June 26, Colombo (LNW): Major General Kapila Dolage has officially taken up duties as the 67th Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army, marking a significant milestone in a military career that spans more than three decades.

His appointment comes into effect from 26 June and reflects the Army’s confidence in his extensive experience, strategic insight, and longstanding service.

A senior officer of the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers, Major General Dolage brings with him a wealth of operational and leadership expertise accumulated over 33 years in active service. He previously held the post of Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force (SLAVF), to which he was appointed in February 2025, and concurrently serves as the Colonel Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Medical Corps.

Educated at Sir James Peiris Maha Vidyalaya, Nanuoya and Royal College, Colombo, he began his military journey in January 1990 as part of the Cadet Intake 33. His early achievements set the tone for a distinguished path ahead—graduating from the Sri Lanka Military Academy with top honours, he was awarded both the prestigious ‘Sword of Honour’ and the ‘President’s Award’ as the best all-round officer cadet.

Commissioned into the Corps of Engineers in June 1991, Major General Dolage has held a variety of operational roles, ranging from commanding engineer regiments in the field to leading infantry brigades and divisions. His battlefield experience is complemented by key staff and instructional appointments both in Sri Lanka and overseas. Notably, he served as a senior staff officer with the United Nations Mission in Haiti, and has held influential training and operational roles at multiple levels within Army Headquarters.

In the realm of professional development, Major General Dolage has demonstrated a strong academic and strategic focus. He is a graduate of the Sri Lanka Army Command and Staff College and the Malaysian Armed Forces Staff College. His academic credentials also include a Master’s in Defence Studies from the University of Kelaniya, a postgraduate diploma from the University of Malaya, and a Master of Arts in Security Studies, with a focus on civil-military relations, from the Naval Postgraduate School in California.

Throughout his career, he has contributed extensively to institutional development, including formulating plans for career progression of personnel, strategic documentation, and crisis response initiatives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he played a critical role in planning national-level interventions as Brigadier Planning at the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak. He was also instrumental in drafting the Army’s strategic development blueprint, titled Army Way Forward 2020–2025.

Currently, he chairs several high-level military committees, including the Army Defence Review 2030 and the Defence Services Defence Review 2030, while also serving as the chief editor for the upcoming historical volume on the Sri Lanka Army’s evolution from 1999 to 2024. His academic involvement continues through lecturing roles in international relations and strategic studies at various military institutions.

Major General Dolage’s exemplary service has been recognised through numerous honours, including the Uttama Seva Padakkama, awarded for distinguished conduct and unblemished service.

June 26, Colombo (LNW): A former senior government minister in Sri Lanka, along with several members of his family and a number of senior officials, has been formally indicted before a special judicial panel in Colombo in connection with a far-reaching investigation into the alleged importation and distribution of substandard medical drugs.

Keheliya Rambukwella, who previously served as Minister of Health, was served indictments this week alongside his wife, Kusum Priyadarshini Epa, three daughters, and a son-in-law. The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) filed a total of 43 charges against the group, stemming from separate proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. All individuals involved had earlier been arrested and subsequently released on bail.

In a parallel development, the Attorney General filed a fresh indictment consisting of 13 charges against Rambukwella and 11 others, including high-ranking civil servants and private sector actors, before a three-member bench at the Colombo High Court Special Trial-at-Bar. The case is tied to the controversial procurement of Human Immunoglobulin vials during Sri Lanka’s deep economic crisis in 2022.

At the time, Sri Lanka’s public health system was under intense pressure due to a combination of financial constraints and alleged mismanagement. Authorities now allege that procurement procedures were deliberately altered to facilitate the importation of substandard medicines, falsely portraying a critical shortage to justify bypassing standard protocols.

Concerns over the quality of these medical imports intensified after three patients—treated in Kandy, Matale, and Colombo—reportedly experienced serious complications following the administration of Human Immunoglobulin, a plasma-derived product used to support immune-deficient patients. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) initiated its inquiry after receiving multiple formal complaints.

Following a protracted investigation spanning nearly two years, CID investigators concluded their probe in June. The matter was previously heard at the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court, where 12 individuals were named as suspects, including the supplier of the contested drugs, Sudath Janaka Fernando, and Janaka Chandragupta, a former Health Ministry Secretary. While most of the accused have been granted bail, the primary supplier remains in remand custody.

The indictments now place Rambukwella and others at the centre of a high-profile corruption and public health case that has attracted widespread national attention. Legal analysts expect proceedings before the Special Trial-at-Bar to be closely watched, given the political sensitivities and potential implications for pharmaceutical oversight in the country.

