The Yala season paddy harvest is now in full swing across several areas in the Ampara District, with farmers reporting higher yields compared to previous seasons.
Harvesting is actively underway in the Nintavur, Sammanthurai, Pottuvil, Addalaichenai, Akkaraipattu, Alayadivembu, Thirukkovil, and Irakkamam Divisional Secretariat areas.
Farmers cultivating white rice report average yields of 130 to 140 bushels per acre, while red rice cultivators are recording 100 to 110 bushels per acre. The good weather conditions have contributed to these improved harvest outcomes.
However, the increase in supply has caused paddy prices to decline. Initially, a 66 kg bag of white rice paddy fetched around Rs. 6,500, but prices have now dipped to Rs. 6,200. Similarly, the price of red rice paddy, which started at Rs. 6,900, has decreased to Rs. 6,500 per bag.
The widespread use of combine harvesters, which can harvest 8 to 10 acres per day, has eliminated the need for manual labour in the fields. Several harvesters are now in operation across the district.
Despite the overall success, some areas such as Arakotty and Eripantham reported a decline in yields due to blight and leaf-roll diseases affecting the paddy crops.
Farmers remain optimistic about the season and hope that the yields will help stabilize their livelihoods, even as they contend with market price fluctuations.
The third session of the Joint Committee on Economic and Technical Cooperation between Sri Lanka and Turkiye concluded in Colombo, marking a significant milestone in the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two nations.
The high-level talks focused on deepening cooperation across a wide range of sectors including trade, investment, agriculture, education, maritime affairs, transport, health, tourism, and technology.
The Sri Lankan delegation was led by Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, while the Turkish delegation was headed by Minister of National Education of Turkiye, Yusuf Tekin.
In 2024, bilateral trade between Sri Lanka and Turkiye reached US$257 million, with Sri Lanka’s exports totaling US$137 million and imports from Turkiye amounting to US$120 million. Approximately 70% of Sri Lanka’s exports to Turkiye comprised tea, while other key exports included garments, activated carbon, coconut-based products, and retreaded tires.
Both sides emphasized the need to explore untapped trade potential and improve market access. Special attention was given to leveraging the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) offered by the Turkish Government to boost the competitiveness of Sri Lankan products.
The Committee reviewed opportunities for business-to-business matching, discussed a trade fair calendar, and highlighted the upcoming Sri Lanka Expo 2026, scheduled for June next year, as a key event for trade promotion.
On investment cooperation, both delegations identified promising sectors for targeted promotion, including food processing, renewable energy, ICT, medical devices, and rubber-based products. Collaboration in science, technology, and digital transformation was also underscored as a priority.
Discussions also focused on enhancing logistics and maritime connectivity, with joint interest in R&D collaboration in emerging health technologies. Notably, tourism was highlighted as a growing area of cooperation, with Turkish tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka increasing by 78% in 2024.
Turkish Airlines’ daily operations to Colombo were acknowledged as a key enabler of growing people-to-people and commercial ties.
Both countries agreed on the importance of concluding key bilateral instruments, including the Customs Cooperation Agreement and the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, to facilitate trade, enhance the investment climate, and build investor confidence.
Minister Samarasinghe reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment to an ambitious reform agenda focused on export-led growth, infrastructure development, and digitalization, in line with the national vision of “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life.” He welcomed Turkiye’s continued engagement and support in this effort.
The session concluded with both parties signing an Agreed Report, reaffirming their commitment to advancing cooperation in the identified priority areas.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s unwavering commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with the Republic of Maldives, stating that the two nations will move forward not only as close friends but also as partners united by a common vision and purpose.
He made these remarks during a special state dinner hosted by Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu at Kurumba Maldives Resort on Monday (28), as part of his official state visit.
Addressing the gathering, President Dissanayake expressed his appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by the Government of Maldives and underscored the historical depth of Sri Lanka-Maldives relations.
“This visit reaffirms the enduring friendship, mutual respect, and shared aspirations that unite our two countries. As neighbours in the Indian Ocean, our futures are intertwined,” the President said.
He highlighted the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Sri Lanka and Maldives, calling it a timely and meaningful occasion to reflect on a legacy of goodwill and cooperation.
President Dissanayake recalled Sri Lanka’s role in supporting Maldivian independence in 1965, including hosting the signing of the Maldivian Declaration of Independence in Colombo. He also noted that the national anthem of Maldives was composed by Sri Lankan maestro Pandit W. D. Amaradeva, a fact both countries take pride in.
