News

Sri Lanka is expected to experience widespread rainfall over the next 10 days, with the Department of Meteorology cautioning that heavy rain could trigger flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas.

Meteorology Department Director General Ajith Wijemanna issued the warning at a special media briefing today (16), urging both the public and authorities to prepare for potentially worsening weather conditions.

Wijemanna said preparations are already being made to deal with the effects of prevailing El Niño conditions, but additional steps will be necessary as forecasts indicate an increased risk of heavy rainfall and related hazards.

He said October and November are expected to bring particularly heavy rainfall, during which flooding and landslides could occur in several areas.

According to Wijemanna, atmospheric disturbances commonly form over the Bay of Bengal during these months, and their impact could become stronger under El Niño conditions.

He also warned that rainfall is expected to increase in the northeastern parts of the island in December, while calling on the public and relevant agencies to remain vigilant.

Rainfall in the Northern and Eastern provinces is expected to remain around average levels. However, Wijemanna noted that certain Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions could contribute to flooding in those regions.

Looking further ahead, February, March and April next year are expected to bring higher temperatures accompanied by comparatively lower rainfall.

Wijemanna stressed that effective management of rainfall over the coming months will be important as the country prepares for changing weather patterns and potential weather-related hazards.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has challenged President Anura Dissanayake to explain how he gained access to an alleged confidential Supreme Court determination regarding the 22nd Constitutional Amendment.

Addressing local government councillors and electorate organisers from the Colombo, Gampaha, and Kalutara districts at the Samagi Jana Balawegaya headquarters on Tuesday (15), Premadasa raised serious concern over executive awareness of sealed judicial rulings.

He stressed that the proposed 22nd Amendment and the Judicial Amendments Bill must be scrutinised as a single legislative package, drawing attention to provisions designed to extend the retirement age of judges.

The Opposition leader warned that the contemplated reforms represent a direct threat to judicial independence, the separation of powers, and the constitutional system of checks and balances. Citing Articles 3, 4, 83, and 107 of the Constitution, the Opposition Leader said that any proposed legislation infringing upon popular sovereignty would strictly require approval via a national referendum alongside a two-thirds parliamentary majority.

Accusing the government of systematically dismantling democratic institutions to usher in single-party rule, he highlighted the postponement of provincial council elections as evidence of authoritarian intent.

He also urged the public to mobilise against these measures by joining a nationwide peaceful protest organized by his party on 24 September to protect democratic governance.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa met a delegation from the South Asian Parliamentary Group of the German Bundestag at his office yesterday (15) to discuss strengthening parliamentary relations and building long-term bilateral partnerships between Sri Lanka and Germany.

The visiting delegation was headed by German Parliamentarian Nicklas Kappe and included fellow Member of Parliament Gerold Otten alongside senior parliamentary officials.

The discussion focused heavily on expanding cooperation across investment, technology, innovation, and skills development.

Premadasa urged a strategic shift towards productivity-driven economic growth for the island.

He underlined the necessity of advancing technical and vocational training while expanding renewable energy and climate resilience projects.

The Opposition Leader also called for better exploitation of Sri Lanka's strategic geographic location within the Indian Ocean trade routes.

Both parties explored mutual opportunities in the blue economy, maritime development, and green energy transition.

Premadasa stressed that future international partnerships must focus on building local manufacturing capacity, generating sustainable employment, and transferring advanced technology.

He added that such economic progress must be achieved while protecting natural resources and boosting national economic resilience.

The meeting concluded with both delegations reaffirming their commitment to maintaining continuous parliamentary dialogue and bilateral cooperation.

SJB MPs Kabir Hashim, Kavinda Jayawardena, and Chamindrani Kiriella also attended.

Police say they have made significant progress in identifying and locating the two individuals believed to be the main suspects behind the grenade attack in Dehiwala that claimed the lives of two children.

Investigators are now carrying out operations to apprehend the suspects, police said.

The attack occurred in the early hours of September 11 at a residence on Sirisangabo Mawatha in Dehiwala. Two children were killed, while their father suffered severe injuries to both legs and later underwent an amputation. The children's final rites were held yesterday (14).

