January 06, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Examinations has announced a sweeping ban on tuition activities linked to subjects yet to be sat under the 2025 GCE Advanced Level examination, with restrictions coming into force from midnight tonight.

Under the new directive, all classes, revision sessions, seminars and workshops connected to the remaining A-Level subjects are prohibited. The department has also outlawed the preparation, printing or circulation of so-called model papers or materials that claim to forecast examination questions.

Authorities further warned that advertising of any kind — including posters, banners, leaflets and promotions in print, electronic or online media — suggesting access to likely examination questions will be treated as a serious offence. The department stressed that individuals or institutions flouting these rules will face prosecution under the Examinations Act.

Members of the public have been encouraged to report violations to the nearest police station, Police Headquarters, the 119 emergency line or the Department of Examinations’ dedicated hotline, 1911.

The remaining papers of the 2025 GCE Advanced Level examination are scheduled to take place from 12 to 20 January 2026, with exams being held at 2,362 centres islandwide.

January 06, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has voiced serious concern over the unfolding situation in Venezuela, calling on all sides to seek a peaceful way forward in accordance with international law and the principles set out in the United Nations Charter.

In an official statement issued yesterday (05), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism said the government is following developments closely and reiterated the importance of upholding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, while rejecting the use or threat of force.

The statement emphasised the need for non-interference in internal affairs and urged the peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue and restraint. It stressed that de-escalation is essential to safeguard the well-being of the Venezuelan population and to maintain stability in the wider region.

Sri Lanka further underscored the role of the United Nations and its relevant bodies, including the Security Council, in remaining actively engaged and facilitating a solution that fully respects Venezuela’s sovereign rights. The statement refrained from attributing blame or referring to any specific actions, instead focusing on principles and the need for a diplomatic outcome.

January 06, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka recorded more than 312,000 new vehicle registrations over the past year, with motorcycles dominating the market, according to an analysis released by JB Securities (Pvt) Ltd. Two-wheelers accounted for well over two-thirds of the total, underlining their continued appeal as an affordable and practical mode of transport.

The firm’s review of registration data spanning November 2023 to November 2025 points to a sharp rebound in 2025 compared with the previous year. Passenger car registrations showed one of the most striking turnarounds, rising to 22,381 units last year after barely crossing 800 in 2024, reflecting easing import restrictions and renewed buyer confidence.

Growth was also evident in higher-end and alternative-fuel segments. Nearly 1,000 premium passenger vehicles entered the market in 2025, while registrations of hybrid and fully electric vehicles climbed steadily, reaching more than 16,000 and 36,000 units respectively. Analysts say this shift highlights a gradual change in consumer preferences towards fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly options.

Other categories experienced notable gains as well. Three-wheeler registrations jumped dramatically after being almost non-existent the previous year, and new bus registrations rose several-fold, suggesting renewed investment in public and semi-public transport.

JB Securities observed that the overall upswing in vehicle registrations signals a broader recovery in consumer demand, alongside a growing acceptance of hybrid and electric mobility across the country.

January 06, Colombo (LNW): The government is examining proposals to overhaul the Employees’ Provident Fund system by allowing private sector workers to receive their retirement savings as a regular pension rather than a one-off lump sum, Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe told Parliament yesterday.

He said the EPF was originally established as a long-term social security safeguard, but warned that paying out the full amount at once often leaves retirees financially vulnerable in later years. According to the Deputy Minister, many former employees struggle to manage large payouts, increasing the risk of insecurity during retirement.

Jayasinghe noted that policymakers are now exploring a structured payment model similar to a pension scheme, which would ensure a steady income stream for private sector workers after they leave employment.

He added that such a mechanism would place private sector retirees on a more secure footing, closer to the protections traditionally enjoyed by those in the public sector.

The proposed reforms are still under discussion, with the government aiming to balance worker protection, financial sustainability and long-term economic stability as part of a broader review of labour and social security policies.

January 06, Colombo (LNW): A group of Sri Lankan teenagers living in the United Kingdom have turned their musical debut into a gesture of solidarity with their homeland, donating £1,500 to Sri Lanka’s official Rebuilding Fund.

The contribution was handed over through the Sri Lankan High Commission in London, in the presence of High Commissioner Nimal Senadheera. The funds represent the entire profit raised from Cloud6’s maiden live performance, which took place in mid-December last year and marked the young band’s first appearance on stage.

Rather than retaining the earnings, the group chose to direct all proceeds towards post-disaster recovery efforts following the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah. Officials welcomed the donation, noting that such contributions play a meaningful role in supporting affected communities and long-term rebuilding initiatives.

