The 16th Contingent of the Sri Lanka Force Protection Company (SLFPC) saluted Army Commander Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo at the Gajaba Regiment parade ground on 22nd March 2025, ahead of their United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on 3rd April.
During the ceremony, the Army Chief handed over the National, UN, Army, and Gajaba Regiment flags to the contingent commander. The team, led by Lieutenant Colonel Y.S.H.N.P. Silva, includes 11 officers and 125 other ranks. Senior officers, troops’ families, and fellow soldiers attended the event.
Parliament has decided to suspend the parliamentary pension previously received by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, following his request in an official letter.
On February 21, President Dissanayake stated in Parliament that he did not wish to receive two pensions. Prior to this statement, he had formally informed the Secretary-General of Parliament to suspend his MP pension starting next month.
The letter was forwarded to the Parliament’s Director of Finance for necessary action, according to parliamentary sources.
A former MP who has served for at least five years is entitled to a parliamentary pension. Additionally, after retirement, a former president is eligible for a separate presidential pension.
It was recently revealed that past presidents have received multiple pensions under this system. The discussion around this issue is expected to gain further momentum following President Dissanayake’s decision, setting an example for others.
Air Force Commander Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe has appointed a special seven-member committee to investigate the K-8 jet crash that occurred in the Wariyapola area.
Although initial reports suggested the aircraft took off from the China Bay Airstrip, an official statement from the Air Force has now confirmed that it departed from the Katunayake Air Force Base.
According to the statement, the K-8 jet, used for advanced pilot training under the No. 05 Fighter Squadron at Katunayake, crashed during a training exercise this morning (21) in the Padeniya area of Wariyapola, Kurunegala.
The aircraft was carrying a chief flight instructor and a trainee pilot, both of whom ejected safely and landed in the Minuwangate College premises in Padeniya using parachutes. They have been admitted to the Kurunegala National Hospital for treatment.
The jet took off at approximately 7:27 AM and crashed around 7:55 AM. Following the incident, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe appointed a special investigation committee to conduct a detailed inquiry.
Kirsty Coventry has been elected as the new President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), becoming the first woman to hold this position in the organization’s 130-year history. She secured a majority vote in the first round of elections during the 144th IOC Session held in Greece yesterday (20).
Coventry, a Zimbabwean national born in 1983, is also the first African and the youngest person to be elected as IOC President. She will officially assume office in June this year, succeeding Thomas Bach. Her term will last for at least eight years.
A former Olympic swimmer, Coventry won two gold medals in the women’s 200m backstroke event at the 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Olympics. She has a total of seven Olympic medals—two gold, four silver, and one bronze. After retiring from competition in 2016, she has served as Zimbabwe’s Minister of Sport since 2018.
Her leadership will begin with the 2026 Milano Winter Olympics, which is now less than 11 months away.
Despite being in power for six months, the government is still delaying the implementation of the casino tax, said Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Dr. Harsha de Silva in Parliament today (20).
He criticized the government for failing to properly regulate and tax casinos, highlighting that while online casinos are widespread, no effective tax collection measures have been implemented.
De Silva presented financial data showing the revenue generated from casino taxes in recent years, arguing that proper regulation could significantly increase tax income. He also questioned why the government has not taken action despite ongoing discussions.
Meanwhile, Minister Bimal Ratnayake stated that the chairmanship of the parliamentary finance committee is assigned to the opposition based on standing orders, but emphasized that the chairman must act responsibly. He proposed reconsidering this rule if necessary.
De Silva further commented that previous governments also faced similar situations and that necessary action should be taken without political influence.
Sharjah, UAE – March 15, 2025 – Mahindians UAE delivered a commanding performance in the 15th Lovers’ Quarrel – UAE, securing a resounding 116-run victory over Richmondites UAE in the 1st XI T20 encounter at DCS Cricket Grounds, Sharjah.
This annual alumni showdown between Mahinda College and Richmond College witnessed Mahindians UAE asserting their dominance with an all-round team effort. Kanishka Piumal was named Man of the Match for his stellar contributions with both bat and ball.
1st XI T20 Encounter – Mahindians UAE in Complete Control Opting to bat first, Mahindians UAE posted a formidable total of 190/9 in their 20 overs. Namith Gimsara led the charge with a blistering 59 off 35 balls, earning the Best Batsman of the Match award.
