July 24, Colombo (LNW): The draft of the National Media Policy has not been published in Sinhala, Tamil and English languages for open comments on the Minstry of Mass Media.
All are encouraged to submit their recommendations under the comments section on or before July 31, 2025.
Please refer to the document and submit your recommendations: https://lankanewsweb.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/zero-draft-english-final06202025.pdf
July 24, Colombo (LNW): Celebrated Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan has officially been announced as the star attraction for the high-profile event set to take place at City of Dreams in Colombo on August 02, following a surprise change in the original lineup.
Roshan steps in to replace Shah Rukh Khan, who has reportedly withdrawn from the event for personal reasons not yet disclosed.
The organisers of the event expressed their excitement over the revised headline act, noting that Hrithik’s involvement promises a fresh wave of energy for the launch of what is being described as South Asia’s first integrated resort.
The sprawling City of Dreams complex is poised to become a major entertainment and lifestyle hub in the region, and its debut has generated substantial buzz both in Sri Lanka and abroad.
Roshan’s appearance is expected to amplify the glamour and international appeal of the launch festivities, which are anticipated to feature a blend of live performances, high-profile guests, and cultural showcases.
Known for his dynamic screen presence and global fan base, Roshan’s involvement is likely to draw considerable media attention and a significant turnout from both the local public and regional visitors.
City of Dreams Colombo, part of a broader vision to elevate the city’s profile as a destination for world-class entertainment and luxury experiences, has been months in the making.
The grand opening is set to mark a milestone moment in the capital’s transformation into a cosmopolitan destination capable of hosting large-scale global events.
July 24, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya has reiterated the government’s strong intention to weave digital technologies into the fabric of Sri Lanka’s mental health system, placing this move within the wider national drive towards digital transformation.
Her remarks came during a roundtable dialogue held yesterday with members of the global digital mental health network affiliated with eMHIC, a platform known for advancing innovation in mental health care.
Addressing an audience of mental health professionals, digital health experts, and policymakers, Dr Amarasuriya emphasised the need for robust frameworks that encourage technological advancement while safeguarding ethical practice, data confidentiality, and patient safety.
noted that while innovation is essential, it must be underpinned by solid regulatory structures to ensure long-term trust and effectiveness.
The Prime Minister also advocated for a unified, multi-sectoral strategy to integrate digital mental health services, underlining that such an approach should draw on expertise across education, technology, health, and social services.
She highlighted the importance of equipping mental health professionals with digital skills and expanding support networks within communities to help embed these services meaningfully into people’s lives.
In a candid reflection on present-day challenges, Dr Amarasuriya drew attention to a growing divide between generations when it comes to digital literacy and emotional resilience. She pointed out that as the country moves towards tech-enabled education reform, the disparity in digital competence and mental well-being between parents and children must be addressed to avoid deepening existing gaps.
The discussion touched on opportunities for using digital platforms not only to provide direct mental health support but also to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and make care more accessible—particularly in underserved and rural regions. Participants echoed the Prime Minister’s call for collaborative efforts, stressing that digital solutions should complement, not replace, existing mental health services.
July 24, Colombo (LNW): Concerns are mounting over the welfare of Sri Lanka’s wild elephant population, as officials confirm that at least 20 injured elephants are currently undergoing treatment in wildlife zones across the country.
The majority of these animals have reportedly suffered injuries to their legs, primarily caused by gunshots or by becoming ensnared in traps—both believed to be the result of human activity.
The Department of Wildlife Conservation, which oversees the treatment and protection of the country’s wildlife, has disclosed that eight of the injured elephants are receiving care in the Anuradhapura region, with four in Polonnaruwa, three in the Northwestern zone, and five in the Uva province.
Veterinary teams are working under challenging conditions to stabilise and rehabilitate the animals, many of which have sustained serious trauma.
The scale and nature of the injuries have sparked concerns about the increasing frequency of human-elephant conflict and the potential involvement of illegal wildlife harm. In response, the Department’s Director General, Ranjan Marasinghe, has formally appealed to the Inspector General of Police, urging law enforcement to provide forensic and technical support to investigate three recent elephant deaths reported from the Digampathaha area.
