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The Department of Wildlife Conservation has initiated a formal inquiry following allegations that tourist bungalows within Kumana National Park were booked online and used for activities unrelated to wildlife observation.

In an official statement, the department emphasized that national park entry permits are issued solely for the purpose of viewing wildlife and natural vegetation, as permitted under existing conservation laws. These regulations do not allow commercial activities or any unrelated events to take place within protected areas.

Officials said they had received credible information indicating that certain bungalows inside the park had been reserved through online platforms and used for programs outside the intended scope of wildlife tourism.

As a precautionary measure, the department has temporarily suspended all online reservations for tourist bungalows inside the park until the investigation is completed.

Authorities further noted that, based on the findings of the inquiry, a revised and more effective booking system will be introduced. This mechanism will aim to facilitate genuine tourist access while ensuring strict adherence to conservation laws and safeguarding the park’s wildlife and natural environment.

Sri Lanka Police have issued a warning after receiving reports about organized groups falsely claiming to be senior police officials and targeting institutions in Colombo.

According to the Police Media Division, the suspects have been contacting tourist hotels and private establishments while impersonating high-ranking officers. They have reportedly requested food, financial contributions, and other forms of support under the pretext of organizing official police-related events.

Authorities have launched investigations into these fraudulent activities and are working to identify those responsible.

Police have urged businesses and the public to remain cautious and not to comply with such requests without proper verification. Anyone receiving suspicious calls or having information related to these scams is advised to inform the nearest police station or contact the Senior Superintendent of Police – Colombo Central via 071-8591551.

The Colombo High Court on Wednesday acquitted Daisy Forrest from a case filed under money laundering laws, bringing an end to legal proceedings against her.

The decision followed a submission by the Attorney General’s Department stating that prosecution would continue solely against Yoshitha Rajapaksa, who remains the primary accused in the matter.

During earlier court sessions, legal representatives for Forrest informed the court that the 98-year-old was not mentally fit to undergo trial proceedings.

The case involves allegations that nearly Rs. 59 million had been laundered through three separate private bank accounts linked to the accused parties.

With the latest ruling, Forrest has been formally discharged from the case, while legal action against Rajapaksa is set to proceed in court.

A powerful winter blizzard that hit the north-eastern US has left two dead in Maryland and continues to delay flights and cause widespread power outages across the region.

In Calvert County, Maryland, on Sunday afternoon, a vehicle was struck by a falling tree that toppled onto the road way, killing Michael Simpson, 60, and Virginia Quesenberry, 43, the sheriff’s office said.

Parts of Maryland saw as much as 16in (40cm) of snowfall during the storm, while Providence, Rhode Island, saw the biggest blizzard in history with 37.9in of snow.

Travel bans and school closures are still in place for Rhode Island and parts of Massachusetts as residents dig out of the storm.

The hazardous and snowy conditions also led to serious flight disruptions on Monday and Tuesday. Over 5,000 flights were cancelled on Monday, while as of Tuesday morning, over 2,000 flights were cancelled and nearly 1,000 delayed, according to flight tracker FlightAware.

The most heavily affected airports were Boston’s Logan International Airport and New York’s John F Kennedy International and Laguardia airports.

The blizzard was the ninth biggest winter storm in the history of New York City, which recorded over 20in of snow.

On Sunday and Monday, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani enacted a travel ban to keep the roads clear from dangerous conditions. He said 2,600 sanitation workers were plowing roads, plus an additional 1,400 emergency snow shovelers who were clearing sidewalks and bus stops.

The city went back to in-person schooling on Tuesday, while parts of neighbouring states of New Jersey and Pennsylvannia announced school delays and virtual learning.

In Boston, Massachusetts, the blizzard led news outlet Boston Globe to halt printing of its newspaper for the first time in 153 years because conditions made it impossible to make paper deliveries on Tuesday.

As of Tuesday morning, 250,000 people in Massachusetts were still without power, according to poweroutage.us.

In the small coastal town of Scituate, Massachusetts, officials said on Monday that half the town was without electricity, and that residents “should expect several days without power” as powerful winds would make it challenging for companies to restore power.

The so-called “nor’easter” has now moved away from the US and across coastal parts of eastern Canada, though strong winds are expected to persist, according to the National Weather Service.

Source:adaderana.lk

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption has arrested three former high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Trade in connection with an alleged corruption case involving the procurement of an online lottery operator.

Those taken into custody include former Trade Ministry Secretary A.M. Priyanka Maddumabandara, former Additional Secretary (Administration) Doraisamy Jeevanandam, and former Chief Financial Officer Kaluwewa Aravinda Priyadarshani de Silva.

According to investigators, the arrests stem from alleged irregularities in selecting an investor to manage an online lottery under the Lalith Athulathmudali Mahaweli Higher Education Scholarship Trust Fund. Authorities claim that although a bidder had been properly chosen through the original procurement process, the contract was not awarded as expected, resulting in financial losses to both the government and the institution.