The trial will be heard before Justices Mahen Weeraman, Amali Ranaweera, and Pradeep Abeyratne. If convicted, the accused could face significant penalties, with broader consequences for public trust in health sector governance.

June 26, Colombo (LNW): Former Minister Duminda Dissanayake remains in custody as investigations continue into the discovery of a gold-plated assault rifle found at a high-end residential complex in Colombo.

Dissanayake, who once held the portfolio of Agriculture, was ordered to be held in remand until July 07 following his appearance before the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court earlier today (26).

The case has drawn considerable public and media attention due to the unusual nature of the weapon involved—a gold-plated T-56 assault rifle—raising questions about the former minister’s possible links to unauthorised possession of military-grade arms.

Dissanayake was initially apprehended on May 23 at a luxury residential development in Thimbirigasyaya. His arrest followed the earlier discovery of the opulent firearm at the Havelock City apartment complex in Wellawatte, a location frequented by affluent residents and occasionally, high-profile individuals.

Prior to the former minister’s arrest, two women—aged 40 and 68—were taken into custody in connection with the same incident. Their questioning reportedly led authorities to expand the scope of the investigation, which was subsequently transferred to the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID), indicating the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the case.

Whilst Dissanayake remains behind bars, a third individual arrested during the course of the probe has been granted bail, following a separate hearing. Details surrounding the suspect’s identity or role in the case have not been publicly disclosed.

June 26, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s health sector is currently grappling with a marked increase in respiratory infections, as damp and unsettled weather patterns have created ideal conditions for the spread of various airborne viruses.

The seasonal rains, which have brought cooler temperatures and high humidity, appear to have intensified the transmission of respiratory ailments, placing added strain on healthcare services across the island.

Medical professionals are raising the alarm over the growing number of patients presenting with symptoms such as fever, cough, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. Whilst many of these cases are mild, the volume of infections is significant, and health officials are cautioning the public not to underestimate the risks.

Dr Athula Liyanapathirana, Consultant Community Physician attached to the Ministry of Health’s Epidemiology Unit, has issued a public advisory urging extra caution, particularly among vulnerable demographics.

“Infants, older adults, expectant mothers, and those with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease must take special care during this period,” he noted.

He further stressed the importance of seeking medical advice early, especially if symptoms persist or worsen. “Timely intervention can prevent complications. Breathing difficulties, chest discomfort, or prolonged high fever should never be ignored,” Dr Liyanapathirana said.

Hospitals have begun to report a steady uptick in admissions related to seasonal flu-like illnesses, prompting some facilities to review their emergency response protocols. Paediatric wards, in particular, are seeing higher numbers, with doctors attributing this to weakened immunity among children following extended periods of indoor activity and reduced exposure during previous lockdowns.

Public health officials are also advising residents to maintain good hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing, mask-wearing in crowded places, and adequate ventilation in indoor settings. In addition, schools and daycare centres have been encouraged to monitor children closely and promote awareness among parents and staff.

With forecasts predicting continued rainfall in the weeks ahead, the Ministry of Health has reiterated its commitment to surveillance and response. Regional medical officers have been tasked with reporting trends promptly, while campaigns are underway to educate the public on prevention and self-care.

June 26, Colombo (LNW): A slice of Sri Lanka’s cultural identity has officially found its way into the global linguistic stage, as several uniquely Sri Lankan words have been incorporated into the Oxford English Dictionary’s (OED) June 2025 update.

The inclusion represents a growing international recognition of the island’s rich culinary traditions, music, and socio-cultural heritage.

One of the standout additions is the term asweddumize, a word deeply rooted in the country’s colonial-era agricultural history. Originally documented as far back as 1857, asweddumize refers to the process of converting forest or uncultivated land into irrigated paddy fields—a cornerstone of traditional land reform initiatives in Sri Lanka.

The word’s admission into the dictionary follows decades of lobbying by Sri Lankan academics, who have long argued for its historical and cultural significance to be acknowledged on a global platform.

Beyond agrarian terminology, the OED’s latest update also embraces the island’s vibrant food culture. Kottu roti, a beloved street food made from shredded flatbread stir-fried with vegetables, egg, and meat, has become a celebrated symbol of urban Sri Lankan life and now takes its place in the English lexicon.

Also making the list is vatalappam, a rich, spiced coconut custard dessert often served during festive occasions, particularly within the Muslim community.

