<ul><li>Committee appointed to study new fire units</li><li>Labour, Industry Ministries explore expanding fire coverage</li></ul> The Labour Ministry has appointed a committee, following discussions with the Industry Ministry, to explore establishing additional fire-fighting units in industrial zones and areas with large concentrations of factories.Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (26), Labour Ministry Secretary S M Piyatissa said that the move follows concerns that existing fire brigades are largely limited to Municipal Council areas, resulting in longer response times during emergencies."Now, we have appointed a committee to come up with solutions, including establishing more fire-fighting units. Even during the recent fire at a factory in Homagama, it was the Kotte and Colombo fire brigades that had to respond to contain the blaze. The established fire-fighting units in the country are basically situated within Municipal Councils. We are planning to ensure wider coverage," he said.He also said that factories across the country would be assessed to determine whether adequate fire safety measures are in place. "Factories are required to register with the Labour Ministry after one year of operation. As per new regulations, submitting a fire safety compliance report will now become mandatory. Once the reports are submitted, random inspections will also be carried out to verify compliance," he said.Meanwhile, the Colombo Fire Service Department stated that a total of 258 fire incidents were reported in Colombo and its suburbs during the first seven months of this year. A total of 17 rescue operations were also carried out in connection with those incidents. It also stated that 13 emergency calls unrelated to fires had been received this year, including incidents involving fallen trees, road obstructions and road traffic accidents.Last year, 382 fire incidents and 46 rescue operations were reported in the Colombo District.

Industrial Zones:  258 fires in Colombo this year

<ul><li>Directive follows intelligence warnings over underworld-linked security threats</li></ul> Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya has, following multiple intelligence assessments, recommended that the Devinuwara Sri Vishnu Devalaya remove the traditional Kavadi dance from this year's Esala Perahera over serious security concerns.Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (26), Police Spokesperson and Assistant Superintendent of Police F U Wootler said that the recommendation had been made by the IGP after considering intelligence assessments submitted by the Chief of National Intelligence, the State Intelligence Service, the Police Special Branch and the Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Southern Province. "The recommendation was made by the IGP in accordance with powers vested in him under the Pilgrimages Ordinance No. 13 of 1896, which allows authorities to take measures in the interest of public safety where there are security concerns," Wootler said.He noted that the Devinuwara Esala Perahera attracts large numbers of both local and foreign tourists each year and warned that any major security incident linked to organised crime could seriously damage Sri Lanka's international image while adversely affecting the tourism industry.Accordingly, the IGP has recommended removing the Kavadi dance from this year's procession and advised that a court order be obtained, if necessary, to implement the decision.It was also reported that in a letter dated 26 July 2026, Matara District Secretary Thilakaratne informed Basnayake Nilame of the Devinuwara Sri Vishnu Devalaya, Thilina Madushanka Abeyrathna that the Kavadi dance scheduled to be held tomorrow (28) should be removed from the 769th annual Esala Perahera.&nbsp;According to the intelligence reports, a serious dispute has emerged over the selection of this year's Kavadi dance groups, involving factions linked to organised criminals known as Dehi Bale Malli and Unakuruwe Shantha. The reports stated that tensions escalated after several Kavadi groups that had allegedly behaved in a disorderly manner during last year's Perahera were excluded from this year's event.Intelligence authorities have also reported that underworld figure "Kanjipani Imran", who is believed to be overseas, allegedly threatened via WhatsApp that 10 people would be killed and that the Basnayake Nilame would also be targeted if groups affiliated with his side were not allowed to participate in the procession.In response, Dehi Bale Malli is also said to have released threatening voice recordings, which were later circulated through mainstream and social media platforms.Authorities expect around 40,000 devotees and visitors to attend tomorrow's Kavadi procession. Intelligence agencies have warned that supporters of organised criminal groups could be among those attending, increasing the risk of violent clashes.The reports further warned that any confrontation, or even an attack using drones, could result in significant loss of life and trigger widespread public disorder.Police have also pointed out that although the Devinuwara Esala Perahera has a history spanning 769 years, the Kavadi dance became part of the procession only around 40 years ago and is not regarded as one of its original cultural elements.According to police, around 80 per cent of those participating in the Kavadi dance in recent years had allegedly consumed alcohol or narcotics and behaved in an inappropriate manner, drawing strong public criticism.Sources familiar with the matter previously told The Daily Morning that responsibility for organising the Kavadi dance had allegedly been handed over by the Basnayake Nilame to an outside group, leading to a dispute between rival factions claiming the right to perform. The sources alleged that organised criminal elements had subsequently become involved in the dispute, creating a serious security risk.&nbsp;

