August 31, Colombo (LNW): The government has reiterated its dedication to confronting the issue of enforced disappearances, pledging to pursue a path grounded in truth-seeking, justice, and sustained reparative support for affected families.

Speaking at a public awareness forum in Colombo, Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake underscored the necessity of establishing an independent Truth Commission. He emphasised that such a body would not only document past violations but also provide long-overdue recognition and closure to thousands of families still searching for answers.

According to the Minister, healing must be rooted in a transparent process that honours victims and holds those responsible to account.

He further noted that justice must extend beyond legal remedies to include tangible support for survivors, many of whom face economic hardship and social marginalisation. He confirmed that the Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with other state bodies, has already begun laying the groundwork to ensure such assistance is made available in a structured and dignified manner.

Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara echoed these sentiments, stating that enforced disappearances represent deliberate and grave violations of human rights, which the state can no longer afford to sideline. He acknowledged the moral and political obligation to address these wrongs openly and systematically.

As part of this initiative, the Justice Ministry is currently developing a new framework to deliver long-term reparations, aiming to replace symbolic or short-term payments with a more meaningful, sustained approach to compensation. Officials suggest the mechanism will include educational opportunities for children of the disappeared, access to mental health support, and community-based reconciliation programmes.

August 31, Colombo (LNW): In a move aimed at better compensating key emergency medical personnel, the Ministry of Health has introduced a significant increase in overtime payments for officers specialising in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

The changes, formally authorised through a circular signed by Health Secretary Dr Anil Jasinghe, reflect the government’s recognition of the critical role these professionals play in life-saving interventions.

Under the revised pay structure, first-grade CPR officers will now receive Rs. 456 per hour for overtime duties—a notable rise of Rs. 151. Meanwhile, second-grade officers will see their hourly rate increased to Rs. 320, marking a Rs. 65 boost from previous figures.

The adjustments have been backdated to take effect from the 1st of April, and all outstanding arrears are expected to be paid out in the upcoming September salary cycle. The Ministry has noted that this revision comes after an internal review of compensation structures, with particular focus on high-pressure, high-responsibility roles within the public healthcare system.

By improving overtime allowances, the Ministry hopes not only to reward dedication but also to strengthen retention of experienced personnel in the sector.

August 31, Colombo (LNW): A full-scale inquiry is currently underway into the activities of an alleged underworld figure known as ‘Kehelbaddara Padme’ and several of his close associates, according to Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala.

Speaking to the reporters at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Minister Wijepala declared that the time has come to decisively dismantle the criminal networks that have embedded themselves across the country.

He acknowledged that these syndicates had not only expanded their reach over many years, but had often operated with impunity due to the tacit approval—and at times, open support—of certain political actors.

Without naming names, the Minister criticised the culture of political patronage that allowed such groups to flourish in both rural and urban areas. He stated that it was this environment that gave rise to a deeply entrenched system of organised crime, one that preyed on vulnerable communities and obstructed legitimate governance.

“We cannot allow this cancer to spread any further,” he said. “This is a pivotal moment to restore the rule of law and reassure the public that no one, regardless of influence or affiliation, is above the law.”

Minister Wijepala went on to note that security agencies have been instructed to act without hesitation or political interference.

August 31, Colombo (LNW): The government is set to bring in a fleet of 2,000 cab vehicles early next year, aiming to strengthen the operational capacity of local government leaders across the country.

The initiative, which has been confirmed by Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government Ruwan Senarath, is intended to improve access to remote communities and enhance the delivery of public services.

According to Minister Senarath, effective rural development hinges on the ability of officials to engage directly with communities on the ground. He noted that many heads of local institutions currently lack reliable transport, which has hampered progress in implementing infrastructure and welfare projects in outlying areas.

In support of this broader push, the Ministry has also reactivated a number of previously dormant local authorities, some of which had been non-functional for years. These restructured bodies are now spearheading small-scale but vital programmes tailored to the specific needs of their regions.

In addition, a range of new initiatives has been rolled out with a clear focus on tackling rural poverty. While details remain limited, officials have hinted at upcoming schemes designed to provide employment, improve access to clean water, and support small-scale agriculture.

August 31, Colombo (LNW): Several high-ranking members of Sri Lanka’s criminal underworld have been repatriated from Indonesia and are now in the custody of local law enforcement for intensified investigations, authorities confirmed.

Amongst those transferred into the care of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are individuals known by the aliases ‘Kehelbaddara Padme’, ‘Commando Salintha’, and ‘Panadura Nilanga’.

Law enforcement sources revealed that these individuals are believed to be key operatives involved in a range of organised criminal activities, and are expected to face extensive questioning as part of ongoing probes into illicit operations spanning both local and international networks.

