Canada has announced retaliatory tariffs against the United States as the trade war between Washington and Ottawa escalates, impacting hundreds of products. 

On Tuesday, the Canadian government said it would impose tariffs on 27.6 billion Canadian dollars, or $19.9bn, worth of US goods, matching “dollar for dollar” the new US duties that Trump imposed. It also announced a new plan for financial support for businesses caught in the trade war. 

The counter-tariffs will impact more than 700 products, the government said in a statement, and will target the steel and aluminium, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, plastics and electronics sectors.

The tariffs will range from 15 percent to 50 percent and take effect on September 8.

The Canadian government also announced a new 7.5 billion-Canadian-dollar ($5.42bn) funding package to help small- and medium-sized businesses mitigate financial risks caused by the new tariffs.

Negotiations deteriorate

The new tariffs come after US President Donald Trump imposed 50 percent tariffs on Canadian products on Saturday, impacting $20bn worth of Canadian goods, only days after announcing a deal.

On Monday, Trump announced new tariffs on Canadian autos, which would double existing tariffs to 50 percent from January 1.

Trump has also hurled insults at Canada in recent days. On Tuesday, Trump said that he was considering renaming Lake Ontario – the easternmost of the Great Lakes, which borders the Canadian province of Ontario – “Lake America”. The US president also referred to Prime Minister Mark Carney as “Governor Carney”, echoing longstanding remarks about annexing Canada as the “51st state”. 

On Tuesday, Trump claimed in a post on Truth Social that the US lost $60bn to Canada annually for the last decade.

But Canada maintains a trade surplus with the US of 9.9 billion Canadian dollars ($7.1bn), according to Statistics Canada. Al Jazeera reached out to the White House for clarification but did not receive a response.

US consumers feel the pinch

The impact of US tariffs is expected to be felt by US businesses and consumers. Cars and auto parts have been exempt from the tariffs that were imposed on Saturday, but have been a point of contention between Washington and Ottawa.

Canada is the largest purchaser of US-made cars, which could put pressure on American carmakers who rely on Canadian demand.

Meanwhile, US households could face higher prices on 550 consumer goods imported from Canada because of Trump’s 50 percent tariff. Those products include ice skates, toilet paper, some alcoholic beverages and paint.

That could drastically affect Americans, according to a report from the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, an economic think tank, which found that US importers and consumers absorb 96 percent of the tariff burden.

Markets react

The price of gold, which is largely considered a safe investment in times of economic uncertainty, is trending upwards after falling nearly 1 percent earlier on Tuesday. It remains largely flat, down only 0.03 percent at $4,696 per ounce.

The US dollar has remained fairly stable, down 0.04 percent on Tuesday to 98.96, while the Canadian dollar index has risen comparably by 0.04 percent to 72.27.

On Wall Street, the Nasdaq is up 0.5 percent, the Dow Jones Industrial Average is flat, and the S&P 500 is up 0.2 percent.

In Toronto, the S&P/TSX Composite Index is up 0.6 percent. (Al Jazeera)

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today extended heartfelt greetings to Sri Lankan Muslims on the occasion of Milad‑un‑Nabi, the commemoration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, calling for unity, justice, and coexistence in Sri Lanka’s multi‑ethnic society.

Premadasa said the Prophet’s life and teachings stand out for their respect for social peace, justice, and diversity. “In the multi‑ethnic society of Madinah, comprising people of various religions, races, and cultures, he demonstrated through his own actions how people can live together in peace and harmony,” he noted.

Highlighting the Prophet’s role in establishing the Constitution of Madinah, Premadasa said it ensured unity and security among diverse tribes and religious communities. “He taught that peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but also the presence of mutual respect and justice,” he added.

Drawing parallels to Sri Lanka, Premadasa emphasized that the country too is multi‑ethnic, multi‑religious, and multicultural. “Maintaining mutual understanding, coexistence, and brotherhood in such a society is essential for sustainable development and lasting peace,” he said.

He urged citizens to follow the Prophet’s noble path of peace and harmony to build a just Sri Lanka where everyone respects one another regardless of race or religion.

“I pray that this Milad‑un‑Nabi day will strengthen mutual respect, foster greater unity, and help bring about a peaceful new tomorrow for our country,” Premadasa said. (Newswire)

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Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has stressed the urgent need to strengthen inclusive education and address shortages of therapists and medical professionals to ensure the physical and mental well‑being of children with disabilities.

