News

The Department of Meteorology has warned that atmospheric conditions remain conducive for evening thunderstorms across several parts of the island today (05).

Accordingly, the public is urged to take necessary precautions to minimize potential damages caused by heavy rainfall, strong winds, and lightning during these thundershowers.

Showers or thundershowers are expected in many provinces after 1.00 p.m., while intermittent showers may also occur in the morning in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North-Western provinces, as well as in the Galle, Matara, Jaffna, and Mannar districts.

Meanwhile, the Met Department forecasts that certain areas in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-Central, and Uva provinces, along with the Vavuniya and Mullaitivu districts, could experience heavy rainfall exceeding 75 mm.

A wild elephant was struck and killed by a fuel train near the 137 ½ Mile Post on the Eastern Railway Line, between Habarana and Hatares Kotuwa stations, today (03).

Officials from Kaudulla National Park reported that the train, travelling from Colombo to Batticaloa, hit the elephant at around 12.55 a.m.

The deceased elephant was around 12 years old and stood five feet seven inches tall, said Ada Derana reporter.

The elephant had collided with the train and was dragged on for nearly 100 meters before coming to a stop.

Wildlife officials and local residents suggested that the accident may have been caused by careless operation of the train, despite the visibility of the track from a distance.

Investigations indicate that the wild elephant was crossing from Hurulu Forest Reserve to Gal Oya National Park when the collision occurred.

A post-mortem examination is scheduled to be conducted by officials of the Giritale Veterinary Unit this afternoon. The elephant’s body was severely damaged in the incident.

Further investigations into the accident are being conducted by officials of Kaudulla National Park.

(adaderana.lk)

Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa has been instructed to appear before the Tangalle Police the day after tomorrow.

This summons relates to an inquiry concerning a statement he made to the media about an individual named 'Beliatte Sana'

He is required to appear at the Tangalle Police Station at 10 a.m. on that day.

Domestic Air Travel Resumes Between Colombo and Katunayake via Beira Lake Water Aerodrome

A new domestic air travel service between Colombo and Katunayake was officially launched today (October 3) under the patronage of Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, Bimal Rathnayake, by using the Beira Lake as a water aerodrome.

This initiative marks another step in the government’s program to promote domestic air travel as part of its broader plan to develop the tourism industry.

Cinnamon Air, currently the only operator of water aerodrome services in Sri Lanka, will operate these flights. The service is expected to provide tourists and business travelers arriving at the Bandaranaike International Airport with a convenient and time-saving option to reach Colombo city efficiently.

The inaugural flight, operated by a Cinnamon Air Cessna 208 aircraft, flew from Katunayake Airport to Cinnamon Lakeside Pier in Colombo, carrying several dignitaries including Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodituwakku, Deputy Minister of Tourism Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, and Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority Sunil Jayaratne. The flight was piloted by Captain Indika Premadasa, assisted by First Officer Isuru Munasinghe.

Speaking at the event, Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated:
“As a government, we are committed to developing domestic aviation. We invite airlines like Cinnamon Air to expand their services to regional airports such as Palaly, and we will extend our fullest support.”

Cinnamon Air, a subsidiary of the John Keells Group, currently operates flights to 10 domestic tourist destinations including Kandy, Batticaloa, Sigiriya, Koggala, Weerawila, Hatton, and Trincomalee, providing valuable connectivity for the tourism sector.

SriLankan Airlines had earlier introduced water aerodrome services in 2011/2012, but these operations were discontinued due to strict security regulations at the time. With the change of government and the relaxation of regulations, a favorable environment has now been created for such services to resume, contributing positively to the tourism industry.

The Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that 22 water aerodromes across Sri Lanka have now been approved for operations following inspections. Plans are also underway to introduce similar water aerodrome services to Colombo Port City and to establish two new helicopter landing sites in Colombo.

Today’s event was attended by Minister Bimal Rathnayake, Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Eng. Janitha Ruwan Kodituwakku, Deputy Minister of Tourism Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sampath Thuiyakontha, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority Sunil Jayaratne, Chairman of John Keells Group Krishan Balendra, and senior officials from the Civil Aviation Authority, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Tourism, and Cinnamon Air.

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has announced that it will issue its decision on the Ceylon Electricity Board’s (CEB) proposal to increase electricity tariffs by the end of the second week of this month.

The CEB submitted the proposal to the PUCSL on 10 September 2025, requesting a 6.8% increase in electricity tariffs.

Accordingly, the PUCSL commenced obtaining the public opinions through public consultations in the Eastern Province on the 18 September, 2025.

The PUCSL has received public comments from eight provinces across the island, with participation exceeding 500 people, PUCSL’s Director of Communications, Jayanath Herath, stated.

He further stated that the final session for public consultations will be held on 8 October 2025, focusing on the Western Province.

The PUCSL is reviewing the submitted public comments while taking into account the estimated cost of electricity generation by the CEB, the cost of fuel procurement for power plants, distribution expenses, and the revenue collected from electricity tariffs for debt repayment.

Accordingly, after considering all relevant factors, the final report on the proposed revision of electricity tariffs is scheduled to be released.

The Sri Lankan Department of Excise has announced that all licensed wine stores and liquor outlets across the country will remain closed today (October 3) in observance of World Temperance Day.

Marked globally each year on October 3, World Temperance Day is dedicated to promoting public awareness on the values of moderation and, in many cases, abstinence from alcohol consumption.

Excise Commissioner General confirmed that liquor sales were suspended from closing time on October 2 and will resume only from opening hours on October 4, 2025.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says Sri Lanka’s economic reform program continues to make “impressive progress,” with the country showing strong signs of recovery under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement.

Speaking at a press briefing in Washington on October 2, IMF Communications Director Julie Kozack said Sri Lanka’s inflation remains low, government revenue collection has improved, and international reserves continue to rise.

