June 07, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts, the Department of Meteorology said today (07).

Heavy falls about 100 mm are likely at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts.

A few showers may occur in Anuradhapura and Hambantota districts.

Strong winds about (40-50) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills, Northern and North-central provinces and in Hambantota and Trincomalee districts. Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times over other areas of island.

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 times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle.

Winds: Winds will be south-westerly. Wind speed will be (30-40) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to (60-70) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanthurai to Kalpitiya via Mannar.

Wind speed can increase up to (50-60) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Trincomalee to Kankasanthurai via Mullaittivu and Kalpitiya to Pottuvil Via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota.

State of Sea: The sea areas off the coasts extending from Kankasanthurai to Kalpitiya via Mannar will be very rough at times.

The sea areas off the coasts extending from Trincomalee to Kankasanthurai via Mullaittivu and Kalpitiya to Pottuvil Via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota will be rough at times. The other sea areas around the island will be fairly rough at times.

The wave height may increase about (2.0 – 2.5) meters in the sea areas off the coast extending from Mannar to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota.

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

Major General (Retd.) Suresh Sallay has commenced a “fast unto death” while in the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), according to an urgent complaint submitted to the Inspector General of Police by his wife, Manori Sallay. The complaint calls for an immediate independent criminal investigation into alleged torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, denial of medical care, and abuse of authority during his detention.  

According to the complaint, Sallay informed family members during a visit on 6 June that he could no longer endure what he described as continuous mental torture, degrading treatment, and systemic unfairness while in custody. He reportedly stated that he remains confident that ongoing legal proceedings will ultimately establish his innocence and instructed his lawyers to continue legal action even in the event of his death.  

The complaint alleges that Sallay has been denied medication prescribed by the Judicial Medical Officer (JMO) and has not been provided with recommended dietary requirements. It further claims that he is being held in a small cell under harsh conditions, including continuous lighting, inadequate food, and restricted access to washroom facilities after 10.00 p.m.  

Manori Sallay also alleges that her husband was subjected to a humiliating strip search in the presence of other detainees and claims that CCTV footage from the detention facility could provide evidence regarding the alleged treatment. She has requested that authorities immediately secure and preserve all relevant surveillance recordings.  

The complaint states that Sallay has been held in CID custody for more than 100 days and has reportedly been questioned only on a limited number of occasions, raising concerns about the necessity of his continued detention. Family members who visited him on 6 June reportedly observed signs of physical deterioration, including parched lips, sunken eyes, visible weakness, and emotional distress.  

The complaint further alleges that CID representatives failed to attend a Human Rights Commission inquiry connected to a complaint lodged by Sallay’s wife. Manori Sallay has urged authorities to immediately launch an independent investigation, review detention and medical records, ensure access to medical treatment, and take steps to safeguard her husband’s health and safety while investigations are ongoing.  

Speaking as the Chief Guest at the 15th Colombo Retina Meeting 2026 held at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Colombo, Supreme Court Judge Dr. Sobhitha Rajakaruna emphasized that both the legal and medical professions share a common responsibility in making decisions that profoundly impact human lives.

Addressing the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Association of Vitreo-Retina Specialists of Sri Lanka, he highlighted the importance of balancing professional expertise, intuition, ethics, and “good conscience” in decision-making, while praising retinal specialists for their contribution to preserving sight, dignity, and hope.

The Full Speech made by His Lordship Justice Dr. Sobhitha Rajakaruna, Judge of the Supreme Court, who was the Chief Guest at the 15^thColombo Retina Meeting, 2026  –  the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Association of Vitreo-Retina Specialists of Sri Lanka.

4^th June 2026 at the Cinnamon Grand Hotle, Colombo.

Distinguished President and Office Bearers of the Association of Vitreo-Retina Specialists of Sri Lanka,Guest of Honour Professor Andrzej Grzybowski,Respected members of the faculty, Distinguished international and local guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening.

At the outset, permit me to express my sincere gratitude for the generous introduction accorded to me. I am deeply humbled by your kindness and hospitality.

It is indeed a privilege and an honour to be invited as the Chief Guest at the 15th Colombo Retina Meeting 2026, the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Association of Vitreo-Retina Specialists of Sri Lanka. I consider this invitation particularly meaningful because it comes from a body of eminent professionals who dedicate their lives to preserving and restoring one of the greatest gifts bestowed upon humanity, sight itself.

The theme selected for this year’s meeting — “Innovate and Educate to Advance Sri Lankan Retina Care” — is both timely and profound. Innovation without education is incomplete, and education without innovation risks stagnation. Together, they become the driving force of progress in every discipline, whether in medicine, science, law, or governance.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Though I stand before you as a Judge and not as a medical professional, I have often reflected upon the striking similarities between the judicial profession and the medical profession, particularly in the realm of decision-making. If I may strike a personal note – my late father was also a great Medical Practitioner.

As Judges, we write judgments to uphold fairness, justice, and the Rule of Law. You, as Specialist Doctors and surgeons, diagnose illnesses, perform procedures, and treat patients to restore health and dignity to human life. In essence, both professions are entrusted with decisions that profoundly affect human lives.

