The annual International Research Conference (IRC) organised by the Colombo University’s Law Faculty is set to be held on 13 November and 14 November under the theme “Law in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Advancing Equality, Sustainability and Innovation”. It aims to bring together legal luminaries, academics, researchers and professionals from both within and out of the island to explore the emerging legal challenges and opportunities in the era of AI. President’s Counsel and President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Rohantha Abeysooriya is the Chief Guest, while the University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Indika Karunathilake will be the Guest of Honour. Dean of Research at the Tamil Nadu National Law University, India, Prof M. Sakthivel will deliver the keynote address.&nbsp;It will feature thematic sessions focusing on commercial law, private and comparative law, and public and international law from the perspective of AI. The event aims to promote scholarly dialogue, interdisciplinary research and innovative legal approaches to addressing the evolving challenges posed by AI. The steering force behind the IRC is the Conference Chair, Dr Udapadie Liyanage, alongside the guidance of the Faculty’s Dean, Prof Sampath Punchihewa.

Law in the age of AI: Law Faculty’s International Research Conference  

<ul><li>Serves 14-day Letter of Demand&nbsp;</li><li>AG blamed for non-indicting vessel owners, operators&nbsp;</li><li>CEJ Bill of Costs submitted in Jan</li><li>No response or reimbursement from AG's Dept</li></ul> The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) organisation served a 14-day Letter of Demand (LoD) on Attorney General (AG), President’s Counsel Parinda Ranasinghe Junior, warning of legal proceedings, including contempt of court action, over the alleged failure to comply with Supreme Court (SC) directives arising from the MV X-Press Pearl disaster.The letter was dispatched by registered post on 7 November by attorney-at-law Nilmal Wickramasinghe on behalf of the CEJ and its Executive Director, Hemantha Withanage. It stated that the AG's Department had not complied with orders issued by a five-Judge Divisional Bench of the SC more than 15 months earlier.&nbsp;The notice followed the SC's judgement of 24 July of last year (2025) in the Fundamental Rights (FR) Application SC/FR/168/2021 and connected matters (SC/FR/176/2021, SC/FR/184/2021 and SC/FR/277/2021). In paragraphs 895 and 896, the Bench found that the AG had failed to perform his statutory function of indicting the owners and operators of the vessel for criminal liability under Section 26(a) of the Marine Pollution Prevention Act. It also held that the decision to file civil proceedings against the X-Press Pearl group of companies in a Singapore court, rather than in the High Court of Sri Lanka exercising admiralty jurisdiction, was unreasonable, irrational and arbitrary. The Court ruled that these failures infringed the FR guaranteed under Article 12(1) of the Constitution. Paragraph 897 of the judgement laid down time-bound directions.&nbsp;According to the legal notice, the AG did not comply with those in sub-paragraphs (ix), (x), (xii), (xiii), (xiv) and (xv). These required him to advise the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to investigate all disclosed offences under the Penal Code and environmental laws, conclude the investigations within three months and consider indictments, to re-appraise materials collected by the CID, the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) and other law enforcement agencies, and to submit progress reports to the SC every three months.&nbsp;The AG was also directed to conduct a gap analysis of international maritime law against domestic standards and advise the Government on legislative changes, to carry out a study with the MEPA and the Coast Conservation Authority on amending the Marine Pollution Prevention Act and the Coast Conservation Act, and to advise the CID to ensure that persons liable for compensation or prosecution, including representatives of the Sea Consortium Lanka (Private) Limited, remain available in Sri Lanka. Paragraph 897(xix) further entitled the petitioners to recover actual litigation costs from the AG, who was in turn authorised to claim reimbursement from the MV X-Press Pearl Compensation Commission.&nbsp;The CEJ submitted a Bill of Costs on 16 January. The notice stated that the AG's Department had neither responded nor reimbursed the expenses, leaving public interest litigants to bear the financial burden. The letter requested, within 14 days of receipt, a detailed written response on all steps taken to comply with the directives, an explanation for any failure or delay, and the full consideration and immediate settlement of the Bill of Costs. The petitioners reserved the right to initiate proceedings in a competent court, including seeking writs to compel the performance of public duties and filing contempt of court actions, without further notice, should the AG fail to comply within the stipulated period, the LOD said.

