<ul><li>Construction paused until environmental impact assessment completed</li></ul> The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has instructed that all construction activities related to the proposed Jaffna International Cricket Stadium and Sports Complex on Mandaitivu Island be halted until the environmental approval process is completed.Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (22), CEA Director General Kapila Mahesh Rajapaksha said the Authority had issued a Project Outline Report (POR) to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedure. He explained the POR was issued after the Forest Conservation Department confirmed the 48-acre land allocated for the stadium does not fall within a protected forest area. However, the project cannot proceed until SLC submits a completed environmental assessment evaluating the project’s potential ecological impacts."The CEA would only decide on granting approval once SLC evaluates the environmental impact and submits the relevant reports to us. Until then, all ground-level activities will remain suspended." he said.&nbsp;Rajapaksha noted that complaints had been received alleging that construction work had commenced at the site although SLC is yet to submit environmental impact-related reports. "Following these reports, the CEA’s Jaffna office was instructed to conduct inspections. Officials reported that although no construction activities were underway, certain earthworks had taken place.""Under the provisions of the National Environmental Act&nbsp; No. 47 of 1980, projects requiring environmental clearance can not proceed without approval. Accordingly, SLC was formally instructed on 18 February to halt any ongoing work, as continuing activities would constitute a violation of the law," he said, and added that if project proponents fail to comply with directives, the CEA may issue legal notices ordering the suspension of work, failing which legal action could follow within a stipulated period. The development has drawn increased attention after the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society Sri Lanka (WNPS) recently called for the immediate suspension of the project, alleging that construction had begun without mandatory environmental approvals required under the National Environmental Act.

Pending Environmental Clearance: CEA halts work on Mandaitivu Cricket Stadium 

<ul><li>Complaint urges CID to examine phone records and assets tied to NMRA and SPC committees</li></ul> The Civil Intelligence Front (CIF) has requested the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to investigate telephone records and asset declarations of several medical specialists over allegations of irregular dealings with pharmaceutical companies that may have caused financial losses to the Government.Speaking to The Daily Morning, CIF Convener Sanjaya Mahawatte said yesterday (22) that a complaint had been lodged with the CID alleging that nearly 200 medical practitioners and university professors serving on price control, procurement and technical evaluation committees of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) and the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) maintained direct links with pharmaceutical company representatives.He alleged that decisions relating to medicine pricing and procurement had been influenced prior to official committee deliberations. "Even medicines carrying the same generic name have been approved at different prices for different companies without scientific justification or supporting laboratory evaluation reports."He further claimed that certain medical specialists serving on technical committees had granted approvals for medicines of questionable quality instead of selecting products verified for higher standards.The CIF has requested the CID to initiate a fresh investigation into procurement transactions carried out by the SPC during the past 12 months and to suspend payments connected to procurement processes until investigations are concluded.Meanwhile, President of the Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association of Doctors (MCPA), Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, recently alleged that many complaints relating to corruption within the health sector remain uninvestigated by relevant law enforcement authorities.Health Ministry Secretary, Dr. Anil Jasinghe was not available for comment.&nbsp;

Alleged pharma links: CIF calls for probe into medical specialists 

<ul><li>Main gunman detained under PTA</li></ul> The Police stated that approximately 80 percent of investigations into the Akuregoda double murder have now been completed, with the suspected main gunman in custody and further arrests expected soon.When contacted by The Daily Morning yesterday (22), Police Media Spokesperson and Assistant Superintendent of Police, attorney F.U. Wootler said investigators had made significant progress in the probe into the killing of attorney Buddhika Mallawarachchi and his wife. “The main shooter, who was responsible for the murder together with another suspect, has now been arrested. About 80 percent of the investigation has been completed and we expect to arrest the remaining suspect soon,” he said. The double murder took place on 13 February 2026, in the parking area of a supermarket in Thalangama, Akuregoda, where two unidentified gunmen opened fire, killing the lawyer and his wife at the scene.Following the incident, Inspector General of Police, attorney Priyantha Weerasooriya deployed 12 specialised police teams to conduct investigations. Police stated one of the suspected gunmen was arrested on 21 February in Delduwa, Ambalangoda, by officers of the Homagama Divisional Crime Investigation Bureau acting on intelligence information.The suspect was taken into custody at a house where he had been staying while working in a nearby cinnamon estate. Investigations revealed that he had allegedly been hiding inside the cinnamon plantation during daytime hours and returned to the house only at night. The suspect was identified as a 46-year-old resident of Baddegama and a former member of the Sri Lanka Army who had obtained legal discharge during the 2009 general amnesty period. Police believe he was the gunman who first opened fire using a Type-56 assault rifle, fatally shooting the lawyer.&nbsp;According to investigators, after carrying out the shooting, the suspect fled in the same vehicle used in the crime, got off near Kottawa, travelled by bus to Maharagama and later proceeded to Ambalangoda by another bus. He was subsequently transferred to the Western Province South Crime Division for further investigations. Police confirmed that a 90-day detention order was obtained under the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act to detain and interrogate the suspect.A senior police officer stated that during initial questioning, the suspect had admitted to carrying out the shooting. Investigations have revealed the suspect allegedly maintained direct links with an underworld figure known as Karandeniya Sudda. Police stated the suspect had informed investigators that the killing was carried out under a contract allegedly given over the phone by the underworld figure. According to police, the suspect claimed he received Rs. 1 million and a quantity of heroin as payment after the murder. Investigators further suspect that he had operated as a contract killer for the same individual, although no additional murders linked to him have been uncovered so far.Police have so far arrested nine suspects in connection with the murder as investigations expanded following the incident.Among those arrested earlier were two brothers from Athurugiriya who allegedly transported the firearm used in the attack and provided information regarding the lawyer’s vehicle movements. A suspect known as Polgasowita Dila, believed to have coordinated the crime, was also taken into custody during preliminary investigations.Investigations have further revealed that an individual suspected of transporting one of the gunmen to a hotel in Pannipitiya had fled the country to Thailand via the Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake.

