News

The official gazette notification listing the names of elected members to local government bodies is scheduled to be published on May 29, according to the Election Commission of Sri Lanka.

The Commission confirmed that the finalized document has already been forwarded to the Government Printing Department for publication.

Political parties and independent groups are still in the process of submitting the final name lists of their elected representatives. The Commission stated that approximately 90% of this process has been completed.

However, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has requested the Election Commission to allow amendments to two of its submitted nomination lists for the Colombo Municipal Council.

New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters, arrived in Sri Lanka last night for an official visit.

During his stay, he is scheduled to hold high-level discussions with both the President and the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.

Talks are expected to focus on enhancing cooperation in several key areas, including, Trade and investment, Agriculture, Education,Tourism, and Sports.

Deputy Prime Minister Peters is expected to depart the island on May 28.

A meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand Winston Peters and President Anura Kumara Disanayake took place this afternoon (26) at the Presidential Secretariat during Mr. Peters’ official visit to Sri Lanka.

Conveying greetings on behalf of the Government and the people of New Zealand, Mr. Peters congratulated President Disanayake on his victory in both the Presidential and General Elections. He reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between the two nations and acknowledged the recent re-establishment of diplomatic relations.

Deputy Prime Minister Peters expressed the Government of New Zealand’s strong appreciation for the positive developments taking place in Sri Lanka following the recent presidential and general election victories. He acknowledged the significant steps taken by the new administration towards political stability, economic recovery, and social progress, and commended the leadership of President Anura Kumara Disanayake in steering the country in the right direction. Mr. Peters further emphasized that New Zealand recognizes Sri Lanka’s current trajectory as a promising foundation for sustainable growth and long-term development. In this context, he announced that the New Zealand government remains committed to deepening its financial support in the future.

President Disanayake noted that Deputy Prime Minister Peters’ visit marks the beginning of a new chapter in Sri Lanka–New Zealand relations. The President briefed Mr. Peters on Sri Lanka’s progress in economic, social and political stabilization following the recent elections. He emphasized the government’s commitment to further strengthen these areas to ensure long-term national development.

The President also highlighted the importance of reconciliation, noting that long-standing divisions among the people had led to prolonged conflict. He stated that his government is prioritizing peace-building and national unity as key pillars of the reconciliation process.

Discussions also explored opportunities to enhance bilateral cooperation in key sectors such as agriculture, education and tourism. Both parties expressed their commitment to working closely to advance these areas of mutual interest.

Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando along with Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, were also present at the meeting. (PMD)

Sri Lanka is mourning the loss of a cinematic legend.

Malini Fonseka, revered across generations as the “Queen of Sri Lankan Cinema,” passed away this morning at the age of 76 while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo. Her death marks the end of an era in Sri Lankan arts and cinema, with tributes pouring in from across the country and beyond for a career that spanned more than seven decades.

Born to perform, Fonseka began her artistic journey on stage in 1963 and quickly rose to national prominence after winning Best Actress at the 1969 National State Drama Festival. Just five years earlier, she had taken the stage in the play Noratha Ratha, setting the foundation for what would become a groundbreaking career across theatre, cinema, and television.

Her entry into film came in 1968 with Punchi Baba, directed by Tissa Liyansooriya. That same year, she featured in Abudasse Kale, Dahasak Sithuwili, and Adarawanthayo, asserting her position as a rising star in Sinhala cinema. She went on to act in over 140 films, captivating audiences with unforgettable performances in Hingana Kolla (1980), Aradhana (1982), and Yasa Isuru (1983)—all of which earned her Sarasaviya Best Actress Awards.

Fonseka also took Sri Lankan cinema to international stages, notably co-starring with Indian Tamil cinema legend Sivaji Ganesan in Pilot Premnath (1978). She was honoured with a Special Jury Award at the Moscow International Film Festival in 1975 and received further acclaim at the New Delhi Film Festival in 1977, becoming the first Sri Lankan actress to receive such global accolades.

Her talents were not confined to acting. Fonseka broke new ground as the first female teledrama director in Sri Lanka, directing and acting in Nirupamala. She went on to direct three films—Sasara Chetana (1984), Ahimsa (1987), and Sthree (1991). On the small screen, she remained a household name, winning the Sumathi Best Teledrama Actress Award for her roles in Pitagamkarayo and Kemmura, and delivering memorable performances in Manalada Puthe Kiri Dunne, Ambu Daruwo, and Sanasili Suwanda.

In 2010, her legacy was cemented globally when CNN named her among Asia’s 25 Greatest Film Actors of All Time.

Even in her later years, Fonseka continued to captivate audiences. In 2024, she appeared in the music video Eya Wasanthaya Nowe by Chapa Jayaruk, earning praise for her poignant performance and reaching a new generation of fans.

Beyond her artistic endeavours, Fonseka also served as a Member of Parliament, accepting the role in support of then-President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Her contribution to public life reflected her commitment to national service, both on and off the screen.

