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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that in order to advance the country economically, it is essential to ensure efficiency and transparency across all sectors. He further noted that the current government’s digitalisation programme is designed to elevate Sri Lanka not only economically but also socially.

The President made these remarks today (19), while participating in the ceremony held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), Colombo, to launch the National Cyber Protection Strategy (2025–2029) and to declare open the National Cyber Security Operations Centre (NCSOC).

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (Sri Lanka CERT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Economy and with the technical support of the World Bank, has introduced the National Cyber Protection Strategy 2025–2029. This initiative aims to establish a secure, reliable and inclusive digital ecosystem as a significant step in the country’s digital economic transformation programme.

The strategy envisions the establishment of the necessary legal and administrative framework for cyber security, the creation of a skilled workforce equipped with knowledge and expertise in cyber security and the enhancement of public awareness, including among schoolchildren. It also seeks to improve the preparedness of state institutions, strengthen the capacity of Sri Lanka CERT, protect institutions that manage critical digital infrastructure and foster collaboration with multiple stakeholders to create a secure cyberspace.

The National Cyber Security Operations Centre, inaugurated today, will provide 24-hour monitoring of 37 institutions managing critical digital infrastructure, including the Department of Immigration and Emigration, the Department of Motor Traffic and the Department of Inland Revenue, in order to identify and respond to potential cyber-attacks. Its mandate includes the continuous monitoring of cyber threats, risks and attacks, issuing immediate alerts to relevant parties and protecting government systems and public digital services. The centre will also support both state institutions and the private sector to ensure safe digital operations by strengthening system resilience, providing early warnings, ensuring swift responses to threats and raising awareness. The benefits of the centre include continuity of operations, rapid response, cost-effectiveness, compliance and trust.

The National Cyber Protection Strategy (2025–2029) was formally presented to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who also serves as the Minister of Digital Economy, by the Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Mr. Eranga Weeraratne.

Addressing the gathering, the President further observed that countries capable of swiftly harnessing advances in science and technology achieve rapid progress. He emphasised that the national cyber security framework will play a crucial role in safeguarding national security, strengthening the economy and protecting citizens’ way of life.

Commenting further, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that today marks the beginning of a significant undertaking. He noted that what has been opened is not merely a building or an office. If Sri Lanka is to pursue a strong path of digitalisation, he stressed, security, resilience and reliability are indispensable. The cyber security system inaugurated today is therefore a vital milestone in Sri Lanka’s digital economic journey.

Whether considering politics or the global economic trajectory, the key factor is that countries able to rapidly absorb technological and scientific advancements move swiftly toward the forefront of development. Conversely, states that fail to adopt these advances are increasingly left behind. This, I believe, is the core of the crisis currently facing Sri Lanka.

We all know that many ideas and concepts were generated in the 16th and 17th centuries, yet most of them only became a reality in the 20th century. Advances in health, the emergence of democratic elections allowing people to choose their leaders in a world once dominated by royal hierarchies and new forms of human interaction all came into practical existence during this period. Similarly, the digitalized world began to assume a major role from the late 20th century onward.

We are faced with two possible paths. The first is to rapidly embrace digitalization and transform it into a practical reality, enabling us to progress in step with advanced nations. The alternative failing to adopt these technological advancements will only widen the gap between us and the rest of the world.

The knowledge, tools and systems enabled by modern technology must be swiftly integrated into our state. For this reason, digitalization has been recognized as a priority programme of the government, with scholars and professionals contributing their expertise and dedication to its advancement.

Our public service has inherited a history of significant decline. Once proud of having a strong and respected public service in the 1970s, we remain trapped in that past glory while burdened with a system in decay. Through digitalization, this failing state machinery must be transformed into one that is efficient and responsive. Most importantly, the services provided to citizens must be streamlined to ensure efficiency and reliability. To deliver a satisfactory and effective public service, new systems must be established, ensuring that the benefits of this efficiency are directly experienced by the people.

Transparency is equally crucial. Our state machinery currently faces a profound crisis in transparency, affecting areas such as procurement, grants, recruitment and policy decisions. Digitalization, therefore, plays a vital role in establishing and ensuring this transparency.

Moreover, digitalization is essential not only for meeting human needs but also for creating new markets and economic opportunities. Through digitalization, businesses can access and capture emerging markets. Recent successes in both public and private institutions demonstrate that such innovations have led to the creation of new markets. Therefore, digitalization holds significant importance for the business sector as well.

For a country to progress economically, social life must be made efficient and this is achieved through the digital economy. Rather than living a constrained life, digitalization provides tools that allow daily needs to be met freely and conveniently. Therefore, whether in public service, the business sector or among ordinary citizens, digitalization should become the central strategy of our economy.

