May 10, Colombo (LNW): Authorities investigating the death of former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena have obtained statements from 15 individuals, including former national cricketer Aravinda de Silva, as inquiries continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Colombo Crime Division said investigations are now progressing based on findings from the post-mortem examination and additional forensic assessments. Officials confirmed that Chandrasena’s remains have been referred to both the Government Analyst and the Judicial Medical Officer for further scientific evaluation.

The post-mortem examination was reportedly carried out by a panel of five specialist forensic medical experts, reflecting the high-profile nature of the investigation and the need for a comprehensive medical assessment.

Chandrasena’s body was discovered on Tuesday morning at the residence of a relative in the Kollupitiya area of Colombo, prompting an immediate police inquiry.

The former airline executive had been facing legal proceedings linked to allegations that he accepted a payment of US$2 million during a controversial aircraft procurement deal involving Airbus in 2013. The case had drawn considerable public attention due to its connection to corruption allegations within the national carrier.

Earlier this month, Chandrasena had been granted bail by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court after being produced before court by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption. Bail conditions included a cash deposit and several high-value personal sureties.

However, investigators later informed court that irregularities had allegedly emerged in relation to two of the sureties submitted on his behalf. According to officials, individuals had reportedly been paid a comparatively small amount of money to stand as guarantors for bonds valued at millions of rupees.

Following those revelations, the Bribery Commission sought permission from court to revoke Chandrasena’s bail, arguing that the conditions imposed by the judiciary had been violated. The Commission further requested that he be remanded under provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act until the conclusion of the proceedings.

Subsequently, Asanga S. Bodaragama, Chief Magistrate of Colombo, directed that Chandrasena be arrested and produced before court without delay.

Police sources stated that preparations were underway to execute the court order when the former airline executive was later found dead, adding another layer of complexity to an already high-profile corruption investigation.

May 10, Colombo (LNW): The National Election Commission has announced that members of the public will have until 5 June 2026 to submit claims, corrections and objections relating to the preparation of the country’s electoral register for next year.

Commission Chairman R.M.A.L. Rathnayake said the preliminary voters’ list has now been made available for public review as part of the annual revision process aimed at ensuring the accuracy of electoral records.

According to election officials, citizens are encouraged to verify their personal details, including names, addresses and polling divisions, in order to avoid complications during future elections. Authorities noted that early verification is particularly important for individuals who have recently changed residence, reached voting age or identified discrepancies in previous registrations.

The draft register has been displayed at District Election Offices as well as local Grama Niladhari offices across the country, allowing voters to inspect their information conveniently within their respective areas.

In addition, the Commission has expanded digital access to the verification process by making the register accessible through its official online platform, enabling voters to review their details remotely without having to visit Government offices in person.

Election authorities also urged the public to make use of the correction period responsibly, stressing that maintaining an accurate electoral register is essential to safeguarding transparency and public confidence in the democratic process.

Officials added that complaints and amendment requests submitted before the deadline will be reviewed before the final register is certified for use in future elections and referendums.

May 10, Colombo (LNW): An alleged organised crime suspect believed to have links to large-scale narcotics trafficking is expected to be brought back to Sri Lanka from Dubai today under tight security arrangements.

The suspect, identified as “Batuwatte Chamara”, is reportedly being repatriated following coordination between Sri Lankan authorities and foreign law enforcement agencies. A special team from the Criminal Investigation Department has already travelled overseas to oversee the transfer process and escort him back to the country for further investigations.

Security sources said the suspect is believed to have maintained connections to a wider drug distribution network operating across several parts of the island, with investigators examining possible links to organised criminal activities and financial operations connected to the narcotics trade.

The latest development comes shortly after officers attached to the Police Special Task Force carried out a targeted raid that led to the arrest of three individuals allegedly associated with the suspect’s operations.

During the search operation, authorities recovered a quantity of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as “Ice”, along with a stock of narcotic tablets and a sum of cash believed to be connected to illegal drug transactions. Investigators stated that the seized substances are being subjected to further forensic examination as inquiries continue.

