The Department of Meteorology says showers or thundershowers are expected today in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western provinces, and the Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts. Rainfall exceeding 75 mm is likely in some areas. Strong winds of 40–50 kmph are expected in the Northern and North Central provinces, and the Hambantota and Trincomalee districts. The public has been advised to take precautions against strong winds and lightning during thunderstorms.

Fairly heavy rain forecast for several parts of Sri Lanka

<ul><li>10,804 firearms seized in four-year crackdown</li><li>Gangs increasingly resort to homemade weapons</li><li>Organised crime murders drop sharply</li><li>Gang leaders isolated in high-security prison unit</li></ul> A sustained Police crackdown has left organised criminal networks facing a growing shortage of illegal firearms, forcing some gangs to turn to locally manufactured weapons, according to Deputy Inspector General Chandana Kodituwakku.Addressing a special media briefing yesterday (11), the head of the Police Crime Division said authorities seized 10,804 machine guns and assault-type weapons between 2021 and 2024, while organised crime-related killings have dropped sharply, with fewer than 20 recorded during the first half of 2026. He described the trend as evidence that criminal groups are increasingly struggling to obtain illicit weapons through traditional channels.He explained that the Police had made significant progress compared to previous years and had managed to bring organised criminal activity under much better control. He said that the number of murders by organised crime groups had dropped considerably compared with recent years, adding that the Police had succeeded in limiting killings to fewer than 20 during the first six months of this year (2026) and is expected to reduce the figure even further.&nbsp;Kodituwakku said that organised criminal gangs primarily use firearms such as Type-56 and Avtomat Kalashnikova-47 assault rifles, nine millimetres Browning pistols and revolvers, adding that the Police had seized 1,459 such weapons in 2020, 2,225 in 2021, 1,684 in 2022, 3,022 in 2023 and 2,414 in 2024. He further said that a recent forensic investigation into a T-56 rifle used in a murder in Colombo had revealed that the same weapon had been used in a killing in Matara two days earlier. The firearm had been transported from Matara to Colombo after the first crime, which, he said, demonstrated the shortage of weapons faced by organised criminal groups. He said that the Police had also uncovered evidence that criminal networks had turned to locally manufactured firearms. He referred to the recent seizure by the Central Crime Investigation Bureau of a locally produced weapon with capabilities similar to the Israeli-made Mini Uzi submachine gun, a firearm commonly used by military special forces, Army commandos, the Special Task Force and the Presidential Security Division. He added that the Police had also seized 19 locally made "galkatas" firearms four days ago, describing the discoveries as further evidence that organised criminal groups are increasingly relying on domestic production due to the scarcity of illegal weapons. Kodituwakku said that there are 46 organised crime leaders operating from overseas, and that 24 of them had already been arrested by the Police and brought back to Sri Lanka. Investigations into those suspects had yielded important information, and he said that removing the leaders from their networks had left many of their followers without direction or support. He also said that the Prisons Department had established a special prison facility for organised crime leaders. "Nine gang leaders are currently being held there under a system designed to prevent communication among them and with the outside world. They are housed in separate, isolated cells and have no access to telephones," he said.

