<ul><li>US$ 2.5 m fraud, judicial independence to be highlighted</li><li>SJB to discuss with Opposition party leaders today</li><li>To be working towards joint coordinated approach</li></ul> &nbsp;The main Opposition, the SJB, is set to use the Parliamentary week starting today (5) to scrutinise key national developments, including the diversion of US$ 2.5 million in State funds and recent remarks by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on judicial matters. A meeting with other Opposition party leaders is scheduled for this morning to determine the way forward.Commenting on the week’s agenda to The Daily Morning, Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunathilleka said: “Our Parliamentary group meeting was held yesterday (4). Discussions focused on addressing a range of current issues, including the alleged $ 2.5 million Treasury-related cyber fraud incident and recent statements made by President Dissanayake and other Government representatives concerning judicial matters.”He added that a meeting with leaders of other Opposition parties has been scheduled for this morning to discuss a coordinated approach moving forward.The Opposition’s preparations come amid controversy over recent statements by President Dissanayake regarding the Judiciary, which have drawn criticism from various quarters.Addressing a May Day rally in Nuwara Eliya on 1 May, the President said that 2026 would be remembered as the year in which individuals accused of corruption and fraud would be imprisoned. He also referred to ongoing investigations, noting that several cases are currently before court and that institutions such as the Criminal Investigation Department and the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption had been strengthened to expedite legal action.His remarks on impending convictions and the handling of corruption cases have sparked debate, particularly regarding the independence of the Judiciary.These developments also unfold against the backdrop of an ongoing investigation into an alleged cyber fraud involving nearly $ 2.5 million diverted from a Government payment linked to a bilateral transaction with Australia in early 2026. The funds, intended for an Australian creditor, were redirected after email communications related to the payment were compromised by cyber actors. Although the transaction was processed through official Treasury systems, the intended recipient did not receive the funds.&nbsp;

During Parliament week: Opposition to take Govt to task

Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts (COPA), Kabir Hashim, said if there is an official request for the Committee to look into the alleged US$ 2.5 million diversion linked to a Government payment to an Australian party, and if it is deemed necessary, the Committee will proceed without bias.When queried by The Daily Morning yesterday (4) as to whether COPA would look into the issue, he said: “I have not received an official request or a petition or anything. Usually, we take up cases based on requirements.” Commenting on the request made by the 'Free Lawyers' organisation that the COPA investigate the issue, he said: “I saw it on social media, but I haven’t received any hard copies yet. When we receive it, we will look at the content and take necessary action. If there is an official request and if we see that there is a necessity, certainly we will do our job without any bias.”The remarks come in the wake of a request by the Free Lawyers organisation for COPA to intervene in the matter. Former Governor Rajith Keerthi Tennakoon said the organisation had called for the Auditor General’s intervention through the COPA, urging that an open meeting be convened during the upcoming Parliamentary week and that a sub-committee be appointed to carry out a detailed investigation.The Free Lawyers organisation was the first to raise concerns about the alleged diversion of funds, which has drawn significant public attention. The incident involves a suspected cyber fraud in which funds meant for an Australian creditor were diverted after electronic mail communications linked to the payment were interfered with, despite the transaction being processed through official Treasury systems.Tennakoon also criticised the handling of the matter by the Parliamentary Committee on Public Finance (COPF), claiming that it had failed to carry out its responsibility and instead allowed the issue to be delayed without proper scrutiny. He alleged that the COPF meeting held on 30 April focused on an inaccurate narrative involving a hacker.He further charged that granting the Finance Ministry a one-month period to submit the relevant documents was unjustified, claiming that such documents should already be available and could be produced without delay.

$ 2.5 m diversion: COPA to probe upon official request

The Free Lawyers organisation stated the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) should publicly explain what transpired in the alleged US$ 2.5 million diversion linked to a Government payment, and clarify its role in the transactions in question. Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (4), former Governor and Free Lawyers organisation member Rajith Keethi Tennakoon alleged the CBSL has remained unresponsive despite multiple attempts to seek clarification. “The CBSL is not speaking a word about this. They don’t respond to anything, electronic mail, WhatsApp, telephone calls, text or anything. They should tell the country what happened.” He also questioned as to why the Parliamentary Committee on Public Finance (COPF) had not raised any queries regarding the CBSL’s involvement in the incident. “Last week, the COPF did not question anything from the CBSL. I heard that seven of these transactions have been carried out by the CBSL. Where is their accountability? Is the CBSL not accountable for anything or subjected to any oversight from anyone?” he queried. Attempts to contact the CBSL proved futile. The concerns arise amid ongoing scrutiny over the alleged cyber fraud involving nearly $ 2.5 million, diverted from a Government payment linked to a bilateral transaction with Australia in early 2026. The funds, intended for an Australian creditor, were redirected after email communications related to the payment were interfered with by cyber actors. Although the transaction was processed through official Treasury systems, the intended recipient did not receive the funds.

