<ul><li>Fines range from Rs 10,000-100,000&nbsp;</li><li>Justice Ministry requests public and NGO support to settle&nbsp;</li><li>Prisons hold 39,019 including 10,611 convicts, 28,408 remandees&nbsp;</li></ul> Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara yesterday (21) revealed that 1,454 convicted prisoners are unable to secure their release due to unpaid court-imposed fines, adding that Government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as well as public and private institutions, can pay the fines to facilitate their release.Responding to Opposition Parliamentarian Rohitha Abeygunawardhana, he said a programme was already in place under which various organisations and institutions paid fines on behalf of selected prisoners, enabling their release.He said the opportunity was open to any interested party and that the Government was also examining the matter under the provisions of the Release of Remand Prisoners Act.“There is already a programme in place through which various organisations select eligible prisoners and pay their fines so that they can be released. Any Governmental organisation or NGO can come forward to support this process. There are no restrictions from the Prisons Department preventing anyone from getting involved, and if any organisation wishes to help, there is no obstacle to doing so, provided that the applicable legal requirements are met,” he said.Of the 1,454 prisoners unable to pay their fines, 421 owe between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000, while another 220 owe between Rs 15,000 and Rs 25,000. A further 361 prisoners owe between Rs 25,000 and Rs 50,000, while 245 owe between Rs 50,000 and Rs 100,000. The remaining 207 prisoners owe more than Rs 100,000.Responding to Abeygunawardhana’s suggestion that some relief be considered for elderly prisoners, Nanayakkara said prisoners could not be released solely on the grounds of old age.“Being over the age of 70 does not, by itself, provide grounds for releasing a prisoner. Some people enter prison after being convicted at the age of 68 or 69, and they cannot be released simply because they have turned 70. However, their health conditions can be considered through the medical facilities available within the prison system,” he said.He added that prison medical wards could assess the health conditions of elderly prisoners and that provisions were already in place to take appropriate action based on recommendations from the relevant medical wards. The Government intended to further activate this mechanism to ensure that cases involving prisoners with serious health issues were considered under existing procedures.According to the figures presented by Nanayakkara, prisons currently hold 10,611 convicted prisoners and 28,408 remand suspects, bringing the total number of people in custody to 39,019.Of the convicted prisoners, 2,160 are aged between 20 and 30, while 3,423 are between 30 and 40. Another 2,860 are aged between 40 and 50, and 1,561 are between 50 and 60. There are 601 prisoners aged between 60 and 70, while 150 are between 70 and 80. A further 11 prisoners are aged over 80.

1,454 prisoners in default of payment  

The Buddhist clergy has endorsed recommendations to amend laws governing the treatment of Buddhist monks in prison, while calling for further discussions among the 31 factions of the three main Buddhist Sects to establish a common mechanism for implementing the proposed changes.The agreement was reached at a meeting of the Buddha Sasana Council held on Tuesday (20) at the Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry, with representatives of all three Sects in attendance.A delegation of senior Buddhist monks led by the Chief Secretary of the Asgiri Chapter of the Siam Sect, Ven. Dr Medagama Dhammananda Thera, attended the meeting.The discussions focused on concerns surrounding the removal of the robe of Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera and the measures taken by the Government in this regard.Ministry Secretary and chairperson of the committee appointed by the President to examine the relevant laws, Prince Senadheera, presented the committee’s recommendations, including proposed amendments to Sections 356 and 550 of the relevant legislation.One of the proposals stipulates that a Buddhist monk serving a prison sentence should be permitted to wear the robe when taken outside prison to appear before a court or attend to another official matter only on the recommendation of the relevant Sect’s chapter or the Sangha Council.The monks proposed that representatives of the 31 factions or their respective Sangha Councils meet to discuss the practical implementation of the proposed amendments and develop a common framework.Meanwhile, a satyagraha launched by a group of Buddhist monks at Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo demanding Gnanasara Thera’s release continued for the sixth consecutive day yesterday (21).The protest began on 16 October, following an initial gathering outside the Presidential Secretariat. The monks subsequently met Senadheera at the Ministry but described the discussions as unsuccessful and decided to continue their protest at the Park.Tensions arose between the protesters and the Police on the first day when the monks attempted to erect a temporary structure at the site.The protesting monks have said they will remain at the location until Gnanasara Thera is released.