May 10, Colombo (LNW): The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka has approved an increase in electricity charges for selected consumer groups, with revised tariffs set to come into force from midnight tomorrow.

Under the latest revision, electricity bills will rise by 18 per cent during the second and third quarters of 2026 for domestic consumers whose monthly usage exceeds 180 units. Officials said the adjustment is aimed at easing mounting financial pressure on the power sector amid escalating generation and operational costs.

Despite the increase, the Commission stressed that the vast majority of households would not be affected. Domestic users consuming below the 180-unit threshold will continue to pay existing rates, a move intended to protect ordinary families from additional financial strain during the ongoing cost-of-living challenges.

According to regulators, the decision was taken following projections of a revenue gap estimated at nearly Rs. 38 billion, driven largely by higher fuel and electricity generation expenses expected over the coming months. Authorities noted that Government intervention helped soften the impact of the proposed revision, with the State agreeing to provide a subsidy of Rs. 15 billion to support the sector.

As a result, only a relatively small segment of consumers — estimated at around five per cent of total electricity users — will face higher charges, while approximately 95 per cent of customers are expected to remain unaffected by the adjustment.

The revised pricing structure will also apply to a number of institutional and commercial categories. Government establishments, large-scale industrial operations and consumers classified under General Purpose GP2 and GP3 categories will all be subject to the full 18 per cent increase.

In addition, religious institutions and GP1 category consumers exceeding the 180-unit consumption level will see corresponding increases in their electricity bills.

Meanwhile, several sectors considered economically sensitive have been exempted from the revision for the time being. Small and medium-sized enterprises, along with hotels operating under the H1 and H2 classifications, will continue under existing tariff rates unless their electricity consumption rises substantially beyond standard levels.

Energy analysts say the selective adjustment reflects an effort to stabilise the country’s electricity supply system while limiting the burden on lower and middle-income households. Officials have also indicated that future tariff reviews will depend on fuel prices, rainfall conditions and national power demand trends later in the year.

May 10, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya has called for Sri Lanka to take an active role in shaping the direction of artificial intelligence, stressing that the country must establish strong policies and ethical safeguards instead of merely reacting to rapid technological change.

She made the remarks while attending the launch of the AI Policy Framework for State Universities at the University of Colombo Senate Hall on May 08, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

The initiative has been introduced through a collaboration between the University Grants Commission and the United States Embassy in Sri Lanka, with the aim of establishing national guidelines for the responsible and equitable use of artificial intelligence within the State university sector.

The event drew participation from university administrators, researchers, technology specialists and policymakers, who discussed both the opportunities and challenges posed by AI in higher education. Officials also outlined plans for introducing the framework across universities in the coming months.

Delivering the keynote address, the Prime Minister noted that artificial intelligence is evolving at a pace that often outstrips regulation and public understanding, making effective governance increasingly important. She observed that higher education institutions would be among the sectors most deeply transformed by AI, particularly as universities play a central role in producing knowledge, encouraging critical thinking and preparing future professionals.

She further pointed out that the impact of AI differs across academic disciplines, with areas such as the humanities and social sciences facing complex ethical and intellectual questions as automated technologies become more influential in research and learning environments.

The Prime Minister also warned against allowing technological advancement to widen existing inequalities in education. She said any national AI strategy should prioritise accessibility and inclusion, including support for students with disabilities and efforts to overcome linguistic barriers through digital tools.

Emphasising the importance of broad consultation, she encouraged continuous dialogue between students, lecturers, researchers and policymakers to ensure that the framework remains practical and responsive to the realities of the academic sector.

The programme featured opening remarks by Kapila Seneviratne, Chairman of the University Grants Commission, while K. L. Wasantha Kumara, Vice Chairman of the Commission, presented the proposed roadmap for implementation. AI specialists also delivered presentations highlighting the framework’s core principles and future applications.

The Government believes the initiative marks an important step towards preparing Sri Lanka’s university system for a rapidly changing digital future, while ensuring that innovation is balanced with accountability, social responsibility and long-term national development.