Police claim: Underworld faces arms crunch

<ul><li>Notes insufficient no. of water bowsers for distribution&nbsp;</li></ul>The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has warned that if the upcoming El Niño climate phenomenon affects Sri Lanka as predicted, it may even be necessary to consider steps such as the desalination of seawater to meet the drinking water requirements in the country.&nbsp;Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday (10), DMC Additional Secretary K.G.B. Dharmathilaka said that the expected El Niño&nbsp; event could be unprecedentedly severe this time, posing a risk of major water sources across the country drying up due to its impact. He stressed the dire need to prepare for the current situation in advance. Dharmathilaka also added that the number of water bowsers available at the National Disaster Relief Services Centre for distributing water in an emergency is limited.&nbsp;Commenting further, Dharmathilaka said: “We have never heard of an El Niño situation like this before. We will have to prepare a lot for this. Normally, we supply water to the entire country for a month during the rainy season through the said Services Centre. But, if this El Niño situation occurs, the existing bowsers will not be sufficient to distribute water in large quantities. Water sources may dry up completely, leaving no sources to obtain water. We may also have to consider purifying seawater and distributing it,” he added.Meanwhile, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake attended a meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (11) to review the potential impacts of the anticipated El Niño phenomenon and the preparedness plans of the relevant institutions to address its effects. During the meeting, attention has been given to the possible impact of El Niño on the country's food security, drinking water supply and energy sector, as well as the immediate measures required to effectively manage these areas.&nbsp;Accordingly, instructions have been given to officials to prepare and submit the necessary plans to mitigate any adverse effects and ensure the continued stability of these critical sectors. President Dissanayake emphasised that Sri Lanka successfully managed the challenges arising from Cyclone Ditwah and the conflict situation in the Middle East, and that the country possesses the capacity to effectively address this global challenge as well. He also highlighted that through proper planning and timely implementation, Sri Lanka would be well prepared to respond to any situation that may arise.The World Meteorological Organisation has already warned of a potentially strong El Niño event in a decade, while the Meteorology Department has indicated the possibility of drought conditions in the country during next month (July) and August. The El Niño–Southern Oscillation is a global climate phenomenon caused by warmer-than-normal temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, leading to significant changes in weather patterns worldwide. This El Niño event is predicted to cause countries such as Sri Lanka to experience less than normal rainfall and severe drought.

DMC on El Niño: Desalination of seawater may be needed  

Sri Lanka has been ranked 67th in this year’s (2026) Global Peace Index (GPI) conducted by the Institute for Economics and Peace. Sri Lanka, with an overall score of 1.91, is only behind Bhutan in the South Asian region.&nbsp;According to the report, South Asia recorded the worst deterioration in peacefulness on the 2026 GPI, with the average overall score deteriorating by 2.3 per cent. The region is ranked seventh of the eight GPI regions. Five of the seven countries in the South Asian region deteriorated, with only two recording improvements. The deterioration was driven overwhelmingly by the Ongoing Conflict domain, which recorded the largest change at 7.1%, reflecting escalating internal conflicts and cross-border tensions across the Sub-Continent. The Safety and Security domain was relatively stable, while the Militarisation domain recorded a small average deterioration.&nbsp;Sri Lanka recorded the largest percentage improvement in the region on the 2026 GPI, with its overall score improving by 2.3%. Sri Lanka’s improvement was driven by the Militarisation domain, which improved by 6.4%, with the United Nations peacekeeping funding indicator improving by 40.8%. The Safety and Security domain also improved by 1.8%, driven by a 25% improvement in the Political Instability indicator.The researchers point out that the world has become less peaceful for the 12th consecutive year. A total of 103 countries are currently involved in an external conflict, nearly twice as many as in 2008.&nbsp;The report annually ranks the level of peace and security in 163 independent countries and territories. The index is based on 23 indicators, including Security, Conflict, and Militarisation.

Out of 163 ranked: SL the 67th peaceful country 

The Colombo High Court yesterday (11) dismissed an appeal filed by the wife of former Minister Wimal Weerawansa, Shashi Weerawansa, against a two-year prison sentence and a fine imposed on her, who has been convicted of providing false personal information in order to obtain a diplomatic passport.&nbsp;Delivering the verdict, Judge Manjula Thilakaratne upheld the judgement previously issued by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court (MC) against the appellant.&nbsp;In 2022, the Colombo MC found Shashi Weerawansa guilty of the offence and sentenced her to two years’ of imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 100,000.

Weerawansa’s conviction appeal dismissed 

The Uva Province has been identified as having the highest rate of malnutrition among children under the age of five, a specialist nutritionist has said. Consultant Nutrition Specialist at the Badulla Teaching Hospital, Dr Wasana Marasinghe made the statement while participating in an awareness programme conducted at the Hospital, held in conjunction with a walk aimed at promoting the importance of nutrition.&nbsp;She also highlighted that the region is facing a dual burden of malnutrition, noting that over-nutrition, including unhealthy weight gain, is also increasingly prevalent. Dr Marasinghe attributed both conditions primarily to a lack of public awareness on proper nutrition practices.

