Qatar Charity has inaugurated a newly constructed three‑storey Science Laboratory Building at Kalutara Muslim Central College, marking a major investment in education and scientific learning in Sri Lanka.

Valued at approximately Rs. 83 million, the project aims to enhance science education and provide modern learning opportunities to more than 1,500 students studying in Sinhala, Tamil, and English mediums. 

The facility was officially opened by Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof and Mr. Khalil Al Mahmoud, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Sri Lanka. Distinguished guests included Mahmoud Abu Khalifa, Country Director of Qatar Charity Sri Lanka, MP Nandana Pathmakumara, former Minister Ali Sabry, school principal Nafras Nilar, teachers, students, and community leaders.

The new science complex houses four fully equipped laboratories dedicated to Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and General Science, furnished with modern equipment, resources, and safety facilities. It also includes four classrooms with advanced digital display systems to support interactive teaching, alongside a landscaped front garden that enhances the campus environment.

Speaking at the inauguration, Country Director Mahmoud Abu Khalifa reaffirmed Qatar Charity’s commitment to education as a cornerstone of sustainable development. He emphasized that investing in educational infrastructure delivers lasting social and economic benefits by equipping future generations with knowledge and skills. He noted that the project is part of a broader initiative by Qatar Charity, which has previously supported educational facilities in Trincomalee and Ampara, and expressed confidence that the new laboratories will inspire students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, medicine, and research.

The facility is expected to significantly improve learning opportunities by enabling practical experiments and hands‑on scientific investigations. These experiences will deepen students’ understanding of scientific concepts, improve academic performance, and foster critical thinking, creativity, and innovation. Digital classroom technology will further enrich teaching through multimedia and interactive methods, while the modern environment is expected to boost student interest and confidence in science subjects.

Chargé d’Affaires Khalil Al Mahmoud described education as the foundation of national progress and praised Qatar Charity’s contributions as an investment in future generations. He encouraged students to make full use of the new facilities and reaffirmed the strong partnership between Qatar and Sri Lanka in education and human development.

Governor Hanif Yusoof expressed gratitude to Qatar Charity and the people of Qatar for their continued support, stressing that investments in education are investments in the nation’s future. MP Nandana Pathmakumara highlighted the importance of unity and collective development, noting that initiatives of this nature strengthen both educational institutions and international friendship.

The new science laboratory building at Kalutara Muslim Central College stands as a milestone in educational infrastructure, combining modern laboratories, digital learning technologies, and a focus on quality education. It is expected to benefit thousands of students for years to come, underscoring the positive impact of international cooperation and Qatar Charity’s mission to empower communities through education and sustainable development. (Newswire)

The post Qatar Charity opens Rs. 83 million science laboratory complex at Kalutara school appeared first on Newswire.

After nearly nine years of displacement following the 2017 landslide disaster, 16 families from the red‑notice danger zone at Wogan Estate, Dodangoda, Kalutara, will finally receive permanent housing. 

According to the Ministry of Health, the foundation‑laying ceremony for the new homes was held on Wednesday (29) under the patronage of Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa.

The Rs. 57.6 million housing project, implemented under the Ministry of Plantation Community Infrastructure, will provide complete houses with two bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, bathroom, and toilet. 

Construction is scheduled to be completed by December this year, with all 16 houses handed over to beneficiary families. Alongside housing, road systems, electricity, and drinking water facilities will be developed to ensure a safe and sustainable living environment.

Minister Jayatissa emphasized that a house is not merely a building but the foundation of a family’s future, bringing stability, security, and confidence. 

He noted that in the past year alone, financial assistance of Rs. 1 million each was given to low‑income families in Kalutara District to complete 136 houses, while funding is available this year for more than 200 new houses. 

In addition, programmes are underway to build 175 houses across several Divisional Secretariat divisions to meet housing needs in estate areas.

Beyond housing, the Minister said families will receive broader support through concessionary loans, financial assistance, and facilities for self‑employment and small businesses, integrating housing development with wider social empowerment. 

He stressed that beneficiary selection will be free from political favoritism or partiality, with the government committed to transparency and fairness. (Newswire)

The post 09-year wait ends: 16 families displaced by landslides receive new homes appeared first on Newswire.

Two new model villages, Nanda Gama in Kegalle and Jana Aruna Gama in Kalutara, built with Indian grant assistance, were officially inaugurated and handed over to beneficiaries on Wednesday (29).

