September 18, Colombo (LNW): The former Executive Director of the National Lotteries Board, Thusitha Halloluwa, has been granted bail after being produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today Wednesday (18), in connection with an ongoing investigation into a shooting incident.
Presiding over the hearing, Colombo Additional Magistrate Lahiru Silva ruled that Halloluwa be released on two surety bails amounting to Rs. 500,000 each. In addition to the bail conditions, the court imposed a strict travel ban and ordered that the suspect’s passport be handed over to the authorities, effectively barring any attempt to leave the country while the case remains under judicial scrutiny.
Halloluwa, who had been evading court proceedings for several weeks, was apprehended by law enforcement officials in the Colpetty area on 19 August. His arrest follows a reported shooting incident involving his vehicle in Narahenpita—a case that has since drawn significant public and media attention due to Halloluwa’s prior role in a high-profile state institution.
Ex-Lotteries Board Director Released on Bail Following Arrest Linked to Shooting Incident
Tribute to Rajiv Perera on his 60th birthday
By Krishantha Prasad Cooray
September 18, Colombo (LNW): In life we meet many people, most of whom hardly leave a trace of their passing. Some, very few in fact, leave a mark so deep that no passage of time can erase it. For me, at the very top of that list is Rajiv Perera.
I knew of Rajiv at school – St Thomas’, Mount Lavinia – where he was a few years senior to me. A fine sportsman, he played rugby for S. Thomas’, CH & FC, and Sri Lanka. On the field he was fearless yet always a gentleman, respected by teammates and opponents alike. That same spirit carried into the rest of his life competitive when it mattered, but always fair, always gracious.
But I only really got to know him when I went to the UK for my higher studies, about 35 years ago. This was around the time that John Major had replaced the Iron Lady, Margaret Thatcher, and was just settling in as Prime Minister. I knew only a few people in London. It was through the Thomian network that I met Rajiv. We clicked immediately.
The UK Old Boys’ Association always looked after students who had just arrived in Britain. But Rajiv went far beyond that. He quickly became my closest friend and my greatest asset in London. I must confess that I sometimes took his friendship for granted. He never complained, never made me feel a burden. He simply gave with a loyalty that cannot be expressed in words.
I was living in the university halls of residence, yet Rajja would drive more than one and a half hours just to take me for a haircut. If I craved a Sri Lankan meal, he would pick me up, take me home and cook a spread that no one could match. He could cook almost anything, always tasty, always fast, and always better than anyone else. I would never have survived my university years without him.
In those days, Old Thomians gathered often, and a meal at Rajja’s was almost compulsory. Krishan Perera, Roshan Perera, Johann Wijesinghe, who is sadly no longer with us, Mahendra Iddamalgoda, Milinda Gunawardane, and Gamini Gunawardane, whom we called “Chucker” and who is also no longer with us, were regulars. And it wasn’t just Thomians. DIL Wijemanne, Aravinda de Silva, Rajind Ranatunga, Priyantha Ekanayake, Rohan Abeykoon, Dharshana Wathudura who later became Rajja’s brother-in-law, Shantha Jayasekera and Nigel Issac often joined in too. Later, Thomian Prasad Wimalasekera became a frequent visitor as well.
Rugby also brought us together. The old Thomian team used to practice at Northwick Park, with Rohan Karunaratne, another who is sadly no longer with us, as a coach. Rajiv played a key role in all this, not just as a former player himself, but as the man who bound everyone together. Some days, after rugger practice, the natural next stop was Rajja’s place, where food, laughter, and insults there were in abundance.
Those nights at Rajiv’s house were unforgettable. It was the stage for endless banter. Nobody was spared, and the teasing flew as freely as the food and drinks. We laughed until our stomachs hurt, and if you went home without being embarrassed, you knew you hadn’t really been part of the evening. Rajiv himself rarely drank, and then only for company, but he was always at the centre of it, cooking, serving, laughing, and making sure everyone left happier than when they arrived.
