<ul><li>Victim allegedly taken away after clash among Chinese nationals</li><li>Embassy urges probe to ensure citizens’ safety</li></ul>&nbsp;A Chinese national who was allegedly abducted by a group of Chinese nationals following a clash at the Colombo Port City premises was found murdered yesterday (23), with his body discovered concealed under rocks in a forested area in Karandana, Eheliyagoda.The discovery was made by Eheliyagoda Police officers conducting a raid on an illicit liquor operation in the Gettukade area. During the operation, officers noticed a suspicious pile of rocks in a forested location and, after seeing part of a human hand protruding from beneath them, uncovered the body.The deceased was identified as the Chinese national who was allegedly taken away during the confrontation at the Port City premises earlier that day.Police said three Chinese nationals had arrived at the Port City area in a cab early yesterday morning for fishing activities when they were attacked by another group of Chinese nationals who arrived in two vehicles.The attackers had allegedly abducted one of the individuals before fleeing the scene after abandoning the van they had arrived in. An air pistol was also recovered from the abandoned vehicle.Following the incident, the Chinese Embassy in Colombo urged Sri Lankan authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to establish the facts and take necessary measures to safeguard the safety and lawful rights and interests of Chinese citizens in Sri Lanka.In a statement issued yesterday, the Embassy also advised Chinese nationals in the country to enhance their safety awareness and immediately inform the Police and contact the Embassy for assistance in case of emergencies.The body was taken to the Avissawella Hospital for further investigations, while Police continue inquiries to identify those responsible for the alleged abduction and murder.

Abducted in Port City: Chinese national found murdered

The Supreme Court (SC) ruled yesterday (23) that former Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) for the Western Province Deshabandu Tennakoon and former Officer-in-Charge of the Colombo North Special Investigation Unit Nalin Sriyantha violated the Fundamental Rights (FR) of an activist by unlawfully arresting and detaining him during the 2022 Aragalaya protests.The ruling was delivered after the SC heard an FR petition filed by activist Anuruddha Bandara, with the Court holding that the actions of Tennakoon and Sriyantha amounted to an infringement of his Constitutionally guaranteed FR.&nbsp;

SC rules Deshabandu violated activist’s FR 

Deputy Land Minister Aravinda Senarath said the Government expects to conclude the removal of restrictive Gazette notifications affecting agricultural lands in the Eastern Province as soon as possible, following discussions with the Departments of Wildlife Conservation and Forest Conservation.Responding to a question raised in Parliament yesterday (23), he said a number of Gazette notifications issued between 2006 and 2010 had imposed restrictions on lands cultivated by farmers in several parts of the Province. He said that discussions are currently underway to resolve the issue, noting that a number of long-standing problems relating to agricultural lands and privately occupied lands had arisen over the years. "Those issues have now been largely identified. We’ve already initiated the process of discussing the restrictive Gazette notifications imposed on agricultural lands with the Departments of Forest Conservation and Wildlife Conservation. We expect to complete this process as soon as possible," he said. He also outlined the progress of the Government's land regularisation programme, under which State lands are being allocated to eligible applicants who do not own State land and have applied to obtain such land. He said that the programme also provides 20 perches for residential purposes and a further one acre for cultivation, amounting to a total of 180 perches, to persons who have been occupying State lands without any legal documentation. According to him, a total of 13,533 applications have been received from the Eastern Province under the relevant circular, while 1,801 land permits have already been issued.&nbsp;Providing a phase-wise breakdown, Senarath said that under the first phase, 2,924 applications had been received and 210 permits issued. During the second phase, 2,328 applications were received and 170 permits granted. Under the third phase, 1,425 applications were received and 385 permits issued, while the fourth phase recorded 4,484 applications, with 473 permits granted. In the fifth phase, 2,372 applications were received and 563 permits had been issued.

Eastern Province: Restrictive agri land gazettes to be annulled 

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday (23) urged the Speaker of Parliament Dr Jagath Wickramaratne to adhere to the Parliamentary Standing Orders (SOs) after Dr Wickramaratne told Opposition Independent Parliamentarian Dr Ramanathan Archchuna not to "behave foolishly" during proceedings in Parliament.The exchange took place after SLPP Opposition MP Chanaka Madugoda raised a question, following which Dr Archchuna was given an opportunity to ask a supplementary question. However, as Dr Archchuna began raising the issue, Dr Wickramaratne informed him that it was not related to the original question and proceeded to call the next question on the Order Paper. Dr Archchuna then rose from his seat and questioned Dr Wickramaratne as to why he had been stopped before he was even able to present his supplementary question. Responding, Dr Wickramaratne said, "That is not a relevant question. Don't behave foolishly. Don't make a joke out of Parliament."Premadasa objected to the remark, saying that it was inappropriate for the Speaker to address an MP in that manner. "The SOs clearly state that no Member should be addressed in an improper or disrespectful manner. Saying that someone is behaving foolishly is not appropriate. As the Chair, you must follow the SOs properly. You cannot address a Member of this House in that manner. It isn’t appropriate. Please don’t use such language."&nbsp;