High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha and Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply Susil Ranasinghe jointly presided over the ceremonies. 

Minister of Environment Dr. Dammika Patabendi joined the event in Kegalle, while Minister of Health and Mass Media Nalinda Jayatissa attended in Kalutara.

A total of 48 families received housing units during the handover. The events drew participation from district parliamentarians, senior officials of the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply, the National Housing Development Authority, and local administrators.

The Model Village Housing Project, launched under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in October 2017 between India and Sri Lanka, aims to provide housing for 600 low‑income families across all 25 districts. Each model village consists of 24 housing units selected by District Housing Committees.

So far, villages have been completed and handed over in 18 districts including Batticaloa, Vavuniya, Jaffna, Kandy, Gampaha, Anuradhapura, Badulla, Matale, Puttalam, Colombo, Trincomalee, Monaragala, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Mullaitivu, Ratnapura, Ampara and Kurunegala. With progress at nearly 98.5%, the remaining five villages are expected to be inaugurated soon. (Newswire)

The post Model Villages in Kegalle and Kalutara handed over to families appeared first on Newswire.

Colombo Additional Magistrate Lahiru Silva today ordered the remand of a Police Inspector until July 3, following his arrest by the Bribery Commission over a Rs.1 million bribe allegedly accepted at a hotel in Kalutara North.

According to reports, the suspect, attached to the Kalutara South Police Station and serving in the Special Crimes Investigation Division, was taken into custody during a sting operation conducted last night (22) after a businessman lodged a complaint with the Bribery Commission.

The court was informed that the officer had demanded Rs.1.1 million to avoid filing criminal charges against a vehicle under inquiry and to return it to its owner. 

Of this amount, Rs.100,000 had already been accepted on May 30. The balance Rs.1 million was allegedly received at the hotel, where Bribery Commission officials arrested the Police Inspector with the money in hand. (Newswire)

The post Police Inspector remanded over Rs.1 Mn bribery allegation appeared first on Newswire.

The Kalutara District Crime Division has arrested a 36‑year‑old Hambantota resident believed to have aided and abetted the fatal shooting of a businessman in the Kalil area of Wettuwakade, Kalutara South, on May 28. 

According to the Police, the suspect was taken into custody in Walagedara, within the Welipenna Police Division, last morning (07) and later handed over to the Kalutara South Police.

Investigations revealed that multiple warrants had been issued against the suspect by the Magistrate’s Courts of Matugama, Kalutara, Tissamaharama, Walasmulla, and Morawaka.

Earlier, three suspects and the driver of the vehicle allegedly used in the crime were arrested for assisting and facilitating the murder. They were remanded until June 15 after being produced before the Kalutara Magistrate’s Court.

The alleged gunman was apprehended on June 3 and is currently being interrogated under a seven‑day detention order. 

Both the suspected shooter and the suspect arrested yesterday are scheduled to be produced before the Kalutara Magistrate’s Court today (08).

The Kalutara South Police are conducting further investigations. (Newswire)

The post Suspect arrested for aiding shooting in Kalutara appeared first on Newswire.

Police have arrested the main suspect in connection with the fatal shooting of a businessman near the Wettumakada Muslim Mosque in Kalutara South on May 28.

The Walana Anti‑Vice Strike Unit apprehended the suspect, identified as 35‑year‑old Imran, who was found in possession of ICE narcotics at the time of arrest.

According to the Police, the victim was travelling on a scooter when gunmen in a motor vehicle blocked his path and opened fire using a T‑56 assault rifle, discharging four rounds. 

The attack occurred around 8.45 am as the victim was returning from the mosque after attending the Hajj festival prayers.

The injured man was rushed to Kalutara Nagoda Hospital but succumbed to his injuries. He was a 38‑year‑old resident of Marikkar Street, Kalutara South, and was known to supply cattle to slaughterhouses.

Investigations are continuing under the supervision of the Walana Anti‑Vice Strike Unit. (Newswire)

The post Main suspect arrested in Kalutara South shooting appeared first on Newswire.

CCTV footage of the fatal shooting of a businessman in Kalutara South has been released to the media, showing gunmen in a car opening fire at the victim as he travelled on a motorcycle in the Wettumakada area.

The deceased has been identified as a 38‑year‑old resident of Kalutara South.

