April 15, Colombo (LNW): Passenger transport services across Sri Lanka saw reduced activity today, with only a fraction of private buses in operation amid easing holiday travel demand.
According to the head of the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association, Gemunu Wijeratne, a mere 30 to 35 per cent of privately operated buses were on the roads, equating to an estimated 5,000 vehicles nationwide.
The subdued figures follow the tail end of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festivities, during which public mobility typically peaks as citizens travel to and from their hometowns.
However, as the holiday period transitions into routine workdays, private operators have scaled down services to reflect the lower commuter turnout.
In contrast, state-run transport services are taking steps to accommodate the gradual return of travellers to the capital and major urban centres. The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) announced that while regular bus services remain in operation, contingency measures are in place to deploy additional vehicles to meet any regional demand surges.
Area managers have been instructed to respond dynamically, ensuring that no passengers are left stranded during this transitional period.
Sri Lanka Railways echoed a similar readiness, confirming that office trains are functioning as usual, in recognition of today being a working day for most institutions.
Officials further noted that special train services have been arranged to assist passengers returning to Colombo and other urban regions in the coming days.
Transport authorities anticipate a gradual return to full operational levels by midweek, as the final wave of holidaymakers concludes their journeys.
April 15, Colombo (LNW): A request made on behalf of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe to communicate with a detainee currently under investigation has been denied by the authorities, the Minister of Public Security, Ananda Wijepala, confirmed.
The matter concerns the former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan—also known by the alias Pillayan—who is currently in custody in connection with a long-standing case surrounding the disappearance of Professor Sivasubramaniam Ravindranath, a former Vice-Chancellor of the Eastern University.
Chandrakanthan was taken into custody by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on April 09 in Batticaloa.
According to Minister Wijepala, one of Wickremesinghe’s security personnel made a direct telephone call to officials at the CID, requesting that the former President be permitted to speak with the detainee. The request, however, was declined.
The refusal was based on legal provisions governing detention procedures, which prohibit suspects held under detention orders from engaging in telephone communication with external parties. The minister reiterated that these measures are in place to ensure the integrity of ongoing investigations and to avoid any potential interference.
In contrast, former MP Udaya Gammanpila was granted access to Chandrakanthan after submitting a request in his capacity as legal counsel. That meeting took place at the CID premises, and was conducted under strict supervision by law enforcement officials, as per standard legal protocol.
The arrest of Chandrakanthan has rekindled attention on the unresolved disappearance of Professor Ravindranath, who vanished under mysterious circumstances nearly two decades ago.
Whilst public attention had waned over the years, renewed investigative interest has led to significant developments in the case, prompting fresh scrutiny of political and paramilitary connections dating back to the civil conflict era.
April 15, Colombo (LNW): A series of unrelated road accidents across the island claimed the lives of five individuals over the past few days, highlighting persistent concerns over road safety during the New Year travel season.
One of the most tragic incidents occurred in Maho, where a couple from Weliweriya lost their lives when the van they were travelling in veered off the road and crashed into a tree.
The exact cause of the accident is yet to be confirmed, though police suspect excessive speed or driver fatigue may have contributed.
In another deeply distressing case in Balangoda, a one-year and seven-month-old child died after being accidentally run over by his father, who was reversing a lorry. Authorities confirmed that the father, believed to be unaware of the child’s proximity to the vehicle, has been taken into custody pending further investigation.
Meanwhile, in Makulpotha, Manampitiya, an 81-year-old pedestrian succumbed to injuries after being struck by a motorcycle while attempting to cross the road.
The fifth fatality was reported from Silawathura, where a 59-year-old motorcyclist from Mannar died following a collision with a cow that had strayed onto the road. Local residents noted that free-roaming livestock continue to pose significant hazards in many rural areas, particularly during early morning and evening hours.
Police are continuing investigations into each of these incidents and have urged all motorists to exercise heightened caution, particularly during the busy post-holiday travel period. They also reiterated the importance of adhering to speed limits, maintaining awareness of pedestrians and animals, and ensuring that children are kept at a safe distance from moving vehicles.
April 13, Colombo (LNW): Although the current constitutionally empowered individuals within the rugby administration have stated on several occasions that they are agree to constitutional amendments if necessary, and that such matters can be resolved through discussions with World Rugby, the present Sports Minister is attempting to draft an entirely new constitution outside the framework of the existing rugby constitution and implement it as the basis for governing rugby.
This move, which is being carried out with the full support of the Director General of Sports, is even more extreme than those taken by previous ministers and is backed by the president of the former administration, which was dissolved by the previous minister due to failure to hold elections.
The Minister is either telling a blatant lie or is under an even more dangerous influence. He claims that the ‘A sports clubs’ have no authority within the provincial associations. In reality, ‘A sports clubs’ exist only in Kandy and Colombo. It is the provincial associations that play the most vital role in developing rugby across other provinces. These associations not only support the ‘A sports clubs’ but also work tirelessly to guide and channel players into the provincial-level rugby system.
On the other hand, as the Minister himself admitted in Parliament, officials from the ‘A sports clubs’ were present when the £50,000 fine was imposed. The Chief Executive Officer involved at that time is now the Chairman of the National Sports Council, appointed by the Minister himself. The individual currently seated alongside the Minister and the Director General from Asia is the very same person who presided over the £50,000 incident. Therefore, the damage caused by that incident holds no real value for the current Minister except as a political weapon to attack Namal Rajapaksa in Parliament. Ironically, he is relying on the same group that managed Namal’s rugby affairs, continuing with them while turning a blind eye to the harm they have caused to local rugby development.
The Director General of Sports, who is a military officer, does not want to back down from criticism of his behavior. The Minister is also of the same type. He also has a low self-esteem that if someone points out two facts and admits to them and changes, it will damage his ministerial personality. Now, the individuals who took the initiative to violate the country’s immigration law in relation to this two-year 50,000 pound incident and agreed to pay the fine by deducting it from the money coming to the development of rugby in Sri Lanka are also reducing the objections they may have to the Sri Lankan Rugby Constitution.
The reason behind their agreement is to portray themselves as superior by refusing to align with those who criticize the system. However, what this truly signifies is that this Minister and the Director General will be remembered in history as the ones who assumed responsibility and leadership in steering the future of Sri Lankan rugby toward disaster.
The Director General’s claims that the election cannot be held are inaccurate. In contrast, the statements made by the President of the Uva Provincial Rugby Association, Mr. Denzil Darling, are accurate on this matter. While there was a case filed in the High Court concerning the election, it was not the reason for its postponement. The postponement is being driven by the Director General, based on the intervention of the President of Asia Rugby.
The Director General has been charged with contempt of court for violating the law by allowing the Asian Rugby Chairman to cancel the election, despite a prior agreement to proceed with the election as per a court order. Although the court has determined that his actions amount to contempt and summoned him alone for investigation, the Director General is now involving the Minister, the Ministry, the Attorney General, and the Attorney General’s Department. His intention appears to be to bypass the scheduled election and push through a new rugby constitution before the election can take place.
This Minister and the Director General have no qualms or sense of shame about sitting with those who have been fined £50,000 and have not provided proper accounting records for a debt of £55 million. Those who were entrusted with the responsibility of rescuing rugby and advancing its future even engaging directly with Asia Rugby on this matter now see the group challenging rugby’s progress in the country as the ones truly at fault.
In his speech regarding the £50,000 fine announced in Parliament, the Minister announced that this issue arose because the compliant officers, who acted in line with Namal’s political interests, went along with Baby’s wishes. It is now being proven once again that politicians really like such people. They do not tolerate direct work.
This is repeatedly proving that the delay in holding the election is not due to a lawsuit, as the Director General of Sports claims. Rather, it is a deliberate attempt to fulfill the ulterior motive of amending the Rugby Constitution, distancing it from the current holders of constitutional power.
One thing must be made clear: the desire of Asia or the interests of world rugby to change the rugby constitution do not fall within the legal framework or sports policies of a country. Since Sri Lanka has not faced any penalties for preventing an association from gaining power to negotiate under the existing constitution, it is the Minister who is holding the political mandate to shape Sri Lankan rugby according to the wishes of several powerful forces in Asia and the world. The responsibility for this direction was assumed even before the Minister’s tenure, and it is the Director General who has been steering this course since the time of Minister Roshan Ranasinghe.
This behavior is a childish and immature attempt to protect the guilty while targeting those who criticize them. Consequently, politics and bureaucracy supporting this move are rooted in a situation where they are unknowingly serving the interests of others. An immature mindset fails to comprehend this.
April 15, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s expressway network has recorded a sharp rise in traffic and revenue over the Sinhala and Tamil New Year period, bringing in Rs. 134 million over the course of just three days, according to the Expressway Maintenance and Management Division.
