<ul><li>Formulating City development and hawkers well-being proj. with UDA and stakeholders&nbsp;</li><li>Kandy MC to go ahead with removal, alternative spaces provided on top floor of Railway Station building, says Mayor&nbsp;</li></ul> The Deputy Mayor of Colombo, Hemantha Weerakoon said that instead of calling for the evacuation of pavement hawkers in Pettah and several parts of the City, the Colombo Municipal Council (CPC) is collaborating with several other stakeholders to initiate a project that would develop the City while ensuring their well-being as well.&nbsp;Responding to questions when contacted by The Daily Morning yesterday (31), Kumara observed that the CMC’s intention was not to deprive anyone, including the people carrying out their businesses on the pavements, their means of earning a living. “This is how they earn a living and keep the home fires burning,” he observed, noting that therefore, the pavement hawkers too would have to be given an alternative place to set up their businesses before considering their removal.&nbsp;The CMC, in collaboration with the Urban Development Authority (UDA), and several other institutions, are drawing up the said project for the City’s development, he noted.&nbsp;He noted that according to information that he had received, a development plan is set to be initiated this year (2026) regarding the Floating Market in Pettah. However, the UDA is responsible for it, he noted.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Mayor of Kandy, Chandrasiri Wijenayake, when contacted by The Daily Morning, said that the Kandy MC would go ahead with removing pavement hawkers from today (01) as planned. The Kandy MC was provided with a list of 60 individuals who were carrying out their businesses on the pavement in the City. They have been provided with an alternative place to carry on with their business activities on the top floor of the Kandy Railway Station building, he noted.&nbsp;Sources at the UDA, who wished to remain anonymous, when contacted, noted that on several occasions, the Authority had, in collaboration with the CMC and the Road Development Authority (RDA), attempted to clear the sidewalks and evacuate unauthorised constructions in major cities. However, the small business owners carry out protests demanding alternative lands to set up shop. On several occasions, the CMC, the UDA and even the RDA have given lands belonging to them but to no avail as these pavement hawkers manage to thwart the attempts to clear and organise the sidewalks, they lamented.&nbsp;All efforts made to contact the officers at the RDA proved futile.&nbsp;

Urban development: CMC eschews evicting pavement hawkers 

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) stated that it does not see any change in the Emergency Regulations (ERs) issued with the latest extension of the State of Public Emergency, despite the Commission having previously shared its observations with the President. Speaking to The Daily Morning, HRCSL Member/Commissioner, attorney Nimal G. Punchihewa said that the same set of Regulations appears to have been reissued with the extension. Even though the Emergency has been justified on the basis of the need to continue essential services, he said that that justification becomes questionable in relation to several specific provisions. “It was on these issues that we wrote to the President, but, we don’t see that our observations have been addressed when the ERs are extended.” The extension of the State of Public Emergency will be presented to the Parliament for approval on 6 January, the Defence Ministry announced earlier this week, following the issuance of a Gazette notification extending the Emergency with effect from 29 December of last year (2025). The Gazette Extraordinary was issued by the Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake. Under the Constitution, a state of emergency may be declared only for a period of one month at a time, and any extension must be approved by the Parliament within one week, failing which it lapses automatically. The Emergency was first declared on 28 November 2025 by President and Defence Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake, through Gazette Extraordinary Number 2464/30, following severe damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The proclamation cited the need to ensure public security, maintain public order, and safeguard essential supplies and services in the aftermath of the disaster. In a detailed letter to the President, the HRCSL recently raised concerns over the Emergency (Miscellaneous Provisions and Powers) Regulations, No. 1 of 2025. The HRCSL noted that the Regulations appear to be based on a standard template used by previous Governments and stated that several provisions are incompatible with the Fundamental Rights Chapter of the Constitution and with international HR standards. Among its observations, the HRCSL pointed out that provisions allowing the requisitioning of buildings or premises “necessary for relief work” are drafted broadly enough to include private residences. It also warned that offences relating to essential services could restrict legitimate trade union activity. The HRCSL further noted that Sections 365 and 365A of the Penal Code, which criminalise voluntary sexual acts between consenting adults, have been included in the Regulations, and reiterated its long-standing call for their repeal to meet Sri Lanka’s international obligations.

State of Public Emergency extension: HRCSL takes offence with unchanged ERs

&nbsp;<ul><li>DG notes Treasury controls recruitment funding approval&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul> The Right to Information (RTI) Commission stated that although the RTI Act, No. 12 of 2016 provides it with a degree of independence to make staff recruitments, this has not been possible in practice due to limitations imposed by the Treasury, which controls funding. Speaking to The Daily Morning, the RTI Commission’s Director General (DG) K.D.S. Ruwanchandra said that public sector recruitments have been restricted by the Government, and that this has affected the Commission. He added that the issue is not unique to the RTI Commission and is being faced by several other public institutions as well. “Under our Act, there is some level of independence that enables us to make recruitments. However, the Treasury has limited recruitments to the public sector. When it comes to the RTI Commission, we don’t generate revenue, we only spend. So, funding has to be approved by the Treasury for recruitments. That is where the difficulty is," he said. Nevertheless, Ruwanchandra said that despite these constraints, the Commission continues to carry out its work to the fullest extent possible with the resources currently available. He said that there has been no disruption to the Commission’s routine functions, including appeal hearings, which are continuing as scheduled. Attempts to contact the Finance Ministry and Treasury Secretary proved futile.&nbsp; However, on an earlier occasion, he noted the shortage of staff and other resources has left little room for additional programmes or institutional development. The RTI Commission, established under the RTI Act, functions as an independent oversight body with the power to inquire into non-compliance with the Act and to recommend disciplinary or legal action against public officials where necessary.

RTI Commission: Independence limited by the Treasury 

<ul><li>ADIC urges increased tobacco taxation&nbsp;</li></ul> The National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) is in discussions with the Environment Ministry and other parties to draft and present a proposal for the Government to take necessary actions to ban cigarette filters.&nbsp;Speaking to The Daily Morning, the NATA Chairperson, Dr. Ananda Rathnayaka said that the institution is currently in discussions to ban one of the biggest non-degradable waste products in the country - cigarette filters."In Sri Lanka, approximately six million cigarette filters are added to the environment on a daily basis. It is one of the biggest non-degradable waste products in the country. The harm caused by the disposal of cigarette filters into the environment is widely recognised, particularly with regard to water sources. Adding them to our water resources is a huge issue that the environment is facing these days," he added.“Major benefits are expected to be reaped by this project proposal. Firstly, environmental conservation. Secondly, to dispel the misconception that the cigarette 'filter' acts as a 'filter for the toxic chemicals' which reduces health hazards, when in fact it is the other way round”.In the 11th Framework Convention on Tobacco Control conference that was held in Geneva, Switzerland, last year (2025), Sri Lanka accepted the suggestion of the international community to ban cigarette filters from the country and has been admitted to implement the programme together with the Clean Sri Lanka project.Meanwhile, according to the Alcohol and Drug Information Centre (ADIC) organisation, tobacco companies in Sri Lanka are raking in profits despite declining sales, sparking concerns over the Government's tax policies. The ADIC pointed out weak tax principles that allow companies to reap benefits as the root cause. Speaking to The Daily Morning, the ADIC’s Executive Director Sampath De Seram said that while tobacco consumption in the country has been on the decline over the years, company profits continue to soar. "In some occasions, more than 50 per cent of the taxes go back to the tobacco companies," De Seram alleged.He further added that this year’s (2026) Budget has sparked further concerns, with no new taxes introduced to discourage production and consumption.&nbsp;In 2023, cigarette sales dropped, yet companies reported increased profits, attributed to cost-cutting measures. The Government aims to boost revenue through tax reforms, critics argue that more needs to be done to curb tobacco use and address health concerns.Attempts to contact the Finance Ministry regarding the concerns were unsuccessful.&nbsp;

Environmental concerns: NATA pushes to ban cigarette filters

The Environment Ministry is teaming up with the private sector to promote cloth bags as a sustainable alternative to polythene bags for the Sri Pada pilgrimage, as part of the Government's plan to make Adam's Peak a polythene-free zone. Speaking to The Daily Morning, the Deputy Environment Minister Anton Jayakody said that private sector sponsors have offered to provide cloth bags to replace polythene bags used by pilgrims.&nbsp;The Ministry has also enlisted media help to raise awareness about environmental precautions during the pilgrimage, following a meeting with media representatives on Monday (29).With over 100 tonnes of plastic waste left behind at Sri Pada annually, measures include banning water bottles under one litre and setting up water resources at the summit. These efforts aim to protect the site's fragile ecosystem during the current six-months-long pilgrimage season.