Kanishka Piumal chipped in with a valuable 34 off 23 balls, while Ajith Sooriarachchige (18* off 7 balls) and Ravine Menaka (17 off 12 balls) provided crucial cameos to set up a strong target.
Despite the efforts of Richmondites UAE bowlers, who found some success, Mahindians UAE maintained control. Rajith Guruge impressed with figures of 3/31, securing the Best Bowler of the Match title, while Suresh Dilhan (2/31) and Dilan Mahadura (2/26) also contributed with key wickets.
In response, Richmondites UAE faltered under pressure, crumbling for just 74 in 14.1 overs. Only Irusha Krishul (14 off 14 balls) and Dilan Mahadura (11 off 19 balls) managed to reach double figures as Mahindians UAE’s bowling attack dominated proceedings.
Kanishka Piumal (2/7), Sanjula Shehan (2/4), and Thilina Sagara (2/2) led the charge with the ball, while Kushan Punchihewage (1/12) and Sahith Himathara (1/25) provided effective support to dismantle the Richmondites batting lineup.
Match Summary –
1st XI T20 Mahindians UAE – 190/9 (20.0 overs)
● Namith Gimsara – 59 (35) (Best Batsman of the Match) ● Kanishka Piumal – 34 (23) (Man of the Match) ● Ajith Sooriarachchige – 18* (7) ● Ravine Menaka – 17 (12) ● Rajith Guruge – 3/31 (Best Bowler of the Match) ● Suresh Dilhan – 2/31 ● Dilan Mahadura – 2/26
Richmondites UAE – 74 All Out (14.1 Overs)
Irusha Krishul – 14 runs (14 balls),DilanMahadura – 11 runs (19 balls),KanishkaPiumal – 2 wickets for 7 runs,SanjulaShehan – 2 wickets for 4 runs,ThilinaSagara – 2 wickets for 2 runs,Kushan Punchihewage – 1 wicket for 12 runs,SahithHimathara – 1 wicket for 25 runs
Event Highlights and Chief Guest
The awards ceremony was attended by Mr. Shirantha Mendis, President of the Olcott Schools Alumni in the UAE and an alumnus of Dharmaraja College. His presence added prestige to the occasion.
A Celebration of Tradition and Friendship
The Lovers’ Quarrel has become more than just a cricket match—it is a celebration of sportsmanship, rivalry, and friendship between Mahinda College and Richmond College alumni. This event brings together Sri Lankan expatriates in the UAE, strengthening old bonds and building new friendships.
Looking Ahead
With this dominant 1st XI T20 victory, Mahindians UAE once again proved their strength in the Lovers’ Quarrel – UAE. Richmondites UAE will aim to bounce back in next year’s match.
2nd XI Match – A Historic First
This year’s event made history by featuring the first-ever 2nd XI match between the two schools in the UAE. Ajantha Premerathna (Mahindians UAE) and Yasas Dharmadasa (Richmondites UAE), both well-known figures in the Sri Lankan community in the UAE, led their respective teams. Their leadership and sportsmanship showcased the talent and unity among alumni players.
Mahindians UAE also won the 2nd XI friendly match, completing a memorable double victory for the team.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon, who is currently on compulsory leave, was presented before the Matara Magistrate’s Court today and has been remanded until tomorrow (20).
He was taken into custody in connection with a shooting incident that occurred in 2023 in the Weligama area of Matara. The arrest was made following an order issued by the Matara Magistrate’s Court.
Deshabandu Tennakoon had previously filed a writ petition requesting a stay order to prevent the enforcement of the arrest warrant. However, the Court of Appeal dismissed the petition without hearing it yesterday (17). Following this decision, Tennakoon appeared before the court today.
Reports indicate that a large number of lawyers were present at the Matara Magistrate’s Court to represent him.
Suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP), Deshabandu Tennakoon, has voluntarily surrendered to the Matara Magistrate’s Court today in connection with the 2023 shooting incident at the W15 Hotel in Weligama.
Tennakoon, who had been evading arrest, appeared before the court following an arrest warrant issued for him and eight former officers of the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD).
The shooting, which took place on December 31, 2023, in front of the W15 Hotel, led to the issuance of arrest orders for the suspects involved. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) was instructed to locate and arrest the individuals named in the case, including Tennakoon, who had been absconding.