Fonseka's list of accolades is both long and distinguished. She received the Wishva Prasadhini Award from the President of Sri Lanka in 1996, alongside numerous Presidential Awards, OCIC Awards, and twelve consecutive Slim Nielsen People’s Awards. In 2003, she was celebrated at the BMICH in a grand felicitation ceremony titled Maliniye, attended by then-President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga. In 2008, the Sri Lankan Consulate in Los Angeles hosted an event in her honour, and in 2019 she received the Janabhimani Honorary Award.

Malini Fonseka’s enduring presence in Sri Lankan arts has left a profound cultural legacy. Her voice, performances, and influence shaped not just the film industry, but the very identity of Sri Lankan creative expression.

She will be remembered not only for her extraordinary talent and groundbreaking achievements but also for her deep connection with audiences, which remained unshaken for more than half a century.

Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.

The Parliamentary House Committee has decided to revise the rates charged for meals for Executive Grade Officers and Non-Executive Staff Members of Parliament, effective from 01 June 2025.

Accordingly, it was decided to charge Rs. 4000 per month for the meals of an Executive Grade Officer and Rs. 2500 per month for a Non-Executive Staff Member.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the Committee held last week, under the patronage of Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, to review a decision taken at the Committee’s previous meeting on 21 May.

The Committee further decided that the current rates charged for meals purchased from the Parliament Staff Cafeteria by the drivers of Parliamentarians, Police Officers, President/Prime Minister Security Officials and journalists should remain unchanged.

The revision of these rates is a decision taken once every three years on the request of the Parliament Staff based on the recommendations made by the Ministry of Finance regarding the cost of meals provided to the Parliament Staff.

This House Committee is a committee consisting of Members of Parliament from the ruling party and the opposition.

In a spectacular celebration of global artistry and cultural diversity, the 72nd Miss World Festival marked one of its most anticipated events – Miss World Talent Final – held yesterday at the esteemed Shilpakala Vedika in Hyderabad, Telangana.

The event showcased the brilliance, creativity, and passion of 24 exceptionally talented contestants, selected from among nearly 100 participants through a rigorous two-round audition process.

The finalists represented nations across the globe, including the United States, Poland, Nigeria, Philippines, Malta, Italy, Indonesia, Trinidad and Tobago, Estonia, Germany, Brazil, Cayman Islands, Netherlands, Wales, Czech Republic, Jamaica, Argentina, Ireland, Australia, India, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, Cameroon, and Kenya. These young women delivered breathtaking performances that left an indelible mark on the audience and the judges alike.

The stage came alive with a kaleidoscope of performances: soulful vocal renditions, traditional and fusion dances, instrumental piano compositions, hip-hop and cheerleader-style routines, medleys, and even a unique display of CPR technique as a creative and educational presentation. One of the evening’s standout moments was a compelling DJ performance that electrified the atmosphere.

Representing the host country, India’s Nandini Gupta gave a powerful and energised performance on a Bollywood number from the film Ram Leela, earning admiration from judges and audience members for her commanding stage presence and charisma.

As the curtains drew closer to the announcement, the air was thick with anticipation. The finalists stood hand in hand, embodying unity and mutual respect. The results were then revealed to thunderous applause:

•⁠ ⁠Winner: Monica Kezia Sembiring from Indonesia

•⁠ ⁠First Runner-Up: Issie Princesse from Cameroon

•⁠ ⁠Second Runner-Up: Chiara Esposito from Italy

Monica Kezia Sembiring of Indonesia dazzled the judges with her magnetic stage performance, earning her the title of Talent Champion at the 72nd Miss World. With this win, she will be fast-tracked to the Top 10 of her continental region, an important step on the journey toward the coveted Miss World crown.

Ms. Julia Morley CBE, Chairman and CEO of the Miss World Organisation, shared her admiration and appreciation for the contestants, stating: “The talent showcased today is a testament not only to the artistic excellence of these young women but also to the heart, discipline, and culture they represent. It was moving to witness performances that crossed language and cultural boundaries, touching everyone in the audience. I am incredibly proud of each contestant for sharing their passion and making this event unforgettable.”

The evening concluded with a vibrant group performance by all 24 finalists, symbolising the spirit of global unity and the enduring message of Beauty With a Purpose. The Talent Finale served as a glorious tribute to creativity, resilience, and the cultural richness of the Miss World community, with Telangana providing the perfect backdrop to this extraordinary showcase.

Source: Tripura Star News --

Agencies

Former Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage has been granted bail by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court in connection with the controversial importation of a substandard consignment of organic fertilizer from China in 2021.

Aluthgamage, who was previously remanded, was released on a cash bail of Rs. 50,000 and five personal sureties of Rs. 1 million each.

The court also imposed a travel ban, preventing him from leaving the country until further notice.

The bail order was issued after the former minister was produced before the court today.

The case stems from allegations that Aluthgamage facilitated the opening of Letters of Credit (LCs) for the fertilizer shipment before obtaining proper regulatory approvals, resulting in a financial loss exceeding Rs. 1.3 billion to the state

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Parliamentarian Chaminda Wijesiri has officially resigned from his position as the party’s electoral organizer for the Bandarawela constituency.

