The Sri Lanka Navy, with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, has seized approximately 125kg of smuggled Kendu leaves during a joint search operation in the Periyapadu coastal area of Puttalam.

According to the Navy, the operation was conducted on Friday morning (16) by personnel attached to SLNS Thambapanni of the Northwestern Naval Command, together with Coast Guard personnel.

During the search, naval personnel inspected three suspicious sacks found along the coast and discovered the stock of Kendu leaves.

The Navy suspects that smugglers may have abandoned the consignment due to increased naval surveillance in the area.

The seized Kendu leaves were handed over to the Puttalam office of the Department of Excise for further legal proceedings. (Newswire)

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At least 12 people were injured after a luxury bus veered off the road and overturned near the Mee Oya Bridge on the Puttalam–Anuradhapura Road last night (16).

According to Police, the bus was travelling from Colombo to Anuradhapura when it veered off the road and overturned due to adverse weather conditions.

The injured, including seven women, a girl and four men, were admitted to the Puttalam Hospital with minor injuries.

Police said the bus driver and conductor were also among those injured.

Puttalam Police are conducting further investigations into the accident. (Newswire/ Image- Accident1st)

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Japanese Ambassador ISOMATA visited the construction site of the Doppler Weather Radar Network in Puttalam, a landmark project funded under Japan’s Grant Aid to bolster Sri Lanka’s disaster preparedness and climate resilience.

Valued at approximately JPY 2.66 billion (LKR 3.04 billion), the project represents one of the most significant investments in Sri Lanka’s meteorological infrastructure. 

The state‑of‑the‑art radar system is designed to enhance real‑time weather monitoring and short‑range forecasting, providing authorities with the tools to issue timely alerts and protect communities from extreme weather events.

In a statement, the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka said that the radar network will play a crucial role in helping protect local communities across the island from extreme weather events. (Newswire)

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A coordinated search operation by the Sri Lanka Navy and the Police Special Task Force (STF) led to the arrest of a man and the seizure of 7,000 foreign cigarettes in the Mullipuram area of Puttalam.

The operation was carried out following intelligence received by SLNS Thambapanni under the Northwestern Naval Command. 

Naval personnel from SLNS Vijaya, together with STF officers, searched a house in Mullipuram and discovered the stock of foreign cigarettes stored illegally.

The suspect, a 49‑year‑old resident of Norochcholai, was taken into custody. 

Both the individual and the seized cigarettes were handed over to the Puttalam Police for further legal action. (Newswire)

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Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Sampath Thuyacontha on Wednesday (29) inspected the Doppler Weather Radar Network project site in Puttalam, a Japanese grant‑funded initiative expected to significantly boost Sri Lanka’s weather forecasting and disaster preparedness.

Upon arrival, the Defence Secretary was welcomed by Department of Meteorology Director General A.L.K. Wijemannage, who briefed him on the scope and importance of the project before the site tour. 

Project engineers provided updates on construction progress, achievements since his last visit in July 2025, and the implementation schedule.

According to officials, installation of the radar system is slated to begin in January next year, with full completion targeted for July. 

The Defence Secretary expressed satisfaction with the progress and emphasized the need to meet deadlines to strengthen resilience against extreme weather events.

Once operational, the Doppler Radar Network is expected to greatly enhance forecasting accuracy and provide timely alerts to safeguard lives and property during severe weather. (Newswire)

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Under the leadership of Environment Minister Dammika Patabendi, the government has formally declared eight mangrove forest systems in the Puttalam District as new reserves, with the gazette signed yesterday (27) at the Ministry of Environment.

The move forms part of the national program “Give Space for Mangroves to Breathe”, implemented in line with the government’s environmental policy “A Sustainable Biosphere – Evergreen Life.” 

Coinciding with International Mangrove Ecosystem Conservation Day on July 26, the declaration marks another significant step under the broader “Vanaspathi” program.

The newly protected mangrove forests, Thilliyadiya, Sammattawadiya, Muthalapali, Kudawa, Kumbutu Kuliyawa, Karambe, Kandakuliya, and Mandala Kudawa, cover a total of 176.67 hectares.

Officials state the initiative aims to raise public awareness of the importance of mangrove ecosystems, while promoting their sustainable management, conservation, and responsible use.

In 2025, several mangrove forests in the Puttalam and Chilaw range offices were also declared reserves under the same program, bringing about 67 hectares under protection.

Sri Lanka currently has approximately 12,500 hectares of mangrove land, the largest extent concentrated in lagoon and estuary areas of the Puttalam District. Research has identified 11 species of mangroves recorded across the island. (Newswire)

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Train operations on the Puttalam railway line have been limited to Chilaw station after several sections of track near Thilladi were submerged by floodwaters, the Railway Department announced.

In a statement issued this afternoon, the department said adverse weather conditions had inundated multiple points along the line, forcing services to be curtailed. 

Rising water levels are expected to continue, prompting the suspension of trains beyond Chilaw for both today and tomorrow (May 14).

As a result, the Puttalam office train and all other scheduled services will operate only between Colombo Fort and Chilaw today, while tomorrow morning trains will commence journeys from Chilaw station.

The Railway Department added that updates on train operations between Chilaw and Puttalam will be provided depending on weather and track conditions. (Newswire)

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A major stock of narcotics seized during Police raids was destroyed today (27) under the supervision of judicial authorities.

The haul of narcotics was destroyed following the conclusion of related court proceedings.

The destruction took place in the presence of Balapitiya Magistrate Pavithra Sanjeewani Pathirana and Halawatha Magistrate Harsha D. Silva, after cases connected to the seizures had been fully adjudicated in their respective courts.

It is reported that nearly 302 kilos of narcotics seized in raids by the Police Narcotics Bureau are being destroyed at the Lactowatta incinerator in Vanathavilluwa in Puttalam. (Newswire)

Narcotics seized during raids by the Police Narcotics Bureau were destroyed today after the conclusion of court proceedings at the Balapitiya and Chilaw courts, in the presence of Magistrates Pavithra Sanjeewani Pathirana and Harsha D. Silva. pic.twitter.com/MJ9gfeZzGk

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) April 27, 2026

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Nearly 302 kilos of narcotics seized in raids by the Police Narcotics Bureau are scheduled to be destroyed today, following the conclusion of related court proceedings.

The Balapitiya and Chilaw Magistrates’ Courts recently finalized cases connected to the raids, clearing the way for the disposal of the narcotics.

The haul includes 22.888 kilos of heroin, 33.172 kilos of Kerala cannabis, and 247.940 kilos of cannabis.

Earlier this morning, the Police Narcotics Disposal Division began transporting the stockpile stored at the Balapitiya Magistrate’s Court complex to the Lactowatta incinerator in Vanathavilluwa in Puttalam. (Newswire)

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High Commissioner of India, Santosh Jha, visited the Udappuwa village during his visit to Puttalam District on Tuesday (17), during which he paid respects at the Udappuwa Sri Parthasarathy Temple and interacted with the people of the village. 

According to the Indian High Commission in Colombo, the residents of this Udappuwa village trace their roots to Akkamadam and Thangachimadam in Rameshwaram in Southern India.

During the interaction with the Indian High Commissioner, the residents conveyed that their ancestors came to Sri Lanka in the 17th century and settled down in the region. They highlighted that they have preserved their distinctive traditions and customs to date, which include worship of Sri Draupadi Amman and a fire walking ritual on the temple premises during an annual festival.

High Commissioner Santosh Jha highlighted that the residents of Udappuwa represent a distinctive facet of the deep people-to-people links spanning centuries between the two countries. 

He informed them of the initiatives being undertaken by the Government of India in coordination with the Government of Sri Lanka to restore connectivity and strengthen healthcare in Puttalam as part of the USD 450 million post-Ditwah rehabilitation package being implemented by India across the country. 

He further reaffirmed India’s commitment to continue to stand firmly with Sri Lanka in support of the progress of all Sri Lankans, including Indian Origin Tamils, across the Island. (Newswire)

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A massive stock of narcotics seized in recent raids by the Police Narcotics Bureau is scheduled to be destroyed today (13) under court orders, at the Lactowatta incinerator in Vanathavilluwa, Puttalam.

According to the Police, following the conclusion of cases heard before the Colombo High Court, authorities confirmed that 40.533 kg of heroin, 132.79 kg of ketamine, 55 grams of cocaine, and 3,482 narcotic pills will be incinerated this morning. 

The narcotics stock was transported from the Colombo High Court Complex to Vanathavilluwa at 6:00 aam today, under the custody of Police Narcotics Bureau officials. (Newswire)

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Reliable access to safe drinking water has been restored in cyclone-hit communities of Puttalam and Nuwara Eliya, through targeted interventions by the Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management Sri Lanka (A-PAD SL) and its international partners. 

According to the Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management, Sri Lanka, in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, access to safe drinking water quickly emerged as one of the most urgent humanitarian needs across Sri Lanka. Floodwaters contaminated water sources, disrupted supply systems, and left thousands of families, schools, and communities vulnerable to water-borne diseases during a critical period of recovery.

Responding to this need, the Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management Sri Lanka (A-PAD SL), together with international partners, implemented targeted water security interventions in Puttalam and Nuwara Eliya districts, restoring reliable access to safe drinking water for vulnerable populations.

In Puttalam, A-PAD SL implemented a household and community water intervention in the Karuwalgaswewa Divisional Secretariat Division of Puttalam District, one of the areas hardest hit by flooding. With the generous donation of family and community water filters from Aquabox, and logistical coordination provided by Airlink, A-PAD distributed 360 family water filters to flood-affected households and installed 20 community filtration units at schools and public gathering centres. Each community unit can serve up to 400–500 people daily, contributing to sustained access to safe drinking water for communities.

In the Nuwara Eliya District, A-PAD SL partnered with Wine to Water, with logistical support from Airlink, to distribute 500 DROP water filters to schools across the Divisional Secretariat divisions of Nuwara Eliya, Walapane, Nildandahinna, and Kotmale. Post-cyclone assessments identified schools as priority locations, where limited access to clean water placed students and teachers at heightened health risk. Ensuring safe drinking water within schools not only protects health but also supports educational continuity, creating safer learning environments as communities recover. Training sessions with principals, teachers, and students ensured sustainable use and long-term impact.

The initiatives were carried out in close coordination with the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), the National Disaster Relief Services Centre (NDRSC), and local government authorities, whose support enabled efficient delivery of humanitarian assistance.

Through strong partnerships and community engagement, A-PAD SL continues to advance early recovery efforts – ensuring that access to safe water remains a foundation for health, dignity, and long-term disaster resilience. (Newswire)

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A stock of 170 kilograms of heroin held as case material will be destroyed after completing the required court procedures, Police officials said.

The narcotics were released following formalities at the Puttalam Magistrate’s Court and will be transported under heavy security to the Police incinerator in Puttalam, where the destruction process is scheduled to take place this afternoon.

Police said the consignment is being moved under the protection of the Special Task Force, ensuring maximum security during transport and disposal. (Newswire)

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Indian Army Field Engineers have commenced restoring a bridge affected by Cyclone Ditwah on the road connecting Chilaw and Puttalam.

It is reported that the team from India arrived last night and completed their unloading at 07.30 am today.

They reached the location north of Colombo for site inspection and are expected to start working at the earliest. (Newswire)

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Two individuals have been reported dead in Puttalam after consuming liquid from a bottle that was found floating in the sea. 

According to the Police, two others are currently receiving treatment at the Puttalam Hospital. 

The Police said the group of four had consumed the liquid while at a fishing hut in the Norochcholai area in Puttalam. 

Following the death of one individual in the hospital, the Police had launched a probe into the incident. 

Thereafter, the Police found the body of another individual at the fishing hut. 

The Police are conducting further investigations. (Newswire)

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A suspect has been arrested while transporting a stock of smuggled agrochemicals in Puttalam on Tuesday (19).

Strengthened naval security and intelligence led to the apprehension of the suspect in the Ethathalai area.

The operation was carried out by SLNS Vijaya of the Northwestern Naval Command.

Upon search of the suspicious lorry, a stock of agrochemicals, including pesticides and herbicides, was recovered.

The suspect, a 41-year-old resident of Thalawila, along with the lorry and the consignment of agrochemicals, has been handed over to the Kalpitiya Police for legal action. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says that discussions have been held on environmental concerns, and the government now hopes to connect Mannar and Puttalam through an alternative and new approach through the road currently under construction.

The President pointed out that opening this route would reduce the distance to Puttalam by approximately 90 km.

“You’re the ones who are familiar with this area. That’s why we will not allow destructive projects that harm the environment. Every project must be carried out with public consent and with minimal environmental damage. You know that the road between Mannar and Puttalam has been closed for a long time. Reopening it will reduce the distance to Puttalam by about 90 km. We are now exploring new ways to connect Mannar and Puttalam with alternative proposals while considering environmental concerns,” he said.

President Dissanayake further stated that it is the duty of the government to provide convenience to the people and not to burden them or trap them in problems.

“That is why we have built a government that listens to the people and works for the people,” he added. (Newswire)

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A female Attorney, who had been remanded by a Puttalam High Court Judge on charges of contempt of court on 28 March, was released from the Wariyapola Prison today following interim orders from the Court of Appeal. 

The President of the BAR Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), Rajeev Amarasuriya, several members of the ExCo and a large number of Attorneys-at-Law visited the Wariyapola Remand Prison.

According to the interim orders issued by the Court of Appeal, the Attorney at Law concerned was released from the Wariyapola Remand Prison today. 

The female Attorney was remanded by High Court Judge of Puttalam Nadee Aparna Suwandurugoda on charges that she had entered court without bowing, which allegedly amounts to not showing due respect.

The other charge against the Attorney was that she intentionally addressed the Court without due respect when she appeared for an accused for a bail hearing on March 7.

However, taking into consideration the urgent hearing called for by the BASL on behalf of the female Attorney, the Court of Appeal ordered that the decision to remand be suspended and that she be immediately released from prison. (Newswire)

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A man was killed in Haldanduwana, Chilaw, after being hit by a vehicle belonging to Puttalam District NPP MP Mohamed Faisal.

The vehicle, which was en route to Parliament, was driven by a relative of the MP at the time of the accident. 

The driver has been arrested, and investigations are underway. (Newswire)

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Three persons among four who were engaged in construction work were reported dead after being electrocuted in the Norochcholai area in Puttalam yesterday. 

The Police said that the group was engaged in construction work of an event hall when they had been electrocuted.

Preliminary investigations reveal that the four persons had been on top of a metal ladder and had been working on electrical work, when the power supply had come in contact with the ladder, electrocuting them.

All four electrocuted individuals were admitted to the Puttalam Hospital, during which three persons had died. 

The deceased are aged 16, 22, and 29 years old and are residents of Puttalam. (Newswire)

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