Underworld figure Sujeewa Ruwankumara De Silva alias ‘Loku Pattie’, the main suspect in the murder of ‘Club Wasantha’, has been extradited to Sri Lanka from Belarus. He was arrested in Belarus in August last year and returned to the country today via Dubai on a private airline under CID custody. ‘Loku Pattie’ is accused of orchestrating and financing the fatal shooting at a tattoo shop in Athurugiriya 8 on July 2024. He is also linked to multiple other criminal cases.

‘Loku Pattie’ brought back to Sri Lanka 

Prime Minister (PM) Harini Amarasuriya says individuals who benefited from unregulated systems are opposing the Government’s reform agenda, which aims to provide sustainable solutions to national issues. Speaking in Kaduwela and Dehiwala–Mount Lavinia, she stressed the need for deep reforms across the public sector, education, disaster management, and governance to ensure long-term national stability. She emphasised that the Government is addressing underlying causes instead of offering temporary relief and that reform is essential for Sri Lanka to adapt to global shifts and emerging economic opportunities. The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of restoring international trust, attracting investment, and building transparent institutions. She called on the public to support the creation of a constructive political culture to achieve national development goals.

PM Harini Amarasuriya says vested interests resisting much-needed reforms

The Meteorology Department reports that the Intertropical Convergence Zone is continuing to affect Sri Lanka’s weather. Showers or thundershowers are expected in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, and Uva provinces after 1.00 p.m. Fairly heavy rainfall above 50 mm is likely in parts of Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, Uva, and the Ampara district. Morning showers may also occur in the Western Province and in the Galle and Matara districts. The public is advised to take precautions against localized strong winds, lightning, and morning mist in several areas.

Heavy showers expected as Intertropical Zone affects Island

<ul><li>Concerns over shipping times and vessel size</li><li>Infrastructure adjustments for US imports</li><li>PetroChina and Vitol Asia key current suppliers</li><li>2023: 1.67 m MT crude, 18 shipments per month</li><li>2023 import cost: $ 3.82 b (crude: $ 811 m, refined: $ 3.01 b)</li></ul> The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) is currently assessing the technical feasibility of importing petroleum products from the United States as part of a broader effort to expand supply options in line with emerging trade opportunities between the two countries.Speaking to The Sunday Morning, CPC Managing Director Dr. Mayura Neththikumarage explained that while Sri Lanka primarily sourced its fuel from the region, the corporation was open to considering US imports if logistical and commercial conditions were viable.“We have had discussions about this. If the prices are competitive and the supply chain is reliable, we are ready to accept proposals,” he said.&nbsp;“The main challenge right now is technical – longer shipping lead times, larger vessel sizes, and ensuring our infrastructure can handle those volumes. We are addressing those operational aspects.”Dr. Neththikumarage noted that while longer shipping times from the US – potentially up to 45 days – required advanced planning compared to regional suppliers, there was an existing route and precedent for US fuel shipments to Asian markets, including Sri Lanka.“This is not something new to the industry. There are already vessels from the US calling at ports near Sri Lanka,” he added.Another issue under consideration is the size of the ships used for US deliveries. Larger vessels would be needed to make such imports commercially viable, which would in turn require the necessary infrastructure and logistical adjustments at Sri Lankan ports.He stressed that the CPC’s objective was to ensure no supplier was disqualified from tenders due to technical constraints and that decisions would ultimately be based on commercial terms.“We are currently in discussions to resolve these technical matters. I have experience with this in other sectors and there’s an established route for these shipments to reach Asia, including Sri Lanka,” Dr. Neththikumarage added.The Government is working to reduce its trade deficit with the US by proposing comprehensive trade reforms. These proposals, which include both tariff and non-tariff measures, have been submitted to US officials for review, and Sri Lanka is awaiting a formal response.&nbsp;Energy, particularly oil and gas, is a key focus of these negotiations, as these imports make up a significant portion of Sri Lanka’s foreign purchases.&nbsp;The Government has offered US firms opportunities to supply energy products, including liquefied gas, crude oil, and refined fuel, and is encouraging US vendors to explore these prospects.&nbsp;Sri Lanka has identified energy imports as a key area to address its trade deficit, as energy products represent the largest import item. The Government emphasised the desire for competitive procurement, allowing US firms to compete on a level playing field.Last week, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Harshana Suriyapperuma highlighted that there were significant opportunities for US suppliers to provide competitive pricing in various energy sectors, including gas, oil, refined fuel, and crude oil.&nbsp;He encouraged US suppliers to engage in discussions with Sri Lanka to explore the possibility of supplying these products, presenting a potential avenue for reducing the trade deficit.Sri Lanka traditionally imports crude oil and refined products from key international suppliers, with the majority of shipments sourced from the region.&nbsp;According to CPC statistics, for 2022, the total import cost for crude oil and refined products was estimated at $ 3,333 million, with the crude oil cost at $ 912 million and the refined products cost at $ 2,421 million.&nbsp;In 2023, the total import cost rose to $ 3,822 million, with $ 811 million for crude oil and $ 3,010 million for refined products. The crude oil import plan specifies that a total of 1,855,000 MT of Murban and other crude oils were required in 2022, with shipments scheduled at 20 shipments per month. In 2023, 1,669,500 MT of similar crude oil was planned for import, with 18 shipments per month.Traditionally, Sri Lanka imports these petroleum products from established suppliers like PetroChina International (Singapore) Ltd. and Vitol Asia Ltd., Singapore. These companies have been contracted to deliver significant quantities of fuel, including gas oil and gasoline, to meet the country’s needs.&nbsp;PetroChina International is responsible for providing 11 shipments of gas oil and gasoline, while Vitol Asia handles a comparable number of shipments, covering both gas oil and gasoline deliveries.

