May 17, Colombo (LNW): A broad coalition of universities, medical experts, policymakers and international health organisations has stepped up efforts to curb smoking and tobacco use in Sri Lanka amid growing concern over the long-term health and economic consequences of tobacco addiction.

The initiative was highlighted during a special discussion and media briefing held in Colombo under the patronage of Deputy Health Minister Hansaka Wijemuni, where stakeholders explored new strategies aimed at strengthening smoking cessation programmes and public awareness campaigns across the country.

The event was organised as part of the global health initiative Respire and brought together representatives from several leading higher education institutions, including University of Sri Jayewardenepura, University of Peradeniya, University of Jaffna, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka and General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University.

Addressing the gathering, Hansaka Wijemuni emphasised that reducing tobacco consumption was not solely a public health challenge but also a critical national development issue. He warned that smoking-related diseases continue to place immense pressure on Sri Lanka’s healthcare system while also affecting productivity, household incomes and the broader economy.

Health professionals attending the forum stressed the importance of adopting evidence-based approaches to help smokers quit, including counselling services, behavioural support programmes and stronger community-level interventions. Experts also called for tighter tobacco control regulations, increased awareness among young people and stronger enforcement against illicit tobacco products entering the market.

Participants highlighted the growing concern over the rise of smoking among younger age groups and the influence of social media and marketing tactics that normalise tobacco use. Several speakers noted that prevention programmes targeting schools and universities would be essential in reducing future addiction rates.

The discussion concluded with renewed calls for closer cooperation between government agencies, educational institutions and international health partners to create long-term policies aimed at protecting future generations from the harmful effects of smoking and nicotine dependence.

May 17, Colombo (LNW): Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has launched a sharp criticism of the government’s latest vehicle taxation measures, accusing authorities of burdening the public while failing to address the country’s wider economic difficulties.

Speaking to journalists following a visit to Ven. Magama Mahanama Thero in Tissamaharama, Premadasa questioned the government’s decision to impose what he described as steep additional taxes on imported vehicles, despite earlier political promises of making motor vehicles more affordable for ordinary citizens.

The opposition leader remarked that politicians who once spoke of drastically reducing the price of popular compact cars were now presiding over policies that could significantly increase vehicle costs for consumers. He argued that the public was being forced to shoulder the consequences of inconsistent economic planning and unrealistic assurances.

Premadasa also challenged recent statements made by government representatives claiming that the revised taxation structure would not result in higher vehicle prices. He insisted that both the administration and its parliamentary majority must accept responsibility for the economic pressures now facing the public.

Turning to broader economic concerns, Sajith Premadasa warned that the continuing depreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee against the US dollar could further intensify inflationary pressures and increase the prices of essential goods and services. He cautioned that weakening currency conditions would directly affect household expenses and worsen the cost-of-living crisis already impacting many families.

According to Premadasa, restoring economic stability would require a stronger focus on expanding exports, reviving tourism, attracting greater foreign direct investment and encouraging higher levels of overseas remittances. He argued that these sectors were essential to rebuilding confidence in the economy and strengthening foreign exchange reserves.

The opposition leader further accused the government of making repeated policy miscalculations and claimed that poor economic decision-making was placing additional strain on citizens already coping with financial hardship.

Referring to ongoing global instability and international conflicts, Premadasa said Sri Lanka should have prepared earlier for potential economic shocks affecting fuel prices, trade and international markets. He maintained that this was not the time to reduce public assistance programmes and instead called for broader relief measures and stronger subsidies to support struggling households.

He also stressed that rising living expenses were creating growing challenges for parents attempting to provide proper nutrition and education for their children, adding that economic recovery efforts should prioritise public welfare rather than short-term fiscal targets.

Premadasa concluded by emphasising the importance of maintaining stronger foreign reserves and preventing further sharp declines in the value of the rupee, warning that failure to do so could complicate debt repayments and undermine long-term economic recovery efforts.

By: A Special Correspondent

May 17, Colombo (LNW): Fresh developments in the investigation into the killing of notorious organised crime figure “Ganemulla Sanjeewa” have reportedly uncovered an alleged financial and operational network linked to prominent underworld activities in Sri Lanka.

Police investigations focusing on Ousmand Gunasekera alias “Gampaha Ousmand” have revealed that the suspect is believed to have handled large-scale money laundering operations on behalf of alleged gang leader “Kehelbaddara Padme”.

Gunasekera was taken into custody by the Colombo Crimes Division on May 13 over accusations that he supplied the weapon allegedly used in the assassination of Ganemulla Sanjeewa. During a raid at his residence in Gampaha, officers reportedly recovered a foreign-manufactured repeater shotgun, ammunition and firearm magazines believed to be connected to ongoing criminal investigations.

Authorities initially detained the suspect for intensive questioning before securing court approval to extend his detention period for a further three months as inquiries widened into suspected organised crime links and financial transactions.

Investigators now claim that preliminary interrogations have exposed a long-running attempt to mislead both law enforcement and the public through a fabricated rivalry between Gunasekera and Kehelbaddara Padme.

Despite earlier claims of threats and hostility between the two figures, detectives reportedly found no evidence supporting assertions that Padme had targeted Gunasekera for assassination.

Police sources further allege that several previous incidents involving the arrest of individuals supposedly plotting attacks against Gunasekera may have been deliberately staged to strengthen the illusion of an internal gang conflict and divert attention from their alleged collaboration.

