Police in Nikaweratiya have arrested four suspects along with four high‑powered motorcycles during a late‑night operation in the town yesterday (31).

According to the Police, the suspects were apprehended while riding at excessive speed with modified silencers fitted to their motorcycles.

The arrested individuals are aged 18, 19, 20, and 22, and are residents of Nikaweratiya, Chithikuliya, Kobeigane, and Thuththiripitiya.

Investigations have revealed that all four motorcycles were being operated with fake number plates.

The Nikaweratiya Police is conducting further investigations into the incident. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lankan Rupee remains steady against the US Dollar across commercial banks in Sri Lanka today (01), compared to Monday. 

According to Seylan Bank, the buying rate of the US Dollar remains unchanged at Rs. 323.65, while the selling rate is also unchanged at Rs. 332.90.

At NDB Bank, the buying rate remains unchanged at Rs. 323.30, while the selling rate is also unchanged at Rs. 332.30.

People’s Bank reports that the buying rate has increased slightly from Rs. 323.86 to Rs. 323.96, while the selling rate has also increased from Rs. 331.89 to Rs. 331.99.

At Commercial Bank, the buying rate remains unchanged at Rs. 322.11, while the selling rate is also unchanged at Rs. 332.00.

At Sampath Bank, the buying rate of the US Dollar remains unchanged at Rs. 324.00, while the selling rate is also unchanged at Rs. 332.00. (Newswire)

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Rescuers struggled on Monday through mud and debris for a sixth day, as the number of missing people soared to nearly 4,500 since tsunami-like glacial floods roared down from the China-Nepal border, creating an “unimaginable” disaster.

The latest confirmed death toll surged above 900, with unidentified bodies buried in mass graves after DNA sampling.

The huge wave of freezing water, rocks and debris that smashed into villages and towns on Wednesday killed at least 939 people in Nepal and in Tibet, in China, with at least 17 bodies also pulled from rivers downstream in India.

Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Sunday called the disaster “unimaginable and heartbreaking”.

In Chitwan district, army personnel climbed out of rubber dinghies and carried dead victims in blue body bags up a river bank, placing them in a row along a dirt road.

Rescue teams are in a race against time in treacherous conditions to free around 100 hydropower workers believed trapped in multiple tunnels — digging, drilling and blasting through debris.

So far, three bodies have been pulled from two tunnels, and the teams have found routes blocked with mud.

An Indian army officer deployed as part of a specialised tunnel rescue team said rescuers were digging through “sludge”. He told AFP he was “still hopeful” there were survivors inside.

Nepal’s Home Affairs Ministry says 20,600 personnel have been mobilised, and that more than 3,100 people have been rescued from the disaster zone.

Army personnel were seen unloading bodies of victims from helicopters in Nepal’s Nuwakot and Rasuwa districts on Monday.

Amid the horror, there has been some hope; a six-year-old pulled out of the mud Friday was reunited with her parents after police found her crying for her mother.

“Her body was trapped in mud, but her head was outside,” Nepali Armed Police spokesman Netra Bahadur Karki told AFP. 

“She is out of danger and recovering at a hospital.”

‘Changing climate’ 

The disaster was sparked by a glacial collapse, the US Geological Survey said. 

Climate change is causing glaciers to melt worldwide, raising the risk of such disasters.

“The people of Nepal are one of the major victims of the changing climate and its impact,” Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said. 

Scientists say the Himalayas, the world’s highest mountain range, are melting faster as global temperatures rise.

Aid needs are enormous after entire communities were swept away.

“This is an unfolding disaster,” UN children’s fund official Abiodun Banire told AFP, saying the needs of the tens of thousands impacted were vast.

Roads have been wiped out, power plants destroyed and dozens of bridges smashed.

“There are too many challenges,” said police officer E. Hawadi in badly affected Nuwakot district.

Overflowing mortuaries 

With mortuaries overflowing, Nepal has begun burying some of the hundreds of bodies recovered — after taking DNA samples so families can later retrieve them.

In Chitwan district, mourning relatives cremated some of the dead, while in riverside villages like Devighat, survivors were struggling to salvage any remaining belongings from their devastated homes.

Kathmandu has appealed for international support, saying Nepal needed “more than a thousand” freezer units to store bodies.

Distraught families watch images of bodies on screens at community centres in a bid to identify their loved ones.

Among Nepal’s list of the missing are 592 foreigners, including tourists who had come for mountain trekking, as well as Hindu pilgrims seeking spiritual peace at Tibet’s sacred Mount Kailash.