During a visit to the National Institute of Special and Inclusive Education, Shishyodaya in Veniwelkola, the Prime Minister said children with disabilities are particularly vulnerable and require protection. 

She stressed that social awareness programmes must be implemented for parents, teachers, and society at large to safeguard children from negative influences while promoting their overall well‑being.

PM Amarasuriya noted that the institution, established in 2019 outside the basic standards and plans for inclusive education, must be transformed into one that provides quality education and meets the objectives of inclusive learning. She proposed appointing a special committee to make recommendations for its development.

The Prime Minister also pledged to coordinate with the Ministry of Health to resolve the shortage of therapists and clinical service providers, while ensuring proper maintenance of equipment and buildings using allocated funds. 

“Finding sustainable solutions is essential, but immediate interventions must also be made to address issues that can be resolved without delay,” she said.

Teacher welfare was also discussed during the visit, with the Prime Minister underscoring the importance of supporting staff who serve at the institution. (Newswire)

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A special meeting was held at Parliament yesterday to chart the future work of the Expert Panel appointed to reform Sri Lanka’s electoral system, excluding Provincial Council elections, with the aim of making it more efficient, transparent, and responsive to public expectations.

The discussion was chaired by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government A.H.M.H. Abeyaratne, who also heads the Parliamentary Select Committee tasked with reviewing election laws and submitting proposals to Parliament.

Committee members Ruwanthilaka Jayakody, Attorney‑at‑Law Thushari Jayasinghe, and Chandima Hettiarachchi joined the meeting, which focused on the role of the Expert Panel, the scope of matters to be reviewed, and the process for the next stages.

The Panel is expected to conduct an in‑depth review of 31 proposals submitted by citizens and organizations concerning electoral reforms. Relevant studies and research from universities and institutions will also be considered. 

The review period has been set at two months, during which the Panel will not only identify shortcomings in the current system but, where necessary, recommend the establishment of a new electoral system and culture with more constructive features.

Officials stated that the ultimate objective is not merely to introduce piecemeal amendments.

Instead, the Committee aims to present Parliament with a comprehensive report containing policy and legislative recommendations for a more credible, democratic, and efficient electoral system suited to current needs and the expectations of the people.

The meeting marked the formal start of the Expert Panel’s work, which is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Sri Lanka’s electoral future. (Newswire)

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The Department of Meteorology has issued an advisory for strong winds and rough seas for the sea areas extending from Kankasanthurai to Puttalam via Mannar and from Hambantota to Pottuvil, valid until 10.30 am tomorrow (27). 

Per the advisory, the sea areas off the coasts extending from Kankasanthurai to Puttalam via Mannar, and from Hambantota to Pottuvil will be rough at times with strong gusty winds up to 50-60 kmph.  

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. (Newswire)

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Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has questioned the handling of disciplinary incidents involving young Indian cricketers Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal, calling on the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to take stronger action.

“Vaibhav for Ind A recently & now Jaiswal… if you keep letting them get away with such behaviour, you train them to repeat such behaviour,” Manjrekar said in a social media post.

His comments came after Jaiswal and Sri Lanka fast bowler Asitha Fernando were each fined 25% of their match fees and handed one demerit point by the ICC following their confrontation during the second Test in Colombo. Both were found to have breached Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct relating to inappropriate physical contact.

The incident occurred after Fernando dismissed Jaiswal in India’s first innings. According to the ICC, Jaiswal walked towards Fernando and the pair exchanged words before their heads made contact. Both players admitted the offences and accepted the sanctions, meaning formal hearings were not required.

Manjrekar also referred to a recent disciplinary incident involving Vaibhav while representing India A, arguing that allowing young players to repeatedly escape with relatively light consequences could encourage similar behaviour.

“It’s not good for the sport & crucially their own future too,” Manjrekar said. (Newswire)

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has warned that Sri Lanka must urgently prepare for the severe impacts of the El Niño–La Niña climate cycle, stressing the need for a modern disaster management framework to withstand recurring crises.

He made the remarks at Talpe Pattuwa, Matara–Hambantota, during the presentation of the Akthapathra to Venerable Sapugasyaye Dharmapala Thera upon his appointment as Deputy Chief Sanghanayake.