Devinuwara Esala Perahera: Police calls to drop Kavadi dance

<ul><li>Excesses, shortages, unrecovered loans and expenditure on official residences highlighted&nbsp;</li></ul> An audit of the Presidential Secretariat has identified 357 excess items belonging to 130 categories and 1,446 missing items belonging to 176 categories, according to the Auditor General's report for 2025.The audit also found that only three meetings were held at seven Presidential Palaces during 2025, while 3,089 persons had stayed at such premises during the year.Despite the limited use, the audit noted that Rs 32,982,675 had been spent on electricity, telephone charges and other expenses relating to seven Presidential Palaces during the year. It further revealed that although no meetings or overnight stays had taken place at the official residences in Kataragama, Mahiyanganaya and Bentota during 2025, a total of Rs 2,447,754 had still been incurred on electricity, telephone and other expenses.The audit also found that Rs 645,376 in festival, disaster and special loans recoverable from four officers who had left the service between 2019 and 2024 had not been recovered as of 25 May 2026.In addition, although investigations had been initiated under the Financial Regulations into losses and damages caused to buildings and inventory at the Presidential Secretariat during the 9 July 2022 public protests, the inquiries had not been completed by the end of the review period, the report stated. Responding to media reports, the Presidential Media Division rejected claims that outsiders had stayed inside Presidential Houses. It stated that reports claiming that 3,089 people had stayed at Presidential Palaces in 2025 were false, explaining that the figure referred to officers from the security forces, media and other divisions who had stayed in other buildings within the Presidential premises for official duties. The Presidential Media Division stressed that none of those officers had stayed inside the Presidential Palaces themselves.

Audit flags: Inventory gaps at President's Office

Sri Lanka Customs is preparing to auction or dispose of more than 1,000 imported vehicles that have remained unclaimed at the Hambantota International Port after importers failed to complete the necessary clearance procedures.Customs Media Spokesperson Chandana Punchihewa said that around 1,025 imported vehicles are currently lying at the port awaiting clearance, with approximately 625 of them having remained there for more than six months since their arrival in the country.He stressed that none of the vehicles are linked to any Customs violations or offences.Punchihewa said that, under the provisions of the Customs Ordinance, vehicles that remain uncleared despite having no Customs-related issues will be disposed of either through public auctions or a tender process.According to existing regulations, all imported goods must be cleared within one month of their arrival after the payment of all applicable taxes and duties.If importers fail to do so within the stipulated period, the Customs Ordinance authorises Customs to sell the goods and recover the taxes payable to the Government from the proceeds of the sale.Any remaining funds after the taxes have been settled may then be used to cover port and warehouse charges. If a balance still remains after those payments, it will be returned to the respective importer, Punchihewa said.He further explained that the Sri Lanka Ports Authority is required to notify Customs when imported goods remain uncleared for more than one month.Punchihewa said Customs has already been informed about the vehicles currently remaining at the Hambantota International Port, and preparations are now underway to dispose of them through auctions or tenders in accordance with the law.However, he noted that Customs is willing to consider requests from importers who have been unable to clear their vehicles due to reasonable circumstances, provided they formally notify the department and explain the reasons for the delay.

Hambantota Port: Customs to auction unclaimed vehicles 

Justice and National Integration Minister, Harshana Nanayakkara said he had been instructed to prepare a Cabinet paper on extending the retirement age of judges.He said the necessary steps are currently being taken to draft the Cabinet paper.The Minister's remarks come amid growing discussion over reports that the Government is considering extending the retirement age of judges.Responding to a query from the media, Nanayakkara confirmed that he had been instructed to prepare a Cabinet paper on the matter.Meanwhile, Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa said that the Cabinet would be prepared to discuss the proposal if it is formally submitted. "Generally, court cases take a considerable amount of time to conclude. When we examine the reasons, it becomes clear that our court system needs to be expanded. In some instances, the number of courts should be increased. There is also a widely held view that the number of judges delivering judgments should be increased," he said."The Government is already taking steps to recruit new judges. At the same time, there has been a request from within the legal sector itself to extend the retirement age of judges. Previously, the number of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges was increased. Normally, when the number of judges is increased, the retirement age is also revised. However, that was not done at the time," he added.

