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High Court Upholds Gnanasara Thera’s Nine-Month Jail Sentence

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High Court Upholds Gnanasara Thera’s Nine-Month Jail Sentence

June 23, LNW(Colombo): The Colombo High Court today upheld the nine-month rigorous imprisonment sentence imposed on Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera, rejecting an appeal filed against his conviction.

Colombo High Court Judge Manjula Thilakaratne dismissed the appeal, which sought to overturn the conviction and secure an acquittal in a case related to statements made by the Thera during a media briefing held in Kirulapone in 2016.

The prosecution had alleged that the remarks insulted the Islamic faith and were prejudicial to communal harmony. Following trial proceedings, the Colombo Magistrate’s Court found Gnanasara Thera guilty and sentenced him to nine months of rigorous imprisonment.

In his appeal before the High Court, the Thera challenged both the conviction and the sentence. However, after considering the submissions, the High Court rejected the appeal and affirmed the original judgment and sentence imposed by the Magistrate’s Court.

The ruling marks the conclusion of the appeal proceedings in a case that has drawn significant public attention due to its implications for communal relations and freedom of expression.

Showers, Thundershowers Expected in Several Provinces; Strong Winds Forecast (June 23)

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Showers, Thundershowers Expected in Several Provinces; Strong Winds Forecast (June 23)

June 23, LNW(Colombo): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts. 

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

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

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

A Tribute to Britain’s Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer on the Virtues of Public Service

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A Tribute to Britain’s Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer on the Virtues of Public Service

By: Roger Srivasan

June 22, LNW (Colombo): As Britain’s Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, departs public office, it is fitting to pause and reflect upon a career marked by diligence, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to public service.

In an age when politics too often rewards spectacle over substance, Sir Keir chose the more arduous path. He approached government with the meticulousness of a lawyer, the discipline of a reformer, and the seriousness of a man who understood the immense responsibilities entrusted to those who govern. His style may not always have generated headlines, yet it embodied qualities that remain indispensable to democratic life: probity, restraint, and respect for institutions.

Before entering Downing Street, Sir Keir had already distinguished himself through a remarkable career in public service. As Director of Public Prosecutions, he earned a reputation for professionalism, independence, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law. These were not merely professional accomplishments; they were reflections of a deeper belief that public institutions derive their strength from fairness, integrity, and public trust.

His premiership unfolded during a period of considerable domestic and international challenges. Economic uncertainty, geopolitical instability, pressures on public services, and a rapidly changing global landscape presented formidable obstacles. No government could have resolved such difficulties swiftly or painlessly. Yet throughout these trials, Sir Keir remained steadfast in his conviction that responsible government requires patience, deliberation, and perseverance rather than impulsiveness or political theatrics.
Critics often lamented his lack of flamboyance. Yet history teaches us that not all effective leaders are charismatic showmen. Some govern through force of personality; others through force of character. Sir Keir belonged firmly to the latter tradition. His instinct was not to inflame passions but to lower the political temperature; not to divide for advantage but to unite for progress; not to pursue applause but to pursue outcomes.

In many respects, his greatest strength may also have been his greatest political vulnerability. At a time when public discourse increasingly favours immediacy, outrage, and theatrical confrontation, Sir Keir remained committed to measured judgment and careful consideration. Such virtues rarely generate excitement, yet they remain essential to sound governance. Democracies depend not merely upon inspiring leaders, but upon responsible custodians of public trust.

Throughout his tenure, Sir Keir sought to place reason above rhetoric and duty above personal aggrandisement. Whether one agreed with every policy or decision is ultimately beside the point. The true measure of a public servant lies not in universal approval but in the sincerity of his efforts and the integrity with which he discharges his responsibilities. By that standard, his contribution deserves recognition.

History often reserves its greatest appreciation for those who labour quietly rather than those who shout the loudest. The achievements of such leaders are not always immediately apparent. They are revealed gradually through the stability they preserve, the institutions they strengthen, and the standards they uphold. The most enduring legacies are often not monuments or slogans, but the trust and confidence left behind in the institutions of democratic government.

