May 15, Colombo (LNW): A fresh round of vehicle auctions overseen by the Presidential Secretariat is set to take place today (15), as the government continues its push to curb non-essential public spending and promote financial discipline.

This second phase of the auction process involves the sale of 26 vehicles, including several luxury and recently decommissioned models.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), all the vehicles listed for auction were manufactured within the past decade. The deadline for bid submissions ended yesterday, and successful bidders are expected to take possession of their vehicles following the conclusion of the auction.

The fleet up for sale includes a notable selection of high-end vehicles: a BMW, a Porsche Cayenne, a Toyota Land Cruiser Sahara, and several Nissan Patrols are among those set to go under the hammer.

Other vehicles include two Ford Everest jeeps, a Hyundai Terracan, two Land Rover models, a Mitsubishi Montero, two Nissan sedans, five SsangYong Rexton jeeps, six V08 models, and a Mitsubishi Rosa air-conditioned bus.

This marks the continuation of the asset rationalisation strategy initiated earlier in the year. During the first phase of the auction, the government disposed of 14 luxury vehicles, six decommissioned units, and assorted spare parts. Amongst the more prominent sales were nine Defender jeeps, which attracted significant attention from bidders and the public alike.

It has been clarified that the vehicles now being sold were not part of the regular fleet assigned to permanent staff of the Presidential Secretariat. Rather, they were used by a number of officials, including advisors and special appointments made under Article 41(1) of the Constitution during the tenure of the former Head of State.

With national budgets strained by persistent economic challenges, these symbolic moves to shed unnecessary state assets have been broadly welcomed by fiscal reform advocates.

May 15, Colombo (LNW): The Election Commission of Sri Lanka has initiated the formal post-election process of constituting local government bodies, urging all recognised political parties and independent groups to promptly submit the names of those elected to councils in the recent Local Government elections held on 6 May.

In an official communication, Commission Chairman R.M.A.L. Ratnayake requested that the relevant details be submitted by the end of this week, warning that delays could hinder the gazetting of council members and disrupt the administrative formation of local authorities.

The Commission’s directive outlines the legal framework under which parties must act—stating that representatives must be nominated to their respective councils within a week of receiving the official notification from the electoral authorities. The notice has been dispatched to all qualifying political entities, detailing the process for submitting nominations based on the number of seats secured.

In cases where a political party or independent group has obtained an outright majority—defined as more than 50% of the seats in a given local authority—the Commission has also instructed such entities to put forward their nominations for key leadership positions, including Mayor or Chairman, depending on the designation applicable to the relevant council.

This move marks a crucial phase in concluding the 2025 Local Government electoral cycle, transitioning from vote-counting to institutional formation. Once the required nominations are reviewed and verified, the Commission will formally publish the names of all elected members and their respective council leaders in the official gazette, making the appointments legally binding.

The process is expected to be swift and systematic, given the scale of the election and the public demand for operational and accountable local governance. Over 17 million Sri Lankans were eligible to vote in the election, which saw intense competition for control of 339 local bodies across the country.

While voter turnout was relatively subdued compared to previous polls, the election has nonetheless set the stage for a major reshaping of local political dynamics, with several new parties, including the National People’s Power (NPP), registering significant gains.

The Election Commission’s firm timelines and procedural clarity are seen as attempts to maintain order and transparency in the aftermath of the polls, especially amid heightened public scrutiny of electoral integrity and administrative follow-through.

Observers note that the swift finalisation of council memberships will also allow for a timely start to local development work, including infrastructure repair, waste management, community health, and public service delivery—areas that have often suffered due to bureaucratic delay following elections.

The Commission has called on all political entities to act responsibly and cooperate fully to ensure a smooth and lawful transition from election results to functioning local government institutions.

May 15, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has made a firm declaration that his government will assert administrative authority in every local council where the National People’s Power (NPP) emerged victorious, insisting that the electorate’s voice must not be disregarded under any circumstances.

Speaking at a public event marking six decades of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), held at Colombo’s Viharamahadevi Open Air Theatre on Wednesday, the President made a pointed appeal for democratic integrity, warning against any attempts to undermine or distort the recent local government election outcomes.

He underscored that the public mandate—reflected through the ballot—ought to be honoured in both letter and spirit.

Addressing a crowd of supporters and party members, President Dissanayake critiqued what he described as a growing tendency amongst some political actors to interpret power as a matter of negotiation or convenience rather than democratic right.

He noted that the NPP had secured a clear majority in 267 local councils, and as such, it was incumbent upon the party to assume leadership in those institutions without interference.

“There are those who believe control over local bodies can be reduced to mere backroom deals or the influence of a few. That era is over,” he said, drawing applause from the audience. “We were given a mandate by the people, and we will act on it decisively.”

He issued a strong warning to any forces attempting to obstruct the formation of NPP-led administrations in local councils, stating that legal and parliamentary tools would be used to counteract such moves.

The President hinted that his government was prepared to pursue constitutional changes, if necessary, to defend the sanctity of the vote.

The comments come amidst reports of behind-the-scenes efforts by rival factions to sway control in certain councils through procedural tactics and cross-party deals.

These developments have raised concerns about whether the local election results will be fully respected.

President Dissanayake also pushed back against suggestions that his party’s recent success in local polls did not equate to a national mandate. Citing comparative figures, he said that if parliamentary representation were allocated based on the local results, the NPP would command 122 seats in the legislature—a figure that underscores its growing political strength.

“There are those who are quick to question the legitimacy of our mandate. But the numbers tell a different story. If anything, this mandate is a resounding affirmation of the people’s trust in our platform,” he said.