Cabinet paper on judges' retirement soon?

In the wake of repeated delays in provincial term examinations, including the postponement of second-term tests in the North Western and Southern Provinces, Education Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa said that Provincial Departments of Education are solely responsible for conducting term tests, while the Line Ministry can only provide advice.Responding to questions from The Daily Morning yesterday (26), he said that the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education had already advised Provincial authorities to attend to matters falling under their jurisdiction. "We advise the Provincial authorities to look after their aspects. Other than that, there is no way for direct involvement to ensure that term tests are conducted on time," he said.Kaluwewa was responding to questions regarding the delay in printing second-term examination papers in the North Western Province, which disrupted the scheduled provincial examinations. He explained that Provincial Councils (PC) independently selected printing service providers through the tender process and that those matters did not fall under the Line Ministry. "These are not matters for the Line Ministry; they are entirely handled by the PCs," he stressed.Asked whether, in light of several similar incidents, the Ministry believed it should intervene to ensure that provincial term tests were held on schedule, he reiterated that responsibility rested entirely with the Provincial Departments of Education.The latest incident involved delays in printing second-term examination papers for Government schools in the North Western Province, forcing several examinations to be postponed and rescheduled.Earlier, on 22 July, the Southern Provincial Department of Education also postponed the Grade Nine Geography and Civic Education second-term examination after printed question papers failed to reach the relevant divisional and zonal education offices on time.Attempts by The Daily Morning to obtain a response from North Western Provincial education authorities were unsuccessful at the time of publication.

Term test delays fall under Provinces: Edu Ministry 

<ul><li>Dengue cases top 81,500</li></ul> The National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) is planning to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Sri Lanka's Wolbachia bacteria project in September, marking the start of a long-term initiative expected to run for five to seven years to help reduce the country's dengue burden, it is learnt.Speaking to The Daily Morning, Acting Director of the NDCU, Dr Kapila Kannangara said that the project is not intended to address the current dengue outbreak but would serve as a long-term strategy implemented in several phases. "The MoU for the project will be signed in September. Following that, it will take approximately another year and a half to construct the necessary facilities, after which we will establish the required technology. Technology for the project will be sourced from Australia," he said.He attributed the delay in launching the project to administrative procedures, noting that several documents still have to be finalised. "We required land to establish the facilities. It took some time to obtain approval from the Colombo Municipal Council for the land allocation. They have now agreed to provide the land, and it is only after receiving it that we will proceed to sign the MoU," he said.He reiterated that the project is not a short-term solution to the country's current dengue situation. "This is a long-term effort. It will be carried out over five to seven years, covering all parts of Sri Lanka," he said.Explaining the science behind the initiative, he said: "Since it is impossible to eliminate mosquitoes entirely, this project involves releasing mosquitoes carrying the Wolbachia bacteria into the environment. The bacteria prevents the dengue virus from surviving inside the mosquitoes."Meanwhile, the number of dengue cases reported in Sri Lanka so far this year has risen to 81,511, according to the NDCU. The Unit stated that 61 dengue-related deaths have also been reported during the same period. July has recorded the highest number of infections this year, with 26,136 cases reported during the month alone. The Western Province continues to account for the highest number of infections, with 43,132 cases recorded. The Unit also stated that 175 high-risk dengue zones have been identified across the country.