$ 2.5 m transaction: CBSL urged to come clean 

The Education Ministry is to restore the school term and examination calendar to its pre-2020 schedule from next year (2027), Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa said.Speaking to The Daily Morning, he said that from 2027 onwards, both school terms and public examinations would return to their regular timelines, bringing an end to several years of disruption. As part of the transition, he noted that the remaining two school vacation periods this year (in 2026) would be longer than those granted in recent years. He also confirmed that the General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level (O/L) Examination will be held in December 2026 as usual. Sri Lanka’s education system has faced repeated interruptions since 2020, beginning with the Covid-19 pandemic, which forced prolonged school closures and a shift to remote learning. These disruptions were followed by the country’s economic crisis, which further affected school operations due to fuel shortages, transport difficulties, and constraints on public spending. As a result, examinations were postponed and rescheduled multiple times, and school terms had to be rearranged frequently. In addition, adverse weather events, including the impact of Cyclone Ditwah, also contributed to temporary school closures in several parts of the country.&nbsp;

From 2027: School terms, exams to pre-2020 schedule 

The Public Health Inspectors’ Union (PHIU) has announced the registration process for Dansals (provide free food and beverage) organised in connection with the upcoming Vesak festival has officially commenced. The Spokesperson for the Union, Anura Thilakasiri stated yesterday (4) that organisers may complete the registration process by contacting the PHI in their respective areas. He noted that the registration requires the submission of basic details, including the location of the Dansal, the names and addresses of the organisers, and their contact information.Following registration, PHIs will carry out inspections focusing on food preparation practices, waste management procedures, food safety standards, and overall sanitary conditions. Thilakasiri further emphasised that food must not be handled directly by hand during distribution, and that appropriate serving utensils or gloves should be used instead.&nbsp;He also cautioned against the use of newspapers for food packaging, explaining that printing ink may contaminate food and pose health risks. Organisers have additionally been instructed to ensure that drinking water provided at Dansal sites is safe for consumption and to carefully monitor the expiry dates of all ingredients used in food preparation.Thilakasiri warned that any violations of these guidelines would result in legal action under the Food Act, No. 26 of 1980 and the Food Safety Regulations of 2011.In a related development, the Health Ministry has issued comprehensive food safety guidelines for Vesak Dansal. The nine-point directive requires all Dansal to be registered at the relevant Medical Officer of Health office under the PHI division. It further specifies that the time interval between food preparation and consumption should not exceed four hours.

Vesak Dansal registration commences 

<ul><li>Namal slams Prez over claims on court cases&nbsp;</li><li>Comments are an attack on judicial freedom&nbsp;</li></ul> The Free Lawyers organisation has called for an investigation into remarks made by President Dissanayake concerning judicial decisions during a May Day rally. In a letter addressed to the Chief Justice (CJ), the organisation alleged that the President made a prejudicial comment regarding a verdict yet to be delivered in an ongoing court case. It warned that such remarks could be seen as interfering with matters currently before the Judiciary.&nbsp;The comments have sparked widespread controversy across the country, with critics raising concerns about the implications for judicial independence.&nbsp;The organisation further emphasised the President’s remarks went beyond a general observation on legal processes, noting that they included references to specific dates and timelines related to the pending case.Opposition Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa has alleged that President Dissanayake is attempting to influence judicial matters through political platforms, claiming that decisions were being signalled during May Day events linked to the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP). Addressing the media in Kalutara, he said that it became evident during May Day proceedings that key decisions were being communicated from the JVP, raising concerns over the separation of powers.&nbsp;“We only learned on May Day that decisions are being made from the JVP platform. If the President believes that he can deliver court rulings in such a manner while ignoring public concerns, we will respond accordingly,” he said. Despite his criticisms, he expressed confidence in the Judiciary, stating that courts would continue to act independently, regardless of political statements.The Sarvajana Balaya has also condemned what it describes as an unconstitutional attack on the independence of the Judiciary by the Government. In a statement issued by the Party’s General Secretary, attorney Ranjan Seneviratne, the Party said that the relevant remarks were “shameless, provocative, and cannot be constitutionally justified.”&nbsp;The statement alleges that there is a deliberate attempt to bring the Judiciary under the control of the Executive, warning that such actions pose a serious threat to democratic governance. The Sarvajana Balaya further stated that the issue goes beyond political commentary and amounts to an attack on democracy itself. It also emphasised that while governments and political majorities may change, the justice system — built over generations — cannot easily be restored once it is undermined. The Party reiterated that it will not allow the Judiciary to be reduced to a tool of the Executive.The Sarvajana Balaya Party, also of the Opposition, has condemned what it describes as an unconstitutional attack on the independence of the Judiciary by the Government. In a statement issued by the Party’s General Secretary, attorney Ranjan Seneviratne, the Party said that the relevant remarks were “shameless, provocative, and cannot be constitutionally justified.” The statement alleges that there is a deliberate attempt to bring the Judiciary under the control of the Executive, warning that such actions pose a serious threat to democratic governance. The Sarvajana Balaya further stated that the issue goes beyond political commentary and amounts to an attack on democracy itself. It also emphasised that while governments and political majorities may change, the justice system - built over generations - cannot easily be restored once it is undermined. The Party reiterated that it will not allow the Judiciary to be reduced to a tool of the Executive.&nbsp;

