News

The Colombo Permanent Trial-at-Bar High Court has officially indicted former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella along with 11 other individuals in connection with the distribution of unapproved antibody vaccines within Sri Lanka’s hospital system.

The indictments relate to a high-profile investigation into the alleged circulation of substandard or unauthorized vaccines, which were reportedly distributed without proper regulatory clearance, raising serious concerns about public health and safety.

The court scheduled the indictment proceedings on July 11.

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has ordered that former Senior Police Superintendent Sathish Gamage, who is in custody by the Bribery Commission under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, be remanded in custody until the 30th of this month.

The court issued this order while rejecting the suspect’s bail application.

Cabinet approval has been granted to appoint a committee comprising officials from several ministries to prepare the necessary legal amendments enabling Sri Lankans residing overseas to exercise their right to vote.

At present, under the existing five types of elections, there is no legal mechanism or procedure in place to facilitate voting by Sri Lankans abroad. The government has, however, taken note that many Asian countries such as India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines have already established legal frameworks allowing their expatriate citizens to cast their votes.

With the objective of safeguarding the voting rights of Sri Lankans living overseas, Cabinet approval was obtained for the proposal submitted by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government to appoint a committee. This committee, consisting of officials from the Election Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Employment and Tourism, the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, as well as other relevant ministries and institutions, will be tasked with studying the necessary measures to amend the existing laws or draft new legislation.

A politician who is not emotionally connected with the people can never be a true leader of the people, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says.

Posting a note on his official Facebook page, the former President further stated that from the moment he arrived at Carlton House until now, he offers his respectful gratitude to the venerable Maha Sangha who have continuously come to bestow their blessings upon him.

"I have spent most of my life among the people. Even today, it remains the same. An official term of office may come to an end, but the love of the people goes beyond such terms. It never ends. Both in times of power and in times without power, the people have stood with Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Friendship and bonds are familiar to us in the village. The conversations of little children bring me joy. Since children do not converse with me as a former President, those conversations are especially delightful. That is why I cherish them.

A politician who is not bound with the people through emotions can never be a true leader of the people.

From the day I came to Carlton House until this moment, I respectfully extend my gratitude to the venerable Maha Sangha who have come to bless me. Likewise, I express my thanks to the dear people who visited to inquire after my wellbeing, to my political colleagues, and to various professionals.

Without distinction of race or religion, I have had the honor of becoming not only a people’s leader centered on public strength, but also your neighbor and your closest companion. For that, I remain humbly proud."

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya has departed the country to participate in a police conference being held in China.

The IGP left for China last night (15th).

In his absence, Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Lalith Pathinayake has been appointed to oversee the duties of the IGP, specifically managing the Central Province and the Police Administration Division.

According to the Police Media Spokesperson, IGP Weerasooriya is scheduled to deliver a lecture at the conference in China.

Upon completion of his visit, IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya is expected to return to the country on the 20th.

The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government has launched digital signatures for state officials to improve efficiency and streamline official work.

Minister Dr. Chandana Abeyratne emphasized that the initiative is part of the government’s drive to digitize public services, ensuring faster and more effective delivery. The program, introduced under the Electronic Transactions Act No. 19 of 2006, began with officials of the Department of Home Affairs, with LankaPay serving as the certification authority.

The move is expected to reduce delays in correspondence and strengthen service delivery across all levels, including Grama Niladhari officers.

The launch event was attended by senior ministry officials, district and divisional secretaries, and key administrative officers.

A total of 598 individuals have been arrested on suspicion of being involved in criminal activities and also over illicit liquor and drug-related offenses during a special island-wide operation conducted yesterday (15).

As part of the operation, 27,580 people were subjected to inspection, the Police Media Division said.

Police have identified 24 individuals directly linked to criminal activities while 418 suspects with outstanding warrants were arrested during the operation, police noted.

According to the report, a total of 45 drunk drivers were apprehended while a further 16 reckless drivers and 3,857 persons who violated various other traffic offences were identified.

According to police, island-wide operations are conducted to apprehend small-, medium-, and large-scale drug traffickers, individuals involved in criminal activities, and those in possession of illegal firearms.

(adaderana.lk)

The Kalutara Crimes Division has uncovered a crystal methamphetamine (ICE) production factory operated at an apartment complex in Hambantota.

During the raid, the Police officials found equipment and chemicals suspected to be used for the production of ICE and a vehicle parked at the resort, believed to have been used for transporting the drugs.

Authorities discovered 14 cans containing a total of 52 litres of chemicals suspected to be used in the manufacture of ICE, along with various other equipment believed to be part of the drug production process.

A 20-year-old resident of Wellawaya has been arrested in connection with the incident and has been identified as an associate of underworld figure Suranga, who was recently apprehended.

The suspect is due to be produced before the Panadura Magistrate’s Court today.

This is the latest ICE production factory found by the authorities, following the recent arrest of five underworld figures in Indonesia.

Previously, the Police found such ICE production factories in Nuwara Eliya, Middeniya, Netolipitiya and Kandana.

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced that water supply will be suspended for several areas in Colombo on the day after tomorrow (18th) for a duration of nine hours.

This interruption is due to a power outage affecting the main pump supplying water to the Ambathale Water Treatment Plant. Consequently, the plant will be unable to provide water during this period.

Water supply will be suspended from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in areas of Colombo 01 to 15. Additionally, supply will be interrupted in the following areas: Battaramulla, Pelawatta, Hokandara, Koswatta, Talawatugoda, Kotte, Rajagiriya, Mirihana, Madivela, Nugegoda, Nawala, Kolonnawa, IDH, Kotikawatta, Angoda, Wellampitiya, Orugodawatta, Maharagama, Borelasgamuwa, Dehiwala, Ratmalana, and Moratuwa.

The NWSDB expresses regret for the inconvenience caused to water consumers due to this disruption and requests their understanding.

The Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation has announced the procurement of 100 low-floor buses aimed at improving passenger transportation in urban areas.

According to the Ministry, the buses will be comfortable, modern, and designed to meet the growing demand for efficient public transport services in key cities. The project seeks to enhance accessibility, particularly for the elderly and persons with disabilities, while also easing traffic congestion by encouraging greater use of public transport.

An official Invitation for Bids (IFB) has been issued, calling on interested parties to submit proposals. The procurement process will be handled through the Ministry’s Procurement Division, located at Sethsiripaya Stage II in Battaramulla.

Further details are available on the Ministry’s official website (http://www.transport.gov.lk) or via telephone and fax at 0112-187213.

The Department of Meteorology reports that today (16th), a few showers are likely in the Northern, North-Central, Eastern, and Uva Provinces, as well as in the Western and Sabaragamuwa Provinces, and in the districts of Galle, Matara, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya.

After approximately 1:00 p.m., isolated showers or thundershowers may also occur in the Uva and Eastern Provinces, as well as in parts of the Mullaitivu District.

The Department of Meteorology urges the public to take necessary precautions to minimize risks associated with temporary strong winds and lightning that may accompany thundershowers. 

The Department of Meteorology has issued a heat weather advisory.

According to the Department, the notice, issued at 3.30 p.m. today (15), will remain in effect until tomorrow (16).

It further states that in certain areas of the Northern, North-Central, Eastern, and North-Western Provinces, as well as in the Colombo, Gampaha, Hambantota, and Monaragala districts, the Heat Index — which reflects the temperature felt on the human body — is likely to reach levels categorized as “Attention Required.”