The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has launched a special island‑wide operation to protect consumers from unfair practices during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festive season.

According to the CAA, the operation launched on March 20 focuses on preventing traders from hiding goods to create artificial shortages, selling items above prescribed prices, and offering expired or substandard products. 

The CAA further said that officials are also monitoring the continuous supply of gas and fuel.

Inspections will be carried out across the country, including on weekends and public holidays, and strict legal action will be taken against violators.

The CAA has urged consumers to report complaints during office hours via the hotline 1977. (Newswire/ AI Image)

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The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Response Team (SLCERT) has urged the public to be cautious of online advertisements and suspicious links targeting the upcoming festive season, warning that many of these promotions are fraudulent attempts to steal personal information.

Lead Information Security Engineer of SLCERT Charuka Damunupola said several cases of internet fraud have already been reported in the past two months. 

He noted that with the Sinhala and Tamil New Year approaching, there is a heightened risk of fake advertisements appearing online in the form of discounts, cash gifts, or special promotions.

Damunupola emphasized that such links often redirect users to fraudulent websites designed to harvest sensitive data. 

He further cautioned that similar scams may surface during the Vesak and Poson festivals under deceptive names such as “Poson Maha Data Dansala,” aimed at tricking users into sharing personal details.

SLCERT has therefore advised the public to exercise vigilance when clicking on unfamiliar links or engaging with online advertisements during the festive season, stressing that awareness and caution are key to preventing cyber fraud. (Newswire)

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The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence has directed the activation of a special Operations Room at the Army Headquarters to ensure public safety and security during the ongoing festive season.

According to the Defence Ministry, the Operations Room will remain functional until the conclusion of the current festive period and will serve as a central coordination hub to facilitate close cooperation among the tri-forces and the Sri Lanka Police. 

This enhanced coordination mechanism is aimed at ensuring a rapid and effective response to any security or emergency situations that may arise during this time.

The initiative is designed to strengthen real-time information sharing, enable timely decision-making, and enhance operational readiness across all security stakeholders. 

Through this mechanism, authorities will be better positioned to safeguard lives and protect public and private property throughout the festive season.

The Ministry of Defence reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for the public, enabling citizens to celebrate the festive season peacefully and without disruption. (Newswire)

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Police Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler announced that special police security has been deployed in cities and religious sites for the upcoming festive season.

Addressing the media today (15 Dec), he said that in the Western Province alone, an additional 2,500 officers have been assigned for this purpose.

“With the festive season approaching, the IGP has issued special instructions to every police station to ensure the safety of cities, religious sites, and crowded public areas such as shopping complexes. In the Western Province, 2,500 additional officers have been deployed for these operations,” he said.

ASP Wootler further said that the public is advised to be cautious when parking vehicles or motorcycles, and not to leave valuables or money inside. 

“If you notice any suspicious individuals, inform the nearest police officer immediately. During this season, many plain‑clothes police officers and intelligence officers will be present to assist and protect you. The Sri Lanka Police, Special Task Force, and the Tri‑Forces are fully prepared to safeguard the public,” he added. (Newswire)

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Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa officially commenced the festive season with its much-anticipated annual Cake Mixing Ceremony, held on 1st November 2025 at the resort’s elegant lobby. The event brought together associates, in-house guests, and invitees for an afternoon that captured the essence of the upcoming season and the joyful spirit of celebration.

The ceremony, a longstanding tradition that marks the beginning of Christmas festivities, saw participants join the resort’s culinary team in the symbolic cake mixing ritual — a gesture that signifies unity and the anticipation of the holiday season. The event was led by Executive Chef Shane Ram and his talented culinary team, who showcased their artistry and enthusiasm, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with festive cheer.

Mr. Piyush Tyagi, General Manager of Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa, shared his thoughts on the ceremony:

“The Cake Mixing Ceremony is a cherished tradition that unites everyone in the joy and anticipation of the festive season. It reflects the spirit of togetherness, warmth, and hospitality that defines Marriott. We look forward to creating many more memorable experiences for our guests throughout this holiday season.”

The ceremony concluded with an elegant cocktail reception, where guests gathered to celebrate the start of the festive calendar over signature beverages and gourmet canapés, marking a delightful beginning to the resort’s seasonal celebrations.

Situated along Sri Lanka’s picturesque southern coastline, Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa continues to be a premier destination for discerning travelers, offering world-class hospitality, exceptional dining, and enriching experiences inspired by local warmth and international standards.

For more information log into  www.weligamamarriott.com

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The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has reported an income of Rs. 1300 million during the April festive season. 

Addressing the media yesterday, Transport Manager at the SLTB, H. Piyathilaka, said the income has been recorded for the period from 10-19 April 2025.