Reflecting on people-to-people ties, President Dissanayake said:
“We are proud of the thousands of Sri Lankans who have contributed to Maldivian society, especially in education, healthcare, and professional services. Similarly, we value the strong presence of Maldivians in Sri Lanka — whether for education, healthcare, or tourism — as a bridge between our two nations.”
The President also shared a personal anecdote from his Maldivian counterpart, who revealed that both his English and Physics teachers were Sri Lankan. “This shows the human dimension of our relations — built not only on policy but on trust, respect and shared lives,” he added.
Touching on tourism, he noted that the Maldives remains among the top ten countries whose citizens visit Sri Lanka. He extended an invitation to Maldivians to continue discovering Sri Lanka as their “second home.”
Looking ahead, President Dissanayake stressed the importance of enhanced cooperation in areas such as maritime security, blue economy initiatives, and multilateral collaboration, aiming to build a peaceful and sustainable Indian Ocean region.
“I am confident this visit will deepen cooperation, broaden understanding, and elevate the friendship between our two countries to new heights,” he concluded.
The President was accompanied by Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath, along with senior government officials.
Transport Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena announced that the schedule of the Batticaloa night mail train has been revised in an effort to prevent elephant-train collisions, prioritising wildlife safety over operational convenience and revenue.
Speaking to the media yesterday, the Deputy Minister said the departure time from Colombo Fort has been changed from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., aiming to reduce accidents involving elephants, particularly in areas where herds cross railway tracks during nighttime.
“We understand the change may inconvenience passengers and cause financial losses to Sri Lanka Railways, but protecting elephants is imperative,” he stated.
He added that the train engine has been replaced with a power set, which offers wider front visibility for the driver, allowing for earlier detection of elephants on the tracks. “This will help drivers react swiftly and prevent collisions,” he said.
Deputy Minister Gunasena stressed that while the measure may not completely eliminate the problem, it is a crucial step toward ensuring both rail safety and wildlife conservation.
The first Kumbal Perahera of the Kandy Esala Festival will parade the streets of Kandy tonight (July 30), marking the official commencement of the annual cultural and religious celebrations at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
The Perahera will set off from the forecourt of the Sri Dalada Maligawa at 7.05 p.m., proceeding along Dalada Veediya, D.S. Senanayake Street, Pansala Road, Deva Veediya, Colombo Street, Yatinuwara Street, and returning via Raja Veediya.
The Kumbal Perahera will be held for five consecutive nights, culminating in the Randoli Perahera, which begins on August 4.
The highlight of the festival, the final Randoli Perahera, will take place on Nikini Poya Day (August 8), followed by the Diya-Kepuma Mangallaya at the Getambe River the next morning.
The festival will officially conclude with the Day Perahera on August 9, ending one of Sri Lanka’s oldest and most revered cultural traditions.
To ensure security and smooth operations, over 6,000 Police and Armed Forces personnel have been deployed across the Kandy city.
Atmospheric conditions are getting favorable for evening thundershowers in the Northern, North-Central, Uva and Eastern provinces during the next few days.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Northern, North-Central, Central, Uva and Eastern provinces after 1.00 p.m.
A few showers may occur in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.
Fairly strong winds of about 40 kmph can be expected at times over Southern province.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
July 29, Colombo (LNW): As Sri Lanka grapples with multiple high profile legal cases involving prominent political figures, the country is witnessing a dramatic shift in the accountability of its public officials. With allegations ranging from land fraud to the illegal possession of firearms, the courtrooms have become the arena where the dark undercurrents of corruption, political maneuvering, and systemic abuse of power are being laid bare for public scrutiny.
The ongoing trials, involving prominent figures from former State Minister Prasanna Ranaweera to former SLPP MP Janaka Tissa Kuttiarachchi, and former Minister Duminda Dissanayake, expose not just personal wrongdoing, but a much deeper and systemic issue that undermines public trust in the political establishment.
The Kiribathgoda Land Fraud: A Greed-Driven Land Heist
At the epicenter of the unfolding legal drama is former State Minister Prasanna Ranaweera, whose name has become synonymous with one of the most audacious land fraud cases in recent history. The accusations against Ranaweera, alongside his alleged accomplices, involve the illegal transfer of government-owned land in the Kiribathgoda area. This case, still in the early stages, reveals how government property that should have been used for public welfare was instead sold off for private gain.
Ranaweera and his associates stand accused of forging official documentation to make state land appear eligible for sale. The CID investigation claims that around 120 perches of land were fraudulently sold, with half of it retained by the accused, while the remaining portions were sold off in 7 perch plots, allegedly for construction purposes.
