News

More than 68,000 people across four districts have been affected by the prevailing dry weather conditions in Sri Lanka, according to the National Disaster Relief Services Centre.

Senior Assistant Secretary of the Centre, Prageeth Danansooriya, said 68,041 people belonging to 21,873 families have been affected by the dry conditions.

The impact has been reported in 17 Grama Niladhari divisions across Batticaloa, Ampara, Moneragala and Ratnapura districts.

The prolonged dry weather has also resulted in water shortages in several affected communities. According to Danansooriya, arrangements have been made to provide drinking water to 12,291 people from 3,495 families currently experiencing difficulties in accessing water.

The National Disaster Relief Services Centre is coordinating assistance programmes with local government authorities to provide the necessary support to communities affected by the dry conditions.

Authorities are continuing to assess the situation and implement measures to address the immediate needs of residents facing water shortages.

The recent meeting between the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Shri Santosh Jha, accompanied by Dr. Rambabu C., Counsellor (Political) & Head of Chancery, and representatives of Bahujana Balaya lasted for nearly three hours, reflecting the importance both parties attached to an open and meaningful exchange of views. The meeting demonstrated India's continued engagement with a broad spectrum of political and social stakeholders in Sri Lanka, including emerging nationalist movements. Rather than being a ceremonial courtesy call, the discussion provided an opportunity to better understand each other's perspectives on issues of mutual importance.

The discussions covered a wide range of subjects, including Sri Lanka – India diplomatic relations, trade and economic cooperation, regional security, the 13th Amendment, and the relationship between the Northern and Southern communities. One of the most insightful aspects of the meeting was the High Commissioner's explanation of India's system of governance, its democratic institutions, and the principles that guide Indian diplomacy.

The Bahujana Balaya delegation approached the meeting in a constructive spirit. The discussion was not used as a platform to criticize the President or the Government of Sri Lanka, nor was it intended to present complaints. Instead, the focus remained firmly on matters of national importance. Our belief is simple: in diplomacy, the nation must always come first. Open dialogue, even where differences may exist, is essential for building trust and promoting long-term cooperation.

As a token of appreciation, Bahujana Balaya presented the High Commissioner with a replica of the renowned Naga Raksha mask, one of Sri Lanka's most iconic cultural symbols. The mask embodies protection, wisdom, vigilance, and the triumph of truth over evil. Its cobra hood signifies divine knowledge, spiritual transformation, and immortality, while its striking bulging eyes are believed to ward off the "evil eye" and intimidate malicious spirits. The lolling tongue represents constant vigilance, fearless communication, and the discernment to filter truth from falsehood, while the vibrant red and gold scales symbolize vital energy, cosmic power, and purification.

The Bahujana Balaya delegation comprised Chairman Milinda Rajapaksha, General Secretary Iranga Mendis, National Organiser Piyal Dharshana Guruge, Media Secretary Anjana Udara, Deputy Chairwoman Kumudini Bandara, and Executive Committee Member Sonala Gunawardene.

We sincerely appreciate the openness and willingness of Shri Santosh Jha and Dr. Rambabu C. to engage in an honest and meaningful discussion. Diplomacy is strengthened through mutual respect, understanding, and continuous dialogue. As Sri Lanka moves forward, constructive engagement between India and all responsible national stakeholders will continue to play an important role in promoting peace, stability, and shared prosperity.

Iranga Mendis
General Secretary
Bahujana Balaya

Two suspects have been arrested over the disappearance of a stock of school textbooks valued at approximately Rs. 800,000, which had been allocated for distribution to students in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province.

The arrests were made following an investigation by Thalangama Police after the Educational Publications Department reported that the textbooks had not reached their intended recipients.

According to police investigations, the textbooks were handed over to an institution in the Biyagama area that had been contracted by the Educational Publications Department to transport and distribute them among students.

A total of 19,892 textbooks were included in the consignment. The stock had been taken into the custody of a driver attached to a lorry belonging to the contracted institution in May.

However, the textbooks were not delivered as required. After the department received information regarding the missing consignment, an official lodged a complaint with Thalangama Police.

Investigations subsequently led to the arrest of the lorry driver. Police reportedly found that he had sold the entire stock to a person engaged in collecting used bottles and waste paper for recycling.

The driver is alleged to have received Rs. 47,000 for the textbooks, which were sold by weight rather than being distributed as intended.

Police later arrested the individual who purchased the textbooks. During questioning, the suspect reportedly told investigators that he had subsequently sold the books to a recycling facility in Peliyagoda that handles old newspapers and waste paper.

Thalangama Police said investigations are continuing, with several other suspects believed to be connected to the incident yet to be arrested.

The investigation remains focused on tracing the movement of the missing textbooks and identifying all those involved in the alleged sale and recycling of the educational materials.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called on Sri Lankans to reject political opportunism and unite behind strategic development, pointing out that the nation has endured five major national tragedies over the past seven years.

Speaking at a religious ceremony in Elpitiya, Premadasa highlighted the sequence of crises the country has faced, ranging from the Easter Sunday terror attacks to the fallout of international conflicts such as the Iran crisis.

Addressing the state's constitutional obligations, Premadasa said that the government must uphold its duty to give foremost place to Buddhism and protect the Sambuddha Sasana.

At the same time, he emphasised that safeguarding the identity, culture, and security of all religious and ethnic communities remains a vital collective responsibility necessary to sustain a civilised and law-abiding society.

Maha Sangha

The Opposition Leader raised concerns over recent attempts by adverse groups to distort Buddhist teachings.

He noted that members of the Maha Sangha, who act as the guardians of the Sasana, have faced unfair criticism, public insults, and coordinated character assassination attempts.

Protecting the Buddhist clergy must be treated as a fundamental national duty and civic responsibility, he added, regardless of political or personal divisions.

Call to revive Dhamma education

Highlighting Sri Lanka's extensive religious network—which includes 14,129 temples, 10,347 Dhamma schools, 327 Sasana Arakshaka divisions, and 824 Pirivenas, Premadasa expressed concern over falling attendance at Sunday Dhamma schools following the pandemic.

He called for an immediate national strategy to re-engage young people in religious education.

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A 34-year-old man has been arrested in the Anamaduwa Police Division over the alleged dissemination of nude photographs and video footage of a woman through WhatsApp, police said.

The arrest was carried out yesterday morning (13) by officers attached to the Wariyapola Computer Crime Investigation Division, following a complaint made by the woman regarding the alleged distribution of the material.

Police identified the suspect as a resident of the Mampuriya area.

Further investigations into the incident are being conducted by the Wariyapola Computer Crime Investigation Division.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP S.M. Marikkar says that residents of the Colombo Port City are effectively disenfranchised during local government elections, raising fundamental rights concerns over their lack of local council representation.

Speaking at a recent meeting of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development which Marikkar chairs, he pointed out that while Port City residents are registered to vote within the Colombo District for national elections, they have no designated local polling area or local body representation for local council elections.

He said that although residents can cast ballots in presidential or parliamentary elections under the Colombo District, the absence of a designated local council polling venue violates their fundamental rights.

He added that establishing a separate local authority specifically for the Port City area may be necessary to resolve the issue.

Officials explained that a 2019 Gazette issued by the Minister of Internal and Home Affairs and Provincial Councils and Local Government formally incorporated the Port City land into the Colombo Administrative District under Section 3 of the Administrative Districts Act No. 22 of 1995.

They said that this gazette notice adequately covers representation concerns at the district level.

However, the Marikkar countered that while the gazette ensures inclusion for national-level voting, it completely fails to address local authority representation.

He said that if the issue remains unaddressed and is eventually taken to court, potential legal challenges could risk causing delays to the Port City project.

