Galle, Sri Lanka – The entrance to the Heritage City of Galle, accessed via the Southern Expressway, has become a significant concern due to unauthorized activities that have obstructed access. This situation is not only tarnishing the image of one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful cities but is also causing considerable distress to tourists and locals alike.

The picturesque city of Galle, renowned for its stunning architecture, rich history, and breathtaking views, is facing an unprecedented challenge. Tourists hoping to explore the charming streets of Galle and visit the historic Galle Fort are met with barriers that hinder their journey. The lack of pedestrian access, coupled with the absence of designated crossings, poses a serious risk to the safety and enjoyment of visitors.

Moreover, the disruption has severely impacted access to the bay for recreational activities such as windsurfing, further deterring tourists and locals who seek to engage in these exciting water sports. The beauty of Galle’s bay, a major attraction for both leisure and adventure seekers, is overshadowed by the logistical difficulties created by these unauthorized activities.

This situation underscores the importance of the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, which aims to promote cleaner, safer, and more accessible environments for all citizens and visitors. Addressing the current obstacles at the Heritage City entrance directly aligns with the goals of this initiative, enhancing the overall experience of those who wish to explore our cultural treasures.

We urge local authorities to take immediate action to address these pressing issues:

1. Enforce Action Against Unauthorized Activities: Swift enforcement is needed to remove barriers blocking access to the city, restoring the integrity of the entrance for all.
2. Establish Safe Pedestrian Pathways: Creating pedestrian crossings and pathways will ensure safe navigation for tourists and residents traveling between Unawatuna and Galle Fort, allowing them to enjoy the stunning coastal views.
3. Enhance Access to Water Sports: Developing infrastructure that facilitates easy access to the bay for water sports enthusiasts will revitalize interest in these activities and attract more visitors.
4. Engage Local Stakeholders: Involving community members and local businesses in the planning and implementation process will foster a sense of ownership and ensure sustainable solutions.

The current state of the Heritage City entrance is a call to action for all responsible authorities. By addressing these barriers to access, we can enhance the visitor experience and protect the cultural heritage and natural beauty that make Galle a unique destination.

Let us work together to restore the charm of Galle as part of the broader “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, ensuring it remains a welcoming place for all who wish to explore its wonders.

By: Isuru Parakrama

March 31, Colombo (LNW): In a move to alleviate financial pressure on low-income earners, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) of Sri Lanka has introduced a new procedure allowing resident individuals to claim relief from the 10 per cent Advance Income Tax (AIT) deduction on interest income.

The announcement, detailed in Circular No. SEC/2025/E/03 dated March 28, 2025, targets those whose assessable income falls below Rs. 1.8 million annually and who earn interest from banks or financial institutions.

Under the new guidelines, eligible individuals can submit a self-declaration to their bank or financial institution to request that AIT not be deducted from their interest payments.

If the institution cannot refund the deducted AIT, individuals must claim a refund directly from the IRD. The circular, issued following instructions from the Treasury, is part of a broader effort to support low-income savers, with formal amendments to the Inland Revenue Act, No. 24 of 2017, expected to be passed in Parliament.

The self-declaration process applies to the year of assessment starting from April 01 of the previous year and ending on 31 March of the following year—a 12-month period.

For the 2025/2026 assessment year, this covers April 01, 2025 to March 31, 2026. The IRD has developed a software program to verify the accuracy of these declarations, ensuring that if a declaration is found to be invalid, the bank will deduct the AIT, and any related issues will be addressed through tax officials.

The circular specifies that all information provided in the self-declaration must be accurate and justifiable when questioned by tax officials. Non-compliance, incomplete, or fraudulent declarations will result in the declarant being denied relief from AIT, with penalties potentially imposed under Section 181 of the Inland Revenue Act.

Additionally, banks and financial institutions will collect the declarations, which will be verified by the Commissioner General of Inland Revenue to ensure accuracy.

Resident individuals can obtain copies of the self-declaration form from their bank, financial institution, or the nearest Inland Revenue Regional or Metro Office. For further assistance, the IRD has advised contacting the Inland Revenue Call Centre at 1944.

The circular also provides examples to illustrate eligibility. For instance, a retired accountant with an assessable income of Rs. 1,656,000, including a government pension and interest income, qualifies for the relief.

However, a 50-year-old private bank employee with an assessable income of Rs. 4,744,000, including employment and agricultural income, exceeds the threshold and must have AIT deducted.

The IRD has also outlined specific conditions for eligibility: individuals must be Sri Lankan residents, receive interest from banks or financial institutions, and have an assessable income not exceeding Rs. 1.8 million for the relevant year. Joint account holders must submit separate declarations, and guardians can submit on behalf of minors. The IRD advises downloading the form exclusively from its official website (www.ird.gov.lk) to ensure authenticity.

Commissioner General of Inland Revenue, Rukdevi P.H. Fernando, emphasised the importance of accurate declarations, warning that any discrepancies could lead to penalties.

“This measure is designed to support those with limited income, but it relies on the integrity of the self-declaration process,” Fernando stated.

With the new system in place, the IRD aims to provide much-needed financial relief to low-income savers while ensuring compliance with tax regulations.

