News

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has assured that the current government will not reduce or remove religious education or aesthetic subjects in any form.

She gave this assurance during a meeting with members of the Buddhist Affairs Task Force, where the content of the new Buddhism textbook under the revised curriculum was also discussed.

The Prime Minister explained that, under the education reforms planned for 2026, the first lesson of the Grade 6 curriculum will provide students with a basic understanding of all major religions. After this introduction, students will be able to study their own religion in greater depth.

The discussion also highlighted the shortage of Buddhism teachers in schools. The Prime Minister stated that a proper recruitment and deployment plan will be introduced to address this issue and ensure sufficient teacher availability.

A total of 1,960 people have died in road accidents so far this year, police said. According to reports, these deaths occurred from January 1 to September 17, across the country. During this period, 1,843 fatal accidents were recorded.

In addition, police said there have been 3,708 serious accidents reported this year.

Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa has stated that the prevailing shortage of medicines within the country is not due to financial constraints.

Speaking at a ceremony in Ampara, the Minister stated that the current shortage of medicines has arisen due to procurement-related issues.

Accordingly, procurement processes for importing medicines have already commenced, with supplies expected to arrive after November, Minister Nalinda said.

Commenting further, the Minister noted that certain medicines are currently unavailable in the private sector, including pharmacies.

“We do not allow registration based on unlimited prices during the drug registration process. A specific price range has been set, taking into account the prevailing market situation in South Asian countries. Those unwilling to comply with this pricing structure have chosen not to supply medicines,” he said.

Health Minister further added that the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) has already been tasked with procurement, with approximately 80–85% of the process completed.

Commenting on broader economic impacts, Minister Nalinda highlighted that the suspension of several development projects in past years has placed an additional financial burden on the treasury.

“There are 17 projects in Sri Lanka that are to be restarted after being halted. These projects have already cost the treasury Rs. 59 billion, even though they were initially scheduled to be completed by 2018, 2020, or 2022 which will cost Rs. 29 billion,” the Minister stated.

(adaderana.lk)

A fire has reportedly broken out in a shop on the third floor of a building at First Cross Street in Pettah.

The Colombo Fire Brigade said that 12 fire-trucks have been deployed so far to douse the flames and that firefighters are currently attempting to control the fire from spreading.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Fire Service Unit has also deployed two fire trucks to the location to assist in fire fighting operations.

The SLAF Spokesman said that a Bell 212 helicopter has been deployed to assist in extinguishing the fire at First Cross Street in Pettah.

The Indian Navy ship ‘INS SATPURA’ has arrived at the Colombo Port.

The Navy said the ship reached Sri Lanka yesterday (20) for replenishment and service needs.

It was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy according to naval traditions.

‘INS SATPURA’ is a frigate, 142.5 meters long, with a crew of 403.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) has issued a special announcement stating that applications for the 2025 (2026) G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L) Examination will be called online from 18 September to 09 October 2025.

Accordingly, all school candidates are required to submit their applications online through their school principals.

Private candidates must submit their applications in person, following the relevant instructions, it said.

Private candidates should use their National Identity Card (NIC) when applying for the GCE O/L Examination.

Candidates who do not possess a National Identity Card may submit their applications using the NIC of a parent or guardian.

The announcement further emphasizes that all applications must be submitted correctly by visiting the official websites of the Department of Examinations of Sri Lanka: www.doenets.lk or www.onlineexams.gov.lk/eic, and following the instructions provided there.

(adaderana.lk)

A young man has been hacked to death with a sharp weapon in the Balawathgama area under the Hemmathagama Police Division.

Police said the incident took place last night (20).

The victim was a 21-year-old resident of Dewanagala.

Investigations have revealed that the killing was the result of a personal dispute.

The body has been placed at the Hemmathagama Hospital morgue, while a 23-year-old suspect connected to the incident has been arrested.

Hemmathagama Police are conducting further investigations.

During a discussion held today (20) between the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) management and electricity trade unions, union members walked out in protest.

The meeting took place at the CEB headquarters, with the Director of Restructuring also present. Trade union members left the meeting expressing opposition to him.

Around 25 ministry secretaries and three trade union representatives attended the discussion.

Meanwhile, electricity employees have decided to continue their work-to-rule trade union action until the 21st. The unions have also said that a decision on future trade union action will be made on the 24th.

The Meteorology Department says that the current rainy and windy conditions in the country are expected to continue.

The department said that occasional showers may occur in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces, as well as in the Galle, Matara, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya districts. Some areas may experience heavy rainfall of around 75 mm.

Several rain showers are also expected in the Northern and North Western provinces.

In the Uva Province and in the districts of Ampara and Madakalpuwa, light or thundery showers are expected after around 2:00 PM.

In the western slopes of the central hills, as well as in the Central, North-Central, and North-Western provinces, and in the Trincomalee and Hambantota districts, strong winds of about 30–40 km/h may occur at times.

The department warns the public to take necessary precautions against possible lightning and temporary strong winds that may accompany thundery showers.

Former Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP for Batticaloa, Thanmanpillai Kanagasabai, passed away yesterday (19) at the age of 86.

He was from Kaluthavalai, Batticaloa, and had earlier served as a government officer. Kanagasabai entered Parliament in 2004 after winning the highest number of preferential votes in the Batticaloa District as a TNA candidate.

The Kaluwanchikudy Police have launched an investigation after receiving a report that a woman was found dead in her home in the Kottekallar area. The deceased, a 57-year-old resident, was living alone in her house, according to initial investigations.

A tragic incident was reported in Batuwatta, within the Dewalegama Police Division, where a man assaulted his wife and son last night (19), resulting in the son’s death. The wife, injured in the attack, was admitted to the Kegalle Hospital.

The deceased, a 35-year-old resident of Helamada, Batuwatta, is believed to have been killed during a family dispute, allegedly struck with a club. The body is to undergo a magistrate’s inquiry, while Dewalegama Police continue investigations.