April 03, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya has underscored the urgent need to safeguard the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, calling it a heritage site of universal value.

Speaking at an international expert conference co-hosted by UNESCO and the Sri Lankan government, she highlighted the importance of conservation efforts in preserving the island’s rich cultural legacy.

In her address, the Prime Minister reflected on Sri Lanka’s ancient civilisations, particularly the kingdoms of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, which she described as extraordinary testaments to an advanced hydraulic society with refined artistic and architectural traditions.

She also acknowledged UNESCO’s pivotal role in preserving the country’s Cultural Triangle since the 1980s, reinforcing the enduring partnership between Sri Lanka and the organisation.

Drawing on historical transformations, she noted how Anuradhapura had been deeply affected by the civil conflict in the 1990s, reshaping the city’s landscape and cultural dynamics.

Today, the challenge lies in maintaining its sacred essence whilst accommodating the needs of its residents and the influx of tourists. “Anuradhapura is more than a national treasure; it belongs to the world,” she stated, emphasising the city’s significance as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Recent archaeological findings suggest that Anuradhapura’s origins may date as far back as 900 BCE, highlighting its historical depth. The Prime Minister stressed the role of history and archaeology in fostering cultural understanding and promoting shared heritage, but acknowledged the complexities of balancing conservation with urban development.

Looking ahead, she outlined the government’s vision to develop Anuradhapura, Jaffna, and Kandy as heritage cities, each representing distinct facets of Sri Lankan identity.

She called for sustained global collaboration, expertise, and financial support to ensure that conservation strategies remain adaptable and resilient.

In the face of climate change, economic disparities, and shifting geopolitical landscapes, she reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to working alongside UNESCO to implement innovative yet tradition-conscious policies.

“This is not just about Sri Lanka’s past; it is about securing the future of world heritage,” she concluded.

April 03, Colombo (LNW): The Committee on Parliamentary Business has scheduled a resolution for debate in Parliament on April 08, calling for the appointment of a Committee of Inquiry to assess the removal of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon from his position.

The decision, made during a meeting chaired by Speaker Dr Jagath Wickramaratne, marks a significant development in the ongoing scrutiny of the country’s top police official.

The resolution, if approved, will pave the way for a formal investigation into Tennakoon’s conduct and determine whether grounds exist for his dismissal, according to the Communications Department of Parliament.

Whilst specific allegations prompting the move have not been detailed, his tenure has been marred by controversy, with critics accusing him of misconduct and political bias.

In addition to the scheduled debate on Tennakoon’s position, Parliament is set to convene on April 08, 09, and 10 to address other legislative matters.

April 03, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan authorities have announced temporary road closures in Colombo on April 04 and 05 due to the official visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The closures, aimed at ensuring security and smooth logistical arrangements, will affect several key routes, including the Colombo-Katunayake Expressway and Baseline Road.

According to police, traffic restrictions will be enforced intermittently between 6 pm and 10 pm on April 04, potentially affecting travel to and from Bandaranaike International Airport.

Travellers are advised to reschedule their journeys or use alternative routes to avoid disruptions.

On April 05, road closures will also be implemented in key areas such as Galle Face, Independence Square, and the Apegama precinct in Battaramulla.

Motorists using these roads will be redirected to alternative routes to minimise congestion and ensure public convenience.

Authorities have urged the public to plan their travel accordingly and cooperate with security personnel to facilitate the smooth execution of diplomatic protocols.

April 03, Colombo (LNW): Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that he will undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka from April 04 to 06, with a focus on strengthening the longstanding ties between the two nations.

His visit follows the recent high-profile trip of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to India, during which both countries reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation across multiple sectors.

In a statement issued ahead of his tour, which also includes a stop in Thailand, Prime Minister Modi emphasised that the visit to Colombo would provide an opportunity to assess the progress made on key bilateral initiatives.

He highlighted the importance of reviewing the implementation of the joint vision, Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future, which aims to enhance collaboration in economic development, security, and cultural exchanges.

The Indian leader expressed optimism that the visit would build on the achievements of past engagements and pave the way for further strengthening diplomatic and economic ties.

He reiterated that fostering a closer relationship between India and Sri Lanka would not only benefit both countries but also contribute to stability and growth in the wider region.

My visit to Sri Lanka will take place from the 4th till the 6th. This visit comes after the successful visit of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to India. We will review the multifaceted India-Sri Lanka friendship and discuss newer avenues of cooperation. I look forward to the…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 3, 2025

April 03, Colombo (LNW): The Election Commission has received close to 700,000 applications for postal voting ahead of the upcoming Local Government (LG) Elections, marking a significant demand for early voting options.

The application window, which opened on March 03, officially closed on March 17, allowing eligible voters to submit requests for mail-in ballots.

As preparations for the elections progress, the Commission has also announced that it is in the final stages of compiling data on public officials assigned for election duties.

Ensuring an adequate workforce for election management remains a key priority, as authorities work to finalise logistical arrangements.

Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake has called on any public officials who have yet to submit their required details to do so without delay.

These individuals must forward their information, accompanied by formal recommendations from their respective institutional heads, to the District Election Office in their area.

April 03, Colombo (LNW): The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has identified 22 former Ministers and Members of Parliament who received funds from the President’s Fund between 2008 and 2024.

The revelation has raised serious questions about the disbursement of public money and the transparency of financial allocations within government institutions.

According to Sri Lanka Police, the CID is now moving to secure a court order from the Fort Magistrate’s Court to access cheque details related to these transactions.

Investigators are focusing on determining whether the funds were utilised for legitimate purposes or if there were irregularities in their allocation.

The President’s Fund, originally established to provide financial assistance for medical treatment, education, and welfare projects, has long faced scrutiny over allegations of mismanagement.

This latest development has intensified concerns about potential misuse, particularly if political figures received payments without clear justification.

Whilst authorities have not yet disclosed the names of the individuals implicated, legal experts suggest that if wrongdoing is found, those involved could face serious legal consequences.

Meanwhile, opposition politicians and civil society organisations have called for a thorough and impartial investigation to ensure accountability in the handling of public funds.

April 03, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Southern, Eastern and Northern provinces, with showers or thundershowers being expected to occur at several places elsewhere of the island during the afternoon or night, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (03).

Fairly heavy rainfall of above 75 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Central, North-western Uva and North-central provinces.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Kurunegala districts during the morning.

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: