December 15, Colombo (LNW): As part of the “Nation United – National Drive” initiative targeting illegal narcotics, Sri Lankan authorities arrested 981 individuals yesterday (14) during coordinated operations across the country.
The Police Media Division reported that 987 separate raids were carried out, resulting in the detention of suspected drug offenders. In addition, 12 individuals identified as drug users were directed to rehabilitation programmes, while 28 others remain under investigation.
During the sweep, officers confiscated significant quantities of illegal substances, including 890 grams of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as ‘Ice’, and 513 grams of heroin, alongside other narcotics.
Police Detain Nearly 1,000 in Nationwide Anti-Drug Sweep
Sri Lanka Confirms No Nationals Harmed in Sydney Shooting
December 15, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism has assured that no Sri Lankan citizens were affected in the shooting incident that took place during a Hanukkah celebration near Bondi Beach, Sydney, on Sunday.
The Ministry stated that it is actively monitoring the situation and maintaining close contact with Australian authorities to obtain the latest updates on the unfolding investigation.
According to Australian police, at least 16 people lost their lives and over 40 others were injured when two armed individuals opened fire at a festival attended by around 1,000 participants. Among those wounded were two police officers.
Authorities confirmed that one suspect was killed at the scene, while the second, reportedly a relative of the first, remains in critical condition in hospital. The Sri Lankan government emphasised that it continues to coordinate with Australian officials as inquiries progress.
Ex-CEYPETCO Chairman Detained Over Alleged Tender Irregularities
December 15, Colombo (LNW): Dhammika Ranatunga, the former Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO), has been taken into custody by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).
He faces allegations of causing financial losses amounting to approximately Rs. 800 million to the state-run corporation by cancelling three long-term fuel supply contracts for 2017–2018 and opting instead for short-term spot tenders, which reportedly involved higher costs.
Ranatunga is set to appear before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court in connection with the case.
Sri Lanka Condemns Bondi Beach Attack, Extends Condolences to Australia
December 15, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has expressed profound sorrow over the recent terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Australia, which targeted a Jewish Hanukkah celebration.
In an official statement, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake condemned the act of violence, extending heartfelt condolences to the Australian government, the nation’s people, and the families of the victims. He also conveyed sympathy to those injured, emphasising Sri Lanka’s solidarity with Australia and reaffirming that hatred and violence have no place in any society.
The attack claimed the lives of 15 people, including a 10-year-old girl. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged to advocate for stricter gun control measures in response.
Police reports indicate the perpetrators were a 50-year-old man, who died at the scene, and his 24-year-old son, currently in critical condition in hospital. The father reportedly held a recreational firearms licence.
Authorities have praised the bravery of bystanders who helped save lives during the incident, along with off-duty police officers who rushed to assist once the shooting began.
Sri Lanka strongly condemns the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach targeting a Jewish Hanukkah gathering. We extend our deepest condolences to the Government and people of Australia, and to the families of those who lost their lives. Our thoughts are with the injured. Sri Lanka…
— Anura Kumara Dissanayake (@anuradisanayake) December 15, 2025
EDB Launches Survey to Assess Disaster Impact on Exporters
December 15, Colombo (LNW): The Export Development Board (EDB) has initiated a nationwide effort to collect data on Sri Lankan exporters impacted by recent disasters.
EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe highlighted that many exporters have struggled with power interruptions, damaged roads, and disruptions in logistics and transport networks.
He expressed optimism that, with ongoing recovery efforts, the export sector is likely to resume normal operations by January or February 2026.
Nawalapitiya-Kandy Road Reopens After Cyclone Ditwah Damage
December 15, Colombo (LNW): The main Nawalapitiya-Kandy roadway, closed for 18 days due to damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah, has been reopened to traffic today (15).
Authorities cleared large earth deposits caused by a landslide and carried out temporary reconstruction to make the route safe for vehicles while plans for a permanent solution are finalised. Officials have warned that the area above the road remains susceptible to further landslides.
The Road Development Authority (RDA) has urged drivers to exercise caution and adhere to speed restrictions, particularly as certain limitations on heavy vehicle movement are still in effect.
The repair operation involved close coordination between the RDA, the 6th Corps of Engineers Regiment, local police from Nawalapitiya and Ethgala, the Pasbage Korale Pradeshiya Sabha, and other local stakeholders.
Speaking to reporters, MP Thushari Jayasinghe confirmed that most of the damaged roads in the Pasbage Korale area have now been restored. She also noted that work on the Ulapane-Kandy road is ongoing, with an expected reopening within the next week.
Major Indian Study Finds No Link Between COVID-19 Vaccines and Sudden Deaths in Young Adults
December 15, Colombo (LNW): A comprehensive year-long study carried out by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi has found no scientific evidence connecting COVID-19 vaccination to sudden deaths among young adults, reinforcing confidence in the safety of the vaccines.
The research, published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, examined cases involving individuals aged 18 to 45 who died unexpectedly. Investigators employed multiple methods, including verbal autopsies, advanced imaging, full post-mortem examinations and detailed tissue analysis, to determine the causes of death with a high degree of accuracy.
The findings showed no statistically meaningful relationship between vaccination status and sudden mortality in this age group. Instead, the majority of deaths were attributed to recognised medical conditions, with heart-related diseases identified as the most common cause. Respiratory illnesses and other non-cardiac factors were also present in a number of cases.