Meanwhile, police have recovered a van suspected to have been used by the gunmen prior to the attack. 

The white van was found abandoned in the Dodangoda area along the Kalutara–Matugama road at midday. 

Police believe the suspects arrived in the van and later switched to a car before carrying out the shooting.

Police later discovered the car, believed to have been used in the attack, abandoned near the Tebuwana Naebada Post Office.

Three police teams under the Kalutara South Police have launched investigations to track down the suspects. (Newswire)

The post CCTV footage released in Kalutara South shooting appeared first on Newswire.

Police in Kalutara South, together with officials from the National Transport Medical Institute, carried out a special operation on Tuesday (19) to check passenger bus drivers and conductors for narcotic use.

According to the Police, the operation was conducted under the instructions of the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Traffic Control and Road Safety. 

During the inspections, eight bus drivers and one conductor were found to be under the influence of drugs while engaged in passenger transport services.

The suspects, aged between 35 and 57, are residents of Payagala, Yatiyana, Dodamgoda, Thebuwana, Meegahathenna, and Kalutara South. 

They were taken into custody and presented to the Kalutara South Police Station. 

Police said further investigations are underway. (Newswire)

The post Eight bus drivers and a conductor arrested for drug use in Kalutara South appeared first on Newswire.

Sri Lanka Police carried out separate raids in Negombo and Kalutara North on Friday (20), leading to the arrest of three suspects for possessing and selling petrol without permits.

Two suspects, aged 51 and 53, were arrested in the Akkara 50 and Dalupotha areas of the Negombo Police Division for the possession of 18 litres of petrol without a permit. 

The arrests were made after officers from the Negombo Police Station conducted a raid based on information received. 

Both suspects are residents of Akkara 50 and Dalupotha. The Negombo Police are conducting further investigations.

Meanwhile, a 32‑year‑old resident of Bosiripura was arrested in the Kalutara North Police Division for possessing and selling 35.5 litres of petrol without a permit. 

The arrest followed a raid carried out by officers from the Kalutara North Police Station acting on a tip‑off. 

Further investigations are underway by the Kalutara North Police. (Newswire)

The post Negombo, Kalutara raids: Three arrested for petrol without permits appeared first on Newswire.

Kalutara district representatives were among those who gathered at Temple Trees yesterday (13 Jan) for an awareness programme on the Government’s Prajashakthi national programme, which aims to eradicate poverty and ensure economic justice through social empowerment. 

The event also brought together community development representatives from Colombo and Gampaha, highlighting the nationwide rollout of the initiative that is now being implemented successfully across all districts.

The national “Prajashakthi” movement launched by the Government to eradicate poverty and ensure economic justice through social empowerment is now being implemented successfully across all districts of the country. 

According to the President’s Office, approximately Rs. 180 billion has been allocated for rural development in the 2026 Budget Estimates and Budget Proposals. Community Development Councils established at the Grama Niladhari division level have therefore been entrusted with a special responsibility in the utilisation of these funds. 

In each newly established Community Development Council, a representative of the Chairperson of the Divisional Coordination Committee has been appointed as Chairperson, while Economic Development Officers attached to the Grama Niladhari divisions have been redesignated as Social Empowerment Officers for this programme and officially assigned duties as Secretaries of the respective Community Development Councils. Each Community Development Council consists of 25 members, including the Chairperson, Secretary, other ex officio members, a Community Development Committee, a Community Representatives’ Group and a Strategic Group. 

Accordingly, the Community Development Councils have now commenced identifying development proposals for the year 2026, prioritising them and preparing integrated village development plans incorporating those proposals. 

The Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, Upali Pannilage, attended the event as the Chief Guest. He spoke at length on how the Prajashakthi national movement could be used to eradicate multidimensional poverty in the country. He also explained the manner in which the President is directly involved in providing national leadership to ensure the success of the movement and to achieve its long-term objectives. In addition, he highlighted the necessity and potential of using the Community Development Council structure to eradicate poverty. He noted that this structure is based on the community participation approach accepted by almost all countries in the world. 

The Minister stressed that poverty eradication cannot be achieved through isolated development projects or programmes alone and that a holistic approach is essential. He pointed out that such an approach must integrate all aspects, including the social environment, food security, human resource development, protection, the productive economy and supply chain management.

