LISTEN TO STORY

WATCH STORY

By: Isuru Parakrama

February 19, Colombo (LNW): New York City’s youngest frontman, Zohran Mamdani, has inadvertently sparked a global celebration of islander heritage following a witty digital encounter that has gone viral amongst the Sri Lankan community.

The charismatic politician found himself in the spotlight after responding to a satirical video by comedian Shenuque Tissera, who had jokingly lamented how Mamdani’s rapid political ascent at thirty-four was making life difficult for every other “good Sri Lankan boy” facing parental pressure.

Showing a deft touch for cultural comedy, Mamdani bypassed the usual dry political rhetoric. He instead leaned into the exchange with a cheeky “Hello, Auntie,” a nod to the universal matriarchal figures of South Asia that immediately endeared him to thousands of followers.

Rather than advocating for traditional career paths in medicine or law, the Mayor suggested that the true secret to success lay in keeping one’s opposition—and one’s family—utterly’ guessing.

To drive his point home, Mamdani drew a brilliant parallel to the sporting world, invoking the legacy of cricket icon Muttiah Muralitharan. He explained that navigating the complexities of high-level politics is much like mastering the legendary “doosra”—the deceptive delivery that spins in the opposite direction to what a batsman anticipates.

By framing the Sri Lankan spirit as one defined by strategic unpredictability and mental agility, he elevated a simple social media comment into a profound tribute to the nation’s ingenuity.

The reaction from Colombo to global Sri Lankan diaspora has been one of immense warmth. Beyond the jokes, Mamdani took a moment to praise the stoicism and tireless graft he has witnessed within the immigrant community in New York.

This rare blend of high-office gravitas and genuine cultural literacy has left many feeling seen on the world stage, proving that a well-timed sporting metaphor can be a more effective bridge than any formal diplomatic cable.

February 19, Colombo (LNW): Trade and Food Security Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe informed Parliament that two retail units at the Dambulla Dedicated Economic Centre have been unlawfully sold by traders who were merely tenants of the premises.

Responding to a question raised in the House by MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake, the Minister clarified that the economic centre remains government property and that any transfer or sale of shop space by lessees is strictly prohibited under existing regulations.

He stressed that traders are granted occupancy rights, not ownership, and therefore have no legal authority to dispose of the premises.

The Minister indicated that inquiries are under way to determine the circumstances surrounding the reported transactions and to identify those responsible. He added that appropriate legal action would be pursued if violations are confirmed, underscoring the government’s intention to safeguard public assets.

During the exchange, Samarasinghe also defended the recent establishment of National Agribusiness Services Ltd, a state-backed entity created to improve the management and operational efficiency of economic centres across the country. He maintained that the move aims at streamlining wholesale trade, strengthening food distribution networks and ensuring fair pricing mechanisms for both farmers and consumers.

However, MP Dassanayake voiced concern that the formation of the new company could trigger resistance among traders, including some from the Minister’s own home district. He cautioned that dissatisfaction within trading communities might lead to political and economic repercussions if their grievances are not addressed.

February 19, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya today (19) set out in Parliament the range of salaries and benefits presently granted to Members of Parliament, responding to a query raised by Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Chaminda Wijesiri.

Addressing the House, the Prime Minister provided a breakdown of the financial provisions allocated to legislators, noting that these payments are intended to facilitate their official responsibilities rather than serve as personal perks.

Under the current framework, an MP receives a basic monthly allowance of Rs. 54,285, along with a modest entertainment allowance of Rs. 1,000. A driver’s allowance of Rs. 3,500 is also payable, though this sum is not granted where a driver is assigned through the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs.

In addition, MPs are entitled to a telephone allowance of Rs. 50,000 per month and a transport allowance of Rs. 15,000. To support constituency-related work and administrative expenses, an office allowance of Rs. 100,000 is provided.

Parliamentarians are also compensated for attendance. A daily payment of Rs. 2,500 is made for sitting days, with an equivalent amount granted for participation in committee meetings held on days when Parliament is not in session.

