News

Sri Lanka has recorded a total of 47,530 dengue cases and 29 related deaths so far this year, according to the latest figures released by the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU).

Health data indicates that June alone has accounted for a significant share of infections, with 13,689 dengue cases reported during the month to date.

The Western Province continues to record the highest concentration of infections, contributing 51.90 percent of all reported cases nationwide. The Southern Province follows with 16.18 percent of the total case count.

Authorities have also identified 112 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions as high-risk zones for dengue transmission, highlighting areas that require closer monitoring and preventive measures.

District-level figures show Colombo reporting the highest number of infections with 9,983 cases. Gampaha follows with 8,809 cases, while Matara has recorded 3,446 cases.

The latest statistics reflect the continued spread of dengue across several regions as authorities monitor transmission patterns and identify areas facing elevated risk.

A routine road in Kadawatha became the centre of a major anti-narcotics operation after Special Task Force officers intercepted a three-wheeler carrying a massive stock of crystal methamphetamine, leading to the arrest of a suspected drug network operative.

The operation was carried out yesterday by the Special Operations Unit of the Gonahena Police STF following intelligence received regarding suspicious narcotics movement in the area.

Officers conducted the raid on the road opposite St. Andrew’s Avellino Church in Kadawatha, where they stopped and searched a three-wheeler travelling through the location.

Inside, police discovered a large quantity of ‘Ice’ (crystal methamphetamine) weighing 6 kilograms and 288 grams. Authorities estimate the seized narcotics to have a street value exceeding Rs. 100 million.

The suspect taken into custody is a 38-year-old resident of Kandaliyadda Paluwa in Ganemulla.

According to investigators, preliminary findings indicate that the arrested individual is believed to be a key figure involved in the local operations of a drug network linked to ‘Podi Suresh’ and ‘Sanka Sameera’, who police identify as large-scale drug traffickers and organized criminals currently operating from overseas.

During the operation, officers also seized an electronic scale suspected to have been used for measuring narcotics, cash believed to have been generated through illegal drug activities, and the three-wheeler allegedly used to transport the consignment.

Following the arrest, the suspect and the recovered items were handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau for further investigations as authorities continue efforts to trace wider links connected to the operation.

The seizure marks another significant interception in ongoing efforts to disrupt organized drug trafficking networks and prevent large-scale narcotics distribution.

Two fatal road accidents reported in Kokkuvil and Kilinochchi have claimed the lives of two individuals, according to police.

The first incident occurred along the Kokkuvil–Panichchiadi road when a motorcycle travelling towards Thiramadu collided with a three-wheeler approaching from the opposite direction.

Police stated that the motorcyclist sustained severe injuries in the collision and was rushed to Batticaloa Hospital for treatment. Despite medical efforts, he later died while receiving care.

The deceased was identified as a 42-year-old resident of the Batticaloa area. Kokkuvil Police have launched further investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

In a separate incident, another fatal road accident was reported near the Northern Provincial Sports Complex in Kilinochchi town along the A9 road.

According to police, a motorcycle travelling towards Jaffna struck a pedestrian who was crossing the road. The pedestrian, motorcyclist, and pillion rider sustained serious injuries and were admitted to Kilinochchi Hospital.

Police said the pedestrian later succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment. The deceased was identified as a 62-year-old man.

Kilinochchi Police are continuing investigations into the incident to determine the circumstances that led to the crash.

Sri Lanka’s rising athletics sensation Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage delivered another unforgettable performance on the international stage, producing a commanding victory in the men’s javelin throw at the Doha Diamond League 2026 in Qatar on Friday.

Facing one of the strongest line-ups in world athletics, the 23-year-old Sri Lankan once again proved he belongs among the elite. Competing against decorated names including former world champions, Olympic medallists and globally ranked throwers, Pathirage remained composed and in control throughout the competition.

His decisive moment arrived with his fourth attempt, launching the javelin to an impressive distance of 88.68 metres — a throw that no competitor could surpass. Although short of his world-leading personal best of 92.62 metres achieved earlier this month in Rome, it was more than enough to secure another major international title.

The result left Grenada’s Anderson Peters in second place after a best throw of 86.38 metres, while American athlete Curtis Thompson completed the podium.

India’s former Olympic and world champion Neeraj Chopra, returning to competition after an injury setback, finished fourth with a throw of 85.69 metres.

