Former Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara has urged the Government to provide substantial financial relief to the public through the 2027 Budget, warning that failure to address the economic hardships faced by ordinary people could trigger growing public dissatisfaction and stronger political criticism.
He said the Government must prioritise meaningful financial assistance, tax reductions and stronger social safety nets in the upcoming budget to ease the burden on households.
Nanayakkara warned that public anger towards the Government could increase significantly if adequate relief was not provided, noting that people were already facing severe economic difficulties.
He also observed that public expectations for Budget 2027 were particularly high, especially regarding measures to ease inflationary pressures, revise taxes and strengthen social welfare assistance.
Commenting on the political climate, the former minister said there was currently no significant active opposition to the Government among ordinary people.
He cautioned, however, that the absence of strong public resistance meant that the implications of certain laws and measures described as anti-democratic were not yet being widely felt, despite the potential threats they could pose to individual freedoms and democracy in the future.
The Sri Lanka Police have seized illegal narcotics valued at more than Rs. 249 billion during the three-year period covering 2024, 2025 and 2026 under the national “A Nation United” campaign, Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) F.U. Wootler has revealed.
Providing details of the seizures, ASP Wootler said law enforcement authorities had confiscated 4,483 kilogrammes of heroin valued at Rs. 107.942 billion and 7,129 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as Ice, worth Rs. 121.644 billion.
The seizures also included 33,277 kilogrammes of cannabis, valued at Rs. 5.293 billion, and 333 kilogrammes of cocaine worth Rs. 14.306 billion.
According to the Police Media Spokesperson, strict legal penalties are in place under the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Act No. 13 of 1984 and its Amendment Act No. 41 of 2022 to combat drug-related offences.
He emphasised that anyone found in possession of, attempting to possess, trafficking, dealing in or manufacturing more than five grammes of heroin, Ice or cocaine faces severe penalties.
Upon conviction by the High Court, offenders could face life imprisonment or the death penalty, he said.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials of the Ministry of Sports to develop comprehensive plans to promote sports, produce athletes capable of achieving international success and establish a stronger sporting culture while building a healthier population.
The President issued these instructions during a discussion on the 2027 Budget proposals for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, held at the Presidential Secretariat on the morning of October 29, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).
Highlighting the growing burden of non-communicable diseases on the country's healthcare system, the President stressed that sports and physical activities could play an important role in addressing this challenge.
He emphasised the need to change public attitudes towards sports and encourage greater participation in physical activities to promote healthier and more active lifestyles.
The President also observed that although walking paths have been established in various parts of the country, some areas have yet to make effective use of these facilities. He called for new programmes to encourage the public to utilise them more regularly.
He further stressed the importance of maintaining an accurate and updated national database of sports grounds, walking paths and indoor stadiums to support effective planning and implementation of development programmes.
The discussion also reviewed several major projects proposed for 2027, including the establishment of a National High Performance Centre aimed at elevating Sri Lankan athletes to international standards.
Other planned initiatives include constructing a 400-metre synthetic running track in Anuradhapura, completing outstanding construction work and further developing the Diyagama International Stadium, and upgrading the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium.
Research into sports and physical exercise, to be jointly undertaken by sports medicine institutions and universities, was also identified as an important area of focus.
In addition, progress and future plans relating to programmes implemented by the Youth Corps and the National Youth Services Council were reviewed during the meeting, the PMD said.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has stressed that access to the benefits of education should not be restricted to any particular section of society, emphasising that a child’s future should be shaped by their efforts and opportunities to develop their abilities rather than their family’s economic circumstances or place of residence.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the centenary celebrations of Kekunagolla National School in Kurunegala as the Chief Guest.
She said the completion of 100 years was not simply a milestone in the history of a school, but represented a century-long journey shaped by the dreams, aspirations, dedication and achievements of several generations.
Over the past century, Kekunagolla National School has positively influenced the lives of thousands of children and guided them towards a brighter future, she noted.
The Prime Minister also paid tribute to the pioneers who established the foundation of the school, the successive principals and teachers who contributed to its development, and the parents whose support helped sustain its journey, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
Emphasising the broader purpose of education, Amarasuriya said schooling should not be limited to preparing students to pass examinations. Instead, schools must nurture responsible citizens equipped with knowledge, creativity, a sense of brotherhood and humanity.