SL-US trade talks: CPC to import fuel from US?

<ul><li>10% hike possible if BSTBA falls below Rs. 15 b: PUCSL</li></ul> The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has officially requested the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to submit updated and accurate financial statistics to assess the status of the Bulk Supply Transaction Bank Account (BSTBA), as discussions continue over a potential electricity tariff revision.Speaking to The Sunday Morning, PUCSL Corporate Communications Director Jayanath Herath confirmed that the commission had called for the revised figures to determine whether the BSTBA balance had fallen below the critical Rs. 15 billion threshold – a level which, under regulatory guidelines, could trigger a tariff adjustment.“If the new statistics show the account has dropped below Rs. 15 billion, then a 10% tariff increase becomes technically possible,” Herath explained.However, he noted that no final decision had been taken yet on whether to proceed with an immediate tariff revision ahead of the scheduled adjustment on 1 July. “The commission will decide on the timing based on the figures we receive and the broader sector outlook,” he added.Meanwhile, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, speaking during a television programme last week, confirmed that electricity tariffs would be increased at the upcoming tariff revision in June. However, he assured that the revised rates would still remain lower than the tariffs imposed in December last year.“The electricity tariffs were reduced by 20-30% in January and they will not be increased by the same amount again in June,” the President clarified. He also stated that the CEB was expected to submit its proposals to the PUCSL by 15 May, with a final decision on tariffs to be announced within two weeks thereafter.

Electricity tariffs: PUCSL seeks fresh CEB data to weigh immediate hike

The three-member committee appointed to investigate the death of a student at the Sabaragamuwa University will initiate criminal action under the Anti-Ragging Act if it is determined that the death occurred as a result of ragging, according to Ministry of Education Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa.“The committee has been established in compliance with the act and it will function with the powers vested in it by the act. Its decision will also be in accordance with the act,” he said.The Prohibition of Ragging and Other Forms of Violence in Educational Institutions Act No.20 of 1998, often referred to as the Anti-Ragging Act, defines ‘ragging’ as “any act which causes or is likely to cause physical or psychological injury or mental pain or fear to a student or a member of the staff of an educational institution”.&nbsp;Offences listed in the act range from verbal and written threats to sexual harassment and unlawful restriction of movement.&nbsp;Most offences listed in the act are non-bailable and liable to rigorous imprisonment of up to 10 years, with expulsion from the university and compensation for damage to property or injury to victims adding to the punishment.Kaluwewa nevertheless explained that a conclusive decision had not been reached and that the cause of the incident was still being investigated.“We cannot make conclusions yet. We are still trying to identify the real cause of the incident, so we cannot conclude that the death was a result of ragging yet. Even regarding the death of the victim, it is the committee that has to decide on it and observe if compensation must be provided,” he said.He further claimed that the Ministry of Education had constantly monitored instances and incidents of ragging and that complaints of ragging had significantly decreased over the years.&nbsp;“We have a constant focus on ragging, but occasionally there are isolated incidents which need to be dealt with. Whenever we find instances of ragging, we take hard action to deter any other person from committing such offences. There’s no deviation from that policy. However, with this incident, we plan to engage further to try and eradicate ragging,” he said.Kaluwewa added that a complaint mechanism already existed within the structure of the University Grants Commission (UGC).“There is a hotline and also a website where complaints can be made. However, awareness is lacking. We need to embark on an awareness campaign to educate students, lecturers, and society at large on the dangers of ragging and the complaint mechanisms that exist. We will be doing it very soon,” he noted.

