<ul><li>25,037 families affected across seven Districts</li><li>Agriculture records highest livelihood losses</li><li>Fishing, plantation and livestock sectors also hit</li></ul> A total of 78,368 people from 25,037 families have lost their livelihoods due to the dry weather conditions caused by El Niño, with losses reported across seven Districts, Environment Minister Dr Dammika Patabendi told Parliament yesterday (10).The affected Districts are Monaragala, Badulla, Ratnapura, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Ampara and Anuradhapura, with livelihood losses reported among people engaged in agriculture, fishing, plantation work, self-employment, business and livestock farming, among other activities.Speaking in Parliament, Patabendi said the Government had paid special attention to the livelihood losses resulting from the prevailing conditions and had begun taking steps to provide relief to affected communities through the intervention of relevant State institutions.According to figures provided by the Minister, agriculture has suffered the highest number of livelihood losses, affecting 12,304 families comprising 36,875 people. The plantation sector has recorded losses among 2,333 families, involving 7,889 people.In the fishing sector, 2,107 families involving 7,491 people have been affected, while 1,769 families comprising 6,039 people have suffered livelihood losses in the self-employment sector.The livestock sector has recorded losses among 2,966 families, involving 9,408 people, while 108 families comprising 369 people have been affected in the business sector.A further 3,450 families comprising 10,297 people have been categorised under other livelihood-related activities.In total, 25,037 families comprising 78,368 people have lost their livelihoods as a result of the prevailing dry weather conditions.The Government has begun coordinating with State institutions to provide relief to those affected, Patabendi said, adding that the response would cover the different sectors and communities identified through information collected from the affected Districts.Deputy Labour Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe and Labour Ministry Secretary S M Piyatissa were not available for comment.

El Niño leaves 78,000 without livelihoods 

<ul><li>Inquiry to examine alleged shortcomings in handling the case</li></ul>Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya has directed the Police Special Investigation Unit to conduct an internal inquiry into shortcomings and omissions identified in the handling of an ongoing investigation into a major consignment of illegal drugs allegedly smuggled into Sri Lanka from Pakistan.The consignment was concealed in two containers transported from Pakistan and stored at the Colombo International Container Terminals (CICT) at the Colombo Port before the drugs were seized by authorities.According to the Police Media Division, the internal investigation has been ordered to examine the shortcomings identified in connection with the handling of the case. However, the inquiry will not impede or interfere with the ongoing investigation into the two containers and the seized drug consignment. The Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) is currently conducting the main investigation into the seized containeRs Police said the investigation was being conducted transparently, in accordance with established procedures and due process.The drug detection was made on 31 August after the CCIB received information from the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regarding a container at the Colombo Port suspected to contain a consignment of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as Ice. The CCIB subsequently obtained a search order from the Aluthgama Magistrate’s Court and inspected the container with the assistance of the Police Narcotics Bureau and Sri Lanka Customs.Police initially reported the seizure of 463 kg of Ice concealed inside a consignment of body wipes or towels. The drugs were subsequently reported to weigh 471.2 kg, with authorities estimating their street value at more than Rs 8 billion.Five suspects, including three Pakistani nationals and two Sri Lankan nationals, were subsequently arrested and detained for questioning in connection with the consignment, according to police. Investigations are continuing into the suspected international drug trafficking operation and the individuals allegedly connected to it. The latest internal inquiry is separate from those proceedings and is focused specifically on identifying any shortcomings or omissions in the handling of the investigation.

Colombo Port drug case:  IGP orders internal probe 

<h1> </h1><ul><li>FCID probes alleged movement of Rs 23 b overseas</li></ul>A 34-year-old man arrested over the alleged transfer of approximately US$80 million (around Rs 23 billion) to overseas accounts through telegraphic transfers has been remanded until 17 September.The suspect, a resident of Maradana, was arrested by the Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) in connection with an ongoing investigation into the alleged movement of funds overseas.According to investigators, the suspect had allegedly transferred the funds to foreign accounts through telegraphic transfer transactions between 2023 and 2025.The FCID is investigating the circumstances surrounding the transactions, including the source and destination of the funds and the manner in which the alleged transfers were carried out.The suspect was produced before court following his arrest and was ordered to be held in remand custody until 17 September as investigations continue.The investigation is focused on an alleged illegal foreign money-transfer operation and the movement of a substantial volume of funds out of the country.Police are continuing investigations to determine whether other individuals or entities were involved in the transactions and to establish the purpose of the transfers.Further details regarding the overseas accounts involved and the precise nature of the alleged transactions have not been disclosed as the investigation remains ongoing.

