June 29, Colombo (LNW): A group of eight individuals, ranging in age from 12 to 24, has been safely rescued after losing their way during an excursion in the Hanthana Mountain Range near Kandy.

The group had set out for a hike yesterday (28) afternoon but failed to return as expected, prompting concern among family members.

Challenging weather conditions, including persistent rainfall and heavy mist, are believed to have disoriented the group, making it difficult for them to navigate back.

The dense foliage and slippery terrain added to the complexity of the situation, leaving them stranded as night fell.

Upon being alerted by worried parents, authorities swiftly mobilised a coordinated search effort. Personnel from both the Sri Lanka Army and the Police were deployed to comb the mountainous terrain. The search operation, which extended into the night, ultimately succeeded in locating all members of the group unharmed.

Following their rescue, the individuals—some of whom were visibly exhausted and mildly hypothermic—were transported to the Peradeniya Teaching Hospital for medical assessment and care.

June 29, Colombo (LNW): A special session of Parliament has been scheduled for tomorrow (30), following a formal request by the Prime Minister and in accordance with Standing Order 16.

Speaker Dr Jagath Wickramaratne has issued a Gazette Extraordinary summoning Members of Parliament to gather at 9:30 a.m. for the occasion.

The decision to convene this extraordinary sitting was reached by the Committee on Parliamentary Business, prompted by statutory obligations laid out in the State Finance Management Act, No. 44 of 2024.

As stipulated in the Act, the Government is required to present its annual revenue strategy—aligned with its overarching fiscal framework—no later than the final day of June each year.

The Finance Minister is expected to formally outline the Government’s revenue plan for the upcoming fiscal year, following the recent endorsement of the fiscal strategy statement by the Cabinet of Ministers.

The document is anticipated to provide key insights into the administration’s financial priorities, including revenue generation, expenditure control, and debt management initiatives.

In line with parliamentary procedure, tomorrow’s session will include an adjournment debate on the statement, allowing lawmakers to examine and respond to the Government’s economic approach.

The debate is expected to continue through to 4:30 p.m.

June 29, Colombo (LNW): An independent panel appointed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) is in the final stages of completing its inquiry into the tragic death of a student from the Faculty of Technology at Sabaragamuwa University, with the final report anticipated to be handed over in the coming week.

The five-member committee, established to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, has been engaged in a detailed examination of the circumstances surrounding the incident, which occurred on April 26 and led to the untimely death of a second-year undergraduate.

According to sources familiar with the inquiry, the committee has already amassed over 110 hours of testimony, gathering statements from a wide range of individuals including students, university staff, and other relevant parties.

Despite the extensive evidence already collected, the committee has indicated that it will be recording a few final statements from students before concluding its review.

Once finalised, the report is expected to be submitted to the Vice-Chancellor of Sabaragamuwa University, who will likely use the findings to determine further administrative or disciplinary actions, depending on the recommendations.

In connection with the incident, eleven individuals have been placed in remand custody as investigations continue.

June 29, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has launched a proactive initiative to strengthen national preparedness in the face of potential nuclear incidents in the region, by installing a network of radiation detection systems across strategically selected coastal areas.

The programme, led by the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulatory Council (SLAERC) in partnership with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), marks a significant advancement in the country’s capacity to monitor and respond to radiological threats, particularly those arising from nuclear incidents beyond its borders.

Prageeth Kadadunna, Director of the Inspection and Enforcement Division at the SLAERC, confirmed that five early warning systems have already been deployed at key sites, with a particular focus on areas close to naval installations.

The chosen locations—Kalpitiya, Mannar, Delft, Batticaloa, and Trincomalee—provide a wide geographic spread that enables comprehensive coastal surveillance.

These sophisticated systems are equipped to detect abnormal levels of radiation that may result from either natural disasters impacting nuclear reactors or man-made accidents at facilities in neighbouring countries.

The goal is to ensure that any radiological threat drifting towards the island is identified early, allowing for timely alerts and necessary protective measures to be initiated.