Sabaragamuwa Uni student death: Criminal action likely if linked to ragging

A total of 2,327 hectares of land in Sri Lanka remain to be cleared of landmines as of 19 April, according to Ministry of Defence Spokesperson Col. Nalin Herath.Since the clearing process began in 2022, a total of 22,281 hectares have been cleared.&nbsp;However, out of the cleared minefields, 914 hectares are yet to be released to the public.Col. Herath further stated that a timeline could not be provided for the clearing of the remaining minefields, as the process of demining was complicated, arduous, and not without risk.Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya recently emphasised that clearing landmines in Sri Lanka’s Northern and Eastern Provinces was not just about removing physical dangers but also about restoring dignity, livelihoods, and peace for affected communities.&nbsp;She made these remarks at the Donor Coordination and Appreciation Ceremony for the National Mine Action Programme, held on 2 May at the Galle Face Hotel.&nbsp;The event, organised by the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction, and Housing, recognised international partners supporting Sri Lanka’s demining efforts.Highlighting the Government’s development vision, the Prime Minister stressed that mine clearance was essential for ensuring equal opportunities in education, healthcare, and economic growth.&nbsp;Sri Lanka is committed to fulfilling its obligations under the Ottawa Convention, which mandates complete clearance of anti-personnel mines by 1 June 2028.The Prime Minister called for continued international support, noting that demining would transform conflict-affected regions into prosperous zones while promoting environmental sustainability.

Landmines: Over 2,300 hectares of land still to be cleared

Despite allegations, Sri Lanka possesses sufficient fertiliser stocks to fulfil the agricultural demands of the current Yala season as well as the upcoming cultivation season, according to Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Secretary D.P. Wickremasinghe.However, farmers have expressed concerns and complaints regarding the availability and distribution of fertiliser.As of now, available stocks include 64,000 MT of urea, 69,000 MT of Muriate of Potash (MOP), and 3,000 MT of Triple Superphosphate (TSP), with an additional 500 MT of TSP expected to arrive this week.“All fertiliser stocks are imported and both Government and private fertiliser companies maintain sufficient reserves. Farmers can readily purchase the required quantities,” Wickremasinghe said.Although the market price of fertiliser is not subsidised, the Government continues to support farmers by providing a financial subsidy to ease the burden of purchase.&nbsp;“We are offering Rs. 25,000 per hectare for fertiliser support, disbursed in two phases – Rs. 15,000 initially, followed by Rs. 10,000. The funds are deposited directly into the bank accounts of farmers shortly after cultivation begins,” Wickremasinghe added.However, National Agrarian Unity Organisation President Anuradha Tennakoon has accused private fertiliser suppliers of unjustified price hikes, contradicting Government claims that costs remain stable.&nbsp;Tennakoon stated that while global fertiliser prices had not increased, local rates had surged by Rs. 1,000-1,500 per bag. He attributed this to sidelining small-scale importers, leaving pricing control to large private entities.“Farmers in Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, and Ampara report urea prices jumping from Rs. 6,800 to Rs. 8,500 per 50 kg bag. The National Fertilizer Secretariat only monitors quality, not prices, leaving farmers at the mercy of private sellers,” he said, dismissing the Agriculture Minister’s claim that prices had not risen as “false” and urging Government intervention to stabilise costs.

