June 01, Colombo (LNW): Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) leader and Member of Parliament Mano Ganesan has called for a formal parliamentary examination into claims that funds originally allocated for Provincial Council Elections may have been redirected for other government expenditure.

In a communication addressed to the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Public Finance (CoPF), MP Harsha de Silva, Ganesan requested that the committee investigate reports suggesting that money set aside for the long-delayed elections had been utilised for post-disaster recovery initiatives and related programmes.

The request follows remarks allegedly made by Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) General Secretary Tilvin Silva, who indicated that resources earmarked for the conduct of Provincial Council polls had been channelled towards rebuilding efforts and other urgent public needs.

Ganesan argued that any alteration to approved budget allocations should be subject to proper parliamentary procedures and oversight. He noted that he was unaware of any parliamentary approval authorising the transfer of funds designated for election-related activities to alternative expenditure categories.

The TPA leader expressed concern that, if the reported statement accurately reflects the use of public funds, questions could arise regarding compliance with established financial regulations and the constitutional role of Parliament in controlling state expenditure.

In his letter, Ganesan urged the CoPF to ascertain whether any reallocation, transfer or utilisation of the funds had taken place and, if so, whether such actions were carried out with the necessary legal and parliamentary authorisation.

He further requested the committee to review all relevant documentation, obtain explanations from the responsible authorities and take any measures deemed appropriate within its oversight mandate to ensure transparency and accountability in public finance management.

June 01, Colombo (LNW): Health authorities are urging the public to seek prompt medical advice for persistent fever symptoms as Sri Lanka experiences a noticeable increase in mosquito-borne diseases following recent periods of heavy rainfall.

Consultant physician Dr Maheshaka Wijayawardena warned that individuals who continue to experience fever beyond two days should not delay seeking professional medical care, stressing the importance of early blood testing to identify potentially serious infections such as dengue and chikungunya.

According to medical experts, the combination of intermittent rains and stagnant water accumulation has created favourable breeding conditions for mosquitoes, contributing to a surge in cases across several parts of the country. The Western Province continues to record the highest number of infections, with densely populated districts such as Colombo and Gampaha remaining among the most affected areas.

Dr Wijayawardena noted that dengue infections have already reached significant levels this year, while chikungunya, which had remained relatively subdued in recent years, is once again showing signs of increased transmission.

One of the major challenges facing healthcare providers is the similarity of symptoms associated with both illnesses. Patients commonly present with fever, severe body aches, headaches, joint pain and skin rashes, making it difficult to distinguish between the two conditions during the early stages without proper medical evaluation.

While both diseases can cause considerable discomfort, dengue remains the greater threat due to its potential to develop into severe forms of the illness. Doctors warn that complications can arise rapidly if warning signs are overlooked.

Particular concern surrounds the onset of Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever, a dangerous condition that may result in internal bleeding, circulatory failure and other life-threatening complications. Health professionals caution that patients often mistakenly assume they are recovering when their fever begins to subside, despite this being a critical period during which serious complications may emerge.

Symptoms such as unusual fatigue, persistent abdominal pain, dizziness, vomiting, or cold extremities should be treated as medical emergencies and require immediate attention.

The physician also advised the public to avoid self-medicating with certain anti-inflammatory painkillers during unexplained fevers, as these medicines may increase the risk of bleeding if the patient is suffering from dengue.

Beyond treatment, health officials continue to emphasise prevention as the most effective defence. Residents have been encouraged to inspect their homes and surroundings regularly, remove standing water, maintain clean drainage systems and use mosquito repellents and protective clothing where possible.

With further rainfall expected in the coming weeks, health experts warn that transmission risks could increase unless communities actively participate in mosquito-control efforts. Authorities stress that public cooperation remains essential in limiting the spread of both dengue and chikungunya and reducing pressure on the healthcare system.

June 01, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya has called for a fundamental rethinking of Sri Lanka’s education system, arguing that the country’s future depends not only on producing skilled workers but also on nurturing informed, ethical and socially conscious citizens.

Speaking at the Bishop Cyril Abeynayake Memorial Lecture held at the Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour, the Prime Minister addressed educators, religious leaders, policymakers and members of civil society on the future direction of education in Sri Lanka and its role in a rapidly changing global landscape.

The event, attended at the invitation of the Bishop of Colombo, Rt Rev Dushantha Rodrigo, provided a platform for a broader discussion on national development, social responsibility and the values that should underpin educational reform. During her address, the Prime Minister praised Sri Lanka’s longstanding tradition of religious coexistence and highlighted the contribution of faith-based institutions in promoting dialogue, inclusion and community service.

