<ul><li>AG refers questions on Easter Sunday cases to Police</li><li>Catholic community awaits justice</li><li>Commemoration events set for 6th anniversary</li></ul> Two days before marking the sixth anniversary of the 2019 Easter Sunday bomb attacks, the Catholic Church has expressed satisfaction with the state of the ongoing investigations.Speaking to The Sunday Morning yesterday (19), Colombo Archdiocese Communication Director Rev. Father Jude Krishantha said that the authorities had been periodically updating the church on the progress of investigations into the attack.“We are satisfied with the investigations. They informed us from time to time on how the investigations are progressing,” he said.He further noted that a number of cases, including the cases of the victims who had filed for compensation, were still ongoing, claiming that there were about 20-25 suspects in custody at the moment.“Some among those in custody are individuals who possess a lot of information about the attack.”He expressed that they believe Asad Maulana could be a key to finding out about those who were responsible for the attack.Maulana, a witness who testified on the attack for a Channel 4 documentary, alleged that there were connections between the intelligence service and local politicians and that these entities were involved in the attack.“We hope that a lot can be revealed through questioning Asad Maulana who provided information in the Channel 4 documentary,” said Fr. Krishantha.When asked about the progress of the cases related to the Easter Sunday attacks, Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe told The Sunday Morning that the cases were being handled by the Police.“We are not involved in it. You must speak to the Police,” he said.Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Police Media Spokesperson SSP Buddhika Manatunga said that all those who had been arrested in connection with the attacks were either in remand prison or out on conditional bail.&nbsp;He added that no suspects remained in Police custody at present.&nbsp;Meanwhile, a senior official at the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs claimed that the investigations were moving ahead. “The investigations are going well. They are making progress,” he told The Sunday Morning.Fr. Krishantha further stated that the Catholic community, along with many other Sri Lankans, were awaiting justice for the victims of the attack. He said that they were hopeful that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake would make revelations about the attacks and take the investigations forward.Commemoration events for the victims of the Easter Sunday terror attacks are planned to be held at the St. Anthony’s Shrine, Kochchikade and St. Sebastian’s Church, Katuwapitiya, marking the sixth anniversary of the attacks tomorrow (21).

Easter Sunday bomb attacks: Church believes Maulana could uncover plot

<ul><li>Singapore case stalled over liability limitation</li></ul> Nearly four years after the MV X-Press Pearl disaster, four legal cases remain pending across three countries, as Sri Lanka continues its pursuit of justice and full compensation for what has been described as the worst maritime environmental disaster in the nation’s history, The Sunday Morning learns.According to a senior official at the Attorney General’s (AG) Department, who spoke to The Sunday Morning on condition of anonymity, there are currently two cases ongoing in Sri Lanka, one in the United Kingdom and another in Singapore.The legal battle stems from the devastating incident on 20 May 2021, when the Singapore-flagged container vessel caught fire and sank off the coast of Colombo, releasing toxic chemicals and plastic pellets into the ocean.One of the most significant developments lies in Singapore, where a lawsuit was filed in 2023 by the Sri Lankan Government against the ship’s insurer, the London Protection and Indemnity (P&amp;I) Club. The suit seeks approximately $ 6.4 billion in damages for environmental destruction.According to the senior official of the AG’s Department, proceedings have stalled following a move by the ship’s owning company to limit its liability – a claim that Sri Lankan lawyers are now actively challenging.However, Sri Lanka is also pursuing legal remedies through a Fundamental Rights petition and a High Court case, while a separate case has been filed in the UK.Sri Lanka’s estimated environmental damage claim for the disaster stands at $ 6.4 billion, but so far the country has received only $ 7.85 million from the London P&amp;I Club in three instalments.&nbsp;These payments fall far short of even the interim claim of $ 40 million initially sought by Sri Lanka shortly after the disaster.The MV X-Press Pearl was carrying 1,486 containers, including 25 tonnes of hazardous nitric acid and an estimated 87 containers of plastic nurdles. After the vessel caught fire and burned for nearly two weeks, its sinking released pollutants into the surrounding marine environment, triggering extensive ecological damage.In the aftermath, the Sri Lankan Government formed a panel of experts – including specialists from the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), and several universities – to evaluate the disaster’s long-term environmental impact. Their assessments have informed the Government’s substantial compensation claim.

