China’s newly appointed Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Wei Huaxiang, has pledged to further strengthen the longstanding friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Sri Lanka as he assumes his new post in Colombo.

Ambassador Wei, who arrived in Sri Lanka on August 11, said it was a “great honor and privilege” to have been appointed by Chinese President Xi Jinping as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Sri Lanka.

In a written speech delivered upon his arrival, Wei highlighted the longstanding ties between the two countries, referring to historical links through the ancient Silk Road and the Rubber-Rice Pact, as well as more recent cooperation under China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

He said cooperation between the two countries has produced tangible benefits for their people, highlighting initiatives including the China-Sri Lanka Joint Research and Demonstration Centre for Water Technology and China’s provision of school uniform fabric for Sri Lankan students.

The Ambassador also recalled the meetings between President Xi Jinping and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya during their respective visits to China in 2025, saying the high-level engagements had provided new strategic guidance for bilateral relations.

“China always takes Sri Lanka as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy,” Wei said, describing the two countries as partners in development and “good brothers and good friends that share weal and woe.”

He said China was ready to work alongside Sri Lanka to strengthen the alignment of development strategies, expand mutually beneficial cooperation and deepen the strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries.

Wei noted that 2027 will mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Sri Lanka and the 75th anniversary of the signing of the Rubber-Rice Pact.

The Ambassador pledged to work with his colleagues to carry forward the traditional friendship, expand cooperation and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese institutions and citizens in Sri Lanka.

He also called for closer communication with different sectors in both countries as he begins his tenure in Colombo. (Newswire)

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The government has called for investment proposals to commercially develop and operate a number of State-owned bungalows in Colombo under 30-year lease agreements.

The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development has invited eligible investors to submit proposals for the adaptive reuse, refurbishment, development, operation and maintenance of the properties.

Six listings are included in the proposal: B13, B14 and B20 at Stanmore Crescent, C61 and C62 at Paget Road, and E01 and E02 at Skelton Road, all in Colombo 5. The properties are proposed for tourism-related retail businesses, boutique suites, cafés and restaurants.

The government said the initiative is aimed at unlocking the economic potential of strategically located State-owned properties through private-sector investment while retaining government ownership of the land and buildings.

Investors can submit proposals for one or more properties, but each bungalow will be evaluated and awarded separately. The selection will be made through a national competitive process, with the highest lease rental offered by an eligible bidder forming the basis for selection.

Eligible applicants must be locally registered entities, including companies, individual businesses, consortiums or joint ventures, and must demonstrate their financial capacity, including through audited financial statements for the previous three years.

The successful investor will also be required to pay an upfront premium equivalent to three years of annual lease rental and a refundable deposit equivalent to six months’ rent. Commercial operations must commence within 90 days of executing the agreement.

The deadline for submitting proposals is 2 p.m. on August 25, 2026. A viewing and clarification meeting for prospective investors is scheduled for August 12 at the Finance Ministry. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet has approved the provision of more than Rs. 1 billion in equity capital to Lanka Metro Transit (Pvt) Ltd to expand its public transport operations and develop supporting infrastructure.

Lanka Metro Transit was incorporated on October 3, 2025, as a subsidiary of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), with the objective of modernising public transport in the country.

The company has commenced a pilot urban transport service in Colombo using 10 low-floor buses imported under the Clean Sri Lanka programme.

According to the government, the progress of the pilot operation has demonstrated the commercial viability of the service and gained public acceptance.

Lanka Metro Transit is now planning to deploy another 112 low-floor buses from September.

To support the expansion, infrastructure including a fully equipped central workshop and modern bus depots at Kalangama, Kadawatha, Ratmalana and Homagama will be developed. Internal roads and bus parking areas are also expected to be upgraded.

The Cabinet has approved Rs. 800 million in equity capital for infrastructure development during 2026.

A further Rs. 267.5 million will be provided in 2027 for the company’s operations.

The proposal was presented by the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development. (Newswire)

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Dengue cases in Sri Lanka have surged past 90,000 this year, with the latest surveillance data showing 90,306 infections reported as of midnight on August 10.

According to the National Dengue Control Unit, July recorded the highest monthly toll with 29,973 cases, followed by June with 21,533. August has already seen 4,959 cases in just 10 days, underscoring the continuing spread of the disease.