Akuregoda Double Murder: Police say 80% of probe completed

<ul><li>Says healthcare delivery remains unaffected</li></ul> Although the Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) was engaged in several trade union actions over the past two months — most recently refraining from submitting essential data to the Ministry — Deputy Minister of Health Dr Hansaka Wijemuni said the broader medical community continues to provide uninterrupted services to patients.Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (22) regarding the Ministry’s position on the ongoing trade union measures, he said nearly 90% of the demands put forward by the GMOA were financial in nature.Citing an example, he noted the demand to reintroduce the vehicle permit was difficult at present owing to the dollar exchange rate. "The number of vehicles being imported into the country has increased. However, a rise in the exchange rate would only push up the amount to be paid for the permit as well." The Deputy Minister also noted the GMOA had continued its trade union measures even during the national crisis that followed the impact of the cyclone.He added that several other health sector trade unions were also submitting demands to the Ministry of Health, most of which were linked to financial benefits. These cumulative requests, he said, had prompted the President to urge State sector employees to refrain from seeking salary increments until the 2027 Budget.Dr Wijemuni stressed that, despite the union’s activities, doctors across the country have continued their daily clinical duties without disruption, ensuring the continuity of public healthcare services.The GMOA’s demands include initiating procedures to establish a special service category titled the “Sri Lanka Medical Service” incorporating doctors of all categories, revising the Disturbance, Availability and Transport (DAT) allowance, bringing specialists and medical officers under Circular 22/99, converting additional duty payments into a fixed allowance, and addressing issues relating to research allowances.Among the trade union actions implemented in recent weeks, GMOA members have refrained from issuing prescriptions requiring private sector purchases, declined to examine patients without a chaperone present, and since last week have stopped providing essential administrative data to the Ministry.

GMOA TU Action: Majority demands monetary; Dep. Health Min.

<ul><li>Major seizures in Chilaw and Katuneriya</li></ul> The Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) has intensified special search operations targeting the smuggling of Kendu leaves and foreign cigarettes along coastal areas of the country, with particular focus on the Chilaw region.A Coast Guard official, speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (22) on condition of anonymity, said operations have been strengthened based on intelligence indicating a steady inflow of Kendu leaves and foreign cigarettes from India since October 2025.“The smuggling of Kerala Ganja takes place during specific periods of the year. However, Kendu leaves are smuggled continuously. Therefore, intelligence-based operations are being carried out throughout the year, especially along the Chilaw coastal belt,” he said. In an operation conducted in Katuneriya yesterday (22), SLCG personnel seized Kendu leaves valued at over Rs. 15 million. During this operation, officers arrested one suspect and recovered more than 2,150 kilograms of Kendu leaves, a freezer lorry and a motorcycle believed to have been used in transportation. The suspect, seized stock and vehicles were handed over to the Katunayake Customs Preventive Office for onward investigations and legal action.Acting on intelligence, the SLCG, together with the Sri Lanka Navy, conducted another special search operation off the Thoduwawa sea area on 21 February. During the operation, authorities arrested two suspects and seized 25 sacks containing 992.8 kilograms of Kendu leaves, 140,000 foreign cigarettes, an agrochemical shipment and a dinghy boat used in the smuggling operation. The suspects, along with the seized items, were handed over to the Chilaw Excise Office for further investigations and legal proceedings.

Maritime Law Enforcement: SLCG steps up crackdown on Kendu leaf smuggling

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is yet to inform former First Lady Prof. Maithree Wickramasinghe of a new date to appear before investigators to record a statement regarding the alleged misuse of public funds linked to a foreign visit undertaken by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe in 2023.Prof. Wickramasinghe was earlier summoned to the CID on 20 February to provide a statement in relation to the visit to the University of Wolverhampton. However, she informed the CID that she was unable to appear due to health-related reasons.Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (22), Police Media Spokesperson and Assistant Superintendent of Police, attorney F.U. Wootler said&nbsp; the Police have requested the latest progress report from the CID regarding the investigation and that no new date has yet been communicated for recording her statement. He added the investigation remains ongoing and the Police are currently awaiting a report from the CID.In a letter addressed to investigators, Prof. Wickramasinghe reportedly stated that doctors had advised her to undergo continuous treatment at home. She further noted that CID officers could visit her residence to record the statement if required.The inquiry relates to allegations of misappropriation of state funds in connection with a visit to London undertaken by former President Wickremesinghe in 2023.

