May 29, Colombo (LNW): Former minister Duminda Dissanayake has been ordered to remain in judicial custody until June 05 as investigations continue into the discovery of an unusual firearm at a high-end residential complex in Colombo.

The incident stems from a police operation carried out on May 20, during which law enforcement authorities uncovered a gold-plated T-56 assault rifle concealed in a woman’s travel bag at an apartment block located in Havelock Town.

The weapon, both conspicuous and illegal in nature, has raised serious questions regarding its origin, purpose, and the chain of possession.

Dissanayake was taken into custody three days after the discovery, on May 23, by officers attached to the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID), who are currently spearheading the inquiry.

Following his arrest, he was presented before the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court, where he was remanded in custody pending further proceedings.

May 29, Colombo (LNW): A significant legal move has been undertaken by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), which has filed a Fundamental Rights (FR) application with the country’s Supreme Court, calling for justice and systemic reform following the tragic death of a university student believed to be the victim of ragging.

The petition was submitted in the wake of the death of Charith Dilshan, a second-year undergraduate from the Faculty of Technology at Sabaragamuwa University.

Reports indicate that he had been subjected to a brutal ragging ordeal, which ultimately led him to take his own life. The BASL argues that this incident is not just a tragic loss of life, but also a blatant infringement of fundamental human rights.

Filed on behalf of the BASL by its President, Rajeev Amarasuriya, and Secretary, Chathura Galhena, the petition calls on the judiciary to declare that the treatment endured by Dilshan constitutes a violation of constitutionally protected rights. Represented by Attorney-at-Law G.G. Arul Pragasam, the petition also urges the court to direct relevant authorities to conduct a full-scale investigation into the events leading to the student’s death.

Beyond seeking justice for Dilshan, the BASL’s legal action aims to address the broader and ongoing issue of ragging—an entrenched and frequently violent initiation practice that continues to plague higher education institutions across Sri Lanka.

The petition emphasises that, despite existing laws, ragging remains a persistent threat to student welfare due to insufficient enforcement and institutional apathy.

A total of 69 individuals and entities have been named as respondents in the case, including the Sabaragamuwa University administration, members of the university council, senior officials from the Ministries of Higher Education and Defence, the heads of the police and criminal investigation divisions, and the Attorney General.

The BASL is seeking several concrete outcomes from the court: the formulation of a national anti-ragging strategy; a directive to enforce the existing Prohibition of Ragging and Other Forms of Violence in Educational Institutions Act, No. 20 of 1998; and the establishment of a clear set of guidelines to prevent such abuses in the future.

May 29, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo High Court has handed down lengthy prison sentences to two former Sri Lankan cabinet ministers implicated in a high-profile corruption case.

Nalin Fernando, who previously served as the Minister of Trade, was sentenced to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment. Alongside him, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, a fellow former minister, received a sentence of 20 years with hard labour.

The verdict followed a comprehensive trial which concluded that the two men had orchestrated a significant misuse of public funds.

The case revolved around a controversial initiative during the run-up to the 2015 presidential election. The court found that the former ministers had facilitated the procurement of 14,000 carrom boards and 11,000 checkers boards through SATHOSA, a state-owned retail enterprise.

These items, purchased with government money, were then distributed amongst various sports clubs and community organisations across the country.

The total financial damage to the state was calculated at 53 million Sri Lankan rupees. Prosecutors successfully argued that this move constituted a clear attempt to curry favour with voters under the guise of promoting recreational activities, thereby breaching public trust and election laws.

May 29, Colombo (LNW): Labour unrest has intensified across key public sectors as employees within Sri Lanka’s civil aviation and postal services have initiated protest actions over longstanding grievances, primarily relating to overtime pay and working conditions.

From midnight yesterday (28), the Association of Civil Aviation Employees officially commenced industrial action, withdrawing all voluntary overtime contributions.

The decision, they claim, stems from continued delays and irregularities in resolving their concerns over overtime compensation and related entitlements.

The union has made it clear that this action will persist indefinitely unless a satisfactory resolution is reached by the relevant authorities.

The move is expected to strain operations at airports, particularly in areas related to ground handling, maintenance and administrative support—sectors which rely heavily on extended staff hours to maintain round-the-clock services.

Aviation officials have warned of possible disruptions, urging passengers to monitor updates and plan accordingly.

Simultaneously, unrest has also erupted within the postal and telecommunications sector. The Union of Post and Telecommunication Officers, which began a 48-hour island-wide strike on Tuesday afternoon, is taking further steps to escalate their campaign.

Union members gathered outside the main postal headquarters in Colombo this (29) morning for a demonstration, after which they plan to proceed on foot to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media to deliver a formal memorandum outlining their demands.

The union’s list of grievances reportedly includes fifteen key points, covering matters such as salary anomalies, promotional bottlenecks, workplace safety, and deteriorating service conditions in rural post offices. According to organisers, these concerns have been raised repeatedly with successive administrations but remain largely unaddressed.