X-Press Pearl SC case directives: CEJ warns contempt action again AG

The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) has taken steps to introduce a national code of guidelines to ensure child protection in Sri Lanka.&nbsp;The initiative aims to minimise various forms of abuse against children.A media briefing to raise awareness about the guidelines was held on Monday (9). Speaking at the event, NCPA Director Shanika Malalgoda stated that the Authority receives nearly 10,000 complaints relating to child abuse annually. The need for such guidelines had arisen due to the increasing number of challenges affecting children's safety, including sexual abuse, cruelty, online cyberspace threats, teenage pregnancies and drug use.&nbsp;"In some instances, individuals also make mistakes due to a lack of awareness. However, these actions ultimately affect children's safety. Therefore, ensuring the responsibility of every citizen is essential, and this is one of the key objectives of these guidelines."&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Senior Information Security Engineer at the Computer Emergency Readiness Team, Charuka Damunupola said that there had been a significant increase in complaints concerning online abuse involving children. He revealed that 53 highly sensitive incidents involving children in the online and digital media space were reported last year (in 2025), while the figure had risen to 180 by this month (November). He noted that social media exposure and the use of children's content to generate income through monetisation features had contributed to the growing risks, with some parents also sharing such content without being fully aware of the potential consequences.&nbsp;"These are extremely serious incidents involving children in the online and digital media environment. We see a direct link between social media exposure and children becoming victims of such crimes. We have also observed a recent increase in these incidents alongside the introduction and expansion of monetisation features on social media platforms. As a result, children's content is increasingly being used to generate income, sometimes even by their own parents. This can have a significant impact on children, often without their parents realising the potential harm," he said.

Child protection code introduced  

The Meteorology Department stated that data indicates that an atmospheric disturbance over the south-east Bay of Bengal is expected to develop into a low-pressure area and subsequently intensify into a depression. The Director General of the Department, Ajith Wijemannage stated that its impact is likely to affect the island from 15-17 November.Accordingly, rainfall is expected to increase in the Northern, North-Central and Eastern Provinces. However, he added that sufficient data is currently unavailable to issue precise forecasts, noting that further studies will be conducted and necessary action will be taken to issue warnings if required. He emphasised that if the low-pressure system intensifies into a depression and moves northwards along the Eastern coast, the island will experience a severe impact.The Department has meanwhile issued an Amber-level advisory for strong winds and rough seas in the deep-sea areas of the south-east Bay, warning multi-day fishing vessels and Naval communities to remain vigilant. A low-pressure area is likely to form over the south-east Bay around 13 November.&nbsp;The system is expected to move north-westwards and develop into a low-pressure area within the following 24 hours. Due to the developing weather system, wind speeds of 40–50 kmph, with gusts reaching 60 kmph, are likely over the Andaman Sea and the south-east Bay on 14 and 15 November.&nbsp;Multi-day fishing vessels operating in these deep-sea areas have been urged to take necessary precautions in view of the anticipated deterioration in sea conditions.

Bay of Bengal low pressure to hit SL? 

<ul><li>Cite reduction of commission&nbsp;</li></ul> The Petroleum Distributors’ Association staged a silent protest in front of the World Trade Centre in Colombo yesterday (10), based on several demands.&nbsp;&nbsp;They called for the uninterrupted supply of fuel to filling stations owned by private companies. They also expressed opposition to the reduction of their commission from 3.6 per cent to 1.5%.&nbsp;They further called for the appointment of a competent authority to regulate the fuel pricing formula. The silent protest was organised by members of the Association representing three private companies.

Petroleum Distributors protest 

Former Chairperson of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) Nishantha Ranatunga has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).&nbsp;He has been arrested over allegations of financial misappropriation during his tenure as the Chair of the NWSDB.&nbsp;The Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court has since ordered the release on bail of Ranatunga.