 Treatment of imprisoned clergy: Monks back proposed legal amendments 

<ul><li>Petitioners raise concerns over judicial powers, Executive authority, FR</li></ul> The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday (20) commenced hearing 25 petitions challenging the Government’s proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill, with petitioners raising concerns over judicial independence, Executive powers and potential violations of Fundamental Rights (FR).The petitions were taken up before a three-Judge bench comprising Chief Justice (CJ) Preethi Padman Surasena and Justices Achala Wengappuli and Sampath B. Abayakoon.Appearing for the Attorney General (AG), Additional Solicitor General and President’s Counsel (PC) Nerin Pulle informed the Court that 25 petitions had been filed against the proposed legislation and the relevant information had been reported to the Speaker’s Office.Attorney Hijaz Hezbollah, appearing for several petitioners, argued that the Bill would undermine judicial authority by restricting Magistrates’ powers to release suspects without the AG’s consent. He also challenged Clauses 27 and 28, which deal with detention orders, arguing that they would permit detention without a court order.He further claimed that Clause 59 would grant the President excessive powers, potentially violating Articles 3 and 4 of the Constitution. He also raised concerns over provisions extending arrest powers to the Armed Forces and Coast Guard, warning that these could facilitate abuses of authority by uniformed officers.In addition, Hezbollah said the Bill would empower the Defence Ministry Secretary to restrict citizens from entering certain areas. He requested the Court to determine that the disputed provisions required approval by a two-thirds majority in Parliament and at a referendum before enactment.Meanwhile, M U M Ali Sabry PC, appearing for jurist and politician Prof G L Peiris, acknowledged the importance of national security but stressed that measures taken to protect the State should not violate the rights of innocent citizens.Referring to the Vavunathivu Police killings before the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, he said two Tamil youths had initially been arrested and detained over the incident, but subsequent investigations linked the killings to a group associated with the Easter attacks.Ali Sabry argued that the proposed legislation could allow a person to be detained for one year and subsequently remanded for a further year, raising concerns over its consistency with the Bail Act.He also challenged Clause 51, saying it could empower the Executive to prohibit meetings, press conferences and other activities deemed threats to national security. He argued that such decisions should rest with Magistrates rather than the Executive.Pulle told the Court the Government did not intend to curtail freedom of expression through the Bill.M.A. Sumanthiran PC, appearing for several other petitioners, argued that the Bill continued the existing Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act (PTA) and could further restrict personal liberty and judicial authority.The SC hearing is continuing.&nbsp;

SC hears 25 petitions against anti-terror Bill

A timekeeping officer attached to the Gampaha Regional Office of the Road Passenger Transport Authority has been arrested over allegations of soliciting and accepting a bribe of Rs 100 from a bus employee.The suspect was arrested by officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) on Tuesday (20) at around 12.25 p.m. inside his office booth at the Raddolugama bus stand.He is accused of soliciting and accepting the bribe from an employee of a bus operating on Route No. 188 between Raddolugama and Colombo.The alleged bribe had been sought in exchange for permitting the bus to commence its scheduled journey later than the stipulated time and allowing it to begin the journey under favourable conditions.The suspect was scheduled to be produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court.

