Sri Lanka’s first “Skills Development and Day Care Centre” for children with disabilities was inaugurated yesterday (17) in the Kinniya Divisional Secretariat Division, Naduuttu Grama Niladhari Division, Trincomalee.

The initiative is part of the government’s “Prosperous Country – Beautiful Life” policy, under the chapter “Unhindered Social Life – Equitable Access,” which seeks to build an inclusive society ensuring equal opportunities for all. 

The Department of Social Services, under the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security, and Community Empowerment, has planned to establish 25 such centres across all administrative districts.

Under the 2026 budget, Rs. 250 million has been allocated to construct 10 centres in Trincomalee, Ampara, Mullaitivu, Kurunegala, Anuradhapura, Galle, Matara, and Hambantota. The Trincomalee centre is the first to be opened, with ministers and officials presiding over the ceremony.

The district is home to around 280 children with disabilities, including 100 in Kinniya. The new centre can serve up to 100 children, with transport provided by the Lanka Transport Board to ease the burden on parents and guardians. 

Appointment letters were also handed to preschool teachers, caretakers, and office assistants to staff the facility.

Speaking at the event, Minister Dr. Upali Pannila emphasized that the government’s priority is to ensure the well‑being of all citizens regardless of race, religion, language, or disability. 

He highlighted the importance of empathy in social service and noted that the programme is being implemented under the concept of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. 

Ten centres are planned for this year, with another 15 to follow next year, ensuring coverage across all 25 districts.

The opening ceremony was attended by senior ministry officials, district representatives, and a large gathering of residents. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Defence Major General (Retd) Aruna Jayasekara co‑chaired a Public Day Programme at the Trincomalee District Secretariat office on Tuesday, alongside Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and District Development Committee Chairman Arun Hemachandra.

The programme provided a platform for members of the veteran community and the general public to present their concerns, grievances, and development‑related issues directly to the relevant authorities.

During the event, the Deputy Minister reviewed a wide range of matters raised by veterans and residents, instructing officials to take necessary actions in an efficient and timely manner. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Police have arrested 17 foreign nationals in two separate raids this week for allegedly staying in the country without valid visas.

On Thursday (14), a team from the Panadura Walana Central Strike Unit raided a hotel in the Waskaduwa area under the Kalutara North Police Division. 

Fourteen foreign nationals were taken into custody, including 12 Chinese nationals aged between 22 and 56 years and two Malaysian nationals.

Meanwhile, officers from the Trincomalee Police Station raided a hotel in the Murugaripuri area of the Trincomalee Police Division yesterday, arresting three Indian nationals aged 49 and 50 years for similar visa violations.

The Police said further investigations into both incidents are being carried out by the Kalutara North Police and the Trincomalee Police, respectively. (Newswire/ File Pic)

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The Ministry of Health has suspended a senior medical officer at the Trincomalee District General Hospital following revelations of negligence linked to the deaths of infants during childbirth.

According to the Independent Television network (ITN), the suspension was ordered last Friday by the Health Ministry Secretary after a preliminary investigation uncovered serious lapses in duty. 

The inquiry was launched in response to the Government Medical Officers’ Association announcing a strike on April 9, citing the tragic incident of infant deaths.

Investigators found that on April 9, at around 8.45 am, a newborn at the hospital’s maternity ward was in distress. Although a resident midwife raised the alarm, proper medical attention was not provided, and official responsibilities were neglected. 

The probe revealed that the mother’s suffering was prolonged, complications were allowed to develop, and even when patients were admitted, adequate care was not given.

Further findings showed that the doctor failed to participate in the delivery, leaving no opportunity to prevent complications. Despite the mother showing symptoms such as fever and cold, medical intervention was lacking. 

The Health Ministry noted that similar irregularities in duty had been observed in the past, and these were highlighted in a letter issued by the Secretary.

The Ministry confirmed that disciplinary steps were taken following the misconduct. 

The doctor at fault has been identified as a specialist serving as the President of the Government Medical Officers’ Association at the Trincomalee District General Hospital. (Newswire)

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Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri says the Trincomalee oil farm project and the India–Sri Lanka oil pipeline were discussed during Indian Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan’s visit to Sri Lanka.

