November 11, Colombo (LNW): The Police have cautioned the public against posting selfies or updates on social media that disclose their location while travelling, especially during excursions, pilgrimages, or family trips.

The warning was issued by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) F. U. Wootler at a media briefing held yesterday at the Police Media Division Auditorium in Suhurupaya, Battaramulla.

ASP Wootler highlighted that such online posts can inadvertently provide criminals with information about travellers or their homes, potentially putting families at risk. He stressed that the festive season sees a surge in people, including children, leaving home for trips, making vigilance particularly important.

“Many people share images or posts on Facebook and other platforms indicating their exact locations, such as Nuwara Eliya, Galle, or Kataragama. While sharing memories is understandable, these details can be misused by those with criminal intent. We urge families to exercise caution and avoid revealing their whereabouts publicly,” ASP Wootler said.

He also advised that families pay close attention to the choice of vehicles and drivers, particularly for school trips or excursions. “It is essential to ensure the vehicle is mechanically sound and the driver is reputable and trustworthy. These precautions are vital to guarantee safe travel,” he added.

The police emphasised that awareness and careful planning are key to preventing potential threats while enjoying outings during the busy festive period.

November 11, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Government has announced plans to grant permanent appointments to approximately 10,000 non-permanent employees serving in various state departments and public corporations, Transport and Highways Minister Bimal Ratnayake told Parliament yesterday (10).

Speaking in response to a question from Illankai Tamil Arasu Katchchi (ITAK) MP Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam, the Minister outlined that the move is part of broader efforts to provide job security for long-serving temporary staff across multiple sectors.

Minister Ratnayake highlighted that while certain posts, such as railway crossing guards, will see an increase in allowances—from Rs. 7,500 to Rs. 15,000—the Government recognises that improving safety at railway crossings requires a comprehensive, long-term strategy rather than a financial adjustment alone.

Regarding permanent appointments, the Minister noted that eligibility will require basic educational qualifications at the time of recruitment, such as sitting the GCE Ordinary Level Examination for positions at the Road Development Authority and for railway crossing guards.

He clarified that this criterion may limit the ability to make every non-permanent worker permanent, but the overarching initiative aims to secure the status of roughly 10,000 staff.

“So far, 700 employees at the RDA have already been granted permanent status, with a further 300 in line,” Minister Ratnayake stated. He added that the Government is prioritising permanent appointments particularly for temporary and non-permanent staff within state institutions and corporations, signalling a significant policy step towards stabilising public sector employment.

November 11, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan police have taken 693 people into custody during a large-scale island-wide operation carried out yesterday (10), targeting individuals linked to criminal activities, illicit liquor production, and narcotics offences.

According to the Police Media Division, the coordinated effort saw 31,594 individuals inspected across the country within a 24-hour period.

Among those detained were 31 suspects believed to be directly connected to ongoing criminal investigations, while 466 people wanted on outstanding warrants were also apprehended.

Traffic enforcement formed a key part of the operation, resulting in the arrest of 22 motorists for driving under the influence and 16 for reckless driving. In addition, police identified 4,320 individuals for a range of other traffic-related violations.

Authorities stated that such nationwide crackdowns are part of an intensified campaign to curb rising drug-related offences and organised crime. The operations aim to dismantle networks involved in the trafficking of narcotics and the distribution of illegal liquor, while also recovering unlicensed firearms and apprehending repeat offenders.

November 11, Colombo (LNW): Maldivian authorities have confirmed that a Sri Lankan fishing vessel intercepted within the country’s territorial waters was carrying a significant consignment of narcotics, marking what officials describe as the largest drug seizure ever recorded in the Maldives.

The vessel, identified as Avishka Putha, was detained by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard on November 07 after it was found operating illegally inside Maldivian maritime boundaries. Aboard the trawler were five Sri Lankan nationals, aged between 28 and 63, all of whom were taken into custody.

Following a court order, Maldivian police conducted a detailed search of the vessel, uncovering 58.6 kilogrammes of heroin and 297.3 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine (commonly known as ‘Ice’) hidden in 24 secret compartments. In total, the confiscated drugs weighed over 355 kilogrammes.

