May 26, Colombo (LNW): New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, currently on an official visit to Sri Lanka, has welcomed the island nation’s application to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a significant move in Sri Lanka’s efforts to deepen its engagement with the wider Asia-Pacific economic framework.

During his visit, Mr Peters met with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, with whom he engaged in wide-ranging discussions encompassing bilateral trade, investment prospects, regional security, and development cooperation. The two leaders underscored the importance of fostering mutually beneficial partnerships, with a particular focus on sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and public health.

The New Zealand delegation, led by Mr Peters—who also serves as Minister of Foreign Affairs—arrived in Sri Lanka on Saturday. The visit aims to build upon the enduring relationship between the two countries, rooted in shared values, regional collaboration, and longstanding development partnerships.

In a formal statement issued during the visit, Mr Peters highlighted the legacy of cooperation between the two nations, particularly in areas of food security, disaster response, and community resilience. He also announced the launch of a new bilateral initiative, the Sustainable Water and Livelihoods project, which is set to enhance both health and income outcomes for farming communities in Sri Lanka.

Mr Peters noted that “increasing engagement by New Zealand enterprises in Sri Lanka reflects a growing confidence in the country’s potential.” He indicated that New Zealand firms are eyeing opportunities across a number of sectors, with new ventures expected to generate tangible benefits for Sri Lankan partners and communities.

The discussions also touched upon institutional cooperation between the two governments, particularly in the areas of food safety, border control, and regulatory frameworks. Peters stressed the value of harmonised standards in facilitating smoother trade and greater market access for Sri Lankan exports.

Acknowledging the broader geopolitical climate, both parties exchanged views on the Indo-Pacific region’s evolving security dynamics. They reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration in immigration, customs, policing, and defence—pillars seen as essential to regional stability.

As part of the visit, New Zealand reaffirmed its educational and professional development support for Sri Lanka. Several short-term trade policy training opportunities will be extended to Sri Lankan officials under the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme, further deepening institutional linkages.

Mr Peters also made a point to celebrate the cultural and sporting ties between the two nations, praising the camaraderie and competitive spirit shown during a recent visit by New Zealand’s under-85kg men’s rugby team. He expressed hope for more such exchanges on both the rugby and cricket fields, involving men’s and women’s teams alike.

Concluding his remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Peters extended his appreciation to the Sri Lankan government for the warm welcome extended to his delegation, expressing optimism for a strengthened partnership built on mutual respect and shared ambition.

May 26, Colombo (LNW): Former Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage has been granted bail following his recent arrest in connection with a controversial fertiliser procurement deal that took place during a previous government.

The case centres around the importation of an allegedly substandard batch of organic fertiliser from a Chinese supplier in 2021—a transaction that has since drawn scrutiny over its handling and transparency.

The Colombo Chief Magistrate, Thanuja Lakmali, issued the bail order after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and the defence earlier today. The court decided to release Aluthgamage on a cash bail of Rs. 50,000, in addition to five surety bonds valued at Rs. 1 million each. As part of the conditions, two of the guarantors must be close relatives of the accused.

In a move reflecting the gravity of the allegations, the court also imposed a travel ban on the former minister and ordered the surrender of his passport. Furthermore, Aluthgamage has been strictly warned against attempting to contact or influence any witnesses involved in the investigation. He has also been instructed to fully cooperate with the ongoing legal proceedings.

The former minister was brought before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court by prison officials this morning, following his surrender on May 19 in response to an arrest warrant issued earlier that week.

The warrant had been granted upon a request by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABIC), which is probing suspected irregularities in the fertiliser procurement process during Aluthgamage’s time in office.

His legal team had previously sought anticipatory bail, expressing concern that he could be taken into custody as the corruption inquiry progressed. The court initially remanded him pending further submissions from the Bribery Commission.

May 26, Colombo (LNW): A solemn farewell is underway in Colombo as crowds gather at Independence Square to pay their final respects to one of Sri Lanka’s most beloved cinematic icons, Malini Fonseka, who passed away on May 24 at the age of 78.

The revered actress, known affectionately as the “Queen of Sinhala Cinema,” breathed her last while undergoing medical treatment at a private hospital in the capital. Her passing has sent waves of grief across the country, with fans, colleagues, and dignitaries mourning the loss of a towering figure in Sri Lanka’s cultural and artistic heritage.

Her remains were brought to Independence Square earlier today, where the public has been given an opportunity to pay their respects. The viewing will remain open until 3.00 p.m., after which the final rites are scheduled to begin at 3.30 p.m. A number of political figures, fellow artists, and admirers from all walks of life are expected to be in attendance.

In anticipation of the large turnout, police have implemented temporary traffic restrictions in the vicinity. While full road closures are not in effect, movement along Independence Avenue—from the Independence Roundabout to the Ministry of Public Administration Junction—will be limited for approximately 15 minutes to facilitate the funeral procession. Motorists have been advised to expect delays and use alternative routes, particularly on Independence Avenue and Premakeerthi de Alwis Mawatha, where congestion is likely.

Malini Fonseka leaves behind a legacy that spans decades, having starred in over a hundred films and numerous television dramas. Her artistry earned her acclaim both at home and abroad, and she remained an enduring presence in Sri Lanka’s creative landscape well into her later years.

