<ul><li>500 technical grade litres await Customs clearance&nbsp;</li><li>PHIs to ascertain efficacy in fogging operations&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Authorities testing different chemicals for varied needs&nbsp;</li><li>Dengue cases top 82,000 with 175 high-risk zones identified</li></ul> India has donated a consignment of the insecticide malathion to Sri Lanka to bolster dengue control efforts after health authorities found that the chemical currently used for mosquito fogging is proving ineffective in some areas, the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) said.&nbsp;Responding to questions from The Daily Morning yesterday (27), Acting Director of the NDCU, Dr Kapila Kannangara said the request for malathion had been made by the Health Ministry after Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) reported that the chemical currently being used for fogging is not proving sufficiently effective against mosquitoes in some areas.&nbsp;“Earlier, they used malathion, but we don’t have malathion at the moment,” Dr Kannangara said. He said that the purpose of obtaining malathion is to test its effectiveness in dengue mosquito control activities, adding that around 500 litres of the chemical is expected to be received within a day or two.&nbsp;“It is a donation and we are trying it out to see whether it is effective. They will be sending 500 litres of malathion,” he said. Dr Kannangara explained that malathion had previously been used in mosquito control programmes – especially in Sri Lanka’s battle against malaria, particularly for outdoor spraying activities. However, he said that the current plan is to use different chemicals for different requirements, depending on whether spraying is carried out outdoors or inside premises.Meanwhile, highly placed sources told The Daily Morning that the Ministry had made a written request to the Indian Government seeking technical malathion for dengue control activities. Sources said that although Sri Lanka had requested assistance in obtaining the chemical, the Indian Government had agreed to provide the required quantity free of charge.&nbsp;The consignment had already arrived in Sri Lanka and reached Customs on 26 July, sources said, adding that its release would take some time due to Customs clearance procedures. According to sources, the quantity provided by the Indian Government would be sufficient to support dengue control activities throughout the current dengue season.The number of dengue cases reported in Sri Lanka so far this year (2026) has continued to rise. A total of 82,011 dengue cases have been reported nationwide to date, while 61 deaths have been attributed to the disease. The Gampaha District has recorded the highest number of cases, with 17,395 infections, followed by the Colombo District with 16,294 cases.&nbsp;The Western Province continues to report the highest number of dengue infections among all Provinces, with 43,388 cases recorded so far this year. The Southern Province has reported the second-highest number of cases, with 12,419 infections. A total of 175 high-risk dengue zones have been identified across the island as the disease continues to spread.

India donates malathion to combat dengue 

<ul><li>Repair and reconstruction to commence at Negombo</li></ul> Nearly 600 inmates still being held at the Negombo Prison are set to be moved to the Bogambara Prison as authorities prepare to begin repairs and reconstruction of the heavily damaged facility, Prisons Commissioner and Spokesperson A.C. Gajanayake said.&nbsp;Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (27), he said that a large number of inmates who had been housed at the Negombo Prison had already been relocated to other prisons following this month's (July) unrest, and that the remaining inmates would also be moved in phases.&nbsp;"Nearly 600 inmates are still being held at the Negombo Prison. We expect to transfer them to other prisons as well. Most of the infrastructure at the prison has been damaged, and extensive repairs have to be carried out," he said. He said that the recently re-gazetted Bogambara Prison would play a key role in the relocation process. "Bogambara has now been re-gazetted as a Prison. The Facility already has the infrastructure required for a prison, but, because it has not been in use for a long time, certain renovation work has to be completed. Those repairs are now under way. Once that work is completed, we will be able to transfer the remaining inmates from the Negombo Prison there and commence the remaining repair work." The Negombo Prison suffered extensive damage during the violent disturbance earlier this month, which resulted in more than 25 deaths and injuries, and exposed long-standing issues, including severe overcrowding, staff shortages and security lapses within the prison system. Following the incident, inmates were transferred to several prisons across the country.&nbsp;

