November 02, Colombo (LNW): A 25-year-old worker lost his life this morning (02) following a sudden boiler explosion at the Kiriporuwa Estate rubber factory in Yatiyanthota.

The incident occurred at around 8 a.m. when a boiler used for mixing chemicals with rubber latex reportedly malfunctioned and exploded, producing a powerful blast.

The victim, identified as Rajinikan, a resident of the estate, was working close to the machine at the time and suffered fatal injuries, dying instantly at the scene.

Three other employees sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the Karawanella Base Hospital for treatment.

Ruwanwella Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the explosion, while safety authorities are expected to examine the factory’s machinery and operational procedures to determine the cause of the accident.

November 02, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Environment has announced the launch of a dedicated hotline, 1995, which will become operational from tomorrow, allowing the public to report incidents of environmental damage or illegal activities affecting Sri Lanka’s forests.

According to the ministry, the new service is intended to strengthen the country’s forest and wildlife protection framework by improving coordination, enabling rapid response, and supporting the prevention and suppression of environmental offences.

Information received through the hotline will be directed to the relevant regional authorities, with security forces and officers from the Department of Wildlife Conservation expected to carry out swift action on verified reports.

Additionally, the data collected through this system will be consolidated and analysed to identify trends and high-risk areas for forest-related crimes. The insights gained will assist the government in formulating targeted strategies to protect vulnerable ecosystems and ensure more effective environmental law enforcement.

November 02, Colombo (LNW): Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilake took part in India Maritime Week 2025 (IMW), held in Mumbai from October 27 to 31, an event organised by India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

Addressing the ministerial plenary session, Minister Karunathilake emphasised that the oceans serve as vital links connecting nations, cultures, and economies, forming the backbone of global trade, energy exchange, and regional connectivity.

He commended India’s Sagarmala initiative and the Maritime India Vision 2030, describing them as key frameworks for advancing collective prosperity and collaboration across the Indian Ocean region.

The Minister observed that enhanced cooperation among Sri Lanka, India, and other neighbouring nations could lead to a more integrated network of ports, fostering economic resilience and facilitating the smooth movement of goods throughout South Asia.

Minister Karunathilake also participated in Sagarmanthan – The Great Oceans Dialogue, co-hosted by the Observer Research Foundation and India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Taking part in a panel discussion titled Shaping the Future Global Logistics: Building Resilient, Smart and Sustainable Supply Chains, he outlined Sri Lanka’s ambition to position itself as a regional hub for bunkering and energy services, centred on the ports of Colombo, Trincomalee, and Hambantota.

He further highlighted the importance of automation and digital transformation in improving port capacity and operational efficiency.

During the event, the Minister held bilateral talks with India’s Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal. Their discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in port infrastructure investment, training and skill development, digital innovation, and industrial partnerships.

Minister Karunathilake also visited the newly opened Navi Mumbai International Airport and the Jawaharlal Nehru Ports Authority as part of his engagements. He was accompanied by Sri Lanka’s Consul General in Mumbai, Priyanga Wickramasinghe, Consul (Commercial) Shirani Ariyarathna, and Private Secretary Sidath Perera.

November 02, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Examinations has announced that all tuition classes, seminars, and related activities aimed at the 2025 GCE Advanced Level examinations will be banned from midnight on November 04.

According to the department, this restriction covers the organisation or conduct of subject-based revision classes, mock exams, and workshops, as well as the printing, distribution, or promotion of examination-focused materials. Publicity through electronic media, posters, or banners will also fall under the ban.

Officials stated that the measure is intended to maintain the integrity of the examination process and prevent any unfair advantages to candidates. Anyone found violating these regulations—whether an individual or an institution—will face legal action under the provisions of the Examinations Act.

November 02, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Dr Harini Amarasuriya, has announced that the government will extend special assistance to schools located in disadvantaged regions as part of the forthcoming education reforms.

During visits to the Kalkuda and Eravur Zonal Education Offices in the Batticaloa District, Dr Amarasuriya met with education officials, teachers, and parents to review preparations for the 2026 reform programme. She emphasised that no challenge is insurmountable when the government, educators, and the public work collectively towards a shared goal.

Acknowledging the particular difficulties faced by Batticaloa, including uneven academic outcomes, the Prime Minister said that the area would receive targeted attention under the new reform framework. She underscored that improving school infrastructure, strengthening teacher training, and enhancing the efficiency of educational administration are central to ensuring every child in Sri Lanka receives a quality education.

“Education is the cornerstone of national progress,” Dr Amarasuriya remarked. “When we join forces, we can overcome any obstacle and secure a brighter future for our children.”

The meeting was attended by Member of Parliament Kandasamy Prabhu, regional directors of education, school principals, and teachers.

November 02, Colombo (LNW): A woman who pretended to be the sister of a Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police and interfered with the work of traffic officers in Gampaha has been ordered into remand custody until November 03 by the Gampaha Magistrate’s Court.

Her arrest followed the circulation of a widely shared video on social media showing her in a heated altercation with two traffic officers in the Kotugoda–Udugampola area. The incident quickly drew public attention and became the subject of extensive online commentary.

According to police reports, the woman, who had been driving a car, failed to comply with officers’ instructions to stop and initially fled the scene. She was later intercepted at the Udugampola Junction, where the confrontation occurred, before being taken into custody at the Minuwangoda Police Junction after again refusing to follow police orders.

Subsequent inquiries confirmed that her claim of being related to a senior police official was completely untrue.

She now faces multiple charges, including reckless and negligent driving, disregarding lawful instructions from the police, and obstructing a public officer in the execution of official duties. The police have indicated that further investigations are under way.