By: Isuru Parakrama

May 07, Colombo (LNW): Opposition parliamentarian Dr Harsha de Silva has firmly rejected rumours suggesting that he is preparing to join the government, insisting that recent speculation surrounding his political position is entirely unfounded.

In a video statement released to the public, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP said he was aware of claims circulating in political circles and on social media, but stressed that he has no intention of crossing over to the ruling side.

Dr de Silva remarked that while it was flattering to hear suggestions that the government may value his contribution and expertise, his political approach remains independent and principled.

He stated that he has never hesitated to speak openly on matters he believes are right or wrong, regardless of political affiliations, and added that his style of politics may not always be appreciated by everyone.

The MP also referred to his role as Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Public Finance (CoPF), noting that some individuals appear uncomfortable with the manner in which he carries out his duties and scrutinises public financial matters.

According to Dr de Silva, certain groups are deliberately attempting to misrepresent his actions and create confusion among the public by spreading misleading narratives regarding his political future.

Addressing his supporters directly, he urged voters not to be influenced by speculation or misinformation, assuring them that he remains committed to the mandate and trust placed in him by the electorate.

May 07, Colombo (LNW): Former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena has been ordered to be arrested and produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court following a request by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) to cancel the bail previously granted to him.

The order was issued after the Bribery Commission submitted a motion before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court seeking the revocation of Chandrasena’s bail in connection with the ongoing Airbus procurement corruption case.

The latest development has intensified scrutiny surrounding the high-profile investigation, particularly after two men were recently remanded over allegations that they falsely appeared in court as sureties on behalf of the former airline executive.

According to submissions made before court, the two individuals had allegedly accepted payments of Rs. 15,000 each in return for acting as bail guarantors. Investigators later discovered that the pair reportedly had neither stable employment nor sufficient financial standing to fulfil the responsibilities expected of sureties.

Court proceedings also revealed that the suspects had no personal relationship with Chandrasena and were allegedly recruited solely for the purpose of securing his release on bail.

Colombo Additional Magistrate Lahiru Silva ordered the suspects to remain in remand custody until 13 May while further investigations are carried out. The court additionally instructed authorities to examine the manner in which Grama Niladhari certificates used during the bail application process had been obtained.

The arrests were carried out by officers attached to the Keselwatta Police following concerns raised by court officials regarding irregularities linked to the bail procedure.

The Airbus deal controversy involving SriLankan Airlines continues to be regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s most closely watched corruption probes, attracting significant public and legal attention due to the scale of the allegations and the senior figures implicated in the case.

May 07, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Meteorology has issued an “Amber” advisory warning of severe lightning activity expected across large parts of the country later today, with unsettled weather conditions forecast to continue into the night.

The advisory, which came into effect at noon on May 07, will remain valid until 11.30 p.m. and covers the Central, Sabaragamuwa, Uva, North Central, North Western, Southern, Western and Eastern provinces, along with the Vavuniya District.

According to weather officials, thundershowers accompanied by intense lightning are likely to develop in several areas after 1.00 p.m., raising concerns over possible disruptions and safety risks.

The department also warned that some locations could experience sudden strong gusts of wind during periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms, particularly in exposed areas.

Residents have been advised to take precautionary measures to reduce the risk of lightning-related incidents, including avoiding open spaces during storms, unplugging electrical appliances where possible and seeking shelter in secure buildings.

Authorities further urged motorists to exercise caution due to the possibility of reduced visibility and slippery road conditions during heavy showers. Emergency services remain on alert in the affected regions in case of weather-related incidents.

May 07, Colombo (LNW): The All Ceylon Restaurant Owners’ Association has announced a fresh revision in food and beverage prices, with several popular menu items becoming more expensive from midnight today (07).

Under the new pricing adjustments, the cost of dishes such as Fried Rice, Biryani and Nasi Goreng has been increased by Rs. 25 at many eateries across the country.

The association also confirmed that tea prices would rise at restaurants and small food outlets operating with Laughs Gas cylinders, citing mounting operational costs linked to the recent increase in domestic LP gas prices.

According to Association Chairman Harshana Rukshan, nearly one-third of restaurants currently rely on Laughs gas supplies, and many business owners are struggling to absorb the higher fuel expenses without passing at least part of the burden on to customers.

As part of the revised pricing structure, plain tea has increased by Rs. 5, while a cup of milk tea will now cost Rs. 10 more at affected establishments. In addition, several varieties of short eats have also seen a Rs. 5 increase.

Despite the adjustments, the association stated that staple items such as egg rotis and parathas would remain at their existing prices for the time being in an effort to minimise the impact on regular customers.

Restaurant operators have warned that continued increases in utility and ingredient costs could place further pressure on the food service sector, particularly small and medium-sized businesses already facing shrinking profit margins amid the rising cost of living.

May 07, Colombo (LNW): Colombo Additional Magistrate Lahiru Silva has ordered the remand of two men accused of falsely standing as bail sureties for former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena, who was recently granted bail in an ongoing corruption case.

The suspects were taken into custody after authorities alleged that they had accepted payment to appear in court as guarantors despite having no personal relationship or direct connection with Chandrasena. The court ordered that both men remain in remand custody until 13 May while investigations continue.

Chandrasena, the former head of the national carrier, is facing legal proceedings over allegations linked to a multi-million-dollar bribery scandal involving the procurement of Airbus aircraft for SriLankan Airlines. Prosecutors claim the deal involved the acceptance of a bribe amounting to USD 2 million.

During yesterday’s proceedings, officers attached to the Keselwatta Police Crime Branch informed court that the two suspects had each allegedly received Rs. 15,000 in exchange for acting as sureties.

