September 07, Colombo (LNW): A fresh stockpile of suspicious chemical substances believed to be linked to the illicit production of crystal methamphetamine—commonly referred to as ‘ICE’—was uncovered early this morning on a property in Netolpitiya, Tangalle.

The discovery was made during a targeted police operation prompted by information received from concerned local residents.

The raid, carried out by officers attached to the Tangalle Police, focused on a secluded property located near the Welivenna crossroad. Upon inspection, law enforcement personnel found several containers holding an unidentified white powder, which investigators suspect may be precursor chemicals commonly associated with the manufacture of methamphetamine.

Initial assessments suggest that the substances bear a close resemblance to those recovered just a day earlier in Middeniya, Thalawa, where police previously raided a separate property suspected of being linked to a broader narcotics operation.

In that instance, the presence of explosives alongside drug-making materials raised serious concerns regarding the scale and nature of the operation.

According to police, the chemicals discovered in Tangalle appear to have been stored at the site for an extended period—possibly as long as four months—without detection. Investigators are currently exploring whether the location served as a storage point within a wider network or if it was intended for future use as a production site.

The materials have since been secured and are being transferred to Tangalle Police Headquarters for detailed analysis.

September 07, Colombo (LNW): In a significant breakthrough linked to an ongoing investigation into illegal narcotics activity, police have discovered a hidden cache of explosives and ammunition at a rural property in Middeniya Thalawa, Hambantota.

The site, previously under scrutiny for the presence of chemicals believed to be used in the production of methamphetamine, has now yielded further evidence pointing to possible links with organised crime or paramilitary activity.

The discovery was made during a joint operation involving officers from the Western Province North Crimes Division and the elite Special Task Force (STF). Acting on intelligence gathered during earlier raids, the team combed through a section of agricultural land adjacent to a manioc plantation, where they uncovered a recently disturbed patch of soil.

Buried within the site was a sealed container holding five hand grenades believed to be of foreign origin, along with 17 rounds of T-56 assault rifle ammunition and three 12-bore shotgun cartridges. Forensic teams have since secured the materials for further analysis, and bomb disposal experts were called in to ensure safe handling and transportation of the explosives.

September 07, Colombo (LNW): Construction has officially commenced on the fifth phase of development at Colombo Port’s Jaya Container Terminal (JCT), marking a strategic move to elevate Sri Lanka’s position as a key player in South Asia’s maritime sector.

This latest phase of expansion, overseen by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), aims to transform an additional 31,000 square metres of land into high-efficiency operational space, significantly boosting the terminal’s cargo-handling potential.

Once completed, the facility is expected to accommodate an additional 450,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) each month—a substantial increase in throughput that will enhance the port’s ability to serve larger volumes of transshipment traffic.

An investment of Rs. 750 million has been earmarked for the project, which is projected to be completed by the end of 2026. Officials have described this development as vital to meeting growing demand from global shipping lines and regional trade routes.

Phase 4 of the terminal’s upgrade was completed earlier, but operational bottlenecks—particularly with regard to berthing space for larger vessels—remain a pressing concern. The ongoing Phase 5 works are intended to resolve these constraints by extending the port’s infrastructure to accommodate new-generation container ships, which require deeper berths and longer quay lengths.

The SLPA has stated that the improvements will not only streamline vessel turnaround times but also make Colombo Port more attractive to global shipping alliances looking for efficient, reliable regional hubs.

Speaking on the broader significance of the development, port authorities emphasised that the JCT expansion fits into a long-term vision to position Sri Lanka as a leading logistics and maritime services centre in the Indian Ocean region. With regional competitors also upgrading their ports, SLPA officials believe the timely completion of this project will be critical in maintaining Colombo’s edge in international shipping.

September 07, Colombo (LNW): The heat index is expected to increase up to ‘caution level’ at some places in North-Central and Eastern Provinces and Vavuniya, Monaragala and Hambantota Districts, the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology said in a warning statement today (07).