She also highlighted the importance of teaching children to live together peacefully while respecting different religious and cultural identities. This was particularly important in a diverse area such as Kurunegala, where different ethnic and cultural communities coexist, she said.
Addressing the Government’s ongoing education reforms, the Prime Minister explained that the initiative went beyond revising a limited number of subject syllabuses and was intended to modernise the entire education system.
As part of the programme, new curricula are scheduled to be introduced for Grades 2 and 6 in 2027.
She further outlined that the Government was working to strengthen five key pillars of education: subject knowledge, teaching methodologies, teacher training, physical resources and technological resources.
These measures are aimed at reducing disparities in educational facilities between urban and rural schools and ensuring that children across the country have more equitable opportunities to develop their potential.
The Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) is scheduled to stage an island-wide one-day strike today (30), demanding solutions to several pressing issues affecting Sri Lanka’s state university system.
FUTA General Secretary and Senior Lecturer Charudaththe Illangasinghe said the trade union action would be carried out across all state universities.
The strike comes amid growing concerns over the shortage of academic staff, increased workloads faced by existing university employees and the lack of adequate physical facilities at state universities.
Illangasinghe also confirmed that FUTA had organised a protest march to coincide with the strike.
He said the trade union action was intended to draw public attention to the challenges confronting the state university system and pressure the authorities to address the concerns raised by university academics.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has stressed that access to the benefits of education should not be restricted to any particular section of society, emphasising that a child’s future should be shaped by their efforts and opportunities to develop their abilities rather than their family’s economic circumstances or place of residence.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the centenary celebrations of Kekunagolla National School in Kurunegala as the Chief Guest.
She said the completion of 100 years was not simply a milestone in the history of a school, but represented a century-long journey shaped by the dreams, aspirations, dedication and achievements of several generations.
Over the past century, Kekunagolla National School has positively influenced the lives of thousands of children and guided them towards a brighter future, she noted.
The Prime Minister also paid tribute to the pioneers who established the foundation of the school, the successive principals and teachers who contributed to its development, and the parents whose support helped sustain its journey, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
Emphasising the broader purpose of education, Amarasuriya said schooling should not be limited to preparing students to pass examinations. Instead, schools must nurture responsible citizens equipped with knowledge, creativity, a sense of brotherhood and humanity.
She also highlighted the importance of teaching children to live together peacefully while respecting different religious and cultural identities. This was particularly important in a diverse area such as Kurunegala, where different ethnic and cultural communities coexist, she said.
Addressing the Government’s ongoing education reforms, the Prime Minister explained that the initiative went beyond revising a limited number of subject syllabuses and was intended to modernise the entire education system.
As part of the programme, new curricula are scheduled to be introduced for Grades 2 and 6 in 2027.
She further outlined that the Government was working to strengthen five key pillars of education: subject knowledge, teaching methodologies, teacher training, physical resources and technological resources.
These measures are aimed at reducing disparities in educational facilities between urban and rural schools and ensuring that children across the country have more equitable opportunities to develop their potential.
The Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) is scheduled to stage an island-wide one-day strike today (30), demanding solutions to several pressing issues affecting Sri Lanka’s state university system.
FUTA General Secretary and Senior Lecturer Charudaththe Illangasinghe said the trade union action would be carried out across all state universities.
The strike comes amid growing concerns over the shortage of academic staff, increased workloads faced by existing university employees and the lack of adequate physical facilities at state universities.
Illangasinghe also confirmed that FUTA had organised a protest march to coincide with the strike.
He said the trade union action was intended to draw public attention to the challenges confronting the state university system and pressure the authorities to address the concerns raised by university academics.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed officials to accelerate ongoing projects to increase passenger-handling capacity and improve facilities at Katunayake International Airport, while also advancing the development of domestic airports across the country to meet future aviation demands.
The directive was issued during a discussion on the 2027 Budget proposals for the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation held at the Presidential Secretariat.
During the meeting, the President reviewed the progress of development projects at Katunayake Airport and stressed the importance of completing them without delay. He also highlighted the need to expand supporting infrastructure, including road networks surrounding the airport, to improve accessibility and accommodate growing passenger traffic.
