A large protest was held in Vavuniya today opposing the government’s decision to resume the Kivul Oya Reservoir Development Project.

A large number of residents gathered to voice their concerns, with MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam and other representatives meeting officials to warn the Divisional Secretary of Nedunkerny about the potential consequences of proceeding with the project.

Rasamanickam urged the District Secretary to relay a message to the President, claiming the protest was only a glimpse of the opposition to the proposed development.

The Cabinet of Ministers recently approved the revival of the Kivul Oya project, a major irrigation initiative originally launched in 2011 to address chronic water shortages in the Vavuniya and Mullaitivu districts.

The project, part of the Mahaweli ‘L’ zone, was estimated at Rs. 4,170 million and intended for completion within four years.

However, construction was suspended on December 31, 2023. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Science and Technology and the University of Vavuniya have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch an Incubation and Innovation Development Project, aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, research commercialization, and startup growth in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province.

The agreement, signed by University Vice Chancellor Prof. A. Atputharajah and Ministry Secretary Y. L. Mohomed Navavi, includes an initial allocation of Rs. 4 million to establish a food product testing laboratory at the university.

An additional Rs. 15 million will be provided through the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) program to expand the facility.

The laboratory will offer testing and quality assurance services for food products, helping small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the region meet both national and international standards. The initiative is expected to strengthen local industries, support value addition, and enhance market competitiveness. (Newswire)

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The second Mass Wedding Ceremony under the “Mawaddatha wa Rahmah” (Affection and Mercy) initiative, launched by Leader of the All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) MP Rishad Bathiudeen, was successfully held in Vavuniya on Tuesday (07).

According to MP Bathiudeen’s Media Office, the event, the first of its kind in Sri Lanka, brought together 20 Buddhist, Catholic, and Hindu couples in a collective wedding ceremony that celebrated harmony, compassion, and unity among Sri Lanka’s diverse communities. Each couple was also presented with a cash grant to help them begin their new lives.

The program was funded by Sheikh Mahmoud Fateh Abdullah Al Khajeh, who made this contribution in remembrance of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates, whose life of compassion and generosity continues to inspire humanitarian efforts worldwide.

Reflecting the interfaith harmony that Vavuniya represents, religious leaders from all major faiths participated in the ceremony, offering their blessings and messages of unity. The event was graced by Ven. Mihintale Thero, as the Chief Guest, symbolizing the spirit of peaceful coexistence among all communities.

The “Mawaddatha wa Rahmah” project was first launched on 24th August 2025 in Puttalam, where 20 Muslim couples were married under the same initiative. That inaugural ceremony was graced by the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Sri Lanka, Khalid Nasser Al Ameri, as the Chief Guest.

Through this initiative, MP Rishad Bathiudeen aims to promote social harmony, inter-religious unity, and compassion among communities, extending practical support to young couples from all walks of life, a true reflection of affection and mercy in action. (Newswire)

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The opposition, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), has established power in the Vengalacheddikulam Pradeshiya Sabha in the Vavuniya District and the Ayagama Pradeshiya Sabha in Ratnapura. 

During the inaugural session of the Vengalacheddikulam Pradeshiya Sabha, SJB candidate T. Imthiaz was elected Chairman after securing a majority of votes. 

SJB candidate Upul Piyasena was elected Chairman of the Ayagama Pradeshiya Sabha during elections held at its inaugural session. 

The SJB had secured a majority of seats in both local councils following the 2025 Local Government Elections. (Newswire)

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Two teenagers, aged 17 and 18 years old, have been arrested in connection to two separate murders reported in the Anuradhapura and Vavuniya districts, in the last 24 hours ending at 06.00 am today. 

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested in the Bandaragama area in Oyamaduwa, Anuradhapura over the murder of a 26-year-old man.

The Police said the Oyamaduwa Police had been informed that the victim had died due to being attacked with a sharp object.

Preliminary investigations reveal that the victim had been attacked after an argument between two parties had escalated. 

The deceased is a 26-year-old resident of Bandaragama, while the suspect is a 17-year-old from the same area. The Oyamaduwa Police is conducting investigations. 

Meanwhile, an 18-year-old boy has been arrested over the murder of a 45-year-old man in the Omanthai area in Vavuniya. 

The Police said the 45-year-old man had been attacked with a sharp weapon and had succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment at the Vavuniya Hospital. 

Preliminary investigations reveal that a group that had arrived in a double cab had attacked the victim with sharp weapons due to a personal dispute, resulting in his death. 

The Police had arrested an 18-year-old boy from Vavuniya, along with the double cab used by the suspects, in connection to the murder. 

The Omanthai Police has launched investigations to arrest the other suspects involved in the incident. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the government is ready to take steps for the release of Tamil political prisoners in Sri Lanka. 

Addressing a political rally in Vavuniya, the President said the civil war in Sri Lanka had caused great destruction, resulting in political prisoners.

He said the government is ready to release Tamil political prisoners on the instructions of the Attorney General.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake further said that the government is also of the opinion that the lands in the North, which were taken over for various security reasons, should be given back to the people.

Pointing out that Sri Lanka is divided in every manner, the President said the country cannot move forward in this divided state.

“Our main goal is to end all these divisions. What needs to be done for unity? A movement with Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim people and leaders should be formed. That movement is the National People’s Power,” he said. 

Urging the public to build a new country, President Dissanayake said “Let’s all come together to build a new nation.” (Newswire)

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A man, who had recently lost his wife due to an allergic reaction after childbirth at the Mannar Base Hospital, has died by suicide. 

According to media reports, the 27-year-old man from the Mahilankulam area in Vavuniya had died after consuming some poisonous plant last night.

The man’s wife had died at the Mannar Base Hospital on 28 July 2024. The woman’s husband and family members had alleged that she had died due to the negligence of the doctors.

