Government Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa says a statue of former LTTE member Rasaiah Parthipan, also known as Thileepan, was removed from the Thileepan Memorial Square in Nallur, Jaffna, after facts were reported to the relevant area court. 

Speaking during a televised interview, Minister Jayatissa said that the Police had reported facts to the court and that a case is being deliberated with regard to the statute.

Minister Jayatissa further revealed that commemorative events marking Thileepan’s death anniversary have been held over the years in September in the North using his picture, but this was the first time a statue had been placed. 

“A statue was placed this year, which was removed by the Police. The LTTE is a prohibited group. The laws of our country do not allow the promotion of a banned outfit, including their flags, logo, etc. Legal action will be taken against such activities. Prior to removing the statue, the Police had presented facts to the court. The case in this regard is being deliberated before the court. This was the action taken,” he explained. 

Minister Jayatissa noted that there have been attempts from time to time to cause racial tensions in the country, but the government will not tolerate such actions and will initiate legal action. 

His comments come in response to a question about the removal of a statue of former LTTE member Rasaiah Parthipan, also known as Thileepan, from the Thileepan Memorial Square in Nallur, Jaffna.

The statue was removed by the Police on Sunday (27), a day after commemorative events marking the 39th anniversary of Thileepan’s death concluded at the site.

Thileepan died in September 1987 following a hunger strike in Nallur during which he presented several demands to the Indian government. (Newswire)

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Tilko Blue Ocean Holdings (Pvt) Ltd. has signed an agreement with the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) to develop Yarl Royal Palace, a high‑rise residential project set to become the tallest in Northern Sri Lanka.

Located at No. 107, Kandy Road, Jaffna, overlooking the historic Old Park, the development will feature six levels of modern car parking, 13 residential floors and 78 premium residences. 

The project is positioned as a benchmark for premium urban living in the region and reflects long‑term private‑sector confidence in Jaffna’s economic potential.

Issuing a statement, the company said the BOI agreement marks a key institutional milestone, underscoring confidence in the Northern Province’s ability to attract large‑scale investment.

Beyond its physical scale, the project is expected to generate wider economic activity across construction, engineering, consultancy, building materials, logistics, financial services and property management. It will also create employment opportunities and contribute to the modernization of Jaffna’s urban environment.

Tilko Blue Ocean Holdings highlighted Jaffna’s strong fundamentals for growth, an entrepreneurial community, established professional and educational base, improving infrastructure, valuable urban land and close ties with the global Tamil diaspora. The project aims to strengthen those diaspora connections by offering overseas families, professionals and investors a direct stake in Jaffna’s evolving property market.

The company further noted that while Colombo has traditionally dominated premium residential development, Yarl Royal Palace signals the potential for sophisticated private investment in Jaffna. The project is envisioned as both a distinctive addition to the city’s skyline and a catalyst for further investment in the region.

The company expressed appreciation to the BOI, government authorities, consultants, project teams and stakeholders for their support, adding that Yarl Royal Palace represents a long‑term commitment to building a stronger, investment‑driven future for Northern Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) will host a two‑day Digital Payments Promotional Programme in Jaffna on August 7 and 8, 2026, at Cargills Square from 8.30 am to 7.00 pm, aimed at raising awareness of digital payment methods among government officials, the business community, and the public.

This initiative is part of CBSL’s nationwide campaign under the theme “Shaping the future through digital payments”, conducted in collaboration with financial institutions and stakeholders. 

Similar events have already been held in Hambantota, Nuwara Eliya, Dambulla, Kurunegala, and Trincomalee, successfully creating awareness and enabling businesses and the public to experience the convenience of digital transactions.

The inaugural session in Jaffna will be graced by Northern Province Governor Nagalingam Vethanayahan as Chief Guest, alongside senior CBSL officials, District Secretary M. Piiratheepan, representatives of banks, non‑bank financial institutions, and LankaPay (Pvt.) Ltd. (LPPL), the operator of the national retail payment system.

At the Jaffna programme, participants will receive personalised assistance from banks, finance companies, and e‑money service providers to register and effectively use a wide range of digital payment services. In addition, financial institutions together with LPPL will carry out a merchant engagement initiative in Jaffna town, enabling business entities to adopt the LANKAQR payment acceptance facility.

