February 23, Colombo (LNW): The Oxford Union has called off a scheduled address by Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa following objections from Tamil student groups and human rights campaigners.

The decision comes shortly after the Cambridge Union also cancelled a planned appearance by the same MP, citing security considerations linked to anticipated demonstrations.

According to reporting by Cherwell, Oxford Union President Katherine Yang explained that the move was prompted by concerns raised by students who felt unable to engage freely in the proposed event. She noted that open and direct questioning lies at the heart of the Union’s tradition, and that several individuals closely connected to the issues surrounding Sri Lanka’s recent history had expressed unease about participating in such a forum.

Yang reportedly stated that while alternative formats were explored, any arrangement that limited meaningful engagement from those most affected would undermine the integrity of the debate. She emphasised that the Union’s purpose is to foster rigorous discussion in an environment where all participants feel able to speak without fear.

Rajapaksa, a member of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, is currently visiting the United Kingdom. During his stay, he paid a visit to the London Buddhist Vihara, which is marking its centenary this year with a series of commemorative events.

The diaspora advocacy organisation Tamil Solidarity had urged both debating societies to withdraw their invitations, arguing that offering a prestigious platform to the MP risked legitimising controversial aspects of Sri Lanka’s political past. The group signalled its intention to stage protests should the events proceed.

Tamil Solidarity, founded in 2009, campaigns on matters including alleged wartime abuses, accountability mechanisms and the rights of Tamil-speaking communities. The episode has reignited debate within British universities over how best to balance freedom of expression with the concerns of students who feel directly impacted by the subject matter under discussion.

February 23, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s state-run postal network could generate as much as Rs. 15 billion in revenue this year, according to Dr Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Health and Mass Media.

The Minister made the remarks while inaugurating the refurbished Madawala Ulpotha Post Office on Saturday (22), describing the upgrade as part of a wider effort to revitalise one of the country’s oldest public institutions. The renovation of the local facility was completed at a cost of Rs. 5.1 million, offering improved customer areas and upgraded operational space.

Reflecting on recent financial performance, Dr Jayatissa noted that an earlier allocation of Rs. 2 billion for development initiatives had enabled the Postal Department to increase its income to Rs. 13.45 billion. Building on that momentum, officials are now aiming to surpass Rs. 15 billion in revenue during the current financial year.

He explained that the transformation strategy goes beyond infrastructure repairs and focuses heavily on digitisation and security enhancements. Funds amounting to Rs. 27 million have been set aside to procure 209 CCTV cameras to strengthen monitoring systems at post offices, while Rs. 74 million has been invested in 225 new computers to improve administrative efficiency. In addition, Rs. 101 million will be spent on 1,500 tablet devices to modernise operations at the Central Mail Exchange.

Energy efficiency has also become a priority. Solar power systems are being installed at key locations, including the Batticaloa and Polonnaruwa post offices, the Central Mail Exchange, and Postal Headquarters, at a combined cost of Rs. 24 million. These measures are expected to reduce electricity expenses and promote environmentally sustainable operations.

The Minister further confirmed that long-planned development work at the Polonnaruwa Post Office has now been completed, bringing it in line with updated service standards.

As part of efforts to streamline attendance and improve accountability, Rs. 31 million has also been allocated to purchase 657 fingerprint recognition machines for deployment across post offices islandwide.

Dr Jayatissa emphasised that with continued investment in technology, security and renewable energy, the Postal Department is well positioned not only to improve public service delivery but also to emerge as a financially stronger and more competitive state enterprise.

February 23, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s state LP gas vendor Litro Gas Lanka has begun releasing a substantial consignment of domestic gas cylinders into the local market in a bid to counter recent shortages, the company confirmed yesterday (22).

From today (23), approximately 300,000 household cylinders will be dispatched across the island through its distributor network. Company officials said the move is intended to stabilise supply after an unexpected spike in consumer demand left many retailers struggling to maintain stocks.

The replenishment drive follows the arrival of a vessel carrying 3,900 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas at the Port of Colombo on Saturday. Unloading commenced shortly after docking, enabling distribution operations to begin without delay.

Two further LP gas consignments are due to reach the country on February 25 and 28, bolstering efforts to rebuild reserves. Litro indicated that fresh procurement orders have also been placed to ensure continuity of supply in the coming weeks, with additional shipments expected before month’s end.

Under the current plan, around 100,000 cylinders will be released daily, a phased approach that the company believes will steadily relieve pressure on the market and reduce long queues seen in several towns in recent days.

