Showers are expected at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces today (17), according to the Department of Meteorology. Fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 50 mm is possible in some areas of Galle, Matara, Kalutara and Ratnapura districts. Several spells of showers are expected in the North-Western Province and in the Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts. Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in the Uva and Eastern provinces, and in the Mullaitivu and Polonnaruwa districts, after 1.00 p.m. The public has been advised to take precautions against temporary, localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Fairly heavy rainfall expected in parts of the island today

<ul><li>NLAC pushes right to unionise, collective bargaining&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>New TUs registering but decline in workers joining&nbsp;</li><li>Unionist claims problem acute in semi-Govt and pvt sectors&nbsp;</li></ul> Claiming that only around 9 per cent of Sri Lanka’s workforce are members of trade unions (TUs), National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC) member and trade unionist Anton Marcus said the Government should focus on protecting the workers’ right to join unions instead of concentrating on changes such as the proposed reforms to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF).Speaking to The Daily Morning, Marcus, who is also the General Secretary of the Free Trade Zones and General Services Employees’ Union, said that while new TUs are being registered, there has been a decline in workers joining unions in recent times. "This is mainly due to the treatment faced by workers after becoming union members, particularly in the semi-Government and private sectors. Certain TUs that work with political motives should accept some responsibility for the situation too."He further said that society had also developed an incorrect image of TUs, with unions portrayed as groups that make demands and resort to strikes. “There is an image created in society that TUs are people who make demands and go on strike. That is not correct. Semi-Government and private sector employees very rarely go on strike. Strikes take place in the State sector, and even that doesn’t happen now.""The decline in TUs membership is not due to workers having no need for TUs. They could face various forms of harassment after joining a union, including being subjected to reprisals and transfers. Once an employee joins a TU, they have to face various forms of harassment. The freedom to join TUs is guaranteed by the Constitution, but workers don’t enjoy that right in practice. The Government should pay more attention to the protection of TU rights and the workers’ ability to organise, instead of focusing on unnecessary reforms such as merging the EPF and the ETF." Marcus said.Deputy Labour Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe and Labour Ministry Secretary R M Piyatissa were not available for comment.His comments come amid the Government’s plans to examine a unified governance framework for the EPF and the ETF under a tripartite structure involving the Government, the employers and employees. The Cabinet of Ministers approved the appointment of a Senior Officials’ Committee in June to examine the feasibility of bringing the functions of the two Funds under such a framework.

 Only 9% of the workforce in trade unions? 