The public is advised to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade as often as possible, check up on the elderly and the sick, never leave children unattended, limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated, and wear lightweight and white or light-coloured clothing.

September 07, Colombo (LNW): Beginning tomorrow (08) law enforcement authorities across Sri Lanka will embark on a comprehensive national operation targeting unlawful vehicle alterations and hazardous behaviour on the roads.

The initiative is being undertaken to improve road safety and uphold long-neglected vehicular regulations, announced Deputy Minister of Transport Dr Prasanna Gunasena.

The operation will see intensified roadside inspections, with police officers instructed to crack down on a range of violations that compromise both public safety and the integrity of the country’s transport laws.

Particular focus will be placed on vehicles operating in a dangerous or unroadworthy condition, as well as those featuring unauthorised alterations.

Modifications under scrutiny include loud aftermarket exhaust systems, multi-coloured LED lighting, and unapproved changes to vehicle bodywork or paint schemes. Additionally, authorities will be taking action against vehicles displaying commercial advertisements, symbols, or images not permitted under current regulations.

According to officials, these changes—often intended to enhance aesthetics or performance—frequently result in reduced vehicle safety, increased noise pollution, and confusion on the roads, particularly at night. In some cases, such modifications have been linked to accidents involving visibility issues or aggressive driving.

The operation is expected to involve coordination between the police, the Department of Motor Traffic, and other relevant agencies. Authorities have also hinted at possible legal reforms aimed at tightening loopholes and strengthening enforcement powers.

September 07, Colombo (LNW): Four individuals lost their lives in separate road incidents reported from various parts of the country yesterday (06).

The accidents, which occurred in the regions of Maradankadawala, Vellaveli, Kadawatha, and Pudukuduirippu, have prompted renewed concern over road safety and reckless driving.

In the first incident, tragedy struck at Thawalanhalmillewa junction along the A11 route when a car travelling in the same direction collided with a bicycle. The impact left both the cyclist and a pillion passenger injured. They were swiftly taken to Maradankadawala Hospital, but the cyclist—a 37-year-old local resident—succumbed to his injuries shortly after admission.

Elsewhere, along the Vellaveli–Chavalakade road, a motorbike travelling at speed reportedly veered off its path and ploughed into two pedestrians. All three individuals were rushed to Kalmunai Hospital with multiple injuries. Sadly, one of the pedestrians, a 58-year-old from Pandiruppu, was later pronounced dead, despite medical efforts.

A third fatality was recorded on the Dalupitiya–Ragama road, where a pedestrian was struck by a car believed to have lost control while en route to Ragama. The victim, aged 51 and a resident of Ramboda, was immediately transported to the Ragama Hospital. Unfortunately, he was declared dead upon arrival.

Meanwhile, in a particularly chaotic scene in the Pudukuduirippu area, a motorcyclist attempting to turn onto a by-road at Udayarkattuwa was rear-ended by another motorcycle. The initial collision sent the first rider into the path of an oncoming cab. Both riders sustained serious injuries and were taken to Dharmapuram Hospital. The 22-year-old man who initiated the turn, hailing from Mulliyawalai, did not survive the crash.

Authorities have since launched separate investigations into each of these incidents.

September 07, Colombo (LNW): Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath departed for Geneva early this morning to take part in the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, which officially commences tomorrow.

The high-level gathering is expected to bring together international leaders, diplomats, and human rights advocates from across the globe to deliberate on pressing global issues related to human rights, accountability, and international cooperation.

Minister Herath is slated to deliver a formal address on behalf of Sri Lanka, outlining the government’s current stance on human rights and its recent efforts in strengthening democratic governance, reconciliation, and institutional transparency.

His speech is anticipated to reflect on the administration’s first year in office and highlight the progress made under the new leadership since the National People’s Power (NPP) coalition came into power.

In addition to his scheduled remarks at the Council, Minister Herath is set to engage in a series of bilateral discussions with key diplomatic counterparts from other member states. These sideline meetings are aimed at fostering constructive dialogue, reaffirming Sri Lanka’s commitment to international cooperation, and discussing pathways to enhance mutual understanding in the area of human rights protection.