In China, Tibet is largely inaccessible to foreign journalists, and Chinese authorities are the only source of information.

More than 2,000 personnel are part of rescue operations there, but they have faced intense challenges, and are slowly advancing towards the disaster’s epicentre.

China has said 16 people died in Tibet, with 546 missing. 

Tibetan advocacy groups in exile have questioned China’s account of the disaster.

Tencho Gyatso, president of the International Campaign for Tibet, called for China to disclose “complete and verifiable information about the damage and casualties”.

Beijing’s foreign ministry said Monday that the “release of information has been open, transparent and timely”, and rejected international reports that it is underreporting deaths. (FRANCE 24 / AFP)

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The Supreme Court will commence consideration of the 67 petitions filed against the Government’s 22nd Amendment to the Constitution Bill at 10.00 am today.

Of the petitions, 41 have been lodged through the online system, marking a notable feature in the proceedings.

In addition, five petitions have been filed challenging the Judicial Organizations Amendment Bill presented to Parliament.

Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena has appointed a five‑judge bench to examine the cases, with himself presiding. 

The other members are Achala Wengappuli, Arjuna Obeysekera, Sampath Abeykoon, and Gihan Kulatunga.

The Court last evening issued a notice to the Attorney General directing him to present submissions regarding the petitions. (Newswire)

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has accused the Government of “absolute negligence” in failing to prepare for the looming twin disasters predicted under El Niño conditions, drought through the year‑end followed by floods and landslides when rains return.

In a post on ‘X’, Premadasa said the absence of a contingency plan to protect lives and property was indefensible given the high‑risk warnings. 

“There is a high possibility that El Niño will result in not one but two disasters,” he cautioned.

His comments come in response to a new UN Asia‑Pacific assessment that places Sri Lanka among countries of “elevated concern.” The report warns of stronger El Niño conditions coinciding with rising costs and possible heavy rainfall during the upcoming Maha cultivation season.

According to the joint study by the FAO, WFP, UN Women, WMO and UN humanitarian agencies, above-average rainfall is possible from October as the Second Inter‑Monsoon begins. While additional rain could help replenish reservoirs, excessive rainfall during Maha planting may trigger flooding, waterlogging and delays to agricultural activities. (Newswire)

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The sun will be directly above eight (08) cities of Sri Lanka at around 12.10 pm today (01), according to the Department of Meteorology.

The nearest places over which the sun is overhead today are Kalpitiya, Talawa, Sinharagama, Galkadawala, Nachchaduwa, Padikaramaduwa, Gomarankalla and Verugal.

The sun is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka until September 07 due to its apparent southward relative motion. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism has announced that the official websites of 63 Sri Lanka Missions and Posts abroad are now live and accessible to the public.

Developed under the Ministry’s Common Website Platform, the initiative marks a significant step in strengthening Sri Lanka’s global presence and enhancing digital connectivity for citizens worldwide. 

The sites provide information on consular services, diplomatic activities, and updates from embassies, high commissions, consulates, and permanent missions.

Among the newly launched websites are:

1. Embassy of Sri Lanka in Bucharest — www.emb-bucharest.gov.lk
2. Embassy of Sri Lanka in The Hague — www.emb-hague.gov.lk
3. Embassy of Sri Lanka in Cairo — www.emb-cairo.gov.lk
4. Embassy of Sri Lanka in Brasilia — www.emb-brasilia.gov.lk
5. High Commission of Sri Lanka in New Delhi — www.hc-newdelhi.gov.lk
6. High Commission of Sri Lanka in Wellington — www.hc-wellington.gov.lk
7. High Commission of Sri Lanka in Malé — www.hc-male.gov.lk
8. Embassy of Sri Lanka in Paris — www.emb-paris.gov.lk
9. High Commission of Sri Lanka in Pretoria — www.hc-pretoria.gov.lk
10. High Commission of Sri Lanka in Ottawa — www.hc-ottawa.gov.lk
11. Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai — www.hc-chennai.gov.lk
12. Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai — www.cg-mumbai.gov.lk
13. Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Nicosia — www.cg-nicosia.gov.lk
14. Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Toronto — www.cg-toronto.gov.lk
15. Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Milan — www.cg-milan.gov.lk
16. Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Shanghai — www.cg-shanghai.gov.lk
17. Embassy of Sri Lanka in Amman — emb-amman.gov.lk
18. Embassy of Sri Lanka in Tokyo — www.emb-tokyo.gov.lk
19. Embassy of Sri Lanka in Stockholm — www.emb-stockholm.gov.lk
20. Embassy of Sri Lanka in Manila — www.emb-manila.gov.lk
21. Embassy of Sri Lanka in Tel Aviv — www.emb-telaviv.gov.lk
22. Embassy of Sri Lanka in Jakarta — www.emb-jakarta.gov.lk
23. High Commission of Sri Lanka in Nairobi — www.hc-nairobi.gov.lk
24. High Commission of Sri Lanka in Singapore — www.hc-singapore.gov.lk
25. High Commission of Sri Lanka in Islamabad — www.hc-islamabad.gov.lk
26. High Commission of Sri Lanka in London — www.hc-london.gov.lk
27. Embassy of Sri Lanka in Riyadh — www.emb-riyadh.gov.lk
28. Embassy of Sri Lanka in Yangon — www.emb-yangon.gov.lk
29. Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ankara — www.emb-ankara.gov.lk
30. Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ha Noi — www.emb-hanoi.gov.lk
31. Embassy of Sri Lanka in Berlin — www.emb-berlin.gov.lk
32. Embassy of Sri Lanka in Seoul — www.emb-seoul.gov.lk
33. Embassy of Sri Lanka in Tehran — www.emb-tehran.gov.lk
34. Embassy of Sri Lanka in Kathmandu — www.emb-kathmandu.gov.lk
35. Embassy of Sri Lanka in Manama — www.emb-manama.gov.lk
36. Embassy of Sri Lanka in Moscow — www.emb-moscow.gov.lk
37. Embassy of Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi — www.emb-abudhabi.gov.lk
38. Embassy of Sri Lanka in Doha — www.emb-doha.gov.lk
39. High Commission of Sri Lanka in Dhaka — www.hc-dhaka.gov.lk
40. Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai — www.cg-dubai.gov.lk
41. Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Karachi — www.cg-karachi.gov.lk
42. Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing — www.emb-beijing.gov.lk
43. Embassy of Sri Lanka in Warsaw — www.emb-warsaw.gov.lk
44. Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington, D.C. — www.emb-washington.gov.lk
45. Embassy of Sri Lanka in Addis Ababa — www.emb-addisababa.gov.lk
46. Embassy of Sri Lanka in Vienna — www.emb-vienna.gov.lk
47. Embassy of Sri Lanka in Bangkok — https://www.emb-bangkok.gov.lk
48. Embassy of Sri Lanka in Kuwait — www.emb-kuwait.gov.lk
49. Embassy of Sri Lanka in Rome — www.emb-rome.gov.lk
50. Embassy of Sri Lanka in Muscat — www.emb-muscat.gov.lk
51. Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beirut — www.emb-beirut.gov.lk
52. Embassy of Sri Lanka in Havana — www.emb-havana.gov.lk
53. Embassy of Sri Lanka in Brussels — www.emb-brussels.gov.lk
54. High Commission of Sri Lanka in Canberra — www.hc-canberra.gov.lk
55. High Commission of Sri Lanka in Kuala Lumpur — www.hc-kualalumpur.gov.lk
56. High Commission of Sri Lanka in Victoria, Seychelles — https://www.hc-victoria.gov.lk/en
57. Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Guangzhou — www.cg-guangzhou.gov.lk
58. Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Los Angeles — https://www.cg-losangeles.gov.lk/en
59. Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Melbourne — www.cg-melbourne.gov.lk
60. Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Jeddah — www.cg-jeddah.gov.lk
61. Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Geneva — www.un-geneva.gov.lk
62. Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in New York — www.un-newyork.gov.lk
63. Representative Office of Sri Lanka in Ramallah, Palestine — www.rep-ramallah.gov.lk

The rollout ensures that Sri Lankans living and working abroad, as well as foreign partners, can now access reliable and updated information directly from their respective missions. (Newswire)

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A man in Taiwan who used a robot vacuum cleaner to gather evidence of his wife’s affair won a civil lawsuit but was subsequently sentenced to prison for invading her privacy.

A recently released court ruling, reported by local media, disclosed that the man, whose identity remains confidential, got married in 2021. The couple lived with his parents and only visited their holiday home during holidays.

In September 2023, the man discovered a used toothbrush at the holiday home, heightening his suspicions.

After reviewing surveillance footage from a parking garage, he identified an unknown man who had previously driven his wife home.

Three months later, he remotely activated the home’s robot vacuum cleaner via its mobile application, planning to use its built-in audio feature to communicate with his wife.

