A 19-year-old youth has died after falling off the Nalagana Ella Falls in Kandenuwara, Matale, last evening.

According to the Police, two others had sustained injuries and had been admitted to the Matale Hospital.

The incident had occurred when four youths from Wattegama had visited the waterfall on Sunday. 

The Kandenuwara Police is conducting further investigations into the incident. (Newswire)

The post 19 yr old boy dies after falling off Matale waterfall appeared first on Newswire.

Cabinet approval has been granted for the implementation of the “Hospitality Labour Force” Program, with the first phase using funds allocated for Samurdhi beneficiaries and the second phase under public-private partnerships, interorganizational cooperation, and through co-sponsorship funds.

The government says more than 800,000 trained people are required in different categories in the tourism and hospitality sector to achieve its strategic objectives to attract 5 million tourists to Sri Lanka annually by the year 2030. 

However, the Sri Lanka Tourism and Hotel Management Institute does not have the capability to train such a large number of people due to the limited resources available to the institute. 

Therefore, the Sri Lanka Tourism and Hotel Management Institute has planned to conduct a six (6)-month vocational training program at the 3rd level of the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ 3) under the name “Hospitality Labour Force.” 

This program will utilize infrastructure facilities and trainers from public and private sector training Institutes on the island that are accredited by the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission. This training program is to be conducted for youth who are interested in the hospitality industry at micro, small, medium, and large scales by providing theoretical knowledge and practical training. T

The proposed program will be conducted in groups of 30 students, covering 360 hours over 60 days, with the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management maintaining academic, management, and quality assurance, and for Rs. 55,832.50 per participant. 

The first phase of this program, 20,000 youths from Samurdhi beneficiary families, will be trained using the funds allocated for the empowerment of Samurdhi beneficiaries under the Department of Samurdhi Development by commencing this program in the year 2025 and ending in the year 2026. 

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Tourism to train the remaining 80,000 people under public-private partnerships, interorganizational cooperation, and through co-sponsorship funds. (Newswire)

The post Cabinet approves tourism sector training for 100,000 youth appeared first on Newswire.

Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the shooting and murder of a youth in Kahawatte on 30th June.

According to the Police, a jeep, a car, and three motorcycles used in the crime were recovered.

The arrests were made following a joint investigation by the Colombo North Crimes Division and the Police Special Task Force.

The Police said the jeep used in the murder had reportedly been repainted, and fake license plates were found on the other vehicles, while they were discovered parked at a house in Homagama.

One of the suspects was found in possession of 197 grams of heroin and 100 grams of ICE.

Police revealed that the murder had been orchestrated by an organized criminal residing in Dubai.

On 30th June, an armed group posing as police officers arrived at a house in the Andana, Koskella area and abducted two youths using handcuffs.

The duo were taken in a jeep to a remote location in Koskella, where they were shot. 

A 22-year-old boy was killed on the spot, while his 27-year-old friend sustained injuries. (Newswire)

The post Kahawatte youth murder : Four suspects arrested appeared first on Newswire.

A man and woman have been arrested on charges of having aided the murder of a 19-year-old youth, shot dead by gunmen near Sylvester Road in Mount Lavinia on 05 May. 

According to the Police, the Mount Lavinia Division Crimes Investigations Unit arrested a 33-year-old man in Mount Lavinia yesterday, along with 15 grams of ICE narcotics. 

Further interrogations of the suspect had led to the arrest of a 28-year-old woman in the Dehiwala area today. 

The Police said that 06 suspects, including the gunman, have been arrested so far in connection with the shooting. 

On 05 May, a 19-year-old youth, a resident of Auburn Place in Dehiwala, who was employed on a contract basis as a worker in the solid waste department of the Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia Municipal Council, was shot dead.

The victim was cleaning the Sylvester Road area in Mount Lavinia when the suspect, on a motorcycle, opened fire from behind and later chased the youth onto the main road and shot him multiple times, before fleeing the area. 