The men, identified as Mohammad Rizwan and Mohammad Irshan of Hulftsdorp, were arrested after court officials raised concerns regarding the authenticity and legitimacy of documents submitted in support of the bail application.

Police told the court that further scrutiny of the Grama Niladhari certificates presented by the pair prompted a formal complaint and subsequent investigation. Authorities also noted that the magistrate had questioned whether the sureties would realistically be able to ensure the accused’s appearance in court as required under the Bail Act.

Investigators revealed that during questioning, the two suspects allegedly admitted they had been approached by individuals known as “Deva” and “Tissa”, who requested them to stand as sureties in return for financial compensation.

The court heard that such actions may amount to a criminal offence under the Bail Act No. 30 of 1997, particularly if individuals knowingly provide false or misleading assurances to secure bail for an accused person.

Following submissions made by the police, the magistrate directed officers to conduct a more detailed inquiry into the background of the suspects and the process through which the Grama Niladhari certifications had been obtained and verified.

May 07, Colombo (LNW): Danigala Maha Bandalage Sudha Wannila Aththo, the respected leader of the indigenous community in Rathugala within the Madulla area, has passed away at the age of 62.

According to police, he died while undergoing treatment at the Welisara Chest Hospital, where he had reportedly been receiving residential medical care for a period of time.

May 07, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya has announced that the Government is preparing a series of reforms for Sri Lanka’s higher education sector in line with the broader changes currently being introduced to the country’s school education system.

Speaking in Parliament in response to questions raised by MP Manjula Sugath Rathnayaka, the Prime Minister said a panel of experts appointed to review the sector has been working over the past six months to identify key shortcomings and recommend long-term reforms aimed at improving quality, access and relevance in higher education.

According to the Prime Minister, the committee’s findings are expected to guide future policy decisions and modernisation efforts across universities and other tertiary institutions.

Providing an update on university admissions, Dr Amarasuriya revealed that more than 281,000 students sat the 2025 G.C.E. Advanced Level examination, with over 176,000 becoming eligible for university entrance. However, only around 42,900 students are expected to secure placements in state universities this year, highlighting the continued competition for limited opportunities in the higher education system.

She noted that the Government intends to maintain undergraduate intake levels at a stable rate while simultaneously improving facilities and academic standards at universities nationwide.

The Prime Minister also announced the introduction of new degree programmes aimed at addressing evolving industry demands and technological advancement. Beginning from the 2025/2026 academic year, the University of Ruhuna will offer a programme in Geographic Information Systems, while the University of Peradeniya will launch a course in Electronic and Intelligent Systems Engineering. Each programme is expected to admit fifty students initially.

She added that arrangements relating to admission cut-off marks and student registration procedures have already been finalised.

During the parliamentary session, Dr Amarasuriya also addressed concerns regarding the preschool education sector in response to a question raised by MP K. Kader Mastan.

She acknowledged that the majority of preschools in Sri Lanka are operated privately, limiting the Government’s ability to provide permanent appointments or salaries for teachers. Nevertheless, she said steps are underway to provide financial allowances to selected volunteer teachers attached to preschools managed under Provincial Councils.

The Prime Minister further stated that the Government plans to introduce sweeping reforms to the preschool education system by 2027 through joint efforts involving the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs.

As part of these reforms, a national policy framework for preschool education is expected to be introduced in 2026 based on recommendations made by the National Education Commission. Preparations are also underway to introduce standardised teacher guidelines, classroom activity manuals and province-wide teacher training programmes.

Commenting on the issue of volunteer teachers, Dr Amarasuriya reiterated that the long-standing Cabinet policy restricting recruitment beyond the approved number of 4,700 teacher aides would remain in effect.

May 07, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka and Türkiye have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral relations following the successful conclusion of the second round of political consultations held in Ankara earlier this week.

The discussions, which took place at Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday (05), brought together senior officials from both countries to review ongoing cooperation and identify new opportunities for partnership across several strategic sectors.

Representing Sri Lanka was Sugeeshwara Gunaratna, Director General of the Europe and North America Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while the Turkish delegation was led by Ambassador Cihad Erginay, Director General for South Asia at Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry.

According to Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry, the talks reflected the growing importance both nations place on maintaining close diplomatic engagement and strengthening ties rooted in long-standing friendship, mutual respect and shared international interests.

The consultations covered a broad range of subjects, including political relations, economic cooperation, trade, defence collaboration, maritime affairs, education, scientific research and regional security developments. Both sides also explored ways to encourage greater investment and business partnerships, particularly in industries such as renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, tourism, logistics and emerging technologies.

Sri Lanka also conveyed its appreciation to the Turkish government for the humanitarian support provided following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. Officials from both countries discussed the possibility of further collaboration in recovery efforts, infrastructure development and long-term resilience planning.

Defence and security cooperation featured prominently during the discussions, with both delegations expressing interest in enhancing institutional partnerships, training opportunities and knowledge-sharing initiatives between the two countries.

The talks additionally focused on improving connectivity between Sri Lanka and Türkiye, including strengthening aviation links between Colombo and Istanbul and expanding cooperation in maritime services and blue economy initiatives linked to the Indian Ocean region.

Education and innovation were identified as important areas for future collaboration, with both governments emphasising the need to accelerate pending agreements relating to higher education, vocational training and scientific exchange programmes.

The delegations also exchanged views on several international and regional developments, including evolving situations in West Asia, South Asia and the wider Indian Ocean region. Both countries reaffirmed their support for multilateral diplomacy and pledged continued cooperation within the United Nations and other international platforms.

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry noted that the successful consultations demonstrated the strong political commitment of both governments to elevate relations further and pursue closer cooperation aimed at economic growth, regional stability and shared prosperity.