Friday, September 19, 2025
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Vedda Chief Files Complaint Against Comedians Over Offensive YouTube Video

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Vedda Chief Uruwarige Wannila Aththo has taken legal action against comedians Gehan Blok and Dino Corera, filing a formal complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The complaint centers on a YouTube video created by the comedians, which Aththo alleges misrepresents and mocks the Indigenous Vedda community.

Earlier this week, the Vedda leader publicly condemned the video, stating that it distorts the Vedda language and traditions for commercial gain. He also claims that his attempts to contact Blok and Corera and request the video’s removal have been ignored.

BYD’s New Energy Vehicles Arrive in Sri Lanka, Ushering in a New Era of Sustainable Mobility

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The first shipment of BYD’s New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) has arrived at Hambantota Port, marking a significant milestone for Sri Lanka’s automotive industry. This historic event, facilitated by John Keells CG Auto (JKCG Auto), the authorized distributor for BYD vehicles in Sri Lanka, introduces a new era of sustainable mobility and innovation to the country.

The shipment includes popular BYD models like the SEALION 6, ATTO 3, and DOLPHIN, which have been eagerly awaited by Sri Lankan auto enthusiasts. This marks BYD’s re-entry into the Sri Lankan market after over five years of import restrictions.

“Our partnership with BYD highlights our commitment to driving a green mobility revolution that will help build Sri Lanka’s dream of an empowered, cleaner, more sustainable nation,” said Charith Panditharatne, General Manager of John Keells CG Auto. “We are proud to be the first to bring these brand-new BYDs to Sri Lanka following the removal of import restrictions.”

JKCG Auto plans to deliver the vehicles to customers in the coming weeks and is poised to meet the expectations of an increasingly eco-conscious customer base. With additional shipments underway, the company is set to strengthen its position as a leader in Sri Lanka’s green mobility revolution.

Former Tamil Militant Leaders Unite for Local Government Elections

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In a surprising turn of events, former Tamil militant leaders and one-time rivals, Karuna Amman and Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, also known as Pillayan, have announced a joint effort to contest the upcoming Local Government Elections.

Addressing a joint media conference on Saturday, Pillayan stated that they had resolved their past differences to work together for the betterment of the North and East. He acknowledged the role of Karuna Amman in forming the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pullikal (TMVP) to fight against the LTTE, and admitted to subsequent disagreements following the LTTE’s defeat.

Karuna Amman reciprocated the goodwill by praising Pillayan’s performance as the former Chief Minister of the Eastern Province, claiming that he had accomplished more for the people than C.V. Wigneswaran did as the Chief Minister of the Northern Province.

Boxing Legend George Foreman Dies at 76

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Former heavyweight champion George Foreman, known for his remarkable career and iconic grill, has passed away at the age of 76.

Foreman’s family announced his death on Friday night, remembering him as a “devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather.”

Foreman’s boxing career was legendary, with two world heavyweight titles and an Olympic gold medal. He is remembered for his knockout power, his famous “Rumble in the Jungle” fight against Muhammad Ali, and his unexpected comeback to win the heavyweight title at age 45.

Outside of boxing, Foreman found success as an ordained minister and entrepreneur, with his George Foreman Grill becoming a household name.

Prime Minister Highlights Urgent Need for Gender Equality Measures at International Women’s Day Celebration

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Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya delivered a keynote speech at the International Women’s Day celebration organized by the United Nations Office in Sri Lanka, emphasizing the urgent need to address challenges and discriminatory practices faced by women globally.

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of protecting women’s fundamental rights and acknowledging their significant contributions to national development. She commended the government’s initiatives, including the 2024 Women’s Empowerment Act and programs aimed at increasing women’s workforce participation. However, she also acknowledged the persistent gender gaps in leadership, decision-making, and economic participation.

Dr. Amarasuriya stressed the need for greater support for women in all spheres of life, including recognizing the value of unpaid caregiving responsibilities. She called for urgent legal and social reforms to address gender-based violence and discrimination, and emphasized the importance of global partnerships in achieving gender equality.

The event also included an awards ceremony recognizing women’s achievements in various fields and was attended by distinguished guests, including government officials and representatives from the United Nations.

Lanka Property Show 2025: Sri Lanka’s Real Estate Sector Shows Resilience and Growth Potential

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Industry experts at the Lanka Property Show 2025 expressed confidence in Sri Lanka’s real estate sector’s growth potential despite recent economic hurdles. While high interest rates, currency depreciation, and fluctuating taxes have impacted the market, experts believe that stabilizing monetary policy will create a favorable environment for investors and homebuyers.

The 9th edition of the Lanka Property Show attracted over 17,000 visitors, showcasing over 25 leading projects and demonstrating a strong recovery from the pandemic and economic downturn.

Panel discussions addressed key market issues. Former Central Bank Governor Dr. Indrajith Coomaraswamy emphasized that stable economic conditions are crucial for the sector. Prime Group Chairman Premalal Brahmanage highlighted high construction costs due to taxes and urged greater government support.

Attracting foreign buyers was also discussed. Kishore Reddy of Platinum Realty Investments called for prompt implementation of investor visas and reduced import duties on building materials.

Panelists on affordable housing stressed sustainable design and cost-effective solutions to reduce construction costs.

The event showcased a resilient property market with increasing buyer interest and investor confidence. Experts agreed that with continued policy stability and stakeholder cooperation, Sri Lanka’s real estate sector is poised for sustainable growth.