As he leaves office, Sir Keir Starmer does so with a reputation for intellect, diligence, and public duty that many of his contemporaries would do well to emulate. Political fortunes may wax and wane. Governments may rise and fall. Public opinion may fluctuate with the seasons. Yet character endures.
Whatever verdict history ultimately renders on his premiership, Sir Keir Starmer’s dedication to public service, his respect for democratic institutions, and his steadfast commitment to the rule of law will remain an enduring part of his legacy. In a political age often characterised by rodomontade and spectacle, he reminded us that seriousness, decency, and integrity are virtues still worth defending.
For that, he merits both gratitude and respect.

End of an Era: UK PM Keir Starmer Resigns, Political Shock Grips Britain

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End of an Era: UK PM Keir Starmer Resigns, Political Shock Grips Britain

June 22, LNW (Colombo):UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has resigned from his position as Prime Minister and Leader of the Labour Party, marking a dramatic turning point in British politics.

In a statement outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer said his time in office was guided by a commitment to “putting the country I love first.” He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to his family, thanking his wife Victoria (“Vic”) Starmer, whom he described as his “rock,” and said his children are his “pride and joy.”

The announcement has triggered a major political shake-up in the United Kingdom, with speculation already mounting over who will succeed him as Labour leader and next Prime Minister.

Meanwhile, attention is turning to Andy Burnham, who is expected to take a key role in Westminster following his recent by-election victory and swearing-in as MP for Makerfield.

In a notable development, our news site(LNW) had already predicted and reported earlier that the UK Prime Minister could change under the current political circumstances, and this resignation now confirms those expectations. The situation highlights the rapidly shifting dynamics in UK politics, which we had previously analyzed and forecasted in our coverage.

This latest resignation continues a period of political instability in the United Kingdom, which has seen around seven Prime Ministers since 2010, reflecting frequent leadership changes and political turbulence.

Senior US Diplomat Paul Kapur Begins Colombo Visit to Bolster Strategic and Economic Ties

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Senior US Diplomat Paul Kapur Begins Colombo Visit to Bolster Strategic and Economic Ties

June 22, Colombo (LNW): A high-ranking United States diplomatic official has arrived in Sri Lanka for a series of discussions aimed at enhancing cooperation across trade, investment and regional security, signalling continued engagement between the two countries amid evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Indian Ocean.

Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, S. Paul Kapur, commenced a three-day visit to Colombo on Saturday, during which he is expected to hold meetings with senior government representatives, business leaders and members of the American corporate community operating in Sri Lanka.

The visit is anticipated to focus on identifying new opportunities to expand economic collaboration, strengthen commercial links and encourage greater investment between the two nations. Discussions are also expected to cover regional security issues, maritime cooperation and broader strategic interests shared by Washington and Colombo.

The US delegation is also expected to engage with representatives of American businesses to discuss the investment climate and opportunities for expanding private sector involvement in the country’s development agenda.

Major Imaging Upgrade Set to Transform Diagnostic Care in State Hospitals

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Major Imaging Upgrade Set to Transform Diagnostic Care in State Hospitals

June 22, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s public healthcare system is set for a significant technological boost with the rollout of a fleet of advanced CT scanners to hospitals across the country, a move aimed at strengthening early disease detection and improving emergency medical care.

The Ministry of Health and Mass Media has announced an investment of nearly Rs. 2 billion to procure and deploy 11 state-of-the-art CT scanning units, which are expected to enhance the diagnosis of a wide range of serious conditions, including stroke, cancer, cardiovascular disease and traumatic injuries.

Health officials say the initiative forms part of a wider strategy to modernise medical infrastructure and ensure patients have faster access to high-quality diagnostic services within the state healthcare network.

Several hospitals have already begun receiving the new equipment. A cutting-edge 128-slice CT scanner valued at over Rs. 200 million has been commissioned at the Teaching Hospital in Kalutara, while a separate scanner costing around Rs. 160 million has been installed at the Teaching Hospital in Kurunegala.

Further strengthening specialised healthcare services, four additional high-performance scanners have been allocated to major tertiary-care institutions, including the National Hospital in Colombo, the National Hospital in Kandy, the National Hospital in Galle and the Colombo South Teaching Hospital. The procurement of these units was supported through funding assistance from the Asian Development Bank, with installation and commissioning work currently progressing.