A judicial decision may determine the liberty, property, reputation, or rights of an individual. Likewise, a medical decision may determine the quality of life, vision, survival, or well-being of a patient.

Therefore, the quality, accuracy, and fairness of those decisions become of paramount importance.

Indeed, I venture to say that Specialist Doctors, through their professional decisions, also contribute to the upholding of the Rule of Law. For the Rule of Law is not confined merely to courts and constitutions. It is ultimately about fairness, responsibility, ethics, and the protection of human dignity. Every carefully considered medical decision that is made honestly, ethically, and conscientiously strengthens the fabric of a just society.

Yet, in both our professions, there exists a common and unavoidable challenge — ‘divergence of opinion’.

In the legal sphere, different Judges may arrive at different conclusions on the same cause of action. Similarly, in medicine, Specialist Doctors may sometimes differ in diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment. Such divergence may create uncertainty and dilemmas, and unfortunately, it is often the ordinary litigants or patient who ultimately suffers the consequences.

One of the contributing factors for divergent judicial opinions is what scholars describe as the ‘judicial hunch’ or ‘judicial intuition’.

Judicial hunch reflects numerous human factors: what the judge had for breakfast, a Judge’s upbringing, education, language ability, experience, knowledge, intelligence, and even subconscious influences shaped by life itself.

An illuminating discussion on this subject appears in the article titled “Blinking on the Bench: How Judges Decide Cases” by Chris Guthrie, Jeffrey J. Rachlinski, and Andrew J. Wistrich. The authors question whether Judges decide cases merely through mechanical application of legal principles, as formalists suggest, or whether they rely significantly on instinctive impressions and intuition, as legal realists argue.

They observe that Judges, like all human beings, possess two cognitive systems — the intuitive and the deliberative. Although Judges strive to rely upon facts, evidence, and legal principles while suppressing personal bias and emotion, intuition inevitably plays a role in human decision-making.

The authors further note that intuitive judgments may sometimes be remarkably accurate, but they may also lead to errors and injustice if not tempered by careful deliberation.

Interestingly, they draw a parallel with medicine by referring to Dr. Jerome Groopman’s work, “How Doctors Think.” Dr. Groopman cautions that although first impressions and intuition can occasionally be correct, excessive reliance on intuition carries dangers. He argues that sound medical judgment requires a combination of initial perception and deliberate analytical reasoning.

The same principle applies to the law.

Thus, it appears that both Judges and Specialist Doctors stand upon common intellectual ground. In both professions, decision-making involves not merely technical knowledge, but also human cognition, intuition, analysis, experience, ethics, and conscience.

Modern neuroscience, too, has increasingly demonstrated how the human brain contributes to intuitive responses and subconscious reasoning. Whether in a courtroom or an operating theatre, the human mind continuously balances instinct with rational deliberation.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In light of all this, one fundamental principle emerges with great clarity.

Whether one is a Judge interpreting the law or a Specialist Doctor treating a patient, the ultimate guide in decision-making must be nothing but ‘good conscience’.

To my mind, good conscience is the true foundation stone of the Rule of Law. It is equally the foundation stone of every accurate and fair medical decision.

Good conscience demands honesty.

Good conscience demands humility.

Good conscience demands intellectual integrity.

And above all, good conscience demands that we place human welfare above personal pride, convenience, or prejudice.

You simply cannot hide anything from your conscience, no matter how secretly you act. Your conscience bears witness to every word you utter, every step you take, and every action you perform, whether in the Judge’s chambers or in the operating theatre. And interestingly, recent research in Artificial Intelligence has revealed something strikingly similar; today, no matter how many times you delete something from a device, technology does not forget. It remembers what you tried to erase.

Technology may advance. Artificial intelligence may assist. Medical science and legal systems may evolve. Yet, no machine can replace the moral conscience of a human being committed to fairness and compassion.

As you gather here over the next few days to exchange knowledge, discuss innovations, and advance retinal care in Sri Lanka, I sincerely hope that your deliberations will continue to strengthen not only scientific excellence but also the humane and ethical foundations of your noble profession.

The gift of sight that you preserve and restore is not merely a biological function. It is the restoration of hope, independence, dignity, and human possibility.

For that, society owes all of you immense gratitude.

In conclusion, I once again congratulate the Association of Vitreo-Retina Specialists of Sri Lanka for organising this important scientific meeting and for its invaluable contribution to the advancement of ophthalmic care in our country.

I thank all the distinguished international and local faculty members for sharing their expertise and enriching the Sri Lankan ophthalmic community.

Finally, I extend my sincere appreciation to Dr. P. Sriharanathan, the President and all those responsible for inviting me & my wife and extending such warm hospitality. I must also place on record my special appreciation to the Vice President of the Association, Dr. Ayasmantha Peiris, a colleague from my alma mater, who coordinated with me.

I wish the 15th Colombo Retina Meeting 2026 every success.

Thank you.

Sri Lanka’s ambitious plan to revive the loss-making Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport has triggered intense interest from regional powers, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest involving India, China, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The government has unveiled a 30-year Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) lease model aimed at transforming the underutilized airport into a commercially viable aviation and logistics hub.

