The Kandy Esala Perahera officially concluded today (28) with the traditional Diya Kepeema, or water-cutting ceremony, held at the Mahaweli River in Gatambe. The ceremony followed last night’s final Randoli Perahera, which paraded through the streets of Kandy. The daytime procession is scheduled to depart from the Asgiri Gedige Raja Maha Viharaya at 2.18 p.m., with the Sacred Relics due to return to the Sri Dalada Maligawa at 4.01 p.m. The festival will officially conclude following the presentation of the completion scroll to the President and awards to selected performers.

Kandy Esala Perahera concludes with traditional water-cutting ceremony

&nbsp;Fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 75mm is expected in several parts of Sri Lanka today (28), according to the Department of Meteorology. Showers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-Western provinces and in Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts. Strong winds of around 40–50 kmph may occur in several areas, while the public has been advised to take precautions against strong winds and lightning. The Sun is also expected to be directly overhead at different locations in Sri Lanka from today until 7 September

Over 75mm rainfall expected in several areas today

Train services on the Northern Railway Line have been disrupted following the derailment of a train at Pothuhera Railway Station. The train was travelling from Polgahawela to Maho when it derailed, according to the Department of Railways. Due to the obstruction, trains operating beyond Pothuhera Railway Station are expected to be delayed.

 Train services disrupted following derailment on Northern Railway Line

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed the Government to provide USD 1 million in humanitarian assistance to Nepal following devastating floods and landslides. The funds will support immediate relief and humanitarian assistance for communities affected by the disaster. Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath also conveyed Sri Lanka’s condolences and support during a telephone conversation with Nepalese Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal. The Government stated that Sri Lanka will continue to work with Nepal and explore further ways to support relief and recovery efforts.

Sri Lanka extends USD 1 mn humanitarian assistance to Nepal

<ul><li>Flags possible ACA implications of proposed extension</li><li>Decision hinges on outcome of 22A petitions</li><li>Opposition yet to respond on possible complaint</li></ul> Although the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has informed the Supreme Court (SC) that the proposed extension of sitting judges’ tenure could fall within the scope of the Anti-Corruption Act (ACA), the Association is yet to decide whether to lodge a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), it is learnt.When queried by The Daily Morning as to whether the BASL would consider lodging a complaint with CIABOC against the Government’s move, its President, attorney-at-law Rajeev Amarasuriya, said: “We are focusing on the outcome of the Special Determination petitions.”The Daily Morning attempted to contact Opposition and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa and SJB National Organiser and Parliamentarian Tissa Attanayake to ascertain whether the Opposition would consider lodging a complaint with CIABOC in light of the BASL’s views. However, there were no responses at the time of publication.In its Special Determination petition, filed by Amarasuriya and the BASL Secretary challenging the constitutionality of the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, which seeks to extend the retirement age of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal Judges, the BASL has asked the SC to consider whether the additional two years in office, along with the related salary, privileges and other benefits proposed for sitting judges, could amount to a “gratification” under the ACA, as amended.The question has been raised because the sitting SC Judges who may hear the challenge to the Bill could themselves benefit from the proposed extension of their tenure.However, the BASL has not accused any judge of wrongdoing or suggested that any judge has acted improperly. It stated that the relevant provisions of the ACA were brought to the SC’s attention because of the possible effect the situation could have on public confidence in the Judiciary.Attempts to contact Justice Minister, attorney-at-law Harshana Nanayakkara, proved futile.

Judges’ retirement-gratification ‘link’: BASL undecided on complaining to CIABOC

<ul><li>Calls for tanks and reservoirs capacity renovation&nbsp;</li></ul> The National Agrarian Unity (NAU) organisation has rejected the Government’s strategic cultivation plan, proposed by the Agriculture Ministry as a mechanism to address the El Niño weather pattern by encouraging early planting for the Maha season.The organisation said farmers were united in their decision not to follow the plan, claiming that it was based on predicted data rather than the actual factors essential for cultivation.Speaking to The Daily Morning, NAU President Anuradha Tennakoon said the primary factor considered before commencing cultivation was the water storage capacity of reservoirs and other agricultural water bodies. He asserted that the Government, ignoring this reality, had formulated plans based on forecasts of future rainfall declines.“The first factor that we consider before starting cultivation is that the water bodies have at least 50 per cent of water. At the moment, there’s no such capacity, and we aren’t going to take the risk. We don’t believe that they’d compensate us if the plan goes wrong either. We have decided not to follow the Government’s plan and to adhere to our usual farming schedules,” he said.Tennakoon further criticised Government officials, stating: “The plans that Government officials make while being inside cold rooms don’t do any good on practical grounds. What they have to do is not make plans for farmers to grow but to renovate the tanks to store water.”He also accused the Irrigation Department of failing to renovate tanks and reservoirs for 70 years.“In the Kala Wewa system, 30% to 40% of the water capacity is filled with silt. Of the minor irrigation schemes, out of the 24,000 tanks, most are not renovated to date. There are 54 large-scale reservoirs, and these haven’t been cleared of silt. What they are doing is making a spillway, a sluice, or strengthening the dam of the tank under the pretext of renovating. This does not enhance the capacity of these tanks,” he said.He noted that the latest large-scale renovation of the Kala Wewa took place in 1970, and that this too was only a renovation of the dam.“Renovating these water bodies is a must to store more water, which would help cultivation even when rainfall is reduced,” he added.The comments from the organisation come in light of the Government’s plan to begin this year’s (2026) Maha cultivation season about a month earlier than usual to safeguard the country’s rice supply against any disruption that could arise from anticipated El Niño conditions.Predicting unstable weather conditions that could affect cultivation during the Maha season if the usual schedule is followed, the Government has suggested early planting to launch cultivation before El Niño hits.Multiple attempts to contact Deputy Agricultural Minister Namal Karunarathne and Director General of Irrigation engineer Dr. K. Weligepolage proved futile.