The investigation is being conducted under the direct supervision of Western Province Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Sajeewa Medawatte, following instructions from Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya.

During the investigation, the Mount Lavinia Division Crimes Investigation Bureau arrested a person accused of taking the three-wheeler allegedly used in the attack to a garage to have its colour changed. The owner of the garage was also taken into custody.

Interrogations reportedly revealed that the individuals involved had acted on the instructions of two persons identified as “Kos Malli” and “Bodhiyawatte Avishka,” who are alleged to have planned the attack.

Police teams are also working to locate the uncle of “Kos Malli,” who is suspected of carrying out the grenade attack. Investigators have obtained important information that could assist in determining his whereabouts.

Further information has also emerged about the person believed to have driven the three-wheeler used in the attack. Police have received information indicating that the individual is a resident of Saranankara Road in Kalubowila.

In a separate development linked to the investigation, the Police Special Task Force (STF) arrested a man allegedly involved in distributing drugs locally on behalf of “Bodhiyawatte Avishka.”

The suspect was arrested in Kalubowila with 2 kilograms and 10 grams of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as “Ice,” and 504 grams of heroin. Police also recovered a weighing scale, two rubber seals and two mobile phones from his possession.

The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today (16) fixed October 28 to recall the case against former Minister Johnston Fernando over the alleged illegal possession of a luxury vehicle.

The case was taken up before Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena, with Fernando appearing in court as a suspect currently released on bail.

During the proceedings, President’s Counsel Sampath Mendis, who represented Fernando, submitted that the matter falls within the provisions of the Motor Traffic Act.

Following the submissions, the Magistrate ordered that the case be called again on October 28.

Fernando is facing the case in relation to allegations concerning the possession of the luxury vehicle.

The Polgolla Reservoir in Kandy is set to be temporarily emptied for approximately two and a half days to facilitate essential repair work on its gates.

Director of the Water Management Secretariat, Engineer Nilantha Dhanapala, announced the plan during a special media briefing held today (16) on the possible effects of El Niño on Sri Lanka.

According to Dhanapala, the reservoir will be emptied from midnight on September 25 until 6 p.m. on September 27.

The temporary release of water is necessary to create the conditions required for repair work to be carried out on the reservoir gates.

Dhanapala also urged residents who depend on water supplied from the Polgolla and Balagolla areas to minimise their use of water provided through the National Water Supply system while the reservoir remains emptied.

Authorities have advised consumers to use available water supplies carefully throughout the repair period.

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has placed several areas in three districts under landslide early warning due to the heavy rainfall currently affecting the country.

The warning was issued at 10:00 a.m. today (15) and will remain valid for 24 hours, until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow (16).

A Level 1 “Remain Vigilant” (Yellow) warning has been issued for the Seethawaka Divisional Secretariat Division in the Colombo District.

In the Kegalle District, the warning covers the Warakapola and Ruwanwella Divisional Secretariat Divisions.

The Kalutara District has the highest number of areas under warning, with alerts issued for Dodangoda, Bulathsinhala, Beruwala, Ingiriya, Mathugama, Palindanuwara and Walallawita Divisional Secretariat Divisions.

Residents in the affected areas are advised to remain vigilant during the warning period, particularly as continued heavy rainfall could increase the risk of landslides.

A member of the Rajapaksa family has rejected reports that Shiranthi Rajapaksa, wife of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, left Sri Lanka despite being previously summoned by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) to provide a statement.

According to the family member, Shiranthi Rajapaksa had not been informed beforehand of any requirement to appear before the FCID.

The family member said she had been receiving treatment at a private hospital before travelling directly to the airport ahead of her scheduled flight, which was due to depart at 12:50 a.m. today (16).

It was claimed that an FCID letter was handed to her by an airport official near the departure gate shortly before the flight was scheduled to leave.

The family member further alleged that the notification was issued and delivered only after Shiranthi Rajapaksa had already arrived at the airport and was preparing for departure.

Based on this account, the family member disputed reports suggesting that she knowingly travelled out of the country while subject to an earlier FCID summons.

