The number of Sri Lankans departing for overseas employment has increased by 4.84% in July 2026 compared to June, according to the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE).&nbsp;A total of 25,622 Sri Lankans left for foreign employment in July, marking the highest monthly figure recorded so far this year. In comparison, 24,440 workers departed for overseas jobs in June.&nbsp;The Bureau attributed the growing interest in overseas employment to agreements signed by the government with Israel, South Korea and Japan.&nbsp;Accordingly, 2,521 Sri Lankans left for Israel, 1,618 for South Korea and 79 for Japan during July.&nbsp;Meanwhile, airline tickets were presented yesterday (03) at the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment to 14 young Sri Lankans who secured jobs in Japan's manufacturing, construction, caregiving and agriculture sectors.&nbsp;The SLBFE also reported that Sri Lankan migrant workers remitted USD 4.6 billion to the country during the first six months of 2026, from January to June.

Sri Lanka sees 4.84% rise in overseas job departures in July

Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala has stated that attention has been drawn to the possibility of granting a one-year service extension to police officers with a record of good conduct who have reached the age of 60.&nbsp;The Minister made this statement in Parliament while responding to a question raised by the Opposition regarding existing vacancies within the Police Department.&nbsp;He stated that 10,000 personnel from the Civil Security Department have been attached to the police service, of whom 6,000 have already assumed duties.&nbsp;The Minister further acknowledged the shortage of human resources within the Police Department, adding that all necessary measures are being taken to address the issue and reduce the heavy workload faced, particularly by lower-ranking police officers.

Govt mulls 1-year service extension for senior police officers with clean records

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya(SJB) has submitted a proposal to Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne seeking a Parliamentary Select Committee to address delays in resolving pending court cases. The proposal, initiated by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, seeks solutions to a backlog of around 1.1 million cases. The committee would also examine prison overcrowding, with the current prison population exceeding 40,000 despite capacity for around 10,000 inmates.

SJB submits proposal to appoint Parliamentary Select Committee on judicial delays 