Sajith admonishes Speaker for ‘unparliamentary language’ 

<ul><li>2,700 traders fined for selling above MRP</li></ul> Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe said that although the rice variety Keeri Samba accounts for around 15 per cent of the country's total rice requirement, Sri Lanka is able to meet only about 7% of that demand after severe crop losses caused by Cyclone Ditwah.Speaking in Parliament yesterday (23), he said that the Government had planned cultivation over an extent sufficient to produce more than 12% of the country's total rice requirement in the form of Keeri Samba. However, he said that nearly 108,000 hectares of paddy cultivation were damaged due to Ditwah, significantly reducing the expected harvest. "As a result, we could only obtain a harvest sufficient to meet around 7% of the country's total Keeri Samba rice requirement instead of the expected 15%. We therefore didn’t receive an adequate harvest, which led to a shortage of Keeri Samba in the local market," he said.To address the situation, he said that the Government had decided to import Keeri Ponni rice as a substitute for Keeri Samba. He said that some traders had exploited the shortage by selling Keeri Samba at prices exceeding the maximum retail price (MRP) of Rs. 260 per kilogram. Speaking further, Samarasinghe said that the Consumer Affairs Authority had also intensified raids against traders selling Keeri Samba above the MRP.&nbsp;According to him, fines had been imposed on more than 2,700 traders during the first six months of this year (2026) over the sale of Keeri Samba above the MRP.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ditwah causes 8% Keeri Samba shortage 

Following the deadly fire outbreak at a factory in the Katuwana Industrial Zone on Tuesday (21), which claimed five lives, the Environment Ministry said that it is taking necessary short-term and long-term measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The exact cause of the fire has yet to be identified, and the Labour Ministry has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the matter, with the report expected to be received today (24).Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (23), Deputy Environment Minister Anton Jayakody said that although the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has confirmed that the burned factory had not renewed its environmental licence nor possessed an emergency plan. Under the prevailing law, the Authority does not have the power to shut down a factory for such violations. "The prevailing law is not allowing the CEA to shut down a factory for these violations. But, we got the Bill approved with amendments in this regard, and further, we are making regulations to ensure the legal provisions for the CEA officials to legally act against these institutions," he said. While this is being positioned as a long-term move to prevent such future events by requiring factories to meet CEA guidelines, he said that he would be looking into the matter to identify loopholes in the current licence renewal process and that necessary actions would be taken. "What we should immediately do is to inspect all of these factories to look into their condition of the licence, but, since there are still loopholes in the process, I would be focusing on addressing that matter first," he added.Meanwhile, when contacted by The Daily Morning yesterday regarding the status of the investigation into the factory fire, Labour Ministry Secretary S.M. Piyatissa said that with the patronage of the Deputy Labour Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe, a discussion would be held with the fire brigades of Colombo and Kotte, and their observations at the incident site would also be taken into consideration. He added that future actions to prevent such events would also be discussed. According to him, the report on the matter will be finalised today.A major fire at a safety helmet manufacturing factory in the Katunawana industrial zone occurred on Tuesday, claiming five lives. The following day, it was revealed by the CEA that the factory had not renewed its environmental protection licence after 2024 and also did not have an emergency response plan. Following the incident, Jayasinghe had instructed Ministry officials to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the fire.

