News

An audit examination has uncovered widespread theft of electrical infrastructure and other equipment along the Colombo-Katunayake Expressway, with 100 incidents recorded between 2021 and 2023.

The findings are contained in the 2024 audit report, which states that the stolen items included electrical cables, copper wires, streetlight poles and other equipment installed along the expressway.

Of the 100 reported incidents, the value of 11 thefts was estimated at approximately Rs. 580 million. The financial value of the remaining 89 incidents had not been established, according to the report.

The audit also identified weaknesses in the design and protection of the expressway's electrical cable system. Cables installed along the median had been partly covered using Hume pipes with a semi-circular diameter of around three feet, instead of being completely enclosed in concrete.

A field inspection found that the method of installation had left the cables vulnerable, allowing them to be relatively easily cut and removed.

According to the audit findings, theft incidents continued to increase after the first case was reported in 2021, with no adequate security mechanism introduced to prevent further incidents. The report also noted that responsible supervisory officers had failed to take the necessary measures.

The financial impact could be significantly higher when the cost of repairing damage across the entire expressway is considered. Based on a comparison with the estimate prepared for the first 10 kilometres, the audit estimated that repairs throughout the expressway could cost more than Rs. 1.77 billion.

The audit further highlighted shortcomings in efforts to identify those responsible for the thefts and resulting damage, noting that adequate action had not been taken in this regard.

Late Ajwad Hashim Memorial Trophy

MALSHIP Group of Companies Sponsors Championship

M. I. Thaha of Moors Sports Club (MSC) was crowned the National 6 Reds Snooker Champion 2026 after a thrilling and closely fought 5–4 victory over Susantha Boteju of YMBA Colombo in the grand final of the 6 Reds Snooker National Championship 2026, played for the prestigious Late Ajwad Hashim Memorial Trophy.

Organised by the Billiards & Snooker Association of Sri Lanka (B&SASL), the championship brought together leading snooker players from across the country in a district-based competition before reaching its decisive knockout stages.

The championship was held with the valued sponsorship of the MALSHIP Group of Companies, whose continued support has contributed significantly towards the promotion and development of cue sports in Sri Lanka.

The tournament commenced with the district competitions, with the Kandy and Ratnapura District Championships conducted on August 8 and 9, followed by the Kegalle, Galle and Gampaha District Championships on August 15 and 16. The Colombo District competition was conducted separately to accommodate players involved in preparations and selection activities for international cue sports competition.

The national championship subsequently entered its knockout stage, where the country's leading players battled for a place in the final four.

In the quarter-finals, M. I. Thaha defeated M. Rikaz 4–1, while Susantha Boteju defeated H. A. M. Rimzan 4–0. Bilal Sattar recorded a 4–0 victory over M. Prathap, while M. F. M. Fahim defeated A. M. M. Silmy 4–0.

The semi-finals produced two further decisive encounters. Susantha Boteju defeated M. F. M. Fahim 5–1, while M. I. Thaha overcame Bilal Sattar by the same 5–1 scoreline, setting up a much-anticipated final between Thaha and Boteju.

The grand final lived up to expectations, developing into a tight contest between two determined players. With the score reaching 5–4, Thaha secured the decisive frame to claim the National 6 Reds title and the Late Ajwad Hashim Memorial Trophy.

Boteju's performance throughout the championship earned him the runner-up position, while his performance in the final provided a strong challenge to the eventual champion.

The tournament also provided an important platform for Sri Lanka's leading cueists to demonstrate their skills ahead of international competition. Sri Lankan players are scheduled to compete in several cue sports disciplines, including Snooker, Billiards, Pool and Heyball Pool, at the Commonwealth Cue Sports Championship in India.

The concluding awards ceremony provided an opportunity to recognise the achievements of the players and acknowledge those who contributed to the successful conduct of the championship.

The Billiards & Snooker Association of Sri Lanka extended its sincere appreciation to the MALSHIP Group of Companies for its sponsorship and continued support towards the development of cue sports in Sri Lanka.

The Association also expressed its gratitude to Mr. Zuresh Hasim, President of Moors Sports Club, for his valuable support and hospitality in facilitating the successful conduct of the championship and its concluding activities at Moors Sports Club.