The next phase of the programme will see advanced imaging systems supplied to the Teaching Hospital in Kuliyapitiya as well as District General Hospitals in Dambulla, Nawalapitiya, Chilaw and Mannar. Authorities have earmarked close to Rs. 950 million for this stage of the project.

Medical professionals note that many hospitals have long relied on older-generation 16-slice scanners, which, while functional, offer limited imaging capabilities compared with modern systems. The newly introduced 64-slice and 128-slice scanners can generate more detailed images in a shorter timeframe, enabling clinicians to make quicker and more accurate diagnoses.

The upgraded technology is expected to play a critical role in emergency departments, where rapid assessment can be the difference between life and death. Specialists say improved imaging will support faster identification of internal injuries, blocked arteries, neurological disorders and other complex medical conditions, helping to reduce treatment delays and improve patient outcomes.

The benefits of the initiative are also expected to extend beyond major urban centres. By expanding access to advanced diagnostic equipment in regional and provincial hospitals, patients in outlying districts will increasingly be able to receive sophisticated investigations closer to home, reducing the need for long-distance travel and easing pressure on larger referral hospitals.

According to health authorities, the investment reflects the Government’s broader commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery through modern technology, improved clinical decision-making and enhanced access to lifesaving medical services.

Public Urged to Be Vigilant as Fraudsters Pose as Health Inspectors

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Public Urged to Be Vigilant as Fraudsters Pose as Health Inspectors

June 22, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan health authorities have issued a warning to the public following reports of individuals impersonating Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) in an attempt to extort money from households, businesses and other institutions.

According to the Public Health Inspectors’ Union, a number of complaints have emerged in recent weeks involving scammers who claim to be carrying out official health inspections, particularly in relation to dengue prevention campaigns. These individuals are reportedly exploiting public concern over mosquito-borne diseases to deceive residents into making payments under false pretences.

Acting President of the union, Upul Rohana, said the suspects have been approaching members of the public while falsely claiming that payments are required to avoid legal action or to settle alleged violations identified during inspections.

He stressed that Public Health Inspectors do not collect money from the public when performing their official duties and that any request for cash or other forms of payment should immediately be treated as suspicious.

Health officials have expressed concern that the fraud could undermine public confidence in genuine inspection programmes, especially at a time when authorities are intensifying efforts to control dengue outbreaks in several parts of the country.

The union has urged residents to verify the identity of officers who visit their premises and to remain cautious of anyone attempting to pressure them into making on-the-spot payments. Members of the public have also been advised to request official identification where necessary and report any suspicious activity without delay.

Authorities further emphasised that any individual claiming to be a Public Health Inspector and demanding money should be reported to the nearest police station or the relevant government agency so that appropriate legal action can be taken.

The union noted that public cooperation is essential in preventing such scams and ensuring that legitimate health inspection and disease-control activities can continue without disruption.

IMF Delegation Set for Key Sri Lanka Review as Reform Agenda Enters Crucial Phase

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IMF Delegation Set for Key Sri Lanka Review as Reform Agenda Enters Crucial Phase

June 22, Colombo (LNW): A delegation from the International Monetary Fund is due to arrive in Sri Lanka later this month for a comprehensive assessment of the country’s economic recovery efforts, as authorities seek to maintain momentum in a reform programme that has underpinned the nation’s stabilisation over the past two years.

The IMF mission, scheduled to take place between June 24 and 30, will hold discussions with government officials, policymakers, business representatives and other stakeholders to evaluate recent economic developments and review progress on policy commitments tied to the country’s financial assistance programme.

IMF Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, Evan Papageorgiou, confirmed the visit, noting that the team intends to engage in a broad dialogue on the direction of the economy and the implementation of reforms aimed at strengthening fiscal sustainability and long-term growth.

The visit follows the successful completion of the latest review under Sri Lanka’s Extended Fund Facility arrangement, which unlocked continued support for the country’s recovery strategy. Since the economic turmoil experienced in 2022, the programme has played a central role in rebuilding confidence, stabilising public finances and restoring access to international funding channels.