Financial misappropriation: Ex-NWSDB Chair bailed 

<ul><li>Poor building maintenance in Colombo Metropolitan Area&nbsp;</li></ul> The National Building Research Institute (NBRI) has identified and processed approximately 75 buildings and structures within the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) limits for critical structural integrity audits following reports of structural distress, said Dammika Kahahengoda of the Structural Engineering Research and Project Management Division at the NBRI.Kahahengoda further told The Daily Morning yesterday (10) that a subset of the 75 inspected structures was found to have irreversible age-related deterioration and structural defects, prompting the NBRI to issue formal technical recommendations for their complete demolition. The Institute also specifically flagged 21 buildings exhibiting unsafe structural alterations or unauthorised vertical extensions.Kahahengoda also noted that it has expanded the assessments on buildings and other structures within the CMC limits and beyond to ensure safe dwelling for everyone. “In a bid to prevent any possible disaster from occurring in buildings, the NBRI continuously monitors the conditions of residential apartments, structures and other buildings within the flood-prone areas within the CMC limits and beyond to confirm the quality and to ensure whether they are suitable for dwelling,” Kahahengoda stated.She further stated that approximately 150 to 200 clearance certificates are issued on decay-related conditions in existing buildings and while selecting sites for construction within the Colombo City limits and the rest of Sri Lanka to ensure safe construction.Commenting on the quality and conditions of existing buildings within the Colombo City, Kahahengoda stated that there are buildings, sometimes, even 150 years old and beyond, and they need proper monitoring to ensure their quality or suitability for human living by individually visiting the respective places or buildings. After completely checking the building or any other structure, approval will be granted to renovate or demolish them, according to Kahahengoda. Through such programmes, the NBRI aims to alleviate residents’ concerns about the structural safety of buildings while ensuring the protection of the occupants, Kahahengoda noted. She further stated that the poor maintenance of buildings in the Colombo Metropolitan Area has become a significant issue, as it leads to the deterioration of buildings and the corrosion of reinforcements, typically made of steel, which strengthen the concrete or masonry. Buildings must be properly maintained to ensure their durability.

 75 Colombo buildings face critical structural audits 

<ul><li>Cites arbitrary methodology for calculating related values&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Pvt foreign scholarships, work stipends included&nbsp;</li></ul> The Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) rejected claims that the country has incurred an outright financial loss of Rs 30 billion due to university academics who breached their service agreements after completing postgraduate studies, arguing that the figure is based on an arbitrary calculation of bond values.&nbsp;This follows the Parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) flagging Rs 30 billion in outstanding dues from university academics for defaulting on their agreements and bonds on 4 November, during its examination of the performance and audit reports of the Eastern University for 2023 and 2024.&nbsp;However, university teachers said that the issue lies with the method used to calculate bond values, as the Government tends to include the value of privately secured foreign scholarships in the bonds. Further, if university academics earn a stipend while working during their scholarship period, 50 per cent of that income is also added to the bond value.When contacted by The Daily Morning, FUTA President Prof. Ruchika Fernando said that the Rs 30 billion figure was inherently flawed, as it included ongoing payments, the value of the scholarships, and incomes earned during the scholarship period. "Only a handful of scholarships are usually provided for the country for academics to pursue studies abroad. However, in our country, the value of privately secured scholarships is also fully included in the bond. It is also really hard to find sureties to sign these bonds, as they are required to have high incomes. Some academics tend to resign and pursue postgraduate studies for this reason," he added. He also said that in some countries, academics work at the same university as assistant lecturers during their scholarship period, with 50% of their earnings also being included in the bond value. He further noted that although sometimes bond violations do occur, with some academics choosing to go abroad due to meagre salaries, many others are still gradually repaying their dues. He said that if instalments are delayed, interest is also added, while even in cases where an academic goes abroad and decides not to repay the amount, the sureties are held responsible, meaning that the country does not incur a financial loss.University teachers have been raising concerns over delays in university admissions and meagre salaries. Against this backdrop, the COPE revelation has sparked controversy on social media platforms. The revelation was made by Education Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa in response to a question raised by COPE Chairperson Nishantha Samaraweera.

