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Sri Lankan international relations and cultural diplomacy researcher Maheel Bandara highlighted the enduring cultural, philosophical and civilizational connections between Sri Lanka and India through his participation in the Bhopal Intellectual Conference and subsequent engagements with prominent Indian cultural and public figures in New Delhi.

At the International Intellectual Conference held in Bhopal on October 13, Bandara delivered a presentation titled “Rama - Rawana in Folk Narratives in Sri Lanka,” exploring the influence of the ancient epic on Sri Lanka’s indigenous folklore, sacred geography, religious traditions and collective cultural memory.

His address examined how narratives associated with Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman and Ravana have evolved through generations of storytelling, acquiring distinctive meanings within Sri Lankan communities while retaining their connections to the broader cultural heritage of the Indian subcontinent.

Addressing an international audience, Maheel Bandara emphasized that the relationship between Sri Lanka and India extends beyond contemporary diplomacy and geographical proximity, reflecting centuries of religious exchange, philosophical inquiry, cultural interaction and shared traditions.

He highlighted the importance of understanding Sri Lankan folklore as a living cultural heritage rather than merely a reproduction of established literary narratives.

Reflecting on the philosophical achievements of ancient South Asian civilizations, Maheel Bandara drew attention to the intellectual traditions associated with Buddhism, Hinduism and other religious philosophies, particularly their explorations of consciousness, spirituality and the relationship between the mind and the physical body.

“Most of us in Sri Lanka are Buddhists, just as many people in India follow Hinduism, alongside other religious traditions. Thousands of years ago, our civilizations were already exploring profound questions about the distinction between the mind and the physical body. Understanding such a complex concept demonstrates how intellectually advanced the civilizations of the Indian subcontinent were thousands of years ago. If a Western philosopher or anyone else claims that they came here to civilize us, show them the Ramayana,” Bandara remarked.

He argued that the Ramayana represents more than an enduring literary and religious tradition, serving also as an important gateway to understanding the philosophical depth, cultural achievements and intellectual heritage of ancient South Asia.

His presentation explored Sri Lankan traditions associated with Lord Vishnu, Vibhishana and God Sumana Saman, alongside the legendary four communities of ancient Hela—the Yaksha, Raksha, Naga and Dewa—which are traditionally associated with the term “Siv Hela” and its later linguistic connection with “Sinhala” in Sri Lankan cultural narratives.

Bandara also examined regional folklore surrounding King Ravana and the legendary kingdom of Lankapura, highlighting the cultural significance of geographical landmarks such as Lakegala, Yahangala and Kaikawala. Through these examples, he illustrated how sacred landscapes, indigenous beliefs and oral traditions continue to shape Sri Lanka’s cultural identity and collective memory.

He further explored traditional accounts of ancient technologies and indigenous knowledge attributed to Ravana’s era, including legends of flying chariots associated with Wariyapola and stories of underground tunnels connecting distant caves and mountainous regions.

In discussing the Wariyapola traditions, he also highlighted the continuing religious and cultural significance of the Gonnawa Sri Maha Vishnu Devalaya, an ancient shrine traditionally associated with royal patronage, which remains a place of worship and a living link to Sri Lanka’s heritage.

He connected these narratives with the island’s longstanding traditions of indigenous medicine and the cultural importance of locations associated with medicinal plants, including Mihintale Osu Uyana. While distinguishing folklore and traditional beliefs from historically established evidence, Bandara emphasized that such narratives remain valuable for understanding the island’s ancestral memory, spiritual traditions and cultural imagination.

Following the Bhopal Intellectual Conference, Maheel Bandara attended the launch of the Brihattar Bharat – Global Engagement Scheme in New Delhi, an initiative aimed at strengthening India’s cultural connections with communities across the world.

The programme was launched under the leadership of Hon. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, India’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, and chaired by Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Secretary of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA).

Bandara described the initiative as a significant step towards deepening international cultural engagement, promoting shared civilizational heritage, and fostering meaningful cultural connections between India and the global community.

During the event, Bandara had the opportunity to meet Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, India’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, and Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Secretary of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). On the occasion, he shared a photograph of Ram - Setu taken by Dr. Bala Sanskurati, drawing attention to the enduring cultural and civilizational connections between India and Sri Lanka.

Joining Bandara was the Secretary General of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), Venerable Shartse Kensur Jangchub Choeden Rinpoche Thero.