Some express concern that people might become like machines and lose their human emotions. This is not the case. Humans are naturally emotional and socially connected. The path forward lies in creating a robust network to prevent potential risks and this network can be built using technology itself. It must continue to be developed, as the knowledge gained today is generating new knowledge, driving rapid transformation. This is a dynamic process. In the past, threats could be countered by building walls, but cyber-security is not a static wall, it must continuously confront and mitigate threats. Therefore, the national cyber-security system is crucial for safeguarding national security, the economy and the daily lives of citizens. Appreciation is extended to all scholars and professionals who have contributed to this effort and congratulations are offered for advancing these initiatives with even greater strength.

The event was also attended by Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne, Deputy Minister of Defence Major General (Retired) Aruna Jayasekara, Senior Advisor to the President on Digital Economy and Chairman of the Information and Communication Technology Agency Dr. Hans Wijesuriya, Senior Digital Development Specialist at the World Bank Ida S. Mboob, Secretary to the Prime Minister G. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Acting Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Chairman of the SLCERT Thilak Pathirage, along with a group of experts and scholars in the field.

President’s Media Division (PMD)

19.09.2025

Samarappulige Niraj Roshan, also known as ‘Ali Roshan’, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison by the Colombo High Court for keeping an elephant without a valid permit. He was also fined Rs. 20.6 million, and the elephant was ordered to be taken by the authorities. The verdict was given by Justices Manjula Thilakaratne, R.S.S. Sapuvida, and Lanka Jayaratne after a long trial. Three other people charged in the case were found not guilty and released.

Warner Bros. Discovery today announced that its premier global streaming service HBO Max will launch direct-to-consumer in new markets across Asia Pacific on October 15, including Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Macau, Mongolia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

A full list of launch markets can be viewed here.

HBO Max is the home of the world’s most premium entertainment brands, featuring HBO, Harry Potter, the DC Universe, Cartoon Network, Max Originals, and the best of Hollywood movies, as well as can’t-miss programming from Discovery, TLC, AFN, Food Network, ID* and HGTV, all in one place.

Shortly after the launch of HBO Max, subscribers can look forward to the premiere of the newest HBO Original drama, IT: Welcome to Derry. Set in the world of Stephen King’s IT universe, IT: Welcome to Derry is based on King’s “IT” novel and expands the vision established by filmmaker Andy Muschietti in the feature films IT and IT Chapter Two. The series stars Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, James Remar, Stephen Rider, Madeleine Stowe, Rudy Mancuso, and Bill Skarsgård, and is developed for television by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs.

HBO Max will offer subscribers Hollywood hits like Superman, Sinners and Final Destination Bloodlines, culture-defining HBO and Max Originals such as House of the Dragon, The Last of Us, The Penguin, and The Pitt, new series, including The Paper and MobLand^, as well as best in class real-life stories like Gold Rush, Deadliest Catch, and 90 Day Fiancé. Family favorites from Adventure Time, We Bare Bears, Tom and Jerry and Looney Tunes, to The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball will also be available to stream^.

From October 15, subscribers can enjoy an elevated and consumer-centric streaming experience on multiple devices with an easy to navigate interface, including seamless search, genre rails, brand hubs and personalization, allowing subscribers to create up to five unique profiles, each customizable with favorite characters as avatars and receive content picks based on viewing habits. Subscribers can also save their preferred content and pick up where they left off with Continue Watching or download to watch on the go. Families can also customize profiles for kids, curated with age-appropriate content and parental controls.

JB Perrette, CEO and President of Global Streaming & Games at Warner Bros. Discovery, said: “Following successful launches in Australia and Europe earlier this year, the global expansion of HBO Max continues to bring unparallelled entertainment to more fans across the world. By the end of the year, HBO Max will be available in more than 100 markets, with more to come in 2026, including major launches in Germany, Italy and the U.K.”

From launch, HBO Max will be available for subscription through www.hbomax.com, and through select partners – additional details will be announced in the coming weeks.

(adaderana.lk)

A minor earthquake has occurred in the sea off Trincomalee.

The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau said that the earthquake occurred at around 4.06 pm today.

Its intensity is 3.9 magnitude.

The earthquake occurred in the ocean region 60 kilometers from Trincomalee.

The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau stated that the earthquake was recorded at the Pallekele, Hakmana and Mahakanadara seismic monitoring stations.

Meanwhile, our News 1st correspondent says that the earthquake was felt by people in Trincomalee, Thoppur and other areas.

Six people killed in multiple accidents across Sri Lanka yesterday

Yesterday, six people lost their lives in several fatal accidents in different parts of the country.