Suspect remanded over US$80 m transfers

Former Air Force Commander Air Chief Marshal (Retired) Roshan Goonetileke appeared before the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) yesterday (10) to provide a statement in connection with the controversial MiG aircraft deal.Goonetileke had reportedly been summoned by the FCID as part of its ongoing investigation into the transaction involving the purchase of MiG aircraft for the Sri Lanka Air Force.The former Air Force Commander had previously been questioned by the FCID in September 2016 over the same deal, with an official confirming at the time that a statement had been recorded from him.The investigation into the controversial transaction has continued for several years, with several individuals linked to the deal coming under scrutiny. Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa was also summoned by the FCID in connection with the investigation.Former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia Udayanga Weeratunga, who has been linked to the transaction, was later arrested and extradited to Sri Lanka to face investigations into alleged financial irregularities relating to the MiG deal.The transaction involved the procurement of MiG-27 aircraft and related equipment for the Sri Lanka Air Force. The deal has been under investigation over alleged financial irregularities and questions surrounding the manner in which the procurement was conducted.Goonetileke's latest appearance before the FCID is part of the continuing investigation, and no further details regarding the statement he provided were immediately available.The FCID is expected to record statements from other individuals connected to the transaction as investigations continue.

Ex-Air Force chief questioned over MiG deal

Former Minister Duminda Dissanayake was released on bail by the Colombo High Court yesterday (10) after being indicted in connection with the alleged possession of a gold-plated firearm without a valid licence.Dissanayake and a Kazakhstani national were formally served with indictments when the case was taken up before Colombo High Court Judge Udesh Ranatunga. The two accused appeared before Court in response to notices previously issued by the Court, following which the indictments filed by the Attorney General (AG) were handed over to them in open Court.Following the filing of the indictments, the Judge ordered that both accused be released on a cash bail of Rs 50,000 each, with two surety bails of Rs 2 million each.The Court also ordered that the biometrics of both accused be obtained and a report submitted. The case was fixed for a pre-trial conference on 2 October.The AG has filed charges against Dissanayake and the other accused over the alleged possession of a gold-plated firearm without a valid licence, as well as aiding and abetting the offence.The firearm, identified in previous proceedings as a gold-plated T-56 assault rifle, was allegedly found at an apartment complex in Wellawatte on 20 May 2025. Dissanayake was arrested in connection with the firearm in May last year and was subsequently released from the case in July 2025 after the Magistrate found that there was insufficient evidence to proceed against him.However, the Attorney General later directed that Dissanayake be re-named as a suspect following further investigations and the review of additional evidence. The Attorney General’s Department subsequently informed the Court that indictments would be filed against him in the High Court.

Duminda indicted over golden gun 

<ul><li>Court told CID presented incomplete account of TV interview</li></ul> The Court of Appeal yesterday (10) directed that further hearing of a writ petition filed by Sarvajana Balaya leader and MP Dilith Jayaweera, challenging a reference made by the Colombo Fort Magistrate over an alleged contempt of court statement, be taken up on 14 September.The petition was heard before a two-judge bench comprising Court of Appeal President Justice Rohantha Abeysooriya and Justice Priyantha Fernando.Appearing for MP Jayaweera, President’s Counsel Ali Sabry told Court that the Magistrate’s reference had been made on the basis of incomplete information submitted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).He alleged that the CID had presented the information in a manner that created the impression that Jayaweera had insulted the Court by quoting only selected portions of the television interview in question.PC Sabry argued that Jayaweera had merely criticised the conduct of the CID during the interview and had not intended to insult or show contempt for the judiciary.He further submitted that this was evident from other portions of the interview which, according to the submissions, had not been presented to the Magistrate by the CID.The Court of Appeal was also informed that a related case concerning the incident is scheduled to be taken up on 14 September.Accordingly, the President of the Court of Appeal directed that the further hearing of Jayaweera’s writ petition also be taken up on the same date.

Dilith’s petition hearing fixed for 14 Sept

The Supreme Court yesterday (10) ruled that the Presidential pardon granted by former President Maithripala Sirisena to Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera is invalid.The ruling was delivered after the Court considered Fundamental Rights petitions filed by several parties, including Sandhya Eknaligoda, the wife of missing journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda.Gnanasara Thera had been convicted by the Court of Appeal in 2018 on four charges of contempt of Court and sentenced to six years’ imprisonment. He was subsequently released after Sirisena granted him a Presidential pardon on 23 May 2019.The petitions challenging the pardon were filed by Eknaligoda and the Centre for Policy Alternatives, with the Supreme Court granting leave to proceed with the petitions in October 2023.The latest ruling means that the Presidential pardon granted to the monk cannot be upheld, with the Court determining that the decision was invalid.Gnanasara Thera is also currently facing other legal proceedings. In June this year, the Colombo High Court upheld a nine-month prison sentence imposed on him in a separate case over remarks allegedly insulting Islam.