May 26, Colombo (LNW): A sombre cloud has settled over the Wayamba National College of Education in Bingiriya following the tragic death of a second-year student, prompting the Ministry of Education to initiate an urgent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The young woman, originally from Teldeniya in the Kandy district, was found deceased in her dormitory in what authorities suspect to be a case of suicide. The incident has stirred shock and grief among the academic community, with questions arising over the pressures faced by students within the institution.

Friends of the deceased have alleged that the emotional burden inflicted by certain lecturers at the college may have been a contributing factor. They claim that persistent harassment left her deeply distressed, ultimately pushing her beyond her limits.

Her family too has expressed similar concerns, suggesting that psychological strain may have played a key role in her untimely death.

In response to a media inquiry, P.V. Lal Kumara, President of the Wayamba National College of Education, confirmed he had been made aware of the Ministry’s decision to launch an official probe into the matter.

In a show of solidarity and concern, fellow students from the college gathered for a silent protest on May 23. The demonstration, which extended well into the night, called for meaningful and immediate action from the institution’s leadership. Protesters held placards and observed moments of silence, demanding structural changes to ensure student welfare is prioritised and such tragedies are not repeated.

May 26, Colombo (LNW): Motorists in Colombo have been advised to expect temporary traffic disruptions today as the final farewell to legendary actress Malini Fonseka takes place at Independence Square.

The funeral, scheduled with full state honours, will be held from 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm and is expected to draw large crowds, including prominent figures from the arts, politics, and public life.

Authorities have announced that whilst roads in the vicinity will not be entirely closed, vehicle access will be intermittently limited to facilitate the ceremonial proceedings. Police have requested the public to cooperate with traffic officers on duty and urged commuters to use alternate routes where possible to avoid delays.

The late Malini Fonseka, a towering figure in Sri Lankan cinema, passed away in Colombo on Saturday at the age of 78. Her contributions to the silver screen, spanning over five decades and more than 150 films, earned her the title “Queen of Sinhala Cinema”—a title bestowed not merely for her prolific body of work, but for the indelible mark she left on the nation’s cultural landscape.

Her body, which lay in state at the National Film Corporation premises on Sunday for public homage, is set to be transported to Independence Square this morning ahead of the funeral. There, under the fading evening light, the nation will bid farewell to an artist whose work touched generations and brought the stories of Sri Lankan society to life.

By: Isuru Parakrama

May 26, Colombo (LNW): In a significant move for LGBTQIA+ rights in Sri Lanka, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has issued a renewed and strongly-worded appeal to the Ministry of Justice, urging the government to finally repeal sections 365 and 365A of the Penal Code—outdated provisions that criminalise consensual same-sex relationships.

In a formal letter dated 22 May 2025, addressed to Justice and Nation Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, the HRCSL reiterated its longstanding recommendation to eliminate these discriminatory legal relics. Sections 365 and 365A, dating back to colonial times, classify same-sex relations as “unnatural offences” and “acts of gross indecency,” forming the legal backbone for the ongoing persecution and marginalisation of the LGBTQIA+ community in Sri Lanka.

The Commission’s letter follows earlier communications in November 2023 and August 2024, as well as a landmark Supreme Court determination in 2023 that affirmed the constitutionality of a Private Member’s Bill aimed at decriminalising consensual same-sex activity. The Court stated unequivocally that the “removal of criminalisation of intimate acts between consenting adults… would uphold the dignity of human beings” and align with Article 12(1) of the Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law.

Moreover, the HRCSL welcomed the enactment of the Women Empowerment Act, No. 37 of 2024, which explicitly recognises non-discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation—a significant legislative first for Sri Lanka. Similarly, the Assistance to and Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses Act, No. 10 of 2023, considers sexual orientation a potential factor of vulnerability, further reinforcing the legitimacy of LGBTQIA+ protection within the country’s legal framework.

Despite these progressive legal strides, the HRCSL expressed grave concern over the increasing hostility targeting the LGBTQIA+ community. According to the Commission, recent campaigns featuring physical demonstrations, hate speech, and digital misinformation—falsely claiming that decriminalisation equates to the legalisation of same-sex marriage—have created a climate of fear and intimidation.

These actions, often driven by coordinated and organised groups, contradict Sri Lanka’s constitutional commitments and its international obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

The ICCPR’s supervising body has already condemned the criminalisation of same-sex relationships in Sri Lanka as a violation of multiple rights, including protection from torture, the right to privacy, and freedom from discrimination. During Sri Lanka’s Third Universal Periodic Review in 2017 and again in 2023, the government pledged to strengthen protections for LGBTQIA+ individuals—a commitment the HRCSL now insists must be honoured through concrete legal reform.

It urges the Ministry of Justice to adopt the Private Member’s Bill as a government-sponsored legislative initiative, expediting its passage through Parliament. Doing so, the HRCSL argues, would not only fulfil Sri Lanka’s international obligations but also send a powerful message of inclusion and respect for diversity.

In the face of mounting challenges, the HRCSL’s emphasised that equality cannot be conditional, and dignity is not negotiable. Decriminalising consensual same-sex relationships is not about extending special rights—it is about affirming basic human rights for all Sri Lankans.