The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board has announced plans to introduce a new pension scheme aimed at workers engaged in the tea industry and related sectors.&nbsp; The initiative, to be implemented under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land, and Irrigation, will be carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure. Under the proposed scheme, employees working in tea estates and tea factories will be eligible to enroll, with the flexibility to choose premium installment amounts based on their financial capacity. An individual who joins the scheme at age 18 and contributes Rs. 600 quarterly could receive a monthly pension of Rs. 5,000 upon reaching 60 years of age. Officials explained that, depending on the premium paid, contributors may be entitled to monthly pensions of Rs. 15,000, Rs. 20,000, Rs. 25,000, or higher. The scheme also allows contributors to increase their premium payments at any stage to enhance their retirement benefits. In addition to pension benefits, the scheme provides life insurance compensation in cases of total or partial disability resulting from accidents, as well as coverage in the event of death before reaching pensionable age. If a contributor passes away while receiving pension benefits, the entitlements will be transferred to their spouse. Officials emphasised that the primary goal of this insurance scheme is to secure the social welfare and future well-being of tea industry workers, especially during old age when their physical ability to work may decline.

New pension scheme for tea industry workers announced by Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance board

Heavy rain accompanied by dense fog has been reported since early this morning (13) along the Talawakelle–Nuwara Eliya main road, affecting visibility and disrupting traffic movement in the area. Motorists travelling along the route have experienced difficulties due to the prevailing weather conditions. Dense fog has also been reported on the Hatton–Nuwara Eliya main road and several adjoining roads. Traffic officers attached to the Hatton Police have advised motorists to drive cautiously with headlights switched on while travelling through fog-affected areas.

Dense fog disrupts traffic on Talawakelle–Nuwara Eliya road

The low pressure area located northeast of Sri Lanka is likely to move northwards during the next few days, the Department of Meteorology has highlighted. Due to the influence of this system, the prevailing rainy conditions over the island are expected to continue for the next few days. Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western and Northern provinces and in the Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Galle and Matara districts, the Met. Department added. Showers or thundershowers will occur at other places of the island after 1.00 p.m. Accordingly, heavy falls above 100 mm are likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Northwestern and Uva provinces and in the Ampara, Batticaloa, Galle and Matara districts

Heavy showers above 100 mm predicted due to low pressure area near Sri Lanka

<ul><li>&nbsp;Govt targets gradual exit between 2027 and 2029</li><li>Self-employment, vocational training drive income growth</li><li>MF-linked timelines clash with continuing financial hardship&nbsp;</li><li>&nbsp;Questions remain over beneficiary selection, misuse of payments</li></ul> Nearly 100,000 Aswesuma beneficiary families have begun earning a stable income through alternative support programmes since the introduction of the welfare scheme, with the Government hoping to gradually stop welfare payments for as many families as possible over the next three years (2027-2029), it is learnt. Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (12), Deputy Rural Development, Social Security, and Community Empowerment Minister, Wasantha Piyathissa said the Government is working towards helping beneficiaries move away from long-term dependence on welfare assistance, although many families are still not financially stable enough for the payments to be stopped. “As per the agreement signed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), there are specific timeframes for Aswesuma payments to each category to stop. But, the income levels of many beneficiaries have not increased enough for us to discontinue the assistance,” he said. He added that the present Government had taken over the programme midway and begun implementing changes through its Budget presented in May of last year (2025). “There has been some progress. Since the programme began, around 100,000 families have started receiving a substantial income through other support programmes. But, our aim is to help more families become financially independent,” he said.The related alternative support programmes include assistance to start self-employment activities, the provision of grants, support for small-scale chicken farms, opportunities to learn the Japanese language and seek employment overseas, as well as referrals to vocational training centres.He further said that the Government hoped to stop Aswesuma payments to as many families as possible during the next three years by creating opportunities for beneficiaries to improve their livelihoods and income levels. The Aswesuma welfare programme was introduced in 2023 during the Presidency of Ranil Wickremesinghe, with welfare payments commencing on 1 July of that year. Under the scheme, households categorised as transitional initially received Rs. 2,500 per month, vulnerable households Rs. 5,000, poor households Rs. 7,500 and extremely poor households Rs. 15,000. Several payment categories were later increased after the National People's Power Government assumed office. The remarks come amid ongoing public discussion over the implementation of the Aswesuma scheme, including complaints that some low-income families who qualify for assistance have not received benefits, while certain ineligible households have reportedly been included in the beneficiary list. There has also been criticism over how some recipients use the funds, with allegations that part of the allowance is spent on non-essential consumption instead of supporting household needs or income-generating activities.