May 29, Colombo (LNW): Showery condition is expected to be enhanced in the Southwestern part of the island from today (29) evening, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (29).

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.

Fairly heavy falls above 75 mm are likely at some places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle and Matara districts.

A few showers may occur in North-central province and in Mannar and Hambantota districts.

Strong winds of about (50-60) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Hambantota and Trincomalee districts. Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times elsewhere of the island.

Marine Weather:

Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle. Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places over the other sea areas around the island.

Winds:
Winds will be south-westerly in the sea areas around the island.
Wind speed will be (40-50) kmph and wind speed may increase up to (60-70) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambanthota.

Wind speed will be (30-40) kmph in the other sea areas around the island. Wind speed may increase up to (50-60) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Galle via Colombo and from Kankasanthurai to Trincomalee via Mullaittivu.

State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambanthota will be very rough at times and Naval and fishing communities are advised not to venture into these sea areas, until further notice.

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

The wave height (about 2.5 m – 3.0 m) may increase in the sea areas off the coast extending from Mannar to Pottuvil via Puttalam, Colombo, Galle and Hambantota.

There is a possibility that near shore sea areas off the coast extending from Mannar to Pottuvil via Puttalam, Colombo, Galle and Hambantota may experience surges due to swell waves.

Naval and fishing communities are requested to be vigilant in this regard.

Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya delivered a powerful call to end the stigma surrounding menstruation and address period poverty at the “Period Proud 2025” conference held today at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo. The event was organized under the Collective Action Against Period Poverty (CAAPP) project.

Dr. Amarasuriya emphasized that menstruation is a natural biological process, and the shame and silence imposed by societal norms must be dismantled. She stressed that menstrual health is not just a health issue but also a matter of dignity, equality, and human rights.

Citing findings from a recent survey conducted in Trincomalee, Kandy, and Colombo, she revealed that many schoolgirls miss school due to lack of access to menstrual hygiene products, and some women are forced to use unsafe alternatives, putting their health at risk.

Key Points from the PM’s Address:

• Stigma and Silence: Many women endure suffering in silence due to societal taboos.
• Education Disruption: Menstruation continues to be a barrier to education for many girls.
• Government Intervention:
  • The Ministry of Education is already providing free sanitary products to schoolgirls over 13, especially from low-income families.
  • A new program to distribute reusable sanitary pads is being considered for next year.
• Tax Reforms:
  • There are ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Finance about removing taxes on feminine hygiene products.
  • The Prime Minister acknowledged that progress is being made but comprehensive policies and reforms are necessary.

Dr. Amarasuriya concluded by emphasizing the need for a systematic and prompt national plan to ensure menstruation does not disrupt a girl’s education, health, or dignity, and called on civil society and the private sectorto support these efforts.

The event saw participation from French Ambassador Rémy Lambeau, members of the Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka, social activists, and other key stakeholders committed to menstrual equity.

Sri Lanka marked a major milestone in its construction and industrial sectors with the official launch of the country’s first-ever helical anchor manufacturing plant by Ceylon Energy, in partnership with global industry leader Hubbell Power Systems Inc. (HPS). The historic event took place on 8 May and was attended by Parliamentarian Asoka Ranwala, senior representatives from HPS, the Ceylon Electricity Board, and key figures in Sri Lanka’s engineering and business communities.

This state-of-the-art facility introduces a technology that has transformed foundation engineering worldwide. Helical anchors, originally developed and patented by HPS over a century ago, are known for their quick installation, low soil disruption, and strong load-bearing capabilities. As a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional foundation methods, they are now set to revolutionize Sri Lanka’s infrastructure development.

Ceylon Energy, the exclusive local partner for HPS, conducted extensive trials in various Sri Lankan soil conditions to ensure the anchors’ effectiveness before rolling out for commercial use. The new system is expected to significantly cut construction time and costs while promoting environmentally friendly building practices.

At the launch, Ceylon Energy Chairman Madusanka Fernando highlighted the broader mission behind this venture. “If we do not think of the next generations, we are very selfish,” he remarked, underlining the company’s focus on sustainable solutions for future generations. He also emphasized Sri Lanka’s potential to become a regional export hub for helical anchors, targeting markets in Southeast Asia, East Africa, and other emerging economies.

The facility is expected to attract foreign exchange, create employment opportunities, and elevate Sri Lanka’s industrial profile on the global stage. It represents not just a technological advancement but a strategic move toward economic growth and international collaboration.

Ceylon Energy, known for its commitment to innovation, community impact, and environmental stewardship, continues to lead transformative projects across the country. The launch of the helical anchor plant is a testament to the company’s dedication to sustainable development and forward-thinking leadership.

This groundbreaking initiative positions Sri Lanka at the forefront of modern construction technology in the region, setting a strong foundation—both literally and figuratively—for the nation’s industrial future.

