October 13, Colombo (LNW): A major regional gathering of health leaders has commenced in Colombo today, as Sri Lanka hosts the 78th session of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Regional Committee for South-East Asia.

The high-level meeting brings together policymakers, international experts, and public health officials for critical discussions on the future of health and well-being across the region.

Among the key figures present is Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, who will serve as the event’s chief guest. Dr Tedros arrived in the country yesterday and was received at Bandaranaike International Airport by Dr Anil Jasinghe, Secretary to Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health and Mass Media.

Also taking part in the multi-day conference is Dr Catharina Boehme, the WHO’s Regional Director for South-East Asia, along with several senior WHO advisors and technical experts. Representatives from eight nations are in attendance, including Health Ministers, senior civil servants, and delegates from across South and South-East Asia.

The gathering is focused on shaping regional health strategies and identifying solutions to shared challenges. Central to the agenda are efforts to enhance primary healthcare systems—particularly in light of ageing populations—and to strengthen regional cooperation on tobacco control and public health emergencies.

Another key area of concern is antimicrobial resistance, which continues to pose a growing threat to global health. Member states are expected to commit to a renewed framework of action that prioritises surveillance, responsible antibiotic use, and investment in new treatments and technologies.

Delegates will also engage in discussions aimed at reinforcing the region’s collective capacity to respond to health crises. Plans to expand the South-East Asia Regional Health Emergency Fund are being examined as part of wider efforts to build resilience in the face of future pandemics, climate-related health threats, and humanitarian emergencies.

Over the course of the conference, participants will consider and adopt a number of formal resolutions on pressing health issues, while revisiting progress made on key targets outlined under the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The aim is to revitalise regional commitments to universal health coverage and to ensure that no one is left behind in access to essential services.

The Colombo meeting, set to run until October 15, is seen as an important opportunity for countries in the region to align their priorities and share best practices, especially at a time when public health systems are under increased strain from both emerging and longstanding challenges.

With Sri Lanka serving as host, the summit also offers the country a platform to showcase its own public health efforts and deepen its collaboration with global health partners.

October 13, Colombo (LNW): Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus touched down in Sri Lanka this morning for a key international health gathering set to bring together top-level policymakers and medical experts from across South and South-East Asia.

Arriving aboard Qatar Airways flight QR 660 from Doha, Dr Tedros landed at Bandaranaike International Airport at 9:40 a.m., where he was warmly welcomed by Dr Anil Jasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media.

His visit marks a significant moment for Sri Lanka as it prepares to host the 78th session of the WHO South-East Asia Regional Health Conference.

Dr Tedros will attend the conference as the Chief Guest, underscoring the importance the WHO places on strengthening health systems and regional cooperation in the wake of global challenges such as pandemics, climate-related health threats, and rising non-communicable diseases.

The conference, which begins tomorrow (14) and runs through to October 15, is expected to draw Health Ministers and senior officials from across the region. The agenda will focus on public health priorities, including post-pandemic resilience, health equity, disease prevention, and access to essential healthcare services.

October 13, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan government has signalled its intent to pursue legal proceedings against prominent legal practitioner Gunaratne Wanninayake, following a confrontation within the Mount Lavinia Court complex that has raised questions about professional conduct and law enforcement accountability.

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala announced that Wanninayake’s behaviour within the courthouse will be addressed through formal legal channels, characterising his actions as amounting to contempt of court—a grave charge within the judicial system.

The incident, which unfolded during a dispute involving the relocation of a vehicle within court grounds, has sparked a broader investigation into the conduct of both police officers and legal professionals.

Efforts to contact Wanninayake intensified yesterday (12) when officers visited his residence, though he was reportedly not present at the time. The lawyer had earlier been requested to present himself for questioning, but according to reports, he has indicated that he will only engage with the process after seeking guidance from the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL).

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya confirmed that the Attorney General’s Department has been consulted regarding the arrest of a police constable implicated in the alleged assault of a lawyer during the altercation. A state counsel is expected to appear in court on behalf of the detained officer as proceedings resume.

The constable, who was taken into custody after accusations that he physically attacked a lawyer during the disagreement, remains on remand until October 13. The Mount Lavinia Additional Magistrate has ordered a thorough examination of CCTV footage from the scene as part of the inquiry, and the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) has been tasked with evaluating the conduct of police personnel involved in the incident.