Following the event, an emotional Pathirage reflected on the significance of the achievement.

“I’m glad I had a win today... it was one of my dreams to compete here as the first ever Sri Lankan in the Diamond League circuit,” he said.

The Doha triumph marks Pathirage’s second Diamond League victory this month and further strengthens his remarkable season. Just weeks ago, he stunned the athletics world with a massive 92.62m throw in Rome, announcing himself as one of the sport’s biggest emerging forces.

His recent performances have also transformed the global rankings. Earlier this week, Pathirage climbed to second place in the world standings with a score of 1,333 — a historic milestone for Sri Lankan athletics.

Only Germany’s Julian Weber currently stands ahead with 1,360 points.

With back-to-back victories and growing international recognition, Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage is not only rewriting personal records but also carrying Sri Lankan athletics into a new era of global success.

Residents in several areas are set to experience a temporary disruption to their water supply as the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) prepares to carry out essential maintenance work on a major transmission line.

According to the NWSDB, the interruption will affect areas supplied through the main water pipeline running from Labugama and Kalatuwawa to Maharagama.

The areas scheduled to be impacted include Galagedara, Homagama, Kottawa, Pannipitiya, Pelenwatte, and Maharagama.

Water supply to these locations will be suspended from 6.00 p.m. tomorrow (24) and is expected to resume at 6.00 p.m. on June 25 following the completion of maintenance activities.

The Board stated that the temporary shutdown is necessary to facilitate work on the main pipeline and apologised for the inconvenience caused to consumers.

Residents in the affected areas have been advised to manage their available water supplies carefully and use water sparingly during the maintenance period until normal distribution resumes.

Gold prices in Sri Lanka moved downward today (19), reflecting a broader decline in the international market and bringing noticeable relief to local buyers.

According to the latest market updates, the value of gold in the local market dropped by approximately Rs. 9,000 compared to the previous day.

The price of a 24-carat gold sovereign, which stood at Rs. 391,000 yesterday (18), fell to Rs. 382,000 today, marking a significant single-day reduction.

Similarly, the price of a 22-carat gold sovereign also recorded a decline. After being priced at Rs. 359,700 yesterday, the value dropped to Rs. 351,500 today.

The downward movement in local prices follows changes observed in the international market, where the price of an ounce of gold was recorded at USD 4,138 today.

The latest adjustment highlights the direct influence of global gold trends on local market values, with domestic prices responding to shifts in international trading conditions.

A Police Inspector attached to the Kalutara Special Crime Investigation Unit has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) over allegations of soliciting a bribe from a businessman.

According to reports, the officer was serving in the Special Crime Investigation Unit operating under the Kalutara Senior Superintendent of Police’s Office.

The arrest follows an investigation linked to a vehicle belonging to a businessman in the Kalutara area. It is alleged that the officer demanded Rs. 1 million in exchange for refraining from filing criminal charges before court in relation to the ongoing inquiry.

Investigators further revealed that the officer had initially accepted Rs. 100,000 from the complainant. Authorities later conducted an operation at a hotel in Kalutara where the suspect was reportedly attempting to collect the remaining Rs. 900,000.

Following the arrest, the officer was taken into custody by CIABOC officials.

The suspect is scheduled to be produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court as further legal proceedings continue.

Residents in parts of the Gampaha District are set to experience an extended disruption to water services following an emergency breakdown in a key supply line.

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) announced that an emergency water interruption has been implemented in the Mahara Pradeshiya Sabha and Gampaha Pradeshiya Sabha areas beginning this morning (19).

According to an official notice issued by the Board, water services will remain suspended until 8:00 a.m. tomorrow (20) as repair work and restoration efforts continue.

Authorities stated that the interruption became necessary after an unexpected failure occurred in the main water supply pipeline situated near the Kadawatha Central Expressway.

The emergency maintenance operation is expected to focus on restoring normal distribution as quickly as possible while minimizing the impact on consumers in the affected areas.

Residents have been advised to make necessary arrangements and manage available water supplies until regular service resumes.

A police investigation spanning multiple districts has uncovered a series of developments following the discovery of a woman’s body inside a parked vehicle near Teldeniya Hospital.

