March 17, Colombo (LNW): The Grandpass Police have launched a detailed investigation into a brutal attack that left two men dead near the railway line in the Jabos Lane area on March 15.
The police have made significant progress in their probe, arresting eight individuals connected to the incident in the Wellampitiya area late last night (16).
The arrested suspects, aged between 16 and 44, are all residents of Wellampitiya. During the operation, the police seized two knives and a mobile phone, which are believed to be linked to the crime, adding crucial evidence to their investigation.
The victims, two brothers aged 23 and 24, were fatally attacked in the early hours of March 15 in the Kelanitissagama area of Grandpass.
Preliminary findings suggest that the murders stemmed from a violent altercation between two groups in the nearby Weheragodella area earlier that morning.
The confrontation escalated into a sharp weapon attack, leaving two individuals with severe injuries. Despite being rushed to the Colombo National Hospital, both victims succumbed to their wounds.
The authorities have since intensified their investigation, and further inquiries are underway to determine the motive behind the violent clash and identify all individuals involved in this tragic event.
March 17, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka must work towards becoming a “rainbow nation” through a Truth and Forgiving Commission, according to Minister of Religious Affairs and Buddha Sasana Hiniduma Sunil Senavi, who addressed Parliament today (17).
Speaking during the committee stage debate on the national budget, the Minister emphasised the crucial role that his Ministry would play in establishing such a commission, which he believes is vital for national healing and unity.
Senavi drew parallels to South Africa’s post-apartheid reconciliation process, led by former President Nelson Mandela, and expressed the view that Sri Lanka could benefit from a similar approach to forgiveness.
“Just as Nelson Mandela led his country in a spirit of forgiveness, Sri Lanka too must move forward with a commitment to forgive one another,” he said.
The Minister also reminded the nation that the anniversary of the tragic Easter Sunday attacks on churches was approaching on April 21.
He called on the Christian community, as well as all Sri Lankans, to embrace forgiveness for those responsible for the atrocities, suggesting that this act of reconciliation would contribute to the broader peace and unity of the country.
Senavi’s comments reflect his belief that healing the nation’s wounds, both from past conflicts and recent tragedies, requires a collective effort to move beyond division and embrace mutual understanding and compassion.
March 17, Colombo (LNW): The Court of Appeal today (17) has rejected a petition filed by former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon, which sought to prevent his arrest in connection with a shooting incident in Weligama.
The court dismissed the petition without hearing it and imposed a court fee of Rs. 150,000 on Tennakoon.
The petition was filed by Tennakoon in an attempt to secure an interim injunction that would block the enforcement of an arrest order issued by the Matara Magistrate’s Court.
The arrest order had been issued in relation to a shooting incident that occurred at the W15 Hotel in Weligama, which is currently under investigation.
March 17, Colombo (LNW): The French Navy’s state-of-the-art frigate, Provence, has arrived at the Port of Colombo on an official visit, strengthening the maritime ties between France and Sri Lanka.
The vessel, one of the most advanced escort frigates in the French fleet, was received with the customary naval honours by the Sri Lanka Navy, in accordance with long-established traditions.
Measuring 142.2 metres in length and weighing 6,000 tonnes, the Provence is a formidable warship designed for multiple naval operations.
Commanded by Captain Lionel Siegfried and carrying a crew of 160 personnel, the frigate is equipped with cutting-edge technology, making it a powerful asset for air defence, anti-submarine warfare, and reconnaissance missions.
Commissioned in 2015, the Provence is a modern multi-role vessel with sophisticated radar, sonar, and missile systems. It is specifically designed to engage in air defence, anti-submarine, and surface warfare operations.
Its advanced arsenal includes an air defence cannon, missile launchers, and electronic warfare systems capable of detecting and neutralising threats from various directions.
The frigate’s capabilities extend beyond combat, offering versatility for a wide range of naval tasks, such as maritime security, submarine tracking, and reconnaissance.
It also boasts a helicopter landing pad, which enables it to carry out search and rescue operations, medical evacuations, and surveillance missions in the region.
In terms of navigation, the Provence is equipped with a modern compass and advanced electronic sensors that provide exceptional tracking of both aircraft and surface vessels over long distances.
It can move stealthily at 16 knots (approximately 30 km/h) and accelerate to 27 knots (50 km/h) when required, ensuring both discretion and speed during operations.
One of the most impressive features of the Provence is its autonomous tracking and defence system, which allows the ship to detect and respond to threats independently, without the need for external assistance.
Its advanced 3D radar system further enhances its threat detection and operational efficiency.
Beyond its military capabilities, the Provence signifies France’s commitment to maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region, serving as a symbol of strategic partnership and defence cooperation.
The visit of this advanced warship underscores the growing relationship between France and Sri Lanka, reinforcing both nations’ shared interest in promoting regional peace and stability.
March 17, Colombo (LNW): The National Cinematheque of South Korea, a key branch of the National Film Archive, is set to host a Sri Lankan Film Festival.
This exciting cultural exchange, running from March 27 to April 16, will give South Korean audiences a unique opportunity to experience the richness of Sri Lankan cinema, with 14 carefully selected films scheduled to be screened at the Seoul Cinematheque.
The line-up includes some of Sri Lanka’s most influential films, offering a captivating glimpse into the country’s cinematic history. Amongst the highlighted films are Lester James Peiris’s ‘Rekhawa‘ (Line of Destiny), ‘Gamperaliya‘ (Changes in the Village), and ‘Nidhanaya‘ (Treasure). These films, often considered classics, showcase the artistic brilliance and storytelling depth that have defined Sri Lankan cinema.
The festival also features works from some of the country’s most renowned contemporary directors. Dharmasena Pathiraja’s ‘Bambaru Awith‘ (The Wasps Are Here) and Prasanna Vithanage’s ‘Oba Nethiwa-Oba Ekka‘ (With You, Without You) are included, alongside Vimukthi Jayasundara’s ‘Sulanga Enu Pinisa‘ (The Forsaken Land) and ‘Ahasin Wetei’ (Between Two Worlds). These films, with their compelling narratives and unique cinematic style, offer a modern perspective on Sri Lanka’s social and cultural landscape.
Other films in the festival include Prasanna Jayakody’s ‘28′, Sanjeewa Pushpakumara’s ‘Igillena Maluwo’ (Flying Fish), ‘Dawena Vihangun‘ (Burning Birds), ‘Vihanga Premaya’ (Peacock Lament), and Visakesa Chandrasekaran’s ‘Manal’ (Sand). The festival also presents ‘Nelum Kuluna‘ (Tentigo) by Ilango Ram, a film that explores contemporary themes in Sri Lanka.
In addition to the screenings, the festival will feature a special lecture by filmmaker Sanjeewa Pushpakumara, who is currently pursuing his PhD at Chung Ang University in Seoul.
Pushpakumara, known for his contribution to the Sri Lankan film industry, has been invited to deliver a lecture on the pioneers of Sri Lankan cinema, their iconic works, and the evolving trends in the industry today.
This insightful lecture is set to take place on March 29 and will provide a deeper understanding of Sri Lankan cinema for those interested in its history and future.
March 17, Colombo (LNW): A decision on the writ petition filed by former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon, seeking to prevent his arrest, is set to be announced today (17).
However, in a surprising development, Tennakoon’s legal team has filed a motion requesting that the court delay the ruling.
This request for a postponement has raised questions and suspicions, as it contrasts with the urgent nature of the petition originally filed by Tennakoon, in which he had requested a swift resolution.
The Attorney General’s Department has opposed this motion, with reports indicating that Dileepa Peiris, representing the Attorney General, will ask the court to proceed with issuing its decision today.
The reason for Tennakoon’s request for postponement remains unclear, though sources suggest that it may be part of a strategy to sway public opinion by delaying proceedings.
Additionally, it is believed that Tennakoon’s legal team wishes to resolve discrepancies that have arisen during the filing of the case and to present further evidence.
Meanwhile, the Police Media Division issued a statement yesterday (16), asserting that six other individuals connected to the case have also filed writ petitions, seeking to block their arrests.
The Attorney General has instructed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) not to arrest these six suspects until the preliminary investigations are concluded. Their writ petitions will be taken up by the Court of Appeal on March 21.
The case revolves around an alleged conspiracy to commit murder in a shooting incident that occurred on December 31, 2023, outside a hotel in the Weligama area.