March 31, Colombo (LNW): Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has extended his heartfelt Eid-ul-Fitr wishes to the Muslim community, acknowledging the deep spiritual and cultural significance of Ramadan.

In his message, he highlighted the importance of this sacred month, which culminates in the joyous festivities of Eid after nearly a month of fasting and devotion.

Premadasa underscored Ramadan as a period of profound faith, self-discipline, and perseverance, during which millions around the world engage in daily fasting for approximately 14 hours.

He noted that beyond its religious observance, Ramadan fosters essential values such as generosity, compassion, and equality—principles that are vital for building a stronger, more inclusive society.

Reflecting on Sri Lanka’s current economic and social challenges, the Opposition Leader expressed his belief that the lessons of Ramadan offer guidance in overcoming adversity.

He emphasised the need for unity, urging communities to work together to foster national stability and progress. By embracing the spirit of selflessness and collective responsibility, he said, the nation could strive towards a future of shared prosperity.

Concluding his message, Premadasa extended his best wishes to all Sri Lankan Muslims and the global Islamic community, hoping that Eid-ul-Fitr would bring peace, harmony, and renewed hope for a brighter future.

March 31, Colombo (LNW): After a hiatus of 47 years, a direct flight service between Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu and Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka was officially launched yesterday (30), marking a significant milestone in regional connectivity.

Flights to and from Jaffna’s Palaly International Airport had been suspended for decades due to the civil conflict. However, in 2019, the airport resumed operations, initially facilitating passenger flights between Chennai and Jaffna.

With the latest expansion, efforts to establish air links with additional Tamil Nadu cities have come to fruition, with Tiruchirappalli now directly connected to Jaffna.

The newly launched service, operated by IndiGo Airlines, departs from Tiruchirappalli at 1:25 PM and lands in Jaffna at 2:25 PM. The return flight leaves Jaffna at 3:05 PM, arriving back in Tiruchirappalli at 4:05 PM. Ticket fares have been set between INR 5,900 and INR 6,400 for a one-way journey.

The inaugural flight saw 27 passengers arriving at Palaly Airport at 2:02 PM, while 36 travellers boarded the return flight to Tiruchirappalli at approximately 3:00 PM. The occasion was marked by a celebratory cake-cutting ceremony, attended by a delegation led by Indian Deputy Consul General Sai Murali.

March 31, Colombo (LNW): Heat Index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, Western, North-western, Sabaragamuwa, and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee, and Batticaloa districts, the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology said in a statement affecting today (31).

The public, therefore, is urged to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade as often as possible, check up on the elderly and the sick, never leave children unattended, limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated, and wear lightweight and white or light-coloured clothing.

March 31, Colombo (LNW): President Anur Kumara Dissanayake has emphasised that Eid-ul-Fitr is more than a religious festival, serving as a unifying occasion that fosters compassion, selflessness, and solidarity among all communities.

In his Eid-ul-Fitr message on Monday (31), the President highlighted that as Sri Lanka undergoes significant social, economic, and political changes, the principles of Islam offer valuable lessons in shaping a society built on freedom, equality, and human dignity.

He underscored that these values are crucial in the nation’s collective journey towards justice and harmony.

Addressing the broader political landscape, President Dissanayake stressed the importance of ethical governance, noting that Sri Lanka must move towards a culture of accountability, free from corruption and the misuse of public resources.

He pointed out that the self-restraint and sacrifice observed during Ramadan serve as a powerful example of discipline and moral responsibility, which should inspire political leadership to prioritise the welfare of the people.

The President extended his warmest wishes to the Muslim community in Sri Lanka and around the world, expressing hope that Eid-ul-Fitr would usher in a period of peace, reconciliation, and renewed prosperity for all.

Full Statement:

Eid-ul-Fitr, celebrated by Muslims worldwide after a month of fasting and upon sighting the new moon, holds great significance in the Islamic religious calendar.

Fasting during Ramadan, one of the five pillars of Islam, embodies the values of sacrifice, self-discipline and simplicity by distancing oneself from worldly desires. This period serves as a reminder of the importance of generosity towards those suffering from hunger and as an opportunity for self-restraint and spiritual growth, which devout Muslims deeply cherish.

As Sri Lanka undergoes various social, economic and political transformations, the teachings of Islam provide an excellent example for building a society rooted in freedom, equality, solidarity and human dignity. I strongly believe that these values serve as guiding principles in our collective journey toward a just and harmonious nation.

Furthermore, as we strive to foster a responsible and ethical political culture, one that values accountability over corruption and the misuse of public resources, the principles of self-restraint and sacrifice emphasized during Ramadan offer an inspiring model. They remind us of the need to cultivate a governance system that is sensitive to the aspirations and well-being of its people.

Eid-ul-Fitr is a celebration that transcends religious boundaries, promoting unity, compassion and selflessness. On this auspicious occasion, I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankan and global Muslim communities.

May this Eid-ul-Fitr bring peace, reconciliation and the fulfillment of our shared hopes for a new era of renewal and prosperity.

Eid Mubarak!

Anura Kumara Disanayake
President,
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
31st March, 2025

March 31, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Uva provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya and Ampara districts during the evening or night, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (31).

A few showers may occur in Hambantota, Ampara and Batticaloa districts in the morning too.

Fairly heavy showers about 50 mm are likely 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: