By: Isuru Parakrama

June 04, Colombo (LNW): A patrol vessel provided by the United States has arrived in Colombo, marking a significant addition to Sri Lanka’s maritime security resources and strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the field of defence and regional security.

Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku confirmed that the vessel, designated P628, reached the Port of Colombo this week and is set to become part of the Sri Lanka Navy’s operational fleet following its official commissioning.

The vessel is expected to enhance the Navy’s ability to monitor territorial waters, conduct coastal surveillance operations and respond more effectively to maritime challenges, including illegal fishing, smuggling, human trafficking and other transnational threats. Officials believe the addition will further improve the country’s capacity to safeguard its maritime boundaries and support search-and-rescue missions.

A formal handover ceremony is scheduled to take place at the East Container Terminal of the Port of Colombo under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Senior government representatives, naval officers and diplomatic officials are expected to attend the event, which will symbolise the deepening partnership between Sri Lanka and the United States in maritime security cooperation.

By: Isuru Parakrama

June 04, Colombo (LNW): The government has begun rolling out a comprehensive initiative aimed at modernising the public sector and advancing the country’s transition towards a fully-fledged digital economy, with a strong emphasis on upgrading the technological capabilities of state employees.

The programme was reviewed during a high-level meeting attended by Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne and Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government Ruwan Senarath, alongside officials involved in public sector reform and digital development.

The initiative seeks to streamline government operations by embracing modern technologies, improving service delivery standards and reducing administrative delays that often affect citizens and businesses. Authorities believe that greater digital integration across state institutions will help create a more responsive and efficient public service.

A major component of the programme focuses on strengthening digital literacy among public officials at all levels. Particular attention will be given to encouraging the adoption of new technologies among senior administrators, while also expanding awareness of cyber threats, data protection and safe online practices.

To support these efforts, plans are being developed to launch a nationwide digital learning platform capable of reaching a large number of public servants. Training will be delivered through a combination of structured online courses and short mobile-friendly lessons designed to make learning more accessible and convenient.

Officials are also considering linking digital competency training to career progression within the public service. Under the proposal, completion of designated courses could become a factor in annual performance assessments and future promotions.

The programme will further utilise existing infrastructure, including office-based facilities and school computer laboratories, to conduct training sessions outside regular working hours. Innovative learning methods, including interactive and gamified content, are expected to be introduced, while participants who successfully complete courses will receive digitally verified certificates.

The long-term strategy is built around three key pillars: enhancing the skills of the current workforce, establishing digital qualifications as a requirement for future public sector recruitment, and aligning educational curricula with the demands of an increasingly technology-driven economy.

As part of the initial implementation phase, government employees are expected to undergo introductory cybersecurity training and receive practical instruction on the effective use of official digital communication platforms, collaborative work tools and electronic service systems.

By: Isuru Parakrama

June 04, Colombo (LNW): Police have arrested the director of the elders’ care facility “Senehase Kedella” in Batagoda, Anguruwatota, following the devastating fire that swept through the premises and claimed multiple lives earlier this week.

Authorities confirmed that the suspect is expected to be produced before the Horana Magistrate’s Court as investigations into the tragedy continue to gather pace.

Meanwhile, the human toll of the disaster has risen further, with officials reporting that 12 residents have now succumbed to injuries sustained in the blaze.

The incident has sparked widespread grief and renewed scrutiny over safety standards at residential care institutions housing elderly and vulnerable individuals.

Preliminary findings indicate that the home accommodated 71 residents at the time of the fire. Emergency responders managed to evacuate the majority of occupants, with 51 individuals rescued from the building. Several residents suffered injuries during the incident and were admitted to hospital for treatment, while medical teams continue to monitor those affected.

Investigators are examining the circumstances that led to the outbreak of the fire, including the condition of the building, emergency preparedness measures and whether all required safety regulations had been properly implemented.

Authorities are also expected to record statements from staff members, survivors and other relevant parties as part of the inquiry.

Related Stories: https://lankanewsweb.net/archives/213898/tragedy-at-senehase-kedella-nation-mourns-as-deadly-fire-claims-lives-at-popular-horana-elders-home/

June 04, Colombo (LNW): Private bus operators have renewed calls for financial relief following a sharp rise in diesel prices, with discussions on possible fare revisions taking place at the Ministry of Transport and Highways this (04) afternoon.

Representatives from several private bus associations met ministry officials to outline the challenges facing the sector after fuel costs increased twice within the span of a month. During the meeting, they were informed that a separate discussion with Subject Minister Bimal Rathnayake would be arranged on an urgent basis to examine the issue in greater detail.

The operators argue that the recent increases in diesel prices have significantly raised operating expenses, placing additional pressure on an industry that is already grappling with escalating maintenance and labour costs. Industry representatives maintain that many services are becoming financially unsustainable under current fare structures.

Bus associations have previously proposed a temporary fare adjustment of around five per cent or, alternatively, the introduction of a fuel subsidy mechanism to help offset rising expenditure. They contend that some form of immediate intervention is necessary to ensure uninterrupted public transport services.

Today’s meeting was relatively brief, lasting only a short period before representatives addressed the media. Speaking afterwards, Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association Chairman Gemunu Wijeratne expressed dissatisfaction with the manner in which the matter has been handled so far, stressing that policymakers should have a comprehensive understanding of industry concerns before making public statements.

He said operators are expecting direct talks with the Transport Minister in the coming days and indicated that bus associations would review their next course of action next week if a satisfactory solution is not reached.

June 04, Colombo (LNW): Proceedings in the money laundering case involving Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of ex-President Mahinda Rajapaksa, have been postponed by the Colombo High Court until July 09.

The matter was called before High Court Judge Udesh Ranatunga yesterday (03), where the prosecution informed the court of ongoing proceedings before the Court of Appeal that could have a bearing on the case.

Deputy Solicitor General Janaka Bandara told the court that a revision application filed by the defence had recently been taken up by the appellate court and was fixed for hearing on June 16.

He noted that the prosecution had already indicated to the Court of Appeal that no evidence would be presented in the High Court case until the appeal-related proceedings had been addressed.

In view of the circumstances, the prosecution requested that the hearing be deferred without summoning witnesses. The court accepted the submission and ordered that the case be listed again on 9 July, directing all relevant witnesses to be present on the next hearing date.

The case stems from indictments filed by the Attorney General, who alleges that Rajapaksa acquired five parcels of land worth more than Rs. 73 million through funds suspected to be linked to unlawful activity. The charges have been brought under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, with the prosecution maintaining that the transactions warrant judicial scrutiny.

By: Isuru Parakrama

June 04, Colombo (LNW): Speaker of Parliament Dr Jagath Wickramaratne has formally certified the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act, marking the final step in bringing the new legislation into effect.

The law, enacted as the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act No. 11 of 2026, introduces a series of reforms to the existing Inland Revenue Act of 2017 following its approval by Parliament on May 19, 2026.

According to parliamentary officials, the amendments are designed to streamline tax administration, strengthen regulatory oversight and improve the efficiency of revenue collection. The updated framework also aims to promote greater transparency within the financial system while reinforcing measures intended to combat money laundering and other illicit financial activities.

Among the notable provisions are new requirements for the use of Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) certificates in selected high-value financial transactions. The legislation also revises certain methods used in calculating taxable income, refines rules governing tax deductions, and provides clearer guidance on tax concessions available to qualifying projects and businesses.

In addition, the Act broadens the circumstances under which tax-related information may be shared with authorised public institutions, a move expected to support compliance and enhance inter-agency cooperation.

With the Speaker’s endorsement now complete, the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act No. 11 of 2026 has officially come into force, ushering in a new phase of tax administration and regulatory reform in the country.