Premadasa said Sri Lanka has already faced five major tragedies, from the Easter Sunday attacks to the Iran war, and may soon confront a sixth challenge. 

He noted that the Parliamentary Committee on Climate Change, which he co‑chairs with Professor L. M. Abeywickrama, is examining the issue, as experts predict unusually severe impacts this year, with forest fires already reported in France and Greece.

Premadasa cautioned that extreme weather could bring “severe drought followed by heavy rains, with both extremes occurring within short periods.” He added: “Whether these occur or not, as a country we must have preparedness. The disaster management framework must change.”

The Opposition Leader further stressed that Sri Lanka must move beyond reactive measures, drawing lessons from India’s Odisha state. 

“Instead of merely responding to disasters, the country needs a new disaster management framework, new programs, even new institutions. We must build a country that can withstand recurring disasters,” he said.

He criticized the lack of progress since the 2004 tsunami, which claimed 40,000 lives, saying Sri Lanka had still failed to establish a modern disaster management system. He stressed that such a framework must involve state, non‑state, and civil society actors working together.

Highlighting economic vulnerabilities, Premadasa warned that bankrupt nations are susceptible to external pressures. 

“International financial institutions and multinational corporations are attempting to exert influence. Therefore, as a country we must unite and face these challenges,” he said. (Newswire)

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Dolly Parton, who rose from a loving if impoverished upbringing in the mountains of East Tennessee to become the “Queen of Country” music, a Hollywood star and a beloved American icon, has died, her family announced Tuesday.

She was 80.

Her team confirmed the death and said the star had faced a brief battle with cancer and died Tuesday surrounded by her loved ones.

Parton’s nephew, Brian Seaver, announced the news in a video posted on her Instagram.

“My name is Brian Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I’m representing the Parton and Owens family today announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, Sister, Sis and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next,” Seaver said in a video.

“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality. As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it till now,” he added.

Seaver added that Parton “lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by [her late husband] Carl, her parents, and countless others.”

“Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly — Aunt, Granny, Gigi. May God bless Dolly Parton, and may God bless you all. She will always love you,” Seaver said at the end of the video statement.

The star’s team honored her legacy, saying she “spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched.”

“Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand,” Team Dolly said in a statement Tuesday. “Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact.”

As word of Parton’s death spread, the tributes began pouring in.

President Donald Trump ordered U.S. flags lowered to half-staff nationwide for one week while a constellation of the entertainment world’s biggest stars weighed in with condolences.

Her death comes after Parton announced in May that she was canceling a Las Vegas show and had been undergoing treatment for kidney stones for several years.

“Lord, they dig more stones out of me a year than the rock quarry in Rockwood, Tennessee,” Parton said in a statement. “But seriously, my immune system and my digestive system got all out of whack over the past couple three years, and they’re working real hard on rebuilding and strengthening those, and hopefully, I’ll be up to snuff again soon.”

On Friday, Parton acknowledged she had lost a step after her husband, Carl Dean, died in March 2025. But she insisted she wasn’t ready to leave the stage.

“Even though I’m still healin’,” Parton told People. “I’m still workin’! You know me — as I’ve often said — I’ve dreamed myself into a corner, and I still have so many things I want to achieve, so I’m gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life.”

During her more than 60-year career, Parton sold over 100 million records and won 11 Grammy Awards, making her one of the bestselling musical performers of all time.

Parton also became a star on the silver screen, gaining a whole new audience and critical acclaim when she brought her Southern charm to movies like “9 to 5” (she wrote and sang the theme song), “Steel Magnolias” and “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.”

Bedecked in blond bouffant hairdos and never without her makeup, Parton also became one of the nation’s best-known brands who parried questions about her hourglass figure and augmented breasts with her signature self-deprecating wit.

“It costs a lot of money to look this cheap,” Parton once said.

Parton was a shrewd businesswoman who amassed an estimated $650 million fortune and maintained creative control in the cutthroat and male-dominated music industry. She presided over an entertainment empire that included the Dollywood theme park. And she was a devoted philanthropist who launched the Dollywood Foundation to provide poverty relief and fund educational programs in her native East Tennessee.

Never shy at expressing her Christian faith, Parton was also a public supporter of the LGBTQ community who advocated for marriage equality and spoke up in defense of transgender people.