The uptick in usage was observed between April 11 and 13, a period marked by widespread travel across the island as families journeyed to and from their hometowns to celebrate the traditional New Year.
A total of 387,000 vehicles were recorded passing through the island’s key expressways during this short window.
Data provided by the authorities revealed that the bulk of the income—exceeding Rs. 100 million—was generated during the first two days alone (April 11 and 12), with nearly 298,000 vehicles using the network within that span.
This high volume reflects both the increased mobility during the festive season and the growing reliance on the expressway system for long-distance travel, particularly as drivers seek faster, more convenient alternatives to congested trunk roads.
Officials have attributed the revenue boost not only to the sheer volume of vehicles, but also to improved toll collection systems, efficient traffic management, and enhanced public confidence in the safety and reliability of the expressway network.
The New Year season traditionally marks one of the busiest periods on Sri Lanka’s roads, and the expressway system—linking Colombo with key cities such as Galle, Matara, Kandy, and Katunayake—has played a critical role in easing congestion and shortening travel times.
Authorities also confirmed that additional personnel were deployed at toll booths and interchanges during this peak period to ensure smooth traffic flow and minimise delays. Highway police and emergency response teams remained on high alert throughout the holiday to assist motorists and manage any incidents.
April 15, Colombo (LNW): A seemingly innocent TikTok video by Sri Lankan content creator Kalathma Hitihamige has gone viral for all the wrong reasons, igniting a national conversation around defamation, digital accountability, and the responsibilities of influencers in the age of social media.
The video, which invited followers to share their “most controversial celebrity stories,” quickly exploded in popularity. What began as a fun interaction aligned with an international TikTok trend rapidly turned into a digital free-for-all, with users posting unverified allegations against some of Sri Lanka’s most recognisable public figures.
Within days, the video had surpassed two million views and attracted over 20,000 comments, many of which included tagged names and shocking claims ranging from infidelity to serious criminal accusations. The aftermath has sparked legal warnings, media analysis, and a broader examination of how online content can intersect with real-world consequences.
From Light-Hearted Trend to Legal Concerns
In her public statement released across social media platforms, Kalathma attempted to clarify her intentions. “When I originally posted the video, I wasn’t asking for gossip,” she explained. “The first few comments were lovely — someone even mentioned meeting me at a kottu shop. It was all harmless fun at first.”
But as the video gained traction, the tone of the comment section shifted dramatically. “People started dropping names and making allegations,” Kalathma said. “As the creator, I understand I have a responsibility to filter out harmful comments. And I did — at first. But when a video blows up and hits over 20,000 comments, it becomes impossible to moderate everything in real time.”
Her statement has done little to calm the debate. Some are calling her actions irresponsible, while others argue she merely provided a platform — and should not be blamed for how others used it.
The Law of Defamation Resurfaces
The fallout from Kalathma’s video has shone a renewed spotlight on Sri Lanka’s defamation laws, particularly in the context of social media ,a legal domain that is often dormant, yet powerful. While Sri Lanka famously repealed criminal defamation in 2002, civil defamation remains very much alive. Under the law, a person can be sued for damages if they communicate false information that harms someone’s reputation — whether through print, broadcast, or online media.
Legal experts point out that the comments on Kalathma’s video, while not authored by her, were published under her account — making her potentially liable. The law also accounts for defamation by innuendo, meaning even vague implications can be considered defamatory if they’re clearly understood by the public.
Legal professionals involved in the case say the plaintiffs are not suing Kalathma for her own words, but for “publishing” defamatory content — in this case, by providing the platform and failing to remove the damaging comments once alerted.
“It’s not just about what you say, it’s also about the space you create,” noted one Colombo-based media lawyer. “Platforms that enable defamatory content — even unintentionally — may face legal scrutiny.”
However, the concept of publication is key. Once defamatory content is made available to a third party, legal liability can follow. And this is where the situation gets murky. Is Kalathma, as the creator and publisher of the post, legally responsible for the comments made by others? Could she — or TikTok itself — be held liable?
Could Kalathma Be Sued?
According to legal experts, it is technically possible for someone to bring a defamation claim over comments made on social media, provided the necessary legal criteria are met. If someone’s reputation is harmed by comments published under a creator’s post, the creator may be held liable for failing to moderate or remove harmful content—especially if they were aware of its presence.
Despite this, Kalathma may have some legal defences. One is the innocent dissemination defence, which applies when someone publishes material without knowing it is defamatory. She may also claim that the comments represented fair comment or opinion, not statements of fact. These defences are often used in media cases but could extend to social media as well.