Following this incident, the Matara Magistrate’s Court issued an arrest order on February 28, 2024, for eight suspects, including former IGP Tennakoon, the Officer-in-Charge of the Colombo Crimes Division, Anslam de Silva, and the Acting Officer-in-Charge of the Weligama Police Station, Upul Kumara.
In response to this, Tennakoon filed his writ petition before the Court of Appeal on March 10, seeking to prevent his arrest. Despite almost three weeks passing since the arrest warrant was issued, Tennakoon’s whereabouts remain unknown, prompting six police teams to launch a search for him.
March 17, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has expressed concern over the underwhelming outcome of a project aimed at enhancing education through the distribution of smart boards to 1,000 schools, noting that the initiative has failed to meet its objectives, and the Rs. 1.7 billion investment has been largely underutilised.
Speaking in Parliament, the Prime Minister highlighted the shortcomings of the project, which was intended to establish a network of smart classrooms across the island, thereby improving the learning environment for students.
The plan, which was supported by the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRCSL), was initiated under Cabinet Memorandum No. AMP/24/0385/601/027, which sought approval for the provision of digital smart boards and related equipment to selected schools.
The project’s initial goal was to enhance education by integrating advanced technology into the classroom. However, complications arose when the planned network of classrooms could not be properly implemented due to delays and ongoing negotiations with the Chinese government for the provision of additional smart boards and digital infrastructure.
As part of a broader initiative involving Chinese funding, which was intended to digitalise schools across the country, plans were made to integrate 500 more smart boards, along with a centralised control system and a studio facility.
This would have brought the total to 1,500 smart boards in schools nationwide. However, these plans have yet to be finalised, and discussions with China are still in the preliminary stages, further delaying the project’s completion.
The Sri Lankan government, in the meantime, went ahead with the procurement of 1,000 smart boards in July 2024, despite the fact that an official agreement regarding the specifications of the smart boards had not been reached with the Chinese government.
The purchase process was conducted through the Sri Lanka State Trading (General) Corporation, but without the usual competitive bidding, and with price quotations sourced from a single supplier whose credentials were not officially verified.
The procurement was unusually swift, with all procedures – from requesting price quotations to approving the purchase – being completed within a span of just one month.
By August 2024, a Letter of Credit was issued for USD 3.13 million to Intelligent Express Limited Hong Kong, a company identified as a representative of Huawei.
However, the Chinese government had not yet officially confirmed Huawei as the supplier, raising questions about the procurement’s transparency.
The smart boards were delivered to the Ministry of Education in October 2024 and are currently stored at the Pattala Gedara Teacher’s Training College. However, with the related Chinese-funded project still stuck in the discussion phase, the equipment remains unused and stored in warehouses, leaving the schools that were intended to receive the smart boards in limbo.
Because the network integration for the classrooms has not been completed, the smart boards can only be used as standalone units, limiting their functionality and preventing the project from achieving its intended educational objectives.
This delay has led to concerns that the LKR 1.7 billion investment may not deliver the desired results, with the funds potentially being seen as underutilised.
Additionally, the ongoing negotiations with China have yet to result in a final agreement regarding the provision of the broader digitalisation infrastructure, with no clear timeline for when the project will move forward.
In light of these complications, a formal investigation has been launched to examine whether any financial or procedural irregularities occurred during the procurement process.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to expedite discussions with the Chinese government in the hopes of securing the necessary digital infrastructure as soon as possible to allow the project to proceed.
March 17, Colombo (LNW): In a significant milestone for Sri Lanka’s technology export sector, the first batch of 1,000 locally manufactured laptops has been successfully shipped to Zimbabwe.
This marks the beginning of what is expected to be a growing market for Sri Lankan-made laptops, as the country earns US$ 2 million from the initial consignment.
Sanjeewa Wickramanayake, Chairman of Ewis Colombo, a leading name in Sri Lanka’s ICT industry, revealed the exciting news during a press conference held on March 12.
He also announced that Zimbabwe has placed an additional order for 6,000 laptops, a clear indication of the demand for Sri Lankan products in the region.
Wickramanayake further shared that his company, which has been at the forefront of the country’s ICT sector for nearly four decades, has engaged in discussions with several other African nations, including South Africa and Sudan, to expand its laptop export business.
