September 21, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya has firmly stated that the government has no plans to diminish the role of religious or aesthetic subjects within the national school curriculum, amid ongoing discussions about the structure of future education reforms.

Speaking in her capacity as Minister of Education during a meeting held at the ministry yesterday (20), Dr Amarasuriya addressed concerns raised by members of the Buddha Sasana Task Force regarding proposed changes to the Buddhism syllabus for students entering Grade 6 under the new 2026 curriculum framework.

The Prime Minister reassured attendees that religious instruction remains a vital part of holistic education and will not be sidelined. She emphasised that the upcoming reforms aim to strengthen, rather than dilute, students’ cultural and moral grounding.

In response to specific queries about the structure of religious studies in the new syllabus, officials from the Ministry’s Religion and Values Branch clarified that students will begin Grade 6 with an introductory unit offering a foundational understanding of all major religions. Following this, pupils will continue their religious education within their own faith tradition, as has been the longstanding practice.

The discussion also touched upon the existing shortage of qualified teachers in religious subjects, particularly Buddhism, across the country. Prime Minister Amarasuriya acknowledged the issue and confirmed that a national-level assessment is currently underway to gather accurate data on teacher availability in all provinces.

Based on this assessment, the ministry plans to implement a coordinated recruitment and placement strategy to ensure balanced distribution of educators where they are most needed.

September 21, Colombo (LNW): Allegations have surfaced surrounding the unauthorised use of more than eight billion rupees from the Central Cultural Fund (CCF), sparking concerns over serious lapses in financial governance within one of Sri Lanka’s key heritage institutions.

A dedicated investigative committee has unearthed substantial evidence indicating that this vast sum of public money was expended without the formal approval of the Fund’s Board of Governors, Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Gamagedara Dissanayake revealed.

Speaking on the matter, the Minister expressed deep concern over the findings, noting that the committee’s interim observations already point to extensive mismanagement, potentially spanning several years. The final report, expected shortly, is anticipated to name individuals and outline the specific mechanisms through which the financial misconduct was carried out.

September 21, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is set to deliver his inaugural address at the United Nations General Assembly during its 79th session, taking place in New York later this month.

The Sri Lankan Head of State is scheduled to speak on Wednesday (24) during the afternoon segment of the General Debate, according to the latest list of speakers released by UN officials.

This marks President Dissanayake’s first appearance at the UN since assuming office, and is seen as a key opportunity for him to introduce Sri Lanka’s renewed global outlook to the international community. His speech is expected to lay out a comprehensive vision for the country’s path forward, touching on domestic reform efforts, strategies for economic recovery, and Sri Lanka’s stance on pressing international concerns.

Sources familiar with the planned address suggest that the President will underscore the importance of climate resilience, equitable development, and stronger multilateral partnerships. He is also anticipated to call for fairer international financial structures and more inclusive global dialogue, particularly from the perspective of developing nations navigating post-crisis recovery.

The annual General Debate, which runs from September 23 to 29, will bring together heads of state and government from across the globe. Leaders from major powers including the United States, China, India, Brazil, and the European Union are also expected to address the assembly under a theme designated by the current UNGA President, aimed at fostering global unity and action on shared challenges.

September 21, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s law enforcement authorities have reported significant progress in their ongoing campaign against drug trafficking, organised crime, and unlawful possession of firearms, with large-scale operations conducted across the island throughout the year.

According to the latest update released by Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent F.U. Wootler, anti-narcotics and anti-crime efforts have resulted in the confiscation of vast quantities of illicit substances.

Among the narcotics seized to date are approximately 955 kilogrammes of heroin, 1,422 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine (commonly known as ICE), 471 kilogrammes of hashish, 29 kilogrammes of cocaine, and over 13,770 kilogrammes of cannabis. In addition, authorities have intercepted some 3.5 million narcotic tablets, believed to be part of large-scale smuggling operations.

The intensified operations, launched earlier this year, have also disrupted numerous criminal networks. Police have recovered a total of 1,721 illegal firearms, including 61 T-56 assault rifles and 62 handguns. Since January, 328 individuals linked to gun-related violence have been taken into custody, among them hired shooters, motorcycle getaway drivers, and other associates involved in planning or executing attacks.

ASP Wootler noted that the momentum of these efforts has been sustained through daily targeted operations, which have been in place since January 12. In that period, over 5.1 million people have been stopped and searched, leading to the arrest of more than 104,000 suspects. Among those, 4,630 have been identified as being directly involved in ongoing criminal activity.

Traffic enforcement has also seen a surge in activity, with nearly 47,000 individuals arrested for driving under the influence. In parallel, more than 3,400 drivers have faced legal action for reckless driving offences, a sign of the growing emphasis on public safety on the roads.

September 21, Colombo (LNW): All individuals operating passenger transport vehicles will be required to hold a valid Public Transport (PT) Licence by December 31, according to Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake.

The announcement was made during a meeting held in Ampara yesterday (20), where the Minister outlined a series of reforms aimed at improving safety and accountability in the public transport sector.

The PT Licence, which will serve as a formal authorisation for drivers responsible for carrying passengers, is being introduced to ensure that only qualified and disciplined individuals are entrusted with the lives of commuters.

Minister Rathnayake confirmed that the necessary administrative groundwork for the new licensing system is already underway, with full enforcement expected before the year’s end.

Highlighting broader concerns about road safety, the Minister also addressed the mandatory implementation of seat belts in all passenger vehicles. While acknowledging that some older buses were manufactured without built-in restraints, he revealed that retrofitting efforts are currently being carried out to bring these vehicles up to standard.