Cloud6’s decision has been praised as a reflection of the strong ties maintained by the Sri Lankan diaspora, particularly among younger generations, who continue to find creative ways to support the country during times of hardship.

January 06, Colombo (LNW): Residents in several hill country areas have been placed on alert following the issuance of early landslide warnings prompted by continuous rainfall across parts of the country.

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has announced that the advisory will remain in force from 10.00 pm last night until 1.00 pm today (06), as soil saturation levels continue to rise in vulnerable locations. Authorities warn that further downpours could increase the likelihood of slope failures, particularly in high-risk terrain.

A Level One (Yellow) warning has been declared for the Udadumbara area in the Kandy District, the Wilgamuwa region in the Matale District, and the Walapane Division in the Nuwara Eliya District, including surrounding localities.

Residents in these areas are urged to remain vigilant, limit travel where possible and promptly report any signs of ground movement, such as cracks in walls, tilting trees or unusual sounds from nearby slopes.

January 06, Colombo (LNW): The Government Medical Officers’ Association is set to convene a special meeting of its Central Committee tomorrow to determine its next course of action, amid growing frustration over what it describes as the government’s inaction on critical health sector concerns.

According to GMOA Media Spokesperson Dr Chamil Wijesinghe, repeated commitments made by the Minister of Health and senior officials have failed to translate into concrete solutions.

He said unresolved issues ranging from staffing shortages to administrative bottlenecks continue to place strain on both medical professionals and patient care.

In light of the lack of progress, the association is now weighing the option of trade union action. Dr Wijesinghe noted that a definitive decision on whether to proceed with such measures is expected to emerge following tomorrow’s discussions, signalling a potentially tense period ahead for the public health system.

January 06, Colombo (LNW): A fresh piece of legislation aimed at curbing long-standing abuses in the microfinance sector has been tabled in Parliament, according to National People’s Power (NPP) MP Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi.

Addressing a gathering in Colombo, he said the proposed law seeks to bring relief to borrowers trapped in cycles of debt, particularly in rural communities where high-interest lending has taken a heavy social toll.

He noted that the human cost of the crisis has been devastating, with reports indicating that hundreds of women have taken their own lives after being crushed by unmanageable loan repayments.

In a separate development, authorities have uncovered a major investment scam that exploited the reputation of the Colombo Stock Exchange by illegally using its name and logo. Senior Vice President of the CSE, Niroshan Wijesundere, revealed that the fraud was operated through a deceptive mobile application that falsely claimed links to the exchange, luring members of the public with promises of easy returns.

Officials say the scheme has been running since November last year and has already caused significant financial losses. The Criminal Investigation Department has begun an in-depth probe into the matter. Wijesundere has meanwhile cautioned investors to be vigilant, advising them to confirm the legitimacy of any trading platform through official CSE sources before committing their money.

January 06, Colombo (LNW): The low-level atmospheric disturbance in the Bay of Bengal, to the southeast of the Sri Lanka has intensified into a low-pressure area, and showery condition over the island, particularly in the Northern, North-Central, Eastern, Uva and Central provinces, therefore, is expected to enhance from January 8th, the Department of Meteorology said today (06).

Showers will occur at times in Eastern, Central, Uva, North-Central and Northern provinces. Heavy falls about 100 mm are likely at some places in Uva province and in Nuwara-Eliya, Matale, Polonnaruwa, Batticaloa and Ampara districts.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places elsewhere in the Island after 1.00 p.m.
Strong winds about 50 kmph can be expected at times over Eastern slopes of the central hills, Northern, North-central, North-western and Eastern provinces and in Hambantota, Gampaha Colombo and Monaragala districts.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.


Marine Weather:

The low-level atmospheric disturbance in the Bay of Bengal, to the southeast of the Sri Lanka has intensified into a low-pressure area. Navel and fishing communities are requested to be attentive to the forecasts and bulletins issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regards.

Condition of Rain:
Showers will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanthurai to Matara via Trincomalee and Pottuvil. Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in the other sea areas around the island in the evening or night.

Winds:
Winds will be north-easterly and wind speed will be (30-40) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to (50-60) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Beruwala to Matara via Colombo, Puttalam, Kankasanthurai, Trincomalee and Pottuvil.

State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Beruwala to Matara via Colombo, Puttalam, Kankasanthurai, Trincomalee and Pottuvil will be rough at times. The other sea areas around the island may be moderate.

The wave height may increase (about 2.5 – 3.0 m) in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanthurai to Pottuvil via Trincomalee (this is not for land area).