Police investigations found that the deceased youth was the son of a female drug trafficker, who is currently in prison, and that the woman’s daughter was also involved in drug peddling. (Newswire)

The post Mt. Lavinia youth shooting : Two more suspects arrested appeared first on Newswire.

The gunman arrested in the murder of a 19-year-old youth in Mount Lavinia recently had been previously remanded over another shooting incident in the same area, Police Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manatunga said. 

Addressing the media today, SSP Manatunga said the suspect had been involved in the shooting targeting the 19-year-old youth, less than 20 days since being released on bail in connection with the previous shooting incident. 

The Police Spokesman revealed that the suspect had been arrested as the main gunman in a shooting reported in the Dehiwala area in September 2024 and had been produced in court on 19 September 2024, after which he was remanded.

However, a bail application filed by him had been accepted by the High Court, after which he was released on bail on 17 April 2025. “Within 20 days of his release from prison, he carried out this shooting targeting the 19-year-old boy in Mount Lavinia,” SSP Manatunga added.

The Police Spokesman said the gunman, a motorcyclist and two other suspects have been arrested so far, along with the firearm and motorcycle used in the murder. 

On 05 May, a 19-year-old youth, a resident of Auburn Place in Dehiwala, who was employed on a contract basis as a worker in the solid waste department of the Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia Municipal Council, was shot dead.

The victim was cleaning the Sylvester Road area in Mount Lavinia when the suspect, on a motorcycle, opened fire from behind and later chased the youth onto the main road and shot him multiple times, before fleeing the area. (Newswire) 

The post Dehiwala gunman strikes again within 20 days of release on bail appeared first on Newswire.

The gunman and the motorcyclist, involved in the recent shooting of a 19-year-old boy in Mount Lavinia, have been arrested by the Mount Lavinia Division Crimes Investigation Unit. 

The Police said a total of four suspects, including two who had aided the murder, have been arrested so far, adding that all suspects locally involved in the incident have been apprehended.

The Police had seized a live hand grenade, 15 bullets belonging to a 09 mm firearm, a motorcycle, and two number plates from the gunman’s possession. 

The gunman, who was arrested on Kottawa Viharaya Mawatha, has been identified as having served in the Air Force as a soldier for one and a half years.

The motorcycle used in the shooting was found dismantled, with parts and two fake number plates buried behind the gunman’s house in the Mabulgoda area of ​​Kottawa.

On 05 May, a 19-year-old youth, a resident of Auburn Place in Dehiwala, who was employed on a contract basis as a worker in the solid waste department of the Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia Municipal Council, was shot dead.

The victim was cleaning the Sylvester Road area in Mount Lavinia when the suspect, on a motorcycle, opened fire from behind and later chased the youth onto the main road and shot him multiple times, before fleeing the area. 

Police investigations have found that the deceased youth was the son of a female drug trafficker, who is currently in prison, and that the woman’s daughter was also involved in drug peddling. (Newswire)

The post Mount Lavinia killing : Gunman arrested appeared first on Newswire.

A 52-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of a 23-year-old youth in Mount Lavinia. 

The youth was found hacked to death in an abandoned land on Huludhagoda Road in Mount Lavinia last afternoon. 

A resident of St. Rita’s Road in Mount Lavinia was arrested this morning on suspicion of having aided the murder. 

The Mount Lavinia Police is conducting further investigations. (Newswire)

The post Mt. Lavinia youth murder : One suspect arrested appeared first on Newswire.

Opposition MP Harsha de Silva says a 22-year-old youth recently arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (ACT) has been released in anticipation of the upcoming discussion with the European Commission.

Addressing the Parliament, MP Harsha de Silva said that despite several governments, including the incumbent government, promising to repeal the PTA, it has been used once again to detain a youth.

MP de Silva pointed out that as a European Union delegation is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka in two weeks, the Government immediately released the youth who was detained under the PTA.

