized that Høiby is not party of the royal house and that, as a citizen of Norway, he has the same responsibilities and rights as all others. He said he is confident that all concerned will make the trial as orderly, proper and fair as possible.

The royals are generally popular in Norway but the Høiby case has cast a shadow on their image.

Tove Taalesen, a royal expert at the Nettavisen newspaper, said that it has been “a shocking one and half years for the Norwegian people because we really love our royal family.” She added that “we respect them and we look at King Harald as like our grandfather.”

Taalesen said there may be consequences in the future, “but for now, polls show that we still believe in King Harold and Queen Sonja and we feel we are compassionate also for what the royal family are going through.”

“We definitely have different opinions about the different members of the royal family,” she said. “But in general, I think we still have like sympathy for the crown prince and the crown princess.”

Still, the Høiby story hasn’t been the only source of negative publicity for the royals. The business ventures of Haakon’s sister, Princess Märtha Louise, have drawn repeated criticism. In 2024, around the same time Høiby’s case was making news, she married an American self-professed shaman, Durek Verrett.

(Source:adaderana.lk)

The police have reported that six people have lost their lives in separate road accidents across the island.

Early today (February 3), on the Dambulla–Habarana road near the Inamaluwa junction, a motorcycle heading toward Swiss Junction went out of control and crashed into an electric pole. The rider, a 22-year-old resident of Rotawawa, was taken to Dambulla Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Yesterday (February 2), around midday, a motorcycle traveling toward Colombo collided with a private bus coming from the opposite direction near the Narampitigoda junction. The 19-year-old rider from Gigula was admitted to Mawanella Hospital but succumbed to injuries. The bus driver involved has been taken into police custody, and Mawanella Police are conducting further investigations.

Also yesterday, on the Wariyapola–Halawatha road in Bandarakeswatta, a motorcycle heading toward Wariyapola collided with a three-wheeler coming in the opposite direction. The 25-year-old rider from Yahalatenna was admitted to Wariyapola Hospital but died from injuries. The three-wheeler driver has been detained, and the Wariyapola Police continue their investigations.

In another incident yesterday morning, on the Puttalam–Trincomalee road near Mathale junction, a motorcycle heading toward Anuradhapura struck a pedestrian woman. The motorcyclist’s passenger was also injured. The pedestrian, a 65-year-old resident of Ambanpola, was taken to Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital but died there.

Yesterday evening, on the Ratnapura–Panadura road near Munasinghapura, a three-wheeler traveling toward Ratnapura lost control and collided with a fuel tanker coming from the opposite direction. A 20-year-old woman from Ayagama, who was traveling in the three-wheeler, was thrown onto the road and crushed under the tanker, dying instantly. The three-wheeler driver and three passengers were injured and admitted to Ratnapura Teaching Hospital. The fuel tanker driver has been taken into custody, and Kiribathgoda Police are investigating.

Additionally, yesterday around midday, on the Kankasanturai–Pedurutalawa road near Uranai junction, an army truck heading toward Kankasanturai collided with a bicycle coming from the opposite direction. The cyclist, a 62-year-old woman, was admitted to Telippala Hospital but died from her injuries.

In a proactive move to support school students impacted by the severe weather events late last year, the Education, Higher Education and Vocational Training Ministry has announced special relief measures under the Suraksha Sisu Insurance Programme.

Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation General Limited (SLICGL) has agreed to extend flexible claim processing for students affected by natural disasters, including floods and cyclones, that occurred between November 26 and December 31, 2025. The revised provisions aim to ensure that students and families facing hardship due to these extreme weather events receive timely support.

Under the new measures, claims relating specifically to disaster-related incidents during the specified period will be prioritized. For students who tragically lost a parent or legal guardian as a result of these disasters, benefit payments will be made without the usual income restrictions, provided that documentation confirming the loss is submitted.

SLICGL has also introduced an external treatment benefit of up to Rs. 20,000, covering medical treatment, purchase of medicines, and examination fees resulting directly from disaster-related accidents.

This addition, while not part of the original insurance agreement, reflects the insurer’s commitment to alleviating the financial burden on affected families.

