Former Minister Tiran Alles, Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Lalith S. Pathinayake, and retired Senior DIG Priyantha Jayakody have reportedly received death threats from an underworld drug trafficker based in Dubai, identified as “Kehelbaddara Pathme.”

According to sources, the trio received threatening phone calls on July 5. The caller initially hurled verbal abuse and later issued death threats. It is reported that none of the three showed fear and did not respond to the threats, which allegedly frustrated the caller.

In a related development, the son of suspended IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon — who is currently barred from duty by a court order — has also received a threatening call allegedly from the same underworld figure.

Following these incidents, Acting IGP Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasuriya has been briefed, and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched a full-scale investigation into the threats.

Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayathissa, revealed that out of the approximately 145,000 annual deaths in Sri Lanka, around 12,000 are caused by accidents. He was speaking at the inauguration of the 10th National Injury Prevention Week, which commenced today and runs until July 11.

The Minister noted that between 2,500 and 3,000 patients referred to hospitals each year due to accidents ultimately succumb to their injuries. He emphasized that accidental injuries are a major cause of hospital admissions across the country, prompting the Ministry to launch this nationwide awareness campaign.

Dr. Jayathissa stated that, statistically, at least one out of every seven Sri Lankans faces a life-threatening accident requiring medical attention each year. Alarmingly, every minute, six to eight individuals in the country are estimated to suffer injuries requiring treatment.

A significant proportion of victims are between the ages of 15 and 44, the country’s most economically productive demographic. The Minister pointed out that these injuries have far-reaching impacts on national development, economic growth, and productivity.

Accidents also consume a notable portion of the national health budget, he said, urging public awareness and prevention.

To maximize outreach, each day of the National Injury Prevention Week will focus on a different theme:

• July 7 – Road Accident Prevention
• July 8 – Workplace Injury Prevention
• July 9 – Home and Elder Care Injury Prevention
• July 10 – Drowning and Water Safety
• July 11 – Child Safety in Schools and Daycare Centers

The campaign aims to inform the public, inspect high-risk areas, and develop short-, medium-, and long-term preventive strategies.

Dr. Jayathissa concluded by recognizing the exceptional dedication of Sri Lanka’s healthcare workers and called on the public to support this initiative by staying informed and adopting safety measures.

Additional insights from the media briefing revealed that around 7,500–8,000 accidental deaths occur even before victims reach a hospital. Among the overall 145,000 annual deaths, approximately 10,000–12,000 result from sudden accidents — an average of 1,000 deaths per month, or at least four every three hours.

Also attending the briefing were Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Dr. Samindhi Samarakoon (Director, Non-Communicable Disease Unit), and Community Health Specialist Dr. Samitha Sirithunga.

Deshamanya Bradman Weerakoon, a distinguished and long-serving Sri Lankan civil servant, passed away today at the age of 94.

Mr. Weerakoon, known for his exemplary service in public administration, began his early education at St. Thomas’ College, Guruthalawa, after attending Kalutara Holy Cross College, and later earned his Honours Degree in Economics and Sociology from the University of Peradeniya.

He furthered his academic qualifications in the United States, obtaining a Master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Michigan under a Fulbright Scholarship.

Bradman Weerakoon joined the Ceylon Civil Service (CCS) in 1954 and served in multiple regions of the country. He held the unique distinction of serving as Secretary to seven Prime Ministers and two Presidents, starting with Prime Minister Sir John Kotelawala, and continuing in various key roles until 2002.

Mr. Weerakoon’s legacy as a principled and accomplished public servant has left a lasting impact on Sri Lanka’s administrative history.

The daughter of Dr. Mahesi Surasinghe Wijerathna, a consultant neurosurgeon in charge of Ward 18 at Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital, has been remanded until July 9 for allegedly issuing death threats to officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayatunga issued the remand order today following a complaint filed by both Keselwatta Police and Bribery Commission officials regarding an incident that occurred last Friday on court premises, where the threats were allegedly made.

The suspect, a resident of Kurunduwatta, Colombo, was arrested by Keselwatta Police and produced before court.

Lawyers appearing for the suspect claimed she had misunderstood a statement referring to her studying abroad as a death threat and had reacted emotionally. They also requested leniency, noting that the suspect is a young woman and not a threat.

Investigations into the alleged threats are ongoing.

The body of a missing businessman from Marawila was discovered inside a waste pit used to drain wastewater at a vehicle wash station in Udasirigama, Wennappuwa, according to police.

Preliminary investigations suggest the businessman was murdered, and one of his friends has already been arrested in connection with the case.

The deceased has been identified as Sreejith Jayashan, a 31-year-old resident of Katuneriya, Marawila, who had been reported missing since June 30.

During the investigation, police located the victim’s car at a residence belonging to one of his friends in the Wennappuwa area on July 3. Upon questioning the suspect, police were led to a private company premises in Sirigampola, where the body was found inside a waste disposal pit.

According to police, on the night of June 30, the businessman had been drinking with five of his friends when an argument escalated, resulting in the victim being fatally stabbed and his body dumped in the pit.

The arrested suspect is to be produced before the Marawila Magistrate’s Court, while investigations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.

Former Minister S.M. Chandrasena was taken into custody by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) this morning (4).

The arrest is linked to an incident during the 2015 Presidential Election, where Chandrasena is alleged to have distributed Rs. 25 million worth of wheat seed to close associates.

He was summoned to the Commission earlier today to provide a statement in connection with the ongoing investigation. Following the statement, the former minister was formally arrested.

Further legal proceedings are expected as the investigation continues.

An unidentified pair of gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire at a jeep carrying the former private secretary of the late Minister Mangala Samaraweera, in front of the Kandana Police Station this morning (July 3), killing one person and injuring two others.

According to police, 50-year-old Upali Amunuvila, who was traveling in the vehicle, succumbed to injuries sustained in the shooting. He was identified as a relative of Sameera Manahara, the former private secretary of Mangala Samaraweera, who was also injured in the attack.

The two were reportedly returning home after visiting a fitness center when they were ambushed about 500 meters away from their residence. The gunmen targeted the jeep and fled the scene after the shooting.

Police said a bystander who had visited a nearby shop was also injured during the incident.

Investigations are ongoing by the Kandana Police.

The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government has announced that the increased pension payments proposed in the recent budget will be provided to all pensioners starting this month.

According to Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, Professor Chandana Abeyratne, over 500,000 retired public servants will receive the revised pension benefits with this month’s payment.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved the fourth review of Sri Lanka’s $2.9 billion bailout programme, unlocking a fresh tranche of $350 million to support the island nation’s ongoing economic recovery.

This disbursement follows the IMF Executive Board’s completion of the fourth review under the 48-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) Arrangement. According to the IMF, Sri Lanka is now eligible to draw approximately SDR 254 million (around $350 million) from the facility.

The IMF first approved the $2.9 billion bailout in March 2023 to assist Sri Lanka in addressing its worst economic crisis since independence. The programme aims to help the country restore macroeconomic stability, rebuild reserves, and ensure fiscal and debt sustainability.

Since the bailout’s approval, Sri Lanka has made progress in restructuring its external debt and stabilizing the economy, though challenges remain.

The IMF noted that continued commitment to the reform agenda is crucial for maintaining the gains made so far and ensuring long-term recovery.

A young man who arrived to meet his ex-girlfriend—whom he had reconnected with via TikTok—was assaulted and robbed of cash and his mobile phone by the woman and a group of her associates.

Following investigations, Welikada Police arrested five suspects, including the ex-girlfriend, on June 29.

The ex-girlfriend, a 19-year-old resident of Ethul Kotte, had invited the man to meet her at Nelum Mawatha in Rajagiriya on the 24th. The victim, a resident of Moragahahena, was then attacked, and his belongings stolen.

Among those arrested is a 20-year-old female friend of the ex-girlfriend, also from Ethul Kotte. The other three suspects, aged 19 and 20, are male residents of Angoda, Rajagiriya, and Kalapaluwawa, police said.

A tragic accident occurred off the eastern coast of Sri Lanka when a fisherman fell into the sea while attempting to haul a swordfish onto the boat, and was fatally impaled by the fish’s bill.

The deceased has been identified as 44-year-old M.L. Sabdeen, a resident of Thiyavattuwan in Valachchenai, according to Valachchenai Police.

Police stated that the victim had been on a multi-day fishing trip with two others at the time of the incident.

The Illegal Assets Investigation Division has taken initial steps to freeze properties worth over Rs. 160 million belonging to two suspected underworld drug traffickers, in a move made on June 27.

According to police, the assets belong to Kondha Ajith of Kadana—identified as a key figure in the drug network of “Batuwatte Chamara”—and another suspect known as “Junda” from Borella. Authorities believe these properties were acquired through illegal drug trafficking operations.

Among the frozen assets are:

• A four-storey house in Kadana
• Two two-storey houses and a three-storey house in Borella
• A Japanese Alto car
• A Wagon R type vehicle

The police stated that these actions are part of broader efforts to crack down on narcotics-related organized crime by targeting ill-gotten wealth. Further investigations are ongoing.

A 65-year-old domestic worker employed at the residence of former Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva in Elvitigala Mawatha, Borella, has died following a tragic elevator accident, police confirmed.

According to the Borella Police, the woman sustained serious injuries after her head became trapped between the slab of the upper floor and the door of the elevator while she was traveling inside the lift.

The accident occurred yesterday evening (June 28). The injured woman was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to her injuries shortly after admission.