Tennakoon attempted to block the arrest order by filing a writ petition with the Court of Appeal, seeking an injunction to suspend the warrant. However, on March 17, the Court of Appeal dismissed the petition, directing the CID to proceed with Tennakoon’s arrest. The decision, made without a hearing, came after the Court rejected Tennakoon’s request to delay the execution of the arrest order.
On March 16, the Attorney General (AG) issued a special notice clarifying Tennakoon as the primary suspect in the case, while also instructing the CID not to arrest the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the CCD and five other accused individuals. Tennakoon, however, remained the key target in the investigation.
With Tennakoon now in custody, the case is set to continue later this afternoon before the Matara Magistrate’s Court.
An air force soldier assigned to the Presidential Security Division was arrested along with another suspect while traveling in a Land Cruiser carrying explosives. The Wellawali Police stated that they are being held for 48 hours for further investigation.
The arrested airman, 34, is a resident of Godekawela, Niyangama, while the second suspect, 60, is from Gonawala, Kelaniya.
The arrest took place in the early hours of the 17th when officers from the Wellawali Police Station, conducting a night patrol, stopped and inspected the vehicle on the Wellawali-Bakki Ella road in the Palaiyadwatta area.
Investigations revealed that the Land Cruiser belongs to the Presidential Secretariat and is assigned to the Presidential Security Air Force Unit. The police discovered one water gel explosive stick, one kilogram of ammonia, a service fuse, and three bottles of plant remover inside the vehicle.
Since the suspects could not provide legal documentation for possessing these explosives, they were taken into custody. The police are questioning them to determine the purpose for which the explosives were being transported.
Foreign tourists in Sri Lanka will soon be able to access medical services at selected government hospitals on a digital payment basis, according to Health and Media Ministry Secretary, Dr. Anil Jasinghe.
Speaking after an inspection visit to the Pottuvil Base Hospital, Dr. Jasinghe stated that this initiative aligns with Minister of Health and Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa’s plan to promote health tourism and generate foreign exchange for the country.
As a first step, the government plans to introduce online payment services at selected Western and Ayurvedic government hospitals located in tourist zones.
Dr. Jasinghe further explained that the revenue collected through this system will be directed to the National Health Development Fund and reinvested in the development of the respective hospitals.
Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurial Development, Sunil Handunnetti, stated that requests have been made to include entrepreneurship in the school curriculum after Grade 9.
Speaking in Parliament today (18), he emphasized the need to create an entrepreneurial mindset in Sri Lanka.
“We have a plan to integrate youth into the economy as entrepreneurs. That’s why we have already requested the inclusion of entrepreneurship as a subject after Grade 9,” he said.
He also highlighted that, according to international standards, a country should allocate 3% of its land for industries, and steps are being taken to provide land for industrial purposes.
The chief jailer responsible for escorting underworld member Ganemulla Sanjeewa from Boossa Prison to Aluthkade Court on the day of his assassination has been arrested.
Following a second round of questioning, the Colombo Crime Division (CCD) detained the jailer after interrogating him for over four hours.
He was later presented before Colombo Additional Magistrate Harshana Kekunawela, who ordered his remand until the 21st.
The court also directed the CCD to submit an immediate report on whether the suspect had links with underworld figures.
So far, 14 individuals, including the gunman and two police officers, have been arrested in connection with Sanjeewa’s assassination.
The Court of Appeal today (17) dismissed the writ petition filed by Deshabandu Tennakoon, which sought an interim order preventing the enforcement of a Matara Magistrate’s Court order for his arrest in connection with a shooting incident in Matara, Weligama, in 2023.
As a result, the court ordered the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to immediately arrest Deshabandu Tennakoon and present him before the court.
The ruling was delivered this morning by the Court of Appeal bench, comprising Acting President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Mohamed Laffar Thahir, and Justice Sarath Disanayake. The order was issued following the review of a writ petition submitted by Tennakoon on the 12th of this month.
The Parliamentary Committee on Parliamentary Affairs has decided to commence a two-day debate on April 10 regarding the report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into Batalanda.
The committee has also decided to schedule the second day of the debate for another date in May.
The debate will focus on the report of the Presidential Commission appointed by former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, which investigated the establishment of illegal detention centers and torture chambers at the Batalanda housing complex.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture Namal Karunaratne stated that today’s animal census was highly successful, with hundreds of thousands of people enthusiastically participating.