He further stated that he expects the Chairpersons, Secretaries and all members of the Community Development Councils to accept the challenge entrusted to them in a positive manner and to work towards achieving the relevant targets by making effective use of the funds allocated for rural development this year. He also expressed confidence that all stakeholders would actively contribute to overcoming the challenges faced by the country. 

The Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Kapila Janaka Bandara, also addressed the gathering and discussed in detail the technical aspects essential for the implementation of this programme. 

He further briefed the Chairpersons and Secretaries of the Community Development Councils of the Western Province on the procedures to be followed by the Councils, the importance of preparing integrated village development plans that represent the proposals and views of the entire community, as well as the identification of projects and the scientific prioritisation of those projects.

Members of Parliament Asitha Niroshana, Samanmali Gunasinghe and Chandana Sooriyaarachchi, the Secretary of the National People’s Power, Consultant Physician Dr Nihal Abeysinghe, the Secretary to the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, Mr Sampath Manthrinayake, along with senior officials of the Ministry and the Prajashakthi Secretariat, were also present at the event. (Newswire)

The post Kalutara representatives briefed on Govt’s Rs. 180B Prajashakthi drive appeared first on Newswire.

The Irrigation Department has warned of a major flood risk within the next few hours in low-lying areas of the Kalu River Basin due to heavy rainfall and rising water levels.

According to the department, areas at risk include;

• Ratnapura District: Pelmadulla, Nivithigala, Ratnapura, Kuruwita, Ayagama, Elapatha
• Kalutara District: Kalutara, Ingiriya, Horana, Dodangoda, Millaniya, Bulathsinhala, Palindanuwara, Madurawala, Agalawatta

Residents and road users in these areas are urged to remain highly vigilant, move to safer locations if necessary, and follow instructions issued by authorities. (Newswire)

The post Kalu River Basin : Flood warnings issued to Ratnapura and Kalutara Districts appeared first on Newswire.

A parcel suspected to contain 10 packets of narcotics has been seized while floating in the seas off the Katukurunda Beach area in Kalutara South this morning. 

According to the Police, the parcel was found based on information received by the Police Special Task Force (STF) Camp in Katukurunda. 

Upon inspection, it was confirmed that the parcel contained 11.9 kilos of Hashish.

Investigations are ongoing to uncover information regarding the suspects and other details connected to this drug parcel. 

The drugs have been handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau for further investigation. (Newswire)

The post Floating high : 11.9 kilos of Hashish found drifting off Kalutara coast appeared first on Newswire.

Five newly built houses were handed over to low-income families in the Kalutara District under the government’s new initiative, “Thamange Theanak – Lassana Jeewithayak” (A Place of Their Own – A Beautiful Life).

The program aims to support families unable to afford building their own homes, providing Rs. 1 million in financial assistance per beneficiary family.

The handover ceremony was held yesterday (06) under the patronage of Health and Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa. The houses were distributed among selected low-income families from the Millaniya, Bandaragama, and Horana Divisional Secretariat areas.

In the Millaniya Division, three families from Venivelpitiya, Yatiyana, and Senapura villages received new homes, while two families from Kumbuka East and Gonapola in the Horana Division were also among the beneficiaries.

So far, the government has distributed Rs. 155 million to 155 selected low-income families in the Kalutara District under this program.

To coincide with World Habitat Day 2025, another 40 houses are being constructed in the district, with Rs. 40 million allocated to the beneficiaries. In total, 195 houses are either completed or nearing completion in the Kalutara District under the initiative.

In addition, Rs. 64.5 million has been released under the “Seva Abhimani Loan Scheme” to 43 government employees without homes, providing each a Rs. 1.5 million housing loan. A fast-track program under the “Sewana Aid Scheme” has also been planned to support disabled and vulnerable families with housing assistance.

The event was attended by Kalutara District MPs Nihal Abeysinghe and Oshani Umanga, along with local authority chairpersons, divisional secretaries, and officials from the National Housing Development Authority. (Newswire)

The post Rs. 1 million homes for low-income families handed over in Kalutara appeared first on Newswire.

A former Kalutara Urban Councillor has been arrested in connection with the incident outside the Fort Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday (26), where a police officer was struck with a bottle.

Police said the former councillor was taken into custody over his alleged involvement in the attack, which occurred during the protest outside the court premises.