Officials further allege that corruption occurred when the tender process was reopened, and the suspects are accused of requesting and accepting a bribe of Rs. 1 million from a company linked to a previously unsuccessful bidder.

CIABOC stated that the three individuals were arrested separately between 10:05 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday. They are scheduled to be produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court as investigations into the case continue.

A group of opposition political leaders convened a high-level discussion with former President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Tuesday morning in Colombo, aiming to enhance coordination and develop a unified political approach.

The meeting centered on strengthening collaboration among opposition parties while addressing several urgent national matters. Among the key topics discussed were the ongoing controversy surrounding coal procurement, the recent surge in underworld-related killings, and the current shortage of LP gas supplies.

Several senior political figures participated in the talks, including former ministers Udaya Gammanpila, Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, G. L. Peiris, Mahinda Amaraweera, Sagala Ratnayaka, and Thalatha Atukorale.

Sources from the United National Party (UNP) indicated that the discussion forms part of a broader initiative to align opposition policies and ensure a collective response to ongoing national and political challenges.

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya stated that improving energy efficiency plays a crucial role in boosting the country’s economic resilience, noting that it goes beyond reducing consumption and contributes directly to national development.

She made these remarks while speaking at the Sri Lanka National Energy Efficiency Awards Ceremony, jointly organized by the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority and the Ministry of Power and Energy. The event was held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall under the theme “Energy Efficiency: Refueling the Economy,” according to the Prime Minister’s Media Division.

During the ceremony, Jeewaka Thushara of the World Trade Center Colombo received recognition as the Outstanding Energy Manager. Gold Awards for excellence in energy efficiency were presented to several organizations, including the National Cleaner Production Centre, Forbes Marshall Lanka, World Trade Center Colombo, BiC and DENTA Manufacturing, and MAS Fabrics Thulhiriya.

Addressing attendees, the Prime Minister noted that minimizing energy waste can help conserve foreign exchange and contribute to stabilizing the national economy. She also commended both public and private sector institutions that demonstrated strong commitment to energy conservation over the past year, emphasizing the importance of efficient energy management across industries of all sizes.

She further highlighted Sri Lanka’s commitment to global climate goals and stressed the importance of adopting innovative technologies, expanding renewable energy sources, and ensuring long-term energy security.

Meanwhile, Minister of Power and Energy Kumara Jayakody said the government is working toward increasing renewable energy generation to 70 percent by 2030. He noted that reforms aimed at modernizing inefficient and environmentally harmful institutional systems are currently underway, and that restructuring efforts at the Ceylon Electricity Board are nearing completion.

The Minister added that the government is committed to transparent procurement practices to ensure that the public fully benefits from improved energy management and sector reforms.

Several key officials, including Deputy Minister Engineer Arkam Ilyas and Ministry Secretary Professor Udayanga Hemapala, were also present at the event.

Starting on Wednesday (Feb 25), visitors to Britain from 85 countries, including Singapore, must obtain an electronic permit in advance of their trip or they will be barred from travelling, the UK interior ministry said.

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme requires all visitors who do not need a visa to enter Britain to purchase a pre-travel permit online at a cost of 16 pounds (US$21.57).

The scheme was introduced in 2023 and extended to European visitors in April last year, but has not been strictly enforced.

However, from Feb 25, it will be mandatory for visitors to the UK to have obtained an ETA to travel.

This means that airlines will prevent passengers from boarding if they do not have an ETA, eVisa or other valid documentation, the interior ministry said.

British and Irish citizens, including dual citizens, as well as those with the right to live in the UK, are exempt from needing an ETA.

“The ETA scheme is a vital part of our work to strengthen the UK’s border security, helping to deliver a more efficient and modern service that works for both visitors and the British public,” migration minister Mike Tapp said.

In October last year, the European Union (EU) began rolling out its much-delayed post-Brexit border security checks for UK nationals entering the bloc. Britain formally left the EU in 2020.

The EU’s Entry/Exit System removes the requirement to manually stamp passports at the EU’s external borders and instead creates digital records.

However, travellers have complained that the new system’s introduction has caused delays at some airports, and industry leaders have expressed concern that full implementation at Easter could cause widespread disruption.

Source: adaderana.lk

Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, is scheduled to depart for Germany tomorrow for a two-day official visit aimed at enhancing cooperation in trade and overseas employment.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the visit follows an invitation from the German-Asia Pacific Business Association (OAV), specifically its Bremen Chapter. During the trip, Minister Herath will participate in several discussions and engagements focused on strengthening economic and labour-related partnerships.

He is also expected to attend events marking the 125th anniversary of the Bremen Chapter as the Guest of Honor and keynote speaker representing Asia. At the same event, Johann Wadephul will take part as the Guest of Honor and keynote speaker representing Germany.

The OAV is recognized as Germany’s largest organization dedicated to promoting business ties between German companies and countries in the Asia-Pacific region, bringing together policymakers and business leaders.

