Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education Minister and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriyaemphasized the urgent need to reposition vocational education as a core pillar of Sri Lanka’s education system, stating that it will become a decisive subject in the country’s future development.

The Prime Minister made these remarks at the launch of the “Shrama Meheyuma” programme held yesterday (July 4) at the Gampaha Technical College. The nationwide initiative, spearheaded by Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage, aims to revamp vocational training institutions and establish a well-structured, modern, and attractive institutional system to support national revival.

“I’m deeply thankful for the initiative taken by Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage in bringing this programme to life. While Shrama Meheyuma may be the starting point, our larger goal is to place vocational education at the forefront of national discourse,” the Prime Minister said.

She stressed that the Education Ministry bears the responsibility for preparing human resources for the modern labour market, yet the role of vocational training often remains underappreciated. “Vocational education should not be seen as a fallback option. It is a smart, practical, and vital choice that contributes significantly to both individual empowerment and national growth,” she added.

As part of the 2026 education reforms, vocational education will receive special attention, with plans to integrate training into the school curriculum itself. These reforms aim to shift public perception and encourage informed, deliberate decisions among students based on their skills and interests.

Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage, addressing the gathering, said: “To achieve the Government’s vision of a dignified life and national revival, our institutions must modernize. While today’s youth are evolving with technology, our institutions must catch up. Shrama Meheyuma spans 311 institutions with over 160,000 participants, marking only the beginning of a larger transformation.”

Labour Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe acknowledged that while enrolment in vocational courses is growing, some centres face student shortages. He attributed this to gaps in the general education system and pledged to strengthen Labour Ministry-run institutions to ensure quality and accessibility.

Also present at the event were Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Madhura Withanage, MP Lasith Bhaskantha, Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwawa, Gampaha Mayor, District Secretary, and Gampaha Technical College Principal P.M.K. Gomes, along with government officials, parents, and students.

The Shrama Meheyuma initiative is seen as a critical step in transforming vocational training into a respected and central pathway, aligned with the country’s socio-economic needs and aspirations for the future.

The Anuradhapura District’s anti-HIV programme has recorded significant success, with a marked drop in new infections and continued expansion of awareness and testing initiatives, according to Anuradhapura Divisional Health Services Deputy Director Dr. Dhammika De Silva.

Speaking at a recent meeting of the Anuradhapura AIDS Prevention Committee, held at the North Central Provincial Health Services Director’s Office, Dr. De Silva stated that the district currently has adequate laboratory facilities for blood testing, including an online system, and is conducting well-structured awareness programmes.

Consultant Venereologist Dr. Ajith Karawita revealed that while 21 HIV-positive cases were identified in 2024, only four new cases have been reported so far in 2025. Since 2003, a total of 155 HIV cases have been documented in the district, with 97% of those patients now living healthy lives due to consistent treatment and monitoring.

He also noted that over 12,500 blood tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, were conducted in 2024 alone. “The programme continues without interruption,” Dr. Karawita confirmed.

Dr. Hema Weerakoon, of the Sexual Health Centre at Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital, shared that 150,000 condoms were distributed in the district last year as part of prevention efforts. Nationwide, the Ministry aims to distribute 5 million condoms in 2025 to reduce unwanted pregnancies and the spread of STIs.

Statistics shared during the meeting indicated that more than 600 people in Sri Lanka seek medical treatment each year for various STIs. Genital herpes remains the most commonly reported infection, followed by gonorrhea, syphilis, and genital warts.

Current estimates suggest that approximately 4,000 individuals in Sri Lanka are living with HIV. Experts warned that multiple sexually transmitted infections are spread through unprotected sexual contact, with eight major pathogens linked to high transmission rates. Of these, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis are curable, while HIV, hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus (HSV), and human papillomavirus (HPV) are incurable but manageable.

Dr. Karawita also highlighted that anal sex carries the highest risk of HIV transmission, with a 5% risk, compared to 0.1% for vaginal sex, due to the vulnerability of the anal mucosa to trauma and exposure to blood, facilitating virus transmission.

Health officials emphasized the continued importance of education, testing, and protection in curbing the spread of HIV and other STIs, especially among high-risk groups and rural populations.

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National Transport Commission (NTC) Director General Naomi Jayawardena has urged passengers to report any violations of the newly implemented bus fare revision by calling the NTC hotline 1955.

The NTC recently announced a 0.55% reduction in bus fares, effective from yesterday, as part of the annual fare adjustment. While the minimum fare of Rs. 27 and the next two lowest fare tiers—Rs. 35 and Rs. 45—remain unchanged, revised fares apply from the fourth fare band onward, Jayawardena said.

According to the fare revision:

• Fares such as Rs. 56, 77, 87, 117, 136, and 141 will be reduced by Rs. 1.
• Several other fare bands will see reductions of Rs. 2 or Rs. 3, depending on the distance.

Jayawardena also emphasized that all buses must display the updated fare charts clearly. If passengers are overcharged or denied tickets, they are encouraged to file complaints through the hotline. “We will treat all complaints seriously,” she assured.

To ensure compliance, the NTC Flying Squad will operate round the clock to inspect buses and take action against non-compliant drivers and conductors.

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Former Minister S. M. Chandrasena was arrested yesterday (July 4) by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) on charges related to the misuse of public resources for political gain. He was subsequently remanded until July 18 by the Colombo Chief Magistrate.