Prez’s remarks on pending judicial decision: Free Lawyers writes to CJ seeking probe 

<ul><li>Rainfall reduction, changes in wind patterns after 15 May</li></ul> Sri Lanka is expected to face developing El Niño conditions during the upcoming southwest monsoon season, according to the Meteorology Department. The Director General of the Department, Athula Karunanayake stated that the southwest monsoon period, which runs from this month (May) to September, is likely to be influenced by gradually strengthening El Niño conditions from May onwards.&nbsp;He noted that due to this development, a reduction in the southwest monsoon rainfall is expected, along with changes in the prevailing wind patterns after 15 May, in line with the monsoon season. Karunanayake further explained that during such conditions, less rainfall in the southwestern region is likely with a possibility of the reduction in lightning activity. He added that gradual rainfall could also help ease rising temperatures over time.

Southwest monsoon: SL to face developing El Niño 

<ul><li>Had sought an order to EC to confirm SLMC Leader and Gen. Secy. to P’ment&nbsp;</li></ul>The Supreme Court (SC) yesterday (4) decided to dismiss, without hearing, a petition filed by the Leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), Opposition Parliamentarian, attorney Rauf Hakeem, and its General Secretary, Nizam Kariapper.&nbsp;The duo had filed the petition requesting an order directing the National Election Commission (EC) to inform Parliament that they are members of the SLMC. After considering the petition that was submitted, the Court accordingly ordered that it be dismissed.

SC dismisses SLMC petition 

Three separate incidents involving inmates being shot, allegedly tortured, and dying have been reported within a single week, prompting the Committee for Protecting the Rights of Prisoners to issue an urgent appeal to Justice Minister, attorney Harshana Nanayakkara to intervene.“The first incident occurred at the Borella Magazine Prison on 27 April, where an inmate was allegedly killed during a dispute with another prisoner. The second took place on the afternoon of 3 May, when two inmates attempted to escape the same facility. Prison officers opened fire to prevent the escape, injuring one inmate. In the third case, a 40-year-old inmate who had escaped from the Welikada Prison was found dead outside the Prison premises on 3 May,” a press release by the Committee alleged.In response to this escalating violence, the Committee has called on the Justice Minister to address long-standing systemic failures within the country’s prison system. When contacted, Committee President, attorney Senaka Perera told The Daily Morning that overcrowding and neglect by jailors, who he said are failing to meet legal standards of care, are creating a volatile environment inside prisons.&nbsp;“Two prison massacres have occurred in Sri Lanka so far. After those, two committees were appointed, and they offered recommendations to prevent such events. Yet, those recommendations are being totally ignored,” Perera said. He added that the three core pillars of the Prisons Ordinance - custody, care, and rehabilitation - remain confined to the law books, with little implementation on the ground.&nbsp;Perera also raised questions about the second incident, casting doubt on whether the inmates were genuinely attempting to escape or had been assigned work outside the Prison by the Prisons Department, only to be caught and killed. He urged the Justice Ministry to take immediate action to protect the rights and safety of inmates, stressing that the State is legally bound to do so.Attempts to contact the Prison Media Spokesperson, Jagath Weerasinghe proved futile.

During Parliament week: Opposition to take Govt to task

$ 2.5 m diversion: COPA to probe upon official request

$ 2.5 m diversion: COPA to pro ...

$ 2.5 m transaction: CBSL urged to come clean

$ 2.5 m transaction: CBSL urge ...

From 2027: School terms, exams to pre-2020 schedule

From 2027: School terms, exams ...

Vesak Dansal registration commences

Vesak Dansal registration comm ...

Prez’s remarks on pending judicial decision: Free Lawyers writes to CJ ...

Prez’s remarks on pending judi ...

Southwest monsoon: SL to face developing El Niño

Southwest monsoon: SL to face ...

SC dismisses SLMC petition

SC dismisses SLMC petition

Violence towards prisoners: Rights group seeks Justice Ministry interv ...

Violence towards prisoners: Ri ...

$ 2.5 m diversion: COPA to probe upon official request

$ 2.5 m diversion: COPA to pro ...

$ 2.5 m transaction: CBSL urged to come clean

$ 2.5 m transaction: CBSL urge ...

From 2027: School terms, exams to pre-2020 schedule

From 2027: School terms, exams ...

Vesak Dansal registration commences

Vesak Dansal registration comm ...

Prez’s remarks on pending judicial decision: Free Lawyers writes to CJ ...

Prez’s remarks on pending judi ...

Southwest monsoon: SL to face developing El Niño

Southwest monsoon: SL to face ...

SC dismisses SLMC petition

SC dismisses SLMC petition

Violence towards prisoners: Rights group seeks Justice Ministry interv ...

Violence towards prisoners: Ri ...

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Southwest monsoon: SL to face developing El Niño

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