Govt to inspect factory environmental licences

The Navy has seized more than 735kg of smuggled Kendu leaves and had apprehended two suspects during a search operation in the Negombo Lagoon. The operation was carried out by the Naval Service Kelani belonging to the Western Naval Command. During the search, Navy personnel had intercepted and searched a suspicious dinghy navigating the lagoon. Accordingly, the search had led to the recovery of the consignment of Kendu leaves stuffed in 20 sacks. The Navy also took into custody the two individuals onboard and the dinghy used to transport the consignment. The suspects, aged 29 and 32, are residents of Negombo. The suspects, the seized Kendu leaves and the dinghy were handed over to the Katunayake Customs Preventive Office.Firearm discovered in dengue inspection A firearm has been discovered inside a house during a special inspection carried out in Pelawatte, Battaramulla as part of the National Dengue Control Programme. The operation was conducted on Wednesday (22) by Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) attached to the Battaramulla Medical Officer of Health Office, with the assistance of the Army, the Air Force, the Police, and the Red Cross. During the inspection of a house that was found to be in an extremely unhygienic condition and home to a large number of dogs, officials had discovered both live mosquito larvae and the firearm. Police later took custody of the firearm and arrested the female homeowner in connection with the discovery. Meanwhile, during the inspection of another residence where mosquito larvae were found, a heated verbal exchange occurred after the homeowner allegedly obstructed the duties of the PHIs. Legal action has also been initiated against 13 individuals who were found maintaining premises with mosquito larvae. Cases are to be filed against them before the Kaduwela Magistrate's Court (MC). Health authorities have also urged the general public to immediately destroy mosquito breeding sites and cooperate with dengue control officials in preventing the spread of dengue.Jaffna pvt hospital fined Rs 3 m for ‘expensive’ blood testA private hospital in Jaffna has been fined Rs three million by the Jaffna MC for charging patients above the approved maximum fee for a medical test. The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) had set the maximum charge for a full blood count test at Rs 400 in private hospitals and medical laboratories. However, during a special inspection conducted by CAA officers, it was found that the institution located in the Kandar Madam area along Palali Road, Jaffna, had charged Rs 550 for the same test. The CAA subsequently filed a case against the institution before the Court. After the institution pled guilty, the Court imposed the Rs three million fine and ordered it to publish an announcement in leading newspapers at its own expense regarding the offence. The CAA has urged the public to be aware of approved medical service charges when obtaining services from private hospitals and laboratories. Consumers have also been advised to obtain valid bills or receipts for all payments, as they can serve as important evidence when making complaints. Complaints regarding charges exceeding the approved limits can be submitted to the CAA through the hotline 1977 during office houRsVehicle used in shooting near Devalaya found The car allegedly used by unidentified gunmen who opened fire at a house near the Dewundara Devalaya in Matara has been found in Dikwella. A car had been parked on the New Beliatta Road on Wednesday night, and when officers attempted to inspect it, the driver sped away without stopping. The vehicle later crashed into a drain and came to a halt, following which the driver fled the scene. A subsequent inspection confirmed that the vehicle was the same one used in the shooting near the Devalaya. On Tuesday night (21), a group arriving in a car had fired several shots at a house belonging to a person engaged in fishing activities in the Eadanda Road area of Devinuwara, within the Gandara Police Division, before fleeing the scene. Closed circuit television camera footage had captured the suspects arriving in a car, carrying out the shooting and escaping from the location.Malaysian nabbed at BIA with Rs 5 m cigs A Malaysian national has been arrested by officers of the Police Narcotics Bureau at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake, for allegedly attempting to smuggle a stock of foreign-manufactured cigarettes valued at Rs 4.95 million. The suspect had illegally brought the cigarettes into Sri Lanka and was attempting to take them out of the Airport premises when he was arrested. The suspect, a 42-year-old Malaysian national employed as a driver, arrived at the BIA from Kuala Lumpur at around 12.25 a.m. A search of his luggage revealed 165 cartons containing 33,000 cigarettes of various brands manufactured in China. The suspect and the seized cigarette consignment were scheduled to be produced before the Negombo MC yesterday (23). Cops and Govt. officials impersonation online financial scam The Police have issued a public warning over a growing number of financial scams in which fraudsters impersonate Police officers and Government officials through fake social media profiles, stolen photographs, and forged identity documents. Police continue to receive numerous complaints from members of the public who have been deceived by scammers despite the arrest of several suspects and repeated public awareness campaigns. Recent investigations have revealed an increase in cyber-enabled financial fraud involving criminals who create fake WhatsApp, Telegram, and other social media accounts while falsely claiming to represent the Police, the Criminal Investigation Department, the Central Bank, and other Government institutions.9 Indian fishers arrested A total of nine Indian fishermen have been apprehended by the Navy for fishing in Sri Lankan waters north of Talaimannar on Wednesday evening. The Navy also seized an Indian boat along with the fishermen for crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line and entering into Sri Lankan territorial wateRs Over 50 Indian fishing trawlers had trespassed into the Sri Lankan waters south of Iranativu, engaging in illegal fishing. During the operation, one Indian fishing trawler was seized, while nine Indian fishermen on board were taken into custody. The apprehended fishermen and the seized trawler have been handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Mannar for legal proceedings.10 nabbed with gold, Rs 17 m Ten persons, including two women, have been taken into custody along with 3.930 kilograms of gold and Rs 16.9 million in cash during a raid conducted by the Wattegama Police at a hotel in Madawala.Malaysia arrests Lankan labour exploiter and 6 Lankans for immigration violations&nbsp;The Immigration Department of Malaysia has arrested a Sri Lankan man suspected of exploiting a fellow country national as forced labour in operations at three locations around Jenjarom, Selangor. The operation was carried out based on a public complaint and intelligence information regarding a woman from Sri Lanka who is believed to be a victim of exploitation by her employer. The intelligence information led to the identification of the suspect, who is believed to be involved in human trafficking activities. In addition to the suspect, six other Sri Lankans aged between 21 and 51 years, including four men and two women, were also arrested for not having valid travel documents or passports. The arrest of the 38-year-old suspect was the result of a public complaint and intelligence from the Anti-Human Trafficking and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Prevention Division and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, Anti-Restricted Activity Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act, according to Malaysian media reports. Malaysia’s Immigration Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said that the operation also led to the rescue of a Sri Lankan woman who was identified as a victim of forced labour exploitation. "Initial investigations found that the victim was believed to have been deceived with job offers and promises of obtaining a work permit before being brought into Malaysia to work at a food premises owned by the suspect," he said in a statement on Wednesday. Shaaban said that the victim was believed to have been forced to work without receiving pay, not given sufficient food, had movements controlled and suffered physical violence as a form of threat and intimidation. "Six other Sri Lankans aged between 21 and 51 were also detained for not having valid travel documents or passes," he explained. “Investigations found that the suspect, who holds a Long-Term Social Visit Pass through marriage to a Malaysian citizen, is being investigated under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act and the Immigration Act 1959/63,” he said, adding that the Department will not compromise on any form of worker exploitation and human trafficking.Brother who killed mentally impaired sibling surrenders A suspect who allegedly murdered his mentally impaired brother and confessed to the crime after surrendering to the Police has been arrested by the Arachchikattuwa Police. The suspect arrived at the Arachchikattuwa Police Station at around 2.10 p.m. on Wednesday, carrying a knife, and informed officers that he had killed his brother. Acting on the information, Police officers proceeded to the house where the two had been living and discovered the victim's body lying on a bed in a room of the house with multiple cut injuries. The deceased has been identified as Dulen Hasanka, a resident of Rajakadaluwa in Arachchikattuwa. The suspect had been caring for his mentally disabled brother during the daytime. A Magisterial inquiry into the incident is scheduled to be conducted.Govt healthcare worker gets death for murder The North Central Provincial High Court on Wednesday, sentenced to death a former healthcare assistant attached to a Government hospital who had been indicted before the Anuradhapura High Court (HC) for committing a murder by slitting a person's throat with a knife. Delivering the verdict, Judge Indika Attanayake held that the prosecution had proved the charge of murder against the accused beyond a reasonable doubt. Accordingly, the accused, a former healthcare assistant attached to a Government hospital and a resident of the Eppawala area, was sentenced to death by the Court. The Attorney General had filed a case against the accused before the Anuradhapura HC under Section 296 of the Penal Code over the murder of B. Mahinda Kumara alias 'Beligala', a resident of the Akkara 20 area in Eppawala, on or around 24 May 2014. Following a non-summary inquiry conducted at the Thambuttegama MC, the case was referred to the Anuradhapura HC for further hearing.