The altercation, which occurred on October 10, has ignited debate within both legal and law enforcement circles. In addition to the claims of assault, further allegations have emerged suggesting that Wanninayake, who was accompanying the assaulted lawyer, may have attempted to threaten or interfere with the duties of the police officer involved. This aspect of the incident is now subject to a separate police investigation.

October 13, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, has praised China’s ongoing dedication to promoting gender equality, describing its actions on women’s empowerment as both “significant” and “globally impactful”.

Speaking ahead of her planned visit to Beijing for a high-level international summit focused on women’s development, Amarasuriya highlighted China’s proactive stance and leadership in fostering progress on issues affecting women around the world.

In an interview conducted at the Sri Lankan Parliament, Amarasuriya emphasised the importance of returning to Beijing for this global gathering, nearly three decades after the city hosted a pivotal summit on women’s rights. “The discussions held thirty years ago in Beijing continue to resonate today,” she said. “It’s highly symbolic, and indeed powerful, that China is once again convening world leaders to address gender issues.”

The Prime Minister underscored the urgent need to integrate women’s perspectives into broader development efforts, warning that many women across the globe still contend with unequal access to economic opportunities. “Persistent disparities—such as low pay, informal work, and minimal social protection—undermine women’s contributions and restrict their full participation in public life,” she observed.

Amarasuriya called for comprehensive structural reform to tackle these inequalities. “True change cannot occur without ensuring that women have equal access to education, healthcare, and the economy. Moreover, their voices must be present at all levels of decision-making.”

She also commended China’s tangible progress in improving the status of women. “Today, Chinese women are more self-assured, independent, and visible in public and political spaces. That sense of agency is itself a form of freedom,” she said, noting that this evolution is a testament to China’s unique approach to societal transformation.

According to Amarasuriya, China’s political and economic systems have enabled it to address systemic barriers and support inclusive development. “Their efforts go beyond national boundaries. China’s willingness to take a global leadership role on gender issues is commendable,” she remarked.

Touching on the growing partnership between Sri Lanka and China, the Prime Minister expressed optimism about future collaborations, particularly in areas such as education and health—sectors with direct implications for women and children. “There are exceptional female leaders in China, and Sri Lanka, too, has seen a historic increase in women’s parliamentary representation. These shared advancements open doors for meaningful cooperation,” she said.

Amarasuriya also extended gratitude for China’s recent contribution of school uniform fabric to Sri Lanka, describing the gesture as “deeply appreciated” and a sign of enduring friendship between the two nations.

Looking ahead to the upcoming summit in Beijing, Amarasuriya said she anticipates rich dialogue and shared learning among global female leaders. “This will be my first experience participating in a global forum dedicated to women,” she said. “It’s a timely moment to reflect on the progress made over the past three decades—and to chart a course for a future in which women’s rights are firmly embedded in our development and policy priorities.”

She concluded with a call for renewed urgency and commitment: “The world needs to be reminded that gender equality is not a finished agenda. Women’s voices must not only be heard—they must shape the direction of our societies.”

October 13, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Northwestern provinces and in Mannar district, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (13).

Showers or thundershowers will occur in the other areas after 1.00 p.m.

Fairly heavy falls about 75 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and Uva provinces.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa, and Uva provinces during the morning, the Met. Department added.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

October 12, Colombo (LNW): A State Counsel is expected to appear before the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court tomorrow (13 October) on behalf of the police officer currently in remand custody over the alleged assault of a lawyer within the court premises, according to Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasuriya.

The incident, which reportedly occurred on October 10 during an altercation involving the relocation of a vehicle belonging to the lawyer, has sparked widespread concern over the conduct of law enforcement officers, particularly within the confines of a judicial setting.

Speaking to the media, IGP Weerasuriya confirmed that the Police Special Investigation Unit (SIU) has been tasked with determining whether proper procedures were followed by police personnel during the incident. He emphasised that the investigation will be conducted impartially, without interference or bias.

The Attorney General has taken note of the situation and is offering legal guidance, and a State Counsel has been appointed to represent the officer and take the necessary legal steps in court, the IGP revealed.

In response to a directive from the Mount Lavinia Additional Magistrate, further investigations are underway, including a review of CCTV footage captured within the court premises on the day of the incident. The footage is expected to be central to the inquiry, helping to establish a clear account of the events.

The police officer accused in the matter was arrested following the complaint and was subsequently remanded until Monday (13 October), pending further judicial proceedings.