September 01, Colombo (LNW): A dramatic celestial display is set to captivate billions across the globe as a total lunar eclipse unfolds on the nights of September 07 and 08, 2025.
Skywatchers in many parts of the world will be treated to the striking sight of the Moon turning a deep, coppery red—a phenomenon popularly known as a “Blood Moon.”
This total lunar eclipse, which will last for an impressive 82 minutes, marks the longest such event since 2022. It occurs when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow that completely engulfs the lunar surface.
As the Moon moves through Earth’s shadow, sunlight passing through the planet’s atmosphere bends and scatters, bathing the Moon in a reddish hue.
According to astronomical projections, approximately 85 per cent of the global population—nearly 7 billion people—will have the opportunity to witness at least part of the eclipse, weather permitting.
The period of totality, when the Moon is entirely submerged in Earth’s shadow, will be clearly visible from Asia, central and eastern Africa, and the majority of Australia.
Observers in other regions, including the remainder of Africa, large swathes of Europe, eastern Brazil, and portions of western Australia, will see partial phases of the eclipse as the Moon gradually moves in and out of shadow.
Rare ‘Blood Moon’ to Grace Night Skies in Spectacular Global Eclipse This September
Court Revisits Long-Standing Case of Inmates Accused of Prison Break During 2004 Tsunami
September 01, Colombo (LNW): A protracted legal case involving a group of inmates accused of attempting a mass escape during the devastating tsunami that struck Sri Lanka in December 2004 was once again brought before the Galle High Court.
Presiding over the latest hearing, High Court Judge Purnima Paranagama reviewed proceedings against 56 individuals who were incarcerated at the time of the natural disaster.
The prisoners stand accused of forming an unlawful assembly, violently attacking prison personnel, attempting to flee custody, and causing extensive damage to correctional facility property—reportedly amounting to over Rs. 153 million.
The incident occurred on 26 December 2004, a day marked by chaos and tragedy nationwide, as one of the deadliest tsunamis in recorded history swept through coastal regions. Amid the widespread devastation, the accused allegedly seized the moment to stage a coordinated breakout from the affected prison complex.
Police submissions to the court indicated that nine of the accused have since passed away, while six others remain unaccounted for and are believed to have absconded. Of the remaining 41 defendants, 25 are currently out on bail and appeared before the court as required.
During the hearing, the High Court Judge directed the State Counsel to consult the Attorney General’s Department to determine whether the charges could be reframed under the Public Property Act, which carries specific legal provisions regarding the wilful destruction of state-owned assets.
The prosecution’s case was supported by the testimony of Sergeant Ajith Pushpakumara, who was amongst the officers on duty at the time of the incident. His account forms part of the broader effort to establish the timeline of events and the extent of damages allegedly caused by the accused.
CID Postpones Summons for Former Top Official in Ongoing Probe
September 01, Colombo (LNW): Former Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake has been informed that his scheduled appearance before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), originally set for this morning, has been deferred.
The notice of postponement was conveyed to him earlier in the day, according to sources linked to the office of the former President.
Ekanayake had been expected to present himself at CID headquarters at 9:00 a.m. to provide further clarification related to an ongoing inquiry into the former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s recent trip to the United Kingdom.
However, investigators have since advised that his presence is no longer required at this time.
This is not Ekanayake’s first involvement with the investigation. He has previously met with CID officers and given a statement regarding the matter, which continues to attract attention due to questions surrounding the nature, purpose, and logistical arrangements of the former head of state’s overseas visit.
Psychiatrist Raises Alarm Over Social Media’s Role in Fueling Youth Violence
September 01, Colombo (LNW): A leading consultant psychiatrist has voiced serious concerns over a disturbing trend among young people in Sri Lanka, warning that social media is increasingly shaping aggressive behaviour and pushing vulnerable individuals towards violent subcultures.
Dr Rumi Ruben, a specialist psychiatrist based at Karapitiya National Hospital, has highlighted a growing pattern where violence is becoming a default method of conflict resolution amongst youth.
He attributes much of this shift to the unchecked influence of social media platforms, which, he argues, have become breeding grounds for hostility, misinformation, and radicalisation.
“Once used primarily as a tool for communication and ideological expression, social media has evolved into a space where hate is normalised, and violent behaviour is glorified,” Dr Ruben explained. “Young people, often still in their formative years, are particularly susceptible to these influences and may begin to mirror the aggression they see online in real life.”
