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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met with newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners at the Presidential Office today (15th).

The meeting focused on the critical role these diplomats will play in representing Sri Lanka internationally and enhancing the country's image abroad.

President Dissanayake emphasized the importance of conveying the message of Sri Lanka's political transformation to the international community. He highlighted the responsibility of the diplomats to elevate Sri Lanka's image on the global stage.

The President also stressed the need for diplomats to prioritize services for Sri Lankans living abroad, ensuring fairness and justice without any discrimination.

He underscored the significance of making the Sri Lankan diplomatic missions feel like a home for expatriates and urged the diplomats to perform their duties efficiently for the benefit of the country.

Furthermore, President Dissanayake pointed out that attracting direct foreign investments and facilitating opportunities for Sri Lankan entrepreneurs in international markets are integral parts of diplomatic service. He assured that the government is ready to provide the necessary support to achieve these goals.

Reflecting on past challenges faced by diplomats due to certain incidents in Sri Lanka, the President reassured that the current administration will not act in ways that undermine the dignity of diplomats. He affirmed that the government will stand by the diplomats at all times.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has announced several key appointments to strengthen Sri Lanka's international relations.

The new appointments are as follows:

• Mahishini Colonne has been appointed as the High Commissioner to the Republic of India.

• Retired Rear Admiral Fred Senevirathne will serve as the High Commissioner to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

• S. D. N. U. Senadeera has been named the High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

• Jayantha Chandrasiri Jayasuriya will take on the role of Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.

• Professor Arusha Cooray has been appointed as the Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.

• Mahinda Ratnayake will serve as the Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba.

• Professor Janak Kumarasinghe has been named the Ambassador to Japan.

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Transport Minister Bimal Ratnayake on Sunday visited patients receiving treatment at Gampola and Peradeniya hospitals following the fatal bus crash at Gerandi Ella in Kotmale.

Deputy Minister Dr. Prasanna Gunasena also joined the visit to meet with the injured and their families.

“Even one life lost is a tragedy — each person is someone’s family member,” Prime Minister Amarasuriya said speaking to media after the visit.

“Motor accidents continue to claim lives every year. We recognize that this is becoming an issue,” she said, adding that the Minister of Transport is working to address this matter.

She also expressed gratitude to medical and emergency personnel, commending them for their service despite difficult conditions.

The death toll from the crash has risen to 21, with at least 35 others injured. The accident occurred early Sunday when a private bus traveling from Kataragama to Kurunegala veered off the road and fell into a ravine.

For the first time in Sri Lanka’s history, a woman has been appointed as the Commissioner General of Examinations. A.K.S. Indika Kumari Liyanage officially assumed duties today (May 15) as the country’s 11th Commissioner General of Examinations.

A Special Grade officer in the Sri Lanka Education Administrative Service from the 2005 batch, Liyanage previously served as the Commissioner in charge of the Confidential School Exams Division and the Administration and Investigation Division of the Examinations Department.

She is an alumna of Sanghamitta Balika Vidyalaya in Galle, and formerly served as Deputy Principal and Principal of D.S. Senanayake College, Colombo. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Ruhuna, a Master’s in Education from the University of Colombo, and a Master’s in Linguistics from the University of Kelaniya.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has expressed deep shock and sadness over the tragic bus accident this morning (11) in the Garadiella area, Kotmale, along the Nuwara Eliya–Gampola road.

The President emphasized the rising concern over road accidents and confirmed that the government is taking steps to develop a sustainable strategy to prevent such incidents. This includes stricter enforcement of traffic laws and a new program under the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative to improve driver awareness.

In his condolence message, the President extended heartfelt sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. He assured that all necessary medical facilities and actions are in place to support the victims.

In response to the escalating dengue outbreak across the island, health authorities have announced the launch of a special dengue prevention week, starting on May 19.

The initiative will focus on 12 key districts, including Colombo, Kandy, Gampaha, Ratnapura, and Kalutara. Health officials are urging both residents and tourists to stay vigilant as the dengue virus continues to spread rapidly.

Dr. Sudath Samaraweera, Director of the National Dengue Control Unit of the ministry of Health, emphasized that the surge in dengue cases prompted the declaration of this special week dedicated to tackling the disease.

According to recent reports, over 2,100 dengue cases have been recorded in the past 12 days alone. Nationwide, 19,724 cases of dengue have been reported so far this year.

Weather conditions contributing to rapid spread

Health experts have pointed out that the current unfavorable weather conditions, characterized by frequent rainfall and warm temperatures, are contributing significantly to the rise in mosquito-borne diseases, particularly dengue.

Dr. Anoja Weerasinghe, Public Health Specialist at the National Dengue Control Unit, also provided guidance to the public, advising that anyone experiencing a fever should only take paracetamol to manage their symptoms.

Taking other painkillers, she warned, could lead to internal bleeding if the individual is infected with the dengue virus. Dr. Weerasinghe also urged people to seek medical attention immediately if a fever persists for more than three days.

A persistent public health challenge

The dengue crisis has been an ongoing issue for Sri Lanka's healthcare system for over three decades. Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, Chairman of the Federation of Medical and Civil Rights Trade Unions, expressed concern about the country's ongoing struggle to manage the dengue epidemic.

He highlighted that every year, thousands of people are affected by the disease, with a considerable number losing their lives to it. The situation remains dire despite efforts to control the outbreak.

Dr. Sanjeewa stressed that, aside from the COVID-19 pandemic, dengue continues to present a significant challenge to the nation's public health infrastructure, with outbreaks occurring annually and often turning into severe epidemics.

I warmly welcome the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. An immediate ceasefire is not just an urgent need to spare innocent lives on both sides; it is also a necessary first step in achieving lasting peace and regional stability.

