March 10, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Health has launched Sri Lanka’s Fifth National Oral Health Survey today (10), marking the start of a comprehensive study aimed at assessing the dental health status of people across the country.

Health authorities said the survey will continue until the end of November 2026 and will be conducted in every district of the island. The initiative is expected to gather detailed information on common oral health issues, treatment needs and overall dental care practices among different age groups.

As part of the programme, trained medical teams will visit selected schools and households to collect data through examinations and questionnaires. Officials explained that the findings will help policymakers identify trends in dental diseases and improve future public health programmes related to oral care.

The study is also intended to provide updated national data on conditions such as tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health problems, which health experts say remain common among both children and adults in Sri Lanka.

Specialist Dr. Nilantha Ratnayake, the Principal Investigator of the survey, urged members of the public to cooperate with the doctors and health workers involved in the fieldwork. He emphasised that participation from students, parents and households is essential for obtaining accurate results that truly reflect the country’s oral health situation.

According to the Health Ministry, the information gathered during the survey will play a key role in shaping future dental health policies, strengthening preventive programmes and improving access to oral healthcare services nationwide.

March 10, Colombo (LNW): Electricity supply interruptions affecting several areas in Colombo and the Gampaha District may take longer than usual to resolve as power sector employees continue a trade union strike that began yesterday afternoon.

According to union representatives, the industrial action commenced at around 3.00 p.m. yesterday (09) and is scheduled to continue for 24 hours. The protest has been organised in response to a number of grievances linked to the recent restructuring of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).

Trade union officials say workers have raised eight key demands, including concerns over the manner in which employees are being transferred to newly formed companies created after the dissolution of the CEB. One of the main issues highlighted is the alleged failure to issue formal appointment letters when staff members are reassigned to these new institutions.

The ongoing strike has contributed to delays in addressing electricity disruptions reported in areas such as Colombo 9, Colombo 14 and several localities in Gampaha. Authorities indicated that technical teams are working to restore supply where possible, but response times may be affected while the industrial action continues.

The National Employees’ Union of the CEB confirmed that the protest is intended as a one-day warning strike, though union leaders have warned that further action could follow if their concerns remain unresolved.

Kosala Abeysinghe, chairman of the CEB Technical Engineers’ Union, stated that trade unions are prepared to escalate their campaign if authorities fail to respond to the issues raised by workers.

Meanwhile, officials involved in the electricity sector’s reform programme have sought to reassure employees. Pubudu Niroshan Hedigalla, who heads the CEB Transformation Task Force, said the transition to the newly established companies would not undermine staff rights, benefits or job security.

He added that the restructuring process is aimed at improving efficiency and management within the power sector, while maintaining existing protections for employees. Discussions between authorities and union representatives are expected to continue as efforts are made to resolve the dispute.

March 10, World (LNW): Global oil prices declined sharply during early trading in Asia on Tuesday (10), easing some of the pressure that had recently rattled international markets.

Benchmark Brent crude dropped by roughly 8.5 per cent, trading at around 92.50 US dollars per barrel. Meanwhile, US West Texas Intermediate crude also recorded a notable fall of about nine per cent, slipping to approximately 88.60 dollars a barrel.

Despite the latest decline, crude prices remain significantly higher than they were before the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East, with market levels still estimated to be nearly 30 per cent above those seen at the start of the conflict.

Analysts say the sudden drop in prices followed comments by US President Donald Trump, who suggested on Monday that the ongoing war could end “very soon”. His remarks appeared to fuel expectations among investors that geopolitical tensions might begin to ease, reducing fears of prolonged disruption to global oil supplies.

The fall in energy prices helped lift sentiment across several Asian financial markets during early trading. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 index gained around 2.8 per cent, while South Korea’s Kospi index surged by more than five per cent, reflecting renewed investor optimism.

Many Asian economies rely heavily on imported crude oil, particularly from producers in the Gulf region. As a result, the sharp spike in oil prices seen earlier had weighed heavily on stock markets across the region, raising concerns about higher energy costs and their potential impact on economic growth.

March 10, Colombo (LNW): The National Transport Commission (NTC) has confirmed that bus fares will remain unchanged for the time being, even after the recent rise in fuel prices announced by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation.

NTC Director General Dr. Nilan Miranda stated that although diesel prices were increased from midnight on March 09, the adjustment does not meet the threshold required to trigger a revision of public bus fares under the existing pricing formula.

As a result, passengers travelling on both state-run and private buses will continue to pay according to the current fare structure. Transport authorities indicated that the situation will continue to be monitored, but no immediate changes are planned.

The announcement comes after Ceypetco introduced a notable increase in fuel prices following a surge in global oil markets, largely influenced by escalating tensions in the Middle East.

March 10, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has announced a fresh increase in fuel prices, with the state-owned Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO) revising retail rates from midnight today (09) following a sharp rise in global crude oil prices linked to tensions in the Middle East.

Under the new pricing structure, the cost of Auto Diesel has risen by Rs. 22 per litre, bringing the price to Rs. 303. Super Diesel has increased by Rs. 24 and will now retail at Rs. 353 per litre.