Early indicators suggest that these deaths may not be isolated incidents. Speaking at a press conference held on 23 July, prominent animal rights advocate Venerable Pagoda Janithawansa Thera alleged that a coordinated network may be behind the targeted killing of elephants in certain regions. He called for immediate government intervention and tougher enforcement against those who harm wildlife for personal or commercial gain.
The situation has sparked a renewed dialogue among conservationists and policymakers about the urgency of reinforcing protective measures for Sri Lanka’s elephant population, a species considered both culturally significant and ecologically vital. Proposals on the table include expanding wildlife corridors, increasing patrolling in high-risk areas, and implementing harsher penalties for illegal hunting and trapping.
July 24, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is set to take on a prominent role at one of Asia’s most significant trade gatherings, having been invited as the Special Partner Country for the upcoming 22nd China–ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO), to be held from September 17 to 21 in Nanning, the capital of China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
The invitation, confirmed by the event’s organising secretariat, signals growing recognition of Sri Lanka’s strategic position and deepening involvement in regional economic networks. The Expo, which attracts a broad mix of businesses, investors, and policymakers from across Asia and beyond, is designed to bolster regional cooperation and stimulate cross-border trade and investment.
A high-level Sri Lankan delegation, comprising senior government representatives and top-level diplomats, is expected to lead the country’s engagement at the event. Joining them will be a range of influential businesses from key sectors, including logistics, ports, agriculture, and spices—industries in which Sri Lanka has traditionally played a leading role in the South Asian region.
As part of its participation, Sri Lanka will organise a comprehensive promotional programme, including a dedicated national pavilion, a trade showcase of Sri Lankan products, and a cultural and investment-focused presentation aimed at enhancing the country’s image abroad. The national exhibit will spotlight the island’s strengths in trade, tourism, and export industries, as well as highlight investment opportunities for foreign partners.
The Special Partner Country initiative, first introduced at the 11th edition of CAEXPO, extends invitations to select member states of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and countries involved in China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
The initiative is intended to foster broader economic collaboration between ASEAN countries, China, and the wider region. Sri Lanka last held this position during the 13th CAEXPO, and its return as a featured partner underscores its continuing relevance in regional economic dialogues.
Economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and China has seen notable progress in recent years, particularly in infrastructure development, renewable energy, port expansion, and logistics. Chinese investment has played a crucial role in several landmark Sri Lankan projects, including those enhancing connectivity and trade capacity.
July 24, Colombo (LNW): Showers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle and Matara districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (24).
Several spells of showers may occur in the North-western province.
Strong winds of about (55-60) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central, North-western and Central provinces and Trincomalee and Hambanthota districts.
Fairly strong winds about (40-50) kmph can be expected at times elsewhere.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by strong winds.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers will occur at times 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 (35-45) kmph.
Wind speed can increase up to (60-65) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kalpitiya to Kankasanthurai via Mannar.
Wind speed can increase up to (45-55) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending Kalpitiya to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota and from Kankasanthurai to Trincomalee via Mullaittivu.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Kalpitiya to Kankasanthurai via Mannar will be rough or very rough at times. Naval and fishing communities are advised not to venture into these sea areas for next 24 hours.
The sea areas off the coast extending from Kalpitiya to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota and from Kankasanthurai to Trincomalee via Mullaittivu may be fairly rough to rough at times. The naval and fishing communities engaged in fishing and naval activities in these sea areas are requested to be vigilant in this regard.
Naval and fishing communities are requested to be attentive to future forecasts issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regard.
July 24, Colombo (LNW): The latest phase of excavation efforts near a burial ground adjacent to the Chemmani Sitthupattu cemetery in Jaffna commenced on July 21, and within just three days, investigators uncovered the skeletal remains of 67 individuals.
This development marks a significant moment in what has become an increasingly complex and sensitive investigation into the site’s historical significance.