Farmers reject early Maha cultivation plan 

Despite more than one and a half years having passed since the island-wide power outage in February last year (2025), no proper investigation has been carried out into the incident, the Electricity Consumers’ Association (ECA) claimed.Speaking to The Daily Morning, ECA General Secretary Sanjeewa Dhammika said the Association had complained to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) over the power outage, but that the investigation had not progressed beyond recording statements from several people.“We made a complaint to the CID regarding this. But no investigation was carried out. The CID had recorded statements from a few officials, but nothing happened beyond that,” he said.He also questioned how a similar incident could be prevented in the future if no proper investigation was conducted into what happened during the previous island-wide blackout.“If they don't investigate and find out what happened, how can we prevent something like this from happening again?” he asked.Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka was not available for comment.The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), in August 2025, conducted a public hearing into the island-wide power outage of 9 February 2025. The PUCSL decided to hold the public hearing after disagreeing with the findings of an expert committee appointed by the then-Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to examine the blackout.The CEB forwarded the expert committee report to the PUCSL on 23 April 2025. The report attributed the nationwide blackout mainly to low system inertia caused by an unusually high contribution from solar power, which affected the stability of the national grid.The PUCSL, after studying the report, stated that it considered a more comprehensive investigation necessary to establish the circumstances surrounding the outage

No probe into 2025 blackout: ECA 

The Cultural Affairs Ministry and the Trade and Commerce Ministry are seeking international best practices that could be adopted in Sri Lanka, amid discussions to establish a collective management organisation (CMO) – a non-profit entity that manages copyright and related rights on behalf of creators such as writers, musicians, and artists – for singers.This comes as there is currently no central mechanism in Sri Lanka to collect royalties for singers and performers.Speaking to The Daily Morning, Deputy Cultural Affairs Minister Muneer Mulaffer said that the Trade and Commerce Ministry, together with Cultural Affairs Ministry officials and members of the Sri Lankan Singers Association, had held fruitful discussions on establishing a CMO for singers and performers in Sri Lanka.“They have requested the establishment of a CMO. We will be seeking international examples where royalty collection is done and will gradually seek the opportunity to address the concerns of singers in a manner that causes no prejudice to any party,” he said.In Sri Lanka, although there is a CMO for lyricists and composers, the Association of the Creators and Publishers, which collects royalties for lyricists and publishers, there is no such central mechanism for singers and performers.The Association of the Creators and Publishers requested President Anura Kumara Dissanayake earlier this August to establish a similar mechanism for singers and performers.