100,000 families set to exit Aswesuma

<ul><li>Ex-Aviation Minister Jayaratne also records statement&nbsp;</li><li>‘Fake’ surety bail supplying duo remanded till today</li></ul> Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa recorded a statement with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) yesterday (12) for over two hours.Rajapaksa appeared before the CIABOC yesterday morning to provide a statement regarding the alleged SriLankan Airlines Airbus deal. The summons follows a notification issued by the CIABOC requesting a statement in connection with an alleged US$ two million bribe reportedly linked to the procurement of aircraft for the SriLankan Airlines in 2013.Former Aviation Minister Priyankara Jayaratne also recorded a statement with the CIABOC for nearly four hours yesterday regarding the controversial SriLankan Airlines Airbus deal. Jayaratne appeared before the CIABOC yesterday following a summons issued to record a statement pertaining to the ongoing probe.&nbsp;However, Rajapaksa’s media spokesperson, attorney Manoj Gamage stated that discussions with a team of lawyers are scheduled to take place regarding certain legal matters. Gamage further stated that the summons had been issued based on a confession allegedly made by the late former Chief Executive Officer of the SriLankan Airlines, Kapila Chandrasena. He argued however that Chandrasena had previously submitted an affidavit to court claiming that the confession had been obtained under duress and threats. Gamage maintained that if the summons was based solely on those grounds, it would be unlawful.The CIABOC recently informed the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court (MC) that steps had been taken to summon Rajapaksa, Jayaratne, and an individual identified as Willie Gamage to record statements in relation to the investigation into the Airbus transaction.Meanwhile, two suspects accused of arranging two fake sureties to secure bail for Chandrasena, who recently died under mysterious circumstances, have been remanded until today (13). The order was issued by the Colombo MC. The suspects were produced before Court by the Keselwatta Police. The Magistrate also ordered that one of the suspects be produced for an identification (ID) parade.