The Power System Strengthening and Renewable Energy Integration Project (PSSREIP), which aims to modernize Sri Lanka’s transmission network and facilitate the integration of renewable energy into the national power system, was officially launched yesterday (13).

The launch was marked by the commencement of construction of the Homagama 132/33 kV Grid Substation, under the patronage of Minister of Ports, Civil Aviation and Energy Hon. Anura Karunathilaka.

Implemented with a significant investment of USD 328.25 million through concessional financing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the project will be implemented through Lanka Electricity Company (LECO) and the two fully government-owned successor companies of the Ceylon Electricity Board — National Transmission Network Services Provider (NTNSP) (Pvt) Ltd and National System Operator (NSO) (Pvt) Ltd.

The launch event was attended by NTNSP Chairman Mr. Nushith Kumaratunga, Chief Executive Officer Mr. N. S. Weththasinghe, Advisor Mr. Pubudu Niroshan, officials of the Ministry of Energy, chairpersons and officials of the successor companies, and industry experts.

New Homagama Grid Substation

The rapid development taking place in Homagama, Kottawa, Malabe and Horana has resulted in a significant increase in industrial and commercial electricity demand.

The new grid substation to be constructed in Homagama will provide the capacity required to meet this growing demand.

It will also help reduce the overloading currently experienced by the Pannipitiya and Kosgama substations, which supply electricity to these areas.

New Negombo Grid Substation

Under Package 1B of the project, a new 132/33 kV Grid Substation will also be constructed in the Negombo area.

This will help meet the growing electricity demand arising from tourism and industrial development in the Negombo region.

Furthermore, it will provide additional electricity capacity required for the expansion of Bandaranaike International Airport and the proposed Aero City project.

Benefits to the Public

The project will contribute to strengthening the national power system and creating the capacity required to meet future electricity demand.

It will also improve the reliability of the power system while strengthening security of supply and operational stability.

Furthermore, the project represents a significant step towards developing a stronger transmission network capable of integrating future renewable energy generation into the national grid.

In addition, it will help reduce voltage-related issues and facilitate infrastructure development driven by industrial, commercial and tourism-related requirements.

Future Plans

The construction of the Homagama and Negombo Grid Substations, launched yesterday , is scheduled to be completed within the next two years.

NTNSP also plans to construct and develop several additional grid substations and transmission systems.

Accordingly, plans are underway to construct a 220/33 kV Grid Substation in Mirigama and a 132/33 kV Grid Substation in Peliyagoda.

A 78-kilometre-long 132 kV double-circuit transmission line will also be constructed from Hambantota to Matara.

In addition, 132 kV grid substations and sections of 220 kV transmission lines with LILO (Line-In Line-Out) connections to other substations are planned to be developed.

A 2-kilometre-long 132 kV single-circuit underground transmission line will also be installed, providing an LILO connection from the Kelaniya–Kotugoda transmission line to the Peliyagoda Grid Substation.

Meanwhile, construction of the 220 kV underground transmission cable system from Kerawalapitiya to the Colombo Port also commenced last week.

Through all these initiatives, Sri Lanka’s journey towards a reliable power system and a stable energy future will be further strengthened.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Parliamentarian Harshana Rajakaruna has accused the government of undermining the judiciary's independence by pushing ahead with the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution.

Speaking at a media briefing, the opposition lawmaker claimed the NPP government was attempting to bring the judicial system under direct political control.

He asserted that key domestic and international stakeholders, including the Mahanayake Theras, the United Nations, and legal organisations both in Sri Lanka and abroad, had voiced strong opposition to the legislative changes.

Economic promises ignored

Rajakaruna questioned the timing and priority of the constitutional amendment when citizens were awaiting relief from high living costs.

He said that the government had failed to deliver on economic promises, such as reducing fuel and electricity tariffs, while prioritizing political reforms instead.

He also observed that the proposed 22nd Amendment offered no solutions to pressing public concerns.