In addition to attending the anniversary event, Minister Herath is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with Minister Wadephul and join a business roundtable focused on strengthening investment and economic collaboration with Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan Rupee posted a slight appreciation against the US Dollar on Tuesday (Feb 25), based on the latest exchange rates released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

The bank reported that the buying rate for the US Dollar decreased from Rs. 305.69 to Rs. 305.58, while the selling rate also fell from Rs. 313.20 to Rs. 313.09. This decline in exchange rates indicates a marginal strengthening of the local currency.

Meanwhile, the Rupee showed minor fluctuations against a range of other foreign currencies, including those used in Gulf countries, suggesting relatively stable overall performance in the foreign exchange market.

U.S. President Donald Trump will deliver the traditional State of the Union address to Congress on Tuesday at a fraught moment for his presidency, with his approval ratings slumping, anxieties rising over Iran, and Americans struggling with the cost of living as the November midterm election nears.

The televised prime-time speech to Congress, his second in the 13 months since returning to the White House, offers Trump a chance to persuade voters to keep Republicans in power. But it comes as he faces stiff political headwinds at home and abroad.

The appearance follows a turbulent few days for his administration, including a Supreme Court decision invalidating his global tariff regime and new data showing the economy slowed more than expected while inflation accelerated.

The Department of Homeland Security is mostly shut down due to a dispute between congressional Republicans and Democrats over the administration’s aggressive immigration tactics, following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll showed six in ten Americans, including 30% of Republicans, think Trump has become erratic as he ages.

Meanwhile, Trump has struggled to turn the page on the scandal surrounding convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and opposition Democrats have invited several people who accuse Epstein of abusing them to the speech.

A White House official said Trump will announce a plan that would require tech companies to pay increased electricity costs in communities where new AI data centers are being built.

Fox News anchor Bret Baier said Trump will also call for new personal and corporate tax cuts.

A PUBLIC CASE AGAINST IRAN

Trump, who has openly coveted the Nobel Peace Prize and set up his own “Board of Peace,” appears to be inching closer to a military conflict with Iran over its nuclear program, moving warships to the Middle East and developing plans that could include a change of government, according to U.S. officials.

Tuesday’s speech could offer Trump a chance to mount for the first time a public case for military intervention. Two White House officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Trump will discuss his plans but did not offer details.

He will also tout his record of brokering peace deals, they said. He will be speaking on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a reminder that he has yet to resolve the war he once said he could end “in 24 hours.”

The president is expected to address the Supreme Court’s decision on tariffs, arguing that the court erred and outlining alternative laws he can use to reconstitute most of the levies.

Trump reacted with fury to the ruling last week, targeting several justices with personal attacks. A repeat performance on Tuesday could make for some awkward moments; at least some of the court’s nine justices are expected to attend.

White House aides and Republican campaign advisers, eyeing a challenging congressional midterm election, have urged Trump to focus on Americans’ economic worries. Trump’s victory in the 2024 election was based in large part on his promises to ease the cost of living, but opinion polls show voters are unconvinced by his efforts so far.

Trump has struggled to stay on message, straying in public speeches from the economy to his long list of grievances while at other times declaring he has already solved the problem.

One of the White House officials said Trump will “claim victory on the economy,” a message Republican lawmakers running for reelection are unlikely to welcome. He will argue that he inherited a poor economy from Democratic predecessor Joe Biden and that Democrats have overstated affordability concerns, both officials said.

Trump will point to stock market gains, private-sector investments and his tax cut legislation as evidence that he has helped the economy, the officials said. The president will also tout his tough border policies and his deportation campaign, despite polls showing most Americans believe his administration has gone too far in rounding up undocumented immigrants.

“This is the one opportunity the president has where the whole world is looking at what he has to say, and this is his opportunity to summarize everything that he’s done and not go off script,” said Amanda Makki, a Republican strategist and former Florida congressional candidate.

Trump, who has a propensity for ad-libbing, said on Monday his address would be lengthy. His 100-minute speech last March - technically not a State of the Union speech, but otherwise similar - was the longest presidential address to Congress in modern history.

The White House officials said this year’s edition was crafted with room for unscripted moments.
“We are planning around it,” one official said.

SOME DEMOCRATS OPTING OUT

Last year, some Democrats interrupted Trump’s speech with jeers before walking out in protest. This time around, more than 20 Democrats in the House of Representatives and Senate plan to skip the speech altogether in favor of an outdoor rally on the National Mall.

Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon, one of those Democrats, told reporters on Monday the event would offer a more “honest description” of Trump’s record, rather than the “propaganda push” of the speech.

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, whose decisive victory in November was seen as an early midterms warning sign for Republicans, will deliver the official Democratic response to the speech.

Democratic U.S. Senator Alex Padilla of California, who was shoved to the ground and handcuffed last year after attempting to ask a question of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem at a press conference, will give the Spanish-language rebuttal.

Source:adaderana.lk