July 06, Colombo (LNW): Health authorities have raised concerns after uncovering potential mosquito breeding environments in over 120 schools during an intensified anti-dengue initiative being carried out across Sri Lanka.

The findings emerged as part of a nationwide mosquito control campaign, which has been ongoing over the past week in an effort to curb the spread of dengue fever.

According to the National Dengue Control Unit, targeted inspections were conducted over a three-day period in high-risk Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions across eight districts.

A total of 229 schools were visited during this special operation, and of those, 121 were flagged for having conditions conducive to mosquito breeding. Alarmingly, active mosquito larvae were discovered in 29 of the institutions.

Dr Anoja Dheerasinghe, Consultant Community Physician at the Dengue Control Unit, described the situation as highly concerning.

She called for immediate and sustained action from school administrators and local health authorities, emphasising that educational institutions must be particularly vigilant given the vulnerability of children and the high transmission risk in densely populated settings.

The broader campaign has seen nearly 20,000 premises inspected in a single day alone—July 05—with inspectors identifying 5,085 locations as potential breeding sites for dengue-carrying mosquitoes. Larvae were found in 567 of these sites, prompting calls for stronger public cooperation and stricter enforcement of sanitation standards.

Officials have reiterated that mosquito breeding can occur in even the smallest collections of stagnant water, often in overlooked areas such as gutters, plant pots, discarded containers, and school playgrounds.

With the monsoon season intensifying across several parts of the country, the conditions are ripe for mosquito populations to spike if timely preventive action is not taken.

The Dengue Control Unit has urged school staff, parents, and community leaders to treat the issue with urgency and to engage in regular cleaning drives.

July 06, Colombo (LNW): Motorists travelling through Borella on Sunday evening are advised to expect traffic diversions and temporary restrictions due to a high-profile religious event taking place in the area.

Authorities have announced special traffic arrangements to accommodate the 50th anniversary of priestly service of His Holiness the Cardinal, a significant occasion that will draw a wide range of attendees, including senior clergy, state officials, and religious leaders from various communities.

The event will be held at the Archbishop’s House in Colombo and is expected to attract a substantial gathering.

To facilitate the smooth flow of traffic and ensure security for the ceremony, police will implement a restriction on heavy vehicles entering the stretch between Kinsey Road Junction and Nandadasa Kodagoda Junction via Ward Place.

These measures will be in effect from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and will apply throughout the Borella Police Division.

Commuters and transport operators are urged to plan ahead and seek alternate routes during the restricted hours to avoid delays. Police officials have also encouraged the public to cooperate with officers on duty and follow all directions given to ensure safety and minimal disruption.

July 06, Colombo (LNW): Australia has appointed seasoned diplomat Matthew Duckworth as its incoming High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, signalling a continued commitment to deepening diplomatic, economic, and security ties with the South Asian nation.

The announcement was made by Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong, who highlighted the strategic importance of the bilateral relationship, particularly in the context of the Northeast Indian Ocean.

Duckworth, a long-serving official within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), brings with him a wealth of experience in international negotiations and regional affairs.

Most recently, he held senior roles as Assistant Secretary of the United States Trade Taskforce and Deputy Chief Negotiator for the Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement. His previous overseas postings include assignments in Indonesia and Cambodia, where he worked on issues ranging from regional diplomacy to trade facilitation and international development.

In her statement, Senator Wong underscored the multifaceted nature of Australia’s relationship with Sri Lanka, built on decades of cooperation in areas such as development assistance, maritime security, and humanitarian engagement.

She noted that the partnership is underpinned not only by institutional collaboration but also by enduring social and cultural bonds, shaped significantly by Australia’s vibrant Sri Lankan diaspora, which now exceeds 160,000 people.

“Our engagement with Sri Lanka is broad and deep,” Senator Wong remarked. “We work together on matters of mutual concern, including transnational crime, maritime security, and irregular migration. Our people-to-people links continue to grow, enriching both nations and fostering lasting connections.”

She also took the opportunity to extend her appreciation to outgoing High Commissioner Paul Stephens, who has served in the role since 2022. His tenure was marked by efforts to strengthen bilateral trade, expand regional cooperation, and support Sri Lanka’s economic recovery during a period of domestic challenges.

