November 03, Colombo (LNW): Wattala Police have taken into custody two men accused of verbally abusing a female Buddhist monk and causing a public disturbance near the Rathnawali Temple in Kerawalapitiya.
The suspects, aged 58 and 67, are both residents of the Wattala area, according to police sources.
The alleged incident, which took place on Sunday night (02), was caught on camera and has been widely circulated across social media platforms, drawing strong public criticism.
The two individuals are scheduled to be presented before the Welisara Magistrate’s Court today (03) in connection with the case.
Two Arrested for Harassing Female Buddhist Monk in Wattala
Sri Lanka Records First Monthly Current Account Deficit of 2025 as Imports Surge
November 03, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s external sector experienced a slowdown in September 2025, marking the first monthly current account deficit of the year after eight consecutive months of surpluses, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).
Despite the September dip, the overall current account for the first nine months remained in surplus, amounting to approximately US$ 1.9 billion.
The setback was largely attributed to a widening trade gap, as import expenditure surpassed US$ 2 billion, primarily due to a notable rise in vehicle imports.
Meanwhile, the services sector showed some resilience, with net inflows climbing to US$ 2.8 billion over the January–September period. Tourist arrivals continued to increase compared to the previous year, although revenue growth in the sector remained moderate.
Workers’ remittances maintained strong performance, registering a 20 percent year-on-year increase during the first nine months, reflecting sustained inflows from overseas employment.
Foreign investment trends were uneven—while the government securities market recorded net gains, the Colombo Stock Exchange witnessed foreign outflows in both primary and secondary markets.
By the end of September, Sri Lanka’s gross official reserves, inclusive of the currency swap arrangement with the People’s Bank of China, stood at around US$ 6.2 billion, even after external debt settlements. Over the ten months leading to October 2025, the Sri Lankan rupee depreciated by 3.9 percent against the US dollar.
Legal Action to Be Taken Against Two Former NLB Representatives Over Alleged Fraud
November 03, Colombo (LNW): The Chairman of the National Lottery Board (NLB), M.D.C.A. Perera, has stated that the institution will initiate legal proceedings against two women—identified as the wife of MP Hesha Withanage and the sister-in-law of former Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam—on allegations of financial misconduct.
Perera revealed during a recent press briefing that the accused, who were employed as district representatives of the NLB, are suspected of misappropriating funds exceeding Rs. 120,000 from the sale of over half a million lottery tickets.
In response to the allegations, United National Party (UNP) General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam addressed the media in Colombo on Friday (01), denying any involvement in the matter. He asserted that he had not issued letters authorising his relatives to act as sales representatives for the board.
However, documents allegedly dating back to 2016 have emerged, appearing to contradict his statement by showing letters that facilitated the appointment of new representatives to the NLB.
A/L Examinations to Begin on Nov 10 with Over 340,000 Candidates
November 03, Colombo (LNW): The 2025 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination is set to commence on November 10 and continue until December 05, according to Commissioner General of Examinations A. K. S. Indika Kumari Liyanage.
She confirmed that all necessary arrangements have been finalised for the smooth conduct of the exams, which will take place at 2,362 centres across the country. This year’s examination will see a total of 340,525 students sitting—comprising 246,521 school candidates and 94,004 private applicants.
The Commissioner also reminded the public that all promotional and preparatory activities connected to the examination, such as tuition classes, seminars, mock paper discussions, and workshops, will be strictly prohibited from midnight tomorrow (04).
Admission cards for both school and private candidates have already been distributed, and those who have not received theirs may download them via the Department of Examinations website from today (03).
Offering guidance to students, Liyanage encouraged them to remain calm and confident as they enter the final stage of preparation. “There are no changes to the structure of this year’s question papers,” she said. “I urge candidates to follow the exam timetable carefully, read each question thoroughly, and manage their time effectively.”
She also appealed to parents to provide a peaceful and supportive environment at home, allowing students to face the examination period without unnecessary stress or anxiety.
‘Wana Surakuma’ Unit Launched to Strengthen Forest Protection Efforts
November 03, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Environment has announced the establishment of the ‘Wana Surakuma’ Joint Operations Unit, which will be inaugurated today (03) to enhance the protection and sustainable management of Sri Lanka’s forest resources.
Operating under the supervision of the Ministry, the new unit will serve as a central mechanism for coordinating forest conservation and law enforcement efforts. It will include representatives from the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Forest Department, the Police Special Task Force, and the country’s Tri-Forces.
The public will be able to contact the unit via the 24-hour hotline 1995 to report incidents of forest damage, illegal logging, or other environmental violations. The information received will be used to coordinate joint field operations and to develop a more comprehensive understanding of forest-related crimes across the country.
