Atmospheric conditions are getting favorable for evening thundershowers in the Northern, North-Central, Uva and Eastern provinces during the next few days.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Northern, North-Central, Central, Uva and Eastern provinces after 1.00 p.m.
A few showers may occur in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.
Fairly strong winds of about 40 kmph can be expected at times over Southern province.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
July 29, Colombo (LNW): As Sri Lanka grapples with multiple high profile legal cases involving prominent political figures, the country is witnessing a dramatic shift in the accountability of its public officials. With allegations ranging from land fraud to the illegal possession of firearms, the courtrooms have become the arena where the dark undercurrents of corruption, political maneuvering, and systemic abuse of power are being laid bare for public scrutiny.
The ongoing trials, involving prominent figures from former State Minister Prasanna Ranaweera to former SLPP MP Janaka Tissa Kuttiarachchi, and former Minister Duminda Dissanayake, expose not just personal wrongdoing, but a much deeper and systemic issue that undermines public trust in the political establishment.
The Kiribathgoda Land Fraud: A Greed-Driven Land Heist
At the epicenter of the unfolding legal drama is former State Minister Prasanna Ranaweera, whose name has become synonymous with one of the most audacious land fraud cases in recent history. The accusations against Ranaweera, alongside his alleged accomplices, involve the illegal transfer of government-owned land in the Kiribathgoda area. This case, still in the early stages, reveals how government property that should have been used for public welfare was instead sold off for private gain.
Ranaweera and his associates stand accused of forging official documentation to make state land appear eligible for sale. The CID investigation claims that around 120 perches of land were fraudulently sold, with half of it retained by the accused, while the remaining portions were sold off in 7 perch plots, allegedly for construction purposes.
What stands out here is not just the audacity of the crime, but the deep-rooted culture of nepotism and corruption that enables such schemes to succeed. The land, intended for a government project to benefit the public, ended up in private hands making this not just a matter of legal breach, but a betrayal of the people’s trust.
As of May 2023, Ranaweera had evaded arrest and disappeared after the arrest of his political ally, Mervyn Silva, who is also implicated in the same fraud. Despite multiple search operations by the CID, Ranaweera remains elusive, highlighting how some politicians manage to evade accountability, even when the evidence against them is mounting.
Ranaweera’s eventual remand until August 04, and the high-profile bail application set for August 21, will be key moments in the saga. Sri Lanka’s legal system must now grapple with a question of political impunity whether the influential can truly be brought to justice or whether their positions will shield them from facing the full force of the law.
The Kuttiarachchi Apology: Political Remarks That Shook the Nation
In a separate case, Janaka Tissa Kuttiarachchi, a former MP from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), found himself in the legal crosshairs after making a series of inflammatory remarks about President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. During a public rally in 2023, Kuttiarachchi alleged that Dissanayake had funneled Rs. 5 billion into Malta-based investments, a claim the President swiftly rejected as baseless and defamatory.
The remarks ignited a firestorm of controversy and culminated in a defamation lawsuit, with Dissanayake seeking Rs. 10 billion in damages. The case became more than just a legal matter,it became a test of political decorum, with the opposition’s rhetoric pushing the boundaries of truth and political strategy.
On July 29, 2023, in an unexpected twist, Kuttiarachchi appeared in court and issued an unconditional apology, acknowledging that his statements were inappropriate and regrettable. The apology came after his legal counsel confirmed that the former MP recognized the harm his words had caused to the President’s reputation.
While the case was settled amicably, it speaks volumes about the political gamesmanship that often defines Sri Lanka’s political discourse. Politicians are frequently quick to sling mud at their rivals, knowing that their words may be exaggerated, but often escape the consequences due to legal loopholes or the slow-moving judicial process.
Kuttiarachchi’s apology may have diffused the situation for now, but the incident raises pertinent questions about the level of accountability for public figures who make defamatory remarks with little evidence. In a country where political tensions run high, such cases only contribute to the fracturing of public trust in the political class.
Duminda Dissanayake and the T-56 Firearm Scandal: A Political Albatross
Perhaps the most bizarre case to surface recently involves Duminda Dissanayake, another former Minister, who found himself embroiled in an investigation over a gold-plated T-56 assault rifle discovered at a prominent apartment complex in Havelock Town.