&nbsp;<ul><li>Rains ease today, but another wet spell looms after 6 August</li><li>Major flood warnings issued as Mahaweli, Kelani and Kalu rivers swell</li><li>Schools shut; Peradeniya University suspends classes amid landslide fears</li><li>One dead, dozens rescued as authorities prepare for possible evacuations</li></ul>&nbsp;Although the current spell of heavy rain is expected to ease by this afternoon (4), another period of rainfall is likely from around 6 August due to changes in wind patterns associated with a developing typhoon over the Pacific Ocean, Meteorology Department Director General Ajith Wijemannage said yesterday (3).“We expect this atmospheric disturbance to weaken by tomorrow afternoon. After that, rainfall is likely to decrease,” he said. However, he warned that the respite would be short-lived.“Once that system becomes active around 6 August, wind currents are expected to strengthen. As a result, we expect some rainfall for a few days afterwards, particularly along the western slopes of the Central Highlands. High atmospheric moisture combined with stronger winds resulted in heavy showers across parts of Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Kegalle and Ratnapura.”“We expected rainfall to be lower than the August average, especially in the Western and Sabaragamuwa Provinces. But, it is difficult to forecast September because there is considerable uncertainty,” he said. He explained that changing conditions over the Pacific Ocean, possible atmospheric disturbances over the Bay of Bengal and the transition towards the end of the South-West monsoon all contributed to the uncertainty surrounding September's weather outlook.“We said that September is uncertain, but we expect rainfall to increase during that period,” Wijemannage said adding that the Department had not specifically forecast significant rainfall for August, although active and inactive phases of the South-West monsoon have occurred during the month in previous years. “There have been occasions in previous years when the South-West monsoon became active during August and brought rain. This year, because we are in an El Niño condition, we did not expect such rainfall,” he said.However, he said that an unexpected disturbance developed in the middle atmosphere, creating favourable conditions for rain. “Atmospheric moisture levels are high, and stronger winds carried that moisture towards the Central Highlands. That is why the heaviest rainfall was recorded in the Central Highlands. The heaviest showers are experienced in parts of the Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Kegalle and Ratnapura Districts. He said that rain is expected to continue today morning in parts of the Kandy and Nuwara Eliya Districts, and the Sabaragamuwa and Western Provinces.Speaking further, Wijemannage said the Department is closely monitoring a typhoon that is currently developing south of Japan over the Pacific Ocean. “Once that system becomes active around 6 August, wind currents are expected to strengthen. As a result, we expect some rainfall for a few days after 6 August, particularly along the western slopes of the Central Highlands," he said, and added that the Sabaragamuwa Province and the Kandy and Nuwara Eliya Districts are expected to receive the highest amounts of rainfall during that period.Meanwhile, authorities remain on high alert after between 70 mm and more than 200 mm of rain fell across parts of the island, causing river levels to rise rapidly and prompting flood and landslide warnings across several districts. The Mahaweli, Kelani and Kalu river basins are being closely monitored, with residents in vulnerable downstream areas urged to remain vigilant.The Irrigation Department warned that a major flood situation could develop within the next 24 to 48 hours in low-lying areas along the Mahaweli River following heavy rainfall in the upper catchments and the possibility of additional water releases from the Kotmale Reservoir. Flood warnings have also been issued for sections of the Kelani and Kalu rivers, while water levels in the Nilwala and Gin rivers have also risen, although they remain below flood stage.Several reservoirs have already begun releasing excess water. Three spill gates at the Upper Kotmale Reservoir opened automatically after heavy rainfall, while additional water releases have also commenced from the Kotmale Gamini Dissanayake and Ambewela reservoirs. Authorities warned residents living downstream to remain alert as river levels continue to rise.The National Building Research Organisation has meanwhile issued landslide warnings ranging from Level One (Yellow) to Level Three (Red) for several parts of Kandy, Kegalle, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura, urging residents in high-risk areas to evacuate immediately if conditions worsen.The adverse weather has already disrupted daily life across the hill country. Schools in Kandy and Nuwara Eliya remained closed yesterday, while the University of Peradeniya suspended all lectures and examinations after the Mahaweli River rose to dangerous levels. Students able to travel safely were advised to return home.Emergency teams have also been deployed to several affected districts after flooding, landslides and road closures were reported. One person was killed in Nawalapitiya when an earth embankment collapsed onto a house, while Army personnel rescued 24 families stranded by floodwaters in Kotagala and Ginigathhena. A further 138 people have already been relocated to safer locations as authorities continue monitoring the situation and preparing for further evacuations if necessary.Officials said the current situation is not expected to reach the scale of the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. Nevertheless, the Meteorology Department, Disaster Management Centre, Irrigation Department and NBRO have urged the public to remain alert and follow official instructions as further rainfall is forecast later this week.&nbsp; Major rivers swell; flood warnings widenHeavy rainfall over the upper catchment areas has caused water levels in several major rivers to rise rapidly, prompting the Irrigation Department to issue flood warnings for vulnerable downstream communities.Hydrology and Disaster Management Director Eng. L.S. Sooriyabandara said nearly 200 mm of rain had been recorded in parts of the upper Mahaweli Basin, while between 100 mm and 150 mm had fallen in sections of the upper Kelani Basin.A major flood warning has been issued for low-lying areas along the Mahaweli River, particularly in the Udunuwara, Udapalatha, Yatinuwara, Doluwa, Kothmale, Pasbage, Ganga Ihala Korale, Gangawata Korale, Harispattuwa and Pathadumbara Divisional Secretariat Divisions (DSDs). Authorities warned that continued rainfall and possible releases from the Kotmale Reservoir could worsen the situation over the next 24 to 48 hours.The Kelani River has also come under close watch following heavy rainfall in its upper and middle catchments. Major flood warnings have been issued for Dehiowita, Ruwanwella and Yatiyanthota, while minor flooding is possible in Dompe, Seethawaka, Homagama, Kaduwela, Biyagama and Kolonnawa.&nbsp;Meanwhile, low-lying areas along the Kalu River in Pelmadulla, Nivithigala, Ratnapura, Kuruwita, Ayagama and Elapatha have been warned of possible minor flooding. Although the Nilwala and Gin rivers have experienced rising water levels, officials said they are not currently expected to overflow, while no flood threat has been identified in the Maha Oya and Attanagalu Oya basins.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hill country remains at landslide riskThe National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) issued landslide warnings ranging from Level One (Yellow) to Level Three (Red) across several parts of the Central and Sabaragamuwa Provinces as heavy rain continues.The highest Level Three (Red) evacuation warning has been issued for the Pasbage and Ganga Ihala Korales in Kandy District. Separate Red warnings have also been issued for Yatiyanthota in Kegalle District and Ambagamuwa and Norwood in Nuwara Eliya District.Level Two (Amber) warnings remain in force for several other high-risk areas, including Ududumbara, Udapalatha, Doluwa and Delthota in Kandy District; Deraniyagala, Bulathkohupitiya, Aranayaka and Dehiowita in Kegalle District; Kotmale East and West, Norwood and Nuwara Eliya in Nuwara Eliya District; and Opanayaka, Ratnapura and Imbulpe in Ratnapura District.&nbsp;Level One (Yellow) warnings have been issued for additional areas in Kandy, Kegalle, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura. The NBRO urged residents to leave immediately if warning signs such as cracks in the ground, leaning trees, tilting electricity poles or unusual sounds are observed, or if heavy rain continues. Schools, universities temporarily closedThe adverse weather has disrupted education across several parts of the Central Province, forcing schools to close and prompting the University of Peradeniya to suspend all academic activities.All Government schools in the Nuwara Eliya and Kandy districts remained closed yesterday due to the prevailing weather conditions. Education authorities have also authorised principals in the Hatton, Nuwara Eliya, Kotmale, Gampola, Teldeniya and Kandy Education Zones to decide whether schools should remain open depending on conditions in their respective areas.At the University of Peradeniya, all lectures and examinations have been suspended until further notice after the Mahaweli River rose to dangerous levels. Vice Chancellor Prof. Terrence Madhujith advised students who could travel safely to return home, while those unable to do so were permitted to remain in their hostels after informing hostel authorities, with the exception of residents of the Sarasavi Medura Hostel.The university also reported that floodwaters had inundated the bridge rehabilitation site near the Peradeniya 'Kalu Paalama', submerging heavy machinery and washing away some construction equipment. One killed as Army rescues stranded familiesEmergency response teams remained deployed across several districts yesterday after heavy rain triggered floods and landslides in the hill country.A 65-year-old man was killed in the Solankanda area of Nawalapitiya when an earth embankment collapsed onto a house, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). Authorities also launched search operations after four people were reported missing following an earth mound collapse in Polpitiya, Hatton.Army personnel from the 56 Infantry Brigade Headquarters rescued 24 families trapped by floodwaters in the Kotagala and Ginigathhena Blackwater areas after the Hatton Oya overflowed. Residents from several nearby estates were moved to safer locations as part of the rescue operation.The DMC said 138 people from 38 families in Nawalapitiya had already been evacuated and relocated due to the flood threat. The Tri-Forces and Police have been deployed to assist local authorities, while Divisional Secretaries have been instructed to activate village-level disaster management committees and prepare safe centres for further evacuations if necessary.&nbsp;Roads blocked, rail damaged, water supply disruptedHeavy rain continued to affect transport and essential services across several parts of the country yesterday.Vehicular traffic on the Hatton-Colombo main road came to a standstill after multiple earth slips in the Diyagala area blocked the roadway with boulders and debris. The Road Development Authority began clearing operations, while Police advised motorists to use alternative routes.A landslide also damaged the Watawala Railway Station after an earth embankment collapsed behind the station. One railway employee sustained minor injuries, while Police continued searching for a person believed to have been swept away by the overflowing Hatton Oya.Floodwaters inundated houses along the Dickoya stream and a tourist hotel in Nawalapitiya, while minor flooding was reported in parts of Kandy town.Meanwhile, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board said water supplies to the Mawanella and Aranayaka areas had been disrupted after heavy rain blocked water intake points supplying the Asupini Ella and Mawanella treatment plants. Water pressure has also been reduced in surrounding areas until normal operations can resume.

