February 12, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Immigration and Emigration has announced a temporary suspension of passport and visa processing after a technical fault disrupted its computer systems earlier today.

In a public notice, the Department stated that the interruption was caused by an unexpected system malfunction, affecting both on-site and certain online services. Officials said technical teams are working urgently to diagnose and rectify the problem in order to restore normal operations at the earliest opportunity.

The disruption has reportedly led to delays for applicants who had scheduled appointments, with some being advised to await further updates before visiting departmental offices. Authorities assured the public that once the system is fully restored, services will resume without delay and additional arrangements may be introduced to accommodate those affected.

The Department apologised for the inconvenience caused and emphasised that efforts are under way to ensure the integrity and security of all data during the restoration process.

Members of the public seeking clarification or urgent assistance have been advised to contact the Department via telephone on 011 210 1540 or 011 210 1545. Further updates will also be made available through the Department’s official website.

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By: Isuru Parakrama

February 12, Colombo (LNW): The Government has initiated legal proceedings concerning alleged unlawful activities at the Ambuluwawa site in Gampola, with the Ministries of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Justice jointly overseeing the process.

Minister Lal Kantha, addressing reporters, confirmed that long-standing concerns raised by residents and community groups have prompted formal intervention. Over the years, locals had repeatedly called for authorities to examine certain developments and activities at the multi-religious and cultural complex, claiming that some works may have breached planning and regulatory requirements.

The Minister stated that while public frustration is understandable, due process must be observed. “People expect immediate action when irregularities surface, but we must proceed in accordance with the law,” he said, stressing that enforcement would be carried out within the legal framework rather than through arbitrary measures.

He added that investigators are reviewing documentation related to construction approvals, allocation of state funds and administrative oversight linked to the site. If wrongdoing is established, action will not be limited to lower-level officials.

In response to questions regarding the possible misuse of public funds, Minister Lal Kantha indicated that both public servants and elected representatives could face scrutiny if credible complaints are substantiated. “Accountability applies across the board,” he noted, adding that legal steps would be based on evidence already submitted to the relevant authorities.

The Minister further observed that in the past, individuals may have hesitated to lodge formal complaints due to perceived political pressure. However, he said there has been a noticeable increase in citizens coming forward with information, which he described as a positive sign for transparency and governance.

Ambuluwawa, known for its distinctive tower and multi-faith symbolism, has long been a popular attraction. Officials say that safeguarding its integrity — both cultural and legal — remains a priority as inquiries continue.

February 12, Colombo (LNW): Australia has expressed its readiness to assist Sri Lanka in pursuing membership of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world’s largest free trade arrangement encompassing 15 countries and roughly 30 per cent of global GDP and population.

Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Matthew Duckworth, said Canberra would be “very pleased” to provide technical guidance and capacity-building support should Colombo move forward with efforts to accede to the pact.

He made the remarks during a roundtable hosted by the Pathfinder Foundation, where regional trade integration and economic reform were high on the agenda.

RCEP, signed in November 2020, unites the ten ASEAN member states — Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam — with five key Asia-Pacific partners: China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

The agreement aims to streamline trade rules, reduce tariffs and deepen economic cooperation across one of the most dynamic regions in the world.

Responding to questions about Sri Lanka’s exploratory discussions on joining the bloc, Mr Duckworth welcomed the interest and said Australia stands ready to share its experience in meeting RCEP standards, including regulatory alignment, trade facilitation and customs modernisation.

Addressing concerns about India’s decision not to join RCEP, the High Commissioner noted that Australia maintains both RCEP membership and a separate bilateral trade agreement with India. Negotiations are also under way to further enhance that pact. He stressed that there is no inherent conflict between participating in RCEP and sustaining robust trade relations with India.

“India was closely involved in shaping many aspects of RCEP before opting out,” he observed, adding that Australia would welcome New Delhi’s participation in the future should it reconsider its position. He maintained that Sri Lanka could similarly balance engagement with RCEP while strengthening its economic partnership with India.

Highlighting practical examples of complementary trade, Mr Duckworth pointed to the lentil supply chain between Australia and Sri Lanka. While Australia produces high-quality lentils, processing costs are comparatively high. Sri Lankan firms import the raw product, undertake splitting and packaging locally, and re-export to regional markets — creating value, employment and export earnings for both countries.

He suggested that similar collaborative ventures could be expanded, particularly given Sri Lanka’s strategic location and the global standing of the Port of Colombo as a major transshipment hub.

With the right policy framework and trade access, he said, Sri Lanka could position itself as a competitive processing and logistics centre serving the wider Indo-Pacific region.