600 Negombo inmates to Bogambara

<ul><li>District Judges and Magistrates say move would delay promotions&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>The Judicial Service Association (JSA) called on the Government to abandon its proposed constitutional amendment to extend the retirement age of judges serving on the country's Superior Courts, warning that the move could undermine the independence and stability of the Judiciary.&nbsp;In a letter addressed to the Justice Minister, attorney Harshana Nanayakkara, the Association said that extending the retirement age of Judges of the Supreme Court (SC) and the Court of Appeal (CA) would have far-reaching consequences for the judicial system and erode public confidence in the administration of justice.&nbsp;The Government is expected to present a proposal to the Cabinet of Ministers in the near future, seeking to amend the Constitution to increase the retirement age of Judges serving on the two highest Courts. The proposal has already drawn criticism from several stakeholders, including the Bar Association.The JSA, which represents District Judges and Magistrates, formally opposed the proposal during its General Assembly held on 11 July. The Association also resolved to inform President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of its position in writing.In its letter to Nanayakkara, the Association argued that extending the retirement age would effectively halt promotions within the Judiciary for approximately two years, preventing judicial officers from advancing to higher courts and senior judicial positions during that period. It further warned that promotions to the High Court would also be delayed by an additional two years, disrupting the existing career progression system and creating an imbalance in judicial appointments.&nbsp;According to the Association, the proposal would weaken the composition of the professional Judiciary by reducing opportunities for career judges to advance through the ranks. The Association also expressed concern that the amendment would negatively affect the morale and professional motivation of serving judges while making the judicial service less attractive to talented young lawyers, who may instead choose careers outside the bench.&nbsp;The Association urged the Government to reconsider the proposed constitutional amendment, arguing that abandoning the plan would help preserve the independence of the Judiciary and maintain public confidence and respect for the judicial system.

 JSA reiterates opposition to retirement age extension 

<ul><li>Responsible water-electricity use urged&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Sri Lanka is likely to experience higher temperatures and reduced rainfall in the coming months as the El Niño climate phenomenon persists, with the authorities urging the public to use water and electricity sparingly.Director General of the Meteorology Department, Ajith Wijemanna said that El Niño could continue for another eight to 10 months, potentially lasting until March or April o2027. He said that global forecasts indicate that the phenomenon is expected to strengthen between October and December before gradually weakening during the first quarter of next year. Wijemanna said that a slight increase in rainfall is forecast over the coming days in the Sabaragamuwa, Western and North Western Provinces, as well as in the Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya Districts, with relatively heavier showers expected on 29 July.&nbsp;However, he said that the Northern, North Central and Eastern Provinces, and the Hambantota District, are expected to experience predominantly hot and dry conditions through the end of this month (July) and into early next month (August). Temperatures in Trincomalee, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Batticaloa have already exceeded Celsius 35° degrees and are expected to rise further in the coming days, he said.The Department also advised the general public to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., when solar radiation is most intense, remain in shaded areas where possible and drink sufficient water. People suffering from non-communicable diseases and young children are also advised to minimise exposure to extreme heat.Wijemanna noted that the rainfall expected during late September and October could increase water levels in reservoirs, but stressed that the water should be managed carefully to ensure adequate supplies during the first quarter of next year. He also warned that low-pressure systems or cyclones forming over the Bay of Bengal between October and December could bring heavier-than-normal rainfall to parts of the island. With the commencement of the North-East monsoon in December, Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka could face a risk of flooding, although Wijemanna said that it is too early to issue a definitive forecast.Meanwhile, the Irrigation Department, the Mahaweli Authority and the Office of the Water Management Secretariat have begun planning water management measures amid concerns that reduced rainfall during August and early September could lower water levels in reservoirs and other water sources.

El  Niño: High temperatures, low rains for SL

The Chinese national who was abducted from the Colombo Port City last week and later found murdered in Eheliyagoda has been identified as a suspected computer fraudster, with Police revealing that eight Chinese nationals have been identified in connection with the killing.Speaking at a media briefing yesterday (27), Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Colombo Range, Nishantha de Zoysa, said that investigations had found the victim was allegedly involved in earning money through computer-related fraud.The incident occurred on 23 July following a confrontation between two groups of Chinese nationals at the Colombo Port City. During the altercation, one individual was abducted before being murdered. His body was later discovered in Eheliyagoda.DIG de Zoysa said that two suspects, identified as the principal suspects in the killing, had been arrested after attempting to leave the country shortly after the incident.Police have so far identified eight suspects in connection with the murder. While two are in custody, three others are believed to have fled Sri Lanka. Steps are being taken to locate and bring them back to assist with the investigation. Investigators have also recovered two air pistols, a mobile phone, a walkie-talkie and several vehicles believed to have been used in carrying out the crime. DIG de Zoysa said that investigations are continuing in close coordination with the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka and the Chinese authorities to identify all those responsible and take further legal action.The murder has drawn significant attention following the discovery of the victim's body in Eheliyagoda after what Police described as an abduction linked to a dispute between two groups of Chinese nationals operating in Sri Lanka..

