September 14, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s tourism sector continues to show signs of sustained recovery, with over 52,000 international visitors recorded in the first two weeks of September alone, according to the latest data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).

The figures indicate that a total of 52,246 tourists entered the country so far this month, contributing to an encouraging trend that has been building throughout the year. India remains the leading source market, with 14,300 Indian nationals visiting during this period—accounting for 27.4 per cent of the overall arrivals for the month.

Other key markets for September include the United Kingdom, with 4,092 travellers, followed by Germany (3,488), China (2,796), and Australia (2,603). These numbers reflect a continued interest in Sri Lanka as a leisure destination, despite a challenging global travel climate marked by fluctuating airfares and regional uncertainties.

With the inclusion of the latest September figures, the cumulative number of international arrivals in 2025 has now reached 1,618,769. Of this total, India has contributed 339,895 visitors, followed by 155,233 from the UK and 119,132 from Russia—underscoring the strategic importance of these markets for Sri Lanka’s tourism revival.

Industry observers note that the increase in arrivals can be attributed to a combination of improved marketing campaigns, greater flight connectivity, and a renewed focus on promoting Sri Lanka as a safe, diverse, and culturally rich destination. The government has also introduced several streamlined visa measures and incentives for tour operators, which are believed to be supporting the uptick in foreign interest.

September 14, Colombo (LNW): A long-awaited archaeological and forensic excavation is expected to commence next week at a suspected mass grave site in Kurukkalmadam, located in the Batticaloa district.

The operation comes following a directive issued by the Kaluwanchikudy Magistrate’s Court, and forms part of broader efforts to investigate unresolved cases linked to Sri Lanka’s conflict-era past.

Deputy Minister of National Integration, Muneer Mulaffer, confirmed that a sum of Rs. 2.9 million has been allocated to facilitate the initial phase of the excavation.

The site, long regarded by local communities and human rights advocates as potentially holding critical evidence related to enforced disappearances or extrajudicial killings, has remained largely undisturbed until now.

September 14, Colombo (LNW): The Election Commission has escalated proceedings against several candidates from the 2024 Presidential Election who failed to comply with mandatory financial disclosure requirements, forwarding relevant case files to the Attorney General’s Department for further consideration.

According to officials, five individuals who contested the presidential race did not submit their legally required statements detailing income and campaign-related expenses, as stipulated under the Election Expenditure Regulation Act No. 3 of 2023. The Commission is now seeking legal advice from the Attorney General on how to proceed with potential prosecutions.

The legislation, enacted to ensure greater financial transparency in electoral processes, obliges all candidates to declare their campaign funding sources and expenditures within a specified timeframe. Failure to comply is considered a punishable offence under the Act.

In addition to the five presidential candidates, the Commission revealed that 13 other individuals, linked to various election activities, also failed to meet the reporting requirements. Law enforcement authorities have been directed to take appropriate action against those parties, with investigations currently underway.

Statements have already been obtained from the defaulting candidates, and the matter has been formally referred to court for further legal proceedings.

September 14, Colombo (LNW): After more than two years of inactivity, construction on a key segment of the Central Expressway is set to recommence this month, marking a renewed push in the country’s long-delayed infrastructure development efforts.

The section between Kadawatha and Mirigama, which had been stalled since mid-2022 due to severe financial constraints, is scheduled to resume on September 17 with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expected to officiate the relaunch ceremony.

The revival of this major project is being seen as both a symbolic and practical milestone in the government’s attempts to reinvigorate national transport networks in the wake of the economic downturn.

Alongside the relaunch, work will begin on the Kadawatha Interchange Hub—a critical access point linking the expressway to multiple transport corridors—as well as the first 500-metre stretch extending from Kadawatha itself.

This initial segment is being prioritised to lay the groundwork for the larger expressway build, which spans 37 kilometres in total.

The government has earmarked Rs. 8.6 billion for this phase of the development, signalling a significant capital commitment to a project many had feared would remain dormant indefinitely.

According to Dr Prasanna Gunasena, Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways, the expressway’s recommencement has been made possible through a substantial financial facility secured from the Export-Import Bank of China, amounting to USD 500 million.

This loan is expected to cover core construction, engineering consultations, and associated infrastructure development over the next several years.

The Kadawatha–Mirigama section is projected to be completed by mid-2028, and once operational, it is anticipated to ease traffic congestion along major national routes whilst significantly reducing travel time between the Western and North-Western provinces.

It also forms a crucial link in the broader expressway network designed to improve commercial connectivity across the island.

Transport officials have underscored the expressway’s long-term benefits for logistics, tourism, and investment, with particular emphasis on job creation and regional development during the construction phase.

Whilst some challenges remain—including the coordination of land acquisitions, environmental assessments, and contractor mobilisation—the resumption of work signals a shift in momentum for large-scale infrastructure delivery, which had been severely affected by the nation’s fiscal crisis.

September 14, Colombo (LNW): Authorities have confirmed that a significant stockpile of chemicals recently uncovered in a remote area of Middeniya has been identified as precursor material commonly used in the illicit production of methamphetamine, a powerful and highly addictive synthetic drug.

The confirmation follows laboratory analysis conducted by the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB), which submitted its detailed findings to the Crimes Division of the Western Province North late last week. The discovery is being treated as a major breakthrough in the ongoing effort to dismantle organised drug networks operating across the island.

The cache came to light on 5 September during questioning of a suspected underworld figure known by the alias “Backhoe Saman,” currently in custody. Acting on information extracted during interrogation, law enforcement officials were able to locate the concealed stock in a discreetly chosen plot of land in the Middeniya area—raising concerns about the scale and sophistication of the operation.