 Bus timekeeper held over Rs 100 bribe

<ul><li>Further power cuts may be unnecessary&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Any PUCSL probe into outage per NSO probe outcome&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul> The Lakvijaya coal Power Plant in Norochcholai is expected to resume electricity generation today (22), potentially eliminating the need for scheduled power cuts across the country, the National System Operator (NSO) has stated.A nationwide power outage occurred on 17 October following an imbalance in the national electricity system. Subsequently, the suspension of operations at the Plant necessitated island-wide power cuts over the past two days. The scheduled power cuts continued yesterday (21), in line with the existing arrangements.However, the NSO indicated that the Plant could be reconnected to the national grid from today. If operations resume as anticipated, the need for scheduled power cuts may be eliminated, according to an NSO spokesperson.Meanwhile, the Electricity Consumers’ Association has written to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), seeking an independent investigation into the island-wide power outage, the performance of power plants during the restoration of the electricity supply and capacity charges paid to power producers, questioning whether plants maintained at high cost are ready to generate electricity in an emergency.&nbsp;In a letter, ECA General Secretary Sanjeewa Dhammika called on the PUCSL to establish the cause of the outage, examine the performance of power plants and system operators, and determine whether capacity payments to private power producers are in line with their contractual obligations.&nbsp;"The blackout disrupted households, businesses, industries and essential services. When such a serious failure occurs, it is essential to independently establish what caused it, whether it could have been prevented and whether power plants and system operators acted properly when restoring the electricity supply.” The complaint identifies several power plants of which the performance should be examined, including the Kelanitissa Combined Cycle Power Plant, and the West Coast, Sobadhanavi, Upper Kotmale, Polpitiya, Ukuwela and Victoria Power Plants. It also called for an investigation into power-generating barges reportedly remaining out of operation for extended periods.&nbsp;He referred to reports of delays in restarting the Kelanitissa Plant, technical problems at the West Coast and Sobadhanavi Plants, incidents involving generating units at the Upper Kotmale, Polpitiya and Ukuwela Plants, and the unavailability of a unit at the Victoria Plant due to maintenance. These details, including reported generation levels and restart times, should be checked against official operating and maintenance records, Dhammika said.&nbsp;He also asked the PUCSL to examine whether private power plants received capacity payments in accordance with their contracts, including whether they are sufficiently prepared to supply electricity when required and whether deductions or penalties are warranted for failures to meet contractual conditions. “What needs to be examined is whether a plant was ready to operate, could supply electricity when requested and met the conditions set out in the relevant agreement."&nbsp;The complaint further asked the regulator to assess the impact of the outage on consumers and businesses and examine whether existing grid protection systems, emergency response plans, maintenance arrangements and procedures for restoring electricity supply are adequate.When contacted by The Daily Morning, PUCSL Director - Communication, Jayanat Herat said that there is no preparation as of now for the PUCSL to carry out an investigation into the power outage. "They (a reference to electricity sector companies) are also investigating this. We will have to see what will happen in those investigations and then decide."

N’cholai back to grid from today 

Dairy farmers in the Mayilathamadu–Mathavanai pasturelands of Batticaloa urged the Government to immediately enforce court orders concerning alleged illegal settlements and protect their lives and livelihoods, following reports that cattle were shot at and farmers were threatened.The appeal comes as the Court of Appeal (CA) resumed proceedings in a case filed by Batticaloa District Parliamentarian Shanakiyan Rasamanickam over alleged illegal settlements on the traditional grazing lands. During the latest hearing, the State Counsel representing the Attorney General was absent, and additional time was sought.According to the Eastern Province Civil Society Activists’ Union, tensions have escalated in the area, with dairy farmers reporting threats from individuals allegedly involved in unauthorised settlements and farming activities. The Union said that on Tuesday (20), several individuals allegedly arrived at locations where farmers were staying, armed with knives, and threatened them. It also reported that cattle were shot later that night. One animal belonging to farmer Shanmugam Govindarajan had sustained four serious wounds to its neck, according to the Union. The organisation condemned the reported incidents and called for an immediate, impartial investigation into the alleged threats and shooting. It urged the Government and the Police to ensure the safety of farmers, their property and their livestock. The Union also called for an investigation into allegations that Police officers had assisted individuals involved in unauthorised activities in the area, stressing that the claims should be independently examined and that anyone found to have violated the law should face legal action.&nbsp;The Union said that orders issued by the Eravur Magistrate’s Court, the Batticaloa District Court and the CA had not resulted in a lasting resolution to the dispute. It called for the full implementation of the court orders, including lawful action against those found to be occupying the land or engaging in unauthorised agricultural activities. The Union said that the reported incidents had raised concerns about land rights, the safety of farming communities and ethnic relations in the area. It also called on the Government to clarify allegations that the unauthorised activities are linked to attempts to expand settlements of Sinhalese communities in the District. The organisation stressed that the allegations require a transparent investigation and that the rights of all communities should be protected without discrimination. It further urged the Police to investigate the reported threats and shooting, identify those responsible and take legal action where appropriate. Explaining the dispute as more than a pastureland issue, the Union said that it involved the rule of law, land rights, public safety and the survival of traditional livelihoods. The Union called on the Government to act without further delay, enforce the court orders and take effective measures to prevent further violence and restore normalcy in the area.Despite previous court orders and assurances from the Mahaweli Authority, alleged unauthorised settlements and farming activities have reportedly continued. The authorities are expected to take action and report to the Court at the next hearing.The dairy farmers continue to seek the protection of their cattle grazing rights and the removal, in accordance with the law, of those found to be occupying the land illegally.