Crime round up: Navy seizes 735 kg Kendu leaves

Traffic along the Hatton–Colombo main road in the Malliappuwa area had been severely disrupted yesterday morning (23) after a large tree collapsed onto the road. The incident had occurred at around 6.10 a.m., during the busy morning rush hour when a large number of office workers, schoolchildren and other commuters were travelling along the route. The fallen tree caused heavy traffic congestion on both sides of the road, leaving many commuters stranded and inconvenienced. Following the incident, area residents, estate workers, personnel from the Road Development Authority and officers from the Hatton Police joined efforts to remove the tree. After an operation lasting nearly an hour, the obstruction was completely cleared, and traffic has since resumed as normal.Boy drowns in Mahaweli in GampolaPolice have launched an investigation after a 15-year-old boy went missing while swimming in the Mahaweli River in Udowita, Gampola. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening (22). The missing teenager was a resident of Weligalla. According to preliminary investigations, the boy had been swimming with two friends at the Deniyegala crossing on the River when he reportedly drowned and disappeared underwater. 2 boys fall to watery selfie death in TheldeniyaTwo boys, aged 13 and 15 years, have reportedly fallen to their death while attempting to take photographs near a waterfall in the Panwila area of Theldeniya. The two schoolboys had reportedly fallen from a cliff while attempting to take a selfie during a visit to a waterfall in Knuckleswatta, Panwila. A group of five students had gone to visit the waterfall after school hours when the accident occurred. Initial investigations have revealed that the two boys in question fell while attempting to take photographs near the waterfall. Pillion rider dies in car-mobike head-on collisionA person has died while another has been seriously injured following a head-on collision involving a car and a motorcycle in the Namal Pokuna area of Dimbulagala along the Polonnaruwa-Mahiyangana main road. The pillion rider of the motorcycle was killed in the accident, which occurred at around 1 p.m. on Wednesday. The motorcyclist, who sustained serious injuries in the collision, has been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the Polonnaruwa District General Hospital. The deceased has been identified as a 31-year-old resident of the Mahaulpatha area in Dimbulagala. The Manampitiya Police stated that the accident had occurred due to the motorcyclist’s reckless riding and riding under the influence of alcohol. The driver of the car has been arrested in connection with the incident.