Economic analysts at the forum noted that closer integration with regional supply chains could provide Sri Lanka with fresh momentum for export-led growth, provided domestic reforms keep pace with international commitments.

February 12, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Navy has secured almost US$600,000 in foreign exchange over a four-month period by extending security-related services to international merchant shipping, marking a notable boost to state revenue.

According to Director General of Naval Operations, Rear Admiral Harsha de Silva, the initiative — introduced in early October 2025 — has generated US$598,250 through formal arrangements with overseas private maritime security firms. The scheme was launched on October 03 as part of a broader strategy to capitalise on Sri Lanka’s strategic position along key Indian Ocean shipping routes.

Speaking at a media briefing, Rear Admiral de Silva explained that the Navy provides logistical coordination and operational facilitation for armed security teams deployed aboard commercial vessels transiting regional waters. These services include embarkation and disembarkation support, secure handling of equipment, and regulatory clearances in line with international maritime standards.

He noted that the programme has opened up a fresh stream of dollar earnings at a time when foreign exchange generation remains a national priority. The initiative also strengthens collaboration between Sri Lanka and global maritime stakeholders, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a reliable hub for shipping and related services.

Naval officials indicated that demand for such support services has been steadily rising, particularly amid heightened security concerns in certain sea lanes. Plans are reportedly under consideration to expand the scheme further, potentially increasing revenue while ensuring strict compliance with maritime law and safety protocols.

The Navy emphasised that all operations are conducted under close supervision and in accordance with both domestic regulations and international maritime conventions.

February 12, Colombo (LNW): Deputy Minister of Health Dr Hansaka Wijemuni has proposed the introduction of mandatory monthly drug review sessions across all state hospitals in a bid to prevent recurring shortages of essential medicines.

Speaking during an निरीinspection tour of the Matara District General Hospital, Dr Wijemuni said a more structured monitoring mechanism was urgently needed to ensure patients are not affected by supply disruptions. He observed that periodic assessments would enable hospital administrators to detect looming shortages well in advance and take corrective measures without delay.

According to the Deputy Minister, the proposed monthly meetings would bring together hospital directors, pharmacists and procurement officers to examine current stock levels, forecast demand and address bottlenecks in distribution. Where necessary, he suggested that regional procurement mechanisms could be activated swiftly to fill urgent gaps.

Dr Wijemuni stressed that maintaining a stable reserve of critical medicines — particularly those used in emergency care and chronic disease management — must be treated as a national priority. He noted that inconsistent supplies not only undermine patient confidence but also place additional strain on already stretched medical staff.

He further explained that the Ministry of Health is in the process of refining the operations of the Medical Supplies Division, with a focus on improving forecasting systems, enhancing coordination between central and regional stores, and reducing delays in delivery.

Hospital officials in Matara reportedly welcomed the initiative, stating that a regular review framework would improve accountability and transparency in the handling of pharmaceutical stocks. The Deputy Minister indicated that similar inspection visits would continue across other districts as part of a broader drive to strengthen the country’s public healthcare system.

February 12, Colombo (LNW): A delegation from the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), headed by its General Secretary Tilvin Silva, has held a series of high-level meetings in India aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in tourism, cultural exchange and economic development.

During a visit to Kerala on Wednesday, the group met Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to explore avenues for expanding tourism flows between Sri Lanka and the southern Indian state. Discussions also centred on enhancing people-to-people ties and promoting cultural collaboration, reflecting what both sides described as a shared historical and social heritage across the region.

The delegation’s itinerary included tours of the Indian Space Research Organisation’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre and the strategically significant Vizhinjam International Seaport. The visits offered insight into India’s progress in space technology, maritime infrastructure and the rapidly developing blue economy. Observers noted that such exposure could inform Sri Lanka’s own ambitions in science, port development and ocean-based industries.

In a separate engagement earlier in the week, Mr Silva and his colleagues called on Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar. The talks reportedly focused on expanding trade, industrial cooperation and tourism exchanges. Mr Patel expressed confidence that ties between India and Sri Lanka have grown closer in recent years and emphasised the importance of sustaining momentum in regional partnerships.

Mr Silva, for his part, highlighted Gujarat’s structured policy framework and sector-specific development strategies, suggesting that aspects of the model could offer useful lessons for Sri Lanka. He also underlined the potential for joint ventures and institutional collaboration, particularly in manufacturing and infrastructure.

The delegation is understood to have conveyed appreciation for India’s assistance to Sri Lanka during challenging economic periods, including support for key development projects. Encouraging greater tourist arrivals from Indian states such as Kerala and Gujarat to Sri Lanka was also a prominent theme throughout the visit.