The incident occurred when a group of opposition members had gathered in the vicinity of the court ahead of the hearing of the case against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Officials from the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) arrested the 52-year-old man in Kalutara yesterday and handed him over to the Slave Island Police.

He is due to be produced before the Fort Magistrate’s Court today. (Newswire)

The post Former Kalutara UC Councillor arrested over Fort Court bottle attack appeared first on Newswire.

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board has announced that a 12-hour water cut will be implemented across parts of Kalutara tomorrow (05 Aug).

In a statement, the Water Board said the water supply will be suspended from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm tomorrow.

The Water Board further said that the reason for this interruption is urgent maintenance work on the Kalutara water supply system.

Accordingly, the water supply will be suspended in Kalutara South, Kalutara North, Nagoda, Waskaduwa, Pothupitiya, and Wadduwa.

Expressing regret over the inconvenience caused to the public, the Water Board urged residents to use water sparingly during this period. (Newswire)

The post 12-hour water cut in parts of Kalutara tomorrow appeared first on Newswire.

The National People’s Power (NPP) has established power in the Palindanuwara and Walallawita Pradeshiya Sabhas in the Kalutara District. 

NPP candidate Nihal Jeewantha was elected as the Chairman of the Palindanuwara Pradeshiya Sabha by securing 12 votes.

The opposition, Samagi Jana Balawegaya’s (SJB) candidate, had managed to secure only 11 votes during elections held today. 

Meanwhile, NPP candidate Sunil Abeysiri was elected Chairman of the Walallawita Pradeshiya Sabha during a secret vote held today. 

During the elections, the NPP candidate had secured 16 votes, the SJB candidate 05 votes, and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) candidate 03 votes. (Newswire)

The post NPP establishes power in 02 Kalutara Local Councils appeared first on Newswire.

The National People’s Power (NPP) has established power in the Matale and Kalutara Municipal Councils during elections held today.

NPP’s Ashoka Kottahachchi was elected Mayor of the Matale Municipal Council after securing 12 votes. 

Meanwhile, NPP’s Danoj Somaratne was elected Mayor of the Kalutara Municipal Council after securing 17 votes.

During the election, the opposition SJB’s candidate had obtained 13 votes, while one vote had been rejected.  

However, the opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has established power in the Hambantota Municipal Council.

SJB candidate D.A. Gamini was elected Mayor of the Hambantota Municipal Council during elections held today. 

The SJB had won a majority of seats at the local council following the 2025 Local Government Elections. 

The SJB has also established power in the Buttala Pradeshiya Sabha during elections held today.

During the inaugural session of the local council today, SJB candidate Rajika Chathuranga was elected as Chairman of the council by securing a majority of votes. (Newswire)

The post NPP gets Kalutara & Matale MCs, SJB Hambantota appeared first on Newswire.

Six dolphins were found stranded on the Kalutara South beach, it was reported. 

According to the Veterinary Unit of the Wildlife Department, all 6 dolphins have reportedly suffered some kind of accident.

Meanwhile, lifeguards in the area have revealed that the sea has become rough along the Kalutara coast in the past few days. (Newswire/ Image – Ada Derana)

The post Dolphins found stranded in Kalutara South appeared first on Newswire.

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the death of a child and injury of a woman in a petrol bomb attack on a house in Gamagoda, Kalutara. 

Officials from the Kalutara Division Crimes Investigation Division arrested the suspects, aged 23 and 25, who are residents of the Dhodangoda and Kongoda areas in Kalutara. 

The Police have found the motorcycle used in the attack, another petrol bomb, and two mobile phones during the arrest.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the two men had received a contract for Rs. 5000 to carry out the attack. 

The two men had attacked a house in Kalutara with a petrol bomb on 29 March 2025.

A 28-year-old woman had sustained injuries, while a 06-year-old boy who was also injured in the incident had passed away a few days later, while being treated in the hospital. (Newswire)

The post Kalutara child death : Two arrested over petrol bomb attack appeared first on Newswire.

An 18-hour water cut has been imposed in several parts of the Kalutara District due to urgent maintenance work.

According to the Water Board, the water supply has been disrupted from 09.00 am and will continue until 03.00 am tomorrow (Dec 27).

The water cut has been implemented in the Kalutara North, Kalutara South, Wadduwa, Waskaduwa, Moranthuduwa, and Bombuwala areas. (Newswire)

The post 18-hour water cut in Kalutara District appeared first on Newswire.