The President’s comments are seen as a direct message to political opponents and bureaucratic institutions alike, indicating that the NPP intends to exercise its electoral victories with confidence and determination.

May 15, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is facing a grim surge in road fatalities this year, with 965 lives lost in traffic-related incidents from January to mid-May.

The alarming figure, released by national law enforcement authorities, highlights a broader crisis in road safety, with 1,842 major accidents reported across the island during this period. Of these, 902 were classified as fatal crashes.

According to police sources, the primary causes behind these tragic incidents are a combination of reckless behaviour behind the wheel, driver negligence, and poorly maintained vehicles. These factors continue to plague the country’s roads despite repeated calls for stricter enforcement and driver education.

With public concern mounting, authorities have announced the launch of a comprehensive island-wide initiative aimed at curbing the rising toll of road accidents.

This new campaign will include an increased police presence on high-risk routes, intensified enforcement of traffic laws, and targeted action against drivers who repeatedly flout regulations.

In tandem with enforcement, the government plans to roll out a series of driver awareness programmes. These educational efforts will focus on promoting responsible road behaviour, improving knowledge of traffic rules, and encouraging routine vehicle maintenance to ensure roadworthiness.

Special emphasis will be placed on commercial drivers and young motorists, who are statistically more prone to risky driving practices.

Law enforcement officials have also noted that the spike in accidents cannot be solely attributed to human error. In many cases, the poor condition of roads, insufficient signage, and lack of pedestrian safety infrastructure have contributed to the problem.

A multi-agency task force is reportedly being formed to address these infrastructural deficiencies, with the aim of introducing long-term improvements to road design and urban transport planning.

This year’s statistics mark a troubling continuation of a pattern that has been gradually worsening in recent years. Despite the implementation of sporadic traffic campaigns and the use of speed-monitoring technologies, the daily reality on Sri Lanka’s roads remains perilous.

From urban junctions in Colombo to rural highways in the central hills, dangerous driving is becoming increasingly common, with devastating consequences.

Public health experts have also weighed in, pointing out that the rise in fatalities from road accidents now rivals other leading causes of preventable deaths in the country. They are urging immediate policy reform, increased investment in public transport, and a cultural shift toward greater accountability on the roads.

May 15, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara and Puttalam districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (15).

Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places elsewhere of the island during the evening or night.

Fairly heavy falls about 75 mm are likely at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara, Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Mullaittivu districts.

Fairly strong winds of about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times over North-western and Southern provinces.

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

May 14, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to release financial compensation to the families of those who perished in the devastating bus crash that occurred on May 11 in the Gerandi Ella area of Kotmale.

This tragic incident, which unfolded on the Nuwara Eliya–Gampola main road, left 22 people dead and dozens more injured.

In a statement issued by the President’s Media Division, it was confirmed that each bereaved family would receive Rs. 1 million in compensation, disbursed from the President’s Fund.

The payments have already been allocated to the relevant Divisional Secretariats based on the victims’ places of residence, ensuring prompt and localised distribution.

The compensation process covers a broad geographic range, with Secretariats in Tissamaharama, Lunugamvehera, Welimada, Haldummulla, Ella, Kundasale, Bamunakotuwa, Paduwasnuwara West, Polpithigama, Wanathavilluwa, Chilaw, Buttala, Thanamalwila, Wellawaya, Kanthale, and Rambewa now tasked with delivering the funds to the victims’ next of kin.

The accident, which has been described as one of the most harrowing in recent memory, occurred when a private passenger bus veered off the mountainous road and plunged down a steep precipice in the early hours of the morning.

Many of the passengers on board were returning from a pilgrimage. Initial investigations suggest driver fatigue and mechanical failure as possible causes, though a full inquiry is ongoing.

In addition to the lives lost, nearly 40 passengers suffered injuries—some critical—and are currently receiving in-patient care at several hospitals across the region. Medical personnel continue to monitor these cases closely, with particular concern for those with severe trauma.

The swift response from the President’s Office has been welcomed by many, including local officials and members of the public, who have commended the effort to provide timely financial support to the grieving families.

However, the incident has also reignited calls for stricter enforcement of transport regulations, especially for long-distance and night-time travel on high-risk routes.

May 14, Colombo (LNW): Hyeshika Fernando, widely recognised as ‘Teacher Amma’ for her prominent role in preparing children for Sri Lanka’s Grade 5 Scholarship Exam, appeared before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court today (14) in connection with a recent incident involving alleged assault.

The case stems from a complaint lodged earlier this month, in which Fernando was accused of physically assaulting a young man—reportedly by kicking him in the groin—resulting in his hospitalisation at Negombo General Hospital.

The altercation, which occurred on 10 May, triggered a police investigation and a search for the suspect, who reportedly fled the area shortly after the incident.

Following Fernando’s disappearance, law enforcement officers from the Katana Police arrested her husband and her manager as part of the inquiry. The two were remanded and subsequently brought before the court today.

In a notable development, Fernando herself appeared before the court through legal representation, ending days of speculation about her whereabouts.

Two additional suspects allegedly involved in the assault were also produced in court alongside Fernando and her two associates. All five individuals were granted bail by the magistrate, under undisclosed conditions.

Outside the court premises, relatives and supporters of the alleged victim staged a silent protest, demanding justice and expressing dismay over what they described as a delay in holding the accused accountable.

Holding placards but refraining from vocal slogans, the demonstrators called for a transparent and impartial investigation into the incident.

Fernando, who has gained considerable public recognition in recent years for her educational initiatives and digital content aimed at primary school students, has seen her reputation take a significant hit in the wake of these allegations. Whilst some of her followers on social media have expressed shock and support, others have raised questions about the conduct of public figures entrusted with mentoring children.

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