She noted that the post-crisis economic rebound has been significant, with growth reaching 5 percent in 2024.

“The revenue-to-GDP ratio in the budget improved to 13.5 percent of GDP from 8.2 percent in 2022, which is also a significant increase, although still work to be done,” Kozack stated, adding that the country’s debt restructuring process is “nearly complete.”

The IMF Board completed the Fourth Review of Sri Lanka’s EFF arrangement on July 1, releasing US$350 million in support and bringing total disbursements to US$1.74 billion.

Kozack confirmed that an IMF mission is currently in Sri Lanka conducting the Fifth Review of the EFF.

“Given that the team is now currently in discussions with the authorities, I won’t say more other than to say that, of course, the team will communicate at the end of the mission,” she said.

She added that program performance remains strong and that the Sri Lankan government is “committed to the program’s objectives,” which include restoring macroeconomic stability, ensuring debt sustainability, and promoting structural reforms to boost growth.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s chief security officer, Neville Wanniarachchi, has been remanded until the 17th of this month.

This is followed his appearance before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court a short while ago.

He appeared before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption this morning to provide a statement.

Following lengthy questioning, officials of the Bribery Commission took him into custody on charges of failing to cooperate with an investigation into his assets.

The bulletproof vehicle assigned for the protection of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has been officially returned, according to a statement issued by his media spokesperson, Attorney-at-Law Manoj Gamage.

Gamage said the vehicle was handed back to the relevant company on Thursday (3), following instructions from the Presidential Secretariat. He explained that, after the Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Act came into effect, the Presidential Secretary had informed on September 24 that all official assets — including vehicles and the official residence — belonging to the fifth Executive President must be surrendered.

He added that the support vehicle used by Rajapaksa’s security personnel was also returned.

Gamage warned that the move has compromised the former President’s security, noting that discussions will be held next week with the Inspector General of Police, the Defence Secretary, and heads of the security forces to request the necessary vehicles to ensure Rajapaksa’s safety.

Former President Rajapaksa’s Ex-Security Chief Presented in Court Following Bribery Commission Arrest

Neville Wanniarachchi, the former Chief Security Officer of ex-President Mahinda Rajapaksa, was presented before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (02) after being arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

Officials from the Bribery Commission escorted Wanniarachchi to court shortly after his detention. He had been taken into custody earlier in the day, following a statement he provided to the Commission this morning, according to Ada Derana’s correspondent.

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara has issued a statement clarifying that the proposed amendment to the Penal Code (Section 19) concerning corporal punishment of children has not been enacted into law.

The Minister said that while Parliament held a second reading debate on the Penal Code Amendment Bill on September 24, it was only a discussion and not a passage into law.

He further noted that in order for such an amendment to take effect, a corresponding change would also have to be made to the Code of Criminal Procedure. Since that has not yet been done, the Bill remains pending.

Nanayakkara added that changes to the Bill could still be taken up during the committee stage in Parliament where amendments can be brought forward.

The Minister reiterated that the amendment regarding corporal punishment remains at the debate stage and has not been passed as legislation.

BYD’s Sri Lanka steering into electric mobility Shadowed by Nepal CG Corp Tax Issues

Sri Lanka’s biggest blue-chip, John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH), is steering into electric mobility through a high-profile partnership with Nepal’s Chaudhary Group (CG Corp Global) to distribute Chinese automaker BYD. The joint venture, John Keells CG Auto (JK CG Auto), launched BYD showrooms in Colombo in 2024 and is preparing expansions in Kurunegala, Ratnapura, and Ampara.

The partnership unveiled BYD’s Sealion 6 SUV last year, with the first deliveries expected in March 2025. Union Bank of Colombo acquired by the Chaudhary Group in 2023 has signed on to provide financing for BYD purchases.

Yet the initiative has come under legal spotlight. In Colombo, JK CG Auto is currently facing proceedings in relation to BYD vehicle imports. According to court filings, the issue concerns the classification of vehicles under customs regulations and the corresponding duties.

The matter is ongoing before the judiciary, and no outcome has yet been determined. The case resonates with earlier controversies in Nepal involving Chaudhary Group’s auto arm, CG Motors.

In 2023, the company imported 30 King Long minibuses under HS code 8702.40.30, paying a 10 percent duty.

Months later, 50 identical vehicles were brought in under HS code 8702.40.20, classified as “15-seater minibuses,” slashing the duty to 1 percent. Nepali regulators said the move, which added auxiliary seats to exploit a loophole, resulted in tax shortfalls of nearly NPR 14.5 million.

CG Motors has previously been ordered to repay duties over the misclassification of KYC-branded electric vans. Regulatory scrutiny in Nepal has also extended to other EV brands it distributes, including XPENG, Neta V, and GAC Aion.

Meanwhile, CG’s financial dealings in Sri Lanka have raised governance concerns. Its 70.8 percent acquisition of Union Bank of Colombo in 2023 was carried out through a Dubai-based entity.

The deal was executed in Singapore, placing it outside Sri Lankan jurisdiction. Following the acquisition, Nirvana Chaudhary was appointed chairman of Union Bank, while also serving as a director of Nepal’s Nabil Bank.

For JKH, the BYD partnership combines brand value with global EV technology, potentially placing Sri Lanka at the forefront of the broader region's going green. But with ongoing events in Colombo and a track record of overseas regulatory challenges, the initiative also calls for investor and regulatory scrutiny.

As Sri Lanka steers towards electric mobility to decrease the importation of fuel and reach climate targets, the success of BYD's venture will not just lie with the automobiles it sells but with the safeguards surrounding the administration of the companies bringing them in.

Bandula Sirimanna

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