In a parallel development, two other suspects—identified as ‘Backhoe Saman’ and ‘Thembili Lahiru’—have been placed under the jurisdiction of the Crimes Division of the Western Province North.

This division will continue investigative efforts focused on the pair’s alleged involvement in a series of regional criminal enterprises, including extortion, drug trafficking, and weapons distribution.

The five men were apprehended in Indonesia as part of a coordinated international operation, and were flown back to Sri Lanka on Saturday (30) under heightened security measures.

August 31, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in the Western and Sabaragamuwa
provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (31).

A few showers may occur in North-western province and in Jaffna district.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts after 2.00 p.m.

Strong winds of about (40-50) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in North-central and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by strong winds.

The sun is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka during 28th of August to 07th of September due to its apparent southward relative motion. The nearest places of Sri Lanka over which the sun is
overhead today (31) are Baththalangunduwa, Medawachchiya, Horowpotana and Kinniya about 12.10 noon.

Marine Weather:

Condition of Rain:
Showers may occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Matara via Colombo and Galle.

Winds:
Winds will be westerly to south-westerly and wind speed will be (30-40) kmph.

Wind speed can increase up to (50-60) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Mannar via Puttalam and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota.

Wind speed can increase up to 45 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Matara via Colombo and Galle and from Kankasanthurai to Trincomalee via Mullaittivu.

State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Mannar via Puttalam and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota will be rough at times.

The sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Matara via Colombo and Galle and from Kankasanthurai to Trincomalee via Mullaittivu will be fairly rough at times.

The wave height may increase about (2.5 – 3.0) m in the sea areas off the coast extending from Negombo to Pottuvil via Galle, Matara and Hambantota (this is not for land area).

Sri Lankan banks have raised fresh red flags over the growing threat of phishing scams targeting online banking users, even as a new Central Bank report shows that lending sentiment in the financial sector remains at its strongest in over a year.

In notices issued this week, several commercial banks cautioned customers about fraudulent emails and text messages containing links to counterfeit websites designed to steal personal and financial data. These fake portals, often mimicking official bank sites, use slight spelling variations or unusual characters to mislead unsuspecting users.

Banks have urged customers to remain vigilant by avoiding suspicious links, directly typing official web addresses into their browsers, and verifying URLs carefully before entering login credentials. They also stressed the importance of reporting any suspicious activity immediately.

While online security remains a pressing concern, the banking industry is experiencing renewed optimism on the lending front. According to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s (CBSL) latest Credit Supply Survey, the sector’s Willingness to Lend Index climbed to 59.6 in the second quarter (Q2) of 2025, the highest level in five quarters, reflecting strong economic and financial stability.

The index, a gauge of banks’ confidence in extending credit, has been supported by lower interest rates, stable liquidity positions, and rising consumer confidence. Loan demand in Q2 expanded on the back of higher wages, resumed vehicle imports, and improved business activity. Private sector borrowing surged by Rs. 221.5 billion in June alone, pushing the outstanding stock above Rs. 8.85 trillion.

Government borrowing, by contrast, was more modest at Rs. 98 billion, while credit to public corporations fell slightly. Economists say this pattern indicates that the recovery is being driven primarily by private sector demand rather than state-led borrowing.

Non-performing loans (NPLs) also eased in Q2, supported by lower interest rates, stronger collections, and flexible repayment schemes. Defaults fell across corporate and SME sectors, though retail borrowers showed slight stress due to higher living costs. CBSL expects the declining trend in NPLs to continue into Q3 as financial conditions remain favourable. Loan rejections, too, fell in Q2 as borrower quality improved, and are expected to ease further.

Despite this upbeat picture, the Central Bank cautioned that the Willingness to Lend Index may dip to 41.4 in Q3, reflecting a moderation after the recent surge. Lending to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) also remains constrained. Although Government-backed concessional loan schemes and guarantees are in place, disbursement has been minimal. Officials have criticised banks for being overly cautious in extending risk capital to smaller firms, leaving them on the margins of the recovery.

The CBSL has emphasized that this cycle of credit growth is structurally different from past recoveries. Unlike earlier periods when excess liquidity was created by money printing to finance state deficits—fueling inflation and currency instability—the current surplus stems from foreign exchange purchases that boosted reserves to $6 billion by June.

Analysts say this shift, coupled with fiscal reforms and stronger central bank independence, could mark a turning point for Sri Lanka’s financial sector. However, with phishing scams on the rise and SME financing lagging, banks face a dual challenge: protecting customer trust while ensuring credit reaches all corners of the economy.