However, the live feed captured his wife in an intimate encounter with another man. Seeking evidence for a legal claim, he began recording the footage.

The video showed his wife changing clothes, embracing her alleged lover, and moving around the house unclothed, while her partner was seen lying on the sofa.

Shortly thereafter, the husband used the footage as evidence to sue his wife and her lover for infringing on his marital rights, seeking NT$2 million (US$68,000) in damages.

The court determined that their relationship had surpassed the limits of ordinary friendship and ordered the pair to pay the husband NT$500,000 in compensation.

However, this civil victory did not protect the husband from legal repercussions regarding how the evidence was obtained.

The wife subsequently counter-sued, accusing him of recording private footage without her consent. The man contended that the video had already been accepted by the civil court and that his actions were “legally justified.”

Nonetheless, the court rejected his defence, ruling that marital obligations do not supersede an individual’s right to privacy. It determined that the recording was deliberate.

Furthermore, any lights or voice alerts from the robot vacuum were deemed insufficient to establish that the wife was aware she was being recorded or had consented to the capture of the footage.

The man was ultimately sentenced to five months in prison and fined NT$150,000 for unlawfully recording private images.

Under Taiwanese law, secretly recording or disclosing another person’s private activities or intimate information without authorisation can result in a sentence of up to three years in prison and a fine of up to NT$300,000.

The case has garnered widespread attention on social media.

One online commenter noted: “The husband is a victim in some respects. He lost his marriage and also his freedom.”

Another remarked: “While proving infidelity can be challenging, there are legal avenues available, including chat histories, hotel receipts, and financial transactions. Seeking justice must always adhere to the boundaries of the law.” (SCMP)

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Several spells of showers will occur in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in the Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts today (01).

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the Uva province and in the Ampara, Batticaloa and Hambantota districts after 2.00 pm.

According to the Department of Meteorology, mainly dry weather will prevail over the other areas of the island.

Fairly strong winds of about 30-40 kmph can be expected at times over the Western slopes of the Central hills, the North-central and North-western provinces and in the Trincomalee, Hambantota and Matale districts.

The public is requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Meanwhile, showers may occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle.

Winds will be South-westerly. Wind speed will be 30-40 kmph. Wind speed can increase up to 50-60 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Hambantota to Pottuvil. Wind speed can increase up to 50 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanthurai to Puttalam via Mannar.

The sea areas off the coasts extending from Hambantota to Pottuvil will be rough at times. The sea areas off the coasts extending from Kankasanthurai to Puttalam via Mannar may be fairly rough at times.

The wave height may increase about 2.0 – 2.5 meters in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Matara. There is a possibility of seawater inundation over the near shore areas extending from Chilaw to Matara via Colombo and Galle.

Naval and fishing communities engaged in activities in the aforementioned sea areas, as well as coastal communities living in the aforementioned nearshore areas, are advised to remain vigilant in this regard. (Newswire)

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Pakistan have made sweeping changes to their Test squad following two heavy defeats against England, dropping seven players and releasing head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed ahead of the third and final Test at Edgbaston.

Five players who featured in the opening two Tests — Muhammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman and Khurram Shahzad — have been dropped, while Aamir Jamal and Muhammad Awais Jafar have also been sent home without featuring in the series.

Pakistan have called up seven replacements, including Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, who have previous Test experience.

Five uncapped players — Arafat Minhas, Mohammed Imran Jr, Said Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah — have also been added to the squad.

The changes extend to the coaching staff, with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and assistant coach Umar Gul released. Pakistan white-ball coach Mike Hesson and former Australian fast bowler Ashley Noffke will take charge for the final Test.

The drastic overhaul follows Pakistan’s innings defeat in the first Test at Headingley and a 194-run loss at Lord’s. Pakistan were dismissed for fewer than 200 runs in all four innings across the two matches.

The second Test was also overshadowed by controversy after the Pakistan Cricket Board threatened to abandon the match and the remainder of the tour over an interview involving the sons of former Pakistan captain and prime minister Imran Khan broadcast during the Test.

Pakistan eventually continued with the match, while captain Babar Azam and Sarfaraz later said they were unaware of any planned boycott.

The third and final Test begins at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Sept. 9. (Newswire)

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Two Pakistani nationals are among three suspects arrested in connection with the seizure of 463 kilograms of suspected crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as ICE, from a container at the Colombo Port.

Police said the three suspects were arrested at a hotel in Colombo by officers of the Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB).