Leaders of India and Pakistan must be commended for replacing guns with words before a conflagration broke out. This willingness to compromise demonstrates their wisdom and statesmanship.

As a neighbour and friend of India and Pakistan, Sri Lanka hopes that this ceasefire leads to the peaceful resolution of longstanding issues through constructive engagement. Sri Lanka reaffirms its unwavering support for continued dialogue and expresses its readiness to make whatever contribution necessary to achieve regional peace in our time.

Anura Kumara Disanayake

President

Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

11.05.2025

The National Transport Commission has decided to rigorously inspect whether private long-distance bus operators are adhering to their license/permit conditions.

Acting Director General, Nayomi Jayawardena, stated that one of the conditions requires two drivers to be present on long-distance buses.

However, complaints have been received that some buses are not complying with this requirement.

As a result, mobile inspection teams will be deployed during nighttime to conduct these checks.

The Acting Director General also mentioned that instructions have been given to intensify the inspection of the condition of long-distance buses.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Transport Board has decided to implement several safety measures for long-distance bus operations.

Chairman Jeevaka Prasanna stated that for journeys exceeding six hours, two buses will be deployed, connecting two depots.

The death toll in the devastating bus accident at Gerandi Ella in Kotmale has risen to 21, authorities confirmed on Sunday. The crash occurred when a private bus traveling from Kataragama to Kurunegala veered off the road and plunged into a ravine early in the morning.

At least 35 others have been injured and are receiving treatment at hospitals in Nuwara Eliya and surrounding areas.

Survivors described the terrifying moment the accident occurred. “The driver hit the brakes suddenly, and the bus skidded and went straight off the road,” one injured passenger recalled from his hospital bed.

The bus was carrying over 50 passengers at the time of the incident. According to police, an initial investigation suggests that the vehicle may have been speeding, and the road at the location was wet and winding.

Rescue operations were carried out by local police, emergency services, and residents, who worked for hours to recover victims trapped inside the wreckage.

Police say further investigations are underway to determine whether mechanical failure or driver negligence contributed to the tragedy. The Road Development Authority is also expected to inspect the area for road safety compliance.

This is one of the deadliest road accidents reported in Sri Lanka this year.

The Government of Sri Lanka has expressed strong objections to the Canadian High Commissioner regarding unfounded genocide allegations and the construction of a misleading monument in Canada.

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath met with the Canadian High Commissioner today to reiterate Sri Lanka's stance.

Sri Lanka maintains that allegations of genocide during the final phase of its conflict are unsubstantiated by any credible authority, either nationally or internationally, and are based on misleading information.

The government believes these false narratives are propagated primarily for electoral gains within Canada.

In April 2021, the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development of Canada confirmed that the Canadian government has not made any finding of genocide in Sri Lanka.

Additionally, Canada designated the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as a terrorist organization in 2006 and reaffirmed this designation in June 2024.

Sri Lanka has repeatedly objected to the construction of a so-called Tamil Genocide Monument at Chinguacousy Park in Brampton, Canada, urging the Federal Government of Canada to intervene and prevent this initiative by the Brampton City Council.

Sri Lanka views this development as offensive to the broader Sri Lankan and Canadian communities.

It strongly believes that the propagation of such unfounded allegations and the construction of monuments based on fabrications not only mislead the public but also hinder Sri Lanka’s genuine efforts toward reconciliation, national unity, and lasting peace among all communities.

In this regard, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath met with the Canadian High Commissioner to reiterate the Government of Sri Lanka’s strong objections regarding the unfounded genocide allegations and the approval of constructing such a monument, which complicates and undermines the government’s efforts toward reconciliation and national unity.

A total of 8,581 dansals have been registered for Vesak Poya, according to the Public Health Inspectors’ Union of Sri Lanka.

Union Secretary Chamil Muthukuda said the dansals were registered through area Medical Officer of Health (MOH) offices and will be subject to inspections on Vesak Day and in the days following.

Health officials are urging organizers to comply with hygiene guidelines due to past increases in food and waterborne illnesses linked to dansals during Vesak.

Popular tuition teacher Hayeshika Fernando, known as ‘Teacher Amma,’ was granted bail by the Negombo Magistrate’s Court today (14 May) in connection with an alleged assault on a youth.

Three others, including her husband and manager, who were arrested earlier by the Katana Police, also received bail.

Fernando had reportedly gone into hiding following the incident but surrendered to the court through her legal team today. Two more suspects were also presented in court.

The Police launched an investigation into the incident after a complaint was filed over the alleged assault.

Relatives and friends of the alleged victim held a silent protest outside the courthouse as the suspects were escorted in today.

Actress Semini Iddamalgoda, who was arrested by the Welikada Police last evening (10), has been granted bail.

She was produced before Colombo Additional Magistrate Bandara Ilangasinghe and was ordered to be released on bail.

During the hearing, Police informed court that the suspect had been operating a private security firm and had failed to make several payments, including Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) contributions, for which seven arrest warrants had been issued against her.

According to Police, four of the warrants were issued by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court, two by the Matara Magistrate’s Court, and one by the Tangalle Magistrate’s Court.

Attorneys appearing on behalf of the suspect informed court that their client is a well-known actress and she had no intention of evading court proceedings.

They further explained that in relation to some of the cases, relevant payments have already been settled by their client and that those cases have been withdrawn by the Department of Labour.

After considering the facts presented, Colombo Additional Magistrate Bandara Ilangasinghe ordered the release of the suspect on surety bail amounting to Rs. 100,000 for each warrant.

Accordingly, the magistrate ordered the suspect to submit reports of the payments made in relation to the four cases presented before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court on May 19.