“A youth working at a store in Slave Island was detained under the PTA over a sticker. The detention under the PTA was made under an order signed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. But what happened? You received telephone calls from various persons. Due to the European Commission coming to Sri Lanka for the evaluation of the GSP+, the detained youth was released,” he said. 

The opposition MP added that the motive behind the matter cannot be concealed from the EU officials, as was done with the Sri Lankan public. (Newswire)

The post Youth detained under PTA over Gaza Sticker : Harsha tells why sudden release appeared first on Newswire.

The National Peoples Power (NPP) has proposed introducing a new development bank which will provide young entrepreneurs with loans without the requirement of a guarantee. 

NPP Leader MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake said youths wish to become entrepreneurs, but they do not have the first essential thing to become an entrepreneur, which is capital. 

“Under the leadership of the NPP, we will build a new development bank, which will provide Initial capital without collateral,” he said. 

MP Dissanayake further said that the youth will also be provided with new economic opportunities for small and medium businesses.

Stating that the current political authority has destroyed the future of the youth, the NPP Leader vowed to help uplift the youth of the nation. 

MP Dissanayake added that the NPP will overtake the power of the corrupt elite and hand it over to the modern youth generation.

He made the remarks while addressing Anuradhapura district’s youth conference of the NPP held in Kekirawa on Sunday. (Newswire)

The post Loans without guarantee for youth from new bank under NPP appeared first on Newswire.

A 32-year-old man who had jumped from the upper part of Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak) recently and was reported missing since last Wednesday has been found alive nearly eight days after the incident.

The youth had visited Sri Pada with a group from his hometown and had jumped off the protective fence at the Ratnapura-Sri Pada route from the upper part of the sacred mountain on April 17. 

A special search operation launched jointly by the Police and Sri Lanka Army to find the missing youth, who is a resident of Sooriyawewa in Hambantota, had been suspended three days after the incident. 

The Police said, however, he was found alive in the Rajamale area of Mare Estate located close to the Adam’s Peak Wilderness Sanctuary in the Nallathanniya Police Division last morning.

He was found by a group of estate workers who had informed the Nallathanniya Police Station, after which the youth had been hospitalised. 

The Police said the cause for the man to jump off Sri Pada is yet to be ascertained, while a joint investigation is underway by the Nallathanniya and Sri Pada Police. (Newswire)

The post Man who jumped from Sri Pada found alive appeared first on Newswire.

In the vast tapestry of history, only a select few societies, communities, or nations possess narratives that resonate with tales of profound sacrifice and unyielding valour. India is fortunate to hold a rich collection of such stories deeply ingrained in its collective memory.

On January 9th, 2022, the auspicious occasion of the Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the Prime Minister declared that the 26th of December henceforth shall be observed as ‘Veer Bal Diwas.’ This day is designated to honor the martyrdom of Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh. This proclamation heralded a new chapter, a solemn undertaking to perpetuate the remembrance of supreme sacrifices that have resonated through generations.

Sahibzade Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzade Fateh Singh Ji, courageous children of the soil, have left an indelible mark within our shared consciousness, symbolizing bravery and sacrifice. The legacy of these noble souls exemplifies a resolute determination for justice. Veer Bal Diwas, in its commemoration, pays a fitting tribute to their immense bravery and invincible spirit.

Beyond the time constraints, brave boys and girls have been torchbearers of India’s enduring tradition of sacrifice and courage. Veer Bal Diwas, in its second edition, not only reinforces the valor embedded in history but also serves as a reminder that in matters of bravery and courage, age is inconsequential.

To honor Veer Bal Diwas, the government organized participatory programs nationwide, disseminating the saga of Sahibzades’ exemplary courage. Digital exhibitions portraying their life stories and sacrifices adorned schools and childcare institutions. A nationwide screening of a film dedicated to ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ unfolded, along with online competitions and interactive quizzes. Remarkably, Veer Bal Diwas has transcended national boundaries, finding resonance in countries such as the USA, UK, Greece, and many more in such a short span of time.