• In Homagama, a 48-year-old resident of the area died after losing control of his motorcycle on the High Level Road in Kendalanda. The bike overturned and collided with a bus coming from the opposite direction.
• On the Mannar-Wankal road near the NSB Junction in Wankal, a motorcycle traveling from Mannar collided with a bicycle coming the same way. The motorcyclist, passenger, and cyclist were injured. A 70-year-old cyclist from Wankal later died in the hospital.
• In Kosgoda, at the Gonagapola Junction on Yalugama-Kaikawala Road, a motorcycle collided with a three-wheeler while trying to turn into a side road. The motorcyclist and passenger were admitted to Bambalapitiya Hospital, but a 66-year-old female passenger from Galthuduwa later died.
• In Anuradhapura, a pedestrian was hit by a car last night near the new bus stop on the main road while the vehicle was turning. The pedestrian was admitted to Anuradhapura Hospital but later died. The driver has been taken into custody.
• On the Pinduduwa South Expressway in Akmeemana, two motorcycles collided, killing a 69-year-old rider from Yakgaha, Walahanduwa.
• In Kilinochchi, a 26-year-old died in a road accident on the Uruththipuram road after being hit by a bus. The bus driver has been taken into custody.

The second day of Disrupt Asia 2025, Sri Lanka’s premier startup conference and innovation festival, unfolded today with the main conference, drawing international attention and underscoring the country’s ambition to position itself as South Asia’s emerging innovation hub.

The event, running from September 17–20, has attracted more than 100 venture capitalists from 20 countries, alongside global startup delegations, reflecting unprecedented confidence in Sri Lanka’s digital future.

The main conference was held today (18) at Cinnamon Life under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who underscored the government’s commitment to positioning innovation at the heart of national development. The president also toured the Startup Showcase.

Opening the sessions, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eng. Eranga Weeraratne highlighted the government’s vision to use innovation as a national growth engine. “Disrupt Asia 2025 is a catalyst to empower our youth, attract global investment and accelerate our digital economy,” he said. “It creates the vital bridge between talented entrepreneurs and global opportunities, positioning Sri Lanka as the gateway for innovation across South Asia.”

Building on this message, Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya delivered a presentation on unlocking Sri Lanka as South Asia’s Innovation Hub, outlining Sri Lanka’s bold digital ambitions. He announced plans for a fivefold expansion of the digital economy worth $15 billion over the next four years, alongside targets to triple digital exports, double the digital talent pool, and improve by 25 points on global digital benchmarks. Stressing that Sri Lanka’s startup and IT ecosystems remain under-invested, he called on local and global partners to seize this rare growth opportunity. “The $15 billion opportunity will be captured,” he declared. “The question is, who will seize it? Those who invest now harness Sri Lanka’s talent and partner in this transformation will be the winners of tomorrow.”

Dr. Wijayasuriya emphasized Sri Lanka’s investor-friendly climate, highlighting its proven record of safeguarding FDI, low churn rates and guaranteed profit repatriation. He unveiled new policies enabling up to 90% of FDI reinvestment into overseas subsidiaries of Sri Lankan startups, as well as the opening of government digital systems to private developers through APIs and marketplaces. Central to this strategy, he noted, is a “government-as-a-platform” model, where the state enables innovation, building 20% while leaving 80% of value creation to the private sector.

Policymakers, investors and entrepreneurs joined a programme headlined by global leaders including Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Founder & CEO of Paytm, and Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy and Chairman of ICTA.

Disrupt Asia 2025 opened with the Venture Engine competition, where 12 promising startups pitched to top investors and will conclude with the Innovation Festival at Trace Expert City, attracting over 5,000 participants. More than 50 startups will exhibit alongside workshops, interactive pavilions and networking sessions, making it one of the largest public tech events in Sri Lanka.

With strong government backing, bold digital ambitions and growing international confidence, Disrupt Asia 2025 marks a decisive step in Sri Lanka’s journey to becoming South Asia’s leading innovation hub.

Early landslide warnings have been issued for multiple areas in five districts as heavy rainfall continues in parts of the island.

Landslide warnings will be in effect from 10:00 a.m. today (19) and will remain in effect until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow (20), the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) said.

Accordingly, a Level 1 (Yellow) warning has been issued for several Divisional Secretariat Divisions (DSDs) and surrounding areas in the Colombo, Kalutara, Kegalle, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura districts as follows:

Colombo: Seethawaka Divisional Secretariat DSD and surrounding areas.

Kalutara: Ingiriya and Horana Divisional Secretariat DSD and surrounding areas.

Kegalle: Dehiowita Divisional Secretariat DSD and surrounding areas.

Nuwara Eliya: Kotmale Divisional Secretariat DSD and surrounding areas.

Ratnapura: Ratnapura Divisional Secretariat DSD and surrounding areas.