Uva records highest under-5 malnutrition 

<ul><li>Promises to inquire from Prez Secretariat and report to Parliament&nbsp;</li><li>Also weighing pros and cons of raising judges’ retirement age&nbsp;</li></ul> Justice Minister, Harshana Nanayakkara once again declined to respond to a question on delays in filling vacancies in the apex/superior Courts – the Supreme Court (SC) and the Court of Appeal (CA) - citing Parliamentary Standing Orders (SOs) and maintaining that the matter did not fall under his Ministerial purview. The issue arose during the oral question round in Parliament yesterday (11) when Opposition Parliamentarian, attorney Ajith P Perera raised questions about the continuous delay in appointing Judges to the Superior Courts. Perera said that appointments to the SC, the CA and, in some instances, the High Courts (HCs), represented important milestones in the careers of officers serving in the Attorney General's (AG) Department.&nbsp;He pointed out that there are currently eight vacancies in the SC and the CA, in addition to vacancies in the HCs, and claimed that some of those positions had remained unfilled for nearly six months. "There has never been a delay of this magnitude in history. This has created a serious issue regarding the career progression of lawyers serving in the AG's Department. What action will you take to expedite these appointments?" he queried. Nanayakkara then objected to it, citing Parliamentary SOs. "Supplementary questions can only arise from the original question. Last time too, Perera questioned me in the same manner and raised a supplementary question that did not arise from the original question. Since this violates SO 33(1), I am not obliged to answer it," he said.SO 33(1) reads: “Any Member may put not more than two supplementary questions on any such answer given under SO 32: Provided that, such supplementary questions shall not introduce matters not included in the original question, and shall be put only for the purpose of further elucidating any matter arising out of an oral answer: Provided further, the Speaker shall disallow any supplementary question if the Speaker is of the opinion, that such supplementary question infringes the rules as to admissibility of questions.” A set of questions raised by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa also included the matter. Nanayakkara initially responded to the other questions but the question pertained to the SC’s and the CA’s vacancies. Premadasa then pointed out that one of the questions directed at Nanayakkara had not been answered.Apologising to Premadasa over his failure to respond to the question initially, Nanayakkara said that appointments to the SC and the CA are made by the President and not the Justice Minister. "The Justice Minister's authority does not extend to those appointments. These matters are handled through the Presidential Secretariat. It is not a subject that comes under my Ministry. However, I will make inquiries and report back to you," he said. The exchange came against the backdrop of a similar incident in Parliament earlier, when Nanayakkara declined to answer a question on the same matter by citing SOs.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Nanayakkara said that the Government is considering both the arguments in favour of and against the increasing the retirement age of Judges of the SC and the CA, but has not yet taken any formal decision on the matter. Raising a question in Parliament yesterday, Premadasa noted that a serious public debate has emerged over proposals to increase the retirement age of Judges of the Superior Courts. He also pointed out that the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) had warned that any such move should take into careful account its implications for judicial independence, the rule of law, and public confidence in the administration of justice. He queried as to whether the Government is preparing to introduce a proposal or legislative amendment to revise the retirement age of SC and CA Judges, and if so, whether the move is based on any needs assessment, policy document or empirical study. Responding to him, Nanayakkara said that a range of professional bodies and other interested parties have made representations to the Government on the issue. "Various professional groups, including the BASL and others, are expressing their views. Different parties are making requests for different reasons. It is the Government's policy responsibility to consider those proposals constructively. The retirement age for judges in the United Kingdom is 75, while judges of Canada's federal and superior courts retire at 75. In Australia, the retirement age for federal judges is 70, while it is 75 in Brazil and up to 68 in Germany. Based on these examples, some have suggested that extending the service period of judges and judicial officers would be a positive step," he said. At the same time, Nanayakkara said that other groups have warned that such a move could result in injustice, hinder the administration of justice or affect the independence of the Judiciary. "There are also submissions that it could lead to unfairness, create obstacles to the proper administration of justice and have an impact on judicial independence. We are considering all these views." He stressed however that the Government has not taken any official decision on extending the retirement age of Superior Courts Judges. "As of now, there is no Cabinet of Ministers decision to extend the retirement age. We are taking all of these views into consideration before making any decision." Addressing the House, Nanayakkara said that, in addition to judges, professionals from other sectors have also submitted requests seeking an increase in the retirement age. He noted that the Government is considering these requests positively, adding that while some of the appeals are reasonable, others appear to be politically motivated.&nbsp;

