March 02, Colombo (LNW): A special exhibition of the Sacred Tooth Relic will take place at the renowned Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy on April 18, from 3.00 pm to 5.30 pm, providing devotees and visitors with a unique chance to view the sacred artefact.

Following this, the relic will be open for public viewing for ten consecutive days, from April 19 to 28, with daily viewing hours scheduled from 12.00 noon to 5.30 pm.

This rare occasion, announced by the Diyawadana Nilame, is expected to draw large crowds of worshippers and admirers of the relic, as it offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the public to pay homage to one of the most revered symbols of Sri Lankan cultural and religious heritage.

In anticipation of high visitor numbers, the organisers have made special arrangements to ensure smooth proceedings and to accommodate the expected influx of attendees.

The Sacred Tooth Relic, which is traditionally housed in the Sri Dalada Maligawa, holds great significance in the Buddhist world, and this special exposition is likely to be a significant spiritual event for both local devotees and international visitors.

Pilgrims from across the country and abroad are expected to visit the site to participate in the viewing, which will allow them to experience the sanctity and reverence associated with this historical artefact.

Authorities have indicated that all necessary measures will be in place to manage the crowd and ensure the safety and comfort of all those who come to pay their respects.

By: Isuru Parakrama

March 02, Colombo (LNW): Thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in Western, Central, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district, the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology said in a warning this afternoon (02).

The statement added that the occurrence of temporary localised strong winds during thundershowers is a possibility, and urged the general public to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by lightning activity.

March 02, Colombo (LNW): In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 08, the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs has announced the commencement of National Women’s Week, running from March 02 to 08.

This initiative is aimed at recognising and honouring the significant contributions of women across Sri Lanka, whilst focusing on critical issues affecting their lives.

The theme for this year’s Women’s Day is “Strong she will be a pathway to build a sustainable future,” which underscores the importance of women’s resilience and their pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future for the nation.

A variety of programmes will take place during the week, emphasising women’s health, safety, empowerment, and the promotion of technological skills, as well as raising awareness about gender equality and women’s rights.

A highlight of the week’s events will be the “Liya Shakthi” Women’s Fair, scheduled for 5th and 6th March at Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo. This fair is designed to empower women entrepreneurs by providing a platform to showcase and sell their products, as well as to foster an inclusive and supportive marketplace for their businesses.

The event will feature a range of goods and services produced by women, offering them a valuable opportunity to expand their reach and build connections in the business community.

The week’s festivities will culminate in the national celebration of Women’s Day, which will be held at the “Suhurupaya” Auditorium in Battaramulla. The event, overseen by Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj and Deputy Minister Dr. Namal Sudarshana, will be held under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

This event promises to be a significant occasion, bringing together women from various walks of life to reflect on their achievements and challenges, whilst also celebrating their strength and contributions to society.

March 02, Colombo (LNW): Two former Sri Lankan Army Intelligence officers, who were arrested on suspicion of their involvement in the 2008 abduction and assault of journalist Keith Noyahr, have been granted bail by the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court.

Accordingly, the suspects were each granted two surety bails of Rs. 1 million.

The pair, aged 42 and 46, were apprehended on 1st March by officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in the Nawagaththegama and Elayapaththuwa police divisions.

Their arrests came as part of the ongoing investigations into the violent attack on Noyahr, which took place nearly 17 years ago.

The incident occurred on 22nd May 2008, when Noyahr, a respected journalist at the time, was abducted by a group of individuals and subsequently assaulted in a van in the Waidya Road area of the Dehiwala Police Division.

The assault shocked the nation and raised serious concerns about the safety of journalists in Sri Lanka.

The two suspects are both retired personnel from the Military Intelligence Corps (MIC), and investigations suggest they were allegedly involved in orchestrating or carrying out the assault.

They are residents of the Nawagaththegama and Ulukkulama areas. Despite the passing of years since the incident, the CID has continued its investigation, working towards uncovering the full details of the attack and identifying all individuals involved.

Whilst the suspects have been granted bail, the CID is expected to continue with their investigations.

March 02, Colombo (LNW): Fuel distribution across Sri Lanka is proceeding without disruption, confirmed D.J. Rajakaruna, Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO), today (02).

The CEYPETCO’s operations are running smoothly, with fuel deliveries being made as per scheduled orders.

Rajakaruna assured the public that fuel stocks are being distributed as planned, with no delays or hindrances. “We have already processed around 500 fuel orders from the Western Province alone,” he said, indicating that the supply chain is functioning effectively.

The Chairman also addressed growing concerns about a potential fuel shortage, stating that there is no need for alarm.

“There will be no fuel shortage in the country,” he emphasised. “The only issue we could face would be if people start queuing at stations based on unfounded rumours.”

These assurances come after rumours of a fuel shortage began circulating following a decision by the CEYPETCO to discontinue a 3 per cent commission paid to petroleum separators involved in the fuel distribution process.

Whilst the move has sparked some anxiety among the public, Rajakaruna stressed that it has not affected the country’s fuel supply.

The CEYPETCO is urging the public not to panic or engage in stockpiling fuel, which could lead to unnecessary congestion at stations.

March 02, Colombo (LNW): A high-speed chase ensued in the northern region of Sri Lanka when police attempted to stop a truck carrying a load of sand, suspected of also transporting illicit drugs.

The incident, which took place in the vicinity of Point Pedro, escalated when the truck failed to comply with orders to halt at a checkpoint and instead sped away, leading officers to open fire on the vehicle as it fled through Valvettithurai.

According to the Police Media Division, the driver and his assistant abandoned the truck shortly after the shooting, making a swift escape from the scene. Despite their attempts to flee, it was later confirmed that the assistant had sustained injuries during the pursuit.

In a turn of events, the Mandigai Hospital contacted the police to report that the injured assistant had been admitted for treatment.

Authorities are now working to track down both individuals involved in the incident, with the truck seized and further investigations underway into the contents of the vehicle.

Initial reports suggest that the truck may have been involved in the illegal transportation of drugs, though police have yet to confirm the exact nature of the materials being smuggled.

March 02, Colombo (LNW): Two former members of the Sri Lanka Army’s intelligence unit have been taken into custody in connection with the abduction and assault of journalist Keith Noyahr in May 2008, according to the Police Media Division.

The arrests occurred yesterday (01), when the two suspects, aged 42 and 46, were apprehended by officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in the Nawagaththegama and Elayapaththuwa police divisions.

This follows ongoing investigations into the high-profile case, which has remained a source of concern for both media freedom and human rights.

Noyahr, a prominent journalist at the time, was abducted on 22nd May 2008 whilst travelling in the Waidya Road area, located within the Dehiwala Police Division.

He was taken in a van and subsequently subjected to a brutal assault. The incident shocked the nation and drew widespread condemnation, with many seeing it as an attack on press freedom.

The suspects, who are both retired personnel from the Army’s Military Intelligence Corps (MIC), were allegedly involved in the abduction and subsequent assault of Noyahr.

Despite the years that have passed since the incident, the case has continued to be a focal point in the wider discussion about the safety of journalists and the protection of press freedom in Sri Lanka.

Authorities have not disclosed the full details surrounding the investigation, but the recent arrests signal progress in a case that had long remained unresolved.

The two men, residents of Nawagaththegama and Ulukkulama, are expected to be questioned further as part of the ongoing legal proceedings.

The case of Keith Noyahr is one of several incidents over the years that has raised concerns about the treatment of journalists in Sri Lanka, particularly during periods of heightened political tension.