Researchers further noted that prior COVID-19 infection and vaccination patterns were broadly similar across age groups, providing no indication of a causal link between immunisation and unexpected deaths. The conclusions align with international scientific evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines.
Professor Sudheer Arava of AIIMS said the study is especially relevant amid the spread of unverified claims suggesting a connection between vaccines and sudden fatalities. He emphasised that the data clearly refute such assertions and highlighted the importance of relying on rigorous scientific research rather than speculation.
Medical experts added that sudden deaths in younger people, while deeply distressing, are often linked to undiagnosed or underlying health conditions, particularly those affecting the heart. They stressed the value of routine health checks, healthier lifestyles and early medical care in reducing such risks.
Professor Arava also urged the public to seek information from credible scientific sources and to remain cautious of misinformation that could undermine trust in proven public health interventions, including vaccination programmes.
Ditwah Damage: Railway Repairs to Cost About $400 Mn
December 15, Colombo (LNW): The reconstruction of railway infrastructure damaged by the recent disaster is expected to require an investment of around US$ 400 million, according to Commissioner General of Essential Services Prabhat Chandrakeerthy.
He said the extent of destruction to rail tracks and related facilities means that full restoration will be a lengthy process, with work needing to be carried out in stages across multiple affected areas.
Providing an update on the health sector, Chandrakeerthy noted that close to 90 per cent of the 236 medical institutions impacted by the disaster have already resumed operations. Temporary arrangements have been made for facilities such as Spring Valley and Kandegedara hospitals, which have been relocated to alternate premises.
He added that Mahiyanganaya and Chilaw hospitals, both of which suffered extensive damage, have now returned to normal service delivery. However, the disaster caused serious losses to medical equipment, including high-value items such as CT scanners, which were badly damaged and will take time and significant resources to replace.
Authorities say recovery efforts remain ongoing, with priority being given to restoring essential transport and health services while longer-term reconstruction plans are finalised.
Police Alert Public to Rise in Phone Scams Impersonating Officials
December 15, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Police have issued a renewed warning to the public over a growing number of fraudulent telephone calls made by organised groups posing as law enforcement officers and bank staff.
According to police, the callers often claim to represent institutions such as the Sri Lanka Police, the Criminal Investigation Department, the Financial Crimes Investigation Division or commercial banks. Their aim, authorities say, is to frighten and pressure victims into complying with false demands.
These callers typically allege that the recipient is linked to serious offences, including financial crimes or money laundering, and threaten imminent arrest or legal action. To make their claims sound convincing, they may refer to partial personal information, such as a name, identity card number or supposed recent transactions.
Police said victims are frequently instructed not to discuss the matter with anyone, including family members, on the excuse that the case is confidential. In more elaborate attempts, scammers may initiate video calls, using staged backgrounds, fake uniforms or mock office settings to reinforce the deception.
The scam usually culminates in a demand for money, either through bank transfers or cash deposits, supposedly for verification, clearance procedures or temporary holding in a “government” account. In some instances, victims are also pressured into revealing sensitive information such as bank account details, PINs, one-time passwords or copies of identity documents.
Police stressed that no legitimate officer or government agency will ever request money or personal banking information over the telephone. They also clarified that official investigations, arrests or court actions are never communicated by phone, but only through formal written notices or legal channels.
Members of the public who receive such calls are advised to hang up immediately and avoid sharing any information. Police recommend verifying any claims independently by contacting the nearest police station or using official contact details published by the Sri Lanka Police, rather than numbers provided by callers.
Those who encounter or fall victim to such scams are urged to lodge a complaint without delay, providing as much information as possible, including phone numbers, messages or recordings, to assist ongoing investigations.
Authorities also reminded the public to be cautious when sharing personal details, noting that basic information can easily be harvested through online forms, registrations or promotional campaigns. Police reiterated that persistent threats and urgent demands for money are clear signs of a scam and called on the public to remain alert.
New Online Portal Empowers Public to Flag Road Issues Nationwide
December 15, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with the Road Development Authority and the Ministry’s Digital Task Force, has introduced a new online platform designed to help the public report road-related problems across the country.
Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake said the website, road-lk.org, was created to fill a long-standing gap in real-time information on road closures, damage, accidents and ongoing repairs. He noted that while navigation apps are widely used, they rarely provide structured or verified updates on road conditions, a challenge faced not only in Sri Lanka but elsewhere as well.
The initiative gained urgency following extensive road damage caused by recent disasters, though the Minister stressed that the system is intended to function as a long-term public service even under normal circumstances.
The platform relies heavily on citizen participation. Road users can submit reports through the site’s reporting portal in Sinhala, Tamil or English, and are encouraged to attach photographs to support their submissions. Once received, reports will be reviewed by RDA officials before being reflected on a national road map. Provincial road development authorities have also been authorised to update information directly.
Rathnayake emphasised that public input will be the backbone of the system, particularly given the country’s large population and extensive road network. He said there are plans to later allow traffic police officers and divisional secretaries to log issues directly, and to gradually expand coverage to include rural roads once the platform is fully established for national and provincial routes.
Currently operating as a pilot project for several weeks, the portal is expected to be formalised thereafter. The Minister urged motorists and commuters to make active use of the system, describing public engagement as essential to keeping the information accurate and up to date.