July 06, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Thriposha Limited, a government-backed nutritional supplement manufacturer, has ramped up operations to a 24-hour production schedule in a renewed effort to enhance nationwide food security and public health outcomes.

Health and Mass Media Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa confirmed the move during a recent visit to the production facility located in Kandana.

The manufacturer, known for its signature fortified food product widely distributed among vulnerable groups, is now functioning at full capacity following a comprehensive recovery and expansion plan. The minister, accompanied by senior officials, toured the facility to inspect the round-the-clock production cycle, which is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted distribution of nutritional supplements to communities across the country.

The revitalisation of the factory comes amid broader government efforts to reposition the once-struggling entity as a financially viable public enterprise. During the visit, Dr Jayatissa held in-depth discussions with the company’s newly appointed Chairman, Amal Aththanayake, addressing various aspects of the operation, including raw material procurement, logistics, staffing, marketing, and financial sustainability.

One of the most ambitious elements of the revival strategy is the planned launch of 100 dedicated retail outlets under the Suposha brand. These shops, expected to be rolled out in phases over the coming months, will not only make the product more widely accessible but also support efforts to diversify its market presence.

Officials confirmed that distribution has already resumed to multiple districts—among them Badulla, Matale, Nuwara Eliya, Kegalle, Kalutara, Colombo, Gampaha, Kilinochchi, and Puttalam—via an integrated network of railway and road transport.

In addition, the Ministry of Health is overseeing direct delivery of supplements to targeted groups such as young children, expectant mothers, and breastfeeding women.

Despite rumours earlier this year that the company faced closure due to financial strain, the government insists it has turned the situation around. Dr Jayatissa stated that over the past nine months, coordinated intervention has transformed the facility into a profit-making venture, silencing critics who had questioned the company’s viability.

“Thanks to robust leadership and a commitment to accountability, we now have over 230 staff members working across a streamlined operation that has already contributed upwards of Rs. 300 million to the national Treasury,” the minister remarked.

Chairman Aththanayake noted that new products are also being introduced to expand the nutritional brand’s appeal, including a calorie-rich “Suposha Bar” available in multiple variants, including cupcakes. These new items are currently being sold at the flagship outlet in Ja-Ela, with nationwide availability to follow as part of the retail expansion drive.

July 06, Colombo (LNW): Residents in numerous parts of Sri Lanka’s Gampaha District are set to experience a 12-hour interruption to their water supply on Monday (07), due to planned infrastructure maintenance.

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has issued a public notice confirming the suspension, which will take place between 8:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m.

The temporary disruption will affect a wide stretch of areas, including the towns and suburbs under the jurisdiction of the Peliyagoda, Wattala, Ja-Ela, and Katunayake-Seeduwa Urban Councils.

Additionally, water services will be unavailable across several Pradeshiya Sabha regions, namely Kelaniya, Biyagama, Mahara, Dompe, Katana, Minuwangoda, and Gampaha.

According to the NWSDB, the shutdown is necessary to enable critical maintenance and upgrade work at the Sapugaskanda Grid Substation—an essential hub in the region’s utility infrastructure.

July 06, Colombo (LNW): In an extensive overnight crackdown across several urban areas in western Sri Lanka, security forces apprehended more than 300 individuals suspected of engaging in criminal activity.

The coordinated operation, which unfolded on the night of July 04, targeted the localities of Kandana, Ja-Ela, Wattala, and Ragama—regions flagged in recent weeks due to an uptick in lawlessness and drug-related violence.

This large-scale effort was carried out under the supervision of the Ministry of Public Security and drew on combined manpower from the Sri Lanka Police, Special Task Force (STF), the Sri Lanka Army, and the Sri Lanka Navy.

Authorities described the mission as a strategic intervention in areas deemed high-risk due to escalating reports of gang activity, drug trafficking, and violent altercations.

Amongst those taken into custody were individuals allegedly connected to narcotics distribution networks, as well as several wanted in connection with prior offences ranging from theft to assault.

A cache of illicit substances and several unregistered motorcycles and weapons were also recovered during the sweep, according to preliminary reports.

July 06, 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, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (06).

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 (35-45) 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 (55-60) 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 (45-50) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast 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 very 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 may be fairly rough at times.

The wave height (about 2.0–2.5 m) may increase in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam 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.