“I keep saying: If you’re the fine Christian that you think you are, why are you judging people,” Parton said during a 2017 interview with Larry King. “That’s God’s job.”

Along those lines, she jokingly told a British outlet a few years earlier: “I think gay couples should be allowed to marry. They should suffer just like us heterosexuals.”

Through it all Parton leaned on the love of her life, her husband Carl, who died at 82 and who, from the moment they married in 1966, happily ceded the spotlight to his world-famous wife.

“Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years,” Parton said in July 2025.

Born Jan. 19, 1946, in a one-room cabin on the banks of the Little Pigeon River near the town of Sevierville, Parton was the fourth of 12 children.

Her father, Robert Lee Parton, could not read or write and often supplemented the family’s meager income from their farm by working construction jobs.

Her mother, Avie Lee Parton, ran the household and was fond of singing traditional Appalachian ballads. The future superstar said it was her mother who instilled in her a love for music.

And it was at church that Parton started performing. By age 13, she was singing on local radio and television shows and made her debut at the Grand Ole Opry, where she met Johnny Cash.

“Dolly Parton has one of the most distinctive voices in American pop music,” Katherine Dacey, a professor at the Berklee College of Music, told NBC News before Parton’s death. “Her high soprano voice gets its distinctive character from her fast vibrato and vocal twang.”

The day after she graduated from Sevier County High School in 1964, Parton headed to Nashville, where she first made her mark writing songs for other performers, some of them with her uncle Bill Owens.

In songs like “Tennessee Homesick Blues” and “Coat of Many Colors,” Parton drew inspiration from her hardscrabble childhood.

Three years after leaving school, Parton released her first record, “Hello, I’m Dolly,” and caught the attention of country star Porter Wagoner and became a regular on his shows.

Then, in 1974, Parton broke out on her own when she topped the country charts for the first time with a song she wrote and performed called “Jolene.” She later revealed it was inspired by a bank teller who flirted with her husband when they were newlyweds.

Her next four singles were also country chart-toppers, and one of them, “I Will Always Love You,” later became a huge hit for Whitney Houston in 1992.

Parton also won her first Grammy with a single from that record called “Here You Come Again.”

Parton, who earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1984, made several more movies and performed around the world, but she always returned to the music that first made her famous — and to the hollers of East Tennessee where she was born and where she and her husband made their home.

“Never ignore your roots — your home or your hair,” she once said.

In 1986, Parton opened the Dollywood theme park in the Great Smoky Mountains near her hometown. The 165 acres include roller coasters, a bald eagle sanctuary and music and crafts that pay tribute to the region’s Appalachian heritage.

Parton and her husband never had children. And in public statements, Parton said she “believed that God didn’t mean for me to have kids.”

“Since I had no kids, and my husband was pretty independent, I had freedom,” Parton told Oprah Winfrey in 2020. “So I think a big part of my whole success is the fact that I was free to work.”

Parton also left her fans guessing about her politics, although in 2016 she angered many Republicans by saying that Hillary Clinton was “very qualified” to be president.

In an online post, Parton insisted she was not endorsing Clinton or Clinton’s then-rival, Donald Trump.

“I try not to get political but if I am, I might as well just run myself ‘cause I’ve got the hair for it, it’s huge, and they could always use more boobs in the race,” she wrote.

While she generally dodged commenting on partisan politics, Parton was hailed in 2020 for helping to fund research at Vanderbilt University that led to the development of Moderna’s Covid vaccine.

“My longtime friend Dr. Naji Abumrad, who’s been involved in research at Vanderbilt for many years, informed me that they were making some exciting advancements towards research of the coronavirus for a cure,” Parton tweeted in April 2020, as much of the nation was under lockdown. She added that she would be donating $1 million to the research.

Abumrad, who treated Parton when she was in a car accident in 2013, became friends with the country star afterward.

“Without a doubt in my mind, her funding made the research toward the vaccine go 10 times faster than it would be without it,” he told The Washington Post in November 2020.

Parton’s philanthropic legacy also includes the creation of the Imagination Library, which mails free books to children around the world. In the three decades since it was founded, the organization has mailed more than 300 million books to kids around the U.S., as well as Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

The initiative was inspired by Parton’s father, who was illiterate. Parton often spoke about his intelligence and strength of character but said she believed his inability to read and write held him back.