The Ministry of Health launched a probe into the incident after which the services of a doctor, two nurses and two family health service officers were temporarily suspended.

It is reported that the man, who was heartbroken over the demise of his wife and the loneliness of the newborn child, had committed suicide last night. Investigations are underway into the incident. (Newswire)

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The Department of Immigration and Emigration’s current Regional Office in Vavuniya will be relocated to a new location on August 16, 2024.

According to the department, the regional office situated at No. JC 23, Outer Circle Road, Vavuniya will be moved to the building at the location in front of Gaminin Vidyalaya, Mannar Road, Vavuniya.

Therefore, the public services provided by the current Regional Office will conclude on Friday, August 02, 2024. 

The public is informed that the services at the Regional office will be suspended from 03 -15 August 2024 in view of the relocation and will commence at the new Regional office with effect from August 16, 2024. (Newswire)

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A  minor tremor was reported 23 kilometres from Vavuniya on Tuesday, the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau said. 

According to the Bureau, the minor tremor has been measured at a magnitude of 2.3 on the Richter Scale. 

The Bureau further said that it had been recorded around 11.00 pm on Tuesday. (Newswire)

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An emergency hotline, ‘107’, dedicated primarily to the Tamil-speaking public in Vavuniya has been launched by Sri Lanka Police.

According to Police Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa the emergency hotline has been introduced under the instructions of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

He further said that the emergency hotline was declared open by Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon. 

Upon inquiries by NewsWire, the Police Media Unit said the emergency hotline will be operated in all three common languages of Sinhala, Tamil and English, but is dedicated primarily to the Tamil-speaking people of the area.

The Media Unit further said that the public in Vavuniya has been encouraged to contact the new hotline in case of any form of emergency. (NewsWire)

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe has unveiled plans to provide concessions to those who engage in the gem and jewellery sector. 

This initiative comes in response to the challenges faced by the industry, with the President emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues to support those involved in the field. 

By offering solutions to the problems within the industry, relief will be extended to its stakeholders, ensuring their continued growth and prosperity.

The President clarified that immediate changes to the tax policy are not feasible, however, efforts will be made to devise an effective system to enhance the gem and jewellery industry. 

The President also directed officials to develop a viable system aimed at bolstering the gem and jewellery industry. 

He instructed them to collaborate with both the public and private sectors to draft a proposal addressing these issues within two weeks.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these remarks during a discussion held on Friday (Mar 15) at the Presidential Secretariat with stakeholders from the gems and jewellery industry.

Extensive discussions were held regarding the challenges arising from the government’s new tax policies, which have had repercussions on the gem and jewellery industry, along with other pertinent issues concerning the sector.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe further emphasized the need to focus on boosting exports within the gem industry in Sri Lanka, along with enhancing value-added processes.

Additionally, the President highlighted plans to initiate mining operations in the Sabaragamuwa province and Nuwara Eliya district in the future. Consequently, Sri Lankan gem businessmen will have ample opportunities to venture into mining activities in these regions.

The President also announced that a survey will be conducted to explore the feasibility of establishing gem and mining enterprises in other regions of Sri Lanka. (NewsWire)

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An individual has been apprehended for stealing several items, including a television, from a school in the Thandikulam area in Batticaloa.

The suspect was arrested on Monday (Jan 15) by officials from the Crimes Investigation Unit of the Vavuniya Police.

The arrest was made following a complaint filed with the Vavuniya Police by the Principal of the school.

The suspect was identified following the inspection of CCTV footage from the area, where he was found to be walking away with the television on his shoulder.

Investigations have led to the arrest of a 30-year-old resident of Sundarapuram in Vavuniya.

The suspect has been produced before the Vavuniya Magistrate’s Court by the Police. (NewsWire)

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Five suspects have been arrested in connection to the incident of attacking and setting fire to a house in the Thonikkala area in Vavuniya recently (July 23), in which a coupled succumbed to burn injuries. 

Ten persons sustained burn injuries in the incident, while a young couple succumbed to injuries. 

The Police stated that the suspects were arrested by officers attached to the Medavaithyakulam, Sivapuram, Pampemaduwa, and Nelukkulama Police stations yesterday.

The suspects were arrested for conspiring and aiding to carry out the incidents, while the Police had also taken into custody three motorcycles used by them.

The Police stated that the suspects are 24, 27, 31 and 33 years old and are all residents of Vavuniya. 

Investigations into the incident have been handed over to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on the instructions of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

The Police added that the arrested suspects have been handed over to the CID for further investigations. (NewsWire)

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A second victim of the arson attack on a home in Vavuniya recently has succumbed to his injuries.

The Police stated that the victim had died while receiving treatment for burn injuries at the Jaffna District Hospital early this morning.

A 21-year-old woman initially died after an unidentified group set fire to a house in the Thonikkal area in Vavuniya on Sunday (July 23). 

Several others who had sustained burn injuries in the incident were admitted to the Vavuniya Hospital.

However, the 34-year-old husband of the deceased female victim was transferred to the Jaffna District Hospital for further treatment where he succumbed to injuries today.

The Police stated that the couple have been identified as residents of Omanthai. The other injured persons are receiving treatment at the Vavuniya Hospital.

The cause of the attack is unknown and the Vavuniya Police has launched investigations to apprehend the suspects involved in the incident. (NewsWire)

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The bodies of four people from the same family have been recovered from a house in Goodshed Road, Vavuniya today (07).

The Police stated that the deceased are a 42-year-old man, his 36-year-old wife, and his two daughters aged 09 and 03 years.

The Police suspect that the man may have murdered his wife and children after which he had died by suicide.

The bodies of the children had been found on two chairs inside the house, while the body of the wife had been found inside a bedroom. (NewsWire)

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