Fuel allowances are calculated separately, based on the distance between a member’s electoral district and the parliamentary complex. For National List MPs, the monthly allocation is fixed at 419.76 litres of diesel, reimbursed at the prevailing market rate determined on the first working day of each month.

Dr Amarasuriya emphasised that the structure of these allowances is designed to cover operational costs, travel commitments and communication needs linked to parliamentary duties. She added that transparency in public expenditure remains a priority of the government, particularly at a time when fiscal discipline and accountability are under close public scrutiny.

February 19, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Defence has reiterated its firm resolve to safeguard the welfare of former service personnel during a specially convened Public Day programme at its headquarters this week.

The session was presided over by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), who met directly with retired members of the armed forces and relatives of those who lost their lives in service to the nation.

According to an official statement, the forum was designed to offer veterans and bereaved families a direct channel of communication with senior officials, enabling them to raise longstanding concerns and administrative grievances without delay. Participants highlighted issues ranging from pension anomalies and housing assistance to access to medical care and educational support for children of fallen personnel.

During the discussions, the Defence Secretary engaged personally with attendees and instructed relevant departments to accelerate pending documentation, streamline compensation procedures and strengthen welfare schemes. He also called for closer monitoring of cases that have remained unresolved for extended periods.

Air Vice Marshal Thuyacontha stressed that supporting veterans and the families of the fallen goes beyond routine administration, describing it as a solemn duty owed to those who safeguarded the country’s sovereignty. He added that meaningful assistance must translate into tangible improvements in living standards and long-term security for affected families.

The Ministry noted that such Public Day initiatives form part of a broader effort to foster transparency, accountability and responsiveness within the defence establishment, while ensuring that the contributions and sacrifices of the veteran community continue to be recognised through practical and sustained action.

LISTEN TO STORY

WATCH STORY

By: Isuru Parakrama

February 19, Colombo (LNW): Five people have been remanded in custody following a disturbance near the Mattala interchange of the Southern Expressway, where a dispute with police officers escalated and was later shared widely on social media.

The group had been travelling in a private bus returning from a pilgrimage to Kataragama when officers stationed at the interchange prevented the vehicle from entering the expressway, citing the absence of seat belts. A heated exchange ensued between those on board and the officers on duty, resulting in a tense situation at the scene.

Police investigations revealed that a video of the confrontation was recorded on a mobile phone and subsequently circulated online. In the footage, members of the group are seen behaving in a disorderly manner, obstructing officers in the execution of their duties and, according to police, allegedly directing insulting and abusive remarks at President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The five suspects were initially taken into custody by officers attached to the Peliyagoda Traffic Division and later handed over to the Hambantota Police through the Katana Police. They were produced before the Hambantota Magistrate’s Court and ordered to be remanded until February 20. An identification parade is also expected to take place.

In a related development, three police officers who were on duty at the interchange at the time of the incident have been transferred with immediate effect. The Officer-in-Charge has been reassigned to Police Headquarters, while a Chief Inspector, a Police Sergeant and a Police Constable have been moved to other stations.

The transfers were made on the instructions of the Deputy Inspector General in charge of Traffic and Road Safety, reportedly due to the failure to initiate legal action at the scene.

February 19, Colombo (LNW): The United Kingdom’s Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy, concluded a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka yesterday, marking what diplomats have described as a renewed chapter in the long-standing relationship between the two nations.

During his stay in Colombo, Mr Lammy held talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, underscoring what he characterised as the United Kingdom’s deep-rooted and enduring partnership with Sri Lanka. The discussions reflected a shared intention to strengthen cooperation across a range of areas, from economic recovery to social reform.

Central to the dialogue were matters relating to trade and investment, post-crisis economic stabilisation, reconciliation efforts, and humanitarian priorities. Particular attention was given to Sri Lanka’s engagement with the Global Charter on Children’s Care Reform — an international initiative aimed at promoting family-based care, preventing the unnecessary separation of children from their families, and ultimately phasing out institutional care systems worldwide.

Mr Lammy also met Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, as well as representatives from Tamil political parties and members of civil society. These discussions reportedly centred on reconciliation, transitional justice and inclusive governance, with the Deputy Prime Minister reiterating Britain’s support for a peaceful and united future for all communities in Sri Lanka.

