A new table salt production facility at the Elephant Pass (Alimankada) saltern was officially declared open today (March 29), under the patronage of Minister of Industries and Enterprise Development Sunil Handunnetti. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and modern facilities, the factory is capable of producing up to five metric tons of table salt per hour. The facility will manufacture iodine-mixed table salt branded as “Raja Lunu” in 1kg and 400g retail packs, which will be made available to consumers at an affordable price starting April 1.
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A protest was held this afternoon near the Police Headquarters in Slave Island, demanding the release of a 20-year-old Muslim youth who was arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) for allegedly pasting a sticker condemning Israeli military actions in Gaza. According to protesters, The young man, employed as a salesperson at a shop inside a well-known shopping mall in the Slave Island area, was arrested on 22nd March after CCTV footage reportedly identified him pasting the sticker. Protesters say he is currently being held under a detention order by the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID). Protesters serious concerns over the arrest, questioning whether peaceful expression of solidarity with Palestine could be considered an act of terrorism. Thousands of stickers in support of Palestine were distributed across the city during the protest as demonstrators voiced concern over the suppression of free expression and the misuse of counter-terror laws. Meanwhile according lawyer Hejaaz Hizbullah, Miflal Moulavi, who organised today’s protest, was summoned to the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD).
According to lawyer Hejaaz Hizbullah, Moulavi was also taken to his residence, reportedly for a search. Commenting on the matter, Opposition MP Mujibur Rahman questioned whether the Sri Lankan government’s long-standing policy of support for Palestine still stands, in light of the arrest and the response to the protest. (NewsWire)
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A walk aimed at raising awareness on road safety and accident prevention was held in Colombo today (29), organized by the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA). The walk, themed “Road Safety and Accident Prevention,” started from Galle Face and concluded at Viharamahadevi Park, followed by a public awareness event. The initiative was supported by the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, the Ministry of Transport, security forces, and several other organizations. Health Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena, SLMA President Dr. Surantha Perera, WHO Representative Dr. Alaka Singh, and Transport Ministry Secretary Prof. Kapila Perera participated in the event. Veteran cricketers Sanath Jayasuriya and Aravinda de Silva, along with motor racing champion Dilantha Malagamuwa, also took part in support of the cause. Organizers stressed the urgent need for a consistent and long-term national strategy to prevent road accidents and save lives. (NewsWire)
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A public awareness campaign titled “UNDO Doesn’t Work in Real Life” was launched yesterday to address the growing threat of harmful speech and misinformation, while fostering empathy, accountability, and responsible storytelling in Sri Lanka. This joint campaign is a collaborative initiative by the United Nations in Sri Lanka together with the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, and is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNICEF in Sri Lanka, with support from the UN Sri Lanka SDG Fund. Held in Colombo, the launch event saw the participation of Hon. Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media; Mr. Marc-Andre Franche, Resident Coordinator, United Nations in Sri Lanka; Ms. Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative, UNDP Sri Lanka; and Mr. Christian Skoog, Representative, UNICEF Sri Lanka alongside senior ministry officials, journalists, civil society actors, and media professionals. Commenting on the effects of dangerous speech, Hon. Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media noted, “The power to combat hate speech misinformation and disinformation does not lie only with the government, tech companies and journalists, it lies also with the people. Let us work together to strengthen the policies to combat online hate speech and misinformation.” The centrepiece of the campaign is a series of short videos, developed using real-time data from Sri Lanka’s online and offline spaces. These stories reflect the very real consequences of dangerous speech on individuals and communities, particularly women, youth, and marginalized groups.
Mr. Marc-Andre Franche, the United Nations Resident Coordinator highlighted the UN Secretary-General’s Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech which provides a clear framework to counter hate while upholding freedom of expression—a balance that is critical in a rapidly polarizing global and national media landscape in which greater responsibility is placed on governments, civil society, media and individual users to navigate online harm: “The rise in online harmful speech, particularly during politically sensitive periods, is a disturbing trend we must confront together”, stated Mr. Franche. According to the UN Early Warning Brief (February 2025), 46% of online harmful speech still targets women, despite a 22% month-on-month drop in total harmful content. These trends reinforce the urgent need for public awareness, especially around the gendered impacts of disinformation and hate speech. “In the digital world, you can press ‘undo’ — but in real life, the damage caused by harmful speech is ingrained in someone’s hearts and minds, and often irreversible,” said Ms. Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative, UNDP in Sri Lanka. “We hope the media will carry this message forward to enhance awareness amongst the public on the unintended and intended consequences of harmful speech, and promote responsible dialogue towards social cohesion.” “As UNICEF we have taken several actions to empower communities and future generations. We are equipping young minds with skills to engage in safe internet use and nurture critical thinking skills to recognize, challenge, and reject false and harmful language before it takes root”, said Christian Skoog, UNICEF Representative in Sri Lanka. “In addition, UNICEF is working with grassroots organizations and religious leaders to actively prevent and counter hate speech and misinformation in their communities”, he added. The campaign which will run on mainstream media and digital outlets aims to spark national conversation, build digital literacy, and encourage responsible storytelling with media professionals playing a central role in carrying the message to the public.