Addressing the media in Colombo on Sunday (19), Misri said the planned oil hub in the northeastern port of Trincomalee was taken up in a meeting with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

He noted that the project, which also involves the United Arab Emirates, has been under discussion since 2023. While there is no timeline yet, he described it as a strategic initiative with a significant final outlay.

“There is no further time to lose in making progress on strategic projects such as these,” Misri said, adding that both sides agreed on the need to get the project off the ground quickly. 

He remarked that had the energy hub been completed, it could have been particularly useful “at a time like this,” referring to the impact of the Middle East conflict.

Sri Lanka, India, and the UAE signed an agreement a year ago, following two years of talks, to establish a multi‑product oil pipeline connecting the two South Asian neighbours and to set up the Trincomalee oil storage complex. (Newswire/Economic Times)

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Four Buddhist monks, including Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thera, and five others have been further remanded until 11 February in connection with an incident involving a Buddha statue in the Trincomalee area.

The group was further remanded after being produced before the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court today. 

On November 16 last year, unrest arose after attempts were made to remove a Buddha statue placed at a temple in Trincomalee.

However, regarding this incident, the Coast Conservation Department lodged a complaint with the police, stating that the construction was unauthorized, and when attempts were made to remove the statue, strong opposition was raised by monks and local residents.

In relation to the case being heard at the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court, the parties involved were summoned, and the court ordered that they be remanded on charges of violating coastal conservation laws by the placement of a Buddha statue at the Trincomalee Bodhiraja Vihara.

Since then, the group has been further remanded over the incident. (Newswire)

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Four Buddhist monks, including Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thera, and five others have been further remanded until 02 February in connection with an incident involving a Buddha statue in the Trincomalee area.

The group was further remanded after being produced before the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court today. 

On November 16 last year, unrest arose after attempts were made to remove a Buddha statue placed at a temple in Trincomalee.

However, regarding this incident, the Coast Conservation Department lodged a complaint with the police, stating that the construction was unauthorized, and when attempts were made to remove the statue, strong opposition was raised by monks and local residents.

In relation to the case being heard at the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court, the parties involved were summoned, and the court ordered that they be remanded on charges of violating coastal conservation laws by the placement of a Buddha statue at the Trincomalee Bodhiraja Vihara. (Newswire)

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Four monks including Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thera, and five others have been remanded in connection with an incident involving a Buddha statue in the Trincomalee area.

On November 16 last year, unrest arose after attempts were made to remove a Buddha statue placed at a temple in Trincomalee.

However, regarding this incident, the Coast Conservation Department lodged a complaint with the police stating that the construction was unauthorized, and when attempts were made to remove the statue, strong opposition was raised by monks and local residents.

In relation to the case being heard at the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court, the parties involved were summoned, and the court ordered that they be remanded until January 19.

The Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court issued the order on charges of violating coastal conservation laws by the placement of a Buddha statue at the Trincomalee Bodhiraja Vihara. (Newswire)

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Minister Ananda Wijepala has warned individuals to refrain from politicizing and creating racial or communal tensions using the recent incident in Trincomalee, involving the installation of a Buddha Statue. 

Addressing Parliament today, Minister Wijepala said that some people were attempting to create racial and communal tensions using this issue, assuring that the NPP government will never allow any citizen of this nation to face injustice.

“We will not allow anyone to create racial and communal tensions in the country. The government has already intervened in the matter and taken necessary steps, and the area is peaceful,” he added. 

Providing further information on the matter, Minister Wijepala said that a Police B report has been submitted to the Court, after which the Court had issued a notice fixing the next hearing for November 25.

“The court has also instructed that no further developments are allowed at the site until the next hearing. Following a discussion, all involved parties have consented to this,” he added. 

Minister Ananda Wijepala made the remarks in response to a question raised by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa regarding the recent tense situation that was reported in Trincomalee.

The tense situation arose after a group of monks had attempted to place a statue of the Lord Buddha at a Dhamma school at a Buddhist temple in the area. 

A video circulated on social media showed a Buddhist monk claiming that the site is a religious heritage location. However, it was also reported that the land falls under the jurisdiction of the Coastal Conservation Department, and complaints had been filed regarding unauthorized activity on the premises. 

According to the Police, the land is subject to a court order prohibiting any development. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Police have issued a clarification statement regarding a video currently circulating on social media platforms, showing a commotion that occurred during the installation of a Buddha statue in Trincomalee.