Investigators also suspect that businesses linked to Gunasekera were used to facilitate illegal financial operations within Sri Lanka, including the movement and concealment of underworld funds. Authorities are now examining commercial records and financial transactions believed to be connected to these activities.

The investigation reportedly intensified following information obtained from Batuwatte Chamara, who was recently extradited from Azerbaijan. Statements recorded during questioning are said to have provided crucial details linking Gunasekera to the murder weapon allegedly used in the killing of Ganemulla Sanjeewa.

Senior police officials stated that further inquiries are continuing under the direct supervision of high-ranking officers attached to the Colombo police division, with investigators expected to probe deeper into the wider criminal network believed to be operating behind the scenes.

May 17, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Police has raised concern over an increase in teenage pregnancy cases reported across the country, calling on parents, schools and communities to play a more active role in safeguarding children and supporting their emotional wellbeing.

In a public awareness notice issued by the Police Media Division, authorities stressed that weakening family relationships and limited communication at home are among the social factors contributing to the issue.

Officials noted that many parents, often occupied with demanding work schedules and financial pressures, may struggle to spend meaningful time with their children, particularly teenage daughters.

Police observations suggest that some adolescents who feel emotionally neglected at home may become vulnerable to outside influences while searching for affection, understanding or reassurance elsewhere. According to the statement, this can expose young girls to risky relationships, manipulation and situations that may ultimately result in early or unwanted pregnancies.

Authorities warned that teenage pregnancies frequently lead to serious long-term consequences, including disruption to education, emotional trauma, social stigma and reduced future opportunities. The statement further highlighted growing concerns surrounding excessive mobile phone usage and unsupervised social media interactions among teenagers.

Officials pointed out that many young people increasingly rely on digital platforms for emotional connection when communication within the family breaks down. As a result, parents have been encouraged to maintain open conversations with their children and stay aware of their online activities without creating fear or mistrust.

The police advised families to create a home environment where children feel safe discussing personal problems, uncomfortable experiences or inappropriate behaviour they may encounter. Parents were also urged to observe sudden behavioural changes such as withdrawal from family activities, secrecy, declining school performance or excessive internet use, as these may indicate emotional distress or external influence.

Teenagers themselves were encouraged to use social media responsibly and avoid trusting strangers encountered online. Authorities cautioned against sharing personal photographs, videos or sensitive information with unknown individuals, warning that online exploitation and manipulation remain serious threats.

The statement also encouraged children facing fear, pressure or abuse to seek immediate help from trusted adults including parents, teachers or school principals rather than remaining silent.

Sri Lanka Police further reminded the public that incidents involving abuse, exploitation or threats against children should be reported without delay to the nearest police station or through emergency assistance hotlines including 119, 118, 109 and 107.

May 17, Colombo (LNW): Weather conditions showed signs of improvement yesterday as rainfall gradually reduced in several key river basin areas across Sri Lanka, according to the Department of Irrigation.

Officials reported that the heaviest showers were concentrated around the Kalu River basin, where rainfall levels ranged between 50 and 75 millimetres during the day. Authorities said this was the highest amount recorded among the country’s major river catchment regions.

Moderate to heavy rainfall was also experienced in areas surrounding the Kelani River and Attanagalu Oya, with several localities receiving between 60 and 70 millimetres of rain. Despite the reduced intensity compared to previous days, officials noted that soil saturation and elevated water levels continue to pose risks in low-lying communities.

In contrast, most other river basins across the island recorded relatively light showers, with rainfall figures remaining below 25 millimetres.

Authorities further stated that water levels in the Attanagalu Oya, while still elevated, have now dropped to the official warning threshold following earlier concerns over possible flooding. Residents living near vulnerable riverbanks have nevertheless been advised to remain alert as sudden showers could quickly worsen conditions.

Meanwhile, the Kuda Ganga continues to experience a minor flood situation, with irrigation officials closely monitoring the flow and urging nearby communities to exercise caution.

May 17, Colombo (LNW): Persistent heavy rainfall sweeping across Sri Lanka has affected more than 5,000 residents nationwide, with authorities warning that unstable weather conditions may continue over the coming days.

According to disaster response officials, at least 5,242 people belonging to 1,574 families have experienced difficulties caused by flooding, waterlogging, and related weather incidents across 65 Divisional Secretariat areas spanning 14 districts.

The greatest impact has been reported from Puttalam District, where nearly 1,500 residents from over 540 households have been affected. Emergency arrangements have also been made for dozens of displaced individuals, with temporary shelter facilities currently accommodating several families in safer locations.

Meanwhile, Colombo District has recorded more than 1,400 affected residents, while significant disruptions have also been reported from Kalutara District, where over 1,000 people have faced difficulties due to the relentless downpours.

Officials noted that the severe weather has caused damage to property in several areas. Nearly 200 houses have sustained partial destruction, while one residence was completely destroyed amid the adverse conditions.

The National Building Research Organisation has also extended landslide early warnings covering 70 Divisional Secretariat divisions across 13 districts until 4.00 p.m. today. Elevated Level 2 warnings remain active in vulnerable regions of Kalutara District, Kandy District, Ratnapura District, Kurunegala District and parts of Colombo District, where residents have been urged to remain vigilant.

Adding to concerns, the Department of Irrigation confirmed that 20 reservoirs under its supervision are currently overflowing as continued rainfall pushes water levels beyond capacity in several parts of the island.