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The Ministry of Education has announced that April 1, 2025, will be an additional school holiday for all Muslim schools in observance of the Ramadan festival. This decision aims to allow students and staff to fully participate in the religious celebrations. The date for the compensatory school day will be communicated in due course.
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A recent statement made by Ven. Dodampahala Rahula Thera during a religious ceremony held to bless former President Ranil Wickremesinghe on his birthday has sparked widespread discussion on social media. Speaking at the event, Ven. Rahula Thera had claimed that he had advised then-President Wickremesinghe not to import fuel ahead of the 2024 Presidential Election. However, the Thera has since clarified that the remark was made in error due to the pressure of the moment. “In that situation, I didn’t have a clear example in my mind. I didn’t really mean to say such a thing. I never had the opportunity to meet Ranil Sir face-to-face to make such a request,” he said during an interview with a local television channel. Ven. Rahula Thera further stated that he was unaware of the cameras present at the event and did not have time to properly consider his words. Meanwhile, during the original event on March 24, the Thera also stated that despite their request, the President had proceeded to open Letters of Credit (LCs) to import fuel for a six-month period, saying it was essential for the country. He also noted that politicians rarely engage with temples now, adding, “For every wedding or funeral, we look for politicians. That has become part of our culture.” Ven. Rahula Thera went on to say that former President Wickremesinghe has always worked to uphold the position of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. (NewsWire) The post “Never met Ranil sir to say that” Top monk backtracks on Fuel Claim appeared first on Newswire. | ↑ |
Sri Lankan journalist Namini Wijedasa has been honored with the U.S. Secretary of State’s 2025 International Women of Courage (IWOC) Award, recognizing her exceptional contributions to investigative journalism and her unwavering commitment to exposing corruption and advocating for transparency in Sri Lanka. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Wijedasa has consistently demonstrated courage and integrity in her reporting. She began her journalism journey by documenting the human impact of Sri Lanka’s civil conflict, providing a voice to those affected by the war. Her investigative work has shed light on critical issues, including governmental malfeasance and human rights violations, often at significant personal risk. The IWOC Award, established in 2007 by the U.S. Department of State, honors women worldwide who have exhibited exceptional courage, strength, and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality, and the empowerment of women and girls, often at great personal risk and sacrifice. Wijedasa’s recognition underscores her dedication to these principles and highlights the vital role of a free and independent press in promoting accountability and democratic values. The 18th annual IWOC Celebration is scheduled for April 8, 2025, at the Jonathan Club in Los Angeles. This event, presented by the American Women for International Understanding (AWIU) in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, will honor Wijedasa and her fellow awardees, providing a platform to celebrate their achievements and further their causes. (NewsWire) The post Sri Lanka’s Namini Wijedasa Honoured with 2025 International Women of Courage Award appeared first on Newswire. | ↑ |
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The death toll from a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar jumped to over 1,000 on Saturday as more bodies were pulled from the rubble of the scores of buildings that collapsed when it struck near the country’s second-largest city. The country’s military-led government said in a statement that 1,002 people have now been found dead and another 2,376 injured, with 30 others missing. The statement suggested the numbers could still rise, saying “detailed figures are still being collected.” Myanmar is in the throes of a prolonged and bloody civil war, which is already responsible for a massive humanitarian crisis. It makes movement around the country both difficult and dangerous, complicating relief efforts and raising fears that the death toll could still rise precipitously. The earthquake struck midday Friday with an epicenter not far from Mandalay, followed by several aftershocks including one measuring a strong 6.4 magnitude. It sent buildings in many areas toppling to the ground, buckled roads, caused bridges to collapse and burst a dam. In neighboring Thailand, the quake rocked the greater Bangkok area, home to some 17 million people — many of whom live in high-rise buildings — and other parts of the country. Bangkok city authorities said so far six people have been found dead, 26 injured and 47 are still missing, most from a construction site near the capital’s popular Chatuchak market. When the quake hit, the 33-story high-rise being built by a Chinese firm for the Thai government wobbled, then came crashing to the ground in a massive plume of dust that sent people screaming and fleeing from the scene. On Saturday, more heavy equipment was brought in to move the tons of rubble, but hope was fading among friends and family members of the missing that they would be found alive. Myanmar’s government said blood was in high demand in the hardest-hit areas. In a country where prior governments sometimes have been slow to accept foreign aid, Min Aung Hlaing said Myanmar was ready to accept assistance. A 37-member team from the Chinese province of Yunnan reached the city of Yangon early Saturday with earthquake detectors, drones and other supplies, the official Xinhua news agency reported. Russia’s emergencies ministry dispatched two planes carrying 120 rescuers and supplies, according to a report from the Russian state news agency Tass. India sent a search and rescue team and a medical team as well as provisions, while Malaysia’s foreign ministry said the country will send 50 people on Sunday to help identify and provide aid to the worst-hit areas. The United Nations allocated $5 million to start relief efforts. President Donald Trump said Friday that the U.S. was going to help with the response, but some experts were concerned about this effort given his administration’s deep cuts in foreign assistance. The Trump administration’s cuts to the United States Agency for International Development have already forced the United Nations and non-governmental organization to cut many programs in Myanmar. (AP) The post Myanmar earthquake death toll jumps to over 1,000 appeared first on Newswire. | ↑ |