MV X-Press Pearl disaster: Four cases still pending nearly four years on

<ul><li>Pakistan High Commission in SL denies any issues</li></ul>Sri Lanka yesterday (19) firmly denied reports circulating in some Indian media outlets about the cancellation of naval engagements with Pakistan, with the Ministry of Defence clarifying that no such cancellation had occurred.&nbsp;The Pakistan High Commission also refuted the cancellation claims, confirming that a request for a port call by one of their naval ships had been made several weeks ago and was duly approved by Sri Lankan authorities.Accordingly, a Pakistani naval vessel had made a scheduled visit to Colombo, carried out planned joint exercises with the Sri Lanka Navy, and then departed as scheduled.The ministry and the Pakistan High Commission have dismissed reports circulating in international media that a scheduled joint naval exercise between Sri Lanka and Pakistan had been cancelled following objections from India.Several foreign news outlets recently claimed that routine naval drills between the Sri Lanka Navy and the Pakistan Navy in Trincomalee had been called off in the lead-up to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka.The reports speculated that the alleged cancellation had been influenced by India’s increasing involvement in Sri Lanka’s energy infrastructure development, particularly in the eastern region.However, Sri Lankan defence officials have categorically denied the veracity of such claims, with Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara confirming that no such cancellation had taken place.Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Defence Ministry Spokesperson Col. Nalin Herath stated: “The Pakistani naval vessel arrived in Colombo, engaged in scheduled joint exercises with the Sri Lanka Navy, and subsequently departed. There was no cancellation of any activity. Sri Lanka routinely facilitates such naval engagements with many countries, including the US, Pakistan, India, China, Japan, the UK, and others.”The Sunday Morning also reached out to Pakistan High Commission in Sri Lanka Defence Adviser Col. Muhammad Farooq, who corroborated the Defence Ministry’s position.“I’ve seen the reports in the media, but we are unaware of any such developments. A few weeks ago, we requested a port call for one of our naval ships in Colombo, which was approved. Beyond that, I am not aware of any issues,” he said.Both the Defence Ministry and the Pakistan High Commission emphasised that bilateral naval cooperation remained unchanged and that no official communication had been made regarding any cancellations or objections.&nbsp;

SL-Pak naval drill: SL pushes back against Indian media claims

The Government has no immediate plans to impose price controls on liquid milk and yoghurt made from locally sourced fresh milk, according to Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe.The statement comes after the Value-Added Tax (Amendment) Act No.4 of 2025 – certified on 11 April – exempted these dairy products from VAT.&nbsp;However, Samarasinghe said that there were currently no measures in place to enforce price reductions despite the tax relief.Ministry Secretary K.A. Vimalenthirarajah noted that any decision on price regulation would be premature at this stage.“Whether price controls are necessary will depend on whether companies pass on the benefits of the VAT exemption to consumers,” he said.&nbsp;“If needed, such a decision will fall under the purview of the Ministry of Finance. While our ministry may be consulted, we do not have direct authority over financial matters.”Under Section 14 of the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) Act No.9 of 2003, the CAA has the power to set Maximum Retail Prices (MRPs).&nbsp;However, CAA Chairman Hemantha Samarakoon confirmed that there were no immediate plans to impose an MRP on locally produced dairy products.“We are closely monitoring market trends before making any decisions,” Samarakoon said.&nbsp;“Since the VAT exemption is only a week old, we want to observe its impact. If necessary, we will engage stakeholders and consider introducing an MRP at a later stage.”Samarasinghe warned that if market prices failed to reflect the VAT removal, the ministry may be forced to explore price control mechanisms.

Local dairy products: No immediate plans to impose price controls

The procedures for registration, payment, and compliance in respect of the recently announced Value-Added Tax (VAT) on digital services supplied by non-resident persons through electronic platforms is yet to be finalised, according to Inland Revenue Department (IRD) Commissioner General Rukdevi P.H. Fernando.Following the certification of the VAT (Amendment) Act No.4 of 2025, the Government had decided to commence taxation of digital services supplied by non-Sri Lankans from 1 October this year.The IRD press release further specified that “procedures for registration, payment, and compliance will be specified by the Commissioner General in due course”.However, the Commissioner General specified that taxing foreign digital services involved many complications and that the procedures required careful assessment.“How the tax is collected and at which point in the transaction the tax will be applied are strong areas we will need to consider. These matters are under careful consideration in our discussions. We will be revealing more details tomorrow (21),” she said.When questioned if digital platforms such as Google, Facebook, and Instagram among others would also be taxed, the Commissioner General said that the entities were also a part of the ongoing discussions to determine the procedures.A senior official attached to the Department of Fiscal Policy, choosing to remain anonymous, elaborated further on the newly enacted tax on foreign digital services.“The key challenge remains identifying how VAT will be collected on services provided by non-resident digital service providers like Google, Facebook, and others, especially when these companies do not have a physical presence or registered agent in Sri Lanka.&nbsp;“If a service is provided in Sri Lanka, whether directly or through an agent, it is liable for VAT. The issue arises when a non-resident provides services without any local presence. Until now, we didn’t have the legal provision to tax them, but now we do. Still, enforcement is tricky,” the official said.“One option under consideration is a reverse charge mechanism, similar to India, where the consumer becomes liable to pay the VAT directly if the supplier is not registered locally. Another potential solution is to tax the transaction at the point of payment, such as through the payment gateway.&nbsp;“We are still in the process of consulting with digital service providers. Once formalities are finalised, we can announce the specific collection mechanism. We aim to finalise everything by end-June, allowing a three-month window before implementation,” the official added.

