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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

November 02, Colombo (LNW): Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilake took part in India Maritime Week 2025 (IMW), held in Mumbai from October 27 to 31, an event organised by India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

Addressing the ministerial plenary session, Minister Karunathilake emphasised that the oceans serve as vital links connecting nations, cultures, and economies, forming the backbone of global trade, energy exchange, and regional connectivity.

He commended India’s Sagarmala initiative and the Maritime India Vision 2030, describing them as key frameworks for advancing collective prosperity and collaboration across the Indian Ocean region.

The Minister observed that enhanced cooperation among Sri Lanka, India, and other neighbouring nations could lead to a more integrated network of ports, fostering economic resilience and facilitating the smooth movement of goods throughout South Asia.

Minister Karunathilake also participated in Sagarmanthan – The Great Oceans Dialogue, co-hosted by the Observer Research Foundation and India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Taking part in a panel discussion titled Shaping the Future Global Logistics: Building Resilient, Smart and Sustainable Supply Chains, he outlined Sri Lanka’s ambition to position itself as a regional hub for bunkering and energy services, centred on the ports of Colombo, Trincomalee, and Hambantota.

He further highlighted the importance of automation and digital transformation in improving port capacity and operational efficiency.

During the event, the Minister held bilateral talks with India’s Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal. Their discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in port infrastructure investment, training and skill development, digital innovation, and industrial partnerships.

Minister Karunathilake also visited the newly opened Navi Mumbai International Airport and the Jawaharlal Nehru Ports Authority as part of his engagements. He was accompanied by Sri Lanka’s Consul General in Mumbai, Priyanga Wickramasinghe, Consul (Commercial) Shirani Ariyarathna, and Private Secretary Sidath Perera.

November 02, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Examinations has announced that all tuition classes, seminars, and related activities aimed at the 2025 GCE Advanced Level examinations will be banned from midnight on November 04.

According to the department, this restriction covers the organisation or conduct of subject-based revision classes, mock exams, and workshops, as well as the printing, distribution, or promotion of examination-focused materials. Publicity through electronic media, posters, or banners will also fall under the ban.

Officials stated that the measure is intended to maintain the integrity of the examination process and prevent any unfair advantages to candidates. Anyone found violating these regulations—whether an individual or an institution—will face legal action under the provisions of the Examinations Act.