“When I got this idea to do the Imagination Library, I wanted to get Daddy involved in it. I wanted him to help me with that so he could take the pride in that and so he did,” she wrote on her website in 2020. “He got to live long enough to hear the kids call me the Book Lady.” (NBC) 

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today extended greetings to Muslims in Sri Lanka and worldwide on the occasion of Mawlid‑un‑Nabi, the commemoration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.

The President described the celebration as “not merely a festival but a profound spiritual occasion, expected to inspire the creation of an equal society.” 

He highlighted the Prophet’s vision of patience, compassion, and sacrifice, which over 23 years laid the foundation for a society built on peace, brotherhood, purity, trustworthiness, and justice.

Rejecting divisions based on race, caste, color, or lineage, the Prophet taught that “true greatness is measured only by noble virtues such as truthfulness, humility, and compassion,” the President noted. He said this vision continues to guide Sri Lanka’s aspiration for a country ruled by law, fairness, equality, and coexistence.

The President also linked the Prophet’s teachings to contemporary challenges, stressing that Islam rejects substances that corrupt inner purity and social morality. 

He said the Prophet’s example provides strength to initiatives such as the government’s national campaign against narcotics, which he described as a menace threatening the motherland.

“As we journey toward a new era that values love over hatred and brotherhood over division, I firmly believe the light of the Prophet’s unparalleled sacrifice and humanity will illuminate that path,” Dissanayake said, inviting citizens to embody the Prophet’s vision, dedication, and righteous effort in their lives.

He concluded by wishing Sri Lankan and global Muslim devotees a meaningful Mawlid‑un‑Nabi celebration. (Newswire)

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A 15-year-old Indian chess player has pulled off a remarkable upset against five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen, defeating the Norwegian great in 50 moves during Chess.com’s Titled Tuesday event. Vandan Alankar Sawai, rated 2,288, beat Carlsen, who entered the online tournament with a 2,823 rating, in the second round.

The teenager’s victory came as a major surprise even to those closest to him. Vandan had not told his parents about the result immediately, with his family discovering that he had defeated Carlsen only after asking him about the tournament.

Vandan played with the white pieces and approached the game without putting pressure on himself against the world’s highest-rated player.

Speaking to Rediff.com, Vandan explained that he felt he had little to lose against Carlsen and decided to stick to his usual approach.

“I didn’t have anything to lose and everything to gain. I decided to play a comfortable game and opened with my usual pawn move, e4, while playing with the white pieces,” Vandan said.

Carlsen responded with 1…e5, leading the game into the Giuoco Piano variation. The contest remained relatively even until the 26th move, when Carlsen made the decisive mistake.

With his king under pressure from Vandan’s bishop, Carlsen did not capture the attacking piece and instead moved his king, allowing Vandan to win material.

“I was shocked when he blundered,” Vandan said.

Vandan then converted his advantage and completed the upset in 50 moves.

Vandan’s Parents Were Not Even Aware He Had Played Carlsen

The victory was particularly unexpected because Vandan had initially been reluctant to participate in the tournament.

His mother, Dr Madhuri Alankar Sawai, told Rediff.com that the family only discovered what had happened after her husband asked Vandan about the event.

“Only after my husband asked did Vandan say he had played against Carlsen and won. Vandan was reluctant to participate in the event. We forced him to play,” she said.

Even Vandan’s coach, Gurpreet Pal Singh, was unaware of the result at the time. He said he found out about the game from Vandan’s father the following day.

The teenager is known for being reserved and generally keeps his responses brief, according to his coach.

Three Wins And One Loss In Titled Tuesday

Vandan did not continue playing throughout the entire event. He withdrew after the fourth round because he was feeling tired.

By that stage, he had recorded three wins and one defeat, with his victory over Carlsen standing out as the biggest result of the tournament for the young Indian.

The upset also underlines the gap between Vandan’s current rating and Carlsen’s established position at the top of the game. Vandan was rated 2,288, while Carlsen’s rating for the event was 2,823.

Vandan Sets His Sights On International Master Title

Despite the scale of his victory over one of chess’s greatest players, Vandan remains cautious about making long-term decisions about his career.

His immediate target is to become an International Master.