He further said that the income was generated at a time when the SLTB had operated under normal bus charges, adding that bus fares had not been increased in view of the festive season. 

Piyathilaka revealed that this was the highest income generated by the SLTB so far during a festive period.

He added that the special bus services launched for the convenience of passengers returning from their hometowns after the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations will continue further. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has taken steps to operate additional bus services starting today (24) in view of Christmas and the festive season.

Around 50 extra buses have been deployed from the Pettah Central Bus Terminal for long-distance routes, including Hatton, Badulla, and Batticaloa, according to SLTB.

Additional buses will also be deployed tomorrow (25), Christmas Day, based on passenger demand, the SLTB said. (Newswire)

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The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has taken steps to carry out raids throughout the country from 15 December in view of the upcoming festive season.

Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) Information Director Asela Bandara said that a special programme has been prepared for this purpose.

He said that these raids will be carried out with special attention given to the possibility of various products, with expired and amended information, being brought into the market during the festive season.

Asela Bandara said that apart from essential goods, as clothes, electrical appliances and other goods are also sold in high demand during the festive season, raids will be conducted in this regard as well.

He further said that the public with complaints during the festive season can inform the CAA via its hotline 1977. (Newswire)

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The government has issued new guidelines for the prevention of injuries and acute medical conditions related to sports events organized in view of the upcoming April festive season. 

The Health Ministry states irrespective of nationality and religion, each event presents its own set of challenges in terms of crowd management, environmental hazards and health risks, in addition to the risks inherent in each sporting event.

Similarly, sports events organized during festival seasons in Sri Lanka bring together communities in celebration and competition. However, alongside the excitement of competition, there exists a potential for injuries and acute medical conditions to occur, necessitating comprehensive guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of participants and spectators alike.

Recognizing the importance of safeguarding public health and promoting safety during sports events held amidst festival celebrations, these guidelines have been developed to address the unique challenges associated with such events to mitigate the risks associated with injuries and acute medical conditions, the ministry added. 

The following general guidelines have been issued to be followed in all sporting events and for identified specific events: https://shorturl.at/inMOW (Newswire)

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The public has been warned of the circulation of expiring goods under the guise of bargain/ discount sales in view of the upcoming April festive season. 

Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) Information Director Asela Bandara said there is a high possibility of the public being deceived during various bargain/ discount sales being held for the festive season. 

Speaking to the media, he warned that there was a possibility of expiring goods being sold by amending the date of expiry at places offering discounts and bargains for goods.

Asela Bandara requested the public to remain vigilant of such scams and to examine the quality of the products when purchasing goods. 

He added that the CAA will also conduct continuous raids to prevent hoarding by vendors, selling goods above the stipulated prices, and selling expired goods under amended expiry dates. 

The public who faces such issues when purchasing goods has been requested to contact the area CAA office or their hotline 1977. (NewsWire)

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Special train and bus services have been announced today for the convenience of the public returning to Colombo following the April New Year festivities.

According to Daily News, the special train and bus services have been in operation since yesterday (16).

The Deputy General Manager of Railways N. J. Indipolage stated that some special trains are in operation from Badulla, Beliatta and Galle to Colombo today as well.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) Chairman Lalith de Alwis stated that a large number of buses have been deployed to facilitate transportation for those returning to Colombo. (NewsWire)

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Teams consisting of Police and Intelligence officials will be deployed for security purposes during the festive season, Police Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa announced.

Addressing the media, he requested the public to be vigilant of fraudulent activities during the festive season.

“There may be fake vendors selling food items unfit for human consumption. There may be some people selling goods for exorbitant prices. There is a possibility of fake currency notes also being circulated. Please be vigilant of such activities,” he warned.

The Police Spokesman requested the public to refrain from wearing gold jewellery in crowded places and to ensure the safety of their wallets and handbags. 

Police officers have also been instructed to inspect and apprehend persons driving under the influence of alcohol and to take stringent action against those found guilty, he said.

SSP Thalduwa said Police and intelligence officers have been deployed to several areas for the festive season and some officers may be found in civil attire. (NewsWire) 

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A special operation will be launched to apprehend people driving under the influence of alcohol during the April festive season, Sri Lanka Police announced.

Police spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa told the media today that special measures have been taken for this purpose.

Stating that the distribution of breathalyzers to test drunk drivers has commenced, he said they expect to have distributed 167,000 breathalyzers to all areas by tomorrow (07).

SSP Thalduwa requested the public to ensure their safety alongside adhering to the law. 

Several roadblocks will also be set up across the country in a bid to help identify criminals during this festive season, he said. 

The Police spokesman added that the Police will also engage in day and night mobile patrols and also set up checkpoints to ensure security during this period. (NewsWire)

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