What stands out here is not just the audacity of the crime, but the deep-rooted culture of nepotism and corruption that enables such schemes to succeed. The land, intended for a government project to benefit the public, ended up in private hands making this not just a matter of legal breach, but a betrayal of the people’s trust.
As of May 2023, Ranaweera had evaded arrest and disappeared after the arrest of his political ally, Mervyn Silva, who is also implicated in the same fraud. Despite multiple search operations by the CID, Ranaweera remains elusive, highlighting how some politicians manage to evade accountability, even when the evidence against them is mounting.
Ranaweera’s eventual remand until August 04, and the high-profile bail application set for August 21, will be key moments in the saga. Sri Lanka’s legal system must now grapple with a question of political impunity whether the influential can truly be brought to justice or whether their positions will shield them from facing the full force of the law.
The Kuttiarachchi Apology: Political Remarks That Shook the Nation
In a separate case, Janaka Tissa Kuttiarachchi, a former MP from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), found himself in the legal crosshairs after making a series of inflammatory remarks about President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. During a public rally in 2023, Kuttiarachchi alleged that Dissanayake had funneled Rs. 5 billion into Malta-based investments, a claim the President swiftly rejected as baseless and defamatory.
The remarks ignited a firestorm of controversy and culminated in a defamation lawsuit, with Dissanayake seeking Rs. 10 billion in damages. The case became more than just a legal matter,it became a test of political decorum, with the opposition’s rhetoric pushing the boundaries of truth and political strategy.
On July 29, 2023, in an unexpected twist, Kuttiarachchi appeared in court and issued an unconditional apology, acknowledging that his statements were inappropriate and regrettable. The apology came after his legal counsel confirmed that the former MP recognized the harm his words had caused to the President’s reputation.
While the case was settled amicably, it speaks volumes about the political gamesmanship that often defines Sri Lanka’s political discourse. Politicians are frequently quick to sling mud at their rivals, knowing that their words may be exaggerated, but often escape the consequences due to legal loopholes or the slow-moving judicial process.
Kuttiarachchi’s apology may have diffused the situation for now, but the incident raises pertinent questions about the level of accountability for public figures who make defamatory remarks with little evidence. In a country where political tensions run high, such cases only contribute to the fracturing of public trust in the political class.
Duminda Dissanayake and the T-56 Firearm Scandal: A Political Albatross
Perhaps the most bizarre case to surface recently involves Duminda Dissanayake, another former Minister, who found himself embroiled in an investigation over a gold-plated T-56 assault rifle discovered at a prominent apartment complex in Havelock Town.
The rifle was found inside a woman’s travel bag, sparking a Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) probe into the weapon’s ownership. Although the two women initially claimed they had mistakenly carried the firearm, the investigation soon pointed toward Dissanayake. A luxury vehicle associated with the former Minister had reportedly been used to transport the weapon.
In an unexpected turn, the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court later found no direct evidence linking Dissanayake to the firearm, and after several weeks in remand, he was granted bail in July. While the case may seem like an oddity, it underscores a deeper issue: the unfathomable access some political elites have to military-grade weapons and the secrecy that surrounds political dealings.
The Dissanayake case also highlights how evidence can be manipulated or dismissed, leaving the public questioning whether justice is being served or whether powerful figures are simply using the law as a tool for their own protection.
Systemic Corruption and Legal Impunity: A Nation at a Crossroads
Taken together, these cases paint a troubling picture of Sri Lanka’s political landscape. At the heart of each case lies a common thread: the exploitation of power for personal or political gain. Whether it’s land fraud, defamation, or illegal firearms, these incidents underscore the deep-seated corruption that has plagued Sri Lanka’s ruling elite for years.
For many Sri Lankans, these cases are not just isolated events but part of a larger pattern of political impunity. The frequent delays in the judicial process, the lack of swift action in holding the powerful accountable, and the perception that political connections offer protection from the law all contribute to a growing sense of disillusionment with the country’s leadership.
As the legal proceedings continue to unfold, the public’s faith in the political system will be tested. The Kiribathgoda land fraud case, Kuttiarachchi’s defamation lawsuit, and Dissanayake’s firearm investigation are all a microcosm of the broader challenges facing Sri Lanka’s governance.
Will these cases result in genuine reform, or will they be nothing more than another round of political theater? For a nation yearning for transparency, these cases could be the crucible in which Sri Lanka’s commitment to political accountability is either forged or further eroded.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake affirmed that Sri Lanka and the Maldives will not only remain close friends but will also advance as partners united by a common vision and purpose. He made these remarks after attending a special dinner hosted by Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu at the Kurumba Maldives resort last night (28).
