June 09, Colombo (LNW): Amid reports of rising COVID-19 infections in several parts of the world, including neighbouring India, Sri Lankan health officials have advised the public to remain cautious and adhere to basic preventive measures, even though no mandatory mask directive is currently in place.

Upul Rohana, President of the Public Health Inspectors’ Union, speaking during a televised interview, noted that while face coverings are no longer a legal requirement, individuals are encouraged to use their discretion, particularly in crowded or poorly ventilated environments.

He highlighted that people with respiratory conditions or chronic illnesses should strongly consider wearing masks as a personal precaution, given their increased vulnerability.

Rohana stressed that the union is not advocating for a blanket policy requiring the public to wear masks at all times, nor are they discouraging mask use altogether. Instead, he said the approach should be measured and guided by individual circumstances, cautioning against creating either unwarranted fear or a false sense of security.

Addressing concerns about large-scale testing, the health official stated that mass random PCR screenings are not being considered at this time, citing both practicality and the current epidemiological context.

He did, however, emphasise the importance of remaining vigilant and continuing to observe the hygiene habits that became commonplace during the height of the pandemic.

According to Rohana, the Sri Lankan public is already familiar with the core practices that help reduce viral transmission, such as regular handwashing and avoiding close contact with those who show symptoms of illness.

He encouraged the public to revisit these habits, especially those in high-risk categories or those planning to travel.

June 09, Colombo (LNW): Residents across several parts of the Gampaha District are being advised to prepare for a scheduled 10-hour interruption to their water supply on Wednesday (11), as announced by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB).

The disruption, which will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., will affect a number of key localities including Peliyagoda, Wattala, Ja-Ela, and areas governed by the Katunayake-Seeduwa Urban Council. In addition, residents living within the Kelaniya, Biyagama, Mahara, Dompe, Katana, Minuwangoda, and Gampaha Pradeshiya Sabha jurisdictions are also expected to experience a complete halt in water supply during this period.

The temporary suspension is necessary to facilitate the integration of a newly installed solar power system at the Biyagama Water Treatment Plant with the national electricity grid, according to officials from the NWSDB.

The NWSDB has expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and assured that every effort will be made to restore services promptly once the work is completed.

June 09, Colombo (LNW): Health authorities have raised concerns over a noticeable increase in respiratory illnesses across the country, attributing the trend to the persistent wet weather that has gripped several regions in recent weeks.

The Ministry of Health has reported a sharp uptick in cases of colds, flu, and other respiratory infections, particularly among vulnerable groups.

Epidemiologist Dr Athula Liyanapathirana has called on the public to remain cautious and to take proactive steps to safeguard their health.

He emphasised the importance of adhering to basic preventive measures such as maintaining good hygiene, avoiding exposure to crowded or poorly ventilated areas, and seeking medical advice early if symptoms arise.

Of particular concern are individuals with pre-existing health conditions, including diabetes, asthma, and heart disease, who are more susceptible to complications during periods of fluctuating weather.

Dr Liyanapathirana urged these high-risk groups to be especially vigilant, as their immune systems may be compromised, making them more prone to infections.

The continued damp and cool conditions have created an environment conducive to the spread of respiratory viruses, with hospitals and clinics reportedly seeing a steady rise in patient numbers over the past fortnight.

Health workers are being advised to stay alert and ensure appropriate medical interventions are offered promptly to minimise the risk of severe illness.

Authorities have also recommended that schools, workplaces, and households take simple precautions, such as keeping indoor spaces dry and well-ventilated, and ensuring that children and the elderly—who are particularly vulnerable—are protected from sudden changes in temperature.

June 09, Colombo (LNW): An ongoing investigation into the suspected misuse of presidential pardons has taken a dramatic turn, with the Commissioner General of Prisons, Thushara Upuldeniya, subjected to over ten hours of questioning by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Saturday.

This follows a prior session the night before, during which he was interrogated for five hours.

The inquiry stems from a complaint lodged by the Presidential Secretariat, which alleges that the privilege of presidential clemency was misapplied to secure the release of inmates who had not officially been granted such pardons.

The complaint has triggered a high-level probe into possible procedural violations and abuse of authority within the prison system.

Central to the unfolding controversy is an incident involving the release of an inmate from Anuradhapura Prison on Vesak Poya Day. The prisoner, W.H. Athula Tilakaratne, was reportedly freed on the grounds that he had received a presidential pardon in line with Vesak observances.

However, this claim was swiftly refuted by the Presidential Secretariat, which clarified that no such clemency had been granted in his case.

In connection with this release, a senior superintendent from the Anuradhapura Prison was taken into custody by CID officers on Saturday afternoon. The 52-year-old official, a resident of Kalutara South, is expected to be produced before the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court today as investigations continue to unfold. Authorities believe his actions may have been instrumental in facilitating the unlawful release.

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala confirmed that the incident has led to a wider investigation into past cases where convicts may have been released without proper authorisation.

He stressed that any officials found complicit in circumventing legal procedures would face the full force of the law.

June 09, Colombo (LNW): Fifteen officers from the Sri Lanka Police, including several in senior ranks, have been reassigned to new posts with immediate effect.

The transfers and appointments, sanctioned by the National Police Commission, are part of ongoing efforts to streamline operations and enhance efficiency across multiple divisions.

Amongst the most prominent changes, Senior Superintendent of Police Mohan Lal Siriwardena has assumed the role of Director of Investigations at the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.

His prior experience leading the Financial Crimes Division within the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is expected to lend significant weight to his new post, particularly as the country steps up its focus on tackling high-level financial misconduct.