According to the Ministry, the ‘Wana Surakuma’ initiative also aims to improve public awareness and ensure the dissemination of accurate information regarding the condition of Sri Lanka’s forests and ongoing conservation activities.
The official launch will take place under the patronage of Minister of Environment Dr Dammika Patabendi and Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody.
Vatican Diplomat Arrives in Sri Lanka to Mark 50 Years of Diplomatic Relations
November 03, Colombo (LNW): Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, is due to arrive in Sri Lanka today (03) for an official visit that will run from 4 to 8 November 2025.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Archbishop Gallagher’s visit comes at the invitation of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the Holy See.
During his stay, Archbishop Gallagher is expected to meet President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, as well as hold formal discussions with Minister Herath on strengthening ties and promoting continued cooperation between the two states.
A special ceremony commemorating the diplomatic milestone will take place in Colombo, where the Archbishop will deliver a keynote address reflecting on five decades of partnership and mutual understanding.
His itinerary will also include visits to religious and cultural landmarks around the island, including churches that were affected by the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, as a gesture of solidarity and remembrance.
PRESIDENT AKD’S BIGGEST TASK IS ADDRESSING DRUG MENACE
By: Faraz Shauketaly
November 03, Colombo (LNW): At risk may well be his political legacy. AKD stunned the majority getting ejected from 3% to 43% if the votes and secured victory after the second count. It was close but it appears an un extinguishable fire will conspire to soil AKD’s legacy: the growing menace of ICE.
The efforts by the government are commendable including transferring out various top notch police officers in an effort to drastically reduce the importation and distribution of these ultra addictive substances.
Unless Sri Lanka adopts significantly harsher penalties it is unlikely to be a successful anti drug drive.
The time has never been better. The ambiance in which detectives are able to work means that officers can do their jobs without any let or hindrance especially from the ruling politicians.
The focus must be on the so called big guns. If this government really didn’t consider the full implications of bringing a half baked investigation to play against the former President – and then taking a negative hit on it – there should be absolutely no qualms of going after the big Drug Boys.
The disgraced former IGP and the reasons he was expelled from the force minus his pension bears testimony to how deeply rooted and endemic corruption and influence peddling has become in Sri Lanka.
President AKD must personally drive the hunt against the principals behind ongoing importation of these drugs.
It is, we aver, far more potent than evicting former presidents – even if necessary as a message – but not as urgent as eradicating the mass imports of these drugs.
The big guns must be found out called out and for the moment sent to join Mahindananda in jail.
Every prominence must be given to the harsh terms in order that there is zero misunderstanding of the penalties in place. Life for everything connected to the importation and confiscation of assets must be the norm. The President must be decisive and incisive.
Evening Thundershowers Expected in Sabaragamuwa, Central, and Uva Provinces; Mainly Fair Weather Elsewhere (03 Nov)
November 03, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces after 2.00 p.m.
Mainly fair weather will prevail in the other areas of the island.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces during the midnight and early hours of the morning.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Tragedy at Yatiyanthota Rubber Factory Claims One Life, Injures Three
November 02, Colombo (LNW): A 25-year-old worker lost his life this morning (02) following a sudden boiler explosion at the Kiriporuwa Estate rubber factory in Yatiyanthota.
The incident occurred at around 8 a.m. when a boiler used for mixing chemicals with rubber latex reportedly malfunctioned and exploded, producing a powerful blast.
The victim, identified as Rajinikan, a resident of the estate, was working close to the machine at the time and suffered fatal injuries, dying instantly at the scene.
Three other employees sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the Karawanella Base Hospital for treatment.
Ruwanwella Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the explosion, while safety authorities are expected to examine the factory’s machinery and operational procedures to determine the cause of the accident.
New Hotline Introduced to Report Environmental and Forest Crimes
November 02, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Environment has announced the launch of a dedicated hotline, 1995, which will become operational from tomorrow, allowing the public to report incidents of environmental damage or illegal activities affecting Sri Lanka’s forests.
According to the ministry, the new service is intended to strengthen the country’s forest and wildlife protection framework by improving coordination, enabling rapid response, and supporting the prevention and suppression of environmental offences.
Information received through the hotline will be directed to the relevant regional authorities, with security forces and officers from the Department of Wildlife Conservation expected to carry out swift action on verified reports.
Additionally, the data collected through this system will be consolidated and analysed to identify trends and high-risk areas for forest-related crimes. The insights gained will assist the government in formulating targeted strategies to protect vulnerable ecosystems and ensure more effective environmental law enforcement.