However, the 15-year-old is not yet certain whether chess will become his full-time profession. He is also interested in subjects outside the game, particularly history and political science.

“I am not sure whether chess will be my full-time profession in the future, as at this age many players have become GMs,” Vandan said.

For now, though, Vandan has a victory over Magnus Carlsen that will stand as one of the biggest moments of his young chess career. (APB)

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The Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) has doubled the allocation for a new indoor sports complex in Valikamam South, launching a Rs. 330 million project that party leaders say exposes the government’s “cheap political agenda” over abandoned plans for a similar facility.

The foundation stone was laid on Tuesday (25) on land belonging to the Valikamam South Pradeshiya Sabha, with ITAK Parliamentary Group Leader Shanakiyan Rasamanickam declaring the project a demonstration of what local institutions can achieve when empowered with authority and resources.

“This project clearly disproves the narrative that ITAK opposed development,” Rasamanickam said. “If ITAK was opposed to development, this project would not be happening today. An ITAK‑controlled local authority has identified an appropriate alternative location and is now investing Rs. 330 million, almost twice the allocation of the original government proposal,to deliver an indoor sports facility for the people of Valikamam South.”

He recalled that the government had earlier proposed a Rs. 170 million indoor stadium at Jaffna’s historic Old Park complex, but construction was halted after the High Court issued an interim order citing the site’s status as charitable trust property dating back to 1853.

“The cheap political agenda was to create the impression that ITAK had objected to development,” Rasamanickam said. “But when a particular location has legal or other legitimate issues, the obvious solution is to find an alternative site, not abandon the project and blame those who raised concerns.”

The new facility, funded by the Pradeshiya Sabha, will provide modern amenities for youth, athletes, and the wider community, contributing significantly to sports infrastructure in the Jaffna District.

Rasamanickam stressed the importance of meaningful devolution, saying: “This is precisely why we need Provincial Councils with real powers and adequate resources. Development cannot always be planned and decided from Colombo. Local and provincial institutions must have the authority, resources and responsibility to identify what their communities need and deliver those projects.”

He also called for a dedicated maintenance fund to ensure long‑term sustainability: “When we invest Rs. 330 million of public money in a building, we must also protect that investment. Maintenance cannot be an afterthought.”

The ceremony was led by Valikamam South Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman T. Prakash, with ITAK President C. V. K. Sivagnanam, General Secretary M. A. Sumanthiran PC, former Northern Provincial Council Member S. Sugirthan, the Mayor of Jaffna, and other local representatives in attendance. (Newswire)

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Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara says the government has taken concrete steps to strengthen the Office on Missing Persons (OMP), completing its Board of Directors with suitable members including representatives of families of the disappeared, restarting stalled investigations, recruiting 69 essential staff, and granting the institution the independence to carry out its statutory mandate.

The Minister noted that as of July 31, 2026, the OMP had identified 16,966 complaints as investigable and launched preliminary inquiries. Another 11,000 complaints had been delayed due to lack of funds, but in 2025 the Cabinet allocated Rs. 375 million to expedite work through 25 investigation committees. 

By end‑July, probes into 3,000 of the pending cases were completed, with the government expecting all preliminary investigations to conclude by the end of 2027.

Nanayakkara said 1,594 cases have already been referred for further inquiry, while 2,719 Certificates of Absence and 409 Certificates of Death have been issued to resolve families’ legal and administrative issues. 

Final information has been uncovered in 31 cases, communicated privately to families. In addition, 5,427 persons have been referred to the Reparations Office for compensation, alongside psychosocial support, housing, education, vocational training, and self‑employment programs. 

A special committee including family members has recommended a comprehensive relief package now being planned.

“These are not the final results. They are only milestones in the journey. A great responsibility still lies ahead, and we will not abandon it,” the Minister told the national commemoration ceremony in Jaffna on August 25, organized by the OMP to mark the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances.

He stressed that investigations into mass graves are crucial, not for political gain but to uncover the truth. Inquiries, he said, must be evidence‑based, using scientific methods, forensic procedures, and DNA testing. 

The government has already allocated Rs. 57 million for excavations and related legal work at the Chemmani mass grave site, with assurances that financial limits will not halt the search for truth.