He mentioned that his wife and son also took part in the census on their small 60-perch land, where they counted three monkeys. Later, upon visiting a nearby temple, he counted around thirty more monkeys in that area.
Karunaratne expressed gratitude to the public, government officials, and media organizations for their support in the census.
However, several organizations have criticized the census, claiming it was ineffective and did not provide a comprehensive count. Many individuals, including clergy and laypeople, voiced concerns through the media about its overall accuracy.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka in the first few days of April, according to Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath.
Speaking in Parliament today (15), the minister revealed that several new agreements between the two nations are expected to be signed during the visit.
Reports indicate that PM Modi is likely to arrive on April 4 or 5, with the inauguration of the Sampur power plant expected to coincide with his visit.
The West Indies Masters team secured a spot in the 2025 Masters League T20 final after defeating Sri Lanka last night.
Batting first, West Indies posted 179/5 in 20 overs, with Dinesh Ramdin scoring 50 off 22 balls and captain Brian Lara contributing 41 runs.
Sri Lanka, chasing the target, fell short, managing only 173/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Asela Gunaratne’s fighting 66 off 42 balls was not enough to secure victory.
The final will be played tomorrow between West Indies and India.
A man has been shot dead in a shooting incident that occurred moments ago in the Idamthota area of Ambalangoda, police reported.
The victim has been identified as Girumadhura Saman Kumara, also known as “Sudda.”
According to police, two unidentified individuals arrived on a motorcycle, opened fire at Saman Kumara while he was at his residence, and then fled the scene.
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe is set to make a special statement on the Battalanda Presidential Commission Report the day after tomorrow (16), following its tabling in Parliament after 25 years.
According to several local media reports, Wickremesinghe is expected to reveal key details regarding the report’s findings as well as the recommendations made by the commission.
His response comes after Leader of the House, Minister Bimal Rathnayake, tabled the report in Parliament earlier today.
The Battalanda Presidential Commission Report, which probed alleged torture during the 1988/89 period and had not been presented to Parliament since 2000, was tabled today (14).
Leader of the House, Minister Bimal Rathnayake, while presenting the report, stated that Battalanda, which had been confined to a dark chamber in the Presidential Secretariat, has now come into the light.
The commission was appointed on December 15, 1995, by then-President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and was chaired by former High Court Judge Dharmasiri Jayawickrama, with High Court Judge Nimal Edward Dissanayake serving as Commissioner. The commission submitted its report in 2000.
However, despite 25 years passing, the report had not been tabled in Parliament until now.
The topic resurfaced following a recent interview former President Ranil Wickremesinghe gave to Al Jazeera. During the interview, Wickremesinghe denied allegations regarding the Battalanda torture chambers and claimed that the Presidential Commission Report had never been presented to Parliament.
At that moment, a BBC journalist, who had the report in hand, presented it to the session and questioned why the commission’s recommendations had not been implemented.
The government has now submitted the Battalanda Commission Report to Parliament in this context.
Accordingly, the report has been referred to the Attorney General, and a Presidential Committee has been appointed to decide on future actions regarding commission reports. Minister Bimal Rathnayake informed Parliament that a two-day debate on the matter has also been scheduled.
A recently retired prison officer residing in Thalagaha, Akmeemana, was shot dead at his home today (13).
The former officer, who had served at Galle Boossa Prison, was attacked by an unidentified armed individual who entered his residence and shot him in the mouth before fleeing the scene.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident.
A young woman suspected of orchestrating the murder of Nadagamuwe Mahanama Thero, the chief monk of Sri Nandarama Temple in Waettaewa, Seeduwa, was arrested by immigration officers upon her arrival from Dubai last night (12). She was handed over to the Seeduwa Police for further investigation.
The 24-year-old suspect, a resident of Hinatiana, Minuwangoda, had reportedly developed a romantic relationship via Facebook with one of the monk’s disciples, who is accused of carrying out the murder on her instructions. At the time of the crime on September 14, 2022, she was residing in Dubai, according to police investigations.
It was later revealed that she had allegedly manipulated the disciple from Dubai to murder the chief monk in an attempt to gain control over the temple’s assets. The disciple was arrested at the airport while attempting to flee to Dubai after committing the crime.
Reports also suggested that the suspect had received assistance from her fiancé, who was also residing in Dubai. Since he was a Sri Lankan national, Sri Lankan authorities had planned to request an Interpol Red Notice to extradite both of them. However, no steps had been taken to issue the Red Notice until her arrest at the airport on the 12th.