May 10, Colombo (LNW): Persistent rainfall across many parts of the country has led to a significant rise in water levels at major reservoirs, prompting authorities to activate spill operations at several irrigation tanks to prevent overflow and safeguard infrastructure.

The Department of Irrigation confirmed that nine large reservoirs and five medium-scale reservoirs under its management are currently discharging excess water following days of intense rain.

Director of Irrigation and Water Management, H.M.D.P.S.D. Herath, stated that among the reservoirs now spilling are the Lunugamwehera Reservoir, Weheragala Reservoir, Rajanganaya Reservoir and Deduru Oya Reservoir.

Officials said six spill gates at the Lunugamwehera Reservoir have been opened, allowing more than 4,000 cubic feet of water per second to flow into the Kirindi Oya. At the same time, six gates at the Weheragala Reservoir are releasing in excess of 1,400 cubic feet of water each second into the Menik Ganga.

Meanwhile, the Rajanganaya Reservoir has opened eight spill gates, sending over 9,300 cubic feet of water per second downstream into the Kala Oya. Four gates at the Deduru Oya Reservoir have also been activated, releasing around 5,500 cubic feet of water per second into the Deduru Oya.

In addition, controlled water releases have begun at the Alikota Ara Reservoir, where three spill gates are currently open and more than 500 cubic feet of water per second is being discharged into the Kirindi Oya basin.

Authorities have advised communities living in low-lying areas and settlements situated downstream of these reservoirs to remain vigilant, particularly in areas vulnerable to sudden rises in water levels. Residents have also been encouraged to pay close attention to official notices and weather updates as rainfall conditions continue to evolve.

The Irrigation Department warned that spill volumes may be revised depending on further rainfall and inflow levels in the coming days, noting that reservoir operations are being monitored continuously to minimise flood risks and ensure public safety.

May 10, Colombo (LNW): The Government is preparing to roll out a nationwide initiative aimed at accelerating digital modernisation throughout Sri Lanka’s public sector as part of its broader Digital Economy Strategy.

The programme, titled the Public Impact Champions Network (PIC-Net), is expected to strengthen institutional efficiency while improving the standard and accessibility of public services delivered to citizens.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), instructions regarding the implementation of the initiative have already been communicated to Ministry Secretaries, Provincial Chief Secretaries, heads of departments and leaders of State-owned bodies through an official circular issued by Presidential Secretary Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

Under the new framework, selected Government institutions will nominate four officers each to act as digital transformation representatives within their organisations. These officers will work together to encourage innovation, modernise administrative processes and improve the overall public service experience through greater use of technology.

Authorities believe the initiative will help create a more responsive and digitally capable public sector by streamlining workflows, strengthening coordination and promoting more efficient service delivery mechanisms.

The appointed officers will undergo specialised training programmes focusing on areas including digital governance, process redesign, organisational change management and service improvement strategies. The initiative will also feature hands-on workshops, mentoring sessions and expert-led guidance designed to build practical skills.

Officials said the long-term objective is to establish a countrywide network of nearly 400 digital transformation leaders who will continue to support innovation within their respective institutions even after the formal programme concludes. The network is also expected to encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing among Government bodies to ensure sustained institutional development.

The programme will be jointly overseen by the Presidential Secretariat, the Ministry of Digital Economy and GovTech Sri Lanka, which will coordinate implementation and provide strategic guidance.

Meanwhile, with financial and technical backing from the Asian Development Bank, a team of management consultants has been appointed to support the execution of the programme, including the evaluation and selection of nominees submitted by public institutions.

May 10, Colombo (LNW): The low-level atmospheric disturbance in the vicinity of Sri Lanka is likely to develop into a low-pressure area around May 11, and therefore, the prevailing showery conditions over the island are expected to continue during the next few days, the Department of Meteorology said today (10).

Showers or thundershowers will occur at most places over the island, and cloudy skies are expected over the island.

Heavy falls above 100 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, Uva, North-western and Northern provinces and in Anuradhapura district.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damage caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Marine Weather:

Condition of Rain: Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas around the island.

Winds: Winds will be South-westerly or variable in direction. 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.