VAT on foreign digital services: Procedures yet to be finalised: IRD

<ul><li>Majority on violations of election law</li></ul>As Local Government Elections approach, the Election Commission reports that a total of 1,712 election-related complaints have been received by 18 April.&nbsp;Among these, nine are reports of violence, while 1,577 complaints are about election law violations.The commission reports that 1,506 cases have been resolved and action is currently being taken on the remaining 206.Despite the numbers, People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi told The Sunday Morning yesterday (19) that the situation was not serious in relation to the number of candidates running for Local Government bodies.Stating that the number of incidents reported to PAFFREL was 255, he said most incidents were related to support given by candidates for New Year celebrations. These had been reported from Medaketiya, Tangalle, Beruwala, Moratuwa, Mawathagama, and Kalutara.However, he stated that an attack on a National People’s Power (NPP) party office in Polpithigama, Kurunegala and an attack on a Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) candidate in Kegalle had been reported.Out of the 255 incidents reported to PAFFREL, 180 were confirmed, he said. The incidents had been reported from all across the island.The Local Government Elections are planned to be held on 6 May.&nbsp;

Local Government Elections: Over 1,700 complaints filed ahead of polls

<ul><li>Distribution underway despite delays</li></ul> Adequate fertiliser reserves are available to support paddy cultivation during the ongoing Yala season, with distribution to farmers currently in progress, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.This assurance comes amid growing concerns from farming communities who claim that they are yet to receive the fertiliser subsidies promised by the Government.&nbsp;Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Namal Karunaratne acknowledged a minor disruption in the distribution process but emphasised that it was not due to a shortage of fertiliser.“There has been a small localised logistical matter, but the reserves necessary for Yala cultivation are intact and sufficient,” Karunaratne told The Sunday Morning.Stating that he had also received complaints from farmers regarding delays in accessing the subsidy, he assured that the ministry was working to resolve the situation.Currently, fertiliser stocks are available in public warehouses, designated farmer service centres, and through the general retail market.Authorities maintain that with the distribution system being addressed, farmers will receive their required fertiliser inputs without further delay.&nbsp;

Paddy fertiliser: Reserves sufficient for Yala season

<ul><li>359,434 units in national stock; 249,580 held by MSD</li></ul>Despite allegations of an insulin shortage, recent data from the ‘Swastha’ information management system reveals a stable and adequate supply of insulin in Sri Lanka.According to the latest figures from the ‘Swastha’ information management system, the national stock of insulin includes 359,434 units of biphasic isophane insulin injection (30% soluble/70% isophane), with approximately 249,580 units held in the Medical Supplies Division (MSD) stock.&nbsp;In addition, 4,633 units of isophane insulin injection (NPH insulin) are in stock at the MSD, with a further 9,926 units available at other institutions.Soluble insulin injection is also available at other institutions, with 4,837 units of 1,000 IU in 10 ml cartridges and 1,200 units of 300 IU in 3 ml cartridges, alongside 3,600 units of long-acting recombinant human insulin analogue cartridges.&nbsp;Furthermore, the MSD has a stock of 130,000 units of single-use disposable insulin pen needles.Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has dismissed claims of an insulin shortage, stating that the MSD is ensuring a steady supply of insulin to State hospitals for the next three months.In a recent post on X, Dr. Jayatissa stressed that mixtard insulin was being distributed across the country’s hospitals and urged the public to disregard reports suggesting a lack of availability.“The MSD is currently distributing mixtard insulin to all Government hospitals, ensuring uninterrupted supply for the next three months. Please disregard any false or misleading information circulating about its availability,” he stated.However, health professionals remain concerned about the sustainability of the insulin supply.Association of Health Professionals President Ravi Kumudesh voiced strong criticism, highlighting that the situation had not been treated with the seriousness it warranted.&nbsp;He pointed out that while the Government had assured continued distribution, patients continued to face difficulties in obtaining essential medications like insulin.“The lack of insulin in stock is severely impacting patients with diabetes mellitus. Those with milder forms of the disease are particularly at risk, as the absence of regular medication may result in the gradual worsening of their condition, potentially leading to severe complications such as amputation,” Kumudesh warned.“In the National Hospital of Sri Lanka in Colombo, there was a shortage of insulin which led to certain limitations implemented in issuing insulin. We have to give priority for the in-ward patients and limit the issuing of insulin for clinic patients,” Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) Media Spokesman Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe told The Sunday Morning.&nbsp;While initiatives were being carried out to solve the shortage, he emphasised that they were all “short-term” actions that would not resolve the issue in the long run.Dr. Wijesinghe further attributed the lack of stock to problems regarding the distribution and management of medicine stocks. “We have had quick actions but not sustainable ones. The current Minister and Deputy Minister are exerting a huge effort to implement certain methods, but just bringing out those solutions and new methods will not sort out the issue. We have to stick to the basics,” he added.

