March 30, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Examinations has announced that the marking of answer scripts for the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary Level (O/L) examination will commence on April 01.
This extensive process is set to take place across 1,066 designated evaluation centres and will involve the participation of approximately 16,000 teachers.
The first phase of the assessment will run from April 01 to 10, ensuring a systematic and efficient grading process.
The O/L examinations for this year were conducted from March 17 to 27, with thousands of students sitting for the crucial assessments.
In a related development, the Department of Examinations has confirmed that the results of the 2024 GCE Advanced Level (A/L) examination will be published before April 20.
March 30, Colombo (LNW): The government has taken steps to expand its elderly allowance scheme, increasing the number of recipients to one million eligible individuals.
This move aims to provide greater financial support to senior citizens facing economic hardship.
Deputy Minister of Rural Development, Social Security, and Community Empowerment, Wasantha Piyatissa, confirmed that discussions are already underway to implement the expansion.
The decision is expected to address growing concerns about the financial struggles of the elderly population, particularly in the face of rising living costs.
March 30, Colombo (LNW): The Israeli Embassy has issued an urgent warning about an elaborate scam targeting individuals working in Israel on refugee visas, with fraudsters falsely promising legal visa conversions in exchange for money.
Sri Lankan Ambassador to Israel, Nimal Bandara, has stressed that such transactions cannot take place without the official involvement of the Israeli Embassy.
He urged workers to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
According to reports, the scammers have been demanding payments as high as Rs. 1.5 million from certain individuals, with some victims already having paid significant sums as advance payments.
The operation appears to be preying on the vulnerabilities of those seeking legal residency, exploiting their aspirations for financial gain.
The Embassy has strongly advised the public against making any payments to unauthorised individuals or groups claiming to facilitate visa conversions.
Authorities have also encouraged victims or those aware of such fraudulent activities to report them immediately, warning that legal action will be taken against those responsible for the deception.
March 30, Colombo (LNW): The Election Commission has disclosed that it has received a total of 180 complaints related to the forthcoming Local Government election, highlighting concerns over electoral conduct and adherence to regulations.
According to an official statement, these complaints were lodged between 20 and 28 March, with the majority concerning breaches of election laws.
Of the reported cases, 179 involve violations of electoral regulations, while one incident has been classified as an act of violence.
The Commission further noted that efforts have been made to swiftly address these grievances, with 133 complaints already resolved.
Meanwhile, authorities are actively working on the remaining 47 cases to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.
The Commission has urged all political parties, candidates, and the public to adhere strictly to electoral laws and report any further irregularities.
March 30, World (LNW): A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday (28), leading to widespread destruction and a rapidly rising death toll.
As of Sunday morning, over 1,600 fatalities have been reported in Myanmar, with more than 3,400 individuals injured.
The epicentre was near Mandalay, the nation’s second-largest city, which has suffered extensive damage to infrastructure, including collapsed buildings, bridges, and roads.
In neighbouring Thailand, the tremors were felt as far as Bangkok, approximately 1,000 kilometres from the epicentre. The Thai capital experienced significant damage, notably the collapse of a 33-storey skyscraper under construction near the Chatuchak market.
This incident resulted in at least 10 confirmed deaths, with up to 100 workers still unaccounted for as rescue operations continue.
The disaster has exacerbated existing challenges in Myanmar, a country already grappling with civil unrest and economic hardships. The military-led government has declared a state of emergency across six regions and, in a rare move, appealed for international assistance.
Countries including China, India, Russia, and members of the European Union have responded, dispatching rescue teams and humanitarian aid to the affected areas.
Rescue efforts are being hampered by damaged infrastructure and ongoing political instability. In Mandalay, survivors are attempting to locate and assist those trapped beneath the rubble, often without adequate equipment.
International aid is beginning to arrive, with teams from China and India delivering medical supplies, tents, and other relief materials.
The United Nations has allocated an emergency fund of $5 million to support relief operations, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The World Health Organisation has also expressed concern over the “very, very big threat to life and health,” as hospitals and health facilities have sustained extensive damage, leading to a severe shortage of medical supplies.
In Thailand, authorities have mobilised over 100 engineers to inspect buildings for safety across Bangkok following more than 2,000 reports of damage. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate survivors amidst the debris, with the Bangkok Governor emphasising the importance of swift action to save lives.