While recent assessments have acknowledged significant progress, IMF officials have repeatedly emphasised that several difficult reforms remain unfinished. Particular attention is expected to focus on restructuring state-owned enterprises, improving public sector financial management and ensuring greater efficiency within key sectors of the economy.

Energy sector reforms are likely to feature prominently during discussions. Authorities recently achieved a major programme target by bringing both electricity and fuel pricing back to cost-reflective levels, a move viewed as essential to reducing losses at state-owned utilities and preventing future fiscal strain.

For many years, below-cost pricing in the energy sector placed substantial pressure on government finances and contributed to broader economic imbalances. The return to market-linked pricing mechanisms has therefore been regarded as a cornerstone of the wider reform effort.

However, policymakers were forced to navigate challenging external conditions earlier this year as rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East pushed international oil prices higher. To cushion the impact on households and businesses, the Government introduced temporary support measures aimed at easing the burden of escalating energy costs, particularly for lower-income groups and essential industries.

Although these measures provided short-term relief, the IMF has continued to stress the importance of maintaining a transparent pricing framework that adjusts domestic fuel and electricity charges in line with global market movements. The institution views this approach as critical to safeguarding the financial health of state-owned energy providers and avoiding the re-emergence of unsustainable subsidies.

In recent months, fuel prices have been adjusted to reflect international trends, while electricity tariffs were revised upwards to strengthen cost recovery. Officials have indicated that further reforms will continue in the coming months, with remaining energy-related subsidies expected to be gradually withdrawn before the end of the third quarter of 2026.

Government sources have also suggested that consumers could benefit from lower fuel prices later in the year if global oil markets remain stable. Any reductions, however, would be implemented within the framework of the established pricing mechanism rather than through ad hoc interventions.

With economic indicators showing signs of improvement and investor confidence gradually returning, the upcoming IMF mission is widely viewed as an important checkpoint in Sri Lanka’s recovery journey. The outcome of the discussions is expected to provide further insight into the country’s ability to sustain reform momentum while balancing economic growth, social protection and fiscal discipline.

Colombo Port Powers Ahead as Container Traffic Reaches New Heights

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Colombo Port Powers Ahead as Container Traffic Reaches New Heights

June 22, Colombo (LNW): The Port of Colombo continued its strong upward momentum in April 2026, posting impressive gains in container handling and reinforcing its status as South Asia’s leading maritime transhipment gateway.

Latest figures show that transhipment volumes climbed sharply during the month, reaching 607,240 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), an increase of 22.6 per cent from the 495,456 TEUs recorded in April last year. The growth extends a trend that has been evident throughout the year, with cumulative transhipment volumes for the January–April period rising by 14.2 per cent to 2.32 million TEUs.

The performance follows a landmark year in 2025 when Colombo achieved its highest-ever annual throughput of more than 8.29 million TEUs, underlining its growing importance within regional and global shipping networks.

Overall container throughput at the port rose by 22 per cent year-on-year in April to 761,096 TEUs, supported largely by the rapid expansion of the Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT). The US$800 million facility, developed through a partnership involving Adani Ports, John Keells Holdings and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority under a 35-year Build, Operate and Transfer arrangement, began operations in April 2025.

As Colombo’s first fully automated deep-water terminal, CWIT has rapidly emerged as a key growth driver. The terminal processed 152,262 TEUs in April 2026, a dramatic increase from the 12,438 TEUs handled during its first month of operations a year earlier. During the first four months of the year, throughput at the terminal exceeded half a million TEUs, highlighting its growing contribution to the port’s overall performance.

The expansion of CWIT has also reshaped traffic flows across Colombo’s terminal network. Volumes handled by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority-operated facilities — namely the Jaya Container Terminal, Unity Container Terminal and East Container Terminal — remained broadly stable, recording a slight decline compared with the corresponding month last year.

Meanwhile, Colombo International Container Terminals retained its position as the port’s largest individual operator, although volumes edged down marginally. South Asia Gateway Terminals, on the other hand, registered moderate growth, signalling a recovery in activity after recent fluctuations.