Murdered Chinese national linked to cyber fraud

Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath has held discussions with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn on strengthening Sri Lanka’s engagement with ASEAN and enhancing regional cooperation during talks held on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) 2026 in Manila, the Philippines.In a post on social media platform X, Minister Herath said the meeting was productive, with both sides exchanging views on ARF-led initiatives.&nbsp; The importance of closer engagement between Sri Lanka and ASEAN member states.The discussions also focused on expanding trade relations and strengthening people-to-people connectivity between Sri Lanka and ASEAN countries, he said.“Look forward to closely working with Dr Hourn for further enhancing our friendly relations,” Herath said in his post.Meanwhile, Minister Herath also participated in the High-Level Conference of the High Contracting Parties to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in Southeast Asia, held in Pasay City, Metro Manila.The conference was convened to mark the 50th anniversary of the TAC and brought together Foreign Ministers and senior representatives from ASEAN member states and dialogue partners to reaffirm their shared commitment to peace, stability, mutual respect and regional cooperation.During the official proceedings, Herath joined fellow Foreign Ministers and heads of delegation for commemorative events and the official group photograph marking the golden jubilee of the Treaty.The Foreign Ministry said Sri Lanka’s participation reflected the country’s continued commitment to strengthening its longstanding partnership with ASEAN and promoting regional peace, dialogue and cooperation.

Sri Lanka seeks closer ASEAN ties

<h3> </h3>The Government yesterday (27) held discussions with India to address challenges delaying the implementation of development projects funded through Indian assistance, with plans underway to establish a dedicated monitoring unit at the Presidential Secretariat to oversee their progress.Labour Minister and Deputy Finance and Planning Minister Dr Anil Jayantha Fernando met Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha at the Presidential Secretariat to review issues affecting ongoing Indian-funded infrastructure projects and identify measures to ensure their timely completion.The discussions focused on obstacles encountered during project implementation, including the need to renew agreements required to continue several ongoing initiatives.Projects implemented through multiple Ministries, including Transport, Highways and Urban Development; Ports and Civil Aviation; Plantations and Community Infrastructure; Housing Construction and Water Supply; Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources; Science and Technology; and Justice and National Integration, were reviewed during the meeting.Special attention was also given to projects supported through the US$ 450 million loan and grant assistance provided by the Indian Government for disaster recovery and reconstruction efforts.Officials discussed establishing a dedicated mechanism at the Presidential Secretariat to monitor the progress of these initiatives, coordinate among relevant institutions, and address delays affecting project execution.The meeting comes amid renewed efforts by the Government to accelerate foreign-funded development projects and ensure that pledged assistance is effectively utilised to support national development priorities.

