August 10, Colombo (LNW): Residents in several areas of the Gampaha District are advised to prepare for a scheduled disruption to their water supply, as the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced a 10-hour water cut set to take place tomorrow (11).

The temporary suspension of water services is due to essential maintenance work being carried out on the main transmission pipeline that connects Nittambuwa to Minuwangoda.

This pipeline is a crucial component of the Gampaha–Attanagalla–Minuwangoda Integrated Water Supply Scheme, and the maintenance is part of routine efforts to ensure its continued efficiency and safety.

According to the NWSDB, the water cut will be in effect from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and will impact a wide range of areas across the district. Key affected localities include Attanagalla, Pasyala, Bataliya, Ranpokunagama, and Nittambuwa.

Several smaller towns and residential zones within the network will also experience interruptions, including Kandahena, Mapagolla, Kongasdeniya, Pinnagollawatta, Kolawatta, Gorakadeniya, the Ranpokunagama Housing Scheme, Urapola, Dikkanda, Meevitigammana, Maimbula, Mathalana, Haggalla, Alawala, Kalalpitiya, and Ellamulla.

August 10, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has voiced strong concern over Israel’s decision to intensify its military operations by taking control of Gaza City, warning that such action will only deepen the crisis in the region and worsen the already dire humanitarian conditions for civilians trapped in the conflict.

In an official statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, the government cautioned that the move could inflame tensions further and exacerbate instability across the Palestinian territories. The statement underscored the urgent need for restraint and renewed calls for an immediate ceasefire, reiterating Sri Lanka’s support for a negotiated settlement to the long-standing conflict.

The response follows the Israeli security cabinet’s recent approval of a plan to seize Gaza City, a decision that has provoked widespread condemnation from several nations and international organisations. Critics argue the move risks escalating the violence, further displacing civilians, and undermining the path toward a political solution.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa also weighed in on the development, warning that Israel’s occupation of Gaza City would have lasting consequences beyond the immediate battlefield. In a statement posted on X, Premadasa said, “If Israel takes Gaza, it’s not just about land—it will shatter the trust that has kept alive the hope for a two-state solution. Countries that once stood united on this principle will begin to drift apart. And once that trust is broken, peace will become nearly impossible.”

His remarks echo growing global concern that a military-first approach could derail decades of diplomatic effort aimed at securing a viable, lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. With civilian casualties mounting and prospects for dialogue diminishing, Sri Lanka joined a chorus of voices urging both restraint and a return to negotiations grounded in international law and mutual recognition.

August 10, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka today marked the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples with a national ceremony held at the Indigenous Museum in Dambana, under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The occasion served not only as a formal tribute to the island’s indigenous heritage but also as a vibrant celebration of the traditions and wisdom preserved by the Vedda community.

The day’s proceedings unfolded with reverence and symbolism. President Dissanayake began the morning by offering floral tributes to the memorial of the late indigenous elder Uruwarige Tisahami Aththo, a respected figure within the community.

A white sandalwood sapling was also ceremonially planted in the museum’s courtyard—a gesture intended to symbolise continuity, renewal, and respect for ancestral land.

This year’s commemoration, organised through the collaborative efforts of government departments and private entities, highlighted the cultural richness of Sri Lanka’s indigenous population. Among the featured traditions was the sacred kiri koraha ritual, performed to invoke blessings of peace, harmony, and prosperity for all people and the natural world.

Central to the event was the participation of Vishwa Keerthi Sri Vanaspathi Uruwarige Vannila Aththo, the current leader of the Vedda people. He presented President Dissanayake with a commemorative plaque along with a message detailing the community’s ongoing concerns and aspirations—ranging from environmental protection and cultural preservation to access to education and healthcare.

In a gesture of mutual respect, the President offered a symbolic gift to the indigenous leader, acknowledging the enduring contributions of the community to the nation’s cultural identity and environmental stewardship.

A key highlight of this year’s observance was the introduction of Sri Lanka’s first indigenous herbal soap, Kairie, developed using traditional botanical knowledge and native ingredients. The initiative aims to blend ancestral wisdom with modern economic opportunity, providing sustainable income sources for indigenous women.

