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Visa Fraud Syndicates Exploit Sri Lankans’ Desperate Foreign Dreams

News October 28, 2026 0

Sri Lanka’s desperate search for overseas employment and better...

HSBC’s Dual Exit Exposes Sri Lanka’s Investor Confidence Crisis

Uncategorized October 28, 2026 0

Sri Lanka’s economic recovery faces a fresh test as...

President Orders Faster Development of Katunayake Airport and Domestic Airports

News October 28, 2026 0

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.

Landowner Arrested Over Deaths of Two Elephants in Rambewa

News October 28, 2026 0

A landowner has been arrested in connection with the deaths of two wild elephants that were electrocuted by an illegal electric fence in Rambewa, the Ministry of Environment has announced. The two elephants were found dead in Aluthgama village, within the Pilinigama Grama Niladhari Division No. 90, following information received by a Wildlife Range Assistant. Post-mortem examinations conducted on Tuesday (27) by Pandulagama Wildlife Veterinary Officer Dr. Maduwanthi confirmed that the elephants had died after coming into contact with an unauthorised electric wire, according to the ministry. Officers from the Department of Wildlife Conservation arrested the owner of the land where the incident occurred on Tuesday evening. The suspect is scheduled to be produced before the Medawachchiya Magistrate’s Court yesterday (28), the ministry said.

US Ambassador and PM Harini Discuss Strengthening Sri Lanka–US Relations

News October 28, 2026 0

US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Eric Meyer has held discussions with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation between the two countries. In a post on X, Ambassador Meyer said the talks focused on building upon the existing partnership through educational exchanges, commercial opportunities, disaster preparedness and innovation. The discussions covered ways to strengthen the bilateral Fulbright Commission, identify new business opportunities and expand the Peace Corps programme in Sri Lanka. Both sides also explored opportunities to improve disaster preparedness and encourage innovation through academic exchanges, emphasising the role of education and knowledge-sharing in deepening cooperation. Ambassador Meyer said he looked forward to building on the progress made during the discussions and further advancing the partnership between the United States and Sri Lanka.

Cabinet Approves Rs. 5 Million Compensation for Prison Officers Killed or Disabled in Negombo Prison Clashes

News October 28, 2026 0

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved special compensation and financial relief for prison officers who were killed or injured while on duty during clashes at Negombo Prison on July 5 and 6, 2026, Cabinet Spokesman and Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced. Speaking at the weekly Cabinet press briefing, the minister said the Cabinet had decided on August 3, 2026, to appoint a committee headed by the Secretary to the Ministry of Justice and National Integration to make recommendations on compensation for the affected officers. The committee has since submitted its report, and the Cabinet has approved the implementation of its recommendations. Under the approved proposal, the special payments will be made in addition to the compensation available under Public Administration Circular No. 22/93. Accordingly, Rs. 5 million will be paid for each officer killed in the clashes, while an officer who suffered total disability will also receive Rs. 5 million. Officers who sustained partial disability resulting in a 100% loss of maximum earning capacity will be entitled to Rs. 4 million, while those who suffered temporary partial disability will receive Rs. 3 million. The Cabinet has also approved amendments to the Prisons Ordinance to establish a formal legal framework for the Prisons Tactical Force. Measures will be taken to strengthen the force by recruiting an adequate number of qualified personnel, providing specialised training in relevant fields and equipping officers with modern equipment. Plans are also in place to establish a dedicated headquarters for the force at a suitable location, the minister said.

38 Reservoirs Spill Across Sri Lanka as Flooding Continues in Low-Lying Areas

News October 28, 2026 0

A total of 38 medium and large-scale reservoirs under the Department of Irrigation are currently spilling, while elevated water levels continue to affect several rivers and low-lying areas across Sri Lanka, an irrigation official said. Director of Irrigation (Hydrology and Disaster Management) L.S. Sooriyabandara said reservoirs such as Deduru Oya, Rajanganaya, Inginimitiya, Yan Oya and Usgala Siyambalangamuwa were recording comparatively high spill levels. Although no immediate threat of major flooding had been identified under the prevailing conditions, water levels in several reservoirs and rivers remained high, he said. Rainfall eased yesterday, with some areas in the upper catchments of the Kalu and Kelani rivers recording around 60 millimetres. Certain locations in the upper Kelani River catchment received approximately 40 millimetres, according to the Irrigation Department. Water levels in the upper reaches of most rivers are gradually receding. However, minor flooding persists in low-lying areas along the Nilwala, Gin, Kalu and Kelani rivers. Sooriyabandara said water levels along the Nilwala River remained around minor flood thresholds downstream of Akuressa, particularly in Thalgahagoda and areas near Matara. Similar conditions were reported in Baddegama along the Gin River. Elevated water levels were also observed at Millakanda, Putupawula and Ellagawa along the Kalu River. He cautioned that further rises could affect low-lying areas of the Kalutara District if additional rainfall occurs. Meanwhile, water levels in the upper reaches of the Kelani River and Attanagalu Oya are gradually declining. Nevertheless, floodwater may continue to affect low-lying areas in the Gampaha District, including Katana and Ja-Ela. The Irrigation Department has forecast moderate rainfall today and warned that river levels and water levels in flood-prone areas could rise again if further precipitation occurs. The public has been advised to refrain from bathing, engaging in water sports and undertaking other potentially dangerous activities in areas where floodwaters remain.