The earthquake has also highlighted the vulnerability of immigrant workers, many from Myanmar, who were among those most affected by the disaster at the Bangkok construction site. Efforts are underway to provide support and assistance to all those impacted by this tragic event.
With the situation continuing to evolve, authorities in both countries are urging residents to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, and the death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations proceed.
March 30, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Navy abduction case, involving the alleged kidnapping and disappearance of 11 youths in 2008 and 2009, has been marked by political interference and legal obstacles, leaving victims’ families frustrated and desperate for justice.
The case, often referred to as the “Navy 11 Case,” highlights the abuse of power and the culture of impunity surrounding high-ranking military officials involved in grave human rights violations.
The youths, mostly from Colombo and surrounding areas, were abducted by Navy personnel, allegedly for ransom. Some victims were returned after ransom payments, but others disappeared without a trace. One of the youths, who had been in contact with his parents for almost two years after his abduction, stopped calling in May 2011. Among the victims was a Navy informant, Mohammed Ali Anwar, who also went missing.
However,the case first came to light after a police investigation in 2009, which led to the arrest of several Navy officers, including former Navy Commander Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda.
In 2019, after years of investigation by the International Truth and Justice Project, 14 naval officers, including former Navy Commander Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda, were indicted on charges ranging from conspiracy and abduction to extortion and murder. However, the case has been marred by political influence, with the Attorney General’s Department and government officials hindering the legal process. In 2021, charges against Admiral Karannagoda were dropped, and he was appointed as the Governor of the North Western Province, despite his direct involvement in the abduction case.
This decision sparked outrage among the families of the disappeared. Britto Fernando, the head of the Families of the Disappeared, lamented that their pleas for justice had been ignored for over a decade, with no progress in the legal proceedings. Fernando criticized the political protection that Karannagoda has received, stating, “We think he is being treated differently because of his political affiliations.”
The lack of action on this case has attracted attention from international organizations. Amnesty International has expressed concern over the delays in bringing the accused to trial, emphasizing the importance of ensuring accountability for crimes under international law. Yamini Mishra, Amnesty’s Asia-Pacific Director, stated, “This case has already been beset by obstacles in Sri Lankan courts, and today’s decision pushes justice further out of reach for the families of victims.”
In early 2023, the U.S. government imposed a travel ban on Admiral Karannagoda, citing his involvement in serious human rights violations, including the abduction case. Despite this international condemnation, the legal system in Sri Lanka continues to struggle to hold him and others accountable.
The ongoing legal battle has faced additional setbacks, including the recent recusal of two Supreme Court judges from hearing the case. Justices Dilip Nawaz and Priyantha Fernando withdrew from the case, citing personal reasons, further delaying the resolution. The petition challenging Karannagoda’s involvement in the abduction case will now be heard by a new bench of the Court of Appeal in September 2025.
Amid the delays, the victims’ families continue to demand justice, staging protests and writing letters to foreign diplomatic missions, urging international support to hold the perpetrators accountable. Jennifer Weerasinghe, mother of one of the victims, poignantly expressed the despair of the families: “Our only request is for the magistrate to hear the case before we die.”
As the legal system remains gridlocked, the victims’ families remain determined to see justice served, despite the obstacles posed by political connections and entrenched impunity within Sri Lanka’s power structures.
March 30, Colombo (LNW): A man arrested on suspicion of assisting suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon in evading authorities has been granted bail by the court.
The suspect was released on a surety bond of Rs. 1 million following legal proceedings earlier yesterday (29).
Meanwhile, a police constable, who was also taken into custody for allegedly aiding Tennakoon’s concealment, is set to be produced before the Matara Magistrate’s Court.
Investigators are continuing their inquiries into the network that facilitated the former police chief’s disappearance.
Tennakoon had been on the run for nearly 20 days after an arrest warrant was issued in connection with a shooting incident near the W15 Hotel in Weligama’s Pelena area on December 31, 2023.
He ultimately surrendered to the court on March 19 and was subsequently remanded in custody until April 03. He is currently being held at Dumbara Prison in Kandy.
The case has drawn widespread public and legal scrutiny, as Tennakoon is among eight police officers for whom the Matara Magistrate’s Court had previously issued arrest warrants.
The group, including former officers of the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD), is facing allegations linked to the violent incident in Weligama.
March 30, Colombo (LNW): Attorney-at-Law Rajeev Amarasuriya was officially sworn in as the 29th President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) on Saturday (29), marking a significant milestone in his distinguished legal career.