A particularly noteworthy engagement on the minister’s agenda is a scheduled meeting with Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. This conversation is expected to provide an important platform for Sri Lanka to articulate its ongoing reforms and policy initiatives, as well as to respond to continuing international interest and scrutiny regarding the country’s human rights record.

Accompanying the Foreign Minister on this mission is Dyani Mendis, Director-General of the United Nations and Human Rights Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

September 07, Colombo (LNW): A dramatic and visually stunning astronomical event is set to unfold in Sri Lanka’s night sky tonight, as the nation prepares to witness a rare total lunar eclipse – commonly known as a “Blood Moon”.

This striking occurrence, where the moon takes on a deep crimson hue, is expected to begin shortly after nightfall and will be visible in its entirety across the island, provided the weather remains favourable.

The phenomenon results from the Earth moving directly between the sun and the full moon, casting its shadow over the lunar surface and refracting sunlight through the Earth’s atmosphere – filtering out the blue light and leaving the red tones that give the moon its distinctive colour.

Professor Chandana Jayaratne, a leading expert in astronomy and Director of the Astronomy and Space Science Unit at the University of Colombo, remarked that this will be the final total lunar eclipse visible in 2025, making it a particularly special event for both casual stargazers and seasoned sky-watchers.

According to him, this eclipse will be visible to approximately 85% of the global population, with Asia, Africa, Australia, and large portions of Europe and the Americas all falling within the viewing range.

Sri Lanka, he noted, is well-positioned to enjoy an uninterrupted view of the full sequence of the eclipse, weather permitting. For those eager to catch the entire celestial drama, the timings are as follows:

– The subtle penumbral phase begins at 8:58 p.m., when the moon starts to dim slightly.
– The partial eclipse commences at 9:57 p.m., as the Earth’s shadow visibly begins to creep across the lunar surface.
– The total eclipse, the main event, starts at 11:01 p.m. and reaches its peak at 11:42 p.m., when the moon will appear at its most vibrant red.
– The period of totality will last for 1 hour and 22 minutes, with the moon emerging from the Earth’s shadow completely by 2:25 a.m.

In total, the eclipse will span over five hours from start to finish, offering a rare opportunity for uninterrupted viewing.

Unlike solar eclipses, which require protective eyewear, a lunar eclipse is entirely safe to observe with the naked eye. Viewers may also use binoculars or telescopes for a closer look at the moon’s changing appearance throughout the night.

September 07, Colombo (LNW): In preparation for the forthcoming national Budget, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has underscored the government’s commitment to overhauling the country’s public service framework and enhancing the effectiveness of local government bodies.

His remarks came during a high-level district coordination meeting held at the Monaragala District Secretariat, where key development initiatives were reviewed.

Speaking to regional administrators and public representatives, President Dissanayake highlighted the urgent need to streamline public sector operations, noting that outdated administrative practices continue to hinder progress and service delivery.

He stated that the upcoming Budget would allocate specific resources aimed at equipping public institutions with modern tools and capabilities, while also encouraging greater accountability and efficiency within government departments.

The President also placed significant emphasis on empowering rural communities, stressing that national development should not be confined to urban centres. He called for an accelerated rollout of grassroots-level projects, particularly those designed to improve infrastructure, healthcare, and education in underdeveloped areas.

In this context, he noted that financial allocations from the Treasury must be disbursed promptly and utilised effectively to ensure tangible benefits for village populations.

Addressing challenges in project execution, the President urged government officials to work with clear targets and timelines, warning against administrative delays that often result in public dissatisfaction. He emphasised that each initiative should be guided by a structured implementation plan extending through to its completion.

In addition to developmental concerns, the President directed attention to the hardships faced by the local farming community. Farmers in the Monaragala district continue to grapple with inconsistent access to resources, unpredictable weather patterns, and market instability.

In response, the President instructed relevant authorities to adopt a coordinated and evidence-based approach to resolve these long-standing issues, pledging continued support for agricultural livelihoods.