The arrests came as part of an investigation into the large consignment of suspected narcotics detected inside a container at the Colombo Port.

Police are continuing investigations into the consignment and those linked to it. (Newswire)

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One person has been injured in a shooting reported in the Koshena area of Payagala, Kalutara.

The injured person has been admitted to the Nagoda Hospital for treatment following the shooting.

Further details surrounding the incident are yet to be confirmed.

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Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya was welcomed by Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay upon her arrival at Paro International Airport on Monday, Aug. 31.

Amarasuriya is in Bhutan to participate in the inaugural Global Conscious Food Systems Summit, being held from Aug. 31 to Sept. 4.

She is scheduled to address the summit’s opening plenary on Tuesday and hold bilateral discussions with the Bhutanese Prime Minister during her visit. (Newswire)

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A police complaint has been lodged against a foreign embassy official over the alleged assault of a former Sri Lankan military officer at the Altair apartment complex in Colombo.

CCTV footage of the incident shows the former military officer seated in the lobby when the embassy official approaches him and an argument breaks out.

The footage shows the embassy official spitting at the former military officer before allegedly physically assaulting him.

Questions have emerged over how authorities will proceed with the complaint, with the official reported to have diplomatic immunity. (Newswire)

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‎The government will establish 250 King Coconut villages across the country under a new programme aimed at expanding cultivation and increasing the economic contribution of the coconut sector, Plantation and Community Infrastructure Minister Samantha Vidyaratna said.
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‎The “Ceylon King Coconut Villages” programme will be launched to coincide with International Coconut Day on Sept. 2, with 75 villages to be established during the first phase this year.
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‎Vidyaratna said the programme had been developed through collaboration between the public sector, private sector and the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, with the broader aim of increasing export earnings, creating employment and supporting poverty reduction.
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‎A further 80 villages are planned for 2027, while the remaining 95 will be established in 2028, completing the 250-village programme.
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‎The national launch will take place at a nursery in Makandura in the Pannala Divisional Secretariat Division in the Kurunegala district.
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‎The minister said about 20 of the 75 villages planned for the first phase are expected to begin activities on Sept. 2, with work in all 75 villages expected to commence within the following one to two weeks.
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‎The programme will also include the rehabilitation of existing King Coconut cultivation. The ministry has identified about 221,500 existing trees for rehabilitation, with assistance planned for fertilising, mulching and water supply.
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‎A fertiliser subsidy of Rs. 700 per tree is expected to be provided under the rehabilitation programme, Vidyaratna said.
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‎The government has also allocated 212,500 King Coconut plants for cultivation in the 250 newly established villages.
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‎Under the programme, growers will contribute about Rs. 150 per plant, while the ministry and the Coconut Cultivation Board will bear the remaining Rs. 600 of the estimated Rs. 750 cost of each plant.
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‎Each village will be required to have at least 1,000 new King Coconut plants, which will be cultivated on land belonging to participating residents.
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‎Vidyaratna said growing global demand for coconut products presented an opportunity to expand the sector and increase its contribution to the national economy. (Newswire)
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Argentina captain Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 21-year career with the national team.

The 39-year-old confirmed his decision in a statement on social media on Monday, saying the decision was painful but that he believed the time had come to step away.

“It was a decision that hurt — and still hurts deep down — but I understand that the time has come,” Messi said.

Messi ends his international career as Argentina’s record appearance-maker and goalscorer, having scored 125 goals in 207 appearances since making his senior debut in 2005.

His greatest achievement with Argentina came in 2022, when he captained the country to the FIFA World Cup title in Qatar.

Messi also led Argentina to Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, completing a dramatic turnaround in an international career that had previously included defeats in the 2014 World Cup final and successive Copa America finals.

His final appearance for Argentina came in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where the defending champions suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain.

Messi said he was leaving with pride over what he and his teammates had achieved and indicated that the emergence of a new generation of Argentine players also influenced his decision.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will continue his club career with Inter Miami in the United States. (Newswire)

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Construction of a new double railway bridge at Maggona on the Coastal Railway Line began on Monday (31) as part of a project to rehabilitate the railway line.
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‎The foundation stone was laid under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Prasanna Gunasena.
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‎The new bridge, located at milepost 33, chainage 43 of the Coastal Railway Line, is being constructed at a cost of Rs. 401.03 million using state funds. The project is being implemented by R.R. Construction under the Sri Lanka Railways, with construction scheduled to be completed within one year.
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‎The new concrete bridge will be constructed parallel to the existing steel bridge. It will be 26 metres long and 10.5 metres wide.
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‎The existing steel bridge was damaged during the 2004 tsunami and has remained in a deteriorated condition due to the lack of proper rehabilitation. As a result, train speeds along this section have been restricted.
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‎The Railway Department’s Way and Works Division is currently taking steps to expedite construction of the new bridge and improve the safety and efficiency of rail services along the route. (Newswire)
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A visiting representative of the United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID) has joined families of disappeared persons from the north and east at an exhibition displaying personal belongings and memorabilia of their missing relatives.