Rajiv became, for thousands of Sri Lankans, the first port of call in London. He did the pick-ups and drop-offs from Heathrow, drove people around, fed them, and often even sent them away with gifts. Many of us, when a friend travelled to London, would simply call Rajiv knowing he would step in, without hesitation, to provide a meal, a lift, or simply good company.
When Johann Wijesinghe fell seriously ill and was in London for treatment, Rajiv, despite not being in the best of health himself, drove Johann and his wife Kalpana around and stood by them in a remarkable way. They were deeply grateful to him. That was Rajiv in essence: his instinct was always to give, to help, and to care, even when it came at a cost to himself.
As an impatient man, I sometimes found Rajiv’s patience almost irritating. Even when people took advantage of him, he never reacted in anger. He is an extremely civilised man who would never utter hurtful words to anyone. Whenever he did a favour, he did it quietly, without making a song and dance about it. His only concern was to make people happy, never to make them sad.
Rajiv’s biggest weakness, if one can call it that, is his inability to say no – even to those who offered little or nothing in return. He helped those who deserved it, and even those who did not. It is a reflection of his kindness and generosity of spirit.
And yet, despite all that, Rajiv is an accomplished Thomian; a man full of grit and determination, and a human being overflowing with kindness and affection for everyone. He has a wonderfully dry sense of humour, delivered with a straight face, and a heart that is as big as any I have known.
God above has been kind to me in giving me extraordinary friends. Once, a Lebanese friend I came to admire within a very short time told me, “Krishantha, my address book is the wealth I will leave my children.” I understood what he meant. My own address book is perhaps even wealthier because it has in it a man like Rajiv.
On his 60th birthday, my wish for Rajiv is simple: may he know, in his heart, how much he has accomplished, not through wealth or position but through simple goodness, steadfast loyalty and the countless lives he has touched along the way. When all is said and done, life is not measured by the titles we carry or the fortunes we amass but by the laughter we inspire, the friendships we keep, and the loyalty we show.
By that measure, Rajiv, you are a rich man, richer than most. In my book, and in those of so many others who you helped, inspired and stood by every day of your life, you are our true legend. Happy birthday my dear brother.
Sri Lanka Confronts Hidden Crisis of Child Abuse with Sweeping Reforms
September 18, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is facing a profound challenge in safeguarding its children, with newly released figures revealing over 15,000 reported incidents of abuse in 2024 alone—a number that officials say likely masks a far more disturbing reality.
The Minister of Women and Children’s Affairs, Saroja Paulraj, speaking candidly on the matter, described the situation as a national emergency requiring urgent and wide-reaching reform. “There is no place in a civilised society for violence against children,” she stated, calling for meaningful change across institutions, communities, and mindsets.
Statistics compiled from multiple agencies paint a troubling picture. The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) reported receiving more than 8,700 calls via its dedicated helpline last year, whilst police records show over 6,400 formal complaints linked to abuse and exploitation. Despite the sheer volume of reports, Minister Paulraj cautioned that the official figures likely underrepresent the true scale of the issue.
“Many children suffer in silence—unseen, unheard, and unaided. Fear, shame, and social stigma often prevent them from coming forward. What we see is only the surface,” she said.
In response, the government is advancing a broad child protection strategy under the National Policy Framework 2025, aimed at creating a more responsive and compassionate system that genuinely places children at its heart.
Key reforms include the development of a more agile reporting and case-handling process, the introduction of child-sensitive investigation methods, and enhanced collaboration between protection services, schools, law enforcement, and health professionals. Training and capacity building across frontline services are also being prioritised, to ensure a skilled and empathetic response to children in distress.
“Children are not statistics. They are individuals—complex, emotional, and deserving of our full care and attention,” Minister Paulraj emphasised. “We need to move away from purely bureaucratic responses and start treating children as human beings first.”