The international tender, scheduled to close on June 9, 2026, is attracting significant attention due to Mattala’s strategic location near the Hambantota Port, a key Chinese-operated maritime facility leased for 99 years. Industry observers note that the airport project has evolved beyond a simple commercial transaction, carrying substantial geopolitical implications for the region.

Under the proposed BOT arrangement, prospective investors must meet stringent eligibility criteria, including a minimum net worth of US$50 million and at least five years of experience operating airports certified by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Government officials expect to issue a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) by late July following the evaluation of Expressions of Interest (EOIs).

According to the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation, 47 parties have already expressed interest in the project. These include major state-owned and private-sector entities from India, China, and the Gulf region.

Indian stakeholders are reportedly evaluating the project from both commercial and strategic perspectives. Analysts suggest that securing a role in Mattala would provide New Delhi with a stronger presence in southern Sri Lanka, balancing China’s significant influence through the neighboring Hambantota Port. The move is also viewed as aligning with India’s broader regional engagement strategy while supporting the expansion of its growing aviation and logistics sectors.

China, meanwhile, remains deeply invested in the airport’s future. Mattala was originally constructed with a US$200 million Chinese loan, and state-backed Chinese firms are closely monitoring the tender process. Their interest is largely linked to safeguarding the wider economic and logistical ecosystem surrounding Hambantota, where China has invested billions of dollars.

The UAE has also emerged as a serious contender. With growing geopolitical uncertainties affecting global trade routes, Gulf-based aviation and logistics companies are exploring opportunities to develop Mattala into an alternative cargo, aircraft storage, and supply-chain hub. Recent diplomatic engagements between Sri Lankan officials and UAE representatives have further highlighted this interest.

Unlike previous attempts to attract investors solely for passenger operations, the government has restructured the project into two distinct investment tracks. The first covers airside operations, including airport management and aerodrome services, while the second focuses on landside commercial development. Investors may bid for either segment or both.

Authorities envision future developments including maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities, cargo centers, flight training academies, aircraft manufacturing ventures, hospitality projects, and resort developments.

With Mattala currently generating annual losses estimated at nearly Rs. 3 billion, the government is under pressure to secure a capable private partner. Officials hope to finalize negotiations by the end of 2026, with the Cabinet-Appointed Negotiation Committee overseeing the selection process.

As bidding intensifies, Mattala Airport has become far more than an underperforming aviation asset it is rapidly emerging as a focal point in the strategic competition for influence in the Indian Ocean.

Two high-profile financial scandals a multi-million-dollar Treasury cyber theft and a massive internal fraud at National Development Bank (NDB)—have intensified scrutiny of Sri Lanka’s financial sector, raising questions about oversight, accountability and institutional safeguards. Yet Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe insists that neither incident poses a threat to the country’s overall banking stability.

Addressing concerns during the presentation of the Annual Economic Review, the Governor sought to reassure the public that Sri Lanka’s financial system remains fundamentally sound despite the controversies.

The cases in question involve a US$2.5 million Treasury cyber heist and an alleged Rs.13.2 billion internal fraud at NDB. Both incidents generated widespread concern among depositors and policymakers, prompting calls for stronger regulatory controls and enhanced risk management systems.

According to Dr. Weerasinghe, the Central Bank’s role in government payment transactions is limited to executing approved instructions. Once payment details satisfy the technical verification requirements within the system, the Central Bank lacks the legal authority to alter, delay or independently verify the legitimacy of the transaction.

This explanation has sparked debate among financial analysts who argue that modern financial systems require stronger safeguards against increasingly sophisticated cyber and internal fraud threats. Critics contend that compliance with technical procedures alone may not be sufficient in an era of digital financial crime.

The Governor nevertheless maintained that the incidents were isolated cases rather than evidence of systemic weakness. In particular, he stressed that no depositor funds or customer accounts were affected by the alleged NDB fraud, despite the scale of the financial loss involved.

At the same time, he acknowledged that the case exposed serious weaknesses within the bank’s internal controls and operational procedures. Regulatory authorities are now awaiting the completion of forensic investigations before determining what corrective measures may be required.

The fallout from the NDB case triggered a broader industry response. Immediately after details of the fraud emerged, the Central Bank instructed all licensed banks to conduct internal reviews of their systems and controls. Institutions were specifically directed to investigate whether similar unauthorized transactions, accounting irregularities or internal fund diversions could be occurring undetected within their own operations.

The results of these sector-wide assessments have provided some reassurance. According to the Governor, no other bank reported evidence of comparable internal fraud schemes following the review process.

Nevertheless, the incidents have highlighted growing challenges facing financial institutions as digital banking operations become increasingly complex. Experts argue that stronger internal auditing systems, enhanced cybersecurity frameworks and more sophisticated fraud detection mechanisms will be essential to maintaining public confidence.

While regulators insist the financial system remains secure, the scandals have exposed vulnerabilities that cannot be ignored. The ultimate test for Sri Lanka’s banking sector will be whether these incidents lead to meaningful reforms capable of preventing similar breaches in the future.