Addressing families of the disappeared, Nanayakkara said: “You waited for years. You asked questions. You sought answers. You lived with your pain. A government cannot change the past. In some cases, it cannot bring back the lost person. But we can do one thing: we can seek the truth, investigate, apply the law, and deliver justice. We are committed to that.”

He emphasized that remembrance must become responsibility, and responsibility must become action, adding that the government’s mandate is to build a country where the law is equal to all, truth is sought without fear, victims’ voices are heard, and every citizen’s dignity is protected.

The event also featured mobile service programs for families, including diabetes and eye check‑ups. 

Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar, OMP Chairman Mahesh Katulanda, Northern Province Governor N. Vedanayagam, MPs, officials, and relatives of the disappeared were present. (Newswire)

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Showers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in the Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts today (26), with fairly heavy falls above 75 mm likely at some places.

A few showers may occur in the Anuradhapura, Matale and Hambantota districts. Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the Ampara, Monaragala and Batticaloa 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 40-50 kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the Central hills, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee, Monaragala, 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 Puttalam 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 Mullaitivu to Chilaw via Kankasanthurai and Mannar and from Hambantota to Pottuvil. Wind speed can increase up to 50 kmph at times in the other sea areas around the island.

The sea areas off the coasts extending from Mullaitivu to Chilaw via Kankasanthurai and Mannar and from Hambantota to Pottuvil will be rough at times. The other sea areas around the island 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.

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

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An investigation has been launched into allegations that a man was assaulted by police officers after being taken into custody at the Ambalangoda Police Station, following the circulation of a video on social media.

The man’s son has alleged that his father was severely assaulted by police officers after being taken into custody on the night of August 24.

According to the son, his father was stopped about 100 metres from their home and taken to the police station after he was unable to produce his National Identity Card. He alleged that his father had offered to take the officers to his nearby home to produce the ID, but was instead verbally abused and assaulted.

The son further alleged that his father was assaulted at the police station, threatened with a firearm and prevented from immediately receiving medical treatment.

He said he went to the police station after becoming concerned when his father failed to return home and found him bleeding from his injuries. The family disputes the police claim that the man had been intoxicated at the time.

Police, however, have given a different account of the incident.

According to police, the man was arrested on the night of August 24 for allegedly being intoxicated and behaving disorderly on a road.

Police said the suspect attempted to flee while being arrested but fell while doing so, causing the bleeding injuries visible in the video circulating on social media.

Police said the man was subsequently admitted to Balapitiya Hospital on August 25 and examined by a Judicial Medical Officer. The Additional Magistrate of Balapitiya later ordered his release on bail.

Following the allegations against the officers, the Inspector General of Police has ordered a separate investigation into the incident.

Police said the investigation is being conducted under the supervision of the DIG in charge of the Galle District and led by a senior police officer serving outside the Elpitiya Police Division, under which the Ambalangoda Police Station operates.

The circumstances surrounding the man’s injuries and the conflicting accounts provided by the family and police are now subject to the investigation. (Newswire)

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An unidentified man found dead in the landing gear compartment of an Air Arabia flight at Gatwick Airport died from exposure to extreme cold and low oxygen levels, an inquest has heard.

The man’s body was discovered by a ground engineer during routine checks after the aircraft arrived at Gatwick from Tangier, Morocco, on June 16.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post-mortem examination found that the cause of death was cardiac arrest, hypoxia, or low oxygen levels, and hypothermia, the inquest heard.

Coroner Joseph Turner told Horsham Coroner’s Court on Tuesday (25) that conditions inside the aircraft’s wheel compartment would have been extremely cold and that oxygen levels would have been low.

Turner, the West Sussex, Brighton and Hove area coroner, said he had reason to believe the death was “unnatural.”

Gatwick Airport said emergency services attended an Air Arabia aircraft shortly after 11:30 a.m. on June 16 after an incident was identified following its arrival.

Sussex Police confirmed that a body had been found, while airport teams assisted police and the coroner.

The man’s identity has not yet been established.

The inquest was adjourned until Feb. 24, 2027. (Newswire)

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The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection has sought the views and proposals of the Police Department on measures to reduce overcrowding in prisons.

The issue was discussed at a recent committee meeting held at Parliament under the chairmanship of committee Chairman and Member of Parliament (MP) Najith Indika.