Officials noted that the installations are part of a broader strategy to align Sri Lanka’s safety protocols with international standards, while also promoting transparency and public confidence in the country’s disaster readiness.

The collaboration with the IAEA not only brings in technical expertise but also integrates Sri Lanka into a global network of nations working to prevent and manage nuclear hazards.

Authorities are also working on building public awareness around radiation safety, ensuring that relevant emergency procedures and communication channels are well established. Future plans include integrating the data from these stations into a centralised monitoring hub, accessible to national security agencies and disaster response units.

June 29, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Immigration and Emigration has issued a firm reminder to the public, cautioning against engaging third parties or brokers in attempts to hasten passport-related services.

The department has emphasised that such unofficial arrangements not only undermine the integrity of the system but also place individuals at risk of being exploited.

According to an official communication, all financial transactions relating to passport applications must be carried out solely at the designated Shroff counter within the department premises.

Applicants will be provided with a government-issued receipt for every payment made, ensuring transparency and accountability.

The notice also reiterated that passports must be collected exclusively from the official issuing counter, and not via any intermediaries or informal channels. Officials stressed that bypassing these procedures could result in delays or even the invalidation of one’s application.

The department has called on the public to act responsibly and to avoid falling prey to unscrupulous individuals who promise expedited services in exchange for money. Such promises are not only misleading but also disrupt the orderly function of the system.

This appeal comes in the wake of increasing concerns over the presence of self-styled agents operating near immigration offices, often targeting vulnerable applicants with limited understanding of the official process.

June 29, Colombo (LNW): The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA), one of the most influential professional bodies representing medical practitioners in Sri Lanka, has reaffirmed its confidence in its current leadership, re-electing Dr Sanjeewa Thennakoon as President in a decisive vote held yesterday (29).

Dr Prabath Sugathadasa was also re-elected to continue serving as Secretary of the association, solidifying the continuity of leadership within the organisation. Dr Thennakoon’s slate secured well over 60 per cent of the total ballots cast.

June 29, Colombo (LNW): In response to a growing scarcity of salt within the local market, a parliamentary committee has endorsed a set of newly gazetted import regulations, permitting the importation of both raw non-iodised salt and iodised edible salt—whether in powdered or crystalline form—for domestic and industrial purposes.

The regulatory framework, enacted under the provisions of the Import and Export (Control) Act of 1969 and published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2437/04 on 19 June, was formally presented to Parliament two days earlier.

It was subsequently referred to the Committee on Public Finance, which convened on 24 June 2025 to examine and ultimately approve the proposed measures. The meeting was presided over by Dr Harsha de Silva, Member of Parliament.

The move to ease salt import restrictions is aimed at addressing pressing supply constraints that have disrupted household consumption and certain manufacturing processes reliant on consistent salt availability. The Parliamentary Communications Department confirmed the committee’s support, noting the urgent need to stabilise market conditions.

Beyond the issue of salt imports, the committee also delved into broader economic concerns, particularly those affecting the automobile sector. Representatives from the Ceylon Motor Traders Association (CMTA) and other stakeholders participated in extended discussions regarding the ongoing challenges surrounding vehicle importation.

A key area of focus was the taxation structure applied to motor vehicles, especially the mechanisms used to collect Value Added Tax (VAT) on unregistered and low-mileage imports. Questions were raised about the fairness and efficiency of current tax practices, and whether they align with principles of equitable revenue collection.

The meeting saw the participation of several prominent Members of Parliament, including Ravi Karunanayake, Dr (Ms) Kaushalya Ariyarathne, and Harshana Rajakaruna. Legal insight was also contributed by Attorney-at-Law Chithral Fernando, who joined the session remotely via video conferencing.

June 29, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle and Matara districts.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts during the afternoon or night.

Fairly strong winds of about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, 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 temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Marine Weather:

Condition of Rain:
Showers will 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 (50-55) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Kankasanthurai via Mannar and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota.

Wind speed can increase up to 45 kmph at times in the sea areas 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 Kankasanthurai via Mannar 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 (2.0 – 2.5) m in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota. (this is not for land area).

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