Dengue prevention: Wolbachia MoU due in September

<ul><li>Doctor warns of dehydration, dengue and flu risks amid changing weather</li></ul> Parents should take extra precautions to protect children as the country experiences changing weather conditions associated with El Niño conditions, Consultant Paediatrician at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children (LRH), Dr Deepal Perera said. Responding to queries from The Daily Morning yesterday (26), he warned that the prevailing hot weather could lead to dehydration and heat-related illnesses, particularly among children and those working outdoors. He said that severe dehydration could lead to heatstroke if people did not drink enough fluids, adding that heatstroke could affect both the heart and brain. Children playing outdoors and people working on roads and in other outdoor occupations were particularly vulnerable, he noted. According to Dr Perera, symptoms of dehydration include headaches, vomiting, body aches, drowsiness, loss of appetite and dark-coloured urine. He urged parents to encourage children to drink plenty of water and fluids such as Jeevani, rice porridge (kanji), soups and clean drinking water to prevent dehydration. He also advised parents to bathe children twice a day during the hot weather and dress them in light cotton clothing to help keep their bodies cool. Dr Perera further noted that rainfall expected in some parts of the country could create stagnant water, providing ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes and increasing the risk of dengue. He urged the public to keep their surroundings clean and remove containers that could collect water. He also warned that flooding could increase the risk of diarrhoeal diseases, including dysentery and typhoid, particularly if people did not have access to safe food and boiled, cooled drinking water. Food should also be protected from flies to reduce the risk of infection.Responding to further queries, Dr Perera said influenza was also spreading in the community and urged the public to take the necessary precautions.Meanwhile, newly appointed LRH Director Dr Pradeep Rathnasekara told the media that, in addition to the large number of dengue patients admitted to the hospital, influenza cases were also increasing. "There have also been a few cases of hand, foot and mouth disease among children," he said, urging parents to seek immediate medical attention if a child develops a fever instead of relying on traditional remedies, as it could be dengue.

El Niño: Children urged to stay hydrated

<ul><li>Draft law proposes tougher penalties for cruelty and stronger welfare protections</li></ul>The Government has gazetted a new Animal Welfare Bill aimed at strengthening legal protections for animals and preventing acts of cruelty.Published in the Extraordinary Gazette of 17 July 2026, the draft legislation seeks to promote compassion towards animals while safeguarding their welfare and wellbeing.The Bill prohibits acts including assaulting animals, causing unnecessary suffering, overworking them, using unfit animals for labour, deliberately depriving them of food, water or shelter, and causing unnecessary pain through any other means.Anyone convicted of such offences could face a fine of up to Rs. 250,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both.The draft law also proposes tougher penalties for those convicted of killing animals in a cruel manner, with fines of up to Rs. 500,000, imprisonment of up to three years, or both.It further introduces provisions covering the abandonment of animals, leaving sick or injured animals to die in public places, illegal sterilisation procedures and veterinary treatment carried out by unqualified persons.The Bill also bans organising, managing, facilitating or promoting animal fights and hunting activities that result in injury or death to animals.New provisions have also been introduced on the transportation of animals, requiring them to be transported in a manner that does not cause unnecessary pain, suffering, injury or danger. Violations could attract fines of up to Rs. 300,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both.In addition, the Bill proposes a licensing system for pet shops and animal breeding centres.The legislation follows recommendations made by an expert committee appointed by the Agriculture Ministry Secretary under a Cabinet decision dated 29 December 2025 to review and strengthen the proposed law.Based on those recommendations, the Cabinet on 18 May 2026 instructed the Legal Draftsman to prepare the final Bill. The draft has since received the Attorney General's clearance and was published in the Government Gazette ahead of being presented to Parliament for approval.

Industrial Zones: 258 fires in Colombo this year

Devinuwara Esala Perahera: Police calls to drop Kavadi dance

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Audit flags: Inventory gaps at President's Office

Audit flags: Inventory gaps at ...

Hambantota Port: Customs to auction unclaimed vehicles

Hambantota Port: Customs to au ...

Cabinet paper on judges' retirement soon?

Cabinet paper on judges' retir ...

Term test delays fall under Provinces: Edu Ministry

Term test delays fall under Pr ...

Dengue prevention: Wolbachia MoU due in September

Dengue prevention: Wolbachia M ...

El Niño: Children urged to stay hydrated

El Niño: Children urged to sta ...

New animal welfare Bill gazetted

New animal welfare Bill gazett ...

Devinuwara Esala Perahera: Police calls to drop Kavadi dance

Devinuwara Esala Perahera: Pol ...

Audit flags: Inventory gaps at President's Office

Audit flags: Inventory gaps at ...

Hambantota Port: Customs to auction unclaimed vehicles

Hambantota Port: Customs to au ...

Cabinet paper on judges' retirement soon?

Cabinet paper on judges' retir ...

Term test delays fall under Provinces: Edu Ministry

Term test delays fall under Pr ...

Dengue prevention: Wolbachia MoU due in September

Dengue prevention: Wolbachia M ...

El Niño: Children urged to stay hydrated

El Niño: Children urged to sta ...

New animal welfare Bill gazetted

New animal welfare Bill gazett ...

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