Data confirms insulin stock availability

<ul><li>No shortage risk: Agriculture Ministry</li></ul>Despite a notable rise in vegetable prices across key markets due to limited supply, the Ministry of Agriculture assures that there is no imminent risk of a shortage.As the country emerges from the Avurudu festive season, the heightened demand for ingredients used in traditional meals has begun to ease.&nbsp;However, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Namal Karunaratne told The Sunday Morning that demand was expected to surge again with the upcoming Vesak Poya Day, as preparations for religious observances and charitable ‘dansal’ stalls get underway.“While demand may increase again, we might also see a slight dip in vegetable supply,” Karunaratne explained.He attributed this to many farmers shifting the focus to paddy harvesting, supported by increased rainfall and improved water levels in irrigation tanks across the island.According to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s (CBSL) Daily Price Report dated Thursday (17), several staple vegetables experienced price hikes, primarily due to constrained supply.In the Pettah and Dambulla markets, the price of beans rose to Rs. 320 and Rs. 365 per kg, respectively. Carrots also saw a sharp increase, reaching Rs. 170 per kg in Pettah and a significant Rs. 325 in Dambulla, attributed to reduced supply from Nuwara Eliya.Similarly, cabbage prices climbed to Rs. 130 per kg in Pettah and Rs. 135 in Dambulla. The price of local red onions in Dambulla also rose to Rs. 295 per kg, while local potatoes were priced at Rs. 238 per kg.The CBSL report highlighted that these changes represented more than a 5% increase compared to the previous day, underscoring how even short-term supply shifts could significantly impact retail prices.

Easter Sunday bomb attacks: Church believes Maulana could un ...

MV X-Press Pearl disaster: Four cases still pending nearly four years ...

MV X-Press Pearl disaster: Fou ...

SL-Pak naval drill: SL pushes back against Indian media claims

SL-Pak naval drill: SL pushes ...

Local dairy products: No immediate plans to impose price controls

Local dairy products: No immed ...

VAT on foreign digital services: Procedures yet to be finalised: IRD

VAT on foreign digital service ...

Local Government Elections: Over 1,700 complaints filed ahead of polls

Local Government Elections: Ov ...

Paddy fertiliser: Reserves sufficient for Yala season

Paddy fertiliser: Reserves suf ...

Data confirms insulin stock availability

Data confirms insulin stock av ...

Vegetable prices surge post-Avurudu

Vegetable prices surge post-Av ...

MV X-Press Pearl disaster: Four cases still pending nearly four years ...

MV X-Press Pearl disaster: Fou ...

SL-Pak naval drill: SL pushes back against Indian media claims

SL-Pak naval drill: SL pushes ...

Local dairy products: No immediate plans to impose price controls

Local dairy products: No immed ...

VAT on foreign digital services: Procedures yet to be finalised: IRD

VAT on foreign digital service ...

Local Government Elections: Over 1,700 complaints filed ahead of polls

Local Government Elections: Ov ...

Paddy fertiliser: Reserves sufficient for Yala season

Paddy fertiliser: Reserves suf ...

Data confirms insulin stock availability

Data confirms insulin stock av ...

Vegetable prices surge post-Avurudu

Vegetable prices surge post-Av ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

MV X-Press Pearl disaster: Four cases still pending nearly four years ...

MV X-Press Pearl disaster: Fou ...

SL-Pak naval drill: SL pushes back against Indian media claims

SL-Pak naval drill: SL pushes ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

Local dairy products: No immediate plans to impose price controls

Local dairy products: No immed ...

VAT on foreign digital services: Procedures yet to be finalised: IRD

VAT on foreign digital service ...

Local Government Elections: Over 1,700 complaints filed ahead of polls

Local Government Elections: Ov ...

Paddy fertiliser: Reserves sufficient for Yala season

Paddy fertiliser: Reserves suf ...