Reflecting on the evolution of educational policy since independence, Dr Amarasuriya argued that successive reforms have largely focused on producing graduates suited to labour market demands, often prioritising science, technology and vocational training. While acknowledging the importance of these fields, she suggested that such approaches have not adequately addressed deeper social and structural challenges facing the country.

Drawing on historical perspectives, she revisited key debates surrounding education and development, noting that concerns about employment, skills and economic productivity have shaped policy decisions for decades. However, she stressed that education must serve a broader purpose than simply preparing individuals for jobs.

According to the Prime Minister, the original vision behind Sri Lanka’s free education system was to create citizens capable of critical thinking, democratic participation and social leadership. She argued that this wider mission should once again become central to educational planning and reform.

During the lecture, Dr Amarasuriya identified several pressing issues requiring urgent attention. These included persistent inequalities between privileged and under-resourced schools, barriers to social mobility, the challenge of fostering civic responsibility among young people, and the continuing gap between women’s educational achievements and their participation in the workforce.

She also highlighted the growing influence of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, warning that education systems must evolve quickly to prepare students for profound changes in the nature of work and society. Rather than making isolated adjustments to syllabuses, she called for a comprehensive strategy that includes digital literacy, ethical technology use and stronger safeguards for online environments.

The Prime Minister further argued that meaningful reform must extend beyond classrooms and examinations. She emphasised the need to rebuild confidence in public education, create learning environments that encourage curiosity and innovation, and restore teaching as a highly respected profession capable of attracting talented and committed individuals.

She envisioned an education system that empowers students to explore diverse opportunities, inspires lifelong learning and strengthens the relationship between schools, families and communities. Parents, she said, should be able to trust educational institutions as partners in their children’s development, while students should experience education as a pathway to growth rather than a burden driven solely by examinations and credentials.

Concluding her remarks, Dr Amarasuriya said the ultimate measure of success would be the emergence of principled leaders across every sphere of society, including public service, business, religion, culture and community life. She reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to educational transformation, describing learning as a powerful tool for understanding society and driving positive change through informed and meaningful public engagement.

June 01, Colombo (LNW): Public transport users will now be able to access live information on Metro bus services through the LMT GO mobile application, marking a significant step towards modernising the country’s passenger transport network.

Announcing the introduction of the service, Deputy Minister of Transport Prasanna Gunasena said the new digital platform enables passengers to track the real-time location of buses and receive accurate estimates of arrival times before vehicles reach their designated stops.

The GPS-based system also provides a range of additional features designed to improve the travel experience. Users can view route information, fare details, bus schedules and projected journey times, allowing commuters to better organise their daily travel plans and reduce waiting times.

According to the Deputy Minister, the initiative forms part of a broader effort to integrate technology into public transportation and make bus services more accessible, efficient and user-friendly. He noted that reliable real-time information can help passengers make informed travel decisions while enhancing confidence in public transport services.

Transport officials believe the system will be particularly beneficial during peak travel periods, enabling commuters to monitor delays, identify available services and plan connections more effectively.

The launch of the new feature reflects ongoing efforts to promote smart mobility solutions and improve the quality of public transport across the country. Authorities expect the technology to contribute towards a more predictable and convenient commuting experience while encouraging greater use of public transportation.

Passengers have been encouraged to download the LMT GO application and explore its features as the service continues to expand across the Metro bus network.

June 01, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vijitha Herath, held a wide-ranging discussion with members of the Sri Lankan community in Melbourne as part of his ongoing official visit to Australia, highlighting the government’s commitment to strengthening ties with the diaspora.

During the meeting, community members shared their experiences of living in Australia and raised a variety of concerns affecting Sri Lankans abroad, including matters related to consular services, investment opportunities, education and maintaining closer links with their homeland.

In a message shared through his official X account, the Minister noted that the discussions provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by expatriate Sri Lankans and underscored the importance of maintaining regular engagement with overseas communities.

Minister Herath also outlined several policy initiatives and reforms introduced by the current administration, explaining how these measures are intended to address issues affecting Sri Lankan nationals living overseas. He further briefed attendees on future plans aimed at improving government services, encouraging diaspora participation in national development and fostering stronger connections between Sri Lanka and its overseas citizens.

