May 14, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo High Court has directed that an independent medical evaluation be carried out on Nandun Chinthaka Wickramaratne, widely known as “Harak Kata”, a high-profile detainee currently held at the Tangalle Old Prison on serious drug trafficking charges.

The order was made by High Court Judge Sujeewa Nissanka following claims by the accused that he was suffering from multiple health complications—including haemorrhoids—and was not receiving adequate medical treatment in custody.

Wickramaratne alleged that the medical attention he did receive had been compromised due to interference from the Officer-in-Charge of the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) in Tangalle.

During his appearance before court, the accused insisted that his complaints were not being addressed by medical personnel independently, and requested judicial intervention to ensure access to proper healthcare.

In response, the judge acknowledged that “only the patient truly feels the pain” and emphasised the importance of appropriate treatment for those in state custody, regardless of the allegations they face.

The court ordered the Judicial Medical Officer (JMO) of Tangalle—or a medical professional appointed by the JMO—to carry out a health assessment of the suspect and report on his condition.

In addition, the Director of the TID was instructed to submit a detailed statement outlining the current state of Wickramaratne’s health and the medical interventions he has received to date.

President’s Counsel Kapila Waidyaratne, appearing for the defence, reminded the court that his client has been held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) for several years and expressed concern over the prolonged detention without trial.

He also indicated that a formal bail application would be filed soon and urged the court to exercise its discretionary powers in considering the request.

The High Court subsequently scheduled further hearings on the matter for 28 May.

Wickramaratne, whose alias “Harak Kata” has become synonymous with organised narcotics trafficking, has long been under scrutiny by law enforcement. His detention under the PTA has raised both legal and humanitarian concerns, with rights groups questioning the continued use of emergency legislation in non-terror-related cases.

May 14, Colombo (LNW): A brief industrial action launched by contract workers at the Kerawalapitiya terminal of Litro Gas came to an end this (14) afternoon, after the company resolved the dispute that had prompted the protest.

The walkout, which saw approximately 250 contract workers down tools, was sparked by long-standing grievances over wage stagnation and non-compliance with the minimum wage regulations stipulated by the government.

Workers alleged that despite repeated appeals, they had not seen any adjustments to their pay for several years.

Employees involved in the protest asserted that their wages fell below the government-mandated threshold, and insisted that they would not resume duties until a formal guarantee was issued confirming adherence to lawful salary standards.

The group called for immediate reforms, including backdated wage revisions and a transparent, fair remuneration structure.

However, following a round of negotiations, the company was able to reach an understanding with the striking workers. Although the precise terms of the resolution were not publicly disclosed, sources indicated that assurances were given regarding the gradual implementation of wage adjustments in accordance with statutory requirements.

A written agreement is also believed to have been provided, addressing the principal demands raised by the workers.

The Litro Gas Company confirmed that the brief labour dispute had no effect on its core operations. Gas filling and distribution processes at the Kerawalapitiya terminal continued without disruption, ensuring that supply lines across the country remained intact throughout the strike.

In a public statement, company officials reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining uninterrupted service and noted that contingency plans had been in place to manage any potential fallout from the industrial action.

They also expressed appreciation for the swift resolution and the cooperation of all parties involved in restoring normalcy.

May 14, Colombo (LNW): Gary Anandasangaree, a Sri Lankan-born Canadian parliamentarian with a strong background in justice and Indigenous affairs, has been appointed as Canada’s new Minister of Public Safety.

His elevation to this critical post comes amid a sweeping cabinet reshuffle led by Prime Minister Mark Carney following his recent electoral victory.

As the head of Public Safety Canada, Anandasangaree will now oversee the country’s internal security, border protection, and emergency preparedness.

The portfolio also includes oversight of powerful national agencies such as the RCMP, CSIS, the Parole Board of Canada, Correctional Service Canada, and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

The announcement was made on 13 May 2025 as Prime Minister Carney introduced his 28-member cabinet and 10 secretaries of state. The new government reflects a blend of political continuity and change, with 24 new ministers including 13 first-time MPs, signalling Carney’s intention to pursue an ambitious policy agenda marked by economic transformation and national security recalibration.

Carney described his team as “purpose-built for this hinge moment,” alluding to both domestic and international challenges—chief among them a growing trade rift with the United States and rising concerns over transnational crime and migration control.

Anandasangaree, a Liberal MP representing Scarborough—Rouge Park since 2015, previously served as Minister of Justice and Attorney General, and more recently, as Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations.

His promotion is seen as a recognition of both his legislative acumen and his long-standing advocacy on issues of human rights, reconciliation, and legal reform.

Born in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, in 1973, he is the son of V. Anandasangaree, a veteran Tamil political leader and former head of the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF).

The younger Anandasangaree emigrated to Canada during Sri Lanka’s civil unrest and built a reputation as a human rights lawyer and community leader before entering electoral politics.

Following his swearing-in, Anandasangaree took to social media to express gratitude for his new role, pledging to “keep our communities safe, combat hate, and strengthen our security institutions.”