He emphasised that this exposure can lead to dangerous outcomes, such as involvement in criminal networks, drug-related activities, or even the formation of armed groups. Many of these individuals, Dr Ruben noted, suffer from deep-rooted anger and emotional instability—issues which are often overlooked until it is too late.
He went on to underscore the importance of early intervention. Identifying at-risk youth before they are fully absorbed into violent lifestyles is critical, he said, and must be followed by targeted rehabilitation programmes that address both psychological and social needs.
Dr Ruben also called for a more robust legal response to organised crime and gang activity, stating that bringing key figures within these underworld circles to justice would help deter others from following the same path.
However, he was quick to stress that punitive measures alone are not enough—long-term solutions require a coordinated effort between mental health professionals, educators, community leaders, and law enforcement agencies.
His comments come at a time when Sri Lanka, like many countries, is grappling with the societal impact of rapidly evolving digital spaces. Experts are urging greater public awareness of the psychological effects of online content, particularly on adolescents and young adults, as well as stronger regulation to limit the spread of harmful material.
Public Sector Embarks on National Decluttering Drive to Improve Workplace Efficiency
September 01, Colombo (LNW): A large-scale clean-up campaign has been launched across all government institutions in Sri Lanka, beginning today (01).
The initiative, which runs until September 04, aims to rid public offices of years’ worth of unused, broken, or redundant items that have accumulated over time.
Dubbed “Seiri Week,” the effort forms part of a broader movement to promote order, cleanliness, and better functionality within state institutions. Officials hope the clean-up will foster healthier, safer, and more efficient working environments for public sector employees, ultimately enhancing the quality of service delivery to the public.
The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government is spearheading the operation, having issued a detailed circular instructing all state bodies to participate fully. The directive has been distributed to the top echelons of the public sector, including Ministry Secretaries, Chief Secretaries of Provinces, Department Heads, District Secretaries, and leadership within public corporations and statutory boards.
Institutions are required to identify items that are either obsolete or no longer in use—such as outdated equipment, broken furniture, unused files, or abandoned materials—and ensure their proper disposal or recycling in accordance with newly issued operational guidelines.
This four-day activity has been aligned with the “Clean Sri Lanka” national programme, a state-led push towards better environmental management, institutional discipline, and workplace hygiene.
It is also seen as a practical response to long-standing criticism of clutter and inefficiency in government offices, where storerooms, corridors, and even active workspaces have often become storage areas for long-forgotten materials.
Seat Belt Rule Enforced on Expressway Buses Amid National Safety Drive
September 01, Colombo (LNW): A new regulation aimed at improving passenger safety has officially come into effect from today (01), requiring all individuals travelling on expressway passenger buses in Sri Lanka to wear seat belts throughout their journey.
The measure forms part of a broader initiative to enhance road safety and reduce fatalities on high-speed routes.
Manjula Kularatne, who heads the National Council for Road Safety, confirmed that those who fail to comply with the regulation will face legal consequences. However, he acknowledged that not all long-distance buses are currently equipped with seat belts. To address this, a grace period of three months has been granted, allowing operators time to retrofit older vehicles with the necessary safety equipment.
The legal framework underpinning this move was formally introduced through a gazette notification issued on August 31, signalling a significant shift in transport policy and enforcement.
The regulation has also been linked to a wider government-led effort known as the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme. Speaking just a day prior to the regulation’s enactment, Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake described the initiative as a critical element of this national campaign, which seeks not only to promote safer travel but also to instil greater discipline and responsibility among both drivers and passengers.
Addressing the economic implications, Minister Rathnayake drew attention to the recent surge in the cost of seat belts. Once priced at approximately Rs. 2,000, the cost of a single unit now ranges from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 7,000.
He urged the Consumer Affairs Authority to closely monitor the situation to prevent potential profiteering and ensure affordability, particularly for smaller transport operators.
Fuel prices slashed
September 01, Colombo (LNW): Motorists across Sri Lanka will see a modest relief at the pump following a recent adjustment in fuel prices, which took effect at midnight on the 31st of August.
The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO) confirmed the new pricing structure, marking a downward revision in the cost of several commonly used fuel types.