Apex Courts vacancies, retirement age:  Justice Ministry says no purview 

Loss-making operations at several Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) depots are largely due to their location in rural areas and the resulting lower number of daily bus services, Deputy Transport and Highways Minister Prasanna Gunasena told Parliament yesterday (11).&nbsp;Responding to a question in Parliament, he said that the Government has already initiated measures to address the issue through a more structured operational framework. He further noted that the poor condition of the SLTB bus fleet has led to frequent repair and maintenance requirements, placing a significant financial burden on the Board and contributing to its losses.&nbsp;Gunasena also provided an update on staff recruitment, stating that efforts have been made to fill a portion of the vacancies that existed within the SLTB as of 31 January. According to him, vacancies at that time included 1,034 drivers, 1,022 conductors, 429 technical officers and 59 workshop supervisors. As of Wednesday (10), the number of vacancies has been reduced to 647 drivers and 770 conductors, while vacancies for technical officers and workshop supervisors remained unchanged. He said that steps are underway to recruit personnel for the remaining positions and added that interviews aimed at addressing salary anomalies and confirming employees in their designated posts have already been completed.&nbsp;Gunasena added that the Government plans to seek Cabinet of Ministers approval through a formal proposal to resolve the outstanding issues.

SLTB depot losses due to location, frequent repairs

<ul><li>Write to CID Director despite MC noting absence of Court authority&nbsp;</li></ul>The wife and legal representative of the former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director, Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay, have requested permission from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to visit him daily while he remains under treatment at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL) in Colombo. The requests were made through separate letters addressed to the CID Director, following a Court ruling that declined to grant such access.Sallay, who is being held under a detention order (DO) in connection with investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks, is currently receiving medical treatment while remaining in CID custody.When the case was taken up before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday (10), counsels representing Sallay sought an order allowing his wife and son to visit him each day during hospital visiting hours. However, Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasekara ruled that he lacked the authority to issue such an order, noting that the suspect is being detained under the provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act (PTA).&nbsp;Following the Court’s decision, Sallay’s wife appealed directly to the CID Director, requesting permission for daily visits. His lawyer, Asith Siriwardena, also submitted a separate request, citing his professional responsibility to monitor his client’s condition, safeguard his rights and welfare, and keep the Court informed of the relevant developments. Attorney Siriwardena further stated that regular communication with his client is necessary, particularly as Sallay is reportedly engaged in a hunger strike.The Court of Appeal yesterday (11) postponed further consideration of a writ petition filed by Sallay, seeking an order to invalidate the DO issued against him under the PTA, until 10 July. The petition was taken up before a bench comprising the Court’s President, President’s Counsel (PC) and Justice Nalin Rohantha Abeysuriya and Justice Priyantha Fernando.&nbsp;Appearing on behalf of Sallay, Sanjeewa Jayawardena PC made submissions regarding the spread of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) ideology in Sri Lanka. He told the Court that information had revealed that 39 Sri Lankans had travelled to Syria and joined the ISIS, noting that former Justice Minister, Dr Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe PC had also made a statement in Parliament on the matter. The counsel alleged that although investigations into the vandalism of Buddha statues in Mawanella had uncovered links to foreign extremist ideology, then and incumbent CID Director Shani Abeysekara had failed to conduct adequate investigations into the matter.&nbsp;He further claimed that despite evidence suggesting the involvement of an international terrorist organisation and the possibility of seeking assistance from the International Criminal Police Organisation, the CID had not pursued further inquiries. Jayawardena PC also referred to an affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court by former SIS Director Nilantha Jayawardena, which stated that 97 intelligence reports on the activities of extremist groups led by Zahran Hashim had been forwarded to the Inspector General of Police between 20 April 2016 and 30 April 2019. He added that a list of 129 individuals allegedly linked to extremist activities had also been provided.&nbsp;According to the submissions, Abeysekara and former Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police and incumbent Public Security Ministry Secretary Ravi Seneviratne had failed to carry out proper investigations into the warnings and intelligence reports. He further told the Court that Indian intelligence authorities had informed Sri Lankan officials on 4 April 2019, of a planned suicide bombing, knife attack, and vehicle attack targeting churches, tourist hotels, and the Indian High Commission in Colombo. He said that the intelligence reports had even identified Hashim and several of his followers as those expected to participate in the attacks.&nbsp;However, he alleged that the relevant authorities had failed to act adequately on the intelligence received. He also argued that no investigation or commission report had ever found Sallay to be linked to the Easter Sunday attacks. Jayawardena PC additionally pointed out that the Committee headed by former High Court Judge Jayaki de Alwis had recommended legal action against Abeysekara and Seneviratne for failing to prevent the Easter Sunday attacks.&nbsp;Meanwhile, victims of the terrorist attack on the Saint Sebastian’s Church in Katuwapitiya staged a silent protest yesterday near the Baldiya Junction on the Negombo–Colombo main road, calling for an impartial investigation into the Easter Sunday attacks and urging the authorities not to interfere with the ongoing probe.