According to the Police, a complaint was made to the Trincomalee Harbour Police by the Department of Coast Conservation on November 16, about an unauthorized hut being constructed within a coastal area close to the Trincomalee town to install a Buddha statue.

Following this, the Officer-in-Charge of the Trincomalee Police Division and other police officers visited the site and ordered the halt of this unauthorized construction. However, the construction activities had continued.

The Police said the Ministry of Environment had informed the Chief Incumbent of the Temple in writing in October, to halt the unauthorized construction on a land adjacent to the temple. But the construction had continued, and the Buddha statue was to be placed there in this backdrop.

The Sri Lanka Police noted that this incident has the potential to create discord among communities and is a very sensitive issue that affects all communities.

It further pointed out that, as exploiting this incident to deliberately damage the Buddha statue could lead to a complex issue that disrupts the peaceful life of the province, the Trincomalee Police took steps to remove the Buddha statue from the site for its safety and bring it to the Trincomalee Police Station.

The Police further said that while the officers were taking action to remove the unauthorized construction, a group that had gathered at the site became agitated. The Police officers at the scene had managed the situation, and no harm was caused to any religious dignitary or the public.

Furthermore, as the situation in the province is currently peaceful, and an agreement has been reached with relevant parties regarding future actions, the Buddha statue, which was taken into police custody for its safety, has been handed over to the custody of the respected Maha Sangha for its final placement.

The Police added that the relevant facts regarding this incident are scheduled to be presented to the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court today (17). (Newswire)

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The Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) has called on all Tamil members of the National Peoples’ Power (NPP), including Trincomalee MP and Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra, to resign immediately over the government’s response in relation to the recent issue of a Buddha statue in Trincomalee. 

A tense situation was reported yesterday after a group attempted to place a Buddha statue at a Dhamma school in a temple in the area last night. The Police were deployed to contain the situation, after which the statue was removed from the site. 

Addressing the Parliament today, Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala said the statue was removed due to information of possible vandalism, adding that steps were taken to place the statue at the Dhamma school today, and that special police protection would be provided for its safety. 

Commenting on Minister Wijepala’s statement, ITAK General Secretary M.A. Sumanthiran said the government and Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala have given in to the undue pressures of the majoritarian forces.

“Last night, when the Police removed the illegally installed statue on the Trincomalee beach on the orders of the Minister, some people actually thought that the government was acting properly without any racist mindset. Alas! That was short-lived as the Minister demonstrated in Parliament that this government’s feet are also made of clay,” the former MP said in a statement on ‘X’.

Sumanthiran further pointed out that the government’s rhetoric of treating all the people equally fell flat on its face when the Minister unashamedly announced in Parliament that the statue was removed due to security concerns and that it would be reinstalled today. 

“The NPP government stands exposed as a racist, Sinhala Buddhist nationalist force, no different to any other government in the past. All Tamil members of the NPP, including Trincomalee MP and deputy minister @arunhema19, must resign forthwith,” he added. (Newswire)

The ITAK is utterly dismayed by the conduct of the government and public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala for tamely giving into the undue pressures of the majoritarian forces. Last night when the Police removed the illegally installed statue on the Trincomalee beach on the…

— M A Sumanthiran (@MASumanthiran) November 17, 2025

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa questioned the police intervention during a tense situation at the Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Bodhiraja Vihara in Trincomalee yesterday, warning of fueling communal tensions.

Citing Chapter Two of the Constitution, which grants Buddhism a foremost place while ensuring respect for other religions, he emphasized that the temple, established in 1951 and registered with the Department of Buddhist Affairs in 2010, holds legal status as a place of worship. 

MP Premadasa condemned the police for issuing orders regarding the placement of Buddha statues and the construction of Dhamma school buildings, warning that such actions could fuel communal tensions.

Addressing the Parliament today, he stated that if there is any issue regarding the matter, it should be resolved through dialogue with the three Chief Prelates of the Buddhist sects. 

“Sending police to disrupt development activities is unacceptable, and under whose authority were such orders issued? If the government does not understand the supreme law of the land, the Constitution, it should read it again,” he added. 

The Opposition Leader also criticized the Speaker for blocking opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekara from raising related concerns, calling it a violation of democratic rights. 

MP Sajith Premadasa made the remarks in connection with the tense situation that was reported in Trincomalee yesterday. 