The B&SASL further acknowledged the contribution of the players, referees, tournament officials, affiliated clubs, organisers, supporters and spectators whose cooperation helped make the championship a success.

With Thaha adding the 2026 National 6 Reds title to his record, the championship concluded with a memorable final and further highlighted the growing standard and competitiveness of snooker in Sri Lanka.

Final Result

Champion: M. I. Thaha – Moors Sports Club (MSC)
Runner-up: Susantha Boteju – YMBA Colombo
Final Score: Thaha defeated Boteju 5–4
Tournament: 6 Reds Snooker National Championship 2026
Trophy: Late Ajwad Hashim Memorial Trophy
Organised by: Billiards & Snooker Association of Sri Lanka
Sponsored by: MALSHIP Group of Companies

The Colombo High Court has scheduled November 3, 2026, for a pre-trial conference in the money laundering case filed against Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and his grandmother Daisy Forrest.

The case was taken up before the Colombo High Court today (September 28), with Yoshitha Rajapaksa appearing before the court.

Daisy Forrest, who is named as the second accused, did not attend the proceedings. President’s Counsel Anil Silva appeared on her behalf and submitted a medical report to the court.

Following consideration of the submissions made during the hearing, the judge directed that the case be called again on November 3 for the pre-trial conference.

The case was instituted by the Attorney General under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The allegations concern the deposit of nearly Rs. 57 million into three bank accounts, with the prosecution alleging that the money had been acquired through unlawful means.

The proceedings will continue with the pre-trial conference scheduled for November 3, 2026.

The Inland Revenue Department has announced that individuals will be required to produce a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Certificate when carrying out several specified transactions from November 1, 2026.

The requirement applies under provisions introduced through the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act, No. 11 of 2026.

According to the Inland Revenue Department, a TIN is mandatory for resident individuals who were aged 18 or above as of December 31, 2023, as well as those who reach the age of 18 on or after January 1, 2024.

The Department said the requirement is based on Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 2334/21, issued on May 31, 2023, under Section 102(3) of the Inland Revenue Act, No. 24 of 2017, as amended.

From November 1, individuals covered by the relevant provisions will have to submit a valid TIN Certificate when undertaking the following transactions:

• Opening an account with a bank or financial institution
• Obtaining approval for a building plan
• Registering a motor vehicle
• Renewing a motor vehicle licence
• Registering land or a title to land
• Registering a business
• Transferring shares of a company incorporated in Sri Lanka
• Obtaining a credit card

The Department said officials responsible for processing these transactions have been instructed to verify that a valid TIN Certificate has been submitted before completing the relevant transaction.

Individuals who do not yet have a TIN have therefore been advised to obtain one before carrying out any of the specified activities.

Applications for a TIN can be submitted through the Inland Revenue Department's e-Services platform.

The Department also advised TIN holders to retain a valid copy of their certificate and produce it to the relevant institution or official whenever required.

In addition, individuals can verify their TIN through the Department's e-Services portal. A printout of the verification result showing both the individual's National Identity Card number and TIN may also be accepted in place of the official TIN Certificate for the specified transactions.

Sri Lanka should secure a successor agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to targetedly reduce poverty, drive exports, and ease public hardship, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said.

Delivering a special statement following recent comments by Minister Bimal Rathnayake regarding plans to exit the IMF programme when the current Extended Fund Facility expires in March 2027, the Opposition Leader warned that an abrupt departure would expose the island nation to severe economic risks.

The warning comes as fiscal metrics highlight the precarious nature of the domestic economy.

Projections from the multilateral lender indicate that total public debt will remain at 100 per cent of gross domestic product in 2026 before easing slightly to 96 per cent in 2027.

Over the same period, external foreign debt is forecast to rise from 51 per cent to 52 per cent of national output.

With debt servicing and interest obligations set to consume 8.5 per cent of gross domestic product in 2026 and 7.4 per cent in 2027, absorbing approximately 15 per cent of total government revenue, long-term strategic economic management remains imperative to prevent a relapse into insolvency.

The Opposition Leader stressed that macroeconomic stability achieved under the existing arrangement has relied on severe sacrifices imposed on ordinary citizens.