Their participation further reflected the importance of dialogue between cultural, religious and intellectual communities in strengthening regional and international understanding.

Bandara also expressed his pleasure at meeting Honarable Sudha Murty, the distinguished Indian author, philanthropist and nominated Member of the Rajya Sabha, India’s upper house of Parliament, appointed by the President of India.

He described the encounter as an honour and a privilege, highlighting the warmth of their conversation and her affection for Sri Lanka.

During their interaction, Honarable Sudha Murty spoke warmly about the island, describing it as “a beautiful country.”

He appreciated her longstanding contributions to literature, education and philanthropy, noting that encounters of this nature create valuable opportunities to strengthen personal connections and reinforce the longstanding friendship between the two countries.

The engagements in Bhopal and New Delhi formed part of Maheel Bandara’s interest in international relations, cultural research and the promotion of Sri Lanka’s heritage on international platforms.

Through his conference presentation and interactions with Indian political, cultural and intellectual figures, he sought to emphasize the importance of recognizing the diverse traditions that connect the two nations.

Bandara expressed his belief that initiatives such as the Brihattar Bharat – Global Engagement Scheme can contribute significantly to preserving shared heritage, encouraging cultural research and fostering meaningful relationships among nations. He also underscored the value of strengthening people-to-people connections alongside formal diplomatic relations, particularly between countries whose histories have been intertwined for millennia.

As Sri Lanka and India continue to explore opportunities for closer cooperation, the preservation and interpretation of their shared cultural heritage remain important avenues for mutual understanding.

Former minister Lakshman Kiriella has defended his recent public comments made to a senior Buddhist prelate, clarifying that his criticisms were aimed strictly at the government rather than minority groups.

The former minister addressed a media briefing in Colombo on Friday (16) following backlash over remarks delivered during a meeting with the Mahanayake Thera of the Malwathu Chapter in Kandy.

The controversy arose after reports suggested Kiriella had accused the government of exploiting its legal proceedings regarding the imprisoned Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero to court political support among minority communities.

Rejecting the backlash from critics, Kiriella stressed that his statements had been taken out of context by individuals who failed to listen to the complete recording of his discussions at the Malwathu Maha Vihara.

He asserted that pointing out political maneuvering by the state did not equate to finding fault with minority populations.

He also said that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake possessed the constitutional authority to issue a presidential pardon for Gnanasara Thero through a direct executive order, rendering any reliance on fresh parliamentary legislation entirely unnecessary.

A total of 7,651 people from 2,106 families have been affected by adverse weather conditions across Sri Lanka since September 19, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).

The latest situation report issued by the DMC on October 19 states that the impact has extended to 183 Divisional Secretariat divisions in 20 districts, with fatalities, injuries and damage to residential properties reported.

Eight people have died as a result of the adverse weather, while 12 others have sustained injuries. One person has also been reported missing.

The weather-related incidents have completely destroyed 26 houses and caused partial damage to another 1,390 homes, highlighting the impact on communities across the affected areas.

Meanwhile, 46 people from 13 families have been relocated to two safety centres, where they are currently staying, the DMC said.

Dry Weather Affects More Than 137,000 People

In a separate development, dry weather conditions have affected 137,953 people from 41,725 families in several parts of the country.

The affected communities are spread across 30 Divisional Secretariat divisions in 12 districts: Ampara, Anuradhapura, Badulla, Batticaloa, Hambantota, Jaffna, Mannar, Matale, Monaragala, Mullaitivu, Polonnaruwa and Vavuniya.

Drinking Water Supplied to Affected Communities

As part of the response to the ongoing dry conditions, drinking water has been distributed to 110,174 people from 32,688 families.

According to the DMC, the water distribution programme covers 26 Divisional Secretariat divisions in the affected districts.

The figures highlight the challenges posed by both adverse weather and prolonged dry conditions in different parts of Sri Lanka, with thousands of families experiencing their effects.

The issuance of 14,300 visas to foreign employees of businesses operating in Colombo Port City has triggered serious questions about immigration oversight, financial security and Sri Lanka’s vulnerability to transnational cybercrime, following disclosures before Parliament’s Committee on Public Finance (CoPF).

The revelations expose a potentially dangerous gap between the ambitious investment agenda of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission (CPCEC) and its capacity to verify whether foreign workers entering the country are employed in legitimate business activities.