ISLAND ON ALERT AGAIN

<ul><li>Magisterial inquiry completed as investigations widen</li><li>104 inmates transferred to seven prisons; injured treated in Ragama</li><li>Visits suspended for three days as Rs 150m damage is assessed</li></ul>Forensic officials conducted inspections yesterday (3) in connection with the recent unrest at the Mahara Prison, while a Magisterial inquiry into the incident was held on 2 August.The Prisons Department said 104 inmates were transferred to other prisons following the unrest that erupted at the facility on 1 August. The inmates were transferred to the Dumbara, Welikada, Boossa, Kalutara, Badulla, Batticaloa and Polonnaruwa Prisons.The unrest claimed the life of one inmate, while 10 others sustained injuries. A spokesperson for the Colombo North Teaching Hospital said the injured inmates are currently receiving treatment at the Ragama hospital.During the incident, inmates caused extensive damage to prison buildings and other property, with the estimated losses exceeding Rs 150 million. The Department has suspended inmate visits for three days from yesterday to facilitate repair work at the prison.Several investigations have now been launched by multiple authorities into the incident.Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection held discussions on formulating a systematic programme to reduce prison overcrowding and inmate density.The discussion took place when the Committee met recently in Parliament under the chairmanship of Government Parliamentarian Dr Najith Indika. The Committee reviewed key measures being implemented by the Government to address overcrowding, including increasing the number of prison officers, transferring inmates to other correctional facilities, improving prison infrastructure, enhancing the efficiency of the Government Analyst’s Department, introducing legislative amendments, expanding prison facilities, expediting judicial proceedings and promoting community corrections.The Committee identified the need to amend the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, No. 17 of 1929, while stressing the importance of clearly distinguishing between drug peddlers and persons suffering from drug addiction.Justice Ministry officials informed the Committee that steps were being taken to establish the required technological infrastructure to facilitate house arrest as an alternative to remanding accused persons in prisons.The Committee also discussed improving the bail system, reducing delays in court proceedings, encouraging alternative sentencing for minor offences, modernising prison management, recruiting additional prison officers to address staff shortages, strengthening prison security and rehabilitation programmes, and promoting community service and other alternatives to imprisonment for minor drug-related offences and petty crimes.The welfare of female inmates and children under five residing with them in prisons was also discussed. Particular attention was paid to arrangements for children after they reach the age of five, including the possibility of placing them under the care of the Probation and Child Care Services Department.The Committee further considered rehabilitation programmes for persons suffering from drug addiction, community correction initiatives, and measures to address cases where individuals remain in remand custody solely due to their inability to afford bail.Before preparing its final report, the Committee agreed to meet prison officers to obtain their views and conduct observation visits to several prisons to gain first-hand insight into prevailing conditions.