Countering statements that the economic recovery will be complete by March 2027, he insisted that the current programme remains flawed and incomplete.

While acknowledging the necessity of strict fiscal discipline until the expiry date of 3 March 2027, he said that the government must proactively construct a credible alternative framework.

Such a plan, he noted, must safeguard international credibility, ensure sustainable debt, maintain robust foreign exchange reserves, preserve market access, and protect investor confidence, while simultaneously offering immediate relief to farmers, fishermen, labourers, entrepreneurs, the self-employed, youth, women, and children across the country.

Chinari Lakmanthi Hettiarachchi, the wife of former Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardhana, has been arrested by officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) over an alleged bribery offence.

According to the allegations, Hettiarachchi provided Rs. 50,000 to an office assistant attached to the Colombo High Court.

The alleged payment was intended to influence a judge to impose a suspended prison sentence in connection with a case pending against former Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardena.

Hettiarachchi is due to be produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court later today, where further legal proceedings are expected.

The bribery allegations are currently under investigation by the Bribery Commission.

A democratic alternative to the current government can only be built through a broad popular movement with a modern policy vision rather than old political faces or traditional alliances, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Member of Parliament S.M. Marikkar said.

Speaking at a press conference held in Colombo yesterday, he said that the role of the opposition must extend beyond mere criticism of the government.

He emphasised that opposition parties must instead present a clear policy framework to address the severe economic challenges facing the public.

Policy vision over old faces

Marikkar noted that citizens are demanding a new political culture and a coherent strategy rather than groupings centered on prominent figures.

He said that competition against the ruling government should occur on ideological and policy grounds rather than through personal agendas or outdated political methods.

He observed that other democratic factions within the opposition remain free to pursue independent action on public issues, asserting that genuine public opinion is built through active grassroots engagement.

Easing daily living costs

Marikkar urged the government to implement its promises to relieve financial pressure on ordinary families.

He called for a reduction in electricity tariffs to assist households and small businesses, alongside tax relief on education, health, and essential food items to lower the cost of living.

Marikkar also advocated for collateral free loans for young entrepreneurs and tech driven job creation, affirming that the main opposition remains dedicated to protecting fundamental rights, institutional independence, and public economic security.

Three people have died in two separate incidents involving sharp weapons reported in Panichchankulam and Sittandi, police said.

In Panichchankulam, within the Mankulam Police Division, an elderly married couple was fatally injured during an attack at their residence yesterday morning (24).

Police said the couple suffered serious injuries after being assaulted with a sharp weapon. They were subsequently taken to the Mankulam Base Hospital, where both later died.

The victims were identified as a 70-year-old man and his 68-year-old wife, both from Panichchankulam in the Mankulam area.

The circumstances surrounding the attack and the motive for the killings remain unclear. Mankulam Police are continuing investigations to determine the circumstances of the incident and locate those responsible.

Meanwhile, a separate fatal attack was reported in Sittandi, under the Santhively Police Division.

According to police, a man attacked his wife with a sharp weapon yesterday afternoon, causing fatal injuries. The victim was a 32-year-old woman from the Sittandi area.

Initial investigations indicate that the incident may have stemmed from a family dispute.

Police have arrested the suspect and recovered the knife allegedly used in the attack. Santhively Police are conducting further investigations into the circumstances surrounding the woman's death.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harshana Rajakaruna says the ruling National peoples' Power (NPP) government is betraying its own reform mandate by pushing through legislation that echoes the constitutional excesses of previous governments.

He made these remarks in parliament yesterday (25), noting that a government voted into office to correct past errors was instead repeating them.

Rajakaruna said that his party had opposed damaging constitutional amendments introduced by earlier governments and that this consistent record gave the opposition standing to object when current policy appeared to follow the same pattern.

He said that the government's parliamentary conduct in recent weeks stood in sharp contrast to the promises it had made on the campaign trail, and he said this gap between rhetoric and action could not be allowed to pass without scrutiny.

Rajakaruna said that formal objections to the disputed bill had come from several quarters, including the Chief Prelates, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka and the United Nations, all of whom had cautioned the government against proceeding with the legislation.