Petrol prices have also been adjusted upwards. The price of Petrol 92 Octane has climbed by Rs. 24 to Rs. 317 per litre, while Petrol 95 Octane has been increased by Rs. 25, taking the new price to Rs. 365 per litre.

Kerosene, which is widely used by low-income households and the fisheries sector, has also seen a price rise of Rs. 13 per litre and will now be sold at Rs. 195.

Officials noted that Lanka IOC, the other major fuel distributor operating in the country, has introduced similar price adjustments to align with the revised rates set by Ceypetco.

The increase comes amid continued volatility in international oil markets. Economists warn that the conflict in the Middle East has tightened global supply conditions and pushed crude prices sharply higher.

March 10, Colombo (LNW): A few showers are likely in Northern province and in Trincomalee and Anuradhapura districts, the Department of Meteorology said today (10).

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Sabaragamuwa province and in Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts after 2.00 pm.

Mainly dry weather will prevail elsewhere over the island.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Central, Sabaragamuwa, Uva and North-western provinces and in Anuradhapura, Mannar, Galle and Matara districts during the early hours of the morning.


Marine Weather:

Condition of Rain:
A few showers are likely in the sea areas off the coasty extending from Kankasanthurai to Trincomalee via Mullaittivu. Mainly fair weather will prevail over other sea areas around the island.

Winds:
Winds will be easterly to northeasterly in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanthurai to Galle via Trincomalee, Pottuvil and Hambantota. Winds will be variable in direction in the other sea areas around the island. Wind speed will be (20-30) kmph.

Wind speed can increase to 40 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanthurai to Puttalam via Mannar.

State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanthurai to Puttalam via Mannar will be moderate at times. The other sea areas around the island will be slight.

LISTEN TO STORY

WATCH STORY

By: Pramod Chinthaka Peiris

March 09, Colombo (LNW): The preserved remains of the celebrated elephant Nedungamuwe Raja will be opened to the public from March 11, 2026, with museum authorities stating that the specimen could remain intact for centuries if maintained under proper conditions.

The announcement was made during a media briefing at the Government Information Department, where officials explained the extensive conservation work carried out to restore the elephant after its death in 2022. The animal, widely admired across the country and later declared a national treasure, had been entrusted to the Department of National Museums for preservation on the day it died.

Retired leather conservation specialist Chamalka Kothalawala, who was involved in the restoration effort, said the preservation of such a large animal is a highly intricate undertaking that blends scientific methodology with craftsmanship. According to her, the process began with a careful examination of the elephant’s measurements, body structure and posture in order to accurately recreate its original form.

She explained that specialists then used recognised taxidermy and conservation techniques to reconstruct the body and preserve the hide. If the specimen is kept in controlled environmental conditions, she noted, it could potentially remain undamaged for hundreds of years, possibly up to five centuries.

Director General of the Department of National Museums Sanoja Kasthuriarachchi said the project was carried out under a heritage preservation initiative aimed at safeguarding historically significant animals. She added that the work had now been completed using modern conservation practices designed to prevent deterioration.

Kasthuriarachchi also revealed that the department received the elephant’s body following a request from the Diyawadana Nilame of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, with the consent of veterinarian Dr. Harsha Dharmawijaya, who had been responsible for the animal during its lifetime.

Nedungamuwe Raja had been a familiar and much-loved figure in Sri Lanka’s cultural landscape, having carried the sacred casket in the annual Esala Perahera procession in Kandy for many years. Because the elephant was so widely recognised, museum experts faced the challenge of recreating its appearance in a way that accurately reflected its distinctive stance and features.

Officials said the department’s craftsmen successfully reproduced the elephant’s natural posture through a combination of scientific study and skilled artistic work.

Deputy Director of the Zoology Division, Lankani Somaratne, disclosed that the preservation process itself cost approximately Rs. 7 million. A further Rs. 16 million was spent on constructing a specially designed display chamber fitted with climate control and humidity-regulation systems to protect the specimen over the long term. In total, the project required an investment of roughly Rs. 25 to 27 million.

Meanwhile, museum authorities also outlined plans to upgrade Sri Lanka’s national museum network in the coming years. New technology-driven exhibitions and interactive programmes are expected to be introduced in an effort to attract younger visitors and encourage greater public interest in the country’s museums and heritage collections.

March 09, Colombo (LNW): Former parliamentarian Sajin Vass Gunawardena has been taken into custody by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) in connection with an investigation into the alleged acquisition of assets valued at more than Rs. 243 million through unlawful means.

Officials confirmed that the arrest took place this morning (09) when Gunawardena arrived at the Bribery Commission’s office to give a statement to investigators. He had reportedly been summoned to assist with an ongoing inquiry examining his financial dealings and the origins of certain properties and assets believed to be linked to him.

According to authorities, the investigation focuses on claims that the former legislator accumulated wealth amounting to approximately Rs. 243.8 million that may not be supported by legitimate sources of income.

Gunawardena was questioned by officials shortly after his arrival before being formally placed under arrest.