<ul><li>Met Dept and NBRI warn of floods and landslides&nbsp;</li><li>Public urged to evacuate if rains are heavy, even before notices are issued&nbsp;</li><li>4,576 disaster relief centres established island-wide&nbsp;</li></ul> Widespread rainfall is expected across Sri Lanka within the next 10 days, according to the Meteorology Department, which has warned of the possibility of heavy rain, landslides and flooding.&nbsp;Speaking at a special media conference yesterday (16), the Director General of the Department Ajith Wijemannage said that the authorities should remain prepared for deteriorating weather conditions as the country enters a period of increased rainfall. He said that preparations are already underway to address the effects of the prevailing El Niño conditions, but that further measures should be taken in response to forecasts of heavy rainfall and associated hazards.&nbsp;Heavy rainfall is expected during next month (October) and November, Wijemannage said, adding that flooding and landslides could occur during this period. He explained that atmospheric disturbances frequently develop around the Bay of Bengal during October and November and that these conditions could intensify under the influence of El Niño.&nbsp;Wijemannage also urged the general public and relevant authorities to remain vigilant, noting that increased rainfall is also expected in the North-Eastern parts of the island during December. Meanwhile, average rainfall is forecast for the Northern and Eastern Provinces. However, he said that certain Indian Ocean Dipole conditions could potentially lead to flooding in those areas.&nbsp;During February, March and April of next year (2027), Wijemannage said that higher temperatures and relatively lower rainfall are expected.He stressed the importance of properly managing the rainfall received across the country over the coming months in preparation for changing weather conditions.Meanwhile, the National Building Research Institute (NBRI) has warned of an increased risk of landslides in several areas affected by Cyclone Ditwah, following continued heavy rainfall. Senior Geologist at the NBRI, Dr Wasantha Senadeera said yesterday that early warning signs of possible landslides had been observed in several locations due to the heavy rainfall experienced over the past few days.&nbsp;He said that particular attention is required in areas where soil and rocks had moved following the impact of Ditwah but where landslides had not yet occurred, as further heavy rainfall could trigger landslides in those locations. Dr Senadeera also warned that the heavy rainfall forecast for the coming days could further increase the risk of landslides in vulnerable areas.&nbsp;According to the NBRI, more than 30,000 families are currently considered to be at high risk due to landslide hazards. Dr Senadeera said that approximately 15,000 families had been identified as being at high risk over the past 15 years, while a programme is currently underway to resettle around 5,000 of them. However, following Ditwah, a further 16,793 high-risk families have been identified, he said, adding that the figure could rise as assessments and the monitoring of the affected areas are still ongoing. He said that the situation demonstrated the severity of the impact caused by the cyclone and urged residents in areas receiving heavy rainfall to move to safer locations without delay.&nbsp;He also warned the general public against entering landslide-prone areas to observe landslides, stressing that even locations previously considered safe may have become vulnerable following the cyclone. Dr Senadeera further urged the general public to rely only on official information issued by Government institutions and not to act on unverified information circulated through social media. “Those living in areas experiencing heavy rainfall should move to safe locations and take necessary steps to protect their lives. We are facing a situation that has not been experienced before, and the public must remain vigilant and follow official warnings,” he said.The NBRI cautioned the public to take extra precautions during the upcoming rains, as heavy rainfall could reactivate mountains that were activated during Ditwah but did not result in landslides. Dr Senadeera said that people in the Matale, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Badulla Districts should be particularly cautious.&nbsp;“There are many places in these areas that were activated during Ditwah, but landslides did not occur. Yet, there is a risk of them being activated again. The attention of the general public is mandatory regarding these places,” he said. “There are some places where the soil and rocks of these mountains have come down two to three kilometres and stayed there. If we get heavy rains again, there is a possibility that these rocks might come down again,” he said.&nbsp;He added that, out of some of these mountains, early signs of possible landslides could also be identified. He said that seven people died in an incident in Aranayaka due to these activated areas, with five of the victims having gone to see the affected locations. He cautioned the public against engaging in such risky activities.&nbsp;Dr Senadeera further said that investigations into houses damaged by Ditwah and risky areas have not yet been finalised. “We are still engaging in observations and investigations of the Ditwah-hit places,” he said. “For the last 15 years, we have identified more than 15,000 houses as being at high risk, and 5,000 of them are being resettled as part of a Government programme. But, with Ditwah, 16,793 families have been identified, bringing the number of families identified as being at high risk to more than 30,000 by now,” he said.&nbsp;He said that this figure would increase further as investigations and observations have not yet been completed. He added that the details of these families have been provided to the Local Authorities, and that necessary action to safeguard them during the upcoming rains is in progress. He added that there are other families living in unauthorised houses or houses for which Local Authorities do not have details.&nbsp;He further cautioned that Department data is based on spatial data, making it necessary for the public to remain aware of their surroundings and immediately move to safe places if they feel that rainfall is too heavy, even if they are not given notices. He said that another challenge is that, following Ditwah, even places previously identified as safe have now been identified as unsafe. He advised the public to follow notices issued by the Department and the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), rely only on information provided by officials, and avoid being misled by fake news on social media.Speaking at the same meeting, the National Disaster Relief Centre spokesperson Prageeth Danansooriya said that 4,576 disaster relief centres had been established across all 25 Districts by now to facilitate the public in the event of a disaster. He urged the public to follow DMC notices, evacuate if they are in unsafe areas, and safeguard their lives.