The rifle was found inside a woman’s travel bag, sparking a Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) probe into the weapon’s ownership. Although the two women initially claimed they had mistakenly carried the firearm, the investigation soon pointed toward Dissanayake. A luxury vehicle associated with the former Minister had reportedly been used to transport the weapon.
In an unexpected turn, the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court later found no direct evidence linking Dissanayake to the firearm, and after several weeks in remand, he was granted bail in July. While the case may seem like an oddity, it underscores a deeper issue: the unfathomable access some political elites have to military-grade weapons and the secrecy that surrounds political dealings.
The Dissanayake case also highlights how evidence can be manipulated or dismissed, leaving the public questioning whether justice is being served or whether powerful figures are simply using the law as a tool for their own protection.
Systemic Corruption and Legal Impunity: A Nation at a Crossroads
Taken together, these cases paint a troubling picture of Sri Lanka’s political landscape. At the heart of each case lies a common thread: the exploitation of power for personal or political gain. Whether it’s land fraud, defamation, or illegal firearms, these incidents underscore the deep-seated corruption that has plagued Sri Lanka’s ruling elite for years.
For many Sri Lankans, these cases are not just isolated events but part of a larger pattern of political impunity. The frequent delays in the judicial process, the lack of swift action in holding the powerful accountable, and the perception that political connections offer protection from the law all contribute to a growing sense of disillusionment with the country’s leadership.
As the legal proceedings continue to unfold, the public’s faith in the political system will be tested. The Kiribathgoda land fraud case, Kuttiarachchi’s defamation lawsuit, and Dissanayake’s firearm investigation are all a microcosm of the broader challenges facing Sri Lanka’s governance.
Will these cases result in genuine reform, or will they be nothing more than another round of political theater? For a nation yearning for transparency, these cases could be the crucible in which Sri Lanka’s commitment to political accountability is either forged or further eroded.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake affirmed that Sri Lanka and the Maldives will not only remain close friends but will also advance as partners united by a common vision and purpose. He made these remarks after attending a special dinner hosted by Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu at the Kurumba Maldives resort last night (28).
President Dissanayake expressed his delight at visiting the beautiful Maldives, a long-standing close friend and regional partner of Sri Lanka and recalled the profound friendship and historical ties between the two nations.
Speaking further at the event, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated:
“I consider it a great honour to visit the beautiful Maldives, a nation that has maintained long-standing relations with us as a close friend and partner of Sri Lanka.
Firstly, I wish to express my gratitude to His Excellency the President and the Government of Maldives for the hospitality extended to me and my delegation. This visit to the Maldives reaffirms the enduring friendship, mutual respect and shared aspirations that unite our two countries.
As neighbouring nations in the Indian Ocean, our future paths are intertwined. Over time, the mutual goodwill, understanding and kinship that have developed between our peoples have created a unique bond. Today, these relations continue to be nourished through diplomacy and active cooperation across various sectors.
This month, we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of strong diplomatic relations between our two countries. This adds significant value to my visit and I truly consider it a privilege to be in the Maldives to celebrate this unique occasion.
The independence of the Maldives in 1965 marked a significant milestone in South Asian history. Sri Lanka takes pride in playing an important role in that historic process by providing the opportunity for the Maldivian Declaration of Independence to be signed in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, it is a source of great pride for us that the melody of independent Maldives’ national anthem was composed by the renowned Sri Lankan maestro, the late Pandit W.D. Amaradeva.
Your Excellency, I firmly believe our partnership is a reflection of regional cooperation among neighbouring states.
Whether it is strengthening maritime security, promoting blue economy initiatives, or collaborating in multilateral forums, Sri Lanka is committed to working with the Maldives to create a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable Indian Ocean region.
His Excellency the President informed me that his English teacher and Physics teacher were both Sri Lankans. I am proud of that.
We are proud of the thousands of Sri Lankans who have contributed to the Maldivian economy and social progress at various levels, or who have imparted knowledge to generations as teachers. We greatly appreciate the respect that Sri Lankans receive in the Maldives. Likewise, we value Maldivians who consider Sri Lanka their second home, whether they are studying in our schools and universities, seeking medical treatment, or enjoying our island’s tourism and hospitality. They are not merely foreigners residing in each other’s countries but bridges connecting our nations.