SriLankan Airbus deal case: MR records 2-hr statement with CIABOC

<ul><li>Copies sent to int’l professional associations&nbsp;</li></ul> The Joint Opposition has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Justice (CJ) requesting attention over a statement allegedly made by the President concerning a pending court ruling, according to its Convener and jurist Prof. G.L. Peiris.&nbsp;Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo yesterday (12), Prof. Peiris claimed that the President, during his May Day rally speech in Maharagama, had referred to the outcome of a court case before the verdict was officially pronounced. Prof. Peiris stressed that only the presiding judge is aware of a judgement prior to its announcement and that disclosing such information to a third party would be improper. He further stated that undue interference in judicial proceedings constitutes a serious offence punishable under the law. Outlining the legal context, Prof. Peiris noted that interference with the Judiciary is a grave offence, punishable by one year of imprisonment and the loss of civil rights for seven years.The letter titled ‘Grave onslaught on the independence of the Judiciary’ further read: “During his May Day speech, Dissanayake stated, with regard to a pending case, that the hearing had taken place on the previous day and that the judgement is to be delivered on 25 May. He exhorted his listeners to be prepared to greet the judgement with warm applause. This statement has the most significant implications for the integrity of the Judiciary and the separation of powers which are cornerstones of the Constitution. Many issues arise.&nbsp;The President purports to have previous knowledge of a judgement yet to be delivered. It is a fundamental principle of our constitutional system that justice must not only be done, but must manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done. Once the hearing is concluded, the duty of the judge is to assess the evidence and to arrive at his/her conclusion in accordance with the law. His/her conscience is his/her only guide. It would be preposterous for the judge to discuss his/her judgement, prior to delivery, with any third party.&nbsp;Whether the judgement would have the effect of pleasing a third party to the extent of inducing him to urge the reception of the judgement with applause is a totally irrelevant, and indeed grossly improper, consideration. This has the clear potential to undermine public confidence in the judicial system, a matter fraught with the most far-reaching consequences. There appears to us no doubt that this preposterous statement represents an instance of being in contempt of court.&nbsp;This is a despicable attempt to bring pressure to bear on a judge in relation to a case being heard before him/her. The gravity of the situation is enhanced by the fact that the pressure emanates from no less than the Executive President. It seems intolerably unfair to submit a judge to pressure of this intensity, exercised at this level, in respect of the performance of his/her official duties.&nbsp;It cynically erodes the foundations of our legal culture and values. One of the few institutions still enjoying the esteem of the public at large is the Judiciary. We wish to bring these circumstances to your (CJ) notice for action which you may consider appropriate in respect of this distressing situation”.According to Prof. Peiris, several Opposition party leaders and representatives jointly decided to submit the memorandum urging the CJ Preethi Padman Surasena to give the matter due consideration.Prof. Peiris confirmed that copies of the letter were also forwarded to more than 12 international institutions. “Given the importance of the matter, and the essence of liberty in this country, we have decided to send copies of this matter to about 12 international professional associations,” he said. Also speaking at the press conference, former Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne accused the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna General Secretary Tilvin Silva of repeatedly violating democratic norms through statements on ongoing investigations. Senaratne cited a previous remark by Silva that a Presidential Commission probing substandard coal would deliver its judgement within three months, that the Government would be cleared, and that members of previous Governments involved in corruption would be arrested. He questioned the ethics of such comments by a political leader, arguing that the Government is gradually undermining judicial independence. Meanwhile, Opposition Parliamentarian and attorney Dayasiri Jayasekara said in the press briefing that a serious issue had emerged in the appointment of judges. “There are five vacant seats for Judges at the Supreme Court, one of which has been vacant for over six months. Additionally, three seats at the Court of Appeal are vacant,” he claimed. Jayasekara further alleged that by commenting before the final verdict of a case, the President had exerted undue influence on the Judiciary, compelling judges to deliver favourable decisions to secure appointments to higher courts.

Prez’s ‘injudicious’ remarks: Joint Opposition writes to CJ seeking action 

<ul><li>Alleges suicide in murder convict’s fall from building&nbsp;</li></ul> The Committee for Protecting the Rights of Prisoners (CPRP) organisation has cast doubts on the death of an inmate in the Welikada Prison on Monday (11), reportedly after falling from the building, alleging that the same was a suicide&nbsp;The deceased convict in question was sentenced to death over the murder of Parliamentarian Amarakeerthi Athukorala.The Committee alleged the Government is not maintaining an environment to safeguard prisoners' mental health rights. The Rights group announced that it is planning to meet Justice Minister, Harshana Nanayakkara today (13), specifically to request for safeguarding the mental well-being of prisoners.Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (12), the President of the Committee, attorney Senaka Perera said that, according to the Prisons Ordinance, it is a must to take care of the mental well-being of prisoners by the appointed medical officials, and that the said responsibility is gravely neglected in prisons in our country. "Even though a doctor in a prison is expected to attend to the well-being of the prisoners for approximately 5,000 hours monthly, it is only around 1,500 hours that they really do so. If the mental well-being of the prisoners is safeguarded, these incidents would be reduced," he said. "We have planned to meet the Justice Minister tomorrow (13) to discuss this matter," he added.&nbsp;Further, the Rights group also associated recent attempts by inmates to escape and the frustration that erupts within prisons with the lack of provision of mental health for inmates’ well-being.