In a momentous event held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, along with key leaders, marked the ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ program. The occasion featured captivating recitals and martial arts displays performed by children, emphasizing the significance of the day. Shri Modi’s address reflected on the nation’s collective memory of the immortal sacrifices of Veer Sahibzade, highlighting the enduring nature of this history.

PM Modi’s vision amplifies youth empowerment, leveraging India’s potential for a prosperous future. Recognizing heroes, nurturing health, and addressing societal issues showcase India’s commitment to progress. ‘Sabka Prayas’ echoes unity in steering India towards development, inspired by the unifying heritage. Veer Bal Diwas emerges as a rallying call for youth, symbolizing a vibrant India poised for global prominence through collective efforts and resilience. (Khalsa Vox)

The post Veer Bal Diwas: India’s Call To Youth For a Legacy of Sacrifice and Inspiration appeared first on Newswire.

An 18-year-old student of a private university who had been abducted along with his vehicle recently has been found, it was reported.

The Police said three suspects from the same private university have been apprehended over the abduction, while the victim’s car has also been retrieved.

The victim, who is a resident of Asiri Mawatha in Kalubowila, had been abducted on Monday (Dec 04).

Investigations reveal that the boy had dropped his father at the Katunayake Airport and had returned home and left again during which he had been abducted.

The Police said the boy was obstructed near the Dehiwala Municipal Council and moved into a van, after which the van was abandoned at a house and he was moved back into his car and driven to Matale. 

Upon reaching a house in Matale, the suspects had threatened the victim to sign over land in Thihariya belonging to his father. 

The victim was also allowed to inform his mother of the abduction after which she had filed a complaint with the Kohuwala Police. 

The Kohuwala Police had then summoned the father of the Chief suspect involved in the abduction, who was made to convince them to return home, after which the suspects had been apprehended. 

Investigations have revealed that the suspects had carried out the abduction over an old financial dispute between the fathers of the victim and the chief suspect.

Further investigations are underway to apprehend another suspect who had also been involved in the abduction. (NewsWire)

The post Young man abducted from Dehiwala found appeared first on Newswire.

A 19-year-old youth who had made a post on Facebook allegedly threatening President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been remanded. 

The suspect allegedly uploaded a Facebook post regarding the possibility of finding a sniper ahead of the President’s scheduled visit to the Eppawala area on September 07.

According to reports, the suspect was arrested by officials of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

The CID informed the court that investigations were underway to ascertain if there was any connection between this incident and the incident where an Army soldier residing in Eppawala fled with a T-56 weapon from the Kilinochchi Army Camp.

Taking into consideration the facts, the Colombo Magistrate’s Court remanded the suspect until September 08. 

The suspect is a 19-year-old resident of Mediyawa in Eppawala and employed as a bakery goods seller via three-wheeler, commonly known as ‘Choon paan’. (NewsWire)

The post Angry Facebook post gets 19-year-old remanded appeared first on Newswire.

A school student has been apprehended in connection to the murder of a 23-year-old youth in front of an apparel factory in Panadura recently.

The Police stated investigations have revealed that the schoolboy had travelled with the chief suspect in a three-wheeler to provide assistance to carry out the attack.

The chief suspect had attacked the victim with a sword in front of the apparel factory on the night of May 31, 2023.

The victim had run into the factory premises after which the suspect had followed behind and continued to attack him, resulting in his death. 

The incident had been captured on the CCTV installed at the factory premises. The victim who had sustained serious blows to the head had died on the spot.

The deceased was identified as a 23-year-old resident of an apartment complex in Modarawila. 

The Police suspect that the attack had been carried out due to the escalation of a long-standing dispute between two parties.

The chief suspect has been identified, while the Panadura Police have launched investigations to apprehend him. (NewsWire)

The post Schoolboy arrested in connection to murder of youth in Panadura appeared first on Newswire.