Subsequent searches, prompted by further intelligence, led authorities to additional suspected chemical stashes in Netolpitiya and Kandana. These materials are currently undergoing forensic examination, with detailed reports expected in the coming week. Investigators believe the three locations may have been part of a coordinated distribution network aimed at supporting large-scale drug manufacturing.

September 14, Colombo (LNW): Police have taken into custody Ravindra Bandara, the former chairman of the Wattegama Urban Council, along with businessman Lakshitha Manoj Weerabahu, in connection with a suspected vehicle import and registration scam, authorities confirmed on Saturday.

The arrests come amid an ongoing investigation into what officials describe as a fraudulent scheme involving the illegal importation of high-end vehicles.

Two Jeep SUVs believed to have been brought into the country unlawfully—and subsequently registered with falsified documentation at the Department of Motor Traffic—have also been seized as part of the operation.

According to investigators, both individuals are suspected of playing key roles in manipulating official records to legitimise the imported vehicles.

Evidence uncovered so far points to the deliberate use of forged data entries and fraudulent registration details to circumvent standard import procedures and regulatory checks.

September 14, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Meteorology has issued a public advisory warning that the Heat Index—representing the temperature as experienced by the human body—is expected to climb to ‘Caution level’ thresholds in several regions of the country, particularly across parts of the Northern, North-Central, and Eastern provinces, as well as the Monaragala district.

This elevated Heat Index indicates conditions that may lead to fatigue and heat-related discomfort if appropriate precautions are not taken, especially during peak daytime hours.

In light of the forecast, health and safety officials are urging residents in the affected areas to adopt measures to protect themselves and vulnerable members of their communities. Employers, particularly those operating in outdoor environments such as construction or agriculture, are being advised to ensure workers remain hydrated, take regular breaks in shaded or cool areas, and avoid excessive exertion during the hottest parts of the day.

Within households, special attention is being called to the elderly, the sick, and young children, who are most susceptible to heat-related illnesses. The public is encouraged to regularly check on at-risk individuals and ensure they are staying cool and adequately hydrated.

Authorities also stress the critical danger of leaving children or pets unattended in parked vehicles—even for short periods—as cabin temperatures can rise rapidly to life-threatening levels.

Those planning to be outdoors are recommended to wear light, loose-fitting clothing in white or pale colours to reduce heat absorption. Activities under direct sunlight should be minimised, with priority given to frequent hydration and access to cooler environments whenever possible.

September 14, Colombo (LNW): The Government of Sri Lanka has expressed strong support for the United Nations General Assembly’s recent adoption of a resolution endorsing the New York Declaration on the peaceful settlement of the Question of Palestine, reaffirming its longstanding commitment to a two-State solution.

Sri Lanka was among the 142 nations that voted in favour of the resolution, which seeks to advance a just and lasting peace in the Middle East through the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, coexisting alongside Israel.

In a statement issued following the vote, the Sri Lankan Government extended its sincere appreciation to Saudi Arabia and France for their leadership in bringing forward the resolution, describing it as a significant step towards lasting peace in the region.

Reaffirming its unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s inalienable right to statehood, Sri Lanka underscored its alignment with the principles of the United Nations Charter and the relevant UN resolutions that serve as the foundation for the two-State framework.

The Government reiterated that a peaceful and negotiated resolution to the conflict is essential to regional stability and the rights of all peoples involved.

September 14, Colombo (LNW): Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has concluded a diplomatic visit to Geneva, where he participated in the 60th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), delivering an address on behalf of the Sri Lankan Government during a key session focused on the country’s progress in the field of human rights.

In his remarks to the Council on 8 September, Minister Herath underscored the Government’s ongoing commitment to national reconciliation through home-grown mechanisms, reiterating that sustainable peace and justice in Sri Lanka must emerge through locally led efforts rather than externally imposed solutions.

He outlined a number of reforms and initiatives already underway, highlighting that these are aimed at ensuring dignity, rights, and equal opportunity for all citizens, regardless of background.

The Minister used the platform to provide an overview of the steps the Government has taken to improve institutional accountability, community dialogue, and the protection of economic, social, and political rights. He stated that while progress has been made, a lasting transformation requires both time and space—emphasising that meaningful change cannot be rushed nor externally dictated.

During the visit, Minister Herath held a series of bilateral meetings with key international figures, including UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. The discussions centred on how the United Nations could constructively engage with Sri Lanka by offering technical cooperation and advisory support, particularly in the advancement of inclusive development and the safeguarding of civil liberties.

In this context, both parties agreed on the importance of addressing the full spectrum of human rights—civil, political, economic, and social—in a manner that reflects the country’s unique social fabric and post-conflict realities. High Commissioner Türk, who has visited Sri Lanka in the past, conveyed appreciation for the Government’s openness and noted the significance of the current moment as an opportunity to pursue meaningful reconciliation with determination and integrity.

Minister Herath also met with Ambassador Jürg Lauber of Switzerland, President of the Human Rights Council, who welcomed the engagement as a positive signal of Sri Lanka’s willingness to maintain high-level dialogue with the international community. The two exchanged views on strengthening constructive engagement between Sri Lanka and the Council moving forward.

In addition to these official meetings, Minister Herath interacted with numerous representatives from countries that have consistently supported Sri Lanka’s sovereign right to shape its post-conflict journey. Expressing gratitude for their ongoing solidarity, he stressed the importance of international partnerships rooted in mutual respect, rather than prescriptive oversight.