Tourism is a key component of both our economies. The Maldives ranks among the top ten countries whose citizens choose Sri Lanka as a tourist destination. We are pleased to see an increase in arrivals of Maldivian tourists in recent years. We invite Maldivian tourists to visit Sri Lanka to experience a second home.
Your Excellency, as we look to the future, it is my belief that our two countries will advance closely, not just as friends but as partners united by a common vision and purpose. I am confident that this visit will pave the way for deeper cooperation, broader understanding and an even stronger friendship between our two nations.
I wish you a healthy life and the courage to transform the Maldives into a more prosperous nation!”
The Sri Lankan delegation, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Mr. Vijitha Herath, was also present at the event.
July 29, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan authorities have confirmed that the country remains entirely unaffected by a strong undersea earthquake that struck the Bay of Bengal in the early hours of today.
The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau stated that the seismic event, which registered a magnitude of 6.3 on international monitoring systems, poses no threat to Sri Lanka.
The quake occurred at approximately 12:11 a.m., with its epicentre situated near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a seismically active zone in the Indian Ocean.
According to India’s National Centre for Seismology, the earthquake was recorded at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres beneath the seabed, specifically at coordinates 6.82°N and 93.37°E.
The tremor was followed by several aftershocks, which were felt in nearby regions. However, there have been no reports of damage to property or casualties across the region.
In a formal statement, Deepani Weerakoon, Director General of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau, reassured the public that the tremors did not trigger any seismic activity in Sri Lanka or its surrounding coastal waters.
She also noted that the earthquake’s epicentre was approximately 259 kilometres west-northwest of Sabang, a town in Indonesia’s Aceh province.
July 29, Colombo (LNW): Former Minister Duminda Dissanayake has been formally discharged from legal proceedings related to the discovery of a gold-plated T56 assault rifle, following a ruling by the Mt. Lavinia Magistrate’s Court.
The court determined that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with the case, resulting in Dissanayake’s release from all charges. The decision brings an end to several weeks of legal uncertainty for the former minister, who had previously been held in remand custody before being granted bail last week.
The case, which drew considerable media and public attention due to the nature of the weapon involved, revolved around allegations that Dissanayake had links to the possession or concealment of the gold-plated firearm.
However, during court proceedings, investigators failed to establish a direct connection between the former minister and the weapon in question.
July 29, Colombo (LNW): Former Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Janaka Tissa Kuttiarachchi has formally extended an unconditional apology before the Colombo District Court over a controversial statement he made concerning President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Appearing in person at a court session held earlier today (29), the former legislator expressed, through his legal counsel, complete regret for the remarks in question, which he acknowledged had been inappropriate.
His apology comes in response to a high-profile defamation case initiated by President Dissanayake, who had sought Rs. 10 billion in damages.
The lawsuit stems from comments made by Kuttiarachchi during a public rally held on August 19, 2023 in central Colombo, organised by the SLPP. During that gathering, Kuttiarachchi alleged that Dissanayake had channelled five billion rupees into investments in Malta—a claim the President strongly refuted as baseless and damaging to his public image.
In his complaint, President Dissanayake maintained that the accusation was politically motivated and aimed at undermining his credibility by portraying him as corrupt and beholden to foreign financial interests. He asserted that the statement was calculated to tarnish his reputation at a crucial time in national politics.
July 29, Colombo (LNW): Former State Minister Prasanna Ranaweera has been ordered to remain in remand custody until August 04, following a decision by the Mahara Magistrate’s Court.
The ruling, issued by Magistrate Kanchana Silva, applies to Ranaweera and two additional individuals implicated in the same case.
The three stand accused of orchestrating the illegal transfer of government-owned land in the Kiribathgoda area by allegedly falsifying official documentation. Investigators contend that forged paperwork was used to present the state property as eligible for private sale, raising serious concerns over the abuse of public assets for personal or financial gain.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that a bail application has already been lodged with the High Court. That application is expected to be reviewed on August 21 August, pending further legal examination of the charges and evidence submitted.
July 29, Colombo (LNW): A large consignment of Chinese-manufactured electric vehicles has been held at Colombo Port by Sri Lanka Customs amid growing concerns over possible underreporting of motor specifications that could significantly impact import taxes.