Rajakaruna said the draft legislation would neither increase paddy prices for farmers, cut electricity bills by a third, eliminate the fuel pricing formula, nor safeguard the office of the Presidency.

He added that the governemnt was actively disregarding both public hardship and religious guidance in its pursuit of constitutional changes.

The Centre for Workers' Struggle (CWS) has expressed its strong opposition to the government’s decision to merge the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and the Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF) and amend the EPF Act.

A delegation representing the CWS arrived at the Labour Ministry in Narahenpita to submit a formal memorandum on the issue to the Labour Minister.

Speaking to the media, CWE secretary Duminda Nagamuwa said ministers were discussing replacing the traditional lump sum paid to workers at age 55 with a monthly pension scheme.

He said the proposed change represented a clear violation of fundamental worker rights across the private sector.

Trade union representatives also said that the government has been attempting since June to merge the two statutory funds under a tripartite management structure, noting that Sri Lanka faces no legal obligation under international conventions to execute such a merger.

Accusing the NPP of betraying working people and attempting to plunder their life savings, Nagamuwa said the government was merely continuing the economic policies previously introduced by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

He urged workers across all sectors to prepare for widespread street protests to force the government to abandon the plan.

The Caucus on Climate Parliament of Sri Lanka has emphasized the need to move beyond reactive crisis management and establish Anticipatory Crisis Governance mechanisms to strengthen Sri Lanka’s climate resilience in the face of climate change, including El Niño conditions.

At the meeting, held recently in Parliament under the joint chairmanship of Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa and Member of Parliament Prof. L.M. Abeywickrema, discussions covered a wide range of issues, including climate change, El Niño conditions, agriculture, water management, wildlife conservation, human-elephant conflict, disaster management and environmental management, the Department of Communication of Parliament stated.

Delivering the main expert presentation at the meeting, Prof. Charitha Pattiarachchi, Winthrop Professor of coastal oceanography at the University of Western Australia, highlighted the need for early preparedness in the face of climate risks, science-based policymaking and stronger disaster management mechanisms.

The disaster management model of the Indian state of Odisha was also discussed. It was noted that, during a cyclone in 2019, the state was able to evacuate approximately one million people to safe locations within 24 hours, the statement said.

The interim report presented by Dr. Sumith Pilapitiya, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Human-Elephant Conflict, pointed out that climate conditions could intensify human-elephant conflict and highlighted the need for short- and long-term measures, including community-based electric fences, seasonal paddy-field fencing, wildlife habitat management and water management.

The interim report presented by Prof. Sampath Seneviratne, Chairman of the Independent Expert Advisory Group on El Niño Resilience, analyzed the impacts of climate change on agriculture, biodiversity, water security and the rural economy.

The report also proposed a Strategic Climate Resilience Framework based on scientific evidence, according to the statement.

With regard to wildlife conservation, attention was drawn to addressing the shortage of veterinary officers, strengthening wildlife management, and reducing environmental damage caused by human activities, plastics and waste in and around national parks.

Proposals were also put forward to minimize environmental impacts in sensitive sacred areas, introduce a differential pricing system for the tourism sector, and develop infrastructure in national parks, it said.

The meeting also emphasized the need to strengthen science-based policies, institutional coordination and early-preparedness mechanisms in order to enhance Sri Lanka’s resilience to climate change, the statement added.

Members of Parliament, government officials, representatives of international organizations and development partners, researchers, youth representatives and representatives of civil society organizations participated in the meeting

Child neglect, abandonment, and physical and psychological abuse are on the rise across Sri Lanka, according to new figures released by the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA).

Sajeewani Abeykoon, Director of Law Enforcement at the NCPA, revealed that the authority now receives between 600 and 1,000 complaints each month regarding child cruelty and welfare violations.

Highlighting the legal repercussions for perpetrators, Abeykoon warned that parents and guardians convicted of such offences under the Penal Code face severe punishment, including imprisonment terms ranging from two to ten years.