Govt eyes royalty body for singers 

<h2> </h2><ul><li>No Sri Lankan casualties reported as Embassy monitors nationals</li><li>85-100 Lankans currently in Nepal, including students and tourists</li></ul> Sri Lanka has expressed its readiness to provide assistance to Nepal as the country continues rescue and relief operations following devastating flash floods that have caused widespread destruction and loss of life in the Rasuwa District and surrounding areas.Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath held a telephone conversation with Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal on the situation yesterday and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s readiness to extend assistance to the affected country.A sudden flash flood entered Nepal from the Tibetan side through the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa, causing significant damage to settlements in the Timure and Syabrubesi areas and raising serious safety concerns along downstream sections of the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli Rivers.The massive flood, triggered by an upstream avalanche and glacier outburst in Tibet, generated flood waves estimated to have reached eight to 10 metres in height. People have been reported dead and missing, while rescue and recovery operations continue.A joint operation involving the Nepal Army, Police and Armed Police Force is underway, with several security personnel among those reported missing after border security posts in Timure and Rasuwagadhi were destroyed.Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador in Kathmandu has confirmed that an estimated 85 to 100 Sri Lankan nationals are currently in Nepal. They include around 20 students who recently arrived in the country, Sri Lankans married to Nepalese citizens, individuals heading institutions and tourists. Sri Lankan nationals working with international organisations in Nepal are also among those in the country.The Foreign Affairs Ministry said no reports of casualties or injuries involving Sri Lankan nationals had been received so far.According to the latest statement issued by the Nepal Tourism Board, no Sri Lankan nationals are among the foreigners reported missing following the flash floods in the Rasuwa area. Security forces and relief teams are continuing search and rescue operations and relief efforts to locate missing persons.Herath said the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) would coordinate closely with Nepalese authorities to identify and provide any specific assistance required.“Sri Lanka remains steadfast in its solidarity and commitment to our close friend and neighbour, Nepal,” Herath said in a post on X.He also expressed his condolences to the people of Nepal, particularly families and communities affected by the disaster, while commending the efforts of Nepalese authorities and personnel engaged in rescue and relief operations.President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has also expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and extended Sri Lanka’s condolences and solidarity to the affected communities.In a post on X, Dissanayake said Sri Lanka stood ready to assist Nepal with rescue and clearance operations following the disaster.He noted that Sri Lanka, having experienced a deadly cyclone 10 months ago, shared in the grief of the Nepalese people as they dealt with the aftermath of the floods. He conveyed condolences to the Government and people of Nepal, including President Ram Chandra Paudel and Prime Minister Balendra Shah.Meanwhile, the Foreign Affairs Ministry has announced arrangements to provide emergency assistance, coordination and necessary support to Sri Lankan nationals affected by the flood situation.The Ministry has urged Sri Lankan nationals in Nepal to remain safe and closely follow official updates as rescue and relief operations continue.The Sri Lankan Embassy in Kathmandu has issued a safety advisory to Sri Lankan nationals, particularly those travelling or residing in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Chitwan and other areas along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli Rivers and their corridors.They have been urged to exercise extreme caution, avoid travelling close to rivers, riverbanks, bridges and low-lying areas, and follow instructions issued by local authorities and security agencies.The Embassy has also advised Sri Lankans to remain in safe locations until the situation becomes clearer, check road conditions before travelling and avoid attempting to cross flooded roads, streams or rivers.Those in affected areas have been urged to move immediately to higher ground if instructed by local authorities, while Sri Lankans planning to travel to affected districts have been advised to postpone their journeys until official sources confirm that roads are safe and the flood threat has subsided.Sri Lankan nationals requiring assistance have been asked to contact the Embassy’s 24-hour emergency hotline on 00977 9851048653 or via email at slemb.kathmandu@mfa.gov.lk.For information and updates concerning Sri Lankan nationals in Nepal, Director General of International Security Cooperation and Public Diplomacy and Ministry Spokesperson Thushara Rodrigo can be contacted on 070 788 7778 via mobile or WhatsApp, or by email at publicity@mfa.gov.lk.Responding to The Daily Morning on whether the Embassy had been in contact with all Sri Lankan nationals in Nepal, Rodrigo said they were connected through a community chat and social media network.He added that the Sri Lankan community was also in contact with Buddhist temples, through whose social networks Sri Lankan nationals could reach out to one another.

Kandy Esala Perahera concludes with traditional water-cuttin ...

Over 75mm rainfall expected in several areas today

Over 75mm rainfall expected in ...

Train services disrupted following derailment on Northern Railway Lin ...

Train services disrupted foll ...

Sri Lanka extends USD 1 mn humanitarian assistance to Nepal

Sri Lanka extends USD 1 mn hum ...

Judges’ retirement-gratification ‘link’: BASL undecided on complaining ...

Judges’ retirement-gratificati ...

Farmers reject early Maha cultivation plan

Farmers reject early Maha cult ...

No probe into 2025 blackout: ECA

No probe into 2025 blackout: E ...

Govt eyes royalty body for singers

Govt eyes royalty body for sin ...

SL ready to aid flood-hit Nepal

SL ready to aid flood-hit Nepa ...

Over 75mm rainfall expected in several areas today

Over 75mm rainfall expected in ...

Train services disrupted following derailment on Northern Railway Lin ...

Train services disrupted foll ...

Sri Lanka extends USD 1 mn humanitarian assistance to Nepal

Sri Lanka extends USD 1 mn hum ...

Judges’ retirement-gratification ‘link’: BASL undecided on complaining ...

Judges’ retirement-gratificati ...

Farmers reject early Maha cultivation plan

Farmers reject early Maha cult ...

No probe into 2025 blackout: ECA

No probe into 2025 blackout: E ...

Govt eyes royalty body for singers

Govt eyes royalty body for sin ...

SL ready to aid flood-hit Nepal

SL ready to aid flood-hit Nepa ...

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Over 75mm rainfall expected in several areas today

Over 75mm rainfall expected in ...

Train services disrupted following derailment on Northern Railway Lin ...

Train services disrupted foll ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

Sri Lanka extends USD 1 mn humanitarian assistance to Nepal

Sri Lanka extends USD 1 mn hum ...

Judges’ retirement-gratification ‘link’: BASL undecided on complaining ...

Judges’ retirement-gratificati ...

Farmers reject early Maha cultivation plan

Farmers reject early Maha cult ...

No probe into 2025 blackout: ECA

No probe into 2025 blackout: E ...