District‑wise, Gampaha remains the worst affected with 19,204 cases (21.27%), while Colombo follows closely at 17,965 (19.89%). Other high‑burden districts include Kandy and Kalutara, each reporting 6,971 cases.

Provincial data shows the Western Province accounts for more than half of all infections (52.96%), with 37,169 cases. The Southern Province reported 13,367 cases, while Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces recorded 7,904 and 7,438 respectively.

The report also highlights 119 high‑risk Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas during Week 31, with an average of 1,509 new cases recorded daily.

So far this year, 65 dengue‑related deaths have been confirmed, with a case fatality rate of 0.07%.

Health authorities continue to urge communities to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and remain vigilant. (Newswire)

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A special discussion is scheduled to take place tomorrow (12) between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) on the government’s proposal to raise the retirement age of judges. 

The Presidential Secretariat announced that the meeting will be held at 1.00 pm tomorrow. 

The talks come in the wake of the government’s proposal to extend the  retirement age of judges.

The Government gazetted the Judicature (Amendment) Bill on August 7, which seeks to amend the Judicature Act, No. 2 of 1978. The Bill proposes to increase the maximum number of High Court Judges from 110 to 120, while raising the retirement age of High Court Judges from 61 to 63 years. 

It also stipulates that the retirement age of all other judges and magistrates will be fixed at 62 years, notwithstanding existing provisions under the Public and Judicial Officers (Retirement) Ordinance.  

The BASL has already expressed strong opposition to the government’s move. At a special general meeting held on July 29, BASL members unanimously rejected the proposal to extend the retirement age of Supreme Court judges, warning that it posed a serious threat to judicial independence. 

The Cabinet had approved the measure on July 27 despite objections from the BASL, the Judicial Service Association, several President’s Counsel, and political parties. (Newswire)

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Award-winning Hollywood actress and international landmine clearance ambassador Rosamund Pike has praised the progress of Sri Lanka’s demining programme, describing it as highly successful.

Pike made the remarks during a meeting with Housing, Construction and Water Supply Minister Dr. Susil Ranasinghe on August 10, where she discussed the progress of mine clearance operations in the country.

Officials said around 90% of areas previously identified as contaminated with landmines have now been successfully cleared.

Around 20.8 square kilometres of land remains to be cleared, mainly in difficult and complex terrain, with Sri Lanka aiming to be declared completely mine-free within the next four years.

Authorities plan to deploy 500 specially trained Sri Lanka Army personnel for demining operations, with the Army targeting the clearance of around 1.5 square kilometres annually, in addition to work carried out by other organisations.

The government has also doubled its financial allocation for demining compared with the previous year.

During the meeting, Pike expressed appreciation for Sri Lanka’s progress and the implementation of mine clearance operations in line with international standards.

Officials said the programme is also expected to support development in the North and East, promote tourism and contribute towards building trust among communities. (Newswire)

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CCTV footage has emerged showing the fatal shooting reported near the BCC Bridge in Maligawatte, Colombo.

According to Police, the gunman had arrived on a motorcycle, opened fire at the victim and fled the area.

The victim succumbed to his injuries following the shooting.

The deceased is reported to be a close relative of organised crime figure Kanjipani Imran.

Police have launched investigations into the shooting and are working to identify and arrest those involved. (Newswire)

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Applications open today for Sri Lankan workers seeking employment in Israel’s restaurant and renovation sectors, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) announced.

The Bureau said its official web portal www.slbfe.lk will allow qualified applicants to register online. 

For the restaurant sector, the portal opens at 12.00 noon today to register 4,000 applicants. Eligible candidates are men aged 25–40, with at least one year’s experience in a restaurant kitchen, eight years of schooling, and good English proficiency. 

Applicants must also be physically and mentally fit, and only those who have not previously worked in Israel, nor have immediate family members employed there, can apply.

For the renovation sector, registration will open tomorrow at 2.00 pm, with 12,000 slots available across four fields: plastering and gypsum board work, electrical box installation and block wall construction, carpentry, and ceramic tiling. 

Each category will take 3,000 applicants. Eligible candidates are men aged 25–45, with ten years of schooling and basic English knowledge, subject to the same restrictions on prior employment in Israel.