Speaking to News First, MP Wijesiri confirmed that he has submitted his resignation letter to Opposition Leader and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa.

While the exact reasons for his resignation remain undisclosed, the MP stated that he will reveal the full details during a scheduled press conference tomorrow.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake paid his final respects this evening (25) to the late veteran actress Malini Fonseka, fondly known as the “Queen of Sri Lankan Cinema.”

The body has been laid in state at the Tharangani Hall of the National Film Corporation for the public to pay their last respects.

Malini Fonseka passed away in the early hours of yesterday (24) at the age of 78, while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo.

The remains of the late veteran actress, which was kept at her Madiwela residence until 8.30 this morning (25), was later brought to the National Film Corporation today, where a large crowd continues to arrive to pay their final respects.

Among those who attended were former Presidents Ranil Wickremesinghe, Mahinda Rajapaksa, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and Chandrika Kumaratunga.

The final rites of veteran actress will be held with full state honours on 26 May (Monday) at Independence Square.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake has appointed Professor I.M. Karunathilake as the new Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo.

The official letter of appointment was handed over to Professor Karunathilake today (23) at the Presidential Secretariat by Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

Professor I.M. Karunathilake is a pioneer in the field of medical education in Sri Lanka and holds the distinction of being the first Professor of Medical Education at the University of Colombo. He has been a member of the university’s academic staff since June 2000. He is an alumnus of the University of Colombo and the University of Dundee in Scotland, UK, and also holds senior fellowships from the UK’s Higher Education Academy and the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.

Internationally recognized for his expertise in medical education, Professor Karunathilake has contributed significantly at both regional and global levels through his work with leading organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Asia Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health (APACPH), and the South-East Asian Regional Association for Medical Education (SEARAME).

He has previously served as the Secretary of the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) and was the founding President of the College of Medical Educationists (CME) in Sri Lanka. He has also served as Vice President of the Organization of Professional Associations (OPA). In 2021, Professor Karunathilake was unanimously elected as Secretary-General of the APACPH, becoming the first Sri Lankan to hold this prestigious position.

With this appointment, Professor I.M. Karunathilake becomes the 20th Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo, an institution originally established in 1921 as the University of Ceylon. (PMD)

The current shortages of certain medicinal drugs have arisen because procurement decisions were not taken in a timely and proper manner in 2024, Minister of Health Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Addressing an event in Colombo on Saturday, Minister Jayatissa said Sri Lanka imports hundreds of drugs each year, but tenders for purchasing medicines for 2025 were called for only 67 types of medicines in the first five months of 2024.

He further said that tenders have now been called for 233 types of medicines, which had been stalled for years.

The Health Minister also revealed that the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation completed procurement processes for 233 types of drugs in the first five months of 2025.

He said that 65 per cent of drugs used in the public hospital system are imported, explaining that the process of supplying medicines, from the initial stage to procurement and distribution, takes around nine months and is highly complex.

“For 2026, the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation must supply 450 types of medicines. Of these, tender procedures for 435 have already commenced, and the procurement process for 418 has already been completed. 325 of them have also been sent for final evaluation. Currently, we have taken a number of measures to ensure the pharmaceutical supply process in Sri Lanka continues efficiently and without disruption.

“Recently, we held lengthy discussions with both local manufacturers of Western medicines and companies that import medicines. We explained the current situation to them and gave them targets, asking them to inform us of the types of medicines they can supply and produce within specific time frames. If they are unable to meet these targets, the Ministry of Health will have to engage with governments to arrange the import of medicines,” he said.

Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa pointed out that this was the best solution the government could provide for the current medicinal drug shortage in Sri Lanka. “Our aim is to ensure a continuous supply of high-quality medicines for the people of this country,” he added.

Deputy Solicitor General Yohan Abeywickrama informed Matara Magistrate Aruna Buddadasa that the Attorney General is prepared to take legal action against Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon in the future.

This follows the finalizing of the investigation report in connection to the alleged contempt of court by Deshabandu Tennakoon.

He also informed the magistrate that the report regarding the contempt of court charges against Deshabandu Tennakoon has also been finalized.

The Deputy Solicitor General made these submissions when the case filed over the shooting incident at the W15 Hotel in Weligama, Matara, was recalled today.

On April 25, the Matara Magistrate ordered an investigation to be launched into the actions of Deshabandu Tennakoon subsequent to being granted bail that could amount to contempt of court.

The magistrate emphasized that his court does not have the legal authority to take action in this regard and instructed the attorney general to take steps to file a case against Tennakoon in the Court of Appeal.

Accordingly, a case has been filed against Deshabandu Tennakoon for violating court orders and contempt of court, and also against Roshan Lakshitha, who transported him out of the court complex in a vehicle after he was granted bail.

Accordingly, Deshabandu Tennakoon and other suspects accused in the incident appeared in court today.

After considering the facts presented, the magistrate scheduled the next hearing for October 10 at 10:00 AM.