Commission Chairman Harsha Amarasekera, PC, informed the committee that the Commission had issued 14,300 visas for foreign employees of Port City businesses but could not vouch for every visa holder. The Commission relies on monthly reports submitted by businesses and random periodic visits by officials to monitor foreign employees.

However, with only 16 staff members, the Commission faces questions about whether its monitoring arrangements are sufficient to oversee thousands of foreign workers and verify compliance across multiple businesses.

The scale of the issue becomes clearer when the number of visas is considered against the businesses concerned. Committee members questioned why certain businesses of strategic importance (BSIs) required approximately 200 foreign employees each, given the nature of their operations. The disclosure raises questions about whether projected employment requirements are realistic and whether the Commission adequately scrutinises applications before recommending visas.

Committee Chairman Dr. Harsha de Silva warned that the matter extended beyond the Commission’s administrative responsibilities, potentially affecting financial-sector stability, anti-money laundering safeguards and Sri Lanka’s international reputation.

He cited official arrival statistics showing increases during the first quarter of 2026 of 458% from Myanmar, 258% from Vietnam and 70% from Cambodia. Although these increases do not establish criminal activity by individual travellers, they warrant careful scrutiny against regional concerns about cyber-scam compounds, illicit financial flows and organised online fraud.

The issue has also attracted diplomatic attention. Dr. de Silva referred to statements by Vietnamese and Chinese embassies, including a Chinese Embassy statement issued on May 29, 2026, and warned that damaging international media coverage could undermine confidence in Sri Lanka’s regulatory environment.

The Commission previously suspended visa recommendations for two authorised persons after five Chinese nationals associated with them were detained and deported. Amarasekera said the suspension lasted approximately three weeks to one month while Commission and immigration officials inspected the businesses concerned.

Nevertheless, Dr. de Silva highlighted a critical legal weakness: deportation for immigration violations is not equivalent to establishing or prosecuting involvement in cyber-scamming activities. Without clearly defined regulations, authorities may struggle to intervene effectively when suspicious employment arrangements emerge before criminal conduct is conclusively established.

The central question is whether Sri Lanka’s investment facilitation framework has developed adequate safeguards alongside its incentives for foreign businesses.

Port City could generate employment, investment and export earnings. But an inability to verify foreign employees would expose the country to immigration abuse, financial crime and reputational damage.

The Commission has been asked to provide Parliament with detailed information on foreign recruitment, nationalities, duration of stay and employment responsibilities within two weeks.

The report must establish whether existing controls are proportionate to the risks. Without transparent records, stronger inter-agency coordination and enforceable compliance standards, Sri Lanka risks allowing an investment initiative to develop regulatory vulnerabilities that could prove far more costly than the benefits it promises.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has proposed amending Sri Lanka's constitution to establish fundamental rights for wildlife and the environment, allowing violations to be directly challenged in court.

The proposal was announced during a meeting with conservationists, researchers, and civil society representatives at the Opposition Leader’s Office in Colombo on Sunday (18).

The move follows the death of Kavantissa, one of Sri Lanka’s most renowned wild tuskers, who died on 16 October after weeks of treatment for a gunshot wound.

Legal Reforms

Premadasa said that existing constitutional protections remain inadequate because environmental duties under the Directive Principles of State Policy lack legal enforceability.

He argued that extending fundamental rights to animals, plants, and ecosystems would allow citizens to pursue direct judicial remedies against environmental harm.

Addressing the demise of Kavantissa, the Opposition Leader called for a full investigation involving local and international experts to examine post-mortem findings, medical records, and official management.

He confirmed that he would raise formal questions in parliament regarding the elephant's blood test results and treatment procedures.

He said that political leaders often neglect wildlife conservation because animals lack voting power, urging the public to unite across political lines to demand administrative accountability.

Infrastructure and Habitat Protection

To prevent future losses, Premadasa advocated for a dedicated elephant hospital, a specialized veterinary response team, and enhanced security units for iconic tuskers such as Mahasen and Agbo.

He highlighted the need for a national land-use plan to safeguard critical corridors and habitats across Wilpattu, Wilachchiya, Thabbowa, Anamaduwa, and Kahalla-Pallekele.

He further proposed creating a comprehensive national elephant database built on data supplied by wildlife photographers, field researchers, and local conservation groups.

The Opposition Leader pointed out that operational conflicts, severe staff shortages, and limited resources continue to hamper the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

He urged authorities to upgrade veterinary services, introduce compulsory environmental education in schools, and enforce anti-poaching laws with the same intensity applied to drug trafficking.