The brother of Pookudikanna, a notorious underworld criminal involved in drug trafficking, was arrested by Indian security forces at Chennai Airport while preparing to travel to Dubai. Following an intelligence operation, he was deported to Sri Lanka.
After being held in India for a few days, he was scheduled to be flown back to Sri Lanka early today (13). Sri Lankan Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officers were prepared to arrest him upon arrival at the airport.
Pookudikanna’s brother has multiple pending court cases in Sri Lanka related to drug trafficking. Arrest warrants had been issued against him for failing to appear in court.
Due to underworld conflicts, Pookudikanna fled Sri Lanka to India, and his brother later followed by air, seeking refuge under his protection.
During a 2015 operation by Indian security forces, several Sri Lankan underworld figures, including Kimbula Ela Guna, were arrested, with Pookudikanna among them. Fearing for his safety, his brother secretly returned to Sri Lanka by boat but stayed only briefly before obtaining a foreign passport under a false identity and returning to India.
Indian intelligence agencies have intensified their operations due to threats to national security posed by drug traffickers collaborating with Pakistan. As a result, several Sri Lankan criminals hiding in India have been arrested in recent times. These individuals are then deported to Sri Lanka through coordination between the Sri Lanka Police Special Task Force (STF) and Indian intelligence agencies.
Pookudikanna’s brother was caught in one such operation last week. While under surveillance, he attempted to leave for Dubai but was intercepted by Indian intelligence forces, leading to his deportation to Sri Lanka.
The launch of the MahindaPrabhawa book, which explores the history of Galle Mahinda College, will take place on April 1 at 10:00 AM at the Olcott Hall.
The book has been authored by four friends—Engineer Mahinda Jayasinghe, Anura Wattage, Dr. Sujeewa Wijewikrama, and Damith Pathirana—who studied in the 12-F class of Mahinda College in 1980.
Mahinda College is now marking its 134th anniversary. “We compiled this book covering the entire history of the college, even referring to the school logbook,” said Mahinda Jayasinghe, one of the authors, in a statement to News Wave.
For this event, invitations have been extended to eleven former principals of the college, as well as to close relatives of five deceased principals, according to Mahinda Jayasinghe.
The Ministry of Education has announced that the first phase of the first school term for the year 2025 will conclude tomorrow (14th).
For Sinhala and Tamil medium government schools and government-approved private schools, the first phase of the first school term will officially end on Friday, March 14, 2025.
According to the announcement, the second phase of the first school term will commence on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, for all schools.
Investigations have revealed that the suspect involved in the rape of a female doctor at Anuradhapura Hospital had recently been released from prison after serving a sentence for burglary and theft.
According to police sources, the suspect, who had a strong obsession with mobile phones, not only raped the doctor but also stole her mobile phone. A technical operation using the phone’s number led to his arrest today.
Further inquiries revealed that the suspect had previously been convicted for breaking into the residence of a Colonel and stealing valuables. At the time of his previous arrest, he had disguised himself as a Buddhist monk to evade capture.
The nationwide initiative to clean and refurbish 1,000 selected schools under the government’s Clean Sri Lanka program is progressing successfully with the dedicated involvement of the Tri-Forces.
Supervised by the Ministry of Defence, the Tri-Forces are actively engaged in renovating schools across the country. The project is closely monitored by Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), and Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd).
Launched on February 20, 2025, the project has now entered its second phase. As of March 10, 2025, 432 schools have been renovated with the contribution of Army personnel, 25 schools with the support of Navy personnel, and 34 schools with the assistance of Air Force personnel. The Civil Security Department (CSD) has also played a key role in supporting the initiative.
In addition to cleaning, the project includes essential refurbishments such as repairing deteriorated school buildings, applying fresh paint, restoring boundary fences, and repairing school equipment like desks, chairs, and bookshelves for continued use.
Through these efforts, the Tri-Forces aim to create a cleaner and more conducive learning environment in schools nationwide. Their participation in the Clean Sri Lanka initiative aligns with the government’s vision of “A Prosperous Country, a Beautiful Life,” under the comprehensive supervision of the Ministry of Defence.
The initiative has also received strong support from school principals, teachers, students, and parents, who have actively contributed to the project’s success.