President Dissanayake expressed his delight at visiting the beautiful Maldives, a long-standing close friend and regional partner of Sri Lanka and recalled the profound friendship and historical ties between the two nations.
Speaking further at the event, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated:
“I consider it a great honour to visit the beautiful Maldives, a nation that has maintained long-standing relations with us as a close friend and partner of Sri Lanka.
Firstly, I wish to express my gratitude to His Excellency the President and the Government of Maldives for the hospitality extended to me and my delegation. This visit to the Maldives reaffirms the enduring friendship, mutual respect and shared aspirations that unite our two countries.
As neighbouring nations in the Indian Ocean, our future paths are intertwined. Over time, the mutual goodwill, understanding and kinship that have developed between our peoples have created a unique bond. Today, these relations continue to be nourished through diplomacy and active cooperation across various sectors.
This month, we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of strong diplomatic relations between our two countries. This adds significant value to my visit and I truly consider it a privilege to be in the Maldives to celebrate this unique occasion.
The independence of the Maldives in 1965 marked a significant milestone in South Asian history. Sri Lanka takes pride in playing an important role in that historic process by providing the opportunity for the Maldivian Declaration of Independence to be signed in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, it is a source of great pride for us that the melody of independent Maldives’ national anthem was composed by the renowned Sri Lankan maestro, the late Pandit W.D. Amaradeva.
Your Excellency, I firmly believe our partnership is a reflection of regional cooperation among neighbouring states.
Whether it is strengthening maritime security, promoting blue economy initiatives, or collaborating in multilateral forums, Sri Lanka is committed to working with the Maldives to create a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable Indian Ocean region.
His Excellency the President informed me that his English teacher and Physics teacher were both Sri Lankans. I am proud of that.
We are proud of the thousands of Sri Lankans who have contributed to the Maldivian economy and social progress at various levels, or who have imparted knowledge to generations as teachers. We greatly appreciate the respect that Sri Lankans receive in the Maldives. Likewise, we value Maldivians who consider Sri Lanka their second home, whether they are studying in our schools and universities, seeking medical treatment, or enjoying our island’s tourism and hospitality. They are not merely foreigners residing in each other’s countries but bridges connecting our nations.
Tourism is a key component of both our economies. The Maldives ranks among the top ten countries whose citizens choose Sri Lanka as a tourist destination. We are pleased to see an increase in arrivals of Maldivian tourists in recent years. We invite Maldivian tourists to visit Sri Lanka to experience a second home.
Your Excellency, as we look to the future, it is my belief that our two countries will advance closely, not just as friends but as partners united by a common vision and purpose. I am confident that this visit will pave the way for deeper cooperation, broader understanding and an even stronger friendship between our two nations.
I wish you a healthy life and the courage to transform the Maldives into a more prosperous nation!”
The Sri Lankan delegation, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Mr. Vijitha Herath, was also present at the event.
July 29, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan authorities have confirmed that the country remains entirely unaffected by a strong undersea earthquake that struck the Bay of Bengal in the early hours of today.
The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau stated that the seismic event, which registered a magnitude of 6.3 on international monitoring systems, poses no threat to Sri Lanka.
The quake occurred at approximately 12:11 a.m., with its epicentre situated near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a seismically active zone in the Indian Ocean.
According to India’s National Centre for Seismology, the earthquake was recorded at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres beneath the seabed, specifically at coordinates 6.82°N and 93.37°E.
The tremor was followed by several aftershocks, which were felt in nearby regions. However, there have been no reports of damage to property or casualties across the region.
In a formal statement, Deepani Weerakoon, Director General of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau, reassured the public that the tremors did not trigger any seismic activity in Sri Lanka or its surrounding coastal waters.
She also noted that the earthquake’s epicentre was approximately 259 kilometres west-northwest of Sabang, a town in Indonesia’s Aceh province.
July 29, Colombo (LNW): Former Minister Duminda Dissanayake has been formally discharged from legal proceedings related to the discovery of a gold-plated T56 assault rifle, following a ruling by the Mt. Lavinia Magistrate’s Court.
The court determined that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with the case, resulting in Dissanayake’s release from all charges. The decision brings an end to several weeks of legal uncertainty for the former minister, who had previously been held in remand custody before being granted bail last week.
The case, which drew considerable media and public attention due to the nature of the weapon involved, revolved around allegations that Dissanayake had links to the possession or concealment of the gold-plated firearm.
However, during court proceedings, investigators failed to establish a direct connection between the former minister and the weapon in question.