Mayilathamadu dispute: Farmers report new threats, cattle shootings 

Only around 10% of those included in a study in the Colombo District had adequate Vitamin D levels, while approximately 60% were found to be deficient, President-elect of the College of Endocrinologists Dr Tharanga Samarasekara said.Speaking at a media briefing at the Health Promotion Bureau yesterday (21), ahead of World Osteoporosis Day, commemorated on 20 October, he warned that osteoporosis could remain undetected until a minor fall caused a fracture, potentially affecting a person's mobility and independence, particularly in old age.“Osteoporosis weakens bones by reducing bone mineral density and damaging their internal structure, making them more vulnerable to fractures,” he said, noting that the condition often causes no noticeable symptoms until a bone breaks.The bones most commonly affected are those around the hip, the lower spine and the wrist. Women face a higher risk after menopause, while certain medical conditions and medicines, including excessive thyroid hormone levels, some types of arthritis and corticosteroids such as prednisolone, can also increase the risk.Dr Samarasekara said bone health was influenced by nutrition and lifestyle from childhood. Bone density generally reaches its peak during a person's 20s and 30s, making adequate nutrition and regular physical activity during these years essential.Vitamin D and calcium are vital for strong bones. However, limited sunlight exposure and low dietary Vitamin D intake contribute to deficiencies, despite Sri Lanka's tropical climate. Spending long hours indoors and wearing clothing that covers most of the body can further reduce exposure to sunlight.Vitamin D sources include egg yolks, oily fish such as mackerel, sardinella and tuna, certain mushrooms and fortified foods. Calcium can be obtained from small fish eaten with their bones, suitable shellfish and leafy vegetables such as moringa and Sesbania grandiflora.Regular weight-bearing exercise, resistance training and balance exercises can help maintain bone and muscle strength and reduce falls. Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can also protect bone health.He advised people at risk to seek medical assessment. A DEXA scan can measure bone mineral density, usually at the hip and spine. Medicines may be prescribed when necessary, while patients concerned about the effects of prescribed medicines on their bones should consult their doctors rather than stop treatment themselves.

Bone health: 60% in Colombo Vitamin D deficient 

<ul><li>Wholly incompatible with FR, calls for withdrawal&nbsp;</li><li>BASL echoes the same</li></ul> The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has called for the withdrawal and substantial revision of the proposed Prevention of Organised Crime Bill, declaring it incompatible with the Fundamental Rights (FR) Chapter of the Constitution and international human rights treaties.In a letter to the Justice Minister, the HRCSL described the Bill as “more draconian than the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act, No. 48 of 1979 (PTA)” and said it should be revised to ensure full compliance with constitutional and international human rights obligations.While acknowledging that organised crime groups could seriously affect human rights, including the rights of women, children, victims and witnesses, the Commission raised concerns over several provisions of the proposed legislation.It warned that the Bill introduces a new regime for issuing detention orders (DOs) against suspects accused of “serious crimes” and makes confessions to Police officers admissible as evidence.The HRCSL specifically criticised Section 47, which allows confessions made to Police officers not below the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police to be admitted as evidence, noting that it virtually replicates Section 16 of the PTA.The Commission cautioned that admitting such confessions, combined with prolonged detention for interrogation, could encourage torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment of suspects in custody.It also expressed concern over the broad definition of “serious crime” under Clause 3, noting that Police could seek detention orders against individuals accused of obstructing investigations into any offence.The HRCSL further warned that Clause 4(2) casts an excessively broad net in determining whether a person belongs to an organised criminal group.It argued that the Bill undermines judicial independence by restricting Magistrates’ discretion to discharge suspects, grant bail or order remand, contrary to Article 13(2) of the Constitution.Under Clause 20, a Magistrate would be compelled to remand a suspect or give effect to a detention order issued by a Ministry Secretary, even where the order is considered unjustified.The Commission stressed that judicial officers must retain meaningful authority to discharge suspects or grant bail.Meanwhile, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has issued a statement regarding the Government’s gazetting of the Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill, followed by the Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill. The BASL has raised concern that they would confer extraordinary powers of arrest, detention and surveillance upon the Executive, curtail judicial oversight at the very stages when the protection of individual liberty is most critical, and create criminal liability with far-reaching implications for the freedom of association, expression and movement. Accordingly, the BASL has called on the Government to: Withdraw the Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill and restore the safeguards contained in the draft approved by the Committee, including through amendments at the Committee Stage should the Bill proceed further. Publish the Committee's report and the recorded dissent and explain on what basis, and on whose instructions, the gazetted Bill departed from the draft approved by the Committee.; Withdraw the Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill and subject any proposed replacement to full and meaningful public consultation, ensuring that its scope is confined to addressing organised crime consistently with the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime, and that arrest, remand, detention and surveillance powers remain subject to effective judicial authorisation and oversight; and Repeal the PTA without delay, consistent with the need to safeguard FR and ensure that the criminal justice system operates in accordance with Constitutional principles and the rule of law.