Certificates were also awarded to the inaugural group of female participants who completed a training programme in Ayurvedic soap production, marking a step forward in community-led enterprise.

The event additionally saw the commencement of construction on market stalls intended to showcase and sell indigenous crafts and products—a move designed to further integrate the community into the local economy while safeguarding their traditions.

Among those in attendance were Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Dr Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, several government ministers and officials, as well as the Canadian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Eric Walsh, accompanied by representatives from the Canadian High Commission and other distinguished guests.

August 10, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is witnessing a robust upswing in international tourism this year, with over 1.4 million foreign visitors having entered the island nation by early August, according to recent data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).

This marks a notable rise in tourist arrivals compared to the corresponding period in 2024, reflecting renewed global interest in the country as a travel destination.

India remains Sri Lanka’s most significant source of inbound travellers in 2025, with 286,085 Indian nationals having visited so far. The United Kingdom follows with 135,722 visitors, while Russia ranks third, contributing 116,257 tourists to the overall count.

In the first five days of August alone, Sri Lanka welcomed 40,047 international travellers, underscoring the continuing momentum of the tourism rebound. Among them, Indian tourists accounted for the largest proportion, with 6,963 arrivals—making up 17.4 per cent of the total for that period.

Other key source markets for August include the United Kingdom, which sent 4,345 tourists, while China contributed 3,090 visitors. France and Italy also made strong showings, with 3,049 and 2,739 arrivals respectively.

August 10, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of light showers will occur in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle and Matara districts.

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

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Marine Weather:

Condition of Rain:

Showers are likely at a few places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Matara via Colombo and Galle.

Winds:

Winds will be south-westerly and wind speed will be (30-40) kmph.

Wind speed can increase up to (50-55) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kalpitiya to Mullaittivu via Mannar and Kankasanthurai and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota.

State of Sea:

The sea areas off the coast extending from Kalpitiya to Mullaittivu via Mannar and Kankasanthurai and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota may be rough at times.

The SAARC Development Fund (SDF), in collaboration with national institutions and technical agencies from five member states, has officially launched the AquaLivelihood Project in Colombo, marking a significant regional push to uplift smallholder fish farmers and tackle nutrition challenges across South Asia.

Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar, who attended as Chief Guest, described the three-year initiative as “a transformative journey” that will enhance livelihoods, strengthen food systems, and unite regional stakeholders in a common mission.

The project represents a total investment of $3.97 million, with $3.23 million provided as an SDF grant and $739,109 as in-kind co-financing. It aims to benefit over 120,000 rural households—30% of them women—in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

Formally titled “Livelihood Enhancement of Small-Scale Fish Farmers and Nutrition Security of Rural Masses in the SAARC Region through Aquaculture Development”, AquaLivelihood is led by India’s ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA) in partnership with fisheries authorities from each participating country, including Sri Lanka’s National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA).

The project focuses on three strategic components:

Survey and technology identification – mapping aquaculture resources, feed, and seed, and promoting inclusive practices.

Infrastructure development – establishing pilot-scale feed mills and hatcheries to boost local fish production.

Capacity building – organising cross-border training, on-farm demonstrations, and gender-focused knowledge exchange.

SDF Officer-in-Charge Irosha Cooray emphasised that the initiative aligns with the SAARC Charter and Social Charter, promoting poverty reduction, women’s empowerment, and regional integration. “By empowering small-scale farmers and fostering knowledge exchange, we strengthen food security, sustainable development, and regional solidarity,” she said.

Fish remains a vital protein source in South Asia, providing over 60% of animal protein in countries such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Aquaculture growth has been robust in the past decade—11% in Nepal, 5.4% in Bangladesh, and 6–8% in India—while the fisheries sector significantly contributes to agricultural GDP and rural livelihoods.

ICAR Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science) Dr. Joykrushna Jena said India is proud to lead this collaborative effort, while Project Coordinator Dr. Shiba Shankar Giri noted that the project builds on nine policy briefs developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. NAQDA Director General Dr. J.M. Asoka highlighted its importance for Sri Lanka’s rural economy and regional partnerships.

Implementation will cover selected districts across all five countries, with Sri Lanka focusing on the North Central and North Western Provinces. A two-day inception workshop will follow the launch to align strategies and ensure coordinated execution across the region.