Two Men Killed in Devinuwara Area Shooting

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In a tragic incident early this morning (22nd March), two men, aged 28 and 29, were killed near the Devinuwara Dewalaya in Gandara. Police reports indicate that the victims were traveling on a motorbike when they were pursued by unidentified assailants in a van.

The chase ended violently as the assailants deliberately collided with the motorbike, causing the victims to lose control. The perpetrators then proceeded to shoot the victims at close range before fleeing the scene.

Law enforcement officials stated that the suspects later attempted to destroy evidence by setting the van on fire a distance away from the crime scene. The burnt-out vehicle has been recovered and is currently undergoing forensic examination.

Police have launched a full-scale investigation into the double homicide. They are appealing to the public for any information that may lead to the identification and apprehension of the suspects.

Heathrow Airport Closed Due to Power Outage Caused by Fire

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Heathrow Airport, the UK’s busiest airport, has been forced to close its doors for the entirety of Friday due to a major power outage. This disruption stems from a fire that broke out at a nearby electrical substation responsible for supplying power to the airport.

The incident has triggered significant travel chaos, with the airport issuing a stern warning to passengers, advising them against traveling to the airport “under any circumstances” until it can resume operations. The repercussions of the power outage extend beyond the airport itself, impacting thousands of homes in the surrounding areas, leaving them without electricity. Additionally, around 150 people residing near the substation have been evacuated as a safety precaution.

Emergency services were alerted to the fire at the substation in Hayes, west London, late on Thursday night. Social media platforms were abuzz with dramatic footage showcasing towering flames and thick smoke billowing from the substation during the overnight hours. The fire has had a substantial impact on flight schedules, with at least 1,351 flights to and from Heathrow being affected on Friday, according to flight tracking data. This figure includes approximately 120 aircraft that were already airborne when the airport closure was announced.

As of the latest reports, a part of a transformer within the substation remains ablaze, as confirmed by the London Fire Brigade (LFB). The cause of the fire is still under investigation. A significant response from the fire department has been deployed to combat the blaze, with ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters on the scene. The airport is working diligently to restore power and resume operations as quickly as possible, but significant disruptions are expected to persist in the coming days.

Sri Lankan Junior Golfers to Compete in Robert Rock Junior Masters

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Sri Lanka’s burgeoning reputation in the global golfing arena is set to reach new heights as two of its most promising junior golfers, Reshan Algama and Kaya Daluwatte, prepare to participate in the prestigious Robert Rock Junior Masters. This esteemed tournament, scheduled from April 1st to 3rd at the renowned Al Hamra Golf Club in the United Arab Emirates, is a pivotal platform for showcasing emerging talent in the world of golf.

Algama, who currently holds a top position among Sri Lanka’s junior male golfers, and Daluwatte, the nation’s sole world-ranked female golfer, have secured their invitations to this distinguished event through their exceptional performances and commendable international rankings. Their selection underscores a significant stride for Sri Lankan golf, serving as a testament to the nation’s burgeoning potential in nurturing world-class golfing talent.

The Al Hamra Golf Club, a sprawling masterpiece designed by Peter Harradine, stretches across an impressive 7,325 yards and is celebrated for its challenging layout that artfully blends desert landscapes with serene open water lagoons. Having previously hosted major tournaments such as the DP World Tour’s Ras Al Khaimah Championship, the course offers an ideal setting for these rising stars to showcase their skills on a global stage.

Both Algama and Daluwatte are approaching the tournament with unwavering determination and focus. Algama expressed his enthusiasm and gratitude for the opportunity to compete against some of the world’s finest junior golfers, recognizing the invaluable experience that awaits him. Daluwatte echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the significance of her participation in inspiring other young Sri Lankan girls to pursue their golfing aspirations.

The participation of these two talented golfers in the Robert Rock Junior Masters is not only a personal achievement but also a collective triumph for Sri Lankan golf. It is a testament to the unwavering commitment and strategic vision of Golf Sri Lanka’s junior development program, which has been instrumental in fostering a generation of golfers capable of competing at an international level. As Algama and Daluwatte prepare to tee off in the UAE, they carry with them the hopes and aspirations of a nation eager to witness its golfing prowess shine on the global stage.

2025 Local Government Elections Set for May 6th

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The Election Commission (EC) of Sri Lanka announced yesterday that the much-awaited 2025 Local Government Elections will be held on May 6th. This announcement was made during a special media briefing held immediately after the conclusion of the nomination acceptance period for the Local Government elections.

The acceptance of nominations for 336 Local Government institutions began on March 17th and concluded at noon yesterday. The deadline for placing deposits for the upcoming LG polls was midnight on Wednesday, March 19th.

A total of 17,296,330 voters have registered and are eligible to vote in the upcoming Local Government polls. Although nominations were initially submitted in 2023 for the holding of the LG Elections, the EC had to postpone the polls due to the previous government’s inability to allocate the necessary funds for the elections.

The EC Chairman has confirmed that the required funds have now been received, ensuring that the 2025 LG polls can proceed as scheduled. This announcement marks a significant step in Sri Lanka’s democratic process, allowing citizens to exercise their right to vote and elect their local government representatives.

The EC is expected to release further details about the election process, including campaigning guidelines, polling station locations, and security arrangements, in the coming weeks. All political parties and candidates are urged to adhere to the election rules and regulations and ensure a peaceful and fair election.

The 2025 Local Government Elections are crucial for Sri Lanka’s decentralized governance structure, as they will determine the leadership and direction of local government bodies across the country. These bodies play a vital role in providing essential services and implementing development projects at the grassroots level.