Friday, September 19, 2025
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Indian Prime Minister Modi to Visit Sri Lanka

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The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has announced that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Sri Lanka from April 4 to 6.

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with President Anura Dissanayake and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya during his visit.

Additionally, his agenda includes the inauguration of several projects launched with the assistance of the Indian government and paying homage to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura.

Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed between the two countries are also expected to be exchanged during the visit.

Prime Minister Modi will be accompanied by the Indian External Affairs Minister, National Security Advisor, Foreign Secretary and other senior officials of the Indian government.

Former Senior Superintendent of Police Acquitted of Charges

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Kandy’s former Senior Superintendent of Police, Kulasiri Udugampola, was acquitted of charges related to national security. The Colombo High Court’s decision follows a nearly two-decade-long trial.

In 2002, Udugampola was accused of jeopardizing national security by disclosing information about a safe house operated by the Sri Lanka Army Intelligence Unit at the Millennium City housing complex in Athurugiriya. The Attorney General’s indictment alleged that Udugampola’s actions violated the Official Secrets Act.

Government Defends Diplomatic Appointments Amidst Nepotism Accusations

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Cabinet Media Spokesperson Nalinda Jayatissa asserted that the appointments of former Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya as Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York and Mahinda Rathnayake as Ambassador to Cuba were based solely on merit and not political motivations.

Jayatissa emphasized that these individuals were deemed most suitable for the positions, dismissing allegations of political favoritism. He stated that the government maintains a firm stance against nepotism in foreign service appointments, highlighting that individuals from various fields with the necessary skills and capabilities to represent the country can be considered for diplomatic roles.

The spokesperson also addressed concerns about the appointment of former Chief Justice Jayasuriya, given the ongoing court cases related to his alleged suppression of cases during his tenure. Jayatissa differentiated between Udayanga Weeratunga’s appointment and Jayasuriya’s, stressing that the government’s criticism was directed at appointments based solely on familial ties to politicians.

He expressed confidence that the appointees would serve the nation diligently in their foreign postings and assured that these appointments would not disadvantage foreign service officers.

Premadasa Accuses Government of Corruption, Siding with ‘Fuel Cartel’ Amidst Solar Tariff Cuts

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has launched a scathing attack on the government, alleging that they are being controlled by a “fuel cartel” that is deliberately obstructing renewable energy projects.

Premadasa’s accusations came in response to a recent reduction in solar feed-in tariffs, which he described as an act of “absolute corruption” devoid of any economic logic.

The Solar Industries Association (SIA) has also voiced its strong opposition to the proposed tariff cuts, warning that they could have a devastating impact on the renewable energy sector, potentially harming over 1,000 businesses and 40,000 jobs. In a letter to the Treasury Secretary, the SIA urged the government to reconsider the proposal, citing concerns over its potential impact on clean energy goals and the assumptions underlying the cost calculations.

Egg Prices Expected to Soar to Rs. 60 Amidst Production Drop

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Small-scale egg producers in Sri Lanka are facing a crisis as rising production costs force them to leave the industry.

The cost of producing an egg for small producers is Rs. 26-28, while large-scale producers only spend Rs. 18-20 per egg.

This cost difference is attributed to the tax system, where small producers pay VAT on animal feed, while large producers, who make their own feed, do not pay taxes on the raw ingredients.

As a result, small producers are incurring losses due to falling egg prices and are selling their hens for meat. This has led to a rapid decline in egg production, and market analysts warn that egg prices could rise to Rs. 60 during the upcoming festive season.

Government Reverses Decision on SATHOSA-Lanka Sathosa Closure Amidst Tender Controversy

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The government has revoked a previous Cabinet decision to dissolve SATHOSA (Co-operative Wholesale Establishment) and has granted approval to resume its business operations. This reversal comes amidst allegations of tender irregularities favoring a company linked to a presidential advisor.

The initial decision to close Sathosa was made in September 2024, aiming to dissolve the institution by repealing the Cooperative Wholesale Establishment Act of 1949. However, the government has now justified the reinstatement, citing Sathosa’s potential role in ensuring fair prices and market competitiveness under its ‘Prosperous Nation – Beautiful Life’ policy framework.

Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development, Vasantha Samarasinghe, presented the proposal for Sathosa’s revival, which received Cabinet approval.

Meanwhile, Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Mujibur Rahman has accused the government of awarding a tender to Ernst & Young, a company associated with Duminda Hulangamuwa, an advisor to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Rahman alleges that the initial tender process for a systems audit at Lanka Sathosa was canceled due to “misplaced” documents, and a re-tender was awarded to Ernst & Young.

Minister Samarasinghe has denied any wrongdoing, stating that the company was awarded the tender following due process.

Ravi Karunanayake to work under SJB in local government elections

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Ravi Karunanayake, who was elected to parliament under the leadership of UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe in the last general election, is reportedly ready to work with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) for the upcoming local government elections.

It is reported that Mr. Karunanayake has had discussions to nominate several regional organizers who work with him as SJB candidates for the Colombo Municipal Council. Accordingly, a group including former municipal councilors who worked with him have been given the opportunity to contest for the Colombo Municipal Council under the SJB.

It is also reported that the UNP is taking steps to appoint another person to the post of organizer of the UNP’s Northern Colombo electorate, which was held by Mr. Karunanayake.

[Anidda]

Air Force Chief Denies Release of Wariypola Crash Report

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Air Force Commander Air Marshal Sudarshana Patirana has denied the spread of misinformation regarding the Wariypola air crash. He emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and a report has not been issued yet.

Deputy Defense Minister Aruna Jayasekara also confirmed that the committee report on the crashed Sri Lanka Air Force training aircraft has not been received. He stated that action will be taken based on the recommendations of the report once it is received.

However, Minister Bimal Rathnayake has claimed that the accident was due to an error by trainee pilots, citing the investigation report.

Deshabandu Granted Permission to Receive Home-Cooked Meals in Prison

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Former Police Chief Deshabandu Tennakoon, who is currently detained at Dumbara Prison, has been granted permission to receive home-cooked meals three times a day.

This special privilege allows him to forgo the prison-provided food and instead consume meals brought in from outside.

Prison Commissioner Gamini Dissanayake stated that Tennakoon is permitted to receive food by the Department of Prisons’ conditions, and must adhere to the designated meal times set by the prison superintendent. With the approval of this request, the prison will cease its provision of food to Tennakoon.

Easter Attack Case Postponed; Key Witness Flees

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The Colombo High Court has postponed the trial of millionaire businessman Mohamed Ibrahim and two others, accused of concealing the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks, until July 2nd.

The Attorney General’s Department informed the court that a key witness, a woman who worked at Ibrahim’s house, had left the country. Another witness is also at risk of leaving. The Criminal Investigation Department has been ordered to reissue the summons and provide the court with information about her departure.

Ibrahim’s nomination for a national list seat by the JVP in 2015 caused controversy. However, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has stated that no Easter Commission report links Ibrahim and the JVP to the attacks.