Case against RW: CID yet to fix new date to question Prof. Maithree 

A vessel carrying 3,900 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum (LP) gas gas arrived in the country yesterday (22), according to Litro Gas Lanka Limited.&nbsp;The company stated the shipment would enable the release of approximately 300,000 domestic gas cylinders to the local market. Litro further announced that two additional vessels carrying 3,900 and 3,700 metric tonnes respectively are scheduled to arrive tomorrow (24) and 28 February.Despite the arrival of the shipment, reports from several parts of the island indicated that shortages persisted, with consumers complaining of limited availability of both Litro and Laugfs gas cylinders. Queues were reportedly observed at some outlets as customers waited to purchase domestic gas.In a statement addressing the situation, Litro stated fresh procurement orders had been placed to maintain adequate stocks and confirmed that three shipments are expected before the end of February.Meanwhile, Minister of Trade Wasantha Samarasinghe recently stated that measures were underway to increase the volume of Litro gas released to the market.

LP Gas Supply: 3,900 MT shipment arrives 

Deputy Minister of Health Dr Hansaka Wijemuni said the Ministry is currently searching for an additional supplier for the life-saving Salbutamol nebulising solution after administrative complications disrupted supply from existing providers.Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (22), he said the medicine remains available through the private sector, while State hospitals have been instructed to carry out local purchases to manage shortages experienced in government healthcare institutions.Dr Wijemuni explained the Medical Supplies Division was relying on two suppliers for the drug. "One supplier is currently facing a registration issue with the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), and the second supplier is dealing with a financial dispute involving penalties imposed during the economic crisis experienced between 2022 and 2023." He noted that out of approximately 1,400 medicinal drugs used in the national healthcare system, around 863 are classified as life-saving medicines. "Due to setbacks faced by the two existing suppliers, shortages of the Salbutamol nebulising solution have occurred periodically. The Ministry is therefore working to identify a third supplier to ensure uninterrupted availability of the drug."The Deputy Minister added that stocks of other life-saving medicines remain available in State hospitals.

Life Saving Drug Shortage: Ministry seeks new supplier for Salbutamol nebulising solution

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said yesterday (22) the public should come forward to counter growing attacks and insults directed at the Maha Sangha and the Buddhist order, stressing the country must work collectively to protect and advance Buddhism.He made these remarks during an event at the Sri Jayewardenerama Maha Viharaya in Kotte.Premadasa said the time had come for citizens to safeguard the Buddhist order and defend the Maha Sangha against various challenges and criticisms being directed at them. He claimed that certain individuals had used derogatory language against members of the clergy, describing monks as “savages” and even suggesting that monks should be assaulted.He condemned such remarks as immoral and unacceptable, adding that legal action should be pursued against those responsible for making such statements.The Opposition Leader further alleged that attempts to attack or discredit the Maha Sangha amounted to an affront to constitutional values. He noted that Buddhism holds a constitutionally recognised place in Sri Lanka and said the duty of leaders was to protect the Buddha Sasana while ensuring respect and protection for all other religions and cultures. "Irresponsible remarks made by certain Ministers risk promoting anger, hatred and division within society. Political leaders must act responsibly and adopt language that strengthens national unity instead of creating conflict among communities."Premadasa also said that Sri Lanka should not be viewed as a secular country detached from religion, but as a Nation where multiple religious communities coexist. He said the country should draw on the moral values of all faiths to build a virtuous and united society.

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Alleged pharma links: CIF calls for probe into medical specialists

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Alleged pharma links: CIF calls for probe into medical specialists

Alleged pharma links: CIF call ...

Akuregoda Double Murder: Police say 80% of probe completed

Akuregoda Double Murder: Polic ...

GMOA TU Action: Majority demands monetary; Dep. Health Min.

GMOA TU Action: Majority deman ...

Maritime Law Enforcement: SLCG steps up crackdown on Kendu leaf smuggl ...

Maritime Law Enforcement: SLCG ...

Case against RW: CID yet to fix new date to question Prof. Maithree

Case against RW: CID yet to fi ...

LP Gas Supply: 3,900 MT shipment arrives

LP Gas Supply: 3,900 MT shipme ...

Life Saving Drug Shortage: Ministry seeks new supplier for Salbutamol ...

Life Saving Drug Shortage: Min ...

Politics & Religion: Sajith asks public counter attacks on clergy

Politics & Religion: Sajith as ...

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GMOA TU Action: Majority demands monetary; Dep. Health Min.

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LP Gas Supply: 3,900 MT shipment arrives

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