Inmates’ mental well-being: Prisoners’ rights group to meet Justice Minister

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has decided to launch an inquiry into alleged financial irregularities and corruption linked to the Deyata Kirula exhibitions held in Anuradhapura in 2012 and Ampara in 2013.The inquiry follows a complaint lodged by the Citizens’ Power Against Bribery, Corruption, and Waste organisation, which alleged that public funds had been misappropriated during the organisation and implementation of the two exhibitions. According to the complaint, the Deyata Kirula exhibition held in Oyamaduwa, Anuradhapura, in 2012, had received nearly Rs. 990 million from multiple sources, including Treasury allocations, funds for the construction of a paddy storage facility, allocations from the Environment Ministry and contributions from statutory bodies.&nbsp;However, the organisation claimed that only Rs. 733.8 million in expenditure had been properly accounted for, leaving approximately Rs. 256 million unaccounted for. It further alleged that income generated from between 400 and 600 stalls operating at the exhibition had not been fully recorded, and claimed that nearly Rs. 500 million may have been embezzled in relation to the 2012 event. Similar allegations were raised regarding the 2013 Deyata Kirula exhibition held in Ampara. The complaint stated that the event received Rs. 130 million from the Treasury and Rs. 157 million from statutory bodies.&nbsp;Although Rs. 10.9 million in income from stall rentals and entertainment leases had been recorded, the organisation alleged that income from around 500 other stalls, estimated at approximately Rs. 25 million, had not been accounted for. It claimed that around Rs. 200 million may have been misappropriated in connection with the Ampara exhibition. Overall, the organisation alleged that close to Rs. 700 million may have been embezzled across the two exhibitions. It also claimed that irregularities had taken place in the leasing of stalls and the awarding of contracts based on personal and political affiliations.

CIABOC to probe 2012-13 Deyata Kirula exhibitions 

<ul><li>&nbsp;Instructs individual support Ditwah-orphaned children&nbsp;</li></ul> President Anura Kumara Dissanayake noted that certain groups are attempting to portray the creation of a law-abiding society as a major crisis, but stressed that, in building a civilised Nation, it is essential to create a society in which everyone is accountable under the law.&nbsp;He also pointed out the Government has already taken steps to transform the culture in which the law was selectively enforced based on power, wealth and political connections, and to establish a new culture where all citizens are equally subject to the law.&nbsp;Meanwhile, he emphasised that both the political authority and public officials have a responsibility to ensure that the Rs. 500 billion allocated by the Government in response to Cyclone Ditwah is utilised effectively and efficiently for the recovery and development of the affected communities and areas. President Dissanayake further stressed the need to complete all related projects before the end of this year (2026).&nbsp;President Dissanayake made these remarks while attending the Special District Coordination Committee meeting for Matale held yesterday (12). The President further emphasised that the law should not be regarded as an obstacle preventing public officials from properly discharging their duties. He called upon all officials to remain fully committed to rebuilding the lives of the people by working within the legal framework and ensuring that public funds are utilised in a planned, efficient and productive manner.&nbsp;During the meeting, the President also conducted an extensive review of the progress of compensation payments for the loss of lives and property caused by Ditwah, as well as the measures taken to restore housing and normalcy to the affected communities.

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CIABOC to probe 2012-13 Deyata ...

Prez proclaims equal accountability under law

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Dense fog disrupts traffic on Talawakelle–Nuwara Eliya road

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Heavy showers above 100 mm predicted due to low pressure area near Sri ...

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Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

100,000 families set to exit Aswesuma

100,000 families set to exit A ...

SriLankan Airbus deal case: MR records 2-hr statement with CIABOC

SriLankan Airbus deal case: MR ...

Prez’s ‘injudicious’ remarks: Joint Opposition writes to CJ seeking ac ...

Prez’s ‘injudicious’ remarks: ...

Inmates’ mental well-being: Prisoners’ rights group to meet Justice Mi ...

Inmates’ mental well-being: Pr ...