Fertiliser supply: Govt. denies shortages, ensures stocks 

<ul><li>Discussions to commence this week</li></ul>In the wake of the death of a student at the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka (SUSL), the University Grants Commission (UGC) says that immediate steps will be taken to counter ragging in universities.Speaking to The Sunday Morning yesterday (3), UGC Chairman Prof. Kapila Seneviratne said that immediate measures were necessary as any changes to laws took time.“We are having some meetings next week to discuss next steps. We need to take immediate measures. Investigations are going on,” he added.Charith Dilshan, a 23-year-old second year student from the Faculty of Technology, took his own life on 29 April due to alleged mental distress caused by a ragging incident that had taken place at his university hostel.In light of the incident, SUSL Vice Chancellor Prof. Sunil Shantha has appointed a three-member committee chaired by Senior Prof. A.A.Y. Amarasinghe to investigate those responsible for the incident inside the university.Speaking to The Sunday Morning on Friday (2), Sabaragamuwa University Teachers’ Association (SUTA) President Dr. W.T.L.S. Fernando said that this committee would investigate and report to the Vice Chancellor on students and responsible individuals such as security personnel.Commenting on the circulation of information on alleged perpetrators on social media, he said that there were doubts regarding the accuracy of the information and the situation had reached a concerning level.“The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is currently investigating whether the persons being named on social media are connected to the incident. There is still no clarity on whether the people being called out are connected. This is concerning because it affects their lives and might even lead to another person harming themselves,” he added.Dr. Fernando said that the teachers’ union was in support of the Vice Chancellor’s investigations and was willing to intervene in student activity.“We are willing to be present during all student activities. In addition to ragging, there are activities such as queuing up first-year students. We are going to keep a watch and stop such activities if we see them happening.”In 2024, it was reported that the Attorney General’s Department had submitted a series of draft guidelines to support the enforcement of existing laws such as the Prohibition of Ragging and Other Forms of Violence in Educational Institutions Act No.20 of 1998, popularly referred to as the Anti-Ragging Act.Speaking to The Sunday Morning, anti-ragging activist and Rage.lk Co-Founder Yasu-e Karunaratne said that while the existing law was strong and covered a wide range of possibilities in ragging, it was not a deterrent as it was not being used.“The act covers quite a bit of ground but the pitfalls are in non-compliance. When an act is not used, no one is scared.”She alleged that when the Police filed complaints about incidents of ragging, assault, and mental abuse, the Anti-Ragging Act was not utilised, which made it difficult to track the number of cases.The Online Complaints Mechanism of the UGC is a portal set up for members of the university community to lodge complaints regarding incidents of ragging, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), intimidation, bullying, and any other form of violence.&nbsp;Attempts to obtain information on the number of cases reported to the UGC through the portal proved unsuccessful.

‘Loku Pattie’ brought back to Sri Lanka

PM Harini Amarasuriya says vested interests resisting much-needed refo ...

PM Harini Amarasuriya says ves ...

Heavy showers expected as Intertropical Zone affects Island

Heavy showers expected as Inte ...

SL-US trade talks: CPC to import fuel from US?

SL-US trade talks: CPC to impo ...

Electricity tariffs: PUCSL seeks fresh CEB data to weigh immediate hik ...

Electricity tariffs: PUCSL see ...

Sabaragamuwa Uni student death: Criminal action likely if linked to ra ...

Sabaragamuwa Uni student death ...

Landmines: Over 2,300 hectares of land still to be cleared

Landmines: Over 2,300 hectares ...

Fertiliser supply: Govt. denies shortages, ensures stocks

Fertiliser supply: Govt. denie ...

Anti-ragging laws: UGC pushes immediate action amid legal delays

Anti-ragging laws: UGC pushes ...

PM Harini Amarasuriya says vested interests resisting much-needed refo ...

PM Harini Amarasuriya says ves ...

Heavy showers expected as Intertropical Zone affects Island

Heavy showers expected as Inte ...

SL-US trade talks: CPC to import fuel from US?

SL-US trade talks: CPC to impo ...

Electricity tariffs: PUCSL seeks fresh CEB data to weigh immediate hik ...

Electricity tariffs: PUCSL see ...

Sabaragamuwa Uni student death: Criminal action likely if linked to ra ...

Sabaragamuwa Uni student death ...

Landmines: Over 2,300 hectares of land still to be cleared

Landmines: Over 2,300 hectares ...

Fertiliser supply: Govt. denies shortages, ensures stocks

Fertiliser supply: Govt. denie ...

Anti-ragging laws: UGC pushes immediate action amid legal delays

Anti-ragging laws: UGC pushes ...

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PM Harini Amarasuriya says vested interests resisting much-needed refo ...

PM Harini Amarasuriya says ves ...

Heavy showers expected as Intertropical Zone affects Island

Heavy showers expected as Inte ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

SL-US trade talks: CPC to import fuel from US?

SL-US trade talks: CPC to impo ...

Electricity tariffs: PUCSL seeks fresh CEB data to weigh immediate hik ...

Electricity tariffs: PUCSL see ...

Sabaragamuwa Uni student death: Criminal action likely if linked to ra ...

Sabaragamuwa Uni student death ...

Landmines: Over 2,300 hectares of land still to be cleared

Landmines: Over 2,300 hectares ...