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.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has warned that government plans to extend the retirement age of senior judges pose a direct threat to the independence of the judiciary.

He said proposed constitutional changes applying to sitting judges could undermine public trust in the courts, echoing concerns raised by the United Nations and the Bar Association of Sri Lanka.

Under the proposals, the retirement age for Supreme Court judges would rise from 65 to 67, while Court of Appeal judges would see their tenure extended from 63 to 65. The changes would apply to both current sitting judges and future appointees.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, Premadasa questioned why the extension must apply to incumbent members of the bench.

"A government does not spend its political capital on a two-year adjustment unless it knows exactly whose two years it is buying," he said. "If a government can decide how long a judge stays, that judge is no longer fully free to rule against the government."

The Opposition leader's comments follow a intervention by Margaret Satterthwaite, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers.

In a letter dated 7 August, Satterthwaite warned that altering judicial terms without clear safeguards could give the impression the law was tailored to benefit specific judges.

She added that while retaining judicial expertise was a valid goal, any reform to tenure required transparent debate to prevent potential conflicts of interest, particularly if sitting judges were required to rule on the constitutionality of the changes.

Premadasa also noted that the proposed amendment fails to address Sri Lanka's backlog of 1.1 million pending court cases.

He called on the government to explain the plan publicly in Sinhala, Tamil, and English, and insisted the government hold a national referendum before proceeding, citing a 2022 Supreme Court ruling.

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.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, in collaboration with the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKIIRSS), organized an almsgiving on 12 August 2026 to commemorate the 21st death anniversary of former Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar.

The religious observances were conducted by Rajakeeya Panditha Venerable Mahanuwara Amitha Gaveshi Thero and seven members of the Maha Sangha from the Sri Sambodhi Vihara, Colombo. Delivering the Anusasana, Venerable Mahanuwara Amitha Gaveshi Thero reflected on the late Minister's statesmanship, commitment to national unity, and lifelong service to Sri Lanka. The sermon was followed by Pirith chanting, invoking blessings on the continued work of the Institute in the national interest.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath; wife of the late Minister and Life Member of the LKIIRSS Board of Management, Suganthie Kadirgamar; and Acting Executive Director of LKIIRSS, Thushara Rodrigo, attended the ceremony. Members of the Board of Management, senior officials of the Ministry, and staff of the Institute were also present.

Former Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar served as Minister of Foreign Affairs for over a decade and made a significant contribution to Sri Lanka's foreign policy and diplomatic service. The almsgiving invoked merit on the late Minister while recalling his contribution to Sri Lanka's diplomatic traditions and the principles of patriotism, integrity, and dedication that continue to guide the work of LKIIRSS.

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.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared he is willing to risk his presidency to push through the 22nd Amendment, pushing back forcefully against critics who warn the constitutional change could cost him his position.

The government released the President's full remarks and the footage from his August 12 meeting with the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, revealing a leader unflinching in the face of mounting opposition. Dissanayake was blunt in his assessment of the BASL delegation, stating he arrived with an open mind while accusing the lawyers' body of having already closed theirs.

"I am willing to take the risk of losing my position to make the change I promised to the nation," the President told the delegation.

The remark came in direct response to former BASL President Upul Jayasuriya, who warned during the meeting that history shows presidents who meddle with judicial tenure ultimately lose their standing. Dissanayake's retort effectively framed the amendment not as a power grab but as a test of political courage.

The proposed amendment, gazetted on August 7, seeks to raise the mandatory retirement age of Supreme Court judges from 65 to 67 and Court of Appeal judges from 63 to 65. It has triggered a wave of opposition from religious leaders, civil society organisations, and overseas legal associations.

The Cabinet approved the amendment on July 27 following constitutional clearance from the Attorney General. Senior ministers, including Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara and Cabinet Spokesperson Nalinda Jayatissa, have continuously defended the proposal.

The amendment is likely to be passed before November 12, ahead of the budget debate. The government commands an easy two-thirds majority in Parliament, unless the Supreme Court determines a referendum is required. Inside sources reveal the government is willing to face that prospect if necessary.

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.

Member of Parliament M.L.A.M. Hizbullah has appeared before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) to provide a statement as part of an ongoing inquiry into his assets.

Hizbullah arrived at the commission premises a short while ago following a summons issued by CIABOC.

Officials are expected to record his statement in connection with the investigation, which concerns matters related to his declared assets.

The appearance comes as the bribery commission continues its inquiry into the matter.

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 United Nations has warned the Sri Lankan government that a proposed constitutional amendment to extend the retirement age of superior court judges risks undermining judicial independence and public trust.

UN Special Rapporteur Margaret Satterthwaite outlined the international human rights concerns in an official communication addressed to state authorities on August 7.

The proposed legislation seeks to raise the mandatory retirement age from 65 to 67 for Supreme Court judges and from 63 to 65 for Court of Appeal judges.

Under the current draft, the extended tenure would apply directly to sitting judges rather than solely to future appointees.

Satterthwaite acknowledged that retaining judicial expertise and maintaining institutional continuity can justify an increased retirement age.

However, she emphasized that reforms altering judicial tenure demand extensive public debate and robust legislative safeguards because the judiciary acts as a vital check on executive and legislative authority.

The Special Rapporteur cautioned that applying the change without transitional arrangements could create a perception that the government intends to manipulate the current bench for immediate political objectives.

She noted that allowing sitting judges to benefit from the extension could trigger serious conflicts of interest if those same judges are called upon to rule on the constitutionality of the amendment.

While this situation may not automatically establish individual bias, the lack of disqualification mechanisms threatens to destroy public faith in judicial neutrality.

Any legislative effort to alter judicial service conditions must occur within a transparent and comprehensive reform framework involving civil society, legal academics, and the Bar Association of Sri Lanka.

Ad-hoc constitutional amendments that compromise the separation of powers threaten Sri Lanka's democratic governance and international standing.

The United Nations has requested that the Sri Lankan government submit detailed information regarding the rationale behind applying the extension to serving judges, alongside evidence of previous consultations with legal stakeholders and planned safeguards against executive interference.

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.

Sri Lankans now require a higher monthly income to satisfy basic living requirements following a price surge in essential consumer goods.

Official data released by the Department of Census and Statistics reveals that the national minimum expenditure threshold reached Rs. 17,592 per person in June.

This represents an increase of 277 rupees compared with the preceding month.

The official baseline measures the minimum monthly funds required for an individual to afford a predetermined selection of essential food and non-food items.

Authorities update the figures on a monthly basis to account for ongoing shifts in retail market prices.

Significant regional variations were recorded across the island during the period under review.

Colombo registered the highest regional requirement at Rs. 18,973 per person, closely followed by Gampaha at Rs. 18,876 per person.

Conversely, Monaragala recorded the lowest financial threshold in the country, where the monthly cost of basic necessities stood at Rs. 16,821 per person.