Accidents: Tree falls on Hatton-Colombo rd in Malliappuwa

<ul><li>Discusses maritime security and stable economic corridors in IOR with US</li></ul> Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath has met US Ambassador to India and Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor, with discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries. Gor said that the meeting addressed ways to enhance US-Sri Lanka ties in areas including maritime security and the development of stable economic corridors in the Indian Ocean region (IOR). He further stated that the US remains committed to working with regional partners to promote stability and security in the region.The meeting comes as Sri Lanka continues to engage with international partners on matters related to regional cooperation, economic connectivity, and maritime security.Meanwhile, Herath also met Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman on the sidelines of the 33rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum (RF) meeting in Manila, the Philippines. The ARF meeting brings together Foreign Ministers and representatives from Asia-Pacific countries to discuss regional security, cooperation and key international issues. Sharing a post on social media, Dr. Jaishankar said that he was pleased to meet his Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi counterparts during the regional gathering. Herath is to participate in the 33rd ARF Ministerial Meeting and the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Manila, from yesterday (23) to today (24). Herath is to address both meetings during the official visit. He is to also engage in bilateral discussions with Foreign Ministers of participating countries, the Secretary-General of the ASEAN, and senior officials of the European Union and the Asian Development Bank on the sidelines of the meetings. Among the scheduled bilateral engagements is a meeting with the Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro. During his visit, Herath is also expected to officially inaugurate the Office of the Honourary Consul of Sri Lanka in Mindanao.

Abducted in Port City: Chinese national found murdered

SC rules Deshabandu violated activist’s FR

SC rules Deshabandu violated a ...

Eastern Province: Restrictive agri land gazettes to be annulled

Eastern Province: Restrictive ...

Sajith admonishes Speaker for ‘unparliamentary language’

Sajith admonishes Speaker for ...

Ditwah causes 8% Keeri Samba shortage

Ditwah causes 8% Keeri Samba s ...

Govt to inspect factory environmental licences

Govt to inspect factory enviro ...

Crime round up: Navy seizes 735 kg Kendu leaves

Crime round up: Navy seizes 73 ...

Accidents: Tree falls on Hatton-Colombo rd in Malliappuwa

Accidents: Tree falls on Hatto ...

Foreign Minister: Herath visits Manila for 33rd ASEAN RF

Foreign Minister: Herath visit ...

SC rules Deshabandu violated activist’s FR

SC rules Deshabandu violated a ...

Eastern Province: Restrictive agri land gazettes to be annulled

Eastern Province: Restrictive ...

Sajith admonishes Speaker for ‘unparliamentary language’

Sajith admonishes Speaker for ...

Ditwah causes 8% Keeri Samba shortage

Ditwah causes 8% Keeri Samba s ...

Govt to inspect factory environmental licences

Govt to inspect factory enviro ...

Crime round up: Navy seizes 735 kg Kendu leaves

Crime round up: Navy seizes 73 ...

Accidents: Tree falls on Hatton-Colombo rd in Malliappuwa

Accidents: Tree falls on Hatto ...

Foreign Minister: Herath visits Manila for 33rd ASEAN RF

Foreign Minister: Herath visit ...

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SC rules Deshabandu violated activist’s FR

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Eastern Province: Restrictive agri land gazettes to be annulled

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Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

Sajith admonishes Speaker for ‘unparliamentary language’

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Ditwah causes 8% Keeri Samba shortage

Ditwah causes 8% Keeri Samba s ...

Govt to inspect factory environmental licences

Govt to inspect factory enviro ...

Crime round up: Navy seizes 735 kg Kendu leaves

Crime round up: Navy seizes 73 ...