Stakeholder Action and Future Measures

Meeting attendees formally established the Kavantissa Elephant Protection Organization, a community-driven initiative uniting conservationists, enthusiasts, and civil society leaders.

Premadasa announced that forty-five minutes of the next Parliamentary Forum on Climate Change would be allocated specifically to wildlife protection strategies.

He invited field experts and civil society groups to submit evidence-based proposals and actionable policy guidelines ahead of the upcoming legislative session.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to step in personally after police dismantled a temporary shelter erected by Buddhist monks protesting outside the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo.

The demonstration, organized to demand the immediate release of the imprisoned Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, saw members of the clergy and their supporters gather at the site following a march from Kandy.

Tensions escalated on Thursday afternoon when law enforcement officers removed a makeshift structure intended to house a Buddha statue brought by the demonstrators, a move that drew sharp criticism from political figures and sparked widespread disquiet among those present.

In a statement released on Thursday (15), the Opposition Leader condemned the actions of the security forces, describing the removal of the shelter and the reported arrest of several individuals as undemocratic.

Premadasa said that state authorities and law enforcement must immediately halt any measures that cause harassment or distress to the clergy, emphasizing that administrative actions should respect the traditional standing of the Buddhist robe.

He urged President Dissanayake to initiate direct dialogue with representatives of the Maha Sangha to resolve the ongoing impasse amicably, rather than relying on heavy-handed security interventions to manage the demonstration.

The protest forms part of a campaign organized by Buddhist clergy seeking the release of Ven. Gnanasara Thera, who remains in custody following his conviction under state laws.

Demonstrators have maintained a continuous presence near the executive office, insisting that they will remain staged outside the building until executive officials provide a definitive outcome.

Despite police actions to clear temporary structures from the roadway, the clergy and their supporters have resolved to continue their sit-in, maintaining pressure on the administration to address their grievances directly.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called for a comprehensive national strategy to resolve Sri Lanka’s escalating human-elephant conflict following the death of the iconic tusker Kavantissa.

Premadasa inspected the site at the Siyambalangamuwa paddy field hours before the ailing animal passed away after collapsing in critical condition.

Premadasa said that a sustainable resolution must guarantee dedicated forest habitats for elephants while simultaneously safeguarding agricultural opportunities for local farming communities.

Highlighting the rapid decline of the island’s historical tusker population, he urged authorities to establish a specialized task force to protect the remaining few animals with large tusks.

He praised the dedicated efforts of Wildlife Department personnel, veterinary surgeons, and volunteer officers who worked tirelessly to treat the animal, adding that short-term medical int

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called for a new legal framework to protect the dignity of religious leaders rather than relying on colonial era laws, stressing that preserving social harmony must remain a national priority.

Addressing a meeting of the Samagi Vanitha Balawegaya in Moratuwa yesterday (13), the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) leader said that any responsible government must actively prevent religious and national divisions across the country, adding that Sri Lanka requires sensitive leadership capable of treating all communities and faiths equally.

His remarks were made in response to the public controversy following the removal of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera's robes and his subsequent court appearance in lay attire after his imprisonment.

The Opposition Leader clarified that he does not question judicial rulings or the legal process, but noted that disrobing a Buddhist monk remains a disciplinary matter strictly reserved for the Maha Sangha and relevant monastic chapters rather than state officials.

He emphasised that such reverence is paid to the religious symbol rather than the individual, asserting that equal respect must be extended to leaders of all faiths.

Premadasa urged immediate reforms to outdated colonial prison regulations and circulars to bring them into alignment with contemporary values.

He criticised the government for establishing a committee with a two week delay, saying that sensitive issues affecting national security and communal harmony require urgent executive action.

Political and legal commentators have similarly emphasised that all such disputes should be resolved within the existing constitutional framework, which accords Buddhism the foremost place while safeguarding the fundamental right to practice all religions.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Nalin Bandara said that Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero was produced before court in civilian clothing following political directives issued to prison authorities.

He made these remarks during a media briefing held at the SJB headquarters yesterday (15).

Bandara said that prison officials were forced to alter a protocol spanning more than seven decades because of executive instructions originating from the subject minister, the Presidential Secretariat, the Prime Minister's Office, or ruling party headquarters in Pelawatte.

He noted that members of the clergy across all faiths have historically been permitted to appear in court dressed in their respective religious attire.