AliExpress, the global e-commerce platform owned by China’s Alibaba Group, has announced the suspension of several low-cost shipping options to Sri Lanka and Pakistan, citing changes in customs duty regulations introduced by both governments. The suspension, effective from July 7, 2025, has stirred concern among online shoppers and small businesses relying on affordable imports.

In a notice to its global network of sellers, AliExpress stated that logistics routes to Sri Lanka and Pakistan will now be processed offline. Sellers will no longer be able to select certain budget-friendly shipping methods when dispatching goods to these countries. The change primarily affects small parcel shipments, which were a popular means of purchasing inexpensive consumer items ranging from electronics accessories to fashion goods.

The move follows customs reform initiatives introduced by both nations in an effort to strengthen revenue collection and protect domestic industries. In Sri Lanka’s case, the government has replaced its previous flat-rate import duty system with a more structured model that calculates taxes based on the Harmonized System (HS) code—an internationally standardized system for classifying traded products.

Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Chathuranga Abeysinghe addressed the public concern on social media, clarifying that no new tax has been introduced. Instead, the revision aims to close loopholes in the old system. Under the previous structure, a parcel under 1 kg could be cleared with a duty of just Rs. 800—or sometimes even free—if undervalued invoices were presented. This resulted in substantial tax revenue losses and unfair advantages for foreign imports over local products.

The updated policy now evaluates each item based on its true nature and value using the HS Code, ensuring a more transparent and equitable taxation system. Abeysinghe also emphasized that customers will not be required to visit customs offices in person, as courier services will continue to manage clearance and delivery processes.

While the policy shift is intended to curb tax evasion and support local manufacturing, AliExpress’s decision to suspend its low-cost shipping has raised uncertainty in the online shopping community. Many Sri Lankan consumers, especially students and young entrepreneurs, had grown dependent on the platform’s affordable and accessible product range.

To ease concerns, the Sri Lankan government has pledged to introduce fair exemptions for educational, medical, and research-related imports, ensuring essential sectors are not adversely affected by the reform.

The coming weeks will reveal whether other e-commerce giants will follow AliExpress’s lead or adapt to the new regulatory landscape in Sri Lanka.

As Sri Lanka continues to grapple with its worst economic crisis in decades, the country has taken another step forward in managing its crippling debt burden. In a significant development, Sri Lanka signed a bilateral agreement with Hungarian Export Credit Insurance PLC to reschedule loans worth around €30 million (approximately Rs. 10.5 billion), as part of its broader external debt restructuring programme.

This move comes at a critical time when Sri Lanka is striving to rebuild its economy while juggling foreign debt obligations that have ballooned over the years. Hungary, though a relatively small creditor in the global landscape, has played a supportive role in recent years by funding several infrastructure and technology-linked projects in Sri Lanka. These include investments in water treatment, education technology, and urban development, further solidifying diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.

The Finance Ministry described the agreement as further evidence of the Government’s commitment to concluding the debt restructuring process swiftly to ensure long-term debt sustainability and support national economic recovery. The agreement with Hungary follows the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Official Creditor Committee (OCC), a grouping of bilateral lenders, including major economies such as Japan, India, and France.

Under the new agreement, Hungarian Export Credit Insurance PLC will extend debt relief to Sri Lanka by rescheduling the outstanding liabilities. This relief is expected to offer the island nation some breathing space as it struggles with tight foreign reserves, inflation, and fiscal constraints.

The official signing was held recently, with Finance, Planning, and Economic Development Ministry Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma representing the Sri Lankan Government. On behalf of the Hungarian side, Györgyi Rehoregh, Director of Foreign Corporate Risk Management and Claims and Recoveries, and Dr. Adrienn Hegyi Szénásiné, Head of the same directorate, participated in the formalization of the deal.

Officials noted that beyond easing Sri Lanka’s debt obligations, the agreement marks a positive step in deepening the bilateral relationship between the two countries. Hungary has expressed a continued interest in expanding its cooperation with Sri Lanka, especially in sectors such as renewable energy, water purification, and education technology.

With the IMF-backed debt restructuring programme underway and multiple bilateral talks in progress, Sri Lanka is hoping for a comprehensive resolution that can eventually restore investor confidence and economic stability. The deal with Hungary is a smaller yet symbolically important milestone in this broader path to recovery.