SL, India review projects delays 

<ul><li>Note un-constitutionality and conflict of interest, jurisdiction&nbsp;</li></ul> A group of President's Counsels (PC) and senior lawyers yesterday (27) warned that they would challenge in Court any attempt by the Government to amend the Constitution to extend the retirement age of Supreme Court (SC) and Court of Appeal Judges, arguing that such a move would be contrary to the Constitution and the sovereignty of the people.Addressing the media in Colombo, Saliya Pieris PC said that if the Government approved such a proposal through the Cabinet of Ministers and presented it to Parliament, it would be challenged as being inconsistent with the Constitution. "If the Government approves it through the Cabinet and presents it to Parliament, we will challenge it on the basis that it is contrary to the Constitution and contrary to the sovereignty of the people," he said. Pieris PC said that the independence of the Judiciary is directly linked to the judicial power of the people and that it would be for the SC to determine whether the proposed amendment could be passed with a two-thirds majority in Parliament alone or whether it would also require approval at a referendum. "Under the law, the SC has to determine whether a two-thirds majority is sufficient or whether a referendum is also required. There is also the question of whether Judges can decide on their own retirement age. Those are matters that have to be considered," he said.M A Sumanthiran PC said the National People's Power (NPP) had pledged during the 2024 General Election campaign to introduce a new Constitution. He noted that while in the Opposition, an NPP Parliamentarian had also presented a Private Member's Bill seeking to abolish the Executive Presidency. However, he said that the Government's priorities appear to have changed after assuming office.&nbsp;"If the Government wants to amend the Constitution, it should have reintroduced Minister Vijitha Herath's Private Member Bill to abolish the Executive Presidency. Instead, it is attempting to bring this amendment," he said. Sumanthiran said that the Government should take note of the opposition expressed by the legal profession against the proposed move.&nbsp;"I would like to warn the Government not to do this. It is not only us. The Bar Association has taken a stand. Original Court Judges have taken the same stand. High Court Judges have taken the same stand. Both the Bar and the Bench have taken a stand. The Government should pay attention to that," he said. He further claimed that although the Justice Minister had recently survived a no-confidence motion, he should resign if the proposed Bill is presented to Parliament.&nbsp;"As a member of the legal profession and a life member of the Bar Association, it would be totally unbecoming of him to introduce a Bill whose only intention is to capture the courts and interfere with the administration of justice," Sumanthiran alleged.

Apex Courts Judges retirement age: PCs to legally challenge any change of law

A conference of the Buddhist clergy was organised by the Sasanarakshaka Sangha Sabha in Colombo yesterday (27) with the aim of addressing what the organisers described as the harmful challenges currently facing the Buddha Sasana (doctrine) and to promote unity while contributing to the protection and advancement of the Sasana, the country, and its cultural and religious heritage. The organisers adopted a set of proposals addressing the various challenges currently affecting the Sasana which they intend to submit to the relevant authorities for consideration.&nbsp;Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Galagodaaththe Gnanasara pledged to work towards safeguarding and nurturing the Sasana while promoting national religious coexistence. He said that the pledge was made with the foremost objective of protecting the longevity of the Sasana, the historic Buddhist heritage, and the country's national cultural identity.&nbsp;He reaffirmed that Buddhism has been accorded the foremost place under the Constitution and stressed that protecting and fostering Buddhism is a mandatory constitutional duty of the Government. He said that this responsibility must be carried out while safeguarding the religious freedom and lawful rights guaranteed to followers of all religions.

India donates malathion to combat dengue

600 Negombo inmates to Bogambara

600 Negombo inmates to Bogamba ...

JSA reiterates opposition to retirement age extension

JSA reiterates opposition to ...

El Niño: High temperatures, low rains for SL

El Niño: High temperatures, l ...

Murdered Chinese national linked to cyber fraud

Murdered Chinese national link ...

Sri Lanka seeks closer ASEAN ties

Sri Lanka seeks closer ASEAN t ...

SL, India review projects delays

SL, India review projects dela ...

Apex Courts Judges retirement age: PCs to legally challenge any change ...

Apex Courts Judges retirement ...

The saffron-robe convention

The saffron-robe convention

600 Negombo inmates to Bogambara

600 Negombo inmates to Bogamba ...

JSA reiterates opposition to retirement age extension

JSA reiterates opposition to ...

El Niño: High temperatures, low rains for SL

El Niño: High temperatures, l ...

Murdered Chinese national linked to cyber fraud

Murdered Chinese national link ...

Sri Lanka seeks closer ASEAN ties

Sri Lanka seeks closer ASEAN t ...

SL, India review projects delays

SL, India review projects dela ...

Apex Courts Judges retirement age: PCs to legally challenge any change ...

Apex Courts Judges retirement ...

The saffron-robe convention

The saffron-robe convention

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600 Negombo inmates to Bogambara

600 Negombo inmates to Bogamba ...

JSA reiterates opposition to retirement age extension

JSA reiterates opposition to ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

El Niño: High temperatures, low rains for SL

El Niño: High temperatures, l ...

Murdered Chinese national linked to cyber fraud

Murdered Chinese national link ...

Sri Lanka seeks closer ASEAN ties

Sri Lanka seeks closer ASEAN t ...

SL, India review projects delays

SL, India review projects dela ...