In addition, he signalled continued British backing for Sri Lanka’s reform agenda and people-focused development programmes, noting the importance of transparent governance and economic resilience.

Commenting on the visit via social media platform X, the British High Commission in Colombo observed that the trip highlighted Sri Lanka’s strategic importance to the United Kingdom, spanning political dialogue, social reform initiatives and bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.

February 19, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Police Department has been equipped with a substantial consignment of technical resources valued at Rs. 556 million, in what officials describe as the most significant investment of its kind in recent years.

The handover was carried out by Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala, who formally presented the equipment to Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya at a ceremony held within the Ministry premises. Senior officers and ministry officials were also in attendance.

According to information released by the Police Media Division, the allocation marks an unprecedented level of funding dedicated specifically to enhancing the technological capabilities of the force. Authorities maintain that the move aims at strengthening operational efficiency and improving public service delivery.

The package includes 1,718 desktop computers valued at Rs. 365 million, 575 photocopiers costing Rs. 129 million, speed monitoring devices amounting to Rs. 45 million, and 1,750 uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units worth Rs. 17 million. The equipment is expected to be distributed among police stations and specialised divisions across the island.

Ministry sources indicated that the upgraded digital infrastructure will support more effective data management, streamline administrative procedures and enhance traffic enforcement capabilities. Officials further expressed confidence that the improvements would enable officers to respond more swiftly to incidents and carry out investigations with greater precision.

The initiative is seen as part of ongoing efforts to modernise public institutions, with an emphasis on integrating technology into frontline services to bolster law enforcement and public safety nationwide.

February 19, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is set to deliver a keynote address today (19) at the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, placing Sri Lanka firmly within the global conversation on the future of artificial intelligence.

The President arrived in the Indian capital on Tuesday following a formal invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He was received at the airport by India’s Minister of State Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhary, alongside senior diplomatic representatives, in what officials described as a cordial welcome reflecting the close ties between the two neighbours.

The summit, regarded as the first major global AI gathering to be staged in the Global South, has drawn leaders and delegates from more than 20 countries. Convened at a time when artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming industries, public services and labour markets, the forum aims to explore how emerging technologies can be harnessed responsibly and equitably.

In a statement issued by Sri Lanka’s High Commission in India, Colombo’s participation was portrayed as a clear indication of the growing strategic partnership between the two nations. The mission underscored a shared determination to ensure that technological progress remains people-focused, transparent and aligned with sustainable development goals.

Momentum in bilateral relations has gathered pace since President Dissanayake’s State Visit to India in December 2024, which produced the joint vision titled “Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future”. Since then, cooperation has reportedly expanded across trade, digital innovation, infrastructure connectivity, skills development and cultural exchanges.

The Delhi summit has assembled heads of government, senior policymakers, technology firms, start-up founders and academic experts. Discussions are expected to cover AI governance frameworks, ethical safeguards, innovation ecosystems and the role of artificial intelligence in advancing climate resilience and inclusive growth.

In addition to his address at the summit, President Dissanayake is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Modi and other international counterparts, with talks likely to centre on strengthening digital collaboration, investment opportunities and regional stability. The three-day event concludes tomorrow.

February 19, Colombo (LNW): Showers will occur at times in Uva, Central and Eastern provinces and in Polonnaruwa district, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (19).

Fairly heavy falls about 75 mm are likely at some places in Uva province and in Matale, Batticaloa, Ampara and Polonnaruwa districts.

Several spells of showers will occur in Northern Province and in Anuradhapura and Hambantota districts.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places elsewhere after 1.00 p.m.

Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times over Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Matale, Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the early hours of 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:

The low-pressure area still persists over the Southwest Bay of Bengal to the south-east of Sri Lanka. Navel and fishing communities are requested to be attentive to the future forecasts and bulletins issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regards.

Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Galle to Trincomalee via Hambantota and Batticaloa. Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the other sea areas around the island in the evening or night.

Winds:
Winds will be North-easterly and wind speed will be (30-40) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to 50 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota.

State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota will be fairly rough at times. Other sea areas around the island will be moderate.

Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.