Improving convenience and facilities for air travellers at both Katunayake International Airport and regional airports was another key focus of the discussion.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation and Minister of Energy Anura Karunathilaka, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, and Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janith Ruwan Kodituwakku.
Other participants included Chief of Staff to the President Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Senior Additional Secretary to the President and Secretary to the Ministry of Energy Russell Aponso, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, and Secretary to the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation W. W. S. Mangala.
Deputy Secretary to the Treasury A. K. Seneviratne, Director General of the Department of National Budget Jude Nilukshan, and other officials from the relevant institutions and the Ministry of Finance also attended the discussion.
Sri Lanka has intensified efforts to attract British investment and expand export opportunities through a series of business engagements in London and Dover ahead of Sri Lanka EXPO 2027, scheduled to be held in Colombo from January 14 to 17.
Organised by the Sri Lankan High Commission in London, the programme brought together British investors, business leaders and representatives of key trade organisations to explore opportunities for stronger commercial ties between the two countries.
The main event, the UK–Sri Lanka Trade and Investment Forum, was held at the High Commission and attracted more than 130 participants. A high-level Sri Lankan delegation led by Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe attended the forum.
Addressing the gathering, Samarasinghe invited British businesses to explore Sri Lanka’s export potential and investment opportunities, highlighting the benefits available under the United Kingdom’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS).
Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the UK Nimal Senadheera emphasised the importance of strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations, while promoting EXPO 2027 as a platform for establishing new business partnerships.
Export Development Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mangala Wijesinghe presented an overview of Sri Lanka EXPO 2027, outlining opportunities for international buyers and investors.
Participants discussed potential avenues for sourcing Sri Lankan products, expanding commercial links with UK buyers and attracting foreign investment. Representatives from Marks & Spencer, the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development and the private sector also took part in the discussions.
Investment prospects in Port City Colombo, real estate and other sectors were among the opportunities highlighted during the programme.
The Sri Lankan delegation also met representatives of the UK–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce to discuss ways to strengthen business cooperation and encourage greater British participation in EXPO 2027.
In addition, the delegation held discussions with Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council Chief Executive Samantha Cohen on connecting Sri Lankan businesses with international investors through Commonwealth business networks.
The programme concluded with a business networking event in Dover, jointly organised with RS Rock Holdings, which attracted more than 30 UK business representatives, including potential investors.
According to the Sri Lankan High Commission, the engagements were aimed at building stronger commercial partnerships and encouraging British buyers, investors and business representatives to visit Colombo for EXPO 2027.
The High Commission expressed confidence that the exhibition would create further opportunities to expand trade, attract investment and strengthen economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials of the Ministry of Sports to develop comprehensive plans to promote sports, produce athletes capable of achieving international success and establish a stronger sporting culture while building a healthier population.
The President issued these instructions during a discussion on the 2027 Budget proposals for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, held at the Presidential Secretariat on the morning of October 29, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).
Highlighting the growing burden of non-communicable diseases on the country's healthcare system, the President stressed that sports and physical activities could play an important role in addressing this challenge.
He emphasised the need to change public attitudes towards sports and encourage greater participation in physical activities to promote healthier and more active lifestyles.
The President also observed that although walking paths have been established in various parts of the country, some areas have yet to make effective use of these facilities. He called for new programmes to encourage the public to utilise them more regularly.
He further stressed the importance of maintaining an accurate and updated national database of sports grounds, walking paths and indoor stadiums to support effective planning and implementation of development programmes.
The discussion also reviewed several major projects proposed for 2027, including the establishment of a National High Performance Centre aimed at elevating Sri Lankan athletes to international standards.
Other planned initiatives include constructing a 400-metre synthetic running track in Anuradhapura, completing outstanding construction work and further developing the Diyagama International Stadium, and upgrading the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium.
Research into sports and physical exercise, to be jointly undertaken by sports medicine institutions and universities, was also identified as an important area of focus.
In addition, progress and future plans relating to programmes implemented by the Youth Corps and the National Youth Services Council were reviewed during the meeting, the PMD said.