His appointment follows his victory in the BASL election held on February 19, 2025, where he was elected to lead the country’s most influential legal body.
Amarasuriya, who previously served as the Secretary of BASL, brings extensive experience in appellate court practice, specialising in public law and a broad range of civil litigation areas, including contractual disputes, commercial law, property matters, taxation, and banking law. His expertise has earned him prominent roles in both state and private sector institutions.
He currently holds key positions, serving as a Board/Committee Member of the Sri Lanka Accounting and Auditing Standards Monitoring Board and the Standing Committee of Legal Studies of the University Grants Commission.
Additionally, he is a Council Member of the University of Colombo and represents Sri Lanka in the Commonwealth Legal Education Association.
His contributions to international legal forums extend to LAWASIA, where he serves on the Executive Committee.
Over the years, Amarasuriya has held several influential positions, including as a member of the Council of Legal Education of Sri Lanka, a former Commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka, and a member of the Board of Governors of the Sri Lanka National Arbitration Centre.
He also played a key role as the Immediate Past President of the Alumni Association of the University of Colombo.
His academic credentials are equally impressive, holding a Law Degree from the University of Colombo while being an Attorney-at-Law of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka.
He is also a Fellow Member of both the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) UK and the Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka.
Furthering his leadership and policy expertise, he completed an Executive Education programme at the Harvard Kennedy School and was recognised as an AFGG – Raisina Fellow in April 2022.
Amarasuriya’s contributions to the legal and financial sectors have been widely recognised. He was awarded the CIMA Star Gold Award in 2013 as the most outstanding CIMA member under 40 and was later named a CIMA – LMD Trailblazer in 2021 for his exemplary leadership.
Further cementing his standing in Sri Lanka’s governance and regulatory landscape, he was appointed to the Governing Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) on 31 January 2024.
March 30, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Uva provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya and Ampara districts after 2.00 p.m.
Fairly heavy showers about 50 mm can be expected at some places in Southern province and in Rathnapura district.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Galle, Matara and 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:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers are likely at a few places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Pottuvil via Galle and Hambantota during the evening or night.
Winds:
Winds will be variable in direction and wind speed will be (20-30)kmph.
State of Sea:
Sea areas around the island will be slight to moderate. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
March 29, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of External Affairs of India has issued an official statement outlining Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka next week.
Issuing a statement, India’ External Affairs Ministry said that at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Thailand Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Bangkok, Thailand from 3 – 4 April 2025 to participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit to be held on 4 April 2025, hosted by Thailand, the current BIMSTEC Chair, and for an official visit.
This will be the Indian Prime Minister’s third visit to Thailand, the statement added.
Furthermore, the statement highlighted that this would be the first physical meeting of the BIMSTEC Leaders since the 4th BIMSTEC Summit in Kathmandu, Nepal in 2018. The last i.e. 5th BIMSTEC Summit was held at Colombo, Sri Lanka in March 2022 in virtual format. The 6th Summit’s theme is “BIMSTEC – Prosperous, Resilient and Open”.
The Leaders are expected to deliberate on ways and means to infuse greater momentum to BIMSTEC cooperation during the Summit, it added.
From Thailand, the Indian Prime Minister will travel to Sri Lanka on a State Visit from 4 – 6 April 2025, at the invitation of the President of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
During the visit, the Indian Prime Minister will hold discussions with the President of Sri Lanka to review progress made on the areas of cooperation agreed upon in the Joint Vision for “Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future,” adopted during the Sri Lankan President’s state visit to India, the statement said.
Modi will also have meetings with senior dignitaries and political leaders. As part of the visit, the Indian Prime Minister will also travel to Anuradhapura for inauguration of development projects implemented with Indian financial assistance.
The Indian Prime Minister last visited Sri Lanka in 2019. Earlier, the President of Sri Lanka paid a state visit to India as his first visit abroad after assuming office. India and Sri Lanka share civilizational bonds with strong cultural and historic links. This visit is part of regular high level engagements between the countries and will lend further momentum in deepening the multi-faceted partnership between India and Sri Lanka, the Indian External Affairs Ministry said.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka, and his participation in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit will reaffirm India’s commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, ‘Act East’ policy, ‘MAHASAGAR’ (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision, and vision of the Indo-Pacific, the statement added.