Chandrasena was taken into custody after appearing before CIABOC to record a statement regarding an ongoing investigation. In an official statement issued following the arrest, CIABOC revealed that the charges pertain to the unlawful distribution of maize seeds to political allies in the lead-up to the 2015 Presidential Election, causing a financial loss to the Government.

According to the investigation, Chandrasena allegedly pressured the Planning Director and other officials at the Anuradhapura District Secretariat to divert government maize seed stocks for distribution among his political supporters, in an effort to influence voter support during the election.

CIABOC officials produced Chandrasena before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court, which ordered his remand custody until July 18 as inquiries continue.

This arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to hold public officials accountable for election-related corruption and abuse of state resources.

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 minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Chamuditha Samarawickrama Tendered Unconditional Apology to the Supreme Court and to Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, P.C. in the Supreme Court, when the Contempt proceedings filed by Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, was taken up on 4 th July, 2025.

Popular YouTube/TV journalist Chamuditha Samarawickrama today tendered an unconditional apology in the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, to the Supreme Court and to Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, President’s Counsel in the proceedings initiated by Dr. Rajapakshe against Chamuditha Samarawickrema and Keerthi Wickremasinghe charging them for contempt of court.
The contempt proceedings No. SC/Contempt/10/2024, was filed by Dr. Rajapakshe against Chamuditha Samarawickrama and Keerthi Wickramaratne, as the contents of the conversation they telecast through YouTube channel “Truth with Chamuditha” are contemptuous and defamatory to the Courts and detrimental to Dr. Rajapakshe, and thereby they have committed the offense of contempt of court. It was alleged that by the said telecast they have undermined and disregarded the judiciary of the country creating a suspicion about the courts system and eroding the public trust and the confidence on the judiciary.

When the case was taken up in the Supreme Court today before a bench comprising Justice S. Thurairaja, Justice Priyantha Fernando, and Justice Sobitha Rajakaruna Chamuditha Samarawickrama and Keerthi Wickramaratne tendered unconditional apology
to the Supreme Courts and Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe.

The Supreme Court strongly cautioned and warned both the respondents advancing them to conduct themselves with greater responsibility and professionalism in the future. The Court emphasized the serious legal consequences that may arise from making reckless, baseless, or defamatory public statements, particularly those targeting individuals involved in the administration of justice.

The Court further warned the respondents to refrain from defaming individuals or engaging in conduct that could potentially erode public trust in the judiciary. The message was clear: freedom of expression must be exercised responsibly, and any abuse of media platforms that disrespects the rule of law would not be tolerated.

Mr. Gamini Hettiarachchi, Attorney-at- Law instructed by Ms. Jayamuditha Jayasooriya appeared for the Petitioner, Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe P.C.
Mr. Upul Jayasuriya, P.C. appeared for Chamuditha Samarawickrama and Mr. Anura Meddegoda P.C. appeared for Keerthi Wickramaratne.

This case marks a significant reminder of the boundaries of media conduct in legal matters and the importance of upholding the dignity of the courts and public figures through responsible journalism.

Amid growing economic cooperation and regional integration, promoting Indian investments in Sri Lanka has taken on renewed significance, with over 400 Indian companies currently operating in the island across sectors including petroleum, manufacturing, hospitality, ICT, financial services, and pharmaceuticals.

India stands as one of Sri Lanka’s top sources of foreign direct investment (FDI), contributing an estimated cumulative investment of over USD 1.7 billion by end-2023. Notably, Indian ventures have played a critical role in revitalizing Sri Lanka’s post-crisis recovery, with recent examples including energy infrastructure projects and the expansion of Indian hotel chains.

In this context, a high-powered delegation from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), comprising CEOs from key sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, renewable energy, education, and tourism, convened with Sri Lankan business leaders for a strategic roundtable discussion at the ITC Ratnadipa in Colombo on 30 June.

The roundtable was jointly organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the Indo-Lanka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ILCCI), in collaboration with the High Commission of India. The CII delegation was led by Immediate Past President and ITC Ltd. Managing Director Sanjiv Puri, while the Ceylon Chamber delegation was headed by its Chairman, Krishan Balendra.

Deliberations at the event centered on strengthening bilateral trade, improving regulatory compatibility, and catalyzing cross-border investment flows. Participants emphasized the need for fostering sector-specific collaborations through joint ventures, knowledge-sharing platforms, and continued dialogue between industry stakeholders.

Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha highlighted New Delhi’s commitment under its “Neighbourhood First” policy, which prioritizes stronger and more generous engagement with neighboring countries. “Sri Lanka is a central part of that policy, and our approach remains non-reciprocal and inclusive,” he remarked.

Echoing this sentiment, Krishan Balendra said, “We are fortunate to be located next to the world’s fastest-growing economy. What matters now is how we leverage that proximity by building private-sector partnerships with Indian businesses.”

CII’s Sanjiv Puri added that global economic shifts are creating new opportunities for regional collaboration. “This is a moment for India and Sri Lanka to work not only for mutual benefit in our respective domestic markets but to co-create solutions for the global market as well,” he stated.

ILCCI President M. Raghuraman concluded the session by underlining the importance of continued engagement. “The progress we’ve seen is due to the determination of our business communities. Forums like this are invaluable for nurturing long-term partnerships,” he said.

The roundtable closed with a commitment to maintain momentum through structured engagement via chamber networks and regular business exchanges. Both sides expressed optimism about translating discussions into tangible investments, reinforcing the strategic value of India-Sri Lanka economic collaboration.