Fairly heavy rain forecast for several parts of Sri Lanka

Police claim: Underworld faces arms crunch

Police claim: Underworld faces ...

DMC on El Niño: Desalination of seawater may be needed

DMC on El Niño: Desalination o ...

Out of 163 ranked: SL the 67th peaceful country

Out of 163 ranked: SL the 67th ...

Weerawansa’s conviction appeal dismissed

Weerawansa’s conviction appeal ...

Uva records highest under-5 malnutrition

Uva records highest under-5 ma ...

Apex Courts vacancies, retirement age: Justice Ministry says no purvi ...

Apex Courts vacancies, retirem ...

SLTB depot losses due to location, frequent repairs

SLTB depot losses due to locat ...

Suresh Sallay case: Wife and lawyer seek daily NHSL visitation

Suresh Sallay case: Wife and l ...

Police claim: Underworld faces arms crunch

Police claim: Underworld faces ...

DMC on El Niño: Desalination of seawater may be needed

DMC on El Niño: Desalination o ...

Out of 163 ranked: SL the 67th peaceful country

Out of 163 ranked: SL the 67th ...

Weerawansa’s conviction appeal dismissed

Weerawansa’s conviction appeal ...

Uva records highest under-5 malnutrition

Uva records highest under-5 ma ...

Apex Courts vacancies, retirement age: Justice Ministry says no purvi ...

Apex Courts vacancies, retirem ...

SLTB depot losses due to location, frequent repairs

SLTB depot losses due to locat ...

Suresh Sallay case: Wife and lawyer seek daily NHSL visitation

Suresh Sallay case: Wife and l ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

Police claim: Underworld faces arms crunch

Police claim: Underworld faces ...

DMC on El Niño: Desalination of seawater may be needed

DMC on El Niño: Desalination o ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

Out of 163 ranked: SL the 67th peaceful country

Out of 163 ranked: SL the 67th ...

Weerawansa’s conviction appeal dismissed

Weerawansa’s conviction appeal ...

Uva records highest under-5 malnutrition

Uva records highest under-5 ma ...

Apex Courts vacancies, retirement age: Justice Ministry says no purvi ...

Apex Courts vacancies, retirem ...