CBSL has invited members of the public and the business community in Jaffna to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance their knowledge and experience the benefits of digital payments, supported by the guidance and personalised assistance of financial institutions. (Newswire)

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The Jaffna Magistrate’s Court has fined two medical institutions a total of Rs. 400,000 for serious violations of the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) Act, including possession of expired medicines and overcharging patients for blood tests.

The cases were filed by CAA Jaffna District Investigation Officers following raids in July.

• Northern Central Hospitals (Pvt) Ltd, Thirunelvely – Raided on July 29, investigators found expired eye‑surgery medicines, expired Ether Liquid and Hydrogen Peroxide, and expired surgical equipment. The institution pleaded guilty to three charges and was fined Rs. 100,000 per charge, totaling Rs. 300,000.
• New Sun Rise Medi Clinic, Navalar Road – Raided on July 14, the clinic was charged for violating Direction No. 67 by billing Rs. 550 for a Full Blood Count test, exceeding the maximum fee of Rs. 400. The defendant pleaded guilty and was fined Rs. 100,000.

In a special order under Section 60(6) of the CAA Act, the Court directed that details of the judgments against both institutions be published in newspapers to raise public awareness.

The CAA urged the public to remain vigilant and report hospitals, clinics, or laboratories that charge above prescribed fees or keep expired medicines and equipment via the 1977 hotline. (Newswire/ AI Image)

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Construction of the Jaffna International Cricket Grounds is set to recommence once changes in cricket administration are resolved, Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage said.

“Work on the Jaffna International Cricket Grounds has been halted. This is because of the changes made to the cricket administration. Work related to the cricket grounds has been temporarily halted,” he said. 

The Minister noted that funds had already been allocated and the foundation stone was laid in January for the project, which included an indoor stadium, with the intention of completing the facility by September, but a court case was filed by politically motivated groups. 

However, the legal challenge blocked progress, leaving the people of Jaffna at a disadvantage.

“The people of Jaffna are the ones who will suffer a loss because of this move, and these political groups have destroyed the chances of young children of Jaffna. We urge not to destroy children’s dreams and sports opportunities for political motives,” Minister Gamage said, speaking at a public event. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources has launched a major programme to strengthen the livelihoods of Northern fishing communities, presenting recommendation letters to 120 beneficiaries for one‑acre sea cucumber farming projects.

The ceremony, organized by the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA), was held at the Kayts Divisional Secretariat with Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar attending as Chief Guest.

Under the initiative, 20 producer groups, each comprising six members, received recommendation letters granting initial site approval. This step enables them to obtain the mandatory Aquaculture Management Licence, authorizing commercial operations.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Chandrasekar described sea cucumber farming as a sustainable, high‑value livelihood for coastal communities. He emphasized its potential to boost Sri Lanka’s Blue Economy, increase export earnings, and generate valuable foreign exchange.

The Minister further pledged to expand community‑based aquaculture programmes nationwide, aiming to strengthen rural economies, create new employment opportunities, and improve the livelihoods of fishing families. (Newswire)

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The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has initiated legal proceedings against a canteen operating inside the Colombo–Jaffna express train after officials uncovered the sale of drinking water bottles above the stipulated price.

During a raid conducted at the Anuradhapura Railway Station, CAA officers found that bottles marked at Rs. 120 were being sold for Rs. 150, exploiting passengers. 

Officials confirmed that legal action has been initiated against those responsible.

The CAA has also formally notified the Department of Railways in writing about the inconvenience caused to commuters by inflated prices in train canteens. 

Authorities revealed that four similar raids have been carried out recently, targeting canteens inside train compartments. (Newswire)

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Nearly 30 grams of 24‑carat gold valued at approximately Rs. 2.8 million was found in the possession of two women detained alongside a group suspected of attempting to smuggle gold from Sri Lanka to India on Wednesday. 

A customs inquiry into the pair is currently underway.

Customs officials said samples of around 520 grams of a substance suspected to be liquid gold, seized from two other suspects, have been sent for laboratory testing. 

Four more suspects remain under observation at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital until they expel suspected gold substances from their bodies.

Meanwhile, 18 passengers were released yesterday after examinations confirmed no hidden items were discovered.

The incident stems from the detention of 26 passengers, including 17 Indians, three Sri Lankan men and six Sri Lankan women, at Kankesanthurai Port on Wednesday (17). 

Acting on intelligence, Sri Lanka Customs intercepted the group as they prepared to board ferry SG423 bound for Nagapattinam, India. 