Ana Lorena Delgadillo Pérez of the WGEID and Yogarasa Kanagaranjini, head of the Association of Relatives of Enforced Disappearances (ARED), opened the “Long Road for Justice” exhibition at the Thanthai Selva Auditorium in Jaffna on Sunday (30), marking the International Day for Victims of Enforced Disappearances.

Hundreds of families searching for relatives who have been missing for more than 17 years attended the exhibition, with some becoming emotional while viewing belongings once cherished by their missing family members.

“No mother should die without knowing where her disappeared child is,” Delgadillo Pérez said.

She said the families’ search for answers would continue as long as the fate and whereabouts of victims remained unknown.

“As long as the victims’ fate and whereabouts remain unknown and their families continue to seek answers, the crime continues and so do the obligations of the state and the international community to act,” she said.

The visiting WGEID representative is scheduled to visit several areas in the north and east, including locations of discovered mass graves and military camps.

Her findings are expected to be included in the WGEID’s annual report on enforced disappearances and militarization. (Newswire)

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The government aims to develop Ratnapura into a global hub for the gem and jewellery industry, Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunnetti said on Monday (31).

He was speaking at the opening of the “Gem City Ratnapura 2026” international gem exhibition at the Grand Silver Ray complex in Ratnapura.

The three-day exhibition is being organised for the third consecutive year by the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) and the Lanka Gem Dealers and Miners Association (LGDMA), with international investors and buyers from countries including the United States, China, Japan, Thailand, India and Spain attending.

Handunnetti said the government’s vision was to establish Ratnapura not only as a centre for locally mined gems but also as a global hub where imported gems could be value-added and exported to international markets.

He said the government expects the gem and jewellery industry to generate annual export revenue of $2 billion through value-added products.

Handunnetti also highlighted the need for environmental protection, greater participation and empowerment of women in the industry, increased transparency and higher levels of value addition to strengthen the international competitiveness of Sri Lankan gems.

Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath, delivering the keynote address, said the government would use Sri Lankan diplomatic missions overseas to expand international markets for sapphires and other Sri Lankan gems.

Herath said the government also planned to create international employment opportunities for local workers and attract foreign investment by linking the gem and jewellery industry with tourism.

The exhibition provides small and medium-scale entrepreneurs with opportunities to access international markets, according to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development.

Sabaragamuwa Province Gov. Champa Janaki Rajaratne, MPs, NGJA Chairman Prof. S.P. Ratnayake, government officials and local and foreign entrepreneurs attended the opening. (Newswire)

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‎A discussion on developing Sri Lanka’s mineral industry in line with the export-oriented National Mineral Policy 2026 was held this afternoon (31) at the Presidential Secretariat, chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, with the participation of officials from the Sri Lanka Mineral Sands Association (SLMSA) and the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau.
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‎The discussion focused on the exploration, extraction and value addition of mineral resources, as well as the measures required to systematically harness Sri Lanka’s mineral resources to support national economic growth and increase export earnings.
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‎Particular attention was also given to developing infrastructure, providing incentives for investors and promoting research and development to strengthen domestic manufacturing industries.
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‎The meeting also included extensive discussions on the urgent measures required to attract both foreign and domestic investment and address challenges within the sector. Particular focus was placed on resolving difficulties faced by investors when dealing with government institutions, including those related to obtaining licences for mining activities.
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‎Attention was also drawn to shortcomings in the existing policy framework. The President further emphasised the need to ensure maximum transparency in attracting investments and to maintain effective coordination among all relevant institutions.
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‎Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti, Chairman of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, Senior Adviser to the President on Economic Duminda Hulangamuwa, Director General Dr J.G.L. Sulakshana Jayawardena, Chairman of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau Saman Jayasinghe, Director General N. Bandara, Chairman of Sri Lanka Mineral Sands Association Mangala P.B. Yapa and Vice Chairman Elian Winston Gunawardena and members of the SLMSA were also present. (PMD)
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