Widespread rains in the next 10 days 

The country could face a renewed increase in dengue cases in the coming months as the expected rainfall creates favourable conditions for mosquito breeding, the Acting Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, Dr Kapila Kannangara warned.&nbsp;He made the remarks as a special week-long dengue control programme commenced on Tuesday (14), targeting areas vulnerable to a resurgence of the disease. Dr Kannangara said that the programme was launched in anticipation of the rainfall associated with the North-East monsoon, the inter-monsoon conditions and weather patterns linked to El Niño, all of which could create additional mosquito breeding sites and contribute to a fresh rise in dengue infections.&nbsp;Although the number of dengue cases has declined from the high-risk levels recorded recently, he stressed that the threat had not disappeared. “Dengue can raise its head again in the coming months,” Dr Kannangara said, noting that entomological surveys conducted across the country continue to identify dengue mosquito breeding sites. He said that daily dengue cases had previously reached between 1,200 and 1,300, but that the number has now fallen considerably. However, the health authorities cannot afford to become complacent, as existing breeding sites could fuel another increase in cases if preventive measures are not maintained.&nbsp;The programme is being implemented across seven Provinces, 15 Districts and the Colombo Municipal Council area, covering 62 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions. Ten teams have been deployed to each MOH division, with each team comprising a health worker, military personnel, a Police officer and volunteers. District and Divisional Secretaries, along with Grama Niladhari officers are also supporting cleaning and mosquito-control activities at the Local level.Meanwhile, 97,484 dengue cases have been recorded so far this year (2026), with 74 deaths reported. Gampaha has recorded the highest number of cases at 20,786, followed by Colombo with 19,311 cases. The authorities have identified 35 high-risk areas that remain under close monitoring, with officials urging the public to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites before the expected rains trigger a further increase in dengue transmission.

Rains bring fresh dengue threat 

<ul><li>Alleges prior knowledge of attacks; failure to share intelligence</li></ul> Additional Solicitor General (ASG), President’s Counsel (PC) Dileepa Peiris yesterday (15) alleged that investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks had uncovered information suggesting that Military Intelligence had prior knowledge of the planned attacks but deliberately withheld vital intelligence.Peiris PC made the allegations before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court during the latest hearing of the case against three suspects, including former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director Major General (Retd.) Suresh Sallay. Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Director DIG Shani Abeysekara appeared for the prosecution.According to Peiris PC, investigators had recorded a statement from an intelligence informant, Kambiyan Thavalan, who had allegedly provided information to the Army on extremist groups since 2014. He said the informant had provided specific information about planned attacks in the days immediately before Easter Sunday, including on the day before the bombings.However, Peiris PC alleged that the relevant Military Intelligence unit had failed to share the information with other security agencies.He further alleged that an organised group within Military Intelligence had sought to protect Easter Sunday attack mastermind Zahran Hashim and conceal information concerning those responsible.Referring to the 2018 killing of two police officers in Vavunathivu, Peiris PC said investigations had initially focused on former LTTE members. He claimed that Colonel Maddumage, then in charge of the Giritale Intelligence Camp, subsequently provided written information identifying Hashim as responsible. Those who allegedly concealed such information were connected to Sallay, he claimed.The prosecution also referred to former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen and Mannar businessman Alawdeen. Peiris PC alleged that Bathiudeen had provided political protection to individuals connected to the attacks, while Alawdeen had provided speedboats allegedly used by Hashim and associates to travel to India before the bombings.He said investigators would also record statements from political figures, including Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and other Parliamentarians who had previously raised related allegations in Parliament.The prosecution also raised allegations concerning former SIS Director Nilantha Jayawardena. Peiris PC said Police Inspector Ranjan Senarath Bandara, attached to the SIS Extremist Division, had submitted a list of 94 suspected extremists to Jayawardena before the attacks, including Hashim and his brother Rilwan.According to the prosecution, Jayawardena instructed further investigations, but the officer later met Hashim’s brothers without arresting them. Peiris PC argued that this indicated that elements within the SIS had information about the planned attacks but failed to act.The prosecution also questioned the deaths of 16 people linked to the attackers in Sainthamaruthu on 27 April 2019, saying investigators were examining whether all had died by suicide or whether some could have been arrested.Meanwhile, the prosecution raised concerns over Sallay’s continued hospitalisation and the failure to produce medical reports. Peiris PC alleged a “medical conspiracy” and said Sallay had been on medical leave for 100 days.Sallay’s counsel, Shavindra Fernando PC, rejected the manner in which the allegations were presented, stressing that B-report statements were not evidence and that he would not respond to every allegation at this stage.Magistrate Pasan Amarasena ordered the Director of the Colombo National Hospital to appear in Court on 22 September and explain the failure to submit the requested medical reports.The case will be heard again on 22 September.