The tense situation arose after a group of monks had attempted to place a statue of the Lord Buddha at a Dhamma school at a Buddhist temple in the area. 

A video circulated on social media shows a Buddhist monk claiming that the site is a religious heritage location. However, it was also reported that the land falls under the jurisdiction of the Coastal Conservation Department, and complaints had been filed regarding unauthorized activity on the premises. According to the Police, the land is subject to a court order prohibiting any development. (Newswire)

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Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala today clarified that a tense situation was reported in Trincomalee yesterday over the placing of a Buddha Statue at a Dhamma School in a Buddhist Temple in the area.

Addressing the Parliament today, Minister Wijepala said the statue was immediately removed by the Police following the tense situation.

He further said that, however, steps have been taken to place the statue at the Dhamma school today, and that special police protection would be provided for the safety of the statue. 

“The statue was removed yesterday after the Police had received information on possible vandalism. The tense situation had arisen due to the Buddha statue. We have issued a directive to the Police to place the statue at the Dhamma school today. A special security plan will also be implemented from today for the safety of the statue,” he said.

Minister Wijepala further clarified that the Department of Coast Conservation had filed a complaint with regard to a restaurant operating in the area, claiming that it was illegal.

He said the Police are taking the necessary measures to initiate legal action in this regard. “We can only act in this regard based on the court’s directive,” he added.

Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, who previously praised the minister for removing the statue, slammed the latter for backtracking on his actions, using vandalism as a reason. 

“A major U-turn by the Public Security Minister this morning. He has walked back his earlier stance and now says the illegal temple will receive police protection, claiming the statue was removed only to prevent vandalism. It’s an embarrassing climbdown, and it’s obvious the minister and the government have given in to nationalist pressure,” he said, in a post on ‘X’. 

Slamming the minister’s reference to vandalism, MP Shanakiyan pointed out that the Tamil Community has never destroyed religious shrines, not even during a 30-year war.

“And let’s be honest. Tamil people have never destroyed religious shrines, not even during a 30-year war. Using “vandalism” as an excuse is not just unconvincing, it’s an insult to a community that has always respected places of worship,” he added. 

A video circulated on social media shows a Buddhist monk stating that the site is a religious heritage location. However, it was also reported that the land falls under the jurisdiction of the Coastal Conservation Department, and complaints had been filed regarding unauthorized activity on the premises.

According to the Police, the land is subject to a court order prohibiting any development. A group had reportedly brought a Buddha statue to the site, which was taken to the police station, after a tense situation. (Newswire)

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A tsunami warning has not been issued to Sri Lanka following the magnitude 3.9 tremor reported off the coast of Trincomalee today, the Disaster Management Centre said.

According to the DMC, a magnitude 3.9 tremor was reported in the sea area 60 km off North East of Trincomalee at 4.06 pm.

The DMC further said that, however, no tsunami warning has been issued for the coastline. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Health says state-of-the-art infectious waste incinerators are to be established at 15 government hospitals across Sri Lanka.

According to the Ministry, the infectious waste incinerators are to be installed at the hospitals under the Infectious Waste Management Improvement Project funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

This project is implemented with a financial grant of 503 million yen from the Japanese government and its citizens.

In addition to the Trincomalee District General Hospital, units have been installed at the teaching hospitals in Ratnapura and Kurunegala; district hospitals in Embilipitiya, Avissawella, Hambantota, Mannar, and Kilinochchi; base hospitals in Rikillagaskada, Mahiyanganaya, Puttalam, Meerigama, Medirigiriya, and Welikanda; and the divisional hospital in Nakulugamuwa.

The incinerator installed at Trincomalee District General Hospital is capable of burning up to 162 kilograms of infectious waste per hour. The project includes five such high-capacity machines and ten additional units capable of incinerating 58 kilograms per hour. Each incinerator has been installed according to the specific needs of the respective hospital. 

Meanwhile, the state-of-the-art infectious waste incinerator installed at the Trincomalee District General Hospital is scheduled to be vested with the public on Friday, 05th September 2025.

The event to officially hand over the equipment to the public will be held at 10.00 am this Friday under the patronage of Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, with participation of Eastern Province Governor Prof. Jayantha Lal Ratnasiri, Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra, and Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Akio Isomata. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra says authorities have successfully stopped an illegal soil excavation attempt in the Muthu Nagar area, in Trincomalee.