According to a report by Economy Next, close to 1,000 units of the BYD ATTO 3—imported across six separate shipments this month—are now under scrutiny after officials questioned whether the motor power declared in shipping documents accurately reflects the vehicles’ true specifications.
The vehicles were reportedly declared as having 100-kilowatt (kW) motors, which fall under a lower excise duty bracket. However, Customs investigators suspect that many of the vehicles may in fact be equipped with more powerful 150kW motors.
Under Sri Lanka’s current tax framework, electric vehicles rated at 100kW are liable for around Rs. 2.4 million in direct duties, while the 150kW category could attract taxes amounting to approximately Rs. 5.4 million—excluding additional levies.
A misclassification, whether intentional or accidental, could therefore result in substantial tax shortfalls and serious legal implications for the importers.
The matter drew public attention after it was raised in Parliament by Opposition MP Mujibur Rahman, who highlighted a sharp inconsistency between tax assessments for new and used versions of the same model.
He questioned why new vehicles were being taxed under the lower bracket while pre-owned models—allegedly with identical specifications—were being charged far higher duties. Rahman also raised concerns about potential favouritism or political connections that may have influenced the clearance of earlier consignments.
According to available reports, over 1,000 BYD ATTO 3 units have already been cleared through Customs under the 100kW classification. Yet, conflicting information remains: while BYD does manufacture a 100kW variant for certain overseas markets, its global website lists the 150kW version as the standard specification for the ATTO 3.
Customs officials have launched a detailed technical and regulatory investigation to determine whether the declarations were intentionally misrepresented to benefit from lower import taxes. If the vehicles are ultimately found to exceed the declared motor capacity, authorities may impose retrospective duties and penalties, potentially passing additional costs onto end customers.
Meanwhile, vehicle buyers who were expecting deliveries in the coming weeks are facing unexpected delays. Several customers reported being informed of a hold-up by the local agent, though no official explanation has been provided. The situation has left many prospective owners uncertain about the status of their purchases.
July 29, Colombo (LNW): Continued dialogue is underway between Sri Lanka and the United States in an effort to secure further reductions in the tariff rates currently applied to Sri Lankan exports, Deputy Minister of Lands and Irrigation, Susil Ranasinghe revealed.
Speaking on the progress of negotiations, the Deputy Minister acknowledged that significant ground has already been covered, with the tariff—once standing at a steep 44 per cent—having been brought down to 30 per cent.
He attributed this achievement to the concerted efforts of the President, the Finance Minister, and the broader negotiating team working behind the scenes to protect Sri Lanka’s trade interests.
Ranasinghe confirmed that talks are still in progress with the intention of bringing this rate down even further, which he said would provide a considerable boost to exporters and improve the country’s competitiveness in the US market.
Highlighting a broader economic strategy, the Deputy Minister stated that efforts are also focused on addressing the trade imbalance between the two nations. He suggested that increasing Sri Lanka’s imports of crude oil from the United States could contribute to a more balanced trade profile, which in turn may strengthen Sri Lanka’s case for tariff relief.
He emphasised that such complex negotiations require more than economic calculations—they demand strong political will and foresight. According to Ranasinghe, the current leadership has demonstrated the resolve needed to pursue solutions in the national interest, even amid global economic headwinds.
The Deputy Minister further expressed optimism that a combination of strategic policy adjustments and ongoing diplomatic engagement will enable Sri Lanka to successfully navigate the challenges posed by international trade pressures.
July 29, Colombo (LNW): The monthly financial assistance granted to elderly citizens under the Aswesuma welfare scheme is set to be credited to recipients’ bank accounts tomorrow (30), according to the Welfare Benefits Board.
Chairman of the Board, Jayantha Weeraratne, confirmed that funds have already been transferred to the respective benefit accounts of those eligible. Beneficiaries will be able to access the allowance from tomorrow via their designated bank accounts.
A total of over Rs. 3 billion—specifically Rs. 3,003,840,000—has been allocated and distributed among 600,768 elderly individuals across the country. These recipients have been identified through the national framework aimed at supporting economically disadvantaged and vulnerable households.
The Aswesuma initiative remains a key pillar of the state’s welfare strategy, designed to extend sustained assistance to senior citizens facing financial hardship.