Easter attacks probe: Prosecution makes bombshell revelations 

The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Jeddah has issued a special safety advisory for Sri Lankan nationals residing in the western region of Saudi Arabia, amid emerging developments in the area. The Consulate has urged Sri Lankans to remain vigilant and follow the recommended safety measures if they receive an emergency alert on their mobile phones.&nbsp;In the event of an emergency, residents in the Makkah and Madinah regions have been advised to contact 911, while those in other parts of Saudi Arabia should call 998 for emergency services. Sri Lankan nationals requiring urgent assistance can also contact the Consulate General through its emergency hotline at 0560986671. Given the elevated risk to the public, the Consulate — which holds jurisdiction over the entire western region — has issued an advisory in accordance with local authority guidelines.&nbsp;Sri Lankan nationals are strictly advised to refrain from photographing or video recording any security-related incidents, as well as sharing or commenting on such posts online. Currently there are no reports of any Sri Lankan being injured.Earlier on Tuesday (15), Saudi Arabia issued emergency alerts warning of a “potential danger” in Jeddah, Mecca and Taif in the country’s west, urging residents to seek shelter and follow official safety instructions, Anadolu reports. The alerts were issued through the National Early Warning Platform for Emergencies, according to the Saudi Civil Defence.&nbsp;

Saudi-Yemeni Houthi conflict: Lankans in Saudi placed on alert 

The Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) has directed former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s wife, Shiranthi Rajapaksa, to appear before the Division on 24 September to provide a statement regarding the Siriliya Saviya account.The FCID has resumed investigations into the account and issued a notice requiring her to appear on the specified date.The notice was initially delivered to Rajapaksa’s residence, Carlton House in Tangalle. However, she was reportedly receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo at the time.After completing her treatment on Tuesday (15), Rajapaksa travelled directly from the hospital to the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake to leave for Singapore.According to reports, FCID officers served a notice on her at the Airport informing her that she was required to appear before the Division on 24 September. The notice was reportedly accepted on her behalf by a relative.Rajapaksa subsequently departed for Singapore in the early hours of yesterday (16) as a regular passenger. She travelled aboard Singapore Airlines flight SQ-469, which departed at around 1.10 a.m., and was accompanied by a relative.However, a member of the Rajapaksa family denied reports that she had knowingly left the country despite being summoned by the FCID.The family member claimed that Rajapaksa had not received any prior summons requiring her to appear before the FCID and had travelled directly to the Airport from the private hospital where she had been receiving treatment.According to the family member, the FCID letter was handed to Rajapaksa by an Airport official near the departure gate shortly before her scheduled flight at 12.50 a.m. yesterday.The family member further claimed that the notification had been issued and delivered only after Rajapaksa had arrived at the Airport and was preparing to leave the country.The family therefore rejected reports that she had knowingly departed Sri Lanka while subject to an earlier FCID summons, maintaining that she had not been notified by the Division before arriving at the Airport.Rajapaksa is currently in Singapore for medical treatment.The FCID’s investigations concern the Siriliya Saviya account, which has previously been the subject of investigations into its financial transactions and activities.

Siriliya Saviya case: FCID summons delivered to Shiranthi at BIA

<ul><li>72% women not working&nbsp;</li><li>&nbsp;329,211 unemployed&nbsp;</li></ul> More than 8.6 million Sri Lankans aged 15 and above were outside the labour force in 2025, accounting for 50.6% of the population in that age group, according to the Labour Force Survey 2025 released by the Department of Census and Statistics.The survey recorded 8,625,859 people outside the labour force, while the overall labour-force participation rate stood at 49.4%.Women accounted for the overwhelming majority of those outside the labour force. Of the total, 6,185,730 were women, compared to 2,440,129 men. Women therefore accounted for about 72% of the population outside the labour force, while men represented approximately 28%.The gender disparity was also reflected in labour-force participation, with 69.1% of men aged 15 and above participating in the labour market, compared to just 32.4% of women.The majority of those outside the labour force were from rural areas. The survey recorded 7,076,080 people outside the labour force in rural areas, compared to 1,549,778 in urban areas, meaning rural residents accounted for about 82% of the total.Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s unemployment rate stood at 3.9% in 2025, with an estimated 329,211 people unemployed.The female unemployment rate was 6.1%, more than twice the 2.8% recorded among men. The survey also showed that female unemployment remained higher than male unemployment throughout the 2018–2025 period.Unemployment varied across residential sectors, with the rate standing at 3.4% in urban areas, 4% in rural areas and 4.8% in the estate sector. The national unemployment rate of 3.9% was therefore lower than the rates recorded in both rural and estate areas.Significant disparities were also recorded among districts.Hambantota reported the highest unemployment rate at 6.6%, followed by Kegalle at 6% and both Matale and Kandy at 5.9%. Matara recorded 4.8%, while Batticaloa and Kurunegala each recorded 4.3% and Badulla 4.1%.Jaffna recorded an unemployment rate of 3.4%, while Colombo stood at 3%.Trincomalee recorded the lowest unemployment rate among the districts listed at 0.6%, followed by Mullaitivu at 1.7% and Mannar at 1.8%.The survey, conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, measures employment, unemployment and labour-force participation in Sri Lanka.The district-level figures indicate substantial variation in unemployment across the country, despite the national rate standing at 3.9%.