He paid tribute to his predecessor and promised to work in collaboration with fellow ministers, provincial authorities, and civil society to meet emerging security threats while upholding democratic principles.

During his parliamentary career, Anandasangaree has championed Canada’s commitment to refugee protection, justice reform, and Indigenous rights. He played an instrumental role in fostering dialogue between the federal government and Indigenous communities and was a strong voice for reconciliation in his previous portfolio.

His appointment also holds symbolic weight, representing both the multicultural fabric of Canadian society and the increasing prominence of diaspora communities in national leadership.

It is a notable ascent for someone who arrived in Canada as a refugee and now holds one of the most consequential positions in the federal government.

I am deeply honoured and humbled to be sworn in as Minister of Public Safety.

I look forward to building on the good work of David McGuinty, and I am committed to serving Canadians by keeping our communities safe, combatting hate, and strengthening our security agencies. pic.twitter.com/CTn4grUzyo

— Gary Anandasangaree (@gary_srp) May 13, 2025

May 14, Colombo (LNW): The Court of Appeal has scheduled a hearing for June 26, 2025 to consider a legal petition challenging the parliamentary eligibility of Ramanathan Archchuna, an independent MP representing the Jaffna District.

The case, filed by civic activist Oshala Herath, was called before a two-judge bench consisting of Justices Mayadunne Corea and Mahen Gopallawa earlier today (14 May).

The petition seeks Archchuna’s disqualification from serving as an MP, though the specific grounds underpinning the legal challenge remain to be publicly clarified.

During the brief hearing, the court directed that the case be taken up next month to confirm and examine the factual submissions.

This procedural step indicates the court’s intention to determine whether there is sufficient basis to proceed with a full hearing on the matter.

Archchuna, a prominent independent figure from the northern region, entered Parliament during the last general election amid shifting political alliances and growing public sentiment favouring non-party-affiliated candidates.

His parliamentary tenure has since drawn both praise and scrutiny, particularly from those advocating for stricter standards of political accountability.

May 14, Colombo (LNW): Public health officials in Sri Lanka are intensifying efforts to combat a concerning rise in mosquito-borne diseases, with nearly 20,000 cases of dengue reported across the country so far this year.

The National Dengue Control Unit has identified 38 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas as critical hotspots for dengue transmission, prompting the launch of an urgent vector control campaign.

Dr Sudath Samaraweera, Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, confirmed that over 2,200 new dengue cases have been recorded in the first two weeks of May alone, with the Western Province accounting for a staggering 47 per cent of infections.

The situation is further exacerbated by a parallel rise in chikungunya cases, another viral illness spread by the Aedes mosquito species.

Health authorities are particularly concerned about the dual burden of these two diseases, both of which present with fever, joint pain, and fatigue, and can place immense pressure on public health services if left unchecked.

The same mosquito species responsible for dengue is also a carrier of chikungunya, making the containment of breeding grounds a public health priority.

In response, a nationwide eradication initiative will take place from May 19 to 24, focusing on the elimination of mosquito breeding sites in 15 high-risk districts.

This concerted operation will involve local government bodies, health workers, and community leaders, aiming to disrupt the mosquito life cycle and stem the spread of disease before the onset of the southwest monsoon season, which typically exacerbates transmission rates.

Public cooperation is being emphasised as a key factor in the success of the initiative. Residents are being urged to routinely inspect their premises for stagnant water—particularly in items like discarded containers, blocked gutters, uncovered tanks, and neglected garden areas.

Simple household practices, such as clearing leaf debris and cleaning water storage units, can significantly reduce the risk of mosquito breeding.

Dr Samaraweera has also appealed to the public to allow health inspection teams access to both private and commercial premises during the scheduled eradication week.

These teams will be inspecting neighbourhoods for potential mosquito breeding sites and educating households about prevention measures.

The upcoming weeks are expected to be critical in determining whether this spike in cases can be brought under control. Health experts warn that without decisive action, the situation could escalate into a larger public health crisis, especially in urban and semi-urban areas where population density allows for rapid viral spread.

May 14, Colombo (LNW): Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith held a cordial audience with newly elected Pope Robert Prevost during a recent visit to the Vatican.

The meeting, which took place in the wake of the papal conclave that selected the American-born Cardinal Prevost as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church, was confirmed by the Archdiocese of Colombo through images shared on its official social media platforms.

The encounter marks a significant moment for Sri Lanka’s Catholic community, as Cardinal Ranjith—one of the few Asian cardinals present at the conclave—was amongst the senior church figures considered a potential successor to the late Pope Francis.

The conclave, held within the revered halls of the Vatican Palace, drew together cardinal-electors from across the globe, reflecting the Church’s increasingly global character.

Cardinal Prevost, who hails from the United States and previously served in the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops, was elected following the passing of Pope Francis. His election represents a continuation of the Church’s evolving leadership, with a focus on pastoral reform, global outreach, and addressing contemporary social and moral challenges.