Beyond transhipment business, domestic cargo movements also delivered encouraging results. Import container volumes surged by 27 per cent in April, reflecting robust demand and increased commercial activity within the country. Over the first four months of the year, import volumes rose close to 10 per cent.

Export cargo also continued to expand, albeit at a more measured pace. April export volumes increased by 2.6 per cent compared with the same month in 2025, while cumulative exports for the year to date recorded growth of 3.4 per cent, indicating steady resilience in Sri Lanka’s outbound trade sector.

Looking ahead, authorities are preparing for further expansion as capacity utilisation approaches critical levels. The Sri Lanka Ports Authority has announced an investment programme valued at up to US$2 billion to support future growth and prevent operational bottlenecks. With annual demand already nearing existing capacity limits, officials have emphasised the need for additional infrastructure to reduce vessel waiting times and maintain Colombo’s competitiveness.

Planned expansion phases at CWIT, together with the full integration of the East Container Terminal, are expected to increase the port’s overall handling capacity to around 14 million TEUs over the coming years. Industry observers believe these developments will strengthen Colombo’s position as a premier logistics and maritime hub in the Indian Ocean region despite ongoing uncertainties in global trade.

In addition to container growth, total cargo handled across the port complex reached 10.5 million tonnes in April, representing a year-on-year increase of 9.5 per cent and further underscoring the port’s accelerating growth trajectory.

Suspected Architect of Multi-Billion Rupee Illegal Remittance Network Taken Into Custody

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Suspected Architect of Multi-Billion Rupee Illegal Remittance Network Taken Into Custody

June 22, Colombo (LNW): Authorities have arrested a businessman believed to be the central figure behind an extensive illicit foreign exchange operation that allegedly channelled more than Rs. 21 billion out of Sri Lanka through fraudulent import transactions.

The arrest was carried out by investigators attached to the Financial Investigation Division following a months-long inquiry into a sophisticated money transfer network suspected of operating beyond the country’s regulated banking and trade systems.

According to investigators, the scheme is believed to have been functioning since 2023 and involved the misuse of import documentation to justify large-scale overseas payments. The operation allegedly revolved around a Colombo-based company, A.Y. Investments, which is accused of facilitating foreign currency transfers on behalf of numerous traders and commercial entities.

The suspect, identified as Jeffry Mohamed, is alleged to have played a leading role in coordinating the transactions and managing the network. Detectives claim the arrangement allowed businesses to move funds abroad while avoiding established financial oversight mechanisms, potentially depriving the state of substantial tax and customs revenue.

The investigation gathered pace after concerns regarding suspicious foreign exchange movements were raised at the parliamentary level. Subsequent inquiries by financial crime investigators uncovered a web of transactions stretching across multiple sectors and involving a range of individuals suspected of benefiting from the system.

Police sources revealed that a breakthrough came during the questioning of a suspect linked to organised narcotics trafficking. Information obtained during that inquiry reportedly pointed investigators towards a broader network used not only for commercial transfers but also for moving funds believed to be connected to criminal enterprises.

The suspect was apprehended on 19 June at an upscale residential complex in Negombo, where he was allegedly attempting to evade arrest. During searches and financial audits, investigators discovered that dozens of bank accounts had been opened using the identities of economically vulnerable individuals. Authorities believe these accounts were subsequently utilised to process large volumes of transactions and conceal the true beneficiaries of the funds.

Investigators are now examining whether any banking personnel knowingly assisted in the operation or failed to report suspicious activity despite regulatory obligations.

Police further allege that the network generated significant profits through commission-based charges on every dollar transferred overseas. Financial records seized during the investigation are currently being analysed to determine the full scale of the earnings derived from the operation.

Several high-end motor vehicles, collectively valued at more than Rs. 200 million, have already been taken into custody as suspected proceeds of crime. Authorities have indicated that additional assets, including property and financial holdings, could be subject to forfeiture proceedings as the investigation progresses.

Following his arrest, the suspect was produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court, where investigators secured a seven-day detention order to facilitate further questioning and forensic examination of financial records.

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