Govt.-pvt. sector collab: Cloth bags for Sri Pada pilgrims 

<ul><li>Focus on Kiwi, German and Malaysian job mkts.&nbsp;</li></ul>The Chairperson of the Bureau of Foreign Employment (BFE), Kosala Wickramasinghe said that foreign job targets for this year (2026) had been increased following last year’s (2025) success. Responding to questions from The Daily Morning, Wickramasinghe said yesterday (31) that this year, they targeted 325,000 foreign jobs. Last year alone, the BFE was able to obtain foreign jobs for over 300,000 Sri Lankans, exceeding its target despite rumours that the number of persons seeking foreign employment had reduced towards the end of last year.&nbsp;He said that the BFE sent 78 per cent skilled labour for foreign jobs. The remaining jobs were semi- skilled. However, the demand for unskilled labour is minimal, he pointed out.&nbsp;Fielding questions, he noted the BFE hoped to reach the job markets in New Zealand, Germany and Malaysia, opening new opportunities for Sri Lankans.&nbsp;

BFE: 325,000 foreign jobs targeted

<ul><li>Teen girl injured in Kohuwala house shooting</li><li>License renewal for individuals/institutions extended to 31 Jan.&nbsp;</li></ul> A prison inmate receiving treatment at the Nagoda Teaching Hospital has sustained injuries in a shooting incident that occurred yesterday morning (31). Police stated the injured inmate is a detainee from the Kalutara Prison. According to the Hospital Director, the shooting took place at around 6 a.m. The inmate, who was receiving treatment in the surgical ward, sustained injuries to the abdominal area. Accordingly, it has been reported that the inmate has since been taken in for surgery. The victim was identified as Narayanage Dilip Chathuranga, also known by the alias Rajawatte Chathuwa. He was arrested by the Kalutara South Police on 13 December of last year (2025) in connection with a drug-related offence and was subsequently remanded by the Kalutara Magistrate’s Court. A Hospital spokesperson stated the individual was assaulted by a group of Prison inmates on 29 December while in remand custody, following which he was admitted to the Hospital for treatment. At the time of the shooting, the victim was receiving treatment in Ward Number 14 of the Hospital under the protection of Prison officers, with his legs cuffed.&nbsp;Police investigations have revealed that an unidentified gunman opened fire using a revolver and fled the scene. Officers from the Kalutara Crime Division, the Special Task Force, as well as Crime Scene Investigation and forensic teams, have been deployed to conduct further investigations into the incident.Meanwhile, a 16-year-old girl has been injured and hospitalised following a shooting incident at Bodhiyawatte in Kohuwala.&nbsp;It is reported that an unidentified gunman had opened fire at a residence on Tuesday evening (30) and that a teenage girl injured in the incident was admitted to hospital.&nbsp;Elsewhere, the Defence Ministry has issued a statement on renewing the firearms licenses of individuals and institutions for this year (2026). Although the timeframe granted to renew firearm licenses for 2026 which commenced on 1 September 2025 was scheduled to conclude yesterday, the deadline has been extended. Considering the disaster situation in the country, the timeframe granted to renew firearm licenses for 2026 has been extended till 31 January.

Prison inmate: Shot in Nagoda hospital surgical ward 

<ul><li>Charges include money laundering, offences against public property, State property misuse and criminal misappropriation, all involving Sathosa</li></ul>Investigations have been initiated to arrest former Minister Johnston Fernando in connection with allegations that a Lanka Sathosa-owned lorry was misused, resulting in a financial loss to the Government. However, reports indicate that although investigations are underway to arrest Fernando, the Police have so far been unable to ascertain his whereabouts. Accordingly, it is further reported that five Police teams have been deployed to carry out investigations to arrest him.Meanwhile, Fernando’s son, Johan Fernando, was arrested on Tuesday (30) by the Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID). The FCID commenced investigations following a complaint alleging that, during the period when Johnston Fernando served as the Cooperatives and Internal Trade Minister, a lorry belonging to the Sathosa had been used for the operations of an ethanol company reportedly owned by him. The investigation relates to an incident involving an alleged loss of Rs. 250,000 to the Government. In connection with the investigation, the Attorney General has instructed that Johnston Fernando and Johan Fernando be arrested in relation to the incident. Accordingly, Johan Fernando was arrested in Kurunegala on Tuesday by officers of the Police FCID. He was arrested on charges including money laundering, offences under the Offences Against Public Property Act, the misuse of State property, and the criminal misappropriation of a lorry belonging to Lanka Sathosa and other vehicles during the tenure of Johnston Fernando as the Trade Minister. Johan Fernando was produced before the Wattala Magistrate’s Court and has been remanded until 9 January of this year (2026).Investigations are continuing to arrest Johnston Fernando under the same charges, and a senior Police officer stated that his whereabouts have not yet been identified.

