The Road Development Authority (RDA) reports that Sri Lanka’s expressways generated more than Rs. 441 million in revenue during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year season, covering the eight‑day period from April 10 to 18.

According to reports, RDA Director General Anuradha Hettiarachchi said a total of 1,170,830 vehicles used the expressways during this period. 

He noted that April 10, which marked the start of the festive season, recorded the highest traffic volume, with 161,847 vehicles exiting the expressways.

According to Hettiarachchi, that day also produced the highest revenue, amounting to Rs. 59,815,450. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Police have reported that 42 road accidents occurred across Sri Lanka between April 10 and 15, claiming 44 lives.

Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Traffic Control and Road Safety, W. P. J. Senadheera, said that during the three main New Year days, April 13, 14, and 15, nineteen (19) accidents were recorded, resulting in nineteen (19) fatalities.

Breaking down accidents by vehicle type, he said, motorcycles accounted for the highest number with 16 incidents. 

DIG Senadheera further said other accidents involved three‑wheelers (04), vans (04), cars (02), cabs (02), bicycles (02), and one pedestrian hit‑and‑run.

He also noted that during the same festive period in 2025, 25 accidents and 26 deaths were reported, showing a slight decrease this year.

DIG Senadheera identified drunk driving as the primary cause of the accidents, urging motorists to exercise caution and responsibility during festive travel. (Newswire/ Image- Accident1st)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his Sinhala and Tamil New Year message, called on the public to uphold cultural values and work in unity as the country moves forward amid ongoing challenges.

The full statement: 

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, which symbolises the aspiration for renewal both physically and spiritually, is the foremost cultural festival of the people of this country.

During the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, traditional customs are upheld, with priority accorded to rituals and religious observances, and activities undertaken collectively at a common auspicious time. This shared cultural practice vividly reflects our nation’s identity before the world, as well as the strong socio-cultural bonds that exist among our communities.

We firmly believe that the future path of national development can only be shaped in harmony with this invaluable culture and our distinguished historical heritage. Accordingly, it must be recalled that all our future development plans have been formulated upon the firm foundation of these precious traditions and cultural values.

Moreover, the common aspiration embodied in the customs and rituals associated with the solar transition is the nurturing of a compassionate individual who values togetherness, respects others, and lives in harmony with nature. I believe that the virtues and values of unity reflected in these New Year traditions should not be confined to these few days alone, but should instead be demonstrated throughout the year in our daily conduct.

In the face of the most significant recent natural disaster challenge encountered in the past year, we demonstrated to the world our resilience and capacity to withstand internal shocks. At the same time, in responding to the external challenges arising from the conflict in the Middle East, the Government has already set in motion a well-planned and effectively managed programme to overcome these difficulties.

As a nation, in overcoming these challenges together, I call upon all of you to further dedicate yourselves to enriching your lives through the values of togetherness, sharing, and solidarity exemplified during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year season.

As we strengthen the achievements we have secured and move forward with unwavering resolve in the face of emerging challenges, I invite everyone to join hands in unity to realise the vision of “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life” for all.

I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans for a peaceful and joyous Sinhala and Tamil New Year! (Newswire)

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The Department of Excise has announced that all liquor outlets across Sri Lanka will remain closed on April 13 and 14, in line with the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations.

In a statement, the Department clarified that only tourist board‑approved hotels with an R.B.07 license or special boutique villa licenses will be permitted to serve liquor, and that, too, exclusively to foreign tourists staying at those establishments.

The Department further warned that any license holders found violating the directive by selling liquor during the festive period will face strict legal action under excise law.

The Excise Department urged the public to report complaints related to liquor offences, narcotics, or tobacco violations during this period via the Department’s hotline 1913. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has announced special bus services during the upcoming Sinhala and Tamil New Year festive season.

Addressing the media today, SLTB Chairman Sajeewa Kanakarathna said the special transport service will be in effect from 09 – 21 April.

He further said that special buses will operate from 09- 13 April for passengers travelling out of Colombo. 

Sajeewa Kanakarathna said that from 15 – 21 April buses will be operated for passengers returning to Colombo. 

He noted that an additional 1500 buses will be added to the regular service, in view of the crowds expected during the festive season. 

The SLTB Chairman also stated that 50 buses will be deployed in and around Colombo during this period, based on demand. (Newswire)

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All liquor outlets across Sri Lanka will remain closed on April 13 and 14, coinciding with the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations, Excise Commissioner General M.B.N.A. Pemarathna announced.

With government approval, licensed establishments, including liquor shops, taverns, hotels, restaurants, and karaoke bars, will suspend alcohol sales during these two days.

Pemarathna further said that strict legal action will be taken against any license holders found violating excise laws by selling alcohol during the holiday period. 

He further urged the public to report any illegal liquor trafficking to the hotline number 1913.

Special excise operation units in Galle, Anuradhapura, Kandy, Kurunegala, and island‑wide will be on heightened alert to apprehend offenders engaged in unlawful alcohol distribution during the festive season, he added. (Newswire)

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The National Transport Commission (NTC), in collaboration with the Department of Railways and the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), has announced an integrated transport plan to facilitate passenger travel during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year period from April 8 to 20, 2026.

According to the NTC, around 800 additional inter‑provincial bus journeys will be deployed daily under the supervision of the SLTB and the National Transport Commission. 

These services are expected to cater to the increased passenger demand travelling to destinations such as Matara, Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, Hatton, Monaragala, Embilipitiya, Chilaw, and Galle.

The Department of Railways has also arranged special train services from Colombo Fort station on existing routes, supplementing regular operations. 

Meanwhile, the Western Province Passenger Transport Authority has prepared buses centred on towns, including Nawinna, Gampaha, Kaduwela, Negombo, Avissawella, Panadura, Kadawatha, Kalutara, and Katunayake, to ease travel for passengers heading to villages.

Authorities expect nearly 1.5 million passengers to arrive at bus and railway terminals in Colombo and surrounding towns during the festive period. Sanitary facilities, security measures, and first aid services have been arranged at bus terminals, with officials assigned for special duties.

A 24‑hour operations centre and customer service unit have been established by the National Transport Commission, and passengers can contact the hotline 1955 or 0712595555 (WhatsApp) for assistance. 

Officials also confirmed that inspections will be carried out around the clock to prevent overcharging, ensure service quality, and safeguard passenger safety. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Police has issued a public advisory warning of possible online fraud during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festive season.

According to the Police, with increased use of the internet for purchases, payments, and other transactions during this period, criminals are exploiting the opportunity to carry out financial scams and data theft.

The Police state fraudulent advertisements, fake links, “Avurudu offers”, and giveaways, bogus commercial websites, fake bank promotions, phishing emails and SMS messages, caller ID spoofing, and QR code scams are among the methods identified.

Investigations in past years have shown that some individuals, driven by financial hardship or the lure of quick profits, have fallen victim to such schemes. 

The Police also cautioned that fraudsters often use images of high‑ranking officials, including the President and Prime Minister, to build trust and deceive the public.

The advisory warns that sensitive data obtained through these scams can be misused for phishing attacks, financial fraud, and identity theft.

The Police further urged the public to remain vigilant and exercise caution when conducting online transactions to avoid falling prey to such fraudulent activities. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) has announced a special public health programme ahead of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, aimed at encouraging healthy eating patterns and physical activity among the public.

The initiative, organized by the SLMA’s Non‑Communicable Diseases Committee, will officially release a specially prepared information leaflet (Infographic) today (06) at 12:00 noon at the SLMA Auditorium in Colombo. The leaflet is designed to raise awareness among both the public and the media.

The SLMA, in a statement, highlighted that while traditional festive foods such as kavum, mung kavum, and kokis are an important part of cultural heritage, they are often high in rice flour, refined sugar, and saturated oils. Excessive consumption, particularly by individuals with chronic illnesses, can pose serious health risks.

A Non‑Communicable Diseases Committee noted that patients with diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease often deviate from their usual dietary and exercise routines during the April festive season. 

“The New Year spirit is about friendship and sharing, but it should not come at the cost of long‑term health,” it said, warning that increased intake of salt, sugar, and oil combined with reduced physical activity can raise blood sugar and blood pressure levels, and heighten the risk of heart attacks.

The SLMA said that the programme’s goal is to guide the public in celebrating the New Year while safeguarding both tradition and health.

It further outlined the following key guidelines for a healthy festive season:

1. Portion Control: Taste traditional sweetmeats only in small amounts, avoid consuming them as main meals.
2. Balanced Refreshments: Offer clean water and fresh fruits instead of sugary drinks when serving guests.
3. Proper Medication: Ensure prescribed medicines for non‑communicable diseases are taken on time, even if routines change.
4. Active Lifestyle: Engage in at least 30 minutes of walking daily or participate in active New Year games.

The SLMA added that the information leaflet will be distributed island‑wide in Sinhala, Tamil, and English, offering practical guidance to safeguard health during the festive season. (Newswire)

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The Department of Cultural Affairs states that a discussion is scheduled for next Monday under the leadership of the subject minister, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, to prepare the New Year auspicious times (nekath) sheet.

Issuing a statement, the Department noted that two groups have submitted proposals for the preparation of this year’s New Year auspicious times.

The statement further said that in order to reach a common agreement, the Ministry has already held four rounds of discussions with those groups.

It also said that the views of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and Traditional Arts Sub‑Council have been obtained, but so far, a common agreement regarding the New Year auspicious times has not been reached.

The statement noted that the Ministry of Buddhist, Religious and Cultural Affairs takes necessary steps to safeguard and promote the country’s cultural values, including New Year traditions. (Newswire)

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Officials from former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s camp have denied that a sum of Rs. 98 million had been spent on New Year SMS messages sent to the public. 

Dinouk Colombage, attached to the former President’s office, said that messages wishing the public for Avurudu from the previous Presidents were dispatched free of charge. 

“This is a service provided by the telecom providers,” he said, in a statement on ‘X’. 

His clarification comes after NPP MP Nilanthi Kottahachchi revealed that, according to a news report, last year alone, Rs. 98 million had been spent on sending the annual Sinhala and Tamil New Year SMS message from the President of Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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NPP MP Nilanthi Kottahachchi says Rs. 98 million was saved by the government through not sending the annual Sinhala and Tamil New Year SMS message from the President of Sri Lanka. 

Addressing a political rally, MP Kottahachchi said the President’s New Year message was not sent this year, which was a practice followed by previous regimes.

“The country or the party members did not face any issues just because the President’s message was not sent this year. However, a large sum of money was saved due to this move. According to a news report, last year alone, Rs. 98 million had been spent on this SMS message,” she said. 

MP Kottahachchi said the government has done away with the SMS message which was sent using the public’s money to wish the public, hinting that ending this practice was a victory alone. 

Stating that a President is not appointed to send New Year messages, she added that the correct leader has now been appointed to take forward the country, as he has proven to allocate money for the betterment of the ordinary citizen. (Newswire)

“Rs. 98 million was spent on New Year SMS greetings last year alone,” MP Nilanthi Kottahachchi revealed, adding that skipping the SMS this year has saved the country a significant sum. pic.twitter.com/dRR3uesCY4

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) April 22, 2025

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The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa today (16 Apr), with the participation of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya.

Following the chanting of the blessings of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 am, led by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.

The ceremony was graced by the Maha Sangha, the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.

Addressing the event, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya conveyed New Year wishes to the public. 

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya’s full statement; 

“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties. 

This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and stronger bonds. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited to one dimension; true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.

Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time, and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.

I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.” (Newswire)

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Wine stores across Sri Lanka will remain closed on 12, 13, and 14 April, the Excise Department announced. 

According to the Excise Department, the decision has been taken in view of the upcoming Poya Day (12 Apr) and the Sinhala and Tamil New Year Festival (13 & 14 Apr). 

The Excise Department warned that legal action will be taken against wine stores operating during this period. (Newswire)

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The distribution of an essential goods package for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year Festival, from 01- 13 April 2025, has received Cabinet approval. 

According to the government, a proposal was submitted under the budget 2025 by the President for the provision of an essential goods package for a concessionary price during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year Festive season.

As such, it has been planned to provide a ‘timely food package’ containing essential food items valued at Rs. 5000 for only Rs. 2,500. 

The government expects to select appropriate beneficiaries among 812,753 candidates who have submitted new applications to receive Aswesuma benefits.

Accordingly, the Cabinet approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development along with the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation.

Approval has been granted to take necessary steps to provide the food package to the beneficiaries through Lanka Sathosa outlets and Sri Lanka Consumer Co-operative Societies Federation outlets from 01- 13 April. (Newswire)

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Welcoming 2025: The skies at Galle Face Green lit up with a spectacular display of fireworks and a drone show to welcome the new year.

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Sri Lanka Police has announced that a special traffic plan will be implemented in the vicinity of the Galle Face Green in Colombo in view of celebrations to dawn the New Year.

The Police said a large crowd is expected to visit the Galle Face Green during New Year’s Eve, tomorrow (Dec 31), to celebrate the dawn of 2025.

As a result, heavy traffic is expected in several parts of Colombo, including Pita Kotte, Fort, Slave Island, Maradana, Colpetty, Bambalapitiya, and Cinnamon Gardens. 

The Police said, therefore, a traffic plan will be implemented to manage traffic, adding the public will not be allowed to park their vehicles near Galle Face tomorrow. 

However, parking has been arranged at free or private parking areas in the above-mentioned areas, with the public being urged to use them when visiting Galle Face. (Newswire)

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Senior lawyer Thishya Weragoda has raised concerns over the recent arrest of an individual for singing and sharing a distorted version of Rohana Beddage’s Soorya Mangalya New Year song on social media.

A 31-year-old Excise officer from Wariyapola was arrested yesterday over the incident. 

Commenting on the incident, Senior lawyer Thishya Weragoda pointed out that it was not normal to arrest people for such acts in the guise of maintaining morality, adding that it was not the business of the State.

“Section 287 of the Penal Code says “Whoever sings, recites, or utters in or near any public place, any obscene song, ballad, or words to the annoyance of others, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months or with fine or with both.” To my mind, I do not see any criminal offence in this situation. The lyrics created were for obviously satirical and humorous purposes,” he further pointed out.

Senior lawyer Thishya Weragoda warned that allowing to accept the extreme or narrowest of views on ‘obscenity’ as the contemporary community standard, as attempted by the Police would only hold the rest of the nation in ransom to such views and prevent the progression of the freedom of expression.

The full statement of Senior lawyer Thishya Weragoda;

Anyone who has been to a big match knows that we distort all songs into profanity and sing them happily for all and sundry to hear. Anyone who has been to a local university knows of the profane version of the Jayamangala Gatha which is sung when two students start dating. 

And that is normal in a normal society. What is not normal is arresting people for such acts in the guise of maintaining morality, which is not the business of the State, unless, of course, we are either Saudi Arabia or Iran. We have seen this sort of behaviour from the ‘Moral Police’ of the Sri Lanka Police, in the past, when the Pahanthudawa couple and Pidurangala boys were arrested. 

It was reported today that a complaint to the Police made regarding the publication of a distorted version of an Avurudu song has resulted with the arrest and production of a person before the Court. The swift nature in which the Police have acted in arresting the individual leaves much to be desired. Maybe we should get the police to sit and listen to some songs by ‘Weird Al Yankovic” so that they understand what they are really doing. 

Section 287 of the Penal Code says “Whoever sings, recites, or utters in or near any public place, any obscene song, ballad, or words to the annoyance of others, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months or with fine or with both.” 

To my mind, I do not see any criminal offence in this situation. The lyrics created were for obviously satirical and humorous purposes. Clearly it had no intention to cause annoyance to others. Secondly, whether a post on a private page of a person could amount to a public place is another question that requires a deeper question. For me, if at all there may be a copyright infringement action, but that too has very slim chances of success. However, we also do know that our police are very good at creative writing when it comes to tendering B-Reports to the Magistrate’s Courts. 

Our Constitution provides for the freedom of thought and speech. The freedom of speech is to be exercised without any value attached to the quality of the words spoken, or in this instance what is typed. 

Thus, the real test is whether anyone was annoyed by the publication. We must all remember that to “annoy”  another is a subjective matter. Thus, in law, we have created an imaginative reasonably prudent person called the “reasonable man” who objectively determines whether something is right or wrong in the eyes of ‘contemporary community standards’. 

These community standards are not extreme in one way or another, – not extremely hard-line and conservative nor extremely liberal. The Police seem to be implying that an extremely narrow and hardline should be used. To do so would mean that the society is not progressive and is left conservative not leaving room for creativity. 

In Millar v. California (1972) 413 U.S. 15 it was held that ‘community standards’ do not refer to a national standard, ‘the average person, applying contemporary community standards’ is to be certain that, so far as material is not aimed at a deviant group, it will be judged by its impact on an average person, rather than a particularly susceptible or sensitive person—or indeed a totally insensitive one.” Brockett v. Spokane Arcades Inc (1985) 472 U.S. 491 it was held that ‘obscene’ material is “material whose predominate appeal is to “a shameful or morbid interest in nudity, sex, or excretion.” 

We must keep in mind that allowing to accept the extreme or narrowest of views on ‘obscenity’ as the contemporary community standard, as attempted by the Police would only hold the rest of the nation in ransom to such views and prevent the progression of the freedom of expression. In  Ashcroft v. American Civil Liberties Union (2002) 535 U.S. 564 it was held that “to read the statute as adopting the community standards of every locality in the United States would provide the most puritan of communities with a heckler’s veto affecting the rest of the Nation.” Thus, we must denounce the attempts to hold the rest of the nation for ransom to the whims and fancies of some extremely conservative views held by individual police officers. 

I believe that it is time, for once and for all our Courts too, emphatically to take the view as expressed by the US Supreme Court as far back as 1966 in Mishkin v. State of New York  (1966) 383 U.S. 502 that “I wish once more to express my objections to saddling this Court with the irksome and inevitably unpopular and unwholesome task of finally deciding by a case-by-case, sight-by-sight personal judgment of the members of this Court what pornography (whatever that means) is too hardcore for people to see or read.” 

So maybe it’s time that the police finally learned their lesson and stopped interfering with issues of morality. (Newswire)

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The National oil anointing ceremony of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year Festival was held today (Apr 15) under the patronage of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.

According to the PM’s Office, the event, organized by the Ministry of Indigenous Medicine, was held at the Wattala Hendala Purana Rajamaha Vihara at the auspicious time of 10.17 am.

PM Dinesh Gunawardena was anointed by Ven Higgoda Chandima Nayaka Thera, the Chief Incumbent of the Wattala Hendala Rajamaha Viharaya.

Meanwhile, the Maha Sangha anointed the people who attended the state ceremony.

PM Dinesh Gunawardena presented a high-nutrition, high-medicinal value Moringa plant to the Handala Purana Rajamaha Vihara Dayaka Sabha for planting on the auspicious time for tree planting that falls on April 18.

The PM also offered his best wishes to the people for their good health, as expected from the oil anointing ceremony.

The Ministry of Indigenous Medicine also took steps to provide the Sinhala New Year Almanac and Nanu required for the oil anointing ceremony to Indigenous Medical Practitioners and all the temples. (Newswire)

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