To file a defamation lawsuit in Sri Lanka, the plaintiff must first send a Letter of Demand, which gives the accused an opportunity to apologize or settle. If not resolved, the plaintiff can proceed with filing the case in a District Court, usually where the defendant resides or where the publication occurred.
Penalties for defamation are purely financial. Courts can award compensation ranging from Rs. 50 million and upwards, depending on the severity of the harm. In high-profile cases, amounts can go even higher.
Most importantly,Defamation does not require a direct accusation. Even hints, jokes, or memes that clearly point to a specific person can be considered defamatory under Sri Lankan law.
Digital Fame Meets Legal Reality
Kalathma’s case underscores the challenges faced by young creators navigating digital fame without the guidance or resources that traditional media professionals typically rely on. With audiences larger than some mainstream media outlets, TikTok creators are functioning as de facto broadcasters — often without understanding the legal implications of their content.
Critics argue that Kalathma should have deleted the video or disabled comments once the situation escalated. In her defense, she posed a difficult ethical question: “What if some of these allegations are true? What if there are real victims who need a digital trail, a space where their stories are seen?”
Nonetheless, she made it clear that she does not endorse, confirm, or deny any of the claims made in the comment section.
A Wake-Up Call for Online Responsibility
Whether or not legal action is taken, the incident has become a case study in the risks of virality. In an era where public reputations can be damaged in minutes by anonymous users, the responsibilities of digital creators are growing. Sri Lankan internet users are now grappling with the tension between free speech and reputational harm — especially when truth and accountability are uncertain.
Kalathma’s experience may well serve as a cautionary tale for content creators across the country. In her own words: “I know I’ve gone viral for the wrong reasons. But I hope to use this platform for something better moving forward.”
As the digital landscape evolves, so too must the laws, norms, and ethics that govern it — before the next viral post sparks a bigger storm.
April 15, Colombo (LNW): Public transport authorities have confirmed that bus and train services will continue to operate over the coming days, as the nation transitions back to its routine following the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festivities.
Responding to the anticipated movement of travellers returning from their hometowns, the National Transport Commission has confirmed that passenger bus operations will run today (15) and tomorrow (16) under the standard schedule.
The move comes as thousands begin their post-holiday journeys, with transport services being adjusted to meet growing commuter demand.
According to Shereen Athukorala, who oversees Operations and Service Supervision at the Commission, all long-distance and inter-provincial buses are expected to function according to regular timetables, ensuring commuters can access reliable transportation without disruption.
In preparation for the peak return travel period, she further noted that an enhanced fleet of buses will be deployed from April 17 onwards, providing additional services along key routes to accommodate the increased passenger flow.
Meanwhile, the Department of Railways has also made arrangements to support the seasonal travel demand. With April 15 falling on a regular working day for many in the public and private sectors, office trains resumed their usual operations this morning.
General Manager of Railways Dhammika Jayasundara announced that supplementary train services will be introduced in response to real-time demand, particularly on routes with high traffic volume.
He also reiterated the department’s commitment to ensuring that passengers are not left stranded, especially as many commuters now rely on trains as a cost-effective and efficient means of intercity travel.
Railway stations in Colombo, Kandy, Badulla, and other major towns have been placed on high alert for any surges in passenger numbers, with staff instructed to respond swiftly to any logistical challenges.
Both institutions have called on the public to plan their travel in advance, make use of digital platforms where available, and comply with safety guidelines at bus stands and railway stations.
Authorities have also appealed to commuters to show patience as transport personnel work to manage the post-holiday rush and ensure services run with minimal delays.
April 15, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in most parts of the island during the afternoon or night, with showers being expected to occur in the Western province and Galle, Matara and Puttalam districts in the morning as well, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (15).
Fairly heavy falls of above 75 mm are likely at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Uva provinces.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Polonnaruwa district during the morning.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Matara via Colombo and Galle. Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the other sea areas around the island during the evening or night.
Winds:
Winds will be westerly to south-westerly and wind speed will be (20-30)kmph.
State of Sea:
The sea areas around the island can be slight to moderate. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
April 14, Colombo (LNW): A team from the European Union is set to visit Sri Lanka in late April to assess the country’s compliance with the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) trade concession. This evaluation will involve discussions between the EU team and Sri Lankan government representatives, as well as local officials, regarding the terms and conditions tied to the GSP+ facility.
Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa, highlighted the significance of the GSP+ concession for Sri Lanka’s apparel industry, which exports approximately 28% of its products to the EU. He pointed out that the continuation of this preferential trade arrangement is crucial for the industry’s growth and sustainability.
In a meeting with trade union representatives, Premadasa emphasized the opposition’s full support for the retention of GSP+ and expressed the urgency for the government to meet the conditions required to maintain this facility.
The GSP+ scheme is an important trade arrangement designed to support vulnerable developing countries by offering trade incentives in exchange for adherence to specific international conventions.
These conventions cover a range of critical areas, including human rights, labor rights, environmental protection, and good governance. Sri Lanka, like other GSP+ beneficiary countries, is required to ratify and implement 27 international agreements in these areas.
The challenge Sri Lanka faces in securing a further extension of the GSP+ concession lies in its ongoing compliance with these stringent conventions.
The EU actively monitors the implementation of these agreements, and non-compliance can jeopardize the continuation of the trade benefits. Sri Lanka’s ability to meet these obligations has come under scrutiny, particularly in areas such as human rights and labor rights, which remain contentious issues. The GSP+ scheme’s future for Sri Lanka depends on the country’s consistent progress in aligning with these international standards.
The potential loss of GSP+ benefits would have significant economic implications for Sri Lanka, particularly for the apparel sector, which relies heavily on the EU market. Without GSP+, Sri Lankan products would face higher tariffs, making them less competitive compared to those from other GSP+ countries. This could lead to reduced export revenues and threaten the livelihoods of thousands of workers in the apparel industry.
Furthermore, the GSP+ concession plays a broader role in encouraging sustainable development and good governance in Sri Lanka. It incentivizes the government to improve conditions in critical areas such as environmental protection and labor rights, areas where progress has been slow. Losing GSP+ would not only impact trade but also reduce external pressure to make reforms that could benefit the country’s long-term development.
In conclusion, while the EU’s monitoring process presents challenges, it also offers Sri Lanka an opportunity to strengthen its commitment to sustainable development and governance. The upcoming discussions and the government’s efforts to meet GSP+ conditions will be pivotal in determining the future of this crucial trade relationship.
April 14, Colombo (LNW): In a major shift in US immigration policy, the White House has announced a sweeping new rule requiring all foreign nationals including Sri Lankans residing in the United States for more than 30 days to register with the federal government—or face severe penalties.
This includes undocumented immigrants, visa holders (such as H-1B and F-1), legal permanent residents, and even recent arrivals without valid documentation.
In 2025, the number of Sri Lankans residing illegally in the US and the number residing for more than 30 days without registration are not explicitly specified in the provided search results. However, the search results indicate that 3,065 Sri Lankans are among over 1.4 million noncitizens with final deportation orders as of November 24, 2024.
It’s important to note that this number represents those with final orders of removal, not necessarily the total number of illegal residents.
The search results also mention that the US government has requested foreign governments to assist in confirming the citizenship of non-citizens and taking appropriate steps for their return.
Who’s impacted from the new rules?
Effective April 11, 2025, the regulation mandates that all non-citizens aged 18 and older must carry proof of registration at all times. Those entering the US after this date must register within 30 days of arrival. Children turning 14 must also re-register and submit fingerprints, regardless of any prior status.
“All foreign nationals present in the United States longer than 30 days must register with the federal government. Failure to comply with this is a crime punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement.
“If not, you will be arrested, fined, deported, never to return to our country again,” she added.She also mentioned that the deadline to register under the Alien Registration Act was on April 11 (local time).
The directive, rooted in the decades-old Alien Registration Act from World War II, was given the green light after a ruling from US District Judge Trevor N. McFadden, a Trump appointee, who dismissed a legal challenge by advocacy groups.
The judge ruled that the plaintiffs lacked sufficient legal standing to block the rule’s enforcement, clearing the way for the controversial regulation to take effect.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) clarified that individuals entering the US after April 11 are required to register within 30 days. Children turning 14 must also re-register and provide fingerprints, regardless of any prior registration status.
Leavitt, who also serves as assistant to President Donald Trump, emphasised that this measure was about national security and law enforcement.
The penalties for non-compliance include a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment for up to 30 days, in addition to deportation proceedings and a permanent ban from re-entering the country.
The move has triggered widespread concern, particularly among undocumented immigrants, temporary visa holders, and mixed-status families, many of whom fear the new policy could lead to sweeping enforcement actions and heightened scrutiny.