The Minister said he personally inspected the sites, where lands had been leased to solar companies, and directed officials to halt the excavation at an early stage, preventing large-scale environmental damage.

On his instructions, Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) security personnel were reminded to strictly enforce regulations and strengthen monitoring in the area.

The operation was carried out with the support of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB), Police, Agrarian Services Department, and the Divisional Secretary. Hemachandra said several individuals linked to the incident have already been penalized, while further investigations are ongoing. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra says the land dispute linked to the Muthu Nagar area in Trincomalee had already been fundamentally resolved on 29 July 2025, despite which a protest had been held in front of the Presidential Secretariat recently. 

Issuing a statement, Arun Hemchandra said that approximately 10% of the total land has been developed by solar energy companies, and that only certain specific areas are currently unusable due to an existing court order.

The Deputy Minister further said that all other lands, which are free from legal disputes or court orders, have been approved for use by farmers for agricultural purposes.

Arun Hemachandra also stated that steps have already been taken to support the affected farmers and to return the lands to them.

Warning that despite the issue being resolved, a certain group is still attempting to mislead the public, he stressed that their intention is not to resolve the matter but to create instability in the country.

Arun Hemachandra appealed to the public not to be deceived by such false information and urged them to support the ongoing efforts aimed at providing a stable solution that respects the law, protects the livelihoods of farmers, and ensures national stability. (Newswire)

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A protest has been staged in front of the Presidential Secretariat against the distribution of agricultural lands in Trincomalee to private companies and the encroachment of forest land for development projects.

Protesters were seen holding banners urging the halting of 600 acres of paddy land in the Muththunagar area in Trincomalee being distributed to Indian Companies, and the encroachment of forest lands. 

Participating in the protest, student activists Wasantha Mudalige and Lahiru Weerasekara engaged in a heated discussion with a senior Police official outside the Presidential Secretariat.

During the conversation, Wasantha Mudalige claimed that the protest is being held due to the authorities having failed to provide a solution to the issue, which was discussed two weeks ago. 

“We need a response today. You can’t lie to us. We need a discussion with the President’s Secretary today. The President previously promised a date for discussions. We have arrived today, due to the situation having reached an unbearable stage,” Mudalige told the Police officer. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arun Hemachandra, yesterday participated in the official launch of the vocational skills training programs at the Trincomalee Remand Prison.

The vocational skills training programs are being provided under the National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) Framework, in collaboration with the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA).

The program was launched during Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra’s visit to the Trincomalee Remand Prison yesterday, during which he inspected the overall conditions and welfare facilities.

This initiative was made possible through the coordination of the Assistant Superintendent of the Prison, the Chairman of the Prison Welfare Society, and the District Manager of NAITA. 

Deputy Minister Hemachanra said rehabilitation must be rooted in dignity, adding, “By equipping inmates with nationally recognized vocational skills, we are not only offering hope, we are addressing the deeper social crisis that fuels marginalization and recurrence.”

“A prison term should not be the end of a life story — it can be the beginning of a new chapter, if society has the courage to offer a skill. We remain committed to transforming our correctional institutions into platforms for reform, readiness, and return,” he added. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arun Hemachandra, has condemned the recent assault of a group of foreign tourists in Trincomalee, stating that the government has taken serious note of the unfortunate incident.

Issuing a statement, the Deputy Minister said that the Sri Lanka Police responded swiftly and that one suspect has been arrested, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the others involved.

“Sri Lanka is a friendly, welcoming nation. We value every visitor who chooses our country and are fully committed to ensuring their safety, dignity, and peace of mind. We commend the Police Department for its prompt action,” he said.

Deputy Minister Hemachandra further emphasized that isolated incidents must not be allowed to overshadow the warmth and hospitality that define the Sri Lankan people. 

He warned that there will be zero tolerance for those who attempt to harm individuals or tarnish the reputation of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector.

The statement comes after a video shared on social media showed two locals attacking a group of foreigners on the road.

It is reported that a local man had allegedly attempted to inappropriately touch a foreign woman during a party in the Alaswatta area, and when her husband confronted the individual, the man, along with another person, had physically assaulted the husband.  

One suspect who was arrested by the Uppuveli Police has reportedly been remanded until 21 July after being produced before the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court. The other suspect is said to have fled the area and remains at large. (Newswire)

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