The operation was the result of close cooperation between the Maldives National Defence Force, the Maldivian Police, the Sri Lanka Navy, and the Sri Lanka Police. Law enforcement agencies from both countries are continuing to coordinate their efforts to trace the origins and intended destination of the narcotics.

On the advice of the Maldivian Attorney General, arrangements are reportedly underway to transfer the arrested crew members and the confiscated drugs to Sri Lanka for further legal proceedings. A specialised team from Sri Lanka’s Police Narcotics Bureau and Navy has already arrived in the Maldives to assist with the joint inquiry.

Authorities have hailed the bust as a major success in regional maritime surveillance and counter-narcotics collaboration, underscoring the growing need for vigilance against transnational drug trafficking across the Indian Ocean.

November 11, Colombo (LNW): A two-week joint military exercise between India and Sri Lanka commenced yesterday (10) in Belagavi, Karnataka, marking the beginning of the 11th edition of Exercise Mitra Shakti.

The annual engagement aims to bolster cooperation and coordination between the two neighbouring nations’ armed forces, particularly in counter-terrorism and modern combat operations.

According to the Indian Army, this year’s exercise is focused on improving interoperability in joint missions and refining tactical responses to complex security challenges. The Indian contingent, comprising 170 personnel primarily from the Rajput Regiment, is joined by 135 officers and soldiers from Sri Lanka’s Gajaba Regiment.

In addition, the Indian Air Force has deployed 20 members, while 10 personnel from the Sri Lankan Air Force are also taking part in the manoeuvres.

Participants will train together on a range of tactical scenarios, including search and destroy missions, heliborne raids, and coordinated responses to simulated terror threats. The exercise will also integrate cutting-edge technologies such as drones, counter-unmanned aerial systems, and helicopter operations to reflect the evolving nature of modern warfare.

Mitra Shakti 2025 underscores the deepening defence cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, serving as a platform not only for military skill-sharing but also for strengthening mutual trust and regional stability in the Indian Ocean region.

November 11, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has voiced its firm backing for the Riyadh Declaration on the Future of Tourism, joining other nations at the 26th Session of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Delivering Sri Lanka’s statement at the gathering, Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the principles of the Declaration, noting that its focus on digital transformation and sustainability mirrors Sri Lanka’s own tourism and economic development strategies.

Minister Herath emphasised that Sri Lanka’s recovery and growth efforts hinge significantly on the modernisation of the tourism sector through digital innovation. He observed that the Declaration’s policy framework and practical measures were closely aligned with the government’s ongoing initiatives to integrate technology and enhance visitor experiences.

Expressing optimism about the global cooperation that the Riyadh Declaration seeks to foster, the Minister welcomed forthcoming initiatives such as reports on artificial intelligence applications in tourism and the exploration of a future international convention.

Herath concluded by reaffirming Sri Lanka’s readiness to collaborate with the international community in shaping a more resilient, inclusive, and tech-driven future for global tourism.

November 10, Colombo (LNW): The third day of discussions on the Second Reading of the 2026 Appropriation Bill will resume in Parliament this morning (11), with proceedings beginning at 9:30 a.m. and the main budget debate set to start at 11:00 a.m.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake presented the 2026 Budget to the House last Friday, outlining the government’s financial roadmap for the coming year. The proposed figures forecast state revenue at approximately Rs. 5,300 million, while total expenditure is projected to reach Rs. 7,057 million—leaving a shortfall of Rs. 1,757 million, equivalent to 5.1 per cent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.

Parliamentary debate on the Second Reading will continue over six sittings, culminating in a vote on Friday (14) at 6:00 p.m. Once concluded, attention will turn to the Committee Stage—often regarded as the most detailed phase of scrutiny—which is set to run for 17 days, from November 15 until December 05. The final vote on the Third Reading is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on December 05.

Sessions are expected to be held daily throughout the Budget Period, with the exception of Sundays and public holidays. Lawmakers are anticipated to engage in rigorous exchanges as fiscal priorities and spending commitments for 2026 come under close examination.