Sri Lanka’s efforts are also being shaped by its international commitments. At the 2024 Inter-Ministerial Conference on Violence Against Children in Bogotá, the country pledged to introduce a range of progressive measures by mid-2025. These include:
* Establishing a national network of survivor support services rooted in child-centred care
* Strengthening the social services workforce with a focus on community-level prevention
* Outlawing corporal punishment in all settings, including homes and schools
* Promoting schools as safe spaces within a broader national violence prevention plan
What sets these reforms apart is the inclusion of children’s own voices. Over 1,200 children were consulted in shaping the current agenda, ensuring that the policies reflect not just adult assumptions, but the lived realities of young people across the island.
As part of its commitment to this transformative agenda, the Ministry has already increased funding allocations for care institutions, family reunification efforts, and community-based interventions. Further financial support is expected in the 2026 national budget, particularly to scale up new models of care and professionalise the role of child protection officers.
Revised Visitor Access Restrictions at BIA Departure Lobby Announced
September 18, Colombo (LNW): The Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL) has issued an updated notice regarding visitor access to the Departure Lobby at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), refining the restrictions previously put in place to reduce congestion during peak hours.
Under the new guidelines, visitor access to the Departure Lobby will now be restricted only on Thursdays and Saturdays, between 10:00 p.m. and midnight. This is a revision from the earlier policy, which restricted entry from Thursdays to Saturdays during the same hours.
The adjustment comes as part of ongoing efforts to ensure smoother airport operations and improve passenger convenience, particularly during high-traffic periods. By limiting non-traveller presence in key areas, AASL aims to streamline passenger movement and enhance the overall airport experience.
AASL has extended its gratitude to the public for their understanding and cooperation in helping maintain a more efficient and comfortable environment for all airport users.
Sri Lanka Secures $100 Million ADB Loan to Boost Sustainable Tourism Development
September 18, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is set to receive a significant financial injection aimed at revitalising and modernising its tourism sector, following Cabinet approval to enter into a loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The agreement, which outlines a $100 million package, is designed to support a broad programme focused on sustainable tourism development and regional economic upliftment.
The funding will be allocated through a dual-structured mechanism, comprising a $70 million policy-based loan and an additional investment-focused component. The latter will fund tangible infrastructure and capacity-building projects within key tourism zones, particularly in and around Trincomalee and Dambulla, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sigiriya.
The proposed developments under the investment component include a range of targeted interventions: improving transport access to high-traffic destinations, easing congestion at popular tourist sites, extending visitor stay duration through upgraded amenities, and supporting local businesses to capture a greater share of tourism-driven revenue.
In addition to physical infrastructure, the programme is expected to support broader strategic goals such as diversifying tourism offerings, improving environmental sustainability in key tourist areas, and embedding responsible tourism practices within local communities.
The Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing will serve as the lead implementing agency for the investment-related initiatives, working in tandem with the Ministry of Tourism to deliver on the programme’s overarching objectives. This collaboration reflects a coordinated government approach to positioning tourism as a sustainable economic pillar whilst ensuring development efforts are aligned with long-term urban planning.
The joint proposal to proceed with the loan arrangement was formally endorsed by the Cabinet of Ministers, paving the way for the relevant legal and administrative steps to finalise the agreement with the ADB.
Officials have indicated that the initiative is part of a broader economic recovery strategy that sees tourism—not only as a revenue-generating sector—but also as a vehicle for regional development, job creation, and international engagement. By focusing on sustainable and inclusive growth, the government aims to move beyond short-term tourism booms and instead build a resilient sector capable of delivering lasting benefits across the country.
As the global travel landscape continues to evolve post-pandemic, Sri Lanka’s efforts to modernise its tourism infrastructure and diversify its appeal may play a crucial role in attracting higher-value visitors whilst also preserving the cultural and environmental assets that make the island a unique destination.
Sri Lanka Unveils Landmark Reforms to Safeguard Child Witnesses in Courts
September 18, Colombo (LNW): In a significant stride towards a more compassionate and protective legal environment, Sri Lanka has commenced the establishment of dedicated child witness rooms across the country’s court system.
The move is set to transform the way children engage with the justice process, particularly in cases where they are required to provide testimony.