He said that none of these representations were given serious consideration, and claimed the government had effectively discarded the communication sent by the Chief Prelates without proper response.

He described this as evidence that the Dissanayake government was unwilling to engage with legitimate institutional concern, whether raised locally or internationally.

Rajakaruna also called on the government to protect the independence of the court system and to resist what he described as growing political influence over judicial affairs centred on "Pelawatte".

He said the concerns he was raising were not confined to the opposition benches, noting that domestic professional bodies and international observers had voiced similar unease over the direction of the proposed changes.

Leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Sajith Premadasa has pledged that his party would repeal the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution if it forms the next government.

Premadasa made these remarks while addressing thousands of SJB supporters who gathered near Parliament at Polduwa Junction, Battaramulla, yesterday (24) to protest against the proposed amendment, coinciding with the Bill being taken up for debate in the House.

The Opposition Leader said that even if the amendment was passed, an SJB government would move to scrap it.

He noted that the proposed changes would undermine democracy and judicial independence while enabling an excessive concentration of political power within the Executive.

He further alleged that the amendment was designed to pave the way for a one party state, placing the country under the control of a single political force.

Speaking to the large crowd despite heavy rain, Premadasa said the protest had been conducted peacefully and that there was no intention among demonstrators to resort to violence, adding that they had assembled solely to protect democracy.

He challenged the government to prove its confidence in facing the electorate by holding long delayed Provincial Council elections.

He also accused groups aligned with the government of attempting to suppress turnout at the rally through public statements and other discouraging measures.

Premadasa said the SJB remained open to working with any democratic and corruption free political force committed to the country's progress and public welfare, referring to ongoing discussions on cooperation among Opposition parties, including the United National Party.

SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara said the protest had been organised specifically against the proposed amendment, which the party viewed as a measure capable of opening the door to authoritarian rule.

The protest began around 9 a.m. and ran alongside parliamentary proceedings on the Bill, which are set to continue today.

The Supreme Court has ruled that the amendment does not require approval by referendum and can be passed with a special majority in Parliament.

The protest led to considerable traffic congestion on roads surrounding Parliament and Polduwa Junction, while security was significantly tightened across the parliamentary complex, with a heavy police presence visible at both the junction and the main entrance to Parliament.

Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa yesterday called in Parliament for the immediate withdrawal of the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, alleging that the legislation degrades fundamental rights and undermines the rule of law.

Addressing the House during the parliamentary debate on the bill, Premadasa claimed that the government is attempting to subjugate the Judiciary to executive supremacy.

He asserted that the proposed changes dismantle the separation of powers and convert judicial institutions into instruments of the executive branch, contradicting the administration's stated commitment to democratic reform.

Threat to judicial independence

Premadasa argued that no comprehensive study supports the extension of the retirement age of judges, noting that a 2023 Asian Development Bank report on judicial issues omitted any such recommendation.

Citing the Jagath Dias v. Upali Abeyratne case, where a three-judge Supreme Court Bench determined that extending judges' retirement ages required a referendum, he questioned President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's current stance, despite the Supreme Court ruling that this specific amendment does not require a public vote.

He further noted that decisions regarding judicial tenures should involve a full Bench constituted strictly by seniority, accusing the administration of ignoring key legal stakeholders.

Recalling past shifts in executive power through the 17th to the 21st Amendments, Premadasa stated that past centralisation of authority contributed directly to the island's recent financial collapse.

Allegations of political subjugation

Rejecting claims that opposition to the bill is politically motivated, Premadasa highlighted that independent legal bodies, including the Colombo High Court Lawyers' Association and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, have voiced strong objections to the legislation.

He refuted allegations regarding his party's ties to legal figures and dismissed previous government assertions, pointing out that official assurances given on 11 June 2026 regarding the matter were contradicted by subsequent developments on 23 June.

Premadasa accused the ruling coalition of abandoning its manifesto pledge to abolish the executive presidency, warning instead that the government is steering the nation towards authoritarian control directed from the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna headquarters in Pelawatte.

The SJB leader reiterated his party's stance against the concentration of power, warning that the passage of the amendment risks establishing an unaccountable executive authority over independent state institutions.