Consumers in various parts of the country had voiced frustration over limited availability of both Litro and rival brand cylinders, with some retailers reporting uncertainty over delivery schedules. Trade representatives had previously called for clearer timelines and improved coordination to prevent panic buying.

Meanwhile, Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Trade, stated earlier this week that even larger volumes of Litro cylinders are expected to enter circulation from 12 March as part of a broader plan to reinforce national energy security.

Litro reiterated that with the ongoing distribution of 300,000 cylinders and incoming shipments, supply conditions are anticipated to normalise progressively, restoring regular purchasing patterns for households across the island.

February 22, Colombo (LNW): Landslide warnings at the highest ‘Red’ level have been lifted in several districts, according to Disaster Management Centre (DMC) Director Pradeep Kodippili.

Following fresh safety assessments, residents who had earlier been evacuated from high-risk zones are now being permitted to return to their homes. Officials confirmed that inspections were carried out to ensure that conditions in the affected localities were stable before granting clearance for resettlement.

However, the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has decided to retain ‘Red’ level landslide warnings in selected Divisional Secretariat areas within the Kandy District, where ground conditions remain a concern.

Mr Kodippili noted that, apart from isolated disruptions, the overall situation has improved considerably. As of this morning, flooding has been reported only along the Somawathiya road, while previously affected routes elsewhere have now been reopened to traffic.

Meanwhile, authorities have confirmed that the G.C.E. Ordinary Level examination will proceed today (23) as planned. The DMC has been working in close coordination with the Department of Examinations to ensure that contingency arrangements are in place should any emergency arise.

Measures include providing transport for students in vulnerable areas, maintaining clear access to examination centres, and ensuring that test proceedings continue without interruption. Emergency operation centres across the island remain fully functional, with personnel deployed on standby.

Officers assigned to the 117 emergency hotline are operating round the clock, supported by district disaster management units, the Tri-Forces, the Police and technical response teams, all prepared to respond swiftly to any developments.

The DMC has urged members of the public to stay alert and to rely solely on official weather bulletins and advisories for accurate updates as conditions continue to be monitored.

February 23, Colombo (LNW): The prevailing rainy conditions are expected to reduce from today (23) as the low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal moves away from the island.

Several spells of showers will occur in Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee district.

Showers or thundershowers are likely at a few places in Galle, Matara, Rathnapura and Hambantota districts after 2.00 p.m.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces and in Ampara and Hambantota 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 atmospheric disturbance that prevailed over the Bay of Bengal has developed into a low-pressure area and is currently located to the northeast of Sri Lanka. Under the influence of this system, heavy showers or thundershowers, Strong wind gust about (50-60) kmph are possible. Hence sea areas may be rough in the aforementioned sea areas.

Navel and fishing communities are requested to be attentive to the future forecasts and bulletins issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regard.

Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Mannar to Batticaloa via Kankasanthurai and Trincomalee. Showers may occur at a few places in the other sea areas around the island.

Winds:
Winds will be North-westerly in the sea areas around the island. Wind speed will be (20-40) kmph.

State of Sea:
The sea areas around the island will be moderate.

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

February 22, Colombo (LNW): The government has initiated a broad review of outdated laws across various sectors, with plans to modernise statutes and regulations to better reflect contemporary needs.

Professor Chandana Abayarathna, the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, revealed the government’s intentions while speaking at the launch of a programme aimed at introducing legal reforms to public officials.

The Minister confirmed that the Cabinet had granted approval on two separate occasions, under the guidance of the President, to kickstart the reform process. As part of this initiative, sub-committees from 13 key sectors and ministries have been assigned to lead the review and drafting of necessary amendments.

Minister Abayarathna highlighted that many of the current laws still in effect have their origins in the colonial era, with some rooted in legal traditions that were established long before British rule and later formalised during colonial governance. He noted that while the mere age of a law is not reason enough to repeal it, it is clear that many of these statutes need revisiting to ensure they are in harmony with modern governance practices and the evolving needs of society.

“While it’s not just the age of a law that warrants reform, many of these outdated statutes need to be reexamined to ensure they remain relevant and practical in today’s context,” the Minister explained.

In addition to updating existing laws, the government aims to streamline complex legal provisions, making them more accessible and user-friendly. The proposed reforms will focus on simplifying bureaucratic processes, improving service delivery, and making it easier for citizens to access the services they need.

The reform effort will also examine the broader legal and administrative frameworks to enhance efficiency, responsiveness, and relevance, ensuring that the legal system better serves the dynamic demands of a modern society.