The gathering offered an opportunity for an open exchange of views, with participants expressing their expectations for greater collaboration in areas such as economic development, cultural engagement and knowledge-sharing.

As part of his programme in Melbourne, the Foreign Minister also attended a luncheon meeting with a number of Australian parliamentarians representing the state of Victoria.

June 01, Colombo (LNW): Patients requiring specialised neurological treatment are set to benefit from improved facilities and expanded services with the opening of a newly refurbished Institute of Neurology at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka today.

The upgraded centre, developed through an investment of nearly Rs. 99 million, has been designed to strengthen the country’s capacity to diagnose, manage and rehabilitate patients suffering from disorders affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscular system.

Health authorities say the modernised facility marks an important step towards enhancing specialist medical care, while also creating a more comfortable and efficient environment for patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals.

The institute features dedicated male and female inpatient wards, each accommodating 22 beds, along with a range of specialised treatment and rehabilitation services. A physiotherapy unit has been established on the ground floor to support patients recovering from neurological conditions, while the upper levels house speech therapy and occupational therapy services aimed at improving long-term patient outcomes. An auditorium has also been incorporated to facilitate medical training programmes, workshops and professional development activities.

With the commissioning of the new building, neurological units that have long operated from Ward 16—housed in a structure dating back more than a century—will be transferred to the upgraded premises. Officials believe the relocation will help ease overcrowding, improve patient access to services and provide medical staff with better-equipped working conditions.

The Health Ministry noted that the development forms part of broader efforts to modernise healthcare infrastructure and expand access to advanced treatment options across the country. Medical professionals have welcomed the initiative, describing it as a significant investment in the future of neurological care and rehabilitation in Sri Lanka.

The facility is expected to begin receiving patients immediately following its formal inauguration, offering enhanced services and improved clinical support for thousands of individuals seeking specialised neurological treatment each year.

June 01, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s export sector continued its upward trajectory in April, delivering a notable increase in foreign exchange earnings and providing further encouragement for the country’s economic recovery efforts.

According to figures released by the Export Development Board (EDB), export income for April reached US$ 1.38 billion, reflecting sustained demand for Sri Lankan products in international markets.

Cumulative export earnings for the first four months of the year climbed to US$ 5.784 billion, underscoring the sector’s growing contribution to national revenue.

Plantation and Community Infrastructure Minister Samantha Vidyaratne highlighted the strong performance of the tea industry, noting that tea exports alone generated approximately US$ 451 million between January and April.

The sector remains one of Sri Lanka’s leading foreign exchange earners, supported by steady global demand for Ceylon Tea and expanding access to key export destinations.

Industry observers say the positive export trend reflects the resilience of several major sectors, including tea, apparel, rubber-based products and agricultural exports, despite ongoing uncertainties in the global economy.

Meanwhile, attention also turned to one of the tea industry’s most cherished annual traditions as the “Tea Mangalya” ceremony was held at the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. The event marks the symbolic offering of the first tea harvest gathered after the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, reflecting the deep cultural and historical ties between the tea industry and the nation’s heritage.

The ceremony was attended by Minister Vidyaratne, Sri Lanka Tea Commissioner K.A.M.K. Jayawardena, plantation sector representatives and religious dignitaries.

June 01, Colombo (LNW): Representatives from around the world are gathering in Geneva today for the opening of the 114th International Labour Conference, one of the most significant annual meetings dedicated to employment and workplace issues.

Sri Lanka will be represented by a delegation led by Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe, alongside officials and stakeholders involved in labour and employment affairs.

Organised under the auspices of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the conference serves as a key platform where governments, employers and workers’ representatives from member nations convene to shape policies that influence the future of work across the globe.

This year’s discussions are expected to centre on a number of pressing challenges facing labour markets, including the creation of resilient and sustainable jobs, advancing workplace equality, improving labour protections, and strengthening cooperation between governments, businesses and trade unions. The impact of technological transformation and changing employment patterns is also expected to feature prominently in deliberations.

Sri Lanka’s participation will provide an opportunity to engage with international partners, share experiences on labour reforms, and gain insights into emerging global trends affecting workers and employers alike. Delegates are also expected to explore best practices in areas such as occupational safety, social security frameworks and workforce development.

The conference offers a valuable stage for the country to highlight ongoing efforts to enhance working conditions, expand social welfare measures and support inclusive economic growth. Officials believe the engagement will further strengthen Sri Lanka’s ties with the international labour community while contributing to broader discussions on the future of employment in a rapidly evolving world.