The Bureau noted that those who previously failed the final test for construction jobs cannot reapply, though applicants from other Israeli job categories may apply for these four fields. 

Selection will be conducted by qualified Israeli representatives, who will test applicants’ professional skills. 

The SLBFE urged job seekers to apply only for sectors where they have genuine experience and qualifications. (Newswire)

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The 2026 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination commenced today and will continue until September 5, with 2,532 examination centres operating across the country.

A total of 372,310 candidates are sitting for the exam this year, comprising 264,496 school applicants and 107,814 private applicants, according to the Department of Examinations.

Commissioner General of Examinations Indika Kumari said that all candidates must arrive at their respective centres one hour before the start of the examination. 

She further stressed that mobile phones, smart watches, notes, and Bluetooth devices are strictly prohibited inside examination halls.

Highlighting the importance of adhering to exam regulations, the Commissioner General warned against malpractice, noting that in previous years many students’ results had been suspended due to fraud.

She added that the Department has made arrangements to provide necessary facilities in the event of any emergency or disaster situation during the examination period. (Newswire)

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The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has issued an urgent advisory warning small and one-day fishing vessels not to venture into the sea as waters from Matara to Pottuvil are expected to become rough to very rough due to strong winds.

The advisory follows the Department of Meteorology’s strong wind warning issued on Sunday.

According to the Fisheries Department, wind speeds in the sea area from Matara via Hambantota to Pottuvil could reach up to 70 km/h at times, creating hazardous conditions for coastal fishing operations.

Small and nearshore fishing vessels operating from the affected coastal areas have been strongly advised not to leave for fishing until conditions improve.

Fishing vessels departing from other parts of the island have also been instructed to avoid carrying out fishing activities within the sea area stretching from Matara to Pottuvil.

The Fisheries Department urged all fishers to closely monitor weather updates and strictly follow safety instructions while at sea. (Newswire)

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The Court of Appeal has issued an interim order preventing a Board of Investment (BOI)-licensed company from removing, exporting, selling or further modifying two luxury vehicles at the centre of a dispute with a Canadian company.

The order was issued on August 7 by a bench comprising Justices R. Gurusinghe and A. Premashankar after the court permitted an urgent application filed by Canada-based Atlantic Auto Performance Ltd. to be heard on exceptional circumstances.

Atlantic Auto, which exports American and other high-end vehicles to international markets, had regularly sent vehicles to Sri Lanka for conversion from left-hand drive to right-hand drive by the BOI-licensed company.

According to the petition, the dispute concerns two 2024 Lincoln Navigator L Black Label vehicles valued at approximately USD 260,000.

Atlantic Auto alleged that the vehicles were shipped to Sri Lanka after an advance payment was made, on the understanding that the balance would be settled before the vehicles were released from the Colombo Port.

However, the petitioner alleged that the vehicles were cleared and subsequently converted without its consent and without payment of the outstanding amount, which it alleged constituted fraud.

Atlantic Auto told court that it sought relief from the Court of Appeal because the vehicles were in the possession of a BOI company and that, under the applicable BOI law, courts of first instance are restricted from granting injunctive relief without a hearing.

The company argued that any delay could result in the vehicles being shipped out of Sri Lanka to another country. It also informed court that its CEO and a director had travelled to Sri Lanka and that the threat of the vehicles being removed was imminent.

After considering the petition, evidence and submissions, the Court of Appeal issued notice on the respondents and granted an interim order effective until August 19, 2026.

The order prevents the respondent company and those acting on its behalf from removing, exporting, shipping, transporting, selling, transferring or otherwise parting with possession or control of the two vehicles.

The court also prohibited any further dismantling, conversion, alteration or modification of the vehicles, as well as the disposal of any of their parts or components.

Counsel Nishan Sydney Premathiratne appeared with Sasheen Aresecularatne, Shenali Dias and Sidath Gajanayaka, instructed by Chanuka Ekanayake, for Atlantic Auto. (Newswire)

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The third “Battle of Golden Queens” between Princess of Wales’ College and Yashodara Vidyalaya ended in controversy on Saturday (08), with the two principals publicly exchanging allegations following a thrilling two-run finish at De Zoysa Stadium, Moratuwa.

