Two newly constructed post office buildings will be vested in the public this month as part of the government’s ongoing programme to modernise Sri Lanka’s postal service. 

The Mullaitivu Post Office, built at a cost of nearly Rs. 56 million, will open on September 18, while the Kaithady Post Office in Jaffna will be vested in the public on September 19.

In addition, Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, who is spearheading the modernisation programme, will lay the foundation stone for a new post office in Puthukkudiyiruppu on September 18. That project, estimated at Rs. 32 million, is scheduled for completion by April 2027.

Funding for new post office construction was allocated for the first time in a decade under the 2025 Budget, which earmarked Rs. 600 million for new buildings. 

The Mullaitivu and Kaithady facilities were each constructed at a cost of Rs. 28 million from this allocation. Already, seven new post offices and three sub‑post offices built under the same programme have been opened to the public.

The modernisation drive also includes extensive renovations, with nearly 200 post offices and administrative offices refurbished in 2025 using another Rs. 600 million allocation. Additional funding has been provided in 2026 to continue essential development and repair work.

Further investments include Rs. 588 million for vehicles, Rs. 27 million for CCTV systems, Rs. 74 million for desktop computers, Rs. 101 million for tablet computers, and Rs. 31 million for 657 fingerprint machines. 

Solar power systems have also been installed at facilities in Batticaloa, Polonnaruwa, the Central Mail Exchange, and Postal Headquarters, at a cost of Rs. 24 million.

The Department of Posts states the development programme was intended to make the country’s postal service more efficient, modern and accessible to the public. (Newswire)

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Communities in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province are spearheading mangrove restoration in Nayaru Lagoon, Mullaitivu District, under a climate resilience project funded by the Adaptation Fund. 

The initiative, implemented by UN‑Habitat with the Ministry of Environment and the Mullaitivu District Secretariat, has already planted 24,000 saplings, achieving nearly half of the target of 50,000.

The programme places communities at the centre of restoration. Local members manage nurseries and daily planting, while experts provide training on nursery management, species selection, and planting techniques. Mangrove species are chosen based on salinity, tidal conditions, and soil characteristics, ensuring a science‑based approach.

Officials including District Secretary A. Umamaheswaran and Climate Change Secretariat Director Leel Randeni joined UN‑Habitat representatives and community members during a recent field visit to monitor progress and plant saplings along the lagoon.

Key aspects of the initiative include:

• Community ownership: Local residents manage nurseries and safeguard mangroves.
• Science‑based restoration: Species selected to match local environmental conditions.
• Climate resilience: Mangroves provide coastal protection against floods and storms.
• Economic benefits: Restoration expected to boost fisheries, eco‑tourism, and nature‑based enterprises.
• Skills development: Communities gain practical knowledge in nursery management and restoration.

Marking the International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems on July 26, officials emphasized that this model can be replicated in other coastal districts to strengthen resilience and protect ecosystems.

Supported by a USD 2 million Adaptation Fund grant, the broader project “Build resilience to climate change and climate variability of vulnerable communities in Mullaitivu District of Sri Lanka” also focuses on ecosystem restoration, climate‑resilient infrastructure, disaster risk reduction, and livelihood development. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Navy on Tuesday (06 Jan) concluded a dedicated boat service operation that provided vital transportation for the local community following the collapse of the Nayaru Bridge in Mullaitivu. 

According to the Navy, the service was initiated on 29 November 25 to ensure the uninterrupted movement of people and goods across the Nayaru Lagoon, connecting Nayaru and Kokilai, after the bridge was rendered unusable due to severe weather conditions. 

Over the period, the Navy ensured safe and reliable transit, transporting a total of 17,860 individuals and 1,912 motorcycles across the lagoon. 

The special boat service was terminated upon the successful restoration and reopening of the Nayaru Bridge, fulfilling its intended mission. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Army Engineers have restored essential connectivity following the complete collapse of the Nayaru main bridge in Mullaitivu, which was severely damaged by intense flooding caused by Cyclone Ditwah recently.

The collapse of the bridge disrupted vehicular movement along key routes, including the Mullaitivu-Welioya, Mullaitivu-Trincomalee, and Mullaitivu-Kokkilai roads, causing major inconvenience to the public and isolating several communities.

According to the Ministry of Defence, in response, Army Engineer troops carried out urgent repair and bridging operations under challenging conditions. 

A Compact 100 heavy bridge, spanning 120 feet with 12 bays and providing two-way access, was installed to restore safe passage.

The timely intervention by the Army has re-established mobility in this area in the northern part of the island. (Newswire)

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The Maritimepattu local council has issued a notice to the military to shut down a beauty salon operated by the army in Mullaitivu, citing serious harm to the livelihoods of war-affected residents.

According to reports, Chairman of the Maritimepattu Pradeshiya Sabha, Chinnarasa Logeswaran, stated that the decision was made following complaints from local residents.

The notice pertains to the closure of the “Blue Bells Salon,” a beauty salon run by the military on forest department land in Kepapulavu, which falls under the Maritimepattu Divisional Secretariat in Mullaitivu.

Condemning the military’s involvement in such activities, Logeswaran pointed out that these actions severely impact the lives and economy of the local communities.

Logeswaran, a representative of the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK), further warned that legal action would be taken if the council’s directive is not implemented. (Newswire)

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The Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) has arrested an individual for defrauding over Rs. 150 million, promising jobs in South Korea. 

According to the Police, the man was arrested in the Tharekulam area in Poovarasankulam, Mullaitivu, yesterday.

The suspect is a 41-year-old resident of Colombo 15. 

Investigations reveal that the man had defrauded over Rs. 150 million from 150 persons, promising jobs in South Korea. 

During the arrest, the Police seized a Jeep, an Attorney’s Licence for a land, and two mobile phones from the suspect’s possession. 

The CCD is conducting further investigations. (Newswire)

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Four army personnel who were arrested in connection with the death of a young man who drowned in the Muttaiyankattu Tank after entering an army camp in the area, have been remanded until 26th August.

The group was remanded after being presented before Mullaitivu Acting Magistrate S.H. Marus yesterday.

The suspects were presented for an identification parade, during which two of them were identified by witnesses.

The arrests come in connection with the death of 32-year-old Edirmanasingam Kabilraj.

The young man who reportedly entered the Army camp in Mullaitivu to collect scrap iron is reported to have fled upon seeing the army. His body was later found in the Muthiyankaddu tank on 09th August.

The Oddusuddan Police arrested four army personnel, including a sergeant, in connection with the incident. (Newswire)

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Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam says the hartal called by the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) today, over the controversial death of a youth in Mullaitivu, was a resounding success. 

In a post on ‘X’, MP Shanakiyan said, a decision was taken to limit the hartal to 12 pm today, following assurances given by the government on the matter. 

“Following yesterday’s press briefing by the Cabinet Spokesperson, and based on assurances given regarding the investigation and steps being taken towards the removal of army camps, we decided to limit the hartal until 12 pm,” he said. 

MP Shanakiyan further condemned the actions of NPP members in the North and East who have reportedly threatened shop owners to keep their businesses open or face legal consequences.

“Such intimidation is a clear violation of the people’s democratic right to protest,” MP Shanakiyan added. 

The hartal was organized by the ITAK after the death of 32-year-old Edirmanasingam Kabilraj, who reportedly entered an Army camp in Oddusuddan and was later found dead in the Muttaiyankattu Tank. 

Three Army personnel have been arrested and produced in court, though the Sri Lanka Army has denied involvement. (Newswire)

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A hartal is currently underway across several areas in Northern and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka. The protest was organized by the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) in response to the controversial death of 32-year-old Edirmanasingam Kabilraj in Mullaitivu, who entered an Army camp and went missing, and was later found drowned in a nearby tank.

In a media briefing, Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa condemned the circulation of false information and distortions surrounding the incident, urging residents to remain calm and maintain peace. He confirmed that three Army personnel have been arrested and are currently in court as investigations continue.

The Sri Lankan Army has denied any involvement in the death.

The hartal, which began this morning, received support from the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA), and Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC), all calling for shops and businesses to close, especially during the morning hours.

ITAK, in a letter to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, highlighted “the oppressive conduct and excessive presence of the military in the North and the East” and urged Dissanayake to “take immediate steps to remove the excessive presence of the military without delay.” (Newswire)

Hartal in North & East ended at 12 pm. ITAK calls it a success, Govt says it failed pic.twitter.com/VkWJF2Iy7o

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) August 18, 2025

Pictures from Batticaloa:

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Sri Lanka Police have arrested three Army Soldiers in connection with the death of an individual in Oddusuddan, Mullaitivu, last week. 

According to the Police, a group of five persons had illegally entered the camp of the 12th Sinha Regiment at the Muthuiyankaddu area in Shivanagar. The camp is currently being removed from the area, Police said. 

The group, which had illegally entered the camp on Thursday (07) to collect iron and other items, had been spotted by Army officers and had been chased out. One of the persons who entered the camp illegally had later drowned in the Muthuiyankaddu Tank. 

Police investigations have found that the Army officers had assaulted some of the individuals while they were being chased out of the camp.

One soldier was arrested in connection with the assault, while two other soldiers were arrested for having encouraged the group to enter the camp to steal various items. 

The suspects have been remanded until 19 August after being produced before the Mullaitivu Magistrate’s Court on Saturday (09 Aug). 

The group allege that members of the Army camp had invited them to collect various items such as scrap metal, while another group of Army soldiers had attempted to prevent their entry. 

An open verdict has been issued following the post-mortem examination conducted on the body of the victim at the Jaffna Hospital. 

The Oddusuddan Police and Police Special Task Force (STF) are conducting further investigations into the incident. (Newswire)

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The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has released a report on the status of Rohingya asylum seekers detained at the Mullaitivu Air Force Camp following their arrival by boat in December 2024.

The report highlighted concerns over their detention conditions, the legal obligations of Sri Lanka under international human rights laws, and the need to ensure child welfare and protection.

HRCSL Report on the Status of Rohingya Asylum Seekers Detained in Mullaitivu and Related Issues

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Sri Lanka Navy has detected a boat carrying a large number of persons off the coast of Mullaitivu today.

Navy Media Spokesman Captain Gayan Wickramasinghe told Newswire that the boat had been detected in Sri Lankan waters.

Sri Lanka Navy boats have been dispatched to inspect the boat, while the identities and origin of the people on the boat are yet to be ascertained.

Captain Gayan Wickramasinghe said investigations are currently underway by Sri Lanka Navy boats which are currently inspecting the boat to find out why it had entered Sri Lankan waters.

However, media reports state the boat was carrying 103 persons, who were refugees from Myanmar. (Newswire)

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A 23-year-old man has confessed to murdering and burying his wife in the Neeravippitti area in Mullaitivu.

The Mulliyawalai Police had found the body of the 22-year-old woman buried at her residence in Neeravippitti.

The suspect was arrested in Wellampitiya yesterday after having fled the area following the murder.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the suspect had murdered his wife on Saturday night (Oct 21) after which he had buried her body in their backyard.

The incident had come to light after the victim’s mother had filed a complaint with the Mulliyawalai Police claiming that her daughter was missing and her phone was unreachable. 

The postmortem examination will be conducted at the Mullaitivu Hospital where the victim’s body has been placed.

The suspect will be produced before the Mullaitivu Magistrate, while the Mulliyawalai Police are conducting investigations into the murder. (NewsWire)

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Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles has issued a directive for a comprehensive investigation into the events that led to the resignation of Mullaitivu District Judge T. Saravanarajah.

According to reports, Minister Tiran Alles has issued instructions to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to conduct a comprehensive probe into the resignation of the Judge and his departure from the country. 

In a letter addressed to the Judicial Services Commission, dated September 23, 2023, Mullaitivu District Judge T. Saravanarajah informed his decision to step down from the post of District Judge, Magistrate, Family Court Judge, Primary Court Judge, Small Claims Court Judge, and Juvenile Court Judge.

The Mullaitivu District Judge further stated in his letter, that the decision has been taken due to threats to his life and stress, hinting at the Kurunthur Malai case. 

In June 2022, the Mullaitivu District Judge had issued an order prohibiting any form of construction at Kurunthur Malai, an ancient hindu temple. 

However, Justice Saravanarajah is reported to have left Sri Lanka after handing in his resignation in which he had cited threats to his life and undue pressure from state authorities over his ruling pertaining to the Kurunthur Malai case. 

Following his resignation, several law associations in Sri Lanka had called on the state authorities to conduct an inquiry into the allegations, while pointing out the threat to the state’s judiciary. (NewsWire) 

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The Lawyers’ Collective has raised concerns over the sudden resignation of Mullaitivu District Judge T. Saravanarajah.

Issuing a statement, the Collective said that in his letter of resignation addressed to the Judicial Service Commission, Justice Saravanarajah alleges that there were threats to his life. 

The Collective said that it is imperative, given the serious implications it has for matters pertaining to the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law, that the matter be fully investigated with measures to assure independence and impartiality. 

“We believe that transparency is key, and that the general public must be informed of measures taken and the outcome of such inquiry without delay,” the Collective added. 

Meanwhile, the Young Lawyers Association of Sri Lanka has also demanded an impartial investigation into the resignation of Mullaitivu District Judge T. Saravanarajah.

Issuing a statement, the Association said Justice Saravanarajah’s resignation letter claims that he tendered his resignation due to ‘threat’ to his life and due to ‘a lot of stress’. 

Thereafter, a whatsapp message was circulated which contains allegations on Member of Parliament Sarath Weerasekara, the Government and the Attorney General for directly threatening him regarding his orders on the Kurunthur Malai case. 

If these allegations are true it raises serious concerns regarding the executive’s interference in independent judicial functions, the Association claimed. 

The Association demands that the Judicial Service Commission conducts an impartial inquiry into the allegations against the Government and the Attorney General which has been circulated in the media.

Concerns have been raised after Justice Saravanarajah tendered his resignation citing threats to his life due to the court order delivered related to the Kurunthur Malai temple, which is an ancient Hindu Temple. 

It is reported that the Justice had issued an order preventing the construction of a Buddhist Temple in the premises of the Kurunthur Malai temple. (NewsWire)

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Mullaitivu District Judge and Magistrate T. Saravanarajah has handed in his resignation citing threats to his life and undue pressure from state authorities over his ruling pertaining to the Kurunthur Malai case. 

In June 2022, the Mullaitivu District Court had issued an order prohibiting any form of construction at Kurunthur Malai, an ancient hindu temple. 

In a letter addressed to the Judicial Services Commission, dated September 23, 2023, Mullaitivu District Judge T. Saravanarajah informed his decision to step down from the post of District Judge, Magistrate, Family Court Judge, Primary Court Judge, Small Claims Court Judge, and Juvenile Court Judge.

The Mullaitivu District Judge further stated in his letter, that the decision has been taken due to threats to his life and stress, hinting at the Kurunthur Malai case. 

Commenting on the matter, Leader of the Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) Parliamentarian Mano Ganesan said the resignation of Judge Saravanarajah declares Sri Lanka as a Failed State. 

Taking to ‘X’, MP Ganesan said it was the fall of the last bastion, adding that hence, the fear is that it may justify separation in the Tamil national point of view. (NewsWire)

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The President’s Office has assured that no decision has been taken to transfer government lands associated with the Kurundi Rajamaha Viharaya in Mullaitivu to the public.

The matter related to the issue of government lands associated with the Kurundi Viharaya was addressed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe during a discussion held at the Presidential Secretariat recently (08).

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the matter was taken up for discussion after Archaeologist Dr. Ellawala Medhananda Thera had expressed his concerns in a letter to the President.

In his letter, Ven. Dr.  Ellawala Medhananda Thera conveyed that lands not belonging to the Kurundi Viharaya were being instructed to be transferred to the public, despite the presence of scattered ruins of Buddhist monasteries in various locations around the temple. He argued that it would be inappropriate to distribute these lands and highlighted instances where the acquisition of land had been done through coercion. Consequently, he asserted that the ownership of these lands should not be transferred.

In response to Dr. Medhananda’s letter, the President’s Secretary, Saman Ekanayake, sent a clarifying letter dated June 15, 2023. The letter emphasized that Kurundi Viharaya holds significant archaeological value for Sri Lankans and reassured that no decision had been made to transfer government lands associated with the temple to any other party. As a resolution to land-related issues in the North and East regions, it was suggested that lands categorized as forests and wildlife zones prior to 1985 should continue to be protected.

Furthermore, the letter addressed the confusion created by media reports, which erroneously mixed up discussions regarding the ruins of Kurundi Vihara and the Tiriya area. It stated that an investigation had been initiated concerning certain paddy lands surrounding Kurundi Viharaya, and a report would be submitted to the District Secretary of Mullaitivu. The Director General of Archaeology was also notified about this through the President’s Secretary’s letter. Additionally, the government’s commitment to identifying and safeguarding sites and lands of archaeological significance under the jurisdiction of the district secretary was reiterated.

The President’s Secretary also mentioned in the letter to Archaeologist Dr. Ellawala Medhananda Thera that the government sought the assistance of Professor Robin Cunningham, known for his excavation work at the Lumbini Maya Devi Temple in Nepal. The letter added that the plan was to conduct excavations around the Mahaviharaya and prioritize the reopening of the Mahavihara University.  (NewsWire)

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