Several shifts have also occurred within the CID, indicating a strategic bolstering of investigative capacity. Superintendent of Police A.S.K. Bandara has been reassigned from the Ampara Division to the CID, whilst Assistant Superintendents of Police W.T. Anuranga and B.L.A. Prasanna have been moved from Mount Lavinia and Elpitiya Divisions respectively. Prasanna’s post in Elpitiya has now been filled by ASP M.D.P. Deepthi Kumara, reflecting a direct swap between the two officers.

Numerous Chief Inspectors and Inspectors have also been repositioned, impacting police leadership in regions such as Balangoda, Badulla, Delft, Udawalawe, Gampola, and Batticaloa. These include the transfer of CI J.D.D.C. Jayakody from the role of Officer-in-Charge (OIC) in Balangoda to the Badulla Division, whilst CI W.D.K.C. Navaratne has been posted to Balangoda in return.

Further notable changes include CI R.P.C.U. Rajapaksa’s move to lead the Udawalawe Police, CI B.P.L. Fernando’s shift from Gampola HQ to the eastern city of Batticaloa, and CI K.M.D.N.D. Kannangara’s return to Gampola HQ after serving in Delft. Other transfers affect areas ranging from Ankumbura and Matale to Nawakurunduwatte and Gampaha, illustrating the breadth of the realignment.

At the Inspector level, M.H.N. Tharaka has been reassigned from Bemmulla to Poovarasankulam, whilst S.M.N.N. Siripathi will take over responsibilities at Bemmulla Police Station.

June 09, Colombo (LNW): In anticipation of the annual Poson Poya pilgrimage, Sri Lanka Railways has introduced a series of dedicated train services aimed at easing the travel burden for thousands of devotees making their way to the historic city of Anuradhapura and the sacred site of Mihintale.

The enhanced rail operations began earlier today and are set to continue until June 12.

To meet the seasonal demand, 20 special trains have been scheduled to run from Colombo Fort to Anuradhapura. In a gesture of goodwill and support for religious observance, 36 complimentary services will also operate between Anuradhapura and Mihintale—offering a vital transport link for those undertaking the spiritual journey.

Railway authorities have assured that sufficient return journeys from Anuradhapura to Colombo will be made available throughout the Poson period, ensuring that pilgrims can travel with minimal inconvenience.

The Department of Railways has encouraged the public to make full use of these temporary services, reminding passengers to prioritise safety, especially in crowded stations and carriages.

June 09, Colombo (LNW): Public sector veterinary surgeons across Sri Lanka commenced a token strike early this (09) morning, expressing their growing dissatisfaction over what they describe as systematic obstruction of their professional development by senior bureaucrats.

The industrial action, which began at 6 a.m., marks a coordinated effort by the State Veterinary Surgeons’ Association to bring longstanding grievances into the public eye.

Speaking at a briefing in Colombo, the Association’s Chairman, Dr Upul Ranjith Kumara, outlined the motivations behind the strike. Central to their concerns is the alleged interference by the Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, whom the Association accuses of deliberately thwarting efforts to create an independent service structure for government veterinary surgeons.

Such a structure, they argue, is vital to ensuring career progression, equitable recognition, and operational autonomy within the public service.

Dr Kumara emphasised that this protest, while currently symbolic in nature, is a clear warning of escalating action if the authorities fail to address their concerns promptly.

He warned that services at state-run veterinary offices nationwide would be impacted, resulting in delays and interruptions to regular veterinary care and animal health initiatives.

June 09, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan government has unveiled a proposal to enlist 10,000 former military personnel into the police force.

The initiative targets individuals under the age of 45 who have formally concluded their military service through legal retirement.

The announcement came from the Minister of Public Security, Ananda Wijepala, during the inauguration of the new Superintendent of Police Office in Thambuttegama.

Addressing attendees at the ceremony, the Minister highlighted the government’s intention to table a Cabinet paper detailing the proposed recruitment framework.

The document is expected to be submitted for approval at the forthcoming Cabinet meeting today (09).

According to Minister Wijepala, the scheme envisions a fixed-term appointment of five years for the selected individuals. The measure is being introduced as part of a broader national effort to reinforce public order, optimise existing resources, and address gaps in policing, particularly in areas where manpower shortages have been felt.

The proposal is also seen as a strategic move to make use of the discipline, training, and operational experience of former military personnel, while providing them with a new avenue of public service.

Once approved, the plan could significantly ease the pressure on active police units across the country.

In a related concern raised at the same event, Wijepala drew attention to the escalating issue of youth vulnerability to narcotics. He revealed that nearly 7,900 children have already been identified as being at risk of drug abuse, underscoring the urgent need for both preventive action and increased law enforcement visibility in communities.

June 09, Colombo (LNW): Showery condition is expected to enhance in the southwestern part of the island from tomorrow (10), with strong wind gust over the island and in the sea areas around the island, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (09).

General public is requested to be attentive to future forecasts issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regard.

Several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the Northern and Uva provinces 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, North-western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.

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 Hambantota via Colombo and Galle. Showers or thundershowers will occur at a few places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Mannar to Mullaitivu via Kankasanthurai during the evening or night.

Winds:
Winds will be south-westerly.
wind speed will be (30-40) kmph and can increase up to (50-60) 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 Hambantota.
Wind speed will be (25-35) kmph in the other sea areas around the island.
Wind speed can increase up to (45-50) kmph in the sea areas 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 Hambantota will be rough at times. The sea areas extending from Chilaw to Galle via Colombo 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 Hambantota to Pottuvil.
Naval and fishing communities are requested to be vigilant in this regard.
Temporarily strong wind gust and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.