‘Crime BIll more draconian than PTA’: HRCSL

None of the liquor licences issued in 2024, which the current Government alleged had been granted as political bribes during former President and Finance Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s tenure, has been revoked to date, Deputy Economic Development Minister Nishantha Jayaweera admitted in Parliament yesterday (21).This is despite Section 28A(1) of the Excise Ordinance empowering the subject Minister to direct the licence-granting authority to grant, renew or cancel licences without assigning reasons, with the authority required to comply. The provision also rules out compensation or damages claims arising from cancellations made under such directions.Responding to Opposition Parliamentarian Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, Jayaweera said 356 liquor licences had been issued in 2024, with none cancelled so far. Six Fundamental Rights petitions challenging the issuance of new licences on allegations of political bribery and lack of transparency had been filed, four of which had been taken up for hearing, but no decisions had been delivered.The admission comes nearly two years after Leader of the House Bimal Rathnayake tabled a list of 361 liquor licences issued by the Excise Department between 1 January and 6 October 2024. On 4 December 2024, Rathnayake alleged that Wickremesinghe had used the licences as political bribes to secure MPs’ support or induce them to switch political allegiance. Of the licences, 172 were FL 4 licences permitting retail liquor sales through wine stores.Chief Government Whip Dr Nalinda Jayatissa had also said investigations into MPs who received licences during that period had commenced.Responding to Rasamanickam’s question on measures against illicit liquor production and distribution, Jayaweera said amendments to the Ordinance to increase penalties were under way, with draft amendments already prepared and expected to be passed shortly.He said the Excise Department conducted 34,945 raids in 2025 and 26,992 so far in 2026.Asked whether higher alcohol taxes had contributed to increased illicit liquor consumption, Jayaweera said Excise duties had risen continuously from 2023 to 2025, while annual alcohol production increased from 34 million litres in 2023 to 37.5 million litres. Excise revenue rose from Rs 170.3 billion in 2023 to Rs 231.5 billion in 2025, an increase of approximately 36%.He added that several rounds of discussions had been held on calculating alcohol-related hospital admissions and deaths, as well as the Government’s treatment costs.

1,454 prisoners in default of payment

Treatment of imprisoned clergy: Monks back proposed legal amendments

Treatment of imprisoned clerg ...

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SC hears 25 petitions against ...

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Bus timekeeper held over Rs 1 ...

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N’cholai back to grid from tod ...

Mayilathamadu dispute: Farmers report new threats, cattle shootings

Mayilathamadu dispute: Farmers ...

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Bone health: 60% in Colombo Vi ...

‘Crime BIll more draconian than PTA’: HRCSL

‘Crime BIll more draconian tha ...

Ranil-era ‘political bribes’: Govt admits post-2024 licences unrevoked ...

Ranil-era ‘political bribes’: ...

Treatment of imprisoned clergy: Monks back proposed legal amendments

Treatment of imprisoned clerg ...

SC hears 25 petitions against anti-terror Bill

SC hears 25 petitions against ...

Bus timekeeper held over Rs 100 bribe

Bus timekeeper held over Rs 1 ...

N’cholai back to grid from today

N’cholai back to grid from tod ...

Mayilathamadu dispute: Farmers report new threats, cattle shootings

Mayilathamadu dispute: Farmers ...

Bone health: 60% in Colombo Vitamin D deficient

Bone health: 60% in Colombo Vi ...

‘Crime BIll more draconian than PTA’: HRCSL

‘Crime BIll more draconian tha ...

Ranil-era ‘political bribes’: Govt admits post-2024 licences unrevoked ...

Ranil-era ‘political bribes’: ...

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N’cholai back to grid from today

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Mayilathamadu dispute: Farmers report new threats, cattle shootings

Mayilathamadu dispute: Farmers ...

Bone health: 60% in Colombo Vitamin D deficient

Bone health: 60% in Colombo Vi ...