These conversations aim to open up new markets for Sri Lanka’s technological products, broadening the country’s international trade prospects.
For nearly 40 years, Ewis Colombo has been a trusted supplier of computers, not only to the education sector but also to businesses and government organisations across Sri Lanka.
Wickramanayake stressed that their products are available to anyone in need, highlighting the company’s commitment to making high-quality, affordable technology accessible to a wide range of customers.
The company’s global standing has been further solidified by its attainment of several international quality certifications, including ISO 9001 (2015), ISO 14001 (2015), as well as certifications from CF, FCC, and ROHS.
With a promising start in Zimbabwe and ongoing negotiations with other African nations, Sri Lanka is poised to expand its presence in the global tech market, contributing to the country’s economic growth and international reputation in the ICT sector.
March 17, Colombo (LNW): The 2025 Budget Committee Stage Debate in Parliament continues for the fifteenth day today (17), with the session set to begin at 9.30 am.
Lawmakers will continue their thorough examination of government spending, beginning with a detailed discussion on the budget allocation for the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs.
This debate is expected to delve into the financial provisions for preserving and promoting Sri Lanka’s rich cultural and religious heritage, a sector that plays a significant role in the country’s social fabric.
Following this, the focus will shift to the Ministry of Environment, where the budget allocations for environmental conservation and sustainability efforts will be scrutinised.
These debates are an essential part of the parliamentary process, allowing members to assess and challenge government expenditure and ensure that funds are being allocated effectively.
The Committee is scheduled to conclude its discussions with a vote on the third reading of the Appropriation Bill on March 21 at 6.00 pm.
March 17, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s tourism sector continues to flourish as the country experiences a surge in arrivals during the peak season, with strong earnings reinforcing the country’s position as a leading travel destination.
Global publications have also recently spotlighted Sri Lanka as one of the most sought-after locations for 2025, further bolstering its appeal.
In February 2025, Sri Lanka earned a remarkable US$ 367.6 million from tourism, securing its place as the third largest source of foreign income, following remittances and garment exports.
This marks the second month of a solid performance, bringing the total earnings for the first two months of the year to US$ 768.2 million.
Although this figure represents a slight dip from the US$ 400.7 million generated in January 2025, it still demonstrates growth compared to February 2024, when earnings stood at US$ 345.7 million.
The cumulative revenue for the first two months of 2025 has seen an 11.7 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, reflecting the ongoing recovery and expansion of the industry.
The growth in earnings can be attributed to a significant rise in tourist arrivals. February 2025 saw a total of 240,217 international visitors, surpassing the 218,350 arrivals recorded in the same month of 2024.
As March progresses, data indicates that Sri Lanka welcomed 97,322 visitors during the first 13 days of the month, bringing the total for the year so far to 590,300 arrivals.
Just two weeks ago, on March 1, the country reached the milestone of 500,000 arrivals, with a target of welcoming 3 million tourists by the end of 2025. If achieved, this would set new records in both visitor numbers and revenue, surpassing the country’s previous highest performance in 2018.
That year, Sri Lanka attracted 2.5 million visitors, generating US$ 4.4 billion in earnings.
Sri Lanka’s rising popularity is no accident. The nation is increasingly recognised for its pristine beaches, diverse natural landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, all of which contribute to its allure.
Its appeal has been highlighted by leading publications: Conde Nast Traveller recently named Sri Lanka the most family-friendly destination for 2025, whilst TIME Magazine included the Pekoe Trail in Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands on its prestigious list of the world’s 100 greatest places to visit in 2025.
This growing international recognition comes even before Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Tourism launches its major destination marketing campaign later this month. The campaign is expected to further elevate Sri Lanka’s profile as a must-visit destination, as global travel recovers from the disruptions of the pandemic.
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry appears well on track to surpass its previous records. Amongst the country’s exciting offerings is the newly completed Pekoe Trail, a 186-mile long-distance walking route that was finished in March 2024.
Named after the high-quality black tea grown in the region, the trail runs through colonial-era roads and railway tracks, passing through tea plantations, eucalyptus forests, and picturesque villages.
The journey culminates in the scenic hill station of Nuwara Eliya, providing hikers with panoramic views of the iconic Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak), a revered pilgrimage site.