Two Supreme Court judges have recused themselves from hearing the petitions filed related to former Navy Commander, Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda. Justices Dilip Nawaz and Priyantha Fernando announced yesterday that they have recused themselves from hearing the petitions, citing personal reasons. The petitions, filed by the relatives of 11 youths who disappeared after being allegedly abducted in Colombo and its suburbs in 2008, challenge the Attorney General’s decision to withdraw charges against Karannagoda, who was the Navy Commander at the time. When the petitions were taken up for consideration before a three-judge bench on Friday, Judges Nawaz and Fernando cited personal reasons for their recusal. Accordingly, the petitions will be heard before a different bench on 15 September 2025. (Newswire) The post Two judges recuse themselves from the Karannagoda abduction case appeared first on Newswire. | ↑ |
An 83-year-old foreign tourist has died after drowning in the swimming pool of a hotel in the Warahena area in Bentota on Friday. According to the Police, the deceased is a German man. The Bentota Police is conducting further investigations. (Newswire)
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Two individuals, including a Police Constable, have been arrested for aiding suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon to evade arrest. According to the Police Media Spokesman, the suspects had aided Tennakoon to evade the Police from 27 February to 19 March. The arrested Police Constable is attached to the Special Protection Division, while the other individual is a resident of Thalawathugoda. Deshabandu Tennakoon was wanted in connection with the shooting incident in front of a prominent hotel in Weligama in 2023. He is accused of orchestrating the shooting involving officers from the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD), Weligama Police, and the Special Task Force, which resulted in the death of a CCD officer and injuries to another. After an open warrant was issued to arrest Deshabandu Tennakoon, he surrendered before the Matara Magistrate’s Court after evading arrest for 20 days. He has been remanded until 03 April 2025 and is currently being held at the Dumbara Prison in Kandy. (Newswire) The post Two, including Police Constable, arrested for aiding Deshabandu Tennakoon appeared first on Newswire. | ↑ |
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) and the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) for the operational management and maintenance of the Research Vessel (RV) Samuddrika. According to the Sri Lanka Navy, the MOU was signed on Thursday (27 Mar) as a significant step towards enhancing Sri Lanka’s maritime research and operational capabilities. The MOU between SLN and NARA is a vital step toward ensuring that Sri Lanka’s maritime research endeavours are equipped with the necessary tools and expertise to address challenges and opportunities. With the collective support of Sri Lanka’s leading maritime authorities, the research vessel is now set to play a key role in the future of marine science and development in Sri Lankan waters. The MOU was formally signed by the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda and the Chairman of NARA, Prof. Sanath Hettiarachchi. National Hydrographer of Sri Lanka, Rear Admiral Kosala Warnakulasooriya and a group of officials from NARA were also present on this occasion. (Newswire) The post MOU signed on operational management of Research Vessel Samuddrika appeared first on Newswire. | ↑ |
Fairly heavy showers above 50 mm are expected in some provinces today, according to the Department of Meteorology. Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Central and Uva provinces and in the Kurunegala district after 2.00 pm. Fairly heavy showers above 50 mm can be expected at some places in the Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces. Meanwhile, showers or thundershowers are likely at a few places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo, Galle and Matara during the evening or night. Winds will be North-westerly or variable in direction and wind speed will be 20-30 kmph. Sea areas around the island will be slight to moderate. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers. (Newswire) The post Afternoon showers expected in several provinces today appeared first on Newswire. | ↑ |
