November 11, Colombo (LNW): Air quality in parts of Sri Lanka, particularly in the Northern and North-Eastern regions, has declined to levels considered unhealthy, the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has reported.

Dr. Ajith Gunawardena, Director of Environmental Education and Awareness at the CEA, noted that the Air Quality Index (AQI) in areas such as Jaffna, Kilinochchi, and Mannar has climbed to between 150 and 200, signalling a potentially harmful environment for sensitive groups.

The deterioration has been linked to transboundary air pollution and pollutants carried from the north, compounded by atmospheric disturbances experienced around two weeks ago.

Dr. Gunawardena warned that the situation could further deteriorate in the coming days and urged individuals with respiratory conditions to exercise caution. People with asthma, chronic lung issues, or other respiratory problems may encounter difficulties breathing under these conditions, he pointed out, advising that immediate medical attention should be sought if symptoms worsen.

November 11, Colombo (LNW): Gold prices in Sri Lanka have climbed once again, following a sharp rise in the international gold market. Today, the global price of gold surpassed US$4,120 per ounce, fuelling a corresponding increase locally.

In the Colombo Pettah gold market, a 22-carat gold sovereign is now being sold for Rs. 300,600, up Rs. 7,000 from Rs. 293,200 recorded last Tuesday. Traders attribute the hike to both global price trends and increased domestic demand.

Meanwhile, the cost of a 24-carat gold sovereign has jumped from Rs. 317,000 last week to Rs. 325,000, according to market sources.

Analysts note that this upward trend may continue if international gold prices maintain their current momentum, and investors are keeping a close watch on global economic developments that could influence further fluctuations.

November 11, Colombo (LNW): Ramith Rambukwella, son of former Cabinet Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, appeared before the Colombo High Court today facing allegations of unlawful accumulation of assets.

The indictments were formally presented to the court during proceedings before Judge Mohamed Mihal. The charges were filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

Following the submissions, the court granted bail to Ramith Rambukwella, setting a cash bail of Rs. 50,000 and two sureties of Rs. 1 million each. The judge also instructed that the accused’s fingerprints be taken and a report submitted to the court for record-keeping.

The case, brought under the Anti-Corruption Act, alleges that Rambukwella, who served as the private secretary to his father, acquired assets and properties worth over Rs. 296 million between January 01, 2022 and November 14, 2023 without proper disclosure or explanation.

November 11, Colombo (LNW): The Police have cautioned the public against posting selfies or updates on social media that disclose their location while travelling, especially during excursions, pilgrimages, or family trips.

The warning was issued by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) F. U. Wootler at a media briefing held yesterday at the Police Media Division Auditorium in Suhurupaya, Battaramulla.

ASP Wootler highlighted that such online posts can inadvertently provide criminals with information about travellers or their homes, potentially putting families at risk. He stressed that the festive season sees a surge in people, including children, leaving home for trips, making vigilance particularly important.

“Many people share images or posts on Facebook and other platforms indicating their exact locations, such as Nuwara Eliya, Galle, or Kataragama. While sharing memories is understandable, these details can be misused by those with criminal intent. We urge families to exercise caution and avoid revealing their whereabouts publicly,” ASP Wootler said.

He also advised that families pay close attention to the choice of vehicles and drivers, particularly for school trips or excursions. “It is essential to ensure the vehicle is mechanically sound and the driver is reputable and trustworthy. These precautions are vital to guarantee safe travel,” he added.

The police emphasised that awareness and careful planning are key to preventing potential threats while enjoying outings during the busy festive period.

November 11, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Government has announced plans to grant permanent appointments to approximately 10,000 non-permanent employees serving in various state departments and public corporations, Transport and Highways Minister Bimal Ratnayake told Parliament yesterday (10).

Speaking in response to a question from Illankai Tamil Arasu Katchchi (ITAK) MP Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam, the Minister outlined that the move is part of broader efforts to provide job security for long-serving temporary staff across multiple sectors.

Minister Ratnayake highlighted that while certain posts, such as railway crossing guards, will see an increase in allowances—from Rs. 7,500 to Rs. 15,000—the Government recognises that improving safety at railway crossings requires a comprehensive, long-term strategy rather than a financial adjustment alone.

Regarding permanent appointments, the Minister noted that eligibility will require basic educational qualifications at the time of recruitment, such as sitting the GCE Ordinary Level Examination for positions at the Road Development Authority and for railway crossing guards.

He clarified that this criterion may limit the ability to make every non-permanent worker permanent, but the overarching initiative aims to secure the status of roughly 10,000 staff.

“So far, 700 employees at the RDA have already been granted permanent status, with a further 300 in line,” Minister Ratnayake stated. He added that the Government is prioritising permanent appointments particularly for temporary and non-permanent staff within state institutions and corporations, signalling a significant policy step towards stabilising public sector employment.

November 11, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan police have taken 693 people into custody during a large-scale island-wide operation carried out yesterday (10), targeting individuals linked to criminal activities, illicit liquor production, and narcotics offences.

According to the Police Media Division, the coordinated effort saw 31,594 individuals inspected across the country within a 24-hour period.

Among those detained were 31 suspects believed to be directly connected to ongoing criminal investigations, while 466 people wanted on outstanding warrants were also apprehended.

Traffic enforcement formed a key part of the operation, resulting in the arrest of 22 motorists for driving under the influence and 16 for reckless driving. In addition, police identified 4,320 individuals for a range of other traffic-related violations.

Authorities stated that such nationwide crackdowns are part of an intensified campaign to curb rising drug-related offences and organised crime. The operations aim to dismantle networks involved in the trafficking of narcotics and the distribution of illegal liquor, while also recovering unlicensed firearms and apprehending repeat offenders.

November 11, Colombo (LNW): Maldivian authorities have confirmed that a Sri Lankan fishing vessel intercepted within the country’s territorial waters was carrying a significant consignment of narcotics, marking what officials describe as the largest drug seizure ever recorded in the Maldives.

The vessel, identified as Avishka Putha, was detained by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard on November 07 after it was found operating illegally inside Maldivian maritime boundaries. Aboard the trawler were five Sri Lankan nationals, aged between 28 and 63, all of whom were taken into custody.

Following a court order, Maldivian police conducted a detailed search of the vessel, uncovering 58.6 kilogrammes of heroin and 297.3 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine (commonly known as ‘Ice’) hidden in 24 secret compartments. In total, the confiscated drugs weighed over 355 kilogrammes.

The operation was the result of close cooperation between the Maldives National Defence Force, the Maldivian Police, the Sri Lanka Navy, and the Sri Lanka Police. Law enforcement agencies from both countries are continuing to coordinate their efforts to trace the origins and intended destination of the narcotics.

On the advice of the Maldivian Attorney General, arrangements are reportedly underway to transfer the arrested crew members and the confiscated drugs to Sri Lanka for further legal proceedings. A specialised team from Sri Lanka’s Police Narcotics Bureau and Navy has already arrived in the Maldives to assist with the joint inquiry.

Authorities have hailed the bust as a major success in regional maritime surveillance and counter-narcotics collaboration, underscoring the growing need for vigilance against transnational drug trafficking across the Indian Ocean.