Granted by President Sirisena: SC invalidates Gnanasara Thera’s pardon 

<ul><li>1,897 community water sources at risk&nbsp;</li></ul>Drinking water reserves are expected to be sufficient to meet requirements until the end of September, when rainfall is anticipated, despite 1,897 of the 5,464 water sources used by community water projects being at risk due to the prevailing drought, Water Supply Minister Dr Susil Ranasinghe said.Speaking in Parliament yesterday (10), he said drinking water shortages had so far emerged in 36 Divisional Secretariat Divisions across eight Districts, affecting 40,945 families. Arrangements had already been made to provide water to the affected communities through bowsers and other means, he said.Of the 352 water supply projects operated by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB), only two have so far been affected by the drought, in Monaragala and Batticaloa.In Batticaloa, the Unnichchai Reservoir, the main water source for the NWSDB, has seen its water level fall, resulting in the supply to around 75,000 families being reduced from 24 hours to 20 hours a day. However, following discussions with the Irrigation Department, authorities have been informed that the available water can be managed until rainfall is received in September. Three wells are also being constructed as a contingency measure.Dr Ranasinghe said the NWSDB currently treats around 300,000 cubic metres of water daily. Groundwater from 59 sources provides around 77,000 cubic metres per day, while 59 reservoir-based sources provide around 712,000 cubic metres. A further 2.2 million cubic metres is obtained daily from rivers, canals, streams and other sources. The NWSDB also operates three seawater treatment projects.The Irrigation Department has informed the Government that water capacity in its main major reservoirs is currently around 34%. “Water releases for agricultural activities have now ended, and we have been informed that the available water capacity is sufficient to manage drinking water requirements until the end of September,” he said.Reservoirs operated by the Mahaweli Authority have an average capacity of more than 50%, with no current difficulty in obtaining water for treatment.In Ampara, the Senanayake Samudraya, which supplies water to the area, is around 25% full. However, the available capacity is expected to last until rainfall arrives at the end of September, as agricultural water releases have ended.Dr Ranasinghe said the Kalu and Kelani Rivers had not experienced a significant decline due to rainfall in their catchment areas. As a result, the NWSDB’s approximately 1.3 million customers in the Western Province are not currently at risk.“A total of 5,464 water sources are being used by community water projects, of which 1,897 have been identified as being at risk because of the prevailing dry conditions,” he said.Some of these sources have already dried up, while others are forecast to do so. The affected sources include wells, tube wells, small reservoirs, canals and small streams.

 Drinking water secured until end Sept

<ul><li>683,000 litres of water supplied to wildlife&nbsp;</li></ul>Around 300 hectares (ha) of forest have been damaged by wildfires amid the dry weather conditions caused by El Niño, with authorities also reporting an increase in wild elephants entering villages in search of food and water, Environment Minister Dr Dammika Patabendi said.Making a statement in Parliament yesterday (10), he said around 90 to 100 forest fire incidents had been reported during the drought, prompting intervention by the Forest Conservation Department.Following these interventions, the extent of forest damage caused by the fires was estimated at around 300 ha, he said.“We have requested the public not to engage in activities such as burning straw during the harvesting season. The public can report illegal forest fires and other forest-related offences to the Forest Protection Unit through the 1995 hotline,” Patabendi said.He said the Environment Ministry and the Wildlife Conservation Department had also launched a special programme to address the impact of the drought on wildlife.“Under the programme, steps have been taken to provide water for animals in the Wilpattu, Yala, Bundala, Udawalawe and Kumana National Parks. Around 683,000 litres of water had been supplied to forests during the recent period to ensure that wild animals have access to water sources during the dry spell,” he said.He added that no wildlife deaths had so far been reported due to the shortage of water. However, an increase in the number of wild elephants entering villages had been observed as animals moved in search of water and food.“We have also been monitoring the wildlife zones under these conditions,” Dr Patabendi said, adding that changes had been observed in coral reefs in the sea areas of Kayankerni and Pasikudah.“Interventions have already been made in response to this situation,” he said.

El Niño leaves 78,000 without livelihoods

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Granted by President Sirisena: SC invalidates Gnanasara Thera’s pardon ...

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Drinking water secured until ...

Wildfires damage 300 ha of forest

Wildfires damage 300 ha of for ...

Colombo Port drug case: IGP orders internal probe

Colombo Port drug case: IGP o ...

Suspect remanded over US$80 m transfers

Suspect remanded over US$80 m ...

Ex-Air Force chief questioned over MiG deal

Ex-Air Force chief questioned ...

Duminda indicted over golden gun

Duminda indicted over golden g ...

Dilith’s petition hearing fixed for 14 Sept

Dilith’s petition hearing fixe ...

Granted by President Sirisena: SC invalidates Gnanasara Thera’s pardon ...

Granted by President Sirisena: ...

Drinking water secured until end Sept

Drinking water secured until ...

Wildfires damage 300 ha of forest

Wildfires damage 300 ha of for ...

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