Bandara observed that as public disapproval mounted against the decision, the government appointed a committee to conceal the lapse caused by political interference, ultimately returning discretionary authority to the minister.

He said that no issue would have arisen had long-standing procedures been followed, adding that prison personnel had clearly acted under intense political pressure and should not bear blame.

Regarding monastic discipline, Bandara noted that while the Sangha Council prohibits monks guilty of Parajika offenses or serious criminal acts from wearing robes, no such canonical restriction applies to Gnanasara Thero. He accused the government of fabricating an artificial controversy around the matter.

Bandara claimed the administration is prioritizing party interest over national priorities, drawing parallels to colonial eras when Buddhist monks mobilised against foreign rule.

He said that forcing the Maha Sangha into opposition against the state represents a grave turn of events, urging the government to govern responsibly without provoking communal or religious divisions.

National development must be evaluated through citizen well-being and overall quality of life rather than physical infrastructure construction or standalone economic growth metrics, according to a senior academic.

Prof. Pradeep N. Weerasinghe of the University of Colombo Department of Journalism stated that sustainable development strategy in developing countries like Sri Lanka requires prioritising human happiness, personal freedom, and institutional integrity over traditional capital projects.

During a national television current affairs program hosted by journalist Mangala Jayamanna, Prof. Weerasinghe explained that international standards increasingly measure societal advancement using broad social indicators such as Gross National Happiness instead of relying solely on gross domestic product figures.

He noted that fundamental human needs, including fair access to quality education, healthcare services, civil liberties, and environmental protection, form the real foundation of genuine national advancement.

Addressing past economic policies, the academic pointed out that Sri Lanka’s post-war strategy suffered from a fundamental misalignment between state spending and grassroots priorities.

He observed that while rural populations continue to experience severe deficiencies in drinking water supplies, adequate school infrastructure, and essential pharmaceuticals in public hospitals, successive governments channeled substantial funds into low-utility transport hubs and ostentatious commercial developments.

He noted that political elites repeatedly favored multi-billion rupee megaprojects to achieve short-term political visibility and financial kickbacks instead of addressing community needs.

Furthermore, Prof. Weerasinghe highlighted the dangers of long-term reliance on international credit facilities, foreign loans, and bailout programs without establishing a self-sustaining productive economy.

He explained that systemic administrative corruption combined with a lack of government transparency has broken public trust in state institutions, creating a climate of social uncertainty that hinders economic growth.

He called on national policymakers to examine international models that emphasise rigorous anti-corruption mechanisms, natural resource management, and human resource investments to establish a tailor-made national policy framework for Sri Lanka.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) general secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara has called on authorities to launch a fresh investigation into the historical bombing of the Sri Dalada Maligawa.

Speaking at a press conference in Colombo on Thursday, the former minister cited recent public observations made by the Mahanayake of the Malwathu Chapter, Most Venerable Thibbotuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera, regarding the attack on the Temple of the Tooth Relic.

Madduma Bandara expressed his party's support for the prelate's perspective, emphasising that despite stylistic differences in language, acts involving gunfire and bombings represent equivalent forms of severe violence.

“Although bombing and shooting are two different words, both are similar, as they are violent acts,” he noted.

Expanding on his call for judicial review, the SJB general secretary urged law enforcement authorities to reopen files on several key historical atrocities alongside the Kandy temple bombing.

He drew specific attention to the attack on the annual Kataragama Perahera, highlighting that the incident resulted in 13 fatalities and remained a critical subject requiring comprehensive legal re-examination.

By bringing these historical security breaches back into the political discourse, Madduma Bandara said that impartial state inquiries into all past acts of mass violence remain necessary to achieve absolute legal accountability.

Former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa has been further remanded until October 16 by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court, as investigations continue into alleged financial misappropriation involving the ‘Siriliya Saviya’ account.

The decision was made after the court considered a medical report issued by the National Hospital, which confirmed that Rajapaksa had no ongoing surgeries or operations planned.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama ordered her continued remand after hearing submissions from lawyers representing Rajapaksa and the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

Rajapaksa is currently being held in remand custody in connection with the ongoing investigation into the alleged misuse of funds linked to the ‘Siriliya Saviya’ account.

The court has also directed that her detailed medical reports be submitted on October 16. According to an Ada Derana reporter, the magistrate indicated that a decision on bail would not be made until the reports are presented and considered.

The case is expected to be taken up again on October 16, when the court will consider the medical documentation before proceeding further with the matter.