5 cop teams hunt for Johnston; son remanded  

<ul><li>Prez CoI to probe 2010-2025 CMC, corruption, irregularities, fraud, criminal breach of trust, and criminal misappropriation of property to be looked into&nbsp;</li><li>5 Galle Municipal Councilors representing UNP/SJB/SLPP including female arrested for obstructing officials, Mathugama PS Chair surrenders over assault&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>The annual Budget of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) was passed with a two vote victory margin. The Budget proposal received 58 votes in favour, while 56 councilors voted against it. When this year’s (2026) Budget proposal of the CMC was first presented to the Council on 22 December of last year (2025), 60 councilors voted against it while 57 voted for the Budget. At the last Local Government Elections, the National People’s Power (NPP) secured power in the CMC and its Mayoral candidate Vraie Cally Balthazar was elected as the Colombo Mayor by securing 61 votes.Meanwhile, a Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) has been appointed to investigate, examine, and report on the alleged corruption and irregularities that are said to have taken place at the CMC. Accordingly, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has named former High Court Judge Piyasena Ranasinghe, chartered accountant E.R.M.S.H. Ekanayake and former Senior Superintendent of Police D.S. Wickramasinghe as members of the Commission.&nbsp;The Gazette Extraordinary in this regard has been issued under the signature of the Secretary to the President. The Commission has been mandated to investigate alleged acts of corruption, fraud, the criminal breach of trust, and the criminal misappropriation of property that are said to have occurred within the CMC during the period from 2010 to 2025.Elsewhere, five councilors of the Galle MC have been arrested in connection with an unrest that broke out during the Council session on Tuesday (30). Police have arrested the group including a female councilor after recording statements over the commotion. They are accused of obstructing duties of the Secretary and other officials of the MC. The arrested suspects, councilors representing the UNP, the SJB and the SLPP, were scheduled to be produced before the Galle Magistrate’s Court yesterday (31).Further, the Chairperson of the Mathugama Pradeshiya Sabha (PS), who is accused of assaulting the PS Secretary, has surrendered to the Police.&nbsp;According to reports, the incident occurred on Tuesday morning when a heated argument arose over a PS project, following which the Chairperson is alleged to have physically assaulted the Secretary. The injured Secretary was admitted to the District Hospital in Weththewa, Mathugama, for treatment to the injuries sustained in the alleged attack. The Secretary had also lodged a formal complaint with the Mathugama Police in connection with the incident.Also, an individual who contested the last General Election from the Ratnapura District under the NPP ticket was killed in a head-on collision involving a motorcycle and a private bus. The deceased has been identified as a 63-year-old retired brigadier and father of two, who was residing in Makumbura, Pannipitiya, H.M. Sarath Wijesena. A retired colonel who was travelling with him sustained serious injuries in the accident. The incident occurred while the two were travelling by motorcycle to Galle for a business purpose along the Bandaragama-Kesbewa road. The collision took place at the Galkade junction in Welmilla, when a private bus transporting staff of the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital to Mathugama collided head-on with the motorcycle. Following the collision, the motorcycle was reportedly dragged for more than 100 metres and came to a stop on the road. The driver of the private bus, a 42-year-old resident of Agalawatta, has been arrested in connection with the incident.

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Prison inmate: Shot in Nagoda hospital surgical ward

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Environmental concerns: NATA pushes to ban cigarette filters

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Govt.-pvt. sector collab: Cloth bags for Sri Pada pilgrims

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BFE: 325,000 foreign jobs targ ...

Prison inmate: Shot in Nagoda hospital surgical ward

Prison inmate: Shot in Nagoda ...

5 cop teams hunt for Johnston; son remanded

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LG: CMC Budget passed with 2 vote victory margin

LG: CMC Budget passed with 2 v ...

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State of Public Emergency extension: HRCSL takes offence with unchange ...

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Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

Environmental concerns: NATA pushes to ban cigarette filters

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Govt.-pvt. sector collab: Cloth bags for Sri Pada pilgrims

Govt.-pvt. sector collab: Clot ...

BFE: 325,000 foreign jobs targeted

BFE: 325,000 foreign jobs targ ...

Prison inmate: Shot in Nagoda hospital surgical ward

Prison inmate: Shot in Nagoda ...