Two passengers were initially found with gold, prompting authorities to refer all 26 to the Jaffna Teaching Hospital for further examination.

Customs officials said investigations into the suspects are continuing. (Newswire)

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Jaffna District MP Archchuna Ramanathan was seen removing an offensive cut-out of himself that had been decorated with a garland made of slippers in Jaffna.

The life-size cut-out was placed by the roadside in the Gurunagar area of Jaffna.

Video footage has emerged showing the MP removing the cut-out and placing it in his vehicle. (Newswire)

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Excavations at the Chemmani Sittupattu cemetery site yesterday (15) uncovered skeletal remains of another 10 human bodies, raising the total recovered from the mass grave to 351, the largest such discovery reported from the Northern Province in recent history.

According to reports, Attorney V.K. Niranjan, representing families of the disappeared, said that by the 25th day of the sixth phase of excavations, skeletal remains of 360 bodies had been identified, of which 351 have so far been unearthed. 

The work is being carried out under the direct supervision of Jaffna Magistrate S. Leninkumar, assisted by a team of experts including Senior Professor of Archaeology Raj Somadeva of the University of Kelaniya and Dr. Sellaiya Piranavan, forensic medicine specialist at the University of Jaffna.

Since April 27, 2026, the sixth phase alone has yielded remains of 112 bodies. 

Investigators have also found fragments suspected to belong to small children, along with a piece of gold jewelry and coins. All skeletal remains and items are being securely held under court orders at the Faculty of Forensic Medicine, University of Jaffna. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Police have arrested a 24‑year‑old resident of Udayanagar, Kilinochchi, for allegedly performing songs glorifying the banned LTTE organization during a musical event held on May 31 in Navakkuli, Chavakachcheri.

Investigations by the Jaffna Divisional Criminal Investigation Bureau revealed that the suspect had edited four songs from the event and uploaded them to his TikTok account, portraying them as dedicated to or supportive of the LTTE.

The suspect was produced before court along with his mobile phone on charges under Section 03(g) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, No. 48 of 1978. 

Following proceedings, the court ordered that he be remanded until June 17, 2026.

Further inquiries into the incident are being conducted jointly by the Jaffna Divisional Criminal Investigation Bureau and the Chavakachcheri Police Headquarters. (Newswire)

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The inaugural game of the Lanka Premier League 2026 will be played between the Jaffna and Galle teams, who emerged as the Champions and runners-up, respectively, in the 2024 season, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced today.

Issuing a statement, the SLC said that the opening game is scheduled to be played on July 17 at the SSC Grounds in Colombo, commencing at 7.30 p.m.

Prior to the start of the tournament opener, an opening ceremony will be held at the SSC Grounds in Colombo.

The Lanka Premier League 2026 will be played from July 17 to August 08 across four venues: SSC, Colombo; RDICS, Dambulla; PICS, Pallekele; and RPICS, Colombo.

The tournament is conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket, the owner of the LPL, in partnership with The IPG Group, the event rights holder. (Newswire)

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Seat reservations can now be made for the iconic Yal Devi train service between Colombo Fort and Jaffna, which resumed operations today (11) after months of suspension.

Sri Lanka Railways confirmed that the service will run on a limited schedule. 

The train from Colombo Fort to Kankesanthurai departs at 6:40 am and arrives at 2:33 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. 

The return journey from Kankesanthurai to Colombo Fort departs at 10:30 am and arrives at 7:03 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

Sri Lanka Railways states passengers can book seats online through the official reservation portal at seatreservation.railway.gov.lk.(Newswire)

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The Supreme Court today confirmed the death sentence imposed on four suspects accused of the brutal abduction, gang rape, and murder of Jaffna schoolgirl Sivaloganathan Vidya in 2015.

The suspects include Swiss Kumar and three others, whose crime sparked widespread public outrage across the country.

The ruling upholds the verdict delivered earlier by a three‑judge High Court bench, which found the four men guilty and sentenced them to death.

Vidya Sivaloganathan, an 18‑year‑old schoolgirl from Jaffna, was abducted, gang‑raped, and murdered in May 2015. (Newswire)

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Member of Parliament Archchuna Ramanathan, who had been in remand custody, was ordered to be released on bail today (29) after being produced before the Mallakam Magistrate’s Court.