Recognizing that disasters may have destroyed vital documents, special arrangements have been made for students whose entitlement papers or hospital bills from November 1 to November 26, 2025, were lost. In such cases, claims may be supported by recommendations from the school principal and the relevant Grama Niladhari. Certified copies from private hospitals or medical recommendation letters from government hospitals can serve as substitutes for lost documentation.

To further accommodate those affected, the submission period for claims has been extended. Students who were unable to submit claims between November 1 and December 31, 2025, now have up to 150 days to file their applications including an additional 60-day extension beyond the original 90-day deadline.

Officials emphasized that in instances where delays cannot be easily verified, SLICGL may request confirmation from the student’s school principal or Grama Niladhari to support the claim, ensuring that all genuine cases receive the assistance they need.

The Ministry and SLICGL have urged affected families to take advantage of these relief measures promptly, highlighting that the initiative reflects a broader effort to protect students and families from the ongoing challenges posed by natural disasters in Sri Lanka.

The bus strike affecting luxury and regular private bus services on the Horana–Colombo route continues into its second day today (03).

The action began yesterday morning (02) in protest against the issuance of a new transport permit for a bus operating from Kahatuduwa on the 120 bus route to Fort, disrupting services along the corridor.

Chinthaka Hewapathirana, representing the National People’s Power (NPP), has been elected as the new Chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha.

The vote, held today (02), saw Hewapathirana receive 22 votes in favor against 21 opposing votes, giving the NPP control of the council by a slim one-vote majority.

The chairmanship had remained vacant since October 22, when former Chairman Lasantha Wickramasekara was fatally shot inside his office, leaving the council without a leader for several months.

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organizer and MP Namal Rajapaksa visited the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) today to give a statement regarding ongoing investigations involving “Kehelbaddara Padme,” a suspected figure in an organized crime network.

According to police sources, his statement forms part of inquiries into the individual’s activities and connections, who is reportedly linked to multiple criminal operations.

Sri Lanka’s apparel industry made a landmark appearance at Source Fashion 2026, Europe’s premier apparel sourcing event, with the country’s first-ever national pavilion. The exhibition, held at Olympia London, brought together global buyers, designers, and industry leaders to explore sourcing opportunities and showcase cutting-edge fashion solutions.

The pavilion was officially inaugurated on 13 January with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the UK Nimal Senadheera and UK Trade Envoy to Sri Lanka Lord Hannett of Everton OBE. The event drew representatives from Sri Lanka’s apparel sector, government officials, exhibitors, and industry stakeholders from both the UK and Europe.

Organized jointly by the Export Development Board (EDB), the Sri Lankan apparel industry, and the Sri Lanka High Commission in the UK, the pavilion aimed to strengthen trade ties, expand buyer networks, and position Sri Lanka as a preferred sourcing destination in the UK and European markets.

The Sri Lankan pavilion featured 20 exhibitor booths, including 12 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), presenting locally made apparel, textiles, handmade items, and value-added solutions for both industrial and consumer markets. Key themes of the showcase included sustainability, transparency, innovation, and long-term partnerships. Participating brands included Star Garments Group, Insomnia, J K Garments (Pvt.) Ltd, New Universe Clothing SL, Protector Clothing Manufacturers, Janasri Mills, Pridemo Apparel, Senvin Collection, True Digital Printing, Concord Manufacturing, Kobithan Garments, Hayleys Free Zone Ltd, JAS Activewear, Krisherert Holdings, Jia Moda, Randhi International, and the “Creative Sri Lanka” booth, alongside the EDB booth.

Sri Lanka’s apparel also featured prominently in Source Fashion catwalk shows, demonstrating the country’s design and manufacturing expertise alongside top international brands. The pavilion highlighted Sri Lanka’s competitive edge, particularly with new trade opportunities under the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which came into effect on 1 January 2026. The scheme’s flexible Rules of Origin and zero import duty provide Sri Lankan apparel exports greater access to the UK market.

The country’s debut pavilion underscored Sri Lanka’s reputation as a sustainable, resilient, and innovative apparel sourcing hub, reflecting global market expectations and evolving supply chain requirements. The initiative also aligns with the Government of Sri Lanka’s vision to promote exports and elevate the apparel industry on international platforms.