Authorities identified the deceased as 34-year-old physiotherapist Shamya Darshani, an employee of the Ampara District General Hospital.

Investigators stated that the case first drew attention after the victim’s brother lodged a complaint with Nuwara Eliya Police on June 17. According to the complaint, his sister had been staying at an apartment complex in Nuwara Eliya and had informed him that she had not eaten for several days.

Acting on the complaint, officers visited the apartment and found no one present. However, CCTV footage later reviewed by investigators reportedly showed a man arriving at the premises at around 9.50 p.m. on Tuesday and remaining there for approximately 40 minutes.

Police stated that additional footage appeared to show the same individual carrying the woman, who appeared unresponsive, before leaving the location in a vehicle at around 10.30 p.m.

While an alert had already been circulated to surrounding police stations regarding the missing woman, Teldeniya Police later received an anonymous telephone call reporting that a woman’s body had been left inside a parked car near Teldeniya Hospital.

Officers responding to the location discovered a locked vehicle with a body lying in the front passenger seat and covered with a black cloth. After gaining access to the vehicle, police recovered the body and later confirmed it was the same woman reported missing from Nuwara Eliya.

According to subsequent investigations, police suspect that the victim’s boyfriend, identified as a software engineer residing in Gannoruwa, Kandy, had transported the body to the location and abandoned the vehicle before leaving the area. Authorities also allege that the caller who contacted Teldeniya Police may have been linked to the incident.

Investigators further revealed that the victim and suspect had reportedly been in a relationship for around eight months. During inquiries, police gathered information suggesting that the woman had borrowed approximately Rs. 15 million from both a bank and private individuals and had provided the funds to her boyfriend with plans to migrate to Canada together.

Police stated that she had reportedly experienced severe emotional and financial stress after repayment demands increased and overseas plans failed to materialise.

Investigations indicate that she had stayed at the housing complex in Nuwara Eliya from June 3 and had later contacted both her brother and a psychiatrist attached to the Ampara District General Hospital, expressing severe distress. She had reportedly been advised to seek immediate psychiatric care at the nearest hospital.

Authorities also stated that her mobile phone became inactive after approximately 4.00 p.m. on June 16.

Further inquiries revealed that the vehicle used to transport the body is registered to another woman from the Ampara area, who is also alleged to have had a relationship with the suspect.

Following the post-mortem examination, an open verdict was returned, with authorities stating that the exact cause and manner of death have not yet been determined.

Police are continuing efforts to locate and arrest the suspect while further investigations remain underway under the supervision of senior officers attached to the Nuwara Eliya Division.

Police have launched an investigation following reports of a suspicious death at a house in the Yaya 05 area of Thambuttegama.

The deceased has been identified as a 54-year-old resident of Rajanganaya, Yaya 05, police said.

The body has been placed at the mortuary of the Anuradhapura Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

Thambuttegama Police are conducting further investigations into the incident.

(Adaderana.lk)

The Government of Sri Lanka has introduced a new regulatory framework aimed at strengthening oversight of outward remittances linked to import transactions, with the measures taking effect from today (19).

The new regulations were announced through a Gazette Extraordinary issued by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and represent an amendment to the existing Special Import License and Payment Regulations introduced in 2011.

Issued under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act by Finance Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the revised rules seek to improve transparency in foreign exchange payments connected to imports while reinforcing coordination between commercial banks and the Sri Lanka Customs Department.

Under the updated framework, commercial banks are now required to assign a unique identification number to every remittance related to imports. Banks must also promptly transmit detailed transaction information to Sri Lanka Customs.

The information to be shared includes the importer’s Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), addresses of both the importer and beneficiary, beneficiary banking details, bank and branch codes, payment currency and value, delivery and payment terms, remittance date, proforma invoice number, and details of the imported goods.

A major feature of the revised regulations is the introduction of compulsory registration for importers making advance payments for goods. Before any advance payment can proceed, importers must register with the Sri Lanka Customs Department and obtain eligibility status.

Commercial banks have also been prohibited from processing advance payments unless the importer has completed the required Customs registration.

Authorities stated that the measures are intended to strengthen monitoring mechanisms, improve accountability in import transactions, and help prevent the misuse of foreign exchange.

To facilitate implementation, the Controller General of Imports and Exports is expected to issue operational guidelines to the Director General of Customs, commercial banks, and other relevant institutions.