Forensic probe into Mahara unrest

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) yesterday (3) filed indictments before the Colombo High Court against Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and former Navy Commander Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda over alleged corruption. According to the indictments, Karannagoda is accused of causing a loss to the State by allegedly facilitating Yoshitha Rajapaksa’s participation in the Royal Navy Young Officers Course at the Britannia Royal Naval College in the UK.&nbsp; from 1 September 2006 to 8 June 2007, while serving as Navy Commander.Rajapaksa has been charged with allegedly obtaining an undue benefit through the same arrangement.CIABOC has filed a total of eight charges against the two accused. The indictments have now been submitted before the Colombo High Court, which is expected to issue summons to the accused in due course for the charges to be formally served.

Yoshitha, Karannagoda indicted 

The Attorney General (AG) has informed the Colombo High Court (HC) that an appeal will be filed against its recent ruling that charges under the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act (PTA) cannot be maintained against five accused persons, including Nadun Chinthaka Wickramaratne alias Harak Kata, over an alleged conspiracy to escape. While in the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).The notification was made by State Counsel Sajith Bandara, appearing on behalf of the AG, when the case was taken up before Colombo HC Judge Buddhika C. Ragala yesterday (3).The Court also considered bail applications filed by the accused and announced that its order on the requests will be delivered on 20 August.Following the removal of the PTA charges against the accused, the Judge ordered that Harak Kata, who is currently being held under remand custody at the old Tangalle Prison, be transferred to a suitable prison facility.The prosecution informed the Court that bail applications had been submitted on behalf of the accused but requested additional time to obtain reports from Police stations regarding their pending cases and previous criminal records.Bandara argued that since the prosecution intends to appeal the earlier ruling, considering the bail applications at this stage would not be appropriate. He further said that releasing the accused on bail could create difficulties in ensuring their future appearance before Court.The AG is expected to submit written objections against the bail applications, Court was informed.However, defence lawyers Jaliya Samarasinghe, Harith Hettiarachchi and President’s Counsel U.R. de Silva argued that the decision to file an appeal should not prevent the accused from having their bail applications considered.The defence informed Court that the accused had been in remand custody for more than three years and requested that their bail applications be considered and a decision issued.After considering submissions from both sides, the Court ordered that its decision on the bail applications would be delivered on 20 August. The Judge also directed the prosecution to file any objections to the bail requests within one week.