Rs 30b loss from academics’ bonds default: FUTA rejects COPE claims

<ul><li>NPP to act upon statement verification&nbsp;</li></ul> The People's Power against Bribery, Corruption, and Waste organisation yesterday (10) lodged a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) over a statement made by the Kaduwela Municipal Council (MC) Mayor Ranjan Jayalal, claiming that the matter would serve as a “litmus test” of whether the CIABOC is prepared to independently investigate allegations involving politicians affiliated with both the Government and the Opposition.Speaking to The Daily Morning, the organisation's President Kamantha Thushara said that he submitted the complaint after Jayalal, who leads the National People's Power (NPP)-led Kaduwela MC, made the remarks at a public gathering about hampers traditionally received by Local Authority representatives during next month (December). “The people expected a system change. The NPP Government came to power because the people wanted an end to the old system." He said that Jayalal had referred to himself and other elected representatives as being the “last” Mayors, Ministers and Parliamentarians who would have to endure hardships, while also asking for gifts to be brought to the MC at the end of December. “We want to know whether he made this statement on behalf of Local Authority representatives, MPs and Ministers across Sri Lanka, or whether it was his personal statement.” Thushara claimed that the statement should be examined under the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023. Referring to Section 93 of the Act, he said that the provision covers the solicitation or acceptance of gratification by an MP, or a Provincial Councilor or a Local Authority member or councilor as an inducement or reward for doing or refraining from doing an act in that capacity. “This is corruption and a public request for a bribe. This is a litmus test for the CIABOC to see whether it conducts independent investigations into people connected to politicians in both the Government and the Opposition."Jayalal, in the remarks referred to in the complaint, said that the NPP had fought for years to obtain political power and that its representatives should be among the last to endure the difficulties associated with public office. “We had a dream of gaining power. We sacrificed many things for that. We should be the last Mayors who suffer, and the last Ministers and MPs who suffer, because we don’t need to suffer. That’s the truth.” He said that gifts traditionally brought to MCs by private companies during December are no longer arriving after the NPP came to power. “In December, if you give a portion of your production to the MC employees, give it. We are also people who eat and drink well.” When contacted by The Daily Morning, NPP General Secretary and MP Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe said that he had seen the statement circulating on social media and had informed the relevant District Organiser about it. “I told him to verify whether it was genuine or fake. Based on that, further action will be taken,” he said.Under Section 93(b) of the Act, an MP, a Provincial Councilor or Local Authority member or councilor who solicits or accepts gratification as an inducement or reward for doing or refraining from doing an act in that capacity commits an offence of bribery. A person convicted under the provision may face a fine of up to Rs. one million and rigourous imprisonment of up to seven years.Meanwhile, Cabinet of Ministers Spokesperson Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has stated that no member of the NPP is involved in bribery, corruption or fraudulent activities, stressing that the Party is prepared to take disciplinary action if any such allegations are substantiated. He made these remarks yesterday (10) in response to questions raised by journalists at the weekly Cabinet media briefing regarding a controversial statement recently made by Jayalal at a public event. He emphasised that no NPP public representative would engage in bribery, corruption or fraudulent activities. He further stated that if a complaint was lodged against any Party member in connection with such conduct, the Party would conduct an internal inquiry and take appropriate disciplinary action. He also stressed the importance of examining Jayalal's complete statement before drawing conclusions, noting that only a portion of the remarks had been circulated.&nbsp;

Law in the age of AI: Law Faculty’s International Research C ...

X-Press Pearl SC case directives: CEJ warns contempt action again AG

X-Press Pearl SC case directiv ...

Child protection code introduced

Child protection code introduc ...

Bay of Bengal low pressure to hit SL?

Bay of Bengal low pressure to ...

Petroleum Distributors protest

Petroleum Distributors protest ...

Financial misappropriation: Ex-NWSDB Chair bailed

Financial misappropriation: Ex ...

75 Colombo buildings face critical structural audits

75 Colombo buildings face cri ...

Rs 30b loss from academics’ bonds default: FUTA rejects COPE claims

Rs 30b loss from academics’ bo ...

Kaduwela Mayor’s ‘hampers’ prompt CIABOC complaint

Kaduwela Mayor’s ‘hampers’ pro ...

X-Press Pearl SC case directives: CEJ warns contempt action again AG

X-Press Pearl SC case directiv ...

Child protection code introduced

Child protection code introduc ...

Bay of Bengal low pressure to hit SL?

Bay of Bengal low pressure to ...

Petroleum Distributors protest

Petroleum Distributors protest ...

Financial misappropriation: Ex-NWSDB Chair bailed

Financial misappropriation: Ex ...

75 Colombo buildings face critical structural audits

75 Colombo buildings face cri ...

Rs 30b loss from academics’ bonds default: FUTA rejects COPE claims

Rs 30b loss from academics’ bo ...

Kaduwela Mayor’s ‘hampers’ prompt CIABOC complaint

Kaduwela Mayor’s ‘hampers’ pro ...

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X-Press Pearl SC case directives: CEJ warns contempt action again AG

X-Press Pearl SC case directiv ...

Child protection code introduced

Child protection code introduc ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

Bay of Bengal low pressure to hit SL?

Bay of Bengal low pressure to ...

Petroleum Distributors protest

Petroleum Distributors protest ...

Financial misappropriation: Ex-NWSDB Chair bailed

Financial misappropriation: Ex ...

75 Colombo buildings face critical structural audits

75 Colombo buildings face cri ...