Expressing serious concerns over irresponsible behaviour by some drivers, Rathnayake pointed out instances where individuals had attempted to deceive authorities by fastening school bag straps in place of proper seat belts.

“We cannot allow the safety of fifty passengers to be compromised by the recklessness of a few,” he stated. “This is precisely why we are determined to ensure that only those who demonstrate a clear sense of responsibility and professionalism are permitted to operate public transport vehicles.”

The Minister reiterated that failure to comply with the new licensing requirement by December 31 deadline would result in strict penalties, and urged all drivers currently engaged in passenger services to initiate the application process without delay.

September 21, Colombo (LNW): Health Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa has clarified that the ongoing shortage of essential medicines across the country is not the result of a lack of funding, but rather stems from delays and complications in the procurement process.

Speaking at a public function in Ampara, the Minister explained that administrative setbacks within the medical procurement system have led to disruptions in the timely import of pharmaceuticals. He assured that remedial steps have already been taken, with fresh procurement procedures now underway. Deliveries of the much-needed medical supplies are expected to begin arriving from November onwards.

Dr Jayatissa also pointed out that the issue is not confined to public hospitals alone. A number of essential medications have also become scarce in private pharmacies, raising broader concerns about availability in the open market.

Addressing the underlying reasons for the gaps in private sector supply, the Minister emphasised the government’s commitment to maintaining affordability in medicine pricing.

“We do not permit arbitrary pricing during the drug registration process. Instead, we have established a regulated price band that reflects the prevailing market trends within the South Asian region,” he stated.

According to him, certain pharmaceutical companies have opted not to supply medicines after refusing to comply with this pricing framework.

To mitigate the impact of the shortages, the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) has been tasked with overseeing the importation process. The Minister reported that between 80 and 85 per cent of the procurement work has already been finalised, suggesting that a resolution may be in sight.

Dr Jayatissa also drew attention to the significant fiscal strain caused by stalled development projects. He noted that 17 major initiatives, which were originally scheduled for completion as far back as 2018, remain unfinished.

“These abandoned projects have already drained Rs. 59 billion from the treasury, and completing them will require an additional Rs. 29 billion,” he said, indicating that the cumulative effect of mismanaged development continues to weigh heavily on public finances.

September 21, Colombo (LNW): The Indian Navy’s frontline warship has made port in Sri Lanka, with the guided-missile frigate INS Satpura arriving in Colombo yesterday (20) for logistical support and servicing. The vessel’s arrival marks yet another chapter in the enduring maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lanka Navy greeted the Indian warship with traditional naval honours, reflecting the mutual respect and longstanding camaraderie between the two maritime forces. Naval officials and ceremonial contingents welcomed the vessel as it berthed at the Colombo harbour.

INS Satpura is a formidable stealth frigate, extending over 142 metres in length, and operates with a complement of 403 naval personnel. Built to undertake a variety of missions including anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, the vessel stands as a symbol of India’s maritime capability and strategic reach in the Indian Ocean Region.

During its stay in Sri Lanka, the crew is expected to participate in a series of onshore activities, including cultural excursions and informal engagements.

September 21, Colombo (LNW): Prevailing showery and windy condition over the south western parts of the island is expected to continue, the Department of Meteorologys said in its daily weather forecast today (21).

Showers will occur at times in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts. Fairly heavy falls of about 75 mm are likely at some places.

Several spells of showers may occur in Northern and North-western provinces.

Showers or thundershowers are likely at a few places in Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts after 2.00 p.m.

Fairly strong winds of about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Central, North-central and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.

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

Marine Weather:

Condition of Rain:
Showers are likely at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanthurai to Matara via Puttalam, Colombo and Galle.

Winds:
Winds will be south-westerly and wind speed will be (30-40) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to (50-55) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Trincomalee via Mannar and Kankasanthurai and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota.

State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Trincomalee via Mannar and Kankasanthurai and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota may be rough at times.

Honouring a Visionary Leader, a Transformative Force, and a True Inspiration for Generations to Come.

The Founding Vice Chancellor of NSBM Green Prof. E. A. Weerasinghe was proudly honoured during the “Veerabhivandana” felicitation ceremony organized by the Alumni Association of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. This special event celebrated Prof. Weerasinghe, an esteemed alumnus of the University, for his recent recognition as the Most Visionary Leader of the Year 2025 at the Sri Lankan Entrepreneur Awards.   

The ceremony was held under the respectable patronage and presence of Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura Ven. Dr. Ittapana Dhammalankara Anu Nayake Maha Thero, the Chief Prelate (Mahanayake) of Kotte Sri Kalayani Samagri Dharma Maha Sangha  Sabha of SiyamMaha Nikaya.

Also in attendance were senior officials and staff from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJP), led by Vice Chancellor Senior Professor Pathmalal M. Manage, Senior Professor Sampath Amaratunga, Former Vice Chancellor of USJP, Emeritus Professor Sunil Ariyaratne, the Chancellor of the University of the Visual and Performing Arts as well as members of the alumni association under the leadership of Mr. Gamini Silva, President of the Alumni Association.

Representatives from NSBM Green University, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Chaminda Ratnayake, deans, heads, family members of Prof. Weerasinghe, and other notable dignitaries were also present to celebrate his remarkable achievements.

For NSBM Green University, Prof. Weerasinghe’s pioneering vision has been the driving force behind the institution’s growth, innovation, and international collaborations. His exceptional leadership, and transformative contribution inspire the NSBM community to uphold excellence, embrace innovation, and make a meaningful impact on society.