The family member maintained that Shiranthi Rajapaksa had received no prior notification from the FCID before reaching the airport.

The Irrigation Department has issued a cautionary notice for communities living near several rivers, warning that minor flooding could occur in low-lying areas if heavy rainfall continues across the country today (15).

Irrigation Director Engineer L. S. Sooriyabandara said the Attanagalu Oya has reached its highest recorded water level at present, while elevated levels have also been observed at Millakanda and Ellagawa along the Kalu Ganga.

The Kelani Ganga is also showing a steady rise in its water level. However, Sooriyabandara said the increase has not been rapid enough to create a flood threat at this stage.

Water levels have meanwhile increased to varying degrees in low-lying areas associated with the Nilwala, Gin, Kelani, Kalu, Attanagalu Oya and Bentara river systems.

The Irrigation Department cautioned that the situation could change depending on rainfall and prevailing weather conditions. Residents in vulnerable low-lying areas have therefore been advised to remain alert and take necessary precautions as river levels could rise further.

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has issued a detailed clarification rejecting claims of a political deal with the government, as the 22nd Constitutional Amendment Bill prepares to come before Parliament on 24 September.

The clarification addresses opposition involvement in the campaign against the bill and various political allegations circulating on social media.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the SJB headquarters, the party's Gampaha District chief organiser, Waruna Deepthi Rajapaksa, said claims suggesting the Opposition Leader's efforts against the 22nd Amendment were inadequate, or that some political agreement existed between the SJB and the government, had no basis in fact.

The politics behind the social media campaign

Responding to questions from journalists on the allegations, Rajapaksa said the narrative was being pushed by certain parties who had lost their representation in the current Parliament and had already been rejected by the public.

He said a section of people were running an organised social media campaign claiming the SJB's opposition to the 22nd Amendment was insufficient, and argued that the public was well aware of who these individuals were and what public mandate, if any, they held. He added that groups the public had thoroughly rejected were the ones spreading such baseless claims.

Action taken inside and outside Parliament

At the briefing, the party also released a 78-page report with dated timelines detailing the steps taken by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and the SJB since the debate on the 22nd Amendment first began.

Rajapaksa said these steps included calling for a parliamentary debate on the amendment, issuing a joint statement bringing together all opposition political parties, and taking steps to formally inform the Bar Association of Sri Lanka.

He added that it was the SJB that proposed the appointment of a parliamentary select committee to design a proper mechanism to reduce delays in the judicial system.

Public petitions, court action and international outreach

Rajapaksa recalled that a Parliament adjournment debate had already highlighted what practical steps ought to be taken if the government's stated need to expedite court cases was genuine.

He said the SJB had also led public petition campaigns held across the country to raise awareness, fundamental rights petitions filed before the courts, and protest campaigns held in several areas including Pettah.

He further revealed that the party had taken steps to formally notify a number of international observer organisations about the potential impact of these developments on the country's democratic structure.

The September 24 protest at the parliament roundabout

Rajapaksa stressed that his party had no intention of using the 22nd Amendment for political advantage, and said the opposition had made full preparations for a large scale public protest near the parliament entrance roundabout on 24 September, the day the amendment is due to be debated.

He said the decisions to be taken on the bill in the coming days would mark a decisive turning point in the country's constitutional history.

The atmospheric disturbance affecting the area around Sri Lanka remains active, prompting forecasts of increased rainfall and thundershowers across several parts of the country.

The Department of Meteorology said cloudy conditions accompanied by showers or thundershowers are expected at times tomorrow in the Western, Central, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Uva provinces, along with the Batticaloa and Ampara districts.

Some areas could receive heavy rainfall of more than 100 mm, according to the Department.

Meanwhile, several locations in other parts of the island are also likely to experience showers or thundershowers, particularly after 1.00 p.m.

Authorities have urged the public to remain cautious during periods of thunderstorms, as temporary localised strong winds and lightning could occur.

The public has been advised to take necessary precautions to reduce the risk of damage and other hazards associated with severe weather conditions.