News

A total of 161 school-age children who are currently not attending school have been identified across the Kalutara District in 2025, according to details presented at the latest District Coordination Committee meeting.

The issue was brought to light during the meeting held at the Kalutara District Secretariat under the patronage of Nalinda Jayatissa, who also serves as Chairman of the Kalutara District Coordination Committee.

A report submitted by the district’s Child Rights Promotion Officer revealed that the highest number of out-of-school children was recorded in the Dodangoda Divisional Secretariat Division, where 51 cases were identified. Other divisions reporting significant numbers included Horana with 20 children, while Panadura, Kalutara, and Matugama each reported 15 cases. Beruwala recorded 14 children, followed by Palindanuwara with 8, Bandaragama and Agalawatte with 7 each, Ingiriya with 4, and Millaniya and Madurawala with 2 cases each. Walallawita reported a single case, while no out-of-school children were reported from Bulathsinhala.

Officials noted encouraging progress in efforts to bring children back into the education system, with 42 children already returning to school. Among them were students from several divisions including Kalutara, Matugama, Bandaragama, Dodangoda, Madurawala, and Palindanuwara.

The meeting also reviewed institutional measures aimed at addressing the issue. Authorities stated that School Supervision Committees have now been established in 12 of the 14 Divisional Secretariat Divisions within the district. Only Beruwala and Matugama are yet to form these committees.

The latest figures underscore ongoing efforts by district authorities to identify vulnerable children and strengthen mechanisms to ensure every child has access to education.

A foreign national has been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake after authorities discovered a consignment of ‘Kush’ narcotics weighing more than one kilogram, police said.

The arrest was made during a joint operation conducted by officers of Sri Lanka Customs and the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen surveillance and prevent the smuggling of illegal substances through the country’s main international gateway.

According to police, the suspect has been identified as a 35-year-old Indian national. He was taken into custody following the detection of the narcotics consignment during the coordinated operation.

The seized substance is currently being examined as part of the ongoing inquiry, while officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attempted transport of the drugs.

Further investigations into the incident are being carried out by the Police Narcotics Bureau.

Much of Sri Lanka is expected to experience showers and thundershowers later today, with the Department of Meteorology forecasting wet weather across most parts of the island after 1.00 p.m.

According to the latest weather advisory, fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 75 mm is likely in several areas, particularly in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva and Southern provinces, as well as the Ampara and Kurunegala districts.

Morning showers are also expected in parts of the Eastern and Southern regions, with Batticaloa, Ampara and Hambantota districts likely to receive rain during the early hours of the day.

In addition to the rainfall forecast, misty conditions are expected during the morning in parts of the Central, Sabaragamuwa, North-central and Uva provinces. Similar conditions are also likely in the Galle, Matara, Kalutara, Vavuniya and Kurunegala districts, potentially affecting visibility during the early commute.

Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions against temporary localized strong winds and lightning that may accompany the afternoon thunderstorms. Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to stay alert as weather conditions may change rapidly through the day.

The latest forecast comes as unstable atmospheric conditions continue to bring widespread rain to several parts of the country this week.

Nine individuals have been arrested by the Gokarella Police following a public assault on a mother that recently sparked widespread concern after footage of the incident circulated across social media platforms.

According to police, the assault took place on April 16 in the Medalanda area of Gokarella. The incident gained significant public attention after a video recorded by a bystander at the scene began spreading online, prompting calls for swift action from authorities.

Police said the suspects had fled the area soon after the assault. However, following a comprehensive investigation, officers were able to trace and apprehend all nine individuals believed to be involved in the attack.

Preliminary findings indicate that the incident is linked to a long-standing dispute among a group of relatives, suggesting that the assault may have arisen from an ongoing family conflict.

Authorities confirmed that further investigations are continuing as police work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident. The arrests come amid growing public scrutiny following the viral circulation of the video, which brought the case into the national spotlight.

Sri Lanka today (21) enters a day of solemn remembrance as seven years have passed since the Easter Sunday attacks, with religious observances taking place across the island in memory of the victims.

According to Rev. Father Jude Krishantha Fernando, Director of Mass Communication for the Catholic Church, special commemorative programs are being held in all churches nationwide this morning. The observances include the tolling of church bells, a two-minute silence, the lighting of candles and oil lamps, and dedicated prayer services to honour those who lost their lives in the tragedy.

A special Mass is scheduled to take place at St. Anthony’s Shrine in Kochchikade, under the patronage of His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, drawing worshippers together in prayer and reflection.

In view of the service, police have announced a special traffic plan for the surrounding area, with vehicular movement restricted from 7:00 a.m. until the conclusion of the Mass.

Meanwhile, another special religious service is being held at St. Sebastian’s Church in Katuwapitiya, one of the key sites linked to the tragic events remembered today.

Further commemorations are set for the evening, as a prayer walk begins at 4:00 p.m. from the grounds of Maris Stella College in Negombo. The procession, expected to be joined by bishops, clergy, and lay devotees, will conclude at the premises of St. Sebastian’s Church in Katuwapitiya.

The island-wide observances reflect a collective moment of grief, remembrance, and unity as the nation honours the memory of the victims seven years on.

The Sri Lanka Veterinary Association (SLVA) has announced that comprehensive measures have been put in place to safeguard the health and well-being of ‘Aloka’, the rescue dog arriving in Sri Lanka to take part in the “Walk for Peace” march.

In a statement, the association said that a 24-hour ambulance service, along with essential medicines and dedicated medical teams, has been deployed to ensure continuous care and immediate assistance for the internationally recognized peace symbol.

The SLVA further noted that a specialized emergency response team has also been placed on standby to respond swiftly to any urgent situation during the visit.

Highlighting the significance of Aloka’s participation in the peace march, the association emphasized that the highest level of protection and medical support will be provided throughout the event.

Recognized globally as a symbol of peace, Aloka’s presence is expected to add a powerful message of compassion and harmony to the “Walk for Peace” initiative.