February 22, Colombo (LNW): Authorities have made significant progress in the investigation into the tragic shooting of a lawyer and his wife in a supermarket car park in Akuregoda on 13 February. Following intensive inquiries, police have arrested several individuals, including one of the gunmen believed to be directly involved in the killings.

Under the direction of the Inspector General of Police, 12 police teams were mobilised to carry out a detailed investigation, resulting in the detention of nine suspects, including a critical figure identified as one of the shooters. Among the initial arrests were two brothers from Athurugiriya, who allegedly played a pivotal role in transporting the weapon used in the crime and providing details about the victims’ vehicle. A suspect known as “Polgasowita Dila,” who is believed to have orchestrated the murder, was also apprehended during the early stages of the investigation.

Further breakthroughs came when six more individuals were arrested on 22 February by the Southern Province Special Operations Unit of the Police Special Task Force in Ethkandura, Kahaduwa, for their involvement in assisting the perpetrators. Additionally, it was revealed that one accomplice, who had transported one of the gunmen to a hotel in Pannipitiya, had fled the country to Thailand through Bandaranaike International Airport.

A pivotal moment in the case came later that evening when a suspect, identified as a former Army serviceman, was apprehended in Delduwa, Ambalangoda, by officers from the Homagama Divisional Crime Investigation Bureau. The 46-year-old man, who had been discharged from the military during the 2009 general amnesty, was found staying at a friend’s house and working on a nearby cinnamon estate.

During questioning, the suspect admitted to carrying out the fatal shooting of the lawyer, using a T-56 assault rifle. He explained that after the murder, he had exited a vehicle near Kottawa and travelled to Ambalangoda by bus to evade detection. The suspect further revealed his connections to a notorious underworld figure, “Karandeniya Sudda,” stating that he had received a contract via phone to carry out the killing. In return, he was reportedly paid Rs. 1 million and provided with a stock of heroin.

Police have confirmed that the suspect, who is also a known drug addict, had previously been involved in illicit activities linked to Karandeniya Sudda. Despite the suspect’s admission to the crime, investigators have not uncovered any other murders attributed to him at this stage.

The arrested individual has since been taken to the Western Province South Crime Division for further questioning and to assist with ongoing investigations. Authorities remain committed to uncovering the full extent of the conspiracy and bringing all those involved to justice.

February 22, Colombo (LNW): Torrential rain exceeding 200 millimetres has drenched several parts of the country in recent days, sharply elevating the threat of landslides, the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has warned.

Senior Geologist Wasantha Senadeera said the sustained downpours have saturated soil layers in vulnerable hill country regions, prompting authorities to activate the highest level of precaution in a number of locations. As a result, Level 3 ‘Red’ evacuation notices have been issued to residents in 15 Divisional Secretariat divisions spanning four districts.

The affected areas include Udadumbara, Gangawata Ihala Korale, Doluwa and Yatinuwara in Kandy District; Kegalle, Yatiyanthota, Mawanella, Dehiowita and Aranayaka in Kegalle District; Laggala-Pallegama, Ambanganga Korale, Ukuwela, Wilgamuwa and Rattota in Matale District; and Ratnapura in Ratnapura District. Residents in these localities have been urged to move to designated safe centres without delay.

In addition, Level 2 (Amber) warnings — indicating a heightened state of alert — have been declared for 12 DS divisions across six districts, including Haldummulla in Badulla; Niyagama in Galle; Medadumbara and Pathadumbara in Kandy; Badalkumbura in Monaragala; several divisions in Nuwara Eliya such as Nildandhahinna, Walapane, Norwood and Ambagamuwa; as well as Kiriella, Kalawana and Ayagama in Ratnapura District.

A further 23 DS divisions in eight districts have been placed under Level 1 (Yellow) alerts, signalling the need for vigilance as ground conditions remain unstable. These cover parts of Badulla, Hambantota, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Monaragala, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura districts.

Dr Senadeera noted that the warning levels are subject to change depending on rainfall patterns recorded over the coming hours. He cautioned that the cumulative effect of days of intense precipitation has significantly weakened slopes, particularly in areas with prior earth slips or ongoing construction.

The NBRO has advised motorists travelling through hilly terrain to exercise extreme care, especially along roads bordered by steep embankments. Members of the public have also been encouraged to watch for early signs of slope failure, such as cracks in walls or soil, tilting trees, or muddy water flowing unexpectedly. If heavy rain persists, residents have been urged to avoid landslide-prone zones altogether and to prioritise personal safety until conditions stabilise.