Sri Lanka is set to dissolve the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) and replace it with two new institutions under the Ministry of Digital Economy, in a major shake-up of the country’s digital governance framework.

The move, announced by Minister of Public Administration and Digital Technology Nalinda Jayatissa and Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne, aims to accelerate and streamline the implementation of digital transformation projects across the public sector.

Minister Jayatissa revealed that a new state-owned company named GovTech (Pvt) Limited will be established as part of this restructuring. This entity is expected to serve as an independent institution with the authority and capacity to ensure the effective continuation and expansion of digital initiatives already underway, as well as those planned for the future.

“A study has been conducted to review existing digital strategies in Sri Lanka and other countries. The findings highlighted the necessity for a regulatory authority with strong implementation powers. GovTech will fill this role,” said Jayatissa at a press briefing.

Deputy Minister Weeraratne provided further details, confirming that the government intends to implement a decision originally taken by the previous administration to wind up the ICTA. He explained that two new entities would be formed under the Digital Economy Ministry to handle its core functions more efficiently.

“The former Government made a Cabinet decision to shut down the ICTA. We are proceeding with that plan and will replace it with two new bodies,” Weeraratne revealed.

According to him, the first of these new entities, the Digital Economic Authority, will be responsible for digital policy formulation, oversight, and governance. The second, yet unnamed, will focus on executing digital projects, as well as offering technical support and system maintenance services.

Both entities are expected to be operational within the year. A liquidator will be appointed to oversee the dissolution process of ICTA, during which decisions will be made regarding the future of current ICTA employees. “Whether staff are absorbed into the new institutions will be decided during the liquidation process,” Weeraratne added.

The ICTA, a fully government-owned institution, was originally formed to implement the e-Sri Lanka Development Project, a World Bank-funded initiative launched in 2004 aimed at enhancing digital infrastructure, reducing poverty, and improving service delivery. Although the agency was initially expected to conclude its role after the project, a 2008 amendment to the ICT Act made it a permanent entity.

The previous government proposed dissolving ICTA during the 2023 Budget speech, suggesting it had completed its mandate. They had intended to replace it with a Digital Transformation Agency under a proposed Technology Promotion Act.

With the establishment of GovTech and the Digital Economic Authority, the current government is now laying the groundwork for a more robust and future-oriented digital governance model that aligns with evolving global trends and domestic needs.

Once envisioned as a symbol of luxury and ambition, the Grand Hyatt Colombo remains an incomplete monument to Sri Lanka’s turbulent economic and political history, even 21 years after construction began.

Originally launched in 2003 as Ceylinco Celestial Residencies by the late billionaire Lalith Kotelawala, the project was intended to be a 48-storey mixed-use tower housing a five-star Hyatt Regency Hotel with 458 guest rooms and 100 serviced apartments. However, delays, controversies, and mismanagement have plagued its progress from the start.

After the collapse of the Ceylinco Group during the 2008 Golden Key financial scandal, the half-built tower was taken over by the government in 2012 under the Revival of Underperforming Enterprises Act. It was rebranded as the Grand Hyatt Colombo and handed over to Canwill Holdings (Pvt) Ltd., a special purpose vehicle funded by public entities including Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation, Litro Gas, and the Employees’ Provident Fund.

Despite investing over Rs. 18 billion in public funds, the project has not progressed beyond its structural shell. A forensic audit has highlighted serious issues such as irregular tenders, procurement malpractice, and overspending. By 2019, costs had soared to Rs. 21.6 billion, with another Rs. 36 billion (approximately USD 120 million) required for completion.

Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa recently confirmed that the government will proceed with selling its shares in Canwill Holdings, which owns the Grand Hyatt Colombo, in a bid to attract private capital. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India has been retained as the transaction advisor.

Legal disputes have further entangled the project. A controversy over the ownership and purpose of the ultra-luxury “mill owners’ apartments” on the upper floors — complete with lounges, jacuzzis, music rooms, and private elevators — added fuel to the fire. With no clear ownership and mounting costs, even these features were eventually absorbed into the general hotel layout.

Construction, originally led by architects from Design Consortium Ltd. and contractors including Maga Engineering and Nawaloka Construction, was scheduled to be completed by the end of 2008. But with repeated government changes and shifting political agendas, the project was continually derailed. In 2015, agreements with construction companies were cancelled, delaying progress yet again.

In 2022, the government included the Grand Hyatt in its broader state enterprise restructuring programme. By October 2023, interest in the redevelopment was shown by five Indian firms and one local investor. However, as of January 2025, the project remains incomplete, saddled with a USD 35 million loan and no clear roadmap to completion.

Standing tall yet hollow in the heart of Colombo’s Galle Road, directly opposite Temple Trees, the Grand Hyatt Colombo has become a potent symbol of Sri Lanka’s flawed mega project culture — a costly reminder of missed opportunities, poor governance, and systemic inefficiencies.

Whether it will ever fulfil its original promise remains a question for future administrations — and future generations.