A number of other words reflecting everyday Sri Lankan experiences have also been recognised. These include mellum—a simple yet nutritious dish of finely chopped leafy greens sautéed with coconut and spices; kiribath, or milk rice, which is a ceremonial food served during auspicious events; and avurudu, the traditional New Year celebrated jointly by the Sinhalese and Tamil communities in April.

Cultural expressions have not been overlooked either. The word baila, denoting an energetic form of dance music with Portuguese roots, and papare, the name for lively brass band performances often heard at local sporting events and public celebrations, are also among the new additions.

Linguists and cultural commentators have welcomed the update as a meaningful gesture of inclusivity that highlights Sri Lanka’s growing cultural footprint on the world stage. It also mirrors a broader trend in global lexicography: the recognition of regional and non-Western vernacular as essential contributors to the richness of modern English.

June 26, Colombo (LNW): A collective of Tamil political parties and civil society organisations in Sri Lanka have made a fresh appeal to the United Nations, urging a principled and results-oriented international response to long-standing grievances over wartime accountability and post-war reconciliation.

The call was made through a jointly signed letter handed to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, during his visit to the island’s Northern Province on Wednesday.

The letter, endorsed by key Tamil political formations—including the Illankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK), All Ceylon Tamil Congress, Tamil National People’s Front, and Democratic Tamil National Alliance—expressed deep frustration over the absence of meaningful progress on justice for victims of the country’s brutal civil war, which officially ended in 2009. Civil organisations representing war-affected communities also lent their support to the appeal.

In their communication, the Tamil representatives voiced concern that the Sri Lankan government may attempt to exploit the UN official’s visit as a means of burnishing its international image, rather than engaging in substantive reform.

“There is a very real fear that your presence will be used to lend legitimacy to a government that has repeatedly evaded its responsibility to deliver justice,” the letter stated, urging Mr Türk not to allow his engagement to be manipulated into a mere symbolic gesture.

This visit marks the first time in nine years that a sitting UN human rights chief has set foot in Sri Lanka, the last being Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein in 2016. Mr Türk is in the country for a three-day visit, during which he is expected to meet government officials, civil society representatives, and victims’ families.

Since the end of the civil conflict in May 2009, Sri Lanka’s efforts to address war-era human rights violations have been consistently scrutinised by the international community. Despite a number of promises made in the years following the war’s conclusion, Tamil groups argue that little has been achieved in practice, particularly with respect to criminal accountability and institutional reform.

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has, since 2012, passed four separate resolutions urging Sri Lanka to ensure justice for grave human rights violations committed by both state forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). These resolutions have included calls for the establishment of a credible, internationally supervised judicial process to investigate and prosecute those responsible for wartime abuses.

International engagement with Sri Lanka’s post-war legacy was first heightened following the 2009 visit of then UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, just days after the armed conflict concluded with the military defeat of the LTTE. His visit set in motion a decade and a half of diplomatic pressure, much of which remains unresolved.

With Mr Türk’s arrival renewing global focus on the country’s human rights record, Tamil leaders say there is now an opportunity—but also a risk. “Our communities have waited too long for truth and justice,” the letter noted. “We hope this visit marks not another missed opportunity, but a renewed commitment by the international system to ensure Sri Lanka does not escape accountability once again.”

June 26, Colombo (LNW): Over 50 senior officials have been reassigned to new postings, with changes set to take effect from July 02, 2025.

The extensive reshuffle impacts both the Police Service and the Department of Prisons, and is aimed at improving institutional efficiency and aligning roles with operational needs.

The Police Media Division has confirmed that 32 senior police personnel, among them nine Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs) and 16 Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs), have been transferred with immediate effect. These decisions have been sanctioned by the National Police Commission.

Amongst the prominent changes, DIG Nihal Thalduwa, who previously oversaw the Central Crimes Investigation Bureau (CCIB), has been assigned to head the Monaragala District. In a concurrent appointment, DIG J.R. Dias, presently serving as DIG (Staff), will now also assume responsibility for the CCIB, maintaining his current portfolio alongside the new charge.

Two Superintendents of Police and five Assistant Superintendents of Police are also being relocated under the new directives.

Simultaneously, the Department of Prisons has announced the transfer of 16 senior officials, including two Special Grade Superintendents, one Superintendent, eight Assistant Superintendents, and five Acting Superintendents.

These changes have been authorised by the Secretary to the Ministry of Justice and National Integration.