The initiative was launched at the Kandy High Court, where the first such facility was formally opened by Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara. Addressing the gathering, the Minister described the development as a watershed moment in the evolution of Sri Lanka’s judicial system, noting that child victims and witnesses will now be able to participate in legal proceedings without being subjected to the intimidating and often retraumatising experience of facing a courtroom and the accused.
The newly introduced rooms are fitted with modern audio-visual equipment, enabling children to provide testimony remotely from a secure and separate space within the court complex. This allows for a more sensitive approach to child protection while ensuring that justice is neither delayed nor denied.
The establishment of these facilities is part of a broader legislative and institutional overhaul being introduced through the proposed Child Protection and Justice Bill. Among its key aims is the integration of child-centric principles into every facet of the judicial process, including mechanisms for case conferencing, tailored case management, and diversion pathways designed to keep children—especially those in conflict with the law—out of the formal criminal justice system wherever possible.
Minister Nanayakkara also confirmed that complementary legislative measures are already underway, including efforts to outlaw corporal punishment, further cementing the country’s shift towards international child rights standards and best practices.
“These rooms are not simply about technology,” the Minister remarked. “They represent a deeper change—where a child’s voice is heard without fear, where dignity replaces trauma, and where justice serves protection as much as punishment.”
The Ministry of Justice has announced plans to expand the scheme in phases, starting with 15 more high courts, followed by a wider rollout to 35 additional judicial institutions. Once fully implemented, the initiative will ensure comprehensive national access to child-sensitive justice.
The reform is also aligned with the government’s digital transformation agenda, which includes modernising court infrastructure and introducing more technologically equipped and accessible legal processes.
Spike in Violence and Fatal Accidents Raises Alarm Across Sri Lanka
September 18, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is grappling with a disturbing rise in violent crime and deadly road accidents, with statistics for 2025 already eclipsing many of the figures reported in the same timeframe last year.
Authorities and citizens alike are expressing mounting concern over what appears to be a deepening crisis in public safety.
A notable surge in shootings—many tied to ongoing gang rivalries—has become a defining feature of this year’s crime landscape. Between January and early September, law enforcement has recorded 99 shooting incidents, resulting in 50 fatalities and 56 people injured.
The scale of the violence has already brought the country close to surpassing 2024’s full-year figures, which saw 103 shootings, 61 deaths, and 47 injuries.
Police have attributed the bulk of these attacks to feuds between organised criminal networks, particularly those entangled in the drug trade. Out of this year’s fatalities, 44 were linked directly to gang-related violence.
Disturbingly, amongst those killed were several bystanders caught in the crossfire—underscoring the growing risk to the general public.
The broader picture of violent crime is equally troubling. From January to July this year, 300 homicides were reported across the island. In comparison, a total of 556 murders were recorded throughout 2024. Whilst police investigations have yielded results in many cases—claiming to have solved 272 of the 300 murders reported so far this year—the upward trajectory of violent deaths has alarmed both communities and security analysts.
Adding to the nation’s woes is the unrelenting toll of road accidents. As of mid-September, 1,838 fatal crashes have been logged for the year, resulting in 1,955 deaths—already putting 2025 on track to match or even surpass last year’s figures. In 2024, Sri Lanka reported 2,253 fatal road accidents and 2,259 related deaths.
Beyond fatalities, road safety remains a critical issue with 3,708 serious accidents, 6,827 minor incidents, and 2,858 cases involving only property damage reported so far this year.
Two recent high-profile crashes have only intensified public anxiety. The first, in May, took place near Gerandi Ella in Kotmale, when a state-run bus veered off the Nuwara Eliya–Gampola road and fell nearly 100 feet down a slope. The crash, involving a bus travelling from Kataragama to Kurunegala, left over 20 people dead and more than 60 injured.
The second occurred on September 04 along the Ella–Wellawaya route. A bus carrying employees and relatives from the Tangalle Urban Council collided with an SUV before plunging almost 1,000 feet into a ravine. Sixteen people, including the bus driver, lost their lives, whilst 18 others sustained serious injuries.