As per the revised tariff, the price of 92 Octane Petrol has been lowered by Rs. 6, now retailing at Rs. 299 per litre. Auto Diesel has also seen a similar reduction, now priced at Rs. 283 per litre. Super Diesel received the most notable cut, with its price slashed by Rs. 12, bringing it down to Rs. 313 per litre.
However, not all fuel types have been affected by the revision. The prices of 95 Octane Petrol and Kerosene remain unchanged, continuing to be sold at Rs. 341 and Rs. 185 per litre, respectively.
The revised rates, now in effect, are as follows:
* Petrol 92 Octane – Rs. 299 (down by Rs. 6)
* Petrol 95 Octane – Rs. 341 (no change)
* Auto Diesel – Rs. 283 (down by Rs. 6)
* Super Diesel – Rs. 313 (down by Rs. 12)
* Kerosene – Rs. 185 (no change)
Showery trend continues across several districts: Sun’s position further affects select areas (Sep 01)
September 01, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Sabaragamuwa province and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya districts, with a few showers expected in Western and North-western provinces and Galle and Matara districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (01).
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva province and in Ampara, Batticaloa and Mullaitivu districts after 2.00 p.m.
Strong winds of about (40-50) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in North-central and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee and Hambantota districts. The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by strong winds.
The sun is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka during 28th of August to 07th of September due to its apparent southward relative motion. The nearest places of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (01) are Mudalaipalai, Balagollagama, Rajanganaya, Eppawala, Medirigiriya, Palliththidal, Vakarei about 12.10 noon.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers may occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Negombo to Matara via Colombo and Galle.
Winds:
Winds will be westerly to south-westerly and wind speed will be (30-40) kmph.
Wind speed can increase up to (50-60) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Mannar via Puttalam and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota.
Wind speed can increase up to (45-50) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Matara via Colombo and Galle and from Mannar to Vakarai via Kankasanthurai and Trincomalee.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Mannar via Puttalam and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota will be rough at times.
The sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Matara via Colombo and Galle and from Mannar to Vakarai via Kankasanthurai and Trincomalee will be fairly rough at times.
The wave height may increase about (2.5 – 3.0) m in the sea areas off the coast extending from Negombo to Pottuvil via Galle, Matara and Hambantota (this is not for land area).
Fresh Customs Detention of Over 1,000 BYD Vehicles Amid Renewed Allegations of Undervalued Engine Capacity
By: A Special Correspondent
September 01, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Customs has once again detained over 1,000 BYD electric vehicles imported into the country, citing fresh allegations of motor capacity misrepresentation for the purpose of tax evasion.
This follows a similar issue earlier this year involving the same importer, John Keells CG Auto Pvt. Ltd., and the BYD ATTO 3 model.
According to customs sources, the newly detained vehicles include a mix of BYD models: approximately 450 ATTO 3 vehicles, 250 Dolphin vehicles, 200 ATTO 1 vehicles, and 100 ATTO 2 vehicles. Authorities allege that these vehicles were declared with reduced motor capacities, resulting in significantly lower tax payments.
This latest action stems from suspicions that, as with the previous case, the motor capacities of the vehicles were understated. For instance,
– the BYD ATTO 3, originally equipped with a 150kW motor, was declared as 100kW;
– the Dolphin Dynamic, with a 70kW motor, was declared as 49kW;
– the Dolphin Premium, also a 150kW vehicle, was presented as 99kW;
– the BYD M6, with a 120kW motor, was listed as 100kW; and
– the BYD Seal Dynamic, similarly, was declared as 100kW despite a 150kW motor capacity.
This mirrors the earlier controversy surrounding nearly 1,000 BYD ATTO 3 vehicles imported by John Keells CG Auto Pvt. Ltd. In that instance, the importer argued that although the physical motor capacity was 150kW, the vehicles had been configured via “firmware” to output only 100kW, and therefore qualified for a lower tax bracket. However, Sri Lanka Customs maintained that tax is levied based on the actual motor installed in the vehicle, regardless of any software limitations.
In July 2025, following legal proceedings, a temporary agreement was reached between the importer and Sri Lanka Customs. The court permitted the release of the earlier batch of vehicles upon submission of a bank guarantee equivalent to the estimated tax shortfall—approximately Rs. 3.6 billion—whilst an expert committee, including representatives from the University of Moratuwa, was tasked with assessing the motor capacity of the vehicles.