Cardinal Ranjith’s presence at the conclave and subsequent meeting with Pope Prevost highlights his longstanding influence within the global Catholic hierarchy. A former Vatican diplomat and Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments under Pope Benedict XVI, Ranjith has long been a voice for liturgical tradition and moral clarity within the Church.

He has also been an outspoken advocate for justice in Sri Lanka, particularly in the wake of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, for which he has repeatedly called for accountability and transparency.

During their meeting, Cardinal Ranjith and Pope Prevost reportedly discussed matters concerning the global Catholic community, regional concerns affecting the Church in Asia, and ongoing efforts to support post-conflict reconciliation and interreligious harmony in Sri Lanka.

May 14, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan authorities have launched an intensified inspection programme targeting long-distance passenger vehicles, in a bid to stem the alarming rise in serious road accidents involving night-time buses.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Sri Lanka Police, is aimed at curbing dangerous driving practices and enhancing passenger safety following a spate of recent tragedies.

Police officers have been instructed to conduct random night-time checks on highways and major roads, with particular focus on long-haul buses that operate during the late hours.

The directive, issued by the Acting Inspector General of Police, mandates both stationary checkpoints and mobile inspections using police motorcycles.

According to senior police officials, these checks will target a range of violations, including driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics, excessive speeding, reckless overtaking, and other hazardous behaviours that have become increasingly associated with long-distance bus operations.

Vehicles found violating safety regulations will be subject to immediate disciplinary action under prevailing traffic laws.

The crackdown follows a series of devastating incidents in recent days that have left the nation reeling. On Saturday, 10 May, a bus lost control and careened into a ravine in Dayaraba, Welimada, injuring at least 20 passengers.

A far more catastrophic accident occurred the next morning, 11 May, when a private bus travelling from Kataragama to Kurunegala veered off the mountainous road at Gerandi Ella in Kotmale and plunged into a deep precipice, killing 23 people on board.

The tragedy prompted widespread public outcry and renewed scrutiny over the regulation of public transport vehicles.

The carnage continued on Monday (12) when yet another bus crashed in Aladeniya, Kandy, injuring more than 20 passengers. All three incidents involved long-distance buses operating on winding roads in central and southern regions of the island, often during hours when driver fatigue and low visibility heighten the risk of accidents.

In response, law enforcement agencies are coordinating with the National Transport Commission and provincial transport authorities to tighten enforcement and ensure accountability among bus operators.

Passengers have been encouraged to report erratic driving behaviour via designated hotlines, while transport companies have been warned to ensure their drivers comply with mandatory rest periods and safety regulations.

Authorities are also exploring the feasibility of introducing GPS monitoring for commercial buses and expanding the use of dashboard cameras to monitor driver conduct in real time.

The Ministry of Transport is expected to table proposals in the coming weeks aimed at revising safety protocols for long-distance travel, including compulsory health checks for drivers and stricter licensing conditions.

May 14, Colombo (LNW): In the aftermath of the devastating bus crash in the Garandiella area of Kotmale, which left many passengers critically injured, immediate efforts have been mobilised to support the overwhelmed Kotmale Regional Hospital.

With dozens of casualties rushed to the facility, both the government and the local community have stepped in to improve conditions at the hospital, which has been operating under significant strain.

As part of the nationwide “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, teams were swiftly deployed to the Kotmale hospital to assist in a comprehensive clean-up and refurbishment of the wards and surrounding premises.

The campaign, which is aimed at improving public health infrastructure and promoting civic responsibility, has turned its focus to the hospital in response to the sudden influx of patients needing urgent care.

Volunteers from the area, along with representatives from the “Clean Sri Lanka” secretariat, worked tirelessly to sanitise the hospital environment, enhance sanitation services, and provide a more dignified and hygienic space for the treatment of the injured.

The ward complex—typically under-resourced—was given a much-needed facelift, whilst outdoor areas were cleared and prepared to better accommodate emergency services.

The President’s Media Division issued a statement commending the efforts of all those involved, with particular praise directed toward the medical professionals and support staff at Kotmale Regional Hospital.

Despite limited facilities, the hospital’s personnel acted swiftly and decisively to stabilise the injured, prioritising life-saving care under intense pressure.

What stood out in this effort, beyond the institutional involvement, was the spontaneous support from ordinary citizens. Locals, some of whom had witnessed the tragic incident, came forward to donate supplies, assist in cleaning efforts, and offer emotional support to affected families.

Their participation was not only practical but deeply symbolic, reflecting a spirit of solidarity that continues to be a hallmark of Sri Lankan resilience during times of crisis.

Officials from the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative acknowledged the powerful example set in Kotmale and have suggested that similar community-driven responses may be encouraged at other public institutions as part of the broader public health improvement agenda.

May 14, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (14).

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Central, Uva, North-central and Eastern provinces after 1.00 p.m., the statement said.

Fairly strong winds of about 30-40 kmph can be expected at times over Northern, North-central, North-western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district, according to the Met Department.

Thus, the general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.