Authorities say they are working to tighten enforcement and implement safety campaigns, but the figures paint a grim picture. With organised crime seemingly gaining ground and road conditions and driver behaviour continuing to contribute to preventable tragedies, the call for urgent and coordinated action is growing louder.
Differently-Abled Student Seeks Supreme Court Redress After Being Denied University Admission
September 18, Colombo (LNW): A student from Bandarawela has taken legal action against the University Grants Commission (UGC), alleging that he was unjustly denied the opportunity to pursue higher education in technology solely due to him being differently-abled.
The case, now before the Supreme Court, raises critical questions about inclusivity and equal access to education within Sri Lanka’s university admissions system.
The petitioner, Manujaya Attanayake, a recent school leaver from Dharmapala College in Bandarawela, claims that despite meeting the academic requirements for university entry through the GCE Advanced Level examination in the Technology stream, he was refused admission on the grounds that no facilities or provisions existed to accommodate disabled students in that particular programme.
The matter was recently brought before a bench comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justice Shiran Gooneratne, who have scheduled the case to be supported on February 24 next year.
In his petition, Attanayake argues that the decision taken by the UGC constitutes a violation of his constitutional rights, specifically the right to equal treatment and access to education irrespective of physical ability.
He maintains that his exclusion from the degree programme was not based on academic performance or merit but rather on an arbitrary interpretation of administrative regulations regarding disability.
He is now urging the Court to intervene by recognising the infringement of his fundamental rights and compelling the relevant authorities to offer him a placement in the technology degree programme for the 2024/2025 academic year.
Nationwide Public Hearings Begin on Proposed Electricity Tariff Hike
September 18, Colombo (LNW): Public engagement on the proposed revision of electricity tariffs is set to begin today, as the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) launches a series of consultation sessions across the country.
The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has recommended a 6.8 per cent increase in electricity charges for the final quarter of 2025, a move that has prompted the regulatory authority to seek public feedback before any decision is finalised.
In response, the PUCSL has organised a comprehensive public consultation process, inviting citizens to voice their opinions both verbally and in writing. The initiative includes nine in-person forums to be held across all nine provinces, beginning today.
These sessions are intended to collect direct feedback from consumers, industry representatives, and civil society groups regarding the implications of the proposed tariff adjustment.
In addition to the in-person consultations, the public is encouraged to submit written observations, objections, or recommendations through multiple channels before the deadline of October 07, 2025. Submissions can be made via:
Email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
WhatsApp: 076 427 1030
Facebook: [facebook.com/pucsl](https://www.facebook.com/pucsl)
Postal Address:
Public Consultation on the Third Electricity Tariff Revision – 2025
Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka
6th Floor, Bank of Ceylon Trade Tower
Colombo 3
Power Sector Tensions Escalate as Unions Threaten Heightened Industrial Action
September 18, Colombo (LNW): Growing unrest within the power sector has taken a more serious turn, as trade unions representing electricity workers vow to intensify their ongoing industrial action unless their grievances receive urgent attention from authorities.
The dispute centres on what union representatives allege is a unilateral and non-consultative restructuring process within the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB). Workers argue that the overhaul threatens job security, disrupts operational coherence, and undermines decades of institutional experience without offering a clear or sustainable path forward.
The initial phase of the protest began on September 04, when employees launched a “work-to-rule” campaign—strictly adhering to job descriptions and working hours, thereby deliberately slowing down operations. According to union sources, the aim was to highlight their dissatisfaction without disrupting essential services entirely.
However, the situation escalated this week, with a coordinated sick leave protest taking place on September 17. The move, involving a significant number of technical and support staff, effectively disrupted several routine maintenance operations and caused delays in service delivery.
Today marks the second day of this sick leave demonstration, and reports suggest participation has grown across multiple districts.
Kosala Abeysinghe, President of the Ceylon Electricity Board Technicians’ Union, issued a stern message to the administration, making it clear that further escalation is imminent if the authorities continue to turn a blind eye to the workers’ demands.