This fourth stage of the archaeological dig is set to span a 15-day period, with operations expected to run through to 4 August. Excavations continued today under close scrutiny, with forensic and legal experts maintaining rigorous oversight of the process.
The operation is being conducted following a directive issued by the Jaffna Magistrate’s Court. Forensic supervision is provided by Dr Sellaya Piranawan, the Consultant Forensic Medical Officer at Jaffna Hospital, while artefacts and remains recovered are being carefully preserved at the University of Jaffna’s Department of Forensic Medicine and Anthropology.
Leading the archaeological team is Senior Professor Raj Somadeva of the University of Kelaniya, whose expertise in forensic archaeology has been instrumental in guiding the ongoing investigation.
Despite the number of remains recovered, authorities have not yet been able to determine the age or historical context of the bones. Detailed forensic analysis is expected to take place in the coming weeks to shed light on their origins and possible circumstances of death.
In addition to the human remains, a variety of personal items have been retrieved from the soil. These include a child’s rubber doll, a pair of small shoes, a school satchel, a set of children’s bangles, fragments of clothing, a baby’s milk bottle, part of a barrel, and other miscellaneous objects. These findings suggest that at least some of the individuals buried here may have been children, raising further questions about the nature and timeframe of these burials.
The site first drew attention earlier this year, when workers involved in the redevelopment of the cemetery grounds discovered human bones on February 20. The matter was swiftly reported to local law enforcement, prompting a judicial order that initiated formal excavation procedures.
Photo Courtesy: Ajith Senevirathne
Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan is set to attend the grand opening of the new casino at “City of Dreams – Sri Lanka” in Colombo, according to reports. He will arrive in Sri Lanka as the special guest for the event, which is scheduled to take place on August 2.
Initially, Bollywood’s “King Khan” Shah Rukh Khan was expected to grace the occasion as the special guest. However, he informed last week that he would be unable to attend due to unavoidable personal reasons.
The casino is operated by Hong Kong-listed Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd, within the City of Dreams complex developed as a mixed-use project by John Keells Holdings. Melco, led by casino magnate Lawrence Ho Yau Lung, runs several casinos across the world, including City of Dreams Macau and City of Dreams Manila. The August 2 opening ceremony will be an invite-only event.
Geopolitical tensions between India, Pakistan and Bangladesh have put the future of Asian cricket under threat, with the upcoming Asia Cup hanging in the balance. ACC President Mohsin Naqvi, who is also a Pakistani minister, has been accused of letting political motives influence his decisions and ignoring the need for consensus among member nations. His stance has led to friction with India and raised doubts about the tournament’s viability.
Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have reportedly aligned with India, while participation from several other full and associate member countries including Nepal, Malaysia, Singapore and the UAE remains uncertain. Without the required quorum, ACC meetings and key decisions about the Asia Cup face serious challenges.
July 23 is shaping up to be a critical date for Asian cricket. Whether Naqvi prioritizes the integrity of the sport over political interests remains to be seen. For now, the game stands at a crossroads as the region’s political disputes threaten to overshadow its most celebrated tournament.
Environment Minister Dammika Patabendi told Parliament today (18) that the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) has only 12 veterinarians to manage wildlife health across Sri Lanka, highlighting a critical shortfall in resources as the country grapples with escalating incidents of human-elephant conflict.
Responding to a question raised by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, the Minister revealed that these veterinarians work under difficult conditions, with no veterinary assistants, nurses, or technicians to support them.
“Unlike in other countries, our veterinarians work alone, under challenging conditions and with limited resources,” Patabendi said, emphasizing that the DWC vets are responsible for treating all wild animals, not just elephants.
Patabendi disclosed a worrying rise in elephant shootings, saying that:
He also suggested the possibility of an organized campaign targeting elephants, pointing out that all of the animals had been shot in the same area—below the knee, indicating a pattern.
The Minister’s remarks underscore a deepening wildlife crisis, both in terms of conservation threats and manpower shortages. With mounting incidents of elephant injuries and human-elephant conflict affecting rural communities, the government faces increasing pressure to scale up veterinary resources, improve protective infrastructure, and investigate patterns of targeted violence against elephants.