The current detentions will also be subject to the outcome of the same committee’s findings. Until a decision is reached, the newly impounded vehicles may likewise be released only under a similar bank guarantee arrangement, potentially involving several billion rupees.
Before the controversy erupted, John Keells CG Auto Pvt. Ltd. had already imported and released over 2,500 BYD vehicles into the Sri Lankan market. Customs regulations currently stipulate that vehicle taxes be calculated based on motor capacity, and should the committee rule against the importer’s firmware-based justification, the bank guarantees may be forfeited and converted into tax payments to the state.
Industry experts warn that if this firmware-based argument is accepted, it may set a precedent allowing other importers to declare reduced engine capacities on similar software grounds. This could potentially lead to substantial tax revenue losses, estimated to be in the hundreds of billions of rupees, if broadly adopted across the electric vehicle import sector.
Related Stories:
https://lankanewsweb.net/archives/122233/committee-appointed-to-verify-byd-motor-capacity-amid-tax-evasion-allegations-unravels-billions-of-losses-to-sl/
https://lankanewsweb.net/archives/106581/byd-ev-import-scandal-sparks-tax-evasion-probe-buyers-in-limbo/
https://lankanewsweb.net/archives/103829/serious-allegations-surface-over-tax-manipulation-in-import-of-byd-brand-new-vehicles/
https://lankanewsweb.net/archives/104849/byd-evs-detained-over-motor-capacity-dispute-amid-revised-import-tax-rules/
https://lankanewsweb.net/archives/105222/software-tax-loophole-byd-atto-3-vehicles-held-at-hambantota-amid-allegations-of-tax-manipulation-via-motor-power-downgrades/
https://lankanewsweb.net/archives/105492/govt-orders-forensic-audit-on-byd-imports-amid-rising-controversy/
https://lankanewsweb.net/archives/106076/byd-tax-evasion-scandal-atto-3-not-the-only-model-subject-to-firmware-shift/
Sri Lanka’s Fintech Drive Risks Stalling amid Policy Delays
By: Staff Writer
August 31, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s financial technology (fintech) sector is showing impressive growth in numbers, yet questions remain over whether the government can deliver on its ambitious targets for a US$15 billion digital economy by 2030.
Central Bank figures highlight the growing appetite for digital payments. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, LankaPay processed more than 404 million transactions—up nearly 48 percent year-on-year with the value of transactions almost doubling to Rs. 586 billion. Private banks are also playing a role, with HNB recently waiving fees on LANKAQR transactions, while the Central Bank has stepped up digital payment promotion campaigns to encourage cashless adoption.
Officials have laid out bold objectives. The government’s Digital Economy Strategy 2030 envisions a digital sector contributing 12 percent of GDP, with targets including 95 percent financial inclusion, US$100 million in fintech investment, and a rise in fintech graduate employment from 10 to 25 percent. Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne has described the agenda as “ambitious but necessary,” underscoring the importance of digital infrastructure for future reforms.
Yet, the gap between strategy and execution remains wide. Fintech entrepreneurs argue that bureaucratic inertia and shifting policies are hindering momentum. “The ecosystem is ready, but officials have typically tied hands,” said one industry insider, pointing to delays in approvals and regulatory red tape that discourage investors.
Despite the surge in online transactions, cash remains dominant in everyday small payments. Debit cards are still used primarily for withdrawals rather than digital purchases, while rural connectivity issues and the high cost of devices continue to limit wider adoption.
Some initiatives hold promise such as cross-border QR interoperability with Alipay+, which could boost tourism-related payments but analysts stress that broader structural reforms are essential. Greater SME onboarding, skilled workforce development, and stable policy execution are viewed as critical if Sri Lanka is to attract investment and build trust in the fintech ecosystem.
International observers have also raised concerns. The World Bank has noted that Sri Lanka’s digital economy plans require stronger inter-agency coordination, yet domestic institutions often lag in delivering timely results.
For now, the numbers tell a story of momentum. But experts warn that unless bureaucratic bottlenecks are addressed, Sri Lanka risks incremental progress rather than transformative change. The vision of a US$15 billion digital economy by 2030 is within reach, but only if the pace of policy delivery matches the ambition written on paper.