The dispute escalated during the post-match proceedings when the Principal of Yashodara Vidyalaya announced that her school would not participate in the annual cricket encounter again, citing concerns over the organisation and officiating of the match.

She raised several issues, including a previous dispute over the appointment of umpires and the match referee. She also questioned the manner in which the toss was conducted and expressed dissatisfaction over an umpiring decision during the match.

Following the narrow two-run defeat, Yashodara players also did not come forward to receive their awards during the presentation ceremony.

The Principal of Princess of Wales’ College subsequently responded publicly to the allegations, acknowledging that an earlier error had occurred concerning correspondence related to match officials but maintaining that the matter had been discussed and resolved ahead of the game.

She also defended the process of appointing match officials, saying the hosting school traditionally selected the officials and that Yashodara had been informed of the appointments before the match without raising an objection.

The public exchange between the two principals, along with the players’ absence from the awards presentation, subsequently drew considerable attention on social media.

Many social media users criticised the scenes, arguing that such conduct following a school sporting event could set a poor example for students, particularly when school sport is expected to promote sportsmanship and the ability to accept both victory and defeat.

Despite the controversy, the match itself produced a thrilling finish, with Princess of Wales’ College securing victory by just two runs. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s gross official reserves increased to US$ 6.591 billion in July 2026, according to the latest data released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).

Official reserves stood at US$ 6.458 billion in June, indicating an increase of US$ 133 million during July.

This represents an increase of approximately 2.1% compared with the previous month.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s gold reserves also recorded a marginal increase during the month.

Gold reserves rose by US$ 1 million, from US$ 191 million in June to US$ 192 million in July, according to the Central Bank data. (Newswire)

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The Minister shared the planned route map, showing a network of services connecting Colombo with several key suburbs and transport hubs.

The routes include connections to Makumbura, Millennium City, Kadawatha, Panadura, Ekala and Kesbewa, along with a Kollupitiya circular service.

The Metro Transit initiative is aimed at improving public transport connectivity in Colombo and surrounding areas through a network of modern bus services. (Newswire)

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The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) is planning to introduce new regulations to strengthen action against noise pollution under the proposed new Environmental Act.

CEA Director General Hemantha Jayasinghe said the regulations are currently at the planning stage and have not yet come into effect.

Under the proposed framework, noise pollution is expected to be classified as an offence for which a person could be arrested without a warrant, giving authorities stronger powers to act against violations.

Noise pollution in Sri Lanka has long been a source of public complaints, particularly over excessive sound from loudspeakers, entertainment events, construction activities, industries and other sources in residential areas.

Existing controls on environmental noise are implemented through regulations and standards under the National Environmental Act, while police and other authorities also have powers to act in certain circumstances.

The CEA is now looking at strengthening the regulatory framework as part of the proposed new environmental legislation, with the new noise pollution provisions expected to provide clearer enforcement mechanisms.

However, the proposed changes remain at the planning stage and will have to go through the required legal process before becoming enforceable. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s professional cricketers have announced the formation of the Sri Lankan Professional Cricketers’ Association (SLPCA), a new representative body aimed at supporting and advocating for the country’s players.

Sri Lanka men’s white-ball captain Kusal Mendis has been appointed the inaugural President of the SLPCA.

“We’re proud to have established SLPCA to represent Sri Lanka’s players at this important time, and we look forward to working constructively and collaboratively with Sri Lanka Cricket, the Transformation Committee, and other stakeholders as cricket continues to grow,” Mendis said.

Sri Lanka women’s captain Chamari Athapaththu welcomed the move, saying the establishment of the association was another important step forward for Sri Lankan cricket.

“The setting up of the Players’ Association is another important step forward and sees Sri Lankan cricketers join many of our international colleagues in cricket and other sports who already benefit from effective player representation,” Athapaththu said.

National players Binura Fernando and Wanindu Hasaranga also backed the initiative, saying it would provide a collective voice for players and contribute towards the future development of the game.

The SLPCA said players’ associations operate independently to represent players collectively, protect their interests, support their wellbeing and development, and ensure players have a voice in decisions affecting their careers.

Newswire observes that, according to reports, the new Sri Lankan players’ association is linked to the World Cricketers’ Association (WCA), the global body representing professional cricketers.