The meeting focused on the Police Department’s procedures from the arrest of suspects in drug-related cases to the filing of charges, as well as legal obstacles affecting the process.

Delays in drug-related court proceedings and obtaining reports from the Government Analyst were also discussed, with attention drawn to the resulting increase in the number of suspects held in remand custody.

The committee stressed the need to use modern technology not only to arrest individuals involved in drug offences but also to identify and disrupt drug-trafficking networks and their illegal financial transactions.

The need for appropriate regulatory mechanisms to prevent drug traffickers from misusing digital money-transfer systems operated by telecommunications companies for illegal transactions was also highlighted.

The meeting also considered strengthening community-based rehabilitation programmes as an alternative to imprisoning people addicted to drugs, increasing public participation in crime prevention and amending existing laws to meet current requirements.

Officials also proposed establishing a modern forensic laboratory within the Police Department to speed up criminal investigations. Faster analysis of scientific evidence could help expedite court proceedings and reduce the number of people held in remand custody, the committee noted.

The committee also discussed improving the welfare, professional training and investigative skills of police officers, as well as strengthening mechanisms for evaluating police performance.

Committee members Ajith P. Perera, G.G. Ponnambalam, Mujibur Rahman, M.K.M. Aslam, Sellathamby Thilakanathan, Dharmapriya Wijesinghe, Chandana Suriyaarachchi and Major General (Retired) G.D. Sooriyabandara attended the meeting.

Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs D.W.R.B. Seneviratne, Inspector General of Police Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasuriya and senior officers of the Police Department were also present. (Newswire)

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Fifty families who lost their homes in a landslide in Kabaragala on March 19, 2023, are to receive new houses on Aug. 28 after living for nearly three and a half years under difficult conditions in an abandoned tea factory.

The 50 houses constructed under the “Navodayapuram” housing project are scheduled to be handed over to the families under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Each family has been provided with 10 perches of land and a 550-square-foot house comprising two bedrooms, a living room, kitchen and bathroom.

Approximately Rs. 3.2 million has been spent on each house, according to the project details.

In addition to the houses and land, essential household and kitchen items worth approximately Rs. 175,000 are being provided to each family to help them begin their lives in their new homes.

The distribution of the essential items took place Tuesday (25).

The project aims to provide the 50 families with safe housing, their own land and basic facilities after they spent years living in an unsafe environment following the landslide.

The housing project is being presented as part of the government’s efforts to improve the living conditions of the Malayaga community under its “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life” policy. (Newswire)

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National People’s Power (NPP) Parliamentarian Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi has filed a petition before the Supreme Court supporting the government’s proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution.

The petition argues that the provisions of the Bill do not infringe on the sovereignty of the people or the independence of the judiciary.

Nipuna Arachchi has therefore asked the Supreme Court to determine that the proposed amendment does not require approval at a public referendum and can be enacted through the parliamentary procedure provided for under the Constitution.

The petition comes as the proposed amendment faces legal challenges before the Supreme Court, with at least 21 petitions reportedly filed questioning its constitutionality.

The government has said it is prepared to proceed with the proposed constitutional reforms and will comply with any direction issued by the Supreme Court on whether a referendum is required.

The Supreme Court is expected to consider the petitions challenging the Bill before Parliament proceeds with the proposed constitutional amendment. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development held a special discussion Tuesday (25) to assess possible impacts of El Niño conditions on the supply and prices of essential food items and to strengthen preparations.

The discussion focused on the possibility of indirect disruptions to Sri Lanka’s essential food supplies due to the impact of El Niño on other countries, despite expectations that the direct impact on Sri Lanka would be limited.

Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe pointed out that maintaining adequate buffer stocks of essential imported food commodities was necessary as a precaution against possible disruptions to global supplies.

Officials reviewed the stocks of essential food commodities held by importers and examined relevant data from Sri Lanka Customs during the meeting.

Importers were also urged to act responsibly and treat the issue as a matter of national importance, while avoiding statements that could create unnecessary concern among the public, the ministry said.

Representatives of essential food importers attended the discussion along with Ministry Secretary K.A. Wimalenthiraraja, Consumer Affairs Authority Chairman Hemantha Samarakoon, Cooperative Wholesale Establishment Chairman Kosala Wilbawa, Lanka Sathosa Chairman Ravindra Fernando and other officials. (Newswire)

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