(adaderana.lk)

The wife of Backhoe Saman has been remanded until September 25.

The order was issued by the relevant court after she was presented in connection with serious narcotics-related allegations under the Poisons, Opium, and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance.

The Director of the Police Narcotics Bureau has also been instructed by the court to appear on September 25 and provide a detailed explanation regarding the charges filed against the suspect.

Former State Minister Shasheendra Rajapaksa has been further remanded until September 22 by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court over allegations under the Public Property Act.

The case was postponed to next Monday as Chief Magistrate Asanka S. Bodaragama is on leave. A decision on Rajapaksa’s bail application will also be given on September 22.

Rajapaksa was arrested by the Bribery Commission on charges of corruption. He is accused of illegally obtaining Rs. 8.85 million as compensation for the destruction of his political office, which had been built on Mahaweli land, during the ‘Aragalaya’ protests.

A person has been taken into custody along with 138 counterfeit Rs. 5,000 currency notes.

Police stated that the suspect responsible for printing the counterfeit notes was arrested early this morning (18) within the jurisdiction of the Pihimbiyagollewa Police Division. A laptop computer, scanner, and printing machine were also found in his possession.

Further, police revealed that on the evening of September 17, 2025, acting on information received, a team of police officers attached to the Habarana Police Division carried out a search in the Habarana town area, during which a suspicious individual was found in possession of three counterfeit Rs. 5,000 notes.

Following his arrest and subsequent questioning, information was uncovered leading to the apprehension of two more suspects in the Habarana and Anuradhapura areas, each found in possession of two counterfeit Rs. 5,000 notes.

Based on additional information revealed during investigations, the main suspect who had allegedly printed the counterfeit notes was also arrested.

The arrested suspects, aged between 23 and 42, are residents of Habarana, Anuradhapura, and Paedewa.

Habarana Police are conducting further investigations into the incident.

The Sri Lanka Police urges the general public to exercise caution and carefully verify the authenticity of currency notes when making purchases or engaging in financial transactions. Members of the public are further requested to immediately inform the Sri Lanka Police of any individuals found to be in possession of, or engaging in transactions with, counterfeit currency notes.

Police arrested the suspected gunman in the killing of political activist Dan Priyasad last night in Ranwala, Kegalle, along with two others, including a woman.

Priyasad, who led the “Nawa Sinhale National Movement,” was shot on April 22 at the Laksanda Sevana Housing Complex in Wellampitiya. He was taken to the Colombo National Hospital but died soon after. He had been shot four times—in the chest and shoulder.

Soon after the attack, Priyasad’s brother and a father-son duo, Bandula Piyal and Madhava Sudarshana, went into hiding. The Western Province South Crime Division then began investigations and arrested a suspect named Dulan two days later.

During questioning, Dulan claimed that the murder was planned by underworld figure and drug trafficker ‘Kanjipani Imran’ with the help of the father-son duo. Later, police arrested the father in Cinnamon Gardens on May 2.

The Dambulla Waste Management Facility, an award-winning waste management project in the country initiated with an investment of around Rs. 650 million, has reportedly become completely inactive.

Due to the shutdown of the waste management facility, garbage collected from several districts has been dumped into the forests, according to residents who claim that as a result, the wild animals including elephants have resorted to eating the garbage.

For a period of time, garbage collected from Dambulla city was dumped in a forest reserve, leading to significant environmental damage and the death of wild animals.

Following continuous protests by environmentalists, the Dambulla Municipal Council intervened and launched a waste management project.

The initiative successfully introduced several programs, including organic fertilizer production, hospital waste disposal, a polythene incinerator, and broader waste management measures.

Furthermore, the site was named ‘Pivithuru Arana’ and designated as a tourist zone, attracting the attention of both locals and foreigners. Electric vehicles were even operated in the area for visitors to observe elephants.

However, all such activities have now been entirely discontinued, and the collected waste is once again being transported to the Digampathaha Reserve for disposal.

The project in question is a waste management initiative that was launched previously using Japanese technology, with an estimated investment of around Rs. 650 million.

The iron fence installed to prevent wild elephants from entering the garbage yard has been dismantled, and the bamboo plantation cultivated for organic fertilizer production has been completely destroyed.

In addition, the two electric vehicles previously used to observe wild elephants and the waste management facility are now falling into decay.

The Mayor of the Dambulla Municipal Council, Wasantha K. Rajamanthri, stated that the project was carried out without proper management under the previous administration.

He further noted that maintaining the waste management yard has been challenging due to significant vacancies among management staff.

According to reports, the Central Environmental Authority (CEA), the Department of Wildlife, the Department of Forest Conservation, and the Dambulla Municipal Council are now focusing on re-operating the site effectively in the future.

(adaderana.lk)