Political analysts view the tour as part of a broader effort to reinforce diplomatic engagement at both national and state levels, signalling a pragmatic approach to regional cooperation in South Asia.

February 12, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Police have alerted the public to a fraudulent email campaign in which unknown individuals are posing as the Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Shani Abeysekara.

In a statement released by the Police Media Division, authorities confirmed that a series of deceptive emails have been circulated under the false pretence of being official communication from the CID. The department has categorically denied issuing or authorising any such messages.

Investigators say the emails originated from suspicious addresses, including [[email protected]]and [[email protected]], and are believed to have been designed to mislead recipients. Officials suspect the scheme may be aimed at extracting sensitive personal details, facilitating financial scams, or otherwise defrauding unsuspecting members of the public.

Police have since launched a formal inquiry to trace those responsible for the impersonation and to bring them before the courts. Cybercrime units are also said to be examining whether the fraudulent emails are linked to any broader network of online scams.

Members of the public have been strongly advised to remain vigilant and to avoid responding to unsolicited emails requesting personal, banking or confidential information. Authorities further reminded citizens that official correspondence from the CID is conducted through verified government channels and not via generic email accounts.

Anyone who has received a suspicious message or may have shared information in response to such communication is encouraged to report the matter promptly to the nearest police station or through official cybercrime reporting platforms.

February 12, Colombo (LNW): A key parliamentary watchdog has given the green light to proposed legislation that would bring an end to pension entitlements for Members of Parliament, marking a significant shift in the country’s political framework.

The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection approved the draft Bill without opposition at a recent sitting, according to its Chair, MP Najith Indika. The move paves the way for the legislation to be debated and voted on in Parliament in the coming days.

Mr Indika described the decision as a decisive step towards honouring a central promise made by the current administration during its election campaign. He noted that scrapping parliamentary pensions had featured prominently in the government’s policy platform, framed as part of a broader effort to reform political privileges and restore public trust.

Under the proposed law, the long-standing Parliamentary Pensions Act No. 1 of 1977 would be repealed. If the Bill secures parliamentary approval, MPs will no longer qualify for a lifetime pension after completing a minimum period of service — a benefit that has long drawn criticism from civil society groups and sections of the public.

Addressing reporters, Indika said the reform would redefine parliamentary service as a role rooted firmly in public duty rather than personal entitlement. He argued that the change reflects an evolving political culture, one that demands greater accountability and transparency from elected representatives.

This is about aligning our actions with the commitments we made to the electorate, he remarked, adding that the government intends to pursue further measures aimed at curbing excessive perks and reinforcing ethical standards in public office.

Observers suggest the Bill could spark wider debate on the remuneration and privileges of public officials, particularly at a time when economic pressures have heightened scrutiny over state expenditure.

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By: Isuru Parakrama

February 12, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan government has formally expressed its deepest sympathies to the Canadian people following the devastating loss of life in British Columbia.

Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath issued a poignant statement on Thursday (12), conveying the island nation’s solidarity with those mourning in the wake of a shooting that claimed nine lives and left at least 25 individuals requiring urgent medical treatment.

The Minister remarked that his thoughts were firmly with the bereaved families, offering prayers for the resilience and recovery of the local community during such a dark hour for the Commonwealth nation.

The investigation into the carnage at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School has identified the perpetrator as Jesse Van Rootselaar, an 18-year-old student. Local constabulary confirmed that the teenager was discovered deceased at the educational facility from a self-inflicted wound after the rampage.

The scale of the tragedy extended beyond the school grounds; while six victims were targeted at the campus, the bodies of the suspect’s 39-year-old mother and 11-year-old step-brother were later uncovered at a residential property nearby.

Federal authorities are currently grappling with the complexity of the case as they attempt to establish a definitive motive for the violence. Details regarding the suspect’s background have begun to surface, with officials noting that while Van Rootselaar was male at birth, they had more recently adopted a female identity.

Internet was laser-quick to establish hate and anti-trans rhetoric against the perpetrator, propagating speculation in the making of the queer community a target of online prejudice and discrimination. While the alleged crime remains a call for justice in the court of law, scapegoating marginalised communities based on the act of one should be considered unwarranted.

Deeply saddened by the tragic shooting at a school in British Columbia, Canada. On behalf of the Government and people of Sri Lanka, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and wish a speedy recovery to those injured.

Our thoughts and…

— Vijitha Herath (@HMVijithaHerath) February 11, 2026