Investigations revealed that the woman had been traveling to the first floor of the house in the elevator when her head protruded outside the lift, leading to the fatal mishap.

The deceased has been identified as a resident of Stacepura, Grandpass.

Further investigations are ongoing.

Illegal narcotics valued at approximately Rs. 23 billion were seized while being smuggled into Sri Lanka via fishing boats through maritime routes during April and May, according to the Police Media Division.

The seizures occurred during four separate raids targeting long-distance fishing vessels. A total of 25 suspects were arrested in connection with the trafficking operations.

Authorities confiscated 542 kilograms of heroin and 1,216 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (Ice) during the operations.

• On April 5, police seized 191 kg of heroin and 671 kg of Ice along with 8 suspects.
• On April 12, a further 77 kg of heroin and 42 kg of Ice were seized, with 6 suspects arrested.
• On May 28, 166 kg of heroin and 253 kg of Ice were seized in one operation, while another 108 kg of heroin and 250 kg of Ice were seized the same day, leading to the arrest of 11 suspects in total.

Investigations are ongoing as authorities intensify efforts to curb large-scale drug smuggling via sea routes.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shani Abeysekara has been appointed as the new Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), according to official sources.

The appointment was made with the approval of the National Police Commission.

Prior to this, SSP Abeysekara served as the Director of the Criminal Intelligence Analysis and Prevention Division on a contract basis.

He previously held the position of CID Director from 2017 to 2019, and was reinstated to the police service in October 2024 under the administration of the National People’s Power (NPP) government.

The appointment has triggered mixed reactions on social media. Some view the move as a positive step that could strengthen CID investigations, while others allege that Abeysekara is closely aligned with the NPP’s political platform, raising concerns about potential misuse of the CID for political purposes.

Let me know if you’d like it shortened for social media or formatted for print.

The Attorney General Yesterday (26) filed indictments before a special three-judge High Court Trial-at-Bar in Colombo against former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and 11 other accused over the fraudulent purchase of substandard immunoglobulin and rituximab vaccines worth Rs. 1.45 billion.

The case involves the alleged submission of forged documents under an Indian loan scheme to import the vaccines for distribution to government hospitals. These vaccines—used for neurological and cancer patients—were reportedly purchased without proper standards.

Thirteen indictments have been filed, including accusations of misappropriation of public funds and conspiracy to misuse Rs. 144.4 million by delivering 6,195 bottles of non-medicinal substances labeled as medicine to the Ministry of Health.

The witness list includes nearly 350 individuals, among them former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and several former Cabinet Ministers such as Nimal Siripala de Silva, Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, Douglas Devananda, and Roshan Ranasinghe.

Also named are Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama, Chairman of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority, and a team of other medical professionals.

Approximately 300 items of evidence have been submitted. Given the high public interest, the Chief Justice appointed a special Trial-at-Bar comprising Judges Mahesh Weeraman, Pradeep Abeyratne, and Amali Ranawira to hear the case.

The Department of Examinations has announced that the 2025 G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) examination will be held from November 10 to December 5.

Accordingly, applications for the examination will be accepted online from today (June 26) until July 21.

All school candidates must apply through their respective principals, while private candidates are required to submit applications online according to the specified guidelines.

Private applicants must submit their National Identity Card and relevant information when applying.

Applications can be submitted via the official websites of the Department of Examinations:
👉 www.doenets.lk
👉 www.onlineexams.gov.lk/eic

The government has informed bus unions that bus fares will be reduced by 2% starting July 1, in line with the annual fare revision.

However, several unions, including the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association, have voiced strong opposition to the move. The National Transport Commission has clarified that the reduction will not affect the minimum or second-tier fare brackets.

The decision was discussed at a meeting held at the Ministry of Transport in Battaramulla, chaired by Minister Bimal Rathnayake.

The Cabinet has approved the procurement of 200 new high-end luxury buses for Sri Lanka’s expressway operations.

Due to the current shortage of buses, 61 luxury buses from the private sector are already operating on a revenue-sharing model. According to the proposal presented by the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation, around 52% of SLTB buses and nearly 94% of existing luxury buses have exceeded their economic lifespan.

Accordingly, depots with financial capacity will purchase 291 luxury buses directly, while the remaining buses will be acquired over five years through revenue-generated installment payments.

Starting July 1, the Sri Lankan government will enforce stricter laws to protect children from exploitation, including begging, street vending, domestic labor, and other hazardous employment.

The Cabinet has approved a proposal submitted by the Minister of Women and Child Affairs to strengthen legal action against the involvement of children in such activities. According to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, anyone under 18 years is defined as a child. Recent data shows that 30% of the country’s population are children.

Under the new regulations, employing children under 16 for begging or trade is completely banned. It will also be illegal to employ children aged 16–18 in domestic or hazardous labor. The move comes in response to reports highlighting ongoing exploitation of minors in these sectors.