 2025 Labour Force Survey: Half of working-age Lankans not in labour force 

Opposition Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa was remanded until 23 September by the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court yesterday (16) after being produced before Court as a suspect in an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of approximately USD 2 million in connection with the acquisition of Airbus aircraft by SriLankan Airlines.Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena issued the remand order after considering submissions by Deputy Solicitor General Janaka Bandara, who appeared for the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).President’s Counsel Anil Silva, together with other attorneys representing Rajapaksa, also made submissions before the Court.The Magistrate announced that a decision on Rajapaksa’s bail application would be delivered on 23 September.The investigation centres on allegations concerning the handling of funds in connection with the controversial procurement of Airbus aircraft for SriLankan Airlines.Rajapaksa was brought before Court by prison authorities in compliance with a previous order issued by the Judiciary.Police had also taken measures to strengthen security around the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court premises yesterday as Rajapaksa was produced before Court.The allegations are being investigated by the CID, with the Court proceedings continuing next week. PHOTO Krishan Kariyawasam

Fairly heavy rainfall expected in parts of the island today

Only 9% of the workforce in trade unions?

Only 9% of the workforce in t ...

Widespread rains in the next 10 days

Widespread rains in the next 1 ...

Rains bring fresh dengue threat

Rains bring fresh dengue threa ...

Easter attacks probe: Prosecution makes bombshell revelations

Easter attacks probe: Prosecut ...

Saudi-Yemeni Houthi conflict: Lankans in Saudi placed on alert

Saudi-Yemeni Houthi conflict: ...

Siriliya Saviya case: FCID summons delivered to Shiranthi at BIA

Siriliya Saviya case: FCID sum ...

2025 Labour Force Survey: Half of working-age Lankans not in labour f ...

2025 Labour Force Survey: Hal ...

Airbus deal: Namal re-remanded until 23 Sept

Airbus deal: Namal re-remanded ...

Only 9% of the workforce in trade unions?

Only 9% of the workforce in t ...

Widespread rains in the next 10 days

Widespread rains in the next 1 ...

Rains bring fresh dengue threat

Rains bring fresh dengue threa ...

Easter attacks probe: Prosecution makes bombshell revelations

Easter attacks probe: Prosecut ...

Saudi-Yemeni Houthi conflict: Lankans in Saudi placed on alert

Saudi-Yemeni Houthi conflict: ...

Siriliya Saviya case: FCID summons delivered to Shiranthi at BIA

Siriliya Saviya case: FCID sum ...

2025 Labour Force Survey: Half of working-age Lankans not in labour f ...

2025 Labour Force Survey: Hal ...

Airbus deal: Namal re-remanded until 23 Sept

Airbus deal: Namal re-remanded ...

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Only 9% of the workforce in trade unions?

Only 9% of the workforce in t ...

Widespread rains in the next 10 days

Widespread rains in the next 1 ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

Rains bring fresh dengue threat

Rains bring fresh dengue threa ...

Easter attacks probe: Prosecution makes bombshell revelations

Easter attacks probe: Prosecut ...

Saudi-Yemeni Houthi conflict: Lankans in Saudi placed on alert

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Siriliya Saviya case: FCID summons delivered to Shiranthi at BIA

Siriliya Saviya case: FCID sum ...