It was revealed in the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) that a private company named ‘Savorite’ was issued Waiver of Registration (WoR) certificates to import 38 types of medicines in 2022 without the evaluation of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA). The former Secretary to the Ministry of Health also informed the Committee that the former Minister of Health had given instructions to select this private company called ‘Savorite’ to import medicines in this way. This was disclosed when the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) of Parliament met in Parliament on the 26th of March 2025, under the chairmanship of Member of Parliament (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera, to examine the Auditor General’s reports for the years 2022, 2023 and 2024 and the current performance of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority. The Committee Chair informed the committee that on December 30, 2022, the NMRA had issued Waiver of Registration (WoR) certificates to a private company named ‘Savorite’ for the import of 38 types of medicines submitted through unsolicited proposals without the evaluation of the NMRA. The Committee Chair said that the NMRA has abdicated its responsibility, stating that the purpose of establishing the NMRA is to ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of those medicines and that it cannot be handed over to the Medical Supplies Sector. Former members of the Board of Directors of the NMRA said that since the import of medicines through a special pathway with prior approval was carried out, the Board of Directors could not grant permission for it without conducting a proper evaluation. Therefore, they said that they did not accept responsibility in this regard. Accordingly, this matter was discussed at length in the committee, and it was revealed that the former Minister of Health had instructed to select a private company called ‘Savorite’ to import the medicines in short supply for 3 months. Meanwhile, the Committee also discussed at length the Cabinet Memorandum submitted by the former Minister of Health on 26 September 2022. The Committee Chair inquired from the Ministry of Health officials about the fact that a large number of medicines would reach zero levels within the next 3 weeks from the date of submission of the relevant Cabinet Memorandum. The officials who responded said that the information had been added to the Cabinet Memorandum based on the information obtained from the existing database regarding medicines. However, the committee Chair said that it was unacceptable for a large number of medicines to reach zero levels at the same time and that the relevant responsible officials had acted irresponsibly until such a level was reached. The Auditor General, who spoke at the time, stated that the medicines that were ordered and to be received in advance have also been imported, citing that the medicines have reached zero levels. Accordingly, the committee chair instructed the officials to submit a full report to the Committee on who were the officials involved in preparing this Cabinet Memorandum. The Chair further stated that a full report regarding the import of these medicines will be prepared by the Committee and submitted to Parliament, and that necessary action will be taken expeditiously. (NewsWire) The post COPE reveals Shady Deal in 2022 Medicine Imports – Who is ‘Savorite’? appeared first on Newswire. | ↑ |
The Department of Examinations has issued a special statement regarding news reports on the release of results of the G.C.E. Advanced Level examination. According to the statement, recent media reports circulating about the A/L results are false. The department emphasized that no official announcement has been made so far regarding the release of the A/L results. The students are therefore requested not to be misled by inaccurate reports shared through various media platforms. (NewsWire) The post GCE A/L results: Clarfication from Exam Department appeared first on Newswire. | ↑ |
Comedy duo Blok & Dino have issued a public statement following reports that the Chief of Sri Lanka’s Indigenous Veddah community has lodged a complaint with the CID over one of their videos. The video, which went viral recently, drew criticism for allegedly mocking the Veddah community. In response, Blok & Dino clarified that the man featured is an impersonator who adopts a Veddah-inspired lifestyle, and not an actual member of the community. They stressed that the video was filmed in an area with no Veddah settlements, and that “no malice was intended, and certainly no disrespect.” The duo added that they had previously communicated with an individual who identified himself as representing the community and were unaware of further concerns until media reports surfaced. “Comedy—like all art—is subjective. So is the way we interpret it, and the choice to take offense,” the statement said.
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President Anura Kumara Disanayake convened a high-level meeting yesterday (28) at the Presidential Secretariat with senior officials from the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, as well as the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing. During the discussion, the President instructed the relevant officials to expedite the construction of the Mirigama-Kadawatha section of the Central Expressway. The meeting also focused on the Colombo Port Access Elevated Highway project, with deliberations on strategies to swiftly integrate its benefits into the national economy. Furthermore, the meeting also explored both short-term and long-term solutions to address associated challenges. Addressing the urgent need to mitigate traffic congestion in Colombo, discussions centred on upgrading the railway system and standardizing bus and road transportation service. The implementation of a pilot project in the Colombo District was proposed as an initial step toward these improvements. Furthermore, discussions were held regarding the development of multimodal transport hubs in Colombo, Kandy, Kurunegala and Moratuwa, aimed at improving urban mobility and streamlining public transportation. The meeting also included extensive discussions on identifying underutilized lands belonging to the Railway Department that do not contribute to the national economy and implementing proper management strategies to optimize their use. The meeting was attended by Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake, Minister of Urban Development, Construction, and Housing Anura Karunatilaka, Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Dr. Prasanna Gunasena, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and other senior officials from the relevant Ministries. (PMD) The post Transport sector : Five key initiatives discussed appeared first on Newswire. | ↑ |