More than 750 current international players from 17 of the world’s top 19 cricket countries are currently participating in WCA programmes.

With Sri Lankan players joining the programme, they join players represented across countries including Australia, South Africa, England, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, the United States, New Zealand, Canada, Uganda, the West Indies, the Netherlands, Ireland, Scotland, Namibia and Italy. (Newswire)

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Award-winning British actor and Mines Advisory Group (MAG) Ambassador Rosamund Pike is visiting Sri Lanka as the country enters the final stretch of a decades-long effort to clear landmines and explosive remnants of war.

Only around 20.8 square kilometres of contaminated land now remains, representing less than 10% of the areas originally identified as contaminated. Most of the remaining land is located in the North and parts of the East.

Sri Lanka has cleared more than one million landmines and over one million other explosive remnants of war, while almost one million people have settled on land declared free of contamination.

Landmine casualties have also fallen sharply, from 252 in 2002 to just two in 2024, reflecting the impact of clearance operations and mine-risk education in schools and communities.

More than 90% of the land released through mine-action programmes was classified as high priority.

Pike is visiting minefields in the Mannar and Mullaitivu districts, where she is meeting Sri Lankan deminers and families whose lives have been affected by landmine contamination. She is also attending a risk-education session at a school.

More than 2,000 people have worked in Sri Lanka’s demining sector, including conflict survivors and former combatants. Their involvement has also contributed to reconciliation, reintegration and economic recovery in communities affected by the conflict.

The final phase is significant internationally, with Sri Lanka on course to become one of the first countries affected by large-scale, heavy landmine contamination to complete clearance.

The milestone comes as the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention faces growing challenges, with several countries moving to withdraw from the treaty and others signalling possible changes to their commitments.

Completing clearance is also expected to support development in Sri Lanka’s North and East by releasing remaining land for infrastructure, housing, agriculture, tourism and private investment.

During her visit, Pike is expected to meet Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, the Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply, and officials of the National Mine Action Centre.

“Seeing MAG’s work in Sri Lanka gives me confidence that the end to such tragedies is in sight,” Pike said.

British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick described the country’s progress as a “remarkable achievement,” crediting Sri Lankan deminers, the government and international partners.

MAG began working in Sri Lanka in 2002 and currently operates in Mannar, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi, Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Ampara. Its teams have made approximately 103 square kilometres of land safe for communities. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Economic Development Nishantha Jayaweera said that the salaries of Members of Parliament have not been increased, clarifying that any increase in their monthly earnings is due to an adjustment of the fuel allowance in line with current fuel prices.

Speaking in Parliament, he said the Government had revised the fuel allowance paid to public officials who are entitled to it after the country’s economic situation improved.

“As a result, all public officials receiving a fuel allowance have seen an increase in their monthly payments. Members of Parliament have also received a corresponding increase through the revised fuel allowance,” he said.

The Deputy Minister stressed that MPs’ basic salaries had not been increased. (Newswire)

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Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shani Abeysekara was officially promoted to the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) on Friday, following an order issued by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) in May.

The promotion was granted with retrospective effect from August 25, 2020, in accordance with the AAT’s ruling.

The tribunal had directed the National Police Commission to promote Abeysekara after concluding an inquiry into an appeal he had filed several years ago. The ruling instructed that the promotion be granted retrospectively from the specified date.

Acting on the tribunal’s order, the Inspector General of Police issued the official police notification on Friday confirming Abeysekara’s promotion to the rank of DIG.

With the promotion, Abeysekara is expected to leave his position as Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Abeysekara joined the Sri Lanka Police as a Sub-Inspector on February 10, 1986. During his career, he has served in several ranks, including Inspector, Chief Inspector, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Superintendent of Police (SP), and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP). (Newswire)

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According to the Bill published in the Gazette Extraordinary on Friday (7), the retirement age of Supreme Court judges will be increased to 67 years, while the retirement age of Court of Appeal judges will be set at 65 years. The Bill also provides that the Chief Justice will retire either upon reaching the age of 67 or after completing six years in office, whichever occurs first.

The proposed amendment also seeks to increase the maximum number of Court of Appeal judges from 19 to 24.

The Bill, titled the Twenty Second Amendment to the Constitution, was ordered to be published by the Minister of Justice and National Integration. (Newswire)

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