MP Archchuna was arrested earlier by the Ilavalai Police over allegations that he threatened two women with a firearm during a land dispute in Periyavilaan, Jaffna, on April 25. 

The incident reportedly escalated when the MP attempted to clear land that the court had previously declared belonged to him, while two women also claimed ownership of part of the property.

The confrontation led to the alleged firearm threat, prompting police action. The MP was initially remanded until April 29, while one of the women involved was also arrested the following day.

After he was produced in court today, the Magistrate ordered his release on bail. (Newswire)

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Member of Parliament Archchuna Ramanathan has been arrested in connection with an incident in Periyavilaan, Jaffna, where he allegedly threatened two women by pointing a pistol at them during a heated land dispute.

According to the Police, alongside the MP, one of the women involved in the confrontation was also arrested on Sunday, as investigations into the dispute continue.

The Police state that the confrontation arose when the MP attempted to clear a plot of land he claims ownership of, while another party also asserted rights over the property. 

The dispute escalated when two women confronted him, leading to an argument.

Witnesses reported that the MP, agitated during the exchange, allegedly brandished his firearm and threatened the unarmed women.

The Mallakam Magistrate’s Court had previously issued an order confirming the land belonged to the MP and granting permission for construction. 

However, tensions flared when the MP visited the plot of land, and two women claimed ownership, sparking the incident that led to the arrests.

The Police confirmed that further investigations are underway into the incident. (Newswire)

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Train services on the Northern Railway Line resumed on Thursday (09) following the completion of restoration work on cyclone-damaged sections.

The repairs were carried out with support from the Government of India under a USD 5 million grant, part of a broader USD 450 million assistance package.

The restoration was completed ahead of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, enabling the resumption of a key transport link and improving connectivity in affected areas. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Railways has announced that train services on the Northern line, including the Kankesanthurai intercity train, Night Mail train, and the Yarl Devi train, will resume this week.

According to the Railway Department, services from Jaffna to Kankesanthurai will restart, with the Jaffna Intercity train and Jaffna Night Mail train operating daily from April 9, while the popular Yal Devi train will resume daily operations from April 10.

The department has announced the resumption of services following the completion of repair works to sections of the Northern railway Line damaged by Cyclone Ditwah.

Cyclone Ditwah had caused severe damage to 14 locations along the Northern railway line, forcing authorities to suspend services. Temporary repairs allowed trains to operate at reduced speed between Colombo Fort and Jaffna from December 24, 2025. However, permanent restoration work required another suspension from January 19, 2026.

The repair project, funded with USD 5 million provided by the Government of India, included the reconstruction of the 14 damaged sites, installation of five new bridges along the Mahawa–Omanthai stretch, and completion of the “Kasikote” elephant tunnel. 

With these works now complete, Sri Lanka Railways confirmed that full services on the Northern line will resume, restoring a vital transport link for the region. (Newswire)

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The Jaffna High Court has issued an interim order halting construction of a proposed indoor stadium within the protected Jaffna Old Park complex, overriding an earlier District Court decision that allowed the project to proceed.

During court proceedings last week, it was announced that the order will remain in effect until the final determination of the petition.

When asked if the Attorney General could guarantee that no construction would take place until the injunction is resolved, state counsels requested more time to respond.

The Rs. 170 million project, initiated by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, aims to promote indoor sports in the region. 

However, petitioners argue the site is a historic charitable trust property, gifted in 1853 by British colonial administrator Sir Percival Ackland Dyke.

The High Court will hear objections to the project on April 30. (Newswire)

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Police in Jaffna have carried out raids on several business establishments selling illegal Indian satellite television services, seizing equipment that had been put up for sale.

The inspections were conducted on Thursday (12) under the instructions of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC), which had directed the Police to take action against those engaged in the unauthorized sale and use of such services.

Authorities noted that viewing or paying for Indian satellite TV services within Sri Lanka constitutes a punishable offence. Services such as Sun Direct, Videocon, Tata Sky, and Dish TV have been illegally brought into the country, with equipment sold widely across Sri Lanka. Officials said this has resulted in millions of rupees being transferred unlawfully from Sri Lanka to India.

The TRC has instructed the Police to identify both sellers and users of these services and to initiate legal proceedings against them. Following this directive, the Police have begun inspecting shops involved in illegal sales and taking steps to prosecute the offenders and customers found to be using the unauthorized equipment. (Newswire)

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