AG to appeal Harak Kata PTA ruling

<ul><li>Reservations purportedly sent in writing to Prez&nbsp;</li></ul> The Mahanayaka (Chief Prelate) of the Malwathu Chapter of the Siam Sect, Ven. Thibbotuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera has informed President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), Rajeev Amarasuriya, that the Chief Prelates of the three Buddhist Sects (Amarapura, Ramanna and Siam) have written to the President stating that the proposed constitutional amendment aimed at extending the retirement age of judges is not suitable.Sumangala Thera has also suggested that if the Government proceeds with its proposal to increase the retirement age of judges, similar extensions should also be granted to other categories of public officials, including Divisional Secretaries and District Secretaries. He made the remarks when Justice Minister, attorney Harshana Nanayakkara and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa called on the Chief Prelates in Kandy yesterday (3) to brief them on the Government's proposed constitutional amendment to increase the retirement age of judges. "If this increase is to be done, it would be good if it is extended to all Government officials as well. Divisional Secretaries, District Secretaries and others should also receive it. They are experienced officers too," the monk said. Explaining the proposal, Nanayakkara said that many countries allow judges to serve until around the age of 70 and even more, although the Government is not seeking to increase the retirement age to that extent. "In many foreign countries, the retirement age of judges has been increased to around 70 years. We are not planning to increase it that much," he said. He also rejected claims that the proposal would undermine judicial independence. "Judicial independence means that judges must be able to hear cases without fear, based on the evidence before them and in accordance with the law. Neither the Legislature nor anyone else can interfere with that. This amendment is only about extending the period during which judges can continue serving. It is nothing more than that," he said. Nanayakkara further said that the Government is carrying out an in-depth study into judges' salaries and allowances as part of the current Budget process. "If we want judges to continue in service instead of retiring, the position must be attractive to them. We are discussing those matters as well," he said. Meanwhile, Amarasuriya claimed yesterday that the Chief Prelate of the Malwathu Chapter had informed him that the Chief Prelates of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters of the Siam Sect, and the Amarapura and Ramanna Sects had sent a letter to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stating that the proposed constitutional amendment was inappropriate. Amarasuriya made the remarks while addressing the media after meeting Sumangala Thera. "This Government has no moral right to proceed with this constitutional amendment. A short while ago, the Chief Prelate of the Malwathu Chapter informed us that they had written to the President stating that this constitutional amendment is inappropriate." When contacted by The Daily Morning regarding the matter, the Secretary of the Supreme Sangha Council of the Asgiri Chapter, Ven. Dr Medagama Dhammananda Thera said that although a letter had been prepared to be sent to the President, he is unsure as to whether it had actually been sent to the President. "A letter was prepared regarding this matter. It was prepared to be sent to the President. I have not checked whether it was sent or not, but, a letter had been drafted." The Cabinet of Ministers, on 27 July, approved a proposal to increase the retirement age of judges at every level of the Judiciary by two years. Under the proposal, the retirement age of Supreme Court Judges would increase from 65 to 67 years, Court of Appeal Judges from 63 to 65 years, High Court judges from 61 to 63 years, and District Court and Magistrate’s Court judges from 60 to 62 years.

BASL claims: Mahanayakas oppose judges’ tenure revision 

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has decided that an electricity tariff revision will not be required for the third quarter of this year (2026).&nbsp;The Commission announced that the existing electricity tariff structure will remain unchanged during the period.

Sri Lanka sees 4.84% rise in overseas job departures in July

Govt mulls 1-year service extension for senior police officers with cl ...

Govt mulls 1-year service exte ...

SJB submits proposal to appoint Parliamentary Select Committee on judi ...

SJB submits proposal to appoin ...

ISLAND ON ALERT AGAIN

ISLAND ON ALERT AGAIN

Forensic probe into Mahara unrest

Forensic probe into Mahara unr ...

Yoshitha, Karannagoda indicted

Yoshitha, Karannagoda indicted ...

AG to appeal Harak Kata PTA ruling

AG to appeal Harak Kata PTA ru ...

BASL claims: Mahanayakas oppose judges’ tenure revision

BASL claims: Mahanayakas oppos ...

No electricity tariff hike

No electricity tariff hike

Govt mulls 1-year service extension for senior police officers with cl ...

Govt mulls 1-year service exte ...

SJB submits proposal to appoint Parliamentary Select Committee on judi ...

SJB submits proposal to appoin ...

ISLAND ON ALERT AGAIN

ISLAND ON ALERT AGAIN

Forensic probe into Mahara unrest

Forensic probe into Mahara unr ...

Yoshitha, Karannagoda indicted

Yoshitha, Karannagoda indicted ...

AG to appeal Harak Kata PTA ruling

AG to appeal Harak Kata PTA ru ...

BASL claims: Mahanayakas oppose judges’ tenure revision

BASL claims: Mahanayakas oppos ...

No electricity tariff hike

No electricity tariff hike

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Govt mulls 1-year service extension for senior police officers with cl ...

Govt mulls 1-year service exte ...

SJB submits proposal to appoint Parliamentary Select Committee on judi ...

SJB submits proposal to appoin ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

ISLAND ON ALERT AGAIN

ISLAND ON ALERT AGAIN

Forensic probe into Mahara unrest

Forensic probe into Mahara unr ...

Yoshitha, Karannagoda indicted

Yoshitha, Karannagoda indicted ...

AG to appeal Harak Kata PTA ruling

AG to appeal Harak Kata PTA ru ...